Fiona Ford – författare

This wide-ranging and thought-provoking collection of specially-commissioned essays provides a uniquely comprehensive overview of the many and various ways in which music functions in film soundtracks. Citing examples from a variety of historical periods, genres and film industries - including those of the USA, UK, France, Italy, India and Japan - the book's contributors are all leading scholars and practitioners in the field. They engage, sometimes provocatively, with numerous stimulating aspects of the history, theory and practice of film music in a series of lively discussions which will appeal as much to newcomers to this fascinating subject as to seasoned film music aficionados. Innovative research and fresh interpretative perspectives are offered alongside practice-based accounts of the film composer's distinctive art, with examples cited from genres as contrasting as animation, the screen musical, film noir, Hollywood melodrama, the pop music and jazz film, documentary, period drama, horror, science fiction and the Western.

This wide-ranging and thought-provoking collection of specially-commissioned essays provides a uniquely comprehensive overview of the many and various ways in which music functions in film soundtracks. Citing examples from a variety of historical periods, genres and film industries - including those of the USA, UK, France, Italy, India and Japan - the book's contributors are all leading scholars and practitioners in the field. They engage, sometimes provocatively, with numerous stimulating aspects of the history, theory and practice of film music in a series of lively discussions which will appeal as much to newcomers to this fascinating subject as to seasoned film music aficionados. Innovative research and fresh interpretative perspectives are offered alongside practice-based accounts of the film composer's distinctive art, with examples cited from genres as contrasting as animation, the screen musical, film noir, Hollywood melodrama, the pop music and jazz film, documentary, period drama, horror, science fiction and the Western.

'A compelling first novel which I promise you won't be able to put down' Daisy Styles, bestselling author of The Bomb GirlsCan her fight for the country fix her broken heart? A knock on the door early one morning wouldn't normally be cause for concern but it is 1941, Britain is at war, and Kitty Williams's fiancé Joe is far from home fighting Hitler with the Navy. As Kitty's heart is shattered into pieces hearing the news she had been dreading, resolve kicks in and she becomes more determined than ever to do her bit for the war effort. Signing up to the Women's Army is just the sort of challenge Kitty needs and on meeting new recruits Mary, Di and Peggy, she is happy to learn that the challenge won't be a lonely one. But it also won't be easy and when bombs start to fall on her home town of Coventry, and supposed allies turn against her, Kitty must find the strength she never knew she had to save her family, fix her broken heart and help her country to victory.The Spark Girl is an absorbing and poignant saga, perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Ellie Dean. The second book in the series, The Spark Girl's Promise is now available for pre-order'a fabulous debut from an immensely talented author' Annie Groves'Ford gets to the heart of what it was like to live through the dangerous war years in this warm, captivating, down-to-earth story which is brimming with engaging characters, adventure, romance and heartbreak.' Lancashire Post 'Fiona Ford has written a charming and very appealing story...Kitty Williams is the girl we all want to be.' Swirl and Thread'an enjoyable read with a twist towards the end to keep the reader engaged until the next one!' Jera's Jamboree

World War Two casts a dark shadow over the Hammersmith Palais de Danse, but the show must go on... April 1940. Violet Millington, is ready to rediscover the joy of living. As she waltzes into the palais, to begin her new life of boosting morale in war swept London, she must leave her family's sorrow behind her. But soon Violet discovers she's not the only one with something they're running from. Violet quickly befriends gutsy American Nancy, the diamond of the dance hall, flame-haired Renee with her enviable foxtrot, and Temperance, who must overcome her bullies to achieve her dreams. In the face of the Blitz, news of a Palais dance competition keeps the foursome's spirits up. But as the contest draws near, a devastating chain of events is set in motion with life-changing consequences.As the Good Time Girls face the music, can the ties of friendship, love and loyalty ensure they survive?

London, December 1940. It's Christmas for the Good Time Girls, and whilst London tries to inject some sparkle into the wartime rubble, the women of the Hammersmith Palais aren't looking forward to the festive season.Nancy continues her battle to keep control of the Palais as Ronnie and his thugs appear at every turn, determined to take what he lost back. Can she draw on all of her strength to keep everyone safe, even if it means sacrificing herself? Meanwhile, Betty and Violet have secrets of their own. Secrets which would cause certain ruin if they were discovered. With Ronnie's presence always looming, the girls are constantly looking over their shoulders - and must continue to fight for their lives, and their freedom, as World War Two continues around them.This Christmas might not be merry and jolly, but the Good Time Girls will once again take to the stage and ensure the show goes on.Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Vicki Beeby and Rosie Goodwin.

London, June 1942. The bombs are falling, the music plays on, but can the Good Time Girls keep dancing?Everything has finally fallen into place for Renee. So when vicar Roger asks her to support a new dance hall, it should be a great way to give back to the community. Except Renee has a terrible secret she is holding onto. One that Roger can never know about...Nancy will keep Renee's secret. But she's got her own problems: handsome GI Jack has turned her head, and the American soldiers are causing a stir. Temperance has made a new friend - but now that she has someone who can understand the challenges she faces, will her relationship with Archie survive?All Violet wants is to spend every minute with her precious baby Eamon. But with her sweetheart dead and cruel gossips making life a misery for her and her mixed-race son, will she be able to weather the hostility she's forced to face every day?Things have never been so tough for the Good Time Girls, but they'll get through it as long as they have each other...

The first novel in the Liberty Girls series will be loved by fans of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Mr Selfridge.‘A wonderful, uplifting story of friendship and courage. Characters that you can't help falling in love with! This new saga series will surely touch the hearts of saga readers everywhere’ Nancy Revell, author of the Shipyard Girls series'A Liberty treasure chest of silks, satin, lace and ribbons with gritty wartime passion at its very core. A gem!' - Daisy Styles, author of the Bomb Girls series'I loved the warmth of the friendship between Mary and her friends and the wonderful world of Liberty’s. It’s a page turner of a book with twists and turns than make you keep on reading to find out what happens next.' - Rosie Hendry, author of the East End Angels series___________________September, 1941: Mary arrives in war-torn London nursing a broken heart and a painful secret.When she is offered her dream post as an assistant in the fabric department at Liberty store, she knows this is the fresh start she needs. Amid the store’s vibrant prints and sumptuous interiors, Mary finds a new family who can help her to heal.But not everyone will give Mary such a warm welcome, and the trauma of her past will soon catch up with her.As Mary and the Liberty Girls endure the heartache and uncertainty of war, it will take a steady heart to keep the magic of Christmas alive.___________________It's only the first book in the Liberty Girls series, but fans are already falling in love:'By far one of the best books I've read in a long time''The perfect story for historical and saga fiction fans... I cannot wait for the next book in this exciting new series!''Utterly brilliant... I was so impressed by this and felt completely involved in the story and characters!''heartwarming and inspiring... I look forward to reading more''I really enjoyed this story... this was a real festive treat for me! ... The author really transports you back to London during World War II in the book and you feel at times as though you are there with the characters.''Joyous. Charming. Uplifting... a wonderful new series that is packed with charm and warmth... these women lift their chins, put on a brave face and put the show on the road.''a wonderful, magical book that I absolutely loved... The staff are a wonderful team... the lovely sense of togetherness that the staff had was fabulous to read about''Christmas At Liberty's is a must-read for all who love the saga genre and for all who are looking to be part of something that is special and something that just glows with goodness and integrity''The story develops at a great pace that allows the reader to understand more about the characters and their lives so that they start to feel like old friends''The girls from Liberty’s had plenty of ups and downs before Christmas arrived, but I felt every emotional moment with them.'

***THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE COMPELLING LIBERTY GIRLS SERIES. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell, Elaine Everest, Nadine Dorries and Mr Selfridge.***March, 1942: new mother Alice Milwood is itching to return to her job as a shop assistant at Liberty’s.Despite her husband still being missing in action, Alice is determined to give baby Arthur the best possible start. She soon settles back into the rhythm of life on the shop floor, and the Liberty Girls rally to help keep everything on an even keel.But when the American GIs start swarming into London, there are more complications to come. And each of the Liberty Girls has their own impossible storm to weather.As they each fight their battles on the home front, only their close friendship will give them the strength they need to carry on.

***A HEARTWARMING WARTIME TALE OF FAMILY SECRETS, ROMANCE AND WINTER WEDDING BELLS FOR FANS OF DILLY COURT, ELAINE EVEREST AND NANCY REVELL***______________________________London, 1943: Dot Hanson has never forgotten the thrill of seeing the beautiful Christmas displays at Liberty’s department store as a young girl.Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would one day work there, or that she would fall in love with the store’s manager, her childhood sweetheart Edwin Button.But in spite of the life Dot has built for herself, and the tight-knit community around her, she lives in the shadow of a terrible secret. And as the bombs continue to fall across Britain there is more heartache still to come.All Dot wants is a family of her own with the man she loves by her side.Will her dreams come true in time for Christmas?

A working understanding of medical ethics is becoming ever more important to all practising doctors. There are many ethical issues which present often unexpectedly to healthcare professionals which can seem impossible to resolve. This is an introductory text for everyday general practice. Key issues and relevant legal aspects are illustrated with examples and case histories and the book is structured so particular topics can be found with ease. For added benefit chapters have pointers for further reflection and analysis references to journal articles and useful reading lists. The book can be used as a resource for group discussion or by individual general practitioners including GP registrars and their trainers.