Scarlet

 By:Genevieve Cogman

Location: FIC COG

Genre: Historical Fiction, Vampires

Genevieve Cogman got started on Tolkien and Sherlock Holmes at an early age, and has never looked back. But on a perhaps more prosaic note, she has an MSC in Statistics with Medical Applications and has wielded this in an assortment of jobs: clinical coder, data analyst and classifications specialist. Although The Invisible Library is her debut novel, she has also previously worked as a freelance roleplaying game writer. Genevieve Cogman’s hobbies include patchwork, beading, knitting and gaming, and she lives in the north of England.

Revolution's a bloodthirsty business . . . A thrilling reinvention of the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel with the addition of magic and even more mayhem.

In Revolutionary France, the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel rescue vampire aristocrats from the guillotine. And Eleanor, an English maid, is key to their most ambitious plot yet: save the royal family. But revolution's a bloodthirsty business . . . Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet is a thrilling, fast-paced romp by Genevieve Cogman.

A thrilling reinvention of the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel with the addition of magic and even more mayhem.

In Revolutionary France, the aristocrats are vampires – and they face the guillotine. However, the Scarlet Pimpernel, a disguised British noble, is determined to rescue them. These predators are being offered sanctuary by their aristocratic British kin, but at great cost to London’s ordinary people. Then an English maid discovers the only power that could stop them. Assuming she survives.

Scarlet is the first book in the trilogy, set during the turbulent French Revolution.

Divine Rivals

 By: Rebecca Ross

Location: FIC RIV

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction

Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross's Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

"This was genuinely such a beautiful book. The writing, the characters, the love?!? I am feeling so much right now and need that second book now pls!!!" Heather

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

North Woods

 By: Daniel Mason

Location: FIC MAS

Genre: Historical Fiction

Betsy... says....

I smell next Pulitzer. I also smell the forest, the flowers, the entire flora and fauna, the insects, the soil, the entire landscape of western Massachusetts, going back to the start of the novel, four-hundred years ago. Daniel Mason creates a profound narrative that ascends the setting to protagonist level, the house and the woods of this narrative carrying on history and ascendancy.

A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.

When a pair of young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become home to an extraordinary succession of inhabitants . An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to apples. A pair of spinster twins survive war and famine, only to succumb to envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths a mass grave, but finds the ancient trees refuse to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a conman, a stalking panther, a lusty as each one confronts the mysteries of the north woods, they come to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive.

Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?

North Woods by Daniel Mason is a beautifully written novel. Spanning centuries, the narrative tells us the stories of those who inhabit a home deep in the woods of Western Massachusetts. Through these stories, we explore not only the history of the land, the people and animals but also how the concept of home and shelter evolve over time and the precious bond human beings have with nature. Forbidden love, enslavement, belongingness and insecurity, rivalry, mental health, climate change and survival are only a few of the themes that are deftly woven into a fluid narrative.

The strength of this novel is the writing and the vivid imagery that transports you to the ”north woods”. The landscape changes over time, stories begin and end and generations of people come and go, leaving an imprint on the land – a legacy of joy, sorrow, loneliness, tragedy and renewal. Told through letters, journal entries, historical records, an article from a true crime magazine and poetry, this is a story that must be read with time and patience. Overall, Daniel Mason’s North Woods is an immersive experience that I would not hesitate to recommend.

The Rose Wood Hunt

 By: Mackenzie Reed

Location: FIC REE

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

This is a fun, fast paced debut filled with puzzles, suspense, and a tangled family drama

 "Mackenzie Reed has crafted a fast-paced, exciting mix of treasure hunt, romance, and family secrets that fans of The Inheritance Games will surely gobble up.”—Diana Urban, author of Lying in the Deep 

The Rosewood Hunt is a perfectly twisty mystery filled with complex characters and reveals that will leave your heart racing . Victoria

Irresistible intrigue, captivating suspense, a swoony friends-to-rivals-to-lovers romance, and heartbreaking betrayal drive this thrilling debut novel that is perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and Knives Out . Lily Rosewood has lived with her grandmother since her dad’s death a year ago. She and Gram have always been close—Gram’s role as chair of their family’s luxury coat business has inspired Lily’s love of fashion, and Lily hopes to follow in Gram’s footsteps one day. Then Gram dies suddenly, and Lily’s world is upended. Gram’s quarter of a billion dollar fortune is missing, and Lily has been banned from the manor she and Gram shared. But Gram has always loved games, and even in death, she still has a few tricks up her couture sleeve. When Lily and three other seemingly random teens get letters from Gram sending them on a treasure hunt around Rosetown, they hope the fortune will be the reward. But they’re not the only ones hunting for Gram’s treasure, and soon the hunt becomes more dangerous than they ever could have imagined.

Review by Melissa

Great combo of The Inheritance Games and The Westing Game with a sprinkling of The Goonies for good measure.

I totally devoured this book in less than a day. I'm always here for a good puzzle solving/game playing mystery to determine who gets an inheritance.

Lily Rosewood's grandmother runs the family's multi-billion dollar fashion brand Rosewood, Inc. Lily wants nothing more than to study fashion design and take over for her grandmother in the future. When her grandmother dies unexpectedly, the reading of the will reveals some surprising things. Lily, along with some friends and her cousin Daisy, are sent on a treasure hunt to end all treasure hunts, and although they think the end result is the fortune, they aren't completely sure.

This is a fun, fast paced debut filled with puzzles, suspense, and a tangled family drama. This doesn't end on a cliffhanger like The Inheritance Games, so I'm not sure if a sequel could be in the works. But I'd love another book from this author with similar theming even if we don't have the same characters. Or take the characters somewhere else and have them solve another puzzle mystery a la Truly, Devious. Whatever it is, count me in!

Revelle

 By: Lyssa Mia Smith

Location: FIC SMI

Genre: Inspired by Moulin Rouge- Fantasy- Romance

“I’m never decent, but I’m always ready for company”

― Lyssa Mia Smith, Revelle

Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith

Set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York..

What Mary said: 

THIS BOOK KICKED ME DIRECTLY IN THE FACE AND I SAID THANK YOU

On the island of Charmant, magic flows like bootlegged champagne, and fantasies can be bought for the price of a gemstone. Luxe Revelle, star of her family’s fantastical show, knows the splendor is just an illusion. With Prohibition threatening their livelihood, her family struggles to make a living, watering down champagne and patching holes in their sequined costumes. So when the son of Charmant’s wealthiest family makes her an offer—everything the Revelles need to stay in business, in exchange for posing as his girl and helping him become mayor—she can’t refuse. The moment Jamison Port sets foot in Charmant, he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. An orphan with as few memories as gemstones, he’s desperate to learn what happened to his parents. But as he delves into the island’s secrets, he risks angering the wrong person and discovering a truth that just might break his heart. When Luxe and Jamison accidentally meet, the sparks that fly are more than her magical enchantments. But keeping secrets from powerful people is a dangerous game . . . one that could destroy them both.

The author is pretty interesting too

Lyssa Mia Smith is  a fan of all things magical and heart-wrenching. She has a PhD in clinical psychology with an expertise in adolescent trauma. A lifelong New Yorker, she lives on Long Island with her partner and their two young children, who keep her busy hunting for insects against her will. Revelle is her debut novel.

One for My Enemy

 By: Olivie Blake

Location: FIC BLA

Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

An interwoven retell-- so clever!  Romeo and Juliet/Yada Bada/Koschei with witches as well

In New York City, two rival witch families fight for the upper hand. The Antonova sisters are beautiful, cunning and ruthless, and their mother - known only as Baba Yaga - is the elusive supplier of premium intoxicants. Their adversaries, the influential Fedorov brothers, serve their crime boss father. Named Koschei the Deathless, his enterprise dominates the shadows of magical Manhattan. For twelve years, the families maintained a fraught stalemate. Then everything is thrown into disarray. Bad blood carries them to the brink of disaster, even as fate draws together a brother and sister from either side. Yet the siblings still struggle for power and internal conflicts could destroy each family from within. That is, if the enmity between empires doesn't destroy both sides first. From the no.1 international bestselling author of The Atlas Six, One For My Enemy is a captivating fantasy story of ambition, sacrifice and the enduring power of family legacies.

In New York City where we lay our scene, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their respective criminal ventures. On one side of the conflict are the Antonova sisters, each one beautiful, cunning, and ruthless, and their mother, the elusive supplier of premium intoxicants known only as Baba Yaga. On the other side, the influential Fedorov brothers serve their father, the crime boss known as Koschei the Deathless, whose community extortion ventures dominate the shadows of magical Manhattan.

After twelve years of tenuous coexistence, a change in one family’s interests causes a rift in the existing stalemate. When bad blood brings both families to the precipice of disaster, fate intervenes with a chance encounter, and in the aftershocks of a resurrected conflict, everyone must choose a side. As each of the siblings struggles to stake their claim, fraying loyalties threaten to rot each side from the inside out.

If, that is, the enmity between empires doesn’t destroy them first.

Melanie

in the year 2023, no one is writing longing, yearning, and angst like olivie blake. every book i pick up by her, vast in different concepts, the writing and one liners she is able to string together just rendered me speechless. what a gift to the literary world and the lyrical prose readers (me).

this story is a mash up reimagining of Romeo and Juliet and A midsummer Night’s dream, which is a really insane combination. we get to see two different families, two different worlds, and two different timelines of power, love, and betrayal. this is a story about family, and sibling bonds, and love that feels too big too much of the time. but everything is also filled with magic, and fae, and secrets. i really did adore this, and it was very impressively crafted. i loved seeing all the different powers, and u think i lost part of my own heart upon finishing this epilogue.

The Knight of Atlantis

 By: Andy McDermot

Location: FIC MCD

Genre: Thriller, Fiction, Action, History

Series: Wilde and Chase#17

In the tradition of Clive Cussler

How have I missed this series and it will work so well for our Term Three display ! I am going to buy a whole lot of them!!!

AND Im going to buy a bunch of Ben Hope stories as well!

AN ADRENALINE-CHARGED NEW WILDE & CHASE ADVENTURE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Archaeologist Nina Wilde and her husband, former SAS soldier Eddie Chase, believe their globe-trotting adventures are over - the biggest worry being how their now-adult daughter Macy is going to spend her life.But after the violent theft of dangerous relics, with the only surviving guard claiming his attackers were "angels", Nina and Eddie are thrust back into action. Without their knowledge, though, Macy is approached by a mysterious group called the Knights of Atlantis - who want to recruit her.In a deadly race stretching from the glamorous French Riviera to the blistering heat of the Karakum desert, Nina and Eddie must confront mercenaries, secret societies and the machinations of the world's first trillionaire - with the fate of the world in their hands...

Nina and Eddie are back for another attention-grabbing, high stakes ride. This time venturing back across some of the other stories and saved artefacts, they find themselves against a new enemy, once with resources and means that vastly outweigh their own. This is everything you want from the series, the author and our main characters. A gripping read.

A Disaster in Three Acts

 By: Kelsey Rodkey

Location: FIC ROD

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Fans of Elise Bryant and Rachel Lynn Solomon will swoon for Last Chance Books author Kelsey Rodkey’s next romance, packed with snark, banter, and inconvenient crushes. Saine Sinclair knows a little something about what makes a story worth telling. Your childhood best friend refuses to kiss you during a pre-adolescent game of spin the bottle? Terrible, zero stars, would not replay that scene again. The same ex-friend becomes your new best friend’s ex? Strangely compelling, unexpected twist, worth a hate-watch. That same guy—why is he always around? —turns out to be your last shot at getting into the documentary filmmaking program of your dreams? Saine hates to admit it, but she’d watch that movie. There’s something about Holden that makes her feel like she’s the one in front of the camera—like he can see every uncomfortable truth she’s buried below the surface. Saine knows how her story’s supposed to go. So why does every moment with Holden seem intent on changing the ending?

Andrea

I was very lucky to read an early copy of this book and it's every bit as wonderful as Rodkey's debut, LAST CHANCE BOOKS.

Rodkey is the queen of endearingly unlikable main characters, and Saine fills that role perfectly. She's relatably flawed, driven, hilarious, and cares deeply for those around her. Those traits lead to the perfect storm when Saine is faced with navigating the very precarious relationships between ex boyfriends and best friends, in order to achieve her goals.

There's amazing banter, a swoony romance, a fast-paced plot and a well-rounded cast of characters. A must read for 2022!

Lying In The Deep

 By: Diana Urban

Location: FIC URB

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense with a smidgen of romance chucked in

Perfect for readers of Natalie D. Richards, E. Lockhart, and Karen McManus!

After being jilted by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, Jade couldn't be more ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime -11 countries in 4 months, all from the luxurious Campus on Board ship and to wedge an entire globe between her and the people who broke her heart. But when Jade discovers the backstabbing couple are also setting sail, her obsession with them grows and festers, leading to a shocking murder. And as their friends begin to drop like flies, Jade and her new crush must race to clear her name and find the killer they're trapped at sea with....before anyone else winds up in body bags.

This book is a smart YA retelling of Death on the Nile, meets Hulu's Dopesick series. The claustrophobic atmosphere on the cruise ship where murders take place is well-executed with fast pacing and a whodunnit mystery that piques your interest from the beginning. Overall, this book is definitely a fast-paced and intriguing read that can be enjoyed in one sitting.

The Other Side of Never

By: Heaps of Writers

Genre: Short Stories about Peter Pan

Location: FIC ORE 

Dark tales inspired by J. M. Barrie's classic stories of Neverland, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and of course Peter Pan, from some the masters of science-fiction, horror and fantasy including A. C. Wise, Claire North, Lavie Tidhar and more.

The award-winning Marie O’Regan & Paul Kane bring together the masters of fantasy, science-fiction and horror, to spin stories inspired by J. M. Barrie’s classic tale.

A murder investigation leads a detective to a strange place called Neverland; pupils attend a school for Peters; a young boy loses his shadow and goes to desperate lengths to retrieve it.

These stories take the original tales of Peter & Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tinkerbell, twisting and turning them. From dystopias to the gritty streets of London, these stories will keep you reading all night and straight on ‘til morning.

Featuring stories

Lavie Tidhar
Claire North
Premee Mohamed
Kirsty Logan
Edward Cox
Anna Smith Spark
Alison Littlewood
A. C. Wise
Rio Youers
Gama Ray Martinez
Juliet Marillier
Robert Shearman
A. K. Benedict
Laura Mauro
Cavan Scott
Guy Adams
Paul Finch
Muriel Gray

Actually Super

 By: Adi Alsaid 

Location: FIC ALS

Genre: Contemporary, Travel, Young Adult

"The rare quiet novel that would do totally beautifully as a movie. I loved this book and it's resounding theme that, "If you're looking for normal, normal is what you see. Some thing with good, same thing with evil." Joya

A globetrotting novel that takes a determined teen from Japan to Australia and to Argentina and Mexico on a quest to prove that humanity is more good than bad from the author of Let’s Get Lost and Before Takeoff.

Isabel is having an existential crisis. She’s three years into high school, and everything she’s learned has only shaken her faith in humanity. Late one night, she finds herself drawn to a niche corner of the internet—a forum whose members believe firmly in one that there are indeed people out in the world quietly performing impossible acts of heroism. You might even call them supers . No, not in the comic book sense—these are real people, just like each of us, but who happen to have a power or two. If Isabel can find them, she reasons, she might be able to prove to herself that humanity is more good than bad.

So, the day she turns 18, she sets off on a journey that will take her from Japan to Australia, and from Argentina to Mexico, with many stops along the way. She longs to prove one— just one— super exists to restore her hope for the future.

Will she find what she’s looking for? And how will she know when—if—she does?

Road of the Lost

 By: Nafiza Azad 

Location: FIC AZA

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fae

Laura- From the first page, Road of the Lost grabbed me by the collar, and dragged me into a world of Fae, Pixies and Brownies, with magic flowing all over, and under and around.

 "A beautiful, immersive fairy tale starring a heroine brave enough to question and even transform her world."

“A beautifully mythic world rich with heart and charming characters, Road of the Lost tells a powerful tale of self-discovery that…held me wholly enchanted until the end.” —Ashley Shuttleworth, author of A Dark and Hollow Star

Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince , this gorgeous young adult fantasy follows a girl who discovers she’s spent her life under an enchantment hiding her true identity on her quest into the magical Otherworld to unlock her powers and discover her destiny.

Even the most powerful magic can’t hide a secret forever.

Croi is a brownie, glamoured to be invisible to humans. Her life in the Wilde Forest is ordinary and her magic is weak—until the day that her guardian gives Croi a book about magick from the Otherworld, the world of the Higher Fae. Croi wakes the next morning with something pulling at her core, summoning her to the Otherworld. It’s a spell she cannot control or break.

Forced to leave her home, Croi begins a journey full of surprises…and dangers. For Croi is not a brownie at all but another creature entirely, enchanted to forget her true heritage. As Croi ventures beyond the forest, her brownie glamour begins to shift and change. Who is she really, who is summoning her, and what do they want? Croi will need every ounce of her newfound magic and her courage as she travels a treacherous path to find her true self and the place in the Otherworld where she belongs.

Air

 By: Monica Roe

Location: FIC ROE

Genre:  Disability, Sports

An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down.

Twelve-year-old Emmie is working to raise money for a tricked-out wheelchair to get serious about WCMX, when a mishap on a poorly designed ramp at school throws her plans into a tailspin. Instead of replacing the ramp, her school provides her with a kind but unwelcome aide—and, seeing a golden media opportunity, launches a public fundraiser for her new wheels. Emmie loves her close-knit rural town, but she can’t shake the feeling that her goals—and her choices—suddenly aren’t hers anymore. With the help of her best friends, Emmie makes a plan to get her dreams off the ground—and show her community what she wants, what she has to give, and how ready she is to do it on her own terms.

Air is a smart, energetic middle grade debut from Monica Roe about thinking big, working hard, and taking flight.

Fabulous. I loved every character, and I loved the unapologetic message that every kid should have the resources that serve them best, not ones that impede them. The writing was so incredibly strong and the sass in this book was unparalleled. Emmie is a superstar-- full of strength and moxie and determination.- Annaliese

Sun of Blood and Ruin

 By: Mariely Lares 

Location: FIC LAR

Genre: Mexican history and Mesoamerican mythology

 This has Zorro Vibes!!!!!

Mexican history and Mesoamerican mythology meet in this thrilling historical fantasy with magic, intrigue, treachery, romance, and adventure.

The empire of Montezuma II has long fallen, a city raised on the bones of Tenochtitlan. None dare whisper the names of their gods- or speak of the magic that once graced the land, of the witches who hunted as jaguars, the warriors who soared as eagles.

Until a new name emerges- a curse on the lips of the Spanish, a hero in the hearts of the people. A masked vigilante, a sorceress with a blade.

Pantera

But that is not her only name. To all who know her, Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is a glittering jewel of court, promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would sooner be caught dead than wield a sword…even against a dauntless thief with a cutting smile.

No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are one and the same. Leonora has fooled them all, and, with magic of her ancestors running through her veins, she is nearly invincible- until an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens, and she is forced to decide: surrender the mask or her life. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave, and once she discovers the truth of her origins, not even death will stop her.

 Review by Natalie

Sun of Blood and Ruin is a vigilante novel rich in Mexican mythology and folklore and has set the scene for an amazing series to flow from.
We follow Leonora, who's been promised to the Prince of Spain as a wife by her stepmother, who despises her. But Leonora has a double identity as she is also the masked vigilante Pantera who fights for the rights of the people and supports the overthrowing of the Spanish ruling. This book had lots of little twists and turns as well as some I guessed at but was pleasantly surprised by the ones I didn't see coming. I loved the scene setting and hope there will be a prequel as to how Leonora became Pantera and her life when she went missing from the woods as a child. I really couldn't put this book down and flew through the pages. This book gave me Zorro vibes along with Avatar at times. If you love books rich in folklore and are interested in Mexican history, you must give this a read.

Deadlands- Trapped

 By: Skye Melki- Wegner

Location: FIC MEL

Genre: Dragons Fantasy

Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in The Deadlands: Trapped , the second book of this action-adventure series by Skye Melki-Wegner about five outcasts ― and former enemies ― who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.

As bloody battle rages on between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and his fellow outcasts, newly exiled from their herds, are searching for evidence to prove a mass conspiracy―a conniving cabal of carnivores have manipulated the herbivore kingdoms into war, so they can feast on the slain. But after their temporary home is discovered by a vengeful pack of raptors, the exiles must flee and soon find themselves trapped inside the Fire Peak: the volcanic heart of the dreaded Carrion Kingdom.

Before they have a chance to escape, they discover a cavern of imprisoned herbivores, who are being picked apart―literally―one by one. Can the outcasts stage an elaborate heist to free the prisoners and gather proof of the Carrion Kingdom’s vicious plans in one fell swoop?

Fantastic sequel! This series is incredibly well-written and poignant--the author isn't afraid to go into the brutalities of war. I also always appreciate how the author gives distinctive personalities and quirks to each character and even the new side characters.

 Absolutely adorable! Also very snarky. This series is still perfect for Warrior Cats fans and Wings of Fire fans!- Julia

The Art of Winning

 By: Dan Carter

Location: NF 158 CAR

Genre: Crusader, Canterbury, All Black Great

A unique and inspiring deep dive into leadership, strength and resilience from one of sport's true masters: All Black legend Dan Carter.

Ten timeless truths on leadership, purpose and potential - from the unique culture of the All Blacks, and the mind of a living legend.

You might think success at the highest level insulates you from pressure and doubt.
But nothing could be further from the truth.

In this book, I take you inside a journey that has forced me to look inwardly in a way I've never had to before. It's been challenging, frustrating, rewarding and left me full of gratitude.

Whether you're a business looking to work on your culture, a leader on a steep learning curve, a person navigating change in their life or just someone of any age trying to get that little bit better every day, I hope that my experience can spur you on to greater heights, and master the art of winning.

For the first time, sporting legend Dan Carter distils his two decades at the frontiers of high-performance into his 'perfect ten' lessons.

You won't find conventional wisdom here, but hard-learned truths, including:

- Why great leaders are made, not born, and why they must constantly evolve
- How to forge a winning team culture
- Why embracing your past can be every bit as important as looking towards your future
- Why empowering others leads to the best decisions
- Why confidence and self-belief are nothing without humility and a beginner's mindset

Honest, surprising and inspiring, The Art of Winning converts a legendary career into timeless lessons for readers in any walk of life. Step inside the unique culture of the All Blacks - and inside the mind of a legend.

"The Art of Winning is a transformative guide. This book brims with wisdom and inspiration. A must-read for aspiring goal conquerors seeking to unlock their true potential."
— Greg McKeown, podcaster and author of New York Times bestsellers, Essentialism and Effortless

It All Begins With Jelly Beans

 By: Nova Weetman

Location: FIC WEE

Genre: Realistic Fiction; Mental Health

Two girls form an unlikely friendship during their shared time in the school nurse’s office in this heartfelt middle grade novel for fans of Save Me a Seat and Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.

Meg spends her days hoping no one thinks too hard about why she wears the same t-shirt and slippers to school every day. Luckily, the nurse’s office provides a welcome escape from classmates who don’t understand…and snacks when food runs out at home.

Riley knows fitting in at her new school would be a lot easier if her friends were more understanding of her type 1 diabetes. So she keeps her testing under wraps…and an emergency bag of jelly beans on hand.

When Meg and Riley end up together in the nurse’s office one day, both girls think they’ve worked each other out, but what if they’ve got it all wrong? On the brink of moving on to junior high, Riley and Meg must find the courage to discover who they really want to be. And maybe a bag of shared jelly beans will provide all the help they need.

Review by Julianna

Why are they in Sick Bay? Well -they each have their reasons.

Ever since Meg’s Dad died and her mother is consumed by a deep depression Meg goes to sick bay to get fed by office lady, Sarah, and has time out with her two emotional crutches – a brown paper bag for breathing into and her well-thumbed copy of Anne of Green Gables.
Riley is new to the school and is type 1 diabetic and hates the monitoring it requires – especially how that impacts on her ability to hang out with her new friends. But if her friends don’t understand her diabetes are they really friends?
It’s the end of grade six and so much is about to change. Both girls are caught in a gap between their home lives and school lives, their truths and their lies. Maybe it is only in sick bay that you can truly be yourself?
Nova Weetman is a writer of incredible sensitivity. She mines emotional gems from even the most gentle of moments and does so with such authenticity it makes your heart pound. With each chapter from the alternate girl’s POV, the plot is absorbing as we see how these two lives intersect as they head towards grade six graduation and finding the strength to be themselves.
Even thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Oh my heart!