Dancing to the Beat of the Drum

Returning to her parents’ birthplace in 1994, Pamela Nomvete became a household name as Ntsiki Lukhele, “the bitch”, on a South African soap opera called Generations.

But the mirage of luxury and success in which she lived was just that, a mirage. Behind closed doors, she battled her husband’s infidelities, addiction, and spiritual confusion.

Dancing to the Beat of the Drum details the traumatic personal crisis Pamela went through as her success grew – a crisis which took everything she had worked for from

her – and how she came to re-evaluate her priorities and reconnect with the spiritual side of her life, something she had long neglected.

Darling Untold

Lovely Jan,

With her radio, knee-high socks, and curls.

In some ways she was different to other lovely girls.

She had two wonky eyes that made things hard to see.

If you held up two fingers, Jan most likely saw three!

But Jan didn’t mind,

Not one little bit,

It made her ears better at listening to trumpets...

Dead Plague

Warning: do not read this book if you are of a sensitive disposition!

Within this book lies a collection of short stories each different from the other but all connect with aspects of horror, suspense and survival, set within a post-apocalyptic world, where the dead have risen from an unknown viral outbreak, that abidingly seek the flesh of the remaining survivors.

The remaining humans attempt to find some semblance of a life on a reformed earth created by the dead. Each story depicts how the dead have reshaped the lives of the survivors and illustrates how they struggle to conform to the change while trying to hold onto some sanity and attempt to continue with life while pondering how long that life will be.

Death by Dementia

You have two extremely active individuals, mid-60s, looking to many more years of future travel, boating, loyal companionship and retirement. How things can change! Not feeling well in one instance, forgetting what one did with the car keys in the other.

A routine unconcerned visit to the GP, subsequent referral to a specialist and in 48 hours your life is in turmoil.

“You have dementia Mrs Mclean, it’s in the early stages and in your case the CT scans have identified Alzheimer’s. No, there is presently no cure.”

We then roll the dice once more. “You have a carcinoid tumour Mr Mclean. Its metastatic and barely noticeable. However, we have made an appointment for you to see a leading professor of oncology who may put you on trial for a new form of tumour suppressant.”

It’s the two words that everyone fears dementia and cancer.

This, therefore, is a deadly personal journey dealing with the many and varied implications of dementia. In this instance it meant caring for my best friend, confidant, advisor, lover and wife of 50 years, whilst fighting my own diagnosis.

Misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, misunderstood and often denied, this killer with no conscience, now mainstream, leaves but an empty shell as a memory.

If you know anyone with dementia, have been diagnosed in the early stages of dementia or if you are caring for a person with dementia, then you should definitely read this story of love, loyalty, passion and patience. A tale of never-ending belief in the future.

Des Pond, Special Agent

Des Pond is probably unique as special agents go! He is indifferent to the lifestyle usually associated with this employment, but his determination to catch those responsible for the murder of five Russians in a British prison leads him into adventures in several countries.

Will he catch up with the murderers and bring them to justice?

Desolation

Twenty-six years ago, the world as we knew it ended. Now, a new generation has come of age in a world that brings out the best and worst in humanity. Civilization collapsed us into a new dark age of desperate and disparate survivors, fighting to make a life for themselves while humanity remains on the brink of extinction. Humans cling on to life in barely-hospitable desert conditions, far too extreme for the hordes of undead that dominate the arable regions of the continent. Follow nomad, Jack, and former slave, Ashe, through a hellish wasteland, pursued by a brutal warlord across the Australian continent, as they discover that life is about so much more than just staying alive in the process.

Do you remember the elephant?

From ants to elephants, life has a place. Every plant, raindrop, animal, insect or bird plays its part in making our world the beautiful life-sustaining rock we call home. Understanding how important these things are to our survival has never been more important. ‘Do you remember the elephants?’ is not a question anyone should ever ask. Together we can change how we think, how we behave and how we respond to keep our home working as it should – in harmony with all living things.

Our children are growing up in an increasingly digital world and disconnecting from nature. We need to give them back an appreciation for the world outside the screen. As individuals, this can improve mental health. Collectively, this can save our planet. Help our children to make better choices.

Dog's Conundrum

Dog has a problem. His beautiful world is in crisis – again! Should he let events take their course, or should he interfere?

This book is an invitation to see planet Earth through the eyes of Dog and Mother Nature, from the era of the dinosaurs, though times of plenty, to our current and future crises. Who’s to blame? Is it us? Is it them?

This magical read takes us on an insightful journey where individual stories from around the world blend and unfold as Dog’s intimate understanding of the big picture grows. Despite the gremlins, can humans recognise what it is really that matters? Will the warmth and humour of the sprites be strong enough to help people rediscover the wisdom in their souls when faced with fear of losing everything they hold dear… or will Mother Nature not be prepared to wait any longer?

The best and worst of human nature is exposed here. Our assumptions are challenged as this book digs deep into ideas which will resonate with many.

Dragon Times

Have you ever wondered if dragons are real?

Well, of course they are real. Just because you haven’t ever seen one, it doesn’t mean that dragons don’t exist. The sad truth is that there are not many left nowadays. In times gone by, we humans lived very happily with dragons by our sides. But times change; nothing stays the same for ever.

In extraordinary times, extraordinary things can happen. And these are most definitely extraordinary times. A dreadful virus is sweeping through the country – around the whole world, in fact – with consequences for us all.

But in these troubled times, siblings Alexander and Lily discover many positives as they embark on an adventure into the unknown. Along the way they find that lots of important lessons are not learned in school!

Dragon Times is a heart-warming, inspirational tale of generosity, resilience and hope. Definitely hope!

Dragons Out!

Learn about software testing in a fun way, by reading stories about dragons and knights. The book is a great read for children on their own, with their parents, or as an additional reading in schools. It is also for anyone who wants to know what software testing is, they will enjoy this book tremendously.

The book talks about adventures of two children, Laura and Tom, who tumble into dragons annoying villages and castles. They learn about different dragons and how to defeat them with the help of knights. The children grow into exceptional dragon experts.

Stories are explained in information technology and software testing terms and concepts, e.g. a dragon represents a software defect, and knights represent testers and developers. Reading parallels is an easy-to-understand way of learning.

In this book, Kari Kakkonen combines his passion into fantasy and software testing in a new and fascinating way, creating an enjoyable experience for the readers.

The book is suitable for ages of 9-99, although it is written for children.

“I love the idea of bringing testing and dragons together. Explaining testing ideas in this way is great for new testers to give them a broad idea of the depth of testing. The stories can sit on their own for children as well, and may encourage them to think about how they could test some of the apps they use.”

Janet Gregory, DragonFire Inc, co-author of three books on agile testing.

DwarrowDelve: Paths of Rock and Shadow

In a world where Light threatens to corrupt and conquer, Taithe, a prisoner, possesses something invaluable: a formidable sword. This relic lures enemies from every corner – human, Effelin, and Dwarf alike – all desperate to claim its power and conceal their betrayals. But amidst this chaos, dark magic rises, vying to curb Light’s dominance.

Rescued from the clutches of the malevolent Spite and on the brink of death, Taithe is transported to Dwarrowdelve, the fabled lost mine of Dwarvern legends. Here, alongside the fierce Effelin Caliphe and the legendary Tunnel-Hunters, The Styx, he confronts a multitude of foes, from vicious black wolves to lurking Orcs and other treacherous beings.

But the most insidious threat of all is the Imp who shadows Taithe, hungry for the stolen treasure. In the depths of Dwarrowdelve, alliances will be tested, loyalties forged, and a choice must be made: to stand with the Light or embrace the Rock and Shadows. The balance of the world teeters on this decision, with Spite’s freedom – and the potential downfall of all – in the balance. The true enemy isn’t always as it seems; will they discern it in time?

Ed’s Odyssey How I Met Buddha and the Aliens

As Ed's life took unexpected turns, he found himself on a journey towards a spiritual awakening. From his childhood in the West Country to adventures East, with challenges and triumphs over addiction, to encounters with angels, aliens, and mystical energies, Ed's story is a captivating tale of personal growth and transformation.

His experiences in the altered state and waking state, backed up by several neurological feedback sessions, made it a welcome truth, which would change his life forever. Follow Ed on his extraordinary journey as he chronicles it all in a journal, originally written, to be discovered by distant relatives in a dusty attic.

“Ed’s book bridges spiritual experience, neuroscience, and psychic phenomenon in a real-world, grounded way. I have seen Ed’s capacity to channel the psychic and it deserves the research Ed is leading” - Stuart Black, Managing Director of Brain Train UK