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Find out moreJo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, first for BBC Radio 5, before moving on to Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show. In 2013 Jo won the RNA Katie Fforde Bursary. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.
Kindle Bestseller and RNA Joan Hessayon Award Winner The Oyster Catcher is Jo Thomas's irresistibly feel-good Irish novel of facing the past, finding your feet and falling in love. Dooleybridge, County Galway. Population: 482 (or thereabouts). The last place Fiona Clutterbuck expects to end up, alone, on her wedding night. But after the words 'I do' have barely left her mouth, that's exactly where she is - with only her sequined shoes and a crashed camper van for company. One thing is certain: Fi can't go back. So when the opportunity arises to work for Sean Thornton, the local oyster farmer, she jumps at the chance. Now Fi must navigate suspicious locals, jealous rivals and a wild, unpredictable boss if she's to find a new life, and love, on the Irish coast. And nothing - not even a chronic fear of water - is going to hold her back. Join Fi on her romantic, unpredictable adventure as she learns the rules of the ocean - and picks up a few pearls of Irish wisdom along the way...'A world you long to live in with characters you love' Katie Fforde
'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde 'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson 'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi Swain Cosy up with the new Christmas book from bestselling author Jo Thomas ___ Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners along with her... Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer. Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who? ___ Readers are feeling enchanted by Finding Love at the Christmas Market: ***** 'This book was a hot chocolate on a cold day, warming and satisfying.' ***** 'I could smell the gingerbread and spices, a real hug of a book.' ***** 'A beautiful book about finding what matters most at Christmas . . . such a heart-warming story.'
'You smell the lavender, you feel the sun on your face, this book is pure joy!' Katie Fforde 'Uplifting and full of warmth, this novel is the next best thing to jetting off to France on a relaxing break away.' My Weekly Can Del find her recipe for happiness? Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they're packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier...a new life in France - without Ollie. Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness? A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Readers are falling in love with Escape to the French Farmhouse ***** 'It's simply amazing . . . has you hooked and makes you feel are in the sunshine in France.' ***** 'A refreshing, feel-good story, just perfect for sitting and reading in the sun.' ***** 'A love story at its best. You can smell the lavender.'
Wrap up warm and explore the breath-taking beauty of a remote Scottish island and an old house waiting to unlock enchanting family secrets. Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this irresistible new winter novel from Jo Thomas. Do you need to find out where you've come from before you can know what the future holds? Ruby's singing career is on the verge of hitting the big time, when her voice breaks. Fearing her career is over, she signs up for a retreat in Tenerife to recover. But an unexpected call from a stranger on a remote Scottish island takes her on a short trip to sort out some family business. It's time to go and see the grandfather she's never met. City girl Ruby knows she will be happy to leave the windswept beaches behind as quickly as she can, especially as a years-old family rift means she knows she won't be welcome at Teach Mhor. But as she arrives at the big house overlooking the bay, she finds things are not as straightforward as she might have thought. There's an unexpected guest in the house and he's not planning on going anywhere any time soon ... Praise for Jo Thomas: 'Magically romantic...best read in front of a crackling log fire' Milly Johnson 'The characters went straight to my heart' Katie Fforde 'A sparkling, heartwarming hug of a story' Miranda Dickinson 'Like the best kind of holiday' Lucy Diamond
'Rich, warm and sunny. A story that stays with you long after the last page is turned' Milly Johnson Could the lemon groves of Sicily be the perfect place to start over? The irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, the author of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard, will transport you to the island of mountains and sparkling blue seas. When life hands you lemons ... is it ever too late for a second chance? Zelda's impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best? But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can't hide the shadow hanging over Citta d'Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there's a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around... Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart?
'A sparkling, heartwarming hug of a story' Miranda Dickinson Escape to snowy Sweden in the gorgeous new novel from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard. Fans of Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson will love this unforgettable winter story from Jo Thomas. Halley has been running from her problems for years. On a courier trip to Tallfors, deep in Swedish Lapland, everything is going to plan. Halley has her bag, with two precious wedding rings inside for delivery... until she doesn't. The only way to save the wedding is to team up with mysterious reindeer herder Bjorn, the one person who can lead her across the snowy tundra to be reunited with her bag. On a journey of a lifetime beneath the stars, with only the reindeer and a bad-tempered stranger for company beside the fire, Halley realises that she will need to confront her past heartaches in order to let the warmth of love in once more... Readers have been captivated by Jo Thomas's feel-good novels: 'Warm, funny, romantic with a terrific sense of place. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'A story that stays wiht you long after the last page is turned' Milly Johnson 'What a gorgeous book! Reading it felt like the best kind of holiday' Lucy Diamond 'Sheer rom-com brilliance!' Heat 'Perfect escapism' Marie Claire
'Warm, romantic and funny' Katie Fforde Jo Thomas's new novel invites you to a special cherry orchard in Spain, where sunshine, romance and family secrets are the order of the day. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is a heartwarming, hilarious tale that is 'like the best kind of holiday' (Lucy Diamond). It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat. After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain? But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalusian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over. As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart. Readers love Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard: 'I loved it!!! I can't recommend this book enough' 'Such an enjoyable journey that I just couldn't put it down' 'A real feel good book' 'Wow just wow, its a shame I have to come back to England, after being so thoroughly transported to southern Spain in this wonderful story' 'Amazing, incredible, heartwarming read that I loved from start to finish' 'If you want to be transported to another country and another way of life, with fantastic characters and an utterly addictive story, then you really must read this book!' 'I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book' 'The plot of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is perfect' 'There is laughter, tears, friendship, jealousy, and passion all vying for attention against the stunning backdrop of rural Spain' 'This is a delightfully sweet, escapist read that's perfect for holidays or anyone wishing to get away for a bit, as it whisks readers away to beautiful Spain' 'Sun, Food and Romance is there anything more you could ask for in a summer read? I don't think so!!!'
'Perfect escapist magic' Good Housekeeping 'Jo's book is as rich and sweet and moreish as baklava' Milly Johnson Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, Jo Thomas's irresistible, sun-filled novel transports you straight to the mountains of Crete. Sometimes you have to go back before you can move forwards... One magical summer Nell fell in love in the mountains of Crete and her life changed for ever. Eighteen years later, Nell is ready for a new beginning. When she sees a honey farm in the same hilltop town has lost its bees, the opportunity is impossible to resist. Welcomed back to Greece by the warm sun and aroma of wild thyme, Nell finds memories of her past at every turn. But much has changed since she's been away. As Nell throws herself into restoring the honey farm, she starts to unlock the truth of what happened all those years ago. She soon learns that the course of true love - just like Cretan honey - can be wild and sweet. And well worth the wait... Jo Thomas takes you there. Readers are raving about THE HONEY FARM ON THE HILL: 'Jo Thomas has the ability in her writing to take you right there' I Read Novels 'Incredibly enjoyable ... could practically smell the herbs in the air' Rachel's Random Reads 'I absolutely loved this book ... a darned good story' Julie's World of Books 'So richly imagined and so wonderfully written - highly recommended!' On My Bookshelf 'Superb escapism! ... the way the views, smells, sounds of the island are captured are spectacular' Be Reader Books 'Jo Thomas is a purveyor of dreams. I defy anybody to read this book and at the end of it not to dream a little of the Cretan life' Short Books and Scribes 'Warm, sensual and heartwarming' Books, Life and Everything 'A charming and delightful slice of escapist romantic fiction' Heat 'The ultimate cheery tale' Sun
An irresistible winter tale that will melt the coldest of hearts...Dive into this gorgeous winter warmer from Jo Thomas, bestselling author of The Oyster Catcher and Late Summer in the Vineyard. Notes from the Northern Lights is a sparkling short story available exclusively in ebook. Wardrobe mistress Ruby Knightly has been sent to Iceland on a very special mission that could save her opera company's opening night. And she's determined that her fear of the dark - and the incoming weather - won't stand in her way.But as Ruby follows her nose across Iceland's wild, volcanic landscape to the warmth of the smokehouses, she will soon discover that there is shelter to be found from even the most turbulent of storms. Particularly if there's romance around the corner...What readers are saying about Notes from the Northern Lights:'A delightful story, drawing in readers in with detailed descriptive writing of the scenery and the feel-good factor of two people who are poles apart but find love and happiness together' 'Could not put it down. Five stars''Jo Thomas captures your interest right from the first paragraph'
The perfect place for a fresh start . . . Escape to France with LATE SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD - Jo Thomas's irresistible follow-up to THE OYSTER CATCHER and THE OLIVE BRANCH. 'A fabulous French feast of fun' Milly Johnson 'Love this book ... makes me want to live on a vineyard in the South of France!' Lisa Zupan, Producer of P.S. I Love You Emmy Bridges has always looked out for others. Now it's time to put down roots of her own. Working for a wine-maker in France is the opportunity of a lifetime for Emmy. Even if she doesn't know a thing about wine - beyond what's on offer at the local supermarket. There's plenty to get to grips with in the rustic town of Petit Frere. Emmy's new work friends need more than a little winning over. Then there's her infuriatingly brash tutor, Isaac, and the enigmatic Madame Beaumont, tucked away in her vineyard of secrets. But Emmy will soon realise that in life - just as in wine-making - the best things happen when you let go and trust your instincts. Particularly when there's romance in the air... What readers are saying about Late Summer in the Vineyard: 'A light-hearted romance set in a French vineyard. What could be better for summertime reading!' 'Funny, romantic and heart-warming read of love, friendships and wine' 'I loved this book - the sights, sounds, smells of France during the wine making season was truly believable. A great story with funny, loveable characters who I wanted as friends!'
It's time for Layla to recapture the magic of her childhood...A sparkling, feel-good short story from the bestselling author of The Oyster Catcher, The Olive Branch, and The Honey Farm on the Hill available exclusively in ebook.When Layla arrives in the Welsh coastal village of Swn-y-Mor with new fianc Rob in tow, she plans to carry out her dad's final wishes, then return to Cardiff quickly, before too many unwanted memories surface.But the longer Layla remains, the harder it is to resist the lure of the autumn skies and memories of family holidays gone by. With fishing trips and firesides to enjoy, is Rob really Layla's future, and is Swn-y-Mor going to remain in her past for ever?What readers are saying about Red Sky at Night:'Fabulous as always! Jo makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. This book took us to beautiful West Wales and you can almost smell the sea air as you are reading''A lovely believable story. Hard to put down' 'Another heart-warming short story from Jo Thomas. You won't be disappointed'
Pearson Baccalaureate History: Causes and effects of 20th century wars 2nd edition is a revised version of the bestselling 1st edition, written by leading IB practitioners to specifically match the International Baccalaureate 2015 History curriculum. With a new emphasis on cross-regional wars, this book comprehensively covers the revised Causes of wars topic. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to answer essay questions on Paper Two and document-based questions on Paper One. This book also includes an enhanced eBook containing further worksheets, quizzes to test knowledge and examination skills, and enlarged source material. The Causes of wars includes the following: a clear overview and analysis of key events practise in analyzing source material, including photographs, cartoons, letters, speeches and other documents support throughout for new curriculum features, including key concepts and international mindedness approaches to learning highlighted in each activity throughout the book focus on the examination requirements, with 'Hints for success' throughout, as well as quizzes on the eBook support with tackling essay-writing, including essay frames updated Theory of Knowledge section and questions throughout to help with wider research and discussion. Other titles in the Pearson Baccalaureate series include: History The Cold War History Authoritarian states History Paper 1 The move to global war Theory of Knowledge
Pearson Baccalaureate History: Causes and effects of 20th century wars 2nd edition is a revised version of the bestselling 1st edition, written by leading IB practitioners to specifically match the International Baccalaureate 2015 History curriculum. With a new emphasis on cross-regional wars, this book comprehensively covers the revised Causes of wars topic. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to answer essay questions on Paper Two and document-based questions on Paper One. This book also includes an enhanced eBook containing further worksheets, quizzes to test knowledge and examination skills, and enlarged source material. The Causes of wars includes the following: a clear overview and analysis of key events practise in analyzing source material, including photographs, cartoons, letters, speeches and other documents support throughout for new curriculum features, including key concepts and international mindedness approaches to learning highlighted in each activity throughout the book focus on the examination requirements, with 'Hints for success' throughout, as well as quizzes on the eBook support with tackling essay-writing, including essay frames updated Theory of Knowledge section and questions throughout to help with wider research and discussion. Other titles in the Pearson Baccalaureate series include: History The Cold War History Authoritarian states History Paper 1 The move to global war Theory of Knowledge
The only series for MYP 4 and 5 developed in cooperation with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Develop your skills to become an inquiring learner; ensure you navigate the MYP framework with confidence using a concept-driven and assessment-focused approach presented in global contexts. - Develop conceptual understanding with key MYP concepts and related concepts at the heart of each chapter. - Learn by asking questions with a statement of inquiry in each chapter. - Prepare for every aspect of assessment using support and tasks designed by experienced educators. - Understand how to extend your learning through research projects and interdisciplinary opportunities. This title is also available in two digital formats via Dynamic Learning. Find out more by clicking on the links at the top of the page. Jo Thomas has been Head of History at the following IB schools: Munich International School, United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) and the British School of Brussels. Keely Rogers has been HOD and/or teacher of History at the following IB schools: United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), the International School of Brussels (ISB) and ACS Egham International School in Surrey, UK. Jo and Keely have written several textbooks for the IB diploma. They are also examiners and workshop leaders for the IB.
Pearson Baccalaureate History: The Cold War 2nd edition is a revised version of the bestselling 1st edition, written by leading IB practitioners to specifically match the International Baccalaureate 2015 History curriculum. Covering two new subjects - Leaders and Nations and Cold War Crises - this book comprehensively covers the revised Cold War topic. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you need to answer essay questions on Paper Two and document-based questions on Paper One. This book is also accompanied by an enhanced eBook containing further worksheets, quizzes to test knowledge and examination skills, and enlarged source material. The Cold War includes the following features: a clear overview and analysis of key events practice in analysing source material, including photographs, cartoons, letters, speeches, and other documents support throughout for new curriculum features, including key concepts and international mindedness approaches to learning highlighted in each activity throughout the book focus on the examination requirements, with 'hints for success' throughout, as well as quizzes on the eBook support with tackling essay-writing, including essay frames an updated Theory of Knowledge section and questions throughout to help with wider research and discussion. Other titles in the Pearson Baccalaureate series include: History: Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars History: Authoritarian States History Paper 1: The Move to Global War Theory of Knowledge
Can love bloom in the groves of Italy? Escape to Italy with The Olive Branch - the irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, author of ebook bestseller The Oyster Catcher. 'I loved it!' Katie Fforde You can buy almost anything online these days. For Ruthie Collins, it was an Italian farmhouse. Yet as she battles with a territorial goat and torrential rain just to get through the door of her new Italian home, the words of Ed, her ex, are ringing in her ears. She is daft, impetuous and irresponsible. But Ruthie is determined to turn things around and live the dream. First, though, she must win over her fiery neighbour, Marco Bellanouvo, and his family... Then there's the small matter of running an olive farm. As the seasons change and new roots are put down, olives and romance might just flourish in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. What readers are saying about The Olive Branch: 'Characters that come to life and each chapter comes with a smile. An uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read providing a little escapism, a little romance and a lot of determination' 'A heart-warming book you will find hard to put down' 'A feel-good book. Great for a holiday read'
Treat yourself to this wonderfully funny and romantic short story by Jo Thomas, kindle bestselling author of The Oyster Catcher, The Olive Branch and Honey Farm on the Hill, available exclusively in ebook.Praise for Jo Thomas' The Olive Branch: 'Sun, good food and romance, what more could you want?' HeatWhen Ellie Russet leaves home and her restaurant in the wake of disaster to housesit in the Kent countryside, the last thing she wants to do is cook for a living - ever again.Ellie's new neighbour, Daniel Fender, is struggling to make ends meet as a furniture maker. Could the answer to his problems lie in the chestnut orchard at the bottom of the garden?Only Ellie can help Daniel unlock the delicious secret that will bring them the fresh starts they need. And as autumn approaches, romance will blossom amid the glowing embers of the chestnut fire...Contains an extract from Jo's second novel, THE OLIVE BRANCHWhat readers are saying about The Chestnut Tree:'A gorgeously satisfying short tale that appeals to all the senses''This is a fab little story with delightful characters all played out in a beautiful rural setting''A lovely story. Strong characters, fast-paced plot. A joy to read'
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