Today, 21^st June 2022 is the Summer Solstice. It marks the longest day of the year & the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. It signifies change, new beginning’s, nature & the seasons & has been marked for generations & by cultures all over the world.

Stonehenge an ancient monument was erected around 2500 BCE & some historians believe is was built to establish the date of the summer solstice since the sun rises at a particular point on the horizon on the day of the solstice.

In China the solstice is a time to celebrate femininity & yin forces, complimenting the more masculine yang forces of the winter solstice. According to Chinese tradition the shortest shadow is found on the day of the summer solstice & is demonstrated as such in the Chinese symbol for yang & yin.

The Summer Solstice has been described as the day when the sun seems to stand still. Solstice comes from Latin: sol meaning sun, sistere meaning stand still. On the Summer Solstice the sun reaches its most northern & highest point, hovering & appearing to stand still over the Tropic of Cancer. Then it reverses direction & starts moving south again. The same happens at the Winter Solstice as it reaches its most southerly point directly above the Tropic of Cancer, hovers & appears to be standing still & then reverses direction back to the north.

Interestingly, the Summer Solstice isn’t always on 21^st June, occurring at any point between 20-22^nd June, although 22^nd June solstices are rare. The last one took place in 1975 & there won’t be another until 2203.

Although the Summer Solstice marks the first day of summer, the days start to gradually get shorter at first & then as we approach the winter solstice more rapidly so. But temperatures tend to continue rising with the Summer Solstice often not coinciding with the hottest day because the land masses & oceans take so long to heat up & cool down.

The Summer Solstice also does not mean that the sun is closer to the earth. The sun’s distance to the earth has very little effect over the seasons, which are driven by the Earth’s tilt of 23.4 degrees. Earth is actually furthest away from the sun at this time of year. Earth’s tilt also does not change as it rotates around the sun, what actually changes is the position of the hemispheres in relation to the Sun.

You may also be surprised to read that even though it’s the longest day it’s not the earliest sunrise everywhere, which usually happens a few days before & the latest sunset a few days later. This is due to the imbalances between measuring time using clocks & time measured by sundials.

Within the Arctic circle, there is 24 hour’s daylight on the Summer Solstice & likewise 24 hours of night on the Antartic.

Summer & Winter Solstices have been celebrated around the world for generations. And yoga is no exception. Flowing through sun salutations are a beautiful way to play homage to the Sun & all it does for us providing us with warmth, light, energy. Often you will find people practicing 108 Sun Salutations in a more meditative practice to shift energy & cultivate a sense of surrender.

What is the significance of 108? Well it has appeared in many ancient, sacred texts. In numerology, 108 add up to 9, the number symbolizing universal love, eternity & awakening. In Ayurveda medicine, said to be the oldest medicine on the planet & yoga’s sister science, there are 108 sacred points on the body. In Astronomy the distance between the Sun & the Earth is approx. 108 times the Sun’s diameter. Mala beads have 108 beads & are used to count during meditation.

Tonight I am practicing a Summer Solstice yoga practice in our regular class & then going home to tune into an online event to celebrate this auspicious day. However you choose to honour & celebrate the Summer Solstice may it herald new beginnings to you all.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Her mission is to help everyone discover a more mindful way of living & to encourage them to embrace regular self-care practices for a happier & healthier way of being.

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga message her at alex@alexbannard.com.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

Alternatively please check out her website: alexbannard.com

Joffe are today introducing us to an unforgettable historical family saga series by much-loved author Grace Thompson. Set in South Wales,  these heartwarming tales are just up my, and others, street – and look at the jackets – glorious.

Grace Thompson’s GOODBYE TO DREAMS and PAINT ON THE SMILES, books one and two in the Owen Sisters Family Saga series, are out now for just 99p | 99c for a limited time only.

GOODBYE TO DREAMS by Grace Thompson

South Wales, 1929.    In a beautiful corner of the south Wales coast, the Owen sisters run their family’s grocery shop. The popular seaside resort has always been their haven, even when their mother abandoned them.

Now Cecily and Ada live above the shop with their father and Myfanwy, a six-year-old girl they adopted when her parents died. With the assistance of friends and Willie, their hardworking stable boy, the shop becomes a roaring success. Their deliveries extend to the stalls and cafés on the beach, where one stall handler, Peter, becomes a close friend.

But their success is overshadowed by heartache.   Cecily’s wedding is cancelled.
Ada’s marriage is crumbling.   And a life-changing secret is unveiled.    Relationships will come and go, secrets will be revealed, but will the sisters’ relationship survive it all?

PAINT ON THE SMILES by Grace Thompson

South Wales, 1938.    Summer has arrived in the beautiful coastal corner of south Wales where for Cecily and Ada Owen business is booming. Holidaymakers are beginning to arrive and the cafés, tea stalls and shops lining the Pleasure Beach are clamouring to place orders with the Owen sisters’ shop.

But clouds are gathering on the horizon. War is looming and Ada’s husband, Phil, is released from prison. Phil’s arrest humiliated Ada and made the ugly sisters the subject of local gossip.  Phil is still a dangerous crook and Ada no longer recognizes the man she married. Meanwhile, Myfanwy is harbouring unspoken resentments — towards the mother who so long denied her — and is planning a cruel revenge.     Can the Owen sisters survive what’s coming their way and celebrate the end of the war with hope in their hearts?    This unputdownable historical family saga is packed with memorable characters you’re sure to fall in love with.

Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Rosie Goodwin, Dilly Court, Tania Crosse, Carole Llewellyn, Fern Britton, Faith Hogan and Bill Kitson.

CLICK HERE TO BUY GOODBYE TO DREAMS BY GRACE THOMPSON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

CLICK HERE TO BUY PAINT ON THE SMILES BY GRACE THOMPSON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

And… And…  Evans Above by Rhys Bowen The most wonderful title – it has to be cozy and amusing. (my absolute favourite type of crime)  Read it, read it. You’ll love it. (Seems to be Welsh week at Joffe Books, and why not indeed.)

EVANS ABOVE  is the first in an unmissable cozy mystery series set in the sleepy Welsh village of Llanfair — out now for just 99p | 99c.*  ONLY available in the UK and Commonwealth, and best to check the offer is live and available in your location before purchasing.

Constable Evan Evans leaves the big city for the sleepy Welsh village of Llanfair.

Llanfair is his childhood home, nestled high in the beautiful Welsh mountains he is called in to investigate the deaths of two hikers on Mount Snowdon. It looks like a tragic mishap, but Evans isn’t convinced.  Then, a third body is found on the mountain. The man’s throat has been slit. Crikey, so this one  certainly is no accident. Does it deepen Evans’ suspicions about the hikers? Is there  a murderer in their midst who has slain all  three? And … roll of drums … is he or she also  linked  to the mysterious destruction of – no surely not –  Mrs Powell-Jones’ prize-winning tomatoes?

Yes, I did say tomatoes. Oh, my heart sings. Yours will too.

If you love Midsomer Murders, Faith Martin, Simon Brett, Glenda Young, Stella Cameron, Frances Evesham, Richard Osman, L.J. Ross, Clare Chase, Margaret Mayhew or M.C. Beaton, prepare to be hooked by this enchanting character-driven mystery

Rhys Bowen is a New York Times bestselling author and Edgar Award nominee and it shows. Really it does. Lovely jubbly book. 

Not yet 40 years old, Jon Cross (pen name) has been a criminal barrister, wine merchant, landscape gardener, a Conservative councillor and Cabinet member for a district council.

Jon, sadly, did not achieve greatness in these positions. However, his amusing view of modern political correctness and the world’s ever-increasing conformity gave him an advantage. He can write! And heavens, such a timely novel and seriously good. You will love it.

Was it Frankie Howard who said, ‘Titter ye not.’ Well, you will in this instance, but also very much pause for thought.

Being Woake follows Sebastian Woake: successful barrister, reluctant politician and a man struggling with political correctness.

Based on the author’s surprisingly real-life experiences, Being Woake is one man’s sometimes questioning yet amusing and politically incorrect journey attempting to answer the impossible: how to be woke in 21st century Britain?

“Newly elected onto the local district council, Woake’s political career will lead him to contend with the challenges which are quangos, obnoxious Chinese delegations, rampaging bulls, pompous (and occasionally corrupt) councillors, flirtatious colleagues, exploding nightclubs, over-zealous equality and diversity trainers, and dreary civil servants.

When he is promoted to lead the finance team (as surprising as it is unlooked for) Woake must achieve the impossible; keeping a bankrupt council financially solvent whilst maintaining his tumultuous legal career. Hate crime, Latvian drug traffickers, benefits cheats and an overbearing Head of Chambers are just some of the problems he faces.”

Jon says:

“Being Woake was written as my response to the on-going campaign of wokeness, raged by those in authority but not necessarily with the consent of the public. All of the events in the novel either happened, or very nearly could have happened had there been another twist of fate. First and foremost, I want the reader to be entertained and to laugh out loud, but I also want the reader to be enlightened about the inner workings of the justice system and local government, both of which have far-reaching consequences for the public.”

Jon now lives in the Surrey Hills with his wife, family and two dogs.

You can buy a copy of Jons Cross’ new book on many websites including Amazon and Waterstones.

Business pioneer and archetypal 21^st century woman, Fiona Price, will be,  I can safely say the newest author on your shelf. Written by the first woman of finance*, the book explores the ultimate relationship any person could have – the one with themself.

Fiona describes anecdotally a new way of thinking and being, which allows the reader to step out of an old ‘problem-reaction-survival’ paradigm, and embrace a more elegant consciousness, enabling them to be a bigger, grander version of themself.

She says, “With awareness and practice, I have learned that it is possible to change the mindsets that hinder us and refocus our thoughts to up our game and claim our personal power. Then we can become a conscious creator in our life.”

The Ultimate Relationship is a kaleidoscope of survival strategies for life, business, and just about everything. Fiona’s experience is profoundly personal and honest, and she narrates it through a collection of journals, blogs, talks, articles, poems, affirmations, insights and epiphanies. The takeaway is a treasure-trove of wisdom and a myriad of practical ways to think smarter, act smarter, and be more balanced and peaceful amidst the chaos of life.

Fiona brings a uniquely female perspective to her business experience, having worked with women in the financial sector and participated in the early days of the women’s networking movement. From how to improve your decision-making, to how to restore your mojo, develop your intuition, harness the power of thought, create health and healing, get more out of your food and fitness, and develop a deep connection with animals and nature, Fiona inspires you to think and act differently.

She says, “I have learned that the ultimate relationship is the one with yourself”. What you think and how you respond to every situation defines who you are and what you experience. Realising this is the easy part, living it is much harder.”

Fiona’s story includes 20 years in the financial sector, where she pioneered a cutting-edge woman’s business and was a spokesperson in the media. This was followed by several internet video start-ups in the first days of video online. Also, consultancy, mentoring and non-executive directorships. She was listed in the Top 100 List of Power and Influence in Financial Services in 2003 and 2004 and won numerous business women’s awards. Sport has also featured strongly in Fiona’s life, and has competed in two sports internationally, alongside her business interests.

So what changed?

 She did, going from ‘city professional to semi-feral’, living reclusively for a number of years in the wilds of Wales. More recently, Fiona underwent another transformation and is now living on wheels, whilst travelling.

“The book tells my story from the inside out. It explains how I have worked on taking control of my mind, body and my world. It is part narrative, part insight, woven into a guide to practical spirituality, and interlaced with quantum psychology, which, I hope, will help the reader to become more of who they are and create more of the life they want. We are at a turning point in history, which is also a chance to reinvent our world. But we need to think and act differently in order to do this. It requires a combination of creative intuitive intelligence, recognising our true power and connecting with the natural world.”

The Ultimate Relationship  is available on Amazon

You can learn more about ‘The Ultimate Relationship… the one with yourself’ (including a book reading) on Fiona’s website, where you will also find videos, audios and blogs on book related themes: www.theultimaterelationship.co.uk

*Quote from Harpers & Queen (1990s)

Editors’ Notes

Media Contact: Andrea Sexton +44 7887 997922 andrea@admire-pr.com

Review copies (PDF or book), high resolution images and a full author bio are available from Andrea Sexton.

Interviews with Fiona can be arranged through Andrea.

Readers’ Plaudits

Fiona has untangled the how, why and where of being your own greatest support system, with razor-sharp honesty and self-introspection. Not a journey that many of us are brave enough to undertake. But with her support and words of wisdom, it becomes possible. That is why everyone needs to read this book. Not only is this a book to devour, but you can dip into it to find comfort and fortitude when weakened by everyday life. To have Fiona’s experience and honesty is a godsend. Literally!

Maria Wynne

What a great title! Within minutes, I was engrossed and read the book in two days. Fiona offers amazing clarity about how to take charge of your life. I was lost, and her words rescued me. They helped me to understand the negative influences and thoughts that I had been unable to decipher. Therein lies Fiona’s power and wisdom. Rather than hide, you have to face what makes you unhappy or seems confusing, and turn it into a tool which you can use to your advantage.

Josey Evans

Fiona’s book is a poetic recognition that there is no path, no route map for us all to follow. Rather, our path is made by our own understanding.

Mark Parkinson

I cried reading this book because it rang such a deep toll within me. It also made me smile. This book will change the mindsets of so many women who feel that life is happening to them, not for them. It gives you the self-knowledge to change all of that.

Deb Graham

A pure delight for anyone with the ambition to live well, play hard and run a successful business. As a former athlete and a business owner myself, Fiona’s anecdotes and insights resonate with me. There are daily actions we can all take based on her experience, which will help us live life to the fullest. Bring an open and curious mind to this book and wallow in the enlightenment.

Andrea Sexton

Having worked with Fiona for a while, I was keen to get my hands on this book. My only regret is that I wasn’t brave enough to ask her about the concepts contained within a decade ago. But as the saying goes, ‘when the student is ready, the teacher will appear’. Fiona’s background as an athlete and a successful business woman gives credibility to the principles contained in the book. She is living proof of the approach to life she writes about.

Christina Jones

An excellent selection  of new crime novels this week  from Joffe Books, ranging from a brand-new serial killer thriller to a somewhat addictive character-driven police procedural, so let’s take a look at :

The Skin Code by Stephen Willams.

Joffe’s book of the week is one of the most chilling new crime thrillers you’ll read this year from internationally bestselling author Stephen Williams — THE SKIN CODE is out now for just 99p | 99c.

Seasoned detective Mary Hume finds herself on the trail of a vicious serial killer who leaves a baffling code carved into the skin of his victims.  CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE?

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SKIN CODE BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS FOR 99P | 99C.

I have a feeling you are going to be spoiled for choice. Take a look:

Killer on the Moors by Priscilla Masters   99p/99c

Missing nurse Marilyn Smith is dead. Spread-eagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Joanna Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.  Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.

Murder in Rome by Roy Lewis  £1.99/$3.99

Arnold Landon heads to Rome, ready to begin retraining for his own job. His first port of call? An ancient tomb.  Arnold treads the twisty path down to the burial chamber, expecting to find nothing but old bones. Instead, he stumbles on fresh blood and a much more recently dead body.

Can Arnold unravel the mystery before the ruthless killer strikes again?

Little Sister is the latest page-turning psychological thriller from bestselling master of suspense, Patricia MacDonald — available for pre-order now for £2.99 | $4.99.

Joffe Books Editorial Director Emma Grundy Haigh had this to say:

“LITTLE SISTER brims with all that makes Patricia MacDonald such a master of her craft: endearingly relatable characters, a brilliantly twisty plot and a taut undercurrent of tension that builds to a crescendo!”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER LITTLE SISTER BY PATRICIA MACDONALD FOR £2.99 | $4.99. 

But that’s not all.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

Devil’s Chimney is an utterly authentic new police procedural from debut author and serving police officer Adam Lyndon — available for pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant told us::

“This intricately plotted crime thriller introduces an intriguing new detectiveprotagonist in DC Rutherford Barnes.  Good-looking and intensely ambitious, Barnes’ all-consuming desire for promotion leads him to make a decidedly dodgy decision — and plunges him into a nightmare which threatens his career, his marriage — and ultimately his life.

A serving police officer, Adam Lyndon’s 20-year career in CID and special investigations ensures this outstanding police procedural offers  a unique insight into the inner workings of a high-profile murder investigation.”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

For more information Joffe Books

This weekend we joined thousands others to line the Mall for Trooping the Colour. I have never done anything like this before & will probably never do so again.

I couldn’t help but reflect – there were after all hours of hanging around until the troops & cavalry arrived – on the similarities between our own Queen Elizabeth & the previous longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the esteemed and beloved King of Thailand.

Whilst we were living in Thailind the King passed away. He was beloved by his people, the nation was devastated.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej came to the throne  when he was 18 years old and like our own Queen, was much revered by his people as he was their champion. He once said, ‘My place in this world is being among my people, the Thai people.’

He spearheaded projects to support the poor and bring the nation into the 21st century, audubg Thailand in becoming one of the more successful Asian nations whilst still maintaining it’s cultural heritage and spirit and navigating political and social crises with grace and diplomacy.

Queen Elizabeth pledged,’ I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.‘ And she has worked tirelessly since then for her people & served us for 70 years. She has been a known & stable for us all throughout our lives.

What I also find interesting about the 2 longest regaining monarchs is that neither was born into their roles but nevertheless destined to be so.

It was our Queen’s destiny after her uncle abdicated for his love of Mrs Simpson, so it was for King Bhumibol as he only became King after his brother died.

I am grateful we went to London to play a very small part in Her Majesty’s celebrations. It was an amazing experience. I hope it will be an experience my kids will never forget.

My son certainly went from a petulant teenager hiding in his coat as he processed the 4am start to flag-waving & smiling. My daughter loved all the pomp & pageantry. We chatted to the crowds, played Uno, cheered & waved & so worth the early start!

Thank you, Your Majesty for your 70 year’s of dedication & service.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the decade, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace a practice of self-care.

If you would like more information on how to practice self-care message Alex at alex@alexbannard.com.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Alternatively please check out her website: www.alexbannard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

It was a nice day, so togo for a walk seemed like a good idea, particularly as I was stuck on a difficult chapter. I must write a difficult chapter many times if a walk brings us as  great a treat as The Kings Arms.

Yes, they could squeeze us in, walking boots and all. so there we sat at a table for two, while conversation buzzed all around. We barely looked at the menu for it would be the usual fabulouspub fare:  North Yorkshire pies too large for us but how could we not finish them, and chips too delicious to be left. But no or rather yes, because there was everything from sandwiches to pub food … Oh, crikey, there was also food more commonly guzzled in rather special restaurants.

It seems that  Alex Boynton and his father Raymond plus some of the family  re-opened The King’s Arms in 2006 as a new venture,  Both Alex and Raymond have extensive experience of hotels and restaurants, and importantly, in creating fantastic food.

Raymond after all, was in the hotel and restaurant business for more than 50 years, including owning, with his brother,  a successful country inn and restaurant. This is where Alex pitched into the hospitality business, and over the years developed his individual cuisine and hospitality which is now, thank heavens, offered at The Kings Arms.

I kid you not, Alex creates quite superb meals, and thankfully his interest is in producing not airey fairy little bits of Nouvelle Cuisine, though I admit it is all beautifully presented, but his aim is to put before you simple well cooked meals from excellent locally sourced produce, (not hard in North Yorkshire). If that is his intention, then my friends, my waistline says he succeeds.

Whatever your taste, be it meat, fish or vegetarian then walk, cycle or drive – just go, feast.   Gluten free, dairy free and vegan – no problem. During the winter season pheasant, venison and duck is on the menu.

Will the truth be buried with the dead?
When DS Joe Romano first meets Ana Dobrescu she’s nervous, in serious danger and clearly in need of help. The next time Romano sees her, she’s dead.
There was nothing more that could have been done, but that’s cold comfort for Romano. He’s determined to catch Ana’s killer. Although the prime suspect, her millionaire boyfriend, is in a coma.

With the help of his larger-than-life partner, Rita Scannon-Aktar, Romano begins to piece together a puzzle that places Ana at the centre of something much bigger than they could have imagined.

But while they’re hunting a murderer, those higher up are more concerned about the money. So it’s up to Romano to get justice for Ana. And whatever she knew, he’ll just have to pray that she didn’t take her secrets to the grave.

To the Grave is the second book in the DS Joe Romano series but the first one I have read. It is a strong book that can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. Barlow brings to life a complex and gritty case for the dynamic duo. To the Grave possess a brilliantly written police procedure for the Yorkshire based detective. Full of determination and gut instinct Romano tries to solve this case. I loved this book, it is gripping and overflowing with action and suspense with a surprising twist that will leave you coming back for more.

I highly recommend for fans of T.M. Logan and Adam Croft.