Recommended Reads
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A Suitcase Full of Wildflowers
There were possibly twenty reasons why I hung the sign on my study door reading, ‘Gone to Scotland... back in a month.’Reason number one: I was compelled to languish on a stone bench in the rocky high grounds of Edinburgh Castle, eyes closed, savoring the sweet sound of bagpipes echoing through the centuries-old stillness. The only thrill that could possibly surpass the bagpipes would be the sensory awakening at the Edinburgh Tattoo. Beyond that, my list included a longing to revisit the lochs in hopes of glimpsing the elusive Nessie, a craving for the earthy taste of haggis, a penchant for a lively Scottish reel and jig, and a need to purchase genuine Scottish shortbread. I also yearned for an authentic Scottish coat, gloves, and matching tam-o-shanter, the sight of a man in a kilt (preferably bending over to tie his shoelaces), and the desire to potter around a certain famous viaduct crossing.
£15.99 -
Before the First Fleet to Australia
Most know the story of Australia’s First Fleet. But who were those convicts, sailors, marines and administrators who travelled to Botany Bay in 1787? And who orchestrated this ambitious expedition? In his meticulously researched new book, John Gardiner pulls back the curtain on the world from which the First Fleet emerged.Delving into English newspapers, official reports, and government documents from the era, Gardiner vividly captures the squalor of London’s slums, the rotting hulks on the Thames where prisoners languished, and the hardscrabble lives of those who would people New South Wales. We meet real-life figures like Prime Minister William Pitt, Home Secretary Lord Sydney, and the Fleet’s commander, Captain Arthur Phillip. And we discover a society rife with corruption, violence, and despair.Before the First Fleet to Australia paints an unflinching portrait of late 18th century England in all its vulgarity and cruelty. Gardiner’s fearless account confronts historical truths often glossed over about the First Fleet’s origins. Was this ragged band of convicts a collection of pathetic vagabonds or part of a strategically calculated colonial enterprise? Readers can decide for themselves in this absorbing and revelatory narrative history.
£9.99 -
Pina Discovered Clay
Pina wondered what a grey blob was doing in a shop filled with beautiful, colourful pots. She was curious about how something so dull could fit in such a vibrant place. Through patience and perseverance, Pina began to understand the potential hidden within the grey blob.She discovered the magic of clay, realizing that with a bit of effort and creativity, she could transform the plain blob into something extraordinary, just like the colourful pots surrounding her. This journey taught her the beauty of transformation and the power of imagination.
£11.99 -
Plastic Bottles on the Beach
Plastic Bottles on the Beach is our new book that was created as a companion to the previous book entitled, Plastic Bags in Trees. This work is meant to further highlight the serious problem we face with the plastic pollution of our beaches and seas. Together with three of my grandsons we put together our thoughts, images and observations as well as proposed solutions to this ecological scourge. We hope to make the readers more aware of this problem and promote ongoing and new cleanup activities. This book provides educational material as well as civic engagement ideas to young readers.
£6.99 -
The Journal
In the fifth instalment of this enchanting series, Billy embarks on a quest to uncover his ancestors’ mysterious connection to the fairy village. Guided by the wizard’s advice, Billy sets out on a journey to the neighbouring town, where a whimsical adventure awaits. From navigating the tranquil waters of the canal on a boat to encountering a mischievous possum and delving into the archives at the records office, Billy’s determination to unravel the secrets of his family’s past leads him through a series of captivating twists and turns.
£6.99 -
The Last Ever Christmas
It’s Christmas in the countryside. The most wonderful time of the year for the Brown Family. But as the snow begins to fall, a sense of something untoward intrudes on the festive season. The gift of a terrifying Christmas miracle, as an ancient monster returns, to set the world to ruin.Told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Jimmy Brown, two neighbouring families unite to survive, as the world seeks a solution, while verging on collapse. The unfolding horrors force them to confront their fears, question their faith, their sense of place, and what it means to be human.This is the last ever Christmas, and it will be unlike any other.
£8.99 -
Destiny
Fabunmi, a renowned wrestler and farmer who dominated the wrestling competitions in the land of Ooduwa (Oduduwa), becomes gripped by fear when Baale (Chief) Asipa reveals at a wrestlers’ meeting that he bears the curse of Shango (the false god).His remarkable achievements, unparalleled strength, and unwavering fearlessness propel him to a land no son of Ooduwa has ever ventured before. As the mightiest in the land and with the support of Iwin, the little fairy, and his family, Fabunmi confronts Shango in the wilderness, ultimately destroying him and his powers.Fabunmi’s triumph in liberating the children of Ooduwa from Shango’s wrath earns him a revered place at the side of Kabiyesi (the King).
£11.99 -
Into the Game and the Heroes' Jewel
Imagine a kid with muscles like a bus, a true specimen of boyhood. Now, throw that idea out the window. This is what happened to Garnet Moses. After a night of fun with friends takes a sinister turn, Garnet’s entire life, perspective, and sense of self are transformed. Thrust into a mystical and confusing world, he must find a way home while grappling with his newfound identity.
£6.99 -
Ana Kelly: A Saga of Love and Courage
The captivating story of Ana Ludovina Teixeira de Aguilar unfolds against the backdrop of the French invasions of Portugal and the military aid provided by the English, commanded by the Duke of Wellington, who also played a pivotal role in her marriage to Waldron Kelly, an Irish lieutenant.Discover how Ana Kelly’s love for Waldron remained steadfast until her death. Delve into her family’s connection to the Portuguese royal family and the support Queen Victoria provided in the final phase of her life. This is a tale of love and remarkable resilience, intertwined with an intimate yet rigorous historical account.Gripping until the last page, this narrative comes highly recommended by Timeout Magazine as one of 28 must-read European literature books about romance and treason.
£10.99 -
Abchurch Militant
The story describes the battle between a new bishop in London, obsessed with developing his career and enjoying the privileges of office, and a handful of deeply Christian parishioners who used to worship at St Mary Abchurch, an ancient church built by Sir Christopher Wren, in the city of London. The church is now closed as the diocesan authorities aim to sell the site to a large property company. The sale will provide funds for the diocese, of course, but almost as importantly, it will give lasting publicity to the name of the bishop himself. At the same time, the bishop is determined to remove all traces of familiar and much-loved church services in his drive to make a difference and modernise the Church of England. In their despair, the few parishioners of St Mary Abchurch suddenly find a very rich American saviour who might possibly make a difference. The clamour they make together might perhaps save their church but also might be the start of a Christian religious revival in the Britain of the twenty-first century.
£8.99 -
The Pink Cadillac
A captivating tale of love, lust, and unbridled desire where setbacks lead to unexpected benefits. Scarlet never imagined that losing her most valued asset would open a new chapter in her life and quench her long-standing thirst. Struggling to communicate her emotions honestly, she eventually finds the strength, inspired by an unidentified force, as if nature itself bestowed its treasures upon her.A restless spirit, fallen from heaven to earth, finds solace in a simple activity. Two close friends, trapped in various situations for years, remain unaware of how close their destination truly is. When Dakota left her profession at the peak of her career due to unforeseen circumstances, the same profession found a new Dakota years later. In this seductive and kinky story, the universe uses bizarre circumstances to guide each character to their destined path.
£10.99 -
Where Is Amanda?
Sixteen-year-old Amanda, a headstrong but gullible teenager, navigates life with her close-knit group of friends and her beloved boyfriend, Matt. Madly in love, she would do anything for him. But Matt harbours a secret that threatens to catch up with them, poised to destroy their lives, families, and friendships. As the couple remains blissfully unaware of the impending storm, even the police are oblivious to the looming danger. Brace yourself for a story with a devastating ending that will leave you breathless. Where Is Amanda? is a gripping tale of love, secrets, and the consequences of youthful naivety. Happy reading!
£9.99
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