Delight In The Limelight

Linda Ugelow is a seasoned performer who is now focusing on helping other women feel comfortable on the stage. But she wasn't always comfortable being in the limelight--she used to have a real fear of public speaking. Now she wants to teach other women how to embrace public speaking, because if you hold yourself back from speaking or enjoying it, you'll not be able to make the impact you dream of. Linda learned how to make lasting change to help her move past her anxiety and fear, so she could become a successful broadcaster and podcaster. She realized it wasn't a quick fix, but a deep, personal transformation. Now Linda works with entrepreneurs to love their on-camera presence so they can spread their message far and wide. She works with authors and experts to stand on the stage delighted to be with their audience after a lifetime of avoiding it. And she helps professionals overcome the plaguing feeling of not being good enough no matter what successes they've had. Ready to delight in the limelight? Let Linda Ugelow be your guide.

In a smart and funny novel by the author of the critically acclaimed “big-hearted, charming” (The Washington Post) Small Admissions, a family’s move to New York City brings surprises and humor. Allison Brinkley—wife, mother, and former unflappable optimist—discovers that her decision to pack up and move her family from suburban Dallas to the glittery chaos of Manhattan may have been more complicated than she and her husband initially thought. New York is more unruly and bewildering than she expected, defying the notions she developed from romantic movies and a memorable childhood visit. After a humiliating call from the principal’s office and the loss of the job she was counting on, Allison begins to accept that New York may not suit her after all. When she has a fender-bender, witnessed by a flock of mothers at her son’s new school, she is led to the penthouse apartment of a luxurious Central Park West building and encounters a spoiled, hungover, unsupervised teenager who looks familiar. It doesn’t take long to recognize him as Carter Reid—a famous pop star who has been cast in a new Broadway musical. Through this brush with stardom, Allison embraces a unique and unexpected opportunity that helps her find her way in the heart of Manhattan. “A tribute to Broadway, teen celebrity life, and a mother who has now seen it all, this work is tough love at its finest and a great read for those wanting a ride on the wild side” (Booklist, starred review).

Limelight Larry is delighted when he finds an empty book - he can be the star of the story! Then a whole host of storybook characters arrive and Larry - much to his outrage - is pushed out of the limelight . . .This book is illustrated with style and sparkle by Leigh, and will delight readers time and time again with its cast of funny, friendly characters. Praise for Limelight Larry:'A book that's full of fun.' - Glasgow Herald; 'A funky and flamboyantly illustrated story. A good life lesson on the joys of sharing.' - Junior 'A perfect blend of art, story, humour . . . I love it.' - Bookbag

A biography of the prominent film director and screenwriter follows him from his days in Germany as a paid escort and dancing partner through his years in Hollywood as an award-winning director

Life is dangerous. No one survives it. Enora Andressen makes a series of mind-blowing discoveries when her friend disappears in this compelling thriller set in an idyllic Devon town. Actress Enora Andressen is catching up with her ex-neighbour, Evelyn Warlock, who's recently retired to the comely East Devon seaside town of Budleigh Salterton. The peace, the friendship of strangers and the town’s prestigious literary festival . . . Evelyn loves them all. Until the September evening when her French neighbour, Christianne Beaucarne, disappears. Enora has met this woman. The two of them have bonded. But what Enora discovers over the anguished months to come will put sleepy Budleigh Salterton on the front page of every newspaper in the land . . . Limelight is a completely gripping and fascinating thriller featuring strong characters forced to make impossible decisions, the impact of which will be felt far beyond their quiet town... Perfect for fans of JOHN HARVEY and PETER ROBINSON. What readers are saying about the Enora Andressen series: "A first rate mystery with an exciting premise" Booklist on Off Script "Excellent characterization and plotting . . . I read it in a couple of days and loved it" NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars for Off Script "A very strong series debut . . . An intriguing start to a promising new series" Booklist on Curtain Call The Enora Andressen series Book 1: CURTAIN CALL Book 2: SIGHT UNSEEN Book 3: OFF SCRIPT Book 4: LIMELIGHT

From the moment I am born, I am like no-one else around me. I am a fish out of water. Even in the pool. Leisel Jones is rightly regarded as one of the greatest breaststrokers ever. At just fifteen, she won two silver medals at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; she went on to win gold at Athens and Beijing, and at London 2012 became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics. For the first time, Leisel candidly describes what it’s like to be thrust into the limelight so young. She reveals the constant pressure she was under – from coaches, from the media and from herself – to be perfect. Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time planned to take her own life. In London, criticised in the media for her weight, and appalled by the bulling and dysfunction in the Australian swim team, Leisel nevertheless handled herself with great composure. She has emerged with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence. Body Lengths is the inspiring story of an Australian sporting hero, told with humour, optimism and style.

An illuminating history of the song for every kind of music lover Often today, the word ‘song’ is used to describe all music. A free-jazz improvisation, a Hindustani raga, a movement from a Beethoven symphony: apparently, they’re all songs. But they’re not. From Sia to Springsteen, Archie Roach to Amy Winehouse, a song is a specific musical form. It’s not so much that they all have verses and choruses – though most of them do – but that they are all relatively short and self-contained; they have beginnings, middles and ends; they often have a single point of view, message or story; and, crucially, they unite words and music. Thus, a Schubert song has more in common with a track by Joni Mitchell or Rihanna than with one of Schubert’s own symphonies. The Song Remains the Same traces these connections through seventy-five songs from different cultures and times: love songs, anthems, protest songs, lullabies, folk songs, jazz standards, lieder and pop hits; ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ to ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Jerusalem’ to ‘Jolene’. Unpicking their inner workings makes familiar songs strange again, explaining and restoring the wonder, joy (or possibly loathing) the reader experienced on first hearing. ‘As much about singing, musicianship and recording as it is about songwriting, this eclectic ride through a unique choice of songs (everyone will argue for alternatives) is cleverly curated and littered with intriguing details about the creators and their times, filled with loving cross-references to other songs and deft musical analysis. I defy anyone not to leap online to listen to the unfamiliar, or re-listen to old favourites in light of new detail. One of the best games in this book is figuring out why one song follows the other: there’s always an intelligent, often very funny, link.’ —Robyn Archer