New Releases by Sue Williams

Brain Injury, Trauma and Loss tells the story of the impact of Covid-19 on neurorehabilitation. It offers a unique dual perspective as it intertwines the two voices of Sue Williams, who had sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2018, and Rudi Coetzer, her neuropsychologist during the pandemic.

Visit www.alertprogram.com for a complete overview.

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events. ''The very best historical fiction ... Williams'' novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.'' Melissa Ashley, author of The Naturalist of Amsterdam ''I very much enjoyed That Bligh Girl, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.'' Judy Nunn, author of Black Sheep When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him. Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children. After a year and a half he did – but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore. This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land. ''Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.'' Meg Keneally, Weekend Australian ''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom Keneally on That Bligh Girl ''Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.'' Sydney Morning Herald/The Age on Elizabeth & Elizabeth

What threads connect your life? We are all threads in the great tapestry of life, each weaving stories of joy, heartache, resilience, and transformation. But what happens when those threads intertwine? In Golden Threads, fifteen extraordinary women share the pivotal moments that have shaped their lives - stories of courage, healing, and self-discovery. From overcoming profound personal loss to embracing unexpected adventures, each woman in this collection uniquely reflects on the golden threads of wisdom that run through their journeys. Through their vulnerability and strength, they invite you to discover your threads of connection and resilience. This is more than just a collection of life stories. It is a testament to the power of shared wisdom and the bonds that unite us as women. Whether searching for hope, healing, or a deeper understanding of yourself, Golden Threads will resonate with you on every page.

Are such things as divorce, suicide, drinking, and smoking sins? Will God punish me if I accidentally cause someone''s death? Does God hear my prayers even though I''ve been ignoring Him or didn''t believe in Him? If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, you will find the answers to them and many more answers in this book.

The remarkable true story of a family forced into hiding after leaking Russian secrets What started out as a great adventure turned into a terrifying nightmare when Nick Stride and his family were forced to flee for their lives from one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. Nick moved to Russia in 1998 to help build the British Embassy in Moscow, but ended up on the run with his wife and two children after leaking secrets from Vladimir Putin’s one-time deputy. Hiding off grid on Australia’s final frontier – remote beaches on the Dampier Peninsula on the far north Kimberley coast – the family faced crocodiles, sharks, snakes, raging bushfires and the devastating Cyclone Yvette, and survived only by catching fish and crabs and learning how to kill wild animals. It was a life-or-death move, but Nick felt he had no choice. Now, emerging from isolation, the family are finally ready to share their incredible story.

A fascinating story of Governor Bligh''s trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author ofElizabeth and Elizabeth. ''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom Keneally Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons. When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol. Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father''s daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions? Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of?the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel. Praise for Elizabeth and Elizabeth: ''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck ''Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging…a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia''s past.'' - Book''d Out ''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

The remarkable story of Professor Fiona Wood AM, world-leading burns specialist and one of Australia''s most innovative and respected surgeons, whose groundbreaking research and technology development has changed the lives of burns patients. When three bombs tore out the heart of Bali and destroyed so many Australian lives in 2002, burns surgeon Professor Fiona Wood and her team were there to help. A pioneer in the field of burns and reconstructive surgery, Fiona made world headlines with the use of her groundbreaking invention of ''spray-on skin'' to help minimise her patients'' terrible scarring. Fiona was later made Australian of the Year, voted Australia''s Most Trusted Person for an unprecedented six years running in the annual Reader''s Digest poll and acclaimed as a ''National Living Treasure''. This is the story of her extraordinary life. Against all the odds, Fiona, the daughter of a fifth-generation coalminer in the north of England, became one of Australia''s most innovative, respected and dedicated surgeons and researchers. She talks candidly of the moving valour of her burns patients, and the heartbreak, triumph, tears and controversies that have stalked her stellar career. Remarkably, she has achieved all of this while raising six children. In Under Her Skin, Sue Williams, a bestselling author and award-winning journalist who has written a number of biographies - most notably about Father Chris Riley, Father Bob Maguire and Dr Catherine Hamlin - presents a searingly honest, no-holds-barred account of all aspects of Fiona Wood''s remarkable life.

A dangerous high-stakes mystery is afoot. Unlicensed, and unlikely, detective Cass Tuplin is on the case.

A heartbreaking, redemptive memoir of raw power, Daughter of the River Country is the story of an extraordinary journey from a childhood as one of Australia''s Stolen Generation to Aboriginal Elder Born in rural Australia in the 1940s, baby Dianne is immediately taken from her parents and placed with a white family. Raised in an era of widespread racism, she grows up believing her Irish adoptive mother is her birth mother. When her adoptive mother tragically dies and she is abandoned by her adoptive father, Dianne is raped, sent to the brutal Parramatta Girls Home and forced to marry her rapist in order to keep her baby. After suffering years of domestic abuse, but refusing to let her spirit be broken, Dianne finally discovers she is a Yorta Yorta woman, a daughter of the river country, and is reunited with her birth mother. She learns that her great-grandfather was a famous Aboriginal activist and from here she becomes a powerful leader in her own right, vowing to help others in any way she can. Daughter of the River Country explores for the first time the devastation caused to Australia''s Aboriginal Stolen Generation, who were forcibly placed with white families as part of a government assimilation programme. ''A compelling memoir about the power of love and staying the course.'' LINDA BURNEY, the first Aboriginal Member of Australia''s House of Representatives

The third edition of Fundamentals of Mammography assists clinicians to deliver a consistently high-quality service while acquiring the skills needed to provide care at what can be an emotionally difficult time for many patients. Fully updated to reflect current mammography technology, standards and radiologic environments, the book covers the principles of mammography techniques as well as equipment, quality control checks, psychological issues and communication. This book is ideal for assistant practitioners and radiographers, both in training or newly qualified, as well as all other health professionals who use mammography in breast care settings. - Step-by-step guide to producing high-quality mammograms - Clear explanations and diagrams to achieve the best positioning and use of equipment - Graphic aids showing how to accommodate different statures and configurations - Advice on achieving and maintaining quality control for equipment and film processing - Patient-centred approach, with case studies and information on communication - Fully updated with the latest evidence, including electronic processing and digital technology

The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. ''I''ve waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it''s finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'' There was a short time in Australia''s European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia''s wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment. These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times. Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination. ''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck ''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

''A story of friendship like no other... breathtaking in its tenderness and inspiration.'' The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO Two incredible women, an unlikely friendship, and a united mission to save the lives of some of the world''s poorest and most desperate women. Healing Lives reveals the untold tale of Mamitu Gashe, Dr Catherine Hamlin''s protégée, and the inspiring almost 60-year friendship between the two women. In 1962, three years after Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin arrived in Ethiopia, an illiterate peasant girl sought their aid. Mamitu Gashe was close to death and horrifically injured during childbirth after an arranged marriage - at the age of just fourteen to a man she''d never met - in a remote mountain village. The Hamlins'' Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital saved her and, in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to Catherine''s mission. Under the iconic doctor''s guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting her fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day''s schooling. This is the moving story of the friendship that saved the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on earth. SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021

A fun, rhyming picture book for ages 3-12 and APPROVED FOR SCHOOLS. Follow Ruthie through her days as her family stays-at-home during a pandemic. Full of peace, kindness, and patience, with a little laughter and tons of real life, hilarious raccoon pictures gathered from miscellaneous Google users (full credit will be given upon collected knowledge). $2.00 from every book sale is donated to the Guardian Gals, Inc. scholarship fund in Gaylord, Michigan. This edition was written with no religious content.

Three hundred nautical miles from shore, I‘m cold and sick and afraid. I pray for reprieve. I long for solid ground. And I can‘t help but ask myself, What the hell was I thinking? When Sue Williams set sail for the North Atlantic, it wasn’t a mid-life crisis. She had no affinity for the sea. And she didn’t have an adventure-seeking bone in her body. In the wake of a perfect storm of personal events, it suddenly became clear: her sons were adults now; they needed freedom to figure things out for themselves; she had to get out of their way. And it was now or never for her husband, David, to realize his dream to cross an ocean. So she’d go too. Ready to Come About is the story of a mother’s improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one’s own course, and that risk is a good thing ... sometimes, at least.

Even in extraordinarily difficult circumstances, under pressure, people often manage to behave with great humanity. With all the drama in conflicted or violent situations, it can be easy to overlook this and to assume that everyone switches to a dog-eat-dog approach. This collection of stories, drawn largely from the working life of the author in conflict transformation and mediation, illustrates a variety of examples of extraordinary humanity, which can show us that there is a place to stand and a way to be human in inhuman situations. And it can help us to notice examples of this around us. Discussion questions included.

For Cass Tuplin, proprietor of the Rusty Bore Takeaway (and definitely not an unlicensed private investigator), it’s weird enough that her neighbour Vern has somehow acquired a lady friend. But then he asks Cass to look into the case of the dead rats someone’s dumped on Joanne’s doorstep. She’s barely started when Joanne goes missing, leaving hints of an unsavoury past. Then a private investigator from Melbourne turns up asking questions about Joanne’s involvement in a fatal house fire—and before you can say ‘unauthorised investigation’ Cass is back on the case. Sue Williams is the author of a crime series set in Rusty Bore, population 147. Sue was raised in country Victoria and hotly denies this provided any inspiration for her writing. She is a science and travel writer and a chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. These days, Sue lives in Melbourne with her husband. Her previous two Cass Tuplin books are Murder with the Lot and Dead Men Don’t Order Flake. ‘Sue Williams is Australia’s answer to New Jersey’s Janet Evanovich.’ NZ Listener ‘Finely wrought and highly amusing...a wonderful new series in the comedy crime genre.’ Australian ‘This book is like going to visit your regional relatives and having a bunch of their friends pop by for a chat. It’s comforting, slightly dishevelled, wildly entertaining...Live and Let Fry is self-aware, observant, and with a fresh take on a crime hero, this is as irresistible as potato cakes after a swim.’ Readings ‘This is a book best not read on the quiet carriage of public transport, as the giggles, snickers and guffaws likely to be emitted may disturb other commuters...Fans of the series will not be disappointed.’ BookMooch ‘Sue Williams has her recipe down pat: an engaging heroine with a sense of humour as dry as the landscape.’ Adelaide Advertiser ‘There is no doubt about the value of escapist literature in a world fraught with so many seemingly intractable problems. This book unashamedly belongs to that escapist genre. There can scarcely be better therapy than to immerse oneself for a time in a world where good triumphs over evil and where there is the prospect of a happy ending.’ ArtsHub

Your Time to Shine? I Am Unique is a poetry collection that will help you to build confidence in your self-belief and creative self-expression. I Am Unique is a brave new anthology of poems embracing the questions which have dominated women''s lives for centuries. Through a series of evocative verses, addressing the themes of self-belief and creative self-expression, Sue Williams takes us on an inspiring journey of transformation to uncover our true selves. I Am Unique "takes you on a journey from really taking stock of life and beginning an emergence of self-belief, all the way through to awakening and embracing your feminine power." - Sasha Allenby, author of Write an Evolutionary Self-Help Book As we emerge from the chrysalis state and spark the flame of new life, we often face an unknown future. Sue Williams''s heart-opening, soul-stirring and playful poems let you know you are not alone. I Am Unique is not just an inspiring read for women of all ages. It''s a rallying call for us all to find the self-confidence to unleash our creative gifts, unlock our own individual sense of identity and to joyously celebrate our own magnificent uniqueness. How do I believe in myself and my creative self-expression, you may ask. If you are feeling frustrated and blocked around your creativity, it is important to find ways to get your unique form of self-expression out into the world. Sometimes, this involves doing the things that you are avoiding. In Sue Williams'' case, finding herself unwilling to write, she was encouraged by a coach to write Morning Pages, 3 A4 sized pages of free flowing writing, each day (a technique created by Julia Cameron in the Artist''s Way). After about 10 days Sue was amazed to find her writing emerging naturally in rhyme! By finding the confidence and self-belief to share your own voice, gifts and talents with the world, you not only fulfil your own life purpose, you also give others permission to do the same. "I Am Unique is a wonderful series of poems which takes you on a journey of transformation you will never forget. It is the confidence boost you need to start believing in your own beautiful uniqueness. I loved it!" -Hannah Davis - award-winning author of Voices of Angels The first section of this book provides an insight into Sue''s own journey, and how she uncovered an ability to express herself through writing poetry and verse, after taking early retirement from work in her early fifties. She also used her verses to work through old hurts from childhood, and to capture moments of her journey, such as when she tried out a clown face-painting experience. Sue has already found that by sharing her verses she has encouraged others to read more poetry and also write their own poetry, led them to decide to publish a poetry book of their own, and also use poetry as a tool for helping people overcome grief and loss. "Sue is a living, breathing example of the joyful creativity available to any one of us if only we dare to express ourselves. She encourages her readers to explore and express their own worlds, finding beauty in everyday situations, and shows that it''s never too late to discover the artist within you." - Alison Jones - publisher at Practical Inspiration Publishing The verses in this book are both personal and universal. How do you express your innermost thoughts and feelings and work through emotions? How can you "Stand up, stand up! Be bold, be strong" and have the self-belief and confidence to share your creative self-expression with the world?

All of us affect, and are affected by, the food system: students who grow and eat carrots and tomatoes from their school garden; farm owners who maintain patches of natural habitat for bees; immigrants who hand-pick our apples, grapes, and oranges; public employees who design food-nutrition labels and monitor food safety; restaurant workers who take our orders and serve our meals; food reporters who write about ethnic cuisine; local groups of gleaners who keep edible food out of the dumpster and put it to good use; food pantries that teach teenagers to garden on vacant lots; parents who work to stretch their food budgets to the next payday; policymakers who determine agricultural subsidies; community members who advocate for policies to ensure that all of us have the food we need. While we have one of the most productive and efficient food systems in the world, millions of people in the US still fall between the cracks. People who may have enough to eat today worry about the availability and quality of food for future generations. This guide explores different approaches and actions that are, or could be, taken to create a food system that works for all of us. While the approaches overlap in some respects, they do suggest different priorities and involve different trade-offs. With this in mind, what should we do to ensure that people from all walks of life have the food they need?

‘I believe that nothing is impossible if you dare to dream, plan and take action. I’m an ordinary girl who simply refused to give up on a dream, and that’s all it takes to succeed in life.’ Alyssa Azar is unstoppable. When she was just eight years old, she walked the gruelling Kokoda Track, the youngest person in the world to do so. At twelve she climbed the ten highest peaks in Australia. Two years later she touched the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Now, at the age of nineteen, she has reached the roof of the world: the summit of Mount Everest. The Girl Who Climbed Everest is the inspiring story of how an ordinary girl from country Queensland worked towards ascending the world’s highest peak. Through passion, determination and immense hard work, and despite being turned back twice – once by a deadly avalanche and the second time by a devastating earthquake that nearly claimed her life – Alyssa is the youngest Australian to have achieved this extraordinary feat. She shares the thrills and heartbreaking disappointments on the road to reaching her goal, and explains how she finds the courage and motivation to keep going in the face of overwhelming danger and adversity. Above all, Alyssa’s story shows us that we can achieve anything if we dare to dream big.

On the night Leo Stone returns—notionally from the dead, in reality from the Democratic Republic of the Congo—Cass Tuplin gets a call from Gary Kellett. A call about an actual dead person: Gary’s daughter, killed in a car crash. Gary’s adamant it wasn’t an accident. Cass agrees to investigate. After all, not just Rusty Bore’s only purveyor of fine fast food, Cass is also the closest thing to a private detective within a couple of hundred k’s. The local police (Cass’s son Dean) try to warn her off. It’s true Cass’s status as a celebrated yet non-licensed nobody doesn’t entirely suit Dean. But Dean also believes Gary’s a delusional, grieving father. Is that the case? Or did a young journalist die after asking too many questions? Cass intends to find out. As soon as she’s dealt with some queries raised by the reappearance of Leo Stone. Sue Williams is a science writer and chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. She lives in Melbourne with her husband. Her first Cass Tuplin mystery, Murder with the Lot, also published by Text, was shortlisted in the Ned Kelly Awards. ‘There’s a wry, satirical element to much of Williams’ humour...In the grand tradition of cosies, [Cass is] a woman underestimated at your peril...Fun and often charming crime fiction, thanks to its winning super-sleuth heroine.’ Saturday Paper ‘Williams captures small town Victoria with ease and her plot has enough twists and red herrings to keep it interesting. Fans of Murder With The Lot will not be disappointed, and no doubt will be hoping for more of Cass Tuplin. An excellent sequel!’ BookMooch ‘Once again, Williams has created a small-town mystery with big repercussions with the wacky, loveable characters who fill Rusty Bore making a comeback in this novel.’ Weekly Times ‘An enormously enjoyable and pacy novel set in a speck of a country town in rural Victoria, with a plucky amateur sleuth amid a quirky ensemble of townsfolk and family. Quintessentially Australian without being overcooked.’ Abbey’s Bookshop ‘[A] finely wrought and highly amusing crime novel...Williams has created a wonderful new series in the comedy crime genre. Dead Men Don’t Order Flake is a multilayered yarn that mines the rich ore of regional Australia and I can’t wait for the next Cass Tuplin adventure.’ Australian ‘Williams has put together a recipe for madcap adventure the main ingredient an engaging female lead whose nosiness solves the mysteries of her tiny hometown.’ Adelaide Advertiser ‘This book is pure entertainment the author captures the quirky ways of small town Australia perfectly, well, apart from murder that is, we don’t get too many of them in these parts.’ Audiothing ‘Smoothly written with plenty of humour, and some wry observations by Cass, this is an enjoyable, off-beat crime novel with a good cast of characters and a nicely paced storyline.’ Sydney Morning Herald

Gene Genius: Understand your DNA and create your own genetic roadmap to health and happiness - Ever wondered why someone on exactly the same diet loses weight much faster than you? - Puzzled about why you crave a sugar fix more than other people seem to? - Can''t understand why your best friend stresses less than you? - Can''t work out why some people love taking risks, when you don''t? The answers are all in our genes. Today, we sit on the threshold of the most far-reaching health revolution of our times -- now we can identify some of the key genes that make a huge difference to our individual make-up. Gene Genius explains the science of DNA and genetic inheritance. This book takes you on a journey through the human genome, shedding light on how your genes influence your mental and physical health and showing how you can plot a clear path to a healthier you. Leading genetic scientist Dr Margaret Smith along with health writer Sue Williams offer suggestions for how to deal with any problematic genetic inheritance, such as a predisposition to weight gain, mental illness, stress, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, drug or alcohol dependencies and much more. Their sensible, informed advice reveals how you can transform your health and well-being by working in harmony with your genes and accomplish life-changing results.

An uplifting anthology of true life stories, inspirational quotes, tried and tested strategies for growing self belief, and creative expression through poetry. "Believe You Can Face Your Fears and Confidently Claim the Life You Desire" is recommended to anyone who wants to step into their personal power and make the rest of their life the best of their life." This inspirational book is particularly designed to help women in mid-life to face their fears around life changes and the associated challenges that inevitably go with them! 23 heart-centred women share their true life stories, strategies and approaches to help others find the belief to achieve the life they desire. Full of inspirational quotes, exercises and even poetry. This book, like the Chicken Soup for the Soul series before it, will provide the inspiration for women to confidently claim the life they desire! This valuable resource has been compiled to help other women who are facing challenging times to realise that they are not alone. Whether you need help to deal with loss, a return to work, to manage a change in career, or recover from burnout, you will find something of benefit in this inspiring book. Many of the suggested exercises are widely recognised to help with the stresses of day to day life, for example, keeping a gratitude jar, meditation, making a vision boards, and journaling. We are all unique, and this book provides a huge number of strategies, hints and tips so that you are sure to find one that works for you. When you read Believe You Can, you will discover how to get in touch with your inner self, heal the wounds of the past, unlock your creativity, build your self esteem and confidence and step into your personal power. Above all, you will learn to turn your negative self-talk to positive, and choose to believe you can succeed! An invaluable mixture of inspiration, practical advice, and tried and tested strategies to help women to live life on their own terms.

Compulsory reading for parents, teachers, youth workers and anyone who has anything to do with young people. A must-have book for all parents, youth workers and teenagers on parenting and raising children. Catholic priests don''t generally have children but Australian legend Father Chris Riley has brought up about 60,000 - and they''re some of the toughest kids around. He regularly encounters some of the most troubled children on earth - kids who have given up or refuse to talk to others, who steal, take drugs, see themselves as irredeemable failures, hate everyone and everything, self-harm, have been abused or abuse other kids, prostitute themselves, live on the streets or have rejected anyone who''s ever tried to help them. But he''s nearly always managed to find a way through to them, and to help them. And whilst the vast majority of Australian kids don''t have the magnitude of problems he sees in his work every day, the lessons he''s learnt from them are invaluable to all parents. How can most parents relate to the kind of problems and pressures their children face today? How can they cope when things come off the rails? How can they really talk to their children in a meaningful way when it seems that their kids just don''t want to listen? Growing Pains is the one book all parents - and their kids - should have on their shelves. It will prove a priceless guide through the maze of childhood and adolescence for both parents and their children and, with so many real life stories to tug on the heart-strings, the kind of gripping read no one will be able to put down.

From horse whispering to crocodile hunting to single-handedly changing an 80-kilo flat tyre on a road train in 40-degree heat...there is nothing these modern-day outback women can''t do. But when it comes to hardship and heartbreak, they''ve endured far more than their fair share. Living and working in some of the most remote spots in the world, they''ve had to become experts at turning tragedy into triumph. Our former Miss World finds a new start in the bush; an adventurer crosses one of the world''s harshest deserts on camelback; a single mum becomes a truck driver to make ends meet and a former nurse takes over the famous Birdsville Hotel. This book is a tribute to the great Australian Outback from those who live and work at the heart of it. ''[These women] simply took my breath away with the kind of courage, daring and resilience that have seen them overcome sometimes crushing difficulties.'' Georgie Parker

''Samantha Barlow doesn''t stand a chance. As she walks briskly past the start of Arthur Park on her left, she can''t see a dark figure slinking out of the shadows towards her. The first she knows of his presence is when she feels a blow, hard to the back of her head, delivered with such force, it actually dents her skull.'' Samantha Barlow''s life changed the day she was brutally attacked on the way to work in Sydney''s notorious Kings Cross. The popular, confident young woman was left for dead, dragging herself to a lonely bus stop, desperate to stay alive for her two young children. The police who attended the crime scene didn''t recognise their colleague. Inspector Laurence Barlow watched helplessly as his wife''s life lay in the balance. He''d spent his career stopping violent offenders, but now found himself on the other side of a crisis. Samantha was a highly respected sergeant, but she could have been any woman - her attacker was a junkie after money. Her story touched people everywhere: her resilience, her indomitable spirit and her triumphant return to work after 22 months of rehab is an inspiration to all Australians. This is a brave family''s journey to recovery.