Books with author John Bell

Isabella Cunningham awakens to find herself being cared for by unfamiliar people, in an unfamiliar setting, and with little knowledge of how this has come to be. She can no longer talk or move, and to her further dismay is confined within a nursing bed. Unable to fully express herself, Isabella's only means of solace lie in her love for classical music, her enduring sense of humour, a passionate determination to be reunited with her loved ones - particularly her husband - and to discover what ailments now forge their cruel hold. Through a series of peculiar events and moving flashbacks, Isabella gradually learns of what is inflicting her body and mind, her true age, and why her family appear to be so distant at times - all during this one day of lucidity. As the reader, you are placed into Isabella's vulnerable position - to look through her eyes - to see and feel what she is going through. The author has written this novel to highlight some common provisions and experiences relating to cancer, dementia and palliative care, in the hope of addressing the wrongful stigma that still surrounds them. There are many people like Isabella in our world, and this book is dedicated to each of them and their caregivers.An ideal read for fans of Lisa Genova and Wendy Mitchell.About the Author: Andrew John Bell has worked in a private Care Home setting as a Care Assistant, and then as a Senior Care Assistant, for almost a decade. During this time, Andrew has assisted in meeting the needs of residents who are sadly reaching, and who have reached, the end of their lives. He has used his own personal experiences to write this novel and continues to be an advocate for mental health awareness via social media. Andrew was born in County Durham, England, and continues to reside there with his wife and their two daughters. *** Review Highlights (Amazon, UK) ***"I would recommend this book to anyone either working in the care industry or someone who has helped a member of their family through this dreadful illness.""I couldn't put it down. Some parts were funny... some parts were upsetting.""I found this book to be very enlightening.""Isabella is a likeable character and I felt a great empathy for her.""Interesting and very moving.""This book is a great insight.""Beautifully written."

Living with his grandparents gives Johnny Dixon a lot of time to find trouble. Or adventure. Or, is it both? In this, the first Johnny Dixon mystery, our young hero hears the spine-tingling story of Father Baart, a madman who haunts the town's church. At first, Johnny doesn't believe in ghosts, but when he takes a scroll and a small Egyptian figurine from the church basement, all that changes. Soon, a mysterious stranger gives him a ring, and Johnny plunges headlong into a terrifying adventure. Along with his new friend Professor Childermass, Johnny races to solve the mystery of this very real ghost before another life is lost. "Heart-stopping" -Booklist "As moody as a cold rainy day in March ... a horror story to be savored until the final page." -School Library Journal

Why is Professor Childermass acting so strange? Johnny Dixon and his friend Fergie decide to sneak over to the professor's house to investigate. What they find is wilder than anything they could have imagined, for the professor leads them through a secret cellar door and onto a rickety old trolley. It's a time machine to yesterdays, and soon Johnny and Fergie are off on the ride of their lives: to Constantinople during the Turkish invasion of 1453!As the Byzantine Empire prepares for battle, the professor decides to try to save the people hiding in the Church of the Holy Wisdom. But Johnny and Fergie. Desperate to stop him, have hitched a ride, recklessly unaware that they risk their lives--and risk being lost in the past...forever!

In this, the second book in the Johnny Dixon mystery series, Johnny must find the lost will of Mr. H. Bagwell Glomus, a man of great fortune and sinister witchcraft. Mr. Glomus's widow is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who finds its hiding place, enough money to help Johnny's grandmother get the operation she needs. So, Johnny will stop at nothing to find the will. With his neighbor, Professor Childermass, and his new friend Fergie, Johnny won't rest until he solves the puzzle. From Boy Scout camp to hotel windows to underground passageways, Johnny races to find the right clues, all the while with the supernatural nipping at his heels... "The pace is fast and the suspense is compelling. Readers will find themselves quickly caught up." -Booklist "Marvelous surprises for everyone except the villians." -Publishers Weekly