Category Archives: Featured

Glorious Books To Add To Your TBR

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I have read a huge number of amazing books recently and I need to share them. Add these to your To Be Read list now.

The Island by Adrian McKinty

A dark and delicious read. High-concept, edge-of-your-seat stuff. This thriller is unputdownable. Out May 26th. From the author of The Chain.

A pulse-pounding, high-concept new thriller from the author of the “propulsive and original” instant Sunday Times bestseller The Chain (Stephen King).

You should not have come to the island

You should not have been speeding

You should not have tried to hide the body

You should not have told your children that you could keep them safe

No one can run forever…

The Siege by John Sutherland.

The is the fiction debut from ex-chief Superintendent John Sutherland, author of the Sunday Times Bestselling Blue. You can tell that he knows his stuff. This is masterful and gripping. John Sutherland is a hot new talent. One to watch. Our June 23rd.

Nine hostages. Ten hours. One chance to save them all.

Lee James Connor has found his purpose in life: to follow the teachings of far-right extremist leader, Nicholas Farmer. So when his idol is jailed, he comes up with the perfect plan: take a local immigrant support group hostage until Farmer is released.

Grace Wheatley is no stranger to loneliness having weathered the passing of her husband, whilst being left to raise her son alone. The local support group is her only source of comfort. Until the day Lee James Connor walks in and threatens the existence of everything she’s ever known.

Superintendent Alex Lewis may be one of the most experienced hostage negotiators on the force, but there’s no such thing as a perfect record. Still haunted by his last case, can he connect with Connor – and save his nine hostages – before it’s too late?

One Night With You by Laura Jane Williams. 

I loved this novel so much. Brilliant characters, a fun premise, and a whole lot of love. Set partly in the north, this book has such depth, along with characters who are so flawed and human. Gorgeous.  Out May 26th.

It’s his first night in London. And her last…

Ruby’s leaving London. She’s not running away from her ex per se, but an exciting opportunity in a new city has landed at the perfect time.

Nic is moving to London. After a bad break-up, he’s excited to see where big-city life could take him.

When a chance meeting throws the pair of them together for just one night, it’s clear that this could be the start of something special. But there’s one problem: she’s leaving, and he’s just arriving. So, after tonight, they’ll never see each other again . . . will they?

Hot Water by Christopher Fowler. 

Clever and witty, this is set in the French Rivera. A first-class thriller that you won’t want to put down. Our March 1st.

She sees everything, but can never tell anyone… a wickedly compulsive thriller from the bestselling author of the Bryant & May series.

At a beautiful villa near Nice in the south of France, Hannah Carreras works as a maid. Under strict instructions never to speak to the guests, she blends into the background – but she sees everything. Including the mistress Summer, lounging by the pool awaiting the arrival of her married lover, Steve.

When Steve finally shows at the villa – with his family unexpectedly in tow – Summer has vanished. Steve claims he never saw her. But Steve’s wife is no fool: she knows there’s something going on. Whose tiny bikini lies by the pool? Whose perfume is in the bathroom?

Before long, the local police start asking questions, and the villa’s occupants have something to hide. Only Hannah, always listening, watching, saw broken glass and blood on the patio the day Summer disappeared. Only Hannah thinks she knows what lies are being told…

One Last Letter From Greece by Emma Cowell

The gorgeous Greece setting, the beautiful journey the character takes. A beautiful tale of hope and love. I was gripped from the first page. Out June 9th.

The breathtaking, escapist debut novel from Emma Cowell, perfect for fans of Victoria Hislop, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan.

Devastated by her mother’s death, Sophie longs to get away from an empty house full of memories and a life that hasn’t quite turned out as she had imagined.

So when a chance discovery among her mother’s belongings hints at a past Sophie knows nothing of, she jumps at the opportunity for escape and a chance to heal. The magical, idyllic Greek town of Methoni awaits…

But Sophie – determined to uncover her mother’s secrets – is about to discover so much more. Among the tranquil waters and cosy tavernas, Methoni’s locals offer Sophie the answers she craves, along with unexpected romance and, if she’ll take it, a chance at her own happiness…

Will walking in her mother’s footsteps help Sophie discover who she was meant to be all along…?

The Dark by Sharon Bolton

The Dark takes after its name. A deeply dark thriller that will leave your heart pounding and your hand turning the page as quickly as possible. Out May 26th.

ONCE, SHE SAVED HIS LIFE…
NOW, HE’LL TAKE HERS.

When a baby is snatched from its pram and cast into the river Thames, off-duty police officer Lacey Flint is there to prevent disaster. But who would want to hurt a child?

DCI Mark Joesbury has been expecting this. Monitoring a complex network of dark web sites, Joesbury and his team have spotted a new terrorist threat from the extremist, women-hating, group known as ‘incels’ or ‘involuntary celibates.’ Joesbury’s team are trying to infiltrate the ring of power at its core, but the dark web is built for anonymity, and the incel army is vast.

Pressure builds when the team learn the snatched child was just the first in a series of violent attacks designed to terrorise women. Worse, the leaders of the movement seem to have singled out Lacey as the embodiment of everything they hate, placing her in terrible danger…

After Dark by Jayne Cowie. 

This book is so clever and timely. It is written so well and is so clever. Original and brilliant. Out May 12th.

WELCOME TO A WORLD WHERE WOMEN HOLD THE POWER.

They dominate workplaces, public spaces and government.

They are no longer afraid to cross a dark car park, catch the last train, or walk home alone.

With the Curfew law in place, all men are electronically tagged and must stay at home after 7pm.

It changed things for the better. Until now.

A woman is murdered late at night and evidence suggests she knew her attacker.

It couldn’t have been a man because a Curfew tag is a solid alibi… Isn’t it?

Glimpses by Pat Fowle. 

A clever idea well executed. Stories on a colourful life well lived.

Most of one’s life is not always memorable. I spent a fair amount of my past just chasing the wind, however, I can recall certain events, some of which I will share. I’ll stick to glimpses.

This is what could be described as a fragmented autobiography; a story told through noteworthy events that have occurred during a colourful life.

Some are mystical, some inexplicable. Short stories that involve humour, but most of all love, like threads of gold that run through a lifetime.

4 Benefits of Non-Stim Pre-Workouts

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Traditional pre-workouts use caffeine and other stimulants to produce an energy boost, but sometimes it’s good to switch things up and use stim-free pre-workouts instead. This can be especially beneficial if you have issues with anxiety or trouble sleeping due to stimulants in your pre-workout supplement. This article will discuss the four benefits of using stim-free pre-workouts and recommend products that fit the bill.

1) Improve Your Mood

If you find that pre-workout supplements get you hyped for your training, but leave you feeling overstimulated and anxious in your everyday life, then a stim free pre workout could be just what you need. Stimulant free pre-workouts can also help with poor mood from dieting. In addition, stimulants can increase appetite, so reducing them can help keep hunger at bay.

Studies show that increased fitness levels link to reduced anxiety. Part of reducing your anxiety could be as simple as going for a morning run or hitting up a HIIT class.

2) Increase Focus

Non-stim pre-workouts help you get in your best workout without having to worry about experiencing a crash afterward. Because they’re stimulant-free, you can increase focus without worrying about feeling exhausted at work later on.

Also, the best pre-workouts contain choline. According to Legion Athletics, “Choline is a nutrient that’s vital for brain health and function, and glycerophosphate is a substance that helps transport choline to the brain.”

The benefits are plentiful. If you’re worried about stimulants and think they might be causing your increased heart rate or feelings of jitteriness, try one of these non-stim pre-workouts instead.

It’s a good idea to start slow with these products and see how you feel. Don’t use too much at first, as your body might not be used to it. If you still have negative side effects, try taking half of your normal serving size or discontinue use altogether.

3) No Crash After Workout

A stim-free pre-workout will ensure that you have enough energy to work out effectively without crashing after your workout. Many people report experiencing dizziness, fatigue, and mood swings after taking pre-workouts that contain stimulants. These issues can deter some people from working out altogether, so if you’re looking for a way to increase your motivation and enthusiasm while exercising, try a stim-free pre-workout.

There are a variety of ways to avoid experiencing these negative side effects, but switching from pre-workouts that contain stimulants is a smart choice.

4) Help Muscle Recovery

If you exercise regularly, it’s common to experience muscle soreness. Stimulant pre-workouts are known for making people feel good, but they can also speed up muscle recovery and repair by increasing blood flow throughout your body. If you have access to a gym, consider checking out your options in stim-free pre-workouts. Since they don’t have caffeine or other stimulants in them, they won’t keep you awake at night or cause any jitters.

Stim-free pre-workouts are an excellent alternative to those who don’t want to use stimulants. They’re not for everyone, but they have many benefits for those who use them.

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Different Ways Your Bathtub Pillow Can Help Your Head, Body, and Back

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Nothing is more aggravating than attempting to relax in the tub and not finding a comfortable position. Resting your head on the tub’s edge might become uncomfortable and painful after a long, and it can place your neck and back in an awkward position. You won’t rest even if you sit in the bath for a few minutes. Taking a relaxing bath, particularly with the assistance of a bath cushion, has several health and emotional benefits:

Nonslip and Hygienic

Without a doubt, you’ve tried using a towel as a headrest before discovering the bath pillows. Even yet, it continued to fall out and became inconvenient because it had to be replaced every time you took a bath. All bathtub pillows for head and back come with extra-strong suction cups to keep them firmly connected to the bathtub’s surface. Because of the material utilized in its manufacturing, it does not stick to the skin. 

It Helps Adjust Your Posture

Posture is extremely important, and it should never be overlooked. Look for a store that sells high-quality goods to help you keep a proper stance in the tub and avoid suffering. During the day, people create strange body postures; thus taking a bath helps them relax and avoid making themselves feel even worse. The bath pillows for tub are available in a variety of sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your neck, shoulders, and head. This allows you to bath for as long as you like without becoming tired.

Stress and Neck Tightness Can Be Eased

A bath after a long day can be a relaxing way to unwind and let go of some of life’s concerns. Warm water helps you stay cool, and a bath pillow can make the experience more relaxing and comfortable. All of your troubles will go if you use a beautiful pillow. A cushion also supports your neck, which is an important feature. You’re likely to endure pain and discomfort if you sit for a long time without supporting your neck. Resting your neck and head on something will help, and the best option is a cushion.

Creates A Spa Experience and Staying in The Tub for Longer

Going to a spa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, you may recreate this sensation at home with the help of a bathtub pillows for head and back. To make the experience merrier, add some candles and your bath bomb of choice. If you can’t relax in the bathtub, you’re not going to stay in the warm water long enough to reap all of the therapeutic effects. Use a pillow to allow you to spend as much time as you like in the bath.

Taking a bath can be a great way to unwind when you finish your day. Turn on the faucet after your nighttime workout, or take a warm bath to start your day. Whatever the case may be, you’ll feel more at ease, productive, and capable of dealing with whatever life throws at you. If you have a bath pillows for tub, you’ll be on your way to heaven in no time.

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Five Days Missing by Caroline Corcoran

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It takes a brave author to tackle a difficult subject, and a mother leaving her newborn baby is certainly one of those. I was intrigued to find out how the author would make this book work. All I have to say is: wow. Five Days Missing flows perfectly with not a word out of place.Just when you think you know exactly what is happening another layer is peeled away.

The characters are all fascinating and believable. I loved most of them. I raced through this novel and enjoyed every page. It’s a masterclass of a psychological thriller. I am going to have to insist that you read it.
five days missing, caroline Corcoran

Having a baby is all about firsts. The first touch. The first kiss. The first cuddle. They mark a lifetime of firsts – including the first goodbye.

 

When Romilly says goodbye to her new baby daughter, abandoning her at the hospital hours after giving birth, no one can understand why she would leave – and where she has gone.

 

In those first few hours she had been the image of a doting mother and would have done anything to protect her baby.

Something has clearly gone wrong. Could it be that Romilly is suffering from postpartum psychosis, just as her mother did?

 

Or is something even worse at hand? A danger so grave that she would leave her longed-for daughter to escape it…

 

Caroline Corcoran’s first novel, Through The Wall, came out in October 2019. It was a Sunday Times top 20 bestseller and translated into numerous foreign languages. Her second book, The Baby Group, published in September 2020. As well as writing books, Caroline is a freelance lifestyle and popular culture journalist who has written and edited for most of the top magazines, newspapers and websites in the UK.

Out now.

4 Alternative Uses of an Office Chair Cushion You Need to Know

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An office chair cushion is a multipurpose product that is not only used on office chairs but can also serve other purposes. It helps in many other situations in your daily life and you will be impressed with what it can do for you. So don’t hesitate to buy a seat cushion thinking that it is only for only office chairs yet you don’t own one. Following are the unique benefits of an office chair cushion:

 

  1. Wheel Chair Support

 

Do you have an elderly person or a patient in your home who moves in a wheelchair? Well, if yes, the best gift you can give he or she is a seat cushion. Wondering why? This is because sitting for long hours in a wheelchair causes backache as most of them to lack the needed ergonomics to give your back the needed support.

 

So if you put an office chair cushion in the wheelchair, your patient or elderly person gets the needed support for the backbone. He or she won’t experience any pain no matter the duration of his or her stay in the wheelchair.

 

  1. Car Seat Support

 

Your car seat doesn’t provide enough back support and it tends to wear with time, which leads to the loss of its ergonomic benefits. This means you need a seat cushion to give you the needed back support while driving. If you drive long distances, you need a cushion to boost your comfort throughout your journey.

 

It saves you from all the side effects that come along with driving for long hours, such as the back, neck, and leg pain. This is because the pillow positions your body in the right posture throughout your drive.

 

  1. Gaming Chair Support

 

Are you a gaming fan and you spend a lot of time playing? Well, one of the common challenges faced by gamers is backache due to sitting for long hours. It causes discomfort which affects your concentration as you play and this lowers your winning chances.

 

So if you need to have undisturbed gaming experiences, you need to get a seat cushion for your chair. It holds your body in the right position and gives your back the needed support which allows you to enjoy your games as long as you want without any back pain.

 

  1. Aeroplane Seat Support

 

Long flights take several hours and this means you have to sit for a long time, which normally leads to pain in several parts of your body. However, to boost your flight experience no matter its duration, you need to keep a seat pillow handy.

 

The good news is that many of them are portable and you can move with one wherever you go. It gives you all the needed comfort on your flight and your back and neck won’t be strained.

 

Enjoy Office Chair Multipurpose Benefits

 

Boost the efficiency or productivity of your office chair cushion by using it for some of the above purposes or you can buy another for them.

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Some Common Signs of Bipolar Disorder

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With so many mental health problems plaguing the lives of people these days, it can be difficult to know what to look for in terms of symptoms. Some symptoms are similar across a range of disorders, and with conditions such as bipolar disorder, there are various symptoms that you have to look for. Many of those who suffer from this condition do not realize that they have it, and they do not seek medical intervention or treatment. This can be very risky and can result in a vastly reduced quality of life.

There are all sorts of options that may be considered if you are diagnosed with this disorder, and this includes ketamine bipolar disorder treatment. Of course, before you can receive suitable treatment, you need to first get a diagnosis, and this means seeking advice and support from your healthcare provider. It is also worth familiarizing yourself with some of the common signs of this disorder. We will look at some of the common signs of bipolar disorders in this article.

Some of the Signs to Look For

There are various signs and symptoms to look out for in order to determine whether you or someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder. Some of the main ones include:

Episodes of Depression

One of the things you may experience when you have bipolar disorder is episodes of depression, and there are many symptoms that you may experience during these episodes. This includes irritability and sadness, loss of interest in life, lack of energy, feeling worthless, extreme pessimism, feeling delusional, having hallucinations, sleep difficulties, and thoughts of suicide.

Episodes of Mania or Hypomania

The other extreme of bipolar disorder is episodes of mania or even hypomania, and this is where you may experience extreme highs in sharp contrast to the lows your experience during a depressive episode. Some of the symptoms you may experience include speedy talking, agitation, feeling elated, having a lot of energy, feelings of grandeur, illogical thinking, not wanting to sleep or eat, making rash and illogical decisions, and more.

Cycling Episodes

As a sufferer of bipolar disorder, you will experience both highs and lows, although many experience lows more often than highs. Some also find that the episodes of depression and mania cycle rapidly, and this means that you can suddenly go from being extremely low to being extremely high in a very short space of time.

Getting Help and Treatment

The episodes and symptoms that you experience when you have bipolar disorder can make all aspects of your life very difficult to cope with. When you are roller-coasting from extreme lows to extreme highs, everything from maintaining relationships to being able to work can be affected.

This is why it is so important to seek medical advice and support if you feel you may have bipolar, as this means that treatment can then be considered. This can then make a big difference to both the symptoms and your life. 

 

Tim Sullivan My Writing Process

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tim sullivan the patientI’ve always written. I wrote and directed my first short film at university and the writing followed on from there. I began writing screenplays with some success, starting in the late eighties with an adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s A Handful of Dust starring Kristen Scott-Thomas, James Wilby, Judi Dench and Alec Guinness. This was followed by an adaptation of EM Forster’s Where Angels Fear to Tread starring Helen Mirren, Helena Bonham-Carter and Judy Davis. I then wrote and directed Jack and Sarah with Richard E Grant, Samantha Mathis, Ian McKellen, Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins. This led to a screenwriting career in America where I worked with many producers including Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and Jeffrey Katzenberg. I spent a year writing the screenplay for Shrek 4 before the studio decided to go in a different direction with the movie. My last two produced movies were Letters to Juliet starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave and last year My Little Pony – A new generation. I’ve always wanted to write novels, specifically crime and finally found the time. My series centres upon DS George Cross a socially awkward and sometimes difficult but brilliant detective. He is based in Bristol and has the best conviction rate in the force. His third outing The Patient is released by Head of Zeus on March 3rd.

tim sullivan the patient

What is your writing process?

I’m a morning writer. I find I get my best work done then. Ideas seem fresher and I have the energy to get going. I tend to re-read and edit in the afternoons.

Do you plan or just write?

With screenplays I definitely plan. You have to. But with crime novels I start knowing who has died and who’s done it, but I have no idea how to get there. This can make things complicated and it’s easy to lose faith when you’re not sure which way to go. But I think it means that George Cross, the audience and I are all discovering things at the same time. I think this gives the narrative a more convincing and interesting path.

What about word count?

This varies enormously. I write everything long hand in fountain pen before it gets anywhere near a computer. So, a minimum of 500 words and a maximum of around 2500.

What do you find hard about writing?

The beginning of a book is hard. Until I’ve reached 20,000 words I’m not really sure whether it’s going to be a book at all. I enjoy it a lot more after that. I find it hard not to write long meandering sentences but thankfully I have an eagle-eyed editor who keeps me on the straight and narrow or should I say within the margins.

What do you love about writing?

I used to find the solitary nature of it hard but now it’s possibly what I love about it the most

I love creating characters and relationships. Writing things that move me or make me laugh. 

It’s amazing how many times as a writer you can surprise yourself.

Advice for other writers.

Find the confidence to do it and sit down and write. Write for yourself before you write for anyone else. Sketch down ideas and scenes. Write clutches of dialogue as they come into your head. Don’t sit down and try and write a complete project. Play around a little.

And enjoy it. Everyone writes better when they enjoy what they’re doing.

www.timsullivan.uk

Instagram @timsullivannovellist

Twitter      @timjrsullivan

Facebook   @timjrsullivan

Tim Sullivan is the author of The Patient published by Head of Zeus 3rd March, £18.99

Would You Like to Break into a Career in Customer Service?

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People who thrive when working completely alone and in isolation often become frustrated and a little scared if they suddenly have to start dealing with other people. Similarly, those who love to work alongside others and deal with other people find it frustration and boring when they end up stuck on their own.

If you fall into the latter group and you want to get into a job where you can deal with people on a daily basis, a position in customer service could be just right for you. Of course, you need to first gain some experience or find a junior customer service role where you can learn the ropes and work your way up. If this is something that you are keen to do, there are various steps that you can take to break into a career in customer service. We will look at some of these within this article.

Some of the Key Steps to Take

There are a few important steps that you should take if you want to boost the chances of breaking into a career in customer services. Some of the main ones are:

Try to Gain Some Experience

If you have no experience at all in customer service but you know you want to work in this field, it is well worth putting the time and effort into gaining some experience. If you are still in college, you could try to find a company that will allow you to do some work experience in your spare time. Failing this, you could contact charitable organizations to see if they have any voluntary opportunities that involve dealing with customers. If you already have a job, you could even speak to your manager to see if you might be able to shadow members of another team that deal with customers on a regular basis.

Add Your Details to Job Sites

Another thing to do even if you have little or no experience in customer service is to add your name onto the variety of online job sites. Some businesses are looking for junior team members who can be trained on the job, and this could be ideal for you if you do not already have experience. If you do have experience, you can go for one of the more advanced positions that come up. Either way, this will make it easier for you to find and apply for any customer service positions that come up if you feel they might be suitable. Try to explore some job aggregator websites to do that. For instance, there are lots of perfect customer service job offers on Jooble you could send a CV for.

Work on Your Resume

One of the other things that you should do is to work on your resume, as you need to ensure it will make a great impression if you do apply for any customer service jobs. You can create a customer service resume that highlights all of the relevant skills that you do have and also demonstrates your willingness to learn.

These are some of the steps that you should take if you want to break into this type of career.

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