A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jane Cable

Jane Cable reviews three books from authors from whom quality is a given

The Rising Tide by Ann Cleeves

I love it when you pick up a book and you know you’re in safe hands; seamless writing you cease to notice within minutes, credible characters, a beautifully bound together plot. I know it sounds strange to say so for a writer of Ann Cleeves’ experience, but not every author stays on top of their game in such an emphatic way.

This is the tenth Vera book and the first I have read. I don’t like crime books in general as I find them terribly formulaic and predictable, but, encouraged by my husband, I hoped for more. And The Rising Tide delivered in spades.

Fifty years ago a group of teenagers spent a retreat weekend on Lindisfarne and although their lives diverged, most of them return every five years, even though the first reunion was blighted by tragedy. Now they are in their late sixties and make unlikely murder suspects, but when one of their number is killed they are all in the spotlight. Their backstories make them fascinating characters with so much depth, which is one of the things I enjoyed most about this fabulous book.

A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale

It’s a long time since I read Notes From on Exhibition and I had forgotten what a convincing writer Gale is. His characters spring quietly from the page and somehow seep into your life so that you believe in their existence almost without knowing it. And for this book the setting was my adopted county of Cornwall and the author’s own home; the real Cornwall too, and not the sugar-coated touristy one.

The book opens with a young man’s suicide, and it isn’t hard to guess there is more than meets the eye to his relationship with the priest he calls to pray for him as he dies. Their stories, and the stories of those close to them, are then unwound, backwards and forwards, forwards and back in time, in a way that could feel disjointed, yet in fact makes perfect sense. This is a book I will remember for a long time.

Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd

This was a book club pick and not the sort of thing I normally read. But that was my reason for joining a book club – to try new things. And guess what? I loved it.

A thriller set in the underbelly of London that most of us hope not to see, it follows the world of middle class academic Adam Kindred from the moment his world unravels when he’s accused of murder. At first one poor decision follows another and within days he is homeless and hungry, pursued not only by police, but by a ruthless hitman.

The story is told from multiple points of view that weave seamlessly together. Adam, the hitman, the boss of a pharmaceutical company that may be at the centre of it all, a policewoman and a prostitute. An unlikely cast of compelling characters who create a faultless narrative only a really skilled an experienced novelist could pull off.

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?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Margaret Graham

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

Posted on September 12, 2022 by Frostie

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

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Margaret Graham

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

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Margaret Graham

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 17^th 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.

SUNDAY SCENE: CAROL THOMAS ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM A SUMMER OF SECOND CHANCES

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jane Cable

Ava Flynn, the heroine of my novel, A Summer of Second Chances, feels the clothes donated to the charity shop she manages have seen more life than her. Yet maximum dedication is what it takes to keep her late mother’s beloved wildlife charity, All Critters Great and Small, running.

But when Ava’s first love, Henry Bramlington, returns to the village, life suddenly becomes a little too eventful. As the heir to Dappleburry House and estate, Henry, has the power to make or break the village he left behind – All Critters Great and Small included.

In the scene I am sharing, Ava is running with her spaniel, Myrtle, in the grounds of Dapplebury House. Unaware that Henry has returned, but well aware she is trespassing (especially as she was banned from the estate many years ago), Ava is releasing the tension she has felt building inside as she encounters Henry for the first time in over a decade.

The trees went by in a blur. The sensation was freeing. Ava was running too fast for rational thought. Too fast to think about all that she would like to say to her mum; too fast to think about the weight of burden she felt at keeping All Critters Great and Small afloat; too fast to think about the never-ending mountain of donations at the shop, and – Oh God! – too fast to do anything to avoid the man stepping out from the line of trees just feet ahead of her.

With the deft agility that came from being half a metre from the ground, and in possession of four paws, Myrtle darted out of the way, while Ava braced herself for impact. Seeing the alarm in the man’s green eyes as if she were registering the situation in slow motion, Ava slammed into him, knocking him to the ground as the breath left them both.

Shocked at the abrupt stop as much as the fall, cushioned only by the fact she had landed on top of the man, it took Ava a moment to regain her faculties. Embarrassment taking over, she cursed and began scrabbling up from the horribly awkward situation. Myrtle ran around the unexpected scene in a frenzy of excitement as Ava and the man disentangled their bodies.

Ava stood. ‘Are you crazy? What are you thinking just stepping out like that?’

Slowly getting to his feet, the man laughed, the unexpected response doing nothing to ease Ava’s anger.

‘Seriously?’ She felt the beads of sweat on her temples prickle.

‘I’m sorry—’ The man, still doubled over with his hands on his hips, sounded winded. ‘I heard a scream … and came to see if everything was all right. I had no idea you were about to come … like a banshee, hurtling along from nowhere, on what is …’

‘Private property, I know,’ Ava retorted, flailing her arms in the direction of the woods.

She inhaled in readiness to continue, but as the man stood to his full height, flicking his fringe from his eyes, and offering the hint of a smile, no words came. Instead, Ava stood transfixed – recognition slowly dawning upon her.

I greatly enjoyed writing all of the scenes between Henry and Ava. While this marks a new beginning for them, all does not run smoothly, especially as Henry inadvertently leaves a donation at the shop that reveals secrets with far reaching consequences for them both.

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

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Jane Cable

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.

Posted on September 6, 2022 by Margaret Graham

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 says they 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.’