Recommended Reads
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Stranded in Andalusia
Save natural or manmade disasters, being stranded away from home is usually thought of as a mere inconvenience, big or small, that will somehow work itself out sooner or later. Not this time though, as a British salesman/cum tourist fails to make a hotel reservation and in trying to solve his problem before nightfall, finds himself pitted against a brainy police lieutenant, who is desperately trying to save his town from having its traditional Easter celebrations vilified by the evil doings of a criminal gang.
The story unfolds in the picturesque Andalusia region of Southern Spain in the early post-Franco era and is partly based on a real-life experience of the author, with at least one character being a genuine part of it.
The fast-moving plot in a captivating innovative writing style transcends every possible genre, from humorous adventure to sombre dystopian and suspenseful thriller with even a touch of erotica, all rolled into mystical fantasy, dispersed only by a totally unexpected ending that gives a new twist to the beginning.
£8.99 -
Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue
Oh, no! The horrific storm destroyed Cora and Charlie Cardinal’s nest. Sweet Sophie Sparrow wants to do something to help her friends. Sophie will ask Miss Sapphire, the beautiful Blue Jay with magical powers, for help. Her magic can fix anything. To Sophie’s dismay, Miss Sapphire has already migrated South. Holy Feathers! What will Sophie Sparrow do now without Miss Sapphire’s help and her magical ways?
Sophie Sparrow and Friends to the Rescue is a delightful, heartwarming story with beautiful illustrations sprinkled with a touch of whimsy. Imagine Habitat for Humanity but Bird-Style! All your favorite characters from Sophie Sparrow Wants to Be a Flamingo are back. In addition, some new and lovable characters have joined the charming ensemble. This adorable community of birds will remind you that a kind heart is the best type of magic!
£9.99 -
The Adventures of Oliver and Milly the Dog
Would you like to come along on an exciting adventure with Oliver and Milly the dog? These two friends are always ready to explore the world around them.
What do you think they will see today? Maybe they’ll discover something new, meet new friends, or solve a mystery!
There are endless possibilities when these two are together – let’s find out what they’ll discover in this delightful journey!
£8.99 -
A Fairway Affair
Golf clubs are home to a diverse cast of characters united by their love for the game, but that’s where the similarities end. Among the members, you’ll find crooks and cops, accountants and bank managers, plumbers, pensioners, paupers, and multi-millionaires alike. Some are quiet, others are loud, and it’s often hard to tell who’s who. Beneath the surface, a few are cheats or adulterers – rarely murderers, though it’s not impossible, even in the most prestigious clubs. This is the story of some of those members. Despite their best-laid plans, life has a way of surprising them, and sometimes, even the bad guys get a lucky break.
£7.99 -
Lockdown Infinity
Lockdown Infinity seamlessly continues the gripping narrative that began in Lockdown Alpha. In this novel, the story follows a woman consumed by the torment of unrequited love, leading her down a dark path of stalking and heinous crimes amidst the unending COVID-19 pandemic. Desperate to fulfil her obsessive desires, she harnesses metaphysical, mystic, and quantum powers to transform from a mere human into a complex, monstrous entity driven by a relentless killing instinct.
Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the story fearlessly explores LGBTQ issues, including discrimination, insecurity, mental illness, attempted suicide, and the tragic reality of lives lost to suicide. The narrative delves deep into the social, economic, and psychological complexities that arise during lockdown, shedding light on how these challenges can lead to disturbing and abnormal human behaviour, ultimately resulting in a surge of criminal activity.
£8.99 -
The Devastation of Dunelaw
Damore is a contented Trellan, happily living a peaceful life, secure in the belief that tomorrow will be just like today. His home is filled with love and laughter, and the thought of leaving his hometown has never crossed his mind.But everything changes when an unknown army lands in Dunelaw, bringing devastation in its wake.Forced from his quiet routine, Damore takes his first steps beyond Blacksand. As the lone survivor, he embarks on an adventure that reveals a world he never knew existed. Along the way, he’ll be aided by some and hunted by others, encounter dragons and kreaks, forge lifelong friendships, and face mortal enemies.The only thing Damore knows for sure now is that tomorrow will never be the same again…
£15.99 -
Reading Elgar’s The Music Makers
Elgar’s The Music Makers, for contralto solo, choir and large orchestra, has experienced a chequered reputation since its 1912 premiere at the Birmingham Festival. The work faced significant adverse criticism which re-emerged over time. Criticism targeted the poem Elgar chose for his setting – Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s ode, whose reputation was later tarnished by T.S. Eliot’s infamous critique ‘What is Minor Poetry?’. Misunderstanding of Elgar’s innovatory compositional procedure was another main reason behind the negative responses. Elgar integrated the poetic language with musical self-borrowings, transforming the words and offering perceptive listeners enhanced emotion at the highest artistic level. All aspects of Elgar’s musical language combine to produce one of his greatest, yet least understood, masterworks.
Reading Elgar’s The Music Makers brings to the fore a prime example of how first musical performances can be misunderstood and reception can shift over time. The work remains as relevant today as ever. The book’s multi-faceted approach will be invaluable not only for conductors, singers and music students, but for concert goers and music lovers generally.
£8.99 -
Toby Turtle Turns Bright Purple
Meet Toby Turtle, a curious little fellow who loves to explore the swamp! When Toby discovers a mysterious thorny bush and makes a new friend in Simon Snake, he can’t resist the temptation of delicious blackberries. But what happens when Toby doesn’t heed Simon’s warning and eats one too many? Join Toby on this colourful adventure and learn why he might just be the most eye-catching turtle in the swamp!
£6.99 -
The Rainbow Children
Rudd, Ola, Yann, Gann, Bell, Plum and Plim are the Rainbow children. They live in a white castle in the clouds.
On a journey to Earth, down the rainbow, protected by Cirrus Cloud, they make friends with two children. This is the story of the adventures they have together. They even get to meet Santa Claus!
Enjoy the colourful rainbow venture with the band of friends and their alien chums.
£10.99 -
The Little Bird Who Couldn't Fly
Have you ever questioned your own incredible worth? Felt the pangs of loneliness and sadness? If so, this book is a beacon of hope just for you.
Embark on an inspiring journey with Billy, a little bird who has yet to realize his own amazingness. As Billy ventures through life’s challenges, he uncovers the profound power of love and friendship. These forces not only conquer fear but also illuminate the path to achieving our dreams.
Join Billy in this heartwarming tale and discover, just as he does, the strength that lies in companionship and self-belief.
£7.99 -
Are There Any Moral Truths?
We live in crisis-ridden times. Civilization is repeatedly ravaged by diseases, recessions, wars, and international terror, while global climate change and the existence of nuclear weapons could soon put an end to humanity. What are we to do? Serious problems like these raise many moral questions, but people often disagree, sometimes vehemently, about the answers.
Moral disagreements pose a fundamental question: Could some moral opinions be better than others? Are there any moral truths at all, or is right and wrong merely a matter of perspective, depending on the eye of the beholder? Perhaps moral beliefs are nothing but a kind of superstition, like beliefs about vampires or Greek gods and goddesses?
In this refreshingly unorthodox introduction, Danish philosopher Thomas Østergaard deals with these questions in a novel way. Written as a philosophical dialogue, the book makes the various positions come alive through four people’s interchange of ideas and arguments, continuously interspersed with everyday examples as well as intriguing thought experiments. As a witness to this debate, the reader is invited to ponder the nature of morality, the possibility of resolving our moral differences, and the puzzling and provocative question: Why should I care about morality?
£11.99 -
The Polish Neighbours
Reading Dad’s poetry is like taking a walk through his life. It is easy to see there are demons, but there is beauty and love too. Beauty in memories of greyhounds, raging fires, the plight of Indigenous people, the complexities of religious beliefs, and recognising the power of other people’s life stories.I remember sitting in the back seat of his car, listening to him speak of Shakespeare and reciting sonnets verbatim. He spoke of Keats and Eliot, of Yeats and Poe, and Yevtushenko and I did my best to comprehend the images of tragedy, love and loss. And now, many years later, when I read Dad’s words, I think I understand them.
£6.99