Showing results by narrator "Melanie Crawley" in All Categories

From a distance, Saudi Arabia may seem a subdued, or even dull place; but for those who take a closer look it emerges as a fascinating country, not necessarily because of its political and economic importance, but because of its people. Reticent perhaps but, on closer acquaintance, charming and warm, the Saudis form a far less monolithic society than one might expect.

The Sultanate of Oman, long regarded as one of the more mysterious countries of the Arabian Peninsula, is finally getting more of the attention it so deserves. An ancient land with a rich history and dramatic landscapes, Oman was largely cut off from the modern world until the accession to the throne of Sultan Qaboos in 1970. Since then this peaceful country has developed slowly but deliberately, placing a strong emphasis on retaining its cultural heritage while moving into the hi-tech era.

Belgium has somehow acquired the reputation of being Europe's most boring country―a reputation that is entirely undeserved. But perhaps this bland image is a smokescreen, the conventional exterior hiding a subversive sense of humor, a surreal imagination, and a deep-rooted disdain for authority. Or perhaps it is a camouflage, a way in which Belgium, still overrun―however peacefully―by foreigners, can keep a few of its secrets to itself.

The second-largest country in South America, Argentina has been through great changes in recent years. Its journey from dictatorship to democracy has left many scars, but these are largely eclipsed by the pride and resilience of the Argentinian people, who have developed a style, a language, and a joie de vivre that are all their own. Embracing much more than gaucho, tango, and soccer, Argentina is very unlike its neighbors. And, due to the unique way in which it evolved, is quite different from the expectations many visitors have of a stereotypical Latin American destination.

For many people, Brazil conjures up images of football, Carnaval, and fine coffee, but it's much more than beaches and bossa nova. If we had to choose one word to describe the country, it would probably be diversity. The variety of lifestyles, ethnic groups, landscapes, and climates Brazil encompasses is quite simply enormous. This guide provides you with a comprehensive introduction to everything you need to know.

A heartwarming tale of abandoned dogs and their saviours Among the cobblestone villages and towns of rural Bulgaria, a dedicated team of unsung heroes led by Emma and Anthony Smith works tirelessly to change the destiny of street dogs. These animals are abandoned and neglected, and sometimes in...

Single mum, Holly Wilson, and her twenty-year-old son Harry have an enviably close relationship but when Harry finds out that she is pregnant and, for reasons unknown to all but herself, intends to raise the baby alone again, he begins to question her decision not to tell him about his own father, who abandoned them before his birth. Upon discovering his father’s name, Harry secretly embarks on his search for the truth, a search which takes him to Los Angeles where he uncovers a tragic story.

Holly Wilson seems finally to have it all: a beautiful baby daughter, a son about to embark on an exciting career, a glamorous new job in television, and an adoring boyfriend in bestselling novelist, Philippe. But something isn’t quite right… In another part of the country, Carol has liver cirrhosis and is suffering from alcohol induced dementia causing her to relive memories–dreadful memories–of sins committed against her and those she has inflicted on others. Her carer, Helen, hopes a meeting with someone from the past might help mend Carol’s broken soul, but time is running out.

Holly Wilson has landed a dream job which involves her staying at five-star resorts around the world. There is however a proviso. She must travel incognito and that means telling lies. Holly hates lies. Her cover story, designed to minimize conversation on the subject, is that she is to her honeymoon destination for closure after her husband's sudden death.

How will Lanya live through this war? The Germans are stationed outside the city walls, choking the city and expecting surrender. Her sister is killed, her brother is like a three year old, and all she wants to do is be singing on stage again. When she is on stage, there is no war, only music and applause. That is what she wants. But will it ever happen again?

Heather accepted the fate of her terminal diagnosis long ago, but now the time is nearing, she arranges a huge farewell party for her nearest and dearest. She wants to say goodbye to everyone personally, but there’s another reason she wants the people in her life to gather. She knows who killed young Simon Eyre all those years ago, and she needs to tell. The boy deserves justice.

Cory never thought he would visit a magical land called Lythéa. He never expected to befriend a flying horse or see a three-headed dragon. But life with Mrs. Glimmer is always full of surprises. Cory Trivano has the kind of home life that he doesn’t really talk about. His favorite pastime is playing imaginary games with his little sister. However, once a peculiar old lady moves into the apartment next door, Cory’s sister forfeits their games in favor of time at the neighbor’s.

Jo Who Died is the funny and bittersweet telling of a mother's life story from the perspective of her recently deceased daughter. Jenny Knight never intended to call seven of her eight children Jo(e). It's funny how life turns out. At twenty-six years old, Jo 5 throws herself out of a window with no intention of dying. Nor did she plan for her siblings to be suspects in a murder investigation. Sometimes, that's just the way things go.

When the world threatened to end, a select few went into an underground complex and left those above to survive any way they could. Scientist Faith Hamilton and her grown daughter Josie are two of the abandoned. A Barricade around the entrance to the bunker ensures those below would never be allowed out.

When Angela Milligan's close friend, Toni Perry, suddenly vanishes, Angela becomes convinced that something terrible has happened. However, her certainty is met with skepticism—accusations of overreacting and a lack of support from the police only serve to isolate her further.

Three years ago, Alice Kelly was found dead in a lake near the house where she was staying with friends for the weekend. Mia was there, and so was her now-husband Tom, yet they have never spoken about what really happened. But now Mia’s in therapy, she’s having flashbacks. She remembers new details about Alice’s final hours–how they argued, how she threatened to expose Alice’s darkest secret, and how Alice’s lifeless body floated in the inky blue water… Was Mia the one who killed her beloved best friend? And how has she lived with this lie for so long?

In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet.