The building of the Alms house in Sherborne has taken the good people of Sherborne into much thought and energetic fund raising, despite still owing the Abbot money for rebuilding after the fire. Against this backdrop, Shaftesbury Abbey becomes embroiled in a gruesome happening which involves A Sherborne family close to the young schoolmaster, Matthias Barton. With eighteen miles of hard riding between the two towns, how can this be resolved?
The Last King in India is the story of an extraordinary man whose memory still divides opinion sharply today. Was he, as the British described him, a debauched ruler who spent his time with "fiddlers, eunuchs and women' instead of running the kingdom? Or, as most Indians believe, a gifted poet whose works are still quoted today, and who was robbed of his throne by the East India Company? Somewhere in between the two extremes lies a complex character: a man who married over 350 women, directed theatrical events lasting a month, and built a fairytale palace in Lucknow. Wajid Ali Shah was written out of the history books after his kingdom was annexed in 1856. Some even thought he had been killed during the mutiny the following year. But he lived on in Calcutta where he spent the last thirty years of his life trying to recreate his lost paradise. He remained a constant problem for the government of India, with his extravagance, his menagerie and his wives-in that order. For the first time his story is told here using original documents from Indian and British archives and meetings with his descendants.
The beloved, bestselling author delivers “an epic tale . . . A complicated entanglement of family secrets, love during wartime and dangerous liaisons” (Red Magazine). “Sorting through her parents’ possessions after their deaths, Mair Ellis discovers a Kashmir shawl that once belonged to her Welsh grandmother, Nerys Watkins. Nestled within the folds of this exquisite handwoven piece is an envelope containing a single lock of hair. Curiosity drives Mair to trace the history of the shawl, a quest that takes her from Wales to India. As she pieces together her grandmother’s past, the two women’s stories intertwine, transporting the reader between the Kashmir of WWII and the present day. The bulk of the novel belongs to Nerys, a missionary’s wife whose undemonstrative husband urges her to spend the winter in Srinigar with a friend while he spreads Christianity in remote settlements. Nerys is forever changed in this romantic city, blossoming in an illicit affair while being swept up in the dangerous unraveling of another’s. The consequences resurface nearly seven decades later, leaving Mair with a life-altering decision. An avid traveler and thorough researcher, Thomas brings the flavors and colors of India to life with vivid detail and develops characters so real one feels a kinship. An engrossing, intelligent, and satisfying read.” —Booklist (starred review) “Mystery, intrigue, a great love, passion, and a terrible sorrow all come together to make The Kashmir Shawl a very touching and satisfying read.” —Barbara Taylor Bradford “A spellbinding tale . . . Beautifully written, honest and compassionate.” —Daily Express “A superbly written novel, marvelously descriptive and especially evocative of the war years . . . A gorgeous treat.” —Choice
A stranger in Sherborne fleeing justice from murder in another town causes a young apprentice working on the Abbey misericords serious injury. When young Luke, stepson to Matthias Barton, becomes involved with the felon an unhappy rift is revealed in the Barton household. _x000D_ The disappearance of Luke causes Matthias to leave the school in the hands of his wife and Martin Cooper, as he and Ezekiel Jacobson attempt to find Luke before he meets an unpleasant fate. _x000D_Their trail takes them along the South coast of England following a gang of ruthless wool smugglers, who are not afraid to kill to gain their prize.
The Little Book of Newcastle is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia). John Sadler's new book gathers together a myriad of data on Newcastle. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of the city. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
USA TODAY BESTSELLER! Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance from "go-to author" Rosie Danan (The New York Times Book Review). Riley Rhodes finally has the chance to turn her family’s knack for the supernatural into a legitimate business when she’s hired to break the curse on an infamous Scottish castle. Used to working alone in her alienating occupation, she's pleasantly surprised to meet a handsome stranger upon arrival—until he tries to get her fired. Fresh off a professional scandal, Clark Edgeware can’t allow a self-proclaimed “curse breaker” to threaten his last chance for redemption. After he fails to get Riley kicked off his survey site, he vows to avoid her. Unfortunately for him, she vows to get even. Riley expects the curse to do her dirty work by driving Clark away, but instead, they keep finding themselves in close proximity. Too close. Turns out, the only thing they do better than fight is fool around. If they’re not careful, by the end of all this, more than the castle will end up in ruins.
When an injured man appears at the home of Sir Tobias, Coroner of Dorset, claiming to have devastating news of his son-in-law, he is compelled to investigate for the sake of his daughter and grandson. Matthias Barton is drawn into the investigation and travels to Calais to seek answers. Here he and William, squire to Sir Tobias,discovers a sinister organisation designed to weaken the English soldiers in their failing battle against the French. Meanwhile in Sherborne, the unrest grows stronger and the fire in the Abbey reveals a most gruesome discovery. Matthias must gather his wits about him to help unravel this strange affair. This is the second in the series of medieval mysteries featuring the young schoolmaster Matthias Barton, set against the history of Sherborne and the surrounding area. '...her main characters and the lesser ones are very believable. I hope very much that there is a sequel in the pipeline. I am beginning to like Matthias Barton and I wish him well.' (Amazon) 'This is really rather a good read. Sherborne has its own Medieval following.' (Reader from Gloucester)
This beautifully designed and comprehensive book of names will bring pleasure to one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your new baby. Over 5,000 names with their variations, origins and meanings are listed from A to Z for ease of reference, with special sections throughout the book listing the top 10 names in particular categories, such as the most popular names by letter, year or country, names rated the luckiest or most successful in life, common names inspired by cities, gems or inspirational leaders, and the most popular names of celebrity babies and film stars. Whether you're looking for a traditional, modern or unique name that will fit perfectly with your surname, this lovingly compiled book will guide, entertain and inspire you to choose the most precious gift you will ever give your child.
piercingly honest... witty... wonderful' - The Observer 'My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me – that's why I love Rosie Wilby!' - Sara Pascoe 'Funny, sweet, entertaining, insightful, life-affirming...' – Viv Groskop 'Hilarious, honest and brilliant' – Helen Thorn 'Rosie Wilby unearths the hope and hilarity that can come from heartbreak' – Abigail Tarttelin ____ In 2011, comedian and podcaster Rosie Wilby was dumped by email... though she did feel a little better about it after correcting her ex's spelling and punctuation. Obsessing about breakups ever since, she embarked on a quest to investigate, understand and conquer the psychology of heartbreak. This book is a love letter to her breakups, a celebration of what they have taught her peppered with anecdotes from illustrious friends and interviews with relationship therapists, scientists and sociologists about separating in the modern age of ghosting, breadcrumbing and conscious uncoupling. Mixing humour, memoir and science, she attempts to assimilate their advice and ideas in order to not break up with Girlfriend, her partner of nearly three years. Will this self-confessed serial monogamist, and breakup addict, finally settle down?
These stories were written over ten years and were based on true events that I have turned into fictional stories for the entertainment of my readers. Each story is exceptional in their own way. By the end of this book, the reader will have experienced laughter and sadness along with a realization that all these events can happen to anyone.
The thousands of mourners who lined Wajid Ali Shah’s funeral route on 21 September, 1887, with their loud wailing and shouted prayers, were not only marking the passing of the last king but also the passing of an intangible connection to old India, before the Europeans came. This is the story of a man whose memory continues to divide opinion today. Was Wajid Ali Shah, as the British believed, a debauched ruler who spent his time with fiddlers, eunuchs and fairies, when he should have been running his kingdom? Or, as a few Indians remember him, a talented poet whose songs are still sung today, and who was robbed of his throne by the English East India Company? Somewhere between these two extremes lies a gifted, but difficult, character; a man who married more women than there are days in the year; who directed theatrical extravaganzas that took over a month to perform, and who built a fairytale palace in Lucknow, which was inhabited for less than a decade. He remained a constant thorn in the side of the ruling British government with his extravagance, his menagerie and his wives. Even so, there was something rather heroic about a man who refused to bow to changing times, and who single-handedly endeavoured to preserve the etiquette and customs of the great Mughals well into the period of the British Raj. India’s last king Wajid Ali Shah was written out of the history books when Awadh was annexed by the Company in February 1856. After long years of painstaking research, noted historian Rosie Llewellyn-Jones revives his memory and returns him his rightful place as one of India’s last great rulers.
Book one of The Amy Lane Mysteries Police detectives rely on Amy Lane to track the digital debris of their most elusive criminals—when she's not in the throes of a panic attack. After two students disappear in Cardiff, Amy uncovers photographic evidence that they've been murdered. From the safety of her computer, she looks through the city's digital eyes to trace the steps of a killer. Amy's investigation requires footwork, however, and the agoraphobic genius can't hack it alone. She turns to her newly-hired cleaner, ex-con Jason Carr. Jason is fascinated by both Amy and the work, and can't refuse even when she sends him into situations that risk returning him to prison. The killer strikes again and again, and Amy and Jason are the only investigators closing in on him. But Amy's psyche is cracking under the strain, and Jason's past is catching up with him. To stop the next murder, they must hold their unconventional partnership together at any cost. 78,000 words
New friends. New beginnings. Old secrets... ‘Sweet and heartwarming’ – Bestselling author MARIAN KEYES ‘The word “uplifting” was invented for this tender and poignant story. It’s a beautifully written debut, a must-read’ – Bestselling author JUDY LEIGH
Caught between enemy lines – can they survive? 1914, Hampshire Jack Barlow has a dream. For generations his family have been in service at Trenwith Estate. If he can survive the ravages of war, he’ll return home to build his own mechanic business and become master of his own destiny. Louise Saint-Claire, is battling against the odds to run her family farmhouse in German occupied France after her abusive husband is taken prisoner by the Germans. She is determined to survive this brutal and bloody war. But fate throws Jack and Louise together when she finds the wounded British soldier and she decides to risk everything to keep him safe What chance can one woman and one man have when caught between the French Resistance and the German army? Previously Published as Love and War by Linda Sole
The DIY Couture collection is 10 stylish, easy to make pieces of clothing that can be endlessly reinvented in different fabrics, textures and colours. Anyone who enjoys sewing and creating something unique will love using this book to make their own couture wardrobe. The book begins with a Useful Techniques section, followed by Collections: inspirational photographs of the pieces styled different ways. Next, each of the 10 garments, from a Goddess dress to a cool romper suit and hoody, is clearly explained, including a spread showing all the variations (e.g. fastenings, necklines and hems) possible for each garment. Finally, clear step by step illustrations and photographs show you how each piece is made. With no complex sewing patterns, even beginners at sewing can make their own beautiful clothes. With simple, visual instructions and cool styling, DIY Couture will inspire people to join the handmade revolution. Where eco-fashion meets street style, this is the antithesis of fast-fashion. Absolutely no patterns required!
Describes everything from how to clean a saddle to what to do when a horse bolts, and from preparing for a country ride to facing the challenge of a three-day event.
The interest in botanical art is still growing and the authors of the bestselling 'Botanical Illustration Course with the Eden Project' bring fresh ideas to the genre. "Contemporary Botanical Illustration" covers some of the unusual colours that can be included in botanical art, from black flowers and plants – including seaweed – to green, blue and puce pink. The tricky subject of texture in both pencil and paint is covered in detail. And to ensure you are at the cutting edge of botanical art, the book covers the latest ideas for presentation of botanical art, including new ideas, some from the Far East, for arranging flowers before painting. Fantastically illustrated with drawings, stunning finished paintings and many step-by-step demonstrations, the book covers : An overview of contemporary botanical illustration • Your workplace and materials • Pencil drawing • Sketchbook practice • Composition • Basic colour theory • Colour and subjective colour exercises • Primary colours and their uses • Painting techniques • Paint it black • Challenging texture, pattern and colours • Food plants.
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