New Releases by Sue Williams

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress, comes a remarkable work of historical fiction based on the author''s own family history. ''Delivers the perfect blend of fact, fiction and mystery ... a rollicking good story'' Kyra Geddes, bestselling author of The Story Thief ''A masterful storyteller, Williams brings history to life. Engaging characters and an exciting plot make this historical fiction at its best.'' Belinda Alexandra, bestselling author of The Masterpiece She is a young maid in a stately home; he is a dashing British army officer trapped in an unhappy marriage. The pair strike up a close friendship and, just as he''s departing for war, they surrender to their passion. Years later, he returns triumphant from defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, to reunite not only with his wife and their two sons, but also with the maid Mary Ann and their illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth. They all have to find a way through the tangle of affairs and betrayals, especially now he''s hailed as the hero of the free world with a new title: the Duke of Wellington. Two hundred years on, in Australia, a woman meets with her long-lost father and is told the family legend that they''re descendants of a maid who worked for the Iron Duke. She sets out to prove once and for all whether or not this story is true, and what she discovers shocks everyone.

"Peacemeal: Nourishing hope through culinary stories of peacebuilding in times of conflict" is a unique tapestry of insights from peacebuilders around the globe woven through the interconnections of food and peace. Each contributor shares a meaningful culinary story and recipe, illustrating how food plays a vital role in fostering understanding, bridging divides, and nurturing peace. The book is structured in three parts, exploring themes of home and belonging, resilience in the face of adversity, and the pursuit of peaceful change and justice. Through these narratives, readers gain intimate glimpses into the lives and work of those dedicated to addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering greater peace and justice. "Peacemeal" delves into the complex relationships between food, conflict, and peace, highlighting how violent conflicts disrupt food systems and exacerbate global hunger. It emphasises the critical need for peacebuilding efforts in a world where resources for conflict prevention and peacebuilding are vitaly in need. The recipes shared are designed to be flexible and adaptable, encouraging readers to tailor them to their own circumstances and tastes. This adaptability mirrors the resourcefulness often required in peacebuilding efforts. More than just a cookbook, "Peacemeal" invites readers to engage with food mindfully, using all senses to connect with the intricate worlds behind each meal. Ultimately, this book aims to nourish hope by showcasing the diverse approaches to peacebuilding and the power of shared meals in creating connections. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for food to spark a revolution in a world hungry for peace.

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events. ''The very best historical fiction … Williams'' novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.'' Melissa Ashley, author of The Naturalist of Amsterdam ''I very much enjoyed That Bligh Girl, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.'' Judy Nunn, author of Black Sheep When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him. Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children. After a year and a half he did – but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore. This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land. ''Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.'' Meg Keneally, Weekend Australian ''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom Keneally on That Bligh Girl ''Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.'' Sydney Morning Herald/The Age on Elizabeth & Elizabeth

The remarkable true story of a family forced into hiding after leaking Russian secrets What started out as a great adventure turned into a terrifying nightmare when Nick Stride and his family were forced to flee for their lives from one of the richest, most powerful men in the world. Nick moved to Russia in 1998 to help build the British Embassy in Moscow, but ended up on the run with his wife and two children after leaking secrets from Vladimir Putin’s one-time deputy. Hiding off grid on Australia’s final frontier – remote beaches on the Dampier Peninsula on the far north Kimberley coast – the family faced crocodiles, sharks, snakes, raging bushfires and the devastating Cyclone Yvette, and survived only by catching fish and crabs and learning how to kill wild animals. It was a life-or-death move, but Nick felt he had no choice. Now, emerging from isolation, the family are finally ready to share their incredible story.

A fascinating story of Governor Bligh''s trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author of Elizabeth and Elizabeth.''Superb narration and engrossing drama.'' Tom KeneallyMary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons.When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol.Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father''s daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions?Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel.Praise for Elizabeth and Elizabeth:''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck''Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging...a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia''s past.'' - Book''d Out''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

The remarkable story of Professor Fiona Wood AM, world-leading burns specialist and one of Australia''s most innovative and respected surgeons, whose groundbreaking research and technology development has changed the lives of burns patients. When three bombs tore out the heart of Bali and destroyed so many Australian lives in 2002, burns surgeon Professor Fiona Wood and her team were there to help. A pioneer in the field of burns and reconstructive surgery, Fiona made world headlines with the use of her groundbreaking invention of ''spray-on skin'' to help minimise her patients'' terrible scarring. Fiona was later made Australian of the Year, voted Australia''s Most Trusted Person for an unprecedented six years running in the annual Reader''s Digest poll and acclaimed as a ''National Living Treasure''. This is the story of her extraordinary life. Against all the odds, Fiona, the daughter of a fifth-generation coalminer in the north of England, became one of Australia''s most innovative, respected and dedicated surgeons and researchers. She talks candidly of the moving valour of her burns patients, and the heartbreak, triumph, tears and controversies that have stalked her stellar career. Remarkably, she has achieved all of this while raising six children. In Under Her Skin, Sue Williams, a bestselling author and award-winning journalist who has written a number of biographies - most notably about Father Chris Riley, Father Bob Maguire and Dr Catherine Hamlin - presents a searingly honest, no-holds-barred account of all aspects of Fiona Wood''s remarkable life.

It’s a mostly normal Friday evening in the Rusty Bore Takeaway. Cass Tuplin’s cleaning down the grill when her glamorous sister Helen walks in, all bones in an Italian-weave suit and the kind of state that calls for the full comfort: double bacon cheeseburger with extra chips. It’s man trouble as usual. But this time it turns out the trouble is less emotional and more fatal. Helen’s boyfriend has been pushed off the rooftop terrace of his Fitzroy apartment, and Helen’s trying not to become a person of interest. She’s also trying to retrieve something rare and valuable from Ben’s place—which is where Cass comes in. Cass doesn’t do investigations anymore, of course, being unlicensed. And she’s not particularly keen on breaking into a crime scene, even if it’s not strictly breaking when you’ve got a key. On the other hand, Helen is her only sister. And she has been getting Cass into trouble for more than forty years. Why stop now? But this time Helen''s little problem will drop Cass into deeper trouble than ever before. Sue Williams is a science and travel writer and a chartered accountant who also holds a PhD in marine biology. She was raised in country Victoria and currently lives in Melbourne with her husband. ''A wonderful new series in the comedy crime genre.'' Australian ''Sue Williams is Australia’s answer to New Jersey’s Janet Evanovich.'' NZ Listener

A heartbreaking, redemptive memoir of raw power, Daughter of the River Country is the story of an extraordinary journey from a childhood as one of Australia''s Stolen Generation to Aboriginal Elder Born in rural Australia in the 1940s, baby Dianne is immediately taken from her parents and placed with a white family. Raised in an era of widespread racism, she grows up believing her Irish adoptive mother is her birth mother. When her adoptive mother tragically dies and she is abandoned by her adoptive father, Dianne is raped, sent to the brutal Parramatta Girls Home and forced to marry her rapist in order to keep her baby. After suffering years of domestic abuse, but refusing to let her spirit be broken, Dianne finally discovers she is a Yorta Yorta woman, a daughter of the river country, and is reunited with her birth mother. She learns that her great-grandfather was a famous Aboriginal activist and from here she becomes a powerful leader in her own right, vowing to help others in any way she can. Daughter of the River Country explores for the first time the devastation caused to Australia''s Aboriginal Stolen Generation, who were forcibly placed with white families as part of a government assimilation programme. ''A compelling memoir about the power of love and staying the course.'' LINDA BURNEY, the first Aboriginal Member of Australia''s House of Representatives

The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. ''I''ve waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it''s finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'' There was a short time in Australia''s European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony. One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia''s wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment. These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times. Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination. ''An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams'' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.'' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck ''A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia''s history.'' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

''A story of friendship like no other... breathtaking in its tenderness and inspiration.'' The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO Two incredible women, an unlikely friendship, and a united mission to save the lives of some of the world''s poorest and most desperate women. Healing Lives reveals the untold tale of Mamitu Gashe, Dr Catherine Hamlin''s protégée, and the inspiring almost 60-year friendship between the two women. In 1962, three years after Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin arrived in Ethiopia, an illiterate peasant girl sought their aid. Mamitu Gashe was close to death and horrifically injured during childbirth after an arranged marriage - at the age of just fourteen to a man she''d never met - in a remote mountain village. The Hamlins'' Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital saved her and, in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to Catherine''s mission. Under the iconic doctor''s guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting her fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day''s schooling. This is the moving story of the friendship that saved the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on earth. SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021

Three hundred nautical miles from shore, I‘m cold and sick and afraid. I pray for reprieve. I long for solid ground. And I can‘t help but ask myself, What the hell was I thinking? When Sue Williams set sail for the North Atlantic, it wasn’t a mid-life crisis. She had no affinity for the sea. And she didn’t have an adventure-seeking bone in her body. In the wake of a perfect storm of personal events, it suddenly became clear: her sons were adults now; they needed freedom to figure things out for themselves; she had to get out of their way. And it was now or never for her husband, David, to realize his dream to cross an ocean. So she’d go too. Ready to Come About is the story of a mother’s improbable adventure on the high seas and her profound journey within, through which she grew to believe that there is no gift more precious than the liberty to chart one’s own course, and that risk is a good thing ... sometimes, at least.

If you''re interested in helping to solve societal and global conflicts, then you will find this book to be an invaluable resource.Dialogue in Divided Societies is written by two of the leading practitioners in the field of peacebuilding, and offers theories and exercises that have been tried and tested in some of the most challenging conflicts around the world. The 101 exercises contained in this book will help to stimulate productive dialogue and navigate sensitive issues such as social exclusion, prejudice and discrimination, societal inequalities, distrustful relationships, issues of justice, sectarianism, racism and violence. Effective in both formal and informal situations, these exercises can be used with local, national or international groups. They are designed to increase understanding and lead to sustainable agreements about what can facilitate more peaceful societies.

For Cass Tuplin, proprietor of the Rusty Bore Takeaway (and definitely not an unlicensed private investigator), it’s weird enough that her neighbour Vern’s somehow acquired a lady friend. But then he asks Cass to look into the case of the dead rats someone’s dumped on Joanne’s doorstep. She’s barely started when Joanne goes missing, leaving hints of an unsavoury past. Then a private investigator from Melbourne turns up asking questions about Joanne’s involvement in a fatal house fire - and before you can say ‘unauthorised investigation’ Cass is back on the case.

Your Time to Shine? I Am Unique is a poetry collection that will help you to build confidence in your self-belief and creative self-expression. I Am Unique is a brave new anthology of poems embracing the questions which have dominated women''s lives for centuries. Through a series of evocative verses, addressing the themes of self-belief and creative self-expression, Sue Williams takes us on an inspiring journey of transformation to uncover our true selves. I Am Unique "takes you on a journey from really taking stock of life and beginning an emergence of self-belief, all the way through to awakening and embracing your feminine power." - Sasha Allenby, author of Write an Evolutionary Self-Help Book As we emerge from the chrysalis state and spark the flame of new life, we often face an unknown future. Sue Williams''s heart-opening, soul-stirring and playful poems let you know you are not alone. I Am Unique is not just an inspiring read for women of all ages. It''s a rallying call for us all to find the self-confidence to unleash our creative gifts, unlock our own individual sense of identity and to joyously celebrate our own magnificent uniqueness. How do I believe in myself and my creative self-expression, you may ask. If you are feeling frustrated and blocked around your creativity, it is important to find ways to get your unique form of self-expression out into the world. Sometimes, this involves doing the things that you are avoiding. In Sue Williams'' case, finding herself unwilling to write, she was encouraged by a coach to write Morning Pages, 3 A4 sized pages of free flowing writing, each day (a technique created by Julia Cameron in the Artist''s Way). After about 10 days Sue was amazed to find her writing emerging naturally in rhyme! By finding the confidence and self-belief to share your own voice, gifts and talents with the world, you not only fulfil your own life purpose, you also give others permission to do the same. "I Am Unique is a wonderful series of poems which takes you on a journey of transformation you will never forget. It is the confidence boost you need to start believing in your own beautiful uniqueness. I loved it!" -Hannah Davis - award-winning author of Voices of Angels The first section of this book provides an insight into Sue''s own journey, and how she uncovered an ability to express herself through writing poetry and verse, after taking early retirement from work in her early fifties. She also used her verses to work through old hurts from childhood, and to capture moments of her journey, such as when she tried out a clown face-painting experience. Sue has already found that by sharing her verses she has encouraged others to read more poetry and also write their own poetry, led them to decide to publish a poetry book of their own, and also use poetry as a tool for helping people overcome grief and loss. "Sue is a living, breathing example of the joyful creativity available to any one of us if only we dare to express ourselves. She encourages her readers to explore and express their own worlds, finding beauty in everyday situations, and shows that it''s never too late to discover the artist within you." - Alison Jones - publisher at Practical Inspiration Publishing The verses in this book are both personal and universal. How do you express your innermost thoughts and feelings and work through emotions? How can you "Stand up, stand up! Be bold, be strong" and have the self-belief and confidence to share your creative self-expression with the world?

All of us affect, and are affected by, the food system: students who grow and eat carrots and tomatoes from their school garden; farm owners who maintain patches of natural habitat for bees; immigrants who hand-pick our apples, grapes, and oranges; public employees who design food-nutrition labels and monitor food safety; restaurant workers who take our orders and serve our meals; food reporters who write about ethnic cuisine; local groups of gleaners who keep edible food out of the dumpster and put it to good use; food pantries that teach teenagers to garden on vacant lots; parents who work to stretch their food budgets to the next payday; policymakers who determine agricultural subsidies; community members who advocate for policies to ensure that all of us have the food we need. While we have one of the most productive and efficient food systems in the world, millions of people in the US still fall between the cracks. People who may have enough to eat today worry about the availability and quality of food for future generations. This guide explores different approaches and actions that are, or could be, taken to create a food system that works for all of us. While the approaches overlap in some respects, they do suggest different priorities and involve different trade-offs. With this in mind, what should we do to ensure that people from all walks of life have the food they need?

‘I believe that nothing is impossible if you dare to dream, plan and take action. I’m an ordinary girl who simply refused to give up on a dream, and that’s all it takes to succeed in life.’ Alyssa Azar is unstoppable. When she was just eight years old, she walked the gruelling Kokoda Track, the youngest person in the world to do so. At twelve she climbed the ten highest peaks in Australia. Two years later she touched the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Now, at the age of nineteen, she has reached the roof of the world: the summit of Mount Everest. The Girl Who Climbed Everest is the inspiring story of how an ordinary girl from country Queensland worked towards ascending the world’s highest peak. Through passion, determination and immense hard work, and despite being turned back twice – once by a deadly avalanche and the second time by a devastating earthquake that nearly claimed her life – Alyssa is the youngest Australian to have achieved this extraordinary feat. She shares the thrills and heartbreaking disappointments on the road to reaching her goal, and explains how she finds the courage and motivation to keep going in the face of overwhelming danger and adversity. Above all, Alyssa’s story shows us that we can achieve anything if we dare to dream big.

Cass agrees to investigate. After all, not just Rusty Bore''s only purveyor of fine fast food, Cass is also the closest thing to a private detective within a couple of hundred k''s. The local police (Cass''s son Dean) try to warn her off. It''s true Cass''s status as a celebrated yet non-licensed nobody doesn''t entirely suit Dean. But Dean also believes Gary''s a delusional, grieving father. Is that the case? Or did a young journalist die after asking too many questions? Cass intends to find out. As soon as she''s dealt with some queries raised by the reappearance of Leo Stone.

An uplifting anthology of true life stories, inspirational quotes, tried and tested strategies for growing self belief, and creative expression through poetry. "Believe You Can Face Your Fears and Confidently Claim the Life You Desire" is recommended to anyone who wants to step into their personal power and make the rest of their life the best of their life." This inspirational book is particularly designed to help women in mid-life to face their fears around life changes and the associated challenges that inevitably go with them! 23 heart-centred women share their true life stories, strategies and approaches to help others find the belief to achieve the life they desire. Full of inspirational quotes, exercises and even poetry. This book, like the Chicken Soup for the Soul series before it, will provide the inspiration for women to confidently claim the life they desire! This valuable resource has been compiled to help other women who are facing challenging times to realise that they are not alone. Whether you need help to deal with loss, a return to work, to manage a change in career, or recover from burnout, you will find something of benefit in this inspiring book. Many of the suggested exercises are widely recognised to help with the stresses of day to day life, for example, keeping a gratitude jar, meditation, making a vision boards, and journaling. We are all unique, and this book provides a huge number of strategies, hints and tips so that you are sure to find one that works for you. When you read Believe You Can, you will discover how to get in touch with your inner self, heal the wounds of the past, unlock your creativity, build your self esteem and confidence and step into your personal power. Above all, you will learn to turn your negative self-talk to positive, and choose to believe you can succeed! An invaluable mixture of inspiration, practical advice, and tried and tested strategies to help women to live life on their own terms.

Compulsory reading for parents, teachers, youth workers and anyone who has anything to do with young people. A must-have book for all parents, youth workers and teenagers on parenting and raising children. Catholic priests don''t generally have children but Australian legend Father Chris Riley has brought up about 60,000 - and they''re some of the toughest kids around. He regularly encounters some of the most troubled children on earth - kids who have given up or refuse to talk to others, who steal, take drugs, see themselves as irredeemable failures, hate everyone and everything, self-harm, have been abused or abuse other kids, prostitute themselves, live on the streets or have rejected anyone who''s ever tried to help them. But he''s nearly always managed to find a way through to them, and to help them. And whilst the vast majority of Australian kids don''t have the magnitude of problems he sees in his work every day, the lessons he''s learnt from them are invaluable to all parents. How can most parents relate to the kind of problems and pressures their children face today? How can they cope when things come off the rails? How can they really talk to their children in a meaningful way when it seems that their kids just don''t want to listen? Growing Pains is the one book all parents - and their kids - should have on their shelves. It will prove a priceless guide through the maze of childhood and adolescence for both parents and their children and, with so many real life stories to tug on the heart-strings, the kind of gripping read no one will be able to put down.

From horse whispering to crocodile hunting to single-handedly changing an 80-kilo flat tyre on a road train in 40-degree heat...there is nothing these modern-day outback women can''t do. But when it comes to hardship and heartbreak, they''ve endured far more than their fair share. Living and working in some of the most remote spots in the world, they''ve had to become experts at turning tragedy into triumph. Our former Miss World finds a new start in the bush; an adventurer crosses one of the world''s harshest deserts on camelback; a single mum becomes a truck driver to make ends meet and a former nurse takes over the famous Birdsville Hotel. This book is a tribute to the great Australian Outback from those who live and work at the heart of it. ''[These women] simply took my breath away with the kind of courage, daring and resilience that have seen them overcome sometimes crushing difficulties.'' Georgie Parker

''Samantha Barlow doesn''t stand a chance. As she walks briskly past the start of Arthur Park on her left, she can''t see a dark figure slinking out of the shadows towards her. The first she knows of his presence is when she feels a blow, hard to the back of her head, delivered with such force, it actually dents her skull.'' Samantha Barlow''s life changed the day she was brutally attacked on the way to work in Sydney''s notorious Kings Cross. The popular, confident young woman was left for dead, dragging herself to a lonely bus stop, desperate to stay alive for her two young children. The police who attended the crime scene didn''t recognise their colleague. Inspector Laurence Barlow watched helplessly as his wife''s life lay in the balance. He''d spent his career stopping violent offenders, but now found himself on the other side of a crisis. Samantha was a highly respected sergeant, but she could have been any woman - her attacker was a junkie after money. Her story touched people everywhere: her resilience, her indomitable spirit and her triumphant return to work after 22 months of rehab is an inspiration to all Australians. This is a brave family''s journey to recovery.

Cass Tuplin’s takeaway isn’t the last shop left in Rusty Bore. There’s also Vern’s General Store. But it’s true the town’s not exactly overflowing with residents, and a stranger in Cass’s shop is quite an event. Especially one like Clarence: suspicious, bleeding, looking for a burger with the lot and somewhere quiet to stay. Cass knows just the place. Then she finds out more about Clarence and wants him out of town, but it turns out that’s not as easy as it sounds. And then she finds the body. It sounds like a job for the local police. Except that the local police is Cass’s son Dean, who has his doubts about Cass. And there’s no way he’s expending police resources on his mother’s fantasy crimes, not anymore.So it looks like Cass is going to have to find the killer on her own. Sue Williams is a refreshing and irreverent new voice in crime fiction—Australia’s answer to Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton.

“Just give me all your chocolate and no one gets hurt!” Billions of us worldwide understand what it means to scream those words. We feel lost—even unhinged—without chocolate’s pleasures. And if chocolate is the music that makes our days brighter, fine chocolate is the symphony—the richest, most complex form in the chocolate universe. The most important movement in that symphony’s centuries-old existence is now beginning. And that future is . . . what? A world of gray monochromatic flavor, or one rich with a rainbow of flavors that capture the myriad pleasures and diversity of the cocoa bean? In the spirit of Michael Pollan''s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Raising the Bar: The Future of Fine Chocolate tells the story of what that next movement in the fine flavor chocolate symphony might hold. Told in four lively parts covering everything from before the bean to after the bar—genetics, farming, manufacturing, and bonbons—the book features interviews with dozens of international stakeholders across the fine flavor industry to consider the promises and pitfalls ahead. It looks through what is happening today to understand where things are going, while unwrapping the possibilities for the millions and millions of us who believe that life without the very best chocolate is no life at all. Part One Seeds of Change: Genetics and Flavor The genetic story of the future of flavor cacao told through discussions with researchers, scientists, and experts around the world who are involved at the genetic level: from the mapping of the cacao genome to the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Initiative that seeks to connect flavor to genetics to the work being done on the ground to confront the spread of low-flavor beans and ensure cacao quality and diversity for future generations. Part Two From the Ground Up: Farmers, Farming, and Flavor Discussion of the issues of growing cacao from an ecological and sustainable perspective given the reality of where it is grown. Interviews and stories cover the majority of fine flavor growing regions and myriad efforts to add value and values to fine flavor chocolate; preserve, protect, and propagate flavor cacao for the future; and ensure that the beans are as good as they can possibly be. The realities and possibilities of fair trade chocolate and the work being done on fermentation are also covered. Part Three To Market, To Market: Craftsmanship, Customer Education and Flavor Can consumers learn to slow down, taste, explore, and value the costly complexity of fine chocolate? Though the future looks bright by some measurements, sometimes the numbers aren’t what they seem…. Discussions with both artisan and traditional chocolate manufacturers around the world on how they see the market and sources for fine flavor beans and what they are doing to educate their customers about their craft, including a survey of the nature of raw, organic, and functional chocolate. Part Four Performing Flavor: The Art of the Chocolatier Whether watching over those creations, traveling the world to discover new pairings, or simply taking their love of Junior Mints to the highest level, the world’s fine flavor chocolatiers are all deeply aware of the “stage” they work on and the importance of taste in every performance. The future of their creations—the most flavorful and beautiful bonbons and confections in the world—are discussed as these chocolatiers confront the issues surrounding the preservation of their craft and how they see their flavors and recipe development changing (or not) in the future.

IMPROVISE. ADAPT. OVERCOME. These three words – the mantra of the Australian Army – resonated with Paul de Gelder the first time he heard them. Paul chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a hoodlum teen and his drug-and-alcohol fuelled stint working in a strip club to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the defence forces. But trouble hunted him down in the form of a brutal shark in February 2009. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as a daredevil navy clearance diver was flung into jeopardy. Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge, and amazing the medical staff with his will to succeed. His inspiring story takes ''never say die'' to a whole new level.

''So uplifting ... terrific ... wonderful, wonderful. So inspirational!'' John Paul Young When the Merry Makers dance, it''s hard to find a dry eye in the audience. ''I never used to believe in miracles,'' says one admirer. ''But now I know they happen.''All the Merry Makers have intellectual or physical disabilities - sometimes both - and face huge challenges in their lives, yet to see them dance is one of the most uplifting celebrations of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music.With a record-breaking three appearances on 60 MINUtES and their documentary tHE MUSIC IN ME winning awards around the world and enjoying ratings success when shown on ABC tV''s ENOUGH ROPE, the Merry Makers are now about to conquer the USA. this is their story.PRAISE FOR tHE MERRY MAKERS'' PERFORMANCES''I was taken aback by the sheer joy of it ... moments of pure goodness.'' Andrew Denton''I was overwhelmed by the love! there''s so much joy.'' Marcia Hines''I cried - not because of sadness, but because of happiness ... immensely touching.'' John Laws''It was amazing, so beautiful. It''s such a lot of fun.'' todd McKenney''It''s like a wave washing over you, all that warmth ... extraordinary!'' Julia Morris

An astonishing story of courage, dedication, and the stirring triumph of hope and determination against all the odds. Mean Streets, Kind Heart: the Father Chris Riley Story is an inspirational tale of how one man can touch so many lives. Australian streetkids are the forgotten underclass of society, an ever-increasing pool of children who are often abused, frequently in the clutches of drug dealers, and usually engaged in crime just to make enough money to stay alive. their childhood dreams of a happy, loving future are lost forever. this book tells of Father Riley''s faltering first steps towards helping such children, and his determination to pledge the rest of his life to giving them back their dreams. It tells of the heartbreaking situations he''s witnessed, the touching tales of kids with nothing left but their own will to survive, and the way he''s been able to touch so many of their lives. throughout the triumphs and the tears is Father Riley''s inimitable humour, his sense of fun, and the indomitable spirit that has entranced so many of the kids he''s helped.

Five kids orphaned by a terrible accident ... a struggling family living in the most isolated spot on earth ... a single dad battling to cope in a house falling down around his ears ... a desperately ill woman in the middle of nowhere ...... In the great Outback traditions of mateship, resilience and generosity come these stories of ordinary people who, against seemingly insurmountable odds, help out those who inhabit Australia''s vast untamed frontiers. No task is too great and no sacrifice too much for these everyday heroes. Cheryl flies sick patients from rural areas to emergency medical treatment in cities; Sue is often the only one between life and death for her patients in the Kimberley; Ricky trades city comforts to connect with kids through sport in remote communities while Eileen overcomes great challenges to protect remote land for generations to come - these are some of the characters who embody the spirit of the Outback. Inspiring, stirring and touching by turn, these people draw on enormous personal reserves to preserve Outback values for the future of all Australians. ''A wonderful inspiration... moving and heart-warming'' Quentin Bryce, Australian Governor-General

A collection of true short stories, each about a different journey to a particular destination. The stories are drawn from real-life journeys, as the author travelled around the world over a period of 20 years.