Mimi, Sami and Nina are sisters who spend their long summer holidays on the rugged southwest Shipwreck Coast of Victoria. With their family, Mimi & Co learn to swim and surf in the tumbling waves surging in from the cold waters of Bass Strait and climb the great sandstone cliffs that sweep down to the sea. They explore isolated beaches, remote coves, long-lost shipwrecks, and meet penguins, lambs, sheepdogs, frogs - and even a fox. Days are spent reading, sleeping, swimming, and eating picnic lunches on the beach. Television, timetables, and traffic are nowhere to be seen, and time seems somehow to be organised without clocks. We hope you will enjoy their adventures too.
This children's book was inspired by the author's time working with children in primary schools as a teaching assistant, in poetry workshops and as a performance poet, and also during time spent working in an adventure playground. I Want a Pony is a collection of humorous poems and short stories for children aged 5-11 years although it is accessible to older readers. The poems and short stories capture childhood interests and ideas that are current and timeless. This book can also be used as an education resource for primary school teachers covering a range of topics and subjects including bullying and history.
She was tired of people telling her what she should be doing because deep down she knew, she wanted to leave him and the abuse behind but she was scared, she had three young children to care for and was penniless and didn't know where to go, she had very limited qualifications and work experience and more importantly lacked the confidence and understanding that she deserved better. What she really wanted was for someone to save her, someone to tell her how, how can my life change, how do I do this? How do I become that confident person who fights for a better life? Over the next 20 years Toni's journey to self-discovery lead to many life lessons that were crucial in learning how to love who she was, to realise that the strength she needed for a better life was already inside of her, that she was actually powerful beyond belief and that her happiness was dependent on a choice that she herself was in control of and no one else. Positive People Win is a compilation of written learning material that gave Toni the knowledge and the tools she needed to help change her words, actions, beliefs and understanding that inspired and motivated her to be the person she always wanted to be and to have the life she always wanted to have. Toni shares the knowledge contained in her book to inspire hope and share the truth that every person has the power within to live a life they love. The cover of this book was especially hand painted by Liz Childs - an Australian Aboriginal artist. It is an abstract of the Tree of Life and its meaning is wisdom and knowledge.
Princess Toby is an inspiring, fun story to encourage children to be their authentic selves, even if it goes against the social norm. Toby is a happy boy who loves many things, including being a princess. When Toby is confronted by the challenge of his friends and family disapproving of his choice to be a princess, he stays strong. Toby gently guides the disapproving characters with his love and joy. Through his courage and self-love, Toby shows his friends and family that you can be whomever you want to be, and that choosing to be your authentic self brings fun and joy to everyone. This story is to encourage children to stand tall, be proud of who they are and to chase after their dreams. Even when they are faced with other people's discouragement, they don't need to let it get them down and change who they are. Through self-belief, love, and joy, they can show and guide others to see that being yourself brings happiness.
Behind Blue Eyes opens a window into a journey not just through time, but through the tapestry of life itself. Where do the threads of our stories begin? Perhaps a few years back in the blush of youth, or maybe in a distant decade, or even another century. This book isn't just a story; it's a revelation, an uncovering of beginnings and the surprising events that follow. Life, in its essence, is an unpredictable journey. We traverse its path without a map, uncertain of its duration, the people we'll meet, or the destinations we'll reach. Often, life cloaks itself in a veil of predictability, devoid of excitement and adventure. But as Behind Blue Eyes shows, beneath the surface lies a world brimming with unforeseen twists, exhilarating excitement, and adventures that exceed our wildest dreams - sometimes more than we might wish for. Yet, beneath all this is the poignant reminder that life is as fragile as it is fleeting. The unknown timeline of our existence adds a delicate urgency to every moment. Join us on this extraordinary real-life adventure, where the unimaginable becomes reality, the unbelievable is commonplace, and the astonishing is just part of the norm. Behind Blue Eyes invites you to embrace the rollercoaster of life, with all its highs and lows, in a narrative that promises to both surprise and deeply move you.
The Oxford Language dictionary defines an idiom as: 'a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words' Idioms are widely used phrases that say one thing literally but mean something else when explored in context. What does it mean to like the cut of someone's jib? Is it advisable to burn a candle at both ends? What could be gained by reading between the lines of a message and why is this bird in my hand worth holding on to? Turn of Phrase explores the origin and meaning of some well-known idioms using poetry. It introduces a younger audience to how the phrases are used today, using identifiable scenarios. The book aims to enrich our language and may assist in opening a line of communication between caregivers and young people about any issues they may be dealing with at any given time.
Like Paul, try having a heart-to-heart conversation with an appliance and see what happens, but beware: you are entering unchartered territory. Anton, the keen archer keeps seeing blue lights flitting around. Could they be a message from beyond? Learn to what extent a woman goes to make the man, in whose shadow she shelters, happy. What would you choose to do if, like Aella, you came across a set of brightly coloured doors? Or, follow Nikhil the ogre in his travels as he seeks the Kraken. These are just some of the stories you will encounter should you dare lift the cover of this book. Cover design : © Betibup
Nicked unfurls a riveting tale of high-stakes art theft, where the worlds of crime and culture collide. A Parisian van, laden with precious fine art destined for a London sale, falls prey to a cunning heist. Amidst this chaos, Alistair, a casual holidaymaker, finds himself thrust into the heart of the intrigue. Urged to chase the thieves, his pursuit catapults him across the Channel, back to France. Set predominantly in the picturesque southwest of France, Nicked invites readers to explore the enchanting ambience of a 14th-century village perched atop a hill, a locale unwittingly entwined in the heist. By a twist of fate, this village, steeped in history and mystery, is where Alistair owns a summer retreat. As the narrative weaves through the cobbled streets and ancient architecture, suspense builds: will the art thieves' paths cross with that of Alistair, the impromptu investigator? Nicked masterfully combines the allure of a rustic French village with the adrenaline of a crime thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they ponder whether the art and its pursuer will converge in this unexpected haven.
A Brother's Promise is an emotional adult novel that explores the enduring bonds of brotherhood and loyalty. Despite leading vastly different lives, two brothers make a pledge to always support one another through life's ups and downs. When tragedy strikes, successful bachelor Michael is suddenly saddled with this forgotten promise - gaining custody of his brother's two recently orphaned and deeply mistrustful adopted children. Facing a broken engagement and crumbling dreams of an easy future, Michael must confront his own shortcomings to gain the trust of these hurting kids. Through perseverance and unconditional love, Michael begins to connect with the children. But just when they start to become a family, Michael suffers another unthinkable loss. Battling loneliness and depression, he makes the life-altering decision to care for baby Ella, who also desperately needs a home. Though the road to healing is long, Michael discovers that the richest rewards come from keeping promises. A Brother's Promise is an uplifting tale of personal growth, the power of commitment in tough times, and learning to love without limitations.
Poetry from the Heart unveils a poignant tapestry of themes and emotions. Drawing inspiration from the pulse of modern life to timeless reflections of wisdom, each verse resonates with the soul's journey. Dive deep into the turbulent waters of war and death, then find solace in the comforting purrs of Mili, the cat. These verses encapsulate not just the melancholic phases of life but also moments of sheer joy and optimism. Intimately connected to everyday experiences and broader themes alike, this collection promises a spectrum of feelings, ensuring every reader finds a piece of themselves within these pages. Come, embark on an emotive journey, and let the words connect, comfort, and inspire.
Life Blood, written by a renowned leukaemia physician, tells unforgettable stories of his leukaemia patients' battles to be cured but also uniquely describes the stresses that doctors face when looking after extremely ill young people during an extraordinary time in their lives. In reflecting on his long and illustrious career, Professor Marks' memoir offers frank descriptions of his own medical family, some personal experiences of ill-health and his relationships with colleagues and patients in the NHS. Partly written during the Covid pandemic and as he approached retirement, Life Blood offers highly informed and compassionate views on modern medicine, from a pivotal point in both the author's own professional life and the history of healthcare. Uniquely, through these real-life stories, we enter the world of the leukaemia patient, to understand what it is like to be diagnosed and treated for a life-threatening yet frequently curable cancer. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or ALL was the first cancer to be consistently cured in children and is a model for much of modern cancer therapy given that more than half of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. Looking to the future we read of Nitya, whose treatment-refractory leukaemia was cured by CAR T cells, a modern immunotherapy using genetically modified white blood cells, which is now being adapted to treat breast, lung and colon cancer.
This memoir recounts a journey undertaken during an era marked by innocence and naivety, yet brimming with excitement. It was a time when one could traverse from Europe to Asia entirely by land, savouring the gradual shift in cultures and landscapes, a feat that has become increasingly challenging in today's world. This travelogue reflects on a privileged experience, one for which the author remains deeply grateful, having witnessed these diverse regions and cultures first-hand.
France is embroiled in war with Austria as Napoleon races from victory at Castiglione into the ragged peaks of the Tyrol. His aim: defeat the cunning General Würmser and conquer the fortress stronghold of Mantua. But even while Napoleon pursues Würmser down the Brenta River Valley, Austrian forces are secretly gathering under General Alvinczy. They plan a daring offensive to drive the outnumbered French from Italy entirely. So begins a thrilling campaign that will span continents, from the snow-capped Alps to the swirling sands of Egypt. Pursuing his grand vision of strangling English trade by conquering Alexandria and Cairo, Napoleon must defeat both Ottoman forces and the unforgiving desert itself. Even a prowling British Navy led by admiral Lord Nelson cannot deter the ambitious Corsican from this vital strategic prize. This well-researched history analyses Napoleon's audacious Italian and Egyptian operations. Can his Army of Italy withstand aggressive Austrian counterattacks in the mountainous Italian theatre? Will the harsh Egyptian frontier thwart Napoleon's expanding ambitions and grand strategy? This scholarly appraisal provides authoritative perspectives on these pivotal early campaigns of Napoleon's meteoric career.
In Memoir - A New Season, Wanting Proof and Get A Life!, journey through the captivating life of Odette, a young woman coming of age in 1960s Napier, New Zealand. Initially enthralled by the era's fashion, Odette finds her priorities quickly shifting when she takes a job as a shorthand typist in an insurance office at seventeen. A once-harmonious workplace transforms into a labyrinth of emotional complexities. Married by the age of twenty-two, Odette steps into a new season of life filled with both trials and triumphs. This memoir is not just a catalogue of challenges she faces, but a testament to her resilience and adaptability. With each new chapter of her life, from her fashion-obsessed teenage years to the demands of marriage, Odette learns invaluable lessons about what truly matters.
An orphaned kitten, rescued from the jaws of a vicious dog by a young naval captain, Horatio Nelson, is taken on board the battleship HMS Agamemnon to control mice and rats in the hold. The year is 1793 and Britain's navy is about to go to war with France. Terrified of cannons, mice and rats the kitten has to learn about life at sea, but struggles to overcome his fears. Follow the cat's adventures as he is befriended by a cabin boy and is helped by a manger full of animals to adapt to the life of a ship's cat. Against regulations he smuggles a young monkey onto the ship and with his help starts to rid the hold of mice. Finally, despite being injured, he is charged with the task of ridding the ship of two fearsome giant rats. How can he get the monsters off the ship and keep his place amongst the friends he has made on board. Failure is not an option.
In the years leading up to the Second World War, amidst an economic depression, a young cabaret dancer from Northern England accepts a job at a modest music hall in Malta, a Mediterranean island. Unbeknownst to her, the outbreak of war following Italy's declaration against Britain and France in the summer of 1940 would leave her stranded in Malta for the entirety of the conflict. In these challenging times, she finds herself working for the Royal Air Force and embroiled in a passionate love affair with a distinguished RAF pilot. The author, drawing on contemporary eyewitness accounts and historical resources, sets the scene against a backdrop of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. This period marks the two and a half years when Malta's population and its defenders valiantly withstood the relentless onslaught of the Italian and German air forces. Christina and the George Cross Island weaves a narrative that blends fact with fiction, infusing both humour and heartbreak into this compelling tale of war, love, and endurance.
Two single mothers, Brenda and Maureen established friendships when shopping in the city one day. As normal London families, they shared ideas and helped each other out. They both had daughters who automatically became friends too. Events enfold when Tyler the nephew of Maureen began to blackmail his cousin Emilia, Maureen's daughter leading her to sexually groom Maria for Tyler, Brenda's daughter. Maureen suffered depression and was sectioned upon hearing what her nephew had done, Emilia got married early and left for Spain. Maria pursued her education and became a lawyer, but her experience with Tyler scared her emotions; could she love any man? This novel talks about family life and how circumstances change with time. Unexpected illness etc. Find out how The Neighbour at Number 18 got involved.
A cold case comes back to haunt the small town of Valley-Wood. We follow the life of Brendan Gibbons who returns to reconnect with old friends. The townsfolk live a life of quiet effort until it is upturned by outsiders and innuendo. Secrets are being unveiled and catastrophic events lead to a mysterious death that adds a layer of fear and tension. At the foot of the town rests The Woodhouse Lodge on the bank of the fast-flowing Nugget River. The Lodge is a magnet with rafters from the city for the thrill of running white-water rapids. Tangled relationships thread their way through the ever-changing realignments of loyalties. Vivid characters reveal the truth as strange happenings tear the fabric of old friendships. It's a drifting tale of suspenseful moments with no sure footing, until strength and hope shimmer on the horizon.
In an era where freedom remains elusive, a young man finds himself at the heart of a struggle for the most fundamental human right: the right to be free. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1950s Cyprus, this tale, inspired by true events and interwoven with a touch of magic, sees Herodotos championing the cause for independence on multiple fronts. His story marks a timeless testament to the resilience of the few who dare to defy the might of the many.
The poetry anthology titled Unstructured presents an intimate reflection on life's profound moments, a poignant expression of the author's personal experiences and contemplations on the world. With a mix of thought-provoking pieces and witty verses that are sure to tickle your fancy, this anthology is a treasure trove of emotions and insights. Whether you're looking to indulge in a few select poems or immerse yourself in its entirety, Unstructured is the perfect collection for savouring, and one that will leave you yearning for more.
My cold, soaked, naked body was exposed, and I immediately knew I was in danger. As my lip began to quiver and involuntarily protrude, I became drenched with an overwhelming, instant yearning for my mum. Yet no sound would escape my mouth, so I stood there cornered like a mouse surrounded by the steal of a trap set to spring at any moment just waiting to secure me in its unforgiving clutches. My startled, fearful eyes only minutely reflecting the implosion that had just been detonated within my inner sanctum. I was rigid with fear as my body stiffened; my mind silent offering no guidance to navigate its way to a place of safety. I was defenceless, weak, alone and oh how his salivation seemed to intensify. This was one of those acute moments in time where the lens ultimately sharpens its focus and the shutter snaps rapidly. The question is: had you orchestrated this moment to quench your sordid desires and are you about to make the most heinous decision that will manifest into a lifetime of Blame, Shame & Guilt? I close my eyes and silently pray that I will be spared the torment.
Trouble arrives early and often for Jo, the new Hospitality Manager at the Santa Barbara Hotel. Shortly after starting, she faces assault, gets reluctantly deputized by police to bust a money laundering ring, and earns local fame pulling vital documents from a crashed plane. Jo handles the nonstop chaos with aplomb while navigating a troublesome relationship with the pompous head waiter and kindling a new romance with Bob. But just as things seem to stabilize, Bob drops a bombshell: he's been temporarily reassigned to manage another hotel in Cape Town. Everyone suspects longer than a few months, leaving Jo's professional and personal lives in flux once more. Can she continue excelling through turmoil at the Santa Barbara without her right-hand man? Jo primed herself for anything but this. The trials never cease for the hotel's beleaguered-yet-brilliant new hospitality manager.
Set within the vivid imagination of a seven-year-old boy, this story unfolds in the shadows of a life not yet touched by the promise of opportunity and escape. Young Dylann must navigate a maze of challenges to reach a brighter, more hopeful chapter. In his quest, he encounters Callum, a pivotal presence with unforeseen significance. Meanwhile, Dylann's father confronts his own demons, wrestling with a shadowy history of addiction that must be reconciled for the family to move forward. Together, they seek the light at the end of the tunnel, where past and future are entwined.
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