Paul Ricoeur's "Pedagogy of Pardon" describes how memory is structured, in culture, civic identity and religion - and addresses central conceptual and methodological issues in his theory of forgiveness (or reconciliation). Where conflict arises from the clash of cultures, memory also becomes a tool to help resolve and heal past wounds. Ricoeur provides a hermeneutical key to examine conflicting narratives so that some shared truths can be arrived at in order to begin afresh. As the many Truth Commissions around the world illustrate; revisiting the past has a positive benefit in steering history in a new direction after protracted violence.A second deeper strand in the book is the connection between Paul Ricoeur and John Paul II. Both lived through the worst period of modern European history (Ricoeur a Prisoner of War for four years in WWII and John Paul, who suffered under the communist regime). Both have written on themes of memory and identity and share a mutual concern for the future of Europe and the preservation of the 'Christian' identity of the Continent as well as the promotion of peace and a civilization of love. The book brings together their shared vision, culminating in the award to Ricoeur by John Paul II of the Paul VI medal for theology (July 2003) - only conferred every five years - for the philosopher's fruitful research in the area of theology and philosophy, faith and reason and ecumenical dialogue.

Will and Donna are perfect for each other. If only they could meet... Moving and romantic, A Love Like This is the perfect read for anyone who believes in destiny. William and Donna, born on the same day in Dublin, have almost met many times - on their tenth birthday, when Donna spotted Will carrying a colourful bunch of balloons; the day Will, a law student, visited the bakery where Donna worked; and an introduction by mutual friends that never came to pass. Over the years, they have kept just missing each other. Then, on a sunny day at a cafe in Auckland, they finally meet. And, in that moment, thousands of miles away from home, they're exactly where they're supposed to be. But a terrible disaster strikes, and they are separated - left with the memory of the brief time they had together, and dreams of what might have been. Perhaps all is not lost however, and fate will bring them together once more ...

Will escaping for two weeks save her marriage? Or change her life? To the outside world, bestselling author Linda Costa has it all: a successful career, a wonderful marriage and two gorgeous children. But appearances can be deceiving ... The truth is Linda is not happy. She's feeling as though she's been taken for granted by her husband Rob, and her children. So, on the verge of a breakdown, she books herself a two-week holiday to Spain, determined to shake off the unsettling feeling she's been having about her marriage and her life. But as Linda relaxes by the pool, the idea of returning home to the chaos seems increasingly unappealing, especially when the handsome Kabir seems intent on showing her a good time ... Meanwhile, Linda's family soon discover that running a home isn't as easy as it looks. But will it be too late to show her just how much she means to them? Linda has some decisions to make. But will she choose the life she has? Or the one she thinks she wants?

'Tis the season to be jolly, except for single Dubliner Jenny Breslin ... 'An absolutely dreamy holiday read.' Goodreads 'A funny, heart-warming novel ... with Jenny Breslin, Maria has created a Bridget Jones for the social networking generation.' Off the Shelf, Hello Magazine blog. Everything about her life - her boring job at the bank, the complete lack of romance - has been untouched by holiday magic, and she dreads the thought of spending yet another festive season with her larger-than-life mother and her mother's new boyfriend. Thank God for Twitter, a place where there are always people ready and waiting to have a chat. She's even managed to make a couple of genuine friends there, even though she's never met them IRL. 'So who's on for a few days in Dublin? Would love to meet you all in person. I have a spare room in my house'- this drunken tweet to her Twitter pals changes Jenny's life forever. Before she knows it, she's counting down to a Christmas visit from London-native Zahra Burns, make-up artist to the stars; Fiona Lee, a stay-at-home mum from Galway, and nurse Kerry (the Twitter buddy Jenny feels closest to). Suddenly, Jenny becomes aware of how her life will appear to these strangers. In a word: Boring. It's easy enough to pretend that you're an exciting and sophisticated person when nobody can see you, but now Jenny's worried about being caught out in the occasional lies that she's told. All the more incentive to change her life for the better! But once her pals arrive, Jenny finds herself pining for the past and wondering if people are ever who they claim to be.

There's more than one surprise in store this Christmas . . . A sparkling, heart-warming novel by bestselling author Maria Duffy about first love and second chances. Holly couldn't be happier. Christmas, her favourite time of year, is only seven weeks away and her boyfriend has just popped the question. So what if their life together could use a bit more excitement, or if her future mother-in-law is already interfering in their wedding plans - this is the future that Holly wants. Isn't it? Josh's future is all laid out too. He and girlfriend Stephanie are moving into their brand new home and, with a baby on the way, they're about to enter an exciting chapter of their lives together. But something isn't quite right, and Josh can't put his finger on what. As the festive season approaches, will Holly and Josh manage to push their doubts aside? Or will they find themselves wishing they were spending Christmas with someone else?

Ellie's wedding is only weeks away, but when a secret comes to light, her plans for the future suddenly don't seem so certain... Ellie Duggan is getting married in seven weeks. But just before she sets off for a fun-filled New York hen party weekend, she finds a letter addressed to her sister Caroline. Dated only weeks before Caroline died in a tragic accident, it contains some startling information which forces Ellie to face some truths about herself, Caroline's death - and even her forthcoming marriage. Ellie has spent the three years since Caroline's death running from the truth. But as the weekend in New York comes to a close, she makes a drastic decision. As Ellie finally lays old ghosts to rest, she realises that the truth can set you free. But will she be willing to take the risk?

Will escaping for two weeks save her marriage? Or change her life? To the outside world, bestselling author Linda Costa has it all: a successful career, a wonderful marriage and two gorgeous children. But appearances can be deceiving ... The truth is Linda is not happy. She's feeling as though she's been taken for granted by her husband Rob, and her children. So, on the verge of a breakdown, she books herself a two-week holiday to Spain, determined to shake off the unsettling feeling she's been having about her marriage and her life. But as Linda relaxes by the pool, the idea of returning home to the chaos seems increasingly unappealing, especially when the handsome Kabir seems intent on showing her a good time ... Meanwhile, Linda's family soon discover that running a home isn't as easy as it looks. But will it be too late to show her just how much she means to them? Linda has some decisions to make. But will she choose the life she has? Or the one she thinks she wants?