Recommended Reads
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They Never Reigned
British kings and queens are famous today. But many heirs to the British throne never became the actual king or queen due to various quirks of fate. This is their story. The stories include the oldest son of William the Conqueror, who lost the chance to become king because he was off fighting in the First Crusade; the White Ship disaster of 1120, England’s medieval Titanic, in which the sole male heir to the throne, and many others, drowned; an intrepid woman who nearly became queen in her own right four centuries before a woman actually did so; two princes who should have become a second King Arthur; the romantic warrior known to history as the Black Prince; the Princes in the Tower, who were supposedly murdered by King Richard III; the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots, beheaded by Queen Elizabeth I after an utterly unfair trial; James, who was born the heir and then was overthrown while still a baby, and was later known as the Old Pretender; a beloved Nineteenth Century princess who tragically died in childbirth at the age of 21; and many more.
Who suspected that the heirs who never reigned are every bit as interesting as those who did reign?
£10.99 -
They Who Dared
In a world where advanced DNA manipulation has created miniature special operational beings, Max and his peers are the elite force trained to combat international terrorism and infiltrate enemy cells. But as they approach maturity and active service at age 18, they realize their true purpose: to be disposable assets for the top-secret Project OV organization. With the help of his friend Flea, a tough and determined character, Max leads a daring escape for his group and sets off on a dangerous journey evading capture and searching for a hidden community where they can live in freedom. Follow Max’s thrilling adventure as he fights for survival and fights for his fellow fugitives in this action-packed novel.
£9.99 -
The Baby Spa
The Baby Spa has been described as a ground-breaking technique in child development.
Parents’ hearts swell with pride and joy as they eagerly observe their baby’s first unfolding of awareness during independent water exploration. They experience a sense of overwhelming appreciation for their child as an independent and unique little being with a distinct personality while observing in awe as their baby adapts to buoyancy and total freedom that only by being in water can provide.
When babies are happy, parents are happy—an excellent start to the beginning of a close parent and child partnership and joyous journey of swimming through life.
£8.99 -
The Bridge
A mysterious letter arrives for Michael, enshrined with three secretive and ancient symbols that would forever change his life.
The letter informs Michael that he is assigned a sacred mission to walk a forbidden bridge, but first he will have to defeat the army that surrounds it. But how would he do this and keep his loved ones safe from the Brotherhood of the Bridge, who seek to destroy him and all that is good in this world?
Michael, his friends, Zacharias and Cisco, and lover, Adeona, go on an action-packed, high romance, breath-taking, daring, and suspense-filled journey across the world and into other dimensions on their sacred quest.
On a collision course with the most ruthless, uncompassionate, and foul beings in the universe with love as his sword and faith his shield, Michael learns where impossible starts, miracles are born.
£10.99 -
The British in Italy
The British in Italy is a fascinating exploration of the enduring relationship between the English and Italians, dating back to the times of Shakespeare, Leghorn, The Grand Tour, Florence, and Venice, up to the cataclysmic events of World War II. The author draws parallels between Victorian England’s progress and the Italian Renaissance, particularly the British presence in Italy during the 19th century.
In a unique approach, the author embarks on a journey through Italy, beginning in the Alps and continuing on foot and by bicycle from Monviso to Trieste, then down to Sicily. Along the way, he rediscovers the forgotten Anglo-Saxon characters who played a significant role in shaping Italy’s cultural, artistic, and scientific landscape, such as the true Count of Montecristo, textile industrialists, inventors, painters, archaeologists, botanists, and travelers.
Their stories are intertwined with the author’s encounters, memories, lost friends, legends, and conversations, providing a rich tapestry of Italy’s diverse history and culture. The book is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge and insight, revealing Italy's layers of history and culture from a unique Anglo-Saxon perspective. As Doctor Johnson aptly said, “A man who has not been in Italy, is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see.” This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to discover the true heart of Italy and the enduring bond between the English and Italians.
£12.99 -
The Bush Wood Valley Gang
This is a tale of a little mouse who, against all odds, survives many dangerous situations. He then discovers a new-found family friendship with a gang of orphans in Bush Wood Valley. Having lost his own near family, he quickly gets acquainted with his new-found family and gains higher status in the gang through his very positive attitude.
£8.99 -
The Enemies of Nicolo Basti
In a near future where the Catholic Church has declared that choral music is inappropriate for the Eucharistic liturgy, the Patriarchy of Venice remains the only diocese that has not yet conformed. The Cardinal patriarch must navigate a series of complicated challenges, including the involvement of his niece with the city’s police commissioner and the interests of powerful individuals in government and international trade. As dissent grows and escalates into social, political, and criminal consequences, the independent state of Venice is also dealing with the approaching Historical Regatta. In the midst of it all, a conspiracy erupts on the Lagoon during the climax of the gondoliers’ race. Follow the twists and turns of this gripping tale in The Enemies of Nicolo Basti.
£9.99 -
The Last of the Lucky Childhoods
This is the story of my childhood recollections while growing up in Glasgow. The streets were still for kids and we knew how to make our own fun, though some of the mischiefs we got up to may not be classed as fun nowadays.
If we were poor, we didn’t realise it; if we were ill-treated, we thought of it as normal. Kids didn’t complain in those days (or they got a ‘slap across the lug’). Kids knew their place, we just got on with life and enjoyed it to the fullest.
As Billy Connolly would say: “What I’m about to tell you is true…well mostly.”
If any of my old pals, relatives, or friends recognise themselves on these pages, you’re most likely right…but I have changed the names (in some instances) to protect the guilty!
£7.99 -
The Life and Times of Victoria-Ann Penny
This is a memoir of Victoria-Ann Penny and, as you may have guessed, she is a Victorian penny. This is her story, as best she can remember it. She is well over a 100 years old so her memory might be just a little bit hazy. Born towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign Miss Penny recounts various historical events in the 20th century including world wars and the first moon landing. She also travelled around various countries and the British Isles with her ‘owners’ and gives her impressions of the things she saw. Reader, I do hope you enjoy her escapades.£6.99 -
The Little Book of 101 Wise Words for Children
“A child is not a child if she does not know the meaning of fun.”
“When the child knows how to have fun, it cushions him to the ups and downs of life.”
Dear Child,
From the moment you were born, no matter where you came from, you have alongside within you a power waiting to be unleashed. The world is your playground and like the rainbows that you see behind the clouds, you can apply as many colours as you wish to make your own life colourful.
You are loved and every small step that you make counts. Once you dream, you should not be afraid to make that first step. Whether or not someone believes in you, but your dream is true to you, then do not be shy and give it a try. For every huge success started from that first, small step.
It is for you that I wrote this book to have fun and be free to pursue your dreams and to live life happily!
Lindzy McQueen
£9.99 -
The Pompous Emperor and the Wise Old Man
In The Pompous Emperor and the Wise Old Man, the author explores the transformative power of truth and the fundamental principles that govern all of creation. Through the story of an affluent Emperor who meets a wise and humble man, the novel delves into the corrupt and lustful desires that often plague society and the importance of making positive impacts on the world. With a focus on authority and the influence of individuals on others, the story shows the transformative power of a single encounter and the lasting impact it can have on the heart. The book also includes a motivational piece called ‘The Fundamentals’ and a simple poem that offers insights on reality. With the goal of helping readers live a better life and make the world a lovelier place, The Pompous Emperor and the Wise Old Man is a thought-provoking and impactful read.
£9.99 -
The Stony Stage
Peter travels the world with his guitar and harmonica, searching for a sense of belonging in a remote and mysterious place called Belonging Sun. Along the way, he encounters obstacles that test his determination and resourcefulness. But he remains determined to fulfil his principle: that progress comes from taking action and not just waiting. Join Peter on his journey to find belonging in this inspiring tale of self-discovery.
£10.99
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