Books with author John Howard

A Middle-earth Traveler is an illustrated guide to J.R.R. Tolkien's most famous creation, with lavish art showing the many locations and characters the author described in his classic novels, along with notes on their importance to the world.A Middle-earth Traveler presents a walking tour of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, visiting not only places central to his stories, but also those just over the hill or beyond the horizon. Events from Tolkien’s books are explored—battles of the different ages that are almost legend by the time of The Lord of the Rings; lost kingdoms and ancient myths, as well as those places only hinted at: kingdoms of the far North and lands beyond the seas. Sketches that have an ‘on-the-spot’ feel to them are interwoven with the artist’s observations gleaned from Tolkien’s books and recollections of his time spent in Middle-earth while working alongside Peter Jackson on the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies. Combining concept work produced for films, existing Middle-earth art, and many new paintings and sketches exclusive to this book, A Middle-earth Traveler will take the reader on a unique and unforgettable journey across Tolkien’s magical landscape.

Christmas is such an exciting and emotional time of year. Streets are decorated with bright garlands and venues get filled with amazing presents. You can feel the Christmas spirit everywhere you go. Of course, this also means it’s time to get your Christmas gifts ready. It goes without saying that you’d like to impress your friends and loved ones with beautiful and witty presents. At the same time, it’s difficult to dedicate a significant part of your budget to the gifts alone. But what if you don’t have to? We’ve decided to help you get your creative juices flowing with 25 fabulous ideas for DIY Christmas gifts. Here’s a recap of them all:1) A multi-strand scarf2) Flavored salts3) Decorative oven gloves4) A chalkboard5) A gift card6) A knitted scarf7) Wood minutiae8) A paper garland for a Christmas tree 9) Handmade Christmas candles10) An origami pocket heart11) DIY Christmas decoration - a paper gift packet12) A bottle cap snowman13) A pretty apron14) Pressed flowers15) A pair of slippers filled with goodies16) A decorative pillow17) Painted wooden utensils for kitchen18) Tea tin candles19) Decoupage tray20) Embroidered handkerchief21) Vintage key fobs22) A decorated teapot23) Bookmarks24) An ombre necklace25) Unusually decorated glovesWhatever your skills and preferences are, you’re going to find some wonderful ideas to create unusual gifts using almost anything you have in your drawers and closet. Your friends will be amazed at the warm, genuine Christmas gifts from you. After all, a handmade gift is always the most valuable one as you dedicated so much effort to create it. Merry Christmas and happy decorating!

Following the success of Sit, Stay, Love and Pugs and Kisses, J.J. Howard returns with an adorable story of sweet pugs, friend mix-ups, and first crushes. Original for the WISH line.When Sam comes home one day to find two mystery pugs left on her porch, she's sure it's destiny. She's always wanted a dog of her own, even though her parents say that their catering business keeps the family too busy for a pet -- let alone two! But Sam has to take in the sweet, abandoned pups . . . at least until their real owners turn up. Only, she's not quite prepared for how hard it is to wrangle two frisky dogs, especially when she sneaks them into the parties her parents cater. Thankfully, cute new boy in town, Jai, whose dad works at the same events, is on hand to help when the pugs start wreaking havoc. Sam and Jai are also determined to find just where the pugs came from, and they start posting about the pups online. But if they solve the mystery, and the dogs' owner does come forward, will Sam have to give up the pugs she's fallen in love with?

Colombia has become a popular place for expats. Whether you're a retiree, a digital nomad or simply someone looking for a pleasant place to call home, Colombia has something for you. The bustling cities of Medellín and Bogotá are fabulous for their rich culture, modern living and ease of living. The Caribbean and the Pacific coast are full of wonderful beaches and the beach living that comes with it. The mountains and the Amazon provide their own value. And the pueblos are a great way to experience the history of Colombia. Moving to Colombia is easier than you might think. This guide covers all the essential information you'll need to get started in Colombia, along with some tips and advice for acclimating to your new home here.

Cecilia Murray has been wishing for a dog for as long as she can remember. And when a cute pug named Potato is brought in to Orphan Paws, the shelter where she volunteers, she knows he is the dog she's been waiting for. There's just one problem: Eric Chung -- a popular, arrogant boy from school -- adopts Potato first. What's worse, he hopes to train the little tater to become a show-dog superstar. Cecilia knows that Potato is not cut out for a life of sparkly collars and snobby judges, so she sets out to sabotage Eric's plans. But the more time Cecilia spends with Potato and Eric, the more she questions everything she thought she knew about dog shows ... and a certain cute show-dog trainer. Can Cecilia save Potato -- while also listening to her heart?

Author of Sit, Stay, Love J.J. Howard returns with another story of puppy love . . . now with two pugs!Ana Ramos may not have a dog of her own, but she does get to walk her neighbor's adorable pug, Osito. One day, at the park, Osito befriends another pug, Pancake, whose owner just happens to be a cute new boy named Calvin. When Calvin assumes that Osito belongs to Ana, she doesn't correct him. No big deal, right? Ana doesn't realize the trouble she has unleashed until Calvin shows up at her school. Calvin suggests setting up play dates for the two pugs, and Ana can't bring herself to admit that Osito isn't hers. In fact, her fibs keep multiplying! Will Ana fess up and figure out how she feels about Calvin before her white lies catch up to her?

In the vein of great box-office blockbusters, the high-stakes romance here sizzles within this page-turning thriller that will leave readers feeling like they are flying through the streets of New York.Cam has come to accept the rhythm of his life as a bike messenger: racing up and down the streets of New York City from one run to the next. With no family to rely on and a mountain of debts, at least it’s an honest way to help pay off his dangerous debtors. Cam’s whole world comes crashing down on him one day when he runs into a beautiful stranger. After falling out of the sky and wiping out Cam and his bike, she disappears before he can find out anything about her. When he starts to see her around town, he quickly realizes that she is part of an underground group of teens who have turned NYC into their own parkour playground—running, jumping, seemingly flying through the city like it’s an obstacle course. Cam becomes fascinated with the sport—and the beautiful stranger, Nikki. He falls in with the group, and they offer him the chance to make some extra money. But when the stakes become life or death, Cam is torn between following his heart and sacrificing everything to pay off his debts.

Emma's pug, Cupid, has a hidden talent: He is a master at matchmaking! Her pet seems to have a nose for spotting which two people belong together.With the big school dance coming up, Emma decides to use Cupid's powers to find her best friend, Hallie, a date. But as Emma tries to navigate crushes and secrets, she finds that things are a lot more complicated than they seem. And what if Cupid also has a surprising match in mind . . . for Emma herself?

J.J. Howard, author of Pugs and Kisses and Pugs in a Blanket, delivers more puppy love and friendship mix-ups.Emma's pug, Cupid, has a hidden talent: He is a master at matchmaking! Her pet seems to have a nose for spotting which two people belong together.With the big school dance coming up, Emma decides to use Cupid's powers to find her best friend, Hallie, a date. But as Emma tries to navigate crushes and secrets, she finds that things are a lot more complicated than they seem. And what if Cupid also has a surprising match in mind . . . for Emma herself?

When Sam comes home one day to find two mystery pugs left on her porch, she's sure it's destiny. She's always wanted a dog of her own, even though her parents say that their catering business keeps the family too busy for a pet -- let alone two! But Sam has to take in the sweet, abandoned pups . . . at least until their real owners turn up. Only, she's not quite prepared for how hard it is to wrangle two frisky dogs, especially when she sneaks them into the parties her parents cater. Thankfully, cute new boy in town, Jai, whose dad works at the same events, is on hand to help when the pugs start wreaking havoc. Sam and Jai are also determined to find just where the pugs came from, and they start posting about the pups online. But if they solve the mystery, and the dogs' owner does come forward, will Sam have to give up the pugs she's fallen in love with?

John Howard was a good Catholic boy brought up in post-war Lancashire, who became more turned on by gilt than by guilt. Sacred Heart statues and a wall-mounted crucifix, along with plans for the priesthood, were replaced by Marc Bolan posters, miming to 'Metal Guru' in front of a full-length mirror and dreams of pop stardom. As Glam Rock stomped into millions of teenage bedrooms, John left home for London, and was quickly signed to CBS Records, making his debut album at Abbey Road studios, and enjoying the hedonistic pleasures of a fully gay-liberated city. He appeared on TV and rubbed shoulders with stars like Johnny Mathis and David Essex, wrote and recorded the theme song for the William Holden/Peter Fonda movie, Open Season, and launched his album with a concert at The Purcell Room on the South Bank. Meanwhile, he was attacked with a knife by his first lover; beaten up by an East End crook boyfriend; narrowly escaped being gang-raped in Malta, and was rescued from being abducted by a serial killer cab driver in New York. Everything finally came to a crashing halt when, at the age of twenty-three, he broke his back jumping from his apartment window, escaping from his flatmates' sex attacker.A potentially glittering career, and an often perilous sex life, were all put on hold as John lay in a hospital bed unsure if he would walk again.