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Title Description - It Has To Be Done

It Has To Be Done
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 Titles and descriptions

Scroll down and let your curiosity lead the way. If a title or cover draws you in, simply click its cover shown on the e Books cover page tab above or the My e Books tab in the menu. It will take you straight to its purchasing page.
Every book here is rooted in lived experience. What began as a personal compass—short stories written to navigate life’s twists, turns, and quiet reckonings—has grown into something broader: a space to share truth, imagination, and the gentle possibility of healing. And no matter what label or stigma life has placed on you at any moment, these pages carry a reminder that there is always a way out, always a path forward.
These stories reflect real journeys, told with honesty and heart. They invite you to discover your own meaning—whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical insight, or simply the pleasure of a good read.
Even the standalone collections are shaped, in greater or lesser measure, by the paths I’ve walked. Each one is infused with reflection, renewal, and a spirit of non‑judgement.
So take your time. Explore. And if a story speaks to you, click the cover—I’d be honoured to share it with you.

A Lantern Left Burning.: A Story of Ancient Rituals, New Guardians, and the Forest That Remembers.
Jack and Angela never expected the woodland to choose them. But from the moment they crossed the boundary, the land revealed its secrets, ancient rituals, hidden chambers, and a protective veil that only true guardians can see through.
When Lila and Tom arrive years later, drawn by a pull they cannot explain, the woodland awakens again. The young couple can see what outsiders cannot. They feel the land calling them. And soon, new paths open, paths even Jack and Angela never walked.
As the older guardians guide the younger pair through the mysteries of the forest, the truth becomes clear: the woodland has chosen its next keepers. A gentle, magical tale of inheritance, transformation, and the quiet power of nature, this novel follows two generations of guardians as they learn, teach, and ultimately pass the land from one pair to the next.
Atmospheric, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the natural world, this is a story for anyone who believes that some places are alive, and that they remember.

The Silver Cabin.: A story of love, discovery, and daring self‑expression.
Justin and Joanne’s journey is anything but ordinary. Together they rebuilt a home, often working in their underwear, celebrating the freedom of crossdressing and the joy of living authentically. Joannes care and creativity made Justin feel beautiful, and their playful rituals became part of the fabric of their new life. But this memoir is not only about building walls and fitting kitchens. By chance, they uncovered family connections they never knew existed, weaving new relationships into their lives. At the same time, they grew a thriving art business on their own terms, carving out a niche market that embraced crossdressing as a form of creativity, intimacy, and recognition. When Jacob and Marianne entered their world, the couple embraced both the lifestyle and the business of JJ Art, sharing the workload and the joy of selfexpression with ease. *The Silver Cabin* is a memoir of transformation: a celebration of difference, partnership, and the courage to live freely. It is about finding sanctuary in unexpected places, discovering family when least expected, and building a business that reflects who you truly are.
 
Building Love by the River.: From Broken Trust to Tender Truth—A Love Story by the River.
Building Love by the River. Is a book of fiction inspired by truth, transformation, and the courage to be seen.
Justin is a skilled builder with a thriving company—but when it comes to love, he’s kept his heart behind closed doors. After years of emotional scars and self-denial, he begins constructing a home by the river, a sanctuary of his own. Joanne, determined to start her own business and rebuild her life, joins him on the project. As timber rises and walls take shape, so too does a quiet, powerful bond between them. Together, they navigate the wreckage of past relationships, rediscover trust, and embrace the joy of being fully themselves. With Joanne’s support, Justin finds the courage to return to cross-dressing—a part of him once shamed into silence—and reclaim it as an expression of freedom and truth.
This tender, uplifting story celebrates love born from mutual respect, the healing power of shared purpose, and the beauty of living authentically. A fictional tale rooted in real experience, *Building Love by the River* is a tribute to second chances, emotional sanctuary, and the quiet triumph of being seen.
 
The Derelict House.: From laughter in the ruins grew a sanctuary of love, art, and transformation.
The Derelict House. A novel of sanctuary, intimacy, and quiet transformation. What begins as a playful adventure—two people discovering a derelict house tucked deep in the South West of England—unfolds into a tender, unexpected journey of love, creativity, and communal healing.
Keith and Carol, a successful couple in the building trade, see more than broken beams and overgrown paths. They see possibility. From that spark grows a thriving business, a sanctuary studio, and a creative community where vulnerability is welcomed and difference is celebrated.
Tilda’s photography captures truth. Alan’s leadership brings steadiness. And the woods, ever-present, hold stories of laughter, intimacy, and becoming.
This is a novel about what happens when people dare to be seen—fully, honestly, and without shame. It’s about the courage to build something lasting from the ruins. And it’s about the quiet joy of watching others grow because you made space for them.

Love, Sex and Betrayal.: My true story of how I lived through the baby boomer years.
Most readers will think this story is fiction, it is not, due to the years and times we lived, especially in our teenager days, this story was a part of our personal shaping, from those early days through till our divorce many years later. This book is a very personal account of his and their sexual side of their lives and the problems trying balance the situations at the time and how they evolved over time. Most of their friends found similar problems with their lives, and only opened up to the similarities after a divorce.
This book tells of the tribulations and problems the author and his wife had growing up from the early 50s through the baby boomer years and through the hippy time. He shows how those times stayed with him right through his life and never changed. It just goes to show that the times that we are all born, determines how our life is likely to turn out.

The Man in the Mirror Isn’t Alone.: From silence to self—this is a story stitched in lace and lit by courage.
The Man in the Mirror Isn’t Alone is a deeply personal and transformative memoir that follows one man’s journey from childhood confusion to adult clarity. It began with a little boy dressed in girls’ clothing—not mocked, not punished, but quietly changed. Decades later, Edward opens his front door in a blouse and skirt, and everything begins.
Through the creation of the Studio of Light—a sanctuary for healing, self-expression, and creative truth—Edward, Joanne, and Sam help others find direction, dignity, and belonging. With sheer knickers, nappies, stitched affirmations, and garments that speak, this story honours those who’ve felt unwanted, unsure, or unlabelled. This book is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Is this wrong?” and longed to hear, “No. It’s you. And you are welcome.”
a celebration of healing, identity, and the quiet power of kindness.

Skirting the Ordinary.: Story stitched with courage, where garments become gateways to truth.
Skirting the Ordinary is not just a short novel—it’s a sanctuary stitched in story.
Inspired by true events, this fictional tale follows Marcus, a young man from a modest background who dared to dream beyond the limits of circumstance. With thread, courage, and the quiet support of his family, he builds a studio where garments become gateways to truth—and where being seen becomes possible.
Set within a family-run business that welcomes clients from all walks of life, the story unfolds through intimate fittings, emotional conversations, and garments stitched with feeling. From sheer nighties stitched with courage to tunics that whisper healing, each chapter reveals the quiet power of self-expression and the extraordinary beauty of being known.
Whether it’s a velvet robe for a returning guest, a theatrical gown for pantomime, or a tunic stitched with memory, every garment tells a story—and every story reminds us that anything is possible with encouragement, determination, and a little kindness.
For readers who believe in second chances, quiet revolutions, and the healing power of handmade things—this book is your invitation.

A Place Called Tranquillity.: A sanctuary of self-expression, where clothing becomes courage and every guest dares to begin.
A sanctuary of self-expression, where clothing becomes courage and every guest dares to begin. *Tranquillity* is a work of fiction rooted in lived truth—a tender, transformative story set in a woodland sanctuary where guests arrive with questions and leave with courage.
Justin, a former electrician, inherits a stretch of woodland and quietly reshapes it into a private retreat for those seeking self-expression, intimacy, and freedom from shame. Alongside Joanne, his warm and intuitive companion, he welcomes guests who have never dared to dress freely, speak openly, or simply be themselves. Through gentle rituals, shared walks, and the quiet power of clothing as language, *Tranquillity* explores what happens when people are given permission to shed inhibition and live—just for a while—as they truly are.
Though the characters and setting are imagined, the emotional journey is real. This story is drawn from experience, from the healing that comes when judgment is replaced with kindness, and from the joy of discovering that you are not alone.
Whether you arrive in jeans or a camisole, with a suitcase full of questions or nothing but quiet hope, *Tranquillity* offers more than a holiday. It offers a beginning.

A lifetime of love, born on a quiet shore.: Two hearts, one shoreline, and a lifetime of peace woven through love and art.
Is a tender, uplifting tale of love found in the quiet moments and nurtured through a lifetime of shared creativity. When Justin and Julie meet as strangers on a windswept beach, both are seeking peace—but neither expects to find it in each other. What begins as a chance encounter blossoms into a deep, enduring bond. Together, they open an art gallery by the sea, curating not just paintings but stories—adding their own to the tapestry of lives expressed in brushstrokes and colour. As the years pass, they marry, grow old side by side, and remain very much in love. Their days are filled with gentle rituals, laughter, and a profound sense of belonging—not just to each other, but to the world they’ve helped shape.
This is a story of quiet joy, lasting companionship, and the kind of peace that comes from living a life true to the heart. A celebration of memory, art, and love that endures.

The Builder on the Boat.: He sold his home to build a life on the river.
The Builder on the Boat is a lyrical memoir of transformation, legacy, and the quiet power of place. Once a traveller drifting through the currents of ambition and change, the narrator now stands rooted—building not just with timber and stone, but with memory, meaning, and love.
Set against the backdrop of a winding river and the woodland it nourishes, this deeply personal story charts the journey from restless pursuit to purposeful creation. It’s about crafting a life with your hands, your heart, and your history. From the grit of trenching and land work to the grace of partnership and stewardship, each chapter is a meditation on what it means to build something that lasts.
Whether you’re drawn to tales of self-build living, reflections on retirement, or the enduring bond between land and soul. The Builder on the Boat offers a rich, resonant narrative that celebrates the art of becoming.

Our Town Carnival.: A heart warming tale of village life, imagination, and belonging.
Where the Spark Began. Ashlowe was never meant to be remarkable. Tucked away in a quiet valley, it was the kind of town that didn’t appear on most maps and rarely made the news. Its river whispered, its trees stood watch, and its people lived gently, until one pint in a pub changed everything. *Our Town Carnival* is the story of what happens when a forgotten place remembers its own magic. It begins with laughter, lanterns, and a float shaped like a teapot. It grows through pony trekking, storytelling by firelight, and a newsletter illustrated by children’s drawings. And it never loses sight of what matters most: community, creativity, and the joy of belonging.
This is not a tale of grand gestures or dramatic twists. It’s a celebration of the everyday, the kind of moments that stitch a town together and keep its soul alive. From the first carnival to the quiet winter gatherings, Ashlowe becomes more than a setting. It becomes a rhythm. A way of being. A shared heartbeat. Whether you’re here for the floats, the flapjacks, or the stories whispered by the river, welcome to Ashlowe. The lanterns are lit. The sweet jar is waiting. And the next spark could be yours.

The Archivist of Unlived Lives.: Is a novel of quiet transformation.
Set in a woodland sanctuary where stories are stitched into garments and healing unfolds through ritual, this is a tale of the selves we almost lived — the truths we tucked away, the identities we feared were too strange, too soft, too much.
Visitors arrive one by one, each carrying a garment, a memory, or a question. Some come to be witnessed. Some come to let go. Some come to become. And at the heart of it all is Keith — a gentle guide who doesn’t fix, but listens; who doesn’t lead, but accompanies.
Through 34 intimate chapters, we meet those shaped by grief, illness, longing, joy, and silence. A man who wears lace to be held. A woman who skips again after decades of seriousness. A visitor who prays in silk, seeking to reconcile faith with identity. Each story is a thread in a tapestry of communal healing.
This is not a book about answers. It’s a book about presence. About the slow, sacred work of becoming ourselves — not alone, but witnessed.
For readers who cherish emotional depth, quiet beauty, and the power of non-judgement, The Archivist of Unlived Lives is a sanctuary in pages.

Our New Self Built Home.: A dream come true—building a home and a life in the heart of the woods.
Nestled deep in the British countryside, *Our New Self Built Home* is a heartfelt account of one couple’s dream to build a home from the ground up—brick by brick, trench by trench, and moment by moment. Set against the backdrop of a five-acre woodland, this story blends practical grit with quiet reflection, capturing the highs, lows, and laughter of a life shaped by hard work and shared ambition.
From laying foundations to lighting the first fire, Stephen and Ruth’s journey is one of resilience, partnership, and the joy of creating something truly lasting. Whether you're dreaming of your own self-build or simply love stories rooted in nature and determination, this book offers inspiration, insight, and a gentle reminder that the best things in life are built together.

Legacy in Timber.: A Grandfather’s Workshop, A Grandson’s Future, and the Craft That Binds Them.
In a quiet corner of England, Darren—a retired tradesman with aching joints and a heart full of stories—finds new purpose in the timber he shapes and the company he keeps. What begins as a personal retreat becomes a living legacy, as his grandson Jake steps into the workshop and discovers not just the joy of making, but the deeper rhythm of craftsmanship, patience, and pride.
Over the years, Jake blossoms under Darren’s guidance, learning the art of joinery, the honesty of fair work, and the quiet satisfaction of building something that lasts. Together, they welcome a third pair of hands—a young school leaver named Callum—and the workshop becomes a place of mentorship, memory, and generational strength.
As Darren’s health gently slows him, he passes on his tools, his space, and his legacy—not with fanfare, but with the quiet dignity of a man who knows his story will carry on in every joint, every bench, every hand that builds.
Legacy in Timber is a heart warming, deeply British tale of craft, connection, and the beauty of passing something on. Perfect for readers who love stories of family, purpose, and the quiet magic of making. Legacy in Timber.: A Grandfather’s Workshop, A Grandson’s Future, and the Craft That Binds Them.
 
The Timber Room.: A story of love, legacy, and the grain that binds generations.
The Timber Room. This short story is an emotional rollercoaster, about legacy which is not defined by what we leave behind, but by how we live among others. The Timber Room is a moving story of restoration—of timber, of people, and of generations bound by love and memory. At its heart is Justin Ellwood, a craftsman and teacher who transforms his humble workshop into a haven of community and care. His daughter Lyra, raised in the glow of sawdust and afternoon light, carries the rhythm of The Timber Room into her own future, weaving a narrative of inheritance, grief, and gratitude. This is more than a tale of wood and craft; it is a meditation on enduring love, generational healing, and the artistry of presence. For readers who cherish stories steeped in heart, heritage, and quiet strength, The Timber Room offers a lasting invitation: to pause, listen, and let the grain speak. Even I had tears, when I wrote this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
 
Using Nature to Relax and Calm the Mind.: Walking, Building, and Boatmaking—A Restorative Path to Peace.
Finding Peace, Purpose, and Healing in the Natural World. By Justin,
After a serious accident changed the course of my life, my wife Joanne and I stepped away from our successful business and began a quieter, more intentional journey. I turned to nature for healing—walking, observing, and letting the rhythms of the land calm my mind and restore my spirit. This book shares that journey: from recovery and reflection to building a retirement bungalow on a piece of land we fell in love with. Along the way, we embraced a slower pace, part-time work with a digger and dumper, and eventually, a joyful hobby—building small boats by hand.
Whether you're recovering from trauma, seeking a simpler life, or just longing for a deeper connection with the natural world, this book offers gentle inspiration and practical insight into how nature can help us heal, grow, and begin again.

From Broken to Brilliant.: My Life, My Karma, My Way.: Built from hardship, driven by Karma, lived with purpose.
"From Broken to Brilliant: My Life, My Karma, My Way" is a true-life autobiography, written to share the author’s journey through hardship, resilience, and transformation. The second half of the book includes earlier short stories—each crafted to reach different audiences and remind readers they are never alone. Though written before the main memoir, these reflections offer insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom drawn from lived experience. Together, they form a powerful message: no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way forward. This book is for anyone seeking clarity, strength, and a reminder that healing begins with perspective.

Setting Up a Self-Employed Business?: Short book on self-employment basics.
A Simple, Honest Guide to Starting on Your Own. Thinking about going self-employed but unsure where to begin? This short, practical guide strips away the jargon and gets straight to the point. No hype. No hard sell. Just the essential facts you need to make an informed decision.
Written by someone who’s walked the path without outside help, this book offers clear advice on what’s involved, from registering your business to understanding basic responsibilities. It’s ideal for anyone curious about working for themselves but not ready to dive in blind.
Whether you're testing the waters or seriously considering a change, this book gives you clarity without costing you time or money. If self-employment isn’t for you, you’ll know quickly, and if it is, you’ll be better prepared to take the next step.

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