On this beautiful weekend, with hoar frost transforming the landscape, and perhaps creating a slightly mysterious feel, Joffe’s book of the week seems fitting. This London-based crime thriller series by Michelle Kidd — SEVEN DAYS TO DIE is out now for the very special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99, and very gripping it is too. 
Meet Detective Jack MacIntosh in this absolutely new crime thriller complete with a fabulous twist – gasp – you won’t see coming

Dectective Michael Angel by Roger Silverwood Books 22-28 £0.99/$0.99

What about this for a great buy – a 7, yes SEVEN book box set to keep you out of mischief for ages and ages…

Detective MacIntosh is hunting a brutal killer on the streets of London. A killer who delights in playing twisted games. Who will win this battle of wits…?

Filled with quirky characters and heart-stopping suspense, Roger Silverwood’s enthralling mysteries are perfect for fans of R.D. Wingfield, Colin Dexter, Peter Robinson, Reginald Hill or Agatha Christie.

Detectives Paterson & Clocks by Steve Parker Box set Books 6-8 £0.99/$0.99 (fabulous jacket) 

Be still my beating heart: tension and laugh aloud humour. What’s not to like… and love… and adore…    Meet Paterson and Clocks — the detectives who never play by the rules. Love it, love it.

Falling in Love at Nightingale Farm by Emma Bennet  £0.99/$0.99

For the romantic at heart, try this: Polly, a Londoner through and through is asked to help John save his farm. The only problem is that John’s son doesn’t think she knows anything about farming. It’s a tricky start, but soon farm and Polly and… Nope, read it. Ahhh.

Now, let’s lift the curtain into Joffe Books back-room gang and hear from the newbie  – Jasmine Callaghan  who, amongst other things, writes the blurb for Joffe’s books. This, my friends, is a tricky job as I have found when my publishers once upon a time asked me to try my hand at blurbs for my own books. Disaster! So I was pretty smartly relieved of the task.

WHAT I DO

Joining at the very beginning of 2023, I’m the newest proud member of the Joffe Books team. In a nutshell, I project manage some of our incredible titles (both new and from our backlist) and have the exciting job of writing our blurbs and briefing our amazing catalogue of talented cover designers.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR

I can’t wait to publish lots of brilliant books! I’m privileged to be working alongside an incredibly talented bunch who I have lots to learn from. I’m also excited to make my own mark on Joffe Books, especially regarding diversity in the industry.

FAVOURITE BOOKS

I love the Gothic, so naturally I’m a huge fan of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Fun fact: German soldiers used the book as a code to send secret messages during WW2. I also regularly find myself re-reading His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, The Stranger by Albert Camus and The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji. I’ll stop now because I could go on forever.

You can find out more on offer with Joffe Books here 

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 Wainwright Memories is required reading but more than that, it must be kept safe. For it is a book worth stroking, reading, and basically treating  like a precious treasure. Could that be anything to do with the author,  Chris Butterfield, who is an ardent admirer, not to mention collector of all things Wainwright? Well, of course.

Butterfield has turned his passion for Wainwright’s life and work into 220 pages printed on high-quality photographic paper, containing invaluable insights from Wainwright’s former publisher, Andrew Nichol and recreations of beloved Wainwright photographs. It is  beautifully presented, and quite frankly, is the No 1 gift for a walker, or Wainwright fan.

‘Never let it be said that you can’t turn your life’s passion into your work,” says Butterfield. ‘I can’t think of anything more worthwhile than introducing more people to Wainwright and to the Lake District itself. There’s no more beautiful place on earth to walk and lose a day… or two.”

Hmmm, actually the Yorkshire Dales are pretty good too, just saying, and Hadrian’s Wall has views that satisfy. Perhaps an idea for Butterfield to pursue? But enough of my ramblings…

So, what is within the covers?

Wainwright Memories chronicles three little-known stories involving Alfred Wainwright that took place over three consecutive years, 1988-90. The stories are based on reminiscences by Wainwright’s former publisher Andrew Nichol and include illustrative maps by Pictorial Guide reviser Chris Jesty.

Chris Butterfield, an inveterate walker, grabs us by the hand, and revisits several locations featured in each story. In this way past and present photographs and stories take us into another world, one we are reluctant to leave.

The Scotland Trip: Alfred Wainwright loved Scotland and visited regularly. A close friendship developed with his publishing manager, Andrew Nichol, and Wainwright decided to invite him on his next holiday – and the wives came too.  So all four walked amongst  the  stunning beauty of Scotland. It is a trip that Butterfield revisits, and therefore so do we.

Story Two is The Unfinished Book: Wainwright started work on a new book to complement his best-selling guidebook A Coast to Coast Walk. It was intended for those who prefer to meander and sightsee rather than tackle the hills, but would it ever come to fruition? It starts at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast and ends at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire Coast that crosses three of England’s finest National Parks. I found it fascinating accompanying Wainwright and Andrew, and then Chris and Priscilla Butterfield.

The Langdale Shoot: way back Andrew wanted some new photographs taken of Wainwright to be preserved as part of his legacy. Their good friend Ken Shepherd would be the photographer for one of Wainwright’s final photo shoots in the Lake District. This project produced some stunning photographs, as does Butterfield as he revisits some locations. These include-

But… hang on.  Enough.  You need to read the book yourselves, but carefully. It is beautifully presented, and holds within its pages the essence of Alfred Wainwright, this quiet, reserved walker who opened the eyes of so many to the glories of our wonderful country. Just as Chris Butterfield does, just as evocatively as his hero.

Butterfield explains: “This book was a true labour of love, and it’s been fantastic to see the impact it’s already had on those who’ve read it. Whether it’s their first introduction to Wainwright, or whether they see him as a lifelong guide to the fells, Wainwright Memories has something for all to explore and discover.”

Frost Magazine couldn’t agree more. It truly is a must read, and keep safe book. And should be bought as a gift for all those friends who love to walk.

Wainwright Memories is available now:  https://chrisbutterfield.com/books and

https://www.alfredwainwright.co.uk/               @ £24.99

Would you believe it was snowing in good old Brady Square!  Snow, snow snow and the electricians arrived but alas, as we all know the external contractors have postponed their starting date, which was perhaps just as well as they would most probably have been laid off with the weather. But never mind, on with the amazingly busy Cultural Creatives  who, under the guidance of Joy, were making bespoke dishcloths this week,  and now such good news: more sessions booked for MARCH

Now, to sunny thoughts: the CCA is liaising with the powers that be for Solar Panels, and of course there is a shower of  paperwork which needs to be filled in, so they have been scooted along to Pauline, who has just returned from holiday. Everything crossed for a successful conclusion.

The ladies from Shake that Boogey livened the place up no end on Wednesday. Marion shared with Frost Magazine that Graham, the yummy sparky, obediently shook his boogey to Little Richard’s Tutti Frutti. While later Aimee and her snazzy little dancers set the pace at the centre. Lordy, it’s all go in Brady Square.

Uchi delivering her sermon

The Redeemed Christian Church God group really enjoyed delivering their first service and welcomed Thelma, one of the CCA’s senior members with open arms, and as if that wasn’t enough another 100 hats were bagged and ready for delivery to Sister Mary for her beloved Seafarers.

Ross, a joiner from Equans did a great job of fitting the trims on the window sills, these people are so supportive and really care about our community centre and the people who use it. CCA  have gained so many friends over these past months.

Lovely Lynn nipped in to see how the team and centre were doing for tea and coffee and said they would keep the CCA supplied. The CCA’s stock of tea bags put Asda to shame. Coffee is on the shopping list. Caffeine is needed on a regular basis.

‘The kindness and generosity of our community is amazing,’ said Marion. ‘Every minute we are reminded how lucky we are. Not just hats, tea/coffee and on and on, but a  beautiful standard lamp donated for our warm spaces room. Sadly, we  didn’t get the donor’s  name but we are very grateful to her.’

Now, a hearty thank you to the ladies who donated the playing cards for the games room and the 20% off everything vouchers for Bon Marché, a great saving and very much appreciated. And Marion continues: ‘Special thanks to Sandra who popped in with some Super Mario Nintendo puzzles. Boys and their toys, Red Shoes Bob just couldn’t wait to assemble the motorbike.’

Then yet another visitor. Alyson Chapman former owner of Bells who is still donating items to the community centre. ‘A special lady with a heart of gold.

The Forever Young Bingo Ladies arrived for their Thursday afternoon session, complete with the scrumptious delights that always accompany them. Linda insisted that Marion and friends have a slice or two. Of course, out of pure politeness, nothing to do with greed, they accept with alacrity.

The Forever Young Ladies were over the moon with news of the the vouchers. And to top it all off Amazon delivered the CCA’s order, and Red Shoes Bob got busy fitting a Multifold Hand Towel Dispenser in the kitchen.

So, as for the weekend… There are many activities planned. Dani’s Diddodancers, Aimee’s dance group, 7th birthday party and the Redeemed Christian Church of God… Let us draw breath. Gasp…

But while we’re gasping: ‘Let’s reflect on the priceless gift of kindness, said Marion. . ‘With special thanks to Jennifer Kelley for her thoughtfulness and the beautiful red roses.’

Whatever will next week bring? One can only wait impatiently.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

The Joffe Books team has told  Frost Magazine about the theart pounding crime thriller which is Book of the Week. From debut author Jon Barton — DIVE is out this weekend for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99.*

Read on to see what all the excitement is about – indeed why not just  Dive into London’s most dangerous crime scene — the River Thames: a police diver whose home life is imploding.  A high-flying detective recently thrown out of the CID. A case that could get them both killed.

So, as you gasp for breath (it does sound a pacey good ‘un) click here and buy Dive for a mere £0.99/$0.99

But hang onto your hats – there are more:

A False Report by Veronica Heley  – £0.99/$0.99

Oh Yummie, a cozy crime, my utter obsession at the moment.  A TWISTY COZY MYSTERY FROM A BESTSELLING AUTHOR. Amateur sleuth Bea Abbott knows perfectly well that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But she can’t resist an invitation to tea at the Ritz, even if it comes with a side order of murder . . . Bea and her band of misfits have their hands full in the latest quirky mystery set in London’s leafy Kensington, packed with humour and intrigue. Do give it a go.

Box set of Classic Cambridge Murder Mysteries by V.C Clinton-Baddeley

Splendid Value says Frost, as does Sunday Times at £0.99/$0.99

So don’t waste a moment, enjoy these  FOUR classic whodunnits from a golden age of crime writing featuring opera-loving, puzzle-solving academic Dr Davie. Bet you can’t wait to begin.

The Lives We Left Behind by Dominic Luke £0.99/$0.99

Ah, a  brand new heartbreaking saga…  As a saga writer myself under various names (though I am so seduced by cozy crime I am writing one now and having a great time)  I am so pleased to see this on the list.

Mrs Eloise Brannan refuses to believe there will be a war but before too long she can’t deny the inevitable. Eloise’s son Roderick is determined to fight and even cousin Dorothea has left for London to serve as a frontline nurse.Then Eloise receives a telegram that changes the course of the Brannan family forever . . . 

INDIE AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

 Benedict Brown is a Welsh-Irish-Englishman, originally from South London, but now living in the north of Spain. He’s been writing ever since he was at school and ended up doing an MA in Creative Writing at university in Wales. Benedict published his first mystery in 2019, and now has two bestselling series.

Benedict’s Lord Edgington Investigates series features a genius detective and his not-quite-so-brainy grandson solving whodunnits in a selection of luxurious country piles.
There are currently eight books in the series, several of which have topped the mystery bestseller charts, and the first book, Murder at the Spring Ball, is currently available for the special price of just £0.99 | $0.99.  His contemporary series, The Izzy Palmer Mysteries, is just as twisty and puzzling, and packed full of quirky characters.

Why not click here to join Benedict’s Readers Club and get a free Lord Edgington Novella.

So, let’s learn more about this author:

What was your inspiration for your mystery series?

My Lord Edgington Investigates books have found a wide readership, but when I was first coming up with the idea, I just wanted to create a series that my dad would have loved. Dad was always a big reader and particularly adored Agatha Christie-style country house mysteries. The first book, Murder at the Spring Ball, starts on the seventy-fifth birthday of my detective, Lord Edgington. I felt this was a fitting tribute to my dad, who died of Alzheimer’s aged seventy-four. Each book is dedicated to him, and I hope he would have devoured each and every one.

What’s your favourite thing about the series?

Personally, my favourite thing about them is the chance they give me to travel back through time. I love researching the stories and I even include a chapter at the back explaining my influences and the fascinating things I learnt when writing each book. My mum was a history teacher for fifty years and she definitely gave me a love of the past which helped when I came to write this series.

Tell us about your characters?

At the centre of my historical series is the relationship between the imperious Lord Edgington, a retired policeman, and his naïve grandson Christopher. In each book their relationship develops, and the initially bumbling assistant becomes a little more capable and confident as the pair investigate countless twisting mysteries. The books are written for adults, but I know that readers appreciate the unique perspective of the youthful narrator.

Tell us about your setting?

Another thing I really enjoy when writing these books is finding out about different parts of Britain. My wife is my graphic designer and we seek out beautiful houses to include, which often influence the stories. My characters live in palatial Cranley Hall, in my home county of Surrey, but they often have to travel to investigate murders and have been to the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, London and Dartmoor. My recent book The Crimes of Clearwell Castle was particularly influenced by the setting and I had a lot of fun weaving local traditions and legends into the plot.

What’s the biggest distraction in your writing day?

Without a doubt, the biggest distraction I face is my four-year-old daughter, Amelie. She will come into my office where I write, climb on the desk, attempt to persuade me to play with her and quite often succeeds.Being a full-time writer means working from home and being able to spend a lot of time with her, so I really can’t complain. She will soon have a rival for my attention, though, as we’re expecting a second baby in March. I’m trying to get as much writing done as possible before our lives are turned upside down once more.

As a mother of four, Benedict, two is chicken feed.

Find more news and goodies from Joffe Books here

Graham and Dom                                                                Liam

Fabulous start to Week 25 of the refurbishment for Marion who whispered to me that the Yummy Boys have returned to install the intruder alarm . This was all well and good for CCA but somewhat cruel to me… How could I dash to  Columbia Community Association and just happen to be there when they arrived?  Hey ho. Perhaps there could be a fault as time goes by, and they have to return.? Just saying…

Back in the real world Equans Monday meeting took place as always and the fabulous Cultural Creatives who were starting their twelve-week programme started work. On the agenda was Draught Excluders and pretty darn good they look too.

And then, horrors! A blocked toilet, and soaking wet floor, but SCC were informed and within two ticks, it was all in hand – so to speak! And let’s face it, CCA has more toilets. Marion tells Frost Magazine that there was a superb response from Property Services. It transpired it was the drains, and what’s more, the Air Raid shelter flooded again.

Marion couldn’t resist muttering a collection of her grandma’s immortal words: “It never rains but it pours” “Patience is a virtue” “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” “No pain, no gain”

Drainage lads Mick and Gary sprang to work. So many men… Did grandma have a saying for that? Margaret wonders.

Mick and Gary

The LED lights were delivered. Oh goody, the Yummy Boys to remain on site for a while yet it seems.  ‘And the adorable Liam,’ so says Marion, ‘is teaching me new things daily. For instance I am your girl if you need to know what an Earth Rod is.’

In spite of Sky being down in the area,  CCA use a different internet supplier and all was well.  The CCA also put a post on social media informing the community and inviting anyone who wishes to use their connection to come along and do so.

      
The CCA  are very much looking forward to hosting the Redeemed Christian Church of Christ inaugural service on Saturday, followed by a weekly service starting this Sunday 15th January, everyone is welcome to come along and join in.

Marion was hoping that the external contractors, ACT would be on sight on Monday 16th but there has been a delay. We must wait for news on that. But today, on Friday 13th (!)the radiators are to be encapsulated.  The lads from RHODAR are a tonic and happy in their work.

Alan from Equans has dropped off the windowsill trims ready for the joiners. Once they are done that is all the window ledges complete. Another job ticked off the list. The  Brady Square room will then be ready to decorate.

Happily, hats keep arriving courtesy of knitters in the community as well as Plain n Purl. Lamps have been donated for the comfy warm spaces room, and Marion tells us that someone  commented, “It’s like home from home.” How nice and comforting it  is to hear that.

So much going on, but amazingly, business carries on as usual with all the wonderful groups and classes busy busy busy. One is left to wonder what on earth next week have in store but Marion and her team will handle it all with huge pleasure.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

You may have guessed from our recent feature that at Frost Magazine we’re hooked on Clinique products. We love that Clinique’s focus is on pure, beneficial products backed up by dermatologist-driven research, meaning they offer not just established, trusted products but also innovative additions to the family.
So I’m pretty excited to discover their new cleanser Take The Day Off’TM Charcoal Cleansing Balm. ‘Just a cleanser?’ I hear you mutter? Absolutely not. This is a cleansing balm with Japanese charcoal, Safflower seed oil and Linoleic acid. And what makes this so clever? Glad you asked. You didn’t? Never mind.

This cleansing balm contains a perfect combination of active ingredients for people with oily or combination skin, particularly if they’re prone to acne or spots. But why?
Firstly the charcoal. Charcoal is one of nature’s miracles. Its created by slow-burning wood without oxygen – that’s it, and yet it has so many beneficial properties, one of which is its ability to draw out toxins, so it really cleanses the skin deeply but gently and draws out any nasties. Charcoal could be a little drying on its own, however the safflower seed oil adds loads of moisture and also naturally calms inflammation, so the two ingredients together are great for acne-prone skin. And for extra oomph Clinique have also included linoleic acid, which adds even more moisture and has more anti-inflammatory powers too. This is a great blend and I love it. It’s recommended particularly for oily or combination skin, and the safflower oil is particularly great for dissolving hard to remove makeup too.
So how was it to use? Black in colour, due to the charcoal, it really is a balm – soft and light-weight, creating a thin silky layer as it converted from a balm to a fine oil as I massaged it into my skin. Then I just rinsed and patted dry and my skin felt great – really clean and soft, and my makeup had just melted away. I’m addicted to it and can’t wait to use it to remove the heavy makeup after my next dance competition. Gentle but effective -that’s my kind of cleanser.

Do check out the Clinique website – it has a wealth of useful information on skin care, and why not treat yourself to Take The Day Off’TM Charcoal Cleansing Balm? Normal price is from £30 for a big jar (125ml). You’ll love it.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.

I love Clinique. Skin care fads come and go, but Clinique is established, reliable and innovative. Your face is the first thing people see – so why would you trust its care to anything else?

As a doctor, I’m only too aware that we absorb many things through our skin – good and bad, and it concerns me that not all skin care products contain only beneficial ingredients. So thank goodness for Clinique, because they’ve embraced medical science from the off, launching the first-ever dermatologist-developed skin care products back in 1968. Researching better products is still their major focus, meaning they have the benefit of experience and innovation – so important for anything going on your skin.

All Clinique’s products are gentle, non-irritant and yet powerful, allowing your skin to be the very best it can. Whatever your skin type, they’ve got something specifically for you.

So when I was asked to test Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM I was so excited I even did a little dance (my two young grandsons did roll their eyes, but fortunately they’re resigned to their grandma’s eccentricities).

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM contains barley, sunflower and cucumber​, plus natural moisturising factors (NMFs) to balance and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, meaning the moisture stays in, where it should be. It’s best for dry, very dry or combination dry skin types. It hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier – keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out for up to 8 hours.

I love the familiar yellow colour of this very light moisturiser. Within seconds of applying, it had absorbed completely and my skin felt immediately different – softer, smoother, and even my hard-core wrinkles look decidedly less sure of themselves. There was no pungent perfume, just pure natural moisturisation and my skin is saying ‘thank you’ right now.

This moisturiser is just perfect for my (definitely dry) skin but if you’re not sure what to choose, then you simply must try their Clinical Reality tool –let the app take a photo of your face and it gives an immediate readout on your skin hydration, skin tone evenness, irritation and blemishes and much more. Then just answer a couple of simple questions about your skin and you’ll get a personal skin care recommendation – it took me less than 5 minutes and was really informative (sadly confirming my skin is no longer that of a twenty-year old).

So do check out the Clinique website – it has a wealth of useful information on skin care and why not treat yourself to Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+^TM ? Normal price is from £20 (for 50 ml) however check out their great deals with 200ml for just £35 at the moment.

So if you’re still pondering on New Year Resolutions – a Clinique face care regime is an enjoyable and effective one – treat yourself.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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.