The more I reflect on the book, the more I see its multi-layered narrative, appreciate its depth, and admire its overall completeness. It is a flawless, accurate and engaging volume that works from cover to cover.
Ian Hauser

Painting Martha is a story of a long, frustrating, emotional, ultimately successful and wonderfully rewarding search for unknown family members.
I found this book deeply moving. This is partly because it is loosely based on the family history of the author who is my friend, and partly because of the issues it deals with: the glory and perils of young love, the stability and fragility of families, the undergirding provided by faith in a loving God, and even on life in Adelaide and the Barossa, as well as the UK and Channel Islands.
I enjoyed this book so much I read it twice. I heartily recommend it to you.
Pastor Brian Schwarz

Love’s labour is anything but lost in the case of this collection of memories and tributes. The collator has interwoven recollections of the Mayers themselves with anecdotes and tributes gleaned from family and friends, forming a continuous narrative that will serve as a lasting memorial to two people who have deeply influenced the lives of many.
Indicative of the affection in which Rolph and Margaret continue to be held is the fact that ninety relatives and friends contributed to the ‘story’.
Curried popularity doesn’t last; genuine affection endures. In the case of the Mayers, it lives on in the hearts of countless people who have experienced the joy of the gospel, personal care, friendship, knowledge and many a good laugh from knowing the blessed Rolph and the outrageous Margaret. Here are unforgettable memories, some sad, mostly good, but all testimonies to the grace of a loving heavenly Father.
The collator has avoided the temptation to present a paean praising two shining saints. They do shine, each in his/her own special way, but they are not without flaws and foibles. The marks of their humanity that have drawn people to them belong essentially to the story – and provide plenty of humour.
Andy Thurlow deserves our thanks for letting the Mayers know of our gratitude and affection before it was too late. Somewhere in this choir of voices raised in tribute you will find echoes of your own voice. This is a well compiled book; read and enjoy!
Dr Vic Pfitzner

Kieran Modra The Way I See It is a fantastic read, which not only highlights the bravery and resilience of a boy going blind, but simultaneously traces the history and rise in popularity of the Paralympics and the progress in human understanding of vision impairment and what can be achieved with a positive can-do attitude. The author clearly enjoys delving into many aspects of cycling. Every cyclist, no, every Australian needs to read this book to enjoy what it means to represent this wonderful country. Kieran's story is an emotional roller-coaster and written with great sensitivity. The reader emerges with a deeper understanding of disability and a reminder of the power of the human spirit. A wonderful book about an extraordinary Australian athlete.
Anna Meares
(Australian Olympic, World, Commonwealth and National Cycling Champion)

So often when the stories of elite athletes are written it is saluting podium performances. Kieran Modra: The Way I See It allows the reader to experience deeper insights into the challenging journey that took this vision impaired country boy to where his world class achievements saw him respected by peers around the world, while retaining a genuine humility often not seen among elite athletes. Andy Thurlow has masterfully pulled together a remarkable insight into Kieran's life. A "must read" for all ages.
Murray Lydeamore
(Former Australian Paralympic Cycling Team Manager/ Sports Chaplain/ Welfare Coordinator, Cycling Australia High-Performance Network)

It’s a wonderful story and shows the courage of a young man, who has already achieved so much in such a short time. Kieran is a trailblazer for all disabled athletes to look up to for their own inspiration. As a former Gold Medal winner, I applaud you Kieran for allowing us to share in your guts and glory. This book is a very good read for all people.
Dawn Fraser AO MBE

Kieran has helped pave the way for athletes and people with a disability. He is a great mix of a person who is ferociously determined, and yet caring, sensitive and always likes a laugh. This is a book that all should read to better understand the power of the human spirit.
Kurt Fearnley
(Three-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, multiple winner of international wheelchair marathons)

Funerals are usually the time we discover interesting things about the earlier life of our friends. But then we can’t ask them for more information or clarify a point. In this book five pastors draw back the curtain and give us an insight into the work of God in their lives and how they got to where they are today.
This is a very honest book, sometimes almost too honest. Our five friends don’t pretend it was all plain sailing, and that they got it right all the time. They share their pain and frustrations. There is failure and sin. At times some of them suffered great wounds at the hands of others. Yet, through it all they heard the call of Jesus on their lives, and he took them on a journey.
As I read about these five journeys I was struck by God’s faithfulness. When they failed, God didn’t give up on them. That gives me hope. God keeps his promises, even when it doesn’t seem obvious. So I encourage you to read these five stories asking the Spirit to show you what you need to learn from them. God hears and answers prayer.
Dr Steen Olsen
Past Bishop of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand
Past Director for Mission of the Lutheran Church of Australia SA/NT District
Past Lutheran co-chair of the Anglican-Lutheran Dialogue in Australia

I read Santa Clause Deserves Applause to our 7-year-old grandson this week. He was engaged by the story and we both laughed at the thought of all the different Australian animals pulling Santa’s sleigh - especially the koalas! A lovely Australian slant on a Christmas story.
Trish Handford

The parade of Aussie animal ‘helpers’, the rhyming (which my kids always love), the great illustrations and the search for Grecko had our grandchildren rapt. Martin and I chuckled at the ending … very appropriate! I was especially proud to show them the final page and say, ‘the author is our friend’. Well done yet again. I’m sure you can’t wait to share this with your own little grandson. Congratulations from us both.
Sally and Martin Pfeiffer

What will happen to Santa, Mrs Claus, the elves, and reindeer if the North Pole ice continues to melt? How will they be able to deliver Christmas presents if the sleigh gets stuck, or they have to suddenly cross ice floes and crevasses.

The solution really is quite simple. Move Santa to another country. The reindeer will cope, won’t they?

The answers are found in 'Santa Claus Deserves Applause’

I love writing nonsense poetry and my Playne family escaped from my imagination. The 15 members of the Playne family all have a lovable and engaging eccentricity. I have written a humorous poem about each family member and included a summary of where the inspiration came from. Added to this are illustrations. The book is fun and thought provoking.

Let me whet your appetite with Bernice Playne:

Bernice was such an easy babe. Just strange, ‘cos she was slow to speak.
Our other kids were talkative. From Bern we hardly heard a peep.
“What’s wrong with her?” was often asked. “She’ll talk in time” was our reply,
“Just let her sleep, and keep the peace. You guys just used to cry and cry.”

In her good time, Bern said her piece. Her first sentence, went just like this:
“HelloIknowyouallsowell SeeIcantalkandjustlikeyou
You’vewaitedformyspeechtogel I’vegotsomecatchinguptodo”

“Slow down,” we all said, “Take your time … It’s not a race … Your vocab’s fine.
Use commas, full stops, colons, breaks. Don’t worry if you make mistakes.
Just slow and stop at every line … a novel, not a pantomime
We get your meaning. Heaven sakes! You’re giving all of us headaches!”

“ButyouallsaidIwasbehind ThatIwasslowandsomewhatstrange
Iheardyou Ifeltsomaligned Andnowyouwanttorearrange
ThewayIspeak It’sjustnotfair YouwanttoaddanEnterkey
Haveyouconsidered Bytheway Thatyouallsound Sostrangetome?”

“Don’t worry we will get this fixed. She needs a speech pathologist
They’re trained. She’ll soon be good as new. There really isn’t much to do.
There’s clearly not a lot amiss. She doesn’t stutter. Doesn’t lisp.
A good solution will ensue. Yahoo! No words to misconstrue.”

The Doc appeared, with beaming smile. We gathered round, for his verdict.
Oh bliss! Bernice was now normal. The treatment new, and avant-garde.
He spoke with poise, with confidence. His chest puffed out … all boxes ticked.
“Berniceisfixed Itwasn’thard 500thanks ItakeBankcard”

Bernice’s life becomes wonderfully successful.
You’ll need to read the book to find out how!