More Musings on Faith by an Ordinary Bloke

Geoffrey Ring’s latest book delves further into his personal journey of faith. He explores the relevance of the Church, religion and the existence of God. If you have ever wondered about these, or just don’t believe, then this book is for you.

It is certainly a unique perspective from someone who isn’t ordained, has had no formal theological training, does not profess to be an ecclesiastical expert but, as the title suggests, is just an ordinary bloke. A bloke who has found comfort and solace at some of the most trying times in his life by turning to his faith.

More Musings on Faith by an Ordinary Bloke is the story of a journey that he didn’t always realise he was on but one that, in the end, showed him how he could survive difficult times. It’s a book that is suitable for all ages, for those trying to make sense of that RI lesson, have found traditional help inadequate, or are just trying to understand what folk see in all this faith stuff.

It won’t give you all the answers. It’s all about an invitation to share the journey to try and find them.

Five Loaves and Two Fishes - Solar Systems

Cut off from Earth due to a collapsed wormhole, a growing colony of scientifically-minded humans struggles to survive on Novis. They fear their new world could suffer the same fate as its predecessor, where an asteroid wiped out all indigenous land animals. Equipped with an extensive embryo and seed bank of Earth’s plants and animals, they understand the need for population growth while striving to develop an enlightened society, aided by extended lifespans.

After many years, their first tentative steps reach out to the nearby moon and then deeper into their new solar system. Over time, despite efforts to maintain unity, divisions emerge as their population grows. A breakaway group commandeers the community’s latest spacecraft and establishes a rival colony on Condatis, a planet closer to Sol but less hospitable.

From the outset, both communities share the ultimate goal of re-establishing contact with humanity’s birthplace, Earth, some 40 light-years away. After generations, they finally possess spacecraft capable of reaching what some still believe to be their home world. However, will civilization still exist there? It was no secret that armed conflict severed the wormhole connection with Earth nearly 400 years ago. And if a technologically advanced civilization remains, how will they be received?

Family

If only AVM Derek Fullerton had made a different decision thirty odd years ago, if only he had given the assistance and the resources that he could have back then, his whole world would not now be on the verge of collapsing on top of him.

The Bosnian war left scars on many, but Nick, a peacekeeping soldier, held on to the one event that changed him forever. For the next thirty years he and the MP who tried to help him in his darkest moment, would be committed to finding the man who so horribly stole his future and bring him to justice, but they had no idea of the recoil that would follow their success.

Now fate had brought them all uncomfortably back together, the men who survived war, on both sides, the secrets they kept, and now their children and one grandchild were in fear for their lives, they would all have to work together to save everyone that mattered to them.

Conversations with the Landscape

Harry, a retired geologist with a deep connection to the earth, suddenly finds himself facing three life-altering crises. The first unfolds among the people he encounters in the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Southern Sahara. The second strikes closer to home, involving a beloved family member in the UK. Finally, Harry must confront a personal challenge that threatens his very ability to navigate life. Each crisis is met with a fierce struggle, leading to partial resolution, but not without profound impact. Throughout it all, the landscapes he inhabits and traverses leave an indelible mark on his soul, shaping his journey in unexpected ways.

Sleepers

As usual, the boss had slipped out early on Friday, leaving the Cellar without a leader. The atmosphere was light and relaxed – until the red phone rang. Six pairs of eyes locked onto Steven, the closest to the phone. Hesitantly, he picked up the receiver. His eyebrows arched in surprise and concern during the brief, one-sided conversation. He hung up without a word. The room held its breath.

Without explanation, Steven grabbed a thick folder from his desk and, with a resigned shrug, headed towards what they called the ‘prison cell’, a stark briefing room down the tunnel to No. 10. A stray Post-it note had somehow ended up on yesterday’s briefing paper about the IRA. The damning yellow square contained Steven’s unfiltered thoughts about how civil servants needed a kick if the IRA were to be defeated. And now, she wanted a face-to-face.

Len the Hen & Freddy the Fox Become Friends

In the lively, sun-dappled meadow, Len the hen is known for her cheerful clucks and vibrant feathers. One bright morning, her routine is interrupted by an unexpected visitor – Freddy the fox. With his curious eyes and friendly smile, Freddy seems different from other foxes, and he has a surprising request: friendship.

Against all odds, Len and Freddy form an unlikely bond, exploring the meadow together and sharing their favourite snacks. As their friendship blossoms, they show the other animals that true friends can come in the most unexpected shapes and sizes.

But as winter approaches, Freddy faces a tough time finding food. Len’s generous spirit shines through as she offers to share her seeds and keep him company. Together, they build a cozy shelter, proving that kindness and understanding can overcome any challenge.

Len the Hen & Freddy the Fox is a heartwarming tale of friendship that transcends differences. Join Len and Freddy on their adventures and discover the power of compassion and the joy of unexpected friendships.

Koalas and Kangaroos

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the east coast of Australia, starting at South Point, the southernmost tip of the mainland near Melbourne. The journey takes you by train through Canberra and on to Sydney, where iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Manly Beach await, along with countless cultural landmarks. A side trip inland offers the breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.

Continuing north by road, the first stop is Walkabout Park, where you’ll have close encounters with koalas and kangaroos. In Newcastle, discover the world’s largest coal export terminal.

The adventure includes an immersive Aboriginal cultural experience, relaxing on the beaches of Byron Bay beneath its iconic lighthouse, and diving into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. A visit inland reveals the stunning Atherton Tablelands, with its numerous waterfalls.

North of Cairns, explore the Daintree National Park, the world’s oldest rainforest, before capping off the journey with a thrilling 4X4 expedition to Cape York, the northernmost point of Australia.

The Black Widow Mysteries

Roderick Golden rules his six daughters with an iron fist, his tyrannical nature casting a shadow over their lives. After driving his ex-wife from the family farm for failing to bear a son, Roderick moves in his fiancée, Roxanne—who is also his second cousin. Together, they aim to continue the family’s oppressive traditions.

Roxanne joins in the abuse, targeting the six sisters. Charlotte, the eldest, becomes their fierce protector, standing up to both Roderick and Roxanne. Meanwhile, Elspeth, the girls’ mother, fights for full custody while rebuilding her life with a new job and home. Her actions put her in danger from Roderick and Roxanne.

The situation escalates when Charlotte is hospitalized after a black widow spider bite. Roxanne’s anger towards Roderick intensifies as he turns his abuse on her. In a desperate attempt, Roderick tries to kidnap the girls and return them to the farm, resulting in his arrest.

In a shocking turn of events, Roderick pays the ultimate price. But as the dust settles, a chilling question emerges: who really killed him?

Waiting for Them to Come Back

Walter, the youngest child, spent years yearning for a glimmer of compassion and love from his mother. He hoped, wished, and prayed against all odds that there was some light inside her. But all he ever saw was a cold, disapproving woman who watched as her children grew further apart. Life was cruel to him, and so was she – the woman who raised him, yet abused him for years, until he could no longer bear the pain and cruelty she inflicted.

Walter’s life was filled with disappointment, emptiness, and hopelessness. But after years of suffering, he was determined to break free. As he looked at Catherine one last time, her skin paler than usual, it felt like looking at a lost puppy. Only it wasn’t a puppy; it was his mother.

The Methuselah Tree

Life in the quiet village of Magen in rural Surrey is turned upside down when a new motorway bypass is proposed that will cut through ancient woodland.

Callum Kemble’s decision to make a stand to protect this woodland sets off a chain of events that has major implications for the small village. Mysterious, unexplainable phenomena start happening, and the village is inundated with people trying to find an explanation for a glowing, sceptre-like object that suddenly appears close to a two-thousand-year-old yew tree growing out of a granite mound by the woodland.

Is it some type of weapon, or a portal key to another world? The military want to contain it and then study it; the scientists want to back-engineer it, and then there are the collectors of such antiquities that will do anything to get their hands on such artefacts for their own reasons.

None of them know where this is going to lead and just how much their lives would be changed forever, all started off by a small protest to protect an ancient woodland and a two-thousand-year-old yew tree.

No Croaking Allowed

David O’Driscoll, a prominent detective with an impeccable reputation in an otherwise sleepy little town, finds himself deeply immersed in the daunting task of attempting to piece together a violent cold murder case which surfaced twenty years ago. All the while, he is attempting to piece together his personal life, which has significantly veered off the steady, rock-solid rails that he was so reliant upon.

Join him on his wild, fast-moving journey to build a team of specialized experts who band together to seek new clues to the mystery and bring justice to the criminal who they believe is responsible for the heinous act. The team must deal with and overcome bureaucratic obstacles that challenge their resolve and beliefs in the system from which they operate.

Similarly, David must consider the possibility that he might find the best advice to solve the problems of his shattered personal life if he can only find the courage to reach out to those whose proven loyalty has become so immensely invaluable.

This page-turner is at times funny, sad, infuriating, exciting, and most of all thought-provoking. Once the reader picks it up, it is very difficult to put it back down.

A Time to Return

Harry Thomson grew up in an Australian country town, determined to break free from his destiny as a shearer’s son. The Nazi invasion of Poland became his escape route, leading him to enlist and board the Queen Mary with the 2nd AIF. But instead of adventure, Harry faced the horrors of war in Malaya, becoming a prisoner in Changi and enduring the brutal construction of the Death Railway.

Barely surviving, Hiroshima’s tragedy brought Harry liberation, but returning home began his greatest battle: life. Alcohol became his refuge from the haunting memories of war and what he had to do to survive. His one true friend, Jack Mills, whom he met during training and with whom he survived Changi, remained loyal despite their estrangement.

Decades later, Harry vanished, his whereabouts unknown until Jack’s great-grandson, Charlie, embarked on a search seventy years later. Born slightly disfigured, six-year-old Charlie believed he had lived before as Harry Thomson. Convinced he was his Poppy’s best mate reincarnated, Charlie carried the spirit and memories of the haunted, missing WWII POW.

Guided by his past-life entity, Charlie must solve the mystery of his own disappearance, uncovering unfinished business and secrets from a time long gone. A Time to Return uses historical events in a fictional narrative to create a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the enduring power of the human spirit.