Articles written by Claire Cowling
Showing 53 Articles
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Black Coffee by Agatha Christie
When Agatha Christie died in 1976, fans were distraught. Oh, if only they could find just one more Agatha Christie novel. Well, now they can - Black Coffee.
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Romance Writer of the Year Award 2009 Winner
The Romance Writers' Association has announced the winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year Award for 2009. Freya North won in 2008. Who has won this year?
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Fair-Weather Friend by Patricia Scanlan
Patricia Scanlan's light-hearted, short novel portrays a story of emotional discovery, betrayal by superficial friends and the ultimate voyage to find lasting love.
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Who's Got Skills by Tyrenna Tolbert
Violent crime meets lust and desire in this gripping book by new author, Tyrenna Tolbert. Set in New York, it reveals a vicious world lurking beneath respectability.
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The Back Passage by James Lear
Let Agatha Christie's novels to join forces with PG Wodehouse in your mind, then add a plethora of very rude romps. James Lear's hilarious crime erotica is what you get!
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Helping Children Cope with New Sibling Arrivals
This article provides practical hints and tips on how to deal with the potential jealousies of school-age children which can arise after the birth of a younger sibling.
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Review of Mirror, Mirror by Nancy Butcher
In this reworking of Snow White, Nancy Butcher has encapsulated the modern, image-conscious age at its most terrifying and pits it against the power of love.
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Shadow and Silk by Ann Maxwell
Shadow and Silk is an unconventional romance novel, fraught with danger and intrigue surrounding a mysterious piece of silk. But romance is never far away...
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Watermelon by Marian Keyes
In 1995, Poolbeg Press published Marian Keyes' first novel, Watermelon. Its themes make it arguably the first chick-lit novel. So, why is it so often overlooked as such?
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How to Get Children Swimming
Swimming is an important skill all parents should encourage in their children. It is a fun pastime, great form of exercise, - and could, one day, save their life.
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How to Get Children Reading Dickens
It is not always easy to get children to read classic literature. But Usborne Publishing has made the classics, including Charles Dickens, accessible for youngsters.
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Review of Usborne's The Incredible Present
Harry Potter has rejuvenated children's interest in magical literature. Younger children want access to this, too, and The Incredible Present is a perfect book for this.
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Ballroom Dancing - Past and Present
Dancing has long been an integral part of life, from the Ancient Greeks to modern-day couples dancing for pleasure or competition. But what do we know of its history?
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Agatha Christie's Lesser-Known Romance Novels
Agatha Christie's world fame derives from her persona as a crime writer. But she also wrote six romantic novels, which deserve much more recognition than they have had.
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Comedy and Cruelty in A Midsummer Night's Dream
The prevalence of the fairies in human society in A Midsummer Night's Dream create comedy but also a real feeling of cruelty and injustice. How should we react to this?
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Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's romantic comedies. But the play can leave us unnerved once we form the link between comedy and tyranny in the play.
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Shakespeare - Hamlet's Problem with Women
Hamlet's problems, and the fate of Ophelia, in Shakespeare's tragedy can be blamed on his inability to reconcile the idea of Gertrude, his mother, and her sexuality.
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Twelfth Night - Malvolio and the Cruel Joke
Jokes and deceit are abundant in Twelfth Night, directed mainly at Malvolio. But the nasty tricks aren't just comic interludes - they are disturbing reminders of reality.
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Hamlet's Delay in Killing Claudius
Hamlet is a truly heroic figure. But the challenge to any director of the play is to explain Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius without undermining Hamlet's status.
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Review of Wife Goes On by Leslie Lehr
Wife Goes On is a wonderful portrayal of women all seeking a second chance at life and discovering the best of relationships - friendship.
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The History of British Knitting
Knitting is a skilful hobby which has existed for centuries. It is a craft which has also suffered at the hands of fads and fashion, but still remains popular today.
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New Romance Readers Convention
At last! For all the loyal, diligent romantic fiction readers out there, the inaugural Australian Romance Readers Convention is to be held in Melbourne, in February 2009.
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The Usborne Oliver Moon Series
If your young children want a wizard to read about at Halloween, the Oliver Moon series is the perfect entertaining, non-threatening read.
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Romance Writers of America Conference 2009
The romantic fiction authors in America have yet another exciting event to look forward to, as the 2009 National Romance Writers of America Conference has its date set.
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Review of 12-Point Guide to Writing Romance
Kate Walker's book, 12-Point Guide to Writing Fiction has been re-released. Revised, with added extras, it is an aspiring romance writer's perfect guide.
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Greek Myths for Kids: Ulysses and the Trojan War
Usborne publishing has packed a great deal into this Greek myths book, providing an interesting insight into two of Homer's great works - the Iliad and the Odyssey.
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Review of Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Polly Dunbar's comic encounter between a little boy and his new pet penguin makes this Booktrust award winning picture book an ideal gift for preschool children.
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The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
The Undomestic Goddess, through its unrelenting comedy, teaches everyone an important lesson about working too hard, and of the importance of love in today's manic world.
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History of the Romantic Novel
The romance genre as we know it is a far cry from its medieval origins, which was rooted in adventure. So how did romantic literature develop into the genre we recognise?
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Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier
Frenchman's Creek is a stunning novel of romance and adventure - a combination of human sensibilities, well-constructed plot and uneasy emotions.
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Mills and Boon – a Century of Romance
The Mills and Boon company is one hundred years old. Despite the critics, it continues to grow in popularity and diversity.
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Love and Marriage in Medieval Courtly Romance
Part Two of these articles on medieval courtly romance shows how the passivity of women is enforced through medieval attitudes towards love and marriage.
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The Female Figure in Medieval Courtly Romance
In the first of two articles on Lai le Freine, this article focuses on the medieval female author's attempt to instil her heroine with active attributes.
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The Rendezvous and Other Stories
In this collection, Daphne du Maurier displays her incredible talent for creating wide-ranging moods and her unwavering realism in her characterization.
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Beware of the Storybook Wolves
In this highly rated picture book, Lauren Child treads a fine psychological line between comedy and fear in children's minds. What do you think?
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Rapunzel – A Groovy Fairy Tale
If you are a fan of revamped fairytales for today's modern children, but with a bit of nostalgia thrown in, then this is a fairytale not to be missed.
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A Review of Bad Dog, Marley by John Grogan
If you are looking for a doggy tale for your little one, then look no further. Bad Dog, Marley is the perfect naughty dog tale to delight children.
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Pet Rabbit Care
This entertaining, highly visual information and care book contains a wealth of knowledge, helping children understand the responsibilities of caring for a pet rabbit.
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Greek Myths Jigsaw Book
Usborne's Greek Myths Jigsaw Book is an innovative, interactive way to entertain smaller children with age old myths while providing added play value.
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Incy Wincy - Review of a New Adventure
Incy Wincy Spider, published by Little Tiger Press, is an entertaining book utilizing the familiar spider character, and giving him a whole new rhyming adventure.
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Review of The Smoking Room
This is a deceptively simple novella, full of realistic characters with interesting dilemmas. It is a love story with a massive memorable twist.
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Review of Girl on the Platform
Girl on the Platform (ISBN 978-0007270088, Harper 2008) is a short, light read, particularly suite to readers who enjoy romance, tinged with humour and contemporary life.
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Quick Reads Book Series
Quick Reads provide entertaining reading for those who find it difficult to read, or people who simply want a short book to read in the time they have available.
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Fur by Meg Harper
This superb book combines a modern coming-of-age story with the ancient Selkie myth to create a truly moving book for teenagers and adults alike.
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Greek Myths for Children
Usborne's Greek Myths is one in a series of miniature editions. It is a useful introduction into Greek mythology for young children, both at home and in schools.
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Agatha Christie's Short Stories
While the Light Lasts is a collection of some of the early short stories by Agatha Christie. It will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and the short story alike.
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The Book Boy by Joanna Trollope
Joanna Trollope's The Book Boy explores the psychology of a woman who is trapped by her illiteracy and her fight to escape her own family's perceptions of her.
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Shakespeare Stories for Children - A Review
The series of Shakespeare Stories from Orchard Children's Books introduce young children to Shakespearean plays in a humorous, accessible way.
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Center Parcs Holidays for Families
Center Parcs holidays in the UK are perfect for children, offering an environmentally-friendly setting, surrounded by woodland and catering for everyone in the family.
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Brontë Books for Children
Usborne Publishing has produced a series of classic fiction for children, making authors such as the Brontës accessible to a much younger readership.
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Introduce Children to Shakespeare
Shakespeare is enjoyed and studied worldwide, but can be daunting to some children. There are books on the market which help here, in their own, distinct ways.
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Things to Make & Do in the Holidays
Ever needed to keep children busy in the holidays? This Usborne book is crammed full of ideas making it a year-round fun and educational resource for parents and carers.
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Little Book of Easter Activities
The Usborne miniature edition Easter Activities book provides fun and education for children, their parents and teachers alike.
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