Showing results by author "James Payne" in All Categories

In a time when the future of a younger son was far less certain than that of his elder brother, Ralph Woodhall finds himself in a precarious position. As a scholar with dreams that soar beyond the conventional paths, Ralph is determined to carve out his own destiny and win the heart of his beloved, Margaret. When the couple consults an astrologer on a whim, they receive a message filled with hope despite the challenges that lie ahead, true happiness awaits them. With this prophecy in mind, Ralph embarks on a journey filled with adventure, trials, and the pursuit of love. - Summary by LynneT

'I want absolutely nothing to do with this book.' – Owen Farrell THREE RUGBY MEGASTARS. ONE EPIC BOOK. Welcome to the wild world of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby. They say what goes on tour stays on tour…but not this time. Dive headfirst into the banter, bruises and brilliance of rugby with...

The Highs. The Heartbreaks. The Hangovers. The Personal. The Vulnerable. The Downright Absurd. IT'S TIME TO RELOAD. As was widely predicted, our first book, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby – Unleashed, did not win a Pulitzer Prize. It did, however, scoop Sports Entertainment Book of the Year at...

Celebrate Jane Austen’s classic novels with this short story anthology starring forgotten characters as they experience their own happy endings. In honor of her 250th birthday, eight authors have come together with wildly imaginative reboots of the lives of several of Jane Austen’s minor...

In the early light of a late August morning, two young men embark on a journey from London to the fictional village of Emberton. One is Captain Delaware, a naval officer freshly returned from a stint in Sicily, while the other, the enigmatic Burrell, initially strikes the observer as a dandy. Their conversation is minimal during the ride, but when Burrell disembarks at a quaint cottage, it becomes clear that he is headed to the estate of Captain Delawares reclusive father. Their paths are destined to intertwine through a web of deception, murder, exile, and love, revealing the complex ties ...

In Forgery, we delve into the life of Humphrey Scriven, a kind-hearted merchant left to raise his three daughters and a son after the loss of his wife. While two of his daughters find love and marriage, their happiness proves fleeting. The third daughter resists her fathers disapproval of her suitor, choosing to forge her own path. Meanwhile, Humphreys son, a source of disappointment due to his unkind nature, unexpectedly inherits the family business—except for a portion entrusted to the enigmatic clerk, Mr. Hayley. As secrets unravel, Mr. Hayleys true intentions come to light, leading to a ...

Imagine a serene English village, complete with a charming inn on the green. A solitary patron savors his wine while playfully flirting with the innkeepers lovely daughter. Suddenly, their peaceful moment is shattered by a local aristocrat and his two thuggish companions. The next day, these same troublemakers return to disrupt the May Day festivities. Just when all seems lost, a band of men clad in Lincoln green appears to save the day. But who are they? This unique retelling of Robin Hood transports us to the era of Henry III, diverging from the traditional tales of Richard I. Join James as ...

Step into the captivating world of G.P.R. James, a historian and novelist who expertly blends real historical events with the imaginative tales of lesser-known characters. In this intriguing narrative set in seventeenth-century France, we follow the daring adventures of young Louis, the heir to the Count of Bigorre. After a fateful encounter with the vengeful Marquis de Saint Brie, Louis finds himself thrust into exile. His journey is fraught with excitement as he navigates young love, brushes with the law, cunning card sharks, and a life-threatening avalanche—all leading up to the climactic...

A young man named Ned embarks on a daring journey across the English Channel, destined for France. Though this isn’t his first trip, the stakes are high as he quickly finds himself in peril. Rescued and taken to the home of a local official, he is cared for by a doctor, the official himself, and his captivating ward. As it unfolds, we learn that Ned is a page to Lord Montagu, the trusted advisor to the Duke of Buckingham. What vital message does he carry, and how will he navigate the treacherous path to deliver it? His adventure intertwines with the notorious Richelieu, bringing him ...

Step back into the tumultuous era of King Louis XIV of France, a time marked by deep religious strife. While his father, Louis XIII, attempted to stifle Calvinist teachings, his son chose a different path. Although Louis XIV was generally tolerant, the fervor within his court often led to the persecution of Protestant Huguenots. This is the gripping tale of Albert, Count of Morseiul—a Huguenot landowner navigating the delicate balance between his loyalty to the crown and his faith. Join us as we explore the complexities of friendship, faith, and survival in a divided France.

A mysterious knight journeys through the picturesque Kentish countryside when he stumbles upon a cottage where an elderly couple is being violently attacked. Rushing to their rescue, he soon encounters the enigmatic Sir Cesar, who warns him of impending danger. As our hero navigates a world filled with treachery and intrigue, he confronts a malevolent landowner, befriends the loyal Longpole—the son of the elderly couple—and crosses paths with the seemingly benevolent Duke of Buckingham, whose true loyalties remain in question. He also meets the flirtatious Lady Katrine and is reunited with...

Step back into the tumultuous era of the English Civil War in Jamess captivating historical novel, Arrah Neil. Though published nearly 40 years after his passing, this tale brings to life the struggles of Lord Walton and his sister Anne, staunch monarchists caught in the crossfire of Cromwells revolutionary forces. Amidst the chaos, we meet the enchanting Arrah Neil, the spirited granddaughter of a loyal retainer on their estate. Join us as we navigate loyalty, love, and the fight for power in a world turned upside down. - Summary by LynneT

Immerse yourself in this captivating fictionalized biography of Cardinal Richelieu, a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy. Based on a purportedly authentic manuscript from someone closely connected to the events, this three-volume narrative explores the life of one of Frances most powerful statesmen. Was Richelieu a brilliant strategist or a cunning villain? Perhaps he embodied both roles. Rising to prominence under the regency of Mary de Medici, he skillfully maneuvered to keep Louis XIII under his control. Renowned for his foreign policy, he also engaged in complex schemes to foster ...

Set against the backdrop of the historic Battle of Agincourt in 1415, this captivating romance by James delves into a time of unexpected English triumph during the Hundred Years War. As failed negotiations intensify tensions, we meet the enigmatic Hal of Hadnock, who finds refuge with the noble Sir Philip Beauchamp while on a mysterious journey. There, he forges an unlikely friendship with the young Richard of Woodville, who harbors doubts about Hals true identity. As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue reveal Hals past and Richards deepening feelings for Mary, weaving a tale of love, ...

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The sci-fi film podcast exploring the history of science fiction, one subgenre at a time. Two lifelong sci-fi nerds take you on a film-club adventure through the weird, wonderful, and world-changing history of science-fiction cinema. From space travel to mad science, body snatchers to killer robots - we cover it all!

Welcome to the JPD podcast, in these podcasts we will reflect on topics related to a musician perspective but also for life in general

Venture back to the dawn of the 17th century and unravel the captivating tale of Lady Arabella Stuart, an English noblewoman once tipped to succeed Elizabeth I. However, fate had other plans, and the crown passed on to her cousin, the infamous James I. Our narrative unfolds in 1603, just after Jamess claim to the throne. Initially, Arabella seemed content with the twist of fate, but her relationship with her cousin turned sour after her secret marriage, misinterpreted as a bid for power. Despite the support of her closest allies, she couldnt escape Jamess wrath. This vibrant, fictional ...

Dive into the era of the Hundred Years War, a tumultuous period from 1337 to 1453, where the Kingdoms of England and France clashed over the French throne. Amidst the political intrigue and deadly plots, emerges the story of Agnes Sorel. At the tender age of 20, Agnes ascends to become the favorite mistress of the King of France, her influence over him sparking envy and animosity. However, her life is cut short at 28, just days after delivering her fourth child, with dysentery being the official cause. In this captivating narrative, we shadow Jean Charost, secretary to the Duke of Orleans and ...

From Knightmare to Chucklevision to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers..Zzzap to the Future takes you back to classic kids TV of the 1990s! Join James Payne and Mike Muncer - podcasters, millennials and the owners of several hundred Pogs - as they journey through some of the weird and wonderful shows that made up their childhood and answer some of the big questions: How did Mr Blobby become such a phenomenon? What would you do if you owned Bernard's Watch? Did Sunny Delight REALLY make your skin turn yellow?? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.