As the final whistle blows on Wimbledon Joffe serves some aces…

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Joffe’s book of the week is THE COWES WEEK MURDERS, the latest utterly gripping detective mystery from bestselling author Pauline Rowson — out now for just 99p | 99c.

Renegade detective Andy Horton is on a sailing trip to France when he gets the news: Sergeant Cantelli’s nephew, Johnnie Oslow, is missing.

Then the charred remains of a body are discovered in a disused tunnel. Is it Cantelli’s nephew?

The search for a missing person soon becomes a hunt for a ruthless killer. And this killer is just getting started.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE COWES WEEK MURDERS BY PAULINE ROWSON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

           

The Secret of Bagnett Hall by Norman Russell   99p/99c

One dead heiress.
A fortune hanging in the balance.  A cunning guest who’ll do anything to claim the money for herself.  

The brand-new, completely gripping whodunnit from Norman Russell is filled with gripping twists, charming characters and old-school intrigue . Just my sort of read.

The End of a Journey by Grace Thompson    99p/99c

South Wales, 1953. Zena Martin and Jake Williams are happy, in love, and about to announce their engagement. Meanwhile, Zena’s brother, Greg, hopes to persuade the beautiful Rose Conelly to meet his family and begin the next stage of their relationship.

Everything seems to be going well for the Martins. Then their beloved father tragically dies of a heart attack and long-buried secrets come to light, changing everything. As secrets so often do but they are great for plotting, and this is no different.

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 THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER

Coming soon from Joffe Books, THE ROOMMATE, really is one of the most nail-biting psychological thrillers of 2022 from debut author Caroline Macon Fleischer — available to pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.

Joffe  couldn’t be more excited to be publishing the debut novel from an exciting and original new voice in psychological fiction, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Becca Day, Patricia MacDonald and Freida McFadden.

In the words of Joffe Books Associate Commissioning Editor, Steph Carey:

“The Roommate is an absolutely chilling psychological thriller. The plot is so dark and twisty, and the characters are so well drawn that you know deep in your bones it could happen to you, and that’s the most terrifying thing! It’s been so much fun working with Caro and I cannot wait for everyone to read this incredible debut.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AN ANIMATED COVER REVEAL FOR THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER THE ROOMMATE BY CAROLINE MACON FLEISCHER FOR 99P | 99C.

Joffe told us exciting news that will appeal to any aspiring writers:

The Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2022 is open to all writers writing in English across the globe, and is open for submissions until 4 p.m. (GMT) on 30 September 2022.

The first prize winner will receive a cash prize of £1,000, an online creative writing course with Creative Writing Ink and publication on Creative Writing Ink’s website.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CREATIVE WRITING INK 2022 SHORT STORY PRIZE.

 

SUNDAY SCENE: AUDREY HARRISON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE SPINSTER’S CAPTAIN

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I have been writing and publishing Regency romances since 2011, being fortunate enough to be a finalist in the Amazon Kindle Storyteller competition and the Romantic Novelists Association Award. I never thought I would write anything other than my regencies, but there was a story in my husband’s family history which has niggled in the background as I wrote in my genre. I had resisted it as it was set in the Victorian era and although close to the Regency, there were still differences which could be stumbling blocks for me.

The story was that In 1846, a spinster travelled to America from Scotland to be a housekeeper for her brother. Domestic staff were hard to come by, so what was more perfect than a spinster sister? Unfortunately for the brother in America, there was also a handsome captain on the ship which was to bring his sister to him.

Researching the story was fascinating, when I (finally) gave in to family requests to write it. Most of the action had to take part onboard ship and so I started down the rabbit hole which was seafaring life.

We consider history as a different world, the language, manners, and rules, but throw in life on the water and there is even more to contend with! In my view sailors were so brave stepping aboard ship, let alone spending their lives onboard. Even within the family history, there is more than one shipwreck. It was a harsh life, but one which could reap rewards, as in the case of our captain.

I do love research, it is the part that I have to contain myself, only so much factual detail can be put into a romance before it becomes a non-fiction book! It doesn’t matter that readers don’t know the hours of research which can go into one sentence.

My resources were hundreds of books I own, and visits to various Maritime Museums all give me the buzz to create the little snapshots of life onboard ship as in this extract:

The call “Who’s for the shore?” had rung out across the ship and through the levels below deck. There had been a final scurry of activity before Robert was approached by David as he stood at the helm.
“We’re ready, Capt’n.”
“Without a moment to spare,” Robert responded.
“Perfect timing then.”
“I was beginning to think we would be stuck in port another day.”
“Oh ye of little faith. As if I would be so tardy.”
“In that case, all hands to weigh anchor and make sail,” Robert instructed.
“Aye, aye, Capt’n.”

The story turned into a trilogy, using two of the other siblings of the spinster. In a family of eleven, they were at the forefront of moving because of the real changes caused by the industrial revolution and it was fascinating enough to keep my research flowing.

The final in the trilogy is set in America, when land was being developed and for the first time men could own the land they worked on, rather than be tenants. So, although I was hesitant to start these stories, I loved writing them.

I have now returned to my regencies, I love taking a snippet of history, whether the Foundling Hospital, the Napoleonic Wars or how they dealt with injuries and disabilities and weaving a romance around that. Always being one who has hovered on the edge of society because of shyness and chronic illness, I will always fight for the underdog to get their happy ever after. It just has to be set in the time in history that I love.

 

www.audreyharrison.co.uk

 

 

My Writing Process Lexie Elliott

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What you have written, past and present
I’ve written three stand-alone psychological thrillers, and my fourth will be coming out in February of 2023. My first novel, The French Girl, was published in 2018, followed by The Missing Years in 2019. How To Kill Your Best Friend was published in North America last year, and will be out in paperback in the UK in July.

What you are promoting now
How To Kill Your Best Friend. It’s a psychological thriller, told through the eyes of Georgie and Bronwyn, who have been best friends with Lissa since they all met on their college swimming team—but somehow, despite her swimming prowess, Lissa has drowned off the coast of the remote island resort she was managing with her husband. Brought together on the island for Lissa’s memorial, Georgie, Bron, Lissa’s grieving husband and their mutual friends find themselves questioning the circumstances around Lissa’s death—and each other…

A bit about your process of writing
I used to write solely outside of my home (because otherwise I would find myself distracted by cleaning or laundry or really just about anything) but the pandemic lockdowns taught me to write at home; now I find I write there more than half the time. I don’t necessarily write every day, but I write most days (including weekends); I usually exercise first thing and then sit down to work after that. I stop either when my youngest son comes home from school or when I’ve simply run out of steam.

I find I write very slowly at the beginning of a new project – sometimes only 500 words in a day— because I’m having to make structural decisions at the same time; at that stage, it’s very useful to have a daily target to aim for to try to maintain momentum. By comparison, the words seem to leap out at the end of a project: I can write 10,000 or more in a week, and daily targets become unnecessary. I always seem to suffer an enormous crisis of confidence at around the 20,000 word mark, which by now is probably very boring for my lovely agent Marcy, who has to talk me down from it every time! I start each writing session by reviewing and editing what I wrote last time, before cracking on with the next section; consequently, my first draft is very clean, without many typos or grammatical errors. My first reader is always Marcy, who gives incredibly insightful editorial notes, and after that, the manuscript will go to my publishing editor.

Do you plan or just write?
I plan; I produce a four-to-five page outline before I start writing. Partly this is because my publisher requires it of me, but I would do it anyway: I’ve learnt that it is far, far easier to make progress when you have some well-thought out guidelines to keep you heading in the right direction. Which is not to say that everything is set in stone before I start writing—far from it. Many elements of the finished novel can and do deviate from that outline, but I tend to find that the beginning and end of the finished product match quite closely with what I had originally intended—it’s just that the middle might take a different route!

What about word count?
The aim is around 100,000 to 110,000 words in the genre of psychological thrillers. It’s not something I worry about particularly—I’ve always come out roughly in that ballpark in the first draft, and anyway, that can be finessed in the second draft if need be.

How do you do your structure?
I know some authors follow a rigid plan with a three-act structure or a save-the-cat beat sheet or something similar, but I’m not one of them. The outline I mentioned before will of course have a particular structure in mind, and those early chapters are crucial for putting in place the scaffolding that will provide the framework for the entire novel, but once I’m past that point, I’m generally more concerned with getting the pacing right.

What do you find hard about writing?
It’s very solitary. You have to persevere on a daily basis without any colleagues to encourage you or reassure you that you’re on the right track. I really notice the difference now that I’m writing fulltime; until last year, I was also juggling a part-time job in fund management, which gave me plenty of professional social interaction for at least three days a week. But now, given that I’m in London but my agent and primary publisher are in the US, if I were to throw an office party it would basically involve me dressing up to drink a glass of wine in a room by myself…

I also find the social media requirements that are part of being a writer in this modern age quite difficult. I’m not a natural self-promoter—I’d really rather just get on with writing!

What do you love about writing?
A lot, actually. On a practical note, it’s an incredibly flexible profession—you can genuinely do it anywhere, and, looking to the future, nobody is going to force you out of the workplace when you reach 65! I also love the interaction with readers. It’s a real privilege that anyone would choose to spend their money and time on my novels, and I’m always incredibly touched when readers reach out to tell me they’ve enjoyed them. I received some particularly poignant correspondence during the pandemic from readers who were struggling and found some escape in my books: a lovely reminder of the power of books to connect people and allow them to experience a temporary sanctuary.

But the main thing I love is the writing itself. To me, language is a delightful sort of magic, and the fact that a story can be taken from one’s head and transported to the page with words is nothing short of alchemy. Every once in a while I get a sentence just right, and it feels like I haven’t so much written it as stumbled across words that were just waiting to be uncovered—that’s a very special feeling.

Only One in Ten Brits are Happy With Their Skin | We Love Hada Labo Tokyo

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ONLY ONE IN TEN OF BRITS ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR SKIN
New Report reveals that women feel under pressure to look perfect all the time and explains how we can be kinder to ourselves

Hada Labo Tokyo

British women constantly feel that they need to keep improving their appearance according to a new real world research with 1,000 women aged 35 and older, commissioned by Japan’s leading skincare brand, Hada Labo Tokyo, and the brains behind the next generation skincare innovation new to the UK.

On a more positive note, most women (60 per cent) say they want to look good for themselves rather than for anyone else, and almost two thirds want to look good for their age rather than trying to look younger. In fact, role models who have embraced their age were chosen as examples of women ageing well, with 57 per cent of respondents naming Helen Mirren as their skincare goddess, with Joanna Lumley second (42 per cent), and Davina McCall (40 per cent) third.

The pandemic and post pandemic living has caused more than a quarter of women (27 per cent) to drop their daily skincare routine, but over half (55 per cent) have managed to stick with it, with a surprising number of Brits (18 per cent) finding that their commitment to a routine has improved. Getting back out into the world without the Covid-19 restrictions is now prompting more of us (64 per cent) to bring our skincare back into sharper focus.

According to the survey 68 per cent of British women take time out for skincare with over half following the cleanse-tone-moisturise routine, while 38 per cent use a scrub or wash followed by a moisturiser. Around 17 per cent of women opt for plain soap and water, and 25 per cent use a facial wipe instead of a cleanser.

Common skin complaints

Fewer than one in ten of us (a paltry seven per cent) always feel happy with our skin’s appearance.[1] So what’s causing us to feel uncomfortable in our own skin?

Hada Labo’s survey poll[2] shows that women in the UK can experience a wide range of different skin health issues. For around a quarter of us, sunburn (27 per cent), acne (24 per cent), or eczema (24 per cent) are a problem, while almost a fifth of us (18 per cent) get cold sores and nearly one in ten suffer with psoriasis (9 per cent) or rosacea (8 per cent).

Even more concerning is that even women who don’t necessarily suffer from a skin disorder are conscious of certain issues with their skin including:

  • Dryness: 60 per cent
  • Dullness: 42 per cent
  • Dark eye circles: 35 per cent
  • Fine lines: 27 per cent
  • Uneven skin tone: 27 per cent
  • Redness: 27 per cent
  • Itchy skin: 26 per cent

 

The benefits of next generation hyaluronic acid innovation

As well as the natural ageing process both the perimenopause and menopause can have a considerable impact, with over a third (34 per cent) of women saying that their skin felt drier then. Skin expert, Gina Akers explains: “Dehydration of the skin is a very real issue, especially as we get older. To keep skin looking healthy and supple, we need to add hydration. We need water-lock formulas to ensure deep hydration that actually lasts.”

Leading women’s health expert Dr Catherine Hood points out that we do need to change up our skincare regimes as we get older: “With increasing age the body starts to produce less hyaluronic acid and what it does produce is lower quality. This results in drier, more dehydrated skin. To keep skin looking healthy, smooth, and supple, we need to add hydration and it is important to realise that a moisturiser alone will not do that particular job.”

Hyaluronic acid is a clear gel that’s made naturally within the body. Its job is to lock in water to keep our skin, tissues and eyes hydrated. An impressive number of us (43 per cent) do opt for skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, with more than half (52 per cent) knowing something about the science behind this skincare ingredient. Seven out of ten women were aware that hyaluronic acid can help with skin appearance, with a third (33 per cent) of women deciding to incorporate it into their skincare routine after seeing it on social media.

The hero product: Beauty gurus Caroline Hirons and Nadine Baggott are both long-time fans of Hado Labo Tokyo’s next-generation approach to hyaluronic acid, and demand for the range’s products is such that one is now sold every two seconds around the world. Frost editor-in-chief Catherine Balavage is also a huge fan. The best-selling range in Japan Hado Labo Tokyo has been hailed as a skincare game changer due to its multi-layered hyaluronic acid formulas, which incorporate anti-ageing ingredients like retinol and collagen.

The Japanese beauty philosophy is rooted in the idea that products work best in harmony with the skin. Inspired by this philosophy, the Hado Labo Tokyo skincare range uses quality ingredients with no unnecessary extras which could overwhelm the skin.

Hada Labo Tokyo have created an exclusive multi molecular combination of different types of hyaluronic acid, called Super Hyaluronic Acid, which provides twice the moisture-retention capacity of normal HA by anchoring to the different layers of the epidermis. It’s no wonder that recent research data found that 80 per cent of women noted that after just four weeks of using the range their skin’s texture was improved while 74 per cent saw an improvement in skin elasticity.

FAST PRODUCT SUMMARY:

The Red Line

Hada Labo Anti-Aging Eye & Mouth Cream

Hada Labo’s Deep Wrinkle Corrector Eye & Mouth Area Cream has four types of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and retinol in a golden coloured cream that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Use it after cleansing in the morning and at night, patting around the eyes and mouth to help reduce deeper wrinkles.

Here’s a fast spot light on the clever, next generation hyaluronic acid ingredients used in the Hada Labo Red Line Range that the skin scientists as Hada Labo swear by:

Sodium Hyaluronate: A water-binding ingredient used for moisturizing and hydrating. The molecule can hold up to 1000 their own weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate can replace some of the water lost in the epidermis.

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: This is called super hyaluronic acid. It was developed with the aim of raising affinity with the skin based on hyaluronic acid. Compared with the same concentration of hyaluronic acid, it is characterized by a much greater capacity to retain moisture in the epidermis and good skin affinity. Because of this, it can keep skin moist for long times.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid broken into smaller bits. The small molecules can easily penetrate and help replace some of the water lost in the epidermis, and potentially fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: A modified form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure that keeps it within skin’s uppermost layers longer, allowing for enhanced hydration. This creates a “sponge” effect to restore the skin to its fuller, more youthful appearance and smooths out fine lines.

Hada Labo Anti-Aging Super Hydrator Lotion

Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Super Hydrator Lotion is much more than a silky, fragrance-free drink of water for your skin. The power-packed lotion contains four types of hyaluronic acid Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer; offering multi-layer hydration, plus anti-aging ingredients collagen and retinol. After cleansing, pat the lotion over your face, neck and decolletage before you apply your moisturiser.

Hada Labo Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream

Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Wrinkle Reducer Day Cream with Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, Collagen and Retinol offers multi-layer hydration with four types of hyaluronic acid Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer; plus collagen and retinol. The supersmooth, fragrance-free cream is designed to be used in the morning, after the Super Hydrator Lotion to help lock in moisture for a glowing complexion.

Hada Labo Anti-Aging Repair Night Cream

Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Repair Night Cream is packed with more than 20 carefully blended active ingredients, including three types of hyaluronic acid – Sodium Hyaluronate; Sodium acetylated hyaluronate; Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid; retinol and an intensely regenerating complex of tetrapeptide-5 and collagen to reduce wrinkles and restore radiance and hydration. With its ‘Lock-in Moist’ formula, skin retains more moisture.

Hada Labo Anti-Aging Facial Sheet Mask

Hada Labo’s Anti-Aging Facial Masks double the levels of skin hydration, leading to a tighter, brighter, and smoother complexion and a more youthful appearance. The best part is that it feels like a real facial, which gives you that radiant skin treatment look and feel, without having to leave the house.

The White Line

HADA LABO WHITE LINE HYALURONIC ACID SCIENCE: Here’s a fast summary on the smart, must have, hyaluronic acid ingredients used in the Hada Labo White Line Range bottled up by the Japanese skin specialists that users swear by:

Sodium Hyaluronate: A water-binding ingredient used for moisturizing and hydrating. The molecule can hold up to 1000 their own weight in water. Sodium Hyaluronate can replace some of the water lost in the epidermis.

Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: This is called super hyaluronic acid. It was developed with the aim of raising affinity with the skin based on hyaluronic acid. Compared with the same concentration of hyaluronic acid, it is characterized by a much greater capacity to retain moisture in the epidermis and good skin affinity. Because of this, it can keep skin moist for long times.

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid broken into smaller bits. The small molecules can easily penetrate and help replace some of the water lost in the epidermis, and potentially fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate: A conditioning agent for skin and, helps deposit active ingredients on skin.

Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Hada Labo’s Gentle Hydrating Cleanser gives the rest of your skincare toolkit a chance to work their magic on a squeaky clean skin. This creamy cleanser contains three types of hyaluronic acid, formulated to cleanse, protect and lock in moisture, leaving skin silky smooth.

Hada Labo Super Hydrator Lotion

Hada Labo’s Super Hydrator Lotion is a light lotion that penetrates the skin within seconds. With deeply moisturising active ingredients, including Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, its LOCK-in-MOIST formula seals hydration inside the skin, stopping water from evaporating, to hold back the appearance of wrinkles.

Hada Labo Absolute Smoothing & Moisturising Cream (Day & Night)

Hada Labo’s Absolute Smoothing & Moisturising Cream may feel light and fluffy but it harnesses outstanding power. Its high concentration of Super Hyaluronic AcidTM allows it to intensely moisturise and smooth the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed, radiant, and super soft. Suitable for sensitive skin, it also helps put the brakes on the aging process.

Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel

Hada Labo’s Intense Hydrating Skin Plumping Gel is a luxuriously delicate gel, combining the complexion enhancing properties of a cream and a serum. Its high concentration of Super Hyaluronic AcidTM makes it intensely moisturising, filling in the skin to create a smooth, ultra-soft complexion.

Hada Labo Smoothing Anti Fatigue Eye Cream

Hada Labo’s Smoothing Anti Fatigue Eye Cream intensely moisturises and smoothes the skin around the eyes. It contains Super Hyaluronic AcidTM, to reduce wrinkles and signs of fatigue, as well as collagen and pink silk tree extract to rejuvenate and firm the skin, and caffeine to eliminate under-eye circles and puffiness.

Hada Labo Moisturising Sheet Mask

Hada Labo’s Moisturising Sheet Mask is saturated with serum containing three types of hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturise, revive and smooth the skin. Simply unfold the mask and carefully position the eye, nose, and mouth openings as you gently press the mask to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes before removing gently, with no need to rinse.

Microplane® Premium Classic Zester – No Bitterness Today – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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I’ve been making fruit vodkas recently. It’s such a fabulous way to preserve the taste of summer, not to mention an excuse for a rather pleasant alcoholic treat. My method is super lazy – simply pop some fruit in a jam jar with vodka, screw on the lid and leave it – for weeks, months – I’m not sure yet, but my research involves copious tastings and may take a while.

My favourite project is lemon vodka. It’s made with the lemon rind – which pleases me as I hate throwing it away. You can add a sugar solution, creating limoncello, or, which I prefer, just leave it au naturel. But this is the rub. Try as I might to slice the thin rind off the lemon, it’s almost impossible not to end up with some pith. The oils in the rind provide the fabulous aroma, smell and taste of fresh lemons, but too much pith adds an unwelcome bitterness. Traditional graters are no better – bulky and awkward and the odd sliced skin incident detracting from the fun.

So how thrilled was I to discover The Microplane® Premium Classic Zester? Who knew someone would invent such a perfect tool for zesting lemons?

It was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the early 90s, who, fed up, like me, struggling with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools. The current Microplane® Premium Classic Zester is a distinct improvement on a wood plane – so ladies, hide it from your husbands or you may find it’s been relocated to his workshop.

What I love about this zester is firstly it’s long and slim – so much more convenient and easy to use. The stainless steel blade has perfectly regular photo-etched micro-teeth – in fact 400 of them. So sharp that they make zesting completely effortless, but tiny for precision and with a protective cover for safety. I just had to rub the blade very gently against the lemon and in seconds I had a pile of perfect zest, leaving the pith intact on the lemon, meaning I don’t have to use the lemon immediately. The zester was firm and solid with a pretty-coloured soft-touch handle. It also has tiny anti-scratch ‘feet’ on the end so you can stand it in a pan or bowl for more stability. Because the micro-teeth are so tiny and all in the same direction, it’s really easy to wipe clean, but you can also put it in the dishwasher.

So, now my lemon vodka production is taking off with the help of my new toy, I just need to worry about where to put all those lovely bottles.

Of course if you don’t share my addiction for limoncello, you can use the zester for other things too – zest any citrus rind for a pretty and tasty cake topping, or you can use it to grate ginger root, chocolate, spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon – and if you’re really cooking something special, how about truffle? It’s easy to grate tiny or larger amounts.

The Microplane® Premium Classic Zester is available in a choice of attractive colours to suit any kitchen. It’s available from hartsofstur.com for the special price of £21.50 (RRP £23.95). Take a look – you’ll love it.

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.

Puressentiel’s Anti-Pest fabric spray kills house pests the natural way

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KILL PESKY HOUSE PESTS AND BEAT ANNOYING ALLERGIES WITH PLANT DERIVED SPRAY

From bed bugs to dust mites, relieve your home of allergens with Puressentiel Anti-Pest fabric Spray

www.uk.puressentiel.com

 Improving the health of your home is now a spray away thanks to Puressentiel, the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs. New Puressentiel’s Anti-Pest Fabric Spray kills and staves off house pests, the natural way.

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Containing the power of Palmarosa essential oil, this spray can be used on textiles in the home, such as bedding, mattresses, sofas, and cuddly toys, as well as indoor furniture.

Dust mites, bed bugs, fleas and moths are all common in UK homes and can be the cause of infuriating and often painful symptoms such as rashes, bumps, itching and even skin swelling and blisters. Those who are allergic to the pests may also suffer from coughs, runny nose, and sneezing.

In fact for many, these symptoms can wreak havoc on their day-to-day lives. The Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray kills and prevents reinfestation with itch mites and dust mites including Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, the main dust mite responsible for allergies. It also helps kill other common house pests such as clothes moths, fleas, and bed bugs.

Natural health specialist and chemist, from Puressentiel, Dr Tim Bond, explains that; “The Palmarosa oil comes from the Palmarosa plant, which is native to India, however it now grows in various countries around the world.

“The essential oil, Palmarosa, has been used traditionally for thousands of years, and also goes by the name of Indian Geranium, Rosha or Gingergrass.

“It’s extremely popular in skincare products and works well for helping to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Interestingly, it has also been proven to help beat itch mite infections in humans too as well as control the mites within the environment]”

Dr Tim Bond adds that although these mites are typically more common between the months of May and October, symptoms can actually be felt all year round.

“Most of these mites die during the winter, but heating systems can cause the particles to be essentially ‘swirled’ around the home.”

The Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray’s formula contains 0% Propellant Gas and leaves a fresh fragrance when used. Plus, a multi-directional pump means the spray can be used in any direction, making application even easier.

Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray can be used on all textiles that are machine-washable at temperatures over 60°C, as well as non-washable textiles such as furniture, curtains, and car seats, at risk of infestation. It’s best however to treat one textile at a time.

To use, spray the surface you wish to treat for 16 seconds per metre² from 30 cm away. One 150ml spray will cover the equivalent of around four standard double mattresses. Leave the spray for 4 hours and then air and vacuum or, if you’re working on textiles that come into contact with skin, opt for a machine wash.

Dr Bond adds that the power of Palmarosa in Puressentiel Anti-Pest Fabric Spray helps us to avoid chemicals and unnatural ingredients in our homes.

“In the Western world, we’re quickly coming round to the fact that these natural, essential oils, have a myriad of helpful healing properties, and Puressentiel is paving the way with their natural range of products.”

SUNDAY SCENE: RACHEL BRIMBLE ON THE SETTING FOR HER LADIES OF CARSON STREET TRILOGY

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There are two reasons I have set all my historical romances in the wonderful city of Bath, England – one) I live just a short 30 minute drive away and 2) it is filled with the most beautiful Roman, Georgian and Victorian architecture, the most amazing side streets as well as a plethora of grand (and not so grand) buildings that I pretty much use as my imagination dictates.

As Bath is obviously a real place, you might be wondering how I can use some of its buildings however I see fit. The explanation is simple – I don’t tell readers which buildings are imaginary! Thankfully, unless I use famous Bath buildings like the Abbey, the Pump Room or Royal Crescent, my audience seem to be happy to follow my lead.

For my latest series, the Ladies of Carson Street, I once again return to Bath.

However, rather than spending time enjoying high tea in the Pump Room or dancing in the Assembly Rooms, you will find the heroines of the trilogy, Louisa, Nancy and Octavia, either living and working from their house on Carson Street, frequenting the backstreet taverns or watching an act at the Theatre Royal.

In book 1, A Widow’s Vow, Louisa and Nancy arrive in Bath from Bristol to start anew after Louisa is unexpected widowed and left with nothing more than the keys to a Bath property she had no idea existed…

They walked along the sweeping curved wall surrounding the gushing waters of the River Avon and a beautifully landscaped area known as, according to Louisa’s map, the Parade Gardens. The barren trees were interspersed with evergreens, the soil beds empty of flowers in winter but imaginings of how the gardens might look in the summer months gave Louisa a flicker of optimism.

Continuing to walk along the cobbled street, she and Nancy neared the row of terrace houses.

‘Carson Street.’ Nancy pointed to a sign bolted to one of the corner houses adjacent to a busy thoroughfare filled with carriages, horses and pedestrians. ‘This is it.’

Locating the right house wasn’t difficult as Louisa had memorised the deeds so often and so intensely, the pencilled sketch of Anthony’s property was clearly drawn in her mind. ‘Anthony’s house is—’

‘Ahem, your house.’ Nancy grinned.

‘My house is about halfway along the street.’ Louisa inhaled a shaky breath. ‘Come on. I want this over with.’

She marched ahead of Nancy, pulling a brass front door key from her purse. Purposefully, Louisa drew forth her anger at Anthony’s lies, betrayal and cowardice. Lord knew, she would have to take strength from somewhere if she was ever to believe such a property was now hers to do with as she would. Lifting her chin, she shrouded herself in an invisible layer of protection against whatever further hurts were to come in her uncertain future.

But once she was standing outside the residence, her bravado floundered.

The house was beautiful. Built in a butter-coloured stone, its sash windows were flanked with velvet drapery, the front door painted a dark grass-green, complete with brass knocker and a stone ornament decorating its step. The longer Louisa stared, the more strongly inevitability enveloped her. She had survived this long and she would continue to survive, come what may.

 

This extract perfectly introduces you to the tone of the series and to two of the main three characters in the trilogy. Gritty, sometimes tough, sometimes hilarious, the Ladies of Carson Street are an unforgettable trio!

 

Rachel’s Website: https://rachelbrimble.com/

 

 

 

 

 

The Bay by Allie Reynolds Book Review

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The Bay by Allie Reynolds is the second novel from the author of the widely acclaimed chiller thriller, Shiver. I LOVED her first novel and was so excited to receive The Bay. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. Allie Reynolds has a way of writing a pacy, sporty thriller like no one else. This is a tense and absorbing story about what happens when Type A sporty athletes get thrown together. The Bay is paradise to them, the ultimate surfing spot and they will do anything to protect it.

You are never sure who to trust or what is going to happen. The Bay will have you by the throat until the very last page. I am not sure how Allie Reynolds does it, but I’m glad she does. Her high-octant sporty thrillers are as brilliant as they are unique. Truly stunning. Get a copy now.

 
The Bay, Allie Reynolds, Book review

The Bay is an addictive summer thriller where the waves are to die for at the wild and beautiful Sorrow Bay, a remote surfing spot paradise that a mysterious group of people will do anything to keep a secret.

 

Allie has a trademark ability to pair isolated and dangerous natural landscapes with high-stakes, extreme sports to rewrite the popular locked-room mystery with an elegant, high-octane twist. She has received wide praise from the world of crime writing, including Peter James (‘sensational’), Harriet Tyce (‘a knife-sharp locked room mystery’) and Sarah Pearse (‘nail-bitingly tense’).

 

Ideal for slipping in holiday beach bags, The Bay is filled with sun, sea, suspense and a sinister cast of characters driven by obsession and perfection.