Books published by Austin Macauley Publishers

Have you ever visited the village of Weston in Hertfordshire? Perhaps you've heard the legend of their local 'Robin Hood'-like giant, Jack O' Legs, or even seen his alleged grave by the footpath at the church?Jack of the Legs, named for his towering stature, was said to rob rich millers to aid poor villagers in their time of need. Was he a hero or a scoundrel of medieval times? You can decide for yourself after reading this gory tale about the 14-foot-tall man supposedly resting in this grave.

Rosie is hardly special in any way; she doesn't stand out amongst the masses and fades into the background alongside her close-knit flock of friends. Yet she has always wanted for things to be different, for her life to matter even the slightest bit, not only to herself but to the enveloping world around her. Finally, with voices in her head, a ring on her finger and death's hand clawing at her, she and her friends might just be able to find their worth.

Jackie and Claire, the inseparable sisters, are back for another whirlwind adventure - this time across the Atlantic to Canada. What begins as a simple wedding invitation quickly unravels into a series of mishaps, misadventures, and memorable moments that test their resilience, humour, and sisterly bond. From a creepy 15th-century inn with locked doors and no reception in sight to navigating the wilds of Canada, these two are anything but ordinary travellers.A Sisterly Adventure: On Their Travels Again is a heart-warming tale filled with laughter, unexpected detours, and the kind of mischief only siblings can get up to. As Jackie and Claire face each new challenge with wit and tenacity, readers will be drawn into their lively escapades and reminded that the best journeys are those shared with loved ones - even if nothing goes quite as planned. Join these spirited sisters as they discover that adventure, like family, is full of surprises.

Have you ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes of a cabaret show, beyond the glitz and glamour? This book takes you backstage, exploring the lives of the performers both before the curtain rises and after the final bow. Discover how these dancers embarked on their careers, how they secure work, and the myriad escapades that unfold behind the scenes.From fun and hijinks to conflicts, dramas, and romances, this narrative delves into the reality of life in show business. It reveals the journeys of these performers as they travel with new shows, possibly finding love along the way or being left behind to start anew. The story also touches on the personal challenges they face, such as what happens when a dancer becomes pregnant or reaches an age where performing on stage is no longer viable.Read on to uncover the hidden world of cabaret dancers, their stories, struggles, and triumphs.

Learning to fly happens through a series of gradual steps that build upon each other, just like mastering any skill.It begins with simple actions and advances in complexity over time.But one thing is essential: a great teacher! With the right guidance, each small success leads closer to soaring high.

The adventures of Wilston are inspired by the world's beautiful and real-life Moodles - whose natures are playful, inquisitive, loyal and loving. Wilston spends his days finding out about life. He's a happy pet who takes the reader on a journey of adventure. Sometimes Wilston finds himself in some difficult situations, but there is always a helping hand.

Jimmy Harris, a seasoned veteran in the nightclub industry, unexpectedly finds himself at the helm of his own club. After years of working behind the scenes, he takes ownership out of necessity, driven by the needs of his young family and mounting bills. Striving to strike a balance between his personal and professional life, Jimmy watches as his nightclub begins to gain popularity and, with it, an increasing demand on his time and energy.As the club's success grows, so too does its hold over Jimmy's life. We follow his journey as the pressures and challenges of managing the club start to overshadow his personal relationships and well-being. With the stakes getting higher, Jimmy is faced with a critical decision. Something has to give, and he must confront the daunting task of reconciling the demands of his thriving business with the needs of his family.

In this book, we journey into the sacred spaces within our hearts, uncovering the light that shines from them, the very essence of our existence. At the dawn of time, the divine was within us, and through it, we communed with a Love that embraced all creation. Yet, as monotheistic religions and materialism took hold, we grew distant from one another, from nature, and from the diversity that once united us. We became strangers to the living world around us, whether human, animal, plant, or mineral, all bearers of the same primordial energy.This book invites you to rediscover that connection, to awaken to the truth that we are all divine, sacred vessels of the divine presence. Reconnection begins with the realization that something vital is missing, something we sense deep within, a longing, an inexpressible nostalgia. Saudade.

Cristi Jenkins is leading a quiet life as a primary school teacher in a small village on the coast of West Wales. Stuck in this familiar backwater, she feels her life is going nowhere. Then, out of the blue, she receives a mysterious letter bearing an Italian postmark...Cristi knows her only link to Italy is a tenuous one - the mother she never really knew, and definitely can't remember. Yet her story is about to become inextricably linked to that of the Da Calvi family - four brothers torn apart by war, and an unbreakable bond between two young boys forged years before.In modern day Italy, Seb Luce is the attractive Italian lawyer entrusted with Ennio Da Calvi's affairs. The file appeals to his curiosity and determination to find answers to the questions left by an intriguing legacy...What does all of this mean for Cristi, what decisions will she face, and is this a chance for her to find out who she really is?

Claudius's invasion of Britannia was achieved almost unopposed. The few pockets of credible resistance were ruthlessly crushed by the machine that was the Roman army. What followed was a tense but relatively peaceful co-existence, even some merging of cultures.That peaceful life was shattered by greed and oppression, when the new Emperor, Nero, forces a change in hierarchy in the province. Paulinus, a brutal Governor, and Catus, the mercilessly greedy Procurator, badly misjudged the mood of the Britons. A misjudgement that led to something that had never happened before: a uniting of the Britannic tribes. Theft of inheritance, a viciously humiliating beating of Queen Boudica, and the rape of her daughters sets in motion a rebellion that grows into an unstoppable, often uncontrollable army.Weyland, a Briton and the son of a blacksmith, who as a boy was trained by a Roman soldier to fight as a Roman, becomes an unlikely player in Boudica's plans to draw the Governor into fulfilling his pledge to eradicate the Druids. Now, with the majority of the Roman army in the west of the country, Boudica sets about gathering together an overwhelming horde, hell-bent on revenge for years of occupation. There can be only one outcome: victory or death.

In this story, Nikolaus encounters both his ghostly nemesis and the love of his life, Heidi. Through her unwavering love, Heidi becomes his saviour, guiding him out of life's darkest moments. Together, they embark on an unforgettable journey, discovering the power of family and the irreplaceable bonds of friendship.At Nikolaus's side is Kimi, his loyal and ever-present companion, a shining beacon of hope through the shadows of time. As Nikolaus triumphs over adversity, he marries Heidi, building a life filled with love and a family of their own.This story is a celebration of love's enduring power and the strength found in unity during life's greatest struggles.

"A FASCINATING GLIMPSE INTO COMPLEX CHARACTERS ON BOTH RIGHT AND WRONG SIDES OF THE LAW, BY AUTHOR AND RETIRED JUDGE JACK BILLINGS, WHO UNDOUBTEDLY HAS SEEN BOTH UP-CLOSE." Randi Bjornstad, career journalist, founder, EUGENE SCENE, e-magazine~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Police always encounter people they never forget. For Megan O'Brian, one was Chad Mitchell, a scared, mistreated little boy she encountered while working as a juvenile corrections officer. She always wondered what happened to him. Then they met again.By then a sheriff's detective, O'Brian was lead investigator for the disappearance of talented Cassie Edwards, who failed to return home from her regular bus trip to and from a piano lesson after her 15th birthday party. She wore as always her favorite gift, a beautiful and unusual necklace, given to her by her grandmother.The trail goes frustratingly cold as O'Brian and fellow investigators, Cal Underwood and Herman Jackson, search in vain for clues to her whereabouts and her fate, until a deer poacher finds Cassie's body in a remote area.But finding her killer eludes them, until O'Brian has a sudden, middle-of-the-night realization: a photograph Jackson had taken of recovered stolen property in another case. One of those photos shows an unusual necklace, identical to the one Cassie wore in a picture from her birthday party.Did Cassie's killer take the necklace as a trophy? How did it get into a trove of stolen property? Did the killer try to get rid of it? Or was it stolen from the killer? And who were they looking for? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "WELL-DEVELOPED CHARACTERS, ENGAGING STORY, PROFESSIONAL POLICE WORK. A GOOD READ." Kurt Wuest, Lane County Sheriff's Detective (ret.)"UNTREATED AUTISM, METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION, INTERSTATE FENCING OF STOLEN PROPERTY PROPEL THIS STORY OF MURDER AND APPREHENSION TO A CONCLUSION." Chuck Tilby, Captain, Eugene Police Department (ret.)"BILLINGS' WRITING EVOKES MICHAEL CONNELLY. A BUS SYSTEM'S OPERATION IS CLEVERLY WOVEN INTO THE PLOT." Mark Pangborn, General Manager, Lane Transit District (ret.)

The Angry Butcher of Berwick is infamous throughout the town, and everyone knows he's angry. For years, the Butcher has served the people of Berwick. He knows your mum, dad, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, grandma, grandad, and even your dog, and they all know he's grumpy. He cannot walk through the town without being recognized, and everyone knows he's miserable. Once, the Butcher loved to laugh, joke, and have fun with his friends, but those days are long gone, and they all know it. What happened to the Butcher? Why is he so angry? Can anyone help him find happiness again?

Step into a world where the surreal and the unexpected collide in this collection of twelve captivating short stories. Each tale invites you to explore strange and wondrous realms: a little girl embarks on a quest for friendship, while a Halloween pumpkin delivers an astonishing surprise. You'll encounter a book so enthralling that it literally pulls readers into its pages. As you delve deeper into this collection, you'll uncover the hidden mysteries beneath our basements, discover the secrets of escape, and confront your most terrifying nightmares. Journey through the curious origins of oranges, learn the perils of midnight flights, and unravel the intricacies of crafting the perfect story. The final trio of stories takes a different turn, offering a glimpse into the truth about humanity and revealing how coincidences can shape our world - for better or for worse.

Spite at last is named: the Necromancer is its leader and he is seeking a return to the World that banished him. Earth's Blood, once thought to be the Dwarves, is now revealed in the One Tree; it is everyone's and everything's. And this is what the Necromancer needs to return as within it is the power of hope and despair, a prophecy which seems to suggest his mastery of the past, the present and the future.Caliphe and Taithe are sucked deeper and deeper into his designs as they travel within the mountains and the great forest of Glimmershade. Terrible truths are revealed to both as they battle Dark Witches, rogue Giants, Neffelin, ancient forestalls, and venture into the hidden fortresses of Raven's Loft and Gul-a-Dor.The Effelin, Caliphe's race, are ruined by their past, and this is what they must first undo in overcoming the Necromancer. The past is his. But can they save the present and the future from him? This is the fight they face and to do that they must not only understand their pasts, but also come to terms with their futures which seem increasingly bleak. Can they hold onto the love they have for each other, in the face of mounting criticism from foes and allies alike?

I have a very severe disability: I use a wheelchair full-time, have very limited use of my hands, and some people find it difficult to understand me when I speak.This book is about how I achieved my PhD, the highest qualification a person can earn. My research took place at a special school, where I formed advocacy sessions with the young people there. In these sessions, we discussed their hopes and plans for life after school. I also shared my own experience transitioning from special education to mainstream schooling, as many of them had disabilities similar to mine.One of the main challenges in my research was the way I gathered data. Traditional one-on-one interviews were impossible because I relied on my personal assistant to interpret my speech, while each young person often required their own interpreter. As a result, we had to explore alternative methods for collecting information.Because I am unable to use pen and paper, observations were also challenging. My personal assistant took notes for me while we were at the school, and I would type them up on my computer when I got home.

Refreshingly honest poems by a former refugee who returned home to a world turned upside down by war.Having lived through the horrors of war and displacement, Razi helps readers find their way. Razi has a rare gift of noticing what others don't see.Presented in Arabic with an English translation."Kills the pain that dances in my soul."- M. Albilal, literature student, Netherlands."This book is a gift to anyone who thinks they are alone, as Razi melds connections between pain and beauty in 'a cave of great sadness and extreme, unimaginable love'"- P. Y., psychologist and trauma specialist, USA."There is something intensely intimate in Razi's plaintive lamentation: a woundedness one only allows a close friend to hear."- J. K., lover of poetry.

"A speaker runs 100 meters. But a moderator runs a marathon." - Antoni LacinaiThis book let you harness the insights and concrete tips from a top international moderator, sharing all his experiences on how to add value to the events by proper preparations and awesome moderation on stage.It is your how-to guide which will be invaluable for you who is taking on the emcee work and feel a bit unsure of what to do and what it takes. You don't have to be a seasoned emcee to appreciate this book.Antoni Lacinai is a global speaker, communication coach and emcee, inspiring people across the world with his insights and positive energy.

Fluffy is a young, energetic flamingo who loves to play and go on adventures.However, having one wing smaller than the other makes her different from the other flamingos.This story takes us all on the grandest adventure of all with Fluffy and the new friends she meets along the way.The story focuses on friendship, diversity and shows that everyone is special no matter how they look or speak or act.

The Sphere of Gilgamesh is being installed on all Skimmers by Ngarra's crew. It is a new technology that will make Xtract mining drones autonomous and able to learn group behaviour. Meanwhile, a grid buoy anomaly has appeared and becomes the focus of interest in 'the Area'.The mimic program has been deployed by the Chinese-owned GlobeCorpMining deep sea mineral harvester, and if combined with the sphere and its red queen sequence will take control of the grid.During completion of overdrive trials for the alternate propulsion system installed on Skimmers a confrontation occurs between all parties.

This is a wonderful picture book story for pre-schoolers and young children to share and enjoy with somebody. Have fun counting to ten, counting dinosaur footprints, spotting, and counting farm animals in the colourful illustrations. Talk about dinosaurs, playing games with others, taking turns, being kind to each other and caring for animals.Tom loves living on a farm with all the interesting animals. He starts playing a fun game of hide-and-seek with his friendly pet dinosaur. It was dinosaur's turn to hide somewhere on the farm. So off dinosaur went, stomp, stomp, stomp! Tom closed his eyes and started to count."One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, TEN! Coming ready or not!" said Tom.Enjoy following the different places they hide on the farm and the animals living there.Suddenly there's a problem! Tom has lost his teddy bear from his pocket. Will Tom find his precious teddy bear? Read this lovely story to find out.

Terrence the T-Rex is a fun-loving, happiness-spreading dinosaur who loves his colourful cap! Kindness is his favourite quality, and he enjoys making people smile. Even when faced with meanness, Terrence persists in spreading joy, winning over hearts with his cheerful persistence.We all experience unkindness sometimes, but Terrence wants everyone to know that keeping happiness inside can help it spread to others, making the world brighter. His upbeat energy is contagious to all who meet him!Young readers will be drawn to this friendly T-Rex who reminds us that staying positive can light up those around us. Terrence shows that even one dino can make a difference through small acts of kindness.

A young Jeffrey Jones dips his toe into the murky legal waters of mid-sixties Wiltshire, pitting his wits against the formidable police prosecutors of his day. In later life, a well-established Jeffrey takes under his wing the victim of one of his criminal clients, introducing him to his world. The young man progresses from student to graduate, and finally to Jeffrey's assistant, embarking on a dizzying series of legal adventures.

Three men; three voyages; one century. This book is about the beginning of the modern global order which was created around 1500 in one of the most marginal countries in Europe. The Black Ships were the engines of the voyages of discovery, which linked Europe to Asia for the first time. The brutal men who sailed these ships were excited by neither the search for unknown lands nor by scientific curiosity, but by the deadly contest between Christian and Muslim that consumed Europe for nearly a thousand years. The men of Portugal determined that they would engage in the greatest and final crusade: to rid the world of Islam. To do so, they forged new technologies that enabled them to cross oceans. They never quite achieved their aims. But they changed the world.

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.