Mary Allen Books

Exploring themes of childhood, spirituality, and personal growth, this memoir captures the author's journey through a disrupted upbringing and her evolving wisdom. The narrative intertwines poignant memories, from the tender bond with an elderly friend to the complexities of family dynamics, including a mother's rejection and a sister's childbirth crisis. With a blend of humor and heartache, the prose reflects on meditation, love, and the beauty of everyday life, inviting readers to experience the author's unique voice and insights.

Exploring the complexities of love and loss, this book intertwines a personal memoir with a poignant narrative on grief and healing. It delves into the emotional journey of the protagonist, capturing the essence of enduring love while navigating the challenges of sorrow. Through evocative storytelling, it offers a profound reflection on the human experience, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the interplay between heartache and recovery.

"Portrait Photography in Practice" is an updated and expanded version of Mary Allen's highly individual and successful book originally entitled "Portrait Photography: How and Why".Now re-designed and re-illustrated in the style of the "Photography in Practice" series, it provides a more direct demonstration of techniques than was possible in the earlier book.All good portraiture depends on the effective cooperation between two people. Mary Allen's book shows how the ability of any photographer to "see into" the subject can be greatly extended and developed, resulting in pictures that provide an insight into the character of the sitter - the essential property absent from so much portrait work.The author's honest approach to the psychology of portraiture and the problems of age, differences in complexion, handling child subjects and the scope and challenges of lighting effects are followed by a description of the process through to the printing and presentation stages, with advice based upon a lifetime's experience of photographing people.

The memoir captures the urgency of reflecting on a lifetime as the author reaches 80 years old. Faced with the realities of aging, the narrative delves into personal experiences, memories, and insights that shaped their journey. It emphasizes the importance of preserving one's story before it's too late, blending humor and poignancy as the author recounts significant moments and lessons learned throughout their life.

Set against the backdrop of the 60s and 70s, the story follows seven-year-old Emily Redfern as she adjusts to life with her father and stepmother in the vibrant Travelling People community after the death of her grandmother. Struggling to reconcile her past at Jenny Wren Cottage with her new reality, Emily forms bonds with her father and brother, David. However, her loyalties are tested when she meets the ambitious Nick, and a devious man threatens their futures. This tale weaves themes of pride, prejudice, and tradition with humor and candor.

Providing a comprehensive overview of social work practice with abused individuals, this book serves as an essential resource for students and newly qualified professionals. It consolidates crucial information and insights into the complexities of working with both women and men who have experienced abuse, making it a vital guide for those entering the field.

Focusing on the biblical encounter between the rich, young ruler and Jesus, this book explores the significance of their interaction for today's readers. Designed for children aged 6-8, it features beautiful illustrations that also captivate younger audiences, making it an engaging way to convey important lessons from scripture.