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Showing posts from 2011

Book Savvy Spotlight on Harry Riley

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Harry Riley * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us about yourself and your book 'Captain Damnation & other strange tales'? Growing up during World War II, I was an only child, mother worked full time and there was no father to keep me in line. (He was a soldier, missing; presumed dead.) I'd never met him until he returned after the war from a Japanese prison camp. Then I was six years old and having a wonderful time, with lots of friends and many good aunts to fuss over me. I didn't have many books but enjoyed the radio and this fed my imagination so much that I've never fully recovered. Now after a lifetime in commercial printing, happily married with two grown up children and a granddaughter, I'm still addicted to all things theatrical and possess a childish sense of fun. Writing 'Captain Damnation & other strange tales' enabled me

A 70-year old athlete’s account of 100km race across the Sahara

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'Me and my shadow' , soon to be released book, based on an incredible story of a desert runner Ray Matthews. Runner Ray’s new book to ‘inspire others’ Desert runner Ray Matthews is passing on his own incredible story in a book about to be published. ‘Me and My Shadows’ is 70-year old athlete Ray’s own account of how he found ways to break down barriers, and develop the mental and physical toughness he needed to achieve. He invites the reader along, to experience a 100km race across the Sahara desert, to share in his thoughts, his moments of despair and exultation as he realises just one of his personal dreams. Author Ray Matthews said “…if my book inspires just one person to change their mindset and start a new adventure towards better health and fitness, then I will be happy” Click to read full press feature  - Live link Click to read full press feature - Press cutting ... News and photo source - South Yorkshire Times

How loyal George plotted his revenge

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The Derby Telegraph invites readers to submit short stories. Here is a piece by Philip Neale (pen name - Neal James), titled: 'How loyal George plotted his revenge' "Bank worker George Parkinson was sidelined into an area which his bosses said 'best suited his abilities'." GEORGE Parkinson had worked at the bank for nearly 20 years and had risen through the ranks by a combination of sheer hard work and a flair for information technology. He had been instrumental in setting up all of the financial systems, and the computer networking, throughout the UK. Now they had sidelined him into an area which they felt "best suited his abilities". What that had meant in practice was that his new boss's son needed a job and George had become the target. The lad had come through university, had a degree and clearly knew his stuff, of that there was no doubt, but George had the bank's name etched into him – it was his reason for getting up in the morning.

Strictly for Reviewers - OTOLI is currently on a Book Tour*

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OTOLI - Have you been there? Social outcast ALICE TURNER went there to escape the constant bullying from the Populars. She is befriended by Jenny; an enigmatic waitress who seems to be stuck in the past. As the Populars begin to reap the wrath of a faithful friend, suspicions build in Alice's mind. Why does Jenny keep mementoes that are four years old? And why does Alice feel that she is to blame for the downfall of her enemies? But friendship is a two-way deal as Alice soon discovers. After breaking her promise to Jenny, she faces a far worse foe than before. Alice is forced to make choices on which her future and that of others will depend; whether or not she knows it. Moreover, she will have to find courage to escape the ultimate bully - her best friend. An excellent Anti-bullying resource Sign-up to review the book. *UK Book Tours enables books to sail around Britain, shared among as many bloggers as possible, giving you a chance to read, review and talk about all the hot

Book Savvy Spotlight on Peter Hodgson

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Peter Hodgson * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us about yourself and your book 'Jack the Ripper-Through the Mists of Time'? My Ripper book reflects a lifelong interest in the puzzle of the Ripper's identity. Since my days as a teenager I have been interested in true crime. It started after I read the Sherlock Holmes stories. If I could have my time back I would have joined the police force. The urge to solve crimes is embedded in my desire to write crime fiction. The real-life crimes of Jack the Ripper have been converted into films and fictional writings, and my book shows how the reality of those ghastly murders have been used by the entertainment industry. I have undertaken much research to make the book as accurate as possible. It is, I hope, a valuable contribution to a modern cultural myth. I would like to add that my son, Stuart, has created pencil por

Make 'Mammograms Save Lives' a catchphrase

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Author Avril Saunders hopes her new book will encourage women to have regular breast checks. 'Mammograms Save Lives', soon to be released book, based on author's experience following breast cancer diagnosis. A New Haw woman is encouraging people to have a regular check for breast cancer after her life-changing experiences inspired her new book. Avril Saunders, 63, went for a routine mammogram in March and was diagnosed with breast cancer but was able to fully recover because it was caught early. As a result she has written a book called Mammograms Save Lives about her experiences. Author Avril Saunders said “When this happened in March I realised how my whole life changed and I thought the best way to help others was to put it down in writing. It is wonderful to have my life back again, and live life to the full. Everything is back to normal all thanks to a mammogram.” Source: Woking Informer - Click to read full press feature Author's profit on books sold to be don

Support for the UK anti-bullying week 14th - 18th November 2011

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UK anti-bullying week book giveaway 12.11.11 To bring some focus on anti-bullying week, author Bryony Allen is running a giveaway to enable readers to win a signed copy of OTOLI along with a promotional postcard and bookmark. Visit Goodreads Book Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of OTOLI by Bryony Allen. Giveaway ends November 20, 2011. Click to listen to author's interview on Talk Radio Europe (OR listen via the player below). A portion of all proceeds from the sale of OTOLI will be donated to ‘Bullying UK' (part of FamilyLives). We encourage readers to support this good cause by buying copies of the book. You may order this book through bookshops or buy from good Online bookstores. 10% discount on offer for the anti-bullying week from the Publisher. Bryony Allen is the author of two books: 'Mystery Deceit and a School Inspector' and 'OTOLI' . ...

Trophy Girl and other Poems

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An inspiring and engaging collection of diverse poems Author: Carmel McCarthy There are various poems and themes in this collection. ‘Trophy Girl’ explores the superficiality of fashion. On the other hand ‘Reply from an Agony Aunt’ is a cry for help from a young woman with low self-esteem. It is back to childhood days in ‘Pinkeens’ and a beautiful description of the garden in ‘A Summer’s Day.’ There is sadness in ‘Stopping Bye’ the house of her birth and the feelings of a child is described in ‘Lost Child.’ Then there are several poems about birds and animals and their antics – the greedy jackdaw, and the terns on Sandymount strand getting ready for their annual trip south. The caring diligent cat in ‘Mother Cat, the huge alligator with enormous jaws looking for food–which could be you, because that is what you are to him. No smiles there, he is what he is with no apologies… …Find out more… “A refreshing collection of diverse poems” …publishedbestsellers.com Genre: Poetry ISBN:

Gust’s Maze - Magical adventure of Gustav Grubbin

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A magical and spellbinding children’s fantasy adventure By Marcia Andrade Felwitt is a place like no other; battered by heavy snow, covered by dark clouds, and completely isolated from the rest of the world, as a result of a curse that has fallen upon it. The dramatic events that have led to this are kept secretly hidden away. Despite the terrible ordeal imposed upon the villagers, they have learned, over centuries, how to survive thanks to their remarkable resilience and, most of all, their mysterious and precious gold. Felwitt, however, is not a community free from problems, in particular when it comes to its most notorious teenager, Gustav Grubbin, known as Gust. Ironically, after an unexpected encounter with the village tramp, he is the one determined to find out the truth behind the village’s bizarre weather conditions. What Gust discovers turns out to be more than he was bargaining for… …Find out more… “A spellbinding story of friendship, heroism and redemption” …publishe

JOSS - Beauty is only skin deep...

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A superbly written fantasy fiction novel with beautifully crafted characters ‘Beauty is only skin deep, it’s what’s inside a person that counts,’ very nice sentiments, but does anyone actually believe these little pearls of wisdom? Joss Hinchcliff was at a disadvantage from the moment he was born. You could not disguise the fact that he was a very ugly child, but he did not deserve the treatment that was dished out to him. From birth, Joss had been a figure of fun; for years he had endured this bad behaviour because he was lonely and wanted to be part of the community… Then one day he found an abandoned vintage car which he re-built. As he was to discover, this was no ordinary car. Whilst out on a road test one day, it whisked him away to a mysterious place which would change his life forever. …Find out more… “Fantasy fiction with a beautiful twist” …publishedbestsellers.com Genre: Fiction: Fantasy ISBN: 978-1-907728-32-7 Publication Date: November 2011 Edition/Format: 1st/ Pa

Book Savvy Spotlight on Richard Bradbury

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Richard Bradbury * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us about yourself and your book 'Losing my Religion'? I am married with four grown up children and have had a lifelong passion to make the Bible accessible to everyone. I am a Christian and my faith is a very important and central part of my life. C.S. Lewis said, 'Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important'. My beliefs are the foundation upon which my reality is framed. When bad things happen in my life God helps me through the hard times and I trust in his goodness to see me through the future. My new book 'Losing my Religion - The Radical Message of the Kingdom' examines the main theme of Jesus' teaching - the Kingdom. I attempt to explore it from new perspectives, applying it to life in the 21

A Cut Above The Rest - Victims are easy meat for hooded killer

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The Derby Telegraph invites readers to submit short stories. Here is a piece by Philip Neale (pen name - Neal James), titled: 'A Cut Above The Rest' We ought to warn readers, however, that despite being an exciting tale, it is rather graphic. THE body, or what remained of it, had been found by a dog walker out for an early morning stroll. He had parked his car close to Derbyshire's Mapperley Reservoir in Shipley Country Park and let his Jack Russell terrier out of the back of the vehicle, watching her disappear on one of her customary forages around Shipley Lane. Having seen the dog stop abruptly, sniffing the air, ears erect, he was surprised when she vanished into the trees to the right, instead of following their customary course left, and up to the wooded area encompassing the remains of what had been the Miller-Mundy estate. "WHERE'S the body?" DS Fletcher crushed the stub of the cigarette beneath his shoe after the disapproving look from one of the

Book Savvy Spotlight on Derek Rosser

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Derek Rosser * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'A Reluctant Recruit'? I am a retired systems analyst having spent 42 years in the aerospace industry. My book is the story of my adventures and experiences as a National Serviceman in the Royal Air Force between 1954 and 1956. Q2. You have written about a period in history that is about 60 years ago, how can you be so sure that your recollection of those days is accurate? Each chapter is based on fact but perhaps embroidered a bit to add a touch of humour. I have always been blessed with a retentive memory. Q3. Why did you leave it until the age of eighty to write your first book? As a family man, during my working life my free time was devoted to my family. For well over forty of those years I was busy earning a crust and there was little time for reminiscence. Another po

Just like old times after a visit to Rose Cottage

The Derby Telegraph invites readers to submit short stories. Here is a piece by Philip Neale (pen name - Neal James), titled 'Just like old times after a visit to Rose Cottage'. STANDING before the little house now brought back floods of memories. They had always called her Aunty Rose, despite the fact that there was no family connection. She had been a friend of his mother and, during the long school summer holidays, James and Harry had spent many happy hours in and around the cottage. In those days it had a whitewashed exterior with green window frames and doors, a white 'picket' fence enclosing a small but well-stocked front garden and a thatched roof surrounding a red brick chimney stack from which emanated a constant thin stream of pale blue smoke. This was always the sure sign Rose was at home and usually cooking or baking something tasty. There was a rear garden which formed the 'working' part of the property and this supplied Rose's needs for the v

Book Savvy Spotlight on Chris R. Pownall

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Chris R. Pownall * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'Onwards and Upwards'? I am a 67-year-old retired industry-marketing director, residing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. I have been married to my wife Pat for 42 years. We have two children and four grandchildren. I grew up in the Cheshire village of Bosley and following an engineering apprenticeship and a brief spell in the Merchant Navy, I joined the James Walker Group as a technical sales representative, this was the beginning of a forty-year career. My second book 'Onwards and Upwards' is a sequel to my memoirs 'Funny How Things Work Out', containing more humour from various facets of my life, it also includes other subjects and my opinions about modern day life compared with 60 years ago. Travel is very important to me, therefore I've includ

The real rip-off culture? Part One

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An article covering the story of campaigner Steve Perry , author of  ' When Payday Loans Go Wrong' . By: Chris Skinner Source: Financial Services Club Blog Date: August 05, 2011 " Further to my write-up about Wonga the other day, I have been contacted by author and campaigner Steve Perry, who has been on the wrong side of the payday loans industry. Now don’t get me wrong. I am NOT against payday loans firms or their operations (I actually admire Wonga's technology ops). I AM against the uncapped interest these firms charge on their vulnerable customers. However, this also needs to be qualified in terms of who are 'vulnerable customers' and who actually charges 'rip-off' rates and how. For example, Wonga have also contacted me to put their side of the story and made clear that they do not target 'vulnerable' people with 'rip-off' rates. Read Monday's blog to see what their take on the world is, particularly as my original pie

A Long Journey Back - a battle for Rob's life

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The true-life story of Rob Pownall’s near fatal head injury and the battle to regain his life Author: Chris R. Pownall This is the real life account of a remarkable young man who suffered a near fatal head injury and describes his astounding battle to regain his life. Rob Pownall was just eighteen when he had an unfortunate accident, which was to dramatically change his life. Following life saving surgery he lay in a coma for several days before waking up only to find himself completely paralysed and unable to speak. The story is told by Rob’s father Chris R. Pownall, author of ‘Funny How Things Work Out’ and ‘Onwards and Upwards’. …Find out more… This book is intended to be an inspiration to others who might find themselves in a similar situation, and need something to give them hope. “True-life account of a journey back from the brink of death” …publishedbestsellers.com ..

When Payday Loans Go Wrong - The full story!

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The tragic story of how one payday loan spiralled into a shocking sixty payday loans and financial ruin Author: Steve Perry ‘How did it ever come to this? On a cold November night I gaze out through my bedroom window to the descending mist, there is evil in the air, I can feel it tearing at my heart. My body trembles, a cold and sickening sweat drips down my forehead; my breathing is heavy and my mind erratic. My world is crumbling around me, my future, once bright and full of hope has descended into ruin. It was just one payday loan, just one … how did it ever come to this?’ Never before had the word suicide entered the mind of Steve Perry, yet after over 60 payday loans within 18 months it consumed him and led him to the very brink... …Find out more… An inspiring story of hope to those who are in payday hell! “Heart-rending story of the cost of irresponsible lending and borrowing” …publishedbestsellers.com ..

Threads of Deceit

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Enthralling crime thriller – set in the textile industry Author: Neal James James Poynter is a young man out for revenge. Set up for a crime which he did not commit, and by someone whom he felt he could trust implicitly, his sole focus becomes one of retribution against his former employers. His future at Brodsworth Textiles disintegrated one Friday evening prior to his wedding, when conscientiousness overtook him and he returned to the factory after work to rectify an error in his paperwork. What he discovered that night changed his life forever and set off a chain of events which sent him spiralling downwards, and out of a job which had promised so much. …Find out more…    A plot so intricately woven, that the forces of law and order in several countries are thwarted at every turn. “A deftly woven detective thriller” …publishedbestsellers.com ..

Jack the Ripper - Through the Mists of Time

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A well researched, entertaining and chilling exposé of the ‘real’ Jack the Ripper Author : Peter Hodgson Over a century ago a series of shocking mutilation murders took place in a squalid, overcrowded district of Victorian London. Five women fell victim to a man driven by rage and violent fantasy. The newspapers of the day gave him a chilling nickname, a name that evokes images of gas-lit foggy streets and a top-hatted sinister figure carrying a Gladstone bag. From the outset, the murderer attained almost mythical status merely by virtue of his name and his uncanny ability to avoid detection. This book compares the fiction with the reality of those ghastly events, and clearly shows how the real killer has been transformed into a creature of the mind–the ‘other’ Jack the Ripper… …Find out more…  Author Peter Hodgson says : “…the reader is presented with an insight into the 'career' of this iconic criminal, and I offer a plausible solution to his identity.” “Bone chilling re

A stirring story of forbidden passions, dark secrets and family honour

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Set in Regency England A summer evening’s chance encounter throws together two people of opposite social class who, despite a natural mutual attraction, should never have met. Kathryn Fitzpatrick is a lady, the daughter of a much-respected gentleman. The Fitzpatricks are loved and revered throughout English society, yet Kathryn has never conformed. She is impulsive, ruled by her heart. When she meets Duncan Brown, a lowly gardener on her father’s estate, a special love is ignited and her life begins to spiral out of control. Unspeakable secrets, hidden scandals, blackmail and dark passions convolute and Kathryn’s life is manipulated for selfish gain… …Find out more… Author Victoria Hinton says: “It was a difficult road to travel and paved with a myriad of obstacles; but as all true romanticists know, true love will always prevail...” Historical romance story brought to life by skilfully crafted characters. “A sweeping heart-tugging page-turner” …publishedbestsellers.com ..

A Figure in the Mist - Detective mystery novel

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An engaging and wonderfully entertaining detective mystery novel. The Plot When Lady Amelia Walden is murdered at Monk Fryston Hall Hotel in Yorkshire on the night of her eightieth birthday, the chief suspect is Robert Purbright, a bachelor in his fifties engaged at Farlington Hall, the ancestral Walden mansion, to catalogue her extensive collection of stamps. At his trial, the prosecution allege that he was creaming off choice specimens for himself and that his employer was beginning to have her suspicions. Exposure would have brought his career to an unpleasant end. The jury, however, find him Not Guilty. Enraged by their obtuseness, Lady Amelia’s son, Toby, vows to prove them wrong. …Find out more… Another classic British murder mystery by Julius Falconer – with the usual hallmarks – velvet-smooth English, well-shaped narrative, erudite allusions, and a rich surplus of thought-provoking obiter dicta. “Intelligent entertainment at its finest” …publishedbestsellers.com ..

Book Savvy Spotlight on Annie Coyle Martin

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Annie Coyle Martin * Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'To Know the Road'? I grew up in Ireland and now live in Kingston, Ontario. I've always loved to write and have been an avid reader since I was a child. Then there was no television so it was read or listen to the radio or, once in a while, a film in the nearby town. My teachers, apart from essays, did not encourage writing. When I retired in 1999 I began my first novel, "The Music of What Happens." I was greatly encouraged by Ann Decter of McGilligan Books in writing that book. Five years earlier, she had published a short story, "Jody," I had written in an anthology. "To Know the Road" continues the story of some of the characters in "The Music of What Happens". Now about the book; this is a story of forbidden passions

Ndlovu! - The White Elephant. Based on true-life events in Zimbabwe

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A crime detective novel based on true-life events in Zimbabwe during the turbulent years after independence Ndlovu – The White Elephant is a pacy story set in Zimbabwe during the turbulent years that followed Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence. The story highlights the dangers of police work in the explosive climate of a troubled country during years of the terror war and is woven around human suffering, painful endurance, and horrors that confronted the peoples both black and white. The narrative is loosely based upon the author’s own experiences in the police force of what was then Rhodesia. Thus the action of his story is set against an authentic background which the author experienced and the impeccable writing style gives a palpable vividness to the events. …Find out more “A palpable, action-packed story based on true-life events” …publishedbestsellers.com

Author of OTOLI interviewed on BBC James Hazell show

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Radio interview on BBC Radio Suffolk Bryony Allen was interviewed on James Hazell show, BBC Radio Suffolk.   Bryony talked about her new book for teenagers 'OTOLI' and discussed issues around bullying and the Bullying UK charity. Listen to interview - Click here to play Streaming Audio

Two Dachshunds at Troy - A dog’s tale

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A dog’s tale about the author and his two miniature dachshunds on their travels and adventures. By Jeremy Lousada ISBN: 978-1-907728-20-4 This delightful light-hearted book is the true story of a love affair. A love affair between the author and his two miniature dachshunds, one with which anyone who has ever loved a dog will empathise. They were born in Africa and travelled widely there. They were quite possibly the first dogs ever to cross Europe, solely by water from the North Sea to the Black Sea. They swam in the great lakes of Africa, in seven seas, chased baboons in Africa, rabbits in the High Jura on the European watershed, and lizards in the ruins of Troy. Sometimes they enjoyed it, sometimes they found it confusing, sometimes, as in a Turkish winter, they distinctly disapproved. It was an adventurous life... Find out more An entertaining, light-hearted and charming dog’s tale “Cannily delightful tale” … publishedbestsellers.com .

Call Me Valentine

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Derek Rosser’s exciting collection of true-life stories and childhood adventures from the inter-war years. Born in the year 1930, the year the airship R101 made its final disastrous voyage – life was exciting but very different to that experienced by today’s youngsters and teenagers. I am sure that we enjoyed life rather more than our modern counterparts. Not the joys of violent video games and computers – but rather the simpler pleasures that come from exercising the imagination. As an only child, with the aid of half a dozen lead soldiers and a toy fort (made by my father from scrap timber) I conquered India and extended the boundaries of the Empire. …Find out more “…I have attempted, in this book, to give the reader an insight into the life and emotions of a boy born in the inter war years. The facts are a true reflection of those formative years...” says Derek Rosser. “Exciting true-life childhood tales from the inter-war years” …publishedbestsellers.com

Book Savvy Spotlight on Ron Palmer

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Ron Palmer* Enjoy the interview. Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'To Boldly Go'? I retired early from a career of thirty-five years at sea as a Navigating Officer and eventually as Captain of VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers) to the west coast of Canada, which incidentally was still close to the marine environment. A natural progression one would agree for a retired naval person. In the fullness of time, I built my own boat and cruised the waters of British Columbia, since the urge to return to sea didn't just evaporate. Prior to this I had never given much thought to writing but, as it happened, on completing the building of a boat I felt the endeavour should be repeated. This feeling was resolved by writing about the experience rather than the expense of actually repeating the performance. To Boldly Go is a daring adventure of my att

Losing My Religion - The Radical Message of the Kingdom

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A bold and fundamental message about the Kingdom of God–skilfully tackled and powerfully delivered.   This book arises from twenty five years of study and a passion to see people grasp the extent and significance of the Kingdom of God and to apply it in their own lives. This message is not an addendum to the gospel but is in fact the gospel. “…From the provocative title through to the last page I challenge and inform the reader's understanding of the Kingdom of God and its implications in the here and now. This is not just a theological diatribe, but a reasoned and gritty analysis of what the kingdom of God actually is and how it affects our lifestyle, values and hopes” says Richard Bradbury. Find out more A pertinent topic for all Christians. "A central and pertinent topic, skilfully tackled with insight" … publishedbestsellers.com

Wild Strawberries - Exhilarating true-life story of a war-time evacuee

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War-time evacuee Derek Smith recounts his wild and exhilarating evacuee stories in a new book. This is the true story of a nine year old boy who, at the height of the Birmingham blitz, is transported from his ‘all mod cons’ big city home to the safety of a house in a remote south Staffordshire hamlet, a mile and a half from nowhere, where he finds himself living in domestic and sanitary conditions that have remained unaltered for over a thousand years – the culture shock to end all culture shocks. “…Writing this book was at times a strange experience, so intense were the memories that I often felt that I was that nine year old boy again. It was while in the country I was turned from city fool–into a country boy at heart” says author Derek Smith. Find out more. A poignant story of a young Brummie evacuated to the wild country-side during the Birmingham blitz “Exhilarating true-life story of a war-time evacuee” ... publishedbestsellers.com

A candid review of OTOLI. Have you been there?

A review of by Lubna Sengul* 20 May 2011 Alice Turner a social outcast finds solace from the bullying in a cafe called OTOLI and befriends the mysterious waitress Jenny, only to find that she has her own agenda. OTOLI takes the reader on a very rapid and quick journey of bullying and potential consequences for the bully and the victim. I was able to get into Alice Turner's world of being a victim of bully and understand how she felt. OTOLI is an excellent brief insight into how much hurt a victimised child feels and that name calling can unfortunately in some instance have devastating results. This book should be bought by all schools and provided to pupils in the hope that this will reach a bully and allow them to asses their behaviour towards the bullied and the 'less social' students and allow them to change the way they behave. I do however feel the ending was perhaps rushed and feel disappointed with how things turned out for Alice and Jenny. Apart from this, a good r

Book Savvy Spotlight on Bryony Allen

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest, Bryony Allen writes Adult and Young Adult fiction. She is the author of 'Mystery, Deceit and a School Inspector' and 'OTOLI', her latest book. Bryony is a teacher and currently lives in the beautiful wilds of the Suffolk countryside with her husband, four children, and the family pets of cats and dogs. Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'OTOLI'? I am a primary school teacher and mother of four. I live in a village in the Suffolk countryside and I absolutely love it here. Writing has always been a passion of mine although motherhood, dog walking and work pushes it to the back burner, except in the dark hours of the morning. I am also an avid reader, especially of crime fiction. 'OTOLI' is a book aimed at the teen / young adult audience. It is a tale of how three teenagers coped against bullies and socia

'Bible John - Closure' by Andrew Malloy

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Andrew Malloy releases a gripping thriller set in Glasgow in the late 1960s based on the true-story of the serial killer prophetically dubbed ‘Bible John’. The illegitimate birth of twin boys in 1945: the infamous Bible John slayings: two present day murders. What is the terrifying link that connects all three? During the late 1960’s, the actions of a vicious serial killer prophetically dubbed ‘Bible John’ caused mass hysteria among the young women of Glasgow, holding them in a chilling, vice-like grip of terror. Then, inexplicably, in late 1969, almost as quickly as they had begun, the killings stopped. …Find out more… Author Andrew Malloy says: “The scene is set for a nightmarish journey for Mason Blackwell and his team as the crime count threatens to spiral out of control. Expect the unexpected as the story dramatically twists and turns, sending all concerned towards a violent and terrifying conclusion...” A fictionalised account of the story of 1960s Glasgow serial killer - ‘

Book Savvy Spotlight on Grahame Howard

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Bringing you exclusive interviews with authors featured in the Book Savvy Newsletter. Our Guest is Grahame Howard, the author of four books: 'All Bagged Up', 'The Wishing Book', 'The Wishing Book 2 - Return to Mars' and 'The Wishing Book 3 - Extermination'. Enjoy the interview. Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your book 'Wishing Book 2'? I live with my wife and family in Dorset. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I suffered for 10 years with the disease, Ulcerative Colitis until I had surgery for a permanent ileostomy. I felt quite desperate and if not for my Christian faith I don't know how I would have managed. I wrote about this in my first book, All Bagged Up, to help other people in similar situations. Being a child at heart, I started writing children's fantasy stories. My story is about some children who find a book with magical powers that grants wishes. This has now turned into a series. The W

To Boldly Go - Where so many have gone before.

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Amazing voyages of a nautical nature A daring adventure of one man’s attempt to sail solo round the world. After a working life at sea of some thirty-five years one might think it would be time to swallow the anchor, as the saying goes, and retire to a peaceful existence on shore. However, in the case of this writer such an existence by nature was not to be. To misquote a saying; you can take a sailor away from the sea, but you can't take the sea from a sailor, and the pull to return to the water is forever strong. 'I want to go down to the sea again to the lonely sea and the sky,' as John Masefield wrote in his poem Sea Fever. This book relates the further experiences of a nautical nature for the author after retiring as a captain of VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers). …Find out more… A daring and immersing true-life sea adventure …publishedbestsellers.com .