Recommended Reads
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The Bear Nobody Could See
Tales for Wise ChildrenHorace, the Crow Who Flew EastHorace, an adventurous crow, stumbles upon a piece of exquisite matcha cake that leaves him craving for more. Determined to discover the origins of this delectable treat, Horace embarks on an epic journey across Europe, tasting its myriad delights along the way. Amidst his adventures, he befriends Lime, a vibrant parrot shunned by a murder of crows due to his unique plumage. Together, with the guidance of Tsuru, a melancholic crane, they venture towards the heart of matcha’s homeland: Japan.The Mysterious Bear of Whispering MeadowsIn the tranquil pastures, whispers of an elusive bear stir curiosity among the sheep. With tales of its ever-changing appearance, the bear becomes an enigma. Some claim it’s brown; others are convinced it’s a white bear with piercing blue eyes. Young Daisy, with her vivid imagination, believes the bear is a prince trapped by a wicked witch’s curse. Is this bear real, or just a figment of tales? Only the meadows hold the answer, as the mystery remains unsolved for the flock.
£23.99 -
The Best of Health
60 years ago, being a medical student entailed some hair-raising encounters in the course of training like giving a general anaesthetic without help or instruction, simply because you were the only help available; or assisting in emergency surgery when there was nobody else available.
Distinguished doctors thronged the corridors of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Long after the war there was still a vivid memory of Burma and Libya.Find out why an elderly theatre orderly hinted darkly at “a doctor who got to Dunkirk four days ahead of the field hospital team”. Get a new slant on the Penicillin story and read why the old NHS system in Edinburgh avoided “bed blockers”.
Here is an account of the almost explosive expansion of hospital medicine into ICUs – cardiac arrest teams, coronary care units, positive pressure ventilation, renal dialysis, etc. It was a time of medical progress and high morale.£9.99 -
The Bitterest PLC To Swallow
If you’ve ever worked in a pub, currently work in one, or simply have an interest in the history and evolution of pubs, Neil’s book is a must-read. In this insightful and entertaining memoir, Neil shares his experiences and observations about working in local estate pubs during a time when they were the heart and soul of their respective communities.
Through humorous anecdotes and blunt opinions, Neil highlights the many challenges faced by pub owners and workers in the modern era. From policies that leave him screaming to people who make him swear, Neil pulls no punches in his assessment of the pub industry.
The book also explores the transformation of local estate pubs into modern-day branded establishments, such as curry houses and convenience stores. Neil’s revelations are sure to surprise and shock readers, and may even cause them to question the value and quality of the food and drink they pay for in these establishments.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Neil takes readers on a trip down memory lane, revisiting the fun pubs of the 80s before they became bitter PLCs. Through Neil’s vivid storytelling, readers will laugh, cringe, and even taste the history of these once-beloved establishments.
In the end, Neil offers his take on what happened to pubs and what they have become. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of pubs, and may just make you think twice about where you choose to spend your hard-earned wages.
£12.99 -
The Book and the Ring
On Torka, Baroness Penelope Birkenwood, Brenosian Ambassador to Genna, is visited by a member of the Council of Magic and told of a dark spirit in the world looking to exploit divisions and create instability. Penelope is tasked with stopping it with the aid of a ring.
George, the young and inexperienced king of Brenos, is being urged by some of his advisors to marry Suzannah, niece of King Francis of Amerton. But doing this will involve a major change of foreign policy which others oppose. When Penelope returns, they make a decision which turns everything upside down.
Another country, Korinth, is engaged in a long-running feud with Amerton, under its seemingly mad queen, Marilyn.
Penelope is cast on a journey in which she will need to use her wits and diplomatic skills to ease tensions between nations and prevent the dark spirit’s power from leading Torka to disaster…
‘The Book and the Ring is an immersive and intricately woven work of fantasy. As with Anne Hampton’s previous books, her skill with word-building is as nuanced as it is wide-reaching: from the first page we are introduced to a vibrant new world with a cast of characters who guide us through the story, using natural dialogue which successfully avoids being over-expository. The relevant themes of the book are dealt with tactfully and do not detract from the plot or risk becoming too political.’ – Stefanie Seaton, Editor, Austin Macauley Publishers
£9.99 -
The Boot Room
For many years, the football transfer window has been a dominant topic in news columns, with fans increasingly glued to social media for updates on their clubs. The Boot Room delves into the intricacies of the transfer window, tracing its evolution from its inception to its current form, shaped by data-led scouting.
Author Andrew Judge engages with a diverse range of football insiders, from finance experts discussing the state of football finances to Sky Sports reporters on the front lines during deadline day. He takes readers inside the boardroom with a club secretary on Transfer Deadline Day and into the physio’s room, where medical teams race against time to complete player medicals with millions at stake.
The book also examines the impact of data-led scouting on Youth Academies, featuring insights from one of England’s highly regarded Youth Coaches. In an era of growing fake news in football, Judge explores the challenges fans face in distinguishing fact from fiction in transfer news, which captivates the football world for a few months each year.
Through conversations with scouts, fans, and analysts, The Boot Room reveals the transfer window’s significance and the profound effect fake rumours can have on football players themselves.
£12.99 -
The Broken King
Far from his home in the Kingdom of Ferinatia, Thorn continues his journey through the dying world of Elcina and the plan to bring the disunited realms and peoples together that he may guide them from the dying world into the safety of his own. With the kingdoms of Isthia and Taroth behind him, and the unexpected departure of the Ranee, Thorn enters the land of the Keegan nomads accompanied by the wolf pup Rark and the living crystal Lorak Ledel intent on finding a way to unify the tribes to his cause and find Princess Ranee who fled here after the destruction in Rata.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Varth prepares for their invasion of his world and his own kingdom. Secretly controlled by the Sorcerer Tarna, now emboldened by the murder of Thorn’s friend Penias, who was known as the Crown Prince Jarel Whitethorn. As Thorn enters the nomad lands, the Varthians stretch out their hand against the nomads and all other kingdoms and peoples who would stand against them, and their sorcerous leader.
£17.99 -
The Bronson Escapades
Meet the Children:Kennedy, 17 – The Fashionist!(Always telling others what’s wrong with their outfit)Chloe, 15 – The Bookworm!(Never Stops Reading)Edwin, 12 – The Explorer!(Often starts sentences with ‘did you know…’)Bridget, 11 – The Pretentious Snob!(Usually speaks in a false poncy accent)Al, 9 – The Chatterbox!(Quite frequently refers to something outside the current context of conversation)These, along with their mother and father, make up the Bronson family, and together they get into all sorts of trouble – from causing havoc in town, to being locked outside their own house! Join the ride as these five unlikely siblings embark upon some truly epic adventures of a lifetime; including: searching for their mother’s lost ring, helping the mayor, and even giving the garden fence a fresh coat of paint. Read along and see how Kennedy, Chloe, Edwin, Bridget, and Al manage to muddle along through everything that tumbles their way.
£8.99 -
The Brummie Boys of Aston
Birmingham, 1993. Under dim streetlamps, childhood friends Thomas, David, Henry, and Ernest drunkenly wind through the rainy streets, heading for the pub. While the others earn honest livings, David hatches risky schemes, plunging toward illegal drug trade and endangering them all. As his thirst for fast cash grows wilder, tensions mount among the foursome. Will their bond prove strong enough to stop David’s fall into Birmingham’s criminal underworld or will greed take them all down?
£9.99 -
The Caterpillar and the Butterfly
From Michael Rosenblum, the bestselling author of Happily Ever Always: A Guide to Personal Transformation, Security, Confidence, and Healthy Self, comes a debut book for beginning readers. This ageless story introduces us to a caterpillar named “Fear”. Fear is afraid of everything – the other critters who share the garden, lightning storms, being bullied and making new friends. A chance encounter with a wise butterfly named “Faith” helps Fear find the courage within to experience the world in a bolder and more joy-filled way. Rosenblum’s message for children is simple yet profound: fear is just faith turned inside out.
“Children will realize that changing fear to faith is up to them as they explore this magical story. Bravo, Michael Rosenblum!”
Dr. Kathleen Hagstrom
Principal
Walt Disney Magnet School
Chicago Public Schools
£9.99 -
The Complete Response
Stanley lives life to the full--working hard, playing hard. In 2016, his life was turned upside down with a serious medical diagnosis; he had a stage 4 bowel cancer which had spread extensively to his liver and was inoperable. Many people might have given up but Stanley looked at the challenge of beating cancer with positivity. Stanley carried on working throughout the medical process ahead of him and developed his own strategy with the help of others around him and his life experiences. The plan of attack worked, which ultimately led to his survival and a complete response to treatment. No viable trace of the disease remained, a very rare 100% response. Stanley carried on living as before and is still free from cancer. The Complete Response will inspire anyone looking to overcome the unthinkable!
£9.99 -
The Confession
Ania was in turmoil.
She was feeling neglected and unloved. She knew she was being selfish, but her feelings were the only truth she knew.
Then a fateful opportunity presented itself and she couldn’t resist. Temptation had found her vulnerable and wanting and before she knew it, she was caught up in a short passionate affair.
And with that, she set into motion a chain of increasingly deviant and destructive events that crushed her sanity and threatened to take her very life away from her.
As her world spun out of control and her life crashed around her she found herself ever more lost and caught up in a vortex that she couldn’t get out of.
As things went from bad to worse even she didn’t know if she’d survive…
£9.99 -
The Corridor of Mirrors
Join Lilly, her mother, and two dear friends for an unforgettable adventure at the annual show. From the moment they pass through the turnstile, their day transforms into a whirlwind of excitement and unexpected encounters.
Amidst the laughter and delight, Lilly experiences a mysterious encounter that momentarily casts a shadow over their day. Yet, as the hours unfold, it becomes a tale of thrilling moments and quirky surprises that will forever be etched in the memories of Lilly and her cherished friends.
The Corridor of Mirrors is a heartwarming journey through a day filled with laughter, wonder, and the magic of unexpected encounters.
£8.99