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Since The Compleat Meadmaker was first published, mead has continued to grow in popularity as crafted beverages have become an established part of the beverage market in America. In 2003 there were roughly 60 commercial meaderies in the US, but by 2020 this number stood at 450. Naturally, many hobbyists are also discovering the delights of making this “nectar of the gods” themselves. Thanks to the global distribution of bees and, therefore, honey, you will find mead-like drinks in virtually every corner of the world. No wonder historians recognize it as one of humankind’s oldest fermented beverages. Mead production never really ceased in Europe and Africa, but its star was eclipsed with the increasing production and distribution of wine, beer, and distilled spirits from the 1600s onward. With the rebirth of brewing and the establishment of world-class wine producing regions in the US, it is time for mead in the twenty-first century to be brought back into the limelight. Mead needs to establish a vocabulary of its own and find a place in the hearts of homebrewers and home winemakers.In The Compleat Meadmaker, veteran meadmaker Ken Schramm—one of the founders of the Mazer Cup Mead Competition, North America’s oldest mead-only competition—introduces the novice to the wonders of mead. With easy-to-follow procedures and simple recipes, he shows how you can quickly and painlessly make your own mead at home. In later chapters, Schramm introduces flavorful variations on the basic theme that lead to meads flavored with spice, fruits, grapes, and malt.The author covers the many aspects of meadmaking in a comprehensive but easy-to-read fashion, with something for novices and experienced brewers and vintners alike from basic equipment for meadmaking, creating your first must, and on through the basics of fermentation, racking, and bottling. Once the first steps have been taken Schramm goes into more detail, involving balancing for taste using acid, priming for sparkling mead, corking practices, and strategies for clarifying. He also covers aspects of fermentation, such as selecting the right yeast strain, aerating and managing the pH of your must during the critical early phase of fermentation, and adjusting nutrient levels to suit mead fermentation. The author also troubleshoots common problems and processes, such as stuck fermentations, fermentations that will not start, slow or prolonged fermentations, measuring total acidity via acid titrations, and on balancing residual sugars through sweetening, malo-lactic fermentation, increasing acidity, and drying out the mead further. The fine-tuning process does not stop after fermentation is finished. Perhaps the finest characteristic of mead is that it seems to improve with age almost indefinitely. As well as advice on how long to store it, Schramm also offers up his experience with the many different approaches to conditioning and maturing mead, focusing on the use of oak chips, blocks, and barrels to age mead on wood.As one of the oldest fermented drinks and using the oldest sweetener known to humankind, mead and honey are inextricable. Schramm delves into a brief natural history of honey production and the bees that make it possible, with fascinating insights into the profession of beekeepers. He explores sources of nectar and pollen and the benefits of honey varietals explored, with a section devoted entirely to varietal honey based on floral variety. Along the way Schramm delves into the concept of honey “vintage”, grades of honey, sugar, moisture, organic acids, mineral content, color terminology, and how you should not judge a honey’s flavor by its color. There is also a discussion of aroma compounds, absolutely essential if wishing to understand the organoleptic qualities of honey. While mead can be a charmingly simple drink to make, home meadmakers can easily indulge in a host of different flavors to make unique and delicious meads. The author provides you with an understanding of the role quality ingredients play in creating a really pleasing mead. There are several ingredients-focused chapters that look at making sack mead, melomel, cyser, pyment, hippocras, metheglin, and braggot. At the end, Schramm puts it all together in a section devoted entirely to recipes.As one of the most ancient of human beverages, mead arose in part because it was easy to make. Despite this, mead is a surprisingly complex, diverse, and romantic drink that can range from bone dry to profoundly sweet, and can be crafted to complement any type of food. With The Compleat Meadmaker, you can see just how simple, fun, and rewarding meadmaking is.

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Health for Life provides the keys necessary for adopting healthy habits and committing to healthy living in high school and throughout the life span. The text covers all of the components of personal well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. It provides students the knowledge in making healthy choices and fosters the skill development required for taking healthy actions.Health for Life helps students in these ways: Analyze how key influences affect their health and wellness, such as family, peers, media, and technology Explore consumer topics and use appropriate resources to find answers to challenging questions Sharpen their interpersonal communication skills as they share health knowledge; debate controversial topics; demonstrate refusal, negotiation, and refusal skills; manage interpersonal conflicts; and promote healthy living among their peers Use decision-making skills and apply healthy living skills as they identify solutions to problems posed Evaluate their own health habits as they relate to a variety of behaviors Create goals for behavior change and establish plans for healthy living Communicate health information with family and advocate for healthy living at home and in their communities Discover how health and technology intersect on various topics The text is divided into seven units of 20 chapters. The chapters help students explore a range of topics, including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, healthy relationships, avoiding destructive habits, and making good health choices throughout life.Health for Life has an abundance of features that help students connect with content in personal ways and retain the information. Here’s a glance at some of those features: Lesson Objectives, Lesson Vocabulary, Comprehension Check, and Chapter Review help students prepare to dive in to the material, understand it, and retain it (standard NHES 1). Connect spurs students to analyze various influences on their health and wellness (standard NHES 2). Consumer Corner aids students in exploring consumer health issues (standard NHES 3). Healthy Communication gets students to use and expand their interpersonal communication skills as they share their views about various health topics (standard NHES 4). Skills for Healthy Living and Making Healthy Decisions help students learn and practice self-management so they can make wise choices related to their health and wellness (standard NHES 5). Planning for Healthy Living assists students in applying what they’ve learned as they set goals and establish plans for behavior change (standard NHES 6). Self-Assessment offers students the opportunity to evaluate their health habits and monitor improvement in health behaviors (standard NHES 7). Take It Home and Advocacy in Action prepare students to advocate for health at home and in their communities (standard NHES 8). Health Science and Health Technology focus on the roles of science and technology as they rellate to health and where science and technology intersect regarding health issues. Living Well News challenges students to integrate health literacy, math, and language skills to better understand a current health issue. In addition, Health for Life is reinforced by its online resources for teachers and students. Following are highlights of these two invaluable resources.Teacher Web ResourceThe Teacher Web Resource contains the following: Complete lesson plans; the first three lessons have a corresponding PowerPoint slide show An answer key to all worksheets and quizzes A test package that includes tests for each chapter; tests consist of multiple-choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-blank, and short essay questions All lesson plans and assessments support identified learning objectives. Each lesson plan includes these features: Preparing the Lesson (lesson objectives and preparation) Bell Ringer (a journal question for students, or a quiz or activity to begin class) Lesson Focus (main points of the lesson paired with a student worksheet) Lesson Application (main activity paired with a worksheet) Reflection and Summary (lesson review) Evaluate (student quiz or test or worksheet review) Reinforcing the Lesson (Take It Home and Challenge activities) Student Web ResourceThe Student Web Resource contains these features: All worksheets, quizzes, and other materials referred to in the lesson plans Vocabulary flip cards and other interactive elements from the iBook edition Expanded discussion of selected topics that are marked by web icons in the text Review questions from the text, presented in an interactive format for students to fill out to check their level of understanding Delivering the content that will help students value and adopt healthy lifestyles, and loaded with the features and online resources that will help students understand and retain the content, Health for Life promises to be one of the most crucial texts for students today.

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Marco Polo Pocket Guide Lake District: the Travel Guide with Insider Tips Explore the Lake District with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. Discover boutique hotels, authentic restaurants, the region's trendiest places, and get tips on shopping and what to do on a limited budget. There are plenty of ideas for travel with kids, and a summary of all the festivals and events that take place. Let Marco Polo show you all this beautiful corner of Britain has to offer… From the highest peaks to the deepest lakes, picture perfect villages, sweeping panoramic views, hilltop walks, literary locations, country pubs and bustling market towns – welcome to the Lake District. England’s largest National Park, and now World Heritage Site, the Lake District offers a perfect retreat to the countryside… This is the Lake District! Your Marco Polo Lake District Pocket Guide includes: Insider Tips – we show you the hidden gems and little-known secrets that offer a real insight into the region. Stay in a National Trust property, take an alpaca for a walk or enjoy a cream tea with a heavenly view across Ullswater. Best of – find the best things to do for free, the best ‘only in’ the Lake District experiences, the best things to do if it rains and the best places to relax and spoil yourself. Sightseeing – all the top sights are organised by area so you can easily plan your trip. Discovery Tours – specially tailored walking and driving tours will help you enjoy all of the Lake District. These inspirational itineraries will help you explore all the mountains, lakes and gorgeous little towns of this popular National Park. Lake District in full-colour – Marco Polo Pocket Guide Lake District includes full-colour photos throughout the guide bringing the region to life offering you a real taste of what you can see and enjoy on your trip. Touring App – you can download any of the Discovery Tours to your smartphone, complete with the detailed route description and map exactly as featured in the guide, free of charge. The maps can be used offline too, so no roaming charges. The perfect navigational tool with distance indicators and landmarks highlighting the correct direction to walk in as well as GPS coordinates along the way. Enjoy stress-free sightseeing and never get lost again! Road Atlas and pull-out map – we’ve included a detailed road atlas and a handy, pull-out map so you can pop the guide in your bag for a full-on sightseeing day or head out with just the map to enjoy your Discovery Tour. The map includes small street maps of Kendal, Keswick, Bowness on Windermere and Grasmere. Trust Marco Polo Pocket Guide Lake District to show you around this fabulous National Park. The comprehensive coverage and unique insights will ensure you experience everything the Lake District has to offer and more. The special tips, personal insights and unusual experiences will help you make the most of your trip - just arrive and enjoy.

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Winner of the RNA romantic saga award 2021An inspiring and uplifting tale of women on the home front, for fans of Nancy Revell and Vicki Beeby. By the author of Lily's War. On the ground, the crowd of men stood with their mouths agape, watching the wings soar into the air, the tail kept impressively steady and the small plane with a woman at the controls disappearing into the May sunshine.It's 1942 and Bobby Hollis has joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in a team known as the 'glamour girls' - amazing women who pilot aircraft all around the country.Bobby always wanted to escape life on the family farm and the ATA seemed like the perfect opportunity for her. But there's always something standing in her way. Like a demanding father, who wants to marry her off to a rich man. And the family secrets that threaten to engulf everything.As Bobby navigates her way through life, and love, she has to learn that controlling a huge, four-engined bomber might just be easier than controlling her own life . . .'What a brilliant read! Shirley Mann has given such a well-researched and comprehensive picture of the lives of the courageous women of the ATA, and Bobby is a wonderful heroine. Brave, clever and opinionated, I absolutely loved spending time with her.' Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Cafe at War 'Shirley Mann has given us in Bobby Hollis an inspiration. Plucky and resourceful as she delivers her WW2 aircraft, Bobby is exactly the sort of person you'd want at your side in real life today. This is a perfect read when all you want to do is curl up to enjoy a lovely novel. Brava!' Kitty Danton, author of The Evacuee Christmas'Rich in period detail, nostalgia, intrigue, romance and the realities of life in a perilous and unpredictable corner of the home front, Bobby's War is a saga full of history, heart and our proud national heritage.' Lancashire Evening Post Don't miss Lily's War, and Hannah's War, available now. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Readers love Bobby's War:'I loved this book. A fabulous read.' Netgalley reviewer'If you love family sagas based in the war, this is the book for you.' Netgalley reviewer 'An emotional journey throughout.' Netgalley reviewerPraise for Lily's War:'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down . . . It may be fiction but those things could, and did, happen.' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF 'An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage: a heartwarming read that will captivate all those who love a good war story.' Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl'A wonderful, inspiring story. I can't wait to read more from Shirley Mann.' Sheila NewberryShirley Mann, Bobby's War, Zaffre, Bonnier Books UK, Winner, The Romantic Saga Award 2021

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One bizarre to-do list to earn her inheritance. One Spanish summer. One huge family secret. '5 stars - An absolutely delightful and captivating read!' – Lucy Coleman, bestselling author of Summer in Andalucia 'A delightful, romantic and moving adventure. I enjoyed every moment... A delicious slice of golden escapism' – Louise Douglas, bestselling author of The House by the Sea Juliana makes a modest living as an 'ethnic' TV/film extra – even though the only connections with her Spanish heritage are her cacti, Spanish classes, and some confused memories of a Spanish mother she hasn't seen since she was seven. When her beloved Uncle Arturo offers her the chance to discover her roots while housesitting his coastal home in a quiet corner of Andalusia, Juliana can't believe her luck. Especially when he reveals that the house will be hers if she fulfils ten life-enhancing 'Conditions' within 90 days. Redecoration of the house and a visit to the old film studio where her mother used to sew costumes seem ridiculously simple tasks for such a wonderful reward. But little does Juliana realise that there are family secrets and inherited rivalries awaiting her in sunny Spain, and the condition that she has to 'get on with the neighbours' – who include a ruggedly handsome but moody artist – may be harder than she thinks. The perfect escapist read for fans of Rosanna Ley, Jo Thomas and Sue Moorcroft. 'The Spanish House is gorgeous romantic escapism that you won't want to miss!' Holly Martin, bestselling author of Sunlight Over Crystal Sands 'WoW! This book was simply a joy to read!' Reader review 'Loved this enjoyable book!' Reader review 'It was funny, cute and intriguing' Reader review 'This is the first novel of Cherry Radford that I read and it was beautiful... One cannot resist wishing to visit Spain after reading this splendid book... The story is heartwarming' Reader review 'A wonderful book, that I would recommend to anyone' Reader review 'A light and heart warming read set in a beautiful location' Reader review 'I could not put this down, it was my first book by this author and wish I had found her a while ago. Fantastic writing, fantastic plot development and I just loved the main character' Reader review 'This was my first Cherry Radford book and it was a beautifully written story. The description of Spain made the reader feel like they were there with Juliana' Reader review 'A great summer read!' Reader review 'This is a great book! Well written, complex storyline with various moving parts... Would so recommend this amazing read!' Reader review 'Absolutely loved this sweet romance... So glad I came across this' Reader review 'It's just right for a summer read... although it would be delightful to spend time in Spain in the middle of the winter!' Reader review 'This was such a gorgeous read!!!! I really enjoyed the plot and the writing style was gorgeous!! The character build up is fantastic and I couldn't put it down' Reader review

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“You have the luck of Croesus on stilts (as my Auntie Vi would have said) if you’ve had the sort of career, ups and downs, warts and all that I have in that wondrous little corner of show business called musical theatre.” One of the most successful and distinguished artists of our time, Andrew Lloyd Webber has reigned over the musical theatre world for nearly five decades. The winner of numerous awards, including multiple Tonys and an Oscar, Lloyd Webber has enchanted millions worldwide with his music and numerous hit shows, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera—Broadway’s longest running show—and most recently, School of Rock. In Unmasked, written in his own inimitable, quirky voice, the revered, award-winning composer takes stock of his achievements, the twists of fate and circumstance which brought him both success and disappointment, and the passions that inspire and sustain him. The son of a music professor and a piano teacher, Lloyd Webber reveals his artistic influences, from his idols Rodgers and Hammerstein and the perfection of South Pacific’s ‘Some Enchanted Evening,’ to the pop and rock music of the 1960s and Puccini’s Tosca, to P. G. Wodehouse and T. S. Eliot. Lloyd Webber recalls his bohemian London youth, reminiscing about the happiest place of his childhood, his homemade Harrington Pavilion—a make-believe world of musical theatre in which he created his earliest entertainments. A record of several exciting and turbulent decades of British and American musical theatre and the transformation of popular music itself, Unmasked is ultimately a chronicle of artistic creation. Lloyd Webber looks back at the development of some of his most famous works and illuminates his collaborations with luminaries such as Tim Rice, Robert Stigwood, Harold Prince, Cameron Mackintosh, and Trevor Nunn. Taking us behind the scenes of his productions, Lloyd Webber reveals fascinating details about each show, including the rich cast of characters involved with making them, and the creative and logistical challenges and artistic political battles that ensued. Lloyd Webber shares his recollections of the works that have become cultural touchstones for generations of fans: writing songs for a school production that would become his first hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; finding the coterie of performers for his classic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar; developing his first mega-hit, Evita, which would win seven Tonys Awards, including Best Musical; staking his reputation and fortune on the groundbreaking Cats; and making history with the dazzling The Phantom of the Opera. Reflecting a life that included many passions (from architecture to Turkish Swimming Cats), full of witty and revealing anecdotes, and featuring cameo appearances by numerous celebrities—Elaine Paige, Sarah Brightman, David Frost, Julie Covington, Judi Dench, Richard Branson, A.R. Rahman, Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone, Richard Rodgers, Norman Jewison, Milos Forman, Plácido Domingo, Barbra Streisand, Michael Crawford, Gillian Lynne, Betty Buckley, and more—Unmasked at last reveals the true face of the extraordinary man beneath the storied legend.

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Marco Polo Pocket Guide Devon & Cornwall: the Travel Guide with Insider Tips. Explore Devon & Cornwall with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. Discover boutique hotels, authentic restaurants, the region's trendiest places, and get tips on shopping and what to do on a limited budget. There are plenty of ideas for travel with kids, and a summary of all the festivals and events that take place. Let Marco Polo show you all this wonderful corner of Britain has to offer...Bright green meadows, wild and remote moors, dramatic coastlines, beautiful harbours, magnificent manor houses, ancient castles and glorious gardens - Devon & Cornwall are two of the most picturesque counties in Britain. Combine this with the trailblazing food scene, world-class surfing and the world's largest rainforest in captivity and you've got a holiday that is hard to beat. This is Devon & Cornwall! Your Marco Polo Devon & Cornwall Pocket Guide includes: Insider Tips - we show you the hidden gems and little known secrets that offer a real insight into the region from sampling decadent cream teas with stunning views, unusual nights staying in a lighthouse to enjoying a bike ride along the spectacular Granite Way with views across Dartmoor. Best of - find the best things to do for free, the best `only in' Devon & Cornwall experiences, the best things to do if it rains and the best places to relax and spoil yourself. Sightseeing - all of the top sights are organised by areas of the region so you can easily plan your trip. Discovery Tours - 4 specially tailored walking and driving tours that will help you enjoy all of Devon & Cornwall. Here are inspirational itineraries to help you explore the beautiful coastline, magnificent gardens and literary history. Devon & Cornwall in full-colour - Marco Polo Pocket Guide Devon & Cornwall includes full-colour photos throughout the guide bringing the region to life offering you a real taste of what you can see and enjoy on your trip. Touring App - you can download any of the Discovery Tours to your smartphone, complete with the detailed route description and map exactly as featured in the guide, free of charge. The maps can be used offline too, so no roaming charges. The perfect navigational tool with distance indicators and landmarks highlighting the correct direction to walk in as well as GPS coordinates along the way. Enjoy stress-free sightseeing and never get lost again! Road Atlas and pull-out map - we've included a detailed road atlas and a handy, pull-out map so you can pop the guide in your bag for a full-on sightseeing day or head out with just the map to enjoy your Discovery Tour. Trust Marco Polo Pocket Guide Devon & Cornwall to show you around these fabulous counties. The comprehensive coverage and unique insights will ensure you experience everything Devon & Cornwall has to offer and more. The special tips, personal insights and unusual experiences will help you make the most of your trip - just arrive and enjoy.

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NOW A MAJOR GLOBAL NETFLIX ADAPTATION STARRING JULIA ROBERTS, KEVIN BACON, ETHAN HAWKE AND MAHERSHALA ALI *A THE TIMES #1 BESTSELLER* *THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* *A BARACK OBAMA SUMMER READING PICK 2021* 'Easily the best thing I have read all year' KILEY REID, AUTHOR OF SUCH A FUN AGE 'Intense, incisive, I loved this and have still not quite shaken off the unease' DAVID NICHOLLS 'I was hooked from the opening pages' CLARE MACKINTOSH 'Simply breathtaking . . . An extraordinary book, at once smart, gripping and hallucinatory’ OBSERVER _______ A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a holiday: a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. But with a late-night knock on the door, the spell is broken. Ruth and G. H., an older couple who claim to own the home, have arrived there in a panic. These strangers say that a sudden power outage has swept the city, and - with nowhere else to turn - they have come to the country in search of shelter. But with the TV and internet down, and no phone service, the facts are unknowable. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple - and vice versa? What has happened back in New York? Is the holiday home, isolated from civilisation, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one another? _______ FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2020 FINALIST FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE 2021 A DAILY TELEGRAPH, GUARDIAN, OBSERVER, IRISH TIMES AND TIME BOOK OF THE YEAR Everyone is talking about LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND 'You will probably need to read it in as close to one sitting as possible’ Sunday Times 'A page-turner taking in themes of isolation, race and class’ Guardian ‘A book that could have been tailor-made for our times’ The Times ‘A literary page-turner that will keep you awake even after it ends’ Mail on Sunday 'An exceptional examination of race and class and what the world looks like when it's ending' Roxane Gay 'A thrilling book - one that will speak to readers who have felt the terror of isolation in these recent months and one that will simultaneously, as great books do, lift them out of it' Vogue 'Explores complex ideas about privilege and fate with miraculous wit and grace' Jenny Offill ‘For the reader, the invisible terror outside in Leave the World Behind echoes the sense of disquiet today in a world convulsed by the pandemic’ Financial Times 'Alam's achievement is to see that his genre's traditional arc, which relies on the idea of aftermath, no longer makes sense. Today, disaster novels call for something different' New Yorker 'Read it with the lights on' Jenna Bush Hager, October Book Club pick

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SOON TO BE A MAJOR GLOBAL NETFLIX ADAPTATION STARRING JULIA ROBERTS, KEVIN BACON, ETHAN HAWKE AND MAHERSHALA ALI *A THE TIMES #1 BESTSELLER* *THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* *A BARACK OBAMA SUMMER READING PICK 2021* 'Easily the best thing I have read all year' KILEY REID, AUTHOR OF SUCH A FUN AGE 'Intense, incisive, I loved this and have still not quite shaken off the unease' DAVID NICHOLLS 'I was hooked from the opening pages' CLARE MACKINTOSH 'Simply breathtaking . . . An extraordinary book, at once smart, gripping and hallucinatory’ OBSERVER _______ A magnetic novel about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong Amanda and Clay head to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a holiday: a quiet reprieve from life in New York City, quality time with their teenage son and daughter and a taste of the good life in the luxurious home they've rented for the week. But with a late-night knock on the door, the spell is broken. Ruth and G. H., an older couple who claim to own the home, have arrived there in a panic. These strangers say that a sudden power outage has swept the city, and - with nowhere else to turn - they have come to the country in search of shelter. But with the TV and internet down, and no phone service, the facts are unknowable. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple - and vice versa? What has happened back in New York? Is the holiday home, isolated from civilisation, a truly safe place for their families? And are they safe from one another? _______ FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD 2020 FINALIST FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE 2021 A DAILY TELEGRAPH, GUARDIAN, OBSERVER, IRISH TIMES AND TIME BOOK OF THE YEAR Everyone is talking about LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND 'You will probably need to read it in as close to one sitting as possible’ Sunday Times 'A page-turner taking in themes of isolation, race and class’ Guardian ‘A book that could have been tailor-made for our times’ The Times ‘A literary page-turner that will keep you awake even after it ends’ Mail on Sunday 'An exceptional examination of race and class and what the world looks like when it's ending' Roxane Gay 'A thrilling book - one that will speak to readers who have felt the terror of isolation in these recent months and one that will simultaneously, as great books do, lift them out of it' Vogue 'Explores complex ideas about privilege and fate with miraculous wit and grace' Jenny Offill ‘For the reader, the invisible terror outside in Leave the World Behind echoes the sense of disquiet today in a world convulsed by the pandemic’ Financial Times 'Alam's achievement is to see that his genre's traditional arc, which relies on the idea of aftermath, no longer makes sense. Today, disaster novels call for something different' New Yorker 'Read it with the lights on' Jenna Bush Hager, October Book Club pick

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Tom Smith used to be somebody. Now he's just another refugee, fleeing the smoking ruins of civilization. Well, maybe not just another refugee. Late of the Bank of the Americas where he used to be the global managing director for Security, Tom and his fellow survivors watched New York City burn. His plan to the save New York long enough to find a cure for the zombie virus hadn't survived the bloody scrimmage between angry cops, cunning gangsters, and rapacious City officials. Now only millions of infected humans, driven mad by the high infectious tailored rabies virus, inhabited the city. But Tom and some trusted allies were able to stay one step ahead and escaped offshore. Now they're holed up in a safe house in coastal Virginia and it's time to breakout. Between him and his objective, one of the bank's prepared evacuation camps in the Cumberland Valley, are hundreds of miles of clogged roads, burnt-out towns and howling mobs of infected humans who know only hunger. He must corral his motley team, complete with middle-schoolers, to navigate the treacherous landscape. And yet he feels his odds are good. But there's always someone smarter. And they like things just the way they are. Without a fat checkbook and the team of hired spec-ops mercenaries it used to bring, how will Tom Smith fend off entrepreneurial marauders, a brilliant sociopath or two and a kill-count hungry member of the E-4 mafia? And if he pulls it off, no one is sure how they will they re-start civilization. But Tom Smith has the spark of an idea. About Black Tide Rising: “. . . an entertaining batch of . . . action-packed tales. Certainly, fans of Ringo’s particular brand of action-adventure will be pleased.”—Booklist "This anthology broadens Ringo’s Black Tide world, serving up doses of humanity amid the ravenous afflicted. Comedy has a place in this harsh reality, and these stories stir adventure and emotion at a frantic clip throughout. Zombie fiction fans will be thrilled."—Library Journal About the Black Tide Rising Series: “Not only has Ringo found a mostly unexplored corner of the zombie landscape, he's using the zombie frame to tackle a broader theme: the collapse and rebirth of civilization. The zombie scenes are exciting, sure, but its the human story that keeps us involved. A fine series.”—Booklist About Under a Graveyard Sky: “Ringo combines humor and horror in this strong series debut, the thinking reader’s zombie novel.”—Publishers Weekly About John Ringo: “[Ringo’s work is] peopled with three-dimensional characters and spiced with personal drama as well as tactical finesse.”—Library Journal “. . . Explosive. . . . fans. . .will appreciate Ringo’s lively narrative and flavorful characters.”—Publishers Weekly “. . .practically impossible not to read in one sitting . . . exceedingly impressive . . . executed with skill, verve, and wit.”—Booklist “Crackerjack storytelling.”—Starlog BLACK TIDE RISING SERIES: Under a Graveyard Sky To Sail a Darkling Sea Islands of Rage and Hope Strands of Sorrow Black Tide Rising The Valley of Shadows

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'This brilliantly written and captivating story instantly drew us in and refused to let go. Fresh, funny and utterly fabulous, it’s the perfect holiday read' HeatMeet the residents of number 24 in the warm, witty and wonderful novel from bestselling author Juliet Ashton. When your marriage falls apart, the last place you'd want your husband to move to is downstairs. Unfortunately for Sarah, up in the eaves at number 24, her ex-husband now lives one floor beneath her with his new wife. Their happiness floats up through the floorboards, taunting her. A child psychologist, Sarah has picked up great sadness from the little girl, Una, who lives with her careworn mother three floors below, but is Sarah emotionally equipped to reach out? The Spring brings a new couple to the house. Jane and Tom's zest for life revives the flagging spirits, and Sarah can't deny the instant attraction to handsome Tom. Having seen at first hand what infidelity does to people, she'll never act on it ... but the air fizzes with potential. The sunshine doesn't reach every corner of number 24, however. Elderly Mavis, tucked away in the basement, has kept the world at bay for decades. She's about to find out that she can't hide forever. Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure. 'This book delivered so much more than I expected. Emotion, laughs and mystery, I simply adored every minute of reading it' Netgalley reviewer 'Wow! Just a beautiful read, like a breath of fresh air. Very heart warming and easy to read. A great 5 Stars from me!' Netgalley reviewer 'This book is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket on the sofa and watching your favourite film. Warm, heart-felt and witty' Lara Marshall, Netgalley reviewer'The Woman at Number 24 is an absorbing story full of wonderful moments ...This was my first Juliet Ashton book to read and I really fell in love with her accurate, vivid and flowing writing' Netgalley reviewer 'This book was positively packed with intriguing storylines and plenty of twists and turns I did not see coming ... this was a really lovely story about community and seeing beauty in our fellow humans. Sarah was a truly genuine and caring character and I really enjoyed reading about her growing friendship with Mavis, her elderly neighbour. I really loved Jane as well- she added a special something to Number 24. This is the first Juliet Ashton book I have read and I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author!' Netgalley reviewer Praise for Juliet Ashton:'Funny, original and wise' KATIE FFORDE on The Valentine's Card ‘Gloriously and irresistibly romantic … It's like One Day with all the additional trials and tribulations of female friendship’ HANNAH BECKERMAN on These Days of Ours ‘Warm, witty and surprising’ Louise Candlish on These Days of Ours

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"Strong debut . . . this nuanced portrait of the state of American Judaism proffers a cogent vision of how to revitalize the faith." --Publisher's Weekly Why are religious organizations on the decline? What changes have caused many of them to lose touch with modern spiritual needs? What does it take to remain relevant in today's world? Rabbis Joshua Stanton and Benjamin Spratt take on these and other critical questions facing religion today. And they have answers that are frank and yet surprisingly upbeat.Nearly every facet of American Jewish life--and of American religious life in general--faces both disruption and great prospects for renewal. In every corner of our community, Jewish identity, wisdom, ritual, and power are being remixed and reimagined. As centralized authority declines, American Judaism moves and grows in a multitude of directions. As technology reduces the importance of geographic boundaries, new opportunities for connection and new modes of exercising power emerge. New mixtures of ancient Jewish practice and modern needs are beginning to shape the renewal of American Judaism, widening access to Jewish wisdom and ritual, transforming Jewish consumers into Jewish co-creators, and building new networks of Jewish belonging.The initial purposes that inspired much of the American Jewish infrastructure are now falling victim to their own success. An emphasis on nostalgia and authenticity encourages us to mythologize the past and narrow our awareness of the present. A focus on buildings and centralized power by much of American Judaism reflects the realities of a century ago.In understanding what keeps these organizations mired in the past, we can unearth a new purpose to unify the American Diaspora and guide it toward a new golden age. The Foreword by Rev. Kaji Dousa, Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, asks what a Black pastor can add to the work of two white rabbis, and the answer is that "cherished thinking needs a hard look everywhere. Particularly as we rightly orient our resources to protecting the good, to eliminating poverty that need not exist, to eradicating the hatred that threatens the very existence of our people--we need to look, together. Blacks and Jews and those living in the intersections therein will only survive and thrive with the survival and thriving of each other. So, of course, it makes sense that we will awaken, together."The Afterword by Dr. Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith Youth Core cites the story of Rabbi Akiva, who "did not mourn when he saw the ruins of the Temple but rather was delighted. 'We always knew these stones must come down. In order to move forward, this had to fall apart first. Now we can begin.' All of our religions have history and theology like this. I think about the emergence of everything from Catholic orders to Sufi tariqas--renewal movements that changed the map of entire religions. We are at that same point again. Rabbis Stanton and Spratt propose we meet the moment with the generosity and power that are at the heart of all our religions. Their work gives me confidence that we can."

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The ultimate guide to sewing bags from expert Lisa Lam, whose technical knowledge, creative flair and enthusiasm have helped and inspired thousands while promoting the craft of bag-making worldwide. Whether you are getting started, improving your technique or want to design your own creations, this is the book you will grab for every bag you make! Detailed photographs illustrate every technique in this unique book, from choosing fabric to inserting fastenings. Expert tips, trade secrets and inspirational advice result in professional and beautiful results every time, allowing you to create a capsule wardrobe of eight exclusive bag designs which will amaze your friends - they will never believe you made it yourself! Lisa's helpful and friendly tone comes through in her instructions, and it really feels like you have an expert by your side holding you hand every step of the way. She starts with the basics of how to read and interpret patterns, how to prepare and cut fabrics, and how to select the right interfacings and interlinings for your bags, then moves on to more specific techniques in each chapter. The Structure and Reinforcement chapter covers how to sew darts, pleats, gussets, flat bottoms and gathers - showing you in detail how to sew these features. The Linings chapter reveals how to insert zip pockets into your linings, as well as different methods of inserting a bag lining. The Closures chapter explains how to insert a zip in three different scenarios, plus how to insert magnetic snap fastenings, twist lock fastenings, and how to use eyelets and rivets. The Handles and Straps chapter teaches you six different types of straps, from making simple straps to adjustable straps and even designer looking piped handles. The Pockets chapter contains a wealth of different pocket types, showing you how to sew a slip pocket to sewing roomy bellows pockets, elasticized pockets and darted corner pockets. Finally, the Edgings and Trimmings chapter reveals how to bind raw edges for a professional finish, including how to make bias binding, and also shows you how to sew piping and how to use ribbon, jewellery and embellishments on your bags. At the end of each chapter there is a bag project to make so you can put the techniques into practice straight away. These exciting and desirable designs are explained in full detail, with helpful photographs to guide you every step of the way. Starting with how to make a tote bag, the projects build in complexity. You will learn how to make a clutch bag, how to sew a messenger bag, how to make a hobo bag, how to make a travel holdall bag and more. The downloadable pattern sheet gives full-size patterns, meaning there is no resizing or photocopying to do - you can download these in a few simple steps get straight into cutting and sewing bags. This one-of-a-kind book is the ultimate guide to bag-making and an invaluable resource that you will reach for time and time again. "An amazing sewing education coupled with beautiful bags that of course, you can customize!" Amy Butler.

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'This brilliantly written and captivating story instantly drew us in and refused to let go. Fresh, funny and utterly fabulous, it’s the perfect holiday read' HeatMeet the residents of number 24 in the warm, witty and wonderful novel from bestselling author Juliet Ashton. When your marriage falls apart, the last place you'd want your husband to move to is downstairs. Unfortunately for Sarah, up in the eaves at number 24, her ex-husband now lives one floor beneath her with his new wife. Their happiness floats up through the floorboards, taunting her. A child psychologist, Sarah has picked up great sadness from the little girl, Una, who lives with her careworn mother three floors below, but is Sarah emotionally equipped to reach out? The Spring brings a new couple to the house. Jane and Tom's zest for life revives the flagging spirits, and Sarah can't deny the instant attraction to handsome Tom. Having seen at first hand what infidelity does to people, she'll never act on it ... but the air fizzes with potential. The sunshine doesn't reach every corner of number 24, however. Elderly Mavis, tucked away in the basement, has kept the world at bay for decades. She's about to find out that she can't hide forever. Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure. 'This book delivered so much more than I expected. Emotion, laughs and mystery, I simply adored every minute of reading it' Netgalley reviewer 'Wow! Just a beautiful read, like a breath of fresh air. Very heart warming and easy to read. A great 5 Stars from me!' Netgalley reviewer 'This book is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket on the sofa and watching your favourite film. Warm, heart-felt and witty' Lara Marshall, Netgalley reviewer'The Woman at Number 24 is an absorbing story full of wonderful moments ...This was my first Juliet Ashton book to read and I really fell in love with her accurate, vivid and flowing writing' Netgalley reviewer 'This book was positively packed with intriguing storylines and plenty of twists and turns I did not see coming ... this was a really lovely story about community and seeing beauty in our fellow humans. Sarah was a truly genuine and caring character and I really enjoyed reading about her growing friendship with Mavis, her elderly neighbour. I really loved Jane as well- she added a special something to Number 24. This is the first Juliet Ashton book I have read and I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author!' Netgalley reviewer Praise for Juliet Ashton:'Funny, original and wise' KATIE FFORDE on The Valentine's Card ‘Gloriously and irresistibly romantic … It's like One Day with all the additional trials and tribulations of female friendship’ HANNAH BECKERMAN on These Days of Ours ‘Warm, witty and surprising’ Louise Candlish on These Days of Ours

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The go-to Bernese Oberland travel guide for discovering the best walks and car tours. Strap on your boots and discover Bernese Oberland on foot with the Sunflower Bernese Oberland travel guide. And on the days when your feet may have had enough, enjoy some spectacular scenery on one of our legendary car tours or train tours. The Sunflower Bernese Oberland guide is indispensable for hiking in Bernese Oberland or seeing Bernese Oberland by car. Although a car is the best way to explore much of the Oberland and Valais, Switzerland boasts the world’s best public transport system. You can see a vast majority of its mountain landscapes by public transport. There are many suggested train tours in the guide. But where trains don’t go, buses will – even to remote valleys and hamlets. Switzerland is a hiker’s paradise (you would expect nothing less of a country which has an article in its constitution regulating the responsibilities of those who maintain the thousands of kilometres of hiking paths!). Mountain huts and comfortable hotels sit atop summits reached by spectacular train or cable car rides, but there is still plenty of space where you will hardly meet a soul. The author, who lives in the area and has written several guides for walkers, caters for all abilities – from gentle strolls through the wine villages of the Valais to more strenuous hikes beside the north face of the Eiger or alongside the largest glacier in the Alps. Information ‘boxes’ add interest to the book – whether describing grape varieties and harvesting methods or the engineering feats of the country’s dams and irrigation channels. There are three main car tours, with dozens of side excursions. A map accompanies each car tour, but there are also two pull-out touring maps covering the whole of western Switzerland.) Of course, there are many suggestions for train, funicular and cable car rides, as well as 75 long and short walks (some of which are specially tailored to motorists). All the main walks are illustrated with 1:50,000 topo maps and free GPS tracks are available from this website. Whatever your age or ability we’ve got some glorious walks and car tours to ensure you have a memorable holiday in this beautiful corner of Switzerland. Inside the Sunflower Bernese Oberland guide book you’ll find: 75 long and short walks for all ages and abilities – each walk is graded so you can easily match your ability to the level of walk Topographical walking maps – give you a clear sense of the surrounding terrain Free downloadable gps tracks – for the techies Satnav guidance to walk starts for motorists 6 car tours and fold-out touring map – for easy reference on your tour Strolls to idyllic picnic spots – enjoy our recommendations for where to picnic along the way Timetables for public transport – ideal if you want to link two walks or avoid hiring a car on your holiday Online update service for the latest information Whether you tour the region by car, train or explore on foot, we look forward to showing you around.

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THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR'The Constant Rabbit is Jasper Fforde's most chilling and realistic book yet' Guardian'You won't read anything quite like this in 2020 - or beyond that too' CultureFly***England, 2020.There are 1.2 million human-sized rabbits living in the UK.They can walk, talk and drive cars, the result of an Inexplicable Anthropomorphising Event fifty-five years ago.And a family of rabbits is about to move into Much Hemlock, a cosy little village where life revolves around summer fetes, jam-making, gossipy corner stores, and the oh-so-important Best Kept Village awards.No sooner have the rabbits arrived than the villagers decide they must depart. But Mrs Constance Rabbit is made of sterner stuff, and her family are behind her. Unusually, so are their neighbours, long-time residents Peter Knox and his daughter Pippa, who soon find that you can be a friend to rabbits or humans, but not both.With a blossoming romance, acute cultural differences, enforced rehoming to a MegaWarren in Wales, and the full power of the ruling United Kingdom Anti Rabbit Party against them, Peter and Pippa are about to question everything they'd ever thought about their friends, their nation, and their species.It'll take a rabbit to teach a human humanity . . .PRAISE FOR JASPER FFORDE'Sheer inventiveness, wit, complexity, erudition, unexpectedness and originality' The Times'Is there anyone who can write satire quite like Fforde?. . . An astonishingly well-crafted work of social and political satire.' Kirkus 'Fforde presents a milquetoast cog in an absurdly bureaucratic wheel, this time cleverly skewering Brexit, conservative politics, and white supremacy in this surprisingly uplifting tale of one man doing his best, even if it is the bare minimum.' Booklist'The Constant Rabbit is designed to shake readers out of that complacency: to recognise that merely holding liberal values is not enough to prevent the quickening advance of racism and xenophobia in this country. One must act.' Financial Times'A serious minded comedy' Mail on SundayREADERS LOVE THE CONSTANT RABBIT'This is Jasper Fforde at his absolute best. Clever, thought-provoking and relevant, whilst maintaining the absurdity that we have come to love Fforde for' 5*'A real classic - the sort of book that will be read in fifty or a hundred years' time' 5*'[Jasper Fforde's] ability to take something relatively normal and turn it on it's head is sublime, ridiculous and so enjoyable! Quirky, funny, satirical tale with pertinent reflections on current times.' 5*'This book couldn't have come at a better time. Frighteningly poignant given the state of world. It's a truly wonderful piece of work that belongs right up there with Orwell.' 5*'This is Jasper Fforde at his finest. A witty, thought provoking read that makes you sit up and take note of all the things going on around you. Love this author, was already a fan, but now even more so.' 5*'I knew within minutes of starting the opening chapter that this was Fforde at the top of his game.' 5*

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Elusive online investigative journalist Scott King investigates the case of Arla Macleod, who bludgeoned her family to death, in another episode of the chilling, award-winning Six Stories series.‘Bold, clever and genuinely chilling with a terrific twist that provides an explosive final punch’ Deidre O’Brien, Sunday Mirror‘A genuine genre-bending debut’ Carla McKay, Daily Mail'Impeccably crafted and gripping from start to finish’ Doug Johnstone, The Big Issue________________A family massacreA deluded murderessFive witnessesSix storiesWhich one is true?One cold November night in 2014, in a small town in the north west of England, 21-year-old Arla Macleod bludgeoned her mother, father and younger sister to death with a hammer, in an unprovoked attack known as the Macleod Massacre. Now incarcerated at a medium-security mental-health institution, Arla will speak to no one but Scott King, an investigative journalist, whose Six Stories podcasts have become an internet sensation.King finds himself immersed in an increasingly complex case, interviewing five witnesses and Arla herself, as he questions whether Arla’s responsibility for the massacre was a diminished as her legal team made out.As he unpicks the stories, he finds himself thrust into a world of deadly forbidden ‘games’, online trolls, and the mysterious black-eyed kids, whose presence seems to extend far beyond the delusions of a murderess…Dark, chilling and gripping, Hydra is both a classic murder mystery and an up-to-the-minute, startling thriller, that shines light in places you may never, ever want to see again.________________Praise for the Six Stories seriesMatt Wesolowski brilliantly depicts a desperate and disturbed corner of north-east England in which paranoia reigns and goodness is thwarted … an exceptional storyteller' Andrew Michael Hurley‘Beautifully written, smart, compassionate – and scary as hell. Matt Wesolowski is one of the most exciting and original voices in crime fiction’ Alex North‘Wonderfully horrifying … the suspense crackles’ James Oswald‘Original, inventive and dazzlingly clever’ Fiona Cummins‘A complex and subtle mystery, unfolding like dark origami to reveal the black heart inside’ Michael Marshall Smith‘Endlessly inventive and with literary thrills a-plenty, Matt Wesolowski is boldly carving his own uniquely dark niche in fiction’ Benjamin Myers‘Disturbing, compelling and atmospheric, it will terrify and enthral you in equal measure’ M W Craven‘Readers of Kathleen Barber’s Are You Sleeping and fans of Ruth Ware will enjoy this slim but compelling novel’ Booklist‘A relentless and original work of modern rural noir which beguiles and unnerves in equal measure. Matt Wesolowski is a major talent’ Eva Dolan‘The very epitome of a must-read’ Heat‘Haunting, horrifying, and heartrending. Fans of Arthur Machen, whose unsettling tale The White People provides an epigraph, will want to check this one out’ Publishers Weekly‘For those who like the book they curl up with in their favourite slipper socks to generate a powerful sense of unease, and impel them to check all doors are locked and as many lights turned on as possible, Matt Wesolowski has just the formula to meet your self-scaring needs… ‘ Strong Words

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From the bestselling author of Christmas at the Snow Covered Inn, Lucy Coleman! This Christmas, open your heart to The Farmhouse Bakery… Newlyweds Ivy and Adam Taylor have put their heart and soul into building their own businesses, but when circumstances conspire against them, it all comes crashing down. Could a Christmas miracle be just around the corner when best friend Jess suggests Ivy open the bakery she has always dreamed of at her Cornish Farmhouse. Ivy is not so sure she has the heart to start over and winter is hardly the best time to launch a new business near the seaside… but it’s not long before the couple realise that although they are starting from scratch in a new place, they are far from alone. There is nothing the community at Renweneth Farm does better than Christmas, and as the nights draw in and the snow falls, nothing is impossible… Perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman, Philippa Ashley and Sue Moorcroft. Readers love A Cornish Christmas at the Farmhouse Bakery! ‘Oh wow... Amazing..... Christmas cheer..... Family….. I loved this book. It's so full of every emotion that it makes the readers heart fill up. The bakery sounds like heaven… It actually made me hungry. I can't wait to read it again.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Absolutely enchanting… perfect to curl up on the couch under a blanket and just read. I could so see this as a netflix movie… A wonderful 5 star read.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Made me want to go to Cornwall! Reading it all cosy when its freezing outside. Made me feel festive!’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Engrossing and was hard to put down. There is something magical about festive books and this one is no exception.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘A delightful cozy... quickly becoming a must read for me in fall!... seeing Adam and Ivy's story unfold was wonderful.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Love a Christmas read and this one did not fail me. Curl up with a cuppa and read and fall into the farmhouse bakery world.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 4 stars ‘What a lovely charming read… Lovers of Jessica Redland, Erica James, and Katie Fforde will enjoy this charming read. Highly recommended.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Lovely cosy story set in beautiful surroundings. I really enjoyed this festive read which really got me in the mood for the upcoming season.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 4 stars ‘This is truly a Christmas, feel-good, story that shows how friendships, hard-work, and perseverance can take a bad situation and make it a good experience.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 4 stars ‘A HUGE Christmas hug from a book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Absolutely lovely story… could not put it down.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘An easy 5!!’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘You can't beat a good Christmas time novel! A great read to get you in the festive spirit, the plot is engaging and I got completely drawn in and engaged in the story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Loved this book. I wanted to immediately move to Cornwall… helped me to begin to anticipate the festive season.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 4 stars

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‘Stayed up late finishing this, just had to know what happened, brilliant final twist! Gripping page-turner with great characters’Sunday Times bestselling author B A Paris She says she’s innocent.DO YOU BELIEVE HER? 2013 Melissa Slade had it all: beauty, money, a successful husband and beautiful twin babies. But, in the blink of an eye, her perfect life became a nightmare – when she found herself on trial for the murder of her little girls. PRESENT DAY Jonathan Hunt covered the original Slade Babies case for the local newspaper. Now that new evidence has come to light, Jon's boss wants him back on the story to uncover the truth. With Melissa's appeal date looming, time is running out. And, as Jon gets drawn deeper into a case he’d wanted to forget, he starts to question Melissa's guilt. Is Melissa manipulating Jon or telling him the truth? Is she a murderer, or the victim of a miscarriage of justice? And if Melissa Slade is innocent, what really happened to Ellie and Amber Slade? Don’t miss THE GUILTY MOTHER, the chilling new psychological thriller from eBook bestseller Diane Jeffrey! READERS LOVE THE GUILTY MOTHER: ‘A mind blowing storyline… AND THAT LAST CHAPTER TOOK MY BREATH AWAY… Everything a thriller ought to be’ Shalini ‘Don’t miss this book’ Sue ‘The phrase “on the edge of your seat” was made for this book’ Mark ‘Keeps you on your toes’ Sarah ‘Absolutely thrilling! … You really will be guessing right until the very end!’ Jodie ‘A crazy thriller read and keeps you going back and forth’ Melanie ‘Full of twists up to the very last sentence’ Kim2013 Melissa Slade had it all: beauty, money, a successful husband and beautiful twin babies. But, in the blink of an eye, her perfect life became a nightmare – when she found herself on trial for the murder of her little girls. PRESENT DAY Jonathan Hunt covered the original Slade Babies case for the local newspaper. Now that new evidence has come to light, Jon's boss wants him back on the story to uncover the truth. With Melissa's appeal date looming, time is running out. And, as Jon gets drawn deeper into a case he’d wanted to forget, he starts to question Melissa's guilt. Is Melissa manipulating Jon or telling him the truth? Is she a murderer, or the victim of a miscarriage of justice? And if Melissa Slade is innocent, what really happened to Ellie and Amber Slade? READERS LOVE THE GUILTY MOTHER: ‘Gripping, thought-provoking and scarily believable… just when you think you know where the story is going, another twist comes round the corner’ TM Logan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Holiday ‘A mind blowing storyline… AND THAT LAST CHAPTER TOOK MY BREATH AWAY… Everything a thriller ought to be’ Shalini ‘Don’t miss this book’ Sue ‘The phrase “on the edge of your seat” was made for this book’ Mark ‘Keeps you on your toes’ Sarah ‘Absolutely thrilling! … You really will be guessing right until the very end!’ Jodie ‘A crazy thriller read and keeps you going back and forth’ Melanie ‘Full of twists up to the very last sentence’ Kim

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It’s been a long time coming, and it’s right around the corner… As author S.K. Bain detailed in The Most Dangerous Book in the World: 9/11 as Mass Ritual, the events of September 11th, 2001, constituted a global occult ceremony. But that was mere child’s play compared to what he’s uncovered since. If 9/11 was a MegaRitual, this is a GigaRitual, or TeraRitual even. Its scope and scale are truly difficult to grasp. *** If you thought that 2012 was the end of Galactic Alignment, think again. However, this book doesn’t propose some new date for the made-up Mayan Doomsday, far from it. We are on the cusp of a once-in-a-26,000-year event, one that, in astrological terms, knows no equal. Do not think for one moment that the masters of our world will let it pass unmarked.Black Jack reveals the true date of the End of the Great Age, the Mother of All Auspicious Occasions, a date that the Cryptocracy has been fixated on—and feverishly preparing for—over the past two centuries, and well before. It will almost assuredly bring a ritualistic celebration like none other ever witnessed, involving mass human sacrifice and the biggest fireworks show in history. *** The world approaches the dawning of a new Grand Cycle, which the elite will inaugurate as the New Great Age of Satan. As we draw near, ask yourself this question: if you were among the ranks of these precious few ultra-powerful, would you spare any expense or effort to properly commemorate this unique occasion, or to fittingly dedicate it to your Dark Lord? Of course you wouldn’t. And, as a member of the Cryptocracy, you would be so bold and fearless as to announce your intentions to the entire world, far in advance. You would provide all the useless eaters with the obligatory fair warning, mockingly giving notice in plain sight in the most powerful city in the world. You would encode The End of the Old World Order in the streets of Washington, D.C., which, as is revealed in these pages, is nothing less than a Gigantic Black Magickal Spellcasting Machine. Furthermore, you would embed the "date of demise" in the modern calendar, as plain as day for those with eyes to see. You would orchestrate a string of foreshadowing, preparatory lesser false-flag attacks / mass rituals in the decades leading up to the grand occasion, rituals involving, for instance, consecrated sacrificial vessels such as—as was the case on 9/11—commercial airliners filled with dozens of innocent victims. Your elite family is among those who have instigated world wars and induced global famines. You think nothing of the use of false-flag terrorism to achieve your goals and objectives—even nuclear false-flag terrorism. *** One doesn’t have to be a religious fundamentalist to sense it, or see it all around us—the Satanification of the World. Practically every public event is now a thinly-veiled, if at all, Satanic ritual. We are being driven hard towards something in the near future, something whose hideous form becomes clearer by the day. All the while, the grip of the global dark-occult technofascist dictatorship grows ever tighter. Preparations have been underway for a very long time, even from the Founding of America, and the hour grows late. With bated breath, the entire planet, knowingly or unknowingly, awaits the arrival of Black Jack.

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An in-depth, eye-opening look at Purchasing in the 21st Century. This invaluable resource demonstrates how to improve purchasing operations through supplier scheduling and the integration of purchasing with other initiatives such as Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II), Just-in-Time (JIT), and Total Quality Management (TQM). Along with new material on emerging technologies, vendor managed inventory, and supply chain management, seasoned consultant John E. Schorr offers a solid framework for bettering purchasing systems through a rigorous evaluation of current business structures. Comprehensive and completely up-to-date, Purchasing in the 21st Century, Second Edition provides invaluable insight and advice on: * Implementing accurate supplier scheduling * Using MRP II/JIT/TQM to dramatically increase performance of on-time deliveries, to decrease lead times, reduce lot sizes, and achieve an overall cost reduction of purchased materials * Employing synchronized deliveries in conjunction with a Kanban system * Selecting the best performance measurements for suppliers. Filled with helpful examples and case studies of such leading companies as Steelcase and Corning Glass, this is must reading for anyone involved in creating, implementing, and improving purchasing operations. In order to outperform the competition today, companies must be like finely tuned machines, composed of quality parts that work together both seamlessly and in unison. Until recently, and for most organizations, this wasn't the case when it came to two crucial components: buyers and suppliers. However, with growing attempts to improve operations across the board, this once adversarial relationship is evolving into a more cohesive partnership. In this comprehensive resource, now revised and expanded, author John E. Schorr takes an in-depth look at this important change in perspective, explores techniques currently being implemented to improve performance, and focuses on what's around the corner for Purchasing in the 21st Century. In the past, buyers and suppliers operated with different sets of numbers, different priorities, and different agendas, resulting in ongoing conflicts, poor service levels, and, perhaps, most obviously, a concerted disadvantage in the marketplace. Realizing that purchasing can be key to seeing significant improvements in operations and competitive capabilities, companies have begun to leverage the role of purchasing to achieve improvements in supplier quality, product delivery, and new product development. Purchasing in the 21st Century, Second Edition offers practical information on improving purchasing operations. With complete coverage of the tools and techniques needed, the book illustrates how to implement supplier scheduling, as well as carry out purchasing in Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II), Just-in-Time (JIT), and Total Quality Management (TQM) environments. It also provides essential details on supply chain management and vendor managed inventory, two new concepts being used in purchasing departments around the country. Perhaps, most significantly, Purchasing in the 21st Century, Second Edition helps you create a sound purchasing operation with a solid framework that includes a rigorous evaluation of current systems. You'll learn to coordinate with your suppliers' production schedules, ensure supplier quality assurance, reduce freight costs, and effectively use electronic data interchange and the Internet. To illustrate how others have altered and refined their purchasing approach, you'll find detailed case studies of such prominent companies as Steelcase and Corning Glass. Purchasing in the 21st Century, Second Edition gives purchasing executives and their counterparts across the company state-of-the-art guidelines for creating and effectively managing their purchasing operation. A timely examination, this is essential reading for anyone involved in the purchasing process.

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Raise your simulation programs to new heights with the fully updated Defining Excellence in Simulation Programs, 2nd edition. An official publication of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, this fully illustrated guide speaks to the needs of all healthcare professionals using simulation for education, assessment, and research. Offering best practices for a wide variety of programs, it addresses all areas of program management, from staffing, funding, and equipment, to education models. Whether you are new to running a simulation program, developing a program, or studying simulation, this is your key to creating cost-effective, research-based programs. Improve your simulation program with this definitive guide. This edition offers: NEW content on International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation (INACSL) and Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) standards of practice 17 new chapters, with content reorganized to better align with certification exam blueprints A fully illustrated, comprehensive framework for all operational aspects of simulation programs Sections that address: ​ Standards of Practice – SSH, INACSL, and ASPE standards, technology standards, ethics, and more Simulation Modalities – History of modern-day mannequins; mannequin terminology, selection, and usage; and standardized patient/participant Simulation Methods – In situ, mobile, hybrid, and table top simulation; and the continuum of care Management – Creating the infrastructure for a successful program, business needs and assets management, policies and procedures, and strategic plans Funding – Sources of revenue, program budgets, business plans, and fee structures Environmental Design – Building a simulation center, technical infrastructure, and more Educational and Content Development – Educator training and simulation methodology courses, assessing learning needs, shared theories, and more Delivery of Simulation – Assessment in healthcare simulation, preparing the learner, management of the scenarios, and more Research – Healthcare simulation research, institutional review board, and more Resources – Terms of references, examples of studies, case and scenario development templates, and more Chapter features that include: Expert’s Corner – Commentary on essential areas of training, research, and program development by simulation experts and founders Consider This – Practical how-to’s on critical, related topics Example and Case Study Boxes – Added examples that support chapter content Terms of Reference – Defines simulation terms and concepts About the Clinical Editors Juli C. Maxworthy, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, CNL, CPHQ, CPPS, CHSE, FNAP, FSSH, is an Associate Professor at the University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions, and President (2021) of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Chad A. Epps, MD, FSSH, was the Executive Director, Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS) and Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Past President of The Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Yasuharu Okuda, MD, FACEP, FSSH, is Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation, CEO of USF Health Professions Conferencing Corporation, Associate Vice President, USF Health Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice, Professor of Medicine at the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida Health in Tampa, and President (2022) of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Mancini, RN, Ph.D., NE-BC, FAHA, ANEF, FAAN, is Professor Emeritus at the College of Nursing, the University of Texas at Arlington. She is also a Past President of The Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Janice C. Palaganas, Ph.D., APRN, ANEF, FNAP, FAAN, FSSH, is Professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions, Lecturer at Harvard Medical School, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Interprofessional Innovations, and Principal Faculty at the Center for Medical Simulation at Massachusetts General Hospital, and in the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

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Elusive online journalist Scott King examines the chilling case of a young vlogger found frozen to death in the legendary local ‘vampire tower’, in another explosive episode of Six Stories…***Winner of the Capital Crime Award for Best Independent Voice***‘Matt Wesolowski brilliantly depicts a desperate and disturbed corner of north-east England in which paranoia reigns and goodness is thwarted … an exceptional storyteller' Andrew Michael Hurley‘Endlessly inventive and with literary thrills a-plenty, Matt Wesolowski is boldly carving his own uniquely dark niche in fiction’ Benjamin Myers‘Beautifully written, smart, compassionate – and scary as hell. Matt Wesolowski is one of the most exciting and original voices in crime fiction’ Alex North____________________A frozen girlA haunted townA deadly challengeSix StoriesWhich one is true?In the wake of the 'Beast from the East' cold snap that ravaged the UK in 2018, a grisly discovery was made in a ruin on the Northumbrian coast. Twenty-four-year-old Vlogger, Elizabeth Barton, had been barricaded inside what locals refer to as 'The Vampire Tower', where she was later found frozen to death.Three young men, part of an alleged 'cult', were convicted of this terrible crime, which they described as a 'prank gone wrong'. However, in the small town of Ergarth, questions have been raised about the nature of Elizabeth Barton's death and whether the three convicted youths were even responsible.Elusive online journalist Scott King speaks to six witnesses – people who knew both the victim and the three killers – to peer beneath the surface of the case. He uncovers whispers of a shocking online craze that held the young of Ergarth in its thrall and drove them to escalate a series of pranks in the name of internet fame. He hears of an abattoir on the edge of town, which held more than simple slaughter behind its walls, the tragic and chilling legend of the ‘Ergarth Vampire… Both a compulsive, taut and terrifying thriller, and a bleak and distressing look at modern society's desperation for attention, Beast will unveil a darkness from which you may never return…____________________Praise for the Six Stories series‘Frighteningly wonderful … one of the best books I’ve read in years’ Khurrum Rahman‘Disturbing, compelling and atmospheric, it will terrify and enthral you in equal measure’ M W Craven‘First-class plotting’ S Magazine‘A dazzling fictional mystery’ Foreword Reviews‘Readers of Kathleen Barber’s Are You Sleeping and fans of Ruth Ware will enjoy this slim but compelling novel’ Booklist‘Insidiously terrifying, with possibly the creepiest woods since The Blair Witch Project … a genuine chiller with a whammy of an ending’ C J Tudor‘Bold, clever and genuinely chilling’ Deidre O’Brien, Sunday Mirror‘A genuine genre-bending debut’ Carla McKay, Daily Mail'Impeccably crafted and gripping from start to finish’ Doug Johnstone, The Big Issue‘The very epitome of a must-read’ Heat‘Wonderfully horrifying … the suspense crackles’ James Oswald‘Original, inventive and dazzlingly clever’ Fiona Cummins‘A complex and subtle mystery, unfolding like dark origami to reveal the black heart inside’ Michael Marshall Smith‘Haunting, horrifying, and heartrending. Fans of Arthur Machen, whose unsettling tale The White People provides an epigraph, will want to check this one out’ Publishers Weekly

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Has the perfect man been there all along?Lucie Quigley hates Christmas. So when she’s asked to be a bridesmaid at her friend Petra’s Manhattan wedding, she jumps at the chance to escape the festivities at home. Her best friend Dale Treharne jumps at the chance to be her plus-one, seeing it as a way to help Lucie get through the most miserable time of the year.In New York, as the snow begins to fall, Lucie and Dale realise that their feelings run deeper than friendship. But can they overcome their pasts, and make it a very merry Manhattan Christmas?The perfect uplifting and escapist read to curl up with this Christmas, ideal for fans of Helen J Rolfe and Mandy Baggot.Praise for A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas‘I just loved this book, every single page of it! … it was full of depth with unexpected moments of poignancy … So make sure you cuddle up this Christmas and enjoy a few hours of perfect, festive escapism with Lucie and Dale and their sumptuous love story.’ My Chestnut Reading Tree‘A lovely Christmas story … takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a page turner and I found it hard to put down … beautifully written.’ Stephanie Reads‘An amazing festive story that immediately filled my heart with joy … Darcie Boleyn has a wonderful way with words and she has a great sense of humor as well … Darcie Boleyn combines sadness with lightness and cheer in a fantastic balanced way. Her story is very romantic and I enjoyed it so much that it's now on my list of favorite Christmas reads. I highly recommend this dreamy Christmas story.’ With Love for Books‘Another enchanting book from the talented Darcie Boleyn … What starts and looks like your general light hearted Christmas book, evolves around mid way into something that is very compelling to read, and has a bit more depth to it and plenty of strands of storylines.’ Rachel’s Random Reads‘Oh I do love this author's writing! … The development of the romance was well paced, their reticence in risking their friendship, the historic events which impinge on their relationship, the expectations of others, all make this an enthralling and highly entertaining read.’ Splashes into Books‘Okay let me say up front I love books by Darcie, NYC is my favourite place and Christmas just adds to the joy … giggles a plenty. Follow Lucie and Dale as they experience the magic and the test on their friendship … it's real melt-your-heart stuff. I could rave about this forever but suffice to say it's made it into my top books of the year list and I encourage everyone to read it and prepare for the festivities’ Ali - The Dragon Slayer‘Pretty sure this is one of my favourite Christmas books of the year!’ Goodreads reviewer‘Can I just say right here … Dale … oh Dale. Everyone needs a Dale this Christmas, I think he could be the book boyfriend of the year … With her warm and witty writing style, teamed with some sensitive sub plots, Darcie made A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas a delight to read. It was a real page turner.’ Lozza’s Book Corner

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'Wonderfully romantic, full of mystery and magic. I fell in love with Ballykiltara!' - Cathy BramleyYou'll find a warm welcome in this magical story from Ali McNamara, bestselling author of Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van and From Notting Hill with Love, Actually-------------------------------------One summer, property seeker, Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem; nobody seems to know who owns it.'The Welcome House' is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor. While Ren desperately tries to find the owner to see if she can negotiate a sale, she begins to delve deeper into the history and legends that surround the old house and the town. But for a woman who has always been focussed on her work, she's remarkably distracted by Finn, the attractive manager of the local hotel.But will she ever discover the real truth behind the mysterious 'Welcome House'? Or will the house cast its magical spell over Ren and help her to find true happiness?------------------------------------------'Breathtakingly scenic, full of love, friendship, romance, magic... made me want to move to Ballykiltara right away' - Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard CottageWhat readers are saying about The Summer of Serendipity'A really heartwarming novel' - The Booktrail'Make sure you pack it into your case for any summer trips you might be planning' - t*rexes and tiaras'A magical read full of mystery, romance and mythical Irish charm. This summery novel will make you look at your own life with new eyes and see that spark of magic in the stories that surround you every day' - Laura Bambrey Books'A book guaranteed to lift your spirits this summer' - charlenejess.wordpress.com'A lovely, warm and sweet read' - Bleach House Library'This book entranced and mystified me. I was desperate to discover the secret of the welcome house, just as much as Ren was. The book pulled me in and its mixture of fun and folklore kept me turning pages till the end' - Rachale's Reads'An enticing novel, bringing together a wonderful story, filled with friendly, realistic characters, gorgeous scenery, and a little bit of magic' - Whispering Stories'Another warm and funny love story from Ali and I highly recommend escaping with it this summer' - One More Page'This book is perfect if you are looking for a summer read for the holiday you're about to take or if you simply want to escape to Ireland for a while from the comfort of your armchair or garden lounger. Ali's writing is welcoming, warm and romantic. I love her and I adored this book (if you couldn't tell already.)' - Novel Kicks'Everything you need for a holiday read... it's humorous, it's magical and it's so full of delightful charm that you can't help but enjoy it!' - The Quiet Knitter'I had a feeling I would fall in love with this tale and that's exactly what I did!' - Fiction Dreams'I loved this book from start to finish' - Kelly's Book Corner'A magical and charming read, rich in scenery and community that'll make you fall in love' - Samantha Kilford'A charming and engaging read' - Cosmochicklitan'A lovely summer read...a gentle, rather charming book' - The Literary Shed'The perfect summer read' - Fabulous Book Fiend

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Real sagas with female characters right at the heart' Woman's Hour'In the world of historical saga writers, there's a brand new voice' My Weekly'Heart-warming, emotional and simply wonderful . . . If you think family sagas aren't for you, you've never read Glenda Young's books - pick one up today and you'll be converted' 5 * reader reviewIf you love Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, you'll LOVE Glenda Young's 'amazing novels!' (ITV's This Morning presenter Sharon Marshall)'A super saga with a sparky heroine' People's FriendWhat readers are saying about Glenda's heartwrenching sagas:'Better than a Catherine Cookson' 5* reader review'Definitely an author not to be missed when it comes to family sagas' The Book Magnet'Writes superb historical fiction that bring the era alive. Her books are unbeatable and unputdownable' Ginger Book Geek'The perfectly imperfect, human nature of Glenda Young's characters are what keeps her readership hooked' Clyde's Corner'Gritty, compelling and full of heart . . . an exceptional saga' Bookish Jottings..................................................'You're a Dinsdale lass, Ruby. Nothing and no one keeps us lot down.'A life of poverty in a cramped pit cottage is all that seventeen-year-old Ruby Dinsdale has known. Even with her father and younger brother working at the coal mine, money is tight. Her mother Mary is skilled at stretching what little they have, but the small contribution Ruby makes from her job at the local pub makes all the difference. So when Ruby is sacked, and Mary becomes pregnant again, the family's challenges are greater than ever.When charming miner Gordon begins to court Ruby it seems as though happiness is on the horizon, until she uncovers a deeper betrayal than she could ever have imagined.But although the Dinsdales are materially poor, they are rich in love, friendship and determination - all qualities that they will draw on to get them through whatever lies ahead...................................................Look out for all of Glenda's compelling sagas - Belle of the Back Streets, The Tuppenny Child, Pearl of Pit Lane, The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon, The Paper Mill Girl and The Miner's Lass - out now!Plus, Glenda has launched a brand-new cosy crime mystery series - don't miss Murder at the Seaview Hotel and Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel - out now!Praise for Glenda Young:'Wonderful read, full of rich characters, evocative description and a touch of romance' 5* reader review'Just wanted it to go on forever and read more about the characters and their lives' 5* reader review'I really enjoyed Glenda's novel. It's well researched and well written and I found myself caring about her characters' Rosie Goodwin 'Will resonate with saga readers everywhere . . . a wonderful, uplifting story' Nancy Revell 'All the ingredients for a perfect saga and I loved Meg; she's such a strong and believable character. A fantastic debut' Emma Hornby 'Glenda has an exceptionally keen eye for domestic detail which brings this local community to vivid, colourful life and Meg is a likeable, loving heroine for whom the reader roots from start to finish' Jenny Holmes 'I found it difficult to believe that this was a debut novel, as "brilliant" was the word in my mind when I reached the end. I enjoyed it enormously, being totally absorbed from the first page. I found it extremely well written, and having always loved sagas, one of the best I've read' Margaret Kaine

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This revised second edition presents 15 years of data on Virtual Distance metrics and their predictive impact on organizational success factors shedding new light on how to correct for communication challenges that often show up as a foggy set of digital disconnects where the vitality of the virtual workforce often gets lost in transmission. This still-evolving Digital Age conundrum continues to present new complications. The rise of remote work which rests on an increasing reliance on electronic communication and the overall growth of virtual interactions has led to the escalation of a phenomenon called Virtual Distance. Virtual Distance, which influences our behavior through three components Physical Distance, Operational Distance, and Affinity Distance affects not only how we relate to others thousands of miles away but even to co-workers sitting right next to each other! Perhaps even more problematic, Virtual Distance causes measureable malfunctions in teamwork, innovation, leader effectiveness and overall performance. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The Power of Virtual Distance offers specific, proven and predictable solutions that can reverse these trends and turn Virtual Distance into a unification strategy to capture untapped competitive advantage. Surprised? The Power of Virtual Distance, 2nd Edition is a must-read for leadership who want to understand the true and quantifiable costs of the virtual workplace. For the first time ever, readers can take the guesswork out of managing the virtual workforce by applying a mathematical approach derived from the extensive Virtual Distance data set: The Virtual Distance Ratio. The Virtual Distance Ratio can precisely pinpoint the particular impacts of Virtual Distance on the organization’s critical success factors. Beyond business metrics, Virtual Distance solutions also detail ways to restore meaningfulness and well-being into people’s experience of work, enhancing life lived in the Digital Age. The Power of Virtual Distance reveals an updated set of data, including the first award-winning analysis, collected from an extended range of executives to individual contributors, that represent situations and solutions in more than 36 industries in 55 countries across the globe. Readers will get a “first look” at the data and its revelations on how to be less isolated and more integrated. Helping managers globally, this book: Offers new, real-world case studies and a chance for readers to participate in thought experiments to help with personal performance, group synergy and by extension, relationship dynamics of all kinds Demonstrates (with statistically significant trend analyses) that Virtual Distance is growing at exponential rates in every corner of communities worldwide Offers expert advice on how to manage the “unintended human consequences” of today’s digital technologies Companies that successfully harness the power of Virtual Distance demonstrate better performance. The second edition of The Power of Virtual Distance is a valuable, one-of-a-kind resource for everyone – from the C-suite to human resource professionals; from divisional leaders to project managers. Everyone in the organization can benefit by discovering how to improve financials, innovation, trust, employee engagement, satisfaction, organizational citizenship and other key performance indicators. And perhaps best of all, by following the prescriptions on how to reduce Virtual Distance, the entire workforce will have the tools they need to bring about a revival of meaning, purpose and an enlivened sense of “humanhood” back into everyday work and everyday life.

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Add a twist of humour to South African nostalgia with Hagen Engler's latest offering. Black Twitter, Blitz and a Boerie as long as your leg is a light-hearted, humorous read of multiple entries that can be dipped into at will. Optimistic, topical and definitely tongue-in-cheek, this book could easily be that last-minute gift that you pick up at the airport before you head back to the parental home for the holidays. Not too politically edgy - so as not to offend any sensitive elephants in the room - it draws on the great many things that South Africans do have in common, and that will give us all a moment to agree on something, for a change. Black Twitter, Blitz and a Boerie as long as your leg lists and celebrates the tiny, subtle aspects of South African life that we all experience but don't always notice. Engler looks at icons of our shared South Africanness but drills a little deeper to make them more specific, a bit more ridiculous, a bit funnier, and hopefully to induce an excited exclamation from the reader of, "Yoh! That's so true!" Even if the entry is ostensibly negative, Engler will find a poignant aspect of it that is lovable and help us laugh at ourselves. Some of the book's 150 to 200 entries include "Pearl Thusi's Afro", "The Corner Cafe", "Stoney Hiccups", "A Long, Steel Urinal", "AB de Villiers's Hairline", "Getting a proper vuvuzela blast going", "The instep of Siphiwe Tshabalala's left foot", "Jaywalking with impunity", "Black Twitter", "Trevor Noah's dimples", "The smell of Blitz", "Kurt Darren's chest", "The frog in Gwede Manthashe's throat" and "Building a ten-year relationship with the guy at your robots". For example, Stony Hiccups... As involuntary as a tweet the minute you show up to see #BlackPanther. The Stoney hiccup just comes out of you the very instant you sip a mouthful of South Africa's tangiest, most refreshing ginger beer. It is followed by the sweet, sweet flavour rave and then the pleasant tickle down the back of the throat. And then the irresistible urge to have another swig, perhaps another hiccup until you have consumed your 330 ml allocation. Stoney hiccups mean you are human. In fact they will be an excellent zombie test once the apocalypse kicks in properly. If Stoney ginger beer doesn't make you hiccup, you are an emissary from the dark side and must be executed with a shotgun blast to the head... Or would that be a bit harsh? Black Twitter... or just Twitter, to be fair, seeing as the social media platform has pretty much achieved full transformation over the past few years. From the militant feminist wing to the reflexive irony of #AsinamadodaTwitter and the #Beyhive Beyonce prayer group to the online health advice of doctor @SindivanZyl, to the edges of #wokeTwitter where it segues into #WakandaForever Twitter, there is a world inside the world that is Twitter as practised by South Africa's black people. Any brave white person who sticks his or her head above the parapet and attempts to weigh in on a subject beyond the field of white expertise will be sent scurrying back to #Woolworths and #Parenting Twitter with well-practised barbs about bringing the land back and perhaps something about Ed Sheeran. It's tomorrow's news, now, seeing as whatever Black Twitter is discussing will show up in the media in the course of tomorrow, you can bet the last of your vibranium on it!.

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What if you were dropped in the woods with little more than a knife, your wits, and the (hopefully warm) shirt on your back? Could you survive? If you’d read this book, the answer is yes! Survival! It’s one of our most primal fears, most basic needs. What do you do when everything is stripped away except your will to prevail? In this book, survival expert Tim MacWelch examines how native peoples around the world and throughout history have made their own shelter, weapons, tools, and more, and well as clever MacGuyver-esque ideas for using anything you might find in your pockets or pack. Whether your goal is to test yourself against nature, be prepared for any catastrophe, or learn more about traditional ways of survival, this is the one book you need. Packaged in a durable, wipe-clean flexicover with metallic corner-guards, this practical manual withstands heavy-duty use indoors and out. CHAPTER ONE: Bare Necessities - The stuff you need to survive short term wilderness emergencies (72 hours to one week) The Survival Priorities (& why you need them) Shelter, water, fire, food, first aid and signaling distress Tools of the Minimalist Knife, Axe and Saw - use and care; Clothing selection Shelters Pick a safe shelter location; How to build Leaf huts, lean-tos, jungle platforms, thatched roof, log huts, wicki-ups, pit houses, and more (different homes for varied climates) Water Gathering and Disinfection Finding springs, boiling w/ hot rocks, rain and precipitation collection, water storage, primitive filters, water from plants Fire Tinder, Kindling, Fire Lays, Flint & Steel, Bow Drill, Hand Drill, Bamboo Fire Saw, Fire Plow, Pump Drill, and other friction methods Signaling for Help and Self-Rescue How to signal and communicate w/ old school techniques; How and when to fight your way out CHAPTER TWO: Finer Things - Skills and techniques to collect food, and live more comfortably in the wild (weeks to months) Foraging for Wild Edible Plants How to identify and use wild plant foods; Recipes like our ancestors would have eaten Trapping Ways to catch game with new and old school, low-tech traps Primitive Fishing How to catch fish with thorns and other improvised tackle Ancient Weapons Bow and arrow, spear, Spear thrower, Bola and sling, primitive forging of metal Hunting Skills and game processing; 10 things to never do on a hunt Primitive Tools How to make stone blades, knives, axes, stone drill bits, mallets and wedges for wood splitting, digging sticks Hygiene Keeping clean; Natural toilet paper; Soap from plants; DIY latrine CHAPTER THREE: Long Term Living - The skills of our ancestors and the things you'd need for long term primitive living (years) Food Storage Drying, smoking, Food Caches, Freezing Containers How to make several different basket styles; Bark containers; Wooden bowls; Soapstone bowls and pots; Primitive ceramics Hides and Furs DIY buckskin, fur, rawhide and leather; Making clothes and outerwear (moccasins, mittens, hats, etc.) Primitive Cooking Cook in the coals; Spits and skewers; Green stick grill; Rock for frying pan; Stone Ovens, Steam pit, Earth over (in-ground hearth system) Tracking Man tracking and animal tracking Natural Navigation How to find your way by using the stars, the landscape, the weather and many other methods Wild Medicine Teas, compresses and poultices to help you heal

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Like top-notch athletes, corporations need to stay in fighting shape to compete. And assessing the fitness-both functionally and financially-of every corporate operation and activity is the role played by the benchmarking process. Not simply a detailed company physical that isolates operational weaknesses and fiscal bloat, when effectively implemented, benchmarking also represents the cure-a set of best practice guidelines for maximizing performance, guiding the company toward corporate health, while cleaning up operating inefficiencies and financial waste. Written by a leading benchmarking authority, Benchmarking Strategies is a state-of-the-art how-to manual for transforming your organization into a lean, optimally performing endurance runner-no matter what sort of shape your company is in now. In a practical, user-friendly format, Reider helps you identify just what sort of businesses your company is in (and not in), develop a set of benchmarks and basic business principles as part of a corporate strategic plan, identify areas or functions that need improvement, implement best practices in a companywide program of continuous improvement, and develop performance measures to chart genuine gains as a learning organization. A best practice is defined not simply as an operational change that is cost effective, but one that moves the company toward fulfilling the expectations of its stakeholders (from boards of directors, CEOs, and frontline employees to vendors and customers). The book then offers a practical vision of achievable excellence in which every activity affects every other and every employee and department is a shaper of corporate destiny. In clear, practical language, Benchmarking Strategies de-cants the often unwieldy theory behind corporate improvement into expert advice on: * Benchmarking principles, techniques, and implementation * Identifying your company's basic operational principles * Benchmarks for organizational growth-including cost reductions, price and sales volume increases, and new distribution channels * Strategies for gaining competitive advantage-not just meeting your competition but surpassing them * How effective benchmarking encompasses both internal and external needs Offering the insight, wisdom, and hard-nosed realism of a seasoned coach, Benchmarking Strategies is the essential manual to making excellence an ongoing reality in every corner of your firm and to transforming a good organization into a world-class competitor. Find out how operationally and financially fit your company really is . . .and the secret to transforming it into a tough competitor if it isn't. Both the diagnosis and the cure for an out-of-shape organization, benchmarking is one of the most effective regimens available for transforming any company into an optimally functioning, world-class performer. Used in a program of continuous improvement, benchmarking is a process that allows a company to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of each of its activities and operations and put in place a set of best practices designed to move the company toward improved performance and profits. And Benchmarking Strategies shows you exactly how. Written by one of its leading experts, Benchmarking Strategies is a practical manual to benchmarking principles, techniques, and implementation, outlining just how to set up benchmarking criteria, monitor overall progress-while fulfilling the expectations of the company's various stakeholders. Inside, you'll find expert guidance on: * Developing benchmarks and basic business principles for your company as part of a detailed corporate strategic plan. * Identifying internal operational areas or functions to benchmark and establishing best practice target triggers for building internal excellence in Using external benchmarks to compare your company to competitors, industry, and best-in-class functions to become the best you can be.

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Him & Me is a hugely entertaining and irreverent account of a unique relationship between a father and son. Written in two distinctive styles, it reflects the larger-than-life personalities of its authors, Jack and Michael Whitehall. 'This book is a portrait of the pretty odd relationship I have with my elderly father. It's given me an opportunity to share memories of him losing his temper with foreigners on holidays, being rude to my mother's family at Christmas and failing epically during the fathers' race at my prep school. He's also written some stories about me, but can I just say, before you read anything, that I recall being a calm, well-behaved and learned child, not the intellectually subnormal, mal-coordinated dipshit that he paints me as. Nor am I, as he suggests inside, a sex addict, a flasher or a Scientologist.' Jack 'How dare Jack refer to me as elderly! People always tell me how young I look for my age. In this book, I have at last been able to recount the many occasions when I have been let down by my only son. He failed on the stage, the sports field and he even screwed up the interview for his first boarding school by pretending he had mental health issues. Despite being practically illiterate, he tells stories about me, strewn with grammatical errors and peppered with endless exaggerations and lies. I was a kind, doting father, who guided his son through his formative years with love, care and respect.' Michael 'I'm not your only son, what about Barnaby?' 'Oh yes, I forgot about Barnaby.' Packed with anecdotes, some embarrassing and indiscreet, many warm and touching, Him & Me is lavishly illustrated with family photographs and Jack's original illustrations. Friends, relatives, neighbours, teachers, actors, none are safe once Jack and Michael have opened up the Whitehall archives and shared their hilarious memories with us. Praise for Him & Me: 'The rapport between them is palpable and priceless . . . crackles with their back-and-forth dynamic... an embarrassment of biographical riches' Daily Telegraph 'Disgracefully funny and rather touching' R4 Midweek Jack Whitehall is a comedian, actor and television presenter. Following his first solo show at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he has subsequently won numerous comedy awards, most recently King of Comedy, voted for by the public at both the 2012 and 2013 British Comedy Awards. A regular guest on panel shows, including Have I Got News For You and A League of Their Own, he is currently starring in two hit TV series: Bad Education for the BBC, which he also wrote, and the award-winning Channel 4 series Fresh Meat in which he plays JP. Jack's new national arena tour Jack Whitehall Gets Around played to sell-out audiences across the country and will be available on DVD this Autumn. Michael Whitehall as a theatrical agent has been involved in the careers of many eminent actors, including Colin Firth, Richard Griffiths, Angela Thorne, Michael Fassbender, Daniel Day Lewis, Nigel Havers and Judi Dench. He is also a television and theatre producer. His memoir Shark Infested Waters was published in 2007 and is currently being developed for television. He appeared with Jack at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Backchat, which was subsequently commissioned by BBC TV as a six-part series and screened in the Autumn of 2013. A second series is due for transmission in the Summer of 2014. He recently fulfilled his lifelong ambition of appearing in Dictionary Corner on Countdown.

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'An indispensable account' – Sunday Times 'Moving and devastating' – The Literary Review 'An intimate, highly sensory self-portrait' – Sunday Telegraph (Five Stars) FIRST MEMOIR ABOUT CHINA'A ‘RE-EDUCATION’ CAMPS BY A UYGHUR WOMAN Since 2017, one million Uyghurs have been seized by the Chinese authorities and sent to ‘re-education’ camps, in what the US Government and human rights groups describe as a genocide. Few have made it out to the West. One is Gulbahar Haitiwaji. For three years, she endured hundreds of hours of interrogations, freezing cold, forced sterilisation, and a programme of de-personalisation meant to destroy her free will and her memories. This intimate account reveals the long-suppressed truth about China’s gulag. It tells the story of a woman confronted by an all-powerful state bent on crushing her spirit – and her battle for freedom and dignity. Extract ‘In the camps, the ‘re-education’ process applies the same remorseless method to destroying all its victims. It starts out by stripping you of your individuality. It takes away your name, your clothes, your hair. There is nothing now to distinguish you from anyone else. 'Then the process takes over your body by subjecting it to a hellish routine: being forced to repeatedly recite the glories of the Communist Party for eleven hours a day in a windowless classroom. Falter, and you are punished. So you keep on saying the same things over and over again until you can’t feel, can’t think anymore. You lose all sense of time. First the hours, then the days.’ - Gulbahar Haitiwaji Reviews 'Gulbahar's memoir is an indispensable account, which makes vivid the stench of fearful sweat in the cells, the newly built prison's permanent reek of white pain. It closely corresponds with other witness statements, giving every indication of being very reliable. Most impressive is her psychological honesty.' – John Phipps, Sunday Times 'Huge efforts have been made to obfuscate the realities of life in the camps (even speaking openly in Xinjiang about them can lead to incarceration). Although their existence has been well documented abroad and grudgingly admitted by the Chinese state, relatively few first-hand accounts of what actually goes on inside them have emerged. One is Gulbahar Haitiwaji's moving and devastating How I Survived a Chinese 'Re-education' Camp.' – Roderic Wye, Literary Review 'There follows an intimate, highly sensory self-portrait, created with the help of Rozenn Morgat (a journalist with Le Figaro), of an educated woman passing through a system that appears at turns cruel, paranoid, capricious and devastatingly effective. It begins with the confiscation of Haitiwaji's passport and a police interrogation during which she is shown a photograph of her daughter attending a Uyghur demonstration in Paris. One of the interrogators starts bawling at her - "Your daughter's a terrorist!" and before long Haitiwaji is plunged into a bewildering world of shackles, bunks and beaten-earth floors; grey gruel and stale bread served up by deaf-mute cooks selected for their silence; the sounds and smells of the communal toilet-bucket; and the buzz of security camera motors as they scan the cell.' ***** – Christopher Harding, Sunday Telegraph Translated from the French book Rescapée du goulag chinois (Équateurs), How I Survived a Chinese Reeducation Camp is a riveting insight into an authoritarian world. A true story, it reads like a 21st Century version of George Orwell's 1984 set in modern China. Extract In the camp, I wasn’t Gulbahar, but Number 9. I was forbidden from speaking Uighur, or from praying. There was something extra about the taste of the vile slop that filled our bowls. Were they drugging our meals to make us lose our memories? Physically and mentally, I became a ghost. My weight plummeted. The blinding light worsened my vision, and beneath my eyes, heavy rings made two pockets of shadow. My heart beat so weakly that I could no longer feel it when I pressed my palm to my chest. Whenever I was deemed to have broken the rules, I was slapped or, on one occasion, shackled to a bed for a fortnight. I underwent hundreds of hours of nightmarish interrogations, until chaos gradually took over my soul. Every week, women were taken away and we never saw them again. At night, we’d wake to terrifying screams, as if someone was being tortured upstairs. We listened in silence, absolutely still, to howls that pierced the night. They were the cries of women going mad, begging guards not to hurt them any more. Death lurked in every corner. When the footfalls of guards woke us in the night, I thought our time had come to be executed. When a hand viciously pushed hair-clippers across my skull, I shut my eyes, thinking I was being readied for the scaffold, the electric chair, or drowning. For two years, my husband, Kerim, and two daughters, Gulhumar and Gulnigar, had no idea where I was. They imagined the worst. They believed me dead. I was born into a Uighur family that had lived in Xinjiang for generations. This jewel, more than six times the size of the UK, is at the far western end of China. Its riches include gold, diamonds, natural gas, uranium, and – above all – oil. Since being annexed by the China, we Uighurs have been the stone in the Beijing regime’s shoe. Xinjiang is far too rich a strategic corridor for it to lose and President Xi Jinping wants it cleansed of separatist populations. In short, China wants a Xinjiang without Uighurs. Buy the book to carry on reading

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REVISED 2018 Streetwise Vancouver Map is a laminated city center map of Vancouver, Canada. The accordion-fold pocket size travel map has an integrated Sky Train & Express Line routes & stations. Coverage includes: Main Vancouver Map 1:26,000 Downtown Vancouver Map 1:12,500 Vancouver Area Map 1:120,000 Downtown Victoria, BC Map 1:14,000 University of British Columbia Map 1:57,000 +E40 There are plenty of sites in Vancouver and getting around to seeing them all is easy. If you're staying in the city (and you probably are) you can walk to most attractions. The Vancouver Museum highlights the growth and development of Vancouver from an outpost of fishing and forestry to a world class city. Science World is a great spot to take the kids so they can experience the interactive exhibitions and see an eye-popping OMNIMAX presentation. Adults will appreciate spending the time on Granville Island, a former dingy collection of rusty warehouses now transformed into galleries, shops, artists' studios and home to a thriving public market the perfect place to pick up provision for a picnic. The best place to start your visit is Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre. Take a 45 second ride up a glass elevator to arrive at a spectacular 360° view of the city, the surrounding communities, the harbour and the mountains beyond. On a clear day you may even see Vancouver Island. What you notice most when you re perched above the city is how green it is. As the city developed over the years, a large tract of forest was set aside, over 1,000 acres, destined to remain wild and serve as a reminder of whence the city originated. So began Stanley Park. Located right in the heart of the city, this green sanctuary is crisscrossed with walking trails and surrounded by English Bay and a 6 mile seawall - a lovely place for a stroll at sunset. Within the park are tennis courts, playgrounds, a miniature golf course, restaurants, snack bars and cafes, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Lost Lagoon where you can feed ducks and raccoons, swimming beaches, a pool, a miniature railroad for the kids, totem poles and a cannon that goes off precisely at 9 PM each evening. The capital of British Columbia is located at the tip of Vancouver Island, across the Straight of Georgia from Vancouver. Very British in nature, Victoria has the mildest climate in all of Canada. You can get to Victoria by taking the 1 ½ hour ferry ride from Tsawwassen, in south Vancouver to Swartz Bay, about a half an hour from Victoria. Whatever adventure you choose in this corner of Western Canada, the STREETWISE® Vancouver Map will assist you. The main map covers all of Downtown along with Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, West End, Yaletown and Granville Island. A separate inset map of the central downtown area highlights hotels, sites, SKYTRAIN stations, shopping, government and educational sites and the cruise ship terminal, where cruises to Alaska start and end. A map of the Vancouver area extends from the southern suburb of Richmond to North and West Vancouver, from Burnaby to Sea Island, including the Vancouver International Airport. All major highways and thoroughfares are depicted along with exit numbers and sites. An inset of the University of BC campus is included as well as an inset of downtown Victoria, BC. Our pocket size map of Vancouver is laminated for durability and accordion folding for effortless use. To enhance your visit to Vancouver, check out the Michelin Green Guide Canada which details sites and attractions using the famed Michelin star-rating system so you can prioritize your trip based on your time and interest. For driving or to plan your trip to and from Vancouver, use Michelin USA/Canada West Map No. 585 or Michelin Canada Map 766.

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Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.Readers are loving The Gingerbread Christmas Village:'If you want a feel-good romance...then Kiley Dunbar is definitely the author to turn to. A wonderful festive read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A delightful exploration of community, multi generational friendships and love. It is full of seasonal warmth, the scent of cinnamon and the spark of Christmas lights.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'This was a beautiful festive read which really gets to the heart of Christmas...uplifting and positive and brought happiness to the reader.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'The ending was perfect... I finished the book feeling warm, cheery, hopeful, and smiling.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'A beautiful storyline, great cast of characters, and beautiful scenery. I loved every moment...Kiley's books are such a treat!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review'I went into this story blind and was DELIGHTED that it featured an older heroine!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewPraise fo Kiley Dunbar's cosy, warm, festive reads:‘What an adorable, emotional, and beautiful read!!...made me believe in the Christmas magic all over again…This is certainly one of my favourite holiday reads and a book that will stick with me.’ Diary of a Book Fiend‘Wow!!...This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story. I would easily give this book hundreds of stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87‘The epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances…If Kiley keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books.’ Reading Girl Reviews‘With plenty of Christmassy feel-good vibes and cute puppies, it's a wonderful holiday romance.’ Ellesea Loves Reading‘Full of festive feeling, fabulous characters, friends, family, and snow…I just loved every second of this book.’ Rachel’s Random Reads‘There's many types of Christmas books. But the best ones? Those are the ones that leave you feeling things...Kiley Dunbar managed to make me fall in love with her characters and left me with actual tears in my eyes.’ Walking Through The Pages'It's so festive and wintery and simply gorgeous!...The characters were enjoyable to get to know and I loved the location.’ The Cosiest Corner

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What if the person you love most in the world was in terrible danger . . . because of you?Three years ago, Toni's five-year-old daughter Evie disappeared after leaving school. The police have never been able to find her. There were no witnesses, no CCTV, no trace. But Toni believes her daughter is alive. And as she begins to silently piece together her memories, the full story of the past begins to reveal itself, and a devastating truth.Toni's mind is trapped in a world of silence, her only chance to save herself is to manage the impossible. She must find a way to make herself heard. She must find her daughter. A compelling, gripping thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you awake until the early hours. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister. 'Brilliant, very clever . . . I absolutely recommend it' B. A. Paris, author of Behind Closed DoorsWhat readers are saying about Blink:'Once I started I couldn't stop. I devoured it. Chomped away chapter by chapter until I had hoofed the whole damned lot and you know what? It left me hungry for more ... An absolutely stonking 5 stars from me.' Jen Med's Book Reviews'A novel that those who liked The Girl on The Train and Behind Closed Doors won't want to miss' My Little Book Corner'I finished this book in nearly one day. I was completely unable to put this book down. Everything about this book sucks you in and doesn't let go.' Bombshell Reads'Just BRILLIANT' It's All About Books'A thrilling roller coaster of a read that will have you gripping on for dear life' By the Letter Book Reviews'The book had me from the very first sentence and kept hold of me until I finished it. There are twists galore but on one occasion my jaw actually dropped open as I realised that all was not as it seemed. Fantastic writing, excellent characterisation that has left me salivating for book number three! Five stars.' Angela Marsons'Five stars! This book had me hook line and sinker ... this author's mind is very very clever.' Sue and her Books'WOW, what a corker of a book, gripping story, believable untrustworthy characters and not just one but two totally jaw dropping unexpected twists' Nicki's Life of Crime'What a read ... The ending took me completely by surprise! In most books, I end up guessing the ending, but this book was spectacular. The book had me gripped from word 'go'. I couldn't stop reading ...a brilliant brilliant book' Any Excuse to Read'A fantastic psychological thriller and I was kept hooked throughout. Lots of twists and turns, an excellent pace and so much suspense and surprise, I didn't quite know where the book was going at times ...couldn't be anything other than five stars!' Donna's Book Blog'With bucketfuls of suspense and intrigue Blink is guaranteed to keep the most hardened psychological thriller love on the edge of their seats. Five Stars' The Book Review Cafe'Pure genius!! Blink is everything a psychological thriller should be! K L Slater is in a class of her own ... Just when you think you have it figured out, you are knocked out of the park! One of the most mind-bending twists ever, just simply stunning!' What Rachel Read Next 'The twist towards the end took me completely by surprise. I actually had to put the book down for a moment and stop before I could carry on. It really took my breath away. K. L. Slater pulled this off brilliantly!' Hooked from Page One 'K.L. Slater has done it again with her latest book, Blink. From a creepy beginning to the twisty end, this book keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat. Hang on for the ride' Shelf Knowledge

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The war between Almacia and the Empire of Kolakolvia is in its hundredth year. Casualties grow on both sides as the conflict leaves no corner of the world untouched. Illarion Glaskov’s quiet life on the fringes of the empire is thrown into chaos when an impossible tragedy strikes his village. When he is conscripted into the Tsarist military, he is sent to serve in The Wall—an elite regiment that pilots suits of armor made from the husks of dead golems. But the great war is not the only—or even the worst—danger facing Illarion, as he is caught in a millennia-old conflict between two goddesses. He must survive the ravages of trench warfare, horrific monsters from another world, and the treacherous internal politics of the country he serves. About Larry Correia: “Correia piles on the intrigue, action, and cliffhangers in the invigorating second Saga of the Forgotten Warrior epic fantasy. . . . Correia also weaves in elements that question the value of belief and the cost of giving authority to those who find more profit in preying on the weak. . . . Brisk fight scenes, lively characters, and plenty of black humor continue to make this series a real pleasure.” —Publishers Weekly “This book has everything I like in fantasy: intense action scenes, evil in horrifying array, good struggling against the darkness, and most of all people—gorgeously flawed human beings faced with horrible moral choices that force them to question and change and grow.” —Jim Butcher, creator of the New York Times best-selling Dresden Files “Best-selling fantasy author Correia casts a compelling spell with this India-influenced series opener. . . . Correia skillfully sets in motion this story of plots within plots, revealing complex, sympathetic characters and black-hearted villains with equal detail and insight. Full of action, intrigue, and wry humor, this exciting series launch promises many more thrills to come.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Fans who like Correia’s fast-moving style will be pleased with the plethora of action scenes, and epic fantasy readers interested in delving into a new universe should be equally satisfied. A solid choice for admirers of Brent Weeks and Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series.” —Library Journal “Correia is, above all, a storyteller, and he weaves a unique and entertaining tale. Without question, his action sequences pop on the page, his magic system has a nice wrinkle, and he has the foundations laid out for some excellent character growth as the series continues. . . . [A] definite hit.” —Bookreporter “The lore here is fascinating and well told. I enjoyed learning the history of the world and the legend of Ramrowan. The politics are just complicated enough to feel real without being too difficult to follow. Where the book truly shines, however, is in the characters. All are well drawn and distinctively voiced.” —SFcrowsnest “I loved the book, it was great, fast paced, with wonderful characters, and also a lot of wonderful scenes that screamed to be painted.” —Larry Elmore, legendary award-winning artist and cover artist for Son of the Black Sword “Son of the Black Sword: Saga of the Forgotten Warrior tells of what happens after the war with the gods, when demons were cast out and fell to the world to nearly destroy these unstoppable beasts until the gods sent a hero to save them. Centuries have passed since this event and the people have regulated these events to legend. One Ashok has been chosen to be a protector with a powerful weapon in hand, uncovering those who still practice old ways and are potential dangers to the order—but when he discovers all his efforts have been based on a lie, everything's about to change. A powerful epic fantasy evolves into a solid, compelling read.” —Midwest Book Review “[A] no-holds-barred all-out page-turner that is part science fiction, part horror, and an absolute blast to read.” —Bookreporter.com “A gun person who likes science fiction—or, heck, anyone who likes science fiction—will enjoy [these books] . . . The plotting is excellent, and Correia makes you care about the characters . . . I read both books without putting them down except for work . . . so whaddaya waitin’ for? Go and buy some . . . for yourself and for . . . stocking stuffers.” —Massad Ayoob “This lighthearted, testosterone-soaked sequel to 2009's Monster Hunter International will delight fans of action horror with elaborate weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, disgusting monsters, and an endless stream of blood and body parts.” —Publishers Weekly on Monster Hunter Vendetta About Steve Diamond: ”Residue will scare you—that’s its primary goal—but along the way it will touch you, shock you, make you laugh, make you cheer, and make you think. Horror has been waiting for Steve Diamond.” — Dan Wells

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Health for Life provides the keys necessary for adopting healthy habits and committing to healthy living in high school and throughout the life span. The text covers all of the components of personal well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. It provides students the knowledge in making healthy choices and fosters the skill development required for taking healthy actions.Health for Life helps students in these ways: Analyze how key influences affect their health and wellness, such as family, peers, media, and technology Explore consumer topics and use appropriate resources to find answers to challenging questions Sharpen their interpersonal communication skills as they share health knowledge; debate controversial topics; demonstrate refusal, negotiation, and refusal skills; manage interpersonal conflicts; and promote healthy living among their peers Use decision-making skills and apply healthy living skills as they identify solutions to problems posed Evaluate their own health habits as they relate to a variety of behaviors Create goals for behavior change and establish plans for healthy living Communicate health information with family and advocate for healthy living at home and in their communities Discover how health and technology intersect on various topics The text is divided into seven units of 20 chapters. The chapters help students explore a range of topics, including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, healthy relationships, avoiding destructive habits, and making good health choices throughout life.Health for Life has an abundance of features that help students connect with content in personal ways and retain the information. Here’s a glance at some of those features: Lesson Objectives, Lesson Vocabulary, Comprehension Check, and Chapter Review help students prepare to dive in to the material, understand it, and retain it (standard NHES 1). Connect spurs students to analyze various influences on their health and wellness (standard NHES 2). Consumer Corner aids students in exploring consumer health issues (standard NHES 3). Healthy Communication gets students to use and expand their interpersonal communication skills as they share their views about various health topics (standard NHES 4). Skills for Healthy Living and Making Healthy Decisions help students learn and practice self-management so they can make wise choices related to their health and wellness (standard NHES 5). Planning for Healthy Living assists students in applying what they’ve learned as they set goals and establish plans for behavior change (standard NHES 6). Self-Assessment offers students the opportunity to evaluate their health habits and monitor improvement in health behaviors (standard NHES 7). Take It Home and Advocacy in Action prepare students to advocate for health at home and in their communities (standard NHES 8). Health Science and Health Technology focus on the roles of science and technology as they rellate to health and where science and technology intersect regarding health issues. Living Well News challenges students to integrate health literacy, math, and language skills to better understand a current health issue. In addition, Health for Life is reinforced by its online resources for teachers and students. Following are highlights of these two invaluable resources.Teacher Web ResourceThe Teacher Web Resource contains the following: Complete lesson plans; the first three lessons have a corresponding PowerPoint slide show An answer key to all worksheets and quizzes A test package that includes tests for each chapter; tests consist of multiple-choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-blank, and short essay questions All lesson plans and assessments support identified learning objectives. Each lesson plan includes these features: Preparing the Lesson (lesson objectives and preparation) Bell Ringer (a journal question for students, or a quiz or activity to begin class) Lesson Focus (main points of the lesson paired with a student worksheet) Lesson Application (main activity paired with a worksheet) Reflection and Summary (lesson review) Evaluate (student quiz or test or worksheet review) Reinforcing the Lesson (Take It Home and Challenge activities) Student Web ResourceThe Student Web Resource contains these features: All worksheets, quizzes, and other materials referred to in the lesson plans Vocabulary flip cards and other interactive elements from the iBook edition Expanded discussion of selected topics that are marked by web icons in the text Review questions from the text, presented in an interactive format for students to fill out to check their level of understanding Delivering the content that will help students value and adopt healthy lifestyles, and loaded with the features and online resources that will help students understand and retain the content, Health for Life promises to be one of the most crucial texts for students today.

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***'The best gardening book of 2022.' The Telegraph'A book to make even a quick trip to the corner shop endlessly fascinating. Dark has been dubbed the millennial Monty Don for this beautifully written study of the oft-overlooked nature on our doorsteps...Dark teases the drama, humour and history from even the most commonplace buddleja, box and tulip.' George Hudson, Evening Standard, Favourite Gardening Books of the Year'This enjoyable read throws a spotlight on the everyday.' Rachel de Thame's 10 Best Gardening Books of 2022, the Sunday Times'Gardening for a billionaire taught Ben Dark that "plants alone are not enough to make a garden special". Instead he finds "special" in the people and the history, as well as the plants, that fill 19½ London front gardens. A soulful read.' Tom Howard, RHS The Garden, Best Books of The Year'A wonderful book.' Alexandra Shulman, Mail on Sunday'Meet the millennial Monty Don.' The Sunday Times Style'Ben Dark's beautifully observed book, The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens, tells the stories of 20 key plants growing in a single London street's front gardens in a way that's as engaging as it is informative.' The Irish TimesAny walk is an odyssey when we connect with the plants around us. Each tree or flower tells a tale. Mundane 'suburban' shrubs speak of war and poetry, of money, fashion, love and failure. Every species in this book was seen from one pavement over twelve months and there is little here that could not be found on any road in any town, but they reveal stories of such weirdness, drama, passion and humour that, once discovered, familiar neighbourhoods will be changed forever.There is a renewed interest in the nature on our doorsteps, as can be seen in the work of amateur botanists identifying wildflowers and chalking the names on the pavements.But beyond the garden wall lies a wealth of cultivated plants, each with a unique tale to tell. In The Grove, award-winning writer and head gardener Ben Dark reveals the remarkable secrets of twenty commonly found species - including the rose, wisteria, buddleja, box and the tulip - encountered in the front gardens of one London street over the course of year. As Ben writes, in those small front gardens 'are stories of ambition, envy, hope and failure' and The Grove is about so much more than a single street, or indeed the plants found in its 19 ½ front gardens. It's a beguiling blend of horticultural history and personal narrative and a lyrical exploration of why gardens and gardening matter.'A testament to the secret communal power of a front garden.' Alice Vincent, New Statesman'Find joy in the ordinary plots on a city street.' RHS The Garden'Dark makes horticultural history fun and funny.' Editor's Choice, The Bookseller'Ben Dark is such a wonderful writer - The Grove drew me in from the first line.' Lia Leendertz'The Grove is overflowing with delicious nuggets of cultural, social and garden history ­- and I adore Ben Dark's humour and humility in equal measure.' Advolly Richmond'A heartfelt romp through the wisteria and wilderness of London's horticulturally remarkable front gardens.' Jack Wallington'A confident and elegantly written account of the fascinating narratives and histories entangled within the garden plants of a residential London street ... Dark's prose is in the tradition of classic garden writing: humorous, relatable, poetic and insightful ... The Grove is a refreshing read among modern narrative gardening books.' Gardens Illustrated'Fans of Ben Dark's mellifluous tones on The Garden Log podcast will be delighted by how perfectly his lyrical musings transfer to the printed page as, with infant son in tow, he invites the reader upon a series of horticultural expeditions inspired by the deceptively ordinary planting of the front gardens in a south London street. The kind of thoroughly enjoyable read where you realise, late in the day, that learning has snuck in by the back door, though you feel inclined to forgive the author on account of the fun you've had along the way.' Andrew O'Brien'Dark creatively blends practical horticultural knowledge, meditations on his own dream garden, and literary references, including Vita Sackville-West's husband's letter on JP Morgan's garden: "All very good taste and depressing. No inner reality." This will leave armchair gardeners seeing their surroundings with fresh eyes.' Publisher's Weekly'Dark's book amused and educated me during recent bouts of insomnia. I found snippets of information that now elevate my occasional street wanderings to something approaching a botanical exploration. At less than a tenner for the paperback edition, that's truly affordable schooling.' David Wheeler, The Oldie

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Discover a world of magical storytelling from a twice Costa-shortlisted author“One of our finest children’s writers.” Phil Earle“A master storyteller.” Aisling Fowler“Another absolute triumph from one of my favourite children’s authors.” Catherine DoyleThe greatest magic is hidden in plain sight...Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organization, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers? Don't miss Ross's other fantasy novels for young readers: The Midnight GuardiansThe Chime SeekersPRAISE FOR SPELLSTONE"Vividly atmospheric with delightful characters... [A] spellbinding story.” Daily Mail “The very definition of a page-turner: riveting, punchy, with surprises around every bend. Ross is a flawless storyteller.” Carlie Sorosiak“Another absolute triumph from one of my favourite children’s authors. Spellstone is both heartfelt and humorous, while fizzing with magic and fun.” Catherine Doyle“A cinematic roller-coaster ride of a book, magical through to its shining core.” Katharine Orton“Infused with magic, adventure and imagination. This is Ross Montgomery on top form, and the result is spectacular.” Katya Balen“A magical book that is both clever and gripping. A joy!” Lisa Thompson“Montgomery's playful imagination floods every page, creating a magical adventure full of high stakes, charming characters and unexpected twists.” Joseph Elliott“A spellbinding adventure, brimming with original magic and the most charming cast of characters.”Jenny Pearson “Sparkling with magic, danger and that wonderful Montgomery wit, Spellstone is one to jump into, full throttle. A fabulous, crackling adventure.” Amy Wilson“Ross Montgomery just gets better and better! Crackling with magic and swirling with mystery, Spellstone had me enchanted from the first page.” Jennifer Bell“Magical storytelling – bold and brilliant.” Sophie Anderson“A brilliantly inventive tale of good versus evil that weaves magic and mystery with a cast of loveable characters. I loved every page of it.” Struan Murray"From the extraordinarily vivid opening scene to the heart-stopping climax, every page proves you're in the hands of a master storyteller. I couldn't put it down!" Aisling Fowler“Ross is one of our finest children’s writers, and this is a magnificent piece of fantasy storytelling. Gripping, quirky and with characters you won’t forget.” Phil EarlePRAISE FOR THE CHIME SEEKERS“Cracking adventure from the wildly imaginative Montgomery.” Daily Mail"Funny, terrifying, full of folkloric strangeness hiding in everyday corner, this sparkling homage to David Bowie's Labyrinth is just as satisfying as last year's The Midnight Guardians." Guardian"[A] whirlwind adventure." Daily Telegraph"Richly imaginative." The Week Junior“A quest like no other: Ross Montgomery is on spectacular form in this brilliant, edge-of-your seat story.” Emma Carroll"Fast-paced and hilarious." Ross Welford"Deliciously creepy, wonderfully imaginative." Sophie Anderson“Very page-turny, with enough funny bits to stop it being too scary.” Philip Reeve“All the hallmarks of an instant classic.” Carlie Sorosiak“A fantastic adventure with shades of Jan Mark, Susanna Clarke and Neil Gaiman ... A brilliant example of the best children's fiction.” Christopher Edge"Ross Montgomery is a true master of storytelling." Jenny Pearson“FLAWLESS. Witty, emotional, beautifully written, pacey, punchy, and a story that just keeps delivering.” Nicola Skinner"A modern classic." Phil Earle“Rich in detail, humour and feeling. Ross Montgomery is a singular talent in writing brave and magical adventures." Katya Balen“Fantastic! A brilliant cast of characters ... a whirlwind adventure and a fae world brimming with darkness, wonder and faerie tricks.” Aisling Fowler“[An] enchanting masterpiece ... Charming, hilarious and brimming with magic." Catherine Doyle“A tricksy, whirlwind of an adventure from start to finish with twists and turns I didn’t expect!” Aisha BusbyPRAISE FOR THE MIDNIGHT GUARDIANSShortlisted for the 2021 Costa Children's Book AwardWaterstones Children's Book of the Month for Christmas 2020Hive Children's Book of the Month for November 2020A Toppsta Children's Book of the Month for November 2020"An enthralling, Narnia-flavoured novel with the folkloric feels of a Christmas classic." Children's Books of the Year, Guardian"Beautifully drawn fantasy characters ... a story of hope and love underpinned by witty humour.” Daily Mail"A magical slice of historical fantasy fiction.” i Newspaper"This lovely adventure story has the feel of a classic children's book." Book of the Week, The Week Junior“Beautiful writing and epic storytelling.” WRD Magazine"A real triumph of the imagination." Editor's Choice, The Bookseller

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CASTAWAYS IN A ZOMBIE PLAGUE Six kids ranging from suburban geeks to street-smart pariahs. A British captain who rarely talks and never smiles. All on the 70-foot pilot house ketch Crosscurrent Voyager, bound on a senior summer cruise to adventure and serious fun. Except most of the kids don’t get along. And they’ll be gone all summer. And none of them have sailed before. And worst of all—because they booked at the last minute—they got the destination nobody else wanted: the frigid and remote South Georgia Islands. But there’s one other hitch: They’ll never see their families or friends again. Because just days after they leave, a plague starts spreading like wildfire, turning most of its survivors into shrieking, cannibalistic rage-monsters. So with their past dying as fast as the world that shaped it, the kids’ hated destination becomes their one hope for survival. But it’s an uncertain hope. Not only are other hostile survivors headed there, but South Georgia Island is unable to support permanent habitation. So if the strange crew of the Voyager doesn’t come up with a further plan, they are—in every sense—heading straight toward the end of the world. About Charles E. Gannon: "Chuck Gannon writes the kind of science fiction we all grew up on: rousing, mind-expanding, pulse-pounding sagas of spaceships and aliens. He's a terrific writer, and we're lucky to have him."—Robert J. Sawyer "[A] strong [writer of] . . . military SF . . . [much] action going on in his work, with a lot of physics behind it. There is a real sense of the urgency of war and the sacrifices it demands." —Locus About the Black Tide Rising series: “Not only has Ringo found a mostly unexplored corner of the zombie landscape, he's using the zombie frame to tackle a broader theme: the collapse and rebirth of civilization. The zombie scenes are exciting, sure, but its the human story that keeps us involved. A fine series.”—Booklist “Ringo combines humor and horror in this strong series debut, the thinking reader’s zombie novel.”—Publishers Weekly on Under a Graveyard Sky About the work of Charles E. Gannon: Caine's Mutiny: “This is military Science Fiction the way it’s supposed to be written. . . . All in all, a highly satisfying tale of the Terran Republic that moves the story forward and sets us up for the next chapter, which promises to be interesting at worst and explosive at best.”—SFcrowsnest Raising Caine: “Raising Caine unveils a lot of thought-provoking ideas but ultimately this is a space opera adventure. There are space battles, daring emergency landings, desperate quests, hand-to-hand combat, and double-and-triple crosses. It’s an engrossing read. You owe it to yourself to read the two previous books in order. Then enjoy Raising Caine. It’s an intergalactic thrill-ride.”—Fantasy and Science Ficton Book and Audiobook Reviews “This is science-fiction adventure on a grand scale.”—Kirkus “Gannon’s harrowing . . . military space opera (following Trial by Fire) builds well on his established setting . . . Gannon’s signature attention to developing realistic alien worlds makes this installment satisfying.”—Publishers Weekly “[A]n incredibly active book . . . as our protagonists are confronted by the beautiful, terrible, and sometimes lethal variety of the universe and its inhabitants. . . . a whole mess of fun . . . that manages to be scientifically accurate while refraining from excessive wonkiness. Those who value meticulous world-building . . . will certainly have their needs met.”—BN Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog Nebula-nominated Trial by Fire: “I seriously enjoyed Trial by Fire. This one’s a tidal wave—can’t put it down. An excellent book.” —Jack McDevitt “Gannon's whiz-bang second Tales of the Terran Republic interstellar adventure delivers on the promise of the first (Fire with Fire). . . . The charm of Caine's harrowing adventure lies in Gannon's attention to detail, which keeps the layers of political intrigue and military action from getting too dense. The dozens of key characters, multiple theaters of operations, and various alien cultures all receive the appropriate amount of attention. The satisfying resolution is enhanced by the promise of more excitement to come in this fascinating far-future universe.”—Publishers Weekly Starred Review “[D]efinitely one to appeal to the adventure fans. Riordan is a smart hero, up against enormous obstacles and surrounded by enemies. Author Gannon does a good job of managing action and tension to keep the story moving, and the details of the worlds Riordan visits are interesting in their own right.”—Analog “[O]ffers the type of hard science-fiction those familiar with the John Campbell era of Analog Science Fiction will remember. Gannon throws his readers into an action-packed adventure. A sequel to Fire With Fire, it is a nonstop tale filled with military science-fiction action.”—The Galveston County Daily News Compton Crook Award winner for best first novel, Fire with Fire: “Chuck Gannon is one of those marvelous finds—someone as comfortable with characters as he is with technology, and equally adept at providing those characters with problems to solve. Imaginative, fun, and not afraid to step on the occasional toe or gore the occasional sacred cow, his stories do not disappoint.”—David Weber “If we meet strong aliens out there, will we suffer the fate of the Aztecs and Incas, or find the agility to survive? Gannon fizzes with ideas about the dangerous politics of first contact.”—David Brin “The plot is intriguing and then some. Well-developed and self-consistent; intelligent readers are going to like it.”—Jerry Pournelle “[T]he intersecting plot threads, action and well-conceived science kept those pages turning.”—SFcrowsnest Starfire series hit Extremis, coauthored by Charles E. Gannon: “Vivid . . . Battle sequences mingle with thought-provoking exegesis . . . ”—Publishers Weekly “It’s a grand, fun series of battles and campaigns, worthy of anything Dale Brown or Larry Bond ever wrote.” —Analog

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It was supposed to be fun. Six teenagers and their British captain aboard the ketch Crosscurrent Voyager, headed on a senior year summer cruise to excitement and adventure. Then the world as they knew it ended. A plague spread throughout the globe, killing millions and turning the survivors into cannibalistic rage monsters—zombies, in so many words. Only by putting aside their differences were the young crew able to survive. Now, they seek others like them, those fortunate souls who have made it through the zombie apocalypse. After all, maybe it's not the end of the world so long as GPS can help survivors navigate deadly terrain, to link up, and maybe—just maybe—ensure the continuation of the human race. But the Earth’s GPS systems are failing. It falls to those aboard the Crosscurrent Voyager to keep the unthinkable from happening. In order to do so, they must traverse dangerous seas to a European Space Agency complex in French Guiana. And thousands of infected stand in the way. If they succeed, humankind has a chance of rebuiling. If they fail, humanity may well be at the end of its journey. About Charles E. Gannon: “The plot is intriguing and then some. Well-developed and self-consistent; intelligent readers are going to like it.”—Jerry Pournelle "Chuck Gannon writes the kind of science fiction we all grew up on: rousing, mind-expanding, pulse-pounding sagas of spaceships and aliens. He's a terrific writer, and we're lucky to have him."—Robert J. Sawyer "[A] strong [writer of] . . . military SF . . . [much] action going on in his work, with a lot of physics behind it. There is a real sense of the urgency of war and the sacrifices it demands."—Locus About the Black Tide Rising series: “Not only has Ringo found a mostly unexplored corner of the zombie landscape, he's using the zombie frame to tackle a broader theme: the collapse and rebirth of civilization. The zombie scenes are exciting, sure, but its the human story that keeps us involved. A fine series.”—Booklist “Ringo combines humor and horror in this strong series debut, the thinking reader’s zombie novel.”—Publishers Weekly on Under a Graveyard Sky About the work of Charles E. Gannon: Caine's Mutiny: “This is military science fiction the way it’s supposed to be written. . . . All in all, a highly satisfying tale of the Terran Republic that moves the story forward and sets us up for the next chapter, which promises to be interesting at worst and explosive at best.”—SFcrowsnest Raising Caine: “Raising Caine unveils a lot of thought-provoking ideas but ultimately this is a space opera adventure. There are space battles, daring emergency landings, desperate quests, hand-to-hand combat, and double-and-triple crosses. It’s an engrossing read. You owe it to yourself to read the two previous books in order. Then enjoy Raising Caine. It’s an intergalactic thrill-ride.”—Fantasy and Science Fiction Book and Audiobook Reviews “This is science-fiction adventure on a grand scale.”—Kirkus “Gannon’s harrowing . . . military space opera (following Trial by Fire) builds well on his established setting . . . Gannon’s signature attention to developing realistic alien worlds makes this installment satisfying.”—Publishers Weekly “[A]n incredibly active book . . . as our protagonists are confronted by the beautiful, terrible, and sometimes lethal variety of the universe and its inhabitants. . . . a whole mess of fun . . . that manages to be scientifically accurate while refraining from excessive wonkiness. Those who value meticulous world-building . . . will certainly have their needs met.”—BN Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog Nebula-nominated Trial by Fire: “I seriously enjoyed Trial by Fire. This one’s a tidal wave—can’t put it down. An excellent book.”—Jack McDevitt “Gannon's whiz-bang second Tales of the Terran Republic interstellar adventure delivers on the promise of the first (Fire with Fire). . . . The charm of Caine's harrowing adventure lies in Gannon's attention to detail, which keeps the layers of political intrigue and military action from getting too dense. The dozens of key characters, multiple theaters of operations, and various alien cultures all receive the appropriate amount of attention. The satisfying resolution is enhanced by the promise of more excitement to come in this fascinating far-future universe.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review “[D]efinitely one to appeal to the adventure fans. Riordan is a smart hero, up against enormous obstacles and surrounded by enemies. Author Gannon does a good job of managing action and tension to keep the story moving, and the details of the worlds Riordan visits are interesting in their own right.”—Analog “[O]ffers the type of hard science-fiction those familiar with the John Campbell era of Analog Science Fiction will remember. Gannon throws his readers into an action-packed adventure. A sequel to Fire With Fire, it is a nonstop tale filled with military science-fiction action.”—The Galveston County Daily News Compton Crook Award winner for best first novel, Fire with Fire: “Chuck Gannon is one of those marvelous finds—someone as comfortable with characters as he is with technology, and equally adept at providing those characters with problems to solve. Imaginative, fun, and not afraid to step on the occasional toe or gore the occasional sacred cow, his stories do not disappoint.”—David Weber “If we meet strong aliens out there, will we suffer the fate of the Aztecs and Incas, or find the agility to survive? Gannon fizzes with ideas about the dangerous politics of first contact.”—David Brin “[T]he intersecting plot threads, action and well-conceived science kept those pages turning.”—SFcrowsnest Starfire series hit Extremis, coauthored by Charles E. Gannon: “Vivid . . . Battle sequences mingle with thought-provoking exegesis . . . ”—Publishers Weekly “It’s a grand, fun series of battles and campaigns, worthy of anything Dale Brown or Larry Bond ever wrote.”—Analog

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Ishmael Jones knows all there is to know about solving mysteries. Together with his love and partner in crimes, Penny Belcourt, he specializes in cases of the weird and uncanny. Lucas Carr went to Glenbury Hall, an old country manor house turned hotel. He signed in at reception, took his key, and went upstairs to his room. But he never got there. Somehow he vanished along the way, with not a single clue to suggest what might have happened to him. Lucas belonged to the same mysterious organization that employs Ishmael and Penny, so they are sent in to solve the mystery. But when they arrive at grim and isolated Glenbury Hall, they discover it has a reputation as one of the most haunted old houses in England. None of the usual headless monks or walled-up nuns—just stories of lost souls that dance with the statues in the grounds; doors that won’t stay shut, and rooms that aren’t always there; and something that prowls the house in the early hours, endlessly searching. They say . . . it crawls. Does Lucas’ disappearance have something to do with the organization or the Hall’s haunted past? Ishmael and Penny have to work their way through a series of mysterious clues and misleading suspects, uncovering secret after secret, before they finally arrive at a truth that no one suspected. The problem with history is that it’s not always content to stay in the past. Praise for Haunted by the Past: "The 11th book in Green’s fantastical mystery series pokes fun at the genre, with fun and plenty of cathartic resolution for readers who like rueful chuckles with their chills. Recommended for those who like antiheroes with more than a bit of snark."—Library Journal Praise for the Ishmael Jones series: “[A] brisk, breezy mystery series . . . With convincing supernatural twists [and] witty chapter titles . . . readers will be anxious for sequels.” —Publishers Weekly “A new book from Green is always a treat for SF and urban fantasy fans, because they know that in his fictional worlds things are never quite what they seem until it’s too late. His first foray into more traditional crime fiction (albeit with an otherworldy flavor) will delight mystery readers, especially those who relish a bit of genre blending.” —Library Journal “Without a doubt, this is one of the best books the author has ever penned down.” —The Gatehouse “I really enjoyed the book. If anything it was over too soon. The author captures the English Country Manor Murder Mystery feel very well, as he sets up pretty much everybody as a suspect . . . I look forward to finding out more in future volumes.” —British Fantasy Society “Ishmael is a wonderful character, an extraterrestrial living among humans, and the series (this is the third installment) is a clever mixture of thriller and SF-horror genres. Green is best known for the Deathstalker space operas, but give this one a few more installments to develop, and it could well become Green’s masterwork.” —Booklist, starred review “Lovers of high-quality fantasy and science fiction should make it a point to seek this guy out, if they haven’t already.” —Booklist “This relatively new series is a wonderful balance of murder mystery and urban fantasy with a sci-fi twist . . . If you enjoyed Green’s previous books or if you are looking for a classic mystery with a modern twist, this is the series for you!” —That’s What I’m Talking About “Ishmael Jones is one of the most underrated series’ ever and I haven’t found one book in the series yet to disappoint . . . I can’t recommend this book and this whole series enough!” —Tiny Book Reviews Praise for Jekyll & Hyde Inc.: “This book is hard to put down. It is exciting from start to finish, with thrills and monsters waiting behind every dark corner.” —San Francisco Book Review "Green transforms Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic horror novel into the launch pad for an exciting adventure. He takes readers through a romp involving multiple horror classics, updated to the twenty-first century in an amusing and entertaining read." —Ricochet "There’s something about Green’s dark humor that sucks me into many of his books. And, as violent and gory as this book is, it’s really about a good man striving to stay good in the worst circumstances." —Lesa's Book Critiques “It has all the grim and all the dark of many of the author’s previous series.” —Reading Reality Praise for the Deathstalkers series: “Green moves his plot at top speed, and his characters are alive and his background solid.” —Asimov's SF Magazine “An over-the-top masterpiece that veers between brutal comedy and touching riffs on love, loyalty and betrayal . . . bloody funny and extremely bloody.” —The Guardian “Space opera at its action best. The novel is populated with heroic figures reminiscent of Lancelot and Arthur and villains that make Darth Vader seem like a nice person . . . Once again, Simon R. Green has written a work that will appeal to Star War fans.” —Midwest Book Review “A guaranteed blood-and-thunder romp, shot-through with broad swathes of fashion parody, a sustained piss-take on ‘lives of the Rich and Famous’ and the occasional lance of satire. This last is refreshing stuff. It’s mostly aimed at Dictatorship, Fascism, Established Religion, the Toadying Media and so-forth—and it’s nice to find an author who knows that laughter is the most destructive weapon to aim at a repressive establishment. In short, very violent, very funny, very good.” —Infinity Plus About Simon R. Green: “Simon R. Green is a great favorite of mine. It’s almost impossible to find a writer with a more fertile imagination than Simon. He’s a writer who seems endlessly inventive.” —Charlaine Harris “A macabre and thoroughly entertaining world.” —Jim Butcher, on the Nightside series “Nobody delivers sharp, crackling dialogue better than Green, and no one whisks readers away to more terrifying adventures or more bewildering locales.” —Black Gate Magazine “As quintessentially British as fish and chips!” —SF Site “Simon R Green is one hell of a consistent writer—if you like your Fantasy /SF served with lashings of pulp mayhem, dollops of snarky characters and big piles of extreme gore, violence and horror. Mmm tasty.” —Fantasy Book Review UK “Simon R. Green is one of my all-time favorite writers and I haven’t read a book of his that I haven’t devoured. I hope he has many more years of writing left in him and suggest that if you need a fix, pick up his Ishmael Jones books.” —Crooked Reviews “A splendid riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, conveyed with trademark wisecracking humor, and carried out with maximum bloodshed and mayhem. In a word, irresistible.” —Kirkus, starred review on Night Fall “[F]or those who want a fantasy-genre mash-up that doesn’t slow down.” —Booklist on From a Drood to a Kill

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