Cockasnook Books

Tom Gibbons — Margaret Swift

Introduction: Tom Gibbons lives with his old grandad in a small village, an arrangement that suits them both very well. The only problem – whether Tom realises it or not – is that it can’t go on for much longer.

What will happen to Tom when his grandad dies? Is he set to lose everything that matters to him: not just his grandad, but also his home, his place at school and his dog? Tom faces seemingly insurmountable challenges in dealing with the social services and the police, but fortunately he has more friends than he realises. In outwitting those who deal unfairly with him, Tom can emerge a stronger person: a young man.

The book Tom Gibbons is about youth and age, living and dying, human love and animal affection.

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The German Trip — Margaret Swift

Introduction: Forty-five young people are saying goodbye to their parents and setting off in a bus for a week in the Rhineland. Heather is new to the school and isn't at all sure she wants to go on the trip. She is after all small and insignificant so that only the bullies will notice her. Or is she? She may be small, but perhaps she is also beautiful and clever, as well as gifted in caring for others — when the need arises. As events swing between comedy and drama — through the errors and shortcomings of others — scope is provided for Heather's strengths to be revealed.

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The Secret of Eternal Youth — Margaret Swift

Introduction: The peerless girl Floretta, daughter of the forest — beautiful, innocent, gentle, vulnerable — emerges from her secluded backwood into the World of Man, where she becomes known as the holder of the Secret of Eternal Youth. Many, from common scoundrel to mighty king, would have this secret for themselves and will stop at nothing. But does Floretta possess this secret and can she bestow it at will?

The Secret of Eternal Youth is the first book of Margaret Swift's Amaranth trilogy, the following two books being A Spell for Irresistible Charm and The Crown of Untold Wisdom.

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A Spell for Irresistible Charm — Margaret Swift

Introduction: Sylvia, woodcutter's daughter, maid of obscure birth, must remain in the forest. Her sole heritage, her sole special birthright is terror of King Julien of Torquella. No riches has she inherited, no right to might, no claim to fame, instead the necessity to conceal herself from the eyes of this very rich, mighty and famous person. When eventually he chances upon her, Julien thinks to see in Sylvia's face, with its features so reminiscent of those of her sister Floretta, confirmation of the continuing existence of the coveted Secret of Eternal Youth. Her success in extricating herself from his grasp – and from that of others – leads him to observe she now holds a second equally desirable spell – that of Irresistible Charm. Will these great gifts fall into the hands of the King? And what will become of Sylvia?

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Irene Remembers — Irene Boyd

Introduction: Ellen Marion Irene Boyd was born in Northwich, Cheshire in 1907 and spent much of her early years at The Beeches, Whitegate with her family. She became ill as a child and spent time in a number of hospitals including Guy's, London. All this was to no avail; she became crippled with rheumatoid arthritis and eventually almost completely paralysed, apart from a little movement in her hands which enabled her to write — provided someone else was there to furnish her with pad and pen. She walked for the last time when she was ten, at a time when her youngest sister Norah was learning to walk:

‘While Baby Norah finds it easier and easier to master the complicated art of walking, Irene finds it more and more difficult to keep it up’

The new edition of Irene Remembers is now available, with archive photographs, a family tree and additional information on the cover. Price unchanged at £7.99.

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A Grandad's Life — James K Humble OBE

Introduction: Jimmy Humble set out to record key events in his life for his grandchildren but with help and encouragement kept going until he had produced this impressive autobiography. He rose from ‘Humble’ origins in Oldham, Lancashire to ‘a grand suite of offices at the top of Millbank Tower’. En route, he enjoyed a successful career as a professional rugby player and spent half a century at the forefront of consumer protection regulation, both here in the UK and in Nigeria. Were his achievements mere ‘luck’, as he himself suggests, or was there something more? If the answer is anywhere, it is in the pages of this book.

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