HARKNESS, Anthony

ISBN 978-1-923386-93-8
PAPERBACK

Just A South Sydney Lad

 

The Everyday Adventures Of A Maroubra Boy In 1950s and ’60s Australia

Against the backdrop of the sixties, when British music invaded Sydney streets and TV colonised loungerooms, a Maroubra boy took his Dad’s advice and ‘got on with it’…

Jump aboard the everyday adventures of a Maroubra boy in 1950s and ‘60s Australia where Sunday Mass, getting on the punt and sitting on the hill for the match of the day at the SCG was a holy trifecta.

And amidst a time when floggings by teachers, schools suspiciously burning down, headless chooks running about backyards and boxing gloves were part of a Maroubra childhood … this lad had plenty to get on with.

As he revisits the memories of his youth, Anthony will tell you exactly why he was glad to be a South Sydney lad!

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About the Author

Anthony Harkness was born in the same year Princess Elizabeth became Queen (1952) and grew up in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra – a child of the fifties and a teenager through the sixties. His school days moved from slate to sharpened pencils, from knibs and inkwells to fountain pens and finally the ubiquitous Bic biro – the last implement being regarded as the work of the devil by his teachers.

Anthony has been at various times a teacher, a senior school assistant principal, a rugby league coach, and a singer in two rock ‘n’ roll bands. He has degrees in Education, Economics and Theology which makes him well suited to explore the sweet mysteries of life on spreadsheets and/or metaphysical essays.

He has published in academic journals and written for community radio on the Sunshine Coast. He reached the national finals of ‘The Spoken Word’ poetry competition in 2021 with his original poem ‘Wine Wisdom’.

An anthology of poems is presently underway. ‘Just a South Sydney Lad’ is his first novel.

Contact:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.harkness.56
Instagram: @tony_harkness_writer

HEDGES, Di

ISBN 978-1-923386-66-2
PAPERBACK

Floki

The Story of A Fluffy Little Rescue Chihuahua

After being adopted by his new family, Floki sets off into the Australian bush and meets a lively bunch of bush friends, each with their own special ‘thing’. But what about Floki – does he have his very own little ‘thing’?

In his search for what makes him special, Floki discovers the magic of family and the warmth of love from his new home, complete with four lovable adopted siblings.

Floki: The Story of a Fluffy Little Rescue Chihuahua is a heartwarming tale perfect for animal lovers of all ages who know the power of love, family and friendships.

About the Author

Di Hedges proves that every great adventure has a second act. Before settling into the peaceful rhythm of bush life in Canoelands, Australia, Di was rocking out behind the scenes, working with some of the biggest rock bands of the ’80s and ’90s. She traded in backstage passes for a different kind of joy: the chaos and love of a home filled with five adopted furry friends.

When she’s not writing, you can find Di tending to her organic garden, practicing yoga, or traveling to her favourite spiritual destinations, Thailand and India. But her most important role? Being “Ra Ra” to her grandson, Ryker. It was during their story time snuggles that the tale of a little growly chihuahua began to wag its way into her heart.

Inspired by her own fluffy family, Di channelled her passion for animal rescue into her debut children’s book Floki The Story of a Fluffy Little Rescue Chihuahua. She knows first hand how a little love can transform a life, and she poured that belief into every word of Floki. Di’s story is a beautiful reminder that everyone—whether on two legs or four—deserves a chance to find their way home and discover what makes them special.

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About the Illustrator

Bridget Acreman believes that creating art makes her a better person. She adores making fun, bright, and happy illustrations that bring people joy!

Bridget grew up in Bundanoon NSW. Living only a short walk to the national park made her childhood full of outdoor adventure and nature appreciation which is a large inspiration for her work. Her stationery and gift brand Stray Leaves is named after her childhood home. Now based in the Central Coast NSW, she is constantly inspired by the beautiful bushland and ocean that surrounds her.

To know more about her work, visit her website
www.strayleaves.com

HOLDEN, L.B

ISBN 978-1-923386-36-5
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923443-44-0
EBOOK

Recovery

 The Succession Series

The Kingdom of Bailenua is finally at peace; the protracted war against the power-hungry Mage Guild has been won at last.

But all is not as tranquil as it seems.

When dangerous secrets begin to surface, Elspeth, an intelligent and wilful highborn, knows they must be stopped at all costs or the kingdom she loves will be lost once again.

Joined by her brother Pietr, Prince Milo, and a peasant wanderer named Jak who has an inexplicable knack for timing, this band of unlikely heroes struggle against the secrets that threaten to tear their kingdom and its hard-fought peace apart—all the while attempting to gain control of their own identities and destinies.

About the Author

L.B. HOLDEN was born in SE Queensland, Australia, as the youngest of five children. Her early enthusiasm for reading inspired her to start writing as a young teenager; however, she put aside her half-completed work after meeting her partner and began her journey of study, work, and raising children.

After a break of 15 years, LB’s passion for writing remained. She revived her original stories, finding that her life experiences enabled her to add more nuance to her characters and more intricate layers to the original plotlines.

Recovery is LB’s first completed novel from the Succession Series.

MCCULLOCH, Glenn and REILLY, Peter

ISBN 978-1-923265-07-3
HARDCOVER

Donald Simpson

Neurosurgeon and Humanitarian

DONALD SIMPSON WAS A REMARKABLE MAN.

This biography, written by two former trainees, and later colleagues, tells the story of his family background and academic career in neurosurgery, from Adelaide to Oxford. It covers the many aspects of his life – from medical research and historical interests to working with disabled and sick children and his humanitarian activities. It also contains many contributions from people who knew him and many stories about him, some humorous, some surprising but always “Donaldesque”. The unique character of Donald Simpson, neurosurgeon and humanitarian, shines through.

BIGGS, Anita

ISBN 978-1-923386-82-2
PAPERBACK

Out The Corner Of My Eye

Have you ever noticed something out of the corner of your eye, only to find when you look directly at it, nothing is there?

Private Investigator Darcy Mane’s perspective changed after a car accident granted him the ability to see supernatural beings living among us.

While trying to cope with his new abilities and heal in the hospital, Darcy encounters ghosts, goblins, and mermaids. Even the Grim Reaper manages to scare him almost to death. After leaving the hospital, he bonds with an old neighbour and fi nds a new home.

But then things take a darker turn with a friend kidnapped and murdered. As Darcy deals with the chaos, he continues to take on new clients while navigating the murder investigation. Soon, danger threatens his home.

The climax unfolds with the kidnapping of his housemate. Darcy tracks down and confronts a supernatural villain, with deadly consequences.

LAVERS, Ashlee

ISBN 978-1-922957-72-6
PAPERBACK

A Changed Life

 

A true story about a life-changing decision that turned reality upside down and threw my young self into an unexpected path.

The night that changed everything, after a normal day of school and play, my best friend and I made a decision that was set to change the layout of our lives and the lives of our close friends and family.

This true diary entry-style read is my story, one I’ve written over many years. The tears and emotion behind the pages of this book were really felt by me deep into my core as I sat and typed my life out.

After my first year of recovery, I visited the site and my best friend, Charmaine. Upon returning, I felt compelled to get up and start writing. I began to write through the tears and wrenching pain. I sat at my keyboard and just typed. I continued writing on the daily; it would help me just let go for that moment. This story takes you through all my ups and downs, my tears, my pain, my feelings of losing myself and my life, and all the in-between of what it’s like to live after such a horrific accident to then feeling and regaining my confidence the way I am.

Despite my doubt for many years, my strength shines through. Many will say I was strong from the beginning. “Strength comes from within and it can be used in a mighty way if you believe.”