STEPHENS, Edward Ted

ISBN 978-1-923386-92-1
PAPERBACK

The Ormonds of Borriyalloak

 

The Story of the Great Philanthropist Hon Francis Ormond and His Family

Francis Ormond, a great Victorian philanthropist was fired by his passion to bring education to the masses. Not having children he contributed millions of pounds to educational buildings and institutions.

Francis Ormond travelled from Scotland to Shelford near Geelong in 1843 with his father Captain Francis Ormond, Mother Isabella and her tiny baby Alfred. There they built a hotel on the road to the Western District. They were the only people making money during a rural depression and they took over several large grazing runs including thousands of sheep.

Later Francis married his childhood sweetheart Mary Greeves and they moved to Borriyalloak near Skipton. Appalled at their workers lack of education, they taught them themselves in the evenings. In 1853 when Gold was discovered, thousands of immigrants needed food so Francis’ future was assured.

Francis built Ormond College, a residence for country students to gain an education. Then to enable them to obtain a technical education, he built RMIT. He established the Conservatorium of Music. From this beginning we now have the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

In Geelong Francis contributed the first money towards the Gordon Institute and he was Chieftain of the Commun Na Fienne Society until his death. He contributed to the establishment of many rural secondary schools. He gave a great amount of money to finish building St Pauls Cathedral in Melbourne as a memorial to his first wife who was an Anglican.

He died in France in 1888 and his second wife Mary Oliphant brought him back to probably the largest funeral ever to pass along Ormond road to the cemetery in Geelong.

ISBN 978-1-923386-05-1
PAPERBACK

The Langlands

 

The History of the Langlands Family in Melbourne and Horsham

IN 1840 ROBERT LANGLANDS, A YOUNG SCOTTISH MAN, TOOK A HUGE STEP FOR LOVE AND LEFT HIS FAMILY TO EMBARK ON A ROMANTIC ESCAPADE ACROSS THE OCEAN…

He shocked his family by deciding to pursue his lady friend who had been deported to Australia for a minor misdemeanour.

After arriving in Melbourne, Robert immediately set off to Sydney to ask his girlfriend, Agnes, to marry him.

Robert’s brother, George, and his wife, Betsy, during his leave, and having fallen on hard times, had become interested in an offer to start a Post Office in Western Victoria.

So, they loaded their five children (including Ted’s future grandmother Margaret, at age six) on board three bullock drays and set off to find a survey peg 300 miles away on the Wimmera River marked as “A place to be called Horsham”.

Robert set up a foundry in Flinders Street in 1841 which thrived and Horsham grew around the Langlands store.

The rest, as you will discover in this book, is wonderful history…

“An authentic telling of real life in a part of our history not to be forgotten… A wonderfully written and engaging book…”
Dillon, Readalot Magazine reviewer

About the Author

 

A retired farmer, Ted Stephens comes from a literary family. His grandfather Edward James Stephens founded the “Horsham Times” in 1873. Ted’s father Harold was brought up in his father’s many Wimmera newspapers and wrote prolifically for “The Leader”, “Weekly Times”, the “Gadfly” and others. They wrote their history as it happened, enabling Ted to publish their story, “The Langlands”, in 2024. This gave him the will to research and write about the forgotten Ormond family. After 60 years with the CFA, church and local committees, writing local histories, and 53 years developing a world-class collection of historic machinery at the Geelong Showgrounds and now a museum, he has been honoured as a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Hospitaller for his contribution to society.

GALLI, Marco

ISBN 978-1-923333-62-8
PAPERBACK

The Accordionist

A Novel

Melbourne 1956

Private Investigator Mike January, broke and down on his luck, accepts an assignment to reunite a wealthy broadcaster with his wayward daughter. But things take a turn when January becomes involved in the defection of a Soviet diplomat.

After a series of suspicious murders, January becomes the prime suspect and must solve the case before he too becomes a victim or hangs for the crime. Along the way, he falls for a beautiful young accordion player who takes more than his breath away.

Intrigue, murder, betrayal and Soviet spies all set to the melody of a sweet-sounding accordion.

BAKKER, Em J

ISBN 978-1-923443-33-4
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923589-27-8
HARDCOVER

Fight For Me

 

Where magic stirs and danger lurks, can the truth stay hidden?

Marked by the king, Nyx is torn between the yearning bonds of her five fated mates and the undeniable pull of her desire towards King Helios.

As the passion between the two ignites, Nyx is forced to endure fierce betrayals and revelations from long-hidden secrets brought into the light. Among it all, Hadre’s ominous sorcery encroaches upon the sacred lands of the Moon Goddess, threatening the fate of the realm—and its werewolves.

Confronting her fears and the choices that will define her, Nyx is left with a choice: succumb to the lure of shadow or to rise and harness the radiant power within her.

Will Nyx find the strength to stand alone against the growing darkness, or will she embrace the destiny that awaits her, a destiny intertwined with the enigmatic king who desires not just her strength, but her love?

ISBN 978-1-923265-81-3
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ISBN 978-1-923589-26-1
HARDCOVER

Blindsided

 

When fate and magic collide, all will witness the rise of a Luna like no other

A world of danger, desire, and heart wrenching secrets. Turning 18 is a milestone for members of the pack, marking the age when they meet both their inner wolf and their fated mate. But when Nyx comes of age, she is thrust into a chaotic world of romantic and physical trials, forced to navigate the uncertainty and heartache of being fated-mates with five powerful alphas while training to become the perfect Luna.

Driven down a path of heartbreak and rejection that threatens to tear her apart, Nyx is haunted by her mates’ secrets and the hidden truths behind the prophecies that bind her to an unknown and ever-watching intruder. In a tale woven with passion, intrigue, and mysticism, Nyx’s destiny unfolds in ways she never imagined.

Will she unite her mates and fight to fulfil her destiny, or will the rejection and shadows consume her?

About the Author

 

Em J Bakker is a passionate romance writer based in Victoria, Australia, where she draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the countryside. With a deep love for romantic narratives, both in her own life with her doting partner and within the pages she reads and writes, Em has dedicated the past five years to crafting her debut trilogy.

Known for her eclectic writing style, Em J Bakker’s projects span from light-hearted comedic romances to gripping tales of the underworld. Her writing reflects a blend of creativity nurtured by the serene landscapes and outdoor adventures she enjoys, including days on the lake, exploring snowfields, and off-road journeys through picturesque terrain alongside her loved ones.

DALY, Neil

ISBN 978-1-923386-00-6
PAPERBACK

ISBN 978-1-923386-91-4
EBOOK

Your Sins Will Seek You Out

A Novel Based On True Events

Barry Keating’s cunning and violent nature manifested from his first childhood contact with other children.

John and Ruth Keating adopted Barry from birth.

John Keating, a community person, is also a career policeperson involved in numerous crime and traffic incidents as he advanced through the ranks. His involvement with the public and criminals outlines his quick reactions to planning and delegating. Undiagnosed PTSD haunts him throughout his career and his life.

Barry’s violent responses are often easily given; he rarely takes them.

His continuance with violence against both men and women maintains his rage while committing terrible crimes. Even after finding love and domestic commitment, his urges cannot be denied, and they take control.

Follow these real-life events, where only the names and locations are changed.

SHAW, Natalie

My Busy Brain CVR

ISBN 978-1-923386-29-7
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ISBN 978-1-923386-70-9
HARDCOVER

My Busy Brain

Finally A Book That Helps Families Talk About ADHD!

Meet Max, a child with a busy brain, big feelings, and amazing ideas. Together, you’ll learn how to understand and manage ADHD with love and care. Perfect for kids aged 4-9 and their families to read and explore together!

GORUCK, Rhema

ISBN 978-1-923265-88-2
PAPERBACK

Spoken Words

Words have power

Spoken Words is an insightful exploration into the profound impact that the words we speak have on our spiritual and psychological well-being.

This book delves into the significance, consequences, and transformative potential of our spoken words, offering a deep understanding of how they shape our lives and the lives of those around us.

Beginning with the foundational concept of creation through words, as illustrated in the Bible when God said, “Let there be light,” the book establishes the inherent power of speech. This divine act of creation highlights how words can establish order and fulfill divine purposes. The book extends this concept to our daily lives, emphasizing that our words possess the power to shape our realities, influence our emotions, and leave lasting impressions.

Little Book of Big Book Marketing Tips book cover

About the Author

 

RHEMA GORUCK, A PROPHETIC EVANGELIST writer, and spiritual guide with a deep commitment to exploring the transformative power of the Word. Born in a Hindu background, in Mauritius, a developing country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Rhema began hearing the voice of the Lord at a very young age. She understood this divine presence as a close friend who guided her in prayer, particularly in interceding for others. She came to know the Lord personally at the age of 32, deepening her spiritual journey as she studied the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In 2009, following a divine calling inspired by Genesis 12, Rhema moved to Melbourne, Australia. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry at Harvest Bible College and furthered her studies at Bethel School of Faith and Spiritual Ministry, where she cultivated her prophetic and spiritual gifts.

Her faith journey continued at Upper Room Church in Lara Vic, where she participated in prophetic workshops that deepened her understanding and practice ministry. In 2022, Rhema was commissioned and ordained as a prophetic evangelist by
the Lord God in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Rhema writes in the prophetic as the Lord guides her, with each word divinely inspired and directed by God. In “Spoken Word” she explores the power of words in shaping lives, offering readers a guide to harnessing this power in their daily lives. Whether addressing the significance of naming, the dynamics of blessing and cursing, or the role of worship as a lifestyle, her approach is accessible and deeply insightful.

Rhema resides in Melbourne, Australia, where she continues to write, teach, counsel and minister to those seeking deeper spiritual understanding and personal transformation.