Böcker utgivna av Austin Macauley

46-year-old Emmie's world is upended when her lover Josh informs her that her brother Ralph has been kidnapped in Switzerland. The pair embark on a thrilling, romantic adventure across France to rescue him, encountering an array of zany characters along the way. Their journey takes them from Lyon to Geneva and even has them attempting to steal Picassos during the World Cup in Qatar - all before returning to London for a confrontation with the Sheik and an ex-cabinet minister. Swashbuckling 21st-century exploits abound in this globetrotting story, blending derring-do and amour. From Alpine intrigue to Qatari heists and beyond, Emmie's mission to save her brother makes for a tantalizing thrill ride layered with romantic interludes.

Sally Sparks is a woman in her blossoms, a writer, and a life adventurist. In her strife for keeping her freedom, reputation, and social stability, she uses creative means. A connection to her past life, brings conflict into her present relation with a young lover and forces her to take some major decisions regarding her personal life.

What If? is a delightfully witty children's book that reimagines animals in surprising ways. Through playful rhymes and imaginative illustrations, What If? transports young readers into a wildly colourful animal world. Both the comical wordplay and vibrant artwork encourage creativity in young readers. This book will appeal to both child and parent alike as it takes the reader through a journey of differently coloured animals.

Cassie Blake, a recently retired teacher, faces an uncertain future and wonders what comes next after decades of working. But a serendipitous meeting just before Christmas rekindles a long-forgotten passion within her. Across the Atlantic, James Madison, a TV celebrity, grapples with recent upheaval in his personal life. Seeking solitude, he spends the holiday season alone in the UK. A fateful encounter on a snowy December night entwines the lives of Cassie and James. From the tranquil Welsh countryside to the kinetic energy of California, their budding connection is put to the test. Can they learn to trust their feelings and overcome their emotional barriers? This chance romance shows it's never too late to embrace new beginnings.

Lawyer Mitch Galichin finds himself a fugitive after he blows the whistle on a human trafficking ring operated by the vory-v-zakone in Leningrad. His life in peril, Mitch navigates the landscapes of Eastern Canada, drawing readers into the vivid places and intriguing characters he encounters along the way. The story oscillates between the Canadian backdrop and the stark contrasts of Siberia, where Mitch's young daughter, Anja, and his ex-wife reside. Adding to the complexity, Mitch's father, Sergei, endures the harsh realities of a Siberian labour camp. In this narrative, appearances are deceiving, and the truth is layered. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mitch perceives threats at every turn. As time progresses, his fear gradually diminishes, giving way to a struggle to reclaim his true identity. Complicating matters, a new romance emerges, bringing with it the haunting realities of human trafficking. Faced with this dilemma, Mitch grapples with the choice to intervene or turn away. This novel transcends the grim realities of human trafficking, balancing the gravity with moments of levity. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union's disintegration, it delivers a potent social message woven into a compelling storyline. While it follows Josie Mounsey's previous novel, The Weak Against the Strong, this gripping narrative stands on its own as a suspenseful and emotionally charged drama.

There are times when life as a human becomes difficult. We are caught between the divine and the instinctual: neither omnipotent gods able to avoid suffering nor blameless animals acting solely on impulse. On the contrary, to rise above, we must regulate our emotions, ideations, and penchants, eschewing any claim to divinity without descending to an animal state. For no god has ever struggled or exerted effort to attain and retain godhood, nor has any beast. This book explores the complexities of the human condition, offering insight for navigating the trials that bridge the spiritual and primal aspects of our nature. As we contend with the factors beyond our control, we may uncover reserves of inner strength and purpose.

My lifelong captivation with doves, emblems of peace and purity, inspires this tale. Like the sky, which can shift from serene to stormy without warning, we often overlook moments of tranquillity, failing to savour them. In the same way, a pristine white sheet is destined to be sullied, a dove's life is finite, as is the peace it represents. In a world where time crumbles and facades are the norm, Joshua Jones is thrust into a web of deception that has been spun over generations. A legacy coursing through his veins propels him into an abyss of ignorance, compelling him to seek the truth. As Joshua grapples with the enigma before him, his faith in what he knows starts to fracture. Faced with a jigsaw of trust and betrayal, the question lingers: does he truly understand anything? Amidst this uncertainty, Melinoe emerges. Will she be his salvation from the chasms of the unknown, or will she be the one to tip him into the void?

Judith, no stranger to the paranormal, never anticipated that her extraordinary experiences would unlock the door to a budding romance. With an entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be tamed, she plunges into fresh ventures, embarking on a rollercoaster journey that tests her resilience to its limits. As Judith navigates the challenges of her business endeavours, her life becomes increasingly intertwined with a series of paranormal events and a blossoming romantic relationship. This compelling combination makes When Phoebe Dances a truly captivating read.

After a harrowing accident leaves her severely injured and abandoned in a ditch, a young woman awakens in a hospital bed, her body battered and her mind a blank slate. Plunged into a coma, she emerges into consciousness with her past erased, her identity lost to the shadows of amnesia. Embarking on a perilous journey of self-discovery, she navigates a labyrinth of unknowns, where each step could reveal startling truths or lead her deeper into a web of lies. Surrounded by faces she cannot trust and memories that refuse to surface, she must summon her inner strength to confront the mysteries that shroud her existence. As she delves into the enigmatic fragments of her life, she encounters a cast of characters whose intentions are as obscure as her own past. Allies or adversaries, saviors or saboteurs, they are the pieces of a puzzle she is desperate to solve. With no guide but her unwavering resolve, she risks everything to uncover the origins of her identity and the events that led to her fateful night in the ditch. What she learns will challenge her understanding of trust, identity, and the very fabric of her being. Changed by her discoveries, she faces the ultimate question: Can she ever truly return to the person she once was, or has her journey transformed her forever? Who is she?

Chase, Willow, Tiggy, and Barney is a heartwarming true story that is sure to resonate with cat lovers everywhere. This book takes you on a journey through the lives of four unique cats who brought an array of changes, challenges, and joys to our lives. The story begins with Tiggy, a confident cat who nonchalantly followed us home one day and decided to make our house her own. Next came Barney, whose initially promising relationship with us took a turn when he began exhibiting aggressive behaviour. Willow, a shy and timid cat, joined our family and slowly learned the joys of the outdoors, while Chase, the outgoing explorer, preferred the comforts of indoors and needed gentle persuasion to venture outside. Chase's story takes a touching turn when, after a change in my work schedule left him alone for longer periods, he began to visit local shops, people's homes, and most notably, a nearby care home. His presence there became so cherished that one of the residents, deeply missing him after his unfortunate accident, requested a special visit. The reunion between Chase and the resident, brought together in her wheelchair, was a profoundly emotional moment. This book is a tribute to the deep bond between humans and their feline companions, celebrating the unique personality of each cat and the indelible mark they leave on our hearts. Join us on this journey filled with laughter, challenges, and poignant memories, as we recount the unforgettable impact of Chase, Willow, Tiggy, and Barney.

25-year-old Fae finds herself spending Christmas alone, contemplating her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and how these battles have prised her family apart. She decided to seize her own demons and uprooted her life to Ljianstipol, a place where she spent a lot of her teenage years in an experimental mental healthcare facility. With determination, courage, and a thrust for a 'normal' life, not only is she now living in Ljianstipol but also working at the same mental healthcare facility, the hotel Davizioso, However, life is not always so straight forward, and problems arise when asked to document her experiences for a magazine article this only rekindles issues, she has spent years evading. In the midst of a depression and anxiety attack she is befriended by a mysterious passing stranger, who shows Fae that there is a world of friendship, acceptance, hope and just a little bit of magic all waiting for her, even if Fae has lived her Life Downside Up.

Aboard his decrepit pirate ship The Hexon, the villainous Captain Kruel sails in search of ill-gotten loot. Meanwhile, brave Captain Landon helms the noble vessel The Legacy, though his crew lives in fear of the legendary Kraken - a gargantuan octopus with a taste for ships. While other captains flee at the mere mention of this aquatic beast, Landon hatches a daring plan. Rather than shrink from the giant cephalopod, Landon steers The Legacy on a collision course with the creature. In the face of his crew's terror and Kruel's delight at his rival's apparent suicide mission, Landon remains resolute. As this courageous, compassionate captain approaches the Kraken, an unexpected friendship takes hold between two unlikely souls. In his message of hope and heroism, Landon discovers that by facing one's greatest fears, the most rewarding treasures can be found - not least of all, the courage that lies within. Join this bold captain as he turns peril to promise and stands tall no matter the seas ahead. For what is bravery, if not grace under pressure?

The winds of change are blowing over Africa, and South Africa, the last bastion of white supremacy, refuses to give up its unjust policy of Apartheid in the midst of international pressure and internal conflict. It is the late seventies and Father Christopher Wright one of the few 'coloured priests' in Cape Town meets a pregnant Joanna Poggenpoel, a simple coloured country girl working as housekeeper for Fr Patrick O'Shaunessy, a white priest, a missionary from Ireland. This sets off a wave of intricate events and relationships across the racial, religious and political divide bringing together whites, blacks, coloureds and every one in between as crimes unfold and forbidden liaisons are formed. What unfolds is unimaginable and will shock you, but at the same time the characters in Winds of Change will make you laugh and cry.

Sheringham is a much-loved teddy bear but after many years of providing love and companionship finds he is no longer needed. He is left on a shelf with only his memories for company. The birth of a baby in the family, however, means that he is needed again. Sheringham can finally come down off the shelf and become a treasured member of a family once more.

The Daughter of the Merchant of Venice is an intriguing love story that follows the romance between an apprentice artist named Stefano D'Alvino and Giustina Boschetti, the daughter of a Venetian merchant. Theirs is a story of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and triumph over adversity, vividly detailed and depicted in 16th-century Venice, Candia (Crete), and Constantinople. Accompanied by their merchant father on the San Giuliano, twin sisters Giustina and Giovanella set out in 1532 on a challenging adventure to Syria. The family was captured by Barbarossa and his Turkish Corsairs during the sea voyage and later sold Giustina and Giovanella at the slave market in Constantinople. The Grand Vizir buys the Venetian twins and enslaves them in the Harem at the Topkapi Palace. Two years passed, and the twin sisters remained trapped in an Ottoman world full of intrigue, sensuality, female rivalry, and fear. The Venetian sisters plan their escape - but how? Enslaved in the Imperial Harem for two years, Giustina has not seen her beloved Stefano. Will Giustina be able to reunite with her beloved Stefano in Venice? A story that's both captivating and sensuous, full of passion, mystery, and intrigue. It takes you on a journey to the heart of Venice and Constantinople, where the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Harem, sultan, and concubines await.

The Joys and Pitfalls of Online Dating offers a candid and humorous look into the world of modern romance after 30. Author Jackie Devoy shares her personal experiences with online dating, ranging from heartwarming successes to shocking disappointments. This book is a delightful mix of humour, heartache, and honesty, reflecting the complexities and challenges of finding love in the digital age. Jackie's storytelling, infused with her own sense of humour, provides not only entertainment but also insights that might just help readers in their quest for that special someone.

A Time Of Flames - Book Two - Tears Of Cirryn... 'Each morning, I wake with a name on my lips. Always a girl's name. Always the wrong name.' With Raymond - his friend and Sentinel - at his side, Sebastian begins searching for the woman he is destined to be with. The woman who will cure the darkness within him. Only together can they hope to save Vatharlia. As they journey, Sebastian and Raymond are forced to face the horrors of the land and their own personal demons. Accepting that Conway will never return, the City of Rell rejoices. However, the joy is short-lived as another ruler emerges. In brutality, she is more than Conway's equal. Uniting the cities of Margeena, Schan and Vess, she forms an alliance with the Sisters of Blood which threatens to hasten the fall of Vatharlia. Other forces also gather to prevent the return of the Raven God and make the Time of Sorrows eternal. For now, Cirryn is merely a shadow and a memory. A scattering of signs and whispered words meant for those who wish to see and those who need to hear...a chosen few answer their God's call.

Life in the Far East is a melting pot of diverse cultures, where romance takes many forms. This story follows young adults who forge cross-cultural friendships in Thailand. Faced with discrimination, injustice, bribery, and other difficulties, they navigate complex decisions about integrity and honour. Saving face and upholding family reputation prove challenging, especially when misunderstandings arise. Each character uniquely combats obstacles as relationships deepen. When change occurs, responses vary. Ultimately, the question emerges: Can their love withstand the heat of social forces? While fictional, the protagonists are composites of real-life individuals. Their poignant interactions unveil profound truths about facing adversity in rapidly modernizing societies. Readers are transported to the realities of the region, exploring moral dilemmas through sympathetic eyes as values intermix amidst the confusion of progress.

In 1989, my Aunt Lois handed me a stack of paintings with a unique request: to write a story inspired by them. I was initially sceptical, as I believed stories usually preceded illustrations. However, Aunt Lois assured me that the narrative would naturally emerge from the artwork. Surprisingly, she was right. Words flowed to me like a song, often during the late hours while I was up nursing our second set of twins. It felt as though Aunt Lois herself was sending these words from afar, as the story of Camilla gradually took shape from the paintings. Sadly, Aunt Lois passed away soon after, and the story of Camilla was put aside as my husband Greg and I navigated the bustling life of raising six children. It wasn't until our children had families of their own and tranquillity returned that Camilla Caterpillar finally came to life. With Camilla's story, an idea sprouted to create a healthy snack for children. As you delve into the pages of this book, I hope you enjoy a little nibble and the whimsical journey of Camilla Caterpillar.

This is the story of the witches that live hidden in the thickets of lush Irish greenery. They exist, hidden from humans, protecting nature. Sile is the youngest witch of her coven. Magic is not her strength and is often ridiculed for her lack of skill. When Banshees attack her coven, Sile finds herself the last remaining witch with powers. The task of saving the coven lands on her. She must travel through space and time with her trusty cat, Shae, to collect ingredients for a potion. This potion and only this potion will return her sisters to their former, mighty, magical glory. Each ingredient must be collected from inspirational, admirable, and often overlooked women throughout Irish history. Sile visits Queen Maebh, Red Aoife, Granuaile the Pirate Queen, famine hero Mary-Ann McCracken, Anna Parnell, Constance Markevicz, and Rosie Hackett to gather the ingredients. On her journey, she learns a lot about strength, power, and determination, what it means to be a woman, and finds her confidence as a young witch.

In Malishra: A Tale of Two Worlds, Alisha is no ordinary accountancy student; she's a young woman on the brink of discovering an astonishing reality that exists parallel to her own. Guided by Mr. Kamish, a mysterious tutor with secrets of his own, Alisha is thrust into a realm teeming with unimaginable creatures, from Stick Men and Monkey People to shape-shifting Dragons and enigmatic royalty. As Alisha navigates this magical world, her life undergoes a seismic shift, forcing her to lean on her closest family and friends for support. Most notably, her Aunt harbours a crucial secret that could be the key to Alisha's destiny. Faced with complex quests that challenge her newfound identity, Alisha must summon the strength to meet her responsibilities - a calling she's not even aware of yet.

The Rolling Stones was founded by Brian Jones who elected Jagger, Richards, Stewart, Wyman and Watts to join his group. He continues to be vilified as a callous nerd, and those who perhaps give him credit for musical creativity and a good dress style, quickly hasten to claim his character was flawed. Despite persistently badmouthed as a misfit who had some of devil in him, the truth is that devil did not impregnate his mother any better than the Holy Ghost impregnated Mary mother of Jesus. He was the product of an abysmally dysfunctional family with bigoted Christian parents inflicting malicious manipulation on their son, whose only failure was not to be what his parents wanted. His father was an intolerant, egotistical tyrant convinced of paternal omnipotence as the head of the family. Brian Jones' mental development was thwarted in the hands of his parents who neglected their son's emotional needs, and his distress manifested itself as the psychosomatic asthma he developed. An alleged social bastard without ethics, he was, in fact, a badly mistreated human being with problems. The depth of his artistic talent goes painfully unrecognized. Like a stray cat in the street, he died as a result of human mistreatment, yet like everyone else, Brian Jones deserves to be considered in his circumstances.

Professor Pear Drop has purchased a second sweet shop, but will it prove as prosperous as the first? This new confectionery emporium boasts sweets from around the globe! Will the Professor's tried-and-true system for altering candy forms work its magic on these new foreign treats? Or could his tinkering backfire this time? The Professor faces more than a few teething problems out of the gate! Luckily, he can count on his trusty helpers Ben, Lanky, and Trev to see him through. Perhaps some of the exotic new candies will even lend a hand in overcoming the sticky situations ahead! While the Professor focuses on getting his new shop up and running, trouble has a way of finding him - sometimes of his own doing! Follow Ben, Lanky, Trev, and a colourful new crew of characters as they embark on another series of candy-coated capers across the seasons!

Professor Pear Drop has purchased a second sweet shop, but will it prove as prosperous as the first? This new confectionery emporium boasts sweets from around the globe! Will the Professor's tried-and-true system for altering candy forms work its magic on these new foreign treats? Or could his tinkering backfire this time? The Professor faces more than a few teething problems out of the gate! Luckily, he can count on his trusty helpers Ben, Lanky, and Trev to see him through. Perhaps some of the exotic new candies will even lend a hand in overcoming the sticky situations ahead! While the Professor focuses on getting his new shop up and running, trouble has a way of finding him - sometimes of his own doing! Follow Ben, Lanky, Trev, and a colourful new crew of characters as they embark on another series of candy-coated capers across the seasons!

The Little Raindrop was inspired by the author on an October morning, while he and his young boy, were waiting for the morning school bus when raindrops started to fall. The book pictures the answer to children's question "How is the rain made" in a funny, charming, and adventurous manner, while at the same time conveying the message of how valuable water is to our planet Earth but also how important and what wonderful things we can achieve with our friends if we embrace and help each other. The guest star, The Little Raindrop, starts her journey from her grey cloud up in the sky, falls to the surface of the Earth, then is carried away by the river in picturesque places, discovers new friends, plays around with bees and swans, before starting its return back to the sky in an "unexpected" way. The Little Raindrop with its accessible, dynamic, and engaging language throughout, manages to captivate its young readers, making this a story that children could share aloud with their guardians.

Three Score Years and Ten: Or More? delves into the enduring fascination with individuals who live beyond 100 years. The intrigue centres not only on the accomplishment itself but also on the mysteries of how and why these people achieve such remarkable longevity. This research shifts its focus from contemporary centenarians, whose ages can be more reliably verified due to improved record-keeping, to an earlier era marked by less clear historical records. It investigates the genesis of this interest and the emergence of what could be termed a 'cult of centenarianism.' During this period, claims of extreme old age sparked debates between believers and sceptics, creating a cultural divide. The book also examines the significant role media played in this phenomenon. The portrayal and promotion of centenarians by the media of the time laid the groundwork for themes explored in this book, contributing to the ongoing public intrigue surrounding individuals of advanced age.

Ben Hawke lives a double life. One as a big, tough, private investigator, the other one as The Seventeenth Earl of Somerton, heading a vast estate in Lancashire. Ben sets up his detective agency after a brain injury forces him to retire from being a Commander in the Royal Navy, where he led a Special Operations Unit. He and his colleagues at his private investigator firm based in Morecambe, on the Lancashire Coast, take on cases ranging from tackling a strange gang of Nigerian kidnappers to taking on an evil cult of drug-crazy villains who murder a student from Manchester University. There are many exciting adventures for Ben, his sidekick Ian, and the gorgeous Pat, who is the third member of the team. Ben also falls in love with the daughter of a famous rockstar - at Aintree Racecourse where his horse is the bookies' favourite to win the fabulous Grand National steeplechase!

Three inseparable friends, accustomed to the serene flat grasslands, are driven by curiosity to explore the enigmatic depths of the neighbouring jungle. As they navigate through its shadows, they encounter astonishing creatures and face unexpected challenges. Their adventure teaches them to cherish the familiar beauty of their grassland home, realizing it's anything but mundane.

In this sequel to Jennifer Laidlaw's The Adventures of Arno and Sophie, a year has passed since Arno and Sophie left Scotland to go and live in the south of France. Although they love it there, Sophie is missing her friends back in the Scottish village of Drumoig. They hatch a plan to return to Scotland for a holiday and celebrate Sophie's birthday at the same time. Their two cousins Zoe and Hugo decide to go with them. Thus begins another adventure, as Arno plans a journey that will take them back to Scotland via a different route, flying over many towns and cities they have never visited. Top of the list is the capital of Scotland: Edinburgh.

Looking for Wind in the Fields unfolds an epic tale of resilience and the stark injustice of war, tracing the harrowing journey from the besieged city of Leningrad, through the unforgiving expanses of Siberia, to the serene yet foreign landscapes of Tasmania. Amidst the backdrop of the siege of Leningrad, two young children, orphaned and vulnerable, find their fates intertwined with a valiant friend whose boundless courage and sacrifice guide them through the darkest chapters of human cruelty. Their odyssey of survival takes them from the brutal labour camps of Siberia, across the devastated post-war Eastern Europe, and finally, as displaced refugees, to an unexpected sanctuary on the other side of the world. This narrative is not only a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who face the unimaginable but also a profound reflection on the themes of loss, displacement, and the quest for renewal.