In the olive grove youve got to be wise in the feet & wild in the head. At the heart of the beautiful debut novel The Roots of the Olive Tree" are five generations of firstborn Keller women who live in the same house on an olive grove in secluded northern California. Matriarch Anna is 112 & trying to be the oldest woman in the world
- & succeeding heartily. Her daughter Bets granddaughter Callie great-granddaughter Deb & great-great granddaughter Erin are also defying the limits imposed on our lives. When a geneticist comes to study these marvel of longevity Erin announces she is pregnant with a firstborn boy & the Keller womens world is blown wide open. The familys lives tied so closely with the land & the olive trees are richly evoked with memories echoing across generations. Told in turn through the perspective of each of the women the mystery of their existence is revealed in rich compassionate writing that will remain a treasure across the generations."
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When I had first come to the Hebrides Morag my landlady had advised me always to take a rope -- in case ".. . Over & over I had proved its usefulness. I might need it to catch a calf or a sheep; to carry a bundle of hay to the cow or a can of paraffin from the grocer; to tie a bundle of driftwood I had collected or a sack of peat; to secure a boat; make a temporary repair to a sagging fence or a halter for a horse.. . Excepting when they were going on holiday or to church the Bruach crofters were rarely without a length of rope either coiled around an arm or protruding from a pocket. The fourth of Lillian Beckwiths books on her life on Bruach A Rope
- In Case is packed with hilarious stories & delightful characters. Yet it is never sentimental -- always observant. Hugely enjoyable fourth book of Hebridean humour & characters Manchester Evening News"
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Rorkes Drift sums up some of the best traditions of the British self-image: steadfastness against the odds victory in adversity & the thin red line. The British stand deserves to go down in history as one of the most heroic actions of all time. The story of a mere 150 British & Imperial soldiers defending an isolated outpost against over 3 000 Zulu warriors summed up the experience of the colonial adventure for the Victorians & remains part of our heritage even today. Ian Knight recounts the course of this famous conflict in which no less than 11 Victoria crosses were won. ...

Rorys amazing amateur career saw him conquer Ireland & Europe before topping the World Amateur Rankings in 2007. But he really came to prominence with his superb opening three-under-par 68 in the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie. He went on to accpet the Silver Medal as leading amateur. Despite high expectations Rory keeps a cool head on his young shoulders & lets his golf do the talking. In 2008 he entered the elite of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Rankings & his maiden victory came in the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic where he edured a nail-biting final hole. His final breakthrough came when in June 2011 he won his first major the US Open. Rory finished on an amazing total of sixteen under par to seal his place among the golfing greats
- a position confirmed when he was made an MBE in the 2012 New Year Honours. This is the fascinating story of one of golfs most exciting young talents.
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Return to the magical world of Enchantia in the captivating second series of Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell! The Wicked Fairy has always wanted to rule Enchantia & has come up with an evil plan to take over by casting a spell on Rosa & holding her captive! Can Rosa escape from her castle or will the Wicked Fairy get her wish? ...

Return to the magical world of Enchantia in the captivating second series of Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell! Rosa knows that her new red ballet shoes are special but she soon discovers that they are magical when she is whirled into Enchantia! On her very first adventure can Rosa free the swan princess from King Rat's curse? ...

Return to the magical world of Enchantia in the captivating second series of Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell! King Neptune ruler of the underwater kingdom has accused King Tristan of taking his special sceptre & as a punishment hes cast a storm spell over Enchantia! Can Rosa & Nutmeg find out who really has the sceptre or will Enchantia be gloomy forever? ...

Return to the magical world of Enchantia in the captivating second series of Magic Ballerina by Darcey Bussell! Rosa knows that it is time to hand over the magic red ballet shoes to another special girl. But before she does; her friends in Enchantia need Rosas help one last time! ...

With the simple courageous act of refusing to relinquish her seat
- Rosa Parks struck a blow against racial injustice. She showed
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Rosa grew up an orphan in a remote watery island fastness on the wild East coast of Yorkshire. Taken in as a small child by the motherly Mrs Drew she realised as she grew up that this large & seemingly close farming family contained many troubled souls. Mr Drew whose religious fervour held a dark secret; Jim the eldest son who was terrified of something from his past; Delia longing to escape from the island; & tall handsome confident Matthew who wanted only one thing
- Rosa herself. But Rosa's background was one of mystery. Her mother before she drowned in the dyke near their home had always promised that one day Rosa's father would return to her
- a handsome Spaniard with jewels & silks in treasure chests sailing in on a ship with golden sails. Mr Drew knew the secret of Rosa's past
- & so did the two mysterious Irishmen who came back to the island after many years & who threatened everything which Rosa held most dear. Other novels by Valerie Wood include: The Hungry Tide winner of the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction Annie Children of the Tide The Romany Girl Emily & Going Home.


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