Behind the Lines

The year 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of the German surrender in World War II. The 10^th Mountain Division, the army’s first mountaineering unit, led the Allies to victory in Italy in 1945. Their soldiers are often celebrated for their heroism and ingenuity and remembered for their steep losses in the campaign to defeat Nazi Germany. Yet it has been estimated that no more than 14% of troops overseas in World War II ever saw combat.

Behind the Lines is the story of a 10^th Mountain Division soldier from the other 86%, someone who toiled to deliver munitions and supplies to troops on the battlefront and who documented his experiences in letters home to his wife in Minnesota. Narrated by the soldier’s daughter who, some 70 years later, finally read the correspondence between her parents and became acquainted with them as they were when she was a baby, the experiences of this soldier and of the wife he left behind reveal the day-to-day challenges of their plight, the tensions but also the unexpected rewards of their situation, and the all-too-common prejudices of a tumultuous era often dubbed ‘heroic’. Behind the Lines mines the correspondence to describe the anguish and the longing of a young couple separated by a war that would change the course of modern civilisation.

Behind the Mask I Wear

The NHS is a jewel in our crown, cherished by the British and envied globally, yet there’s a shadow lurking behind the gleam. This book unfolds the journey of a singular nurse and the alarming challenges she confronted. Encountering bullying, fraud, and sexual harassment, alongside profound sadness and personal loss, she navigated through the mental and physical turmoil to shield not only herself but also the patients and staff entrusted to her care. Spanning a career of over forty years, the adversities she faced will both astonish and shock you. This unspoken aspect of the NHS is brought to light, revealing moments that will make you smile amidst others that will tug at your heartstrings. This valiant nurse, now proudly bearing the title ‘Doctor’, continues to practice today, her remarkable journey showcasing the profound highs and lows nestled within the heart of the NHS.

Being Me

A true story of a woman with Asperger’s syndrome struggling to make sense of the world. A powerful and moving memoir of upheaval, renewal, and self-acceptance. Sad and inspirational, it will give hope to many. A good read that will be hard to put down. You will be wanting more. It is emotive and evokes a strong sense of empathy in the reader. The author has given honest description of incidences that have happened throughout her life and how they have impacted her due to Asperger’s syndrome. She reached the darkest depths but managed to overcome problems and move forward with life. She sees life in a positive way, even though she is still healing. Some people will relate to it and realise they are not on their own. There are others experiencing the same. Diversity should be celebrated and not denied. A must-read for those that are interested in learning the truth.

Bella and Anton Enter The Dragon's Realm

The Dragon’s Realm is unknown to all except ‘the chosen’. It has existed long before humans walked the planet Earth. The Dragons are invisible except to those who enter their Realm. Bella and Anton enter the world of magic, travel, danger, adventure and the unknown. They are forced to face their greatest fears and insecurities if they are to achieve their destinies as revealed by RichStu the multi-coloured Dragon.

They visit countries beyond their wildest imaginings and discover hidden depths of courage and abilities that leave them stunned. They encounter challenges that test them to the limit.

Join them in the adventure of their lives and discover the secrets of the Dragon’s Realm.

Bella's Adventures

Who does not love an adventure? Follow me, Bella, on my trip around the Big Apple; who knew they were so many fun things to see and do for a little unicorn like me? When I found myself alone in one of the biggest cities in the world, I knew what I had to do. Katie, my best friend, told me all about the Big Apple and I cannot wait to tell you, so come on, what are you waiting for? Let us enjoy this adventure together.

Beneath the Filters

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives. While they offer a way to stay connected with others and access information, they can also have detrimental effects on mental health, particularly for young people.

In Beneath the Filters: The Dangerous Effects of Social Media on Mental Health, author Francesca Salierno explores how the beauty standards perpetuated by social media can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and body image issues.

Drawing on research and real-life stories, including her own, Francesca uncovers the toxic nature of social media and its impact on mental health. Through practical advice and guidance, readers will learn how to take control of their social media use and promote a healthier relationship with themselves and others.

This is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the value of real beauty beneath the filters.

Beneath the Shelter of an Ancient Tree

A voyage of family discovery reveals poverty and imprisonment in the West Country; the development of new trades in the industrial revolution; a Rabbi who doubles up as a pawnbroker; and middle-class prosperity and tragedy in the Birmingham jewellery trade. Starting with only minimal knowledge of widely dispersed ancestors this journey tracks down ancient relatives from Wales, the West Riding of Yorkshire, Somerset, Dorset, Poland and Russia. Two mayors make fleeting appearances (one in Gloucester, the other in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne). One great uncle is found to have designed the iconic gantries in the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast where the Titanic was built. A great, great, great grandfather has questions to answer about the treatment of child labour in his Calderdale spinning mill.

Starting in the late 18th century Beneath the Shelter of an Ancient Tree catalogues how and where these diverse characters lived, how they made their living, and the ups and downs of family fortunes. It comments on some of the pivotal moments that affected their progress, and draws on contemporary sources, some family memoirs, and genealogical records to build a picture of how working people and artisans gradually – throughout the Victorian era – improved their lot in life.

Benevolence the Tree

Benevolence is a tree that helps everyone who comes to her. But who will help Benevolence when she is in need? 

This is a fun, short, wholesome rhyming story that endeavours to educate young readers about the important role of trees in our world.      

Benito's Truth

Amidst Peru’s rebellion against Spanish rule and an impending blockade by the Chilean fleet, the Viceroy of Lima and its priests devise a plan to safeguard the fabled Treasure of Lima. Captain Bennett Grahame, commanding the HMS Devonshire, is entrusted with this crucial task and instructed to return once the coast is clear. However, fate intervenes as Bennett falls deeply in love with Teresa, the enchanting daughter of the Viceroy. Their passionate affair leads to unforeseen consequences – Teresa loses her virginity, thwarting her father’s carefully arranged marriage plans and resulting in her exile to Spain on the galleon Santa Katerina Isabella, destined for a life in a distant monastery.

Driven by his unwavering love, Bennett embarks on a daring pursuit of the Isabella, defying all odds to rescue his beloved Teresa and confronting the Spanish Captain in a fateful showdown that forever alters his path. Cast into the realm of piracy, Bennett embraces his new persona as Benito ‘Bloody Sword’ Bonito, a fearsome figure renowned throughout the Spanish Main.

Compelled by both love and ambition, Benito sets sail from the Caribbean, in possession of the legendary treasure said to be hidden in a Queenscliff cave in colonial Australia. A tale of love, piracy, and insatiable greed unfolds, spanning from the shores of the Iberian Peninsula to the distant reaches of Australia’s colonial past. Revealed through the perspectives of Benito, Teresa, and their son Benjamin, Benito’s Truth offers a breathtaking account of the events that truly transpired—a narrative so incredible, it defies the boundaries of fiction. Prepare to discover that truth can be more astounding than any tale ever told.

Benjamin's Birthday

Everyone loves toys, although nowadays they are becoming more and more sophisticated and electronic.

But for really young children, the old favourites are still the best. Teddy bears and all forms of cuddly toys are what toddlers seek. So, what would they give to be able to play with them if they came to life.

Benjamin Roy is a typical fun-loving five-year-old who can’t believe his eyes when a glove puppet in the form of a grey and white rabbit gives him a wink and comes to life.

Benjamin’s Birthday is the fourth in the series, following Benny’s Arrival, Benny and Teddy’s Day Out, and Benny’s Sports Day.

Benji Yahoo And His Friends: The Disco

The summer break has ended, so Benji and his friends return to Crossom Dale School for a new semester. On arrival, they receive the news that the school is including a drama class in the new term. The pupils are thrilled with the news, especially when Principle Sannen announces that there is a disco on the forthcoming Friday to introduce the new drama teacher Sylvester Appleyard. Benji and his friends are really excited, for they have never been to a disco before. But when Benji's school rival, Victor, begins to taunt Benji on his lack of dance skills, plus, along with his wily friends, puts on an amazing disco dance display in the canteen, making the girls cheer loudly in admiration, Benji and his friends feel humiliated. The pressure is on. Can Benji, Denny, Quarter, Qui Qui and Millie learn to dance by Friday? ... Or will Victor and his wily friends laugh them off the dance floor?

Benny and Teddy’s Day Out

Everyone loves toys, although nowadays they are becoming more and more sophisticated and electronic.

But for really young children, the old favourites are still the best. Teddy bears and all forms of cuddly toys are what toddlers seek. So, what would they give to be able to play with them should they come to life.

Benjamin Roy is a typical fun-loving five-year-old who can’t believe his eyes when a glove puppet in the form of a grey and white rabbit tips him a wink and comes to life.

Benny and Teddy’s Day Out is the second in the series, following “Benny’s Arrival”.