“But only children bully,” stated the local mayor as I tried to explain my dilemma. Dreams of verdant abundance and bountiful crops interrupted only by chortling of bird song, had become a nightmare of earth shaking doof doof music, hurtling cars and the constant whine of air conditioners.

Would we overcome the torment of our surroundings to achieve a peaceful garden paradise? Would our recent marriage of opposite personalities survive the battle? Could the victory gardens of World War 2 provide inspiration for our suburban plot? Could Peter save the day with a technological solution?

This book is for those who have had their domestic tranquillity supplanted by neighbours from hell. The Victory Garden is for those who have read, Six Months in Wonderland and asked, “Are you going to write another one?” and “What happens next?”?

When life gives you lemons, make marmalade. These hints are for you if there’s too much week and not enough money. To make up the shortfall of what you have versus what you need, try a little imagination and creativity.

Hints and Tips from The Victory Garden illustrate skills and tools that answer the question, ‘What can I do?’ There is always something we can do. Need a wall hanger? Try a toast rack from the tip shop. Turn an old barbecue into a water saver garden sink, a 10kg onion bag is perfect for a compost tea bag. Recycle sheets and towels for further domestic use. Keep cuddling that old favourite jumper as a water bottle cover.

Learn how the frugal life can be easy, fun and safe.

Gail Foster has experienced the trauma of workplace bullying and has combined her experience, recovery and professional expertise in social work, mental health, life coaching and teaching to provide insight and simple, practical tools which encourage healing and growth.

This timely and inspiring book gives hope to those who have been the target of the workplace bully.

First aid principles and exercises are given to reduce the impact of the initial trauma, and a variety of resources, work and referral options and support are suggested. The book looks at the ‘big picture’ and asks the reader to consider their purpose and legacy. Clear explanations are given for the common experiences of grief, loneliness and shame.

Six Months in Wonderland is a true story. Wonderland is a beautiful area of rain forest under the shadow of Mt Wellington in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia’s island state. A rustic, 3 story house, surrounded by tall eucalypt trees and bustling with native wildlife is the setting for a new beginning for Gail and her two teenage daughters.

Bats in the ceiling, leeches in the yard and a soap eating rat in the bathroom make lateral thinking and humour a survival necessity.

There is plenty of adventure in this book. Gail’s upbringing included peacocks regularly landing on the roof of the family home and experiencing the horrific 1967 bushfires. Gail experienced a number of "narrow misses" – she missed the Granville train disaster in Sydney by 24 hours, a change of plans prevented her family from being at Port Arthur on the day of the massacre, and a trip home saved her from death or injury from the boiler explosion at Mt St Canice.

This is a Tasmanian book with universal themes. Wonderland is a place and also an attitude – an attitude of hope, love and humour.

Six Months in Wonderland is a beautiful hard cover book, illustrated with numerous colour photos.