Rural life is more complex than it is perhaps credited. This edited volume explores several themes that highlight such complexities, particularly in terms of what they imply for rural teaching and learning. These themes include the geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic diversity within and across rural communities; the notion that rurality is not a deficit but rather a context; and the array of novel and interesting ways to build upon rural assets and overcome challenges so that rural students are not afforded fewer educational opportunities simply by virtue of their zip code. More practically, this book offers counsel for readers who may be interested in learning more about rural circumstances so that they can make informed and responsive decisions about policies and programs targeting rural students, educators, and schools.

As the snowflakes fall, new love blossoms...When teacher Florence Ashton receives a surprise inheritance, she decides to make the life-changing decision to up sticks to the charming town of Willowbury in Somerset. With a new house and a new job, she's too busy putting down roots to think about love. Air Ambulance pilot Sam Ellis is definitely not looking for romance either, especially not on his doorstep. When Florence, his new neighbour, complains about his noisy housemate, he feels more cross than star-crossed. But as the nights draw in and both find themselves thrown together in Willowbury's seasonal drama production, will they overcome their differences and allow a little bit of winter magic to fall along with the snow? And what secrets will be revealed by the box of memories Florence finds in the attic at Bay Tree Terrace? Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect country winter wonderland, with roaring fires, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Fern Britton and Katie Fforde. What authors and readers say about Fay Keenan's novels: 'A gorgeous rural romance full of warmth and charm.' Victoria Connelly 'Guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Feel-good, frisky and great fun with a hearty dash of romance and intrigue.' Julie Houston 'Moving, funny, thoughtful and romantic. Bring on the next one!' Jenny Kane 'This is a lovely and heart-warming story, that has a serious side hidden within the romance.' Amazon reviewer 'It was a wonderful book, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.' Amazon reviewer 'I was so engrossed in the storyline, which is thoroughly heart-warming, that I read the entire book without stopping. I always enjoy Keenan's books and am looking forward to the next one!' Amazon reviewer What readers are saying about Snowflakes Over Bay Tree Terrace: 'This has been an absolutely gorgeous and perfect read.' 'A beautiful Christmassy romance with lovely characters and an easy to follow but well written plot loved it' 'I really enjoyed this Christmas read even though it is July, it makes you wish that Christmas was just around the corner' 'An entertaining and well written romance. Great plot and fun characters.' 'A great way to while away an afternoon' 'A perfect book for reading with a warming hot chocolate.'

These reflective essays about Deon's life and experiences in the west of Ireland describe the colourful and varied personalities that the French novelist has come across since he and his family moved there in the mid 1970s. From his friendship with John McGahern and Ulick O'Connor to Tim, the sturdy old postman who prefers his wind-blown country round to retirement in sunny California, Horseman, Pass By! is peopled with fascinating characters and encounters. Taking its title from Yeats, this work is an affectionate portrait of the Irish and a lament for a fading country that has been changed by new wealth and altered values. Deon's Horseman, Pass By! is an elegant memoir about a beautiful landscape and its inhabitants and forms a touching and amusing tribute to his adopted country.

Anything is paws-ible with this furry matchmaker! Boutique owner Sophie Daniels certainly isn't looking to adopt a dog the day veterinarian Chase Lewis convinces her to take in Comet. A rambunctious puppy with a broken leg may not be the best choice for a first-time pet owner. And house calls from the handsome doctor - her high school sweetheart who's just moved back to Sweetwater Springs- m ay not be the best choice for her heart either. Chase has come home to help his nephew but finds that he's forgotten just how much he enjoys small-town life. However, sooner or later, he's going to have to face the past and his unresolved feelings for Sophie. Now that Comet needs both their help, Chase is going to let the four-legged matchmaker work his canine magic. Then Chase will prove to Sophie that first love is even better the second time around. Includes the bonus novella A Wedding on Lavender Hill!

The romantic imagery of village England and the prominence that this commands in English cultural identity is well known. Yet just how accurate is this notion of the rural idyll in which the organic nature of village life was gradually undermined, and destroyed, by social and economic factors? Trevor Wild's text explores the evolution of "village England" from the earliest times to the present. Drawing upon both contemporary accounts and scholarship, he provides an engaging and revealing account of the major transformations affecting the English village. Of particular interest is the book's coverage of the more recent past, with the whittling away of the great estates, the appearance of such institutions as the village hall, and the development of alternative systems of power such as the councils.

Sustainable and vibrant communities of the future are a result of proper planning. Shaping our Future: Community Planning Basics for Happier, Healthier, and More Sustainable Cities offers students and engaged citizens an introduction to the field of community planning. It covers a broad range of foundational topics needed by students to become effective city and community planners. Opening chapters provide an understanding of planning history, major actors, and theories. Tools and techniques of planning are presented subsequently along with chapters dedicated to specializations in planning such as housing and community development, transportation planning, land use planning, environmental planning, urban design, historic preservation, economic development, and disaster preparedness and mitigation. Planning ethics, public participation in the planning process, sustainable development, and the advent of big data in planning are also discussed, with a concluding chapter that showcases examples of planning overseas. Throughout, introductions, key terms, and end-of-chapter questions provide students with critical context and opportunities to reinforce key learnings. Planning projects and exercises challenge students to apply what they learn and build practical knowledge for real-world situations.

As the snowflakes fall, new love blossoms...When teacher Florence Ashton receives a surprise inheritance, she decides to make the life-changing decision to up sticks to the charming town of Willowbury in Somerset. With a new house and a new job, she's too busy putting down roots to think about love. Air Ambulance pilot Sam Ellis is definitely not looking for romance either, especially not on his doorstep. When Florence, his new neighbour, complains about his noisy housemate, he feels more cross than star-crossed. But as the nights draw in and both find themselves thrown together in Willowbury's seasonal drama production, will they overcome their differences and allow a little bit of winter magic to fall along with the snow? And what secrets will be revealed by the box of memories Florence finds in the attic at Bay Tree Terrace? Let Fay Keenan transport you to the perfect country winter wonderland, with roaring fires, spectacular scenery, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Fern Britton and Katie Fforde. What authors and readers say about Fay Keenan's novels: 'A gorgeous rural romance full of warmth and charm.' Victoria Connelly 'Guaranteed to put a spring in your step. Feel-good, frisky and great fun with a hearty dash of romance and intrigue.' Julie Houston 'Moving, funny, thoughtful and romantic. Bring on the next one!' Jenny Kane 'This is a lovely and heart-warming story, that has a serious side hidden within the romance.' Amazon reviewer 'It was a wonderful book, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.' Amazon reviewer 'I was so engrossed in the storyline, which is thoroughly heart-warming, that I read the entire book without stopping. I always enjoy Keenan's books and am looking forward to the next one!' Amazon reviewer What readers are saying about Snowflakes Over Bay Tree Terrace: 'This has been an absolutely gorgeous and perfect read.' 'A beautiful Christmassy romance with lovely characters and an easy to follow but well written plot loved it' 'I really enjoyed this Christmas read even though it is July, it makes you wish that Christmas was just around the corner' 'An entertaining and well written romance. Great plot and fun characters.' 'A great way to while away an afternoon' 'A perfect book for reading with a warming hot chocolate.'