The romantic novelist and short story writer Rosamunde Pilcher OBE (1924–2019) won critical acclaim as well as popular success with The Shell Seekers and her work was much praised for taking both the family saga and romance to a higher level. The three titles included in this set are:Wild Mountain Thyme (Read more...) The Blue Bedroom (Read more...) Flowers in the Rain (Read more...)

From dung beetles steering by the stars to salmon following scents and birds using geomagnetism, many animals make long journeys with unerring accuracy. This book reveals their amazing feats of navigation and reviews the latest research into the subject.

Victoria was 18 when she fell in love with Oliver Dobbs and heartbroken when he left her to marry another woman. Then, more than two years later, he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, a widower with a two-year-old son in his arms.

First published in 1985 the 13 stories in this collection invite readers into Pilcher’s world of country kitchens and small domestic dramas, babies born, and weddings where the mother of the bride is allowed a ‘fit of temperament’.

In this collection, Rosamunde Pilcher introduces the 16 stories as dealing with ‘emotions experienced not only by the very young and the young, but also by the older members of this extraordinary society in which we find ourselves’.

Taking its title from the Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius’s celebrated atlas of 1570, Theatre of the World follows the development of map-making from prehistoric rock carvings through the Renaissance to the digital age. Illustrated in colour throughout, it demonstrates how maps reflect our growing knowledge of the planet and our technical ability to chart its features. It also addresses the questions of who made the maps, on whose behalf, and what world-view they express.

New teacher Tom doubts he'll ever feel welcome in Risingdale, a sleepy, close-knit village in the Yorkshire Dales. Faced with pupils who know more about livestock than arithmetic, a feisty landowner's daughter and a duplicitous jewellery thief, his first term proves to be a baptism of fire.

This highly illustrated volume opens with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's 'Meat Manifesto'. He then explains the different cuts and the cooking techniques associated with them, followed by a selection of more than 150 recipes including such classics as Roast Pork with Crackling and Toad in the Hole and, more exotically, Thai Pork Dumplings and Curried Goat.

In first century Rome, a girl has apparently been poisoned with a love potion, and a witch known as Pandora is being blamed: Flavia Albia, daughter of Falco, follows a trail of debauchery, betrayal and criminality in the Quirinal Hill area to uncover the truth.

While much has been written about Henry VIII’s women, this biography turns to the men who surrounded the king and, through his relationships with male family, servants, ministers, friends and rivals, gives a fresh account of Henry’s multi-faceted personality. From his childhood with his father, through the ‘lusty bachelors’ of his youth, to the intellectuals and political advisers of his reign, and Holbein, the king’s image-maker for posterity, Tracy Borman presents a rich and often surprising narrative of Henry’s life.

Part of the Great British Bake Off series of Bake it Better books, this is both a guide to basic ingredients, equipment and techniques and a collection of recipes arranged by biscuit types and the skills involved in making them: from Flapjacks in the ‘needs a little skill’ category to the challenges of Garibaldi Biscuits and Palmiers.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has crossed both Poles on foot and fought with the SAS: in spite of also having scaled mountains, he is still so scared of heights that he hates climbing ladders. In this meditation on the physical and psychological aspects of fear, he explores how they can be overcome, using his own experiences and historical moments in which fear played a critical role.

Levison Wood was just 22 in 2004 when he decided to hitchhike from England to Goa, via Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Looking back on his adventure, he recalls how, fascinated by the ancient cultures that flourished along the Silk Road and following the footsteps of explorers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, he made his way through mountains and war zones, meeting shepherds and priests, Russian Mafiosi and mujahideen fighters.

Sara’s husband has started working from home and is constantly irascible, so she finds solace in friendship with a young woman who gets her more involved in village life. Then tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed; as gossip spreads, Sara must protect those she loves.

DCI Banks and his team investigate two suspicious deaths on their North Yorkshire patch: an apparent suicide in an abandoned car which the deceased couldn’t possibly have driven, and a 60-something man dead in a gully, dressed far too formally for an innocent country ramble.

While the Manhattan Project was racing to develop a nuclear bomb, its offshoot, the Alsos Mission, set about the equally important task of stopping the Nazis getting there first. This history recounts the efforts of the scientists and spies who were assembled to infiltrate the German scientific community, secure documents and detain key researchers, such as Werner Heisenberg and Frédéric Joliot-Curie.

Shortly after a Snapchat video shows a terrified teenager pleading for forgiveness, her body is discovered. In this thriller from an Icelandic crime writer, Detective Huldar and psychologist Freya must stop a serial killer’s campaign of revenge on cyber bullies.

Calling to mind childhood picnics, fragrant gardens, endless summers and cosy winters, Emma Bridgewater's distinctive pottery – manufactured and traditionally hand-decorated in the Staffordshire Potteries – has found its way on to the dresser shelves and kitchen tables of homes all over Britain and beyond. Comprising an assortment of family photographs, recipes, childhood reminiscences and musings on her inspirations and artistic processes, this volume encapsulates Emma's creative approach to life.

After a successful playing career, Rob Andrew had a defining influence on the new professional era of English rugby, taking charge of the Newcastle Falcons from the mid 1990s, and then joining the RFU as Director of Elite Rugby from 2006. This reflection on his experiences focuses on his time as a coach and administrator and the ups and downs of the England team since his retirement from playing.

In this ‘chronicle of enjoyment’ one of cricket’s best-loved voices surveys his long career as a commentator on TMS as well as looking back at his youthful experiences of playing the game and watching such greats as Donald Bradman. As he offers insights into life behind the microphone, ‘Blowers’ discusses commentators past and present, explains why he decided to retire and, of course, reflects on buses, pigeons and cakes.

With the emphasis on reusing, rather than buying new, Kirstie Allsopp demonstrates how vintage fabrics, furniture and other everyday items can be revamped to create unique home furnishings. The 30 or more projects, each with step-by-step instructions, range from an embellished trinket box and gilded picture frame to the more ambitious tiled splashback. The book also includes practical guidance on sourcing materials, period styling and crafting techniques.

This collection of sweet bread and bun recipes from the The Great British Bake Off is organized into colour-coded groups: 'Easy Does It', 'Needs a Little Skill' and 'Up for a Challenge'. The bakes, such as Toasted Coconut Banana Bread, Croissants, and Panettone, are illustrated with step-by-step photographs, and a side panel lists the preparation time, oven time and storage instructions.

While similar to Italian food, Sardinian and Sicilian cuisine both have a distinct identity, influenced by the islands’ geography and history. Inspired by their use of fresh ingredients and regional specialities, such as pecorino, shellfish and saffron, Gino presents over 100 simple recipes for starters, main dishes, sides and desserts, including Pork and Sage Risotto, Seafood Salad and Jasmine and Orange Sorbet.

In 2016 Gino D'Acampo embarked upon an odyssey around northern and central Italy, meeting traditional food producers and sampling local specialities. In this companion volume to the ITV series of the same name he distils what he learnt about the distinctive culinary identity of each region into 80 authentic recipes including Chicory and Pancetta Risotto, Polenta-Crusted Mackerel and Sour Cherry Ice Cream.

Michael Parkinson saw George Best make his Manchester United debut in 1963 and over the next 40 years interviewed him many times, forging a close friendship. This tribute to the skilled but flawed footballer includes personal anecdotes as well as reflections on his talent for the game, his impact as the first footballer to become a media celebrity and the struggles with alcoholism that curtailed his career and led to an early death.

A Warrior girl and a Wizard boy, who should never have met, team up again in this sequel. This time they must set aside their differences to overcome an Evil Spell that has broken free. Slightly off-mint and felt-tip mark on upper trimmed edge. Age 7+

Following the proven technique of cognitive behavioural therapy, this guide offers advice on improving resilience and managing different types of anxiety, such as phobias, panic attacks and general anxiety disorder. Off-mint. Felt-tip mark on lower trimmed edge.

The first adventure in the bestselling series sees unlikely hero Hiccup leading ten young novices through their initiation into the Viking tribe, starting with stealing baby dragons and taming them. If they fail, they will be banished. Slightly off-mint and felt-tip mark on upper trimmed edge. Age 8+

Giles Coren’s anecdotes about his dining experiences, from childhood to professional restaurant critic, are interspersed with practical tips such as how to choose wisely from the menu, especially at a sushi restaurant, and how to complain effectively.

Paul Thurlby immortalizes the sights of London in his retro-style illustrations – from A for Abbey Road via I for ice skating at Somerset House and N for Nelson's Column to Z for London Zoo. Each double-page spread includes interesting facts about the landmark or sight depicted. Age 6+

Theodore Boone’s father is a lawyer, his mother is a lawyer and, although he is only 13-years-old, Theo is absolutely determined to be a lawyer. Already an expert on the criminal justice system, Theo is investigating crime and bringing criminals to justice in Strattenburg, Pennsylvania. In these six cases he comes up against corrupt officials, exam cheats, kidnappers and even murderers. Age 9+

DCI Banks returns from holiday to discover an innocent man has been killed and that his own daughter is on the run with the suspect. His life and career are on the line as he untangles a story of murder and betrayal.

The New Testament is here rearranged so that each gospel is placed at the beginning of a group of closely related books, allowing the reader to have a more meaningful encounter with their different theological traditions. The New International Version’s text is used, but without the distraction of chapter numbers and headings. The book accompanies the four Lumo Project films of the gospels and includes photographs from them.

As part of a family of six, and fond of entertaining, Kirstie went quickly from novice cook to serving meals to suit a range of palates and occasions. Here she presents the dishes that have become her household favourites, from salads and traditional Sunday Roasts to ‘Big Dishes’ such as Slow-cooked Asian Lamb and meals designed to tempt even the fussiest eaters, including Quick Carbonara and Fish Goujons.

While a junior reporter, Michael Parkinson played cricket for Barnsley and counted Geoffrey Boycott and Dickie Bird amongst his team mates. Detailing his rise from local journalist to national broadcaster, this memoir relates his experiences in the television industry over a 40-year period, including the infamous TV-am launch, and his thoughts about the many famous and influential people he interviewed on his long-running chat show and Desert Island Discs.

In 1483, Sir Thomas Vaughan is arrested for treason. A messenger takes the news to Jack Wynter, Sir Thomas’s illegitimate son, who is in Seville, entrusted with a locked chest that holds his father’s secret and propels Jack into a deadly conspiracy. Slightly off-mint.

In his fifth novel in the Little Village School series, Gervase Phinn paints an authentic and entertaining picture of the school in Barton-in-the-Dale, replete with a dishy new teacher, juicy gossip and skeletons in the school cupboards. Slightly off-mint.

In Florence, 1967, a wealthy and much-respected local industrialist is found murdered in his villa. Inspector Bordelli has no leads, when a chance encounter with an old wartime friend brings him closer to the secrets at the heart of the mystery.

Daniel Tammet, author of the bestselling memoir Born on a Blue Day, here draws on his own experiences as an autistic person and a polyglot to explore what the intricacies and oddities of human language can teach us about ourselves. His 15 essays cover such topics as the art of translation, sign languages, the music and patterns of words, the grammar of telephone conversations and the rules that prescribe acceptable Icelandic names. Slightly off-mint.

Venice, 1358: while Oswald de Lacy awaits a pilgrim ship bound for the Holy Land, he falls under the dangerous spell of the island state; and a dead man on carnival night takes him deeper into its dark intrigues.

Almina Wombwell married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon in 1895. She brought with her a large dowry, as the daughter of banking tycoon Alfred de Rothschild. This is the story of her life at Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed, and especially the ways in which the First World War affected the fates of the family and staff alike. The author, the current countess, draws on the extensive family archive to write this engaging and personal history.

In 4th-century Roman Britain, Paul leaves his wealthy family for the harsh life of a centurion. When a barbarian uprising threatens the province, he and ex-slave Eachna embark on a hazardous journey.

Having moved from Spain to be with husband Nick Clegg during the coalition years, Durántez started a blog to encourage her boys to enjoy the food of their homeland. Her recipes include her takes on traditional favourites – Gazpacho, Tortilla de Patatas and Churros – and ideas for tapas, snacks and desserts, as well as more substantial dishes and child-friendly meals such as homemade meatballs and Pasta with Chorizo.

As a revolutionary players' union rep, innovative manager and pioneering presenter and pundit, Jimmy Hill had a profound effect on football. This new edition of his autobiography, first published in 1998, contains an additional chapter reflecting on his remarkable career.

Mikey Walsh was born into a family of Romany gypsies and brought up, with no formal education, in the isolated and fiercely loyal culture of the traditional gypsy community. This acclaimed autobiography tells the story of his childhood with a cruel and abusive father and how coming out as gay forced him to abandon his roots, educate himself and seek a new life.

Convinced that there is such a thing as ‘Englishness’, the popular anthropologist Kate Fox looks beyond the ‘the ethnographic dazzle of superficial differences’ to reveal the unwritten rules that define English national identity and character. This is an updated edition of the 2004 international bestseller.

Christopher Somerville, the best-selling author of Coast, presents the basics of British geography, starting with borders and counties of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and going on to deal with 21 big cities, 'the watery bits', coasts and islands and 100 landmarks. There is also a glossary of geographical terms and, when you feel you've mastered the subject, a pub quiz.

This edition of JM Barrie's classic tale features the 1925 abridgement of the text by writer and poet May Byron plus illustrations from the bestselling children's author Shirley Hughes, who reveals in a foreword her love for the story and especially 'one of the most vividly characterized pirates in children's fiction... that lean, suave English gent gone to the bad'. Age 6+

Second World War fighter pilot Eric Carter is one of the few surviving members of a top-secret mission code-named Force Benedict. In 1941, as Hitler closed in on the Soviet Union, Churchill sent a task force to Murmansk, the only Russian port that had not fallen to the Germans. Now, for the first time, Carter tells how two squadrons of Hurricanes and their crew were dispatched on the Arctic Convoy with orders to 'defend Murmansk at all costs.'

The 100 recipes in this book are typical of central and northern Italy, where the climate and industrial heritage, with its associated wealth, has created a tradition of hearty soups, rich risottos and a widespread use of cheese and meat. Adhering to his mantra ‘minimum effort, maximum satisfaction’, Gino presents ideas for antipasti, mains, sides and desserts, including Four-Cheese Risotto, and Chicken and Porcini Mushroom Casserole.

Second World War fighter pilot Eric Carter is one of the few surviving members of a top-secret mission code-named Force Benedict. In 1941, as Hitler closed in on the Soviet Union, Churchill sent a task force to Murmansk, the only Russian port that had not fallen to the Germans. Now, for the first time, Carter tells how two squadrons of Hurricanes and their crew were dispatched on the Arctic Convoy with orders to 'defend Murmansk at all costs.'

A landmark in the history of the English language, the translation of the Bible known as the 'Authorized Version' or 'King James Bible' has had an incalculable influence on cultural life and literature ever since it appeared in 1611. Beginning with the labyrinthine politics of Tudor and Jacobean England and a world being transformed by the new technology of printing, Alister McGrath narrates the story of the translation, why it was ordered by James I, who translated it, the problems they faced and the reception of the new Bible.

Theodore Boone, the 13-year-old lawyer, is campaigning to stop his friend's house being bulldozed to make way for a bypass; but things become complicated when he stumbles upon a terrible secret about the corrupt developers – a secret it is illegal for him to know. Age 9+

With characteristic wit, honesty and clarity, Ruby Wax draws on her personal experiences of depression as well as her studies in psychotherapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to introduce practices that can ‘change your mind and how you think’. Explaining why the way we think about our experiences is so important for our mental health, Wax shows how to regulate mind and moods, creating healthier, happier and more flexible ways of thinking.