A cracking book of the week from Joffe Books – The Widow’s Boyfriend by E.V. Seymour – a new unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist — THE WIDOW’S BOYFRIEND is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99*. This is a special launch price:   Verity’s widowed mother has been secretly dating a man she met online. Verity should feel pleased for her but she can’t help doubting his intentions. Then a dead bird and surveillance photos are delivered to her mother’s front door and Verity’s suspicions are confirmed — but can she prove it.

Now for my own pick of the week from Joffe’s offerings this week.

Rather a Vicious Gentleman by Frank McAuliffe @  £0.99/$0.99

This is a classic spy thriller full of twists from the pen of master writer, McAuliffe, who died in 1986. Do read this, it’s a steal at the usual  £0.99/$0.99

Augustus Mandrell aims to commit the ultimate ‘locked room’ murder. His plan is perfect . . . but even the best-laid plans can go awry.  With the guards onto Mandrell, he must think of a new plan — and quick. He’s found a way in. Now he must find a way out.

Plus another favourite author of mine: the fabulous Simon Brett with The Complete Mrs Pargeter Cozy Crime Mysteries 1 – 8  @ £0.99/$0.99

‘Murder most enjoyable.’ Colin Dexter     ‘Like a little malice in your mysteries? Some cynicism in your cozies? Simon Brett is happy to oblige.’ New York Times.

Now for a couple of Choc Lit newbies.  Remember there are more on Joffe Books website

Morton S. Gray’s ( a lovely author) The Truth Lies Buried  is a romance full of mystery @ £0.99/$0.99

Jenny is instantly drawn to widower and sculptor Carver Rogers — but is it his handsome good looks or their shared twenty-five-year history?  Now they’ve found one another, can they solve the decades-old mystery? Perhaps they can find a way to move on from their pasts . . . together?

Meet me on the Buddy Bench by Hannah Pearl is a love story that will pull on your heartstrings. £0.99/$0.99

Could a serendipitous meeting change the lives of two lost souls?   Ava didn’t expect to meet the perfect Dr Sam at the buddy bench. Is their memorable encounter a one-off, or could the pair become so much more?  Ahhh, me to know, you to find out.

Now for a new one from LUME – a box set for only £0.99/$0.99

The Warwyck Saga by Rosalind Lake. Three historical tales of love, loss and family. Set in the seaside resorts of Victorian England, this evocative historical romance trilogy follows the Warwyck family through three generations. ‘One of the genre’s leading lights.’ Kirkus Reviews.

Anyone for some Lovely Award News? Thought so – drum roll.

RNA WINNERS — KATY TURNER AND SALLY JENKINS-  two of Joffe Books incredible authors – took home a clean sweep of awards at the annual Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Conference. And let’s not forget  congratulations are due to Katy Turner for winning the Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers with her novel LET’S JUST BE FRIENDS, and congratulations also to Sally Jenkins for winning the Elizabeth Goudge Award for her one-thousand-word opening for a novel on the theme: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.

Hang on, not finished yet, the good news keeps on coming: 2023 NGAIO MARSH AWARDS —  Blood Matters by Renée is a finalist at the Ngaio Marsh Awards 2023 for Best Novel, with this fascinating New Zealand crime novel. Have you visited Porohiwi and discovered all its secrets? Why not discover Renée’s award-winning crime fiction today for just £0.99/$0.99.

Which seems to make it a ‘wrap.’ Great news all round, and more fabulous books at Joffebooks.com   https://www.lumebooks.co.uk/

According to my favourite on-line perfume store, Perfume Direct, Quiet Luxury is rocketing in popularity. It’s all about subtlety and choosing timeless quality products.

So what does Quiet Luxury mean for perfume? Well think refined and understated – perfumes which exude sophistication without being overtly flashy – a shift from ostentation to nuanced and discerning, they subtly say ‘confident class’. Sounds good eh?

 But what makes a Quiet Luxury perfume? Well firstly it’s superior ingredients. Luxury perfumes often incorporate higher concentrations of natural, rare, and exotic ingredients whereas cheap perfumes tend to use synthetic or less costly raw materials. Secondly it’s about skill. Luxury perfume houses employ skilled perfumers and olfactory artists who blend and balance aromatic notes which can even evoke specific emotions. Finally the hallmark of a high-quality perfume is longevity and projection. Luxury perfumes contain higher concentrations of aromatic compounds, creating a potent and long-lasting scent. The quality of ingredients, careful formulation, and meticulous blending produce perfumes which make a lasting impression.

 But how to choose? What I love about Perfume Direct is they make it easy for you. They’re a UK company who, through their extensive purchasing network can offer genuine products at the best price and importantly their website provides oodles of information to help you choose. I’ve mentioned their Perfume Direct Guide to Fragrances before. The Fragrance Wheel explains perfume categories – Floral, Woody, Oriental etc – just choose the scent you like then search Perfume Direct by that category. The Strength Guide explains how long each perfume will last.

They’ve even picked out some great Quiet Luxury perfumes for you, some of which are pictured below. I particularly like Bottega Veneta – it means Venetian Artist’s Studio – doesn’t that just embody the ethos of Quiet Luxury? But as Frost Magazine hasn’t the technology to allow you to smell for yourself yet, let’s do the next best thing and borrow Perfume Direct’s expert description for you:

The Bottega Veneta fragrance type is Chypre (citrus/rose/jasmine) and Floral. It was inspired by an Italian house in a leafy, quaint countryside, watching nature unfold through an open window as the soft Spring breeze dances in and out. The fragrance has blended notes of Italian bergamot, brazilian pink pepper, indian sambac jasmine, oak moss, patchouli and indian patchouli, with a distinct leather accord in the trail.

How evocative is that? And if you’re tempted, It’s currently on sale at £59.99 from Perfume Direct. Or check out one of their other suggestions below – you won’t be disappointed.

 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.

A brand-new cozy murder mystery from bestselling author Peter Boland — THE BEACH HUT MURDERS is out for just £0.99 | $0.99*. Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.  By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But by night, they investigate crimes. Can they find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?  CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEACH HUT MURDERS BY PETER BOLAND FOR £0.99 | $0.99.

A brand new gripping cosy murder mystery: Murder Runs in the Family by Jean G Goodhind. £0.99 | $0.99    Honey Driver receives the shock of her life . . . her dear friend Caspar is dead. But Caspar, alive and well, is outraged that he’s been mistaken for a corpse. Honey fears it’s a warning — perhaps she doesn’t know Caspar as well as she thought. Such a page turner in this new cozy murder mystery – my favourite genre.

Three complete and charming Cowgill Family Sagas by  Bill Kitson £0.99 | $0.99Through love and loss, hope and heartbreak, the Cowgill family work hard and face their troubles together, no matter what life throws at them.  Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Sheila Riley

Now onto CHOC LIT, starting with:  4 FASCINATING  TIME-SLIP ROMANCES                               

Cornish Secrets 1 – 4 by Kirsty Ferry £0.99 | $0.99 :  Such a good  offer – four evocative romances full of mystery set on the Cornish coast. The perfect scenario.

Marie Lavat’s Happy Dreams at Mermaid Cove £0.99 | $0.99: AN UPLIFTING GRUMPY/SUNSHINE ROMANCE – What’s not to love…  Jenna is swapping Manchester for the enchanting Isle of Skye with Buttercup, her yellow mobile library. She wasn’t expecting legends about mermaids or her grumpy new boss. But Jenna has a feeling a kind heart lies beneath his hardened exterior.

Now for LUME BOOKS

The Complete series of DCI Hunter Mysteries Books 1 – 4 by Meg Elizabeth Atkins £0.99 | $0.99

The close-knit communities of Cheshire’s affluent towns have deep pockets and dark secrets. Detective Hunter will need to have his wits about him if he’s to find the answers he needs lurking beneath their well-to-do facade.

 The Scarlett Fox Pirate Series by Christopher C Tubbs £0.99 | $0.99  

An epic historical adventure box set.(Fabulous jacket) Join pirate queen Scarlett Fox in these buccaneering tales of piracy, romance and revenge, and travel across the seas of the seventeenth century.  Perfect for fans of John Drake, Diana Norman and Kate Moss.

Moving on: Jean G. Goodhind talked to Joffe Books about her inspiration for the series ahead of publication of her Honey Driver murder mysteries:

How did you come up with the idea for the series?

When I came up with the idea for Honey Driver — Bath hotelier — I was drawing on what I knew. I had owned a nine-bedroom guest house in Bath. I was also an inaugural member of Bath Hotels and Restaurants Association and knew how protective they were of the city’s reputation. With that in mind, how about having a crime liaison officer? It’s believable. So Honey Driver hit the ground running. There is something of me in her, although I’ve never collected antique underwear. But there were ghosts at that old place I ran — the hotel itself is described quite closely in A Crooked Murder.

What is your favourite thing about Honey Driver?   There are a couple of favourite things about Honey Driver — she’s fallible and down to earth. There is a third thing — her forbearance with the likes of her mother who, if it wasn’t for age, could grace many a fashion catwalk. And Mary Jane, of course, and her total belief that the ghost in her room is a long-lost relative from around 1753.

Has there been a particularly difficult mystery to write in the series?

They were all difficult to write. I found myself racing around looking for clues and seeing if there was anything I’d overlooked. Cozy crime of this ilk is a never-ending puzzle, (which as an author myself I can quite understand.)

Anything interesting or funny that happened while you were writing the book?

For those of you who don’t know, the series was originally a big success in Germany. It amazed me to have tourists come over from there looking for the Green River Hotel and wanting to stay there in the hope of meeting Honey Driver. I met a couple of them and we are still in touch.

How do you want readers to feel when they’ve finished the final book?

This is book thirteen, and possibly the last in the series. I hope my readers feel they are parting from an old friend but wishing her and Doherty all the best in their future together.

These fabulous books are just tasters for what is for offer. Do go to Joffe Books for more information .

Last year’s exhibition was such a success that there was a ready audience for the Thirsk Model Railways Show 2023 with its satisfying variety of layouts, traders and demonstrators.  Rosie Page, the daughter of author and vet James Herriot was there to present the plaque to the 2023 winning layout: The Favourite Layout Award sponsored by the fabulous The Crown & Anchor – we know it well, try the pie! Not to forget Crafts of Thirsk for helping to keep the programmes free of charge.

All profits were donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which we all know is a worthy cause.

So a quick look at two of my my favourite exhibits: Stand No 22: 009 Narrow Gauge – Holbrook Creek created by Phil Ashlee which I found extraordinarily evocative, and in which one could see a clear narrative. Having said that, a narrative was alive and well in all the exhibits, and, like Holbrook Creek, each was supported by attached notes.  What I found extraordinary in each and every one was the detail. In the case of Holbrook Creek – the models, houses, boats, the water…

Holbrook Creek is based loosely on the old brickworks in Holbrook near Ipswich in Suffold, where the creek flows into the River Stour. The barges, as well as transporting bricks, transported hay and straw from East Anglian fields to the horses in London, and of course, manure from the stables on return.

Now to Demonstrator Chris Pulham and her Railway Art which brought me to a screeching stop. I  wanted to learn more. Chris explained how she had built up the colour of the maroon train to make clear the grubbiness residue garnered from the miles it had travelled. She had then added the people, which made the scene alive with movement. I loved it. www.chrispulhamrailwayartist.co.uk

So, a hugely successful day for the Thirsk Model Railway Show, which was bursting at the seams with enthusiasts of all ages having the time of their lives.

More information: here

As you may know I am something of a foodie (amongst other things). I have previously fallen in love with Tracklements’ Rhubarb and Ginger Chutney, so I was extremely pleased to receive two of their Chilli Sauces. However, we foodies need to preserve our tastebuds, so I only tried the two less fiery of this trio.

Starting with Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Sauce. Tracklements take whole fresno Chillies (for a fruitier flavour), chop and ferment them on site to make the base for their Sriracha which is what sets it apart from the competition. Made to a traditional recipe, a dash of fish sauce is added for an authentic tongue-tingling tang and intense heat. This has a rating of 2 Chillies so is as spicey as I like. It adds a decent hit of heat and of course how much you put in affects the outcome, so if you take my advice, you will start small and keep adding and tasting to get it to the perfect level of heat. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Splash on to cheese on toast, egg fried rice, corn fritters, pho spring rolls, meat, fish or

mix into mayo for a delicious chippy dip. I would certainly use it on those occasions when my dish tasted a tad bland.

Tracklements Smokin’ Chipotle Sauce. This smokin’hot sauce made with red chillies, (for – poke), smoked Chipotle Chillies (for smokiness) and Scotch Bonnet Chillies (just for fun) tastes sweet, smoky and spicey. It makes meats sizzle with suspense, veg explode with va -va- voom and tofu tingle with joy. ​Add to pulled pork, hot dawgs, veg kebabs and jackfruit in any form. This vegan Chillie sauce is also utterly fabulous with the quick and easy traditional Mexican brunch favourite – huevos rancheros–fried eggs, served on corn chips and smothered with warm, spicey salsa. I would also add a healthy glug to a Shepard’s Pie to create that umami kick. It is rated at 1.5 Chillies.

In the interest of full disclosure (and my tender tastebuds) I didn’t try Tracklements Rocket Hot Sauce. However, based on my experience of the other 2 and the quality and taste, for those who love spicey food I would certainly say, give it a try. Made with a fiery combination of Bird’s Eye and Scotch Bonnet Chillies, this vegan potent potion is a shot of molten lava for burgers, tacos, pizzas, curries, falafels and fajitas. It’s rated 3 Chillies, so maybe have a glass of milk to hand.

Equally impressive is their environmental bona fides which includes recyclable packaging, their own water treatment facility, and over 10,000 square feet of solar panels, supplemented by 100% renewable electricity, generated by wind and/or hydro assets. Best of all, they don’t shy away from wonky veg either!

Tracklements Sriracha Chilli Sauce and Tracklements Smokin’ Chipotle Sauce RRP £3.50 for 150ml each are available individually from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at www.tracklements.co.uk.

Frost Magazine, in particular its editor, Margaret Graham, who lives in Thirsk is constantly in awe of the achievements of this small but beautifully formed North Yorkshire market town which has the most wonderful community.

The Herriot name summons up, worldwide, All Creatures Great and Small, and other nostagic tales of veterinary help. Here in Thirsk – the home of author and vet James Herriot  – we also have the wonderful Yorkshire Vets Julian Norton and Peter Wright, to continue the tradition of veterinary work, and gloriously evocative books. Not just this, but importantly we also have – roll of drums… Herriot Hospice Homecare:  which is a charity that has delivered high quality help in the form of hospice care in people’s homes across Hambleton and Richmondshire for more than 30 years. They have excellent fundraising charity shops too.

Herriot Hospice Homecare is a service that all recognise is enormously important. Why? It enables terminally ill patients to remain where they feel most safe and comfortable, at home, 365 days a year.

Alongside the homecare service, though,  it seems there is a need for specialist care at a hospice building, access to which, for families living across remote and rural communities, can be particularly difficult.

No sooner thought about, than done: Herriot’s first hospice building, Herrriot Hospice @ The Lambert will offer, when completed, inpatient care; emotional wellbeing and bereavement support rooms; an education centre, café, and community hub; and will provide an important base for the HOME service. The Lambert Memorial Hospital is much loved, and the area is thrilled to see it being brought back to life and continuing to be part of the fabric of the community, bringing inpatient hospice care closer to home.

Herriot Hospice@The Lambert has cost more than £1.7 m, and thanks to the remarkable  support of the local community, this has now been raised. Further fundraising continues to make the hospice – due to open later this year – a safe, comfortable and welcoming space and to provide the expert care and support.

Construction work has begun and whether through a one off or regular donation, registering for all the latest updates or, if local, expressing your interest in volunteering,  your help  is very much needed ahead of Herriot Hospice@The Lambert opening in autumn 2023.

This is just such a wonderful endeavour, of which Thirsk is immensely proud, as it is of our tradition of fabulous author vets – is it something in the air that makes them so versatile?

https://www.herriothh.org.uk/support-our-work/donate/

 After last weekend’s torrential weather which left the  plants  a bit battered but well-watered, the preprarations for the Columbia Community Association Opening Day commenced. And my word, did they commence!

Invitations had gone out to those involved in some way with the refurb, including the classes, who had manoeuvred themselves around the workers with great humour and goodwill.  Thank goodness Marion’s wingman, the adorable handsome Richard had made clear he would be present to enjoy the day, because as he says, he has worked so hard for the team to achieve their goals. Marion told me this, and Marion is cheeky as we all know. I can endorse, however, he really does have  the most lovely blue eyes – so very there.

Richard and Sister Mary at the Opening celebrations

***

So, invitations sorted/replies coming in, but of course it was business as usual in the run up to Opening Day, with Gentle Yoga Years at the start of the week, Warm Spaces were welcomed from 11am till 3pm, followed by private hire for dance practice.

The CCA’s bespoke flag was sorted out and would fly high on Friday and will, of course, be visible on google earth.  Shake that Boogie came in for their session and  and  Armchair Yoga too, which will be increasing to two sessions on a Tuesday. Of course the dancers were in the centre during the week, and will practice during the school holidays because they are so determined to be winners. Of course, the Forever Young Bingo ladies were in, bringing cheer to the centre. Then, with Friday almost upon them, it was time to get into gear for the ribbon cutting, buffet tempting, Opening Day.

The buffet and just a few of the audience, including Marion who seems to be wondering if Margaret was going to go too far (she knows me too well!)

***

Outside Red Shoes Bob was busy with the weed killer, convinced someone made it their business to plant fast growing newbies every night to keep him busy. Meanwhile the lovely Sam was busy inside feather duster in hand, Hettie at her heels, making sure everything was spotless. Champagne flutes were washed, furniture moved around, tables  laid, there so much to do it seemed, but it would all be worth it.

Marion was worried about wind and rain. Would the balloons take off, or even worse, burst. ‘But we have learned to dance in the rain,’ she explained to Frost Magazine before nipping out to have her nails done,  for ‘those hands that do not do dishes,’ she also explained.

Dianne about to launch into her Gypsy RoseLee dance, as the post party clear up began

***

Friday dawned. There was hustle and bustle from 8am: deliveries, comings and goings,everyone was so excited. It was happening. The project had begun what seemed years ago, and at last it was complete. No-one could really believe it, especially the two who had managed the project every minute of every day, Marion and Bob.

Linda came to put the bits and bobs out on the tables, Victoria, from Balloons and Beyond sorted the balloon arch, the buffet from the wonderful Di’s Diner arrived  Bottles of champers chilled merrily in the fridge, Sarah had agreed to be the  meeter and greeter on Champagne duty and little Freddie had the job of handing out the bespoke coasters made to commemorate the occasion. All that was left was to welcome their friends to the community’s beloved centre and to hope the guest of honour, Margaret Graham was not held up in traffic.

Mr Millington, who organised the children’s painting talking to some of those who had moved to the coffee room. One of the people there was a child, who had contributed to the painting, and had a good chat with him. in the second image, Marion is talking to a few of the audience with Margaret hidden behind the wonderful flowers.

***

All the time the preparations were underway Marion was thinking of those wonderful people who became involved as the project proceeded. ‘There are so many ‘thanks’ to so many people: strangers became friends, and so too the lads who worked so hard updating the building. The CCA have striven to employ local businesses for flooring, blinds, doors, solar panels, etc. not forgetting Equans who had an amazing input throughout as the chosen contractors appointed by GENTOO. Everyone has gone above and beyond. So many wonderful people, some donating, some supporting, some hiring the rooms, and of course, thanks to Pauline, our treasurer who is leaving to enjoy her retirement and goes with every good wish from us all. The journey has been exhilarating and we have loved every minute.‘ said Marion. ‘Finally, the wonderful people of Brady Square have promised to write down their memories, and any they can remember of their parents’ experiences, of growing up so a record can be kept at the centre for future generations.  Some excerpts are hopefully to be published in Frost Magazine, if it seems like a good idea. But that is for later. To conclude,  it is only fitting that Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine’s editor has the last word or two or three. So over to her.

Margaret and Marion taking a breather, and then Annie Newsome’s little girl fiddling with the scissors about to cut the ribbon, and milking the moment for all she was worth.

***

Crikey, I thought I’d never get a word in edgeways. Margaret Graham here, to say what a wonderful day Friday was. My mum, Annie Newsome, and my Uncle Stan Newsome of the Long Pull, would have been proud, but worried I would start showing off, and  I wouldn’t stop talking. I haven’t cut a ribbon before and I did indeed feel the power beginning to go to my head, but one look from Dick and I settled down, or I’d be told to be quiet and go and wait in the car.

Frost Magazine and our team has so enjoyed being part of the Columbia Community Association’s journey, and to get to know you all over the months. Dick and I had a lovely chat with so many of you ‘on the day’, and with the Flowing Energy Solutions crew who had sorted solar energy for the centre, and who had been determined to attend.

At last, as I stood there, scissors in hand, I was able to voice my thoughts, and mention the magazine’s (and our readers’) admiration and delight to see ‘the community’ in action. For without the support of the community this would not have happened, no matter how hard the team, especially Marion and Bob, had worked. (They never stopped working, planning, approaching the unwary for favours…)To see such a community  in 2023 is heartwarming, and moving. This is just the beginning for the new Brady Square community centre, so bravo to all of you, and Frost Magazine will be following you, always, and indeed, Margaret will be back for the Friday coffee mornings, to catch up on the gossip.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Joffe Books highly-anticipated, brand-new mystery from Michael Leese — THE TRAP, featuring Detective Martha Munro, is here, and for just £0.99 | $0.99*.

Detective Martha Munro is back on the beat investigating a seemingly pointless case of cat abductions. But then she discovers one family have just received a terrifying threat: Next time it’s the kids.  The killer has eyes and ears everywhere. Can Martha outsmart them without falling into a devious trap?

CLICK HERE TO GET THE TRAP BY MICHAEL LEESE FOR $0.99 | £0.99

*This special launch price is available for a limited time only. Please check this price offer is live and available in your location before purchasing.

Now for some more new books from Joffe Books, just a short selection. There are many more on Joffe Books

A GRIPPING HISTORICAL COZY MURDER MYSTERY: AS IF BY MAGIC: Discover an utterly charming historical whodunnit that conjures all the intrigue and glamour of the roaring ’20s.  Filled with fabulous flappers, magnetic aristocrats and enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the final page. £0.99/$0.99

FIVE CAPTIVATING HISTORICAL FAMILY SAGAS IN ONE BOX SET.  Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century, this unforgettable series follows the Sinclair family — and all their trials and tribulations — through the decades.Perfect for fans of Outlander  £0.99/$0.99

NEW FROM CHOC LIT

TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND FOR THE WEDDING OF THE SUMMER. Three sisters. One wedding. Infinite possibilities . . .  With hidden secrets and the discovery of old flames, will it still be the simple ceremony bride-to-be Emma was hoping for? With endless laughter it’s sure to be an unforgettable summer. £0.99/$0.99

GREAT-VALUE BOX SET – YOUR SUMMER READING SORTED. £0.99/$0.99

Fall head over heels in love with Sue Moorcroft’s uplifting stories and prepare to be swept off your feet with these wonderfully feel-good romances.  Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas, Cathy Bramley, Sarah Morgan or Emma Bennet.

LUME HAS FABULOUS BOOKS TOO. HEAVENS, WE ARE BEING SHOWERED WITH ALL SORTS OF GOODIES.

A GRIPPING BRITISH MURDER MYSTERY SERIES — BOOKS 5-9 OUT NOW.  A few days after Jan’s brother Edwards jets off to Peru, a journalist is found murdered — with Edward’s wallet in his pocket.  When death strikes closer to home, Jan fears she may be next. £0.99/$0.99

Now let’s hear about more from Ellie Henderson who is the author of A Summer Wedding on ArronArran ‘

What’s the inspiration for this book?  The isle of Arran is one of my favourite places in the world and I try to go as often as I can! However during lockdown I couldn’t get there and really missed it. I decided to be creative and write a book set on Arran which helped a bit! I wanted to write something completely different to what I normally write about and the book just kind of happened.

Tell us about your characters? I am always really interested in people’s stories and their different perspectives on life so I have always got loads of different characters in my head for potential books. I enjoy reading about strong and relatable female characters and the relationships between sisters. I wanted Kirsty, Amy and Emma to have completely contrasting and independent lives which were also supported by the bond of their relationships with each other. I also wanted to touch on real life emotions and challenges that people face every day. I always hope that the characters’ lives will resonate with readers.

Tell us about the setting?

Anyone who knows me will know that Arran is one of my favourite places. It’s magical and as soon as I step off the ferry — regardless of cancellations or delays which can be common — I immediately relax and feel at home. Arran is an island off the west coast of Scotland and the journey time from Ardrossan Harbour is around 50 minutes. It is only about 20 miles long and 10 miles wide but is often described as Scotland in miniature because it has a bit of everything — mountains, beaches, forests, standing stones, a castle, history, amazing wildlife not to mention lovely cafes and restaurants and friendly people. This book is set in the main village of Brodick.

How do you want readers to feel after they’ve read your book?  I hope readers will find a bit of escapism in this book and feel uplifted and keen to visit Arran! I also hope they will want to read more as I have written a Christmas book set on Arran and have a third book underway.

What’s your favourite thing about this book?  I loved the process of writing this book and working with the Choc Lit and Joffe team and am feeling very grateful that it’s being published. I also love the cover! It’s tricky to find just one favourite thing . . . however if pressed, then perhaps it is the location. When I started writing the book it was very much my way of creatively coping during lockdown. I just hope readers may get a sense of what a magical place Arran.

Find more of Joffe’s books at: Joffe Books