Books with author Veronica Clark

John had followed a bad path, drifting in and out of trouble, sent to improvement schools, a young offenders' institution, and, finally, to prison. He was on self-destruct, and believed that nothing and no one could help him. But when he was viciously attacked by a notorious train "steaming" gang, he knew he had to take the witness stand. The evidence he so bravely gave helped put his attackers behind bars, but just as it appeared that he was turning his life around, Fate dealt him another blow. Overnight, John Tovey went blind. He lost everything: his sight, his job, his home. Frightened and alone, he turned for help and, thanks to Guide Dogs, found himself partnered with a bouncy black labrador named Dez. Dez brought color and meaning back to John’s life, and slowly he learned how to live again as he and his loyal dog stepped out of the shadows and back into the light. It was a perfect partnership, and in 2012 Dez won the coveted "Guide Dog of the Year Award." A Dog Called Dez is the inspirational story of one man's redemption though his four-legged guide. It not only follows John's remarkable life, but also shares the moving story of how man's best friend taught him to love life again.

When Pat Stewart posed on the railings of Blackpool promenade on a blustery day, little did she know the resulting photograph would become an iconic image of the 20th century. It was also one that would follow her throughout her 56 years in show business. Pat was born to dance. From pulling on a pair of ballet shoes at three, she became a prestigious Tiller Girl at 17, and high-kicked her way from Blackpool Pier to the best (and worst) clubs in the West End. After her mother picked peas in a field to put her only daughter on the stage, Pat went on to perform with and befriend some of the greatest stars of our time, including Laurel and Hardy, The Beverley Sisters, Morecambe and Wise, and many others. Finally retiring from performing herself, she went on to become a showbiz agent, in the process meeting the notorious Kray twins. This is the memoir of a lady who has led an extraordinary life. From being stranded in Africa and dancing for her supper, to suffering from stage fright live on the Benny Hill TV show—Pat has seen it all. Her remarkable story gives a unique insight into what happened behind the scenes when the final curtain fell.