Rebecca Smith

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 2024 ‘Eye-opening and persuasive’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘Brilliant … I loved it’ KIT DE WAAL ‘Thoughtful, moving, honest’ CAL FLYN *Winner of The Lakeland Book of the Year 2024* Work in the countryside ties you, soul and salary, to the land. But often those who labour in nature have the least control over what happens there. Why have our rural industries been replaced by tourism? Why can't people stay living in the places they grew up? In this beautifully observed book, Rebecca Smith traces the stories of foresters and millworkers, miners, builders, farmers and pub owners, to paint a picture of the working class lives that often go overlooked. This is a book for anyone who loves and longs for the countryside.

LONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE â??Eye-opening and persuasiveâ?? SUNDAY TIMES â??Brilliant â?¦ I loved itâ?? KIT DE WAAL â??Thoughtful, moving, honestâ?? CAL FLYN

A brilliant and heart-warming story about the power of imagination and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild. Come on an adventure to the beach, all without leaving your sitting room… From kite-flying and sandcastle building to splashing in the waves, everything’s possible at OUR beach, the best place to be! Use your imagination and you can join in too! Celebrate the power of imagination and the closeness of the bond between grandparent and grandchild in this beautifully written and illustrated book by Rebecca Smith and Zoe Waring.

An empowering and powerful picture book, published in association with The Little Princess Trust.

This is the story of Rebecca Smith and John R. Emshwiller, the two reporters who led the Wall Street Journal's reporting on Enron and uncovered the unorthodox partnerships at the heart of the scandal through skill, luck, and relentless determination. It all started in August 2001when Emshwiller was assigned to write a supposedly simple article on the unexpected resignation of Enron CEO Jeff Skilling. During his research, Emshwiller uncovered a buried reference to an off-balance-sheet partnership called LJM. Little did he know, this was the start of a fast and furious ride through the remarkable downfall of a once highly-prized company. Written in an intense, fast paced narrative style, 24 Days tells the gripping story of the colossal collapse of what would become the world's most notorious corporation. The reader follows along as Smith and Emshwiller continue to uncover new partnerships and self-dealing among the highest levels of Enron's management. As they publish articles detailing their findings in the Journal, Wall Street and individual investors have a crisis of confidence and start selling Enron stock at unprecedented levels of volume. In the end - 24 short days later - Enron had completely collapsed, erasing 16 years of growth and losing $19 billion in market value while watching the stock drop from $33.84 to $8.41. Not only was the company destroyed, but investors and retired employees were completely wiped out-all the while Enron executives were collecting millions of dollars. Climaxing with this 24-day period, this book shows the reporter's-eye view of a David-and-Goliath battle between journalists and a giant corporation. Each day a new story uncovered another fact; each day the company issued denials. And when the investigative stories reached critical mass and momentum, the stock market cast its final vote of no confidence. In the tradition of Indecent Exposure and Barbarians at the Gate, two other gripping narratives that began as a series of Wall Street Journal stories and ended up as books that defined an era, 24 Days brings the importance of great investigative journalism to life.

A brilliant and heart-warming story about the power of imagination and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild.Come on an adventure to the beach, all without leaving your sitting room...From kite-flying and sandcastle building to splashing in the waves, everything's possible at OUR beach, the best place to be Use your imagination and you can join in too Celebrate the power of imagination and the closeness of the bond between grandparent and grandchild in this beautifully written and illustrated book by Rebecca Smith and Zoe Waring.

An empowering and powerful picture book, published in association with The Little Princess Trust. Inspired by a true story, SuperDaisy tells the tale of a little girl undergoing cancer treatment. Told in rhyme, Daisy lets her imagination run wild as she dresses up in fancy dress, coming to the rescue in different and exciting scenarios. In her superhero disguise, Daisy is able to shake off her worries about being unwell and embrace a freer world - and become the superhero that she really is. Gently and sympathetically told, this is an inspiring story perfect for young children encountering illness for the first time. Established in 2006, The Little Princess Trust has donated over 12,000 wigs to child cancer sufferers and raised over 15 million for child cancer research. The Little Princess Trust is the only charity like it operating in the UK. All profits from the sale of SuperDaisy go to The Little Princess Trust.

Twins Katrina and Alex normally live on a houseboat in London, but are spending the summer in Scotland while their mum, a brilliant musician, receives treatment. Aunt Clara is an artist, like Alex, and Uncle Archie is a forest ranger. Almost right away, the twins find themselves searching for what seems to be a big cat. Or, is something stalking them?"Rebecca Smith writes with such subtlety about the lives of twins Alex and Katrina, uprooted from an uncertain life in a London houseboat after their vulnerable mother is found collapsed and in need of rehab.Up in the Scottish Highlands, despite the idyllic landscape and the loving support of their aunt and uncle, something fearsome is prowling in the shadows. Could the deep scratches on a tree and the attacks on local livestock be the work of something bigger and wilder than a fox or a dog? Has Alex really seen it outside in the night? Or are he and his sister just being stalked by their own dark fears while they wait to find out whether their mother will recover?A wonderfully atmospheric and lyrical story, unsentimental but so affecting." - Ali Sparkes

This book builds on the experiences of school leaders, early career teachers and their mentors and responds to the challenges that new teachers face as they move beyond initial teacher training. Practiced educators provide research-informed guidance in each chapter to scaffold new teachers’ workplace learning when the learning curve is steepest. Support for new teachers is vitally important in enhancing teaching quality, promoting teacher wellbeing, and reducing staff burnout rates. Each chapter, co-authored by school-based and university-based teacher educators, contains rich illustrative examples and vignettes from lead practitioners in UK primary and secondary schools. The book is relevant across curriculum areas and phases of education so that all new teachers can ease their transition into teaching, build their confidence and lay foundations for their career-long professional growth. Speaking to new and recently qualified teachers as well as coordinators of professional learning in schools, this book is an essential resource for teacher CPD.“An excellent addition to the thinking educator’s bookshelf.”Dr David Waugh, Professor of Education, Durham University“The distinctive challenges facing Early Career Teachers are identified and addressed with a clear focus on developing the adaptive expertise which is the foundation and sustenance of success in this demanding profession.”Professor Linda Clarke, Ulster University“This is a book that is sorely needed to support the flourishing of teachers during the demanding early stages of their careers.”Ian Menter, Emeritus Professor of Teacher Education, University of Oxford, Former President of the British Educational Research Association (2013-15)“Mastering Teaching is a core, comprehensive, credible and cutting-edge introduction to early career teacher learning.”Dr Beth Dickson, University of GlasgowMoira Hulme is Professor of Teacher Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. She has extensive experience as a teacher, teacher educator and educational researcher. Rebecca Smith is Headteacher of Sale Grammar School, Manchester, UK. She is an experienced leader who has worked across diverse settings to support teacher development to enable every child to fulfil their potential.Rachel O’Sullivan is Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. Rachel taught secondary P.E. and was a subject lead, pastoral lead and Assistant Head before moving to her current role.

Through ten decades and across three continents, The Ash Museum is an intergenerational story of loss, migration and the search for somewhere to feel at home.1944. The Battle of Kohima. James Ash dies leaving behind two families: his ‘wife’ Josmi and two children, Jay and Molly, and his parents and sister in England who know nothing about his Indian family.2012. Emmie is raising her own daughter, Jasmine, in a world she wants to be very different from the racist England of her childhood. Her father, Jay, doesn’t even have a photograph of the mother he lost and still refuses to discuss his life in India. Emmie finds comfort in the local museum – a treasure trove of another family’s stories and artefacts.Little does Emmie know that with each generation, her own story holds secrets and fascinations that she could only dream of.'Extraordinary' Christie Hickman, Books Editor, S Magazine'A beautifully written, multi-generational tale' Ella Dove, novelist and Commissioning Editor at Good Housekeeping, Prima and Red magazines'Rebecca Smith’s book demonstrates, yet again, her gift for vivid humour and deep empathy' Philip Hoare, winner of the 2009 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-fiction

“I have never laughed out loud at a book so much in my life.” Reader review????? Meet Hannah Thompson: wife, mother, teacher and… secret erotica author? My Guilt List: 1. If we have a date night then I’m always asleep before it’s halfway through and honestly, if I had to choose, I’d rather have a hot bath and read my book than engage in any other nocturnal activity. 2. If we do actually have you-know-what then it’s not unheard of for my mind to wander… and I’m not talking about sexy things – I’m talking about what food there is in the fridge and when the car is due for its next service. 3. I am struggling to write about anything that could be classed as even a little bit sexually adventurous which is a problem when I’m supposed to be an erotica writer and I am speaking at Sex Con in exactly one month. With a book to publicise, Hannah has no choice but trade her M&S cardis for S&M parties, and become her writing alter-ego. What could possibly go wrong… What readers are saying about Faking It: “How funny was this book!?! I loved it!” “I have never laughed out loud at a book so much in my life. This book was hilarious!!” “An absolute delight; funny (so funny!) and utterly charming. It was such fun to read and I loved it!” “It's a fun, funny, insightful, unique look into the life of a middle-aged mom who says ‘I refuse to fade away’. I loved this book!” “This book was fabulous! As a married mother (and teacher) Hannah Thompson's character was so relatable and likeable. I laughed out loud and loved how real this book was.” “This book was absolutely hilarious and with what's going on in the world at the moment it's a much needed read” “All I can say is this book is HILARIOUS! There was not a single moment where I was not laughing or enjoying myself reading this.” “While the book has valuable things to say about the nature of marriage and motherhood, it really shines in its approach to sex (which is often discussed but tastefully depicted). The end result is heartwarming and affirming–a recognition that women have many responsibilities and being who they are is enough”

The founder of Better Life Bags, Rebecca Smith, teaches us how to take little steps, say yes when God calls, and follow the passion He has given us.Let love stretch you. As the founder of one of the most popular custom handbag companies in the country, Rebecca Smith knows a thing or two about business. A highly successful entrepreneur in a world where the focus is on scalability, brand strategy, and global marketing, Rebecca Smith also knows the truth: that every success she's experienced at Better Life Bags has been the result of very small, very ordinary, very obedient steps of faith.Moving from Savannah, Georgia, to Hamtramck, Michigan, was culture shock enough for Rebecca. But trying to feel at home in a city where twenty-six different languages were spoken and most of the inhabitants were immigrants seemed downright impossible. It was only when Rebecca recognized that God had called her to this specific neighborhood at this particular moment in time that his plans began to unfold for her. Stepping forward into the place God had called her - a place that seemed messy and uncomfortable and unfamiliar - Rebecca discovered the true secret to success: when we slow down, pay attention, and trust that still, small voice of God to guide us, we just might change the world.Though Rebecca never set out to build a brand or create an empire, God saw Rebecca's heart for others, and began to multiply her efforts in ways she could have never imagined, creating a company where women from different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds work together for the good of others - for a better life.As you read this inspiring story, you will discover how to hear and follow God's voice for yourself as you slow down, take one small step at a time, and make a difference in the world right where you are.

The perfect antidote to a chaotic world, More Than Just Mom will have you crying with laughterThe horse galloped along the vast plains note: do they have plains in Wyoming? Ask Google later] but Bella Rose barely noticed the incredible scenery as it flashed by. Instead, her mind was churning with the feelings that Daxx had aroused in her. Note: good use of word 'aroused'. Subtly suggests something sensual without being too obvious.]Hannah Thompson has never actually been to Wyoming. Whilst her husband Nick has tried to tell her that you're meant to write what you know, Hannah is certain that if that were the case then we'd never have books like Harry Potter. And anyway, where else would she set her ranch-based erotica? Tired of only being recognized as 'mom' by her family, and wanting to totally reinvent herself, Hannah has decided to turn her hand to writing a book. Not just any book either, but an erotic novel that will not only release her creativity, but earn her tons of money and reclaim her female identity. Easy right?A laugh-out-loud novel of family chaos and reinvention, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Camille Pag n and Nick SpaldingWhat readers are saying about More Than Just Mom: 'Funny, realistic and totally relatable, I raced through this book as I couldn't wait to see what would happen next ' Reader review'I absolutely loved this funny, easy to read, feel good book... a book that left you with a smile and great feeling of well being.' Reader review'This book was so funny and had me laughing so much that my dog was woken up.' Reader review'A highly enjoyable read that had me laughing out load more often than not... hysterical, and Hannah's engaging voice will have you rooting for her until the very end.' Reader review'Loved it This book really draws you into the characters' world and shows you around. The people are believable in such a way that they could be you or your neighbours. So many good things with this book ' Reader review

“I haven't full on belly-laughed like this for a long time” ????? The perfect antidote to a chaotic world, More Than Just Mum will have you crying with laughter Hannah Thompson loves her family beyond words… but sometimes she wishes they would recognise her as more than just ‘mum’. Eldest son Dylan is soon to be flying the nest, sixteen-year-old Scarlet keeps asking about penalties for worryingly specific crimes, they’ve forgotten world book day and Benji absolutely will not be Where’s Wally again, and it’s at least two days before she and hubby Nick can sit down for Wine Wednesdays… and even longer until Fizzy Friday. Determined to find herself a job that she loves, earn a whole lot of money and to have her teenagers respect her as ‘Hannah’ as well as ‘mum’; it might sound like a tall order, but she’s a mum on a mission… A laugh-out-loud read of self-discovery, family chaos and love. Perfect for fans of Kristen Bailey, Sophie Ranald and Nick Spalding. The next book in this hilarious series Faking It is out now! What readers are saying about More Than Just Mum: ‘Loved it!! The people are believable in such a way that they could be you or your neighbours. So many good things with this book!!’ Reader review ‘I absolutely adored this book! Hannah has got to be one of my top favourite fictional characters in the world… a book that makes you fall in love with reading all over again.’ ‘Funny, realistic and totally relatable, I raced through this book as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!’ Reader review ‘I absolutely loved this funny, easy to read, feel good book… a book that left you with a smile and great feeling of well being.’ Reader review ‘This book was so funny and had me laughing so much that my dog was woken up and was not impressed.’ Reader review ‘A highly enjoyable read that had me laughing out load more often than not… hysterical, and Hannah's engaging voice will have you rooting for her until the very end.’ Reader review

A king is killed...A nobling is missing...A dragon attacks the citadel...Princess Kanea always thought that Levea was peaceful, especially her quiet kingdom of Pneutra. That is, until her father is brutally murdered by a monster no one had ever seen before. Despite her grief, she continues preparing for the annual games with warriors Tanyon Fitherlew and Jakkon Kingerly by her side. But even her citadel is not safe...In the confusion of the dragon attack, the princess and her trusted guards vanish If you love The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia, then you will love to explore the fantasy world Levea Whether or not Tanyon and Jakkon realize their calling, the future of Levea rests in their care. Can they ignore their differences long enough to save their beloved kingdom? Click "Buy Now" to begin this epic adventure Praise for Heroes of Levea'Fantastic You'll fall in love with a new world, and take an unforgettable journey.' -C.R. Fulton, author of Swiftmain and Ironhold.'The adventure is high as Rebecca tells of the challenges each of the young people face as they put courage to test in saving the princess and their kingdom.' -S. Flesher

‘Winning and beguiling ... Smith shares Jane Austen’s clarity and gentle irony’ IndependentJane Austen is one of the most beloved writers in the literary canon. Her novels changed the landscape of fiction for ever, and her books remain as fresh, entertaining and witty as the day they were first published. Bursting with useful exercises, beautiful illustrations and enlightening quotations from Austen’s novels and letters, this book will teach you her tips, tricks and methods, including: * Her foolproof guide to plotting a novel * The best ways to introduce, establish and develop characters * Her secret for building suspense * How to write sparkling dialogue * Using irony, ekphrasis and other clever devices * How best to live the writer’s life These techniques have been tried and tested by Rebecca Smith, who is none other than Jane Austen’s five-times-great-niece. The author of five books, she teaches creative writing at the University of Southampton and has been Writer in Residence at Jane Austen’s House Museum