Lesley Parr Bücher

WINNER: Wales Book of the Year 2023 A STIRRING HISTORICAL MYSTERY SET IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE VALLEY OF LOST SECRETS The First World War has ended, but it hasn't gone away. When Natty has to move to a new village, she meets two young soldiers who are still battling the effects of war and shellshock. Her cousin Huw can't forget the terrible things he's seen, but another young soldier Johnny doesn't even remember who he is. Natty wishes she could get through to Huw and is desperate to help Johnny recover his memories but what can she do that the nurses and doctors haven't already tried? Meanwhile Natty is fighting her own battles - protesting to get the local authority to help the schoolchildren who can't afford a midday meal. As she gets embroiled in the cause, and in trying to help the young soldiers, she starts to unravel a mystery. Natty knows that - just as Jonny and Huw did - she must fight for what she believes in, and she learns that some things should never be forgotten ... This mesmerising historical mystery includes an interactive clue so readers can unravel the mystery alongside the characters. Highly commended for the Young Quills Award 2023. 'A heartfelt, hopeful tale of the human spirit's incredible ability to recover' - Emma Carroll

It's February 1974 and working class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less hours for people to work, and less money to get by on. Thirteen-year-old Jason feels the struggle keenly. Ever since his parents died, it's just been him and his older brother Richie. Richie is doing his best, but since he can't make ends meet he's been doing favours for the wrong people. Every day they fear they won't have enough and will have to be separated.One thing that helps distract Jason is the urban legend about a beast in the valleys. A wildcat that roams the forest three villages up the river from their bridge. When Jason's friends learn of a reward for proof of The Beast's existence, they convince Jason this is the answer to his and Richie's money problems. Richie can get himself out of trouble before it's too late and the brothers can stay together.And so a quest begins ... Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them ... forever.With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure gives us the most exquisite characterisation and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this utterly timeless and one of the finest historical fiction stories in the market today.

With no experience, Lesley and her husband left behind their responsible middle-aged lifestyle to discover what life in a motor home could hold. With their three-year-old-son in tow, they embarked on an extraordinary seven-month odyssey, criss-crossing Europe from Portugal to Croatia.