Once the clocks go back, and we are overtaken by the dark nights, watching Bake Off becomes a must; and whilst I could never hope to emulate those talented bakers, it doesn’t mean that I don’t want to give it a go.
A kitchen filled with the scents of baking is always comforting, and never more so than in the run up to Christmas. I then spend far too long searching for the baking tins which seem to migrate throughout the kitchen into a variety of cupboards and drawers.
But no longer, as the Green Pan Reserve Bakeware 6 – piece set stack neatly inside one another. These come in a stylish range of colours, and I chose the Pine Green to match my kitchen, the two other colours being Oxford Blue and Black. Featuring the beautiful and eye- catching gold PVD coated stainless steel handles.
My wife likes these not because they are beautiful, which she agrees they are, but because with the exception of the muffin tray, these are all dishwasher friendly, and for some inexplicable reason, she thinks that I am a messy baker.
Each item is sturdy with an impressive weight that exudes quality, combining performance and beauty, heating up quickly and evenly up to 230° C in the oven.
They are perfect for planet – friendly baking, as the range has 2 layers of PFAS – Free ceramic non – stick coating on durable aluminised steel that won’t warp or bend.
The set is comprised of one of each of the following 6 items. A baking tray, roasting tray with roasting rack (and I would also use this as a cooling rack), round cake tin, loaf tin and a 6 cup muffin tin.
I would buy this for an aspiring baker, it would make the perfect Christmas gift for the star baker in your life, and should you see me on next year’s Bake Off you’ll know how it all started.
Green Pan Reserve Bakeware 5 – piece set in Oxford Blue, Black and Pine Green, RRP £129 greenpan.co.uk
Before the Killling by Margie Benedict is fabulous, and don’t you think the title grips before you even start to read – you just know it will be the cutting edge mystery thriller it is. Gulp.
Let me tell you just a little more… because the past doesn’t stay buried. It waits for Cassie to return to her coastal Massachusetts hometown, which indeed she does.
In the summer of 1973, the day after Cassie’s return, the town is shaken by a brutal killing – and someone close to her is accused of the crime. The investigation tears through the community, leaving behind guilt, suspicion, and secrets Cassie can’t forget. Seven years later, Cassie’s life is still defined by that night. An unexpected and inexplicable event gives her a chance to finally uncover the truth. But as she retraces the days leading up to the murder, she begins to realize the story she remembers isn’t the whole one—and that someone has been keeping dangerous watch all along.
Now, hunted by a killer who knows more than she does, Cassie must piece together what really happened – before the past and the killer catch up to her. (Book 1 The Killing Hour) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G24SFSGB/ Pre-order @ £0.99 instead of £2.99
Dark Corners by Alex Walters – Volume 2 – the Murrain Series – a tense crime thriller.
When a child’s body is found, DCI Kenny Murrain uncovers buried secrets and a killer ready to strike again. A missing child’s body is found on the edge of the Peak District. As DCI Kenny Murrain and his team investigate, more attempted child abductions are reported. Murrain’s instincts tell him this is a community with secrets, and those secrets have their roots deep in the past. Unexpected connections surface as he uncovers mysteries long buried… And a high-profile child killing two decades before. Then another child goes missing, and Murrain and his team must race to identify the killer before it’s too late … I confess I usually skip child killings, but this is written with humanity and empathy, and of course, that – ‘what happens next’ – magic.
Never let her goby LK Chapman Book Three in the Chilling Psychological Trilogy (No Escape)
Oh crikey All he wants is his family – no matter the cost. But hang on a moment, it might be an idea to have just a little glass of something calming (a gin) before you begin to read … You see, I fear this jaw-dropping thriller about obsession and jealousy will keep you up all night.
A while ago Felicity escaped from Jay, her obsessive cruel ex, and thought she was safe, as she built a new life with Scott and son Leo in a seaside town. Little does she know that Jay has tracked her down and wormed his way into the confidence of Vicky, a woman from Scott’s past who has her own very sharp axe to grind … This is the taut and gripping finale (yes really – boo hoo) of the No Escape trilogy, Jay’s obsession with Felicity pushes him to ever more desperate lengths to get her back. Felicity soon discovers that he’ll stop at nothing, and history begins to repeat itself as she finds alone, terrified, and at Jay’s mercy once again. Can she escape him before it’s too late? …Nope, I’m not going to tell you … Read it and see. Wonderful.
Hope on the Waterways by Milly Adams – The gripping finale of the historical trilogy which is touched by romance – well, more than a touched – there are three girls after all. Add to all this, there is that final question … should Sylvia keep a promise which will see her gone from the waterways, or will she, as closest friends, Polly and Verity hope, choose love of a different kind? Nope, no answer forthcoming, because yet again, I will leave that for you to find out for yourselves. Let’s just say thatwhen all seems lost, the three waterway girls find strength in each other and in that most important of emotions, especially in wartime – hope. Sensitively plotted and building to a satisfying pitch.
Set in January 1945, West London: Sylvia Simpson is flourishing in her role aboard the Marigold and has quickly become an invaluable member of the waterways crew and their little family. But as the V-I and V-2 rockets draw closer, someone from her past is about to burst into their lives. Meanwhile Polly and Verity are still waiting for their sweethearts’ safe return, and soon find they have their own battles to fight on the home front. It will take all their resolve to keep their heads above water, but as long as they stick together there will always be hope. I found the setting of wartime canal transport in which girls were recruited is a most satisfying world within which all these disparate characters find out just what they are made of. Heavens, could I do what they did? I fear not.
When we were walking Polly over golden leaves in Sowerby churchyard looking for squidgies (which everyone knows are squirrels for Polly to chase) we saw this 1902 headstone for a lady – who was …. Relict of her husband.
I was intrigued. Relict? I nipped home and researched: relict means ‘left behind’. relicts are widows, and the term was in common use between the 17th and 19th centuries. It became obvious the more I thought about it, that the term underlined the fact that a woman’s social standing was dependent on the context of her marriage, so, on the death of her husband, and the start of her emergence as a relict or widow meant – what now?
Just think, widowhood, or relic-hood was a highly precarious situation. Not only did the relict, face grief – if in fact love existed in the marriage, which was so often arranged – but also the social and financial vulnerability as laws governing property and inheritance frequently left widows dependent on the goodwill of their children or other family members. Perhaps a brother, or a cousin. The word Relict was far too often the reminder of a life that had been fundamentally altered by loss.
But… many relicts played pivotal roles in their families, and even communities. As time passed some found themselves navigating complicated inheritance law to secure dosh for their children. Or even gave them time to think, and become determined to change the scenario for their daughters and grand-daughters. After all, the female suffrage movement was stirring.
All so interesting. Or is it just me finding it so? Lord, I do go on.
I love it when people use their initiative to fill a need, and I’m very impressed with Alvin Mills, founder of SHYNE. As a man of colour, he struggled to find hair products for men with textured hair. He decided that if a specialist brand didn’t exist by the time he’d completed university, he would create one. In 2018, he graduated, and SHYNE was born.
What makes SHYNE stand out is that all their products are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, whereas parabens, silicone and mineral oils are conspicuous by their absence. Let me talk about two of their great range.
SHYNE Curl Defining Cream does what it says on the tin – after applying to dry (or wet) hair, curls immediately look defined, shiny and in great condition. There are some excellent ‘before and after’ images on the website. And the secret of its success? It’s packed full of fabulous natural oils, including shea butter, castor oil and coconut oil, which have been used traditionally to moisturize and promote hair growth. At only £13 for 100ml this is a great buy.
Although I am neither a man, nor do I have textured hair, I couldn’t resist trying SHYNE Hair And Beard Oil (I hasten to add, for my hair – I absolutely do not have a beard). Wow, just wow, I’m so glad I did. The light oils soaked into my hair rapidly, leaving it feeling so, so soft. Formulated with a blend of rosemary oil, castor oil, olive oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, black seed oil and patchouli oil, it’s no wonder this product is so effective. It smells wonderful too. At £18 for an easy-to-use 50ml dispenser it can transform your hair.
But there is so much more on the SHYNE website – if you are a man with textured hair, and you’ve been searching for great products, designed with you in mind – look no further.
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.
Frost Magazine has raved about the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener before – with its fine-grained diamond grinding wheel, it’s both exquisitely beautiful and incredibly useful. The first real knife sharpener for the home chef, unusually for a home device, it sharpens the entire bevel of the knife, achieving professional sharpness in minutes.
So it would seem fitting that such an elegant piece of engineering would have a super stylish cover. And I would like to present the NEW MC-1 Cover, tailor made by Jeansverket.
Made from premium denim in Borås, Sweden and finished with a Swedish leather handle, the cover is tailored to protect your sharpener from dust and moisture when not in use – all while looking impeccably sharp. The handle is easily removable for machine washing, ensuring both durability and practicality. Thoughtful details make this cover stand out: a dedicated pocket for storing small items and a sturdy loop secures your EM-15 Edge Marker right where you need it. What a fabulous display for your work top. I really love this cover.
The NEW Jeansverket MC-1 Cover for the Tormek T-1, RRP £45, is available from shop.tormek.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.
Late Checkout: An unputdownable police procedural thriller by Alex Walters (DCI Murrain Series Book 1) in Kindle – a real belter.
DCI Kenny Murrain is called in to a Manchester hotel to take the lead in the investigation when a woman is found murdered. Roll of drums as the crime scene raises more questions than answers: a violent killing, but so precise. No forensics. No witnesses. No clear motive.
More victims are discovered across the region, each bearing the same hallmarks,and it becomes clear only one killer is behind them – methodical, mobile, and always one step ahead. Murrain is forced to rely on the instincts that have always set him apart, but the closer he gets, the more the case begins to unravel in ways no one could have foreseen.Truly good, truly a great price.
Wow, remember Anything for You by LK Chapman? Well, follow Volume 1 with Volume 2: Found You – and let me tell you, it’s pretty damn good.
Just as Felicity begins to believe she’s safe with her new life and nice bloke, the shadow of her violent past looms – because Jay is out there, and he isn’t finished with her.
She’s escaped once, acquired a new name, a new hairstyle, and supportive Scott. Though the nightmares still creep up on her, she’s starting to feel that she may, finally, be safe.
Death Under Palm Trees: A cozy 1930s murder mystery (Jack and Frances Mysteries Book 4) by Carmen Radtke Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVXW2XRP/ @ £1.99
I simply love, love, love cosy murder mysteries, and isn’t this jacket evocative of the 1930s?
Before a party turns deadly Jack and Frances must trade glamour for disguises to unmask a thief – and a killer. So, do they? Hang on, give me a moment. It’s 1931 Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal are all dressed up ready to be guests of honour at a dazzling New Year’s party in Nice. But – oh dear me – instead, their discreet help is needed to help their host solve the theft of government documents – and quickly – before it causes chaos if it bursts upon the public.
Frances dons a maid’s uniform, Jack poses as a chauffeur, and good old Uncle Sal …
Nope, that’s it. Read and enjoy – you know you will.
Let’s start with: King of My Scars by Abby North , which is a romantic thriller combining passion, danger, and heart-stopping suspense, what more could anyone ask? www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDVZQVZ/ Releasing November 6th and can be pre-ordered @£0.99 Available across Europe and beyond.
“He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body.” Arianna has left everything behind — her past, her pain, and the men who broke her. In Las Vegas, she vows never to trust again… until she meets Denham King. He’s dangerous, yet her safest haven. Dark, yet the light that pulls her out of the shadows. But when her past refuses to stay buried, loving him becomes her greatest risk. Such an exciting blend of spice and thrill, King of My Scars marks the beginning of The Kingdom series — and the next chapter for dp worldwide.
A Bridge Through Time by Jennae Vale (Kindle Edition) is Book 1 of 3 of The Bridge Through Time Series . It is a gorgeous travel romance set in the similarly gorgeous Scottish Highlands. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FPXCWF1V/ @ £0.99
It has all the ingredients of a great read: a mysterious stranger, a time-torn romance, and a Highland destiny – Ashley Moore’s journey from modern San Francisco to medieval Scotland will test her heart, her courage, and her fate, for Ashley’s life in San Francisco has hit a few snags, not the least of which involves sightings of a mystery man around every corner. Is she losing her mind or does he really exist? Her search for this grey-eyed stranger leads her to Scotland, and as she crosses a fog-shrouded bridge there he is, a 16th-century Highlander. Cailin MacBayne is no stranger to beautiful women, but has always managed to stay one step ahead of commitment, that is, until he meets Ashley … Read on, it’s only £0.99 after all.
Jennae Vale is a best selling author of romance with a touch of magic. As a history buff from an early age, Jennae often found herself daydreaming in history class–wondering what it would be like to live in the places and time periods she was learning about. Writing time travel romance has given her an opportunity to take those daydreams and turn them, extremely successfully, into stories to share with readers everywhere.
The Waterway Girls by Milly Adams is a moving, and fascinating British WWII saga of friendship. love and resilience and is the first of three in The Waterway Girls series. Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ @ £0.99
In war-torn London, young Polly Holmes leaves bomb damaged London in 1943 to join a narrowboat crew on Britain’s canals – where friendship, resilience, and the hope of new beginnings carry her through the dark days of war. To begin with, though, she has to get to grips with narrowboats, locks, loading and unloading, and finding she has blisters where she didn’t know she had places. Importantly she has to work as a team with her fellow crew members: strong and impetuous Verity who had a bark, but does she bite? And their seasoned skipper, Bet. Together they hold their own, and despite personal tragedies, they power on, learning that there is joy, healing and hope on the waterways, even as the war plays out around them.
Milly Adams (aka bestselling author Margaret Graham and Annie Clarke) found herself chatting with three ladies on a train who were talking about their friend who, in the 2nd WW, had joined the Idle Women (read the book and it explains IW). These lovely train passengers explained how these women supplemented the boaters joining them toiling along canals delivering coal, war materials, this that and the other, day in and day out, ignoring V1s and V2s,and, importantly, snatching relaxing moments amongst the community they came to love – some more than others, of course. So,of course, Milly had to write about these heroes that she hadn’t known existed.
Felicity is at her lowest – vulnerable and emotionally numb after her parents die in a house fire – when she is attracted to volatile and troubled Jay like a moth to a flame.
Allowing herself to be drawn into Jay’s twisted revenge plan against his former best friend, Felicity soon learns that no matter what she does, it will never be enough for Jay. As his jealousy and insecurity tip him into escalating violence against her, Felicity questions everything he has told her about his past and his former girlfriend, Sammie, and hatches a desperate plan to escape … Does she make it? Oh no, Read, enjoy, and discover. A fabulous read.
The Wedding Shroud by Elisabeth Storrs is the first book in the captivating Tale of Ancient Rome three book series by bestselling author Elisabeth Storrs. Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FP2847X6/ @ £0.99
“All the drama and sensuality expected of an historical romance, plus a sensitivity to the realities of life in a very different time and world …” – Ursula K. Le Guin
In 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion.
Enchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome, Caecilia performs rites to delay becoming a mother, thereby postponing true entanglement. Yet as she develops an unexpected love for Mastarna, she’s torn between her birthplace and the city in which she now lives. As war looms, Caecilia discovers Fate is not so easy to control, and she must choose where her allegiance lies. An intriguing and enjoyable novel, it really is.
Who do you trust when everyone around you has secrets? When Stephanie Cooper investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding her great aunt’s death, she discovers a painting thought stolen by the Nazis and destroyed during WWII, hanging in the home of the intriguing James Knox, guitarist with indie band, The Fury.
As Stephanie delves deeper into this mystery she begins to uncover the secrets and deceptions of a previous generation. Gossip in Carlswick village about a tragic wartime romance is mingled with whispers of clandestine visitors, art smuggling and perhaps, collaboration with the Nazis. A totally fascinating novel. You will love it. Such a lovely collection of kindle reads to keep up at night. Aren’t we lucky.
I love audio versions of my own books – somehow it is a luxury to listen to one’s words after the hard work’s finished – being brought to life by just the right narrator, and as Milly Adams ( aka Margaret Graham ) I can remember the thrill of sitting back while various of my creations were suddenly alive. To actually listen to other authors‘ superb novels is an even greater thrill – somehow we can become immersed, lost in the drama. But it has to be the right author, with just the right narrator.
So did this audio version of novellas Interference and Insurgencyof the Verdant Stringserieswritten by bestselling, award winning, author, Michelle Diener, narrated by the wonderfully evocative Natalie Beran,succeed? You bet your bottom dollar it did.
Interference, the first novella, deliciously plotted, introduces the the world of the Verdant String series – seven planets across five solar systems – and Insurgence, a rather longer novella, set within the same world – and it’s just as gripping. You’ll meet fascinating characters including Nyha, Nick Bartega, Tila and Commander Drake as conspiracy and insurgents whirl among the planets. There’s a lot to hold together, but unsurprisingly author Michelle Diener manipulates and brings them very much to life with panache, aided and abetted by supreme narrator Natalie Beran.
Interference introduces the Verdant String series by setting up the world and the central mystery of the insurgents. It follows Nick Bartega as he investigates explosions and becomes involved with Tila when she is taken hostage.
Insurgency is set in the same world and continues the story with a focus on the conspiracy behind the initial incident.
So let me just give you a bit more of a flavour of Interference: the titchy moon of Cepi is on a countdown to destruction, and Nyha Bartali is to take her four wards for what is probably the last possible look at this archaeological wonder, but hang on, there is someone with a different plan – and this someone takes Nyha and her girls hostage. But why? Because this antagonist want to steal Cepi’s secrets. So … Nope, I’m not about to give away any more. Let’s move on to:
Insurgency: The Parnian city of Var is under siege. Nick Bartega is part of the Protection Unit team investigating a string of explosions, but with no discernible pattern, and no one taking responsibility, it’s a condundrum and the team is at a loss. That is, until his neighbour, Tila, is caught up in the first real mistake the insurgents have made. But what is that mistake and where does it lead? Come now, you don’t expect me to tell you, surely?
Bravo author Michelle Diener, is it any wonder she is a bestselling, award-winning author, and of such a wide range of subjects: historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction romance novels. Of course, she knows both sides of the writing world, having worked in publishing and also IT, which I find particularly impressive as it is a field in which I am a total dullard, and which leaves me completely baffled – even distraught with incomprehension. More, Michelle was born in London and now lives in Australia with her husband and children. Australia, particularly WA is a place I love, and to which I have been several times, having decided to write a couple of books (as Margaret Graham) set in the area of Margaret River and Northern Territories. (And yes, the books, and involvement in a subsequent TV documentary were written partly because, of course, I had to toddle over to research. By the way there are no wines like the Margaret River wines, let me tell you).
