A star, a stable, angels, shepherds, kings, and at the heart of it all a mother and her baby. In The Art of Christmas Jane Williams' meditations on the birth of Jesus take you deep into the story of the original Christmas as depicted in some of the world's greatest paintings. A beautiful book for Advent 2021, these profoundly perceptive reflections on the different ways in which artists have imagined the Nativity will deepen and refresh your appreciation of the real meaning of Christmas, and the message of love, joy and peace that it speaks to all the world. Illustrated in stunning full colour, with famous and lesser-known Western masterpieces, and presented in a small, easily portable format, The Art of Christmas is ideal Advent reading for all art lovers, but also makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Jane Williams' insightful meditations will not only help you rediscover the spiritual heart of Christmas, but will also give you a deeper, expanded appreciation of the skill and mastery behind these masterful paintings. You'll gain a fuller and more spiritual understanding of Christian art, and see Christmas as never before.

'An impossibly fun romance with an all-too relatable message, Lovestruck is the perfect escapist treat from one of the best romance writers out there' Lindsey Kelk This isn't one love story. It's two. Becca Calloway is calling it: she's ready for Mr Right, and she's ready now. She even goes as far as to hold a manifestation ceremony for him - and when she receives a text from her ex five minutes later, she knows it's a sign. The problem is, she doesn't know which way it's pointing... Should Becca reply and reignite things with her old flame Mike? Or delete and block, moving forward with the new man in her life? Becca has one choice, with two ways this could go. And in Lovestruck, you're about to see them both... _________________________ PRAISE FOR LAURA JANE WILLIAMS 'Laura Jane Williams combines sharp, relatable wit and bold, joyful sincerity' Dolly Alderton 'A fresh, smart, modern rom com. It had me totally gripped!' Beth O'Leary 'An absolute delight!' Emily Henry 'Perceptive, funny and ultimately hopeful - the perfect tonic' Sophie Cousens 'I can't remember the last time a book made me forget I had a phone. Pure escapist fiction!' Stacey Halls

‘Sexy, fun and full of heart.’ Beth O’Leary, author of The Flatshare ‘A charming, uplifting contemporary romance – this is Laura Jane Williams at her best!’ Sophie Cousens, author of This Time Next Year ‘I have three words of advice: ADD TO CART.’ Hannah Doyle, author of The A to Z of Us It’s his first night in London. And her last… Ruby’s leaving London. She’s not running away from her ex per se, but an exciting opportunity in a new city has landed at the perfect time. Nic is moving to London. After a bad break-up, he’s excited to see where big-city life could take him. When a chance meeting throws the pair of them together for just one night, it’s clear that this could be the start of something special. But there’s one problem: she’s leaving, and he’s just arriving. So, after tonight, they’ll never see each other again . . . will they? From the international bestseller comes a story of two strangers, two cities, and one night that changes everything. Readers love One Night With You: ‘What a book! The ending was so perfect!’ Emily Stone, author of Always in December ‘OH MY WORD. Such a beautiful read… it just made me tingle with joy.’ Elle Cook, author of The Man I Never Met ‘A modern, playful romance with flirty rhyming texts, real bffs, and mind-blowing sex. So refreshing!’ Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked ‘An absolutely gorgeous, funny and romantic delight – I adored it!’ Rachael Lucas, author of The Winter Cottage ‘I absolutely ADORED this book. It was so swoony and reading it felt like a big hug.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Funny, so romantic and totally charming!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A five-star read you would give more than a night for!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I just loved Nic and Ruby from the start […] they made me laugh and I fell in love with them!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I highly recommend this book. The ending was just so perfect!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Laura’s books just get better and better, and One Night With You is my favourite so far! It couldn’t have been more perfect! Loved every second. Highly, highly recommend!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fun and cute read that I finished in one sitting!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved One Night With You – it was so unlike anything I’ve read previously […] it felt so real!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Delightful, charming, romantic and hilarious, which should come as no surprise to anyone!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Ruby and Nic’s chemistry had me turning the pages well into the night. I loved their chance meeting and how it played out… beautiful and feel-good.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Laura’s best yet… expertly crafted and a real page-turner. If fast-paced storylines and romance is your thing, you will love this! Cannot recommend enough.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Joyful, romantic and life-affirming.' Red Magazine 'It had me totally gripped.' Beth O'Leary, author of The Flatshare 'A love story that is guaranteed to make you smile.' Closer What if you almost missed the love of your life? Nadia gets the 7.30 train every morning without fail. Well, except if she oversleeps or wakes up at her friend Emma's after too much wine. Daniel really does get the 7.30 train every morning, which is easy because he hasn't been able to sleep properly since his dad died. One morning, Nadia's eye catches sight of a post in the daily paper: To the cute girl with the coffee stains on her dress. I'm the guy who's always standing near the doors... Drink sometime? So begins a not-quite-romance of near-misses, true love, and the power of the written word. A #1 ebook bestseller, this wonderful will-they-won't-they romance is perfect for those who loved Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare and Mhairi McFarlane's If I Never Met You. ****** What readers are saying about Our Stop... 'What a gorgeous, quirky and heart-warming story. It's a Sliding Doors for our modern generation and I greedily devoured every page.' 'Honest, refreshing, brave, progressive, insightful, warm, uplifting and, above all, inspirational. A book that has genuinely had a positive impact on my life. A must-read!' 'This book delivered in bucket loads - and then some! It is funny, thoughtful, witty, charming and respectful, and was a thoroughly entertaining read that I would really love to see adapted into a film someday!' 'This is not your stereotypical boy-meets-girl chick lit ... This is an innovative, modern day Sliding Doors style chick lit where you follow the #OurStop journey with Daniel and Nadia.' 'This book is an ode to You've Got Mail!! It was funny, romantic, simple, yet filled with so much emotion.'

This beautiful book describes and interprets a series of paintings for each day of Advent. Artists often address subjects our culture seeks to avoid, and Jane Williams' brilliant and perceptive reflections will help you to read these paintings with a more discerning eye, and discover deeper levels of meaning than may at first appear.

'It whisked me away on a much-needed holiday' Beth O'Leary 'I can't remember the last time a book made me forget I had a phone' Stacey Halls 'What an absolute delight!' Emily Henry ____________________________________ One cancelled wedding When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong. One unexpected encounter After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: she'll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on. One spare ticket for the honeymoon Could a spontaneous trip with Patrick be the way to mend Annie's heart? She's about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon - with a man who's not her husband... ____________________________________ Praise for The Lucky Escape: 'I can't remember the last time a book made me forget I had a phone. Pure escapist fiction!' STACEY HALLS, author of Sunday Times bestseller and Richard & Judy Book Club Pick The Familiars 'The Lucky Escape is Laura's best book yet. It whisked me away on a much-needed holiday - this is exactly the book we all need right now!' BETH O'LEARY, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Flatshare and The Road Trip 'What an absolute delight! A romantic, relaxing, inspiring not-quite-honeymoon in book form, with a surprising emotional heft behind it. I love it!' EMILY HENRY, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read 'Smart and funny. The perfect escape.' SARAH MORGAN, bestselling author of The Summer Seekers 'This was exactly the escapist book I've been craving. Full of fun and charm, I'd recommend it to anyone wishing to be whisked away by an utterly feel-good love story.' HOLLY MILLER, author of Richard & Judy Bookclub Pick The Sight of You

This volume reflects on two decades of Welsh devolution, and a contributes to debate on its significance and future course. Drawing on previously unpublished interviews undertaken by the late Professor Michael Sullivan with key protagonists in Welsh devolution, and with expert analysis from leading researchers in different disciplines and fields of policy, the book examines what has been described as the emergence through devolution of a 'Welsh stripe' in social democracy. While the volume editors conclude this epithet, coined by Professor Sullivan, is apt, this collection of essays also presents a complex, multi-faceted picture of the drivers of policy, of continuity from the pre-devolution era, as well as change driven by factors within and without Wales. A mixed picture emerges, featuring variously (and in various combinations of) boldness of ambition, distinctive ideological positioning, homegrown priority-setting, the frustrations of the devolution settlement, and adverse (arguably unfair) international comparisons.

This volume provides a series of critical analyses of some of the contemporary debates in relation to the human rights of children, resituating them within visions which informed the text of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The studies embrace examination of some of today's widespread interpretations of the CRC, analysis of what is implied by a human rights-based approach in research and advocacy and consideration of advances and barriers to research and to several aspects of CRC implementation. With contributions by leading experts in the field, the book examines the CRC as an international instrument, its inherent dilemmas and some of the debates generated by the challenges of implementation. It embraces examinations of different levels of governance from the international to the state party, regional and local levels, including institutional developments and changes in law, policy and practice. The book will be a valuable resource for students, researchers and policy-makers working in the area of children's rights and welfare.

This volume provides a series of critical analyses of some of the contemporary debates in relation to the human rights of children, resituating them within visions which informed the text of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The studies embrace examination of some of today's widespread interpretations of the CRC, analysis of what is implied by a human rights-based approach in research and advocacy and consideration of advances and barriers to research and to several aspects of CRC implementation. With contributions by leading experts in the field, the book examines the CRC as an international instrument, its inherent dilemmas and some of the debates generated by the challenges of implementation. It embraces examinations of different levels of governance from the international to the state party, regional and local levels, including institutional developments and changes in law, policy and practice. The book will be a valuable resource for students, researchers and policy-makers working in the area of children's rights and welfare.

This fully revised edition of Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach is a much needed source of information for those wishing to extend and consolidate their understanding of the Danish Forest School Approach. It enables analysis of the essential elements of this particular approach to early childhood teaching and the relationship it holds with quality early years practice. Describing the key principles of the Forest School Approach to early childhood, and heavily supported with practical examples and case studies, each chapter ends with highlighted key points, followed by reflections on practice to aid discussion and reflection on own practice. Including a new chapter on the curriculum, this text explores all aspects of the approach including: The geographical, historical, social and cultural influences that have shaped the philosophy and pedagogy of the early years setting in Denmark. The people and theories that have influenced and supported the practices of using the outdoors with children. An analysis of the learning environments, their risks and challenges and what a learning environment is made up of. The Danish early years curriculum; the areas of learning and the way pedagogues facilitate the learning processes. Parental, political and research perspectives on the approach and the sustainability of its future. Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach highlights the key ideas that practitioners should consider when reviewing and reflecting on their own practice, and outlines the national appraisals and evaluations of the curriculum. Providing students and practitioners with key information about a major pedagogical influence on early years practice, this is a vital text for students, early years and childcare practitioners, teachers, early years professionals, children's centre professionals, lecturers, advisory teachers and setting managers.

Jane William's widely read and much enjoyed Church Times columns brought together in one volume for the first time. In Lectionary Reflections, Jane Williams aims to help us engage with the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Years A, B & C. Each section gives the lectionary references and provides a thought-provoking starting point for exploring the readings, drawing out points of connection between them. Intelligently written and inspiring, Lectionary Reflections will prove invaluable in preparation for Sunday worship or for regular Bible study throughout the year. It will be of use to both groups and individuals for opening up the Bible and applying its rich teaching and stories.

'A touching rom-com about difficult romantic choices ... With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this is sure to please.' Publishers Weekly '[A] funny yet serious story of survival, recovery, romantic complications, difficult choices, and love.' Booklist She's single. But it can still be complicated... Penny Bridge has always been unlucky in love. So she can't believe it when she meets a remarkable new man. Followed by another. And then another... And all of them want to date her. Penny has to choose between three. But are any of them The One? The bestselling author of Our Stop will have you laughing, crying and cheering Penny on in this funny and feel-good exploration of hope, romance and the trust it takes to finally fall in love. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane's If I Never Met You and Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare.

'Joyful and romantic!' COSMOPOLITAN 'Full of delicious food, real kindness and sexy men... what's not to like?!' BETH O'LEARY, bestselling author of The Flatshare Men are like buses. You wait for one... Penny Bridge has always been unlucky in love. So she can't believe it when she meets a remarkable new man. Followed by another. And then another... And all of them want to date her. Penny has to choose between three. But are any of them The One? The bestselling author of Our Stop will have you laughing, crying and cheering Penny on in this funny and feel-good exploration of hope, romance and the trust it takes to finally fall in love. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane's Last Night and Beth O'Leary's The Flatshare.

In great and colourful detail the Welsh writer Jane Williams (1806 1885) tells the history of Wales from the settlement of the Cymry in pre-Christian Britain until the Tudor period. The work, first published in 1869, remained a standard work until the beginning of the twentieth century. The most remarkable feature of the book's methodology is that its narrative is based on the use of an impressive range of source material, ranging from Pliny and Bede to Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Jane Williams is a passionate chronicler of Welsh history and does not seek to be objective in her portrayals. The Earl of Shrewsbury for instance is 'inhuman', and ravages 'the fertile island'; and Williams perceives Daffyd Aberdaron as a zealous Dean of Bangor who 'earnestly' desires 'justice for Wales'. For more information on this author, see http: //orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=willja

'The love story you need in your suitcase this summer!' Red What if you almost missed the love of your life? Nadia gets the 7.30 train every morning without fail. Well, except if she oversleeps or wakes up at her friend Emma's after too much wine. Daniel really does get the 7.30 train every morning, which is easy because he hasn't been able to sleep properly since his dad died. One morning, Nadia's eye catches sight of a post in the daily paper: To the cute girl with the coffee stains on her dress. I'm the guy who's always standing near the doors... Drink sometime? So begins a not-quite-romance of near-misses, true love, and the power of the written word. A wonderfully funny will-they-won't-they romance told with real emotional honesty, perfect for those who loved Sally Thorne's 99% Mine and Helena Hunting's Meet Cute. Recommended by Bustle as a 'Rom-Com Novel You Need To Read This Summer!'

The bestselling Intercessions Handbook has been written to meet the challenges of the vital task of leading prayers in public worship. Easy to adapt to most situations, this volume contains a wealth of creative suggestions for enlivening prayers. Jane Williams takes each of the lectionary readings for the Sundays in Year B and gives us a way into the themes and concerns at their heart. Concentrating our attention in this way, we gradually deepen our understanding of what God means by faith, love, prayer and good living. 'Through the Son you will see the Father, through the Spirit you will see the Son, through the Father you will see what you are meant to be made in the image of the Son, to share in God's love and delight. God has made it as clear as he can, coming to live with us, sharing our life, so that we can share the life of the Father's only Son.' Intelligently written in an engaging and inspiring style, Lectionary Reflections will prove invaluable in preparation for Sunday worship or for regular Bible study throughout the year. It will be of use to both groups and individuals for opening up the Bible and applying its rich teaching and stories. Lectionary Reflections, Year A and Lectionary Reflections, Year C are both currently available, with Lectionary Reflections Year B completing the cycle.

This book is one of three volumes that bring together Jane Williams's widely read and much enjoyed Church Times columns. Here, she offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Year A. Each section gives the lectionary references and provides a thought-provoking starting point for exploring the readings, drawing out points of connection between them. Intelligently written in an engaging and inspiring style, Lectionary Reflections will prove invaluable in preparation for Sunday worship or for regular Bible study throughout the year.

This book is one of three volumes that bring together Jane Williams's widely read and much enjoyed Church Times columns. Here, she offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C. Each section gives the lectionary references and provides a thought-provoking starting point for exploring the readings, drawing out points of connection between them. Intelligently written in an engaging and inspiring style, Lectionary Reflections will prove invaluable in preparation for Sunday worship or for regular Bible study throughout the year. It will be of use both to individuals and groups for opening up the bible and applying its rich teaching and stories. "'If God really is loving and teasing and forgiving, like he is in the stories Jesus tells, then we all have a chance." Jane Williams

This fully revised edition of Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach is a much needed source of information for those wishing to extend and consolidate their understanding of the Danish Forest School Approach. It enables analysis of the essential elements of this particular approach to early childhood teaching and the relationship it holds with quality early years practice. Describing the key principles of the Forest School Approach to early childhood, and heavily supported with practical examples and case studies, each chapter ends with highlighted key points, followed by reflections on practice to aid discussion and reflection on own practice. Including a new chapter on the curriculum, this text explores all aspects of the approach including: The geographical, historical, social and cultural influences that have shaped the philosophy and pedagogy of the early years setting in Denmark. The people and theories that have influenced and supported the practices of using the outdoors with children. An analysis of the learning environments, their risks and challenges and what a learning environment is made up of. The Danish early years curriculum; the areas of learning and the way pedagogues facilitate the learning processes. Parental, political and research perspectives on the approach and the sustainability of its future. Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach highlights the key ideas that practitioners should consider when reviewing and reflecting on their own practice, and outlines the national appraisals and evaluations of the curriculum. Providing students and practitioners with key information about a major pedagogical influence on early years practice, this is a vital text for students, early years and childcare practitioners, teachers, early years professionals, children's centre professionals, lecturers, advisory teachers and setting managers.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. The 2022-23 line-up of writers continues its tradition of excellence. Regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship Lectionary for Morning Prayer. In addition, Paula Gooder, one of the most outstanding biblical scholars writing today, provides the meditations for Holy Week. New voices this year include Sharon Prentis, Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College and previously Dean of Black and Minority Ethnic Affairs for the Church of England in Birmingham, and Luigi Gioia, director of formation at St Paul's Knightsbridge, whose book The Wisdom of St Benedict recently won first prize in the spiritualty category of the 2021 CMA book awards. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2022-23 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day's set of Scripture readings, a concise and challenging commentary on one of the readings, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Prayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

'...a cult hit' - Grazia 'LJ's honesty and voice are unique in a crowded market' - Stylist 'If you've ever felt a little lost, I hope this book finds its way to you' - Daisy Buchanan 'Everyone is writing about sex. Some are even doing it. Haven't we all been waiting for someone to look at what happens when you opt out, and to do it with not only humour... but also true empowerment? Call off the search. At last, here she is' - The Guyliner When the man Laura Jane Williams thought she'd wed dumped her and married her friend, she was devastated. Empty. Drinking too much, sleeping around, and moving from place-to-place in a refusal to put down roots, she tried to fill the void - the gaping hole - that heartbreak had left behind. She wanted control. To grab life by the balls. To live boldly. But, she rapidly learned it wasn't that simple. Resolving that life couldn't go on as it was - that the backlog of men and sadness that haunted her would not define her - Laura declared a year-long vow of celibacy, ultimately finding herself in a Riviera convent as she slowly put pieces of herself back together. An honest exploration of a young woman's soul and a road trip through Italy, America, Paris and... Derby, BECOMING is a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry, but most of all? It makes you realise that even when the going gets tough, no one is really f*cking up like they think they are.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1979, globally the most popular of human rights treaties, requires States Parties to take action to secure the rights of minors. Through contributions by some of those most closely involved, this book tells the story of the UNCRC in Wales. It explains the provisions and practical impact of the ground-breaking Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011, the first law within the UK designed to give further effect to the UNCRC. The collection is a major contribution to understanding of the challenges of UNCRC implementation and shows why the Welsh model of incorporation is attracting worldwide interest.

Music has always been an essential part of what it is to be human and yet not everyone has access to the music-based opportunities others take for granted. Motivated by the belief that individuals are disabled by society rather than any impairment they might have, Jane Williams sets out to show how someone with learning difficulties can engage with music in as many diverse and fulfilling ways as the rest of their community and generation. This practical guide will equip you with everything you need to know to help empower people with learning difficulties to experience and enjoy music, meaningfully. It sets out activity ideas in the context of existing Occupational Therapy models and offers a host of tips, resources and ready-to-use themed lesson plans to inspire and enrich your practice. There are also many practical examples and real-life success stories that show how to put the theory into practice, including downloadable tracks composed and performed by The LA Buskers, a band Jane works with. Accessible, practical and inspirational, the unique approaches described in this book will be of immeasurable interest to occupational therapists, social care workers responsible for planning and delivering activity programmes as well as community musicians.