Showing results by narrator "Deryn Oliver" in All Categories

Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short fictional stories of kindness, edited by LJ Ross. These uplifting tales of hope and of small everyday kindnesses are intended to support wider positive mental-health goals and foster wellbeing through the act of listening to tales of goodwill inspired by others. Featuring authors across the spectrum of literature, some international best-selling and award-winning writers amongst them, this is a unique collection of words.

In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing. Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiancé.

From accidents and bodies to contagion and ghosts, each letter unveils a new facet of our shared human experience with death. Delve into the peculiar choices for the disposal of your corpse, uncover the power of elegies and epitaphs, and venture into the realm of the paranormal. Reflect on the impact of climate change, explore the significance of war and ponder the mysteries that defy explanation. Learn the secrets of the ancient yew tree and celebrate death's place in cultures around the world.

Daniel Hawthorn knew he was different from the day he was born, as he lay in his mother’s arms and gazed up deeply into her mysterious black eyes. But no one had prepared him for the horrors that he was about to experience, as he ventured deep into the world of witchcraft and wizardry.

A heartwarming tale of a young orphan hare who finds refuge with a human family. Follow Hesper's journey of discovery, friendship and love as she adapts to her new life and learns that, despite our differences, we all yearn for the same thing. See the wonder of the world through the eyes of a most superior hare who teaches a valuable lesson in kindness and compassion, whilst cherishing the magical bond between humans and animals.

As the Aurelia nears Athens, a new member of the crew is found dead in his cabin. Next to a gun and slumped over a suicide note, it appears tragic but unsuspicious. However, he’s the captain’s nephew Julian, onboard for only six days, and something about the suicide note makes Patricia’s nose twitch. With disobedient dog Anna, loyal butler Jermaine, and all her friends in support, your favorite amateur sleuth soon uncovers a web of lies and deceit in the bursary.

Witches! Whether you know them from Shakespeare or from WICKED, there is no staple more beloved in folklore, fairy tale, or fantasy than these magical beings. Witches are everywhere, and at the heart of stories that resonate with many people around the world. This dazzling, otherworldly collection gathers new stories of witches from all walks of life. Whether they be maiden, mother, crone, or other; funny, fierce, light and airy, or dark and disturbing; witches are a vital part of some of the greatest stories we have, and new ones start here!

They called her La Maestra. Elisabetta Sirani was a talented and prolific artist in 17th century Italy. Trained by her father, she was running his studio by the time she was 16, and earned her first official commission the following year.

From the pen of award-winning erotica author Lucy Felthouse comes a collection of short stories and flash fiction sure to hit the spot. There’s something for everyone in this sexy anthology. From spanking to voyeurism, bondage to pegging, solo loving to ménage, with a sprinkling of femdom, maledom, and magic, fans of M/F erotic stories will soon discover why this book is described as multi-orgasmic. Enjoy 21 titillating tales with over 52,000 words of naughtiness packed into one steamy collection.

French Indochina, 1945: Arielle, the daughter of a French father and Vietnamese mother, is working for the colonial government. Because of her native blood, she’s spared imprisonment when the Japanese storm Hanoi. Forced to work for the enemy, Arielle is contacted by a Viet Minh agent, who threatens to expose her dark secrets from 10 years before if she doesn’t help his cause. As Arielle is drawn deeper into the rebels’ dangerous world, will she ever escape the torment of her past? Or will she find love in the most unexpected of places?

Diana and her sister, Antonia, are house-sharing spinsters who have never got over their respective first loves. Naomi lives alone, haunted by the failure of her two marriages. When a body is discovered in the local quarry, all three women’s lives are turned upside down. And when Diana’s old flame Gill turns up unexpectedly, tensions finally spill over and threaten to destroy the outwardly peaceful lives all three women have carefully constructed around themselves.

Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband. Thus begins our heroine’s tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.

Matthew was my biggest regret. For years he was my best friend, but I never told him how I really felt. That I loved him. When all the words should have been said, I said nothing at all. For fifteen years I kept him in my dreams, letting my life coast along and pass me by. Until he came back. But Matthew wasn't the man I remembered. Cold and aloof, his hatred of me burned little holes into my heart. We had just fifteen days to reconnect. Probably too short a time to bridge the gap to the past. Could we get back to who we used to be, when we were young?

Kidnapped in seventh-century England and sold as a slave to a powerful mayor in France, Bathilde needs to adapt to survive. When the mayor’s beloved wife passes away, he looks to Bathilde for comfort. Fleeing his attentions, she is forced to live on the streets until she catches the king’s eye and everything changes. Now a queen, Bathilde must provide the king with heirs and continue the charitable and social work that has become her life, all while fighting her detractors. By the end of her days, Bathilde had changed the face of medieval France forever.

I just can’t sleep! We have all said those words to ourselves in the past or have heard them from loved ones as we try to calm down and settle into a relaxing slumber. This story tells the tale of an exhausted mother who helps her tired child to get to sleep. As the child's mind spins and whirls, her imagination takes to the skies with a space launch and some miraculous sheep!

Not everyone approves of Edward’s choice of bride. Even the king’s mother, Emma of Normandy, detests her daughter-in-law, and Edith is soon on the receiving end of her displeasure. Balancing her sense of family obligation with her duty to her husband, Edith must also prove herself to her detractors. Edward and Edith’s relationship is respectful and caring, but when Edith’s enemies engineer her family’s fall from grace, the king is forced to send her away. She vows to do anything to protect her family’s interests at any cost, if she returns.

One tiny discovery can have enormous consequences.... Almost 10-year-old Octavia Bloom is looking for adventure, but when it comes, it's in the shape of a tiny fairy door. Dragging her reluctant sister and cousins into the mystery, Octavia discovers her family are hiding not one but two life-changing secrets.

A fun bedtime story designed to help children overcome a fear of monsters and the unknown. A tale of uncertainty, discovery, and laughter that will have them running to make friends with their own bed monsters.

Clear your calendar, turn on your voicemail, and get cozy on the sofa, as Anya Wylde has decided to dip her toes into the world of contemporary romance. Love Muffin and Chai Latte follows the journey of Tabitha Lee Timmons as she deals with financial stress, loony relatives, some crooks, an unhappy bride-to-be, a grumpy old man, and two heartbreakingly handsome men.

Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Listen to 10 Bed Time Stories for Ages 0-4 and experience the compelling world of peaceful, soothing, and calming bedtime stories for your baby.