Articles written by Claire Cowling

The Romance Writers' Association has announced the winner of the Romantic Novel of the Year Award for 2009. Freya North won in 2008. Who has won this year?

Feb 20, 2009 - Claire Cowling

Violent crime meets lust and desire in this gripping book by new author, Tyrenna Tolbert. Set in New York, it reveals a vicious world lurking beneath respectability.

Jan 21, 2009 - Claire Cowling

In this reworking of Snow White, Nancy Butcher has encapsulated the modern, image-conscious age at its most terrifying and pits it against the power of love.

Dec 16, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Shadow and Silk is an unconventional romance novel, fraught with danger and intrigue surrounding a mysterious piece of silk. But romance is never far away...

Dec 1, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Swimming is an important skill all parents should encourage in their children. It is a fun pastime, great form of exercise, - and could, one day, save their life.

Nov 15, 2008 - Claire Cowling

It is not always easy to get children to read classic literature. But Usborne Publishing has made the classics, including Charles Dickens, accessible for youngsters.

Nov 11, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Harry Potter has rejuvenated children's interest in magical literature. Younger children want access to this, too, and The Incredible Present is a perfect book for this.

Nov 10, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Dancing has long been an integral part of life, from the Ancient Greeks to modern-day couples dancing for pleasure or competition. But what do we know of its history?

Nov 9, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Agatha Christie's world fame derives from her persona as a crime writer. But she also wrote six romantic novels, which deserve much more recognition than they have had.

Oct 23, 2008 - Claire Cowling

The prevalence of the fairies in human society in A Midsummer Night's Dream create comedy but also a real feeling of cruelty and injustice. How should we react to this?

Oct 20, 2008 - Claire Cowling

A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's romantic comedies. But the play can leave us unnerved once we form the link between comedy and tyranny in the play.

Oct 20, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Hamlet's problems, and the fate of Ophelia, in Shakespeare's tragedy can be blamed on his inability to reconcile the idea of Gertrude, his mother, and her sexuality.

Oct 12, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Jokes and deceit are abundant in Twelfth Night, directed mainly at Malvolio. But the nasty tricks aren't just comic interludes - they are disturbing reminders of reality.

Oct 9, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Hamlet is a truly heroic figure. But the challenge to any director of the play is to explain Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius without undermining Hamlet's status.

Oct 8, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Wife Goes On is a wonderful portrayal of women all seeking a second chance at life and discovering the best of relationships - friendship.

Oct 2, 2008 - Claire Cowling

At last! For all the loyal, diligent romantic fiction readers out there, the inaugural Australian Romance Readers Convention is to be held in Melbourne, in February 2009.

Sep 25, 2008 - Claire Cowling

If your young children want a wizard to read about at Halloween, the Oliver Moon series is the perfect entertaining, non-threatening read.

Sep 24, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Kate Walker's book, 12-Point Guide to Writing Fiction has been re-released. Revised, with added extras, it is an aspiring romance writer's perfect guide.

Sep 9, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Usborne publishing has packed a great deal into this Greek myths book, providing an interesting insight into two of Homer's great works - the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Sep 5, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Polly Dunbar's comic encounter between a little boy and his new pet penguin makes this Booktrust award winning picture book an ideal gift for preschool children.

Sep 4, 2008 - Claire Cowling

The romance genre as we know it is a far cry from its medieval origins, which was rooted in adventure. So how did romantic literature develop into the genre we recognise?

Aug 28, 2008 - Claire Cowling

The Mills and Boon company is one hundred years old. Despite the critics, it continues to grow in popularity and diversity.

Aug 26, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Part Two of these articles on medieval courtly romance shows how the passivity of women is enforced through medieval attitudes towards love and marriage.

Aug 26, 2008 - Claire Cowling

In this collection, Daphne du Maurier displays her incredible talent for creating wide-ranging moods and her unwavering realism in her characterization.

Aug 17, 2008 - Claire Cowling

If you are a fan of revamped fairytales for today's modern children, but with a bit of nostalgia thrown in, then this is a fairytale not to be missed.

Aug 15, 2008 - Claire Cowling

If you are looking for a doggy tale for your little one, then look no further. Bad Dog, Marley is the perfect naughty dog tale to delight children.

Jul 30, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Usborne's Greek Myths Jigsaw Book is an innovative, interactive way to entertain smaller children with age old myths while providing added play value.

Jun 22, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Incy Wincy Spider, published by Little Tiger Press, is an entertaining book utilizing the familiar spider character, and giving him a whole new rhyming adventure.

Jun 10, 2008 - Claire Cowling

This is a deceptively simple novella, full of realistic characters with interesting dilemmas. It is a love story with a massive memorable twist.

Jun 9, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Girl on the Platform (ISBN 978-0007270088, Harper 2008) is a short, light read, particularly suite to readers who enjoy romance, tinged with humour and contemporary life.

Jun 8, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Quick Reads provide entertaining reading for those who find it difficult to read, or people who simply want a short book to read in the time they have available.

Jun 6, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Usborne's Greek Myths is one in a series of miniature editions. It is a useful introduction into Greek mythology for young children, both at home and in schools.

May 12, 2008 - Claire Cowling

While the Light Lasts is a collection of some of the early short stories by Agatha Christie. It will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and the short story alike.

May 12, 2008 - Claire Cowling

The series of Shakespeare Stories from Orchard Children's Books introduce young children to Shakespearean plays in a humorous, accessible way.

Apr 1, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Center Parcs holidays in the UK are perfect for children, offering an environmentally-friendly setting, surrounded by woodland and catering for everyone in the family.

Mar 20, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Usborne Publishing has produced a series of classic fiction for children, making authors such as the Brontës accessible to a much younger readership.

Mar 7, 2008 - Claire Cowling

Ever needed to keep children busy in the holidays? This Usborne book is crammed full of ideas making it a year-round fun and educational resource for parents and carers.

Feb 26, 2008 - Claire Cowling

The Usborne miniature edition Easter Activities book provides fun and education for children, their parents and teachers alike.

Feb 24, 2008 - Claire Cowling