The Crumbling Skies
A Novel by Robin Wickens

London, 1941. The sirens wail. The sky is ablaze. But beneath the falling bombs, courage blooms in the unlikeliest of hearts.

Nora Ellwood never expected to become a nurse on the front lines of London’s Blitz. By day, she tends to the wounded and comforts the weary in the overcrowded East End hospital. By night, she seeks solace in the routine of blackouts and battered tea tins, trying to hold her broken family together. All around her, the city trembles—homes vanish overnight, secrets multiply in the rubble, and each dawn brings both relief and dread.

But when a mysterious air raid victim arrives in Nora’s care—clutching a bloodstained scrap of paper covered in cryptic code—she is swept into a world of shadowy intrigue far beyond her ward. Alongside a German-Jewish refugee haunted by loss, a fire warden seeking redemption, and a child whose dreams are filled with smoke and song, Nora must face questions she’s not ready to answer:
Who can be trusted in a city where suspicion is as thick as the smoke? What price will she pay for the truth?

As Nora follows a trail of hidden messages through bombed-out streets and secret underground shelters, she discovers that bravery is not only found on the battlefield. Sometimes, it lives in quiet acts of kindness, the protection of secrets, and the stubborn hope that tomorrow can be better—even as the world crumbles overhead.

Rich with historical detail and unforgettable characters, The Crumbling Skies paints a sweeping portrait of ordinary people tested by extraordinary times. It’s a story of resilience, the bonds that hold us together, and the light that refuses to die—even when darkness falls.

For readers who love Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, and stories of untold wartime courage.

Britain’s pubs are more than places to drink — they are living museums of history, tradition, and ghostly encounters. From coaching inns where judges sentenced the doomed, to smugglers’ haunts echoing with contraband whispers, to seaside taverns where drowned sailors still return for one last pint, the nation’s inns are steeped in chilling legend.

In Pints & Phantoms: Haunted Pubs of Britain, author Robin Wickens guides readers on a spectral pub crawl through 119 haunted inns, taverns, and alehouses, each with its own full-page ghostly narrative. Every tale blends folklore with atmosphere: monks pacing cloisters, highwaymen galloping unseen, glasses raised by invisible hands, and voices from centuries past joining the living.

This book is not a guide to beer — it is a guide to the spirits that linger long after closing time.

Over 100 pubs, from Cornwall to the Highlands

Atmospheric storytelling perfect for fireside reading

Blends history, folklore, and the paranormal

A must for ghost hunters, travellers, and pub lovers alike

Raise your glass. The ghosts are waiting.

When the bombs fall, the city burns—but so too does the courage of those who refuse to give in.

In the heart of the Blitz, London’s streets glow not with lamplight but with firestorms and falling embers. Amidst the chaos, ordinary men and women discover extraordinary strength. From fire wardens clambering across rooftops to save whole streets, to a young nurse racing through rubble-strewn alleys, and families huddled in shelters whispering songs of hope—the story of survival is written not only in history books, but in the hearts of those who lived it.

Flames Over London is a powerful tale of resilience, loss, and unity in the face of devastation. It captures the indomitable spirit of a city under siege, where every act of kindness, every loaf of bread shared, and every fire beaten back by bare hands becomes an act of quiet heroism.

The White Feather – A Story of Courage in the Face of War

Amid the chaos of World War II, one man carried a different kind of burden. Edward Bell refused to pick up a weapon—not out of fear, but out of conviction. Branded a coward and shunned for his pacifism, he chose a different battlefield: the bombed-out streets of London, where he risked his life night after night to save others.

A powerful tale of heroism without a gun.
A gripping journey through the Blitz, where every moment is a fight for survival.
An inspiring story of resilience, redemption, and the true meaning of bravery.

Edward’s acts of heroism challenged the world’s perception of courage. His hands never pulled a trigger, but they pulled survivors from the rubble, lifted the wounded to safety, and rebuilt what war tried to tear apart.

Will history remember him as a coward or the bravest of them all?

Available now in print and digital formats!
Get your copy today and discover the untold story of wartime courage.

London, 1940. The sirens wail, bombs fall, and a widow named Ellie Harcourt clings to the one thing that has always sustained her—her bakery. Each morning, while rubble is cleared from the streets, Ellie kneads dough and lights her ovens, filling her small shop with the stubborn scent of survival.

But the bakery is more than a place for bread. Beneath its cosy façade, Ellie shelters neighbours during raids, comforts frightened children, and quietly joins the fight against tyranny. With the help of coded messages hidden inside her pastries, she becomes an unexpected link in a fragile chain of resistance.

As the Blitz rages on, Ellie must choose between keeping her head down or risking everything to protect those she loves. Her shop may be small, but within its walls burns a defiance brighter than the bombs outside.

The Blackout Baker is a moving story of resilience, community, and quiet heroism. Perfect for readers of Pam Jenoff, Kate Quinn, and Kristin Hannah, it reminds us that even in the darkest nights, the warmth of courage can still rise.

Welcome to Bracken Hollow, a charming English village where cream teas, community secrets, and crime all have their place.

Retired schoolteacher Mabel Hesketh is ready for a quieter life. With her beloved tabby cat Marmalade and her best friend Nora by her side, she opens The Steamy Teapot, hoping to serve up nothing more dangerous than an extra-strong cup of Earl Grey. But when a regular patron is found dead under suspicious (and sticky) circumstances, Mabel’s plans for peaceful retirement unravel faster than a dropped knitting project.

The local constabulary seems all too keen to close the case—but Mabel knows the villagers better than anyone, and something doesn’t add up. With Nora's relentless curiosity, a suspiciously nervous baker, and a secret recipe that might just be worth killing for, Mabel finds herself drawn into a puzzle where everyone has something to hide.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Raisin, and The Thursday Murder Club, Sweet Secrets and Sinister Scones is the first in a delightful new series of cosy mysteries packed with charm, community, and a dash of danger.

Pour a cup, grab a scone, and settle in. Bracken Hollow is waiting…

Master the heat, the motion, and the magic of the wok.

From smoky Sichuan stir-fries to British weeknight favourites, Wok Recipes: 100 Fast, Fresh & Flavourful Dishes from East to West brings together a world of flavour in one sizzling pan.

Discover how to create the legendary wok hei — the “breath of the wok” — and cook 100 inspired recipes bursting with speed and colour. Each dish includes full ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional panels, allergens, dietary swaps, and UK-specific measurements.

Learn to cook:

Classic Chinese, Thai & Japanese stir-fries

Korean & Vietnamese favourites

Indian & Sri Lankan spice fusions

Modern British wok suppers

Vegetarian, vegan & seafood options

Sweet wok desserts

Perfect for busy professionals, food lovers, and curious beginners alike — this is the essential cookbook for anyone who loves quick, bold, and utterly delicious food.

Cook faster. Eat fresher. Flavour the world.

If you can line a tin, you can host Christmas. Christmas Traybakes is the stress-free way to feed a crowd, bringing together 100 festive slabs—from fudgy brownies and café-style blondies to bright citrus drizzles, syrup-soaked semolina slices, silky cheesecake bars and speedy fridge cakes. Every recipe is tailored to UK kitchens with metric measures, fan-oven temperatures and visual doneness cues (clean skewer, gentle wobble, golden edge) so you bake with confidence. We flag allergens clearly and provide smart swaps (GF/DF/AF) where they work without compromising texture, along with alcohol-free options throughout. Practical storage and freezing guidance helps you bake ahead; tin sizes are sensible (mostly 23 × 33 cm) and yields are designed for sharing—24 neat squares or bite-size canapés if you halve them. You’ll also find quick wine or beer pairings, make-ahead timelines, and handy labelling tips for fairs and office tables. Ingredients stay supermarket-simple, methods are weeknight-friendly, and results look giftable with minimal faff. From school fêtes to Boxing Day buffets: bake it big, slice it neat, label it clearly… and watch it vanish.

Host without the stress. Christmas Party Food is a UK-centric buffet playbook with 100 long-form recipes written for British supermarkets, metric measures and domestic fan ovens. Every recipe lists allergens and UK-friendly swaps, plus make-ahead, freezer guidance and quick drink pairings (alcohol-free options included). Think pigs in blankets and mini fish pies alongside jewel-bright salads, whipped feta with roasted grapes and small puddings that behave on a buffet. Add the practical stuff: a three-tray oven rota, food-safety and labelling templates, conversions, portion planner, shopping master list and leftovers alchemy. Cook once, party twice.

Traybakes for a Crowd gathers 100 colourfully practical recipes built for UK cooks: big-batch mains, brisk brunch slabs, veggie and vegan one-tins, sides and breads to share, and classic sweet trays. Every recipe fits a standard roasting tin and scales cleanly for 10–12 people, with allergens, easy swaps, diet notes (V, Ve, GF, DF), make-ahead timelines and freezer suitability right where you need them. It’s cooking that respects real life—supermarket ingredients, fan-oven temperatures in °C, and clear timings that hold up when you’re hosting.

Up front, you’ll find the smart bits that make crowds feel effortless: a store-cupboard that actually earns its shelf space, the equipment you’ll genuinely use, technique primers for crisp edges and juicy centres, and a quick reference for conversions and temperatures in fan °C. In the back, an Allergens & Swaps index, a freezer guide, ready-to-shop lists, and an epilogue on packing, travelling and unveiling your trays keep service calm and generous.

From Chicken Shawarma with Sumac Onions and Porchetta-Spiced Pork with Fennel to Lemon-Herb Salmon, Paneer Tikka, Chickpea Shawarma, and a Fish Pie Slab you can slice into neat squares, the savouries deliver deep flavour with minimal faff. The sweet table is just as crowd-pleasing—think Lemon Drizzle with a crunchy top, Ultimate Dark Chocolate Brownies, Bakewell Jam Squares and Biscoff Cheesecake Bars.

Cook once, feed many. This is buffet-proof cooking—reliable, generous and gloriously sliceable.

On England’s chalk-cliff coast in the 1950s, a sepia postcard shows a lantern lit at Battery Twelve on the very night the lighthouse famously failed. Twelve-year-old Tom and eleven-year-old Meg Archer suspect a fib—until a shuttered lamp in the sea caves blinks in a precise three-blink loop. Someone is signalling.
With Bramble the collie’s steady paw-point, Mr Quarles’s Morse know-how and Mrs Pennington’s unstoppable politeness at the station, the Lantern Lane League follow a fair-play trail of ledgers, timetables and greasy chains to a polished antiques dealer with a clever scheme. Time and tide won’t wait; neither will the ten-oh-five. Warm, clue-forward and cosy-peril safe, this classic-feeling mystery invites readers to solve it right alongside the League.

Cook, cackle and host without panic. **Halloween Feasts** is the calm-host companion for October and beyond: **100 UK-friendly recipes** written in British English, measured in **grams/ml**, and tested with **oven temperatures in °C** so nothing’s lost in translation. Build a bountiful buffet, plan a cosy sit-down, or keep it kid-happy while the doorbell rings—each recipe is party-proof and designed to scale.

Every dish comes with what real hosts actually need: **clear allergen flags**, **smart swaps** (GF/DF/vegan) using supermarket ingredients, **make-ahead and freezer guidance**, **nutrition per serving**, and **wine/beer or alcohol-free pairings**. The chapters lead you through the night: **Spooky Starters** and **Ghoul-Boards** for nibbling, **Monstrous Mains** and **Wicked Traybakes** for easy crowd feeding, a generous **Pumpkin & Squash Showcase**, **Sinister Sides** to balance the table, **Sweet Hauntings** for the finale, and **Potions & Punches** to keep glasses clinking—plus **Kids’ Favourites** and **Vegan & Gluten-Free Party Pleasers** so everyone gets seconds.

Practical extras keep you serene: a **UK store-cupboard list**, **Equipment You’ll Actually Use**, **conversion tables**, **timelines**, and printable **allergen label templates**. Roast-heavy methods, sheet-pan shortcuts and sensible resting times ensure **hot food stays hot** and **salads stay crisp**, even when guests arrive in waves. You’ll find tips for safe holding temperatures, smart garnishes, and zero-faff finishing touches that add theatre without stress.

This is a **practical party book first, Halloween showstopper second**—rooted in real supermarkets and real ovens, with flavours that shine long after the costumes go away. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or carving out time to enjoy your own party, expect **maximum theatre, minimum faff**—and a table everyone remembers.

*Boozy Desserts 1* is your invitation to stir, whisk, and flambé your way to puddings with panache. From rum-soaked classics and whisky-laced tarts to champagne jellies, espresso-martini brownies, and Baileys-silk cheesecakes, this collection proves that a well-judged splash of alcohol can turn a good dessert into an unforgettable finale.

Written for real British kitchens, every recipe uses metric measurements, supermarket-friendly ingredients, and straightforward techniques. You’ll learn how to balance sweetness with spirited notes, reduce liqueurs into glossy syrups, set delicate custards with just the right wobble, and flambé safely for a little theatre at the table. Along the way, you’ll pick up smart make-ahead tips for dinner parties, freezer guidance for batch prep, and pairing suggestions so your pudding and glass sing from the same hymn sheet.

Across 100 recipes, discover:

• Tipsy takes on beloved favourites: sherry trifle reimagined, stout sticky toffee pudding, whisky bread-and-butter pudding
• Chocolate & spirits harmonies: dark rum mousse, cognac ganache tart, espresso-martini torte
• Fruity, sparkling, and refreshing finales: limoncello tiramisu, Prosecco sorbet, sangria-poached peaches
• Creams, custards, and flambés with flair: Grand Marnier crème brûlée, kirsch cherries jubilee, amaretto panna cotta
• Festive crowd-pleasers: brandy-butter mince pies, eggnog custard tart, rum-soaked Christmas pudding

Each recipe includes clear methods, serving notes, alcohol and flavour swaps, dietary guidance, and a quick “Freezable?” flag where relevant. The back matter gathers a practical allergens & swaps index, UK oven conversions, and a freezer and make-ahead chart so you can plan with confidence.

Whether you’re hosting a cosy supper, bringing a showstopper to the weekend table, or giving a classic a spirited twist, *Boozy Desserts* delivers puddings with polish and personality—elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a Tuesday treat. Raise your spoon: dessert just got a dash more daring.

Note: Contains recipes using alcohol. Intended for adult cooks (18+). Always label and store finished desserts responsibly and keep out of reach of children.

Dessert, with a passport.
Boozy Desserts: A Global Collection of 100 Recipes gathers the world’s most spirited sweets—no British classics, just a tour of gelati, gateaux, custards, tarts, fritters, flambés and nightcap puddings from Italy to Japan, Peru to Portugal, the Caribbean to the Levant.

Every recipe is written for UK cooks in straight-talking British English with grams, millilitres and fan-oven temps. You’ll get long-form methods that actually teach, plus the useful bits most books skip: nutrition estimates, clear allergen flags, UK-friendly substitutions, diet notes, wine/beer pairings and freezer suitability. Front and back matter cover store-cupboard essentials, equipment you’ll actually use, conversions and temperatures, techniques (custard wisdom, freeze-point tricks, flambé safety) and an Allergens & Swaps index.

Highlights include: Mezcal Dark Chocolate Sorbet; Cassata al Limoncello; Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Patxaran; Knafeh with Grand Marnier; Pisco–Lime Sorbet; Sauternes-Poached Peaches; Grand Marnier Soufflé; Güllaç with Rakı Syrup; Tokaji Plum Tart; Espresso-Martini Tiramisu Cups; Irish-Cream Affogato; and Cachaça–Passionfruit Pavlova Glasses.

If you like your sweets elegant, international and just a little mischievous, raise a spoon. Dessert is served.

Make every gathering unforgettable—with less stress and more flavour.

From lazy Sunday brunches to grand wedding feasts, The Ultimate Buffet is your essential guide to creating beautiful, delicious spreads for every occasion. With easy make-ahead recipes, clear portion planning, and stylish buffet table ideas, this book turns party planning into a joyful (and doable) experience.

Inside you’ll find:

Buffet menus for birthdays, holidays, brunches, and weddings

Over 60 crowd-pleasing recipes, from savoury favourites to sweet treats

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options

Timeline checklists, printable planners, and table layout tips

Whether you're feeding four or forty, The Ultimate Buffet helps you serve with confidence, style, and plenty of seconds.

Book 1 in the Brilliant Buffet Series – your delicious journey starts here.

From the cosy creative behind 15-Minute Meals: Fast Food, Made Fresh and Worldwide Christmas Recipes comes a heartwarming new title perfect for the festive season.

Father Christmas’ Stash: Magical Treats for Little Hands and Big Hearts gathers 100 joyful recipes designed for families to cook together. Every page sparkles with floury fun—from North Pole Pancakes and Elf-Approved Shortbread Wands to Mrs Claus’s Hot Chocolate Supreme and The Christmas Morning Feast.

Written in British English with metric measures, the book blends practicality with playfulness. Each recipe includes child-safe “Elf Assist” tasks, allergen swaps, vegan and gluten-free options, freezer tips, nutrition per serving, and whimsical origin stories from Santa’s kitchen.

Beautifully written with wit, warmth, and real-world know-how, this collection invites readers to rediscover Christmas through simple shared baking.

“The best part of Christmas isn’t under the tree,” says Robin, “it’s what’s rising in the oven.”

How to Have a Merry Christmas
A joyful, practical guide to a calm, cosy, and truly memorable Christmas.

Christmas doesn’t have to be frantic. With a little planning, a few clever traditions, and a kitchen that smells of something lovely in the oven, you can create a season that feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully yours. How to Have a Merry Christmas brings together timeless rituals, modern shortcuts, comforting recipes, and thoughtful ideas for making the festive period smoother from start to finish.

Discover the stories behind classic British traditions, learn how to prepare your feast without stress, master make-ahead sauces and sides, set a beautiful table on any budget, and build small rituals that turn December into something magical. From cosy nights in and winter walks to wrapping strategies, music playlists, and post-Christmas recovery, this is your companion for a simpler, happier holiday.

Whether you’re hosting your first Christmas, reinventing family traditions, or looking to reclaim the season from chaos, this book offers calm, clarity, and a spark of festive joy.

Make this the year you truly have a Merry Christmas—slow, bright, meaningful, and yours.

Some nights, even chopping an onion feels like a faff. This book is for those nights. The Lazy Cook’s Bible keeps flavour high and effort low: no-chop options, five-ingredient fixes, one-pan roasts, traybakes you dump and bake, and clever shortcuts that taste like you tried. You’ll find UK-friendly ingredients, clear timings you can trust, and swaps that meet you where you are—“what’s in the fridge” is a feature, not a flaw.

Each recipe includes allergens, dietary notes, UK substitutions, whether it freezes well, serving suggestions, and a quick pairing. Indicated nutrition is there to help without being prescriptive.

Cook less. Enjoy more. Wash up once.

Bring the warmth, colour and comfort of curry night into your kitchen — with the speed and ease of your pressure cooker.

Pressure Cooker Curry Recipes features 100 flavour-packed, fuss-free curries written specifically for UK cooks. Using British ingredients, familiar measurements, and simple steps, these dishes deliver restaurant-quality flavour with everyday convenience.

Inside you’ll find:

• Chicken, beef, lamb, pork & seafood curries
From quick Chicken Bhuna to melt-in-the-mouth Lamb Rogan Josh, Pork Vindaloo, Thai Green Fish Curry, and more.

• Vegetarian & vegan favourites
Chana masala, sweet potato curry, Thai pumpkin tofu, beetroot curry, and vibrant green saag.

• Paneer, tofu, lentil & bean dishes
Protein-packed, comforting, budget-friendly recipes you’ll return to on repeat.

• Base sauces to batch-cook
House Base, Tomato–Onion Masala, Coconut “Makhani” Base, spice stock, tamarind concentrate and more.

• Essential sides
Fluffy basmati rice, cheat’s naan, raitas, chutneys, pickles, sambal, and pilau.

Each recipe includes:
allergen notes, dietary swaps, freezer tips, wine/beer pairings, UK-metric measurements, and quick prep guidance.

Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this book brings together speed, comfort, and huge flavour in one place.

If you’re craving warm spices, hearty bowls, and effortless weeknight cooking, this is the cookbook you’ll use again and again.

100 curries. One pressure cooker. Zero fuss.

Dinner without the drama.
The Lazy Cook’s Bible is your friendly weeknight co-pilot, built for real British kitchens, metric measures and fan ovens. Think traybakes that baste themselves, dump-and-bake pastas that make their own sauce, 15-minute bowls that taste like you tried, and slow-cooker Sundays that simmer while you do absolutely nothing.

Inside you’ll find 100 long-form, no-nonsense recipes with clear timings, swaps and freezer notes, plus cheeky filler pages that teach you the lazy arts: Trust the Tray, Flavour Bombs, and When to Cheat (and when not to). Every recipe includes allergens, UK-friendly substitutes, diet notes and pairing ideas, so you can cook fast and cook smart.

Chapters include:
• Five-Ingredient Fix • No-Chop Wonders • One-Pan & Traybakes • Dump, Bake & Walk Away • 10-Minute Lunches & Speedy Bowls • Freezer Heroes • Slow-Cooker Lazy Sundays • Pressure Cooker Express • Breakfast-for-Dinner • Sweet Speed

Whether you’re feeding fussy kids, knackered adults, or just yourself plus the remote, this book keeps the washing-up low and the flavour high. Real-world ingredients, practical kit, minimal faff — and dinner that appears like magic.

Cook less. Eat better. That’s the gospel according to The Lazy Cook’s Bible .
This book celebrates that everyday enchantment. British Pastry Bakes gathers one hundred recipes—sweet, savoury, traditional, modern, humble, and celebratory—to capture the breadth of Britain’s baking heritage in a practical, approachable way. Everything here is written with the UK home cook in mind: grams and millilitres, fan-oven temperatures in Celsius, supermarket-friendly ingredients, and clear long-form methods designed to guide without overwhelming. Each recipe also includes allergen notes, sensible swaps, dietary guidance, origins and little baking facts, wine or beer pairings where appropriate, and freezer suitability, so you can bake confidently whether you’re feeding one, a family, or a whole village fête.

You’ll find classics such as Bakewell tart, Eccles cakes, Scotch pies, apple turnovers, and cheese straws, alongside refreshed favourites—maple pecan plaits made easier, savoury hand pies inspired by regional flavours, and custard tarts brightened with citrus or spice. There are pastries for breakfast, for elevenses, for tea tables, for picnics on breezy cliffs, for hurried weeknights, and for celebrations that call for something flaky, golden, and reliably impressive.

My aim throughout this book is simple: to make pastry feel friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker who can judge butter temperature with a fingertip or someone who has always felt a little intimidated by laminating dough, these recipes are written to meet you where you are. Good pastry is patient, forgiving, and rewarding. With a little time and a cold worktop, you can coax extraordinary results from the most ordinary ingredients.

So roll up your sleeves, dust the flour across your counter, and let’s explore Britain’s pastry traditions together—from the crumbliest shortcrust to the loftiest puff. May your layers be light, your fillings generous, and your kitchen forever smelling of something warm and wonderful from the oven.

One tin, big flavour, less faff.

Feeding a crowd should feel generous and stress-free. Traybakes for a Crowd gives you 100 supermarket-friendly recipes designed for UK cooks, all tested in standard roasting tins with fan ovens in °C. Every recipe includes allergens, swaps, diet notes (V, Ve, GF, DF), make-ahead guidance, freezer suitability, and quick wine/beer pairings—so you can plan the whole do in one go.

Inside you’ll find:

Brunch slabs, chicken crowd-pleasers, beef & pork suppers, seafood trays, veggie mains, vegan one-tins, pies & pastas, sides & breads, and sweet tray classics.
Store-cupboard lists, equipment you’ll actually use, technique primers, conversions & temperatures (quick reference).
Origins & facts, allergens & swaps index, and an epilogue on packing, travelling and serving your trays.

Built for birthdays, buffets, bake sales and busy weeks—cook once, feed many, and still have time to enjoy your guests.

Cook, cackle and host without panic. Halloween Feasts is a calm-host companion for October and beyond— 100 UK-friendly recipes written in British English, measured in grams/ml , with oven temperatures in °C and supermarket ingredients you can actually buy. Build a generous buffet, plan a cosy sit-down, or keep it kid-happy while the doorbell rings; every recipe is party-proof and designed to scale without stress.

What sets this book apart is the practical detail woven into every page. Each dish includes clear allergen flags , smart swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan guests, make-ahead and freezer guidance , nutrition per serving , and approachable wine/beer or alcohol-free pairings . You’ll also find holding and reheating temperatures so hot food stays hot, salads stay crisp, and you can enjoy your own party.

The chapters lead you smoothly through the night:

Spooky Starters & Ghoul-Boards for first nibbles and easy grazing
Monstrous Mains and Wicked One-Pans & Traybakes for hands-off crowd feeding
A generous Pumpkin & Squash Showcase that goes far beyond soup and pie
Sinister Sides & Salads to balance rich flavours
Sweet Hauntings packed with brownies, bars, cheesecakes and puddings
Potions & Punches (alcohol-free and boozy) to keep glasses clinking
Kids’ Favourites plus Vegan & Gluten-Free Party Pleasers , clearly flagged

Because a great night starts with a calm plan, the book includes a UK store-cupboard list , Equipment You’ll Actually Use (no novelty kit), conversions & safe-temperature quick reference , 3-day timelines , and printable allergen label templates . Roast-forward methods, sheet-pan shortcuts and sensible resting times do the heavy lifting; simple finishing touches—fresh herbs, citrus, crunchy seeds—bring the theatre without the faff.

Whether you’re hosting a doorstep-to-table Halloween, a Bonfire Night spread, or an October birthday, these recipes are built to work in real homes: reliable timings, clear steps, and flexible swaps that don’t send you to five shops. Expect bold flavours, tidy processes and menus that scale gracefully for 6, 12 or 24.

In short: real recipes, real supermarkets, real ovens— maximum theatre, minimum faff . If you like calm hosts, warm trays and happy guests, Halloween Feasts will earn its place beside your roasting tin.

Willowmere is the sort of quiet English village where nothing truly extraordinary ever seems to happen. The lake lies calm, the willows bend gently in the breeze, and the old boathouse creaks on its stilts as though sighing through its wooden bones. But one warm evening, just as the light begins to fade, twelve-year-old Ivy Winters hears something that changes everything.

A whisper.

Soft. Echoing. Rising from beneath the floorboards of the boathouse.

Determined to discover the truth, Ivy brings the rest of the Weekenders—bold Sam, gentle Tilly, nervous but loyal George, and newcomer Kai, who seems to know more than he lets on. Together, the friends follow a trail of clues involving missing crates, strange symbols, disappearing ledgers, and whispers that grow stronger with every step they take.

What begins as an ordinary lakeside curiosity quickly becomes a mystery rooted in Willowmere’s forgotten past. Kai reveals he is carrying a fragment of something ancient: a relic etched with markings that glow when brought near the water. And as the Weekenders uncover more secrets buried in old archive rooms and hidden caves, the lake begins to respond.

Because something is waking.

An ancient Guardian—powerful, confused, and bound by forces she cannot control—stirs beneath Willowmere Lake. Her memories have been broken, her purpose lost, and a mysterious woman will stop at nothing to harness the Guardian’s magic for herself. As the boathouse collapses and light erupts from the depths of the lake, the Weekenders must rally every ounce of courage, cleverness and friendship they possess.

Facing storms, cryptic symbols, rising waters and a figure older than the village itself, the children soon learn that the bravest decisions are not always loud; sometimes they are quiet, thoughtful, and shared between friends.

With classic British charm, warm humour, gentle magical peril, and a heartfelt celebration of friendship, The Willowmere Weekenders: Mystery of the Whispering Boathouse invites readers to step into a world where hidden wonders lie beneath everyday places. Perfect for fans of Enid Blyton, Eva Ibbotson, and the timeless thrill of exploring something not yet fully understood, this is a cosy mystery adventure for children who love secrets, clues, and stories whispered by the water.

The lake remembers.
The Weekenders listen.
And their adventure has only just begun.

A Christmas feast for everyone—bright, generous, and joyously plant-based.

Vegan Christmas for Everyone brings you 100 festive recipes crafted especially for UK home cooks. From warming starters and hearty winter one-pans to spectacular showstoppers, indulgent puddings and cosy holiday drinks, every dish is easy to prepare, deeply flavourful and designed to welcome all to the table.

With make-ahead guidance, freezer-friendly tips, alcohol-free and alcoholic pairings, allergen swaps and UK-specific ingredients, this is the ultimate guide to a stress-free, inclusive Christmas.

Perfect for seasoned vegans, curious cooks, and festive hosts looking to create a celebration everyone can enjoy.

Welcome to the warmest, kindest Christmas you’ve ever cooked.