New Releases by Theresa Tomlinson

Egfrid is the prince of Bernicia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom. When he is captured by Penda, King of Mercia during a raid, all seems lost. But though the fierce warrior Penda hates Egfrid's cowardly father, he won't kill the boy. Instead, Egfrid is to be brought up, as hostage and adopted son, in the court of his father's worst enemy... This fascinating look into a long-vanished past reveals the clashes between small kingdoms, between pagan and Christian beliefs, and between the loyalty demanded by blood and given from the heart. A richly detailed and moving tale, inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

'They tell you that most lumps are nothing. ' Mum's voice wobbled. 'But mine is cancerous . . . . oh dear. Its a bit of a shock, it really is!' And so Ellen and her family must learn with the reality of her mum's breast cancer. Ellen finds solace in her dancing and coupled with an unexpected discovery in the school grounds, she is able to face the difficult times ahead . . .

The herring girls sort and pack the catch of fish every day at Whitby and thirteen-year-old Dora has always held a romantic notion of joining them. Then a family tragedy forces Dora into the job she's secretly dreamed about and the brutal reality of being a herring girl strikes. It's a tough life but Dora is detemined to be successful.

‘This little lass is strong. She will carry the ropes and walk forever.’ It is as well that these words, spoken by Minnie’s great grandmother at her birth, prove to be prophetic, for the ropemaker’s youngest daughter needs all the strength and courage she can muster in the subterranean cavern which is the family home. And not only there but even more so in Sheffield where she goes to support her ailing sister and finds an even harsher existence where squalor and injustice are rife.

"I have seen them!" cried Cassandra. "Iphigenia! Myrina and her young daughter! They are in terrible trouble . . . taken prisoner on a boat . . . stripped of all weapons!" Since the fall of Troy, Myrina has built the Moon Riders into a strong and potent band of warrior women. But the son of Achilles is bent on revenge, and the Moon Riders are displaced from their home and fighting for their lives. Plagued with slavery, storms, shipwreck, and strife, the Moon Riders must accept help from outsiders for their very survival. Only trust in the strong bonds of their friendship will help Myrina, Iphigenia, and Cassandra vanquish their enemies and welcome those who may help them achieve a more peaceful way of life. Like its predecessor, this sequel to The Moon Riders is a powerful blend of intriguing myth and inspired imagination, leavened by romance and unforgettable characters.

Ben Sterndale's days of freedom are over. There'll be no more running wild through Ecclesall woods now that he's got a proper job at Dyson's Scythe Works. As the Cellar Lad he's at everyone's beck and call and it's hard and dangerous work. His father and fellow workers at the cruicible workshop - the forgers, grinders and the puller out - are striving for change. But as the working people of Sheffield unite to peacefully campaign for their rights, SOMEONE is threatening to FIGHT for a difference - no matter what trouble it may bring. . . . . . . .

In this third and final part of the powerful Forestwife saga the already dramatic and dangerous times of medieval court have intensified. King John has been forced to sign the Magna Carta. He reneges after signing it and this leads to an angry uprising by the foresters, which is dealt with harshly by the destruction of their villages. The Forestwife's skills and succour are called upon more than ever. Some look to the future, such as Magda and Isobel, who dare to hope for happiness as they marry their sweethearts and begin families. In the moving conclusion of this compelling trilogy, Marion and Robert, whose lives and battles have been so entwined, finally confront the Sheriff of Nottingham and fulfil their destinies.

When a young Amazon woman, Myrina, becomes one of the warrior priestesses known as the Moon Riders, she is well prepared to perform their sacred dances, hunt and fight when necessary. But the Moon Riders who inhabit the plains of Troy are drawn into the troubles of the city and when the visionary princess, Cassandra, becomes Myrina`s confidante, the help of the young band of horsewomen enables Cassandra`s young friend, Iphigenia to escape from the sacrifice planned for her. Hereafter the Moon Riders are drawn into the siege and the ensuing battle. Theresa Tomlinson, combining meticulous research into the Amazon women with the ancient legends of Troy, has created an epic story of tragic dimensions.

Cwen, a poor weaver struggling to make a living at Whitby Abbey, is accused of possessing a valuable necklace; if found guilty she could be hanged. Wulfrun, Cwen's daughter, sets out to prove her mother's innocence. Set in turbulent Anglo-Saxon times, this is the story of a resourceful, dauntless heroine, determined and clever as the wolf that she is named for. In WOLF GIRL, Theresa Tomlinson links her enthusiasm for creating strong, adventurous heroines with her interest in history and mythology of the North East Coast of England.

Stevie and Jenny get involved in an exciting journey in time in Meet Me by the Steelmen, when they find something strange about the three great steel statues in Sheffield's Meadowhall Shopping Centre.

In an English seaside town, Matt befriends an elderly woman who helps him fulfill his dream of surfing and learn to accept his having been adopted.

When Magda was just a baby, her mother was murdered, and her father John brought her to live in the woods with the Forestwife. Here she learned to heal sick people and became skillful in archery and fighting. Now Magda wants a life of adventure beyond the forest. When word comes that Lady Matilda and her daughter Isabelle are being held captive by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, Magda is ready. This is the chance of a lifetime to join forces with her father John, and the mysterious Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. Little does Magda know that this is also a chance to come face to face with the scoundrel who murdered her mother.

Mary, 15 years old and an orphan, must flee into Sherwood Forest to avoid an arranged marriage. There her life truly begins, for she finds a community of heroic outlaws that includes a woman with seemingly magic healing powers and a young man who is bravely leading the fight against tyranny. This man is Robin Hood, and Mary will soon be known as Maid Marian, the green lady of the woods. An ALA Notable Book for Children. A "Booklist" Children's Editor's Choice.

John Robert loves his fisherman father and more than anything else longs to follow himout to sea. But when he hides in the hold of North Star it is not at all as he imagined ...