'Anne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her characters!' JOANNA HICKSON 'A terrific storyteller' THE DAILY TELEGRAPH ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR... The Welsh Marches, 1301 Strong-willed heiress Johane de Geneville is married to Richard Mortimer, Earl of March, at just fifteen years old. Soon Johane finds herself swept up in a world of treacherous court politics and dangerous secrets as her husband deposes Edward II and rules England alongside Queen Isabella. Yet when Richard is accused of treason, she is robbed of her freedom and must survive catastrophic events in her fight for justice - with her life, and her children's, hanging in the balance... Will she pay for her husband's mistakes, or will she manage to escape from a terrible fate?

'I was completely captivated' Barbara Erskine The spellbinding new historical novel from the Sunday Times bestseller Anne O'Brien. England, 1444. Three women challenge the course of history... King Henry VI's grip on the crown hangs by a thread as the Wars of the Roses starts to tear England apart. And from the ashes of war, the House of Paston begins its rise to power. Led by three visionary women, the Pastons are a family from humble peasant beginnings who rely upon cunning, raw ambition, and good fortune in order to survive. Their ability to plot and scheme sees them overcome imprisonment, violence and betrayal, to eventually secure for their family a castle and a place at the heart of the Yorkist Court. But success breeds jealousy and brings them dangerous enemies... An inspirational story of courage and resilience, The Royal Game, charts the rise of three remarkable women from obscurity to the very heart of Court politics and intrigue. 'A wonderfully immersive and intriguing read, meticulously researched. I was completely captivated' Barbara Erskine

'Anne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her medieval characters!' JOANNA HICKSON 'A compelling tale of a family caught up in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses... Be warned: it's dangerously addictive' TRACY BORMAN 'Magnificently researched... an enthralling story of strong women and advantageous marriages. I was completely hooked!' CLARE MARCHANT A beautifully researched novel told with understanding, subtlety and a deft touch. Time travel at its best' JOANNA COURTNEY England. 1469. A fortunate marriage will change history. A scandal could destroy everything... Margaret Paston, matriarch of the Paston family, knows that a favourable match for one of her unruly daughters is the only way to survive the loss of their recently acquired Caister Castle. But as the War of the Roses rages on, dangerous enemies will threaten even her best laid plans. Margery Paston, her eldest daughter, has always strived to uphold the Paston name and do her mother proud. But when she loses her heart to a man below her station, she must make a terrible choice: will she betray her family and risk everything for a chance at true love? Anne Haute, first cousin to the Queen, is embroiled in a longstanding betrothal to Sir John Paston, the eldest son and heir to the Paston seat. But despite his promises, Anne can't help but doubt that he will ever keep his word and make her his wife... In the midst of civil war, each of these women must decide: Head or heart? Love or duty? Reputation- or scandal?

From Sunday Times bestseller Anne O'Brien . . . To those around her she was a loyal subject. In her heart she was a traitor. 1399: England's crown is under threat. King Richard II holds onto his power by an ever-weakening thread, with exiled Henry of Lancaster back to reclaim his place on the throne. For Elizabeth Mortimer, there is only one rightful King - her eight-year-old nephew, Edmund. Only he can guarantee her fortunes, and protect her family's rule over the precious Northern lands bordering Scotland. But many, including Elizabeth's husband, do not want another child-King. Elizabeth must hide her true ambitions in Court, and go against her husband's wishes to help build a rebel army. To question her loyalty to the King places Elizabeth in the shadow of the axe. To concede would curdle her Plantagenet blood. This is one woman's quest to turn history on its head. 'O'Brien is now approaching Philippa Gregory status' Reader's Digest 'O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' Daily Telegraph 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political' The Times Praise for Queen of the North: 'Once more Anne O'Brien takes her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride...Elizabeth Mortimer's story joins the growing list of female lives Anne has gloriously rescued from history's recycling skip' Joanna Hickson 'Enthralling ... with masterful skill Anne O'Brien takes the reader on an action packed journey back to the tumultuous and uncertain days of the fifteenth century. A medieval masterpiece' Nicola Tallis 'With Anne O'Brien's trademark attention to period detail, it's a fascinating read' Woman's Weekly 'Imaginative, rich in detail and immaculately researched' Lancashire Post

This interdisciplinary and international volume offers an innovative and critical exploration of the impact of motherhood on the engagement of women in media and creative industries across the globe. Diverse contributions critically engage with the intersections and overlap between the social categories of worker and mother, and the work of media production and maternal caregiving. Conflicting ideas about, and expectations of, mothers are untangled in the context of the working world of radio, film, television and creative media industries. The book teases out commonalities between experiences that are evident across a number of countries, from Hollywood to Bollywood, as well as examining the differences between class, religion, maternal status and cultural frameworks that surround working mothers in various nation states. It also offers some possibilities for ways forward that can improve the lives of women workers who are also mothers. A timely and valuable contribution to international debates on equality, mothers and motherhood in audiovisual industries, this book will be of interest to scholars and students of media, communication, cultural studies and gender, programmes engaged with work inequalities and motherhood studies, and activists, funders, policymakers and practitioners.

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war... 'A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative' Woman & Home England, 1459. One family united by blood. Torn apart by war... The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne. But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily's family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own. Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV. 'O'Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction' My Weekly 'This thrilling historical novel has it all - high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing ... It's a rollercoaster of a read' Carol McGrath 'Dramatic and highly evocative' Woman's Weekly

This interdisciplinary and international volume offers an innovative and critical exploration of the impact of motherhood on the engagement of women in media and creative industries across the globe. Diverse contributions critically engage with the intersections and overlap between the social categories of worker and mother, and the work of media production and maternal caregiving. Conflicting ideas about, and expectations of, mothers are untangled in the context of the working world of radio, film, television and creative media industries. The book teases out commonalities between experiences that are evident across a number of countries, from Hollywood to Bollywood, as well as examining the differences between class, religion, maternal status and cultural frameworks that surround working mothers in various nation states. It also offers some possibilities for ways forward that can improve the lives of women workers who are also mothers. A timely and valuable contribution to international debates on equality, mothers and motherhood in audiovisual industries, this book will be of interest to scholars and students of media, communication, cultural studies and gender, programmes engaged with work inequalities and motherhood studies, and activists, funders, policymakers and practitioners.

England's Forgotten Queens 'The gripping tale of Elizabeth of Lancaster, sibling of Henry IV. Packed with love, loss and intrigue' - Sunday Express S Magazine One betrayal is all it takes to change history 1382. Daughter of John of Gaunt, sister to the future King Henry IV, Elizabeth of Lancaster has learned the shrewd tricks of the court from England's most powerful men. In a time of political turmoil, allegiance to family is everything. A Plantagenet princess should never defy her father's wishes. Yet headstrong Elizabeth refuses to bow to the fate of a strategic marriage. Rejecting her duty, Elizabeth weds the charming and ruthlessly ambitious Sir John Holland: Duke of Exeter, half-brother to King Richard II and the one man she has always wanted. But defiance can come at a price. 1399. Elizabeth's brother Henry has seized the throne. Her husband, confidant to the usurped Richard, masterminds a secret plot against the new King. Trapped in a dangerous web, Elizabeth must make a choice. Defy the King and betray her family. Or condemn her husband and send him to his death. Sister. Wife. Traitor. She holds the fate of England in her hands. Praise for Anne O'Brien: 'One of the best writers around...she outdoes even Philippa Gregory' The Sun 'Her writing is highly evocative of the time period... O'Brien has produced an epic tale' Historical Novel Society 'Anne O'Brien's novels give a voice to the "silent" women of history' Yorkshire Post 'Once again O'Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story' Lancashire Evening Post 'An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien' We Love This Book 'This book is flawlessly written and well researched, and will appeal to her fans and those who like Philippa Gregory's novels' - Birmingham Post 'A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won't be able to put this book down' Candis 'A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.' Essentials

A Sunday Times Bestseller England's Forgotten Queens 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' The Times 'I was a penniless, landless petitioner, my Neville blood a curse, my future dependent on the charity of those who despised me...' Anne Neville is the heiress and daughter of the greatest powerbroker in the land, Warwick the Kingmaker. Trapped in a deadly tangle of political intrigue, she is a pawn in an uncertain game, used by the houses of Neville, York and Lancaster alike. In England's glittering, treacherous court, not all wish to see the Nevilles raised high. The Earl of Warwick's ambition and pride lead him into an attempt to depose the Yorkist King; his treason forces his family into exile. Humiliated and powerless in a foreign land, Anne must find the courage and the wit to survive in such a dangerous man's world. Compulsively readable, Anne O'Brien vividly evokes the story of Richard III's queen with a passion and vibrancy reminiscent of Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir. Praise for Anne O'Brien 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' - The Times 'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' - Daily Telegraph 'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.' -Good Housekeeping 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.' -Woman & Home 'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.' -Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association 'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express 'A gripping historical drama.' -Bella 'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitan www.anneobrien.co.uk @anne_obrien

**A spellbinding historical novel** The Sunday Times Bestseller 'O'Brien is now approaching Philippa Gregory status' - Reader's Digest 'A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. Power.' From her first clandestine marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is one of beauty, rumour and scandal. Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride. Her ambition and passion make her a threat. Joan knows what she must do to protect her reputation...the games to play, the men to marry. She will do anything to get what she wants: The Crown of England. A tale of ambition, treachery and desire, The Shadow Queen tells of a woman's ascent through the court to command royal power alongside her young son, King Richard II.

'Anne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her characters!' JOANNA HICKSON 'A terrific storyteller' THE DAILY TELEGRAPH ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR... The Welsh Marches, 1301 Strong-willed heiress Johane de Geneville is married to Richard Mortimer, Earl of March, at just fifteen years old. Soon Johane finds herself swept up in a world of treacherous court politics and dangerous secrets as her husband deposes Edward II and rules England alongside Queen Isabella. Yet when Richard is accused of treason, she is robbed of her freedom and must survive catastrophic events in her fight for justice - with her life, and her children's, hanging in the balance... Will she pay for her husband's mistakes, or will she manage to escape from a terrible fate?

A Sunday Times Bestseller England's Forgotten Queens 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' -The Times Widow Lady Katherine Swynford presents herself for a role in the household of merciless royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, hoping to end her destitution. But the Duke's scandalous proposition leaves her life of pious integrity reeling... Seduced by the glare of royal adoration, Katherine becomes John's mistress. She will leave behind everything she has stood for to play second fiddle to his young wife and ruthless ambition. She will live in the shadows of the most powerful man in England in the hope of a love greater than propriety. But soon the court whispers - whore, harlot, vile temptress - reach the ears of not just John's bride but his most dangerous political enemies. As the Plantagenet prince is accused of bringing England to its knees, who better to blame than shameless she-devil Katherine Swynford? Dragged from the shadows, Katherine must answer for her sins. Praise for Anne O'Brien 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' - The Times 'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' - Daily Telegraph 'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.' -Good Housekeeping 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.' -Woman & Home 'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.' -Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association 'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express 'A gripping historical drama.' -Bella 'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitan www.anneobrien.co.uk @anne_obrien @anne_obrien

A Sunday Times Bestseller England's Forgotten Queens 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' -The Times Her children or her crown France, 1399: The Duke of Brittany is dead and his widow, Joanna of Navarre, has inherited control of their land - a testament to her intellect, integrity and political prowess. Then comes an unprecedented proposal from Henry IV, King of England. The price of becoming his Queen? Abandoning her homeland, leaving her children and sacrificing her independence. Henry's hold on the crown is unsteady and war is brewing. With the constant threat of rebellion, Henry will trust no-one - not even his new Queen. Crossing the channel is a dangerous prospect. But the union between Joanna and Henry would bring the chance of a vital alliance between two proud states - if they will allow it. One question. Two paths. A choice that will make history. Praise for The Queen's Choice 'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' - Daily Telegraph 'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.' -Good Housekeeping 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.' -Woman & Home 'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.' -Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association 'A gripping historical drama.' -Bella www.anneobrien.co.uk @anne_obrien

A Sunday Times Bestseller England's Forgotten Queens 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' The Times Philippa of Hainault selects a young orphan from a convent. Alice Perrers, a girl born with nothing but ambition. The Queen has a role waiting for her at court. 'I have lifted you from nothing Alice. Now you repay me.' Led down the corridors of the royal palace, the young virgin is secretly delivered to King Edward III - to perform the wifely duties of which ailing Philippa is no longer capable. Power has a price, and Alice Perrers will pay it. Mistress to the King. Confidante of the Queen. Whore to the court. Her fate is double edged; loved by the majesties, ostracised by her peers. Alice must balance her future with care as her star begins to rise - the despised concubine is not untouchable. Politics and pillow talk are dangerous bedfellows. The fading great King wants her in his bed. Her enemies want her banished. One mistake and Alice will face a threat worse than any malicious whispers of the past. Praise for Anne O'Brien 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.' - The Times 'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' - Daily Telegraph 'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.' -Good Housekeeping 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.' -Woman & Home 'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.' -Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association 'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express 'A gripping historical drama.' -Bella www.anneobrien.co.uk @anne_obrien

'Gripping' The Times 'Fans of Philippa Gregory and other historical fiction writers will love Anne O'Brien's A Tapestry of Treason' Yours Her actions could make history - but at what price? 1399: Constance of York, Lady Despenser, proves herself more than a mere observer in the devious intrigues of her magnificently dysfunctional family, The House of York. Surrounded by power-hungry men, including her aggressively self-centred husband Thomas and ruthless siblings Edward and Richard, Constance places herself at the heart of two treasonous plots against King Henry IV. Will it be possible for this Plantagenet family to safeguard its own political power by restoring either King Richard II to the throne, or the precarious Mortimer claimant? Although the execution of these conspiracies will place them all in jeopardy, Constance is not deterred, even when the cost of her ambition threatens to overwhelm her. Even when it endangers her new-found happiness. With treason, tragedy, heartbreak and betrayal, this is the story of a woman ahead of her time, fighting for herself and what she believes to be right in a world of men. Praise for A Tapestry of Treason 'O'Brien's page-turner vividly brings to life the restriction of women, and the compassion and strength of this real-life figure from medieval times' Woman 'Anne O'Brien does not disappoint . . . there are so many twists and turns . . . If you love Philippa Gregory or Alison Weir, you will love Anne O'Brien too' My Weekly 'A wonderful novel . . . a rich, gripping, enchanting read. Anne's vivid writing took me straight to the year 1400 and kept me wonderfully lost there throughout' Joanna Courtney 'A detailed portrayal of a fascinating character' Woman's Weekly 'An engaging novel of political intrigue' Choice Praise for Anne O'Brien 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale' The Times 'O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' Daily Telegraph 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue' Woman & Home 'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history ... the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights' The Press Association 'A gripping historical drama' Bella

Women, Inequality and Media Work investigates how women experience gender inequality in film and television production industries. Examining women's place in the production of media is vital to understanding the broader and related question of how women are (mis)represented in media content. This book goes behind the camera to explore the world of women working in media industries and unpacks the systemic gender inequality that they experience at work. It argues that women internalize their experience of gender inequality by adopting various beliefs: whether it is that gender does not matter in the workplace; that the workplace is now post-feminist; or by adopting a sense of self as liminal, neither fully included nor excluded from the industry. Drawing on detailed academic research and empirical investigation, Women, Inequality and Media Work is an important and timely book for students, researchers and those working in media industries.

Women, Inequality and Media Work investigates how women experience gender inequality in film and television production industries. Examining women's place in the production of media is vital to understanding the broader and related question of how women are (mis)represented in media content. This book goes behind the camera to explore the world of women working in media industries and unpacks the systemic gender inequality that they experience at work. It argues that women internalize their experience of gender inequality by adopting various beliefs: whether it is that gender does not matter in the workplace; that the workplace is now post-feminist; or by adopting a sense of self as liminal, neither fully included nor excluded from the industry. Drawing on detailed academic research and empirical investigation, Women, Inequality and Media Work is an important and timely book for students, researchers and those working in media industries.

'Anne O'Brien gets right inside the heads of her medieval characters!' JOANNA HICKSON 'A compelling tale of a family caught up in the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses... Be warned: it's dangerously addictive' TRACY BORMAN 'Magnificently researched... an enthralling story of strong women and advantageous marriages. I was completely hooked!' CLARE MARCHANT A beautifully researched novel told with understanding, subtlety and a deft touch. Time travel at its best' JOANNA COURTNEY England. 1469. A fortunate marriage will change history. A scandal could destroy everything... Margaret Paston, matriarch of the Paston family, knows that a favourable match for one of her unruly daughters is the only way to survive the loss of their recently acquired Caister Castle. But as the War of the Roses rages on, dangerous enemies will threaten even her best laid plans. Margery Paston, her eldest daughter, has always strived to uphold the Paston name and do her mother proud. But when she loses her heart to a man below her station, she must make a terrible choice: will she betray her family and risk everything for a chance at true love? Anne Haute, first cousin to the Queen, is embroiled in a longstanding betrothal to Sir John Paston, the eldest son and heir to the Paston seat. But despite his promises, Anne can't help but doubt that he will ever keep his word and make her his wife... In the midst of civil war, each of these women must decide: Head or heart? Love or duty? Reputation- or scandal?

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war... 'A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative' Woman & Home One family united by blood. Torn apart by war... England, 1459: Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, is embroiled in a plot to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne. But when the Yorkists are defeated at the Battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily's family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own. Cecily can only watch as her lands are torn apart and divided up by the ruthless Queen Marguerite. From the towers of her prison in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit - one that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV. This is a story of heartbreak, ambition and treachery, of one woman's quest to claim the throne during the violence and tragedy of the Wars of the Roses. Praise for Anne O'Brien: 'One of the best writers around ... she outdoes even Philippa Gregory' The Sun 'O'Brien is a terrific story teller' Daily Telegraph 'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale' The Times 'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue' Woman & Home 'The characters are larger than life ... and the author a compulsive storyteller' Sunday Express '[A] fast-paced historical novel' Good Housekeeping 'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics' Cosmopolitan 'O'Brien's page-turner vividly brings to life the restriction of women, and the compassion and strength of this real-life figure from medieval times' Woman 'A gripping historical drama' Bella 'Historical fiction at its best' Candis

This book systematically examines various factors that shape graduates' entry into media work, which include the state and its policies, industrial and organizational practices and cultures, and media education. However, the book does not take a typical political economic or even media industries approach to this exploration. Rather, it innovatively traces how these forces are operationalized to shape media work from the perspective of the graduates, their educators and their employers. These varying perspectives are analyzed to see how graduates experience the outcomes of policy, education and industry cultures. The book examines the impact that policy, education and industry have in redefining what media work means for parts of industry that are responsible for cultivating new entrants into the creative industries.

This book presents a holistic view of child development that emphasises on being mindful of the child as well as his/her environment. It presents a history of the development of the early childhood education sector in Singapore. This book consolidates the more recent research work that has been done in early childhood education, specifically by researchers from the National Institute of Education, Singapore. It discusses topics focusing on child development and education, teacher training and wellbeing, and the development of culturally appropriate assessment. The content of this book center around the child, with a consideration of influences in the environment that can impact child development.