An 11-acre plot of land on a remote hillside in mid-Wales and its current guardians come together to witness the everyday, sometimes magical, sometimes bizarre goings on; from mating frogs and marauding otters in the pond to the daredevil swallows and RAF pilots above; from Roland the debonair pheasant to Dixie the drag queen who lost their way. Tina Hughes’ stories and illustrations bring to life an uplifting escape to the much-loved land of Tynant.
Millicent Milner is over 30 now but still floundering and in pain, still running away. So is her big sister, Geena. Why? Everyone fawned over their suburban American parents. ""You girls are so lucky! Such a charming mother you have! And that dynamic father!"" Geena - wickedly funny and outrageous - goes at it alone, slashing out brutal sculptures with a chainsaw. As she proclaims: ""A scream made of wood shrieks forever."" Millicent is divorced and also alone, with seven-year-old Alice. She hates her 'stupid self' but clings to the image of her past, present and future as brightly glowing pink. With sex as her art form, she's certain that romance is her calling. When an Italian lover offers Millicent a teaching job - in Rome - she buys one-way tickets for herself and Alice. Finally! The answer... And off they go.
A bikepacker’s tales from the trails Bikepacking has been an activity since bikes were invented, but in recent years it has really grown in popularity. The UK has proven itself to be an exceptional place for bike-bound, off-road adventures. In this book, Mike takes you on his journey to becoming a competent bikepacker and it’s filled with top tips and good advice. It contains tales from some of our greatest bikepacking routes including the Highland Trail 550, the Trans Cambrian and the Lakeland 300 routes. The centrepiece of the book is Mike’s own Cylchdaith Cymru/Welsh 550 journey around his adopted home of Wales. Mike is a naturalist, mountaineer and educator and as such he comments knowledgeably on the countryside and how it is being managed. He tells tales of the people he meets, the people he cycles with, and the places he visits. This is a bikepacking travelogue for our times. ‘An engaging account of bikepacking as it should be done, with head up and eyes open.’ Jethro Jessop, Bikepacker and YouTuber ‘I love how Mike has added the nature writing and history into his personal story of bikepacking. This book emphasises the importance of being outside in nature and of movement through the environment. It contains great practical and technical information for those starting out, but it is a personal journey – from naïve beginnings to travelling and exploring the natural world – the unconscious competency. This book is so much more interesting than simply going faster, going stronger!’ Rosie Baxendine, she/her, Bikepacking Guide ‘This is a book full of information, anecdotes and useful insights, written by a man who has climbed, walked and biked around most of the UK and Ireland. Mike’s beautifully written travelogue clearly indicates his intimate knowledge of ecology, geology, history, travel, and a sense of place. A cracking read.’ Iolo Williams, Naturalist and Broadcaster
An anthology of twenty-one crime, mystery, suspense and romance stories from nineteen authors, including Emmy-nominated John Goldsmith and Booker-nominated Jim Williams. This global collection of short stories from 400 to 7000 words covers everything from crime fiction to romantic suspense and historical mystery. Authors: John Goldsmith, Jim Williams, Jeremy Hinchliff, John Holland, Gerry McCullough, Alexandar Altman, R.A. Barnes, Maura Barrett, Eileen Condon, Mary Healy, Susan Howe, Damon King, Mary Mitchell, Jeanne O’Dwyer, Michael Rumsey, Valerie Ryan, Dennis Thompson, Catherine Tynan and T. West. Contents La Morvandelle by John Goldsmith – from rabbit stew to alien abduction Diodati by Jim Williams – of poets and monsters The Sand Students by Jeremy Hinchliff – a feud on shifting sands The Book by John Holland – the librarian takes liberties Harvey’s Lucky Day by Gerry McCullough – some say we make our own luck The Quiet Room by Alexandar Altman – overdosed on love Heirloom by R.A. Barnes – a deadly pact Son of Angus by Maura Barrett – a summer of mystic love The Red Scarf by Eileen Condon – unrequited love in the countryside Braille of Brocade by Mary Healy – discovering inner beauty The Five Loves of Frank by Jeremy Hinchliff – you’re not The One Two of a Kind by Susan Howe – a torrent of love Mr Mystery by Damon King – the dangers of internet dating That’s Enough! by Mary Mitchell – a disobedient husband Book Lovers by Jeanne O’Dwyer – reading between the lines Coaster Nights by Michael Rumsey – the grass is always greener Spilled Wine by Damon King – is it better to have loved and lost? One for the Road by Valerie Ryan – raise a glass to the happy couple Terminal Vengeance by Dennis Thompson – the gentler sex prevails Him by Catherine Tynan – he can’t be avoided forever Phantasmagoria by T. West – visiting old haunts
