Search results for ""Author Mrs."

Who'd have thought a potty-mouthed Dublin mammy with a cream cardigan and elasticated tan tights could storm British TV screens and leave a nation helpless with laughter? Brendan O'Carroll performs to tens of thousands of people a night in packed-out stadiums across the country. In the last four years his TV show has become a number 1 ratings success and he's even making a movie. But Brendan has had to battle hard for success. The youngest of eleven children, his mother was Maureen O'Carroll, a former nun who went on to become the first woman to be elected to the Irish parliament. Brendan adored his strong, widowed mother - and she later became the inspiration for his indomitable character Agnes Brown. However, the family endured poverty reminiscent of Angela's Ashes and Brendan saw no option but to leave school at 12 to work. He married young and for decades struggled to make ends meet. Eventually, bankrupt and desperate, Brendan went to see a fortune teller who told him she could see his future achieving worldwide success as a comedian and actor. At first Brendan laughed at the notion, but then he thought of how much his friends loved his gags, and decided to give it a go... This is the magical story of how a loveable Irishman with a wig and a wit as caustic as battery acid surprised everyone - most of all himself - by becoming one of the best-loved comedians in the world. It is a story of hardship, heartbreak, and talent and will remind readers afresh that sometimes the facts can be even more extraordinary than the fiction.

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A richly illustrated romp with America’s Gilded Age leisure class—and those angling to join it Mark Twain called it the Gilded Age. Between 1870 and 1900, the United States’ population doubled, accompanied by an unparalleled industrial expansion, and an explosion of wealth unlike any the world had ever seen. America was the foremost nation of the world, and New York City was its beating heart. There, the richest and most influential—Thomas Edison, J. P. Morgan, Edith Wharton, the Vanderbilts, Andrew Carnegie, and more—became icons, whose comings and goings were breathlessly reported in the papers of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. It was a time of abundance, but also bitter rivalries, in work and play. The Old Money titans found themselves besieged by a vanguard of New Money interlopers eager to gain entrée into their world of formal balls, debutante parties, opera boxes, sailing regattas, and summer gatherings at Newport. Into this morass of money and desire stepped Caroline Astor. Mrs. Astor, an Old Money heiress of the first order, became convinced that she was uniquely qualified to uphold the manners and mores of Gilded Age America. Wherever she went, Mrs. Astor made her judgments, dictating proper behavior and demeanor, men’s and women’s codes of dress, acceptable patterns of speech and movements of the body, and what and when to eat and drink. The ladies and gentlemen of high society took note. “What would Mrs. Astor do?” became the question every social climber sought to answer. And an invitation to her annual ball was a golden ticket into the ranks of New York’s upper crust. This work serves as a guide to manners as well as an insight to Mrs. Astor’s personal diary and address book, showing everything from the perfect table setting to the array of outfits the elite wore at the time. Channeling the queen of the Gilded Age herself, Cecelia Tichi paints a portrait of New York’s social elite, from the schools to which they sent their children, to their lavish mansions and even their reactions to the political and personal scandals of the day. Ceceilia Tichi invites us on a beautifully illustrated tour of the Gilded Age, transporting readers to New York at its most fashionable. A colorful tapestry of fun facts and true tales, What Would Mrs. Astor Do? presents a vivid portrait of this remarkable time of social metamorphosis, starring Caroline Astor, the ultimate gatekeeper.

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'It's Mona's ballsy, kickass voice that makes this novel tick. Unreliable, sharply observant and funny, she recounts her journey of self-discovery in a way that is immediate and intriguing.' Daily Mail Mary Karr meets Miranda July in this hilarious debut about a young woman’s quest for self-acceptance and belonging Mona is twenty-three, emotionally adrift and cleaning houses to get by. While handing out clean needles to drug addicts, she falls for a man she calls Mr Disgusting, who proceeds to break her heart in unimaginable ways. In search of healing, she decamps to New Mexico for a fresh start, but always lurking just beneath the surface are the ghosts of her past, and the crushing legacy of a chaotic, destructive childhood. It seems running further away from her problems could just leave more inventive ways for them to find her.

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The Tale of Mr Tod brings back Beatrix Potter's most popular heroes, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, in an adventure that also features two very disagreeable villains. Fortunately Tommy Brock the badger and Mr. Tod the fox dislike each other so much that they Tommy Brock kidnaps Benjamin's young family, Mr Tod unwittingly becomes the rabbits' ally.The Tale of Mr Tod is number 14 in Beatrix Potter's series of 23 little books, the titles of which are as follows:1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin3 The Tailor of Gloucester4 The Tale of Benjamin Bunny5 The Tale of Two Bad Mice6 The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle7 The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher8 The Tale of Tom Kitten9 The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck10 The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies11 The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse12 The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes13 The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse 14 The Tale of Mr. Tod15 The Tale of Pigling Bland16 The Tale of Samuel Whiskers17 The Tale of The Pie and the Patty-Pan18 The Tale of Ginger and Pickles19 The Tale of Little Pig Robinson20 The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit21 The Story of Miss Moppet22 Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes23 Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes

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The story of a bittersweet, impromptu art exhibition for President and Mrs. Kennedy The events associated with John F. Kennedy’s death are etched into our nation’s memory. This fascinating book tells a less familiar part of the story, about a special art exhibition organized by a group of Fort Worth citizens. On November 21, 1963, the Kennedys arrived in Fort Worth around midnight, making their way to Suite 850 of the Hotel Texas. There, installed in their honor, was an intimate exhibition that included works by Monet, Van Gogh, Marin, Eakins, Feininger, and Picasso. Due to the late hour, it was not until the following morning that the couple viewed the exhibition and phoned one of the principal organizers, Ruth Carter Johnson, to offer thanks. Mrs. Kennedy indicated that she wished she could stay longer to admire the beautiful works. The couple was due to depart for Dallas, and the rest is history.This volume reunites the works in this exhibition for the first time and features some previously unpublished images of the hotel room. Essays examine this exhibition from several angles: anecdotal, analytical, cultural, and historical, and include discussions of what the local citizens wished to convey to their distinguished viewers.Distributed for the Dallas Museum of Art and Amon Carter Museum of American ArtExhibition Schedule:Dallas Museum of Art(05/26/13–09/15/13)Amon Carter Museum of American Art(10/12/13–01/12/14)

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Synopsis coming soon.......

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How does the machinery of government respond when a King steps out of line? The relationship between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson created a constitutional crisis that has fascinated the public for decades. Unwilling to accept the idea of the twice-married American as future Queen of England, the government was determined to pressure the King into giving up Mrs Simpson and, when that failed, into giving up his crown. The King's phone lines were tapped by his own government, dubious police reports poisoned Mrs Simpson's reputation, and threats to sabotage her divorce were deployed to edge the King towards abdication. The hopeless attempts of the King's allies, particularly Winston Churchill, to keep him on the throne were dismissed as sinister conspiracy, whilst the King wrecked his own chances with wildly unrealistic goals and ill-thought-out schemes that served only to frame him as erratic and unreliable as a monarch. As each side was overwhelmed by desperation and distrust, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin fought to steer events to a smooth conclusion. In this fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the royal abdication crisis of 1936, Adrian Phillips reveals the previously untold story of the hidden political machinations and insidious battles in Westminster and Whitehall that settled the fate of the King and Mrs Simpson.

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A hilarious, escapist romcom from the author of CONFESSIONS OF A FORTY-SOMETHING F##K UP!Every girl is looking for her Mr Darcy. Imagine if you found the real one. After a string of nightmare relationships, Emily Albright has decided she's had it with modern-day men. She'd rather pour herself a glass of wine, curl up with Pride and Prejudice, and step into a time where men were dashing, devoted and honourable, and strode across fields in breeches, their damp shirts clinging to their chests . . . When she decides to book a coach tour of Jane Austen country, she quickly realises she won't find her dream man here - just a coach full of pensioners and one particularly aggravating (if handsome) journalist, Spike. That's until she enters a room and finds herself face-to-face with none other than Darcy himself. And every woman's fantasy suddenly becomes one woman's reality. . .Alexandra Potter makes dreams come true in this fun, feel-good fairy-tale about life, love and dating literature's most eligible bachelor!

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The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher endures as one of Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tales. It tells of an optimistic and slightly accident-prone frog, who sets off on a fishing expedition across the pond, only to find himself bitten on the toe bt a water-beetle, fighting with a stickleback, and eventually nearly eaten by a trout!The Tale of Jeremy Fisher is number seven in Beatrix Potter's series of 23 little books, the titles of which are as follows:1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin3 The Tailor of Gloucester4 The Tale of Benjamin Bunny5 The Tale of Two Bad Mice6 The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle7 The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher8 The Tale of Tom Kitten9 The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck10 The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies11 The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse12 The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes13 The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse 14 The Tale of Mr. Tod15 The Tale of Pigling Bland16 The Tale of Samuel Whiskers17 The Tale of The Pie and the Patty-Pan18 The Tale of Ginger and Pickles19 The Tale of Little Pig Robinson20 The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit21 The Story of Miss Moppet22 Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes23 Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes

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Following in their best-selling series of Battlefield Guides this is a companion volume to the Holts Western Front South Guide. Between the two they cover the main WW1 Western Front battlefields. This book covers 15 of the most significant battles of the northern area from Nieuwport to just north of The Somme. Whether travelling on the ground or in the mind, the reader is carefully guided through the battlefields with a mixture of succinct military history, cameo memories and stories of VCs and other personalities, interspersed with references to the literature and poetry of the war. This guidebook is based on Tonie and Valmai Holt's 30 years experience of researching, guiding tours and writing about the area, with their unique blend of male and female points of view. It is written to the high standards that have come to be expected of these highly respected authors who are credited with pioneering the modern battlefield tour and whose guide books are referred to as 'The Bibles' .

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The highly effective card game that helps kids master phonics and improves reading – it’s so fun that children won't even know they're learning!Finally, a way to make phonics fun! Mrs Wordsmith Phonics Blah Blah Blah Card Game is a hilariously fun card game, perfect for kids who are just starting to learn to read. Master decoding words using phonics with these three decks of increasing difficulty. Race to get rid of your cards by matching sounds and letters, and play wild cards to trip up your opponents! The bestselling and highly effective phonics game is so fun that children won’t even know they’re learning! Three decks featuring over 200 cards, covering 40 sound-letter correspondences. Easy to play with two players or more!Developed with teachers and phonics experts, and aligned to Common Core standards.Tested with teachers and kids to make sure they love it. “This game is a fantastically fun way for young people (and their parents) to develop and practice their phonic knowledge. It covers all the essential phonic content from Reception to Year 1. The inclusion of audio tracks is an incredible resource to help ensure correct pronunciation of the sounds learned.” Emma Madden – Head teacher, Fox Primary School, UKWith a team of award-winning artists and writers, Mrs Wordsmith creates books, games, worksheets, and apps to improve the reading and writing of kids aged 4–11, and to make word learning fun! Previously produced as Blah Blah Blah Phonics Card Game by Mrs Wordsmith in 2019.

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!'An ambitious, immersive novel from the author of In Her Shoes' RED MAGAZINE'Engrossing' SUNDAY MIRRORFrom Jennifer Weiner, the bestselling author of IN HER SHOES and WHO DO YOU LOVE . . . ____________Jo and Bethie couldn't be more different . . . but the world expects them to be the sameGrowing up in 1950s Detroit, the Kaufman sisters' roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.But as the sixties begin, the world around them is changing fast. Soon nothing about their future seems to be what they'd hoped for or expected. Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child, while Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, putting the truth of what - and who - she really desires to one side. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of. Is it too late for them to stake a claim on the lives they really want?_____________Find out why everyone's talking about Jennifer Weiner'If you have time for only one book this summer, pick this one' THE NEW YORK TIMES'You'll love this book and wish she was your friend' MINDY KALING 'Fiercely funny, powerfully smart, and remarkably brave' CHERYL STRAYED'Like Helen Fielding, Weiner balances fresh humour, deft characterisations, and literary sensibility' THE GUARDIAN'Mrs Everything is like Beaches but with mothers and daughters and sisters. I may never recover' JILL GRUNEWALD'Generous and entertaining' Publishers Weekly'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to read it again' TheSkimm'Blends humour and heartbreak to create an irresistible novel' Publishers Weekly'Weiner [is] a marvellously natural storyteller' Publishers Weekly 'Jennifer Weiner has done it again. She has made me feel more emotions than I've felt in a long time' Goodreads reviewer'Beautifully written and heart-touching' Goodreads reviewer

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Covering the important WW1 Battles of Ypres, including the notorious Passchendaele, this guidebook takes readers on a historic trip through some of the well-known and most important sites of the area. This book, part of a new series of guides, is designed conveniently in a small size, for those who have only limited time to visit, or who are simply interested in as an introduction to the historic battlefields, whether on the ground or from an armchair. They contain selections from the Holts' more detailed guides of the most popular and accessible sites plus hand tourist information, capturing the essential features of the Battles. The book contains many full colour maps and photographs and detailed instructions on what to see and where to visit.

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HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. Unless I am allowed to tell the story of my life in my own way, I cannot tell it at all Mary Seacole – traveller, nurse, businesswoman and radical for her time – defied a prejudiced British government to care for soldiers wounded during the Crimean War. This ground breaking account, written by Seacole in 1857, brings to life her incredible journey from Jamaica to Central America and England, and then on to modern-day Ukraine, where she acted as nurse to injured soldiers while running her business, the 'British Hotel'. A witness to key battles, she gives vivid accounts of how she coped with disease, bombardment and other adversities during the Crimean War. In this extraordinary autobiography, Seacole shows how she navigated her way through racial injustice, poverty and ignorance to become the first woman of colour in Britain to publish her memoirs. It is a testament to her enduring legacy.

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'A cracking historical novel – with a twinge of the surreal – about passion and obsession' The TimesSHORLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018One September evening in 1785, the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep. He has sold Jonah’s ship for what appears to be a mermaid.As gossip spreads through the docks, coffee shops, parlours and brothels, everyone wants to see Mr Hancock’s marvel. Its arrival spins him out of his ordinary existence and through the doors of high society, where he meets Angelica Neal, the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on... and a courtesan of great accomplishment. This meeting will steer both their lives onto a dangerous new course.What will be the cost of their ambitions? And will they be able to escape the legendary destructive power a mermaid is said to possess?

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"To define is to limit", Lord Henry states, and Mrs. Dalloway "would not say of anyone [...] that they were this or that". Why then are the respective novels mostly read - and in recent adaptations rewritten - in denial of their genuinely ambiguous designs? Bringing the two literary classics together for the first time, their shared concerns regarding textual and sexual identities are revealed. Challenging an established critical record commonly related to Oscar Wilde's and Virginia Woolf's own mythologised biographies, this study underscores the value of constantly rethinking labels by liberating the texts from the limiting grip of categorical readings.

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A fun, approachable illustrated dictionary of hundreds of social and emotional words to help children express how they feel and to build empathy and positive relationships.Feeling cheerful, grumpy, puzzled, mischievous, thirsty, or silly? Hundreds of illustrated words will help your child recognize, understand, and name how they’re feeling. Packed with words that have been thoughtfully selected to give kids the vocabulary they need to express themselves, and also to develop empathy and resilience, encourage inclusivity, and form positive relationships. Simple definitions, synonyms, word pairs, and fun, engaging illustrations build word understanding. Designed to be prominently displayed to spark conversations about big feelings and thought-provoking subjects together. How are you feeling today? © Mrs Wordsmith 2022

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1,000+ must-know words for kids, covering everything from emotions to technology—hilariously illustrated to reinforce word meaningsBoost vocabulary—and fall in love with words! 1,000 must-know words for kids, covering everything from emotions and food to the future of technology. Hilarious and surprising illustrations reinforce word meanings. Uniquely created with literacy experts, teachers, and Hollywood artists. “This book is pure magic! Driven by compelling research on the importance of vocabulary development and socio-emotional learning for every child’s growth and development, this modern marvel is filled with engaging characters, powerful themes, and remarkable story-telling assets that every child and parent will love. It has been decades since I encountered a children’s word book that was so delightful and important!” Michael Levine – Chief Knowledge Officer of Sesame Street “Mrs Wordsmith Epic Words Vocabulary Book uses the very latest in the science of learning to grab children’s attention and teach them words about their world. Educators take note! This book will not only improve children’s vocabulary, it will accelerate it at epic speed.” Susan Neuman – Professor of Childhood Education and Literacy Development, NYU With a team of award-winning artists and writers, Mrs Wordsmith creates books, card games, worksheets, and mobile games to improve the reading and writing of kids aged 4–11, and to make learning fun! Previously published as My Epic Life Word Book by Mrs Wordsmith in 2019. © Mrs Wordsmith 2022

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'We lolled in the sea until it was time to return for tea, another of Mother's gastronomic triumphs. Tottering mounds of hot scones; crisp paper-thin biscuits; cakes like snowdrifts, oozing jam; cakes dark, rich and moist, crammed with fruit; brandy snaps brittle as coral and overflowing with honey. Conversation was almost at a standstill; all that could be heard was the gentle tinkle of cups, and the heartfelt sigh of some guest, accepting another slice of cake.' - My Family and Other Animals, Gerald DurrellIn Dining with the Durrells, David Shimwell has delved into the Durrell family archives to uncover Louisa Durrell's original recipes for the scones, cakes, jams, tarts, sandwiches and more that are so deliciously described by the Durrell family. From her recipe for 'Gerry's Favourite Chicken Curry' to 'Dixie-Durrell Scones with Fig and Ginger Jam', and including the family stories and photos that accompany them, this book will transport you to long lunches enjoyed on the terrace of a strawberry-pink villa, sunshine-filled picnics among the Corfu olive groves and candlelit dinners overlooking the Ionian Sea.

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From the internationally bestselling author of Netflix's hottest new show, One of Us is Lying, comes a new, page-turning thriller . . .True crime can leave a false trail.Four years ago, Brynn left Saint Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favourite teacher. The case was never solved, but she's sure that the three kids who found Mr. Larkin's body know more than they're telling, especially her ex-best friend Tripp Talbot. He's definitely hiding something.When Brynn gets an internship working on a popular true-crime show, she decides to investigate what really happened that day in the woods. But the further she dives into the past, the more secrets she finds.Four years ago someone got away with murder. Now it's time to uncover the truth . . .'Given that her high-school-based murder mysteries read like bingeworthy Netflix dramas, it's easy to see why queen of teen crime Karen McManus is a bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic' - Observer

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For budding storytellers everywhere - the only dictionary that kids will want to read from cover to cover.Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary is designed to help you write brilliant stories. It's the English dictionary, hilariously reimagined!Find writing inspiration! Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary is packed with over 1,000 words of inspiration.Structure your story! Richly descriptive vocabulary is arranged into six key building blocks of storytelling - Character, Setting, Taste and Smell, Action, Emotion, and Weather.Learn words! Hilarious illustrations by award-winning Hollywood artists reinforce meanings, ensuring words are unforgettable. Commonly occurring word pairs give you even more ideas for exciting storytelling.Play Mrs Wordsmith's fun-packed, vocabulary-boosting app - Word Tag - receive a QR code to give you 3 months of free access with every book purchased.Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary was previously published by Mrs Wordsmith in 2018.© Mrs Wordsmith 2022

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'I read this in two lightning-quick sittings...I absolutely adored it' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of The Family UpstairsHAL MUST KEEP GOING OR RISK LOSING EVERYTHING...EVEN HER LIFE. When Harriet Westaway receives an unexpected letter telling her she's inherited a substantial bequest from her Cornish grandmother, it seems like the answer to her prayers. There's just one problem - Hal's real grandparents died more than twenty years ago. Hal desperately needs the cash and makes a choice that will change her life for ever. She knows that her skills as a seaside fortune teller could help her con her way to getting the money. But once Hal embarks on her deception, there is no going back. _______________Praise for THE DEATH OF MRS WESTAWAY:'Ruth Ware's best: a dark and dramatic thriller, part murder mystery, part family drama' A. J. Finn'Unsettling and brilliant' Heat'[An] explosive claustrophobic family drama laced with a touch of du Maurier' Woman & Home'Atmospheric and eerie with Agatha Christie vibes' Prima'Highly atmospheric' The Times'Unguessably twisty' Louise Candlish

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Before Diana Mitford's disgrace as a social pariah, she was a celebrated member of the Bright Young Things, moving at the centre of 1920s and '30s London high society. She was a muse to many: Helleu painted her, James Lees-Milne worshipped her, Evelyn Waugh dedicated a book to her and Winston Churchill nicknamed her 'Dina-mite'. As the young wife of Bryan Guinness, heir to the Guinness brewing empire, she lived a gilded life until fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley turned her head. Unpublished letters, diaries and archives bring an unknown Diana to life, creating a portrait of a beautiful woman whose charm and personality enthralled all who met her, but the discourse of her life would ultimately act as a cautionary tale. This groundbreaking biography reveals the woman behind the myth.

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Become a master storyteller with illustrated story kitsHow to Write a Story is a comprehensive workbook designed to help kids excel at creative writing. Packed with tools, tips, and vocabulary, it makes it easy and fun for kids to plan and write captivating stories that are well structured, richly descriptive, and exciting to read.- 21 story starters from detective adventures to space missions - Visual guides for structuring stories - Illustrated writing prompts - Descriptive vocabulary lists - Creative writing techniques- Lined write-in sections for writing stories - Developed with teachers and assessment expertsWith a team of award-winning artists and writers, Mrs Wordsmith creates books, card games, worksheets, and mobile games to improve the reading and writing of kids aged 4-11, and to make learning fun! !"This is a wonderfully engaging and helpful resource to help children fall in love with stories. The storytelling guidance is excellent, and the story kits are full of helpful questions, rich vocabulary, and even graphs to help motivate and inspire young writers to be." - Emma Madden - Headteacher, Fox Primary SchoolThis content is also available to purchase as a printable workbook at mrswordsmith.com© Mrs Wordsmith 2021

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Richard & Judy Book Club Pick --- Sunday Times BestsellerSet during London's blitz and filled with warmth, wit and heartbreak, Dear Mrs Bird is a wartime story about the power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people.London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the terrifying Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not letters from the women the war has left lovelorn, grief-stricken or conflicted.But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?'The most uplifting, lovely book about courage, friendship, love' – Marian Keyes'Utterly charming and helplessly funny' – Jenny Colgan'A proper comfort read' – India Knight

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Sisters Mattie, Nell and Renie have all managed to escape their oppressive and bullying father, but now separated, the girls must draw upon their strength and courage to build new lives for themselves. Renie, the youngest sister, is living with the newly married Nell, happy in her waitressing job at the King's Head Hotel. But a shadow falls over her the day Mr Judson arrives as assistant manager. Feeling increasingly harassed by him and also eager to escape from Nell's unpleasant husband, Renie is delighted when she is offered a new job in London. Although she at first finds the city a huge and bewildering place, soon she is settling in and making friends. And yet she still worries about her sister Nell, and the way her husband Cliff treats her. When tragedy strikes Nell and her family, Renie is left feeling horrified and helpless. Her only comfort is her growing friendship with the injured Gil, towards whom she has felt an instant trust and affection. But can their relationship progress from friendship to something more? And how will the return of the threatening Judson affect their future?

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'Mackrell's enthralling biography restores Lydia Lopokova to her rightful position centre-stage' DAILY MAIL'Superb ... Mackrell, with her insider's knowledge of ballet and theatre, lovingly recreates Lydia's many worlds' GAY & LESBIAN REVIEW'A hugely entertaining and informative study of the Ballets Russes star' SPECTATORBorn in 1891 in St Petersburg, Lydia Lopokova lived a long and remarkable life. Her vivacious personality and the sheer force of her charm propelled her to the top of Diaghilev's Ballet Russes. Through a combination of luck, determination and talent, Lydia became a star in Paris, a vaudeville favourite in America, the toast of Britain and then married the world-renowned economist, and formerly homosexual, John Maynard Keynes.Lydia's story links ballet and the Bloomsbury group, war, revolution and the economic policies of the super-powers. She was an immensely captivating, eccentric and irreverent personality: a bolter, a true bohemian and, eventually, an utterly devoted wife.

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A heart-warming, heart-wrenching wartime story about friendship and courage from AJ Pearce, the bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird.'Utterly charming and uplifting' – Jill MansellEmmy Lake is the much-loved agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine, relied upon by readers across the country as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally feels she is Doing Her Bit.But when a glamorous new owner arrives, everything changes. As the Honourable Mrs Porter tries to charm her way around the rest of the team, Emmy realizes that she plans to destroy everything readers love about the magazine.With happiness quickly turning to heartbreak and war still raging in Europe, will Emmy and her friends find the inner strength they need to keep keeping on - and save the magazine they love?'Heartbreaking yet feel-good, we loved it' – Woman & Home'A winning combination of warmth, humour and a compelling story of the power of friendship' – Katie Fforde

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From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Maiden's Voyage; perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Katie Flynn and Catherine Cookson.'Goodwin is a master of her craft. The perfect book for a cold winter's evening' Lancashire Evening Post'Goodwin is a fabulous writer' Worcester Evening News'A vibrant page-turner with entrancing characters' Margaret Dickinson'Rosie writes such heartwarming sagas' Lyn Andrews1874.Growing up in extreme poverty in London, Pearl thinks life can get no worse. But when her parents discover there's yet another baby on the way, they have to tighten the belt even further. Pearl's mother decides to send her and her younger sister Eliza to the workhouse, where they are forced into a new life of hardship and struggle. Pearl's hopes are raised when the workhouse offers the sisters a new life in Canada and they board an orphan ship transporting unwanted children across the seas. Pearl hopes their luck has finally changed when she and Eliza are hired by the kindly Mrs Forbes to work in her grand house together. But when Pearl meets their mistress's bullying son Monty he reveals he will stop at nothing to make her life a misery.Will Pearl ever find the home she so craves?

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