Search results for ""Author Sam"

‘Tell Mum I miss her’ Bodyguard Sam Wylde has had her British licence revoked. She is now operating in Europe, running security on a swanky motor yacht during the Historic Grand Prix race. And at the same time she trawls for news of her ex-husband and daughter. In fact, the owner of the boat is bankrupt and the bank wants the multi-million-dollar vessel back. Sam is in the middle of a very dangerous situation that is rapidly escalating out of control. Alongside her partner Konrad, Sam has to fight enemies on all fronts. But will they even find themselves on opposite sides when it comes to the final showdown?Nobody Gets Hurt. If only that were true. Praise for RJ Bailey: 'I loved Safe From Harm,a thriller that had me in a choke-hold from its great opening line to the white-knuckle climax. Sam Wylde is a hero for our times' Tony Parsons, author of The Murder Bag 'Claustrophobic, compelling and completely gripping' Robert Elms 'A heroine with an attractive combination of domestic angst, kick-ass action and distinctly unladylike vocabulary. Pulse-quickening fun’ Sunday Times ‘Star Pick’ ‘A brilliant action packed thriller’ Goodreads 5* review

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Part of Rigby Star Guided series this is the only programme built specifically for guided reading. Its rich, multi-layered stories and non-fiction texts by top quality authors and illustrators are guarantreed to captivate children and facilitate discussion.

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“American Time Bomb is a vital read for this moment. ” —Heather Ann Thompson, author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy Few stories are more central to understanding our history of racially biased incarceration and violent social activism than the life of Sam Melville. Melville was both reviled and admired as one of the most feared radicals in post–World War II history. His importance in the 1960s is widely recognized by historians and scholars as epitomizing the controversies, the promise, and the problems of the New Left. This memoir by Melville’s son opens a window into the personal life of a legend, revealing the universal and all-too-human foibles motivating those driven to make change through violence. In the current political climate, at the fiftieth anniversary of the Attica Uprising, this nation grows increasingly interested in the racially biased incarceration and violent social activism that has shaped our nation. There are few stories more central to both subjects than the life of Sam Melville, who was often called “the Mad Bomber.” American Time Bomb is a son's personal portrait based on years of investigation of Melville's story and the history he helped to create.Joshua Melville’s personal connection to the story gives a gut-wrenching multigenerational tale of childhood abandonment but also adds a compelling historical study of politics, history, and issues of social justice.

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It's world history. But not as we know it.c.1000AD: Erik the Red's daughter heads south from Greenland1492: Columbus does not discover America1531: the Incas invade EuropeFreydis is the leader of a band of Viking warriors who get as far as Panama. Nobody knows what became of them. Five hundred years later, Christopher Columbus is sailing for the Americas, dreaming of gold and conquest. Even when captured, his faith in his mission is unshaken. Thirty years after that, Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor, arrives in a Europe ready for revolution. Fortunately, he has a recent guidebook to acquiring power - Machiavelli's The Prince. So, the stage is set for a Europe ruled by Incas and, when the Aztecs arrive on the scene, for a great war that will change history forever.'Binet's best book yet: the work of a major writer just hitting his stride. A delightful counterfactual novel' ***** - Daily Telegraph

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'Remarkable' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters' Street A stunning novel about a childhood friendship rocked by hidden secrets, from a star of Ghanaian writing Growing up in the same Ghanaian town, Selasi and Akorfa are more than just cousins – they're best friends. The girls share everything: whispered late-night conversations, dreams for the future, secrets. But as they enter their teens, Selasi begins to change, building a wall around herself designed to keep everyone away. Soon, Akorfa no longer recognises her sullen, withdrawn cousin. It will take many years for their paths to cross again. Their lives may have drifted in different directions, but Selasi and Akorfa haven't forgotten the closeness they once shared. Akorfa now works in international development as she navigates the challenges of life as a Black woman and mother in the US; Selasi is a successful restaurateur running the hottest spot in Accra. And when an incident at her restaurant puts Selasi in danger, the women must overcome their differences and face the truth of what happened all those years ago, even if others would prefer them to remain silent. Nightbloom is an irresistible story about female friendship, about the relationships that shape us and the people we never quite leave behind. 'I was hooked on Peace's writing! I found Nightbloom a blistering story, written with razor sharp precision.' Huma Qureshi, author of Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love

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'Remarkable' Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters' Street A stunning novel about a childhood friendship rocked by hidden secrets, from a star of Ghanaian writing Growing up in the same Ghanaian town, Selasi and Akorfa are more than just cousins – they're best friends. The girls share everything: whispered late-night conversations, dreams for the future, secrets. But as they enter their teens, Selasi begins to change, building a wall around herself designed to keep everyone away. Soon, Akorfa no longer recognises her sullen, withdrawn cousin. It will take many years for their paths to cross again. Their lives may have drifted in different directions, but Selasi and Akorfa haven't forgotten the closeness they once shared. Akorfa now works in international development as she navigates the challenges of life as a Black woman and mother in the US; Selasi is a successful restaurateur running the hottest spot in Accra. And when an incident at her restaurant puts Selasi in danger, the women must overcome their differences and face the truth of what happened all those years ago, even if others would prefer them to remain silent. Nightbloom is an irresistible story about female friendship, about the relationships that shape us and the people we never quite leave behind. 'I was hooked on Peace's writing! I found Nightbloom a blistering story, written with razor sharp precision.' Huma Qureshi, author of Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love

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'Pure summer sunshine' BETH O'LEARY'Everything I want in a summer romance' CARLEY FORTUNE'A delicious escape' CLARE POOLEYOn paper, Sam's life is on track. She has the perfect fiancé, a stable job, and has returned home to pick out a wedding venue near her family's Long Island beach house. The last person she expects to see is Wyatt: her first love, and the man who broke her heart. As their irresistible spark comes rushing back, so do the memories of long nights spent in the treehouse - and of the summer that changed everything.As Sam starts to remember the girl she used to be, she must decide: is the life she's created the one she wants? ***Readers love SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER . . .'The best kind of beach read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Addictive' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'Utterly intoxicating' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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Eastern North America is one of the richest foraging landscapes in the world, with a wild abundance of fruits, berries, nuts, roots, tubers, shoots, flowers, seeds, and leafy greens. This guide is the key to unlocking the nutritional and culinary secrets of the natural bounty around us. As the most comprehensive regional guide ever written, it contains detailed descriptions, range maps, and sharp color photos of 675 edible species as well as some of our most troublesome toxic plants. Sam Thayer’s Field Guide pioneers a novel identification system using everyday language accessible to beginning and advanced foragers alike, designed to stand alone or work with phone-based identification apps to confirm positive ID before a plant is eaten. Readers will also learn about the plant’s habitat, conservation, edible parts, seasons of harvest, and methods of preparation. Destined to become the new standard in foraging field guides.

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Offered as a collection for the first time ever, Scott Cunningham's essays, spells, and rituals - originally published in the first editions of "Llewellyn's Magical Almanac" - grace this book of magical writings penned in the early 1990s. New and long-time fans of Cunningham will delight in the author's timeless wisdom on perennially popular topics such as the sabbats, Hawaiian magic, magical gardening, protection magic, bird charms, moon spells, yule trees, herbal remedies, and ancient Greek oracles. Nearly two decades after his passing, Scott Cunningham is still an iconic and revered figure in the magical community. His classic writings continue to inspire those on the path.

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Sam Taplin (Author) Sam Taplin grew up in a beautiful valley in Yorkshire, where he dreamed of being a writer, and after three years reading other people's books at university he started writing his own for Usborne. He's been doing it ever since. When he's not writing about lonely rabbits or inquisitive bears, he likes doing card tricks, writing songs and playing long games of chess by the fire.

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The ADDIE process is past its prime. It was developed long before Agile and other iterative processes that have introduced greater efficiencies in design and development, fostered more creativity, and addressed effective stakeholder involvement. Leaving ADDIE for SAM introduces two new concepts—SAM, the Successive Approximation Model, and the Savvy Start. Together, they incorporate contemporary design and development processes that simplify instructional design and development, yielding more energetic and effective learning experiences. This book is a must-read for all learning professionals who have a desire to let go of outdated methodologies and start creating better, faster training products today.

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Accompanying photocopiable activities covering reading, writing, blending and games for Phonic Books Dandelion Readers Set 1 Units 1-10 Sam (Alphabet Code Blending 4 and 5 Sound Words).

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A Cat Named Sam is Ready for the Holidays—Or is He??It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Unless you’re A Cat Named Sam. Scaredy-cat Sam wants to enjoy the Christmas season, but Liza’s plans for Christmas Eve dinner have spoiled his holiday cheer. Join Sam on this adventure and find out why it is so important to listen closely to others.If you love kittens, then you’ll love the adorable Cat Named Sam who takes us on a journey throughout his festive house. Cuddle up with your kids and your pets this holiday season and read A Cat Named Sam! If you’ve read Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party, Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day Is Cool, or Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn, then you’ll love A Cat Named Sam.

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This volume, edited from the proceedings of a unique conference held at Sam Houston State University, offers the reader an independent Texas-style celebration of Medieval and Renaissance culture and thought. In the opening article, Richard North reveals some ways in which medieval literature pioneered the modern novel. The following essays, drawing from philosophy, literature, music, art, architecture, history, and linguistics, include studies of the portrayal of women in medieval literature and art; discussions surrounding the hero of Paradise Lost; explorations into the thought of Thomas Aquinas; explications of linguistic puzzles in Beowulf; analyses of Shakespeare’s plays; considerations of renaissance architecture and instrumental music; and an investigation into the influence of rhetoric on musical composition.

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Sam the squirrel has seen a juicy looking nut at the top of a tree, but when he tries to knock it down, it falls to the ground and into the paws of a cat and a dog. Will he ever get his nut back? Beautiful illustrations by Giuditta Gaviraghi accompany this story. This is a Pink/1B book in the Collins Big Cat reading programme. It’s a simple story of fiction, with a familiar setting for early readers. A story map on pages 14-15 helps children recap important events of the narrative and provides a wealth of speaking and listening opportunities. The focus phonemes in this story are s, a, t, i, p, n, m, c, g, k, ck, d, e, o, u. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader. Sam and the Nut is one of the top 10 books found to be ‘easiest’ to read – most accessible and appropriate for the reading level – in the 2019 What Kids are Reading report from Renaissance Learning. Other top 10 ‘easiest’ books to read from the report include Bad Bat (9780007412891), No, Sid, No! (9780007421923), The Magic Egg (9780007329182), Best Bird (9780007412853), Cat and Dog in a Mess (9780007235827), Get Fit (9780007421961) and Got It! (9780007421930).

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With Artist as Author, Christa Noel Robbins provides the first extended study of authorship in mid-20th century abstract painting in the US. Taking a close look at this influential period of art history, Robbins describes how artists and critics used the medium of painting to advance their own claims about the role that they believed authorship should play in dictating the value, significance, and social impact of the art object. Robbins tracks the subject across two definitive periods: the “New York School” as it was consolidated in the 1950s and “Post Painterly Abstraction” in the 1960s. Through many deep dives into key artist archives, Robbins brings to the page the minds and voices of painters Arshile Gorky, Jack Tworkov, Helen Frankenthaler, Kenneth Noland, Sam Gilliam, and Agnes Martin along with those of critics such as Harold Rosenberg and Rosalind Krauss. While these are all important characters in the polemical histories of American modernism, this is the first time they are placed together in a single study and treated with equal measure, as peers participating in the shared late modernist moment.

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In this compelling study, Rena Steinzor highlights the ways in which the government, over the past twenty years, has failed to protect children from harm caused by toxic chemicals. She believes these failures—under-funding, excessive and misguided use of cost/benefit analysis, distortion of science, and devolution of regulatory authority—have produced a situation in which harm that could be reduced or eliminated instead persists. Steinzor states that, as a society, we are neglecting our children's health to an extent that we would find unthinkable as individual parents, primarily due to the erosion of the government's role in protecting public health and the environment. At this pace, she asserts, our children will inherit a planet under grave threat. We can arrest these developments if a critical mass of Americans become convinced that these problems are urgent and the solutions are near at hand. By focusing on three specific case studies—mercury contamination through the human food chain, perchlorate (rocket fuel) in drinking water, and the effects of ozone (smog) on children playing outdoors—Steinzor creates an analysis grounded in law, economics, and science to prove her assertions about the existing dysfunctional system. Steinzor then recommends a concise and realistic series of reforms that could reverse these detrimental trends and serve as a blueprint for restoring effective governmental intervention. She argues that these recommendations offer enough material to guide government officials and advocacy groups toward prompt implementation, for the sake of America's—and the world's—future generations.

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King of the Lobby tells the story of how one man harnessed delicious food, fine wine, and good conversation to the task of becoming the most influential lobbyist of the Gilded Age. Sam Ward was a colorful character. Scion of an old and honorable family, best friend of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and charming man-about-Washington, Ward held his own in an era crowded with larger-than-life personalities. Living by the motto that the shortest route between a pending bill and a congressman's "aye" was through his stomach, Ward elegantly entertained political elites in return for their votes. At a time when waves of scandal washed over Washington, the popular press railed against the wickedness of the lobby, and self-righteous politicians predicted that special interests would cause the downfall of democratic government, Sam Ward still reigned supreme. By the early 1870s, he had earned the title "King of the Lobby" and jokingly referred to himself as "Rex Vestiari." Ward cultivated a style of lobbying that survives today in the form of expensive golf outings, extravagant dinners, and luxurious vacations. Kathryn Allamong Jacob's engaging account shows how the "king" earned his crown through cookery and conversation and how this son of wealth and privilege helped to create a questionable profession in a city that then, as now, rested on power and influence.

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In 1932, 60 percent of Washington State voters approved a state income tax. Within less than a year, the measure was struck down as unconstitutional by the state supreme court. Over half a century later, Washington remains one of only eight states without a state income tax. Yet Washington’s conflicts and solutions were by no means unique. Through an examination of how Washingtonians reacted to federal tax policy, responded to national debates over tax issues, and opted for particular forms of taxation for themselves and their property, Phil Roberts elucidates the larger patterns of evolving tax policy in the United States. A Penny for the Governor, a Dollar for Uncle Sam explores the complex mix of factors underlying tax decisions and demonstrates how taxation politics influenced (and were influenced by) broader economic and cultural forces from the days of Lincoln to the New Deal. Tax systems are shaped by assumptions about economic development, social responsibility, and government influence, as well as cultural outlooks and political philosophies. This inquiry into the connections between politics and tax policy in the Pacific Northwest contributes to an understanding of the priorities that society holds about the place of government in relation to other institutions, the role government should play in the economic lives of its citizens, and t he relative influence of interest groups on the political process over time. A Penny for the Governor, a Dollar for Uncle Sam demonstrates the roles of governors, legislatures, courts, and average citizens in determining how income taxes were applied or resisted in the Northwest, and the important factors of class and geography in influencing taxation politics. The public debates on the subject are revealing of the role played by urban-rural conflicts in that most fundamental of political issues: taxes -- who decides, who pays, and how much.

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A wonderfully murky, carnivalesque world of intrigue, unexpected friendships and mysteries solved.Sheba the wolf girl joins an unusual troupe of performers that includes Pyewacket, a witch's imp; Gigantus the giant and Sister Moon, a knife thrower. For the first time in her life she feels she might make true friends, and learn a real stage craft. But soon that's not all she has to think about . . .Children are being sucked into the Thames and there have been strange sightings of a mechanical monster. The carnival troupe know first-hand that looks only tell half a story - they become determined to find these forgotten children. Perhaps they will unravel the mystery that has defied even the law!Illustrated with black and white artwork from superstar illustrator, Sam Usher, and the first in a brand new series!'Thrilling, original, full of zest and wit.' The London Times'An atmospheric and exciting read.' BookTrust'A page-turning adventure.' The Daily Mirror

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22 September, 2002 is a date engrained in the mind of every Armagh fan. At Croke Park for the first time ever, the Sam Maguire was lifted in front of a sea of orange and white and the celebrations continued for months. Twenty years on, the story of that famous day is revisited and examined and the reasons for their ascent are detailed by those at the heart of the journey. Orchard stars, fans and opponents all contribute to paint a vivid picture of the day that Armagh were Kings for a Day. Kings for a Day is a book to celebrate that success but also to give readers a new and exciting insight on what exactly happened inside the tight-knit dressing room that took Armagh from also-rans to All-Ireland champions.

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*** CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS AUTHOR OF THE YEAR 2022***THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GROWN UPS, MARIAN KEYES'JUST BRILLIANT' SUNDAY TIMES___________'Myself and Hugh . . . We're taking a break.''A city-with-fancy-food sort of break?'If only.Amy's husband Hugh says he isn't leaving her.He still loves her, he's just taking a break - from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together.Six months in South-East Asia. And nothing she says can stop him.But when does a break become a break-up?A lot can happen in six months. And it's enough to send Amy and her family of gossips, misfits and troublemakers teetering over the edge.When Hugh returns, if he returns, will he be the same man she married?Will Amy be the same woman?Because if Hugh is on a break from their marriage, then . . . isn't she on one too?_____________'Mercilessly funny' The Times'I laughed . . . I cried' Daily Mail'Full of darkness and light, this is Keyes at her classic and most brilliant best' RedSHORTLISTED FOR A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

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Brightly illustrated early reading books by top authors and illustrators, perfect for newly independent readers.

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Author Under Sail offers the first complete literary biography of Jack London as a professional writer. Jay Williams examines the authorial imagination in London’s work, the use of imagination in both his fiction and nonfiction, and the ways he defined imagination in the creative process in his business dealings with his publishers, editors, and agents. In this first volume of a three-volume biography, Williams traverses the years 1893 to 1902, from London’s “Story of a Typhoon” to The People of the Abyss. The Jack London who emerges in the pages of Author Under Sail is a writer whose partnership with publishers, most notably his productive alliance with George Brett of Macmillan, was one of the most formative in American literary history. London pioneered many author models during the heyday of realism and naturalism, blurring the boundaries of these popular genres by focusing on theatricality and the representation of the seen and the unseen.Author Under Sail is a literary tour de force that reveals the full range of London as writer, creative citizen, and entrepreneur at the same time it sheds light on the maverick side of machine-age literature.

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Make your foray into successive approximations successful and as easy as possible.In the 2012 bestseller, Leaving ADDIE for SAM, learning professionals were introduced to the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) and the Savvy Start—the key to a successful project kick-off. Together, these concepts incorporate contemporary Agile processes that simplify design and development, yielding more energetic and effective learning experiences. This companion Field Guide provides the job aids, tools, and templates you need to put the SAM methodology in motion and take your ISD practice to new heights. Complete with a foreword by Michael Allen, this book is an essential resource to create better, faster training products and “move the needle” on current training efforts.In this book, you will:• Apply the principles and concepts behind Leaving ADDIE for SAM.• Update your training products with these contemporary, Agile design processes.• Use the job aids, tools, and templates provided to work on actual projects.

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**Pre-order Katie Marsh's emotional new love story Unbreak Your Heart** 'I laughed, I identified, I shed a tear. A lovely story that deserves to fly. I loved it.' Amanda Jennings'Vividly written and packed with emotional punches The Rest Of Me is devastating yet uplifting.' Daily Express*******Alex Fox knows there are lots of things she should be. She should be the perfect wife to her chronically ill husband Sam, and the perfect mother to their two daughters. She should be excelling in her high-stress job. And she should be completing the demanding to-do lists she makes to keep herself on track. Even if, just sometimes, she doesn't have time to breathe.When Sam's condition worsens and Alex donates a kidney to save his life, her carefully scheduled existence starts to unravel - eventually forcing her to face up to a past that she has buried for years.As the family she has fought so hard for threatens to fall apart, can Alex finally confront the mistakes that have shaped her - and rediscover what is most important in life?***The Rest of Me is an emotional and uplifting story which will make you laugh, cry and hug the people you love a little bit tighter. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Lucy Dillon and Amanda Prowse. Readers and authors can't stop praising The Rest of Me:'Reading The Rest of Me felt like the equivalent of watching back-to-back episodes of Cold Feet - funny, heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining. A joyous, page-turning read.' Fiona Mitchell'A deeply emotional and utterly relatable tale of family life and modern motherhood. I fell quite in love with Alex and her family, and loved every word of this beautifully written book.' Kelly Rimmer'This heart-wrenching tale was one of the best I've come across. A beautiful book, an un-put-downable one, which will stay with me awhile.' Goodreads, 5 stars'Sensitive and thought-provoking... I adored it' - Netgalley, 5 stars'This book is amazing from the start...beautifully written with real life issues that I could relate to. I definitely recommend this is a top read.' - Netgalley, 5 stars'Katie's best book yet - I absolutely LOVED it!' - Goodreads, 5 stars'A proper tear jerker. [It] showed that family, love and pulling together in times of trouble really does help you pull through almost any crisis. Tissues needed throughout.' - Amazon, 5 stars'A really engaging and emotive book, which kept me hooked. Highly recommended read.' - Netgalley, 5 stars'Another excellent book from Katie Marsh. A thought-provoking and emotional read. Thoroughly recommended.' Netgalley, 5 stars'An uplifting book which had me gripped throughout' - Netgalley

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Age 5+ Sam is an eccentric old sailor who lives alone in an old tramcar by the sea. He loves scouring the beach for treasures. One morning after a big storm, he finds a small dog among the debris washed up by the sea, and the fluffy little fella is only just alive. Sam rescues him and nurses him back to health, and an enduring friendship forms between the lonely old man and the abandoned dog.

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YOU CAN RUN Sam Wylde is a Close Protection Officer to the rich and powerful. In a world dominated by men, being a woman has been an advantage. And she is the best in the business at what she does.YOU CAN HIDE She takes a job protecting the daughter of the Sharifs – Pakistani textile tycoons – but she realises that there is more to their organisation than meets the eye and suddenly she finds herself in danger.BUT ONLY ONE PERSON WILL KEEP YOU SAFE FROM HARM Now she is trapped underground, with no light, no signal and no escape. Dangerous men are coming to hurt her, and the young charge she is meant to be protecting. With time running out, can she channel everything she knows to keep them safe from harm…?

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Three gorgeous puppy stories to treasure in one book, from best-selling author Holly Webb. Holly Webb's Puppy Tales includes Alfie all Alone, Sam the Stolen Puppy and Max the Missing Puppy. This lovely collection would make a fantastic birthday present for any little girl who loves puppies and any Holly Webb fan.Alfie all Alone: Evie loves her new puppy Alfie, but when her baby brother arrives, everyone is really busy. Soon Alfie finds himself unwanted and all alone… Max the Missing Puppy: Molly is so excited to get Max, a beautiful Old English Sheepdog puppy. Molly has to go to school, though, and one day Max misses her so much, he sets off to find her, with dangerous consequences.Sam the Stolen Puppy: Sam, a golden Labrador puppy, is Emily's best present ever! Then one day Sam is stolen from the back garden. Emily is sure there's something going on – and she'll do whatever it takes to find her beloved pup.Holly Webb's Animal Stories have sold over a million copies in the UK. From stolen kittens to lost puppies and runaways, Holly's tales of puppies and kittens have won her legions of fans. The perfect series for animal lovers aged six and up.

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A true story of innovation that “reads like a movie” (Seth Godin), centered on a scrappy team of engineers—far from the Silicon Valley limelight—and their quest to revolutionize the traditional trade of masonry by building a robot that can lay bricks.Humans have landed men on the moon, programmed cars to drive themselves, and put the knowledge of our entire civilization in your back pocket. But no one—from MIT nerds to Army Corps engineers—has ever built a robot that can lay bricks as well as a mason. Unlike the controlled conditions of a factory line, where robots are now ubiquitous, no two construction sites are alike, and a day’s work involves countless variables—bricks that range in size and quality, temperamental mortar mixes, uneven terrain, fickle weather, and moody foremen. Twenty-five years ago, on a challenging construction job in Syracuse, architect Nate Podkaminer had a vision of a future full of efficient, automated machines that freed bricklayers from the repetitive, toilsome burden of lifting, in bricks, the equivalent of a Ford truck every few days. Offhandedly, he mentioned the idea to his daughter’s boyfriend, and after some inspired scheming, the architect and engineer—soon to be in-laws—cofounded a humble start-up called Construction Robotics. Working out of a small trailer, they recruited a boldly unconventional team of engineers to build the Semi-Automated Mason: SAM. In classic American tradition, a small, unlikely, and eccentric family-run start-up sought to reimagine the behemoth $1 trillion construction industry—the second biggest industry in America—in bootstrap fashion. In the tradition of Tracy Kidder’s The Soul of a New Machine, SAM unfolds as an engineering drama, full of trials and setbacks, heated showdowns between meticulous scientists and brash bricklayers (and their even more opinionated union), and hard-earned milestone achievements. Jonathan Waldman, acclaimed author of Rust, masterfully “reveals a world that surrounds us but mostly eludes our notice” (The Boston Globe).

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