Bücher veröffentlicht von Austin Macauley

Imagine... one day you are riding your bike through the forest, where you ride just about every day, and you spot a newly fallen tree. It captures your imagination for a new trick jump. You try it, and suddenly you are catapulted into a new time zone, with mythical creatures and new adventures to be had. And who better to do it with than your twin brother. Twins Mikey and Niko will take you through the portal to get up to seriously no good, without their parents, finding new places and stories to explore, that is literally in their own backyard, into a land of magic and adventure.

In 1865, Victorian shipping merchant Arthur Harrison set out for Zermatt with ambitions of conquering mountains. Instead, he stumbled upon an enigma that would consume him: the mysterious Katrin and a peculiar triple-headed eagle cypher, delicately embroidered on a picnic tablecloth. As Arthur delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself on an unexpected journey, one that not only challenges his understanding but also holds unforeseen consequences for him and everyone connected to him.

The year is 1890, and stream tin has been sensationally discovered in southern Stewart Island of New Zealand. Elizabeth - young, gentile, sheltered, and fresh off the boat from Scotland - has arrived in remote and rugged Port Pegasus to meet George, her betrothed, who is running the only miner's hotel there. But it is a chance meeting with miner who ends up capturing her heart, convincing her that her future is far different from what her family back home had in mind. Playing out alongside is the professional struggle between Professor James Black of Otago University, whose fervour to find the tin-lode caused the whole crazy tin rush in the first place, and his nemesis, staunch government geologist Alexander Mackay, who becomes hell bent on bringing everyone to their senses. As the rush implodes, the end is climatic for all concerned. A well-researched story of historical fiction which accurately records New Zealand's only tin rush, The Tin Cry takes its name from the scientific term describing the noise a bar of tin makes when it is continually bent back and forth until it eventually breaks.

Set in the 14th Century in the dramatic landscape of Holy Island and North Northumberland, the novel is based on a real historic person. Isolde, daughter of the priest, is excommunicated from the church with other members of her community of Lowyk for not paying the corn tithes to the monastery on Holy Island in 1353. The novel brings to life a girl who stands out from this distant time and deserves to be remembered. As a small child she crosses the dangerous sands at night that separate Holy Island from the mainland and somehow survives the incoming tide. Is this survival, as the church believes, 'miraculous', a sign Isolde is being protected for a special reason? It is a question of miracles. Cover design ©¿Abigail Edgar. Image of Isolde inspired by an angel in a stained glass window in the church of St John, Lowick.

With top-notch retail training under my belt, I was poised to reach new heights. But an unexpected pregnancy followed by a turbulent divorce sent my life spiralling. Resolving to keep personal relationships at bay, I pursued a lofty ambition: ten stores in each of the five largest shopping malls within fifteen years. Then fate introduced me to a struggling beauty salon, its only saving grace being Holly. Approaching fifty, yet radiating the allure of someone much younger, Holly's past was marred by trauma. An abusive relationship left scars, pushing her into nearly two decades of seclusion. As fate would have it, Holly joined my company just in time for our unique tradition - a 'Christmas in July' celebration. Retailers know the yuletide as the peak of busy seasons, so we celebrated our staff party then. As I took Holly's hand at the Victorian-themed event, her honey-blond hair cascading over a stunning scarlet gown, I wondered: Could this chance meeting offer both of us a new beginning in love?

Minecraven is a secluded hamlet built originally to house workers employed by the Craven family, whose later members endowed the inhabitants generously. The last of the line died without issue. Consequently, due to changed circumstances, and with a little prompting, a new vibrancy is experienced in the community. At the same time, secrets unfold, and crimes are discovered. Throughout, the mysterious past of the four central characters provides an enticing narrative thread. Their credible motivations and dialogue ensure the reader is engaged right to the end.

This is a book written on a spur of the moment and under unique circumstances which led to a totally out-of-character plan to travel the world on a shoe-string budget. This book recounts the triumphs and travails of this two-year idea becoming a reality. Their extravagant plan was entirely out of the ordinary for a teacher and a probation officer, as neither had been particularly adventurous beforehand. But sometimes dreams can be a powerful driving force, and one which led these two on one of the most fantastic, and chaotic, journeys that they could ever have imagined.

A time-in-moment stops for each of us that lingers in our memories for the rest of our lives. To some, it's something big like passing their driving test, and to others is as simple as the day they mastered how to ride their bike. Whatever you encounter, it leaves you to ponder deeper on the possibility as the feelings we feel can engrave onto our hearts. Sarah could not believe it. Despite the journey it took to arrive at a place she could now consider to be home, she was ready to take charge of what was in front of her. Not long after arriving at her new destination, she was invited to a gathering. After being trapped for 14 days in one room, freedom is what she desires and needs, even with people who may seem like strangers. A simple yes and a step into the unknown led Sarah to the unexpected.

Stanislas Yassukovich returns with another riveting collection of short stories, a worthy successor to his acclaimed Short Stories and A Cape Town Decameron. Each tale, woven from his vast experiences, spans an array of subjects, characters, and locales. Drawing inspiration from his illustrious career as an international investment banker, Yassukovich gives readers a privileged peek into the intersections of finance, adventure, and the human spirit. Every story offers a unique flavour, capturing varied moods and moments. Collectively, they paint a vivid tableau of a world both bygone and current, all anchored by enduring values. Dive in and journey through a life richly lived and brilliantly recounted.

Step into the enchanting world of Baby Bear's Dreamtime Adventures, where the magic of friendship knows no bounds. Baby Bear isn't just Seb's first teddy bear, he's a forever friend with access to a unique kind of enchantment, bestowed by a special chrysanthemum, the flower that marks Seb's birthday. His whimsical companion, Bee, helps him discover this hidden power. For a time, Baby Bear is confined by a blanket, able to hear but not join the nightly escapades of the other toys. Although he yearns to be part of the fun, he doesn't want to leave Seb's side. But a fortunate accident sets him free from his blanket, opening up a new realm of possibilities. Here's where the magic comes alive: Baby Bear learns that he can take Seb along on incredible dreamtime adventures without ever leaving his side. As they venture through magical lands and meet fascinating characters, they deepen their bond and discover the extraordinary power of true friendship.

Matt Wild is an ordinary south London driving instructor with an extraordinary plan to win back his estranged wife and child. During a routine driving lesson with a talkative bank clerk, a brilliant idea strikes him like lightning: to orchestrate a daring bank heist, aiming for a haul of over a million pounds. With a mix of charm, persuasion, and a touch of deception, Matt enlists the help of three friends to join him on this audacious adventure, ready to take on the high street bank in broad daylight. But will their hair-brained scheme actually work? Set against the scorching backdrop of the summer of 1976, this heart-pounding tale is a rollercoaster ride of spills and thrills, guaranteed to keep you perched on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover if Matt's desperate gamble will pay off or lead them all into a dangerous abyss.

Step into Elias and his dad's world as they embark on an exciting day at the park. Together, they explore the wonders of nature and the joy of spending quality time together. But there's more to this adventure than meets the eye. Follow along as Elias' dad uses the power of labelled praise to nurture Elias' positive behaviours. Discover the magic of encouragement and positive reinforcement in their heartwarming journey. Elias and Daddy Go to the Park is not just a story of a fun-filled day; it's a valuable lesson in fostering positivity, bonding, and the love between a parent and child.

While waiting to board a plane for our annual holiday, my wife and I exchanged a few words, Me: 'Where's Faro?' Wife: 'Portugal.' Little did we know, that fleeting conversation would lay the blueprint for our future. Soon, the allure of Portugal would not only inspire our next holiday destination, it would beckon us to transform a passing fancy into a permanent address in the sun-kissed hills of São Brás de Alportel. Amidst our major life decisions, the laughs, the frowns, the ups and downs, Marli (our much loved cat, who was prone to car sickness) takes centre stage. From her early years in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, UK, to her sunlit retirement in Portugal, Marli's journey mirrors our own, from idealism to realism, (with pit-stops at Bafflement, Bliss, Disappointment and Delight). Follow our tale from whimsical date-night daydreams to the concrete steps of buying land and building a home in a foreign country. This narrative isn't just about relocating- it's a candid and humorous exploration of love, hope, challenges, and the sheer unpredictability of life. We had a dream, we had each other, and we had Marli. What could possibly go wrong?

Life is an enigma, and the journey of living is dedicated to unravelling its intricate mysteries. Think of yourself as an unexplored diamond mine, hidden beneath layers of gravel, rocks, and sand. Your life's purpose is to dig deep, uncovering the invaluable gem that is your true self, and then meticulously shape it until it radiates with brilliance. Proceed with caution, patience, and above all, courage. Only through persistent exploration can you unearth your inner treasure. Fail to do so, and you risk a lifetime shrouded in obscurity, conforming to the mundane - just another rock in the heap, masking the brilliance within. Remember, you are not just a mystery but an ongoing revelation. To decode yourself is to decode the very essence of life, unlocking a wealth of potential that only adds to your inherent value. Be tenacious in your quest to be authentically you, for therein lies the secret to a life of unceasing splendour.

Camille Mercier is more than a master of French cuisine; he's a master of manipulation. Using his culinary prowess, he draws out his patrons' deepest desires - until he crosses paths with 'Crave,' setting off a tumultuous clash with his talented sous chef, Timothee Emmeric. Power can be intoxicating, and for Camille, almost irreplaceable. Yet, how far will he descend to maintain it? In a dark world of blackmail, confinement, and unspeakable crimes, every choice Camille makes weaves him deeper into a web of his own narcissistic design. His hunger for recognition in the culinary world sets him on a collision course with Timothee, whose talent and ambition are equal to his own. As tensions rise, Camille must confront an age-old truth: sometimes, getting everything you wish for can be the most dangerous thing of all. Will he learn the value of humility, or will he lose himself entirely?

When Ciara arrives on Alcyone, the Taniwha initiate an audacious assault aimed at her capture. They have amassed a formidable invasion force but need Ciara's singular ability to navigate the wormhole. Narrowly evading capture, she returns to Earth, only to find herself the quarry of a secretive faction known as 'Ananke'. Accused of smuggling weapons of mass destruction into South Korea, she is confined within the stark walls of a police cell. While there, Ciara has a vision of Scottie on the precipice of death at Kealakekua Bay on the day of James Cook's demise. Through her visions of naval officer William Hartley, Ciara learns that Ananke agents are Taniwha with human hosts. Over the centuries, they have shifted from person to person, infiltrating governments and the world's most influential organisations. When a startling discovery forces Ciara to return to Alcyone, she faces the challenge of mastering time travel to retrieve a critical artefact. Can she elude the clutches of Ananke, save Scottie's life, and halt the Taniwha invasion?

Meet Jacques, a charming yet aimless singer-songwriter and carpenter residing in the quaint French town of St Auban. Irresistibly good-looking and laid-back, Jacques seems content to let life happen around him, whether strumming his guitar for an enchanted audience or crafting intricate woodwork. Business savvy may elude him, but talent and affability are in abundant supply. In a life unmarred by grand ambitions, Jacques finds solace in the simple things - a moment of daydreaming, the fleeting beauty of a rainbow. When a vivid rainbow arcs over the neighbouring village of Rocheville, it inspires Jacques to pen a new song, but also leads him to question if such symbols of luck and happiness could ever truly be his. As we follow the ups and downs of Jacques' existence, an unforeseen love threatens to add a layer of complexity he's never had to face: the commitment and responsibilities of marriage. Will love finally give Jacques the focus he lacks, or will it prove to be another fleeting moment in a life spent drifting? Journey with Jacques through the undulating terrains of love, friendship, and self-discovery, as he grapples with the possibilities of a life that could either find direction or continue to meander. Will Jacques unearth the fulfilment and happiness he unconsciously seeks, or will he remain a soul forever wandering?

Dive into a whirlpool of family secrets, vengeance, and dark pasts in this stirring narrative that commences amidst the 1949 North Carolina cotton mill strike, marking the onset of unionization and a cauldron of violence. As two young adults inherit the turbulent legacy of their kin, a storm of revelations threatens to shatter the fragile bonds holding their family together. Unveiling secrets could be a path to healing or the trigger for further discord and bloodshed.

How does an eight-year-old child begin to understand and navigate the world around her when she, and those closest to her, are regularly being subjected to disproportionate measures of rage, brutality, and violence at the hands of those who are meant to protect her?Could she be the one to blame for the fear and chaos that characterise her family life? What will she do with the 'lemons life has given her?'Making Lemonade is a compelling, poignant account of one such child, who chose to not be defined by the errors and failings of her biological guardians. Raw, transparent, and painful in parts, this powerful memoir explores the inevitable, painful consequences for children being raised in a dysfunctional home.

Grief Is a Love Language is a collection of poetry that behaves like a novel, telling the story of a young woman dealing with the earth-shattering pain of loss and the painstaking healing process of recreating yourself in the wake of it. It shows us everything we learn from grief when we allow it to teach us, exploring love, mental health, family, self-love, and trauma along the way. It does all of this with unflinching honesty, through the lens of incredibly vivid and mesmerizing imagery. No emotion goes unexplored here, and each is masterfully expressed.

The Kingdom of Gantala, steeped in tradition, has untapped wealth of natural resources. Hopeful for a better life, the Kingdom looks to 'strangers' for progress. Such progress inevitably creates a wealth of problems, problems which become so chronic that they require nothing short of a miracle as a cure. The Crumbling Heritage is a powerful novel that explores the catastrophic effect of colonialism, where changing customs and traditions in quest of modernisation results in breakdown of the moral, social, economic, and political structures. "A change is good if it provides avenues for human progress for a better life but not human destruction of a good life." Cleverly interweaving fact with fiction, R. Yelbeck weaves a tale rich in political and historical overtones, a subtle reminder that there will ultimately be a day of retribution! It is an absorbing story which deals with a subject whose impact still reverberates in the world today.

In 1936 and at just 17years old, Yusuf Abbas murders two desert travellers for their camels and worldly goods. In 1950 and now calling himself Sheikh Yusuf Abbas, he murders a British Ambassador and the members of a British oil exploration company, shortly afterwards, when a neighbouring Sheikh and his family are poisoned, he merges their lands to create the Sabba Oil empire. On the other side of the world, Richard Neilson, a sickly 14-year-old is devastated when his beloved father (whilst working in Egypt) is decapitated by Arab fanatics. He vows to avenge his death. Two years later, and having thrown himself into a gruelling fitness regime, he enlists in the army and eventually wins selection into the SAS. Najeeb Abbas (Yusuf's son) is a malevolent, unremorseful psychopath who, upon leaving Cambridge University with a degree in nuclear physics, persuades his father to fund a desert research facility to tackle global warming. But beneath the façade, his intentions are much darker and the consequences of his actions prove fatal for his remorseful father and potentially devastating for the Gulf of Mexica and Canadian Cantrell's oilfields. Fate throws these two polar opposite lives together, and once again Richard's family is threatened by Abbas' deep-rooted intentions to destroy. Will he succeed? Or will Richard finally get the revenge he's spent most of his life planning? Discover for yourself in this dark, gritty, and electrifying world of Al-Qaeda, terrorist conspiracies, SAS heroes, M16 agents, suicide bombings, assassination plans and desert ops - where revenge stops at nothing.

This action-packed thriller follows retired intelligence officer Jason Stouter in his mission for peace in the Middle East as he confronts his old nemesis, Kahlil Zufar. As the Middle East conflict reaches its climax, Jason finds himself in the midst of a secret group of genetic engineers who have developed a highly selective virus. Their goal is to blackmail Israel and Arab nations into agreeing to peace. However, Jason soon discovers that his nemesis has hijacked the virus for his own nefarious purposes, putting the entire mission at risk.With the help of his friend in the FBI and two seductive but dangerous women, Jason embarks on a dangerous journey across the Florida Keys, Jackson Hole, Boston, Israel, and Jordan to stop the virus from spreading and to ensure that peace prevails. As he unravels the mystery behind Zufar's ultimate vision, Jason must use all his skills to thwart the deadly plan and protect innocent lives.

Baseball Confidential is a revealing look at behind the scenes communication between players, coaches, and managers at all levels of baseball. The book consists of stories and interviews with former players, coaches, and managers mostly at the Major League Baseball level.This book is written for baseball fans. Every fan wants to know what is said on the mound, in the locker room, behind closed doors and more. With my exposures to coaches, players and fans that is all brought to light in Baseball Confidential. Readers are invited to come behind the closed doors.The book reveals many funny and good stories related to the mentioned, behind-the-scenes communication. This is a baseball book that includes what coaches say to players: to pitchers on mound visits, pre- and post-game pep talks, and more.

Life will never be simple for those who experience it, only moments will be easy, and many will be hard. Having negative thoughts is not an unfamiliar experience while going through difficult moments in life, and trying to understand these moments can be even more challenging to manage.Relief can be found through connecting feelings with others. In this collection, moments of grief, sorrow, and anger are all to be related with as it's read, alongside the variety of different emotions one might experience being a young female in today's world. Moments of relation can be found through the strong words and emotion depicted within the work. Discovering loneliness within difficult times can be frightening for many people, as it's easy to feel so small in a big world. This offers an understanding that not everyone is alone with their feelings and provides a deeper, more raw view of how dark the mind can be.

Life is hard, even on good days. We all know and accept this as a fact. But as we go through this journey and look around us, we tend to focus on the major obstacles in the way and ignore the tiny, trivial things. Even the most basic decisions we take for granted have deeper connotations than we realize in the moment. From trying to find the right shirt to wear to the gym as a male who is not built like a college athlete to dating as a single father and trying to do it in a way that does not damage the relationship you have with your wonderful children, the most basic things in life deserve to have some importance tied to them. By delving into this collection of thoughts and observations, you not only help me to feel like I have contributed something noteworthy to an otherwise simple life so far, but hopefully it can also remind you that you are not alone in the everyday thoughts you have as you navigate your own little worlds.

In the chilly winter of 1981, Peter Brume, a budding 26-year-old reporter in Paris, finds his career abruptly halted due to budget cuts. This professional setback spirals him into a spiritual quandary, prompting him to delve deeper into the Catholic faith that has always perplexed him. As part of his exploration, he even commits to celibacy while interviewing priests and religious figures.However, his journey takes an unexpected turn with the entrance of Evelyne, a captivating Parisian. She challenges Peter's binary perception of women and ignites a passion within him. Seeking answers, Peter travels to Catholic Ireland, a land where divorce and abortion are taboo. From trailing a Jesuit up a mountain to enduring the austere rituals of Lough Derg, Peter's journey is both enlightening and tumultuous. Along the way, he encounters priests whose intentions blur the lines between the sacred and the profane.Torn between his spiritual calling and the allure of Evelyne, Peter's quest culminates in Rome. There, amidst the sanctity of the Holy See and in the company of a priest, he faces a life-altering decision: to answer the divine call or to embrace the love that tugs at his heart.

Dive into a poetic tapestry where the author intricately weaves reflections on nature, the sting of loss, the intricacies of relationships, and the myriad hues of life. Using masterful metaphors, she crafts layers of meaning that beckon the reader to explore deeper with each revisit. These poems not only celebrate the rejuvenating power of faith but also resonate and linger long after the last word is read. Conversations with Flowers is a collection that invites and enchants, compelling you to return time and time again.