The Brave Heart

Braveheart is the true story of William Wallace, who led the Scottish people to fight for the country they loved.

Sir William Wallace of Ellerslie is one of history's greatest heroes, but also one of its greatest enigmas - a shadowy figure whose edges have been blurred by myth and legend. Even the date and place of his birth have been mis-stated - until now. James Mackay uses all his skills as a historical detective to produce this definitive biography, telling the incredible story of a man who, without wealth or noble birth, rose to become Guardian of Scotland. William Wallace, with superb generalship and tactical genius, led a country with no previous warlike tradition to triumph gloriously over the much larger, better-armed and better-trained English forces. Seven hundred years later, the heroism and betrayal, the valiant deeds and the dark atrocities, and the struggle of a small nation against a brutal and powerful empire, still create a compelling tale.

Contemporary/ British English 'Sons of Scotland! You have come here to fight as free men. If you fight, perhaps you'll die. If you run, you may live for a time. But at what cost?' Braveheart is the story of William Wallace, who gave hope to Scottish people in their fight to be free.

Shiraz, a kindhearted young girl growing up in Tehran, has a miserable life at home with her stepmother and stepsister, who treat her like a servant. When the wind blows Shiraz’s ball of wool into the garden next door, she spends the day helping and caring for the old lady who lives there, with miraculous results. Then her stepmother sends her own daughter off on the same mission . . . but will the results be the same?

Part biography, part master class, Living the Braveheart Life will challenge readers to fight to win on the greatest battlefield of all: the one inside the human heart, the one where an individual stands alone before God.

Christmas Day 2021 sees the release of a Netflix series, Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis, based on this book. Pope Francis views elders as reservoirs of wisdom and historical memory and believes their insights will offer future generations much-needed understanding and direction. More than 250 people were interviewed and Loyola Press sent a collection of stories to the Vatican. These encompassed universal themes of love, loss, survival, hope, peace in the face of unimaginable tragedy, and above all, faith. Pope Francis received every story, prayed over them, and responded with sensitivity and grace to 31 of the stories and the issues they raise. In his Preface, Pope Francis lays out his reasons for this collection of wisdom stories and the movement he hopes it inspires. He also contributes as a fellow elder, offering a story from his own life at the start of each chapter . And in his own wise and compassionate way, he serves as a spiritual shepherd, commenting on dozens of heartfelt stories.

One evening in January 2010, an 11-year-old boy named Austin went outside to collect firewood in the backyard of his home. As he got closer to the woodshed, he saw a large animal with round ears and large teeth. Luckily, Austin had brought his golden retriever, Angel, with him. Suddenly, the animal—a ferocious cougar—leapt at Austin. Angel sprang into action and bravely jumped in front of the cougar to protect the boy. Austin then raced inside to get help as Angel and the cougar fought. The brave-hearted canine had saved her owner’s life! In this inspiring book, young readers will meet a variety of courageous dogs willing to risk their lives to protect their human companions—from a pit bull that saved her owner from dangerous robbers to a German shepherd-wolf mix that dragged her elderly owners to safety during a snowstorm. Packed with real-life stories and dramatic, full-color photos of these remarkable animals, this book is sure to be a favorite of dog-lovers everywhere.

Imagine being lost, then found, then lost again. Imagine being giddy in love with a man who is slipping away from you bit by bit. This is the heartbreak that I endured. This is the story of my journey as a caregiver and the route I chose to get my husband and me safely to the end. Research shows that more than half a million Canadians have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Those suffering from it lose their memory and ability to think properly. What was more frightening, for me, was the profound changes to Tony's mood and behaviour. As Alzheimer's disease heaped indignity after indignity upon him, I struggled to maintain my equilibrium. My natural optimism took a pounding. I was often crushed, often weepy. Sometimes I gathered my dog and my car keys and was ready to bolt. If you are a caregiver, you will see yourself in this book. If you have just learned that your partner, parent or other loved one has Alzheimer's disease, you will find insight and hope.