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.

Welcome to the life of Taylor Blake: complicated crushes, awkward encounters and hoping for a first kiss! A hilarious and heartfelt new teen series that fans of Geek Girl and Jacqueline Wilson will love. 'A fresh, touching story for girls, with a great message' - Jacqueline Wilson Taylor is determined to be in control of her own life story - and it's going to be a romance! So far her entire social life consists of her two best friends Star and Lucy, who are also a couple and always together, plus her sometimes embarrassing but always hilarious Grandma and Grandad. But Taylor writes for the school newspaper, she creates fan-fiction and she's even been asked to enter a competition by her English teacher - surely she can script the perfect love story for herself? Her school is about to play host to some French exchange students. They'll be experts on this topic, Taylor reckons. After all, it must be called French kissing for a reason! The perfect first kiss is surely on the horizon. And Taylor can make it happen - can't she? This is Taylor's moment to LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE!

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.

With people staying healthier for longer, grandparents are increasingly involved in raising their grandchildren. Grandparenting Grandchildren is the first guide of its kind written specifically for grandparents, and aims to help you raise well-rounded, ready-to-learn, happy grandchildren, even if you only look after them for a few hours a week. By explaining the latest neuro-developmental and neuro-educational research in accessible, applicable ways, it will reaffirm what you instinctively know, while providing new tools to build your grandchild's imagination, creativity and curiosity. Combining the authors' practical experience as childhood development professionals with international research, this book helps grandparents understand the key influences on healthy development in the first 5 years: movement, music, sleep and food. Grandparenting Grandchildren gives practical advice on how to integrate these 'super brain foods' best in your grandchild's life. This has been proven to have many positive benefits, including improving the ability to think creatively, building speech and language skills, promoting social skills, and driving curiosity. Learn to build a loving, supportive relationship that helps grandchildren feel positive about their future, while constructing essential life skills that ensure they are well-rounded, happy and capable, confident learners.

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 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

The best way to get over a crush? Simply get to know him better... Flo Greenberg: highly strung. Over-achiever. And currently on an enforced break from life after The Embarrassing Meltdown Incident That She Does Not Wish To Talk About, Thank You. Jamie Kramer: her brother's best friend. Pain in the arse. And somehow on Flo's family holiday to Greece. Flo and Jamie hate each other. Except, they don't. Flo has a secret. She actually has a mortifying crush on her mortal enemy, and nobody - absolutely nobody, least of all her bonkers family, and certainly not Jamie himself - can know. And so she has a plan. With two surprise weeks of sharing breakfast, lunch and dinner, boat trips and sun-loungers, Flo is going to have to remedy herself the only way she can think of: by spending time with him. Actually getting to know Jamie is the perfect cure for Flo's romantic feelings. Isn't it...? PRAISE FOR LAURA JANE WILLIAMS 'I can't remember the last time a book made me forget I had a phone. Pure escapist fiction!' Stacey Halls '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 '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 'Smart and funny. The perfect escape.' Sarah Morgan '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 'Joyful, romantic and life-affirming.' Red 'A love story that is guaranteed to make you smile.' Closer 'Hilarious, heart-warming and truly authentic - your modern rom com must-read!' Hello! 'Tender, energetic and authentic ... Such a current love story, but so timeless too.' Daisy Buchanan 'So funny and wonderful and life affirming ... Reminded me in the most complimentary way possible of One Day in December by Josie Silver, which I also adored.' Lorna Cook 'If you liked The Flatshare then you will LOVE Our Stop!' Sarah, Waterstones Bookseller 'This is the laugh-out-loud love story you need to read this summer.' Glamour 'Laura Jane Williams offers another dose of smart, sisterly storytelling ... You can practically feel modern romance evolving as you're reading it.' Emma Jane Unsworth, Observer 'This is the feminist rom-com of the summer!' Holly Bourne

'...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.

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.

Concise: Each book gets straight to the heart of its subject

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.

'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.'

‘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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Evie Bird is a romance writer whose latest bestseller is being made into a Christmas movie. Duke Carlisle is a world-famous actor who has landed the role of leading man. When Evie and Duke meet on set, it’s a frosty encounter – even icier than the cobbled Bavarian streets they're filming on. But after images of them arguing leak to the press and put the movie in jeopardy, they are left with no choice but to fake date until the cameras stop rolling. As the pair start to put their differences aside, their feelings gradually begin to thaw… But can sparks ever really fly in a snowstorm? Laura Jane Williams is BACK with the most romantic read of the festive season. If you love Christmas movies like The Holiday and The Christmas Prince, this is the read to warm your heart with this December. Readers love Just for December: ‘This book has all the elements of a fun romcom that I love. It is dual pov, has great characters who love books and movies, and is enemies-to-lovers and fake dating. What more could you ask for?’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Such a sweet Christmas story…Loved the characters! Five stars.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A five-star read that you need for more than just December! Evie Bird just made me swoon…I felt her in my bones. A must-have Christmas read.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A rom com with a difference…There was so much to love about this book! I absolutely adored the movie magic at Christmas setting…An enjoyable festive Hollywood romance that I’d recommend.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A must-read book!…I simply fell in love with Laura’s writing style. I loved the chemistry between the characters.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Where do I start? I LOVED THIS BOOK! My favourite out of all the books Laura has written so far!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A lovely story.’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

'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.

'Read this for life lessons you know but have neglected.' Stylist 'Rediscover and embrace your inner silliness and watch your busy, stress-filled actual life become, well, simpler.' Red Discover the surprising art of reconnecting with your inner child in order to make your adult life that little bit simpler. You can own your own home and want to build a blanket fort on a bad day. Hell! On a good day, too. Give yourself permission to seek praise, ask for help, and have something soft snuggled against your face because you're sad. You can pay your bills on time and still exclaim out loud when something is really f*cking cool, run a business and wear cat-covered thermals under your suit. You can take time to play, just because. Full of spirit and un-self-conscious enthusiasm, Ice Cream for Breakfast: Child-Like Solutions to Bullsh*t Adult Problems is the permission slip all too-grown-up-for-their-own-good-but-secretly-scared-of-adulting adults need to locate their inner-child nestled deep within, so that we might all relax enough to laugh harder, wonder more, and marvel at magic on the daily.