Joffe Books’ pick of the week, oh how they spoil us

This is a corker of a  ‘ book of the week’ from Joffe who are thrilled with HIDDEN ON THE MOORS by acclaimed author Priscilla Masters. It’s out now for 99p/99c:  a man is seen lingering outside the gates at the local school. Then a five-year-old girl goes missing. The team begin a desperate search for the little girl, but she could be hidden anywhere on these moors.   The clock is ticking . . . Can Detective Joanna Piercy find the girl before it’s too late?

CLICK HERE TO BUY HIDDEN ON THE MOORS BY PRISCILLA MASTERS FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

Silent Death by Volker Kutscher really appeals to me. Priced at £2.99

AT THE DAWN OF TALKING FILMS, A MOVIE STAR IS SILENCED FOREVER . . .

Ingenious . . . a portrait of an era through the lens of genre fiction.” New York TimesAtmospheric and immersive.” Sunday Herald*Please note our edition of The Silent Death is only available in the UK.

Such excitement:: Beachy Head by Adam Lyndon is coming soon:

BEACHY HEAD, the brand-new Detective Rutherford Barnes mystery by serving police-officer Adam Lyndon is launching next week and is available to pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.

DC Barnes, back on the job after an eighteen-month suspension, is in no position to refuse a case no-one else wants: a one-punch homicide. But soon Barnes’s no-win case becomes something deeper and darker than anyone could have imagined

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says: 

“Adam Lyndon played a blinder with his stunning debut, DEVIL’S CHIMNEY.  But he has surpassed himself with his second novel, BEACHY HEAD. From the tension-fuelled opening scene, I was drawn in right away and held gripped throughout this intriguing, multi-stranded read, with its plentiful twists and turns.  There is one particular twist, about halfway through, which took my breath away, and changed everything I thought I knew about what had gone before.”
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BEACHY HEAD BY ADAM LYNDON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A COVER REVEAL FOR BEACHY HEAD BY ADAM LYNDON.      Readers LOVED Adam Lyndon’s debut novel, which introduced the character of the young and ambitious — perhaps too ambitious for his own good — DC Rutherford Barnes.  Get your copy today and prepare to be hooked! 

CLICK HERE TO BUY DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR JUST 99P

NEWS

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant has signed two novels from bestselling author McGarvey Black, who is joining Joffe Books with two psychological thrillers.

McGarvey studied voice at Manhattan School of Music and was later a theatre major in college. She pursued an acting career but later moved into a magazine and digital media career. During that time, she sold advertising and managed sales teams for companies like Conde Nast, WebMD and worked for brands including GQ, Travel + Leisure, and Allure.

In between, she took a year off and backpacked alone around the world. Later, after having two children, she left media and became an executive recruiter for internet companies. In 2017, she began writing full time and has since published six novels.

McGarvey Black says: 

I saw a podcast interview of Jasper Joffe and was really taken by his outlook on publishing. He was incredibly positive and normal and I liked his philosophy. He mentioned that Kate Lyall Grant had moved to Joffe Books and when I looked at her background, I thought I want to work with them!  Joffe Books has had remarkable success publishing high quality fiction that include a slew of bestsellers. I’m hoping mine will be one of them.”

Kate Lyall Grant says:

I’ve never come across an author with quite such a darkly inventive imagination as McGarvey Black.  She comes up the most ingeniously twisted plots which pull you in from the outset and keep you gripped until the end.  I’m absolutely delighted to have acquired her next two books, TRUST ONLY ME and TWICE ON CHRISTMAS for Joffe Books.”

Kate adds: Watch this space and be among the first to read Black’s thrilling new suspense novels in early 2023! 

For more on Joffe’s latest releases – Joffe Books

 

Award winning author, Anthony Etherington’s novel Europia has a cracking jacket, but it’s the inside that matters- so how does it stack up?

Set in Caradea, Eastern Europe, in the future, 2030 to be exact. Marta, 34 and single, lives alone on the dingy Goval estate. In spite of her good friends, a secure job, her spirits are flagging as her mother is showing her age. In addition her boyfriend, Arpad is not only often absent, but is drinking heavily. Is it anything to do with the images she has discovered, images  that suggest Arpad is involved in sex trafficking?

Well, frankly, enough is enough and Marta decides to ditch Arpad and find someone she can love, who will give her the solace, and the family she has always wanted. But will Arpad let her go? To make matters worse, Marta agrees to help a widower Michael, with his teenage daughter, who is deeply troubled. Without realising it, Marta sets off a chain of events that threaten not only those she loves, but her own life.

So, we’ve agreed, a great jacket. What else?

Let me reassure all Frost Magazine’s readers. Etherington’s crisp pacy writing swings into action from line one, and we’re off, fully engaged, hauled in by the neck to not only be in the drama, but turn the pages, and wonder quite, crikey, is going to happen, and how can it be resolved?

Etherington won best screenplay at the European Independent Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Wales in 2014, and his understanding of scenic action is excellent. Evocative writing, superb plotting and dialogue, what’s not to like. Buy it, devour it. Bravo Europia, and Etherington of course.

Europia by Anthony Etherington available here

Know More about Hair Extensions

 

Hair gives a human being so much personality and features. People always want flawless and tangle-free locks with stylish hairdos, but not all are born with naturally flawless locks. But is there a way to get that? So many options are available in the market providing good, sustainable, artificial locks that could save a person’s special days like office meet-ups, parties, dates, birthdays, etc.

 

What is an artificial extension?

Clip in hair extensions, weaves, or fake locks are natural or synthetic locks used to add length and thickness to a person’s original tresses. It is used to alter a person’s appearance by adding length, volume, and thickness or changing the existing hair’s overall texture. Extensions for your locks can improve their look and make them appealing. They are also ideal for those with thin or delicate locks.

 

Different Types

Such products are applied by several methods like tape-ins, clip-ins, fusions, weaving, wigs, and many more.

Tape-ins typically last four to eight weeks. These are applied with the help of glue tape and can be removed by applying a glue remover. Specialized styling products are available to keep these extensions in top conditions.

 

The most popular method, clip in hair extensions, is also the safest since there is no use of a chemical or glue to attach them. These products can be integrated seamlessly to provide thickness and volume with the help of small clips sewn into the original strands. These are also the cheapest options available. These are temporary and are applied and removed easily without visiting a salon or the help of a hairdresser.

Other methods, like Bonding or Fusion, are notorious for causing Traction Alopecia and hair loss caused by pulling them.

 

Characteristics of Human Curls

Human locks consist of Keratin in three layers. The inner part is the medulla, which is covered by the cortex and takes up most of the shaft. Pigment cells present in the cortex give the hair its color. The cuticle is the outermost layer. A healthy cuticle is a protective layer that controls the water content of fiber.

 

The extensions of true virgin and Remy’s hair are the most durable and easy to apply. These are soft, shiny, and have a natural wave pattern as they use 100% genuine human hair without any harmful chemicals that can damage one’s natural curls. It is also very sturdy, making it a popular choice for those who want to try various styles.

 

Maintenance and Styling of These Products

 

Mild shampoo and a light conditioner are recommended to wash and reduce the tangling of the product.

 

When applying shampoo, it is suggested that a sulfate-free and alcohol-free product be used as sulfate and alcohol can frizz and dry the fake curls.

 

Cool water can also be ideal while shampooing to reduce matting.

 

Even the use of a top-down motion while shampooing can help decrease hair degradation a lot.

 

Conclusion

Everyone can enjoy their desired looks with these wonderful items. There are many types and colors of extensions available to find one that suits you. If you are considering extensions, consult a professional stylist to find the best type and color for your hair.

 

Several reputed online stores provide genuine products with exciting discounts, deals, and free shipping if people buy in bulk. Hence, before buying, please search for those sites on the internet.

 

 

 

 

What a week it was at Columbia Community Association and the first thing is, they have an email! columbiavillagecommunityassoc@gmail.com

    

Three cheers, the doors have all been hung – the lads worked over the weekend, the swing doors in the corridor are fantastic. A makeover for any 83 year old is a lengthy task, but just look at these beauties now.

The new brass handles, name plate and a knocker are on order for what will be the best front door in Brady Square and Marion has ordered me to come and see them. I will, I promise. She also says, Corey from CJ Carpet fitters is arranging a date for fitting the new flooring in the communal room and our computer room. Once this is laid, Equan are going to decorate the hub room and install wall units etc. When completed the community can come along and use the computers and tablets.

On a roll now, Marion continued: Did I happen to mention that I negotiated with Stu the Equan boss man to have new flooring laid in our toilets. He asked how much we would charge for the lads to use our facilities during the ongoing refurb programme in Columbia so I suggested we did a deal and we both came away quite happy. Our committee too.’

Margaret thinks Marion is terrifying.

It was a week for meetings, chats and donations, bingo, sewing, singing and dancing, exercise classes and a booking for a 5-piece band to rehearse, Columbia Community Association is certainly the place to be. 

The first community visitor arrived and he was so helpful in helping Bob to move the units we are keeping for our computer room. Thanks John, you deserved that cup of coffee.

Bob also started dismantling a notice board left over from the 1939 old dole office. In its place will be the television. The wall might have to be skimmed. Thankfully, Justin and Dave were only too pleased to help with the plastering of the wall on top of the kitchen walls. Which is promising to be as wonderful as everyone hoped.

Dave

Marion said, ‘During the week Shake that Boogie arrived and the centre became alive with music and laughter, leaving the lads from Equan outnumbered and I caught young Michael singing away to YMCA. (gotcha). Of course he denied it’.

Then, surprise surprise, Marion’s grandson arrived. Everything stopped, tears started, and hugs. Marion was so thrilled  because she misses him, but he has a good life in Texas and is happy there. On this visit, he also gifted Bob and Marion some stunning news – she will be knitting bootties for a while. Congratulation from Frost Magazine, Grannie.

FYI Shake that Boogie are starting a Thursday class and the Bingo ladies were ‘at it’ again. Denise from Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance popped in, and is always available for advice.

                       

Denise                                                          Tom

We hear that Tom, has volunteered to decorate the embryonic computer room. In return Marion has to constantly replenish his tea mug. This is a job that must never be given to Margaret Graham, who makes a dreadful cup of tea, her son in law says. Dick agrees. Margaret just says,’Make it yourself then.’ Margaret is BAD.

Pouring rain alerted the team to a leak in Communal Room 2 which was reported to the Council. But, never fear, Equan stepped in and identified the problem (oh lord, a bad one) so back onto SCC for an urgent callout…30mins and they arrived. Temporarily fixed.

Hazel from “Plain N Purl” kindly agreed to display a poster in her shop, asking for volunteers to knit woolie hats for Sister Mary’s beloved Seafarers. Whereupon ‘The wonderful Meg Barber called in to drop some hats off that she had knitted for the Seaman, Sister Mary will be delighted,’ said Marion.

How lucky are we in dear old Brady square to be surrounded by such special people.’

Lynn Johnson from Equan came in May with a donation of toiletries for our Ukrainian appeal and she is the person responsible for starting the ball rolling for our new kitchen. Without this beautiful human, Marion told Frost, none of her wheeling and dealing would have been possible.

Lastly, from the Columbia Community Association, together with Frost Magazine, please raise your glasses to our beautiful Queen Elizabeth II, may you rest in peace ma’am.

Tracklements Special Edition Date & Tamarind Chatni – Simply Delicious – by Dr Kathleen Thompson

Frost has featured Tracklements before. We love these amazing preserves. Incredibly they’re still made by hand in small batches at their Wiltshire-based family company.

The reason Tracklements products taste so good is simple – it’s a combination of their recipes and their ingredients. Their ingredients are of the highest quality and are sourced from small companies and farms across England – they even involve school children by arranging for them to  pick their crab apples – giving the kids the opportunity to learn how traditional foods are made together with earning cash for school funds.

Tracklements use traditional recipes – some even from the 17th century – but every now and then they treat us with a Special Edition, and I was delighted to test their Date and Tamarind Chatni. Chatni is an Indian word for chutney and the blend of sweet dates with the distinctive sourness of tamarind works perfectly. I tried it with cheese and it turned a simple snack into something very special. The makers recommend spreading it on top of white, meaty fish and steaming, or slather over pork chops and grill or even dollop into a Lamb Tagine for tremendous flavour and texture. It’s vegan and gluten-free, so no dietary issues.

Tracklements Special Edition Date & Tamarind Chatni RRP £3.50 for 250g, is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and from their website – I can seriously recommend you give it a try.

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.

EVA GLYN’S HIDDEN CROATIA: AFTER THE MONKS LEAVE…

As so often happens when you’re researching, I stumbled across Lopud 1483. Strange name for a monastery now turned event space and high end holiday let, but not when you discover that was the year the Franciscans started to build Gospa od Spilice, or Our Lady of the Cave.

Perched on an outcrop overlooking the main harbour on the island of Lopud, just fifteen kilometres from Dubrovnik, the monastery and its fortifications have been a landmark for generations. After the 1820s it began to crumble, the monks having decamped back to the mainland leaving a local man to open the church for anyone who wanted to pray.

It was a tiny and often forgotten slice of the monastery’s history that fascinated me originally. I was researching what happened to Dubrovnik’s Jewish community during the Second World War and discovered that some of them had been interned on Lopud for a period of about six months. This was done under the strict instructions of the German occupiers, but the soldiers guarding them were Italians who up until that point had avoided imprisoning the Jews under their jurisdiction.

What fascinated me was exactly where on the island the unfortunate Jews had been interned. There didn’t seem to be very many buildings big enough, which left me thinking about the monastery. It might have been a ruin, but it had stout fortified outer walls and in many ways was an obvious choice. So imagine my surprise when, watching a documentary about the monastery’s restoration, I saw the words ‘il duce’ painted on a wall. Italian fascists had definitely been there.

I really, really wanted to visit this beautiful place, as my characters do in the book I was writing and researching. They would have been there in 2010, quite early in the restoration programme, but I knew from experience that walking around the building and grounds would enable me to recreate it so much better for my readers.

I knew I couldn’t afford to rent this iconic property (recent guests include the Beckham family), so I emailed the general manager with the dates of my Croatian trip and kept my fingers firmly crossed. The answer was yes; they had a small gap between rentals – basically a Sunday morning – and their security officer would show me around.

First let me say that Lopud 1483 is a little slice of heaven. Its restoration took the best part of twelve years, but in 2018 it opened its doors for cultural events and private rentals. The project was masterminded by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemizsa, and it now houses her family’s extensive collection of renaissance art, furniture and artefacts.

Our guide was keen to tell us about the art, but also about the property’s history, including the physic garden and the monks’ pharmacy which have also been restored. To walk through the gardens is a wonderful sensory experience and I could have lingered there for hours, but of course I needed to find out about the Italian connection in World War Two.

Standing in the master bedroom looking at the fascist graffiti from eighty years before sent more than a shiver down my spine. The monastery had certainly been the Italians’ headquarters on the island but, as I discovered that day, not where the Jews had been interned. That dubious honour went to a hotel that had been built in the 1930s as a beacon of modernity, something I would never have found out had I not visited Lopud.

And I can always dream that the book, due out in summer 2023, is an international bestseller so I can afford to go back to Lopud 1493 and stay!

Batteries re-charged at the CCA and … they’re off.

Tuesday 30th August at 8am the lovely Donna from Haven Wellbeing Centre in Columbia kicked off a brilliant week, Marion tells us, when she arrived with a donation of a new Dolce Gusto coffee maker and pod stand, sandwich maker and food dicer. Sadly, due to the current climate they are having to close down but on a positive note they will be using Columbia  Community Centre to deliver certain sessions. ‘We are grateful beyond words.’ says Marion

Liam and Stu are here to prepare and re-hang the doors. They will need to be primed and painted and new hinges. The lads were so full of life, singing and dancing to the music while working , that Marion had the cheek to wonder if Liam had been sipping the wine he won on the Hamper Raffle.  Gasp! Then, a bit of bad news: CCA’s treasurer Pauline has tested positive for Covid. Another gasp, and wishes for a quick recovery from the team at Frost.

It seems all the free crockery has gone, thanks to social media. Red Shoes Bob will be moving the fridge and freezer before Thursday, though the kettle will remain in the office as it’s always on the boil for anyone who pops in. Beautiful pottery was created by the children who received free bags courtesy of Andrew Leach from MBC Arts Wellbeing.

               

Marion wanted Frost Magazine to emphasis tthe CCA’s gratitude that so many wonderful people have come into the CCA’s lives, – each and every one of them has been the cream of the crop, and:  Every one of them will remain our friends for life and always welcome at the centre. Our christmas card list will stretch from here to Newcastle by the end.’ Marion says. ‘ Oh, and by the way, Dianne is on Library duty ensuring that the fabulous novels we have for hire by Margaret Graham are all accounted for, as they are being borrowed like hot cakes. That’s great, as long as you say where Marion can find you and ‘Margaret’.

Margaret, author, BAD girl, and editor of Frost Magazine, says, ‘I will be up with more books, some by me, but as I review books by other authors I have these to share with the CCA too.’

At last, Thursday arrived, and danger -“Men at work”. Liam and Justin did a  mighty good job of dismantling the kitchen, and Phil the Plumber did what Plumbers do and it’s service with a smile.

    

Marion is so delighted. ‘We have waited so long and at last it’s all happening around us and we are all so happy. Bingo ladies are having a day off today, they tell me they wouldn’t be able to hear the numbers shouted out for the noise but they would have enjoyed the eye candy – Girls that’s naughty (but nice)

Marion tells us that the CCA have nothing but praise for these lads from Equan, they haven’t stopped all day,  even washed the floor all ready for the joiner the next day. Then with the smooth came the rough. The emergency lights came on in the midst of a power cut. But why the power cut? After several phone calls a charming chap called Chris (Marion tells us – what is she like?!) telephoned to say he was on his way. It transpired the RCD had tripped. Now Marion knowswhat to lookout for if it happens again, so frankly, says Margaret. Marion won’t have to call out the charming Chris, so very there.

Marion reports that new kitchen is fabulous and so much is down to the skill of the men doing the refurb, plus – dare she saythey are all so easy on the eye. She also says that Margaret Graham will say I am Bad but Margaret Graham is not here but I bet she wishes she was. (She does) Then along came Ross to help with the handles.

   

Liam                                               Ross                                            Supervisor

Linda arrived with delicious home baked Lemon cake (now the work has stopped)’ Marion said, ‘But they deserve a treat.’

That’s a rap,’ said Marion. ‘Roll on my next report, as we show off our doors and new kitchen.’

.Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

 

On this the 100th Joffe Books Digest we discover a multitude of fabulous new books

Joffe is delighted, on this the publication of the 100th digest, with our readers’ superb support for all their wonderful authors – who are very much part of the Joffe family, and they so  look forward to introducing many more in the years to come.

Joffe’s book of the week is the latest absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from #1 bestselling author Cath Staincliffe — DESPERATE MEASURES which is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

It would be a shame to miss out on DCI Janine Lewis’s last case. Ever . . .   Respected GP Dr Don Halliwell is discovered brutally murdered and his colleague Dr Fraser McKee goes missing. Then McKee walks into the police station: ‘Somebody’s trying to kill me. However, he and Halliwell had been seen screaming at each other right before Halliwell’s murder.

It’s up to Janine to separate the murky truth from the lies.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DESPERATE MEASURES BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR CATH STAINCLIFFE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

           

The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson 99p/99c

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is in Guernsey when he receives an urgent call from his friend, Inspector John Guilbert. ‘A woman’s been found dead on the ferry which sailed from Portsmouth this morning.’Renegade detective Horton dives headfirst into his investigations, where dark secrets lead to destruction . . . 

A Future Murder b Linda Mather  99p/99c

MEET JO HUGHES, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.  Jo Hughes goes undercover to investigate Flora Howell. She tells Jo she’s looking for a missing friend and almost immediately afterwards she gets knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run accident. Then Flora’s friend is found dead. It’s up to Jo to read the signs and uncover the truth.

Murder at the Roman Baths by Jane G Goodhind 99p/99c

Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is attending the funeral of one of her mother’s friends. But before the deceased can be laid to rest, another body is found in the grave.The victim is C.A. Wright, renowned hotel reviewer with a nasty reputation and some even nastier habits. Wright was known as a leech, a lecher and a venomous cockroach by most people who crossed his path — including Honey Driver . . .

Such great great news:

Coming soon from Joffe Books — BABYLON BERLIN by Volker Kutscher. These truly are wonderful novels. I love them, love love love them. (You get the picture)
Joffe are not unnaturally delighted to be publishing Volker Kutscher’s award-winning series of Gereon Rath historical crime mysteries set in pre-war Berlin do not miss them. Do buy them.

The series of five historical thrillers, notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Weimar Republic Germany, has sold over a million copies worldwide and was recently adapted for television by Sky Atlantic, with the critically acclaimed Babylon Berlin TV series.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BABYLON BERLIN BY VOLKER KUTSCHER.
“Atmospheric.” Peter James  “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday “Splendid and chilling.” Crime Time   “Conjures up the dangerous decadence of the Weimar years.” The Sunday Times

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says:

“We are thrilled to have acquired digital rights in the remarkable Gereon Rath series, which brings the seedy underworld of 1920s’ Berlin to vivid and memorable life.”

NEWS

Now for a fulsome tribute on this, the celebration of Joffe’s100th digest, to honour Joffe’s beloved author Roy Lewis, creator of the Arnold Landon and Inspector Crow mystery series, who recently reached the impressive benchmark of over half a million books sold!

Joffe Books were delighted to receive a testimonial to Roy from his son, John,  which they wanted to share with Frost Magazine readers.

Roy was born in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales on 17/1/1933. He died on 18/8/2019. He probably started writing as a teenager.    In the late 1950s he contributed a number of short stories to an Australian publication, Man Magazine (and possibly also Adam). Suffice it to say that these publications mostly consisted of photos of young women in bathing suits with some articles and stories thrown in! 

He was first published by Collins in 1969, John thinks, and stayed with them in their Crime Club series for many years. He took inspiration for his books from what he saw around him, from his early years in the Rhondda, through his years as a Further Education college lecturer, college inspector, and the places where he lived — Wales, the North-East, Spain and France. He also travelled widely in the Far East, which features in his writing as well. Archaeology was of particular interest to him, as was mediaeval history (e.g. the Knights Templar), which is reflected in the Arnold Landon series of books

Joffe Books Publisher CEO Jasper Joffe on Roy Lewis:

“For a long time I wanted to publish Roy Lewis’s excellent crime novels. We used to speak occasionally on the phone and I always really enjoyed the charming lilt of his voice and his warmth.

I am very proud to publish his books and that we have sold over half a million of them, reaching a whole new generation of crime lovers. There’s a little sadness that he’s not alive to see the new-found success of his titles, but his books live on for his many loyal readers and I am so happy that we are his publisher.”

For more information: www.joffebooks.com