Linda Huber

For better, for worseWildlife vet Holly's life seems blissful: husband Dylan is the man of her dreams, she has a rewarding career and a lovely home. And yet, a tiny niggle is growing daily. Dylan is becoming increasingly remote - but why? Holly is determined to mend the fissure in their relationship. But a shocking discovery changes everything... Family tiesThen there's Dylan's family: his wayward twin Seth and their widowed mother Elaine, who is rather fond of a glass or two of sherry. Nothing in Elaine's life is easy, bringing up teenage granddaughter Megan while the family grieves the loss of Megan's mother.Family liesA tragic event rocks the foundations of the family, and Holly's life starts to unravel. Dylan drifts ever further away. Megan is left uncertain and alone, while Seth falls deeper into himself. The bonds that once bound the family together are breaking. Can they ever be repaired?

In the field of language education, intercultural communicative competence has become a widely used concept. But what is intercultural communicative competence? Although the term is often understood as universally applicable, it comes with manifold nuances. The ambiguity ranges from underlying definitions to corresponding competences, forms of assessment and their operationalisation. Furthermore, an empirical foundation for models of intercultural competence is scarce. This book presents the findings of a qualitative research study on the views of language students, and critically analyses the speculative components of intercultural communicative competence regarding their feasibility in the study abroad context. It is argued that the notion represents a contingent and hegemonial interpretive scheme (Deutungsmuster), a floating signifier, which needs to be amended for particular circumstances. The critical reflection on intercultural competence in the light of real-life examples may serve as an incentive for an alternative approach to intercultural competence in foreign language teaching and contribute valuable information to the preparation of training sessions before a stay abroad.

They stared at each other, and Maggie felt the tightness in her middle expand as it shifted, burning its way up... Painful sobs rose in her throat as Colin, his face expressionless now, reached for his mobile and tapped 999. When three-year-old Olivia disappears from the beach, a happy family holiday comes to an abrupt end. Maggie is plunged into the darkest nightmare imaginable - what happened to her little girl? Further along the coast, another mother is having problems too. Jennifer's daughter Hailey is starting school, and it should be such a happy time, but the child has become moody and silent. Family life has never seemed so awkward, and Jennifer struggles to maintain control. The tide ebbs and flows, and summer dies, but there is no comfort for Maggie, alone now at the cottage, or for Jennifer, still swamped by doubts. 'A psychologically astute, edge-of-the-seat story.' Hilary Johnson 'Unsettling and disturbing... I couldn't put it down.' Rebecca Muddiman 'Breathtaking and utterly compelling.' Debi Alper A psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Linda Green, Alex Marwood and Sophie Hannah

He had found exactly the right spot in the woods. A little clearing, green and dim, encircled by tall trees. He would bring his lovely Helen here... This time, it was going to be perfect. When Alicia Bryson returns to her childhood home in a tiny Yorkshire village, she finds her estranged father frail and unable to care for himself. Her daughter Jenny is delighted at the prospect of a whole summer playing in the woods at the bottom of the garden, but as soon as Alicia sets foot in Lower Banford, strange and disturbing memories begin to plague her. What happened in her father's house, all those years ago? But coping with the uncertainty and arranging Bob's care plan aren't Alicia's only problems. Unknown to her, she has a stalker. Someone is watching, waiting, making plans of his own. To him, Alicia and Jenny are his beautiful Helens... and they should be in Paradise. 'An emotionally intelligent thriller - a little gem of a book.' --Caro Ramsay, International best-selling author 'Menace crackles through the prose in Linda Huber's disturbing thriller The Paradise Trees.' --We Love This Book 'I was gripped by the incredible writing style; the ability to keep the reader guessing and the love that the family share... I am glad I read this book.' --Newbooks MagazineA psychological page-turner, perfect for fans of Linda Green, Alex Marwood and Sophie Hannah

A Fabrian Books feel-good collection fifteen tales of life, love, and family - perfect for a coffee-break Previously published in UK national magazines, the stories are about relationships within the family and without - some are humorous, some bittersweet; all are upbeat and emotional.The Party Partners Belinda and Phillip have fun at weddings, engagement parties and all sorts of celebrations. But anything more personal was out of the question - or was it?Family Matters Gary shares Sharon's dream of having children - but as far as he's concerned, it's something for the future.Corinna's Big Day It was the most important day in baby Corinna's life, but for Madge, it was one of the saddest...Lucky for Some You might say drawing number 13 in the cycle rally was bad luck. You might say falling off was bad luck, too. But Hilary knew better Patiently Waiting Mike woke up after his operation and saw the girl of his dreams. The problem was the engagement ring she wore on a chain round her neck...The Saturday Secret What was she up to? The whole family wanted to know But Gran wasn't telling...And many more...Linda Huber has written over fifty short stories for magazines. She is also the author of psychological suspense novels Chosen Child, Ward Zero, and others.

Horror swept through her. Had she been buried alive? On Sarah's first visit to see her foster mother, Mim, in Brockburn General Hospital, she is sucked into a world that isn't what it should be.Someone is lying, someone is stealing. And someone is killing - but who? With a grieving child to take care of, as well as Mim, Sarah has to put family first. She doesn't see where danger lies - until it's too late.If you think you're safe in a hospital, think again.Ward Zero is the fifth psychological suspense novel by the author of The Paradise Trees, The Cold Cold Sea, The Attic Room, and Chosen Child.

How well do you know your own family? And who can you trust?St Ives - it's the perfect place to bring up a child, but adoption is the only way for Rick and Ella. Ella is thrilled when they're matched with six-year-old Soraya, but somehow, Rick seems distant and edgy now. Because he'd wanted a boy? Across town, Amanda is expecting her second child and is terror-stricken when her husband vanishes. The police search begins, but nothing prepares Amanda for the shocking conclusion to the investigation. She has to protect her family - whatever the cost. Ella is trying hard to paper the cracks in her marriage, but a gruesome and mysterious find in the garden changes everything. What will happen when the truth comes to light? Ella doesn't want to know. And in the middle of it all, a little girl is looking for a home of her own with a 'forever' mummy and daddy... A gripping family drama, perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Linda Green, and Sophie Hannah.Chosen Child is the fourth chilling psychological suspense novel from the author of Stolen Sister, The Cold Cold Sea, Daria's Daughter and more. The pace is perfectly controlled even as it races toward the inevitable crash. Barb TaubGripping, fast paced, wonderful storytelling. Jane Isaac

A father's secret. A mother's lie. A family mystery An unexpected phone call - and Nina's life takes a disturbing twist. Who is John Moore? And how does he know her name? Nina travels south to see the house she inherited, but sinister letters arrive and she finds herself in the middle of a police investigation. With her identity called into question, Nina uncovers a shocking crime. But what, exactly, happened in the attic room, all those years ago? The answer could lie close to home. The arrival of her ten-year-old daughter compounds Nina's problems, but her tormentor strikes before she can react. Searching for the truth about the Moore family puts both Nina and her child into grave danger. A fast-moving, chilling suspense novel by the author of The Cold Cold Sea, The Paradise Trees, Chosen Child and others.