The Food of Love, Book 1 Laura’s Story by Prue Leith Reviewed by Jan Speedie

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The Food of Love, Book 1 Laura’s Story by Prue Leith

Reviewed by Jan Speedie

Prue Leith has had 5 novels published and has now embarked on number 6 which is to be a trilogy of stories about the Oliver family: Book 1 Laura’s Story. Prue Leith is well known as a cook, restaurateur, business women and judge on the television series Great British Menu. Having published 12 cookery books she decided to turn her writing skills to fiction.

The Food of love is the story of the Oliver family and their lives during and after the Second World War. Donald Oliver has moved his family to a Cotswold farm where he hopes to be accepted by his aristocratic neighbour but his domineering attitude makes this impossible.

Laura Oliver has always doted on her father. She is beautiful, spoilt and tempestuous so when she falls in love with Giovanni, an Italian POW, her father is outraged.

Laura and Giovanni flee to London to start a new life together. They struggle with poverty, hardship and destitution but their love for each other remains strong. Slowly they realise their dreams but not without consequences to other lives.

Prue has woven a story about food and survival during wartime rationing and the introduction to the British nation of Italian themed cooking in Giovanni’s restaurants. The smell of garlic, pasta and tomatoes rises from the pages.

Who will feature in the next episode of this trilogy about the Oliver family?

Prue Leith has played a key role in changing our eating habits in Britain. She lives in London and Oxfordshire.

Published by Quercus in September 2015

Available in Hardback: eBook: at £19.99

Month 10 of My Reading Challenge By Frances Colville

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Frostie

The first book I picked up this month was a biography of Thomas Hardy by Claire Tomalin, entitled Thomas Hardy: the Time Torn Man. This is not a quick read. It’s lengthy, detailed, and packed full of information about the life and works of Hardy and the people around him. But it’s not a difficult read. It’s well-written, the information is interesting and for me provided new insights into the work of a great author. I particularly liked learning more about his first wife Emma and trying to understand how their relationship deteriorated over the many years they were together.

Earlier this month I went to a talk at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature by Paula Hawkins, author of the best selling The Girl on the Train. It’s always interesting to listen to an author talking about his or her work. Unfortunately on this occasion an unguarded question from a member of the audience told me the ending of the book before I’d got to it. And that is something you don’t want to happen with a psychological thriller. Despite the spoiler, I did enjoy the book. It’s a fast-paced, keep-you-on- the-edge-of-your-seat read. I got a bit fed up with all the changes from one date to another, and I found the three female characters rather too similar. But I still recommend it – and I gather it’s being made into a film as well.

And then a book I’ve been looking forward to reading ever since I first heard it was going to be published. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mocking Bird which is such an iconic book that I wasn’t sure if anything else could live up to it. And my conclusion is that it didn’t. Written before To Kill a Mocking Bird and rejected by publishers, it does read like an unedited early version. It’s more a stream of consciousness than a novel with a plot, and there are some annoying sections when the author switches from third to first person. I could see how To Kill a Mocking Bird had developed from it, and how much better a writer Harper Lee became once she had found the voice of the child Scout instead of the adult Jean Louise in Go Set a Watchman. But that doesn’t mean the latter isn’t worth reading. It deals with important issues in its own right and it’s also a significant stepping stone towards fully appreciating the greatness of To Kill a Mocking Bird. I’m very glad to have read it.

A book I have spent a great deal of time reading and re-reading this year is an anthology of short stories and poetry to which I contributed, and for which I was co-editor and proofreader. It’s called Narrative Threads and is a compilation of the work of sixteen Dorset-based authors and poets, known as Story Traders. Every piece in the book has a connection with the theme of rope, because of the importance of the rope and net industry in our local town of Bridport. Of course I recommend it – for its variety and uniqueness as much as anything – even though just at the moment I’ve had enough of going through it with a fine toothcomb.

Next a thoroughly enjoyable couple of evenings reading The Future is Ours, one of Margaret Graham‘s early books. Set during the aftermath of the Second World War and then the Korean War and the run up to the Cold War, a period which has always interested me, it’s a very human story with a delightful main character Rosie. A book which is very easy to read as it’s well-paced and the writing just flows.

And finally something completely different – a family/travel memoir called Grape Expectations by Caro Feely, which describes the new life she and her husband (with two very young children) carved for themselves in a vineyard in the South of France. Not the best-written book of its type I have read, but it’s a compelling read and I have endless admiration for someone who can achieve so much under some fairly adverse circumstances and still have the strength and enthusiasm to write about it.

Overall, not a bad month in terms of number and quality of words read, and books crossed off my list. Onward and upward!

A day in the life of Fiona Joseph (Author and Speaker)

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Margaret Graham

I wake between 6 and 6.30 AM. My partner Peter brings me an early morning cup of tea and then it’s all systems go: helping our younger daughter get ready for school (Have you had breakfast? Brushed your teeth? Where’s your PE kit? What do you mean you’ve got cookery today?) or waving our elder daughter off to a university lecture. I’m one of those mums who stand waving on the doorstep until my children have disappeared from sight.

8.15 to 12.15 PM

Ideally I’m at my desk for 8 AM. My most productive time for writing is early in the morning.

My office is in a room upstairs at home and I do the majority of my writing on an iMac. I switch between different software depending on what I’m writing: Pages and Storyist for writing prose fiction and non-fiction, and Final Draft for screenwriting. (I’m currently writing a dramatisation of my biography of Beatrice Cadbury and Final Draft is the industry standard.)

Writing a screenplay for the life of Beatrice Cadbury.

At about 10 AM I’m ready for a break, a cuppa and a catch-up chat with Peter, who works downstairs in the dining room. Sometimes we’ll do our unofficial ‘meeting’ in our local Costa. And then it’s back to our work domains for both of us until lunch.

If I fancy a change of writing scene I go to my local church where I have an arrangement to use one of their meeting rooms. I take a portable word-processing device with me – my AlphaSmart NEO – along with a flask of tea and a blanket to avoid chills.

12.15 – 1.15 PM

Lunchtime is my favourite part of the working day. At about 12.15 PM our dog Bonnie butts her nose against the stair-gate to tell me it’s time for her walk. (She has three walks a day – talk about spoiled) Exercise is vital for both of us. The walk takes about 20-25 minutes, sometimes longer if we stop for a chat with doggy friends and their owners. Bonnie was a rescue dog, and sadly ill-treated, so she needs oodles of love and patience. We live in a leafy suburb of Birmingham but holiday a lot in Weymouth, and this picture shows Bonnie happily at the seaside.

On our walk I daydream, or listen to music or a BAFTA GURU screenwriting podcast on my wireless headphones. Lunch will be quick, such as a sandwich or soup, or in summer months, some sautéed courgettes or roasted beetroot from our allotment.

1.15 to 4 PM

I like to be back at my desk for 1.15 PM. My afternoon can be made up of any of the following activities:

more writing or editing
working on my website
archive research
replying to emails, e.g. invitations to speak
going out to give a talk to a group
speaking on the phone with my biographee, Godric Bader, the subject of my current work-in-progress
visiting my local primary school where I’m privileged to be a community governor

Sometimes my research will take me into town to the Library of Birmingham or to the Bournville Archives. For my latest novel, Comforts For The Troops, I wove true facts and details of the Cadbury workplace into the story.

Visiting the Bournville Archives to research Cadbury women workers.

4 to 7 PM

This period is break-time and family time. Peter or I prepare dinner. I’m very strict on home-cooked food and eating round the dinner table. It’s the time of the day when we can share news, air grievances(!) and generally have a laugh. Mobiles are banned. If one of us has had a particularly noteworthy day I’ll serve dinner on the Plate of Accomplishment. We occasionally play cards afterwards – 10 card rummy, Old Maid and Sevens are old favourites.

7 to 10 PM

Sometimes I’ll be out giving a talk at a local society like the WI, the U3A , a local history group or a book group. It’s very satisfying to talk about the research and themes underlying my Cadbury books and I really enjoy chatting with people over a cup of tea afterwards.

If I’m at home I’ll flake out with some telly. I’m an ardent fan of Corrie and Holby City and I enjoy a good UK drama, preferably nothing with violence in it though. By 10 o’clock I’m fit to drop, but if necessary I’ll do an hour’s more writing before bed!

Fiona Joseph is the author of the acclaimed biography, ‘BEATRICE The Cadbury Heiress Who Gave Away Her Fortune’, and a novel inspired by women working at Cadbury in World War One, ‘Comforts For The Troops’. For more details visit www.fionajoseph.com

Nightingales Under the Mistletoe by Donna Douglas Reviewed: Tracy Baines

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Christmas 1941 and the nurses at the Nightingale are facing their toughest winter yet.

With shortages everywhere, and every news bulletin announcing more defeats and losses, the British people are weary and demoralised and The Nightgale Hospital is suffering too.Millie is recently widowed and dealing with the demands of her family’s estate. It’s not long before her old world of The Nightingale begins to beckon, along with a long lost love…

Jess is struggling with her move from East London to the quiet of the countryside.Effie finds herself exiled to a quiet village, but the quiet doesn’t last for long as she soon finds excitement in the shape of a smooth talking GI. As Christmas approaches, even the shelter of the countryside can’t protect the girls from heartache.

This is the first book I’ve read about the nurses at the Nightingale Hospital and it won’t be the last. Even though I came new to the series (this is book seven) it was easy to read as a stand alone and was at no point confusing.

It was a perfect winter read as I sat in front of a roaring fire, mug of tea and a box of choccies to hand. I was soon deep in the world of nurses and country living. The characters are likeable and realistic and the author strikes a perfect balance between the hard, grudging work that nurses do and the camaraderie that comes from pulling together. It doesn’t shy away from the awfulness of war but deals with it in a way that’s informative without being too upsetting and certainly made me wonder at the bravery of people during those trying times. That said there is humour and warmth on every page.

An absolutely perfect read for those who love Call the Midwife.

To be published 11^th November by Cornerstone Publishing

Love You Better by Natalie K Martin Reviewed By Frances Colville

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Natalie K Martin’s second book Love You Better is about domestic violence. Set in London, Thailand and Ibiza with links to other parts of the world, the story is fast paced with well-drawn characters and a good if somewhat predicable story line. We all know that domestic violence can occur in all sorts of households and relationships, and any book which reinforces this and flags up some of the telltale warning signs is welcome. The author has done her research well. And her love of travel shines through too.

However, the ending of the book was clearly signposted from the early pages and for me this detracted from the impact of the story as it evolved. It’s hard to care enough about the development of a character – even one you empathise with as much as Effie – if you’ve already worked out what is going to happen to her. There were a few other things which pulled me up short. Is the character Oliver intended to be the same age as the other main characters (that is, mid twenties) and if so, how can he possibly be one of the most sought-after lawyers in London? A three storey whitewashed Georgian house in a quiet street in Clapham for £500,000? I don’t think so. Nitpicking? Yes. But why not get it right?

This book is still a good read though. It flows well, it’s interesting and I did actually want to know if I guessed the right ending. And I liked the play on words in the title. A book worth reading in fact. I’m going to search out the author’s first book Together Apart and look forward to future offerings as well.

Love You Better is published by Lake Union Publishing and will be available in the UK in paperback and ebook versions from 8^th October 2015.

Excellent Christmas Ideas: Adult Colouring Books

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Frostie

Adult colouring books are not just a trend, they are a phenomenon. They were everywhere in 2015 and the trend to de-stress by colouring in shows no sign of abating. Here are our suggestions for a colouring Christmas.

Winter Wonderland Patterns. Creative Colouring For Grown-Ups

From snowflakes and robins to Scandinavian prints and reindeer, this is a beautiful wintry colouring book. From Michael O’Mara Books. Winter Wonderland Patterns: Creative Colouring for Grown-ups is available here.

Crap Colouring In: Mindless Art Therapy For Modern Life Joe Sumner.

A hilarious parody on the trend. This age-appropriate book has all of life’s little annoyances to brighten yourself up. From speed bumps to shopping trolleys. Brighten them up and vent with your pencil. Smart with classic British humour. Crap Colouring In: Mindless Art Therapy for Modern Life is available here.

The Gold Collection. The Gift of Colouring For Grown-ups.

Luxurious and lavish, This sophisticated colouring book helps you find your inner-calm. It has a beautiful gold-foiled cover. The Gold Collection: The Gift of Colouring for Grown-Ups is available here.

Creative Colouring For Grown-Ups Christmas Patterns.

Over 100 pages of festive cheer. Wonderful patterns. Out 1st December. The above and below adult colouring books are from the publishers of ‘Creative Colouring For Grown-ups’. Christmas Patterns: Creative Colouring for Grown-ups is available here.

Creative Christmas. The Gift of Colouring for Grown-ups.

Has a gorgeous foil cover and the flaps give inspiration for Christmas wrapping. Hours of de-stressing fun. Creative Christmas: The Gift of Colouring for Grown-ups is available here.

Lost Ocean. An Inky Adventure & Colouring Book Johanna Basford.

This is a stunning book from the creator of Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest, Johanna Basford. Johanna has sold millions of copies of her colouring books and lives in Dundee. Lost Ocean has over 60 hand-inked, black-lined illustrations. This gorgeous marine-themed colouring book is the perfect gift for the colouring fan. Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure & Colouring Book is available here.

Which one will you buy?

A Killing Winter By Tom Callaghan Book Review

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Hail my new hero, Tom Callaghan.

As a fan of Tom Rob Smith and especially his novel, The Secret Speech, I thought there would not be another writer to touch him. I was wrong.

With A Killing Winter, Tom Callaghan has created a fascinating, cold and harsh setting, but one in which the central character is a living breathing empathetic detective, one with compassion, one dealing with personal loss, but one who ploughs on through the political difficulties determined to reach the truth, whatever the threat to himself.

With a superb sense of place. Callaghan gets the balance of tension, empathetic characters, and the setting just right.

When Inspector Akyl Borubaev of Bishkek Murder Squad arrives at the brutal murder scene of a young woman, all evidence hints at a sadistic serial killer on the hunt for more prey.

But when the young woman’s father turns out to be a leading government minister, the pressure is on Borubaev to solve the case not only quickly, but also quietly, by any means possible. Until more bodies are found …

Still in mourning after his wife’s recent death, Borubaev descends into Bishkek’s brutal underworld, a place where no-one and nothing is as it seems, where everyone is playing for the highest stakes, and where violence is the only solution.

I couldn’t put The Killing Winter down. Thank heavens there is another on the horizon: A Spring Betrayal.

I can’t wait.

A Killing Winter – Tom Callaghan 5^th November 2015, Paperpack £7.99.

An Interview With Emma Kavanagh – Author of Hidden

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Margaret Graham

An interview with Emma Kavanagh – author of Hidden

Do you plan your books in great detail, or just go with the germ of an idea, and where does that idea come from?

I am a huge planner. I even have spreadsheets! I tend to come up with a general idea of where I want my story to take the reader, and then let that marinate for a while. I’ve had book four cooking on low for the past three months whilst I complete book three, The Missing Hours. Once I’m ready to start work on it, I begin with research, research, research, finding out as much as I can about the area I am going to be writing about. Then begins the planning. This will change as the story develops – which is why spreadsheets are so useful – but I always find it easier to have an idea of where I am heading. As to where my ideas come from, I am fascinated by psychology and true crime, which is an absolute gold mine for book ideas.

How do you actually work? In silence in a study, at the kitchen table?

Oh, I would love a study…no, my study is now a nursery for my youngest son. I write in the living room on a big cozy chair that has become known as “Mummy’s work chair”. When I’m planning or researching, I can’t cope with silence. It’s too intense. I tend to have documentaries running in the background, which I half-watch to distract me from the pressure. When I’m actually writing though, it has to be in silence. I’m not one of those authors who can work in a coffee shop. Who can concentrate with all that cake?
Did you have a writing background before you began writing novels?

I’ve written short stories since I was a kid, and was a passionate writer throughout school and college. But once I started my own business (I ran a consultancy practice specialising in training police and military personnel in the psychology of critical incidents) I let the writing drop away. I was working hard and my focus was elsewhere. Then one day a story idea came knocking and simply wouldn’t leave. In the end I decided that it had to be worth a shot…

Who has inspired you in the literary world?

So many people. I adore Kate Atkinson, especially for her willingness to push herself beyond genre boundaries and try something entirely different. Another must-read I have is Barbara Kingsolver. Her use of language is just exquisite. And I can’t not mention Agatha Christie. No one plots like she does.

Do you read while you’re writing? I know a lot of authors don’t.

I always read. I read whilst I was in labour with my first child, whilst I was in recovery from a c-section with my second. I am always reading!! I know a lot of authors can’t read anything in the genre they write as they find it interferes too much with their creativity, but I’ve never found that to be an issue. In fact, it inspires me, to read beautiful language, clever plotting, awesome characterisation. I want to be that good!

Your favourite book as a child?

I can’t just pick one!!! The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. Matilda by Roald Dahl. Heidi by Joanna Spyri. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken. Um…how long do we have here?

What would comprise your perfect day if you had a magic wand?

Being with my husband and our boys (aged 1 and almost 4). A scrumptious breakfast which absolutely must include bacon. Going somewhere fun where we can all play. My kids are little so the dream trip has to be Disneyworld. And it is totally not because I am a complete child. Then, an early night for my boys, a nice dinner for myself and my husband, somewhere overlooking the ocean, a glass of wine, and then a comfy sofa so I can read my book.

Hobbies?

Reading (d’uh!). I love to swim and these days try to get to the pool as often as I can. And, although I rarely have time for this nowadays, I also love to sketch and paint.
Have you always wanted to write novels?

Yes. It was one of those things that I deep down always knew I would have to do. And now that I have started, the idea of stopping is like the idea of no longer breathing.
Ambitions/dreams.

My ambitions…I want to keep doing what I am doing. I want to be respected for my ability to tell a story and create characters that take on a life of their own. I want to be able to give my children the opportunity to travel and experience the world, and to teach them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

If you could choose one person to read your books, who would it be?

I’ve seen this happen to a number of my author friends – a celebrity or big name author reads their book and then starts shouting about how wonderful it is. So it got me thinking, who would I want to shout about mine? Well, George Clooney would be nice (Hi, George!). But my hands down, would-immediately-pass-out-with-excitement person would be JK Rowling. I really don’t need to explain this one, do I? She knows Harry Potter, people!!!

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