Author Archives: Margaret Graham

Easter picks from Joffe’s amazing basket of goodies …

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Joffe Books ‘book of the week’, which they know their readers will appreciate, is BURIAL GROUNDS by the ever popular bestselling author Bill Kitson. This totally absorbing new crime thriller is out now for 99p | 99c, and filled with great characters, (so important), breathtaking twists and an atmospheric North Yorkshire setting (which, living in North Yorkshire, I must insist is a winning setting)

A pregnant woman is knocked down by a couple in a car. They don’t stop.  Months later, Detective Mike Nash is called out to the local cemetery. A body has been found, placed face down on a grave. The dead man was Andrew Derrick. Quiet, well-mannered, he kept himself to himself. Who would want to kill him?

DI Nash pieces the clues together . . . and finds himself on the trail of a ruthless killer with a deadly agenda.

CLICK HERE TO BUY BURIAL GROUNDS BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR BILL KITSON FOR 99P | 99C.

So, what else is new?

                         

Detective Monika Books 1 – 4. This is a belter of an  offer at a mere 99p/99c   FOUR Books 1-4  I repeat – all  absolutely gripping crime mysteries from author Sally Spencer. Yes four!  Discover your next crime fiction obsession with this amazing offer on four unputdownable mysteries . . .

“Outstanding.” Booklist     “A thrill ride.” Publishers Weekly    “A tour de force.” Kirkus

Next: here we go with The Portchester Castle Murders by Pauline Rowson.

It’s Friday the thirteenth and Detective Inspector Andy Horton’s luck is about to run out.  His Harley Davidson is vandalised, his nit-picking boss has returned to work early, and a convicted murderer out on licence has disappeared.

Then to top it all off a decomposing body washes up on shore. Crikey, can Horton connect the dots before anyone else dies? Well worth a read, and a snip at 99p/99c

Constable on Trial by Nichola Rhea

Well, OK, this author is one of my favourites, and yes, the setting is Yorkshire again. But it is really cosy crime at its best, and this brilliant prequel completes Nicholas Rhea’s beloved Constable Nick series, featuring Britain’s best-loved bobby.     Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first episode of the smash-hit TV show it inspired, Heartbeat, don’t miss this delightful feel-good read.

“It’s original, it’s funny . . . one of life’s little pleasures.” Yorkshire Post

 

 

 Oh, Woop Woop… THE WAIT IS OVER – NO EXIT MOTION PICTURE STREAMING NOW!

Since 2019 Joffe Books has been waiting with rising anticipation as every little snippet was revealed . Now, the wait is … over. Adapted from Taylor Adams’s bestselling thriller, the No Exit film has finally arrived.

Directed by Damien Power and starring Havana Rose Liu and Dennis Haysbert, the film is now available to watch on Hulu and Disney +.    Although there won’t be a glamourous Hollywood style screening party, the Joffe Books team, will be celebrating No Exit appearing on the big screen with the usual: tea and doughnuts.

Congratulations to Taylor Adams! One of Joffe’s  first bestsellers and their first on the silver screen.

Get your copy of No Exit here.

For more information on all that Joffe Books has to offer, go and take a peek here

Lizi’s Low Sugar Maple & Pecan Granola – No Guilt Today – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson [LS Maple & Pe

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Processed and refined sugars are one of the worst curses of modern day cuisine. They’re sneaked into so many manufactured food products – even savoury ones – and they cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia and stroke. Sorry to be so blunt but, despite a choice of foods of which our parents and grandparents could only have dreamed, our modern diet frankly leaves much to be desired. Our taste buds have been trained by the food industry to crave high sugars in excessive quantities, and we don’t eat nearly enough wholesome grains and good fats.

OK rant over, because thank goodness for companies like Lizi’s who help reinstate the wonderful healthy and delicious diet which nature intended.

Lizi’s is the brainchild of Mick and Lizi. They’re a married pair of science enthusiasts, organic farmers and country bed-and-breakfast owners, so perfectly qualified to create high quality, tasty and satisfying cereals.

The key feature of all Lizi’s cereals is their low Glycaemic Load (GL). I’ve explained Glycaemic Load before – basically low GL foods release sugar slowly into our blood stream, unlike processed and refined sugars, which is so much better for our long-term health and happiness.

Lizi’s produce an incredible range of granolas and mueslis, always from natural ingredients – mainly oats, nuts and seeds, but with numerous natural flavour combinations suitable for all ages, diets and lifestyles. Their current range includes High Protein, Digestive Health and Low Sugar options.

I particularly love Lizi’s Low Sugar Maple & Pecan Granola. Normally I steer well clear of granola, which tends to be oozing with sugar, but not Lizi’s. It’s a mixture of wholegrain oat flakes, pecan nuts, almond pieces, walnut pieces, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut, chicory fibre, and just a little maple syrup. You can probably tell from the ingredients that this tastes as delicious as a naughty indulgence, and yet absolutely no guilt needed – because it’s actually doing your body good – providing important slow-release energy and healthy oils. It will also leave you feeling nourished and satiated – so you won’t be tempted by those naughty fattening snacks mid-morning.

So give your body a treat and take a look at the full range on Lizi’s website. Your body will thank you.

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.

Margaret decided on some exercise. Hard facts were faced…

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Margaret thought she’d go into town to the studio, where her friend was holding a Strolling half hour.
‘And what is a Strolling half hour?’ wondered Margaret. Margaret decided that the definition of To Stroll was to walk in a leisurely way. This seemed rather lovely. ‘Me, me’ she said.
Margaret arrived, hot and a tad sweaty, if we can be rude for a moment, as she had hurried one and a half miles, plod plod, not stroll stroll, to the Studio. Margaret’s friend Lyn was there too. ‘Oh Goody,’ thought Margaret, ‘We can go on the back row together.’
Margaret then noticed the ballet mirrors, a whole wall of them. She looked, she saw, she thought: ‘Who is that woman in clothes like mine with the big, no – enormous bum?’
My friends, Margaret was the proud owner of that bum, she  realised. Her day was ruined. Really really it was. All those biscuits eaten before they reached a plate had no calories, she was sure that was correct.  Margaret is wrong. Very very wrong.
So, the half hour began.  Strolling is not to walk in a leisurely way. Strolling is to do line dancing at what seems great speed. The legs go up, legs are pointed, heels tapped, legs slide gsideways, step step,  along the floor. Lots and lots of times all a bit different, but yes,  Margaret swears it is line dancing but perhaps a teeny weeny bit slower. Puff Pant as Teacher strolled us through it, and again.
Then on came the music.  Margaret repeated to herself and anyone who would listen:  Strolling is not only not slow, there is no back row, because everyone keeps turning and turninguntil  the figures in the mirror were a blur, and the music raced, and Margaret quite lost her mind, her memory, and finally all control of her feet.
The key, Margaret realised, is to have the weight on the right foot. Margaret did not often have her weight on her correct foot. Margaret’s feet and legs got muddled. Margaret decided she would stay in the corner, and do her own thing, in time with the music.   At the end, Margaret tottered home, having had fun, oh yes she did, really she did. She will be better next week, really she will.
She reached home. She put cushions on the seat in the garden. She made two coffees. She took hers, and eventually Dick joined her, in the sun, by the Monkey Puzzle Tree, while Margaret explained about Strolling, but she didn’t mention the mirror. Certainly not. That is best kept between Margaret and her friends.
 Margaret Graham writes novels  under her own name, and as Milly Adams and Annie Clarke. Margaret maintains this is the reason she frequently seems confused. It has nothing to do with her age.

Competition: Be A Judge And Guest of Honour At ‘The Sammies’ UK Sandwich Awards – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Are you a bit of a sandwich connoisseur? Do you fancy joining celebrity chef Theo Randall with other food experts as an official judge on a tasting panel? Would you love to be guest of honour at the prestigious The Sandwich & Food to Go Awards (‘The Sammies’) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London?

Well what’s stopping you? Just fill in the application form here, including the reason why you think you deserve to be selected: https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/sandwich-taster-dream-job/  Applications are open until Friday15th April, and the successful candidate will be notified by Friday 22nd April.

And if you’re chosen? Well first you’ll munch your way through twenty-four of the finest and most innovative sandwiches designed by the UK’s top sandwich designers and then you’ll help select a winner in each category and overall ‘best in show’ for the ‘Britain’s Best Butty’ awards.

But that’s not all, you and a companion of your choice will be guests of honour at the gala evening Awards Ceremony including overnight accommodation and rail travel to and from the event.

The awards dinner is a precursor to the annual British Sandwich Week, a seven-day celebration aiming to support the industry and celebrate the nation’s love of a good sarnie.”

  This year’s Sandwich & Food to go Awards takes place on Thursday 5th May 2022. For a full list of nominees and shortlisted companies visit: https://awards.sandwich.org.uk/

 British Sandwich Week takes place from 22nd – 28th May 2022 – now in its 28th year, the annual event showcases the breadth, quality and innovation found within the UK’s sandwich and food to go sector. Find out more at https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/

Good luck.

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.

Joffe tells our readers some wonderful news, as well as letting you know about a few fabulous new books

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Joffe’s book of the week is the electrifying new thriller THE PERFECT WITNESS, out now for just 99p | 99c. Filled with great characters and gripping twists and turns, the new psychological suspense by bestselling author Susanna Beard is certain to hook you from the first page to the riveting conclusion.

We know that if you love books by Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, Liane Moriarty or Celeste Ng, then you’ll devour this page-turning, character-driven psychological thriller from Susanna Beard, author of What Happened That Night, and The Perfect Neighbour.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE PERFECT WITNESS BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSANNA BEARD FOR 99P | 99C.

And now for just a very few of this week’s new offerings…

 

The Briarmarsh Close Killings by Gaynor Torrance 

Discover a page-turning new murder mystery set in Cardiff from bestselling author Gaynor Torrance, filled with stunning twists and turns and featuring a complex and compelling protagonist in DI Jemima Huxley.

OUT NOW — £1.99 | $2.99

Detectives Roper & Hooley Books 1 – 4 by Michael Leese

A fabulous offer from Joffe: FOUR gripping crime mysteries featuring the unforgettable odd couple pairing of Consulting Investigator Jonathan Roper and DCI Brian Hooley in Michael Leese’s beloved series — just 99p | 99c

Murder at Mortmead Hall by Annie Dalton with Maria Dalton

Anna, Isadora and Tansy, dog walkers and part-time sleuths, go to a WWII-themed murder mystery weekend at the ramshackle Mortmead Hall.

As the weekend unfolds, they find themselves caught up in a web of intrigue that puts them on the trail of a lost painting and a devastating secret . . .  99p/99c

Now for some really exciting, but not entirely unexpected news given the nature of JOFFE BOOKS. They  are  SHORTLISTED FOR INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR (AGAIN!)  Hip hip hooray.

Joffe Books are delighted to have been nominated for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards by the Bookseller magazine, the leading trade magazine for the book industry, for the third year in a row. Hooray hooray say Frost Magazine. Whoop whoop!

This has been a record-breaking year for Joffe: they doubled their staff numbers and became the sixth-biggest e-Book seller in the UK.

Last year Joffe Books also launched its very first prize for crime writers of colour, which was awarded to Christie J. Newport. Her debut novel will be launched later this year. Watch this space . . .

The past year has been truly remarkable and all at Joffe Books want to thank their amazing readers and authors for this honour.

For more news about books go to Joffe Books

Author Catherine Yardley is interviewed by Natalie Jayne Peake about her acclaimed debut novel Ember which is launched today

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Congratulations on your debut novel Ember, Catherine, tell me about it: to start with what inspired it ?

Ember started as a film script I wrote years ago. Then I completely forgot about it. I was writing another novel set in the world of acting and in-between drafts I wanted to write another book. I came across the script and I thought, there is something here. Originally it was about three sisters who go to their father’s funeral and then all of the past family drama comes to the fore. It is a completely different book now, but there are two warring sisters!

You were one of the top 50 actresses in Scotland,  tell us what made you change course and pursue writing

I became really disillusioned with the film industry. It is such a tough environment and most of the castings I was offered required nudity. I am way too shy to do nudity so it limited my career. I hurt my back on a film set and it took a year of physiotherapy to correct it and then I had a baby. I wanted to be around more for my children and focus on being a mother. Writing fits in perfectly with that.

You have also launched a highly successful online magazine,  what does it cover ? Is it still growing ?

Frost magazine was launched twelve years ago. That seems unbelievable to me. It is still growing and is something I am immensely proud of. We cover books and lifestyle. We have a good reach and fantastic engagement. I am so proud of Frost and the little team behind it.

What does 2022 have in store for you and your readers?

Well I have another book on sub at the moment. I am writing short stories and editing another novel. Then I will start on yet another novel. I am going to keep writing and submitting. I have four novels written, a short story collection and a children’s book. I would like to see all of them published.

What advice would you give any budding writers ?

Work hard. Don’t give up and submit your work. A lot of writers are too scared to submit, or the rejection gets to them and they quit. You have to take the rejection and be relentless. It is the only way.

What research did you have to do whilst writing Ember ?

All novels require research. I feel like some people don’t realise how much research goes into a work of fiction. I had to research fertility treatment as I am lucky enough to never have needed any. I also had to research little things about driving from one place to another. I had a lovely doctor friend who writers for Frost called Dr Kathleen Thompson who answered a lot of questions and helped me create an accurate portrayal of an obstetrician’s work life.

Let’s talk about your writing process – what comes first .the characters or the plot ?

An idea always comes first. Sometimes I hear a song and that is it, other times I read an article, or I see someone on the street. It can be anything. I sometimes panic that I won’t come up with another idea after I finish a book, but the ideas always come. It is turning them into an eighty thousand word novel that is the hard part.

What is the hardest thing about writing a book and what is the easiest ?

The easiest is the first draft where you are just writing and it flows. For me anyway. The hardest is the endless edits and reading the book a million times. Oh, and publicising it.

Who has been your biggest supporter of your writing career ?

My agent Susan Yearwood is amazing. She made such a difference to my life when she took me on.

My publishers as well.I was so stoked to get a traditional book deal. I have self published before and it is so exhausting. My family and friends have been amazing. My mother was such a cheerleader when I first started writing. Margaret Graham has been invaluable. Jane Cable has also been amazing. Both Margaret and Jane are so inspirational. My debut 22 writing group have saved my sanity so many times. I love those people.

Claire Dyer write an early draft which was terrible and I realised how to fix the book after. Poor Claire.

A question I like to ask everyone- If you could invite any three people, past or present, real or fictional, to a dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve ?

Jesus would be a good one. I would also have to have Barack and Michelle Obama. I am such a fan of both. If Jesus wasn’t available Beyonce could come. I love Queen Bey.

Ember by Catherine Yardley. in pb and e-book. Available here

 

Frost’s Wellness and Wellbeing editor, Alex Bannard, invites us to understand: the Chakras

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Teaching & practicing yoga as much as I do & embarking on my own personal & spiritual quest, it was inevitable I would eventually spend more time & energy investigating the chakras. I regularly practice & teach a chakra cleanse & wholeheartedly believe in the importance of each chakra not just energetically but also for our physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

But what exactly is a chakra?

Chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or circle. The chakras represent spinning spheres of bio-energetic activity along the spinal column associated with major nerve centres. They are not physical organs themselves but they are associated with nerve centres & physical organs. Chakras collect & transmit energy for physical, mental & spiritual use & promote harmony within your inner & outer world.

They may be dormant or underdeveloped, spinning backwards or blocked (early life trauma & abuse can cause resistance & blocks in certain chakras).  Blockages in chakras mean that energy, life force is not flowing smoothly, whereas weaknesses are inviting an infusion of energy. By healing the chakras, we can increase energy levels, reduce anxiety & depression, promote inner peace & harmony, improve sleep, concentration, memory & clarity. Once your life force (prana in yoga speak) is flowing freely, you will be in optimum physical, mental, emotional & spiritual health.

There are 7 chakras & each one represents something subtly different.

The root chakra is at the base of the spine & is responsible for that sense of grounding, connection, trust & belonging. It is symbolised by a lotus flower with 4 petals & an earthy red colour. This chakra is impacted by our earliest experiences & memories & is all about stability.

The sacral chakra is below the belly button around the sex organs & is the centre for emotional & creative energy. It is symbolised by the colour orange & a lotus flower with 6 petals. This chakra is all about flow & letting go, characterised by water. If this chakra is blocked we may experience a sense of anhedonia, the medical term for a lack of joy.

The solar plexus chakra is the centre for confidence, self-esteem, determination & courage. Our fire element if you will, it is associated with the colour yellow, a lotus flower with 10 petals & is all about our ability to make our dreams our reality.

The heart chakra is the most sacred of the energy centres, linking the lower survival chakras & the higher chakras. It is the centre for love, compassion, kindness, acceptance, understanding & forgiveness for all – necessities not luxuries. Associated with the colour green, a lotus flower with 12 petals & the element of air, representing the concept that just like air is all around us, so too is unconditional love.

The throat chakra is all about speaking our truth & tapping into our authentic voice with truth & clarity. It connects our basic needs of the lower chakras with our higher spiritual wisdom. If it is blocked it may manifest as a sore throat or a frog in the throat, an in ability to express or a tendency to over express. It is symbolised by a light blue colour & a lotus flower with 16 petals.

The 3rd eye chakra governs our perception & ability to see things clearly not clouded by the stories we tell ourselves. It is believed to be where the right & left optic nerve cross, literally our 3rd eye & is all about trusting our inner wisdom & intuition. Associated with a dark blue colour & a lotus flower with just 2 petals.

The crown chakra is at or above the crown of our head (depending on what you believe). Some interpret it to be centred where the pituitary & pineal glands reside. It is represented by a lotus flower with a thousand petals, the colour violet or white light, symbolising universal consciousness, spirituality & enlightenment, governing our identity & higher purpose.

Noticing the opposite of what each chakra represents can be indicative of a block or imbalance in this energy centre. Yoga poses (asanas), meditation & breath work can help to cleanse & shift imbalances & blockages to create a sense of balanced alignment & harmony, life flows with grace & ease, it is joyful & easy.

If you would like to find out more about cleansing & balancing your chakras check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

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

Incorporate short yoga sequences & meditations as part of your self-care toolkit with guided practices on Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

For more info check out www.alexbannard.com

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. Having used her training & knowledge to navigate her own menopausal journey & create a life in which she is thriving, Alex is devoted in supporting other’s in this life changing transition.

Inscripture – Made With Love – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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If you’re looking for a special gift which is both beautiful and personal Inscripture.com has a fabulous range of stunning pieces.

An award-winning family business, Inscripture are based in Essex and are a world away from the High Street clones. Their amazing jewellery is not only eye-catching but, what makes them so exceptional, is that they offer high-quality bespoke engraving.

They can use your own handwriting or engrave a hand or footprint – a wonderful memento for a new grandparent. They’ll even add your drawing or artwork to a chosen item. Simply upload a photograph and they’ll do the magic.

They have many beautiful and unusual designs on offer – both modern and traditional – from necklaces to bracelets and much more. And for the men, there are cufflinks, men’s bracelets and even a silver guitar pick. Children are not forgotten either – I particularly love the cute Bunny Necklace – made with either sterling silver or rose gold, at £47 it’s a great price for such a lovely present.

If you’ve lost someone special they also make jewellery from the ashes. They provide a kit to send the ashes, making the whole process easy at such a difficult time.

Inscripture items are fashioned mainly from .925 silver or 9 carat gold and I can confirm myself just how pretty and striking the Personalised Silver Popcorn Bracelet is at just £56. It was beautifully wrapped in a lovely gift box. The solid silver adjustable bracelet and charm are elegant yet substantial and the engraving is top quality. I just love it.

You absolutely must take a look at their extensive range for yourself at Inscripture.com – you’re welcome.

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.