Search results for ""down to earth""

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER | USA TODAY BESTSELLERThe best things in life are really not that fancy. This photo-driven book featuring all-things-Reba invites you to get back to the basics of life: fun, food, friends, and family. In her first book in over two decades, actress and country music legend Reba McEntire takes you behind the scenes and shares the stories, recipes, and Oklahoma-style truths that guide her life.The perfect gift for anyone who loves down-home recipes, the western lifestyle, heartwarming stories, and a good laugh from the Queen of Country!FROM REBA:"To me, there's nothing better than sitting on the back porch looking out at the land that goes on for miles. A beautiful sunset and then me, just sipping on a glass of iced tea (or whiskey and Sprite) with my friends and family. I don't know what heaven's going to look like, but I hope it feels like Oklahoma. Throw in some beans and cornbread, and I'm all set."Okies know that the secret to a good life is to keep things simple and be thankful for what the good Lord's given you. That's what I want to get back to. Simple fun, hard work, good food, and laughing with those you love. Everything I'm doing in my life from here on out—personal or professional, doesn't matter—I'm going to have fun."That’s what I'm sharing in this book—some simple, not-that-fancy truths I live by and a bunch of good stories, photos, and recipes that go along with them. So if you're looking to slow down, get back to basics, and have a heckuva lot of fun, I think we're going to have a good time together in these pages. Come on in, kick off your boots (or leave them on, I don’t care), and learn how to bring a little bit of my downhome-inspired life into your own."FROM THE PUBLISHER:Not That Fancy includes: Nearly 200 photographs from Reba's childhood, career, and personal life—many of which are straight from Reba's phone Never-before-told stories from rodeoing with her family to pranks with Brooks & Dunn to falling in love over a plate of tater tots Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her music and acting career, with inspiration on how to follow your passion, trust your gut, and take a chance on yourself More than 60 recipes of appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and cocktails from Reba's personal kitchen, from friends and family, and from her restaurant, Reba's Place Lighthearted lifestyle tips on how to achieve Reba's signature hairstyle, plan a down-to-earth date night, throw an effortless dinner party, and more Not That Fancy is the perfect deluxe gift for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and special occasions. This keepsake book is ideal for Reba fans, country music lovers, or anyone who enjoys an easygoing western lifestyle.

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When a young Ayrshire band unexpectedly hits the big time with the smash hit record of 1984, everything looks rosy, despite their delusional young manager and a thwarted plot to kidnap Boy George. What could possibly go wrong? The riotously funny, heartwarming, and deeply poignant second book in the bestselling Disco Days Trilogy. ***Now adapted for the stage by Scotland’s Borderline Theatre Co. and the Ayr Gaiety theatre*** 'This band would definitely bring on Stockholm Syndrome' Boy George ’An astonishing tour de force’ John Niven ‘A great white-knuckle read set in the world of hope, dreams and DIY pop’ Stuart Cosgrove –––––––––––––––––––––––– The Rise and Fall of the Miraculous Vespas is the timeless story of the quest for pop immortality. When a young Ayrshire band miraculously hits the big time with the smash hit record of 1984, international stardom beckons. That’s despite having a delusional teenage manager propelled by a dark, malign voice in his head… Can Max Mojo’s band of talented social misfits repeat the success and pay back the mounting debts accrued from an increasingly agitated cartel of local gangsters? Or will they have to kidnap Boy George and hope for the best? Featuring much-loved characters from the international bestseller, The Last Days of Disco, this is an absurdly funny, riotously ambitious and deeply human story of small-town rivalries, music, confused adolescence and, above all, hope, from one of Scotland’s finest new voices. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Praise for David F. Ross ’This is a book that might just make you cry like nobody’s watching’ Iain MacLeod, Sunday Mail ‘Warm, funny and evocative’ Chris Brookmyre ‘Crucially Ross's novel succeeds in balancing light and dark, in that it can leap smoothly from brutal social realism to laugh-out-loud humour within a few sentences’ Press & Journal ’More than just a nostalgic recreation of the author's youth, it's a compassionate, affecting story of a family in crisis at a time of upheaval and transformation, when disco wasn't the only thing whose days were numbered' Herald Scotland ’Ross creates beautifully rounded characters full of humanity and perhaps most of all, hope. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It s rude, keenly observed and candidly down to earth’ Liam Rudden, Scotsman ‘There’s a bittersweet poignancy to David F. Ross’s debut novel, The Last Days of Disco’ Edinburgh Evening News ‘Full of comedy, pathos and great tunes’ Hardeep Singh Kohli ‘Dark, hilarious and heartbreaking’ Muriel Gray ‘If I saw that in a store I would buy it without even looking at what was inside’ Irvine Welsh ‘Like the vinyl that crackles off every page … as warm and authentic as Roddy Doyle at his very best’ Nick Quantrill ‘A solid-gold hit of a book! The closest you’ll ever get to being on Top of the Pops’ Colin McCredie

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Give to Get to Give is a down-to-earth version of strategic investment counsel that stands in stark contrast to the advice many financial advisors offer. As Dr. Randolph Dorcey notes, there is a critical difference between advice and counsel. Advice is free and can be offered by anyone — including those with ill intentions. But counsel comes from a place of wisdom and expertise. It’s based on a proven track record of success and proper decision-making.Using his patented humor and charm, Dorcey walks potential investors through steps they should take to increase their wealth for retirement. With a doctorate in communication, Dorcey helps clients understand the value and the benefits of a fully funded Living Trust. Through simple, straightforward language, he clearly defines why it is important for investors to leave an efficient legacy while maintaining privacy and control. His main goal is to make sure his readers are fully educated and informed on the need for estate planning. It’s a process he has used with over 1,000 families as he has helped to prepare them for their financial future.Give to Get to Give starts with a humorous story about some poor advice Randy received from his older brothers when he was just a kid. But then it quickly picks up steam and addresses the investment questions many are asking in the aftermath of the Covid Pandemic. Offering readers counsel that comes from over thirty years in the financial industry, Randy provides readers a clear roadmap for how they can properly invest for the future. He challenges them to remember that advice is cheap, and counsel is what matters. He reminds investors to earmark a percentage of their income that will go towards investment, and then stick with this process.Perhaps most important, Randy tells readers to find a financial counselor that will actively manage their investment. This, he believes, is a much better alternative than riding the waves of one financial crisis to the next. Instead, he calls readers to be proactive and work with individuals who have their best interest at heart. Readers are instructed to grow their crops and not fear the complicated nature of investing. They should do all they can to “Slam Sam” by reducing the amount of money they pay to the government in taxes.And when global catastrophes, such as pandemics, emerge, readers should stick with their game plan and work with a trusted financial advisor to actively navigate their path forward. Instead of just trusting “emperors with no clothes,” Dorcey admonishes investors to never just take someone else’s word and buy into the myth that it is acceptable to lose a large percentage of their investment when tough times hit. Instead, readers should work with people they trust and those that have a proven track record.

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'If you are a fan of British police procedurals, add Shame the Devil to your must-read list.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewSometimes catching a killer means looking close to home…A young father is stabbed to death on his front doorstep in East London. Kieran Judd was a well-liked sports coach and family man, so why would he be targeted for such a brutal death?D.I. Matthew Denning and D.S. Molly Fisher are quickly thrown into an investigation with no leads to follow … and when the body of respectable schoolteacher Susan Elliot is discovered, her murder mirroring that of Kieran’s, the case gets even more complex.Faced with two murders with no obvious motive, East London Met worry that a random serial killer stalks their streets. But as Denning and Fisher uncover a dark secret linking the two victims, they are sent spiralling into an investigation in which exposing the truth will bring them directly into the sights of a killer with nothing to lose…A gripping, twisty London-set detective novel that will thrill fans of Peter James, Line of Duty and Robert Bryndza.Readers are loving Shame the Devil:‘Suspense, intrigue, action, murder, and great police work!...had me glued to my e-reader!’ Reader Review‘One of the best books I have read recently… keeps you guessing up to the end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Lots of twists and red herrings to keep me guessing and turning the pages.’ Reader Review‘A complex thriller…so many twists and turns that you have no clue who's behind it all until that big reveal’ Reader Review‘With a well-drawn cast of characters, threads aplenty and a swiftly moving narrative, this is a gripping procedural.’ Reader Review‘A fast-paced police procedural with plenty of twists to keep you engrossed from start to finish… I loved this book.’ Reader Review‘I thought the whole story was amazing. I honestly didn’t want this book to end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise for the Denning and Fisher series:‘Absolutely fantastic! I honestly could not put this book down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Starts with a bang and holds your attention throughout…keeps you guessing who the killer is.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘If you love police procedurals, you’ll love this. It’s gritty, it’s down to earth, it’s well written and it’s real.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Gripping and entertaining…A complete edge of your seat read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A fabulous thriller! Graeme Hampton as always manages to create a twisty, tense story.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A fantastic police procedural - a great plot, well-drawn characters and terrific pacing.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘A great thriller with some fun twists that will keep readers on their toes’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, I couldn’t put it down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

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"This book is an indispensable and uniquely placed resource for any social work student daunted by the prospect of the dissertation, or indeed for practitioners who are starting out in research. Malcolm Carey has managed the difficult task of producing a guide which is not only accessible and full of practicable advice, but is also grounded in theory and strongly informed by social work values. As a social work PhD student, I would highly recommend this book to fellow students at all levels of qualification."Hannah Jobber, PhD student, University of York, UK"Malcolm Carey has written an excellent second edition. It combines discussion of theoretical issues with practical guidance, supported with clear examples. It achieves a rare balance of conceptual sophistication combined with the provision of down-to-earth advice. Students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels will find it answers the majority of their questions about how to do a dissertation in a very clear and accessible way."Professor Steven M Shardlow, The University of Salford, UK and Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Social Work "I have recommended the first edition of this book to undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking dissertations and I will definitely be recommending this 2nd edition. It is a very clearly written and accessible guide to the process of writing a research-based dissertation from first thoughts through to final writing up. The book is well laid out with excellent summaries of key points in table form. Carey takes the student through the research process discussing the importance of the different stages in contributing to the dissertation as a whole.This new edition has been updated to take account of new areas such as the growth of systematic reviews and remains an excellent sourcebook for students and anyone taking their first steps in undertaking research."David Saltiel, Lecturer in Social Work, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, UK"This book conveys complex information pertaining to research in a clear and accessible way… this is a comprehensive guide which is easy to follow."Val Sylvester, Senior Lecturer, The School of Health and Social Care, Birmingham City University, UKResearch is now identified as comprising an integral part of everyday practice within health and social care. The second edition of this popular book equips students and practitioners within social work with the skills and knowledge to effectively undertake research and complete their dissertation. Written in a clear and straight forward way, the book demystifies tasks which may at first seem difficult, such as the literature review or interviews with practitioners, and clarifies the research process by providing a straightforward guide to the basics. Topics include: Deciding a topic Setting a research question and clear objectives The stages followed whilst completing a dissertation How to undertake a literature review Analysis and writing up Ethical issues This new edition has been fully updated to include more guidance on doing a literature review and literature based research, how the internet can be used to undertake research and more details of ethics and writing up. This book provides an essential guidebook to qualitative research methodology for social work students and practitioners.

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Financial Times - BEST BOOKS OF 2023 ‘And Then What? is breathless and conversational — and all the more readable for that. But while her tone is down-to-earth, the events that Ashton played a part in were dramatic and often historic.’ Gideon Rachman, Financial Times ‘A colourful insider account of European diplomacy … It’s clear our politics would have turned out better if we had had more Cathy Ashtons’ Luke Harding, The Observer So much of modern-day diplomacy still takes place behind closed doors, away from cameras and prying eyes. So what does this vital role really look like in today’s world –and what does it take to do it well? From 2009 to 2014, Cathy Ashton was the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, effectively Europe's foreign policy supremo responsible for coordinating the EU's response to international crises. Arriving in Brussels as a relative novice to international diplomacy, she faced the challenge of representing the views and values of 28 nations during one of the most turbulent times in living memory. Decades-old certainties were swept away in days. Hope rose and fell, often in a matter of hours. From the frozen conflict of Ukraine to the Serbia-Kosovo deal, there were challenges, failures and moments of success. She encountered dictators and war criminals, and witnessed the aftermath of natural disasters, military action, and political instability. Working with US politicians and counterparts including John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Burns, she negotiated historic settlements, such as the Iran nuclear deal. An ‘honest broker’, she navigated the needs of opposing politicians to chart a path towards collaboration and stability. Now Ashton takes us behind the scenes to show us what worked and what didn’t, and how it felt to be in ‘the room where it happened’. From Serbia to Somalia, Libya to Haiti, she offers essential insight into how modern diplomacy works, examining the tools needed to find our way through the many challenges we face today. ‘A riveting, absorbing account of modern diplomacy by one of the greatest international diplomats of recent times’ General David Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), former Director of the CIA ‘If generations of Earthlings-to-be do indeed engage in cosmic negotiations with other lifeforms, it will be because of the success of Cathy and her diplomatic compatriots in bringing us to realise we are Earth-life, together.’ Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut ‘A must for students of politics and a treat for lovers of general non-fiction.’ Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences, Vienna, and author of McMafia ‘riveting, deeply personal and wonderfully accessible’ Sir Kim Darroch, former British Ambassador to the USA, National Security Advisor, and UK Permanent Representative to the EU ‘Catherine Ashton’s gripping memoirs are not only a perfect combination of very precise facts and touching personal emotions, but for all foreign policy observers they convey important lessons of the past to serve for the crises of today.’ Pierre Vimont, former French ambassador to the EU and the USA

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Financial Times - BEST BOOKS OF 2023  ‘And Then What? is breathless and conversational — and all the more readable for that. But while her tone is down-to-earth, the events that Ashton played a part in were dramatic and often historic.’ Gideon Rachman, Financial Times ‘A colourful insider account of European diplomacy … It’s clear our politics would have turned out better if we had had more Cathy Ashtons’ Luke Harding, The Observer So much of modern-day diplomacy still takes place behind closed doors, away from cameras and prying eyes. So what does this vital role really look like in today’s world –and what does it take to do it well? From 2009 to 2014, Cathy Ashton was the EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, effectively Europe's foreign policy supremo responsible for coordinating the EU's response to international crises. Arriving in Brussels as a relative novice to international diplomacy, she faced the challenge of representing the views and values of 28 nations during one of the most turbulent times in living memory. Decades-old certainties were swept away in days. Hope rose and fell, often in a matter of hours. From the frozen conflict of Ukraine to the Serbia-Kosovo deal, there were challenges, failures and moments of success. She encountered dictators and war criminals, and witnessed the aftermath of natural disasters, military action, and political instability. Working with US politicians and counterparts including John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Burns, she negotiated historic settlements, such as the Iran nuclear deal. An ‘honest broker’, she navigated the needs of opposing politicians to chart a path towards collaboration and stability. Now Ashton takes us behind the scenes to show us what worked and what didn’t, and how it felt to be in ‘the room where it happened’. From Serbia to Somalia, Libya to Haiti, she offers essential insight into how modern diplomacy works, examining the tools needed to find our way through the many challenges we face today. ‘A riveting, absorbing account of modern diplomacy by one of the greatest international diplomats of recent times’ General David Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), former Director of the CIA ‘If generations of Earthlings-to-be do indeed engage in cosmic negotiations with other lifeforms, it will be because of the success of Cathy and her diplomatic compatriots in bringing us to realise we are Earth-life, together.’ Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut ‘A must for students of politics and a treat for lovers of general non-fiction.’ Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences, Vienna, and author of McMafia ‘riveting, deeply personal and wonderfully accessible’ Sir Kim Darroch, former British Ambassador to the USA, National Security Advisor, and UK Permanent Representative to the EU ‘Catherine Ashton’s gripping memoirs are not only a perfect combination of very precise facts and touching personal emotions, but for all foreign policy observers they convey important lessons of the past to serve for the crises of today.’ Pierre Vimont, former French ambassador to the EU and the USA

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Kate O’Reilly loves a stroll down memory lane.Nowadays she’s a mother to Declan and Phoebe, has the semi-detached in suburbia and the dependable husband, Seamus – but when faced with a never-ending pile of laundry and new chin hairs sprouting overnight, no wonder she daydreams about the past.A time when the music was better (Girl Power forever!), her social circle was wider, Cool Britannia reigned supreme and only a penalty shootout stood between England reaching the finals of Euro ’96.So, when a freak electrical storm takes her back in time to 1996, Kate’s elated – this is her chance to discover what might have happened if she’d only done things a little bit differently in the Nineties.But as she relives her youth again, will Kate realise some things really are best left in the past? And will she ever be able to get back to the family she misses so much? Even if none of them know how to load the sodding dishwasher…A laugh-out-loud, relatable read for anyone who wishes they could take a holiday from adulting… fans of Why Mummy Drinks and Jane Fallon will love this!Previously published as A Mother Dimension, this has been extensively edited and rewritten.Readers are loving The Glory Years:‘A quick, easy and fun read that I adored…I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and it made me laugh.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewWow!...It completely exceeded all my expectations… a lot of twists and turns throughout the book which keeps you captivated’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘I think pretty much everyone can relate to this book… I laughed out loud several times!’ Reader Review'This book had me turning pages without even realizing. It was so good!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Kate was such a fun relatable character…Very nostalgic and cute! I remember so much of the blasts from the past which was fun!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review‘Adorable, heartwarming and inspiring.’ Reader Review‘It’s such a jovial, humorous and light-hearted book… Overall a fantastic read.’ Reader ReviewPraise for Mink Elliott:‘Nothing short of a delight… I would recommend this book if you are looking for a lighthearted and feel good read’ Reader Review‘So fun to read. It reminded me of Bridget Jones’ Diary (for 50 year olds!)…Highly recommend!’ Reader Review‘This book had me laughing because it is so relatable and down to earth…Within the first few pages, I found myself chuckling…Highly recommend this read.’ Reader Review‘Lighthearted and full of comedy…the story was relatable and enjoyable.’ Reader Review‘A really easy, feel good read which is particularly relatable for those of us of a certain age!!!’ Reader Review‘A brilliant, enjoyable and entertaining book that made me smile and laugh… I loved the humour and the likeable cast of characters. Highly recommended.’ Reader Review‘This book was hilarious…a great way to escape for a few hours.’ Reader Review

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE BLOODY SCOTLAND SCOTTISH CRIME DEBUT OF THE YEAR 2020In a famous Scottish town, someone is bent on murder – but why?On the night of a wedding celebration, one guest meets a grisly end when he’s killed in a hit-and-run. A card bearing the number ‘5’ has been placed on the victim’s chest. DI Clare Mackay, who recently moved from Glasgow to join the St Andrews force, leads the investigation. The following night another victim is struck down and a number ‘4’ card is at the scene. Clare and her team realise they’re against the clock to find a killer stalking the streets of the picturesque Scottish town and bent on carrying out three more murders.To prevent further deaths, the police have to uncover the link between the victims. But those involved have a lot more at stake than first meets the eye. If Clare wants to solve the case she must face her own past and discover the deepest secrets of the victims – and the killer.Don’t miss the page-turning first novel in a gripping series featuring DI Clare Mackay, perfect for fans of Alex Gray, D. S. Butler and Rachel Amphlett.Praise for See Them Run ‘One of Scotland's top up-and-coming crime writers’ The Scottish Sun‘All the ingredients of a cracking crime novel : a strong female lead with a dark backstory, a vivid sense of place, a rising body count and a twist you don’t see coming ... A welcome addition to the Tartan Noir genre’ Claire Macleary, author of Cross Purpose‘An original concept in police procedurals, See Them Run is suspense loaded from start to finish – and author Marion Todd couldn’t have delighted us more.’ I AM IN PRINT magazine‘Marion Todd’s welcome addition to the genre feels like a breath of fresh, tartan noir air.’ Scottish Field‘If you want a story that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing, your blood pressure rising and will leave you breathless then See Them Run is just the book for you. I can't wait to read of Marion's work in the future. This is a series which is going to run and run and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Hooked from the outset my attention never wavered until I read the last word of this excellent tale, such is the power of Marion Todd’s writing. If you like a fast-paced, believable crime story with originality and depth you’ll love See Them Run. I recommend it highly.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Well written with engaging characters that you are rooting for from the beginning. The story is well paced and makes you want to read on. I read this in just a few days. If you like Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons etc then this is a great new series for you.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘As an avid detective series reader this is by far one of the best British debuts I’ve read. Beautifully written, understated & down to earth. Characters and plot are superb. Would highly recommend to all.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Winner of 2021 National Geographic Traveller Reader Award for 'Best Food & Travel Book' Shortlisted for the Guild of Food Writers First Book and Single Subject Book Awards 2021 Gourmand Cookbook Award Winner 2020 In 2016 two locals, frustrated at the lack of opportunities to eat the seafood landed in Ullapool, started a seafood shack on the harbour of the North West Highlands town. Serving up whatever their fishermen friends brought them every day, Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick’s crowd funded project was an instant success and a new book, to be published in November, brings this to life. In their first book, Kirsty and Fenella tell the story of Ullapool’s Seafood Shack and bring together the recipes for the fresh, vibrant, ballsy dishes that have made The Seafood Shack such a Scottish treasure: from their famed Haddock & Pesto Wrap and the super-luxe Lobster Mac & Cheese to incredible super-local delicacies like Spiney Popcorn. The Seafood Shack was born out of a conversation between Kirsty and Fenella out at sea with their fishermen partners. Ullapool has around twelve local boats fishing in the clear, icy waters of The Minch: five prawn trawlers and seven inshore creel boats, with a further two crabbing boats coming in each week and ten or so white fish boats landing regularly. The vast majority of this huge variety of seafood landing daily was then transferred straight onto the back of a lorry, making it difficult to source it locally. Eager to keep a little fresh seafood for their hometown, Kirsty and Fenella opened up The Seafood Shack. The shack swiftly went onto win recognition, winning the BBC Food & Farming Award for Best Street food or Takeaway in 2017 and hosting visits from the likes of Mary Berry and Albert Roux. Kirsty says: “Many tonnes of seafood are caught in our Scottish seas and then transported straight out of Ullapool. We wanted to play a part in keeping some of our seafood local and so the Seafood Shack was born. What we really love now is being behind the hatches, cooking away and chatting to our customers as they devour a haddock wrap or peel open some fresh buttery langoustines. The book tells this story and shares our approach. What makes the Shack so wonderful to us is its relaxed feel and we don’t have to be stuck in a kitchen behind closed doors, we can be involved in every aspect. The food we cook is simple, quick but most importantly fresh and delicious.” Punctuated by the voices of local fishermen, the book celebrates the fishing industry that has been the beating heart of Ullapool’s village life for 230 years. With both Fenella and Kirsty’s partners actively involved in fishing, The Seafood Shack also reflects the debate around sustainable fishing. Fenella says: “The people behind our seafood are a huge part of our story: from Josh’s langoustines and lobsters, Gary’s hand-dived scallops and Stephen’s white fish to the team at our local smokehouse or Joe our oyster producer. These amazing people have been a massive part of our success: at the end of the day we’re not amazing chefs, we’re just two girls who love to cook and having such fantastic and fresh produce is what makes the Shack work.” The Seafood Shack provides over 80 down to earth recipes and tips for cooking white fish, smoked fish and shellfish. Kirsty and Fenella’s work on the book was recognised when they were announced as winners of the Jane Grigson Trust Award for New Writers earlier this year.

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In this important book, two knowledgeable and perceptive observers offer a damning indictment of British criminal justice. McConville and Marsh repeatedly skewer the pious pronouncements of panglossian judges with down-to-earth views of the assembly line. They describe a world of state-induced guilty pleas in which defendants are subjected to extraordinary pressure to 'freely' and 'voluntarily' bring about their own convictions, and they explain how this world came into being. These authors tell it like it is.'- Albert W. Alschuler,The University of Chicago, US'McConville and Marsh mount a powerful attack on the institutions of criminal justice: they examine a range of practices known as 'plea-bargaining' in the broader context of policing and the work of the CPS, defence solicitors and the Bar. Their detailed and historically-grounded study challenges the role of the courts in developing and refining the procedural framework for the guilty plea discount, and raises questions about the claim of the judiciary to be guardians of the right to a fair trial. A disturbing book for criminal justice.'- Andrew Ashworth, University of Oxford, UK'This is no ordinary esoteric lawyers textbook. It is a hard hitting, trenchant analysis of a system that has been seriously eroded and undermined over the course of my 46 years of practice in the criminal justice arena. Basic principles and protections have been ditched or watered down to accommodate the exigencies of political and economic dogma. Every citizen who stands by the need for due process, and the rule of law as mainstays of any democratic system, must read this carefully researched and well argued work.'- Michael Mansfield QC'A timely and sobering account of the realities of criminal justice. McConville and Marsh provide an important and informed critique of the manner in which the 'adversary ideal' and the principles on which the fairness of the criminal justice system is traditionally understood to rest are routinely and systematically undermined in practice.'- Sarah Summers, The University of Zurich, SwitzerlandThis provocative and powerful book provides a critical review of Britain's criminal justice process through its practices, culture and traditions, revealing a landscape in ruins under the dominance of State-induced Guilty Pleas.Against a backdrop of a dysfunctional criminal justice system, the authors bring an avalanche of legal and empirical material to question the legitimacy of the relationship between judges, lawyers, politicians and defendants in modern Britain. Examining existing legal structures and court practices through the lens of what used to be called plea bargaining the authors provide a graphic picture of why case disposals through enforced guilty pleas promote injustice, feed discrimination and skew the judicial function. This is the most comprehensive examination to date of case disposition methods in England, Wales and Scotland., underpinned by a new socio-legal theory on the criminal process.Criminal Judges is sure to provoke debate on the forces which drive the criminal justice process and will therefore be of great interest to all those concerned about the future of criminal justice policies and practices. It will appeal to academics, researchers, policy advisors and practitioners of criminal law.Contents: 1. Criminal Justice: System, Process and Legitimacy 2. Helping the Police with their Inquiries 3. State-Induced Guilty Pleas and Legitimacy 4. Lowering the Bar 5. Institutional Distress: the State 6. Institutional Distress: the Defence 7. Scotland: Coercion and Discourse 8. Conclusion Bibliography Index

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'This is the most startlingly honest book about grief I have ever read. Its immediacy hits you on the first page and takes you on an unforgettable journey. No one has set out so clearly the stages we go through as we try to come to terms with facing the enormity of death.' - Dame Penelope Wilton, DBE'Sasha writes exquisitely and honestly, the sheer rawness of what she has gone through and is still going through, sitting in balance with the calm and clear-sighted objectivity of the therapist, who is also her.' - Hugh BonnevilleOne person, two perspectives on grief. Plunged unexpectedly into widowhood at just 49 years old, psychotherapist Sasha Bates describes in searing honesty the agonisingly raw feelings unleashed by the loss of her husband and best friend, Bill. At the same time, she attempts to keep her therapist hat in place and create some perspective from psycho-analytic theory. From the depths of her confusion she gropes for ways to manage and bear the pain - by looking back at all that she has learnt from psychotherapeutic research, and from accepted grief theories, to help her make sense of her altered reality. Languages of Loss starts a necessary and overdue conversation about death and loss. It breaks down taboos and tries to find humour and light amidst the depressing, bewildering reality. It is an essential companion to help support readers through the agony of those early months, giving permission for all the feelings, and offering various methods of living with them.This book's overriding message is that everyone's experience of grief is different, but knowing more about the theory, and learning a new vocabulary, while not necessarily easing the grief, can help you feel less alone, and at some point enable you to reflect back and see how far you have come.'This is a useful as well as a moving book. The writing is energetic, down-to-earth and bracingly honest, and many readers will feel consoled and enlightened by Bates's take on her experience.' - The Times'Bates's skill as a psychotherapist is married to her deft ability to use language and metaphor to create this vital treatise on loss. As much as Languages of Loss is an essential text on grief, it is also a story of love.' - Sunday Business Post Review'This book will give anyone grieving the death of their partner an insight into their experience, and help those around them understand the difficult and painful process of grief.' - Julia Samuel, author of This Too Shall Pass and Grief Works'A really powerful book. I hadn't read a book before that melds the professional, as a psychotherapist, and the personal, as someone that lost their partner. Sasha's book covers the course of one year since she lost her husband Bill, where she describes how she feels and tries to apply what she has learnt as a therapist. She explores the times when that really exposes the shortcomings of grief counselling, and how incapable anything is really at helping you navigate this absence. I've never read anything like that, a mixture of the practical and the emotional.' - Pandora Sykes

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Harness the power of your own hands and make Reiki an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine with this step-by-step guide to harmonising and healing. Heard of the term but don't know where to begin? No worries, DK has got you covered!A Reiki session produces a feeling of radiance and a sense of calm, peace, security and harmony of body and mind. It can also help to alleviate pain and treat stress and anxiety. The practice of Reiki is intuitive and involves tuning into internal energy by laying your hands on or close to targeted areas of the body to identify blockages, and using placement and pressure to encourage a healthy flow of life energy. Sound like something that can benefit you? Then this may be the book for you!This little self-care book will take you on a breathtaking journey of holistic healing, featuring:-A down-to-earth guide of over 40 step-by-step Reiki techniques to use at home -Detailed information written by a reliable expert in the field -Features practices, routines and exercised accompanied by easy-to-follow visual illustrationsDive deep into the pages of this brilliant massage book to explore meditation, mantra, visualisation, breathwork and more, all within a hands-on healing guide. Discover how to reset your anatomical pain maps, and connect to the universal energy that flows within your true self, all from the comfort and safety of your own home!Did you know that Reiki has been the subject of a number of scientific studies that have found evidence in support of Reiki as an effective self-therapy for reducing pain and anxiety. Fans of Reiki even include Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie! It's no secret that self-care is a vital tool for navigating the challenges of modern living. In a society where stress and anxiety mounts and self-esteem takes a dive, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Don't worry, DK has got you covered! Whether you're experiencing stress and anxiety in your work or personal life and you're seeking a wider range of self-care practices, or you wish to widen your knowledge and experience on healing techniques through meditation and mantras, this wonderful well-being book has something for everyone to discover. A must-have volume for those seeking to explore a wider range of self-care practices, whether you're interested in wellness trends and are open to trying new therapies, or you are experiencing painful muscles and joints and wish to remedy this via self-therapy. It's time to wake up to the true power of Reiki and enhance the quality of your life for the better. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So once you've completed Self-Reiki, why not explore more books in DK's Little Book of Self-Care series? Discover how to make aromatherapy an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine in Aromatherapy, or immerse yourself in the power of breathing to focus your mind in Breathwork.

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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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This is a book for 21st Century leaders. The authors are offering approaches to reduce stress and to promote satisfaction at a time when this seems impossible for most people struggling to make sense of the workplace and its demands: 76% of managers want to spend more time with their families 50% say they feel too mentally and physically exhausted to do anything but work or sleep 30% say their lives are out of control one in five say they are too stressed to enjoy their lives at all Many of the leadership skills (such as emotional intelligence, weak signal management, mental agility) that are key to success in today's corporate world are not taught in business schools, are rarely discussed by business academics, nor are they recognised within corporations as they recruit, promote and train their staff. Business conversation is all about the war for talent - and yet the solutions presented are all "outside-in" (i.e. what the corporation needs to do to ensure people stay, to "make" their values align, to retain them) rather than "inside-out" (i.e. alignment of individual's sense of purpose with how they spend their time, the fit of their skills to the demands of their job, and so on). Alpha Leadership seeks to redress these imbalances. The book is constructed around a new and simple model of leadership. The authors call this, 'Alpha leadership', which consists of three main axes: Anticipate, Align and Act. They have derived this model from their extensive experience of leadership development in the US and Europe, during a period of rapid adaptation to the digital economy. The authors argument is that traditional approaches to leadership, leadership as it is taught in the business schools and the criteria assigned to it by corporate promotion and appraisal systems, focus exclusively on 'action', and take little or no account of the crucial importance of anticipation and alignment. This is of increased concern since the skills most likely to generate success for leaders in today's networked, knowledge-based and unpredictable business environment are precisely those most often ignored. This emphasis on action without its preliminaries of anticipation and alignment is also a paradox, since without effective anticipation and alignment, action is likely to be inefficient, ineffective, and unsustainable. The book is aimed at an "inside-out" view of leadership: starting with the individual and his/her sense of purpose and values, rather than the more typical approach to leadership writing which adopts an "outside-in" view, holding up models and examples of other leaders to emulate with little or no clue of how to go about doing so, or indeed whether or not this would be an appropriate model in the reader's specific context. Alpha Leadership is designed as a pragmatic "how to" book, derived from the authors experience of one-to-one executive coaching - with tools, approaches and frameworks to support leaders in progressing in their careers, while also maintaining a sense of balance and purpose in their lives. Each chapter starts with a "parable" or story - a very readable analogy from completely different fields of study that is used to shed light on the issues and problems facing leaders in the business environment. The authors then move to a section on "sense making" (avoiding blue sky theorising in favour of practical, down-to-earth interpretation and real life business examples). Finally the authors include relevant tools/frameworks to help the readers apply what they have read in their every day business lives.

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‘This book is hilarious! I have not been able to put it down… and I have literally belly laughed on a number of occasions.’ Reader ReviewIt’s Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday! But instead of getting roses and perfume, she gets sacked, her son, Ben, tells her she’s growing a beard and her husband Joe tells her he wants a divorce.Moving to the countryside to stay in her eccentric aunt’s house, Annie must find her mojo again – and fast. So when she discovers a stack of self-help books, Annie vows to use their advice – from Chicken Soup for the Soul to The Secret – to get her life back on track. Never mind that her 9-going-on-19-year-old daughter, Izzy, is currently engaging Annie in psychological warfare and her adorable 6-year-old son, Ben, spends more time wetting the bed than making friends at his new school…But now, armed with a load of affirmations/inspirational quotes/positive vibes, Annie’s determined to kick her Crappy Old Year to the kerb and have a brilliantly Happy New Year. Just as soon as she’s had her chin waxed… A hilarious, laugh-out-loud feelgood read - fans of Gill Sims, Sophie Ranald and Tracy Bloom will be hooked!Readers are loving Annie Beaton's Year of Positive Thinking!‘nothing short of a delight. Annie is a likable and relatable protagonist whose antics had me laughing out loud more than once. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a lighthearted and feel good read to brighten a dreary winter's day. Reader Review‘This was a great book to start the year on, it was full of laughs…I really liked the character of Annie Beaton and would love to see what else she gets up to in the future…engaging and fun.’ Book Before U Leap‘so fun to read. It reminded me of Bridget Jones’ Diary (for 50 year olds!). She definitely turned her life around and had fun doing it. Highly recommend!’ Reader Review ‘A wonderful read, Annie had me laughing hysterically and falling in love with her, her thoughts, life, her “go get it” attitude. So entertaining’ Reader Review ‘This book had me laughing because it is so relatable and down to earth. It is a great read for learning to move forward and accept who you are. Within the first few pages, I found myself chuckling…Highly recommend this read.’ Reader Review‘I really enjoyed reading this in a tough season - it was lighthearted and full of comedy…the story was relatable and enjoyable.’ Reader Review‘A really easy, feel good read which is particularly relatable for those of us of a certain age!!!’ Reader Review‘A brilliant, enjoyable and entertaining book that made me smile and laugh. It also made me reflect on how a positive outlook on life can help to succeed…well written, I loved the humour and the likeable cast of characters. Highly recommended.’ Reader Review‘this book was hilarious…a great way to escape for a few hours.’ Reader Review‘we should always think positive!!! I loved this book! Mink Elliot has caught on to something good and I look forward to more of her books in the future.’ Reader Review‘a fun and light hearted read which I’m sure most women will be able to relate to. It’s a good reminder to not take life so seriously and try and focus on what is good in our lives instead of the negatives.’ By The Letter Book Reviews‘I really enjoyed this, from the outset it has that upbeat feel about it and is easy to sit back with and enjoy…A wonderful uplifting read.’ Nicki’s Book Blog

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'This book has found a special place in my heart. It’s as strange, beautiful and unexpected, as precise and exquisite in its movings, as bees in a hive. I loved it' HELEN MACDONALD, author of H IS FOR HAWK ‘Everyone should own A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings, which moved and delighted me more than a book about insects had any right to … Jukes is a gloriously gifted writer and her book ought to become a key text of this bright moment in our history of nature writing’ Observer ‘Written finely and insightful’ Guardian A fascinating, insightful and inspiring account of a novice beekeeper's year of keeping honeybees, which will appeal to readers of H is For Hawk and The Outrun Entering her thirties, Helen Jukes feels trapped in an urban grind of office politics and temporary addresses – disconnected, stressed. Struggling to settle into her latest job and home in Oxford, she realises she needs to effect a change if she’s to create a meaningful life for herself, one that can accommodate comfort and labour and love. Then friends give her the gift of a colony of honeybees – according to folklore, bees freely given bring luck – and Helen embarks on her first full year of beekeeping. But what does it mean to ‘keep’ wild creatures? In learning about the bees, what can she learn of herself? And can travelling inside the hive free her outside it? As Helen grapples with her role in the delicate, awe-inspiring ecosystem of the hive, the very act of keeping seems to open up new perspectives, deepen friendships old and new, and make her world come alive. A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings is at once a fascinating exploration of the honeybee and the hive, the practices of honey-gathering and the history of our observation of bees; and a beautifully wrought meditation on responsibility and care, on vulnerability and trust, on forging bonds and breaking new ground. 'This is classic modern nature-writing; a synthesis of scientific learning, observation and the author’s response. If you care for the wellbeing of bees and the planet and for the state of the human heart, then this book, with its deft and beautiful prose, is for you… And like all good nature writing, it also – quietly, clearly and insistently – requires us, too, to respond' Countryfile Magazine ‘An intimate exploration of the heart and home, and a tantalising glimpse into an alien culture. A brave and delicate book, rich and fascinating’ Nick Hunt, author of Where the Wild Winds Are ‘Subtly wrought personal journey into the art and science of beekeeping. Helen Jukes evokes both the practical minutiae of the work, and the findings of researchers who have illuminated bee ethology over the centuries' nature 'A mesmeric, lovely, quietly powerful book. A gentle but compelling account of the redemption that comes from relationship and attention' Charles Foster, author of Being a Beast 'A profound, funny and sometimes deeply moving book that describes a year of inner city bee keeping, while dancing between the history of bees and us and what it means to be human in our modern world' Julia Blackburn, author of Threads: The Delicate Life of John Craske 'A very human story about the aliens gathering in her back garden – bees, fascinating but almost unknowable. Their wildness and her duty to them help open up a desk rat’s uninspiring life to all the possibilities of love, care, connection and sheer wonder. It is a lovely, entirely personal journey into the very heart of the hive' Michael Pye ‘I raced through this really terrific, down-to-earth read. The existential threat to our entire ecosystem posed by the problems facing bees can be hard to grasp, but Helen manages to make this a very personal, human story that, hopefully, might inspire others to action' Luke Turner, The Quietus

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This is the first step-by-step manual for achieving McKinsey-style solutions and success. International bestseller "The McKinsey Way" provided a through-the-keyhole look at McKinsey & Co., history's most prestigious consulting firm. Now, the follow-up implementation manual, "The McKinsey Mind", reveals the hands-on secrets behind the powerhouse firm's success and discusses how executives from any field or industry can use those tactics to be more proactive and successful in their day-to-day decision-making. Structured around interviews and frontline anecdotes from former McKinsey consultants as well as the authors, themselves McKinsey alumni The McKinsey Mind explores how McKinsey tools and techniques can be applied to virtually any business problem in any setting.Immensely valuable in today's crisis-a-minute workplace, it discusses: techniques for framing problems and designing analyses; methods for interpreting results and presenting solutions; and, keys for managing teams, managing clients, and managing yourself. The ability to think in a rigorous, structured manner a McKinsey manner is not a birthright. It can, however, be a learned behavior. Let "The McKinsey Mind" show you how to approach and solve problems with the skill of a McKinsey consultant and obtain the positive results that have been delivered to McKinsey clients for over a century. McKinsey & Co. is renowned throughout the world for its ability to arrive at sharp, insightful analyses of its clients' situations then provide solutions that are as ingenious as they are effective.McKinsey succeeds almost as well as shielding its revolutionary methods from competitors' scrutiny. Now, "The McKinsey Mind" pulls back the curtain to reveal the ways in which McKinsey consultants consistently deliver their magic and how those methods can be used to achieve exceptional results in companies from 10 employees to 10,000. Packed with insights and brainstorming exercises for establishing the McKinsey mind-set, this book is an in-depth guidebook for applying McKinsey methods in any industry and organizational environment. Taking a step-by-step approach, "The McKinsey Mind" looks at the McKinsey mystique from every angle.Owners, executives, consultants, and team leaders can look to this comprehensive treatment for ways to: follow McKinsey's MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) line of attack; frame business problems to make them susceptible to rigorous fact-based analysis; use the same fact-based analysis in conjunction with gut instinct to make strategic decisions; conduct meaningful interviews and effectively summarize the content of those interviews; analyze the data to find out the 'so what'; clearly communicate fact-based solutions to all pertinent decision makers; and, capture and manage the knowledge in any organization to maximize its value. Because organizational problems rarely exist in a vacuum, "The McKinsey Mind" discusses these approaches and more to help you arrive at usable and sensible solutions. It goes straight to the source former McKinsey consultants now in leadership positions in organizations throughout the world to give you today's only implementation-based, solution-driven look at the celebrated McKinsey problem-solving method."'The McKinsey Mind" provides a fascinating peek at the tools, practices, and philosophies that have helped this much-admired firm develop generations of bright young MBAs into trusted corporate advisors. But the book's practical, down-to-earth advice is not just for consultants. The disciplined way in which McKinsey consultants frame issues, analyze problems, and present solutions offers valuable lessons for any practicing or aspiring manager' - Christopher A. Bartlett, Daewoo Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School. McKinsey and Co. rescues the biggest companies from disaster by addressing every problem with its own mixture of logic-driven, hypothesis-tested analysis. "The McKinsey Mind" helps everyone learn how to think with the same discipline and devotion to creating business success. According to the maxim, giving a man a fish may feed him for a day, but teaching him to fish will feed him for a lifetime. Paying McKinsey to solve your problem may help you for a day, but learning how they do it should help you for a lifetime' - Peter Wayner, Author of "Free For All: How Linux and the Free Software Movement Undercut The High-Tech Titans". '"The McKinsey Mind unlocks the techniques of the world's preeminent consulting firm and presents them in a format that is easy to understand and even easier to implement' - Dan Nagy, Associate Dean, The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University.

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Don't just invest in stocks and bonds. Invest in your life. "This book is guaranteed to make a difference in the way you approach money, work-and life in general-whether you're just starting out, struggling to succeed, or already on track." -Terry Savage, Chicago Sun-Times, personal finance columnist. "We Americans have a choice-spend life enslaved to the gods of consumerism, or live simply but free to fulfill our dreams. If you are yearning to give freedom a try, you'll find this inspiring book provides the road map you'll need to get started." -Ralph Warner, author of Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well. "The most important trend of the new millennium is the focus on freedom. Invest in Yourself will put you on the path to freedom, so you can live the life you freely choose. It will help you on the job, at home, and with your finances." -Gerald Celente, Director, Trends Research Institute and author of Trends 2000. A Money Book Club selection Put together the portfolio of your life-finances, family, and you Success in life consists of more than just a hefty bank account. Your happiness portfolio also includes family, friends, home, career, and the time to appreciate life's simple pleasures. Invest in Yourself offers six easy steps to simplify your life and enjoy it to the fullest. It all comes down to making decisions about what you really want and then mapping out a realistic game plan to get there. Where do you want to live? Do you want to put your career on hold to spend more time with your toddler? Are there a few small business ideas rattling around in your head that you'd like to turn into reality? Would you like some easy, proven ways to reduce the cost of college? When do you want to retire, and what hopes do you have for your golden years? Changing your direction doesn't have to send your life into a tailspin. Once you nail down your goals, Invest in Yourself provides savvy advice as well as painlessly practical and risk-free strategies you can use immediately to test drive your fantasies and discover for yourself if they are right for you. Invest in Yourself isn't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Do you really need to sock away a king's ransom for retirement? Is the purchase of a home the most important investment of your life? Do you need a lot of capital to start a small business, and is it worth the risk? How can you make sure your children will be accepted at the best college for them? Invest in Yourself offers the perfect mix of down-to-earth philosophy, financial strategies, and money-saving tips. You'll also learn how to start your own business with little risk, negotiate flex-time at work, plant a healthful garden, and help your children become smart consumers. Packed with sidebars, anecdotes, examples, homespun wisdom, and references to Web sites, newsletters, books, and other resources, Invest in Yourself is a comprehensive guide to creating the life of your dreams. It will have a major impact on your life's bottom line. Marc Eisenson is the author of the bestseller, The Banker's Secret, and a nationally recognized expert on how to painlessly exit from debt. Nancy Castleman, along with Marc, publishes the highly respected Pocket Change Investor newsletter. Through books, software, audiotapes, and an assortment of other publications, Marc and Nancy's Good Advice Press has saved hundreds of thousands of families billions of dollars. They live the ideas of this book on a farm in upstate New York where their nearest neighbors are cows. Gerri Detweiler is the author of The Ultimate Credit Handbook and an authority on the credit and financial services industry. The former executive director of the Bankcard Holders of America, Gerri lives and works from her home office in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The authors have been featured on The Today Show, Dateline NBC, CBS Evening News, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America, and in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and hundreds of other media outlets worldwide.

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Japanese Farm Food, now available in paperback, offers a unique look into life on a Japanese farm through 165 simple, clear-flavored recipes along with personal stories and over 350 stunning photographs. It is a book about love, community, and life in rural Japan. Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2012: USA Winner, Best Japanese Cuisine Book "Our life centers on the farm and the field. We eat what we grow." --Nancy Singleton Hachisu,Japanese Farm Food offers a unique window into life on a Japanese farm through the simple, clear-flavored recipes cooked from family crops and other local, organic products. The multitude of vibrant images by Kenji Miura of green fields, a traditional farmhouse, antique baskets, and ceramic bowls filled with beautiful, simple dishes are interwoven with Japanese indigo fabrics to convey an intimate, authentic portrait of life and food on a Japanese farm. With a focus on fresh and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, the recipes in Japanese Farm Food are perfect for fans of farmers' markets, and for home cooks looking for accessible Japanese dishes. Personal stories about family and farm life complete this incredible volume.American born and raised, Nancy Singleton Hachisu lives with her husband and teenage sons on a rural Japanese farm, where they prepare these 165 bright, seasonal dishes. The recipes are organized logically with the intention of reassuring you how easy it is to cook Japanese food. Not just a book about Japanese food, Japanese Farm Food is a book about love, life on the farm, and community. Covering everything from pickles and soups to noodles, rice, and dipping sauces, with a special emphasis on vegetables, Hachisu demystifies the rural Japanese kitchen, laying bare the essential ingredients, equipment, and techniques needed for Japanese home cooking."Nancy Hachisu is...intrepid. Outrageously creative. Intensely passionate. Committed. True and real. I urge you to cook from this book with abandon, but first read it like a memoir, chapter by chapter, and you will share in the story of a modern-day family, a totally unique and extraordinary one." --Patricia Wells"This book is both an intimate portrait of Nancy's life on the farm, and an important work that shows the universality of an authentic food culture." --Alice Waters"The modest title Japanese Farm Food turns out to be large, embracing and perhaps surprising. Unlike the farm-to-table life as we know it here, where precious farm foods are cooked with recipes, often with some elaboration, real farm food means eating the same thing day after day when it’s plentiful, putting it up for when it's not, and cooking it very, very simply because the farm demands so much more time in the field than in the kitchen. This beautiful, touching, and ultimately common sense book is about a life that's balanced between the idea that a life chooses you and that you in turn choose it and then live it wholeheartedly and largely. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your rich, intentional and truly inspiring life." --Deborah Madison"Nancy Hachisu’s amazing depth of knowledge of Japanese food and culture shines through in every part of this book. You will feel as if you live next door to her...savoring and learning her down-to-earth approach to cooking and to loving food." --Hiroko Shimbo"Taking a peek into Nancy Hachisu's stunning Japanese Farm Food is like entering a magical world. It's a Japan that used to be, not the modern Japan defined by the busyness of Tokyo, but a more timeless place, a place whose rhythms are set by seasons and traditions and the work of the farm. Japanese Farm Food is so much more than a cookbook. This book has soul. Every vegetable, every tool has a story. Who grew this eggplant? Who made this soy sauce? Nancy doesn't have to ask, "Where does my food come from?" She knows. Here's a woman who grows and harvests her own rice, grain by grain. Not that she asks or expects us to do the same at all. What she does offer is a glimpse into her life in rural Japan, with its shoji screens and filtered light, and recipes from her farm kitchen that you can't wait to try." --Elise Bauer, SimplyRecipes.com"Japanese Farm Food is a lovely book about the culture, landscape, and food of Japan, a true insider's view of the Japanese kitchen, from farm to table, by a passionate and talented writer." --Michael Ruhlman

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Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021 Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution: Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back. Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful. Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way. 'A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart.' Sir Ranulph Fiennes 'Elise Downing has achieved the impossible – leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same.' Emily Chappell 'A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep.' Alastair Humphreys 'Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don't have to be an expert. 2) It's all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it's a funny, funny story.' Dave Cornthwaite 'Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can’t quite believe. Elise’s storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There’s no doubt that Elise’s gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows.' Anna McNuff, author and adventurer 'Elise's irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She's an inspiration.' Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner 'Funny and engaging and inspiring... an absolute gem.' Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner 'A beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.' Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge 'An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read!' Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge 'I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold!' Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome 'Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still.' Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge 'Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask 'why not?' in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures.' Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author 'A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery.' Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner 'Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers.' Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories 'Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there’s a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep.' Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurer

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