Candles in an African Wind

Rogues, Romance, Rhodes, Railways, Raids, Rebellion, Rinderpest… The sabres rattled amongst nations: Great Britain, Germany, the South African Boer Republic, Rhodesia, Bechuanaland and the great African warrior tribes…

Resource-hungry power brokers and their lust for fame and fortune shape the destiny of common people from different nations and ethnic backgrounds whose lives are inextricably intertwined and shaped by the colonial expanse of the 1890s, all within the fabulously rich but untamed interior of southern Africa.

Cecil John Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape and Natal Provinces, will stop at nothing to expand British influence and lay claim to the wealth and riches within the region. His vision is to push his railway north as far as Cairo to expand the influence of the Crown.

Willam Brady – a humble prisoner deported from England and in the bond of a military Colonel – grasps his opportunities in southern Africa, experiencing enthralling adventures, the rekindling of his faith and unlikely friendships before winning the hand of a beautiful wife.

Canela’s Adventures in the Rain Forest of Peru

Enjoy The Adventures of Canela (“cinnamon,” in English), a smart chocolate Lab, in the tropical forest of Peru. Marvel at her friendship with a boa constrictor named Caliente (“hot,” in English) and the importance of keeping rivers free of pollution.María del Rosario (Charo) Basterra is an Educational Psychologist. Her daughter, Lucia Basterra, is a bilingual preschool teacher. Canela is their beloved dog. They live in Washington, D.C.Tati Valle Riestra is an internationally renowned watercolor artist. She lives in Lima, Peru.

Caprice

Embark on a whimsical journey through the myriad facets of memory in Caprice, where each page is an invitation to relive joys and pleasures, often overlooked or cast aside in the rush of the mundane. Amidst the storms and diatribes of the present, let’s ascend towards a realm where reflections blossom into a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Cast aside inhibitions, embrace fate’s whimsical tune, and traverse through this kaleidoscopic memoir that urges one to explore, evaluate, and revel in life’s capricious yet enriching dance.

Captain of Games

Each year, the captain’s games test the mettle of the would-be leaders of an all-girls school in the verdant Eastern Highlands. This year a heavy cerulean mist enshrouds the rugged, lofty peaks where the games are held. Only cruel fate could have brought Isobel here. As thick fog swirls down the mountain side, contestants begin to disappear. Will Isobel embrace her newfound gift in time to save the cold, frightened girls or are all the unworldly apparitions emerging from the shadows only figments of her unconsented intoxication?

Carnal Atrocities

What makes a killer emerge? Could it be genetics or are we shaped by our environments from

childhood onwards?

Lurking in the recesses of the mind is a dark cruelty, cupped in the hands of pleasure and

nurtured by the need for power. Does this exist within us all and if so, how do some control it

and others allow it to consume them?

The detached coldness of a clinic waiting room, the deafening silence that illuminated your

vulnerability. Who’d have thought from such desperation, friendships would flourish.

Starting with a simple hello, a group friendship was forged that would grow from within

adolescence into adulthood. With the strains of trauma beginning to show, the group becomes

aware that the normality expected in the society around them is a far cry from how this group

functions and the cracks begin to appear.

With torture, murder, control and grief only a stone’s throw away, where will the darkness take

this troubled group of individuals?

Carol's Big Problem

Her dad was waiting with tea in a cup. “Today is your day, Carol.”

Carol’s adventures don’t start off as planned, but does she have the friends to make the journey worthwhile?

Read on to find out in this charmingly illustrated book for children.

Carving Magic

From poetry I have never gone. I only borrowed some mornings from the sunflowers and listened to their songs. The breeze brought sentences from far away, a mystic world displaying in my heart. Sound of love, aromas, colours, emotions. They were gathering at the gate of my mind, so I invited them in my inner world and together have created a genuine poetic space. A Simonic one. For returning the mornings to eternity. As we celebrate our togetherness, I invite you too for a cup of emotions and poetic thoughts poured between the lines.

Casinos in Dublin...My Crazy Ride

This fictional story is about James Foxby, newly arrived in Dublin and finding work as a casino dealer. Here, confidentiality is taken to a whole new level. For this is no ordinary casino. And it appears that the laws of the land have no bearing or standing in the place.From drunken meetings with the general manager, the wild and unpredictable Herman Mink, to private blackjack games in a luxury hotel suite, James experiences some strange and fairly bizarre happenings. And he meets some quite extraordinary characters along the way.But he also comes to realise that a very sinister force is at work behind the scenes at the Green Bullion Club. And in the aftermath of him becoming caught up in an act of violence against a customer, the shocking truth about what happened makes him want to leave and not look back.However, once he begins an intimate relationship with one of the casino’s customers, leaving the country is the last thing he wants. James has not felt this happy in some time.But soon dramatic events signal the end of his short spell in Ireland, and the subtle, yet ever-present threat of violence from his employer becomes too much to bear.James cannot help but wonder, after the goodbyes and well-wishes are over, if he will be allowed to simply leave. And even once he has begun his journey home, it seems that Herman Mink has one more trick up his sleeve to make him stay.

Catch Me When I Fall

Embark on a captivating journey with the charming tale of Catch Me When I Fall. Join a spirited and affectionate family as they seize the opportunity of a lifetime, bidding farewell to their cherished home on the Somerset/Devon border in pursuit of the French dream.

With unwavering devotion to their three children, the family immerses themselves in the enchanting tapestry of France, encountering a kaleidoscope of extraordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds. Yet, amidst the tapestry of awe-inspiring experiences, tragedy and unexpected twists challenge their carefully laid plans.

Just when their spirits wavered and hope seemed elusive, a captivating transformation unfurls as a charismatic village doctor enters their lives. Could this encounter kindle the flames of romance and turn their fortunes around?

In Catch Me When I Fall, love, resilience, and the power of serendipity intertwine, painting a vivid portrait of a family seeking solace and renewal amidst the bittersweet melodies of life. Brace yourself for a heartfelt tale that will sweep you away to the idyllic landscapes of France and captivate your soul until the final page.

Cats

Being a Lancastrian, I enjoyed Stanley Holloway’s Albert and the Lion as a child and so resolved to attempt monologues of my own, choosing the main character, Albert Ramsbottom in tribute to that earlier story. My first tale, A Visit to the Zoo is now being followed by Cats in which Albert retains all his ability to get in and out of trouble. His sense of mischief is not always appreciated by his companion, Lucky the bulldog.

As a boy, I too owned a bulldog, although naturally, I allowed my mum to perform the more mundane tasks relating to the animal’s welfare such as feeding and cleaning up any little mishaps. I have witnessed my eldest daughter, Sarah, perform the same services to dogs with ownership being claimed by her own sons, who despite their careless attitudes towards their pet’s daily needs, have been rewarded with that same unquestioning loyalty and affection.

I do hope you enjoy the book and that it makes you smile when reading it to your young audience or indeed to yourself.

Cecil Singer Cicada

Cecil Singer Cicada loses his colony when chased by a swooping seagull and finds refuge in a distant tree. Now lost and alone, he begins his quest to reunite with his colony. Cecil meets different kinds of cicadas on his travels who inspire him to sing his own unique song. Will Cecil Singer Cicada ever find his way back home?

Chachi

Chachi is a very special little dog, he has black/grey curly hair, white paws and a very fluffy bottom! He has been in my family since before I was even born. Chachi came into my family when my mummy and daddy lived in Australia, they flew him to England on a plane when they moved because they say, “a dog is for life no matter what” – and I must agree because I love Chachi too, even if he is very naughty! Chachi is not always bad though, he always protects me, even from big dogs and he is especially good at being a secret dog!

Following on from the first book Marshmallow – join Isabelle again to meet her very cheeky little black and white dog Chachi, in this true story about her very kind but mischievous fur baby that loves nothing more than to steal socks, chew knickers and eat poo!