Search results for ""gill""

‘A beautiful book and the perfect Christmas present.’ – Jamie Oliver ‘More than just a compilation of gorgeous recipes: it’s a moving collection of precious food memories that testify to the enduring impact of what we eat.’ – Nigella Lawson These Delicious Things is a collection of nostalgic food memories and recipes from more than 100 of the UK’s top chefs and food writers. Published to support children living in food poverty, it is proof that when people give a piece of themselves for the benefit of others, incredible things can happen. This is both a cookbook and a story book filled with childhood memories and scrumptious feasts. And it’s a book that wants to make a difference by supporting Magic Breakfast, a charity whose aim is to feed children living with food insecurity so they’re not too hungry to learn. With recipes for every occasion and time of day, These Delicious Things provides elevated versions of well known favourites that will impress even the toughest (and smallest) of critics. Featuring household names such as Andi Oliver, Angela Hartnett, Asma Khan, Ching He Huang, Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater, Nigella Lawson, Ravneet Gill, Raymond Blanc, Stanley Tucci, Thomasina Miers, Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Zoe Adjonyoh and many more – These Delicious Things is the perfect book for variety and well-loved favourites. Recipes include Homemade Apple Pie, Wild Rabbit Korma, Filipino-style vegetable soup, Far Breton, and even an Apricot sidecar cocktail. The charity Magic Breakfast provides breakfasts for children and young people in the most disadvantaged areas of the UK, fuelling their learning, growth and futures. Having breakfast every morning has real life impacts for children, from achieving better grades to displaying improved behaviour. Breakfast also has genuine effects on communities, helping families and providing a lifeline at a time of uncertainty fuelled by the cost of living crisis. For just 28p, Magic Breakfast can give a child a nutritious breakfast and the chance to succeed at school. Written by the chefs we know and trust, with the future generation in mind, These Delicious Things makes cooking for a cause a pleasure for all.

Read more less

The glamorous, romantic must-read novel of the summer - escape to Paris with this delicious story of fashion, secrets and forbidden love 'Transporting, dreamy and aspirational . . . an absolute must-read' ADELE PARKS***Each Dior dress tells a story...London, 2017. When her beloved grandmother, Sylvie, sends her to Paris to retrieve a dress she wore decades before, Lucille sees the perfect opportunity to briefly escape the pressures of her own life. But not everything is as it seems, and the long-buried secrets she discovers, hidden in a collection of priceless Dior gowns, could change everything.Paris, 1952. Postwar France is full of glamour and privilege, and Alice Ainsley is in the middle of it all. As the wife to the British ambassador to France, her life is a whirlwind of jewels, banquets and couture dresses, but beneath the glittering facade, Alice is suffocating in a loveless marriage. So when a new face appears in her drawing room, Alice finds herself yearning to follow her heart . . . no matter the consequences.Deliciously evocative and achingly romantic, sweeping from 50s Paris to the V&A museum in London, The Last Dress from Paris is the perfect read for fans of Natasha Lester, Fiona Valpy and Gill Paul***Your favourite authors love The Last Dress from Paris:'A delightful fashion treasure hunt involving some of my favorite Dior gowns made this book a winner for me! The present day and 1950s narratives weave seamlessly together, the dresses dance from the pages, and Paris is resplendently depicted'Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Secret'A whirlwind tour through Paris, both past and present, the novel is a rich exploration of the power of female friendships and the true meaning of family. Moving and utterly enjoyable'Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue'An absolute delight! The Last Dress from Paris is as original, elegant, and romantic as the Dior dresses the novel's mystery is woven around'Hazel Gaynor'As beautifully stitched together as a couture gown, Jade Beer's book entrances with its themes of family and female friendships. I loved it'Jessica Fellowes

Read more less

PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER...'A fantastically engrossing story. I love it' KELLY RIMMER'Intrigue, heartbreak... I cannot tell you how much I loved this book' RACHEL BURTON'A gorgeously rich and romantic novel' KATE FORSYTHHer Mother's Secret is the story of a brave young woman chasing her dream against society's disapproval, perfect for fans of Gill Paul, Kate Furnivall and Penny Vincenzi.*********1918, England. Armistice Day should bring peace into Leonora East's life. Rather than making cosmetics secretly in her father's chemist shop, Leo hopes to now display her wares openly. Instead, Spanish flu arrives in the village, claiming her father's life. Determined to start over she boards a ship to New York City, where she meets debonair department store heir Everett Forsyth . . . 1939, New York City. Everett's daughter, Alice, a promising ballerina, receives a mysterious letter inviting her to star in a series of advertisements for a cosmetics line. If she accepts she will be immortalized like dancers such as Zelda Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker and Ginger Rogers. Why, then, are her parents so quick to forbid it? MORE PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER...'If you enjoy historical fiction (and even if you don't) you will love this book' Sally Hepworth'Stunning . . . Will have you captivated' Liz Byrski'This romance will have you enchanted' Woman's Day'Natasha Lester is our generation's Louisa May Alcott' Tess Woods'What a GEM!' Sara Foster'Natasha Lester brings bold, brave women to life' Courier Mail 'I love this book' Rachael Johns'Exquisite!' Vanessa Carnevale'Engaging' Herald Sun'An essential addition to Australian fiction' AusRomToday'Utterly compelling' Good Reading 'Emotion that will touch your heart and soul deeply' Jodi Gibson 'Fascinating, evocative and meticulously researched' Annabel Abbs'Entertaining and provocative' Perth Festival 'Lester has woven a fine, original story of everlasting quality.' BetterReading 'A captivating tale' Daily Examiner 'A delightful and multi-faceted romp through the jazz era' Natalie Salvo 'Excellent historical fiction' The Book Muse 'You will love this even if you're not a regular reader of historical fiction' Jess Just Reads 'Storytelling at its finest' Great Reads & Tea Leaves

Read more less

From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love. 'Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss' HOLLY MILLER'The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy' LORNA COOK'Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for' PHAEDRA PATRICK'This beautifully written story perfectly captures the messy, complicated thing that is family'NICOLA GILL'The Art of Belonging is a gorgeous read . . . Eleanor Ray has created a warm hug of a book that will capture your heart'HEATHER CRITCHLOW ................................................ Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . . When unexpected circumstances bring Grace's estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart. It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other - and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful................................................. 'A delicious indulgence of a novel - rich, warm, and packed to bursting with heart, hope and compassion'KATE SIMANTS'A wonderful story, beautifully told. A book full of love and new beginnings and optimism' SAM HOLLAND 'An absolute joy to read. Such a perfectly spun heartwarming tale of love, loss, redemption and reinvention' ROBERT SCRAGG'Full of heart, humour and compassion, this is a story to savour' JO FURNISS, author Dead Mile'A precious story of family, love and adventure that will touch your soul and leave you smiling'CAMERON WARD, author of A Stranger On Board and The Safe HouseEverything Is Beautiful was richly praised: 'A joy' BETH O'LEARY 'Beautifully written' KATIE FFORDE'A moving, tender book' PANDORA SYKES

Read more less

'This book has it all – joyous, heartbreaking, uplifting with a perfect ending – an utterly gorgeous escapist read!' Faith Hogan, bestselling author of The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club ‘Beautiful, emotional and full of heart’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of A Postcard from Italy ‘From Now On is a gorgeous, emotional story about love and second chances . . . Amelia's writing has real heart, so you get completely swept along in the story of this unconventional family . . . Heart-breaking and uplifting all at the same time’ Clare Swatman, bestselling author of Before We Grow Old ––- A heartbreaking tragedy. Charlie left his hometown behind years ago and hasn’t looked back since. These days, with a successful career and a beautiful soon-to-be fiancée, he couldn’t be happier. But when he receives some unexpected news, his life is forever changed. A life-changing choice.Suddenly things are falling apart, and now Charlie has to care for his family. How is he supposed to look after a heartbroken little brother and a sullen teenage sister who want nothing to do with him? He’s completely at a loss and knows he can’t do it alone – not without the help of his oldest friend, Pippa. The chance to start afresh.As Charlie steps back into his old life, he soon realises it’s not only his family who needs fixing, there’s also his relationship with Pippa too. But returning home is a painful reminder of all that he lost and tried so hard to forget. And if Charlie is to fight for what he wants, first he must face up to his own past and decide whether he is ready to let go… From Amelia Henley, comes a brand-new emotional and uplifting novel about family, love and the hard choices we face to protect the ones we love the most. ––- ‘Bittersweet, tender and uplifting. A wonderful exploration of love in all its forms and what family really means’ Nicola Gill, The Neighbours ‘Heartbreaking and uplifting. Love just pours from these pages’ Fay Keenan, New Beginnings at Roseford Hall ‘From Now On is a heartbreaking read with a sublime ending!’ Lisa Timoney, Her Daughter’s Secret

Read more less

'A superb timeslip novel that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of Barbara Erskine and Diana Gabaldon's finest works' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review 'This epic romance is sure to sweep you off your feet!' TAKE A BREAK Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay does for the Vikings what Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and Clanlans does for Scottish history............................................................................ Separated by time. Brought together by fate. Indulging her fascination for the Viking language and losing herself in an archaeological dig is just what Linnea Berger needs after her recent trauma. Uncovering an exquisite brooch, she blacks out reading the runic inscription, only to come to, surrounded by men in Viking costume, who seem to take re-enactment very seriously. Lost and confused, Linnea finds herself in the power of Hrafn, a Viking warrior who claims her as his thrall and takes her on a treacherous journey across the seas to sell her for profit. Setting sail, she confronts the unthinkable: she has travelled back to the ninth century. Linnea is determined to find a way back to her own time, but there's a connection forming with Hrafn. Can she resist the call of the runes and accept her destiny lies here..............................................................................Just some of the rich praise for Christina Courtenay: 'Seals Christina Courtenay's crown as the Queen of Viking Romance' CATHERINE MILLER 'An absorbing story, fast-paced and vividly imagined, which really brought the Viking world to life' PAMELA HARTSHORNE 'A love story and an adventure, all rolled up inside a huge amount of intricately-detailed, well-researched history. Thoroughly enjoyable' KATHLEEN MCGURL 'Prepare to be swept along in this treasure of an adventure!' KATE RYDER 'Highly recommended for lovers of historical romance and timeslips, it's another absorbing read. 5 stars' GEORGIA HILL 'An amazing page-turner filled with superb historical detail, it had me gripped from the first page to the last - I absolutely loved it!' CLARE MARCHANT 'Every story Christina Courtenay spins is better than the last and every world she creates is more real' SUE MOORCROFT 'This book has brought the 9th century world alive to me and made me desperate to read more about it' GILL STEWART

Read more less

Graham Martin takes the reader deep into the world of birds from a new perspective, with a ‘through birds’ eyes’ approach to ornithology that goes beyond the traditional habitat or ecological point of view. There is a lot more to a bird’s world than what it receives through its eyes. This book shows how all of the senses complement one another to provide each species with a unique suite of information that guides their daily activities. The senses of each bird have been fine-tuned by natural selection to meet the challenges of its environment and optimise its behaviour: from spotting a carcase on a hillside, to pecking at minute insects, from catching fish in murky waters, to navigating around the globe. The reader is also introduced to the challenges posed to birds by the obstacles with which humans have cluttered their worlds, from power lines to windowpanes. All of these challenges need explaining from the birds’ sensory perspectives so that effective mitigations can be put in place. The book leads the reader through a wealth of diverse information presented in accessible text, with over 100 colour illustrations and photographs. The result is a highly readable and authoritative account, which will appeal to birdwatchers and other naturalists, as well as researchers in avian biology. The author has researched the senses of birds throughout a 50-year career in ornithology and sensory science. He has always attempted to understand birds from the perspective of how sensory information helps them to carry out different tasks in different environments. He has published papers on more than 60 bird species, from Albatrosses and Penguins, to Spoonbills and Kiwi. His first fascination was with owls and night time, and owls have remained special to him throughout his career. He has collaborated and travelled widely and pondered diverse sensory challenges that birds face in the conduct of different tasks in different habitats, from mudflats and murky waters, to forests, deserts and caves. In recent years he has focused on how understanding bird senses can help to reduce the very high levels of bird deaths that are caused by human artefacts; particularly, wind turbines, power lines, and gill nets.

Read more less

One woman's secret is her neighbour's opportunity.'Masterly' Louise Candlish'Incredible!' Lucy Atkins'Riveting' Clare Mackintosh'Extraordinary' Mark Edwards'Intelligent, twisty' OBSERVER'Accomplished and addictive' SUNDAY TIMESVerity Baxter has lived - quietly, carefully - in Trinity Fields all her life. Then Ailsa and Tom Tilson move in next door and everything changes. Can Verity trust what she hears through the walls?And what about the Tilsons: should they pity their eccentric neighbour and her messy house? Or should they fear her?Either way, like the ivy that creeps through their shared garden fence, their lives are entwined now. And the knots can only get tighter . . .'Seriously superior psychological thriller' Star pick, Sunday Times Crime Club'Stupendously addictive' Deborah Moggach'A smart, compelling and thoroughly haunting read' Mail on Sunday'Pace, place, characters, plot ... it's a masterclass' Gill Hornby'Hard to put down' EVENING STANDARD'The language is honed as sharp as a stiletto. The murder mystery is teased out to the very last compelling page' Star pick, Sunday Times Crime Club'You think you know what's going on in this brilliant read, then you realise you so don't!' FABULOUS'Deliciously sly and profoundly moving' JP Delaney'Elegant and astute' Louise O'Neill'A masterfully plotted page-turner' Erin Kelly'Engrossing, astute, disturbing and so believable' Sarah Hilary'I loved it' Sarah Vaughan'This well-paced, intelligent mystery benefits from finely-drawn characters and convincing psychological tension ... take a peek at the raging traumas behind the calm masks of suburban respectability' Daily Mail'A compelling read that strikes a chill straight into your heart' Dinah Jefferies'A delicious study in dark psychology with a narrator who constantly keeps you guessing. This tale serves up a real emotional punch' SUNDAY MIRROR'A taut thriller with layer upon layer of suspense and twists right to the very last page' Red'Sucks you in and keeps you wanting more. Just when you think you know someone, think again...' HEAT'One not to miss' WOMAN'Chilling' The I'Durrant builds a sense of menace and the ending is satisfying, with a believable twist' Good Housekeeping'Spine-tingling' Crime Monthly'Engrossing psychological crime' LITERARY REVIEW

Read more less

A dramatic and heartwarming Victorian saga, perfect for fans of Maggie Hope and Anne Bennett.Shropshire, 1875.Hettie Jones has grown up in Ironbridge. She has never known her father and, since her mother's death, has been brought up by the Malone family, who treat her as one of their own. She works as a pit girl at the local coal mine, alongside her childhood playfellow, Evan - although lately, their friendship seems to be blossoming into something more.But when Queenie King takes a fancy to her, Hettie's life is transformed. Trained first as a lady's maid, and then hurtled into a world of luxury and gentility, she finds her new position difficult to reconcile with her past life. And with Queenie's daughter-in-law scheming against her, Hettie's situation becomes dire.Can Hettie really use her new position for good, and will she find a way to bridge the divide between rich and poor?'A compelling blend of real history, rich period detail, and a gritty, authentic story brimming with love, loss, intrigue, hope, and bitter revenge, The Orphan of Ironbridge delivers a dramatic final chapter to this exciting trilogy.' Lancashire Evening Post Praise for The Daughters of Ironbridge: 'A Journey. Compelling. Addictive.' Val Wood'Evocative, dramatic and hugely compelling . . . The Daughters of Ironbridge has all the hallmarks of a classic saga. I loved it' Miranda Dickinson 'Feisty female characters, an atmospheric setting and a spell-binding storyline make this a phenomenal read' Cathy Bramley 'The Daughters of Ironbridge has that compulsive, page-turning quality, irresistible characters the reader gets hugely invested in, and Walton has created a brilliantly alive, vivid and breathing world in Ironbridge' Louisa Treger 'Such great characters who will stay with me for a long time' Beth Miller 'The attention to period detail and beautiful writing drew me right in and kept me reading' Lynne Francis 'Vivid, page-turning drama' Pippa Beecheno 'A powerful sense of place and period, compelling characters and a pacy plot had me racing to the end' Gill Paul 'A story that is vivid, twisting and pacy, with characters that absolutely leap off the page' Iona Grey'Beautiful and poignant. I'll definitely be reading The Secrets of Ironbridge' Tania Crosse

Read more less

'The most glorious cornucopia celebrating our enduring love affair with birds - an uplifting and eye opening tribute to the way they enrich our lives.' - Alan Titchmarsh MBE, British TV presenter, broadcaster, and gardener 'Wonderfully illustrated.' - Wall Street Journal Let your imagination take flight and celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds throughout art, science, history, and culture This visually stunning survey of birds, chronicling their scientific and popular appeal throughout the ages and around the world, showcases the remarkable diversity of species in the avian kingdom, from tiny hummingbirds to ostriches taller than humans, and icebound penguins to tropical macaws. With its content curated alongside an international panel of ornithologists, art historians, wildlife photographers, conservationists, and curators, this extraordinary book includes illustrations and artwork of all styles, with works by a diverse and often surprising range of creators from many different backgrounds, including: John James Audubon; Robert Clark; Mark Dion; Charley Harper; Barbara Kruger; Edward Lear; Ustad Mansur; John Ruskin; Joel Sartore; Sarah Stone; and Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe. Arranged in thoughtfully paired juxtapositions, it reveals how artists, illustrators, ornithologists, and photographers - from ancient Egypt to the present - have captured the spirit, likeness, character, and symbolism of birds. Including Tweety pie paired with the Twitter bird; birds as 300-foot desert carvings or 2-inch-tall ivory statuettes; bird bones, bird bank notes, sculptures and birds shaped as beds, the book's three hundred visually stunning entries span four thousand years of fine art, photography, ornithological drawings, popular culture, and scientific discovery from all corners of the globe to create the ultimate celebration of the winged world. Advisory panel: Dawn Balmer, Tim Birkhead FRS, Dr Alexander Bond, Gordon Campbell, Dr Sylke Frahnert, Joëlle Garcia, Elizabeth Hammer, David Lindo aka The Urban Birder, Jen Lobo, Fred G. Meijer, Sabine Meyer, Penny Olsen, Oliver Rampley, Katrina van Grouw and Dr Lisanne Wepler Additional texts: Giovanni Aloi, Sara Bader, Dr Alex Bond, Dr Michael Brooke, Tim Cooke, Clare Coulson, Nick Crumpton, Louisa Elderton, Diane Fortenberry, Carolyn Fry, Elizabeth Hammer, David Lindo, Fred G. Meijer, David B Miller, Rebecca Morrill, Penny Olsen, Michele Robecchi, Gill Saunders, James Smith, David Trigg, Katrina van Grouw, Martin Walters, Isabella Wing-Davey and Dr Lisanne Wepler

Read more less

‘Heart-wrenching . . . a story that needs to be remembered’ FERN BRITTON ‘Enthrallingly told . . . it’s extraordinary how despite everything hope for the future shines out’ RACHEL HORE Liverpool 1940. Alice King stands on the deck of SS Carlisle, waiting to escort a group of children to Canada as overseas evacuees. She is finally doing her bit for the war. In London, as the Blitz bombs rain down and the threat of German invasion looms, Lily Nicholls anxiously counts the days for news of her son and daughter’s safe arrival. But when disaster strikes in the Atlantic, Alice and Lily – one at sea, the other on land – will quickly become one another’s very best hope. The events of one night, and the eight unimaginable days that follow, will bind the two women together in unforgettable ways. Inspired by a remarkable true story, The Last Lifeboat is a gripping and triumphant tale of love, courage and hope against the odds. Praise for The Last Lifeboat ‘A journey into the worst hardships of war for two women . . . and yet throughout it is bathed in the warmth of love’ GILL PAUL ‘I loved this absorbing, heart-rending story and cared so much about the vivid, courageous characters. Superb storytelling’ TRACY REES ‘Gripping, devastating, tremendously moving . . . a tale of bravery and remarkable endurance, the kindness of strangers, and the power of hope’ JENNY ASHCROFT ‘I was utterly engaged . . . the characters brim with life, the plot is elegantly handled and the writing is terrific’ LIZ TRENOW ‘Totally absorbing, heartbreaking and heart-stopping’ CELIA REES ‘Endearing characters, terrific plot, and a superb sense of time and place made this riveting book unputdownable. I loved it’ PATRICIA SCANLAN ‘Historical fiction at it’s best, The Last Lifeboat completely swept me away, leaving me breathless with emotion. A must-read’ CARMEL HARRINGTON ‘A devastatingly beautiful tale of survival and courage’ AMANDA GEARD ‘Broke my heart and then mended it again’ KATE THOMPSON ‘A story of courage and triumph against the odds, this is historical fiction at its best’MY WEEKLY ‘A heart-wrenching read’ ANTONIA SENIOR, THE TIMES ‘This earth-shattering novel is both harrowing and hopeful’ Woman’s Own

Read more less

Shortlisted for the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award 2021 'A compelling tale of forbidden love set in 1930's Leipzig' Independent 'Terrifying, yet tender. I loved it' Irish Examiner 'Heart-breaking, thought-provoking story' Adele Parks 'I nearly drowned and Walter rescued me. That changes everything.' Leipzig, 1930s Germany Hetty Heinrich is a perfect German child. Her father is an SS officer, her brother in the Luftwaffe, herself a member of the BDM. She believes resolutely in her country, and the man who runs it. Until Walter changes everything. Blond-haired, blue-eyed, perfect in every way Walter. The boy who saved her life. A Jew. Anti-semitism is growing by the day, and neighbours, friends and family members are turning on one another. As Hetty falls deeper in love with a man who is against all she has been taught, she begins to fight against her country, her family and herself. Hetty will have to risk everything to save Walter, even if it means sacrificing herself... Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Book Thief. Why people love People Like Us: 'People Like Us is also a reminder that – even in the darkest times – the extraordinary power of love can light the way' Fiona Valpy 'A powerful, unforgettable love story' Gill Paul 'A heartbreaking, beautiful story' Jenny Ashcroft 'This is historical fiction at its absolute best' Liz Trenow 'An outstanding and heart-breaking story of Nazism seen from the 'other side': blind indoctrination is transformed into true heroism by the power of love' Sharon Maas, author of The Violin Maker's Daughter 'People Like Us is part romance, part character study, part call to arms' Lizzie Page 'People Like Us is an incredibly moving, utterly captivating, beautiful story of love, courage, and the strength of the human spirit. It was both heartbreaking and hopeful at once. The ending had me in tears' Rhiannon Navin 'A heartbreaking and thought-provoking story about forbidden love during Nazi Germany. Had me gripped to the very end' Luke Allnutt, author of We Own the Sky 'Beautiful and absorbing – a vital story of kindness, and a reminder that humanity can flourish in the darkest of times' Caroline Hulse, author of The Adults

Read more less

USA TODAY BESTSELLER 'We'd heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies...' In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now. When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they're called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes. Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they're told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses' fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it's a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war. In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for. Praise for The Girls From The Beach. 'One of my favorite books of 2021 and a true must-read for all fans of the genre. It's not just a story of friendship, but a story of patriotism, heroism, and selfless sacrifice in the name of freedom. Absolutely riveting!' – Ellie Midwood, USA Today bestselling author of The Violinist of Auschwitz. 'A wild ride of a book, laced with beautifully flawed characters, impeccable research and a story that will make you cry with tears of joy and sorrow. A resounding five-star read!' – Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman 'What a story! The Girls from the Beach took me on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense. The Girls from the Beach is a testimony to courage, integrity and female friendship. And that ending – wow!' – Gill Thompson, bestselling author of The Oceans Between Us 'The Girls from the Beach is a unique and incredibly imaginative story inspired by the nurses who worked on the front line in World War Two. It is action-packed and full of unexpected drama around every turn – I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! Readers who enjoyed Newton's earlier books will be sure to love this one' – Louise Fein, bestselling author of People Like Us

Read more less

'Genuinely unputdownable books are rare in my experience. This is one. A brilliant, original comedy' Daily Mail'I loved The Adults! Funny, dry and beautifully observed. Highly recommended for anyone whose perfect Christmases never quite go according to plan!'Gill Sims, #1 bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks and Why Mummy Swears * * * * *MEET THE ADULTS...Claire and Matt are divorced but decide what's best for their daughter Scarlett is to have a 'normal' family Christmas with them all together.Claire brings her new boyfriend Patrick, a seemingly eligible Iron-Man-in-Waiting. Matt brings the new love of his life Alex, funny, smart, and extremely patient. Scarlett, their daughter, brings her imaginary friend Posey. He's a rabbit.Together the five (or six?) of them grit their teeth over Organized Fun activities, drinking a little too much after bed-time, oversharing classified secrets about their pasts and, before they know it, their holiday is a powder keg that ends - where this story starts - with a tearful, frightened, call to the police...But what happened? They said they'd all be adults about this...* * * * *'Such a breath of fresh air! Witty, intensely human and (dare I say it) relatable ... The perfect comedy of errors' Katie Khan'The Adults is my top read of 2018 so far. Absolutely hilarious ... This one will stay with me for a long time' Cathy Bramley 'Packed with sharp wit, engaging characters and off-beat humour, this is a fresh and feisty thrill-ride of a novel' Heat'I took this book on holiday and couldn't put it down! I've never read anything quite like it' The Unmumsy Mum'Gripped me from the start. Reminiscent of Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies - a sure-fire winner' Cass Hunter, author of The After Wife'Brilliantly funny - will have you wincing in recognition' Good Housekeeping'I have a feeling Caroline Hulse might be a genius, this book is so brilliant. t's funny, clever and original - I loved every minute of reading it. Also, Posey should get a spin-off TV show' Lucy Vine, author of Hot Mess'Funny, poignant, real - a truly original book that made me laugh, cry and cringe in equal measure. I loved it' Charlotte Duckworth'Razor-sharp comedy - barbed and brilliant. The characters are totally convincing ... Sparky, heart-felt and fantastically fun, this is a fabulous debut' Sunday Mirror

Read more less

'This book aims to inspire the conservation community not to regard poverty reduction as someone else's job but to take responsibility for it as part of ecosystem restoration. Though no solutions are perfect,the text and examples given offer encouraging and useful guidance.' Gill Shepherd, poverty and landscapes thematic leader, IUCN Forest Conservation Programme. 'This book could be the catalyst for a real paradigm shift - not just in capital cities and international conference centres, but also on the ground in locations where poor people are struggling to make a living.' Policy Matters (praise for the first edition). High levels of rural poverty in many of the world's ecosystems make it an ethical and practical imperative to find more equitable and realistic ways of achieving conservation. Livelihoods of the rural poor and options for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity are so intimately entwined that they are better addressed through an integrated approach, irrespective of whether the primary motivation is one of development or one of conservation. This highly accessible book, a revised edition of the 2005 book Poverty and Conservation: Landscapes, People and Power, offers a grand overview of the issues and a conceptual framework for addressing poverty reduction in the context of conservation, and conservation in the context of poverty reduction. It will appeal to professionals working in the field as well as to students across the fields of conservation, development and sustainability. It looks at the rationale for addressing the links between conservation and poverty reduction, arguing that such a focus is both ethically essential and a source of opportunities. It alsoreviews experiences in dealing with people and conservation and identifies some key lessons and concepts. The book presents cases studies illustrating various approaches and a discussion of some of the issues that appear when implementing combined conservation and poverty reduction. The book emphasizes the importance of multiple spatial scales and negotiating trade-offs between scales. It also tackles the complex issue of institutional landscapes and the way in which changes at various institutional levels can lead to different and often more positive outcomes. The Final part summarizes some of the main features of the authors' integrated approach and identifies some of the challenges involved in efforts to combine conservation and poverty reduction. Published with IUCN - The World Conservation Union.

Read more less

Covering China's history, political economy, culture, military issues, and the U. S.-China relationship, this book presents a fascinating and multifaceted look at a country which is likely to be a major factor in U. S. foreign policy in the twenty-first century. It includes more than 28 articles on China published in The National Interest since 1995. The first in a series of readers drawn from The National Interest, the volume brings together in one place the analysis and insight of some of the leading scholars and practitioners concerned with the Sino-American relationship."China has been and is a particularly difficult subject for Americans," observes Owen Harries in his introduction. This volume tackles the hard questions. Will successful market reforms lead to the emergence of a prosperous liberal democracy or simply extend the life span of an authoritarian regime? Contributors address (and disagree about) whether Chinese culture and society can adapt to the norms of the free market and the open society. They examine whether growing economic disparities between the developed coastal regions and a backward interior threaten to unleash uncontrollable social unrest. They also consider whether or not ethnic and religious tensions among China's minority groups contain the seeds for China's disintegration. Are the United States and China destined to clash?Conclusions provided by the authors vary greatly. For some, China is a dangerous rival, a rapidly modernizing power with hegemonic ambitions to dominate East Asia. For others, China is a strategic partner and prospective ally. Contributors square off on issues of whether China's military poses a real threat or is a "paper tiger"; whether the future of Taiwan is to trigger a major war between Beijing and Washington or provide a model for peaceful accommodation of Chinese and American interests in the region; and whether containment or engagement is the sounder strategy for coping with a rising China.The distinguished contributors to this volume include Zbigniew Brzezinski, Nicholas Eberstadt, John Fitzgerald, Bates Gill, Nathan Glazer, David Lampton, Michael O'Hanlon, Robert Ross, S. Enders Wimbush, Paul Wolfowitz, and Robert B. Zoellick.With sections on history, political economy, culture, military issues, and the U. S.-China relationship, this book presents a fascinating and multifaceted overview of a country that is likely to be a major factor in U. S. foreign policy in the twenty-first century.

Read more less

When iconic musical Dust is revived twenty years after the leading actress was murdered in her dressing room, a series of eerie events haunts the new cast, in a bewitching, beguiling, moving and terrifyingly dark psychological thriller… ‘A delicate supernatural thriller of love, loss, murder and the dangers that come with getting what you wish for. Quite lovely in a dark, dark way’ Sarah Pinborough ‘Ghost story, murder mystery, romance. This mesmerising and entertaining book has it all…’ Emma Curtis ‘Haunting, provocative, and true to Beech’s style: packed with pain and heart’ Jack Jordan _________________________________ A haunted theatreA murdered actressThree cursed teenagersA secret that devastates them all… The Dean Wilson Theatre is believed to be haunted by a long-dead actress, singing her last song, waiting for her final cue, looking for her killer… Now Dust, the iconic musical, is returning after twenty years. But who will be brave enough to take on the role of ghostly goddess Esme Black, last played by Morgan Miller, who was murdered in her dressing room? Theatre usher Chloe Dee is caught up in the spectacle. As the new actors arrive, including an unexpected face from her past, everything changes. Are the eerie sounds and sightings backstage real or just her imagination? Is someone playing games? Is the role of Esme Black cursed? Could witchcraft be at the heart of the tragedy? And are dark deeds from Chloe’s past about to catch up with her? Not all the drama takes place onstage. Sometimes murder, magic, obsession and the biggest of betrayals are real life. When you’re in the theatre shadows, you see everything.And Chloe has been watching… ________ ‘A bold, original concept brilliantly executed … I adored it’ John Marrs ‘A delicate and mesmerising thriller’ Matt Wesolowski ‘Dark and haunting … further cements Louise Beech as one of the most original and exciting authors of the moment’ Claire Allan ‘Loads of twists and turns as the tension ramps up to breaking point’ Gill Paul ‘This book is about believing in yourself and finding out that you had the power all along’ Madeleine Black ‘It kept me reading until my eyes hurt and kept me thinking about it long after I’d finished’ Fionnuala Kearney ‘A work of almost tangible atmosphere and authenticity … poignant and layered’ S. E. Lyne

Read more less

A gripping new crime series for fans of Val McDermid, Jane Casey and Cara Hunter ’Compelling crime fiction with a beating heart of authenticity’ Hayley Scrivenor, author of Dirt Town ’Brimming with suspense!’ Heather Darwent, author of Sunday Times bestseller The Things We Do To Our Friends ‘CSI Ally Dymond is a gem, engaging, relatable, smart – everything you want in a main character’ Trevor Wood, author of The Man on the Street A family secret worth killing for… In the dead of night, 72-year-old Miriam Narracott is found wandering on Exmoor, holding a knife and covered in blood. Inside the family farmhouse lies the body of her adult son, Gabe. CSI Ally Dymond is on compassionate leave, but when approached by the new DI, recently arrived from London and eager to have Ally's keen eye and local knowledge on the case, she finds herself being drawn back in. With their only suspect Miriam unwilling – or unable – to talk, the team must dig into the family’s history to uncover a motive. Instead they find evidence that Gabe was involved with a criminal network, suggesting a completely different chain of events. But if Miriam isn’t the killer – then who is? The gripping second novel in the CSI Ally Dymond series. ‘Shot through with wit and peopled by characters you care about’ Gill Perdue, author of If I Tell ‘T. Orr Munro has weaved such an intricate story, she’ll have you guessing right until the end’ Sophia Spiers, author of The Call of Cassandra Rose ‘A well-written, perfectly plotted novel that hooked me in right from the prologue’ Diane Jeffrey, author of The Guilty Mother Readers can’t get enough of CSI Ally Dymond! ‘This story was so well written and captures you hook, line and sinker straight away’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fast paced and incredibly twisty. The storylines and characters are fantastic. I'm a huge Ally fan and I can't wait for the next one’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A carefully crafted cast and a compelling and credible narrative makes this an immersive tale with a solid mystery to unravel. Fast moving and engaging’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘If you enjoy the plot rich, character rich novels of William Shaw and Elly Griffiths you should have a look at this series’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

**THE FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHER is now available in ebook**THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER'This has to be the most beautiful book I've read in a very long time' *****'The best book I have read!' *****'Superbly written with characters I truly cared and worried about' *****'If you like Kate Morton or Lucinda Riley, you'll like this too' *****Crossing generations, society's boundaries and international turmoil, The Paris Seamstress is a beguiling, transporting story perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Kate Furnivall, Kate Morton and Penny Vincenzi.***************What must Estella sacrifice to make her mark?1940: Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.2015: Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother's work - one of the world's leading designers of ready-to-wear. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets - and the sacrifices made for love.PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER...'Fascinating and impeccably researched' GILL PAUL'A fantastically engrossing story. I love it' KELLY RIMMER'A beautiful story in every way' THE LADY'Intrigue, heartbreak... I cannot tell you how much I loved this book' RACHEL BURTON'If you enjoy historical fiction (and even if you don't) you will love this book' Sally Hepworth'A gorgeously rich and romantic novel' Kate Forsyth'Stunning . . . Will have you captivated' Liz Byrski'This romance will have you enchanted' Woman's Day'Natasha Lester is our generation's Louisa May Alcott' Tess Woods'What a GEM!' Sara Foster'Natasha Lester brings bold, brave women to life' Courier Mail 'I love this book' Rachael Johns'Exquisite!' Vanessa Carnevale'Engaging' Herald Sun'An essential addition to Australian fiction' AusRomToday'Utterly compelling' Good Reading 'Emotion that will touch your heart and soul deeply' Jodi Gibson 'Fascinating, evocative and meticulously researched' Annabel Abbs'Entertaining and provocative' Perth Festival 'Lester has woven a fine, original story of everlasting quality.' BetterReading 'A captivating tale' Daily Examiner 'A delightful and multi-faceted romp through the jazz era' Natalie Salvo'Excellent historical fiction' The Book Muse 'You will love this even if you're not a regular reader of historical fiction' Jess Just Reads 'Storytelling at its finest' Great Reads & Tea Leaves

Read more less

‘A tender story of love, loss, healing and hope’ LAURA KEMP‘Alternately heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved it’ NICOLA GILL'A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship, loss and love' MILLY JOHNSON'A life-affirming love story full of hope and heart' KATIE MARSH'A poignant story about life after loss, and how well we truly know the people closest to us. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, uplifting - I loved it' HOLLY MILLER'Heartfelt, painfully real, thoughtful and uplifting. I loved it!' EMILY STONE‘A warm, relatable read that will make you smile despite the lump in your throat’ ROSIE BLAKE‘A bittersweet story of loss and discovery. The One is as heart-warming as a hug, but with a sucker punch of powerful emotion’ IONA GREY'Such a heartwarming read' SARAH TURNERWhat happens when you lose the love of your life just three months after you meet him?Lottie Brown has finally found The One. Leo is everything she’s ever wanted – he’s handsome, kind, funny and totally gets her. Three months into their relationship, Lottie is in love and happier than ever before. But then Leo tragically dies, and Lottie is left floundering. As she struggles to stop her life falling apart, Lottie learns more about the man she thought she knew, and starts to question whether Leo really was as perfect as he seemed…The brand-new heart-breaking novel of love, loss and learning to live again, from the acclaimed author of MARRIED AT FIRST SWIPE. Perfect for fans of Paige Toon, Holly Miller and Rosie Walsh. Praise for Claire Frost‘Claire’s books are always life-affirming and a treat to read’ PHAEDRA PATRICK'A wonderful read!' SOPHIE COUSENS‘Refreshing, brilliantly-written and highly addictive!’ HELLY ACTON'If you’re looking for a story to make you shed a few tears and cheer, this is the one!' MIRANDA DICKINSON'The perfect tonic for these gloomy times. Totally relatable but at the same time, total escapism, and it was so easy to race through the pages' LIA LOUIS'Claire Frost's writing is like your warmest gal pal gossiping with you over a gin' LAURA JANE WILLIAMS‘A heart-warming page-turner. Impossible to put down!’ HOLLY MARTIN'I couldn’t put it down. What a wonderful, wise book!' ALEX BROWN'A fabulously heart-warming novel about love, friendships, and being honest with yourself about what you want from life' ANNA BELL

Read more less

‘A treat of a book about love and friendship - sip a Prosecco and enjoy!’ Jacqueline Wilson, bestselling author of The Story of Tracy Beaker How do you move on after The One?April 16th is always one of Charley’s worst days of the year. It’s her husband’s birthday, a painful reminder of his death four years ago.So naturally, her car breaks down.She nearly gets run over trying to catch the bus.And then she’s made redundant.Her friends see the redundancy as a chance for her to start again and live the life she always wanted, but since being widowed Charley has clung to familiarity and avoided change like the plague. Then, out of the blue, her mother-in-law Pam pitches up in need of a place to stay after walking out on her 40-year marriage.Together, Charley and Pam find themselves at a crossroad. It’s not easy to move on after The One, but they can’t stand still forever. A gorgeously heartwarming and feel-good story for fans of Libby Page and Nicola Gill.Praise for After the One ‘I loved this sweetly engaging story of two women overcoming heartbreak at different stages of life – it envelopes the reader in a warm hug of friendship and hope.’ Sarah Steele, USA Today bestselling author of The Missing Pieces Of Nancy Moon‘This was such a sweet and cheering read. With the first fictional mother-in-law I’d actually be glad to have! Everyone needs a Pam.’ Joanna Nadin, author of The Queen of Bloody Everything'A feel-good story which will appeal to many ages and I look forward to recommending it to customers.' Coles Books, Bicester‘A beautifully written and heartwarming story about love, loss and finding the courage to start again ... so witty and yet packed full of emotion throughout. I totally loved every second of this story – it really is a must-read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'I fell in love with the story from the start. The relationship between Pam and Charley is delightful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This is my first Cass Lester book but I'm hoping it won't be my last! This book is full of emotion and truthfulness so you may need a few tissues to hand if you tend to get a bit blubbery but I just absolutely loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Read more less

An enjoyable read about love, courage and discovery during a time of change in post war Britain. A lovely story! KITTY NEALEWhen Nurse Kitty becomes the NHS's poster-girl for its overseas recruitment drive, she swaps the grey post-war backstreets of Manchester for the palm-fringed island of Barbados. But will her determination to save the NHS lose her everyone she loves? It's 1949 and nurse Kitty Longthorne is still hard at work at Manchester's Park Hospital. The one-year-old NHS is inundated by the nation's sick and dying, made worse by a crippling labour shortage. Now engaged, Kitty and James adore each other, but once they marry, she will be expected to leave the job that means so much to her. When she is offered the trip of a lifetime - a voyage by sea to Barbados to recruit nurses to join Park Hospital's ranks - adventurous Kitty is desperate to go. Her brother Ned has been there for years, and she simply cannot resist an opportunity to track him down and see what exactly he's been up to.But what of her beloved James? What of the baby she suspects she may be carrying? Returning home, Kitty has more to contend with than she ever anticipated: a gravely ill father, a dejected fiancé and the close-minded views of her peers upon the arrival of Kitty's first, hardworking recruit - Nurse Grace. After paradise, will Manchester ever be the same again? An uplifting, heart-wrenching novel based on the true story of the first ever NHS hospital, for fans of Donna Douglas and Nancy Revell. *** Praise for NURSE KITTY'S SECRET WAR A galloping read that conjures up life in a late 1940s hospital, complete with fierce matrons and handsome doctors. Nurse Kitty is a feisty heroine who sticks her neck out to protect her patients, while trying to resolve her own family problems and heal her broken heart. It's engaging and atmospheric. GILL PAUL I'm sure readers will love Nurse Kitty as she struggles to find true love when everything is going against it. I loved the end-of-WW2 setting, which is vividly imagined, and the sheer energy of Maggie Campbell's pacy prose. A perfect escapist read. KITTY DANTON, author of A Wartime Wish

Read more less

*An International Bestseller from the author of People Like Us, shortlisted for the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and the RNA Historical Romantic Novel Award 2021* From the outside, Eleanor and Edward Hamilton have the perfect life, but they're harbouring a secret that threatens to fracture their entire world. London, 1929. Eleanor Hamilton is a dutiful mother, a caring sister and an adoring wife to a celebrated war hero. Her husband, Edward, is a pioneer in the eugenics movement. The Hamiltons are on the social rise, and it looks as though their future is bright. When Mabel, their young daughter, begins to develop debilitating seizures, they have to face an uncomfortable truth: Mabel has epilepsy – one of the 'undesirable' conditions that Edward campaigns against. Forced to hide their daughter away so as to not jeopardise Edward's life's work, the couple must confront the truth of their past – and the secrets that have been buried. Will Eleanor and Edward be able to fight for their family? Or will the truth destroy them? 'Shocking, emotive, and compelling, but ultimately a story of hope. I loved it' – Deborah Carr, bestselling author of The Poppy Field 'A poignant rendering of love and motherhood, human frailty and redemption, exquisitely told against the backdrop of the unthinkable... Fein deftly takes the reader back to a terrifying turning point in history and, with grace and compassion, reminds us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in our souls to be true' – Judithe Little, bestselling author of The Chanel Sisters 'The Hidden Child is the thought-provoking and compelling tale of one family and the battle to survive their daughter's illness. A reminder that ordinary people can so often be responsible for some of the most shocking episodes in history' – Louise Hare, bestselling author of This Lovely City 'An astonishing story about an aspect of British history that's long been swept under the carpet – surprising, moving and poignant' – Frances Quinn, bestselling author of The Smallest Man 'I was completely under its spell in this powerful, engaging, and ultimately heart-warming story. Bravo, Louise you've done it again!' – Gill Thompson, author of The Oceans Between Us 'The Hidden Child is a fascinating and thought-provoking story which is hard to put down' – Caroline Bishop, author of The Other Daughter 'The Hidden Child is a story of hope and redemption, of humanity and growth... both intimate and universal in scope. I loved this compelling read and its complex, flawed, but deeply human characters' – Addison Armstrong, author of The Light of Luna Park

Read more less

'A total delight. Witty and fresh - I absolutely loved it!' MILLY JOHNSONIn the modern tech-fuelled world of dating, is it possible to find true love? Hannah lives life on the edge. Never one to pass up on a new adventure, she has truly been living her best life. But once the adrenaline wears off, she wishes she had someone to spend the quieter moments with too. Learning that her best friend’s online dating business has taken a hit, she comes up with an idea that just might solve both of their problems... Jess has been with her husband for twenty years. They have a stable marriage, great kids and run their own businesses. But what looks like a perfect life from the outside has its own problems within, and with her business on the brink Jess can’t help but wonder where the spark has gone in her life, and whether settling down is all it’s cracked up to be. When Hannah embarks upon her latest scheme: finding a man using Jess’s dating app and meeting him for the first time at the altar, both women start to realise the grass isn't always greener. Can Hannah help her friend save her failing business or will Jess stop her from making what could be the biggest mistake of her life? 'A very funny, feel-good read' HOLLY MILLER‘Fun, feelgood, fab!’ KATE EBERLEN'Refreshing, brilliantly-written and highly addictive! HELLY ACTON'A witty, warm, wonderful read!' SOPHIE COUSENS'Fresh, funny, and wonderfully timely – it's feel-good fiction at its finest!' LAURA JANE WILLIAMS'Funny, feel good and full of warmth, love and friendship' LAURA KEMP'A witty, tender story that packs a real emotional punch. I loved it!' NICOLA GILL‘A heart-warming and joyous page-turner. Impossible to put down!’ HOLLY MARTIN'If you’re looking for a story to make you giggle, shed a few tears and cheer, this is the one!' MIRANDA DICKINSON'Enthralling and entertaining!' HEIDI SWAIN'I couldn’t put it down. What a wonderful, warm, wise and witty book!' ALEX BROWN'Fresh, funny and romantic, I totally loved it' SARAH MORGAN'Fresh, funny, and the perfect tonic for these gloomy times' LIA LOUIS'Witty, fun and fresh, Married at First Swipe is the perfect book to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face' PHAEDRA PATRICK'A fabulously fun, heart-warming novel' ANNA BELL'Heartwarming, insightful and very, very funny' KATIE MARSH

Read more less

Papa always told us that to be brave doesn't mean you have no fear. It just means you can move forwards in spite of that fear. 2019. When Imogen Wren's husband dies, she must realise their dream of moving to France on her own. She finds a beautiful abandoned chateau and starts to rebuild her life among its ruins. But she soon notices that the locals won't come near. A dark web of secrets surrounds the house, and it all seems to centre on the war... 1944. Since the moment German troops stepped foot in her village, the sole aim of Simone Varon's life has been to avoid them. Until one soldier begins leaving medicine bottles for her sick brother, and she gets to know the man behind the uniform. Then the Resistance comes calling, and she must choose between love and duty – with devastating consequences that will echo through the decades. As Imogen restores the chateau, she's determined to uncover the truth – and set to rest the ghosts of the past. A beautiful and devastating dual timeline novel that spans from occupied France in World War Two, to the war-ravaged chateau in 2019. Perfect for fans of Gill Paul, Lucinda Riley and Lorna Cook. Reader love All That We Have Lost! 'Will truly sweep you away... I could really imagine the characters. A standout novel and Suzanne Fortin's best yet!' NetGalley 5* Review 'It will crush you then revive you... Absolute stunner of a book! I hope we will be blessed with many more books by this author' Goodreads 5* Review 'An excellent read! I really enjoyed the double time eras and the stories of both modern and WWII kept me enthralled. Such brilliant research and warm characters that brought the French countryside to life' Anne Marie Brear, 5* Review 'Wonderful novel – historical fiction at its best. I really enjoyed the dual timeline the book drew me in kept me reading late into the night... Highly recommend' NetGalley 5* Review 'Fabulous read from beginning to end... Amazing characters who worked so well together, it really was a story off love and loss in during WW2... I want to give nothing away only that I highly recommend ?' Goodreads 5* Review 'Brilliant dual timeline historical fiction story... Hard to put down and five stars from me. I highly recommend' Karen Reads Books, 5* Review 'A brilliant read... This book had it all, part romance, part mystery, throw in intrigue and a little history and you come up with this excellent book... Heartening and at times heartbreaking story' Goodreads 5* Review

Read more less

Winter Migrants opens with Tom Pickard's prize-winning sequence Lark & Merlin, an erotic pursuit over the hills and fells of the poet's Northern-English homeland. Stotting clough and gill in sneaping winds, leaping burns by backlit larches, waves of sleek grass skiffing mist ...here, says the poet, 'the weather is overseer'. The borders between body and landscape, desire and object, blur in the mammal heat of pursuit, of a lover, of a self, insatiable and unresolvable. There follows a selection from the Fiends Fell Journals, a haibun or poetry-diary, composed over the decade Pickard lived alone on the wind-blown North Pennines. Short poems dedicated to friends and acerbic, satirical poems lend the second half of Winter Migrants a playful warmth and tonic mischief.As the collection draws to a close, the poems return to the familiar horizon of Solway Firth, the estuary 'where winter migrants gather in long black lines', and the world, cooled now both inside and out, quells: a curlew gifts its 'estuary echo'; gulls make a 'confetti flurry' above the shoreline; and clouds, once pale and flitting, pour purple and gold, 'a mercury whisper of tipped-in light'.' I am an old admirer of Tom Pickard's poetry and believe as does Basil Bunting that he is one of the most live and true poetic voices in Great Britain.'Allen Ginsberg'Pickard uses local words and slang authentically. [...] But throughout his work he reaches into a need for a certain strenuous innocence, a resistance to intellectualising, another way of speaking directly to an audience.'Eric Mottram'In these days of technological wizardry it might be a safe guess to say poets have become rather thin on the ground. I mean to say that there seems to be a surplus of estate agents, bankers, media people, technocrats, lawyers, accountants etc...but the POET...the noble BARD appears to have almost slipped off the map.This is one reason why I'm terribly glad that Tom Pickard is alive and kicking, because in fact he is the living embodiment of "poetdom". [...] To try to describe Tom's poems would be pointless. They speak for themselves, in the most powerful and uniquely personal way.'Annie Lennox'With sharp vision Tom Pickard dissects his gut reaction and reminds us to appreciate the cool clear beauty of our own situation.'Paul McCartney'the linguistic ecstasy [...] slipped into the loneliness of the landscape the poet finds himself answering to instead of a lover [...] A lyric poet in profound correspondence with his home in the Pennines and with the erotic muse.'Ange Mlinko, Poetry

Read more less

FREEDOM WORTH FIGHTING FOR. LOVE WORTH WAITING FOREscape this summer with the unforgettable wartime love story and Richard & Judy Bookclub pick 'The French House is a beautifully wrought exploration of love of all kinds. It's utterly gorgeous, convincingly written and completely captivating. Make sure you read it' MY WEEKLY'A raw and honest love story, filled with a wealth of historical detail. The French House is a powerful depiction of the brutal intricacies of island relationships and loyalties in a time of war' FIONA VALPY'Deeply involving . . . A fantastic debut by a gifted storyteller' JILL MANSELL***In Nazi-occupied Guernsey, the wrong decision can destroy a life... Left profoundly deaf after an accident, Émile is no stranger to isolation - or heartbreak. Now, as Nazi planes loom over Guernsey, he senses life is about to change forever.Trapped in a tense, fearful marriage, Isabelle doesn't know what has become of Émile and the future she hoped for. But when she glimpses him from the window of the French House, their lives collide once more. Leutnant Schreiber is more comfortable wielding a paintbrush than a pistol. But he has little choice in the role he is forced to play in the occupying forces - or in his own forbidden desires. As their paths entwine, loyalties are blurred and dangerous secrets forged. But on an island under occupation, courage can have deadly consequences...Lyrical, moving and compelling, this is a novel about wanting to hear and learning to listen - to the truths of our own hearts. Perfect for lovers of The Nightingale, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and All the Light We Cannot See.'A story of fraught secrets and tested loyalties . . . I found this beautifully told tale hard to put down' ANITA FRANK'Heart-wrenching . . . A truly special novel' LOUISE FEIN'Accomplished and atmospheric . . . I really enjoyed this uncliched yet deeply moving love story' TRACY REES'A vividly written, refreshingly different World War Two love story, with a central character I adored. Just brilliant!' GILL PAUL'Such an emotionally gripping novel portraying how love can be betrayed yet still endure' SUZANNE GOLDRING'I have been swept away by Jacquie Bloese's gorgeous writing, completely transported into the rich, atmospheric, and incredibly moving pages of The French House. . . this is an absolutely stunning, beautifully original novel' JENNY ASHCROFT'A wonderful story, powerfully written with beautiful characters'JAMES KENT, director of Testament of Youth'A brilliantly moving historical novel' - 2020 Caledonian Novel Award panel

Read more less

Freedom worth fighting for. Love worth waiting for.'The French House is a beautifully wrought exploration of love of all kinds. It's utterly gorgeous, convincingly written and completely captivating. Make sure you read it'MY WEEKLY'I was gripped from the start by the characters and the setting. A wonderful read'RUTH DRUART'A raw and honest love story, filled with a wealth of historical detail. The French House is a powerful depiction of the brutal intricacies of island relationships and loyalties in a time of war' FIONA VALPY'Deeply involving . . . A fantastic debut by a gifted storyteller' JILL MANSELL'A story of fraught secrets and tested loyalties . . . I found this beautifully told tale hard to put down' ANITA FRANK'Heart-wrenching . . . A truly special novel' LOUISE FEIN'Accomplished and atmospheric . . . I really enjoyed this uncliched yet deeply moving love story'TRACY REES'A vividly written, refreshingly different World War Two love story, with a central character I adored. Just brilliant!'GILL PAUL'Such an emotionally gripping novel portraying how love can be betrayed yet still endure' SUZANNE GOLDRING'I have been swept away by Jacquie Bloese's gorgeous writing, completely transported into the rich, atmospheric, and incredibly moving pages of The French House. . . this is an absolutely stunning, beautifully original novel'JENNY ASHCROFT'The writing is incredibly strong . . . a compelling read with a highly satisfactory ending'GUERNSEY PRESS***In Nazi-occupied Guernsey, the wrong decision can destroy a life... Left profoundly deaf after an accident, Émile is no stranger to isolation - or heartbreak. Now, as Nazi planes loom over Guernsey, he senses life is about to change forever.Trapped in a tense, fearful marriage, Isabelle doesn't know what has become of Émile and the future she hoped for. But when she glimpses him from the window of the French House, their lives collide once more. Leutnant Schreiber is more comfortable wielding a paintbrush than a pistol. But he has little choice in the role he is forced to play in the occupying forces - or in his own forbidden desires. As their paths entwine, loyalties are blurred and dangerous secrets forged. But on an island under occupation, courage can have deadly consequences...Lyrical, moving and compelling, this is a novel about wanting to hear and learning to listen - to the truths of our own hearts. Perfect for lovers of The Nightingale, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and All the Light We Cannot See.'A wonderful story, powerfully written with beautiful characters'JAMES KENT, director of Testament of Youth'A brilliantly moving historical novel' - 2020 Caledonian Novel Award panel

Read more less

A nation torn apart by war. One woman steps into the crossfire.'This amazing book has everything in it: love, war, history and relevance to today. Gripping.' Russell Kane'I insist you read this intelligent empathetic novel. You won't regret it.' Frost Magazine'Extraordinary events sensitively told.' Lucy Jago, A Net For Small Fishes'I couldn't put it down.' Gill Paul, The Collector's Daughter'A heartrending tale of love, courage and sacrifice.' Nikki Marmery, On Wilder Seas____________1936. Civil war in Spain. A world on the brink of chaos ...Twenty-one-year-old Lucy is frustrated with her constrained life in Hertfordshire, teaching and keeping house for her domineering father. But she is happy to be living next door to Tom and Jamie, two brothers she has known since childhood, and whom she loves equally.But her life is turned upside down when Tom decides he must travel to Spain to fight in the bloody Spanish Civil War. He is quickly followed by Jamie who, much to Lucy's despair, is supporting General Franco.To the dismay of her irascible father, Lucy decides that the only way to bring her boys back safely is to travel to Spain herself to persuade them to come home.Yet when she sees the horrific effects of the war, she quickly becomes immersed in the lifesaving work the Quakers are doing to help the civilian population, many of whom are refugees.As the war progresses and the situation becomes increasingly perilous, Lucy realises that the challenge going forward is not so much which brother she will end up with, but whether any of them will survive the carnage long enough to decide ...____________More praise for Acts of Love and War ...'Be prepared to lose your heart in the simmering heat of war-torn Spain.' Miranda Malins, The Puritan Princess'This is a marvellous book on any level, I thoroughly enjoyed it and could hardly put it down.' Deborahjs'Wide in scope and told with honesty, insight and tenderness, a moving and unputdownable story' Judith Allnatt, The Poet's Wife'Accomplished and expansive' Anne Morgan, Reading The World'Insightful and moving' Katherine Clements, The Crimson Ribbon'One of historical fiction's most lyrical and intelligent voices' Rachel McMillan, The London Restoration'Emotionally captivating and authentic ... an unforgettable story' Susan Meissner, The Nature of Fragile Things_______________Readers can't get enough of Acts of Love and War ...***** 'A tale of passion and passionate caring, and how that can manifest in very different ways.'***** 'A masterpiece.'***** 'Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction.'***** 'An amazing and compelling read.'***** 'An immersive and powerful story.'

Read more less

'A deeply touching, delicious, slow burn of a love affair. A really excellent book and Jenny Ashcroft's best yet.' Dinah Jeffries'The perfect way to lose myself, escaping from the every day to travel around the world.' Louise DouglasWhat if all you needed to do to find home, was leave?Wanted: companion to escort a young, orphaned child home to Australia.All expenses as well as passage covered.Interested parties to apply without delay to 32 Williams Street, Belgravia.Rose Hamilton is in desperate need of a fresh start. There are so many reasons she should ignore the advertisement: the war, those treacherous seas, her family, her fiancé... but she cannot help herself. Within weeks, she is boarding an enormous convoy, already too attached to five-year-old Walter Lucknow.But rural Queensland, and the cattle station home of Walter's parents, is not as either of them were told to expect. Rose cannot leave this little boy she's grown to love until he is happy, and she knows the key to this is Walter's wounded fighter pilot uncle Max. But how will she ever part with Walter? And what if he isn't the only reason she wants to stay?Authors love Under the Golden Sun:'An epic story of hope and heartbreak.' Iona Grey, author of Letters to the Lost'Utterly emotive and beautiful.' Lorna Cook, author of The Forbidden Promise'A sumptuous story of love and belonging.' Tracy Rees, author of The House at Silvermoor'Ashcroft fans are in for a real treat.' Emma Rous, author of The Perfect Guests'Under the Golden Sun transported me to exciting, sun-filled places.' Liz Trenow, author of The Forgotten Seamstress'Ashcroft writes with the perfect blend of elegance and emotional punch.' Hazel Gaynor, author of The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter'Will grab your heart, squeeze it and won't let it go until the poignant and emotional end.' Louise Fein, author of People Like Us'A story of love in its various forms, with the powerful pull of promises made, trust broken and well-kept secrets.' Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan'This is a novel to lose yourself in.' Gill Paul, author of The Lost Daughter'Keeps you guessing till the end.' Adrienne Chin, author of The English Wife'A beautiful and sumptuous story that tugs on your heartstrings in all the right ways.' Nikola Scott, author of My Mother's Shadow'Vivid and lyrical, this epic love story completely enchanted and transported me. Unforgettably poignant, Rose's story is spellbinding yet utterly real.' Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

Read more less

The new edition of this best selling book looks critically at the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and draws attention to issues that underlie the EYFS and the implications for children from birth to five.With its questions for reflection and discussion, further reading and useful websites, Early Years Foundations is essential and informative reading for students studying any early years or early childhood course, or working towards Early Years Teacher Status.Among the many challenges facing early years professionals, there are continual dilemmas arising between perceptions of good practice, the practicalities of provision and meeting OfSTED requirements. This exciting and innovative new edition supports practitioners in thinking through their responsibilities in tackling some of the many challenges they encounter, for example, that children are still perceived as 'deficit' in some way and in need of 'being school ready' rather than as developing individuals who have a right to a childhood and appropriate early education.Chapters explore the rationale behind early years practice based on theory and research, covering important topics including: Prime and specific areas of learning and development Observation and assessment Pedagogy Working with parents Difference and diversity Contributors: Sue Bingham, Gill Boag-Munroe, Liz Brooker, Helen Clarke, Anne Cockburn, Rosie Flewitt, Jan Georgeson, Michael Jones, Lilian G. Katz, Caroline Leeson, Paulette Luff, Jayne Osgood, John Parry, Jane Payler, Karen Phethean, Linda Pound, Anne Rawlings, Jonathan Rix, Sue Rogers, Anita Soni, Suzy Tutchell, Judith Twani, Jane Waters, David Whitebread"Early Years Foundations: Critical issues is a timely and valuable edition for the early childhood bookshelf, offering high quality scholarship combined with deep understanding of early childhood practice."Jane Murray PhD, Senior Lecturer, University of Northampton, UK "This book stands out amongst the crowd for a number of reasons. In particular, the status of the three editing authors means that the content of the book is to be trusted to be both informed and thorough in its attention to detail, and this second edition has been carefully updated to incorporate recent reforms and initiatives. The editing authors' insistence on the creation of an early years text that centres on a critically reflective review of contemporary policy and research can only help to build the argument for a better future for young children's care and education."Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK "This book is not another bland 'how to do it' manual to accompany the EYFS, it goes much further in offering a truly challenging critique. This should be essential reading for experienced practitioners as well as Early Childhood Studies students."Denise Hevey, Professor of Early Years, University of Northampton, UK.

Read more less

Razzak Mirjan and his family set up Beder, a charity in honour of his younger brother who sadly took his own life at the age of 18 in 2017, to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. This autumn they launch their first cook book, From Beder's Kitchen, a collection of recipes and stories from amazing foodies around the world, including head and executive chefs at some of the UK's leading restaurants, MasterChef winners, TV chefs, food bloggers, nutritionists, best-selling authors, newspaper journalists, Bake Off winners, mental health advocates and general foodies. There are 90 contributors in all, each sharing their favourite recipe as well as their reflections on looking after their mental health and how cooking has played a part. Among those to take part are: Gordon Ramsay, world famous chef and TV personality; Yotam Ottolenghi, restaurateur, chef and best-selling author; Atul Kochhar, chef and TV regular; Carla Henriques, executive pastry chef at Hawksmoor; Romy Gill, chef and TV regular; Judy Joo, host of Korean Food Made Simple; Michael Zee, author and creator of Symmetry Breakfast; Joudie Kalla, author of Palestine on a Plate; Jack Blumenthal, chef and son of Heston; David Atherton, Great British Bake Off 2019 winner; Liz Earle, writer, TV presenter and author; Miles Kirby, chef director at Caravan. Dishes are divided into 5 chapters: Start Your Day The Right Way, Happy Gut Happy Life, Fast Food (But Not As You Know It), Soul Food and Sweet Treats. Recipes include: Tahini Chicken Schnitzel from Yotam Ottolenghi; Beef Fajitas with Sour Cream & Guacamole from Gordon Ramsay; Coconut & Fermented Turmeric Rebus Roast Cauliflower from chef Daniel Watkins; Bourbon BBQ Turkey Tarragon Burger from MasterChef winner Simon Wood; and Olive Oil, Almond, Apricot & Tahini Cake from 2019 MasterChef winner Irini Tzortzoglou. About Beder Beder takes a unique approach to softly raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Beder intends to increase understanding and reduce fear around the topics of mental health and suicide in order to conquer the stigma surrounding these incredibly important, yet underestimated, issues. Beder has partnered with YoungMinds, a leading mental health charity, and Samaritans, an established and highly respected charity, working across the UK and Ireland focused on reducing suicide. The aims of these partnerships are to harness the specialist knowledge of each charity, as well as promote and further both charities' incredible work. You can find out more information about Beder at www.beder.org.uk and @beder_uk on social media.

Read more less

'I was gripped, desperate to solve the mystery of Nancy Moon' Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of THE CACTUS'Wonderful. This book is a joy' Katie Fforde, Sunday Times bestselling author'Two captivating stories of love and heartbreak, stitched together by a trail through Europe in 1962' Gill Paul, author of THE SECRET WIFETHE USA TODAY BESTSELLER. Set against the glistening backdrop of the Riviera, this is a truly captivating novel about two women whose lives become seamlessly intertwined when they embark on the same journey decades apart. Take a journey and immerse yourself in this year's most irresistible read. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Suzanne Goldring and The Paris Seamstress.To unravel that long-lost summer, she had to follow the thread...Florence Connelly is broken hearted. Her marriage has collapsed under the weight of the loss she shares with her husband, and her beloved grandmother has just died. Even the joy she found in dressmaking is gone.But things change when Flo opens a box of vintage 1960s dress patterns found inside her grandmother's wardrobe. Inside each pattern packet is a fabric swatch, a postcard from Europe and a photograph of a mysterious young woman, Nancy Moon, wearing the hand-made dress.Flo discovers that Nancy was a distant relation who took the boat train to Paris in 1962 and never returned. With no one to stay home for, Flo decides to follow Nancy's thread. She unravels an untold story of love and loss in her family's past. And begins to stitch the pieces of her own life back together.** DON'T MISS SARAH STEELE'S STUNNING NOVEL THE SCHOOLTEACHER OF SAINT-MICHEL **'A gorgeous, tender debut' Kate Riordan, author of THE HEATWAVE'I felt so passionately involved in Flo's journey. A GORGEOUS read' Prima, BOOK OF THE MONTH'Warm and true... Pays tribute to the heart and backbone of women who support each other when the world turns its back' Stephanie Butland, author of LOST FOR WORDSReaders worldwide simply adore THE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON:'If I could give 10 stars I would''Heartwarming, uplifting, emotional and immersive, The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon is a must-read, encapsulating the essence of summer like the sun is shining from the pages''OMG WHAT A BOOK. Fabulously, beautifully written book.''One of the best books I have read this year. It has it all - love, mystery, deceit and a secret. Five stars all the way'

Read more less

In a near future where a series of environmental disasters has left much of the country underwater, Pearl lives on a floating oyster farm with her father and younger sister, Clover. Following her mum’s death several years earlier, Pearl refuses to set foot on land, believing her illness was caused by the poisons in the ground. Meanwhile, Clover dreams of school, friends and a normal life. Then Nat comes to spend the summer at the sea farm while his scientist mum conducts some experiments. Leaving behind the mainland, with its strict rules and regulations, he brings with him a secret. But when the sisters promise to keep his secret safe, little do they realize that they may be risking everything… A thrilling and thought-provoking ecological adventure from the author of the highly acclaimed WHERE THE WORLD TURNS WILD. Perfect for fans of THE EXPLORER, THE LAST WILD and WHERE THE RIVER RUNS GOLD. PRAISE FOR BETWEEN SEA AND SKY: "Atmospheric, memorable, extraordinarily gripping, this is storytelling at its finest.” - The Guardian “I loved Penfold’s debut … and this confirms her as a rising star of children’s fiction, mixing a thrilling evocative adventure with pertinent themes of the environment and recovery.” – Fiona Noble, The Bookseller “A beautifully told adventure that will have readers, like its protagonists, diving deep to discover the fragility of our eco-system and emerging emboldened to protect its delicate balance.” - Sita Brahmachari, author of Where the River Runs Gold “A message to us all in the most powerful, evocative and hopeful story spinning.” - Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks’ War “I loved Between Sea and Sky. I was totally immersed… I could almost smell the sea and feel salt in my hair. Powerful storytelling and a thought-provoking tale.” - Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk “A shimmering testament to the restorative power of nature and the limitless wonder unearthed by childhood curiosity.” - Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild “BOSS level MG dystopia, so vivid!” - Louie Stowell, author of The Dragon in the Library “Nicola Penfold makes me want to love our planet harder, hold it closer.” - Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of How to Change the World “This is compelling, high-stakes storytelling… This will be a favourite that I will return to over and over again.” - Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant “An original and wonderful story of wild children and a world in trouble … so perfectly written that reading it is living it. And living it is an adventure.” - Rachel Delahaye, author of Mort the Meek

Read more less

'Secrets and lies, poverty and elegance, old loyalties and new friendships all combine to make Eleni Kyriacou's debut novel a compelling page-turner' - Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Dressmaker's GiftOne of Woman & Home's Best Historical Fiction Reads of 2020In a city of strangers, who can you trust?London, 1952. Dina Demetriou has travelled from Cyprus for a better life. She's certain that excitement, adventure and opportunity are out there, waiting - if only she knew where to look.Her passion for clothes and flair for sewing land her a job repairing the glittering costumes at the notorious Pelican Revue. It's here that she befriends the mysterious and beautiful Bebba.With her bleached-blonde hair and an appetite for mischief, Bebba is like no Greek Dina has ever met before. She guides Dina around the fashionable shops, bars and clubs of Soho, and Dina finally feels life has begun.But Bebba has a secret. And as thick smog brings the city to a standstill, the truth emerges with devastating results. Dina's new life now hangs by a thread. What will be left when the fog finally clears? And will Dina be willing to risk everything to protect her future?A story of friendship, family, love and loss set against the grimy and glittering streets of fifties Soho. For fans of Kate Furnivall and Rachel Rhys.Further praise for SHE CAME TO STAY:'An atmospheric page-turner perfectly set in the smoke and glitter of a vanished world . . . gripping' - Erin Kelly, bestselling author of He Said/She Said'Compelling and beautifully observed. Kyriacou brilliantly evokes the violence and the grime beneath the sequins and surface glamour of 1950s Soho' - Rachel Rhys, bestselling author of Dangerous Crossing 'I absolutely loved it. A gripping, enthralling story . . . I was completely engrossed' - Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request 'An absorbing story of friendship, betrayal and resilience' - Sarah Maine, bestselling author of Beyond the Wild River 'A gripping, evocative story . . . well researched and utterly convincing. A real gem of a book' - Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Lost Daughter'An evocative page-turner full of memorable characters. A wonderful debut' - Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlReaders are loving SHE CAME TO STAY, too!'I can highly recommend this book. You will be hooked from start to finish.' 5 STARS'A cracking storyline packed with secrets, as well as unexpected twists and turns make this, cliche or no, a proper page-turner.' 5 STARS'A brilliant read.' 5 STARS'The plot moves quickly and is gripping. I didn't want to put the book down but then was sorry to leave the characters and their London haunts behind when I got to the end.' 5 STARS'A really enjoyable read.' 5 STARS

Read more less

Brimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay's gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the fires of ancient Pompeii.'SHADOWS IN THE ASHES paints a vivid picture of life in two very different timeframes and, as the stories unfold, we see how the themes of life and love change little with the centuries. Fast-paced and thrilling!' SARAH MAINE, author of THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES.............................The sunlight caught her gold bracelet, sending a flash that almost blinded her.She closed her eyes, but jumped when the earth started shaking and there was an almighty boom behind her.Present DayFinally escaping an abusive marriage, Caterina Rossi takes her three-year-old daughter and flees to Italy. There she's drawn to research scientist Connor, who needs her translation help for his work on volcanology. Together they visit the ruins of Pompeii and, standing where Mount Vesuvius unleashed its fire on the city centuries before, Cat begins to see startling visions. Visions that appear to come from the antique bracelet handed down through her family's generations...AD 79Sold by his half-brother and enslaved as a gladiator in Roman Pompeii, Raedwald dreams only of surviving each fight, making the coin needed to return to his homeland and taking his revenge. That is, until he is hired to guard beautiful Aemilia. As their forbidden love grows, Raedwald's dreams shift like the ever more violent tremors of the earth beneath his feet.The present starts eerily to mirror the past as Cat must fight to protect her safety, and to forge a new path from the ashes of her old life.......................................................Just some of the rich praise for Christina Courtenay's pacy, evocative and romantic novels including Echoes of the Runes, The Runes of Destiny and Promises of the Runes:'I've been looking forward to this book . . . and it far exceeded my hopes and expectations. Romantic, fascinating and gripping, it's one of my favourites of the series' NICOLA CORNICK'As a reader, I was delighted and absorbed accompanying Ivor on his quest to the 9th Century. Courtenay writes so beautifully, drawing you in to each scene, that time and pages slip by effortlessly' ERIN GREEN'Whenever I need a break from the Twenty-First Century, I read one of Christina Courtenay's novels' SUE MOORCROFT 'I wonder if I, too, can find a way to travel back in time... If not, reading this book was the next best thing' GILL STEWART'Seals Christina Courtenay's crown as the Queen of Viking Romance' CATHERINE MILLER'This epic romance is sure to sweep you off your feet!' TAKE A BREAK'An absorbing story, fast-paced and vividly imagined' PAMELA HARTSHORNE'A love story and an adventure, all rolled up inside a huge amount of intricately-detailed, well-researched history. Thoroughly enjoyable' KATHLEEN MCGURL

Read more less

Chaya, a no-nonsense, outspoken hero, leads her friends and a gorgeous elephant on a noisy, fraught, joyous adventure through the jungle where revolution is stirring and leeches lurk. Will stealing the queen's jewels be the beginning or the end of everything for the intrepid gang? With cover illustration by David Dean.The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is as rich, dazzling and alluring as a pouchful of royal jewels, and as triumphant as a trumpeting elephant! I loved it. - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs A glorious fast-paced adventure through the jungle. I love Chaya's spirit and determination and the friendships that are built along the way. I feel I am there with Chaya and her friends. The Girl Who Stole an Elephant is adventuring at its best; a mystery, a jewel thief, and an escape into the jungle with an elephant at your side. - Gill Lewis, author of Sky HawkChaya, schoolgirl by day, thief by night, will steal your heart in this incredibly assured debut that's packed with adventure, friendship, and loyalty. - Aisha Bushby, author of A Pocketful of StarsThis exciting debut, set on the lush island of ancient Sri Lanka, introduces us to a kick-ass heroine in Chaya, a young girl who robs the rich to help the poor in local villages Richly atmospheric, full of colour and passion, Farook is a writer to watch. - Sally Morris, Daily MailFarook embeds her message in a cracking narrative and never lets us feel we're being preached to. Farook does not beat around the bush. Chaya looked at the bronze spear pointing at her neck, reads the novel's first sentence and in the ensuing 48 chapters, the pace rarely slackens. But she allows every character time to unravel, resulting in a deceptively dense adventure that will appeal to readers well into their teens. - Emily Bearn, TelegraphThe Girl Who Stole an Elephant positively rustles with the textures of rural Sri Lanka. It introduces an author keen to write a love letter to her culture, and upend preconceptions too More like this, please. - Observer Farook's dazzling debut novel follows the stubborn jewel thief Chaya, her friends and the titular elephant through the Sri Lankan jungle in a beautifully paced story of friendship and revolution. - i Readers can still travel to new and exciting places from home with a great adventure story, like The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook. Set in Sri Lanka, this debut novel follows Chaya, who has a habit of stealing to help those in need, but taking the queen's jewels and the royal elephant means that she's now a target and needs to escape into the jungle. The vivid setting and fast-paced plot will have you captivated until the final page. - Scotsman

Read more less

Inspired by Oscar Wilde's classic story of hedonism and corruption, The Confessions of Dorian Gray imagines a world where Dorian Gray was real, and his friendship with Oscar Wilde once spawned the notorious novel. Starring Alexander Vlahos as Dorian Gray, this fifth and final series comprises four hour-long episodes, reuniting Dorian with a host of familiar friends from throughout his extended lifetime. 1. One Must Not Look At Mirrors by Guy Adams. London, 1888. When Oscar Wilde befriends a young man by the name of Dorian Gray, he finds himself immersed in a world devoid of morals. But as a celebrated killer stalks the streets, and he struggles to come to terms with inhuman actions, can he find any humanity in Dorian...? 2. Angel of War by Roy Gill. France, 1915. In the trenches of the Great War, Lieutenant Dorian Gray reports to Captain James Anderson, shortly before a routine mission into No Man's Land. His comrades rely on their faith to get them through - but is there any truth behind the story of the legendary Angel of Mons...? 3. The Valley of Nightmares by David Llewellyn. Los Angeles, 1948.Reunited in the heart of the Hollywood Hills, Dorian Gray and Dorothy Parker quickly find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that takes them behind-the-scenes of the region's booming movie industry. But how much of it is an act...? 4. Ever After by Scott Handcock. London, 2016. The end. This is the last in the series of hugely popular adventures based on the premise, "what if Oscar Wilde's character Dorian Gray was real?" The adventures span the decades as an immortal man lives through the years and encounters some of the darkness therein...Star Alexander Vlahos has not only played Dorian across five series for Big Finish, and in several spin-offs, but may also be recognised from BBC TV's Saturday night hit Merlin, or his role in Kenneth Branagh's Macbeth on stage. This collection includes a bonus disc of behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew. Guest star Sarah Douglas is still regarded for her iconic role of Ursa in Superman II (1980) Note: The Confessions of Dorian Gray contains adult material and is not suitable for younger listeners.C AST: Alexander Vlahos (Dorian Gray), Guy Adams (German Officer), Samuel Barnett (Stuart Knight), Daniel Brocklebank (James Anderson), Steven Cree (Fraser Collins), Ben Crystal (Richard Dadd), Sarah Douglas (Dorothy Parker), Stephanie Ellyne (Mary Harris), Ben Flohr (Tommy Coogan), Lizzie Hopley (Emma Elizabeth Smith), Jo Joyner (Constance Wilde), Mac McDonald (Walter van Kirk), Lewis Reeves (Walter Sickert), Steffan Rhodri (Oscar Wilde), John Schwab (Jim Harris). Note: The Confessions of Dorian Gray contains adult material and is not suitable for younger listeners.

Read more less

SHE CAME TO STAY is the stunning debut novel from the author of THE UNSPEAKABLE ACTS OF ZINA PAVLOU, now a feature title on BBC2's Between the Covers, and also named one of Woman & Home's Best Historical Fiction Reads of 2020.'Secrets and lies, poverty and elegance, old loyalties and new friendships all combine to make Eleni Kyriacou's debut novel a compelling page-turner' - Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Dressmaker's GiftIn a city of strangers, who can you trust?London, 1952. Dina Demetriou has travelled from Cyprus for a better life. She's certain that excitement, adventure and opportunity are out there, waiting - if only she knew where to look.Her passion for clothes and flair for sewing land her a job repairing the glittering costumes at the notorious Pelican Revue. It's here that she befriends the mysterious and beautiful Bebba.With her bleached-blonde hair and an appetite for mischief, Bebba is like no Greek Dina has ever met before. She guides Dina around the fashionable shops, bars and clubs of Soho, and Dina finally feels life has begun.But Bebba has a secret. And as thick smog brings the city to a standstill, the truth emerges with devastating results. Dina's new life now hangs by a thread. What will be left when the fog finally clears? And will Dina be willing to risk everything to protect her future?Further praise for SHE CAME TO STAY:'An atmospheric page-turner perfectly set in the smoke and glitter of a vanished world . . . gripping' - Erin Kelly, bestselling author of He Said/She Said'Compelling and beautifully observed. Kyriacou brilliantly evokes the violence and the grime beneath the sequins and surface glamour of 1950s Soho' - Rachel Rhys, bestselling author of Dangerous Crossing 'I absolutely loved it. A gripping, enthralling story . . . I was completely engrossed' - Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request 'An absorbing story of friendship, betrayal and resilience' - Sarah Maine, bestselling author of Beyond the Wild River 'A gripping, evocative story . . . well researched and utterly convincing. A real gem of a book' - Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Lost Daughter'An evocative page-turner full of memorable characters. A wonderful debut' - Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlReaders are loving SHE CAME TO STAY!'I can highly recommend this book. You will be hooked from start to finish.' 5 STARS'A cracking storyline packed with secrets, as well as unexpected twists and turns make this, cliche or no, a proper page-turner.' 5 STARS'A brilliant read.' 5 STARS'The plot moves quickly and is gripping. I didn't want to put the book down but then was sorry to leave the characters and their London haunts behind when I got to the end.' 5 STARS'A really enjoyable read.' 5 STARS

Read more less

This Handbook is concerned with the law of trademarks and related signs - company names, domain names, indications of geographical origin, work names and other names. It consists of a series of comprehensive and practical reports from 14 of the world's most important economies - Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom - each detailing the present state of the law in that jurisdiction. Each country report is between 40 and 120 pages long. (The law of trademarks in the US will be dealt with in a future second edition). For many multi-national companies their knowledge of trademarks and signs has never been more important. Infringement of valuable signs and trademarks can lead to multi-million dollar disputes and correspondingly large settlements and awards. This Handbook is designed to enable multi-national enterprises to understand the different legal environments in which they operate and to plan their legal and commercial strategies accordingly, avoiding disputes and protecting their own IP assets. Moreover, the Handbook enables communication with foreign advisers and helps to avoid the pitfalls and misunderstandings arising from advice and information given and received across borders. Besides being organised by jurisdiction, the book deals with all types of trademark or sign using the same analytical method (formation, cancellation, proprietorship, transfer, licence, conflicts between signs, scope of protection, opposition to registration, types of claims and procedures) and in respect of each jurisdiction the authors set out the best strategy for safeguarding the goodwill related to trademarks and signs. The second and third parts of the handbook offer an overview of modern approaches to the marketing of trademarks and signs, as well as accepted market valuation methods. The system used to organise the account of trademark law in each country facilitates straightforward and quick access to the relevant laws. Within each country report the authors focus on potential conflicts between signs and trademarks, thus adding to the practical value of the book. The authors are all experienced and well-known experts in their own countries, whose collective approach to writing emphasises making the content clear, coherent, concise and practically-oriented. Country Contributors: Austria - Christian Hauer (Wien) Belgium - Hendrik Vanhees (Antwerp University) Canada - Kelly Gill (Toronto) China - Yi Wenhui/Lian Yunze/Connie Zhuang (Beijing) Czech Republic - Petr Hajn/Ivo Telec (Brno University) France - Pascale Trefigny (Grenoble) Germany - Paul Lange (Dusseldorf) Italy - Adriano Vanzetti (Milan) Japan - Kazuko Matsuo (Tokyo) The Netherlands - Paul van der Kooij (Leiden University) Portugal - Jose de Oliveira Ascencao (Lisbon) Russia - Alexander Petrovich Sergeev (St. Petersburg) Switzerland - Eugen Marbach/Peter Widmer (Bern) United Kingdom - Phillip Johnson (London) Brand Strategy - Klaus Schmidt () Brand Valuation - Klaus Brandmeyer (Hamburg)/Roland Schulz(Cologne)/Ottmar Franzen (Wiesbaden) Language Consultant - Jeremy Phillips (London)

Read more less

A thought-provoking combination of visually powerful imagery and comment *Includes 260 stunning photographs by more than 50 international contributors *Keynote essay by Patricia Macdonald *Features an interview with Dan Bailey and George Monbiot *Includes essays by Robert Macfarlane, Owen Logan, Kate Brown, Siobhan Lyons, Andrew Simms, Natasha Myers, Ayelen Liberona, Jared Diamond, Leslie Hook, Adam Nicolson Surveying the Anthropocene presents a range of approaches to image-making concerning the environment by some of the best artist-photographers working worldwide, alongside texts by some of the most illuminating writers on environmental questions, at a pivotal moment in the human relationship with the planet. Photographic approaches to environmental imagery have altered fundamentally in recent decades, largely as a result of increasing socio-ecological awareness. This insightful international survey, with a strong representation from Scotland, considers the varied range of current working practices of a representative selection of artist-photographers, both renowned and emerging, whose image-making explores human-caused environmental change. It concentrates particularly on work which relates to the types of impact, on climate and the web of life, that are sufficiently significant and globally widespread to appear in the future record of the rocks as a new geological epoch - the Anthropocene. The concept of the Anthropocene has engaged the attention and imagination of a wide range of commentators from very different backgrounds and walks of life. It therefore provides an excellent context in which to discuss, in an open and cross-disciplinary way, the range of responses of artist-photographers and cultural writers to our present global situation of multiple, interconnected environmental and social crises - and the options for human ingenuity in addressing these. Contributing photographers Jack Aeby, Antoine d'Agata, Benoit Aquin, Mandy Barker, Olaf Otto Becker, Daniel Beltra , Alex Boyd, Marilyn Bridges, Alicia Bruce, David Buckland, Edward Burtynsky, Anne Campbell, Thomas Joshua Cooper, Cortis & Sonderegger, Dalziel + Scullion, Pedro David de Oliveira Castello Branco, Bryan Debus, Susan Derges, Terry Evans, Tim Flach, Hamish Fulton, Sophie Gerrard, Lorne Gill, Emmet Gowin, Alexander Hamilton, J.J. Harrison, Louis Helbig, Zig Jackson/Rising Buffalo, Chris Jordan, Aleksandr Kupny, Chrystel Lebas, Ayelen Liberona, Timo Lieber, Owen Logan, Patricia & Angus Macdonald, Pradip Malde, Katie Blair Matthews, Meryl McMaster, Gideon Mendel, Richard Misrach, Fabrice Monteiro, Simon Norfolk, Susanne Ramsenthaler, Paul Souders, Jamey Stillings, Thomas Struth, Timm Suess, Klaus Thymann, Chris Wainwright, Greg White, Pinar Yoldas Scientists and photographers, some unnamed, from: Federal government of the United States; United States Department of Energy;, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA: Hannah A. Bullock; Azaibi Tamin;, NASA: including Jeff Schmalz (MODIS) Contributing writers Dan Bailey, Tobia Bezzola, Barbara Bloemink, Kate Brown, Jared Diamond, William A. Ewing, Jared Farmer, Willis E. Hartshorn, Leslie Hook, Siobhan Lyons, Robert Macfarlane, Bill McKibben, George Monbiot, Pete Moore, Jason Arunn Murugesu, Natasha Myers, Adam Nicolson, Andrew Simms

Read more less

Longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal The Times' Best Books for Children 2021 "How quickly teenagers fall apart – and how fast they can heal. This is the hopeful message from Sita Brahmachari, a writer who mixes verse and prose to tell stories that stick." - Alex O’Connell, The Times Kai, Orla and Zak grew up together, their days spent on the patch of wilderness in between their homes, a small green space in a sprawling grey city. Music, laughter and friendship bind them together and they have big plans for their future – until Kai’s family suffers a huge loss. Trying to cope with his own grief, as well as watching it tear his family apart, Kai is drawn into a new and more dangerous crowd, until his dreams for the future are a distant memory. Excluded from school and retreating from his loved ones, it seems as though his path is set, his story foretold. Orla, Zak and new classmate Om are determined to help him find his way back. But are they too late? A heart-breaking and poignant novel from award-winning author Sita Brahmachari, for fans of THE BLACK FLAMINGO, AND THE STARS WERE BURNING BRIGHTLY and POET X. PRAISE FOR WHEN SHADOWS FALL: "When Shadows Fall is an invitation to join a community at the heart of which is the tale of a young man gripped by tragedy and trauma. The book offers hope through mutual support and a focus in figuring out what really matters… I was moved and uplifted." - Michael Rosen "Full of empathy and hope … Kai's story is a must read for teens to explore how easily things can fall apart but also how we can heal." - A. M. Dassu, author of Boy, Everywhere “A song of growing up, grief and the power of connection, When Shadows Fall is an illuminating and lyrical read” - Polly Ho-Yen, author of Boy in the Tower “Beautifully told with real care, tenderness and heart” - Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha and the Spirit Bird “Sita’s lyrical prose captures the raw emotions of adolescence – of a young person navigating their way through grief and troubled times. A book for all of us.” - Gill Lewis, author of Swan Song “A heart-wrenching story about loss and art and nature, about how things can fall apart and how friends stand beside one another no matter what” - Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of How to Change the World “Empathetic, original, searingly sad in places, but full of hope, & the power of friendship, art, music, wild places, and ravens” - Nicola Penfold, author of Where the World Turns Wild "A gripping, tender, terrifying work... Impactful, innovative, and deeply moving." - Sinéad O’Hart, author of The Eye of the North

Read more less

This book presents an exciting and novel approach to explore the concept of the ‘ideal student’. Written in the context of higher education, the concept aims to promote a more transparent conversation about the explicit, implicit and idealistic expectations of university students. It would address concerns that implicit rules or unspoken practices can result in diverse but patterned student experiences, widening social inequalities.The concept of the ideal student can provide students, especially those less familiar or confident with higher education, with a better and clearer understanding of what is valued, expected and rewarded at university. With increasing student diversity, there is an urgent need for greater openness and awareness of the different expectations and ideals of students. The key questions explored include:•How is the ideal student imagined and envisioned?•To what extent are these constructions realistic and achievable? •Are certain students more likely to aspire, identify or embody these ideal characteristics? •Are there any features of the ideal student that are widely shared and recognised? •How do people from different social backgrounds construct their ideal student? •How can staff support students to develop desirable characteristics for university?A number of issues are unpacked as the book discusses the nuances of what it means to be a university student. The Ideal Student is written for a general audience and will be of particular interest to those working or studying in higher education, especially staff, students and senior leaders."This clearly written and engaging book will be of interest to HE practitioners, students and researchers who want to support more inclusive learning environments."Professor Louise Archer, Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education, UCL Institute of Education, UK"This is a rigorously informed and illuminating reconsideration of the notion of the Ideal Type of student in higher education."Professor Gill Crozier DPhil, FRSA, University of Roehampton, UK"Based on solid empirical work, combining qualitative and quantitative data, the book offers an insight into the perception of whom and what the ideal student is."Professor Lars Ulriksen, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, Denmark"In their well-written and clearly structured volume Wong and Chiu summarise valuable data-driven research that sheds light on the important question of what characterises the ideal student."Stefan T. Siegel & Tobias Böttger, University of Augsburg, GermanyBilly Wong is an Associate Professor in Widening Participation at the Institute of Education, University of Reading.Tiffany Chiu is Senior Teaching Fellow in Educational Development at the Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship and Programme Director for the PG Cert in University Learning and Teaching at Imperial College London. She is a Senior Fellow of the HEA.

Read more less

Supporting children with English as an additional language (EAL) requires detailed knowledge and understanding of their social, cognitive and linguistic needs. Supporting Pupils with EAL in the Primary Classroom highlights the fundamental principles that underpin teaching and learning, and examines practical strategies for classroom practice. The book focuses on the importance of recognising the knowledge, skills and experience that children with EAL bring to the classroom, whilst identifying the specific support required. It draws on evidence from an extended case study to illustrate essential points and combines this with an examination of relevant theory as well as how this translates to classroom practice. Key features of the book include:• Core knowledge and skills about how to support children with EAL• Case study scenarios to illustrate particular principles, pedagogies and practices• Practical ideas for the classroom throughoutSupporting Pupils with EAL in the Primary Classroom is an invaluable text for those in teaching training, qualified teachers, senior managers in schools and those working in initial teacher education."The author writes about the demands of teaching EAL learners with commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm. She offers the reader insights and examples from her own research and classroom practice, beginning with a discussion of bilingualism and language learning, followed up by an exploration the four skills and assessment in the classroom, as well as a chapter arguing for professional development and research informed teaching. In this chapter she stresses the importance of teachers finding innovative ways to enable EAL learners within the curriculum context. In the final chapter, drawing on the sociocultural framework that informs her work, the author discusses the challenges, constraints and possibilities for supporting EAL children in the wider contexts of pedagogy and policy. Throughout, there are case studies and examples, and the author writes with a sense of optimism that it is in the capacity of teachers to improve the classroom learning opportunities for EAL learners. Written in a personable and accessible style, this book offers an informative foundation for teacher educators and professionals who want to learn more about working with EAL learners."Dr Charlotte Franson, formerly of Canterbury Christ Church University, UK"As a teacher educator, I am often engaged in discussions around trainees' perceptions of the complexities of teaching children learning EAL. This book, rooted in practice based research provides an accessible and informative scaffold for those embarking on a career in teaching. The premise of the 'what' and 'how' is particularly useful and the sequence of chapters provides a well mapped journey for the reader, through the theory, practice and considerations of supporting children learning EAL. Exemplification, through the case study vignettes, poses reflective thinking points that can be readily applied to one’s own practice.Overall, excellent practitioner guidance that both consolidates subject knowledge and provides realistic practice guidance. A title I will be heartily recommending to my students."Gill Chambers, Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Northampton, UK

Read more less

A professional pianist searches for her sister, who disappeared when their parents died, aided by her childhood-care records and a single song that continues to haunt her … the exquisite new novel from the author of This Is How We Are Human‘Utterly beautiful … I couldn’t put it down’ Iona Gray‘Louise Beech has a rare talent … she doesn’t just move the reader, she breaks their heart and mends it again’ Fiona Cummins‘The best one yet … I’m still in tears of heartbreak and joy’ S E Lynes'Like the notes of a nocturne, Nothing Else will leave you profoundly touched by its beauty' Nydia Hetherington–––––––––––––––––––––––––––Heather Harris is a piano teacher and professional musician, whose quiet life revolves around music, whose memories centre on a single song that haunts her. A song she longs to perform again. A song she wrote as a child, to drown out the violence in their home. A song she played with her little sister, Harriet.But Harriet is gone … she disappeared when their parents died, and Heather never saw her again.When Heather is offered an opportunity to play piano on a cruise ship, she leaps at the chance. She’ll read her recently released childhood care records by day – searching for clues to her sister’s disappearance – and play piano by night … coming to terms with the truth about a past she’s done everything to forget.An exquisitely moving novel about surviving devastating trauma, about the unbreakable bond between sisters, Nothing Else is also a story of courage and love, and the power of music to transcend – and change – everything.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––‘One of the best writers of her generation’ John Marrs ‘A story of childhood trauma, survival, the fragility of memory, and of love that survives decades … I loved it’ Gill Paul‘A touching, beautifully written work of literary fiction ... pure perfection’
Michael Wood'A beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting novel' Vikki Patis‘Another brilliant tale of love and hope’ Fionnuala Kearney'Powerful, mesmerising and honest … I loved every word' Carol Lovekin ‘A tender and beautiful story about the loving and unbreakable bond between sisters’ Madeleine Black ‘Wonderful prose’ Shelley’s Book Nook ‘Emotional, poignant, delightful’ Bobs and Books ‘A masterpiece of emotional artistry, as spectacularly tender as it is disquieting, this book will stay with you long after you finish it’ Bookly Matters ‘This is another beautiful, lyrically written story, made even more perfect with the musical themes throughout’ Karen Reads ‘Beautifully written, in that style that is so typical of this author, and which never fails to draw its reader in’ From Belgium with Booklove ‘Madame Beech has done it again ... both touching and heartbreaking’ Mrs Loves To Read ‘This is such a beautiful book – incredibly tender, it’s like an extended piece of the most beautiful classical music you ever heard’ Tea Leaves and Reads ‘This is a story, at its root, of love and loss, and lost time, but one that testifies to the power of truth and the endurance of love … her best yet’Blue Book Balloon

Read more less

The war taught her to fight. The children taught her to hope...*The Lost Song of Paris, the new novel from Sarah Steele, is available to pre-order now!*Inspired by real acts of bravery and resistance, The Schoolteacher of Saint Michel is a heartrending and deeply moving story of one woman's courage and sacrifice during World War II, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Missing Piece of Nancy Moon. This exquisitely beautiful novel is perfect for readers of The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, The Postmistress, Lilac Girls and The Girl from Vichy.'A beautifully worked tale of bravery, woven into the reality of a time we can't forget' Mandy Robotham, author of The Berlin Girl'An emotional, beautifully constructed read. I loved the way the clues from the past and present slowly knitted together, answering the questions that had been missing their answers for so long' Sunday Times bestselling author Jill Mansell'Gripping, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting, I found this beautifully written novel impossible to put down' Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Fforde______'My darling girl, I need you to find someone for me . . .'France, 1942. At the end of the day, the schoolteacher releases her pupils. She checks they have their identity passes, and warns them not to stop until the German guards have let them through the barrier that separates occupied France from Free France. As the little ones fly across the border and into their mothers' arms, she breathes a sigh of relief. No one is safe now. Not even the children.Berkshire, present day. A letter left to her by her beloved late grandmother Gigi takes Hannah Stone on a journey deep into the heart of the Dordogne landscape. As she begins to unravel a forgotten history of wartime bravery and sacrifice, she discovers the heartrending secret that binds her grandmother to a village schoolteacher, the remarkable Lucie Laval . . .______'An engaging tale of courage and friendship. A triumph!' Gill Paul'Evocative writing and the storytelling is masterful. It really draws the reader in' Felicity Hayes-McCoy'A gripping journey about the quiet triumphs and breathtaking courage of so many women in wartime' Jane BaileyReaders ADORE The Schoolteacher of Saint Michel:'I loved this book, I finished reading it on VE Day. It is certainly a fitting tribute to the everyday people in France who resisted the German occupation in WW2. 5 stars''Absolutely fabulous. Highly recommend this. I've read The Missing Pieces of Nancy Moon - this is even better''Such a poignant story and beautiful characters. I can highly recommend this book''A lovely book, by turns emotional, exciting and heart-rending. The story is beautifully told. A book that will stay with me. Definitely recommended, particularly to anyone with an interest in World War II historical novels' 'A lovely story of courage and hope at a time of extreme adversity. Wonderfully written, descriptive and poignant. This one is special''Sheer escapism, beautifully written. I highly recommend it'

Read more less

It is all too easy for the vogue term 'green infrastructure' to be waved around by local authorities and developers like a totem of environmental awareness, while simply meaning 'greenspace' or 'storm water management'. This book provides a welcome corrective, demonstrating the need to plan the natural environment of cities as integral to their effective social, economic, ecological and aesthetic function. The impressive range of topics includes green infrastructure and health, air quality, biodiversity, water and recreation, and the book shows through policy discussion and case study how principles can be converted into practice. It will be an essential source for students, researchers and practitioners.'- Hugh Barton, University of the West of England, UK'Green infrastructure is an essential feature of social, economic and environmental planning for all places. This important and very comprehensive book will be essential reading for all those involved in its provision and promotion. It offers an exceptionally informative contextual review and it is exemplified throughout by a series of domestic and international case studies at a variety of scales. Its methodological discussion and examples will be of considerable value to all those engaged in the delivery of green infrastructure.'- Janice Morphet, University College London, UKGreen infrastructure encompasses many features in the built environment. It is widely recognised as a valuable resource in our towns and cities and it is therefore crucial to understand, create, protect and manage this resource. This Handbook sets the context for green infrastructure as a means to make urban environments more resilient, sustainable, liveable and equitable.Including state-of-the-art reviews that summarise the existing knowledge as well as research findings, this Handbook provides current evidence for the beneficial impact of green infrastructure on health, environmental quality and the economy. It discusses the planning and design of green infrastructure as a strategic network down to the individual features in a neighbourhood and looks at the process of green infrastructure implementation, emphasising the importance of collaboration across multiple professions and sectors. This comprehensive volume operates at multiple spatial scales, from strategic networks at the regional level to individual features in neighbourhoods, with international case studies used throughout to illustrate key examples of good practice.This collection of expert contributions will be invaluable to students and academics in the fields of planning, urban studies and geography. Practitioners and policy-makers will also find the policy discussion and examples enlightening.Contributors include: J.H. Amorim, A. Barker, S. Burgess, T. Butlin, T. Butterworth, C. Calfapietra, L. Chawla, N. Collomb, A. Coombs, E. Costa Pinto, C. Dair, V. Derr, K.J. Doick, G. Everett, T. Ferguson, P. Freer-Smith, S. Gill, C. Gonçalves, C. Greed, S. Grimmond, S. Kotthaus, J. Lamond, E. Lawson, F. Lemes De Oliveira, M. Lindsey, S. Manley, J. Marques-Da-Cruz, I. Mell, A.I. Miranda, A.J. Moffat, P. Nolan, C. Olver, S. Payne, A. Quintas, A. Rigolon, S. Rolls, M. Short, P. Silva, E. Silveirinha De Oliveira, D. Sinnett, N. Smith, T. Sunderland, M.J. Tallis, P.Toscano, C. Ward Thompson, K. Williams, J. Wilson

Read more less

"This book has the potential to do for nurseries what Michael Fullan's work did for schools, to re-affirm the moral heart of leadership. Often omitted from accounts of early years professionalism, an attitude of care is advocated as the central characteristic of leaders. At the same time, Clark and Murray challenge the traditional explanation for this attitude amongst practitioners in terms of female nurture, presenting it instead in non-gendered terms as a function of ethical character and commitment. With their concepts of catalytic agency, reflective integrity and relational interdependence, the authors provide an intellectual justification for something that many practitioners have long known intuitively, that early years leadership calls for a marriage of both mind and heart." Dr Geoff Taggart, Lecturer in Early Years, University of Reading, UK“This book makes an innovative contribution to the discussion and debate about leadership in early years. The new conceptual framework which is introduced for understanding leadership focuses on thinking critically about how leadership is worked out in early childhood practice. Underpinned by empirical research from across the early years sector, a range of practitioner profiles and voices are used to illustrate, examine and discuss the core features of the leadership within process in action. Particularly useful for graduate early years leaders, and all students of early childhood education and care practice, this book includes valuable material that will challenge thinking about the development and professional identity of leaders in early years provision in the twenty-first century.”Gill Goodliff, Department of Education, The Open University, UKThis book explores the realities of leadership in the early years and examines the challenges and opportunities for the profession. The authors suggest that recent moves to professionalize the workforce offer a unique opportunity to reconceptualize leadership and develop a new paradigm more suited to the specific circumstances of the sector.As well as discussing current perspectives of leadership, the book proposes a new concept for the early years, leadership within, which recognises that leadership can come from anywhere within an organisation or setting. The book argues that the concept of leadership within is more appropriate for the early years sector as it draws on the professional desire to further the education and well-being of young children and their families rather than on traditional hierarchy and position. Key features of the book include: Ideas based on research from a wide range of current early years practice Real leadership profiles of practitioners from a diversity of different professional backgrounds and working in a variety of contexts Reflective prompts to assist you in identifying the leadership in your own practice and how this can be developed further The ideas explored in Reconceptualizing Leadership in the Early Years have important implications for sustainable leadership development in the sector and are essential reading for all practitioners as well as those studying early childhood and enrolled on EYPS courses.

Read more less