The Painted Province

In this collection of paintings from the various regions of Nova Scotia, the artist lets the reader see the province from a new perspective.

"I gain a strong sense of interconnectedness and belonging when I look at her work. There is a universality and humanity Joy finds every time." —Sheree Fitch

Since 1972, Joy Laking has lived and painted in Nova Scotia, capturing beauty in watercolours, oils, and acrylics in many locations. She sees beauty in both the usual and the unusual. The Painted Province lets the reader see Nova Scotia through an artist's eyes.

Here, Joy has grouped some of her favourite paintings into forty regions, each with her personal commentary. In each of the regions, one of the images will have its GPS coordinates. You are encouraged to bring this book along in your travels to find some of the places where she created paintings. When you discover the exact spot, please take a photo. Then email it to her and she will post it on her website.

Joy constantly finds ways to enhance her own creativity. Every year, she paints in unfamiliar countries, such as Bolivia, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka, to return home to see Nova Scotia through fresh eyes. Joy has also written a play, children's books, articles about rural life, and work for the CBC.

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Julia

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average rating is 5 out of 5

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Book: Maple Sugar Pie
Author: Susan White
Published by Acorn Press

Maple Sugar Pie is a book that I will continue to think about! It follows our main character Hazel Whitford and her family’s past as we see the events that led to her family being divided and how she fixes it again. This book is told to use in black and white pictures which I really loved!

Personally, I really connected to this book because I understand that life isn’t always fair and I strongly believe that this book further illustrates that statement.

I really appreciated the pictures which added an extra interesting layer to the book!

Overall, I really liked this book and would love to read it again for the first time if I could!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

I recommend this book.

Julia

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average rating is 5 out of 5

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Awesome book

I recommend this book.

Jorja Walker

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Dartmouth NS

average rating is 4 out of 5

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The Great Lunenburglary

I recommend this book.

Violet

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average rating is 5 out of 5

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How to Kidnap a Mermaid

"How to Kidnap a Mermaid" by Andy Tolson is a fun and imaginative fantasy novel about adventure, friendship, and courage. The story follows Tiny Wilde, a twelve-year-old giant who struggles to live up to his father’s heroic reputation. When his mermaid friend Nalia asks for his help on an important quest, Tiny sets out on a dangerous journey to restore magic to the world of mythical creatures. Along the way, Tiny and his companions encounter magical beings such as pixies, witches, and dragons. The adventure is full of challenges that test Tiny’s bravery and determination. Throughout the story, he begins to realize that being a hero is not just about strength, but also about loyalty, kindness, and perseverance.

One of the strengths of "How to Kidnap a Mermaid" is its creative world and humorous tone. The character development and the fast-paced plot keeps the reader engaged. Overall, it is an enjoyable fantasy novel that encourages readers to believe in themselves and the power of friendship.

I recommend this book.

Devangana

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Fredericton, NB

average rating is 5 out of 5

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Refreshing and Relevant

High school breakups are basically a sport...
but what happens when someone decides to profit from it?

The Goodbye Girls by Lisa Harrington is a YA novel, published by Nimbus Publishing that explores the story of Lizzie and Willa.

Lizzie, who is in desperate need to come up with funds for her band trip to New York, decides to partner up with her best friend Willa to start a breakup-basket business for their fellow students at Halifax West High.

I absolutely love the teen-owned business aspect of this story. Harrington developed quite an impressive plot that is equally clever and chaotic.

The concept of two savvy high schoolers moonlighting themselves as breakup realtors is nothing short of genius. There is a wonderful irony that comes from profiting off of a breakup and Harrington uses all ounces of drama and tension from it.

What makes the story stand out even more is the fact that Harrington does not neatly wrap up all the relationships at the end of the novel like a Hallmark movie does. In reality, all actions have consequences, and that was exactly the case for the novel as well. Some things do greater damage, that take more than a monologue to repair.

If you couldn’t guess it, I give The Goodbye Girls 5/5 stars because it’s witty, sharp, funny, and everything that a reader wants in a book to take an entertaining break from real life. If high school had a social media manager for heartbreak, it would be Lisa Harrington.

I recommend this book to:
anyone who is breathing
anyone who enjoys a good teen drama
anyone with a penchant for YA novels
anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit.
and anyone who is going through a heartbreak.

I recommend this book.