A Newfoundland Maple by Samantha Baker

"A Newfoundland Maple" by Newfoundland author Samantha Baker is quite simply an enchanting story. When a young school aged boy, named Daniel, sets out on a summer fishing trip in western Newfoundland with his grandfather, the pair come across an old maple tree in the middle of the forest. As the grandfather explains his relationship with the tree, Daniel can't help but wonder about the bonds that are forged with the wildlife that visit the maple tree throughout the four seasons.  

I knew from the get-go that this book would be about more than just a boy and a tree when I turned the page to see a very powerful image; that of an old, withered, experienced hand gently touching the bark of the staunch and dependable maple. This illustration was a powerful reminder of the strength of these two living monuments and our dependence on them both. Just as the maple provides sustenance to the moose and her calf, shelter to the beaver and caribou, and a resting place for the bluejays the grandfather is the fountain of wisdom, knowledge, patience and perspective. Likewise, it was not lost on me that the illustrator of "A Newfoundland Maple" is Dawn Baker, author and illustrator of 8 children's books and mother to the author, Samantha. The images are vivid and captivating, a kaleidoscope of color. Young readers will delight in the illustrations and will have an opportunity to revisit the beauty in these pages by looking for a variety of insects, birds and wildlife that the illustrator has "hidden" throughout the pages of this little piece of Canadiana. This book would serve as a wonderful read aloud to primary children and especially fits well with the Grade One Newfoundland Science curriculum on seasonal changes. 

"A Newfoundland Maple" is a timeless story and suitable for both the young and young at heart. It is a Flanker Press publication.

Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning by Helen C. Escott

Sergeant Nicholas Myra has just been awarded the Chief's Commendation for outstanding leadership during Operation Wormwood; an investigation that had brought down a network of pedophiles in the province of Newfoundland and across the country. A top cop married to the police force, Myra suddenly finds himself struggling with pushing the evil images of the Child Exploitation Unit from his damaged brain. With the suicide of Father Horan, a victimized priest turned police informant, and the acquittal of the one pedophile who got away, Myra is left tormented and unable to function. Thoughts of permanently escaping reality become more and more appealing until a self-imposed 4 week leave from the force causes Myra to re-examine his life. Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is the thrilling account of Myra's comeback from the depths of despair and the hunt for a serial killer hell-bent on making child-abusing monsters pay for their heinous crimes. 

Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is Helen C. Escott's follow up novel to Operation Wormwood, a 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards finalist for Best First Crime Novel. In this action packed thriller, readers will be happy to know that the characters Escott developed in the Operation Wormwood novel are back and working harder than ever at attempting to solve the mystery of the wormwood disease that seems to afflict only those who are guilty of sexual crimes against children and adults. Though the crux of this fictitious story centres on the hunt for a serial killer, readers will enjoy the many sub-plots or mini-stories intertwined throughout, each seeming to highlight a theme of retribution and revenge. Whether it's Myra's struggle with PTSD, pedophile Kevin Macy's plot to get even with Myra, or Joseph Franklin's kidnapping, readers will want to keep turning the pages of this 322 page roller coaster ride.  As a trail blazer herself, author Helen C. Escott does a fantastic job at utilizing The Reckoning as a backdrop to highlight controversial topics that would make even the most hardened souls cringe. Suicide, the sexual torture and abuse of children, women and men as well as the role of the Church as an institution of support in society are all areas that Escott touches upon gently and with thoughtfulness in this novel. Her writing garners respect from the audience and sympathy for the characters.

They worked on him at breakneck speed. Blood drained from the patient's nose and mouth, covering his chest and drowning him. His whole body bobbed up and down when he came up for air. He struggled to breathe as he sat up, trying to gulp at the stale hospital air. Agatha and Dr. Gillespie tried to hold him as he flailed around the bed. A shot of pain hit him, and he curled into a ball. Finally, his body slammed back against the bed and stiffened. .... Agatha rubbed her forehead. "It seems like nobody gets out of this ward alive."

Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning is the sequel that readers will love to hate! It's raw emotion is palpable and shocking yet will leave you hopeful in knowing that there are good people in the world fighting for humanity and justice. Hats off to Helen C. Escott on the conclusion to this crime thriller! The Reckoning is a Flanker Press publication. 

The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt

Conceived in hope during the days of Colonial Government, the Newfoundland Railway survived 88 years and countless bureaucratic near misses before suffering its first blow in July 1969. With suspension of passenger service aboard the Newfie Bullet, the 20 year old CN Railway seemed to be doomed from the start and finally died in controversy in September 1988 with a payout from the Federal Government of Canada that promised to improve the provincial Newfoundland road system. And so, just like that, a remarkable era of Newfoundland history came to a grinding halt leaving a whole population of people in mourning. The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway is a compilation of memories, stories and recollections that provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operation of a struggling transportation service and the proud people who lived and died on the tracks.

The Bullet by Robert Hunt is the fifth book following a trilogy of memoirs and a book of short stories that details the life and times of growing up in St.John's, Newfoundland, "when many people barely survived on their income." Readers will be happy to know that Hunt opens this classic piece of Canadiana by detailing the historical context in which the Newfoundland Railway was born. History buffs will appreciate his comprehensive account of all the significant players who contributed to the success and eventual demise of the pre-Confederation railway. True to form, Hunt writes from the heart in recalling his love for the railway and the people whom he befriended. As I read the 20 plus stories Hunt gleaned from his own memories and various interviews with CN pensioners, I was smitten by the tenderness and admiration that he exuded during his recollections. Transported back in time to an era where chivalry was alive and well and youth respected their elders, Hunt's passion for the trains and respect for his father, the passengers and the people who worked the rails was clearly evident on every page of this book. Readers will also enjoy amusing side stories characteristic of the time. From train tragedies to transporting prisoners to travelling on the Trouters Special; it is easy to see why this iconic piece of history is still a great source of conversation in Newfoundland homes today. Most notably, however, I particularly enjoyed reading about how Hunt comes to meet and befriend Mr. Tommy Ricketts, a  respected Newfoundland soldier and Victoria Cross recipient. 

I loved my job. Every chance I got between meals I would find a spot in a coach or stand in between the coaches. I would look out at the scenery while the diesels and coaches zigzagged  across Newfoundland. With every mile we covered, the landscape was more breathtaking than the last. The rugged Newfoundland terrain could not be matched anywhere else in the world, I thought. You have to ride a train to truly understand and appreciate the experience. Sitting there as it rolls along, hearing the whistle blow, listening to the sounds of these powerful engines, is a pleasure in its own right. 

The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt will transport you back in time with heartwarming stories of hard work, survival, and kindness. This piece of Canadiana is a must read for all Newfoundlanders and lovers of Canadian history. The Bullet is a Flanker Press publication.