Showing results by narrator "Sarah Ovens" in All Categories

This is the story of 25-year-old Rochelle as she nurses her mum through a terminal brain tumour having already lost her dad to pancreatic cancer, aged 14. Based on the author's popular blog, this accessible guide provides a unique in-depth look at the reality of being a young carer.

Poppy Greer is getting married and four of her old schoolmates are to be her trusted bridesmaids. They may have drifted but true friendships last a lifetime, don't they? Plus, who would pass on a free first-class ticket to white sands and bottomless cocktails on a private Caribbean island? But the women have underestimated their host, and each other. And as their darkest secrets are revealed, the trip of their dreams becomes the hen do from hell. Will anyone make it off the island alive?

In Belle and Joni's world, there are two options for girls: One, follow the rules of the Doctrine like Belle: apply your Mask, work hard to be crowned at the Ceremony, be a Pretty. Or two, fight the rules like Joni: leave your face bare, work hard to escape to the Education, be an Objectionable.

Welcome to The Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true. It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime turns into a nightmare. Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re becoming a reality.

Meet the adults. Claire and Matt are divorced but decide what's best for their daughter, Scarlett, is to have a 'normal' family Christmas. They can't agree on whose idea it was or who said they should bring their new partners. But someone did - and it's too late to pull the plug. Claire brings her new boyfriend, Patrick, a seemingly eligible Iron-Man-in-Waiting. Matt brings the new love of his life, Alex - funny, smart and extremely patient. Scarlett, their daughter, brings her imaginary friend Posey. He's a rabbit.

Paddington Bear tries to buy a birthday present, the animals of Brambly Hedge set off to the seaside. A greedy queen insists on having the biggest tree in the world, but will Cinderella get to go to the ball?

At Montverre, an exclusive academy tucked away in the mountains, the best and brightest are trained for excellence in the grand jeu: an arcane and mysterious contest. Léo Martin was once a student there but lost his passion for the grand jeu following a violent tragedy. Now he returns in disgrace, exiled to his old place of learning with his political career in tatters. Montverre has changed since he studied there, even allowing a woman, Claire Dryden, to serve in the grand jeu’s highest office of Magister Ludi.

Daine has wild magic: the ability to talk to and sway the actions of animals. When Daine is summoned to help a pack of wolves - friends from her old village - she and her mentor, the legendary mage Numair, travel to Dunlath Valley to answer the call. But when they arrive, Daine learns that it’s not only animals whose lives are threatened; people are in danger, too.

In Tempests and Slaughter, fans of Tamora Pierce will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom's future rests on the shoulders of a young man with unimaginable gifts and a talent for making vicious enemies. In the ancient halls of the Imperial University of Carthak, a young man has begun his journey to becoming one of most powerful mages the realm has ever known.

During a dire battle, Daine and her mentor, Numair, are swept into the Divine Realms - where gods and legends roam. Safe for now, they are desperately needed back in the land of mortals, where their old enemy, the Emperor Ozorne, and his army of strange immortal creatures are waging war against Tortall. Through her journey to the land of the gods, Daine comes upon incredible truths. But as the secrets of her past are revealed, so is the treacherous way back to Tortall. And so Daine and Numair must embark on an extraordinary journey home.

Daine Sarrasri’s power is growing, and her bond with animals is ever stronger. Along with her mentor, Numair, and a delegation from Tortall, Daine is sent to the Emperor Mage of Carthak in hopes that she can help to smooth international relations between their lands before discord bubbles over into war - by helping the emperor’s ailing birds. But Carthak’s emperor Ozorne is charmingly treacherous and Carthak itself built on the labour and suffering of slaves.

The second story in a new series about dancing, friendship and following your dreams from best loved author Jean Ure. Maddy is delighted when she and her friends are accepted to the prestigious City Ballet School - it feels like one step closer to their dream of becoming professional dancers. But the school brings a whole new set of challenges - and soon Maddy finds herself tested like never before.

When Charlie’s longed-for brother is born with a serious heart condition, Charlie’s world is turned upside down. Upset and afraid, Charlie flees the hospital and makes for the ancient forest on the edge of town. There Charlie finds a boy floating face-down in the stream, injured, but alive. But when Charlie sets off back to the hospital to fetch help, it seems the forest has changed. It’s become a place as strange and wild as the boy dressed in deerskins.

Having fled London and been on the run around Europe, Vita Casey has established a new life for herself, keeping a low profile as a dresser at a cabaret hall where Nancy is part of the risqué dance troupe. It’s a vibrant world of wild parties, drugs and jazz music. But despite the fun, hedonistic lifestyle they lead, Vita longs for a proper career and to re-kindle her dream of designing lingerie. When an opportunity to work for famous couturier Jenny Sacerdote presents itself, Vita grabs it with both hands and is soon exposed to an altogether different side of Paris society.

The festive season isn't always happy for Tori Spring and her brother, Charlie. And this year's going to be harder than most. I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now.... I’m not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me and all of the sad. I’m going to block it all out just for today. 'Happy Christmas,' I say.

A small village in the wilds of Northumberland is rocked by the disappearance of 12-year-old Tammy. With his friend Iggy and the mysterious Hellyann, Ethan teams up with a spaceship called Philip, and Suzy the trained chicken, for a nail-biting chase to get his sister back.

Gwen, the quick-witted Princess of England, and Arthur, future lord and general gadabout, have been betrothed since birth. Unfortunately, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other. When Gwen catches Art kissing a boy and Art discovers where Gwen hides her diary (complete with racy entries about Bridget Leclair, the kingdom's only female knight), they become reluctant allies. By pretending to fall for each other, their mutual protection will be assured.

Mary Poppins takes Jane and Michael on a gravity-defying tea party on the ceiling. Meet the boy who rescues a beached dolphin. Can the barber keep the secret of the Rajah’s big ears?

It’s 1929, and after running away from her family in Lancashire, becoming a dancer in London and having a riotous time in Paris with her best friend, Nancy, would-be fashion designer Vita Casey is now living a much more sedate life in New York with her baby son, Bertie, far away from her evil brother, Clement, and her nemesis, Edith. When the disastrous events of the Wall Street Crash change their destinies, Vita and Nancy flee to Los Angeles, where Nancy is determined to make it in the talkies.

Follow Little Owl as he explores new experiences and faces childhood fears under the careful guidance of his mummy. Together, they make bathtime and bedtime fun, make a new friend and go to school for the very first time. Little Owl may be nervous but it doesn’t stop him from overcoming new challenges and having fun along the way.