万本电子书0元读

万本电子书0元读

The Boy No One Loved: Free Sampler
The Boy No One Loved: Free Sampler
Casey Watson
¥14.62
Discover the incredible memoirs of internationally bestselling author Casey Watson with this free extended eBook sampler of Casey’s first book, and Sunday Times bestseller, The Boy No One Loved. Justin was five years old; his brothers two and three. Their mother, a heroin addict, had left them alone again. Later that day, after trying to burn down the family home, Justin was taken into care. Six years on, after 20 failed placements, Justin arrives at Casey’s home. Casey and her husband Mike are specialist foster carers. They practice a new style of foster care that focuses on modifying the behaviour of profoundly damaged children. They are Justin’s last hope, and it quickly becomes clear that they are facing a big challenge. Try as they might to make him welcome, he seems determined to strip his life of all the comforts they bring him, violently lashing out at schoolmates and family and throwing any affection they offer him back in their faces. After a childhood filled with hurt and rejection, Justin simply doesn’t want to know. But, as it soon emerges, this is only the tip of a chilling iceberg. A visit to Justin’s mother on Boxing Day reveals that there are some very dark underlying problems that Justin has never spoken about. As the full picture becomes clearer, and the horrific truth of Justin’s early life is revealed, Casey and her family finally start to understand the pain he has suffered…
This Winter (A Solitaire novella)
This Winter (A Solitaire novella)
Alice Oseman
¥22.66
A short story, based on characters from Solitaire – praised as ‘The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age’ The Times I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now… I’m not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me, and all of the sad. I’m going to block it all out. Just for today. "Happy Christmas, " I say. The festive season isn't always happy for Tori and her brother Charlie. And this year's going to be harder than most.
A Present from Paul Temple: Two Short Stories including Light-Fingers
A Present from Paul Temple: Two Short Stories including Light-Fingers
Francis Durbridge
¥18.65
Two short stories featuring Francis Durbridge’s famous detective, Paul Temple. The perfect winter read, these two short stories follow Paul and Steve through a blustery Christmas and New Year’s Eve to solve two compelling crimes. Also featuring an introduction from Francis Durbridge on how he created his famous detective.
Dog Soldiers: Love, loyalty and sacrifice on the front line
Dog Soldiers: Love, loyalty and sacrifice on the front line
Isabel George
¥66.22
Dog Soldiers tells the story of two brave young ‘dog soldiers’ (Army bomb dog handlers), killed in action in Afghanistan with their dogs by their side, through the inspirational words of their mothers. Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and Lance Corporal Liam Tasker were both dog lovers from boyhood and went on to do the job they had always wanted to do. Through the soldiers’ mothers – Lyn Rowe and Jane Duffy – the book will take the reader on a journey and a celebration of the young men’s lives that begins with the two young boys growing up and fulfilling their dream to serve Queen and country as Army dog handlers – Ken Rowe with his dog, Sasha, and Liam Tasker with his canine partner, Theo. Both mothers acknowledge that their sons signed up to do the job they loved best and fell with their loyal and trusted best friend beside them. Jane Duffy said of her son, Liam Tasker: ‘I know my son died doing the job he loved. And he loved that dog as I loved my son, with every ounce of his being. To lose Liam was and still is unbearable. But for Liam to have survived without Theo? Unthinkable.’
The Whitest Flower
The Whitest Flower
Brendan Graham
¥63.77
Set against the backdrop of the Great Famine, this is the story of the triumph of one woman amidst Ireland's despair. It is August 1845. In Dublin's Botanic Gardens, Phytophora infestans is discovered for the first time. The bacteria was to result in the Great Famine, an event of holocaust proportions that affected every man, woman and child in Ireland. England's shame; Ireland's tragedy . Ellen O'Malley is one such victim. She loses her husband, is duped into going to Australia to lead a better life, leaving three of her beloved children behind. She travels aboard a coffin ship and arrives emaciated and ill with her new baby. But Ellen, a woman with an indomitable spirit, rises above her oppression and eventually returns to wreak revenge on those perpetrators of her misery.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us
Rob Ewing
¥66.22
When a pandemic wipes out the entire population of a remote Scottish island, only a small group of children survive. How will they fend for themselves? Since the last adult died, sensible Elizabeth has been the group leader, testing for a radio signal, playing teacher and keeping an eye on Alex, the littlest, whose insulin can only last so long. There is ‘shopping’ to do in the houses they haven’t yet searched and wrong smells to avoid. For eight-year-old Rona each day brings fresh hope that someone will come back for them, tempered by the reality of their dwindling supplies. With no adults to rebel against, squabbles threaten the fragile family they have formed. And when brothers Calum Ian and Duncan attempt to thwart Elizabeth’s leadership, it prompts a chain of events that will endanger Alex’s life and test them all in unimaginable ways. Reminiscent of The Lord of the Flies and The Cement Garden, The Last of Us is a powerful and heartbreaking novel of aftershock, courage and survival.
The Things I Should Have Told You
The Things I Should Have Told You
Carmel Harrington
¥60.14
But for the Guinness family a happy ending looks out of reach. Olly and Mae's marriage is crumbling, their teenage daughter Evie is on a mission to self-destruct and their beloved Pops is dying of cancer. Their once strong family unit is slowly falling apart. But Pops has one final gift to offer his beloved family – a ray of hope to cling to. As his life's journey draws to a close, he sends his family on an adventure across Europe in a camper van, guided by his letters, his wisdom and his love. Because Pops knows that all his family need is time to be together, to find their love for each other and to find their way back home… What readers are saying about Carmel Harrington: ‘Carmel Harrington…will make you see life in a different way’ – Woman’s Way ‘A wonderfully life-affirming, heart-warming book. Carmel Harrington writes with such honesty, you'd have to be made of stone not to laugh and cry’ – New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor ‘I always feel a little richer for having read one of Carmel’s books…this inspiring and emotional family-centred read stole my heart’ – Between the Lines
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper
Debbie Johnson
¥61.51
But for the Guinness family a happy ending looks out of reach. Olly and Mae's marriage is crumbling, their teenage daughter Evie is on a mission to self-destruct and their beloved Pops is dying of cancer. Their once strong family unit is slowly falling apart. But Pops has one final gift to offer his beloved family – a ray of hope to cling to. As his life's journey draws to a close, he sends his family on an adventure across Europe in a camper van, guided by his letters, his wisdom and his love. Because Pops knows that all his family need is time to be together, to find their love for each other and to find their way back home… What readers are saying about Carmel Harrington: ‘Carmel Harrington…will make you see life in a different way’ – Woman’s Way ‘A wonderfully life-affirming, heart-warming book. Carmel Harrington writes with such honesty, you'd have to be made of stone not to laugh and cry’ – New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor ‘I always feel a little richer for having read one of Carmel’s books…this inspiring and emotional family-centred read stole my heart’ – Between the Lines
Test Your Cat 2: Genius Edition: Confirm your cat’s undiscovered genius!
Test Your Cat 2: Genius Edition: Confirm your cat’s undiscovered genius!
Simon Holland
¥36.79
The perfect gift book for cat lovers everywhere! Assess your cat’s genius in a series of fun and easy tests and activities, in this follow-up to the best-selling TEST YOUR CAT. Cats are known for their intelligence, independence, and agility, always landing on their feet and able to find food and an unattended cat flap anywhere in the neighbourhood. Sure your cat is clever, but can he play you like a fiddle for human food? How about work a remote control? Or fend off uninvited relatives? The all-new Test Your Cat: Genius Edition is full of fun tests and activities you can do with your cat to confirm whether the marvellous Master Monty really is a prodigy on four paws.
Test Your Dog 2: Genius Edition: Confirm your dog’s undiscovered genius!
Test Your Dog 2: Genius Edition: Confirm your dog’s undiscovered genius!
Rachel Federman
¥36.79
The perfect gift book for dog lovers everywhere! Assess your dog’s genius in a series of fun and easy tests and activities, in this follow-up to the best-selling TEST YOUR DOG. Dogs are known for their loyalty, unconditional love, and general best-friendship. You know your dog can sit, fetch, and roll over. But can he sit up like a human? Respond to “fetch” in multiple languages?Distinguish Mozart from M?tley Crüe? What about comprehend the finer points of poker? The all-new Test Your Dog: Genius Edition is full of fun tests and activities you can do with your precious pooch to confirm whether your little Fido really is an Einstein with a waggy tail.
Muhammad Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest
Muhammad Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest
Thomas Hauser
¥95.75
Few global personalities have commanded an all-encompassing sporting and cultural audience like Muhammad Ali. Many have tried to interpret his impact and legacy into words. Now, Muhammad Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest allows us to more fully appreciate the truth—and understand both the man and the ways in which he helped recalibrate how the world perceives its transcendent figures. In this celebratory volume, New York Times bestselling author Thomas Hauser provides a compelling retrospective of Ali’s life. relying on personal insights, interviews with close associates and other contemporaries, and memories gathered over the course of decades on the cutting edge of boxing journalism, Hauser explores Ali in colorful detail inside and outside the ring. Muhammad Ali has attained mythical status. But in recent years, he has been subjected to an image makeover by corporate America as it seeks to homogenize the electrifying nature of his persona. Hauser argues that there has been a deliberate distortion of what Ali believed, said, and stood for, and that making Ali more presentable for advertising purposes by sanitizing his legacy is a disservice to history as well as to Ali himself.
The New Order (The Elementia Chronicles, Book 2)
The New Order (The Elementia Chronicles, Book 2)
Sean Fay Wolfe
¥51.50
The New Order (The Elementia Chronicles, Book 2)
Can I Let You Go?: Part 3 of 3
Can I Let You Go?: Part 3 of 3
Cathy Glass
¥28.45
Can I Let You Go? is the true story of Faye, a wonderful young woman who may never be able to parent her unborn child. Faye is 24, pregnant, and has learning difficulties as a result of her mother’s alcoholism. Faye is gentle, childlike and vulnerable, and normally lives with her grandparents, both of whom have mobility problems. Cathy and her children welcome Faye into their home and hearts. The care plan is for Faye to stay with Cathy until after the birth when she will return home and the baby will go for adoption. Given that Faye never goes out alone it is something of a mystery how she ever became pregnant and Faye says it’s a secret. To begin with Faye won’t acknowledge she is pregnant or talk about the changes in her body as she worries it will upset her grandparents, but after her social worker assures her she can talk to Cathy she opens up. However, this leads to Faye realizing just how much she will lose and she changes her mind and says she wants to keep her baby. Is it possible Faye could learn enough to parent her child? Cathy believes it is, and Faye’s social worker is obliged to give Faye the chance.
The Bad Things (Alex Devlin, Book 1)
The Bad Things (Alex Devlin, Book 1)
Mary-Jane Riley
¥45.42
A darkly compelling psychological thriller, full of twists and turns, perfect for fans of THE WICKED GIRLS by Alex Marwood and THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT by Kate Hamer. Alex Devlin’s life changed forever fifteen years ago when her sister Sasha's two small children were snatched in broad daylight. Little Harry’s body was found a few days later, but Millie’s remains were never discovered. Now Jackie Wood, jailed as an accessory to the twins’ murder, has been released, her conviction quashed by the Appeal Court. Convinced Jackie can reveal where Millie is buried, Alex goes to meet her. But the unexpected information Wood reveals shocks Alex to the core and threatens to uncover the dark secret she has managed to keep under wraps for the past fifteen years. Because in the end, can we ever really know what is in the hearts of those closest to us?
Tales from a Young Vet: Part 2 of 3
Tales from a Young Vet: Part 2 of 3
Jo Hardy,Caro Handley
¥24.33
The funny, touching and entertaining story of how Jo Hardy, the star of BBC3’s Young Vets, gets to grips with animals big and small, friendly and not-at-all-happy, on the road to becoming a fully qualified vet. ‘Stand well clear. Keep your eyes on them. Oh, and make sure you have insurance.’ Not the most comforting words of wisdom, but probably the most useful for a trainee vet, Jo would say. From well-equipped surgeries to windswept hills and ramshackle barns, Jo has to be able to diagnose and treat any animal, at any time of the day or night. It’s not quite as easy as James Herriot made it seem. Jo’s final year of training saw her race from rectal examinations of cows to spine surgery on a Great Dane, and from treating an eventing horse with a heart problem to inserting a contraceptive implant into a monkey. And then there were the owners – the tough guy who sobbed when his cat was diagnosed with cancer, the woman who was convinced her dog was embarrassed by its stomach upset, and the farmer who loved his cows as much as anyone loves their pets. Gruelling days of animal treatments and visits combined with long nights of study and revision made Jo’s final year of training the most demanding and rewarding year of her life. Her book tells of the highs and lows, the pets that stole her heart, and the lifelong friends that she made – with two legs and four.
Tales from a Young Vet: Part 3 of 3
Tales from a Young Vet: Part 3 of 3
Jo Hardy,Caro Handley
¥24.33
The funny, touching and entertaining story of how Jo Hardy, the star of BBC4’s Young Vets, gets to grips with animals big and small, friendly and not-at-all-happy, on the road to becoming a fully qualified vet. ‘Stand well clear. Keep your eyes on them. Oh, and make sure you have insurance.’ Not the most comforting words of wisdom, but probably the most useful for a trainee vet, Jo would say. From well-equipped surgeries to windswept hills and ramshackle barns, Jo has to be able to diagnose and treat any animal, at any time of the day or night. It’s not quite as easy as James Herriot made it seem. Jo’s final year of training saw her race from rectal examinations of cows to spine surgery on a Great Dane, and from treating an eventing horse with a heart problem to inserting a contraceptive implant into a monkey. And then there were the owners – the tough guy who sobbed when his cat was diagnosed with cancer, the woman who was convinced her dog was embarrassed by its stomach upset, and the farmer who loved his cows as much as anyone loves their pets. Gruelling days of animal treatments and visits combined with long nights of study and revision made Jo’s final year of training the most demanding and rewarding year of her life. Her book tells of the highs and lows, the pets that stole her heart, and the lifelong friends that she made – with two legs and four.
Dog Soldiers: Part 1 of 3: Love, loyalty and sacrifice on the front line
Dog Soldiers: Part 1 of 3: Love, loyalty and sacrifice on the front line
Isabel George
¥34.14
Dog Soldiers tells the story of two brave young ‘dog soldiers’ (Army bomb dog handlers), killed in action in Afghanistan with their dogs by their side, through the inspirational words of their mothers. Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe and Lance Corporal Liam Tasker were both dog lovers from boyhood and went on to do the job they had always wanted to do. Through the soldiers’ mothers – Lyn Rowe and Jane Duffy – the book will take the reader on a journey and a celebration of the young men’s lives that begins with the two young boys growing up and fulfilling their dream to serve Queen and country as Army dog handlers – Ken Rowe with his dog, Sasha, and Liam Tasker with his canine partner, Theo. Both mothers acknowledge that their sons signed up to do the job they loved best and fell with their loyal and trusted best friend beside them. Jane Duffy said of her son, Liam Tasker: ‘I know my son died doing the job he loved. And he loved that dog as I loved my son, with every ounce of his being. To lose Liam was and still is unbearable. But for Liam to have survived without Theo? Unthinkable.’
Walking Through Spring
Walking Through Spring
Graham Hoyland
¥73.58
Walking Through Spring follows Graham Hoyland’s journey as he creates a new national trail, walking with the Spring from the south coast in March up to the border with Scotland, which he reaches on the longest day:the twenty-first of June. How does the Earth’s angle to the sun make the seasons change? Which plants start blooming first? Which birds survive the bitter winter in our hedgerows and which arrive from overseas? Graham Hoyland introduces us to England’s unique botanical, geographical and social landscape as Spring unfolds across the country – from dairy cows cantering and kicking their heels when released into lush meadows in the West Country, to new lambs in the Peak District. Avoiding roads, Walking Through Spring begins on the sea shore at Lymington, up through the New Forest, following the old ways to Salisbury and Bath, then heads north along the Cotswold Escarpment, up the River Wye through England’s secret county of Herefordshire to Offa’s Dyke. Hoyland takes us through John Lewis-Stempel’s famous meadowland, across the Malvern Hills and along canal tow-paths to the Pennine Way, Yorkshire Dales and the English Border country. The journey also engages with England’s rural characters:farmers, tractor drivers, pub landlords and narrow-boat owners. What does Spring mean to them? Is it really getting earlier every year? Away from the streams of gleaming cars and motorways, can Springtime help us reconnect with the old England of The Wildwood and Pan?
Every Time a Bell Rings
Every Time a Bell Rings
Carmel Harrington
¥37.47
Belle has taken all the Christmas decorations down. This year they won’t be celebrating. As foster parents, Belle and Jim have given many children the chance of a happier start in life. They’ve loved them as if they were their own. They shouldn’t have favourites but little Lauren has touched their hearts. And now her mother is well enough to take her back and Belle can’t bear the loss. Hence, Christmas is cancelled. So when Jim crashes his car one icy December night, after an argument about Lauren, Belle can only blame herself. Everything she loves is lost. And Belle finds herself standing on The Ha’Penny Bridge wishing she had never been born. But what happens to a Christmas wish when an angel is listening… Will Belle realise, before it’s too late, that her life is the most wonderful life of all? Inspired by the timeless tale of beloved Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, Carmel Harrington’s next book tells the story of Belle, a young woman and foster carer from Dublin who faces the hardest decision of her life this Christmas on The Ha’Penny Bridge. Full of Irish charm, magic, and the warmth of the festive season this is an emotional, heartwarming story that will stay with you long after you’ve reached ‘The End’. Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern & Jojo Moyes. Carmel is the bestselling author of The Life You Left & Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, voted Romantic eBook of the Year 2013.
The Silent Cry:Part 3 of 3
The Silent Cry:Part 3 of 3
Cathy Glass
¥15.60
The heartbreaking true story of a young, troubled mother who needed help. The sixteenth fostering memoir by Cathy Glass. It’s a big, exciting moment for Laura when she decides to finally take her new baby out to the school playground for the first time ever. What should be a happy, magical moment quickly sours, however, when Laura suddenly feels queasy and runs off back home. None of the other schoolyard mothers seem to notice this troubled, struggling woman – apart from Cathy. But when Cathy tries to help, she finds herself hitting wall after wall. Laura needs medical help but refuses to see a doctor. Her own cold mother refuses to help. It is left to Cathy to try and bring light to this dark and dangerous place.
Can I Let You Go?:Part 1 of 3
Can I Let You Go?:Part 1 of 3
Cathy Glass
¥28.45
Can I Let You Go? is the true story of Faye, a wonderful young woman who may never be able to parent her unborn child. Faye is 24, pregnant, and has learning difficulties as a result of her mother’s alcoholism. Faye is gentle, childlike and vulnerable, and normally lives with her grandparents, both of whom have mobility problems. Cathy and her children welcome Faye into their home and hearts. The care plan is for Faye to stay with Cathy until after the birth when she will return home and the baby will go for adoption. Given that Faye never goes out alone it is something of a mystery how she ever became pregnant and Faye says it’s a secret. To begin with Faye won’t acknowledge she is pregnant or talk about the changes in her body as she worries it will upset her grandparents, but after her social worker assures her she can talk to Cathy she opens up. However, this leads to Faye realizing just how much she will lose and she changes her mind and says she wants to keep her baby. Is it possible Faye could learn enough to parent her child? Cathy believes it is, and Faye’s social worker is obliged to give Faye the chance.