Search results for ""Author Wort"

This title includes: regional map of mighty Mekong river from source to sea; UNESCO World Heritage sites; French colonial Vientiane; exquisite Luang Prabang; Pak Ou Caves; Khone Pha Pheng Falls; and, coffee-growing regions. Laos has been discovered. Pristine and exotic in a changing world where other Asian cultures have been affected by rapid development, Laos is still green. The rivers mostly run free through sites well worth visiting, from the ancient Khmer temple of Vat Phou in the south to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the north. But if you want to see the old Laos you have to move fast. Luang Prabang, an exquisite little town on the banks of the life-giving Mekong, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main Mecca for tourists. The town is home to some of the finest Buddhist temples anywhere. Charming old colonial mansions are now hotels, trendy restaurants, or upscale boutiques. Al fresco restaurants serving spicy Lao fare line the riverside. A night bazaar with dozens of stalls offers high-quality woven silk scarves, silver jewellery, and embroidered Hmong bedspreads, just a few of the popular wares available. Laos has a long, rich tradition of silk weaving, and textiles are not just a "best buy" for tourists. They represent the most important craftwork done in the country and in some ways define the Lao nation. Also on the Mekong, the capital Vientiane still has the look of a French provincial town complete with tree-lined streets, fading colonial buildings, and sidewalk cafes. Its trendy restaurants offer fusion cuisine as a counterpoint to traditional fiery Lao fare. The city's most prominent monument, Patuxai, closely resembles the pride of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe. Upstream from Luang Prabang, at the confluence of the Ou River, are the Pak Ou Caves, an easy day trip by long-tail boat through pastoral countryside and jungle-covered mountains. The two caves, etched over millennia out of limestone karst cliffs, contain hundreds of images of the Buddha donated by generations of believers. To get away from the heat along the river, travellers head to the Bolaven Plateau, a fertile upland area known for its cooler climate, dramatic waterfalls, and (thanks to the French) some of the best coffee in the world. This is the gateway to the higher mountains to the east and the hill tribes. A trip to southern Laos should include a visit to the spectacular the Khone Pha Pheng Falls, where the usually languid Mekong boils and tumbles through eight miles of wild cataracts that effectively close the river to navigation. One of the key attractions of Laos is the people. Sixty percent of the population is ethnic Lao, who migrated from China a millennium ago. The rest are largely upland people representing about fifty hill tribes. The Lao are mostly Theravada Buddhists who live in the valleys and are famed for being easy-going, party-loving and affable. A precious pearl of a country blessed with pristine natural beauty, exotic flora and rare fauna, Laos hosts the mighty Mekong for a significant distance during its almost 5,000 kilometre journey from the Tibetan Plateau to the sea. Whether you chose to travel by land or by water or both, Odyssey's "Illustrated "Map will enhance your journey both as a pre-trip planner and as a post-trip souvenir. Unfolded map size 991mm x 686mm.

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Linda France's seventh full-length collection is concerned with the dualities of our inner and outer worlds – the seeming paradoxes of self and society, language and experiment, ideal and reality. At the heart of the book is a section look at Nature and Cultivation through the life and work of the landscape gardener Capability Brown. Linda France found the title for her new collection, You are Her, on a fading information board at Hadrian's Wall, not far from where she has lived for the past 30 years. Locating and disorientating at the same time, it set the co-ordinates for a body of work on boundaries and identity, damage and absence. Her wise and generous poems seek a place of oneness amidst inner and outer worlds, riven with dualities – the seeming paradoxes of self and society, language and experience, ideal and reality.At the heart of the book is a section looking at Nature and Cultivation through the life and work of Capability Brown, who was born in Northumberland in 1716. These poems consider some pressing questions: how much control do we have over our environment? How does our state of mind reflect the world around us? What, in the end, will endure?A horse-riding accident in 1995 fractured France's spine and cracked her pelvis. This injury, although on the surface healed, re-emerged in the form of flashbacks and chronic pain ten years later when several of her friends died in close succession. Many of the poems in You are Her chart the passage of grief and resolution, a cycle of re-orientation."There is a restless energy about her work, a fascination with the paradoxes of people, the lives we lead and the society in which we live those lives, as well as a sense of the profound sadness of the passing of time, and of people.... She writes with warmth and wit of 'windows hooked with flamingo beaks'; 'the small room where all your geese are cooked' and, enamoured as she is by the work of Capability Brown, of 'landscapes erased / by tarmac and railway, time and weather.'"Keith Richmond, Tribune"One thing I liked about France's collection, and this is something one hopes to find in a poet, is that many lines and stanzas stand alone as memorable and worth rereading."Stride"France's enthusiasm for her topic shines through, her poetry bursting with flora and fauna. However, France is also able to tame that burgeoning natural world into a series of neatly trimmed poems, as she similarly controls the excesses of physical pain."The Warwick ReviewLinda France was born in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, and for the past 16 years has lived close to Hadrian's Wall, near Corbridge in Northumberland. She works as a poet, tutor, mentor and editor, often collaborating with visual artists, particularly in the field of Public Art. Since 1990 her poetry has won many awards and prizes as well as being carved into stone and wood, cast in metal, etched in glass, stitched onto fabric and printed on enamel. Her recurring themes are landscape and history, flora and fauna, love and identity.

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"Every Mike Shattock book on higher education is worth keeping and re-reading. Making Policy in British Higher Education 1945-2011 is a great story, very readable and full of wry humour. It is also a profoundly informative work that explains the policy and politics of higher education better than anything else that is available."Professor Simon Marginson, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne, Australia"As expected, Michael Shattock's mastery of the history of higher education policy-making in the UK is evident in every page - the temptation is to say every paragraph. This is a demanding analysis. It is packed, precise, judicious and immensely informed ... As a narrative about how policy-making occurs in the long run, how to read the relevant archival and other documents closely and how to avoid the easy generalizations arising from ideological partis pris, this study is an instant classic."Sheldon Rothblatt, Professor of History Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley, USA"In the last 30 years Britain has experimented with some of the most innovative higher education policies including academic quality assurance, research assessment, income contingent loan financing, tuition policy, information for students, and other efforts to stimulate competitive market forces. In this highly enlightening, meticulously researched, and fascinating history, university administrator and scholar Michael Shattock examines the individuals and financial policy drivers that have shaped British higher education from World War II to the present day and explores the impacts of these policies on the university sector."David D. Dill, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA"Michael Shattock's important new book could not be better timed. He offers a detailed, nuanced and (above all) intelligent account of policy making in British higher education over the past 60 years ... This book reminds us that novelty is more often in the eye of the beholder than the historical record. It also warns us that those who have forgotten past events are often fated to relive them - and that second (or third) time round is rarely an improvement."Peter Scott, Professor of Higher Education Studies, Institute of Education University of London, UKThis book aims to provide an authoritative account of the evolution of policy in British higher education drawing extensively on previously untapped archival sources. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the policy drivers since 1945 and up to 2011 and of the extent to which even in the so called golden age of university autonomy in the immediate post War period the development of British higher education policy was closely integrated with government policies. In particular, it highlights how the role of the Treasury in determining the resource base for the expansion of student numbers is key to understanding many of the shifts in policy that occurred. This close engagement with government coupled with the historical acceptance of institutional autonomy defines the distinctiveness of the British higher education system as compared with other countries. What the book also shows, however, is that policy was rarely driven directly by Ministers but emerged out of inter relationships between the Treasury, the responsible Department, the intermediary bodies, the higher education representative bodies and the research communities. The policy process was interactive rather than directed. The conclusions offer a new interpretation of the development of British higher education.

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NATIONAL BESTSELLER “Offers an entertaining look at Kerkorian’s outsize life… an interesting portrait of a billionaire.” – Wall Street Journal The rags-to-riches story of one of America’s wealthiest and least-known financial giants, self-made billionaire Kirk Kerkorian—the daring aviator, movie mogul, risk-taker, and business tycoon who transformed Las Vegas and Hollywood to become one of the leading financiers in American business.Kerkorian combined the courage of a World War II pilot, the fortitude of a scrappy boxer, the cunning of an inscrutable poker player and an unmatched genius for making deals. He never put his name on a building, but when he died he owned almost every major hotel and casino in Las Vegas. He envisioned and fostered a new industry —the leisure business. Three times he built the biggest resort hotel in the world. Three times he bought and sold the fabled MGM Studios, forever changing the way Hollywood does business.His early life began as far as possible from a place on the Forbes List of Billionaires when he and his Armenian immigrant family lost their farm to foreclosure. He was four. They arrived in Los Angeles penniless and moved often, staying one step ahead of more evictions. Young Kirk learned English on the streets of L.A., made pennies hawking newspapers and dropped out after eighth grade. How he went on to become one of the richest and most generous men in America—his net worth as much as $20 billion—is a story largely unknown to the world. That’s because what Kerkorian valued most was his privacy. His very private life turned to tabloid fodder late in life when a former professional tennis player falsely claimed that the eighty-five-year-old billionaire fathered her child.In this engrossing biography, investigative reporter William C. Rempel digs deep into Kerkorian’s long-guarded history to introduce a man of contradictions—a poorly educated genius for deal-making, an extraordinarily shy man who made the boldest of business ventures, a careful and calculating investor who was willing to bet everything on a single roll of the dice.Unlike others of his status and importance, Kerkorian made few public appearances and strenuously avoided personal publicity. His friends and associates, however, were some of the biggest names in business, entertainment, and sports—among them Howard Hughes, Ted Turner, Steve Wynn, Michael Milken, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, Mike Tyson, and Andre Agassi.When he died in 2015 two years shy of the century mark, Kerkorian had outlived many of his closest friends and associates. Now, Rempel meticulously pieces together revealing fragments of Kerkorian’s life, collected from diverse sources—war records, business archives, court documents, news clippings and the recollections and recorded memories of longtime pals and relatives. In The Gambler, Rempel illuminates this unknown, self-made man and his inspiring legacy as never before.

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If you love Ali Hazelwood, Sally Thorne and Helen Hoang, you'll LOVE Lyssa Kay Adams!'The most inventive, refreshing concept in rom-coms!' Entertainment Weekly The Bromance Book Club was one of Bustle's '21 Rom-Coms To Give You Warm And Fuzzy Feelings'! Readers are LOVING Isn't It Bromantic?! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Five stars for this sweet, sexy, funny read''Wow! What to say about this book? It was everything and more . . . I loved absolutely everything about this book''Sweet and heartfelt and lovely. Vlad is just an absolute love and I could read about him being in love in every book!''This book was the full package. Amazing plot, great characters, sexual chemistry, heart, humour, vulnerability . . . A masterclass on romance novel construction' 'Heartfelt, sweet, emotional and tender . . . I can't get enough of this group of friends and I can't wait for the next addition!''I adored this book so much and flew through it so fast because I was loving it so much. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times . . . I just loved being back in this world with these characters so much!''Perfect for the summer holidays. An absolute feel-good romance with plenty of heart, laugh-out-loud scenes, and vulnerable yet strong characters. I couldn't put this book down'....................................................................... With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad took up the pen to write a novel the Bromance Book Club would swoon over.He's ready to create his own sweeping romance - both on and off the page. Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville. Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it's become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he's learned is that he deserves more. The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love - and this time they're not operating solo, joining forces with Vlad's senior citizen neighbours, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. But just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena's past life intrudes. Now the book club face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after......................................................................Raves for The Bromance Book Club:'A you're-gonna-burn-dinner book because you will not want to put it down. Laugh out loud with tons of heart, this is an absolutely adorable must read' AVERY FLYNN'A delight! . . . I raced to finish this book, but still never wanted it to end!' ALEXA MARTIN'A delightful, fast-paced read with the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud and swoony moments - every town should have a Bromance Book Club' EVIE DUNMORE'It is the reading aloud in this story that ultimately wins my heart, and shows that everything worth knowing can be learned from romance' KC DYERDon't miss any of the charming and swoonworthy Bromance Book Club reads!The Bromance Book ClubUndercover BromanceCrazy Stupid BromanceIsn't It Bromantic?A Very Merry Bromance

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Most Islamic biographies deal with this issue by using an understandable but insufficient logic: that because Muḥammad, as the Messenger of Allah, was the ideal and paradigmatic human, he must have been an ideal and paradigmatic military commander. His successes flowed from his prophetic status and his moral perfection. Following this logic and wanting Muḥammad’s behavior to conform to very modern ethical concepts and widespread (but not necessarily accurate) beliefs about the nature and conduct of war, the writers have inadvertently created a narrative which, in significant ways, departs from the account clearly and consistently revealed in the earliest extant Arabic sources. The writers’ narrative also removes the Prophet from his historical and cultural context and the realities of the harsh and competitive tribal society in which he lived. Professor Joel Hayward sees this as an unhelpful explanatory tendency and believes that the modern depiction of the Prophet’s relationship with warfare — which presents him as being rather antipathetic to war, indeed as virtually a pacifist who only fought reluctantly in self-defense — cannot actually be sustained by an even-handed analysis of the early Islamic sources. A committed Muslim himself, Hayward agrees that Muḥammad was a moral and decent man who saw peace as a highly desirable state in which humans should live and as a goal worth pursuing. Yet Hayward has approached the Prophet’s understanding and employment of warfare from a different vantage point. He has painstakingly scrutinized the earliest Arabic sources impartially according to the strict standards of historical inquiry in order to ascertain whether Muḥammad’s actions, habits and methods can — when understood within their original seventh-century stateless Arabian context — provide any substantial and meaningful insights into the way that he understood and undertook warfare. Hayward concludes that Muḥammad was an astute, situationally aware, and self-reflective man who created and communicated a believable strategic vision of a necessary and desirable future. That vision persuaded increasing numbers of people to follow him and risk everything willingly in the struggle to create the optimal conditions for their survival, security, and prosperity. In a competitive and conflictual environment with ubiquitous threats, warfare was necessary to make real the bold new world that he foresaw. Through original, meticulously researched, and rigorous analysis, Hayward covers all the raids and campaigns and demonstrates that Muḥammad correctly understood the necessity and utility of force and duly developed into an intuitive, effective, and victorious military practitioner who developed and enforced a strict moral code so as to attain his goals whilst safeguarding the innocent. This engaging, accessible yet deeply scholarly book makes a major contribution to strategic and military analysis and to the Prophet’s biography.

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Step into maternal-neonatal nursing with confidence and know-how, with the fully updated Maternal-Neonatal NursingMade Incredibly Easy!®, 4th Edition. This friendly guide’s colorful images and helpful learning aids offer the latest in nursing interventions for prenatal care basics, including high-risk pregnancy, family planning, contraception and infertility, labor and birth, and postpartum care, presented in the enjoyable Incredibly Easy style. Offering practice questions written in NCLEX® exam format, this is the ideal support for nursing students and new nurses preparing for certification and the everyday challenges of the maternal-neonatal unit. Set a career-long high standard in maternal-neonatal nursing with: NEW and fully updated content in a bulleted, easy-to-read format NEW genetics content in conception and fetal development chapter End-of-book “Practice Makes Perfect” practice exam that tests your knowledge and hones your test-taking skills Full-color illustrations throughout that demonstrate vital concepts and interventions in areas such as: Conception and fetal development Complications of the postpartum period High-risk neonatal conditions – causes, what to look for and what to do, including: antenatal and postnatal factors, impaired parenting, birthweight classifications and problems, cardiac screening, bacterial sepsis, viral infections, inborn metabolism errors, seizures, prematurity, respiratory problems and more Family planning, contraception and infertility Physiologic and psychosocial pregnancy changes – nausea and vomiting, amenorrhea, urinary frequency, fatigue, uterine enlargement, pregnancy tests, the effects of pregnancy on the major body systems, mother-image and father-image development, effects of cultural background and family influences, and more Prenatal care High-risk pregnancy Labor and birth Nursing interventions for labor and birth complications – emotional support, electronic monitoring, amniotic fluid embolism, cesarean delivery, fetus in distress, pre- and post-operative care, breech presentation, face presentation, transverse lie, fetal size, ineffective uterine force, hypertonic and hypotonic uterine contractions, intrauterine fetal death, multiple gestation, placental abnormalities, preterm labor and delivery, uterine rupture and more Postpartum care Special chapter features offer helpful learning aids such as: Just the facts – a quick summary of content at the start of each chapter “Nurse Joy and Jake” – expert insights that explain key concepts, provide important care reminders and offer reassurance o Memory joggers – memory tricks and other aids that help you understand and remember difficult concepts o Advice from experts – tips from experienced maternal-neonatal nurses o Bridging the gap – unique beliefs and aspects of care for different cultural groups o Education edge – patient teaching tips and checklists o Quick quiz – multiple-choice end-of-chapter questions written in NCLEX format, followed by answers and rationales About the Clinical Editor Stephanie C. Evans, PhD, APRN, CPNP, is Assistant Professor of Nursing at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.

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Discover the secrets of the Spider-Verse in this visually stunning collection of more than 500 pieces of artwork from the Oscar-winning, groundbreaking animated feature film! Fans can go behind the scenes with the creators of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and get a look at concept art, final designs, and artist commentary, plus previously unseen storyboards. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man universe. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse where more than one wears the mask. This luxurious oversized art book unmasks the artistry behind the dazzling and thoroughly original movie with a unique visual style that’s the first of its kind. Here you’ll find fascinating insights into the filmmakers’ creative process: • Exclusive commentary from creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller on their inspirations for their unique new take on Spider-Man, rooted in his comics origins and the idea of a post-modern Spider-Man in an environment that has multiple spider-people from all of the comics, and giving the film an even stronger visual identity by leaning into the comic book language. • Concept art and sketches of every featured character and location in the film. Meet Miles Morales, the Peter Parkers, Spider-Gwen/Ghost-Spider, Spider-Ham, Peni and SP//dr and Spider-Man Noir—as well as villains Green Goblin, Scorpion, Tombstone, the Prowler, Doctor Octavius and Kingpin. Explore New York City and State, from Miles’s Brooklyn home to Manhattan, the Hudson Valley Forest, Spider-Man’s hideout and Wilson Fisk’s particle collider. • Unseen storyboards and paintings of key scenes—including Miles meeting the older Peter Parker for the first time; Miles swinging through the city, exploring the subway, and swinging through the forest; the fight at Aunt May’s; and Uncle Aaron’s death. • 2 gatefolds feature the film’s complete color script by Dave Bleitch and artwork by Justin K. Thompson, Wendell Dalit, Alberto Mielgo and Yuhki Demers depicting Miles Morales/Spider-Man; storyboards by Ryan Savas of Miles exploring his powers for the first time; and lighting keys by Wendell Dalit of the same sequence. • A foreword written by Brian Michael Bendis, Miles Morales’ co-creator and executive producer of the film. Go into the Spider-Verse any time you want with this special compilation of art from the film that belongs on every fan’s coffee table! “The visual look of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a marvel. Seeing how they came to the design choices they did is... worth the price of this book and then some - Vespe's Holiday Gift Guide

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If you love Ali Hazelwood, Sally Thorne and Helen Hoang, you'll LOVE Lyssa Kay Adams!'The most inventive, refreshing concept in rom-coms!' Entertainment Weekly The Bromance Book Club was one of Bustle's '21 Rom-Coms To Give You Warm And Fuzzy Feelings All Season Long'!Raves for The Bromance Book Club:'A you're-gonna-burn-dinner book because you will not want to put it down. Laugh out loud with tons of heart, this is an absolutely adorable must read' AVERY FLYNN'A delight! . . . I raced to finish this book, but still never wanted it to end!' ALEXA MARTIN'A delightful, fast-paced read with the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud and swoony moments - every town should have a Bromance Book Club' EVIE DUNMORE'It is the reading aloud in this story that ultimately wins my heart, and shows that everything worth knowing can be learned from romance' KC DYER.......................................'Tis the season to take out the mistletoe - and for a second chance at love.Country music's golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love-him-and-leave-him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to make music, with only the Bromance Book Club standing between him and self-pity. It's hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to pay rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family makes her an offer that could help, she can't say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of their whiskey brand. No big deal . . .Colton agrees to consider Gretchen's offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, he's determined to prove there's still a spark between them. But can Gretchen and Colton overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together?.......................................Readers are LOVING the Bromance Book Club series!'Five stars for this sweet, sexy, funny read''Wow! What to say about this book? It was everything and more . . . I loved absolutely everything about this book' 'Sweet and heartfelt and lovely. Vlad is just an absolute love and I could read about him being in love in every book!''This book was the full package. Amazing plot, great characters, sexual chemistry, heart, humour, vulnerability . . . A masterclass on romance novel construction' 'Heartfelt, sweet, emotional and tender . . . I can't get enough of this group of friends and I can't wait for the next addition!''I adored this book so much and flew through it so fast because I was loving it so much. I found myself laughing out loud multiple times . . . I just loved being back in this world with these characters so much!''Perfect for the summer holidays. An absolute feel-good romance with plenty of heart, laugh-out-loud scenes, and vulnerable yet strong characters. I couldn't put this book down'Don't miss any of the charming and swoonworthy Bromance Book Club reads!The Bromance Book ClubUndercover BromanceCrazy Stupid BromanceIsn't It Bromantic?A Very Merry Bromance

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'Thrilling! The Hostage is an intense, white-knuckle ride from start to finish' LAURA GRIFFIN'An action-packed, don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-something kind of novel, which makes it impossible to put down once you've started reading' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'This was my first book by Melinda Di Lorenzo and I definitely will be looking out for her books in future, it was outstanding' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'A captivating, action packed thriller that didn't let up from the beginning to the end and kept me riveted long into the night' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'Riveting read - could not put it down!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'I read a ton of romantic suspense but this book was fantastic! This story had so many twists and turns! I didn't figure out any of them. Definitely worth the time to read!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'High energy, exciting and edge of your seat suspense' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'An amazing story that sucks you in on the first page' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader reviewHe was the last person she expected to save her life . . . Air Force One meets The Fugitive with a thrillingly romantic spin in Melinda Di Lorenzo's gripping suspense novel. Perfect for fans of Nora Roberts, Melinda Leigh and Debra Webb. .................................Surviving the plane crash was the easy part. After losing someone close to her, nurse Joelle Diedrich needs a change of scene. But stepping in as a last-minute medical escort on a prisoner transfer flight results in a bigger one than she bargained for. Waking in the wreckage of a crash, Joelle swiftly gathers that no one else on the plane was what they seemed. And if she wants to make it out of this alive, she must place her trust in the only survivor who's not trying to kill her: Beck, the convicted murderer who was being transported. Fleeing with Beck presents more than one danger - not only that of simple survival across treacherous terrain, but by making Joelle a target in a ruthless plot. As the threats multiply and Beck and Joelle grow closer, Joelle has to ask herself just how much she's willing to risk for a man she's just met, and figure out whether Beck will risk the same for her . . ..................................Readers are gripped by The Hostage!'The anticipation is taut, the surprises are many, and the twists come to skew what one might think one has figured out. It is an exciting, romantic, suspenseful read with a very satisfying ending'A captivating, action-packed thriller that didn't let up from the beginning to the end and kept me riveted long into the night . . . Highly recommend!''A good mystery romance with a twist I couldn't have predicted''All this book was missing was Nicolas Cage - it definitely gave me some serious Con Air vibes - but with way more romance . . . I highly recommend this as a action suspense romance''Fast-paced and entertaining''I enjoyed this book, particularly the relationship between Beck and Joelle and their amusing dialogue! It reminded me of a mix between Con Air and Romancing The Stone'

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The one primer you need to launch, lead, and sponsor successful projects.We're now living in the project economy. The number of projects initiated in all sectors has skyrocketed, and project management skills have become essential for every leader and manager. Still, project failure rates remain extremely high. Why? Leaders oversee too many projects and have too little visibility into them. Project managers struggle to translate their hands-on, technical knowledge up to senior management. The result? Worthy projects are starved of time and resources and fail to deliver benefits, while too much investment goes into the wrong projects. To compete in the project economy, you need to close this gap. The HBR Project Management Handbook shows you how.In this comprehensive guide, project management expert Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez presents a new and simple framework that will increase any project's likelihood of success. Packed with case studies from many industries worldwide, it will teach you how to manage your organization's projects, strategic programs, and agile initiatives more effectively and push the best ones ahead to completion. Timeless yet forward-looking, this book will help you win in the project-driven world.In the HBR Project Management Handbook you'll find: Everything you need to know about project management in practical, nontechnical language A definitive taxonomy of project types, from product launches to digital transformations to megaprojects A road map for becoming an effective project leader and executive sponsor A new, simple, and universal project framework, the Project Canvas, that breaks down any project into essential building blocks that can be easily understood by all project stakeholders Original concepts and exclusive case studies from public- and private-sector organizations worldwide You'll learn: A common language for project managers and executives to run successful projects across your organization When to use agile, traditional, or hybrid methods in your projects The twelve principles of successful projects, including purpose, agility, and a focus on outcomes Techniques for selecting and advancing the best projects and managing a strategic and balanced project portfolio How today's projects will help address some of the most pressing global trends, including automation, sustainability, diversity, and crisis management Why project management needed to be reinvented and what the future holds HBR Handbooks provide ambitious professionals with the frameworks, advice, and tools they need to excel in their careers. With step-by-step guidance, time-honed best practices, and real-life stories, each comprehensive volume helps you to stand out from the pack—whatever your role.

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PRAISE FOR Banking on Change "In this 140th Anniversary celebration book, The London Institute of Banking and Finance stick to their core function of educating us all, but especially aspirant bankers, on the role and concerns of (retail and commercial) banking in the UK. They have assembled a well-chosen group of practitioners from a range of professions to write clear and easily assimilable essays, no technical expertise required, on a wide variety of current banking issues. If you want to learn about the current practices and problems of UK retail banking, this book must be essential reading." —Charles Goodhart, emeritus professor of banking and finance at the London School of Economics "In this important book, a line from Bill Allen's contribution is key: 'Nobody can predict the ferocity of the gale of creative destruction' that faces the financial services sector. True; but if you read the many and varied contributions, you'll have a pretty good idea. Moreover, you'll understand how we (that is, bankers) got here – and what we should do to make the industry more competitive, fairer and more genuinely useful. It is a soup-to-nuts look at banking – from the early days of the Institute of Banking, through the go-go years of ifs, to a present and future that are likely to be dominated by technology. It is well-worth a long read." —Andrew Hilton, director, Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation "If you were to imagine what a book celebrating 140 years of financial knowledge might contain, you could not come up with a better selection than this. As well as a historic sweep – from no-tech to fintech, the decline of trust and the rise of competition – today's hot subjects are addressed, including sustainable investing, cultural diversity and digital identity. The cradle-to-grave nature of the industry is captured in pieces about financial education and pensions. And it's well written, setting the scene nicely for the next era." —Jane Fuller, Fellow of the Society of Investment Professionals Financial services are undergoing rapid, and potentially dramatic, change. What will happen in payments, in sustainable finance and in fintech? How can the industry boost financial inclusion and ensure that its workforce has the skills it needs to meet regulatory requirements and to compete with new entrants? Can trade finance rise to the challenge of underpinning global trade for all and help the developing world avoid "financial abandonment"? What do financial services need to do to protect our digital identities? Banking on Change provides insights by experts and influencers from across the financial services industry on these and other questions. Published to mark the 140th anniversary of The London Institute of Banking & Finance, this book is intended to be of lasting value to both students and professionals.

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`Kathy Leach provides a thoughtful, well-written text that addresses the `great weight debate' in an engaging and compassionate way.'-The Psychologist, Vol. 20, March 2007`The main body of the book focuses on clinical work, offering insightful ways of thinking about and working with obese individuals. The text is punctuated with some very useful case examples and transcripts which guide and enlighten the readers thinking.'-The Psychologist, Vol.20, March 2007`An excellent, clear and accessible introduction to basic transactional analysis theory and principles, providing useful examples of how this form of therapy can be particularly useful and effective when working with people who overeat.'-The Psychologist, Vol.20, March 2007`An important contribution in helping clinicians and clients understand the psychological aspects that prevent people form losing weight or maintaining weight loss. It is a `must-have' text for anybody working with this client group.'-The Psychologist, Vol.20, March 2007`The Overweight Patient provides a practical framework to psychological management of obesity. Kathy Leach employs a model of Transactional Analysis psychotherapy to the treatment of obesity. She clearly writes from her considerable clinical experience. The factual information presented in this interesting book conveys the sense of someone steeped in that patient population. It is well written, with a light touch, and I found myself reading it in a single sitting. To any practitioner of transactional analysis, this will be a `must read.''-European Eating Disorders Review, 2007`The Overweight Patient explores the underlying beliefs and behaviours that may contribute to obesity, including psychological needs, addiction, fear of deprivation, parental influences and sexual fears. Kathy Leach draws a useful distinction between the need to eat and the need to maintain a large body size, and addresses the reasons for both long-term obesity and short-term weight gain. She provides a clear and accessible introduction to the psychoanalytic theory of Transactional Analysis and details how this approach can be used with overweight people, and as a self-help methodology. Kathy Leach offers sensitive advice on methods to help clients increase their self - esteem, self- awareness and motivation to develop healthier lifestyles.'-Transactions (TSTA)`Illustrated with patient histories, exercises and worked examples of techniques, this book enables therapists and health practitioners to help obese people to understand why they reach for food or maintain a large body weight, and to change their eating behaviour or live more comfortably with their size.'-Transactions (TSTA)This practical guide approaches obesity and overeating from a psychological perspective, and offers sensitive methods to increase patients' sense of self-worth, self-knowledge, and motivation to lose weight.The Overweight Patient explores the underlying beliefs and behaviours that may contribute to obesity, including psychological needs, addiction, fear of deprivation, parental influences and sexual fears. Kathy Leach draws a useful distinction between the need to eat and the need to maintain a large body size, and addresses the reasons for both long-term obesity and short-term weight gain. She provides a clear and accessible introduction to the psychoanalytic theory of Transactional Analysis and details how this approach can be used with overweight people.Illustrated with patient histories, exercises and worked examples of techniques, this book enables therapists and health practitioners to help obese people come to terms with their size, or to support their decision to change their behaviour and reduce their need to eat.

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France's most alluring region promises fragrant fields of lavender, incredible ancient relics and celebrated art collections. Sandy Riviera beaches, glitzy resorts and hilltop villages may come to mind when you think of Provence and the Côte d'Azur, but this region is also a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. Its array of stunning natural landscapes includes the alpine wilderness of Parc National du Mercantour, the rugged coastal cliffs of the Calanques and the dramatic Gorges du Verdon - Europe's deepest canyon.Immortalised on canvas by the likes of Cézanne and Van Gogh, Provence and the Côte d'Azur is a region resplendent with Roman ruins, stunning beaches, glamorous towns and beautiful countryside. Make the most of your trip to this dazzling corner of France with DK Eyewitness Top 10. Planning is a breeze with our simple lists of ten, covering the very best that Provence and the Côte d'Azur have to offer and ensuring that you don't miss a thing. Best of all, thepocket-friendly format is light and easily portable; the perfect companion while out and about. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Provence and the Cote d'Azur is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Top 10 Provence and the Cote d'Azur you will find: - Detailed Top 10 lists of Provence and the Cote d'Azur's must-sees including Gorges du Verdon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, the Camargue and Casino Monte Carlo- Easy-to-follow itineraries including ideas for day trips, weekends and a week's worth of plans to make the most out of each and every day- Expert advice: honest recommendations on Provence and the Côte d'Azur's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, eating out and sightseeing, with top tips on getting ready, getting around and staying safe- Themed lists including the best art galleries, beaches, vineyards and distilleries, gourmet restaurants and much more- Detailed maps including a laminated pull-out map of Provence and the Côte d'Azur, plus eight full-colour area maps- Covers: Palais des Papes, Gorges du Verdon, Roman Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Vieux Nice, St-Tropez, The Camargue, Vaison-la-Romaine, Abbaye Notre-Dame de, Sénanque, Casino de Monte Carlo, Moments in History, Provençal Legends, Painters in Provence, Roman Sights, Art Galleries, Places of Worship, Provence Villages, Areas of Natural Beauty, Gardens of Provence, Beaches in Provence, Offshore Islands, Places to See and Be Seen, Vineyards and Distilleries, Children's Activities, Sporting Activities, Gourmet Restaurants, Provence for Free, Festivals and Events, Provence and the Côte d'Azur, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, The Var and Provençal Coast, Nice, Monaco and the Riviera, Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Vaucluse, Streetsmart, Getting Around Provence and the, Côte d'Azur and Practical InformationLooking for more on Provence and the Côte d'Azur's culture, history and attractions? Try our DK Eyewitness Provenceand the Côte d'Azur or DK Eyewitness France.About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.

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—Reed Holden, founder, Holden Advisors Corp., www.holdenadvisors.com coauthor, The Strategy and Tactics of Pricing: A Guide to Profitable Decision Making, Third Edition "With Pricing on Purpose, Ron Baker had made an enormous contribution to the better understanding of pricing that will be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. People are intrigued by instances of what they see as idiosyncratic pricing. Sometimes it is idiosyncratic, but oft-times it is fiendishly clever and well researched. So is this book. There are examples that at first sight seem to have nothing to do with the subject at hand, but the learning points are all made and explained in any number of interesting and memorable ways. Pricing on Purpose is a welcome and valuable addition to the learning on pricing and I recommend it to professional pricers, marketers, and anyone interested in capturing the value their business creates." —Eric G. Mitchell, President, Professional Pricing Society, www.pricingsociety.com "Ron Baker is what I'd call a 'thought giant.' In his first two books he literally began a revolution in the accounting and legal professions. Thousands of professionals in public practice now lead far better, more rewarding lives thanks to him. Now he's broadened his impact in a huge way. Read this book, implement the ideas and you'll never look at your prices or your pricing policies in the same way again. You'll be richer in many ways because of it." —Paul Dunn, founder and CEO, ResultsNet Australia, coauthor, The Firm of the Future: A Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Other Professional Services, www.resultsnetaustralia.com "As a reader of hundreds of business books, I am thrilled when I come across one that has something new to say. Pricing on Purpose does just that. Instead of presenting a set of feel-good items to check off a list, Ron Baker encourages us 'to think with him, not like him.' He methodically builds his argument leading us through the labyrinth of pricing theory and encourages us to look at pricing as the strategic tool that it is rather than taking the lazy cost-based tactical approach of most businesses. To paraphrase Karl Marx in terms of Baker's book, 'Cost-based pricing is the opium of business.'" —Ed Kless, Director, Partner Development and Recruitment, Sage Software "Baker has done it again! Building on the core principles that he advanced in Professional's Guide to Value Pricing and The Firm of the Future, Ron Baker has again evolved thought leadership on the critical dynamics of value and pricing. Baker's latest work, Pricing on Purpose: Creating and Capturing Value, provides real-world examples and practical strategies that provide a framework for pricing optimization. His clarity of purpose and passionate call to action resonates in today's intellectual capital economy." —Thomas Finneran, Executive Vice President, American Association of Advertising Agencies "We love this book! With detailed research, thorough references, and recommendations for further reading, this could be considered a textbook. That it is so readable and engaging is a triumph. The chapter providing the epitaph for cost-plus pricing is worth many times the price of this book. 'Got price-sensitive customers? Wonder why? Read and stop weeping. Who's in charge of value in your company?' Baker asks. If you can't immediately answer, you'd better read this book. Bravo, Baker!" —Paul O'Byrne and Paul Kennedy, partners, O'Byrne and Kennedy LLP, Chartered Accountants, United Kingdom, www.obk.co.uk "Ron Baker is nothing short of brilliant, and his enthusiasm for pricing is contagious. Pricing on Purpose will add more value to your firm than anything else you could do. As usual in Ron's books, he presents cutting-edge ideas. There is no greater value to your company than to read Pricing on Purpose and implement its ideas." —Scott Abbott, entrepreneur, former regional business development, manager, BDO Dunwoody, LLP, Manitoba, Canada

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THE SIXTH NOVEL IN THE MULTIMILLION-COPY BESTSELLING ADAM DALGLIESH SERIES FROM THE 'QUEEN OF ENGLISH CRIME' (Guardian) 'I am hooked!! Reading the entire Dalgliesh series! Great character and plot development.' 5* reader review'P. D. James at her very best - fabulous writing and great story line - what more does anyone want or need?' 5* reader review'She does for a forensic science laboratory in East Anglia what Dorothy L. Sayers did for Oxbridge and Ngaio Marsh managed for the London theatre world.' New York TimesPERFECT FOR FANS OF VAL MCDERMID, RUTH RENDELL AND ELLY GRIFFITHS__________________________________________________________________________________Murder has priority. Wasn't that what they always said at the Lab?When a young girl is found murdered in a field, the scientific examination of the remains is just a routine job for the staff of Hoggatt's forensic science laboratory. But nothing could have prepared them for the brutal death of one of their own. When the senior biologist is found dead in his laboratory, Commander Dalgliesh is called to the bleak fens of East Anglia to meet a wealth of potential suspects and cautious forensic scientists quick to pass on the blame. But while Dalgliesh becomes embroiled in the complicated passions that lie hidden beneath the calm surface of the laboratory, the murderer is lying in wait to strike again . . .__________________________________________________________________________________'Perfect - a touchstone British murder mystery.' 5* reader review'James remains one of the greatest word-crafters of the past century, an absolute pleasure to read and contemplate.' 5* reader review'Nobody can put the reader in the eye of the storm quite like P. D. James.' Sunday Express**Now a major Channel 5 series**__________________________________________________________________________________READERS LOVE THE ADAM DALGLEISH SERIES:'If you are not already an Adam Dalgliesh fan, I urge you to become one . . . James can describe a scene or delineate a character with precision and depth, like no other writer I have read.' 5* reader review'This series is now as thrilling and gripping as Agatha Christie's great mysteries . . . A wonderful treat I must savour.' 5* reader review'P. D. James is guaranteed to be worth reading.' 5* reader review'I would never give less than 5 stars to any P. D. James book. She is one of a kind, always constant, always wonderful writing, always great characters, and always a good mystery that you cannot put down.' 5* reader review'P. D. James writes mysteries for ordinary people. Her characters are relatable and her hero is dynamic. But don't expect cell phones or computers. Her stories are strictly old school, which is what I love about them.' 5* reader review'Crime writing at its very best!' 5* reader reviewPRAISE FOR P. D. JAMES:'A legend.' VAL MCDERMID'Masterful.' MICK HERRON'The greatest contemporary writer of classic crime.' SUNDAY TIMES 'Nobody can put the reader in the eye of the storm quite like P. D. James.' SUNDAY EXPRESS'One of the literary greats. Her sense of place was exquisite, characterisation and plotting unrivalled.' MARI HANNAH'There are very few thriller writers who can compete with P. D. James at her best.' SPECTATOR'Simply a wonderful writer.' NEW YORK TIMES'The queen of English crime.' GUARDIAN

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Science fiction films, from the original Frankenstein and The Fly to Blade Runner and The Terminator, traditionally have been filled with aliens, spaceships, androids, cyborgs, and all sorts of robotic creatures along with their various creators. The popular appeal of these characters is undeniable, but what is the meaning of this generation of creatures? What is the relationship of mad scientist to subject, of human to android, of creature to creator? Androids, Humanoids, and Other Folklore Monsters is a profound investigation of this popular cultural form. Starting his discussion with the possible source of these creatures, anthropologist and writer Per Schelde identifies the origin of these critters in the folklore of past generations. Continuing in the tradition of ancient folklore, contends Schelde, science fiction film is a fictional account of the ongoing battle between nature and culture. With the advance of science, the trolls, dwarves, pixies, nixies, and huldres that represented the unknown natural forces of the world were virtually killed off by ever-increasing knowledge and technology. The natural forces of the past that provided a threat to humans were replaced by the danger of unknown scientific experiments and disasters, as represented by their offspring: science fiction monsters. As the development of genetics, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence blur the lines between human and machine in the real world, thus invading the natural landscape with the products of man's techno-culture, the representation of this development poses interesting questions. As Per Schelde shows, it becomes increasingly difficult in science fiction film to define the humans from their creations, and thus increasingly difficult to identify the monster. Unlike science fiction literature, science fiction film has until now been largely neglected as a genre worthy of study and scholarship. Androids, Humanoids, and Other Folklore Monsters explores science fiction (sf) film as the modern incarnation of folklore, emblematic of the struggle between nature and culture—but with a new twist. Schelde explains how, as science conquered the forests and mountains of the wild, the mythic creatures of these realms—trolls, elves, and ogres—were relegated to cartoons and children's stories. Technology and outer space came to represent the modern wild, and this new unknown came alive in the popular imagination with the embodiments of our fears of that unknown: androids, cyborgs, genetics, and artificial intelligence gone awry. Implicit in all of these is a fear, and an indictment, of the power of science to invade our minds and bodies, replacing the individual soul with a mechanical, machine-made one. Focusing his analysis on sixty-five popular films, from Frankenstein and Metropolis to Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Terminator, and Blade Runner, Per Schelde brings his command of traditional folklore to this serious but eminently readable look at SF movies, decoding their curious and often terrifying images as expressions of modern man's angst in the face of a rapidly advancing culture he cannot control. Anyone with an interest in popular culture, folklore, film studies, or science fiction will enjoy this original and comprehensive study.

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Out with the old and in with the new! Looking back on my nurse training I can vividly recall clinical placements where I was mentored by inspirational, dynamic, enthusiastic, and nurturing mentors. However, I can equally recall the toxic mentors that ruined clinical placements and made me question whether I wanted to be a nurse at all! Supporting students in clinical practice is a privilege and getting it right is essential! Danny Walsh’s book demystifies the NMC’s SSSA document and provides a real insight into the meaning of the word mentorship, along with practical advice on how to be a practice supervisor.Mike Parker is an Associate Professor in Emergency Nursing at the University of York, UK.This is a real-world book that offers practice supervisors and assessors detailed guidance on their new role within the context of the recent NMC (2018) standards for supervision and assessment of students. It gives information on the background policy to the standards and what is expected of nurses who take on these new roles. The book provides the theoretical base and practical guidance on facilitating good quality learning experiences for students and on teaching, assessment and providing evidence of learning. It is the ideal handbook for nurses since it addresses all the issues that you are likely to encounter whilst supporting students, with an easy reference system and great practical examplesProfessor Fiona Irvine - Emeritus Professor in Nursing, University of BirminghamA book worth recommending and adopting as a core text for modules, especially those in teaching, learning and assessment for new mentors, practice assessors and supervisors. It can be a resource for nurses returning to study, international students and anyone involved in clinical guidance/teaching such as practice education coordinators, facilitators, and nominated persons. It would also be suitable for lecturers delivering core modules for Diploma, Degree, Masters and DissertationsLeontia Hoy - Course Director - Bsc Hons/ Graduate Diploma/ Post Graduate Diploma-- Specialist Practice, School of Nursing, Queens University BelfastThis popular book is an essential companion for supporting and supervising student nurses in clinical practice. The book examines the theory of supervision and the underlying principles of teaching and assessment in nurse education and includes case studies, tools and interventions that can be used in clinical practice. Key areas covered include:•The new NMC standards for supervision and assessment, as well as the history and politics of student nurse mentorship•Effective practice supervision – the role of the supervisor and the practicalities such as the importance of forming effective working relationships and communication skills•Clear guidance on best teaching and assessment practice with practical examples and techniques•An examination the importance and methodology of giving good feedback•Fostering successful placement experiences and supporting a range of students with varying learning needs, including best practice in supporting a struggling studentFully updated in this third edition the book simplifies the theory, delivering practical guidance on best practice in student support and includes insights from students and supervisors.Danny Walsh was a mental health nurse for over 40 years and a senior nurse lecturer for more than 15. He has published widely in the fields of nurse education and dementia care.

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Former CNN/HLN anchor and veteran broadcast journalist Susan Hendricks takes an investigative deep-dive into the still-unsolved double homicide of two teens in Delphi, Indiana-and its lasting impact on the communityOn February 13, 2017, two teenage girls-13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German-decided to enjoy a day off from school by exploring the popular hiking trails near the Monon High Bridge just a few minutes' drive from Libby's home in Delphi, Indiana. Libby's sister, Kelsi, dropped the two girls off at the head of the trail and waved to them as they walked down the path, which was the last time they'd ever be seen alive. Less than 24 hours later, their bodies were found on the north bank of Deer Creek, about a mile from where they were last seen. There were few clues and little to go on in terms of physical evidence, except for the visual and audio remnants of a strange encounter the girls had with a stranger just hours before their disappearance, an encounter unsettling enough that Libby had thought to record it on her cellphone as it unfolded. In the years since the murders were first made public, Libby's audio and video recordings have been released and two very different composite sketches of the suspect have been shown, but local law enforcement remained vague about developments for years-until finally, in October 2022, the long-awaited suspect was arrested and a trial date was set.Longtime anchor and journalist Susan Hendricks was one of the first reporters to cover the case. A broadcast veteran with decades' worth of experience under her belt, she was no stranger when it came to sharing the tragedies of the day with viewers. But there was something about this case that rattled her to her core. A year after the murders, Susan went to Delphi to interview the victims' families for an in-depth special report where Kelsi drove Susan down the same path that she drove her sister down on the last day of her life. Over the years, Susan has built close relationships with family members, and law enforcement officials and armchair detectives alike who are determined to get justice for Abby and Libby.In Down the Hill, Hendricks digs deeper in into the mystery that has captivated our nation for years, exploring the family's enduring resilience and advocacy, as well as the rippling impact the case has had on not just Delphi, but the very heart of the American heartland. As a result, this book is more than just a book about a double homicide; it's about a small town in middle America that's been haunted by an unfathomable act of violence; it's about the ways families and communities cope with grief and move forward after tragedy; it's about the limitations of local law enforcement and the rise of technology in helping to solve cases in new ways. But it's also about compassion, connection, empathy, and resilience-on a very real, very human level.

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Welcome to the Crooner Estate. We know your stay will be deadly fun.A remote hotel. A murder mystery. A missing woman. Everyone has a role to play, but what's real and what's part of the game? Readers love this twisty and fiendishly clever novel, perfect for fans of The Guest List and Knives Out!'This was a really good read with a fantastically creepy atmosphere . . . I really enjoyed it and now I want to take part in a murder mystery at a country hotel' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'This was a brilliantly fun book to read . . . With such an addictive plot you will enjoy this if you're a fan of locked room mysteries!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'Wow, what a book . . . I could not put it down. Would definitely recommend' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'Really great murder mystery . . . With complicated relationships and no-one knowing what is going on, this is an addictive read. A murder mystery weekend like no other!'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'I enjoyed this well plotted and entertaining mystery. There's echo of golden age, Cluedo, and there's a gripping story'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'I loved this book. It is a fun and absorbing drama that kept me entertained. It was a one sit read for me and it worth every minute . . . deliriously creepy'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader reviewPublished in the USA as All Dressed Up.....................................The weekend getaway at the gorgeous manor hotel should have been perfect. But Becca is freshly smarting from her husband Blake's betrayal and knows this is just an expensive attempt at an apology. She may not be ready to forgive him, but the drinks are strong, the estate is stunning, and the weekend has an elaborate 1920s murder mystery theme. She decides to get into the spirit of things and enjoy their stay. What could go wrong?Before long, the game is afoot: famed speakeasy songstress Ida Crooner is found 'murdered', and it's up to the guests to sniff out which of them might be the culprit. Playing the role of Miss Debbie Taunte, an ingenue with a dark past, Becca dives into the world of pun-heavy clues, hammy acting, and secret passages, hoping to at least take her mind off her marital troubles.Then, the morning after they arrive, the actress playing Ida's maid fails to reappear for her role. The game's organizer - that's Miss Ann Thrope to you - assumes the young woman's flakiness is to blame, but when snooping for clues as 'Debbie', Becca finds evidence she may not have left of her own free will. ....................................'Classic Agatha Christie goes meta in this wish-we'd-thought-of-it premise: a real whodunnit set against the backdrop of a 1920s-themed murder mystery weekend. Think Knives Out all dolled up as The Great Gatsby' ELLERY LLOYD'Clue meets Shari Lapena's An Unwanted Guest . . . Such a fun read!' GEORGINA CROSS'Jilly Gagnon's well-crafted maze of clues and shifting realities is the perfect read for fans of Lucy Foley . . . mind-bending fun!' WENDY WALKER'Gagnon invites readers inside one seriously wicked little game with this utterly satisfying mystery' KIERAN SCOTT'I felt as if I was in the middle of a murder-mystery game and playing along with the characters' GEORGINA CROSS

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A heartbreaking, lyrical story for all of those who have fantasised about escaping their daily lives and starting over.Michael Kabongo is a British-Congolese teacher living in London on the cusp of two identities. On paper, he seems to have it all - he's loved by his students, popular with his colleagues, and enjoys the pride of his mother who emigrated from the Congo. But behind closed doors, he's been struggling with the overwhelming sense that he can't improve the injustices he sees - from his efforts to change the lives of his students, to his attempts to transcend the violence that marginalises young Black men around the world.Then Michael suffers a devastating loss, and his life is thrown into a tailspin. As he struggles to find a way forward, memories of his fathers' violent death, the weight of being a refugee, and an increasing sense of dread threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve.Longing to escape the shadows in his mind and start anew, Michael decides to spontaneously pack up and go to America, the mythical 'land of the free,' where he imagines everything will be better, easier - a place where he can become someone new, someone without a past filled with pain. On this transformative journey, Michael travels from New York City to San Francisco, partying with new friends, sparking fleeting romances, and splurging on big adventures.In the back of his mind, Michael has a plan: follow his dreams until the money in his bank account runs out, and then he will decide if his life is truly worth living...Written in spellbinding prose, with Bola's trademark, magnetic storytelling, The Selfless Act of Breathing is a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional novel about mental health, masculinity and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Milk and the works of Derek Owusu.What people are saying about The Selfless Act of Breathing:'Well, wow. The writing in this book was so lyrical and beautiful... I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days... The last page had me on the verge of tears.' NetGalley Reviewer'I knew from the opening that this book was going to break my heart. Breathless and gripping, it is a masterclass in empathy.' Yvonne Battle-Felton'Heartfelt and searing... Devastating and insightful... Readers will be swept up in the sheer beauty of Bola's writing.' The i'Possessed by a daring turn of phrase and at times a beautifully powerful sense of personal poignancy... Should be pushed into the hands of friends accompanied by the question: do you feel this too?' Big Issue'Absolutely stunning.' Elizabeth Day'I loved this book - I lost my whole day reading - just couldn't bear to put it down!' NetGalley Reviewer'Wonderfully tender... Bola's vulnerable, delicate writing conveys so much truth and heart about the quiet pain in our hearts.' Nikesh Shukla'Arresting... Important and emotive... Powerfully raw.' Guardian'A bold work with a broad scope, bravely tackling masculinity, hopelessness and despair with force and directness.' Okechukwu Nzelu'A beautiful, absorbing read. By turns searing and quietly devastating.' Irenosen Okojie'An emotive, brave novel that ultimately holds out the prospect of salvation, without sacrificing any of its power.' Daily Mail'Providing a spark of hope.' Observer'Narrated with haunting lyricism... An intimate journey through the darkest of human impulses to the gleaming flickers of love and radical hope.' Susan Abulhawa'Bola's insightful, intimate and lyrical work has been entrancing readers... Reminiscent of Paul Beatty and Ralph Ellison.' The Bookseller

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A heartbreaking, lyrical story for all of those who have fantasised about escaping their daily lives and starting over.Michael Kabongo is a British-Congolese teacher living in London on the cusp of two identities. On paper, he seems to have it all - he's loved by his students, popular with his colleagues, and enjoys the pride of his mother who emigrated from the Congo. But behind closed doors, he's been struggling with the overwhelming sense that he can't improve the injustices he sees - from his efforts to change the lives of his students, to his attempts to transcend the violence that marginalises young Black men around the world.Then Michael suffers a devastating loss, and his life is thrown into a tailspin. As he struggles to find a way forward, memories of his fathers' violent death, the weight of being a refugee, and an increasing sense of dread threaten everything he's worked so hard to achieve.Longing to escape the shadows in his mind and start anew, Michael decides to spontaneously pack up and go to America, the mythical 'land of the free,' where he imagines everything will be better, easier - a place where he can become someone new, someone without a past filled with pain. On this transformative journey, Michael travels from New York City to San Francisco, partying with new friends, sparking fleeting romances, and splurging on big adventures.In the back of his mind, Michael has a plan: follow his dreams until the money in his bank account runs out, and then he will decide if his life is truly worth living...Written in spellbinding prose, with Bola's trademark, magnetic storytelling, The Selfless Act of Breathing is a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional novel about mental health, masculinity and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Milk and the works of Derek Owusu.What people are saying about The Selfless Act of Breathing:'Well, wow. The writing in this book was so lyrical and beautiful... I really couldn't put this book down and finished it in two days... The last page had me on the verge of tears.' NetGalley Reviewer'I knew from the opening that this book was going to break my heart. Breathless and gripping, it is a masterclass in empathy.' Yvonne Battle-Felton'Heartfelt and searing... Devastating and insightful... Readers will be swept up in the sheer beauty of Bola's writing.' The i'Possessed by a daring turn of phrase and at times a beautifully powerful sense of personal poignancy... Should be pushed into the hands of friends accompanied by the question: do you feel this too?' Big Issue'Absolutely stunning.' Elizabeth Day'I loved this book - I lost my whole day reading - just couldn't bear to put it down!' NetGalley Reviewer'Wonderfully tender... Bola's vulnerable, delicate writing conveys so much truth and heart about the quiet pain in our hearts.' Nikesh Shukla'Arresting... Important and emotive... Powerfully raw.' Guardian'A bold work with a broad scope, bravely tackling masculinity, hopelessness and despair with force and directness.' Okechukwu Nzelu'A beautiful, absorbing read. By turns searing and quietly devastating.' Irenosen Okojie'An emotive, brave novel that ultimately holds out the prospect of salvation, without sacrificing any of its power.' Daily Mail'Providing a spark of hope.' Observer'Narrated with haunting lyricism... An intimate journey through the darkest of human impulses to the gleaming flickers of love and radical hope.' Susan Abulhawa'Bola's insightful, intimate and lyrical work has been entrancing readers... Reminiscent of Paul Beatty and Ralph Ellison.' The Bookseller

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THE NEW MILLY JOHNSON NOVEL, THE HAPPIEST EVER AFTER, IS OUT NOW!'Warm, funny and moving. One to curl up with and devour' Ruth JonesSandwich generation[noun]A generation of people, typically in their thirties or forties, responsible both for bringing up their own children and for the care of their ageing parents. Shay Bastable is the woman in the middle. She is part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children, supporting her husband Bruce, holding them all together and caring for them as best she can. Then the arrival of a large orange skip on her mother’s estate sets in motion a cataclysmic series of events which leads to the collapse of Shay’s world. She is forced to put herself first for a change. But in order to move forward with her present, Shay needs to make sense of her past. And so she returns to the little village she grew up in, to uncover the truth about what happened to her when she was younger. And in doing so, she discovers that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find the only way is up.The perfect novel to curl up with, or to buy for the woman in the middle in your life. Praise for The Woman in the Middle: 'One of those novels that draws you in to its world and makes you wish you could be friends with Shay. So layered and textured and had me frequently shouting ‘noooooo!!!’ when Shay was getting the rough deal yet again, bounced from pillar to post. A really good story that kept me wondering what was at the bottom of it all. A tantalizing juicy tale full of twists and turns that kept me gripped. Warm, funny and moving. One to curl up with and devour' Ruth Jones 'An unputdownable tale of redemption and hard-won wisdom, this is a book that speaks for us all wherever we are in our lives. Milly Johnson always delivers an absolutely cracking read' Katie Fforde ‘The main characters are wise, loveable and so relatable. The humour is down to earth, the emotions are real and the storyline compelling. No one else writes quite like Milly and, with The Woman in the Middle, she has produced yet another winner’’ Jill Mansell 'Written from the heart ... honest, inspirational and great fun ... I loved it' Janie Millman 'This book is delicious. As moreish as a freshly made sandwich, full of your favourite filling. It's well worth the wait and joyous to bite into' Jo Thomas ‘Immensely relatable, tender and wise; Milly’s magic sparkles from every page’ Cathy Bramley ‘A complex family drama with a big heart, a light touch and lots of surprises’ Veronica Henry 'The perfect pick-me-up that you won't be able to put down. I loved it' Matt Dunn 'Milly Johnson gets better and better with every novel she writes'S Magazine 'A heartwarming tale about loss, love and second chances, that many women will relate to' The Sun 'Warm and hugely relatable, this is a must-read' Fabulous Magazine 'This absorbing book reminds us to be honest and true to ourselves' Woman's Weekly 'A brilliant read' Bella 'If you need a page-turner, then look no further. . . Emotional and heartwarming, it’s another gem from Johnson' Heat 'With Milly’s trademark warm wit and wisdom' My Weekly Special

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Collected stories from renowned and emerging voices writing fiction, poetry, and dramatic prose in the aftermath of 9/11 New York is a city of writers. And when the city was attacked on 9/11, its writers began to do what writers do, they began to look and feel and think and write, began to struggle to process an event unimaginable before, and even after, it happened. The work of journalists appeared immediately, in news reports, commentaries, and personal essays. But no single collection has yet recorded how New York writers of fiction, poetry, and dramatic prose have responded to 9/11. Now, in 110 Stories, Ulrich Baer has gathered a multi-hued range of voices that convey, with vivid immediacy and heightened imagination, the shock and loss suffered in September. From a stunning lineup of 110 renowned and emerging writers-including Paul Auster, Lynne Sharon Schwartz, Edwidge Danticat, Vivian Gornick, Phillip Lopate, Dennis Nurkse, Melvin Bukiet, Susan Wheeler-these stories give readers not so much an analysis of what happened as the very shape and texture of a city in crisis, what it felt like to be here, the external and internal damage that the city and its inhabitants absorbed in the space and the aftermath of a few unforgettable hours. As A.M. Homes says in one of the book's eyewitness accounts, "There is no place to put this experience, no folder in the mental hard drive that says, 'catastrophe.' It is not something that you want to remember, not something that you want to forget." This collection testifies to the power of poetry and storytelling to preserve and give meaning to what seems overwhelming. It showcases the literary imagination in its capacity to gauge the impact of 9/11 on how we view the world. Just as the stories of the World Trade towers were filled with people from all walks of life, the stories collected here reflect New York's true diversity, its boundless complexity and polyglot energy, its regenerative imagination, and its spirit of solidarity and endurance. The editor’s proceeds will be donated to charity. Cover art donated by Art Spiegelman. List of Contributors: Humera Afridi, Ammiel Alcalay, Elena Alexander, Meena Alexander, Jeffery Renard Allen, Roberta Allen, Jonathan Ames, Darren Aronofsky, Paul Auster, Jennifer Belle, Jenifer Berman, Charles Bernstein, Star Black, Breyten Breytenbach, Melvin Jules Bukiet, Peter Carey, Lawrence Chua, Ira Cohen, Imraan Coovadia, Edwidge Danticat, Alice Elliot, Eric Darton, Lydia Davis, Samuel R. Delany, Maggie Dubris, Rinde Eckert, Janice Eidus, Masood Farivar, Carolyn Ferrell, Richard Foreman, Deborah Garrison, Amitav Ghosh, James Gibbons, Carol Gilligan, Thea Goodman, Vivian Gornick, Tim Griffin, Lev Grossman, John Guare, Sean Gullette, Jessica Hagedorn, Kimiko Hahn, Nathalie Handal, Carey Harrison, Joshua Henkin, Tony Hiss, David Hollander, A.M. Homes, Richard Howard, Laird Hunt, Siri Hustvedt, John Keene, John Kelly, Wayne Koestenbaum, Richard Kostelanetz, Guy Lesser, Jonathan Lethem, Jocelyn Lieu, Tan Lin, Sam Lipsyte, Phillip Lopate, Karen Malpede, Charles McNulty, Pablo Medina, Ellen Miller, Paul D. Miller/DJ Spooky, Mark Jay, Tova Mirvis, Albert Mobilio, Alex Molot, Mary Morris, Tracie Morris, Anna Moschovakis, Richard Eoin Nash, Josip Novakovich, Dennis Nurkse, Geoffrey O'Brien, Larry O'Connor, Robert Polito, Nelly Reifler, Rose-Myriam Réjouis, Roxana Robinson, Avital Ronell, Daniel Asa Rose, Joe Salvatore, Grace Schulman, Lynne Sharon Schwartz, Dani Shapiro, Akhil Sharma, Suzan Sherman, Jenefer Shute, Hal Sirowitz, Pamela Sneed, Chris Spain, Art Spiegelman, Catharine R. Stimpson, Liz Swados, Lynne Tillman, Mike Topp, David Trinidad, Val Vinokurov, Chuck Wachtel, Mac Wellman, Owen West, Rachel Wetzsteon, Susan Wheeler, Peter Wortsman, John Yau, Christopher Yu.

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"The Goal Is to Teach All Traders to Think with the Mindset of a Successful Trader..." While successful trading requires tremendous skill and knowledge, it begins and ends with mindset. What do exceptional traders think when they purchase a quality stock and the price immediately plummets? How do they keep one bad trade from destroying their confidence - and bankroll? What do they know that the rest of us don't? "Some trades are not worth the risk and should never be done."High Probability Trading" shows you how to trade only when the odds are in your favor. From descriptions of the software and equipment an exceptional trader needs high probability signals that either a top or bottom has been reached, it is today's most complete guidebook to thinking like an exceptional trader - every day, on every trade. "It's not how good you are at one individual thing, but it's the culmination of every aspect of trading that makes one successful."Before he became a successful trader, Marcel Link spent years wading from one system to the next, using trial and error to figure out what worked, what didn't, and why. In "High Probability Trading", Link reveals the steps he took to become a consistent, patient, and winning trader - by learning what to watch for, what to watch out for, and what to do to make each trade a high probability trade. "Why do a select few traders repeatedly make money while the masses lose? What do bad traders do that good traders avoid, and what do winning traders do that is different? Throughout this book I will detail how successful traders behave differently and consistently make money by making high probability trades and avoiding common pitfalls..." - From the preface.Within 6 months of beginning their careers full of promise and hope, most traders are literally out of money and out of trading. "High Probability Trading" reduces the likelihood that you will have to pay this "traders' tuition," by detailing a market-proven program for weathering those first few months and becoming a profitable trader from the beginning.Combining a uniquely blunt look at the realities of trading with examples, charts, and case studies detailing actual hits and misses of both short- and long-term traders, this straightforward guidebook discusses: the 10 consistent attributes of a successful trader, and how to make them work for you; strategies for controlling emotions in the heat of trading battle; technical analysis methods for identifying trends, breakouts, reversals, and more; market-tested signals for consistently improving the timing of entry and exit points; how to "trade the news" - and understand when the market has already discounted it; and learning how to get out of a bad trade before it can hurt you. The best traders enter the markets only when the odds are in their favor. "High Probability Trading" shows you how to know the difference between low and high probability situations, and only trade the latter. It goes far beyond simply pointing out the weaknesses and blind spots that hinder most traders to explaining how those defects can be understood, overcome, and turned to each trader's advantage. While it is a cliche, it is also true that there are no bad traders, only bad trades. Let "High Probability Trading" show you how to weed the bad trades from your trading day by helping you see them before they occur.Packed with charts, trading tips, and questions traders should be asking themselves, plus real examples of traders in every market situation, this powerful book will first give you the knowledge and tools you need to tame the markets and then show you how to meld them seamlessly into a customized trading program - one that will help you join the ranks of elite traders and increase your probability of success on every trade.

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A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and THE TIMES MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023. The exhilarating and startlingly honest autobiography of the living legend.'Over almost a thousand pages, the diva to end them all documents her rise to the top and the tears and joys that went with it … What really brings this alive is Barbra Streisand’s admission of the insecurity that drives her.' The Times'Exhilarating … leaves blood on the page … My Name Is Barbra is 992 pages of startling honesty and self-reflection, deadpan parenthetical asides, encyclopedic recall of onstage outfits, and rigorous analyses of her films' Vanity Fair'I have been patiently waiting for Barbra Streisand’s autobiography for 54 years….My Name is Barbra is a Streisand obsessive’s dream come true. It addresses all the rumours and misrepresentations of her long and extraordinary life, from nearly missing out on A Star is Born to dating Pierre Trudeau, Omar Sharif and Marlon Brando. The wait has been worth every word!' – Richard E Grant, Sunday Times‘The mother of all memoirs’ New Yorker‘A brilliant memoir’ Hillary Clinton‘Glorious, exuberant, chatty and candid, a 970-page victory lap past all who ever doubted, diminished or dissed her . . . generous dollops of chutzpah … Nobody puts Barbra in the corner’ New York Times‘Mystical, messy, bawdy and funny … My Name is Barbra confides her insecurities and a ravening hunger for fame … silent but eloquent and vociferous writing' Peter Conrad, The Observer‘At heart this is a story so bursting with life, fury, unbelievable ambition and food (Streisand loves to eat) that you come away from it exhausted but smiling … hear hear!’ The Guardian‘This enormous, poignant memoir from the ultimate showbusiness trouper shows that you can never have it all (even if you’re Barbra). The writing is great and the likeable formidable personality shines through . . . deeper than the average celebrity memoir’ The Times‘A glorious doorstopper… the sheer ambition of this intricately woven memoir makes it a fascinating read. The delicate pages bring to mind a Russian novel or, perhaps more appropriately for the many who view Streisand as akin to a deity, a bible. And yet, Streisand writes relatively succinctly, with warmth and wit. Behind the sequins, beneath the wigs and through the glass of the recording studio, there’s just a woman who dreamed of being famous and make it happen, on her terms. It’s an accomplished and entrancing walk through a life well lived’ Evening Standard‘No less than a living legend … Streisand’s story is truly inspirational and it’s one that you’ll want to pick up again and again’ GlamourBarbra Streisand is by any account a living legend, a woman who in a career spanning six decades has excelled in every area of entertainment. She is among the handful of EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) and has one of the greatest and most recognisable voices in popular music. She has been nominated for a Grammy 46 times, and with Yentl she became the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major motion picture. In My Name Is Barbra, she tells her own story about her life and extraordinary career, from growing up in Brooklyn to her first star-making appearances in New York nightclubs to her breakout performance in Funny Girl (musical and film) to the long string of successes in every medium in the years that followed. She recounts her early struggles to become an actress, eventually turning to singing to earn a living; the recording of some of her acclaimed albums; the years of effort involved in making Yentl; her direction of The Prince of Tides; her friendships with figures ranging from Marlon Brando to Madeleine Albright; her political advocacy; and the fulfillment she's found in her marriage to James Brolin. No entertainer's memoir has been more anticipated than Barbra Streisand's, and this engrossing book will be eagerly welcomed by her millions of fans. ST Bestseller, November 2024.

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Sarah Calhoun has taken her father’s throne and ascended into her goddess’s presence in Unfallen Eden as her father never did. And Sarah Calhoun is dying. Her uncle Thomas Penn isn’t done with her. Armed with new powers conferred upon him by the Necromancer and with new allies won via his impending marriage, Penn aims to remove Sarah from her throne—and from the world of the living. In the meantime, Sarah has fallen out with one of her best allies. Against Sarah’s advice, her brother Nathaniel heads into Imperial Philadelphia with the reckless and likely impossible aim of healing the Emperor Thomas. On the shores of the northern seas, agents of Franklin’s Conventicle with an unlikely connection to the Emperor struggle to win allies among the pole-dwelling giants, who are torn between seizing land covertly from the Firstborn of the Ohio and entering the war openly on the side of Simon Sword. In the west, the Heron King rides an explosive storm into war, crushing the mortal kingdoms in his path and bearing down on Sarah’s Cahokia.To survive—and to gain the strength she needs to fight this impossible war—Sarah must unite the Moundbuilder kings to enact an ancient rite that will propel her beyond mortality. To do so, she must not only win over doubters among the Firstborn kings, but she must also beat back a rebellion among the Handmaids of her goddess—for there are some of the goddess’s priestesses who long for the dark days of human sacrifice, and who are willing to throw Sarah herself upon the altar.Praise for Witchy Winter:“Butler follows Witchy Eye with a satisfying second tale of a magic-filled early America. . . . Deep and old magic influences both places and characters, and the story is tightly focused on the determined Sarah . . . Fans of epic and alternate historical fantasy will savor this tale of witchery and intrigue.”—Publishers Weekly"For readers who love history-based fantasy, steampunk, or urban fantasy . . . this series that gives the genre a new twist."—BooklistPraise for Witchy Eye and D.J. Butler:“ . . . you can’t stop yourself from taking another bite . . . and another . . . and another . . . I didn’t want to stop reading . . . Kudos!”—R.A. Salvatore“Excellent book. I am impressed by the creativity and the depth of the world building. Dave Butler is a great storyteller.”—Larry Correia “Witchy Eye is an intricate and imaginative alternate history with a cast of characters and quirky situations that would make a Dickens novel proud.” —Kevin J. Anderson "Butler’s fantasy is by turns sardonic and lighthearted; ghoulish shadows claw into the most remote areas and heroism bursts out of the most unlikely people. Sarah is the epitome of the downtrodden hero who refuses to give up until she gets what she needs, and her story will appeal to fantasy readers of all stripes."—Publishers Weekly"David's a pro storyteller, and you're in for a great ride."—Larry Dixon" . . . a fascinating, grittily-flavored world of living legends. Hurry up and write the next one, Dave."—Cat Rambo"This is enchanting! I'd love to see more."—Mercedes Lackey “Goblin Market meets Magical Musketpunk . . . A great ride that also manages to cover some serious cultural terrain.” —Charles E. Gannon"Witchy Eye is a brilliant blend of historical acumen and imagination, a tour-de-force that is at once full of surprises and ultimately heart-warming. This is your chance to discover one of the finest new stars writing today!"—David Farland“A gritty, engrossing mash-up of history, fantasy, and magic. Desperate characters careen from plot twist to plot twist until few are left standing.”—Mario Acevedo"Captivating characters. Superb world-building. Awesome magic. Butler fuses fantasy and history effortlessly, creating a fascinating new American epic. Not to be missed!"—Christopher Husberg"[A] unique alternative-history that is heavily influence by urban and traditional fantasy and steeped in the folklore of the Appalachians. . . . Fans of urban fantasy looking to take a chance on something with a twist on a historical setting may find this novel worth their time."—Booklist

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ONE FAMILY’S REVOLT AGAINST EVERYDAY POLLUTION When a beanbag sent thousands of polystyrene balls flying through her garden, Kate Hughes decided to make a break with the throwaway society. She and her husband transformed the lives of their ordinary family of four. They ditched plastic, shunned supermarkets, cooked all meals from scratch, bought only second-hand clothes, and made their own cleaning agents. Then they went deeper – greening every aspect of their home life, from their gas and electricity to their car, from their money to their IT. The Hugheses have achieved the ‘zero waste’ goal of sending nothing to landfill. Now they are going even further… Told with refreshing humility and humour, this eye-opening story shows that a well-lived life doesn’t have to come wrapped in plastic. Packed with handy tips, it reveals much about what makes a fulfilling modern family – and how readers can empower themselves to preserve the climate, forests and seas. And, heart-warmingly, how that can lead to a more relaxing life. Extract Cooking our own meals Wrestling out of the firm grip of the supermarkets has had other, unexpected benefits, too. It’s undoubtedly cheaper to cook from scratch, especially if you can batch cook and fill every available space in your oven to reduce energy costs. The need to become the more organised, list-writing type of shoppers has also helped dramatically cut our food waste. We’re lucky that we can and do buy our raw ingredients from small, independent retailers that source from nearby suppliers and growers and pass on our questions about sustainability, sometimes even with enthusiasm. But what we hadn’t anticipated were the indirect effects of a brand vacuum. If you ever pop round to ours and start randomly opening our kitchen cupboards, fridge or freezer they would probably remind you of a blind taste test or an episode of the BBC’s Eat Well for Less. There’s definitely food in there, but it’s all in label-less jars, paper bags or sometimes even sacks for bulk items like bread flour and oats. At first, visitors find the lack of familiar packaging quite unsettling. We get a lot of questions that start: ‘Is this proper/real/like…?’ as guests hold jars up to the light with badly disguised scepticism. On the plus side, our children now have zero pester power. We don’t need to navigate the snack shuffle at the supermarket checkout because they have no hope of deploying the ‘It’s not the one I like’ argument at mealtimes. Nor, for that matter, have the adults. ... But we were starting to realise that making the journey was leading to more questions than answers, more grey areas, misinformation and conflicts of interest than we ever imagined – and that was just about food. We hadn’t even got started on anything else that came into our home yet. Take a single, uncontroversial ingredient, let’s say peppers. Should we buy them grown in a UK hothouse or ones trucked in from Spain? What if the Spanish ones are organic? Or the only UK option is wrapped in plastic? Which is better for the environment? Or at least less harmful? If we ever want to eat peppers again without negatively impacting the planet in some way are we going to have to grow our own? Because self-sufficiency wasn’t really part of the plan.... All we could do was dive in and hope we didn’t drown in the detail as we swam around looking for food that worked for us and the planet. We started with the problem of transport because food mileage was a well established measure that meant we could actually make some decisions based on numbers for once. Or, at least, we thought we could. Three quarters of all the fruit and veg now eaten in the UK is imported. Almost all the fruit we eat has been grown overseas, and soft fruit in particular is flown in. It turns out that the UK only produces half of all the food that is consumed on these shores – which is somewhat patriotically disconcerting as well as practically unsustainable. Global sourcing is not a new approach to feeding a nation. One of our family stories is the recollection of the first banana my great uncle ever tasted after the Second World War, shipped from the other side of the world and unloaded onto the Liverpool docks. We were very aware that bananas came from overseas. But the fact that such a vast proportion of the apples eaten in Britain are imported from South Africa, or at best France, when the fruit grows very well in the miles of orchards you can see from the motorway near our house seemed to be absurd. The obvious solution appeared to be only to buy food produced not just in the UK but as close to our immediate vicinity as possible. That immediately threw up two questions. The first we were becoming increasingly familiar with. Were we really prepared to give up things we took great pleasure in for the sake of an unquantifiable, but undoubtedly minuscule effect? Or even just to settle for not adding to the runaway levels of damage that our disconnected food shop was causing each and every day? We are children of the 90s. We grew up safe in the knowledge that the world’s produce was at our fingertips at any time of the year. When we were kids, cuisine was regularly valued on the exoticism of its ingredients. Even if your palate was resolutely British, a Sunday roast at an ageing auntie’s always included the smug mention that the family was consuming lamb imported from the other side of the world. Even in our twenties, the craze for exotic bottled water shipped, plastic encased, in vast quantities from tropical islands thousands of miles away, packed a serious economic punch. And then there’s the avocado – a native of Mexico and now all but a dictionary definition of the British Millennial. We had come of age and then brought our children into the world on the assumption that it was normal to buy exotic food cheaply all year round. Things were clearly going to have to change, starting with my obsession with avocado on toast. But the second question was whether a straightforward food mile approach was even a worthwhile aim. When I put the question of food miles to Riverford Organic Farmers, the sustainably produced veg box people, they told me that for most of the year our carbon impact would be smaller if we bought organic tomatoes trucked in from Spain than those heated thanks to fossil fuels in a UK hothouse. That means the answer has to be to eat food grown in the UK at the time of year it is traditionally produced. We finally arrived at a robust solution – seasonal, native eating. Buy the book to find out how they tackled this!

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