book

Ten year-old Holli Williams wasn’t much of a reader – in fact – she wasn’t enjoying reading at all, until she visited her school library and discovered a book by Michael Dahl – and in that moment, she became hooked on reading.

Holli wrote a letter to Michael and her teacher emailed it to him in Minnesota in the United States, where he lives.

Michael received the letter and was so inspired by Holli’s enthusiasm and love of reading that he decided to make a special trip to meet her and find out more about the great reading initiatives going on at Marpool Primary School,...

Bloodshed, beatings and broken limbs, fireworks, gunshots and riots, are not things people associate with today’s well-respected Salvation Army.

But a new book, published by The Salvation Army in its 150th anniversary year, called Blood on the Flag, highlights that in its early years these were everyday occurrences faced by members of the Church and charity.

The troubles began after the rapid early success of The Salvation Army that drew large crowds to hear preachers to town centres, and also the movement’s promotion of abstinence.

Major Nigel Bovey, author of...

Keziah Bell, 23, has written a recipe book to encourage healthy eating following news that a 5.5st child of three is the youngest person to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

A single mum of one from Exeter has written a recipe book to help parents cook healthy meals for their children following news that a three-year-old weighing 5.5st was the youngster person to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Experts believe that an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise made the US toddler, who has not been named, to balloon to twice the normal weight of a child of that age.

Full...

An Elizabethan Assassin: Theodore Paleologus: Seducer, Spy and Killer by John Hall

The first biography of a mercurial character from the Elizabethan underworld

Seducer, spy and ruthless assassin, Theodore Paleologus, claimed to be heir to the ancient family of emperors of Byzantium and became intimately involved with the great courtiers and notorious villains of the Elizabethan world.

In this first biography of Theodore Paleologus, new documentary evidence exposes him as a hardened mercenary and killer in the pay of the wicked Earl of Lincoln but also supports his...

Some of the UK’s best-known authors have been sharing their memories of the books that made them fall in love with reading, as part of an online competition for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.

Paula Hawkins, Helen Lederer, David Lloyd, who will all be appearing at this year’s festival, plus Kate Mosse, Jessie Burton, Sadie Jones and Carol Drinkwater are just a few of the famous names who have joined in the discussion to tell fans about the book that was their first or most memorable read.

The #MyFirstRead competition was launched by the Budleigh Salterton Literary...

Positioned in the heart of Devon and enjoying a prime location in one of England’s most historic cities, Mercure Exeter Southgate is the gateway to the South West neighboring the famous Exeter Cathedral and historic Quay whilst providing the perfect break en route to the Cornish coastline.

The interior of the city centre hotel is transformed including a redesign of the reception, Gate House restaurant, bar, lounge, terrace and all 156 bedrooms. Mercure, a locally inspired brand, has drawn influence for the hotel’s new interior design from Exeter’s rich Roman and Medieval history...