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May to May – My Journey to Self-love with God
One of society’s main problems today is a lack of self-love; this is evident in the way most people live their lives – sadly, I was also part of the statistic. The fact that I was not living life to the full bothered me in many ways. I was not running my own race; I constantly compared myself to others; I had not accepted myself for who I was, and I had not taken full responsibility for my life. I was merely alive and confused. Although everything on the outside looked good, I felt miserable. I learned the hard way that what goes on inside us is more important than what people can see. A lack of self-love impacted most areas of my life negatively - I knew something needed to change.
Once I had surrendered my life to God, He helped me see my own value. I started May to May – My Journey to Self-love with God to move my life in the right direction. After discovering the 20 components that lead to self-love, my life has never been the same. I could finally accept myself just as I was. I am proud to say there is no other race I would rather run than my own. I needed to love myself first, so I could truly live.
£13.99 -
Heavy Luggage
“My brother Mark and I wake in the night to the sound of gunfire... The open window, with its mosquito-netting casement, allows us to hear male voices speaking outside, hushed and urgent. Then another volley of shots and bullets spray the side of the house. There is a soft thud against the wall above the bed on the opposite side of the room, where a few minutes earlier my brother had been sleeping. At the same time, a loud metallic twang outside is followed by the frightened bray of a donkey. Our donkey!”
Whether caught in a war zone in Lebanon, living in a castle in Hong Kong, or coping with extreme heat in a remote Arabian outpost, such experiences were normality for Philippa and her brother. Thought-provoking, humorous and poignant, Heavy Luggage is the extraordinary story of their adventure-filled childhood in the 1950s and 60s as they and their parents travelled on troop ships with the British Army to some of the remotest places on the globe.
Offering a glimpse into a bygone era towards the end of British Colonialism, when military families followed the Drum to wherever they were posted, Philippa and Mark take us on a personal voyage, exploring their unconventional upbringing. Their parents’ and grandparents’ similarly remarkable life stories are also woven into this unique memoir that examines a family legacy shaped by history.
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East to West across Russia: The Long Journey Home
Embark on a captivating journey across the vast Russian steppe aboard the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway in this modern tale of self-discovery and introspection. The narrator, known only as D, begins his westward voyage in Vladivostok, traversing the ever-changing landscapes that unfold before him. As time moves inexorably onward, the everyday lives of the passengers intertwine with the rhythmic churning of the train’s propellers, contrasting sharply with the raw silence of the natural world beyond the windows.
As the journey progresses, D’s physical expedition takes an unexpected turn, delving into the depths of his own psyche. A haunting presence, N, permeates the narrative, her essence imbued in the natural world, particularly at the breathtaking Lake Baikal in Siberia. N represents the one who got away, leaving a void and a profound fragility within D’s soul, scattering her ghostly influence across the many places his footsteps tread.
Immersed in the tranquil vistas of the external world, D finds himself enamoured by the everyday characters he encounters along the way. As he navigates the complexities of his inner turmoil and the beauty of his surroundings, the narrator embarks on a transformative odyssey. The D who began his journey in Vladivostok will inevitably be different from the one who arrives in Moscow at journey’s end, but what will this transformation entail? Join D on this introspective voyage as he unravels the mysteries of his past, present, and future on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
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Jane Austen in the Thames Valley
Discover a fresh perspective on Jane Austen in Jane Austen in Thames Valley. This book delves into Austen’s lesser-known association with the Thames Valley, a connection that has received minimal attention due to scant evidence.
A significant focus of this guide is on the often-underestimated influence of Austen’s mother, Cassandra Leigh. It compellingly illustrates how Mrs. Austen’s impact profoundly shaped Jane Austen’s outlook on life.
The Thames Valley, a region frequently overlooked in Austen studies, actually harbours numerous ties to the beloved author, more than initially apparent. This thoroughly researched and meticulously documented book unveils these connections. Accompanying the narrative are three detailed excursions designed to help readers explore and uncover the links between Jane Austen and the Thames Valley.
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The Servant of the People
This book describes the 18 years during which Den Dover had the privilege to serve the people of Chorley, in Lancashire, as their Member of Parliament. He entered Parliament in 1979 when Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and left in 1997 when Tony Blair won a massive victory for New Labour.
Where the author has omitted to mention certain happenings, it has been in an effort to focus the minds of readers on the important matters – not to obscure what really happened. Indeed, Den’s main aim has been to allow readers to make up their own minds on the very important principles, procedures and proceedings described.
Underpinning everything else is the overwhelming requirement for elected representatives of the people to act in the best interests of all their constituents. They should never seek to benefit, financially or otherwise, from being granted the greatest honour in life, namely to work on behalf of their constituents.
At all times, elected representatives must listen to the needs of the people they represent and deal with their problems to the best of their abilities.
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The Four Ships
In this poignant and compelling true story, Tanya Mullins opens the door to her heart, sharing a journey marked by unimaginable loss, unyielding strength, and the enduring pursuit of survival. As she grapples with the devastating death of one of her children, Tanya faces the harsh reality of poverty and mounting bills, her world shrouded in shadows.
Amidst the trials of life, Tanya discovers an inner strength that propels her forward. Just when it seems that life has granted her the gift of true love, tragedy strikes once again, plunging her into a vortex of grief, loss, and the profound challenges of mental health. Yet, against the tempest of despair, Tanya’s resilience shines through.
Reluctantly compelled to engage with life’s relentless lessons, Tanya confronts her deepest fears and inner demons, seeking redemption in the face of adversity. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure, learn, and emerge stronger. Through the darkness and into the light, Tanya’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone grappling with the complexities of life, loss, and the arduous path to healing.
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Plane Speaking
For the last decade of his career, Peter dedicated himself to traveling the globe, attempting to show that shared information benefits the entire company more than isolated data. However, this book isn’t about his professional mission; it’s about the adventure of travel itself.
Travel is divided into four essential parts:
- Planning the trip.
- Getting there.
- Being there.
- Getting home.
While all four parts are covered, it’s ‘Being there’ that takes center stage, as that’s where the real excitement happens.
Peter’s journeys through diverse countries, encountering different peoples, cultures, and landscapes, only deepened his love for travel and humanity. Yet, post-9/11, the joy of travel has been marred by the extensive time spent navigating airport security. Sometimes, it feels like more time is spent in airports than in the air.
Join Peter in rediscovering the joy of travel. Let’s bring the fun back into our journeys.
£8.99 -
Elephants in My Salad
Have you ever wanted to get away from it all and escape to the wilds of Africa?
Well, this writer did!
At the age of 48, she sold her successful South African company to self-build a house on a 4,500-hectare private game reserve in Botswana. Just four hours of electricity a day, no phone, no gun, no fences to keep predators or elephants at bay, and no vet, doctor, dentist, or supermarket within 120 miles!
Told with humour (and a taste of just how life-threatening the bush can be,) this collection of personal experiences gives you a real taste of belonging as an integral part of wild Africa.
Be immersed in tales of:
- Wildfires, droughts, and being marooned by rain-swollen rivers!
- Being charged by angry elephants and being caught between herds of elephants while on foot!
- Being adopted by a one-tonne land antelope and a two-week old baby elephant!
- …and how often Caesar saved the day!
£13.99 -
The Emigrant Who Became a Town Mayor
A long and hard road to acceptance for a child who wasn’t supposed to be born. Against all odds, he fought just to survive, yearning for love and acceptance.
Throughout his life, he has been protected by a Higher Order, guided by faith through trials from Communist oppression to freedom, and into unexpected success.
Through hard work and dedication to his community, he rises to become their Mayor, a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support of his Protector.
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A Womb With a View
This book delves into the life of the Church of England at a near grassroots level during a period of seismic change. It seeks to capture the essence of experimental ministry during a time of national uncertainty. While it doesn’t provide definitive answers, it explores various possibilities with honesty and humour. The narrative shares the joys and challenges of parish ministry in diverse settings: from the heart of a bustling city to the serene depths of rural Wensleydale, from a sprawling inner-city housing estate to the hills and coastlands of Cumbria. It enthusiastically engages with ecumenical matters and approaches interfaith diversity with a certain naivety.
“Here are the workings out of a practical theologian – a priest working across disciplines, and most powerfully working with and alongside communities.”
– The Ven. Chris Burke, Archdeacon of Barking.
“He created a platform to build on of the largest centres for social action and community activity in the country… Malcolm is courageous beyond belief and a true advocate of his faith and belief in human kind.”
– Mark Law MBC. Chief Executive, BARCA, Leeds.
“I found this lovely book quite a nostalgic read, because it reminded me of the church into which I was ordained nearly 40 years ago. I also found it deeply moving, endearingly honest, and at times profoundly inspiring. Malcolm - who is a natural entrepreneur – manages to tackle some very serious subjects without ever taking himself too seriously and he enables some powerful reflection on the meaning of ‘success’ in ordained ministry without trying to provide to many answers. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.”
– James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle.
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The Man With Wheels
Tusib Hazari was born in Bangladesh. In his young life his father was charged with false cases, imprisoned, and tortured. His father’s life was under threat so he had to escape the country to save his life.
He soon found refuge in the UK. Tusib moved to the UK with the rest of his family to join his father in London. As soon as he arrived in the UK, he was diagnosed with a serious undisclosed muscle condition.
He has written this memoir to describe his journey in life since arriving in the UK and how he dealt with having this condition. How far will he go in life? Will he be successful? Find out by reading this jaw-dropping, inspirational memoir.
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Reflections from the Top of the World
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It can be climbed successfully with minimal technical skill, but the physical and mental challenges are huge. The secret to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is to just keep going, a maxim that applies equally when facing the trials of life, such as bereavement, heartbreak, and loneliness.
Loneliness is perhaps one of the most insidious legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. People increasingly live alone, work alone and play alone; disconnected from society through the modern cultures of home working, absolute dependence on smartphones and the ability to stream television and cinema into their living rooms on demand. These modern factors conspire to break the connections between fellow human beings, and this can render recovering from bereavement, heartbreak, and other life trials especially hard. The enforced isolation of lockdown served to strengthen and normalize human disconnection, which has arguably led to a disturbing deterioration in the nations’ mental health.
Reflections from the Top of the World presents a powerful alternative philosophy of connection, mutual endeavour, and achievement. A philosophy that does not necessarily require individuals to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain, but one that encourages reflection on the root causes of sadness and joy. The ultimate conclusion is a convincing belief that whatever life throws you, there will always be new happiness to look forward to if you just keep going.
£8.99