With her white blonde hair and blue eyes so different from the rest of the villagers Merry has never felt as though she fitted in. She takes after her father her mother says. (a Seaman who died before she was born). But with him gone the family have to work hard to keep  going and each day is a struggle.

When Merry’s offered the chance of a job in a department store many miles away in Plymouth she knows that this is her chance. With her new responsibilities and a romance on the horizon Merry is sure her life is about to change for good, but does it? Ah, romance and aspiration seldom run smoothly, do they.

I had already fallen  in love with Merry and rooted for her so when she starts her job at the luxurious new department store and settles in and becomes accustomed to a new way of life,  I  felt delighted for her, until …   Until  Saphira breezes into the store and changes everything Merry thinks she knows about her life…

This is the third book by Linda Finlay that I have read, and I absolutely adored it, I couldn’t put it down I simply had to know what was going to happen. Full of refreshing characters and plot twists that you do not see coming The Sea Shell Girl makes for a gripping and  beautiful read. Set in the 1880’s in the beautiful west country Finlay captures the stunning scenery of a small Cornish village.

If you are after a book that will capture your heart and will keep you hooked until the very end then this is the book for you.

Read on eBook, but also available on pb.

It’s  time to walk along the beck where it is evident that here, in the north, we are into the softness of the late summer sun, and nature hinting that the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is not too far away.

But first we need to announce to the pony that we are coming up behind him. We did. He did not move. So a bit of a pressure on his shoulder, and orders to back, and voila, he does. Lift the dogs, who have no intention of going near this monster, and through the gate, looking back and see his longing to slip through after us and eat up the verge.

First we pass the blackberries, later than the south I daresay, not ripe enough yet, but getting there.

The hawthorn is  full of berries, but they need to be plumper to attract the birds – soon then. These are the hawthorns we used to back into – ouch – when joggers roared towards us, not stopping for man nor beast and immune to calls about social distancing. Here my grumpiness came into full voice. Are we walking earlier, or are they running later?

And now the honeysuckle, some still in flower, but the berries are with us.

We turn left, pass the church, and on the walk back we pass a garden which has been put down to vegetables, and just a tiny  lawn, utilising every little bit of space for fruit trees against the fence, herbs companion planted amongst leeks, cabbage, lettuce, courgettes, not to mention runner beans. Bees abound so they are not forgotten. We have grown vegetables too this summer, but not in sufficient quantities. It will not do . So half our lawn is going in order to extend our veg patch. Time we became more self-sufficient which the lockdown has reminded so many of us.

A bit of a diversion as we almost arrive home in order to let the o dogs run like crazy on the freshly mown sports pitches of the  new Sports Village, so while others ran, cycled or walked around the tracks on the perimeter we came across this gift from a child to us all, made out of the grass cuttings.  A bird’s nest lined with petals and laid within – clover and a yellow daisy.

 Life is good.

By Annie Clarke, author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front (aka Margaret Graham and Milly Adams)

In 1919 a sudden tragedy tears Betsy’s family apart. Her childhood and life, and that if her siblings, will change irrevocably.

Betsy grows up in the years between the two wars. During this time of hardship, she faces many struggles and losses.

Will she develop the strength and determination to find her own way in life?

Will things work out In The End ?

It is not often that I am lost for words but this time I am. Donna H Duhig is a literary genius, she brings to life not only her amazing characters but a time which we have never experienced. I felt Betsy’s pain and heartbreak, I cried for her. I urged her to make the right decisions and I despised those that bullied and abandoned her. I was warned to have the tissues ready as I am sure to cry, i didn’t believe this , I do not cry easily but by the end of the first chapter I was sobbing.

In The End is completely unputdownable. The plot kept me hooked from the first chapter to the last, nothing was certain. Beautifully written with glorious details that give this story the spark that keeps you coming back for more because you feel, see, hear and taste it.

Betsy is a incredible character, she carries on despite all of the hurdles that have been thrown her way, with hope and with the echo of her Fathers words ‘It will all work out in the end”. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy historical fiction and those that enjoy Downton Abbey- No this is not all servant drama in a big house, but its in that harrowing era in which it is set that you will enjoy. And you will enjoy it, an emotional rollercoaster awaits. I can not wait to see what other literary delights Duhig has in store.

Available from Amazon in pb and eBook

As we emerge from lockdown with overgrown hairstyles and far-too-visible roots, it’s time to take our hair back to its former glory – after all, people can see us now –there’s no more pretending your Facetime isn’t working. Some of us sprinted to the hairdressers the minute they reopened, for others, that’s still one step too far. Maybe we’re loving our new-found long hair and just need to improve its condition?

So what a perfect time to discover Olew, created by the lovely Elinor.

And what’s the secret of Olew? Well the clue’s in the name (if you happen to speak Welsh) – Olew is Welsh for oil and Elinor (a Welsh girl living in London) created her own recipes – simple but effective: 100% organic and ethically-sourced avocado, sweet almond, argan and other natural oils, fused with strengthening vitamins to encourage hair growth, elasticity and shine. They’re packed with antioxidants, but not with sulfates, parabens or silicones.

Olew products are specifically for naturally curly hair, like Elinor’s – that’s why she knows what works. So ditch the straighteners and flaunt your glorious curls.

I have to be honest – I don’t have naturally curly hair, but my lockdown-long, straight hair was desperate for some love, and the Olew products sounded so good, I was keen to road test them – albeit under false pretences.

So let me share my experience.

The package came with a personal note from Elinor herself, and a set of very useful instructions (below).

The Cleansing Shampoo and Clarifying Conditioner both had a delicate, natural perfume. I dabbed a little of each on the back of my hands. As I rubbed, they felt pleasantly oily, but were completely absorbed in seconds, leaving my skin wonderfully silky. Well if that was the effect on my hands, how would it be on my hair?

I was not disappointed. I used the shampoo and conditioner as directed by Elinor, then I massaged in a little Olew Original – an all natural nourishing and hydrating hair oil – you only need a small amount. Like the first two products, I could feel the oil but it was very light and I didn’t need to rinse it out.

Finally I gave the Curl Cream a whirl – yes I know I don’t actually have any curls to cream, but this special blend of jojoba, avocado and aloe apparently nourishes, moisturises, smooths and minimises frizz, so I wasn’t going to miss out.

And the results? My hair has been thanking me all morning. It feels and looks great, moisturised but light and fresh. I can’t stop flicking it from side to side, which the postman seemed to find a little disconcerting.

So whatever your hair type, these are really lovely products. However if you are blessed with a head of curls – they’ve been specially formulated just for you – so give them a try. And check out the Olew website to find some useful haircare tips too.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Tequila is very popular in the UK nowadays, and why not? When we think of Tequila we picture licking salt, tossing a shot to the back of our throat and sucking a lime in quick succession.

It’s fun – but the hedonist in me feels that there’s so much more to this fabulous spirit.

So what is so especial about Jose Cuervo Tequila Especial? Well Tequila is pretty exclusive – it’s only made in Mexico, and only four states are allowed to produce it. Naturally these regions include Tequila city, where, guess what, the Jose Cuervo distillery has been making Tequila since 1758. The process is slow and careful – huge blue agave plants are nurtured for anything from seven to fourteen years, then the piña, the very heart of the plant, is roasted and crushed to release the wonderful juices which are fermented and distilled. So after all that effort, how should we enjoy this very special and unique spirit?

Shots are traditional but it’s great sipped slowly on the rocks, or how about a delicious cocktail? The classic Margarita is my favourite, but there are some fabulous new alternatives too. You can find some really fun suggestions on the Jose Cuervo website.

Now for some great news. Jose Cuervo have created a new cocktail called Push The Button, in celebration of National Tequila Day (24^th July if it isn’t in your diary). The recipe for Push The Button is below and frankly it’s heavenly (I’m sipping it now).

But, but, but, this new cocktail is named after an amazing competition to win a year’s supply of Jose Cuervo. If you win, you will literally just have to push a button and a bottle of Jose Cuervo Tequila will be sent automatically, directly to your door – for free, up to once a month for a whole year.

So here you go, enter now through the social media platform of your choice:

I: @JoseCuervoUK #PushTheButton #NationalTequilaDay

F: @JoseCuervo.uk

T: @JoseCuervoUK #PushTheButton #NationalTequilaDay

And if you win, or even if you don’t – enjoy your Tequila but drink responsibly.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Here is a novel as richly imagined as the jacket. A multi layered fight for the truth, set in a cold (on may levels) environment. A chilling, gripping read with a   vanishing point disappearing into the darkness.

Lhasa detective Shan Lia has a  past, one that won’t stand in the way of investigating the death of a child, a boy found with his neck broken, but that’s not all: it transpires that  there have been other deaths, similar to this.

But Lia’s superiors don’t want panic marching across the bleak countryside whipping up alarm, and demands for justice, perhaps criticism of the force.  But Lia   won’t let them stop her. So then the threats begin giving Lia no choice but to turn her back on bringing the killer to justice. Until another boy is murdered. Then another.

Casting aside caution, Lia pursues the killer. but there are spies in the monasteries of Tibet and others unknown  trying to thwart her hunt for justice, On she goes, but what price will she pay?

This is a thought provoking novel, well written, as CJ Carver’s novels are. Not only is it gripping, evocative, but alarming. Through the eyes of a Chinese police officer the book poses the question of what might happen after the death of the Dalai Lama. A must have read. You won’t regret it.

The Snow Thief by CJ Carver pb £7.00 and in eBook.

Rosie the cream Cockerpoo  usually leads Polly the  Cavachon into mischief, but she hasn’t been herself for a while. So off to Skeldale Veterinary Centre – our Thirsk vet, better known worldwide as The Yorkshire Vet.

We followed the new protocol and parked in the car park alongside other distanced cars, with the owners chatting across the spaces to one another. Then we had to  telephone reception to let them know we had arrived.

A cat in a basket was brought out, by the nurse, and delivered to its relieved owner.

Then out came lovely Rachel, masked. A wave, a bit of a chat about symptoms, and in she went with Rosie who extraordinarily let herself be led away.  My baby… Chewing of nails. We kept Polly with us. (They can’t go anywhere without one another so if one goes, the other is at her side)

Polly whinged ‘Oh no, is she off for a treat? Will she even return?’  When I explained where Rosie had gone, Polly gulped, ‘Would there be the dreaded temperature taken, from you know where?’ She sat down firmly, unbudgeable because no-one, not even Rachel, was taking her temperature thank you very much.

In time, out came Rosie. She has a gum and throat infection, and yes, stiff joints. (Well, she is 7) . Rachel had given her a dose of penicillin and today we start the twice a day antibiotic regime. The stiff joints will be helped with medication delivered via a pipette. Onto the food or however – Rachel suggested. We knew the food would remain uneaten – we have trodden this path before, so it must be squirted into the mouth after food. Oh Lord,  Rosie has experienced pipette medication before and is an arch jaw clencher. But needs must – let battle commence, which it did that evening. However, I am her parent, not an underling and what’s more,  I’m bigger than her, so very there. Mission successful.

We had been parked next to the oak tree. Small acorns are in evidence. So the year is getting on. With that thought, we headed for home.  

And Rosie this morning? Ah, much more herself, so off round the corner to the new Thirsk and Sowerby Sports village, landscaped so that not only is there a cycle and running track which passes between wild flower beds,  the track encircles  team sports fields. During the Covid pandemic, these are given over to walking, playing and so on.

Off went Rosie onto the playing fields, whirling and twirling, playing with her friends, with Polly in her wake, her recovery has begun. Thank you Skeldale Veterinary Centre, and Rachel.

Annie Clarke is the author of Wedding Bells on the Home Front. pb pub on July 23rd.