Starting some sixteen years from where the last series ended, the Sorceress of the Sapphire introduces an incredible cast of new characters, as well as bringing back some of the treasured familiar ones. The setting is Castle Dru in Durundal, and the family are preparing for a celebration. But no one could foresee the rancour that would lead to a tragic turn of events.
For in the midst of this royal pageant — two young girls are abducted and whisked away without a trace. Though before he flees the scene, the Shadow King puts a curse on the entire castle and disfigures all the inhabitants — all except one. Now it is up to the lone survivor to seek out the perpetrator and bring the girls back—alive.
Armed with a sword, a horse, and his faithful wolfhound at his side; this brave young man must now follow a set of instructions: to find the Sorceress of the Sapphire—and defeat the Shadow King.
Because if he can’t—the future of the kingdom is at stake.
With mesmerising worlds, engaging characters and a phenomenal plot, his book will have you spellbound long after the final page has been turned.
Edited in the early part of the year, this guide to dealing with dementia contains lots of practical tips and bittersweet anecdotes.
An easy to read and informative guide.
This is a deliberately short book that is to the point and highlights the essential processes for carers of people with dementia. It covers the fundamentals of dementia care as well as the associated administrative aspects, from applying for lasting power of attorney to financing a stay in a care home.
The title of the book is taken directly from something the author’s father said. As the dementia started to take hold, his father’s vocabulary diminished and, in attempts to communicate, he would create new words to fill the void. This surreal wordplay is used as the chapter titles and more.
Although its main purpose is to disseminate information, it is an easy read that induces both tears and laughter.
The book is an ideal first port of call for carers, and plenty of links to websites are included in the endnotes so topics can be explored further. They are also available as QR codes in the paperback version.
Edited over the course of 2020, this delightful series is a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon, whether curled up in front of a cosy fire or soaking up the sun on holiday.
SHE IS AN INNOCENT. HE IS A HARDENED PLAYER.
Marianne’s brief time at Miss Wolfraston’s Seminary for Young Ladies is coming to an end, which is a relief for both of them. She has disconcertingly open manners and a liveliness that Miss Wolfraston deplores. When her aunt invites her to join her in Cheltenham for the summer, these traits inevitably lead her into a series of scrapes.
After being disappointed in love seven years ago, Lord Cranbourne has acquired the reputation of being dangerous, heartless, and selfish. Annoyed at his sister’s matchmaking attempts on his behalf, he accompanies his friend Sir Horace Bamber to Cheltenham. He expects to be heartily bored. Then he meets Marianne.
They both have lessons to learn; not least that no one is quite what they seem.
Edited last week, the latest novel by Michelle Vernal is the first in a new series and as with all her novels is difficult to put down.
She went looking for answers. She discovered a completely different era.
In 1963 three-year-old Sabrina is a foundling left on the streets of Liverpool. She’s taken in and raised by Evelyn Flooks the feisty proprietor of Brides of Bold Street. Now a young woman, Sabrina has followed in her Aunt Evie’s footsteps and creates dream wedding dresses for the brides-to-be who cross their threshold.
When Sabrina meets dark-eyed Adam she’s instantly smitten but after he shares a story about a mysterious woman proclaiming to be from another time, Sabrina begins to wonder whether her mother abandoned her after all.
In search of answers, she trawls the mysterious pocket of Bold Street where she was found and is shocked to be flung back in time to 1928.
Taking a position in the kitchen at a manor house on leafy Allerton Road, Sabrina befriends a housemaid with starry-eyed dreams. And when she agrees to assist her new acquaintance in winning the heart of their mistress’s son, she has no idea of the consequences they’ll both suffer…
And what happened to her mother?
The Autumn Posy is the heartfelt first book in the new Liverpool Brides historical women’s fiction series. If you like charming characters, delightful humour, and intriguing mysteries, then you’ll love Michelle Vernal’s captivating tale.
Edited in the early part of this year, this psychological thriller keeps you guessing.
A New Start. A Dream Business. And a Guest to Die For…
Daniel Kent has to get away. He’s lost his job, his fiancée, his self-respect. The accident’s the final straw; Dan needs to make a new life in the sun.
As soon as he sees the house, complete with gîte, in the picture-postcard region of the Dordogne, France, he knows this is his opportunity; not only to run his own dream business but also to escape the past.
But shortly after arriving in the beautiful bastide town of Monpazier, strange things begin to happen. Who is following him everywhere he goes? What are the intentions of the stranger who approaches him in the bar? Why do his neighbours hold a grudge that they can’t let go?
And then there’s the strikingly good-looking Rachel, who suddenly books a two-week holiday in Dan’s gîte. But what does she want, and how long will she stay to get it…?
Another wonderful and humorous instalment in the Guesthouse on the Green series as Mammy and Moira travel Vietnam.
I love the series and can't wait for book four!
A quick but emotional read - reading about the cruelty to the dog was heartbreaking but this was a lovely tale of the love and healing that animals can bring to our lives.
I would have given five stars but for the missed typos - a few t...
I get the impression that this could be a nice story but I've had to give up after forcing myself to go as far as 15% of the way through. If this novel has ever been near a remotely professional editor then the author was conned.
Chapte...
Another very enjoyable story but with a few niggles, hence the four stars rather than five. Maybe it's because I was tired but the editing issues grated on me more than in the first story and, do people really generally believe that 'ear...
