Published Bestsellers

An unforgettable trip to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia Book Reviews by John Davies*. "Valerie Astill's book is a marvellous account of a challenging three week holiday in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Her very readable writing style makes the culture, climate and landscapes of these countries come to life. Her descriptions are incredibly detailed and picturesque making it so easy to visualise the scenes that she describes. Indeed, I almost felt as though I was in the shower with her and the little green frogs! Valerie also gives a warts and all insight into the many difficulties of travel in these South American countries. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful travelogue - well worth reading, even if you're not going on holiday to South America." ---------- *John Davies is an author, song writer and poet. He is also an athlete and has been the Welsh Masters javelin champion in his age group nearly every year since 1989. He is the Treasurer of Port Talbot Harriers and

Author and Travel writer, Valerie Astill releases an insightful new book based on her unforgettable trip and adventures to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize . This fascinating trip consisted of so much more than learning about ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs, Zapotecs and Mayans and visiting the remains of their once great cities. Whether travelling by coach, visiting a remote site by five-seater aeroplane or travelling upriver by boat, the journey itself was part of the adventure. However, it was the discovery that many Indians still practised ancient customs, plus unexpected events such as an erupting volcano, falling rocks and animals invading the bedroom at night, that made this journey through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize so memorable. Find out more…Temples and Tacos "...An insightful account for the discerning traveller.”   …publishedbestsellers.com

"At the end of this book I felt I had lost a friend. This travelogue, which follows in reverse the route taken around Ireland by H.V. Morton  80 years earlier is a compulsive read. It is a personal evaluation of Ireland’s colourful and turbulent history. The book spans time from 2000 BC to present day; a veritable time machine encompassing Irish history, music, literature and culture. It evaluates stark poverty in the north, comfortable affluence in the south via European funding; the violence of the I.R.A. and the Black and Tans; the peace and calm of Irish music and verse. All this within magical, magnificent, majestic and inspirational coastline, crags, hills and dales, lakes and fairy glades. John Butler’s careful and considered comparison with Ireland today against Morton’s observations in the 1930s reveal interesting anecdotes which particularly relate to an island culture. The sights, sounds and smells of Ireland are set in high relief by his personal experie

Author of 'In Search Of Ireland Again', John Butler  talks about his new book. " I first visited Ireland in 1947 – inspired by that King of travel writers, H.V.Morton and his ‘In Search of Ireland’. In numerous visits since, I have been struck by the changing face of the country, splintered by the formation of the six counties to become part of the UK. The book tells of a country in desperate poverty, resurgence into prosperity, via the European Community, the fight for independence, the violence of the IRA and the Black and Tans. It tells of the eternal haemorrhaging of its people through emigration and a history bound up so tightly with our own. The book is a personal account of the tours. It is more than a mere travelogue; it is a personal observation and evaluation of the traumatic phases of the country and its history – seen in past, present and future. I am bewitched by the sheer beauty of Glengariff, see Cushenden and I’m reminded of Clough Elliss and Port

" Want a trip through Ireland with a congenial companion? Here's someone with a feel for landscape and its moods; for Ireland past and present (sharing its woes, hoping for better things); for a myriad places where history and memory interweave... John Butler raises innocent questions with his host, but can't suppress shrewd comments. He enjoys the cosmopolitan encounters of the tourist trail. And all this is a stream of succinct, sharp observations. " John Dixon " It was a great surprise and pleasure to receive your lovely book, as a present from our friend. We spent 14 happy years living in County Antrim (1965 - 79),and had holidays in Connemara and Co. Kerry so your book is of great interest to us. I have to tell you that I read it from cover to cover in one go- it was so compelling, and learnt more about the history, and complex politics than during our time living there! Thank you for our treasured copy, which our son and daughter will also find abso

In Search Of Ireland Again By  John Butler This is a personal account of the author’s tours of Ireland. The book tells of a country in desperate poverty, resurgence into prosperity, the fight for independence and the violence involved. It tells of the eternal haemorrhaging of its people through emigration. Be captivated and bewitched by the sheer beauty of this glorious land as the author takes you on an unforgettable and ‘guided’ tour of Glengariff, Cushenden, Donegal, Cong, Knock, Claddagh, Dublin, Galway, Mount Melleray and more. Clever, compelling and complete with photographs! Author John Butler says “My love of Ireland inspired me to write of my tours … I do not see it only through my own eyes but through those of the King of travel writers, H.V. Morton, eighty years ago... ‘In Search of Ireland Again’ is more than a travelogue; it is a personal observation and evaluation of the traumatic phases of the country and its history - seen in past, present and future.” “We

“Well researched, highly enjoyable and witty travelogue” …publishedbestsellers.com Paperback | Waterstones | Amazon UK Ebook | Kobo | Google Play |  Amazon Kindle |  Apple iBook | Nook

"I have just completed my second reading of 'In Search of Ireland Again' and feel I must say how much I have enjoyed doing so. I lived and worked in Ireland (mostly in the north) for a couple of years around 1950 and did quite a bit of exploring and looking around. However, it took your book to show me that I hardly covered the smallest fraction of the place, even geographically let alone all the interesting histories you quoted. H.V.Morton can rest easy in your continuation of the number of the places to see and enjoy. On my next reading, I intend to use my road - map to identify more accurately just where all these interesting little places fit - it may be that I have actually visited them but can't remember. I just wanted to thank you for bringing back some of my youthful exploits - happy days!! " Jean Singleton Watch Trailer Paperback | Waterstones | Amazon UK Ebook | Kobo | Hive | Google Play |  Amazon Kindle |  Apple iBook John Butler

Chester to Chepstow | Travel | by John Davies |    

In Search Of Ireland Again | Travel and holiday By John Butler The book is a personal account of the tours. It is more than a mere travelogue; it is a personal observation and evaluation of the traumatic phases of the country and its history – seen in past, present and future.

From Coconuts to Condors: A book on unforgettable travel adventures during a trip to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Also featured,  Temples and Tacos: An insightful and inspiring book on a trip to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. An amazing travel experience! Valerie Astill is the author of 'From Coconuts to Condors' and has also written a second book titled - 'Temples and Tacos' about her journey through Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Read selected Reviews: http://www.publishedbestsellers.com/2012/02/excellent-review-of-from-coconuts-to.html http://www.publishedbestsellers.com/2012/01/from-coconuts-to-condors-candid-reviews.html http://www.publishedbestsellers.com/2010/01/from-coconuts-to-condors.html