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Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes (Downton Abbey Shorts, Book 7)
￥11.77
This richly illustrated short, extracted from the official book The Chronicles of Downton Abbey, focuses on the characters individually, examining their motivations, their actions and the inspirations behind them. Forwarded by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. It is a strange life for the likes of Carson and Mrs Hughes, sitting between the family and the servants and never completely belonging to either group. It’s easy to understand why the two of them seek refuge in each other, even in their own rather stilted fashion. ‘Carson comes from a family of soldiers and servants,’ says Julian Fellowes. ‘His grandfather was a head groom and so he’s middle-middle class – they certainly weren’t scrabbling in the gutter for food.’ Mrs Hughes gave up the idea of marriage and a family for her career as Downton’s housekeeper. This does not mean she was without ambition: a career in service was something to be proud of; the job was steady, she had respect from her colleagues and she could look forward to a reasonably comfortable retirement provided by the Downton Abbey estate, if she served the family for many years. Purchase this ebook short and the others in the series to get closer still to the characters at Downton Abbey and to understand more about their social context – from the changing role of the aristocracy to fashion and beauty, American Anglophiles, the Suffragette movement and life below stairs in a big country house like Downton. Search for The Chronicles of Downton Abbey to purchase all shorts combined.
The Rest Is Noise Series: Beethoven Was Wrong
￥11.77
This is a chapter from Alex Ross’s groundbreaking history of twentieth-century classical music, ‘The Rest is Noise’. Further extracts are available as digital shorts, accompanying the London Southbank festival programme. After Paul McCartney listened to the electronic layering and looping of Stockhausen, the Beatles used the same effects on Revolver’s ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ and put an image of the composer on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. For a split second during ‘Revolution 9’ the final chords of Sibelius’s Seventh Symphony can be heard. Even the most jaded veteran of twentieth century music must have been startled by the influence of the post-war avant-garde on the psychedelic generation. Now a major festival running throughout 2013 at London’s Southbank, The Rest is Noise is an intricate commentary not just on the sounds that defined the century, but on art’s troublesome dance with politics, social and cultural change. Alex Ross is the New Yorker’s music critic, and the winner of the Guardian First Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award for The Rest is Noise, which was also shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson and Pulitzer prizes for non-fiction.
In a Cat’s Eye
￥11.77
‘Curious Incident’ meets ‘Catcher in the Rye’ in this crime-noir debut. The police said Nancy OD’d and she was a tramp. But she wasn’t; she was my friend. I didn’t see her Virgin Mary statue in her room, and I said some guy killed her and took it. Mr. Winkley was in the hallway meowing. The Colonel knew all about crimes. He said, Okay Willy we’ll conduct an investigation… There were a lot of suspects in that hotel. When a young woman in her locked room is found dead with junk in her veins, three friends follow a twisted trail of clues through the Morpheum – a seedy, crumbling hotel, home to the lost, the forgotten, the dreamers, and a killer.
Forward Slash Free Sampler
￥11.77
Download an EXCLUSIVE FREE extract of the terrifying new Psychological Thriller from Mark Edwards and Louise Voss. ‘I was gripped all the way.’ Peter James. He's posted on your wall. He's following you on Twitter. He knows where you are right now… When Amy receives an email from her older sister, Becky, announcing that she's off travelling and "don't try to find me", she is worried. Becky would never do such a thing on a whim. Amy – who is recovering from an abusive relationship that has left her terrified of love – soon finds that Becky had started using online dating sites. Aided by Becky's neighbour, Gary, Amy sets about tracking down the men her sister had dated, following a trail that leads her into the darkly seductive world of internet hook-ups. But Amy is unaware that a sadistic killer is watching – a killer who’s been using the internet to stalk, torture and kill. Now he’s got something very special planned for Amy and she is about to find out that romance really is dead.
David and Me: My path to solo motherhood
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“This is the very beginning of the story of my life with my son. In some ways it is an unconventional one; a tale of choosing solo motherhood, with all its painful and joyful twists and turns. But at its heart it simply recounts a mother’s love for her child; a love that has been replicated throughout time all over the world.” The true story of Esther, who, at the age of 42, found herself single yet longing to be a mother. Flying in the face of the advice and scaremongering from the media, she made the brave decision to go it alone. Initially, the path was smooth, and Esther received nothing but encouragement and support from family and friends. But, as she ventured further down the path towards solo motherhood, Esther began to run up against bureaucracy, crushing negativity, obstructions and, occasionally, in amongst the care and compassion of doctors, nurses, embryologists and sonographers, bewildering incompetence. From IUI to IVF, dramatic hormonal fluctuations creating frustration and exhaustion, and a devastating blow, through to the joy of motherhood at last, Esther’s story is both moving and life-affirming.
Laugh or You’ll Cry
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For most mothers, keeping up with the washing, the mess and the irrepressible energy of two young boys is a challenge in itself. But when Sue Askin’s eldest son was diagnosed with autism, only to be followed by her own diagnosis of MS the next year, the challenge became ever so slightly harder… Told in her own upbeat words, this is the heart-warming and funny account of one woman’s determination to do the best for her child, whilst learning to cope with her own diagnosis without any fuss. Packed with funny anecdotes and familiar challenges to which all families will relate, you’ll be uplifted and inspired as much as you’ll be smiling.
The Hero of Drumree: Beyond the Stars
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A short story taken from the Fighting Words charity collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two of the most outstanding talents in children’s fiction today When Fleece, one of the foot soldiers of the valiant Hibernian Army, whose cowardice is a constant source of guilt, is sent to battle the demons of the Fomorian Empire, he becomes the accidental Hero of Drumree. But Fleece’s weapons have always been words, not swords, and his newfound status leaves him with an unexpected feeling, presenting him the most difficult decision of his life – revealing to him the true meaning of bravery.
Ice Fairies: Beyond the Stars
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A witty short story from the collection, BEYOND THE STARS, written and illustrated by two Irish talents in children’s fiction today The first great snowfall of winter and Brian and his friends can’t contain their excitement. They rush out to play in this magical new world before the daylight fades. Noticing a glistening above them, the children see the snow-laden boughs of the trees are dripping in icicles, each one dressed in a ribbony wisp of gold. ‘Ice fairies…’ Brian breathes in wonder. Trying to get a closer look, no one is sure whether or not the fairies are real, and as delicate white flakes start falling from the sky, they are soon distracted from finding out by throwing snowballs and having fun. Will anyone remember about the fairies, hanging silently from the trees? Or notice a mysterious old man sitting on a bench, trailing golden ribbon from his pocket… A magical and imaginative tale brought to life by beautiful illustrations. Look out for the other eleven stories, also available as e-shorts!
Messages from Angels
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In our deepest darkest hours, we are not alone. The spirits of our loved ones continue to exist after the body dies and many thousands of people around the world have experienced extraordinary signs from heaven to prove this. Afterlife expert and bestselling author Jacky Newcomb knows that the spirit world is real. In this short story she shares some of the thousands of tales she has heard about messages from the other side. ?The spontaneous angel gift that gave a woman courage to leave an abusive relationship ?The mysterious disappearing doctor who saved a pregnant woman and her premature baby son ?The grandma and great grandma who protected their grandson, from heaven Ordinary people from all over the world have experienced signs that their angels are listening and supporting them in their time of need. In Messages from Angels, Jacky will bring hope and comfort and share some of the little signs that can bring magic into your life.
Terri’s Story (Individual stories from WISH YOU WERE HERE!, Book 7)
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One of seven touching true stories from Wish You Were Here!, the tale of Butlin’s holiday camps. ‘When I got to the camp I felt as if I’d suddenly walked into Utopia – it was so colourful, so warm, so friendly. There were lights across the roads, there were banners fluttering in the breeze… There seemed to be laughter coming from every building.’ With grey post-WWII skies hanging low over Britain, factories lining the streets and smoke stacks dotting the horizon, there was one way that ordinary families could escape: the ever-cheerful holiday camps of Butlin’s. When Billy Butlin founded his holiday camps in 1936, they were bastions of community spirit and havens of luxury. Here, for one week, wives and mothers were freed from the toil and drudgery of housework, children ran free through the grounds, fathers and husbands hung up their work clothes. Ever-helpful redcoats were on hand all hours of the day, dinner halls ready with plentiful food for old and young alike, bars stocked to quench any level of thirst, ballrooms waiting to be flooded with shiny shoes, rustling dresses and peals of laughter. And, as the sun went down on another exhausting, happy day, a chorus line was ready to sing holidaymakers back to their beds. Rich in period detail and highly evocative, Wish You Were Here! follows the lives of seven of the camps’ key figures through the highs and lows of the holiday season: from redcoats searching for stardom to young families who returned year after year, to pensioners who rediscovered an inner youth. The laughter and tears, the loves and losses, and the fun and friendships that have lasted a lifetime – it's all here. Funny, moving and heartwarming, they are tales of swimming pools and sing-a-longs, Glamorous Grannies and bicycle rides, and of a community spirit that burned brightly in a much-loved British institution.
Ice Creams at Carrington’s: Part Two, Chapters 8–15 of 26
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The third book in the delightful series, set in Carrington’s Department Store. Alexandra Brown’s new novel, Ice Creams at Carrington’s, has been serialized into 4 parts – this is PART 2 OF 4 (Chapters 8 to 15 of 26). *The first three parts of Ice Creams at Carrington’s are being released every few days from 22nd May 2014, before the full novel is published. The final part will be released on 5th June 2014, when the full novel will also be available to buy in ebook and paperback* Georgie Hart and Carrington’s Department Store have got the world at their feet. Since a reality TV series put them both on the map, life has been amazing! Carrington’s profits are in the pink, Georgie has carved herself a place in the nation’s heart and even better, her romance with Tom, the store’s boss, has finally blossomed after a shaky start. Now summertime has come to Mulberry-on-Sea and Georgie is in great demand. The town is holding a big summer festival and she and her mates from Carrington’s are planning on making sure that Mulberry puts on the show of its life! But Georgie is about to get the offer of a lifetime – one that is just too good to turn down and something that will test her loyalties to their limits… Will Georgie be able to pull off it off once again, or has her luck finally run out?
The Wild Child
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Casey tells the harrowing story of Connor, an eight year old boy from a broken home who comes to stay with her family. It’s a Saturday morning when Casey and Mike are asked to take in eight year old Connor – an emergency placement, just for a couple of days, following a violent incident at his now former care home. And Casey’s instinct, as ever, is to say yes. With long term foster son Tyler off to football, and no particular plans for the weekend, even the fact that Connor arrives in what looks like a prison van doesn’t phase her – after all, challenging children are what she and Mike have trained for. And how much trouble can he really be? He’s eight. A lot, as it turns out. Connor is as streetwise as they come, and, hurt and angry, seems determined to cause trouble from the off. But despite the attitude, there’s something strangely endearing about their little visitor that makes Casey want to tease out the frightened child behind the swagger. So much so that, with Connor and Tyler getting on so well, she wonders – should they say they’ll keep him longer? It seems like the easiest decision in the world …
The Little Kiosk By The Sea: A Perfect Summer Beach Read
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The wonderful seaside story from Jennifer Bohnet, perfect for fans of Fern Britton and Veronica Henry! One summer they’ll never forget… Meet Sabine, desperately fighting to save her little kiosk from closure whilst turning down her friend Owen’s proposals, time and time again. Cue Harriet, returning to Dartmouth after thirty years, haunted by the scandal that drove her away and shocked by a legacy that threatens her relationship with her journalist daughter. Enter Rachel, the mysterious newcomer who has an unexpected chemistry with a local widower, and who sets in motion a chain of events she could never have predicted… One thing’s for sure, as the autumn tide turns, there’ll be more than one secret laid bare!
Biding Her Time (Mills & Boon Silhouette)
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How did Audrey Griffin–a blacksmith by trade– become a wine hostess? Sure, she's all about "seizing the day," but she's a tomboy, not a booth bunny. Granted, her makeover has transformed her into a hottie–but when you're working with a straitlaced Aussie god like vintner Shane Preston, a little fashion goes a long way! Unfortunately, no-strings-attached doesn't work for Shane. Something about Audrey makes him want more from their fiery attraction–despite the fact that "commitment" leaves Audrey shakier than a horse on Rollerblades. Is she balking at love…or simply biding her time?
The Parent Plan Part 2
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36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. The Parent Plan Part 2 Cassidy has been angry and hostile ever since Vicki's accident, blaming Karen for working at the hospital while Vicki needed her. It's causing a rift in their marriage that gets bigger every day. Karen can't face the loneliness anymore of being with a man too frozen inside to love. Is a separation the only way out? And if Karen and Cassidy try to solve their problems apart, how can they ever get back together? The story concludes in The Parent Plan Part 3.
The Secret Diamond Sisters (The Secret Diamond Sisters, Book 1)
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Three sisters with Big secrets. Get ready to meet...SAVANNAH COURTNEY PEYTON The Diamond sisters never knew their father and never could catch a break. But their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad - a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come and live in a gorgeous penthouse suite. Suddenly they have access to all that their dad's money can provide, meaning it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusions, fitting in is nothing compared with finding out the truth about their past...
Wicked Ink (Urban Fantasy, Book 1)
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Garrett Blackwell is not a superhero, and his tattoos aren't just ink. They're the weapons he uses to hunt those who hurt the innocent as he tries to atone for his dark past of violence and crime. And he pays a price every time he uses his gift to summon the darkness around him. Dory Miller has lived beside Garrett for two months and is torn by her feelings toward her sexy, reclusive neighbour. He's the hottest man she's ever met, but as more women in her building become targets of a stalker, she doesn't know who she can trust - especially after she finds Garrett bleeding from a knife wound. Despite her fears that Garrett might be the one responsible for the violence, she feels compelled to help heal his wounds. Garrett reluctantly lets her, and is shocked to discover that she can heal not only his physical wounds, but also the darkness brought by his powers. But if letting her in means putting her in danger, Garrett may have to keep his distance to keep her safe.
Her Honor-Bound Cowboy (Fast Fiction)
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Fast Fiction Historical - short romantic stories to take you back in time Cowboy Josh Baxter hadn't bargained for a feisty widow and her newborn baby when he came home to take over his family ranch. After all, he hadn't even known his brother had married. Bound by duty to care for mother and child, Josh has only one solution—marriage. Emily will do anything to hold on to her share of the ranch she loves—except agree to a proposal of convenience. But she can't deny the tender feelings that overcome her when she sees Josh holding her tiny daughter. And she isn't sure she can hold out against the handsome cowboy for long!
The Millionaire's Homecoming (Mills & Boon Cherish)
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Returning home to Blossom Valley was the last thing millionaire David Blaze wanted to do, but his family must come first. And seeing widow Kayla Jaffrey, as beautiful as ever, caused David to wonder if maybe they were being given a chance to rewrite history…this time together…
Partners In Crime Part 2
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36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Partners in Crime Part 2 Jack Stryker's investigation into Olivia Stuart's death leads straight to Josie. He'll have to do his job–even if it means arresting the woman he hasn't been able to get out of his mind since their night together. Josie can't believe Jack thinks she could murder her friend. If he were suspected of murder she would believe in him, no matter how damning the evidence. She'll trust her heart over her head any day. How can a relationship survive when two lovers are on opposite sides of the law? The story concludes in Partners in Crime Part 3.
Marriage by Contract Part 3 (36 Hours, Book 24)
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36 Hours Serial As a devastating summer storm hits Grand Springs, Colorado, the next thirty-six hours will change the town and its residents forever…. Marriage by Contract Part 3 For Bethany Kent, life has never been more perfect. She has a beautiful baby and a gorgeous, accomplished husband. Despite the marriage of convenience start to their life together, she and Tony are falling in love. But then Christopher's birth mother returns and wants her son back. If Bethany does what is right and gives up Christopher, will she lose Tony, as well? Don't miss the next book in the continuing story of Grand Springs in Partners in Crime by Alicia Scott.
