Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson: reviewed by Kate Hutchinson

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Dolly Parton is an extremely smart woman. From the poorest of beginnings she has become a world renowned singer, songwriter, producer, businesswoman and philanthropist. You might expect she would focus on music in her charity efforts, but she obviously loves books because Dolly Parton’s
Imagination Library has given away millions of books to children worldwide, including more than 40,000 books every month to children across the UK.
So when Dolly wants someone to help write her first novel, who does she choose? Well James Patterson of course, one of the biggest selling writers of all times and the most borrowed author in UK libraries for thirteen years in a row. Smart, you see?
Between them, they have written a really enjoyable light thriller about a young song-writer on the run from her past. Desperate to find a way to break into the music business, AnnieLee Keyes travels to Nashville. She sleeps in the park at night and spends her days trying to get slots playing in bars. She’s very talented but a little bit ornery too. And then, like in all good fairy tales, she finds a fairy godmother who recognises her talent and puts her on the ladder to success, but just when it all seems to be finally going AnnieLee’s way, her past catches up with her, or rather hunts her down.
The soul of this book is like a warmhearted country song (and Dolly has written an album to go along with the book) and James Patterson has whipped it into thriller shape. Easy to read with likeable characters, this can be read in one sitting. Recommended for longhaul flights to Nashville.
Run Rose Run
Dolly Parton and James Patterson
Century Hardback 9781529135671
RRP; £20

 

The Woman Who Took a Chance by Fiona Gibson Book Review

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I have read most of Fiona Gibson’s books and I am a fan. Not only because we are both Scottish, but because she is a hugely talented writer who writes about women and their lives so well. Her books are relatable and fun.
To read a Fiona Gibson book is to be taken on a fantastic journey with a group of friends. The Woman Who Took a Chance is the perfect antidote to the stresses of living. They make you smile and laugh, even if there is a little sadness in there. I also love how they are about older women who are living their best lives. A sadly under-targeted market. Another great novel from Fiona Gibson.

Meet Jen. Flight attendant. Mum to a grown-up daughter. Permanently single.

Age: Fifty (gulp)

Number of children: One

Number of husbands: Zero (it’s complicated)

Number of failed first dates in the last month: Too depressing to contemplate

Number of tickets for a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime trip: Two

Number of days left to find her Mr Right to take on holiday: Quickly running out…

A heart-warming and hilarious novel that proves age is just a number and it’s never too late for a second chance. Fans of Kristen Bailey, Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell will be totally hooked from the very first page.

Luxe Mother’s Day Gifts To Buy Right Now.

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Helly Hansen’s W Aden Insulated Coat

This is a gorgeous coat that looks amazing on and is so well made. I love it. RRP: £98.00

www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/w-aden-insulated-coat-62649?color=624121

This classic long insulated rain jacket offers a clean look and full protection.

The Long Aden is a Helly Hansen® classic. Clean Scandinavian styling makes this an easy to wear jacket and the packable hood can be tucked in for an even cleaner look while providing full protection when needed. Our insulated version features the full Helly Hansen® Functionality: ® waterproof, windproof and breathable keeps you dry and PrimaLoft® insulation adds warmth to the colder days. A perfect piece for the seasonal transitions

Polar Unite

Love this. Looks stylish and perfect for workouts. RRP: £134.00

www.polar.com/en/unite

Polar Unite is a beautifully simple watch with personalized daily workout guidance, 24/7 heart rate and activity tracking, plus automatic sleep and recovery applications.

Chatham’s Arlington Premium Suede Chelsea Boots

These are so stylish and comfortable. The quality is amazing. Couldn’t love them more. RRP: £89.00

www.chatham.co.uk/arlington-navy-suede-chelsea-boots

A sleek and sophisticated country boot, our Arlington Chelsea boots are a chic new style in our women’s collection. Beautifully crafted in Portugal from premium oiled suede in navy, these stylish women’s Chelsea boots have elastic side panels in contrasting dark red, stitch detail and a pull-on back tab.

SUNDAY SCENE: LAURA R LEESON ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE VALENTINE RETREAT

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Twenty years ago, I spent time in California. As a naïve Brit, it was equal parts amazing and terrifying, and I remain fascinated by the diverse and nature of a society surprisingly different to our own. When it came to choosing a setting for my debut novel, Los Angeles seemed a natural choice – because rather like me, I wanted ex-pat Megan to find herself struggling to discover her place in an unfamiliar, challenging world.

Added to which, Megan is a survivor of a controlling relationship – what began as a fairy tale marriage to a high-profile, successful businessman has already disintegrated, so when she meets Jim on a weekend away at The Valentine Retreat, the last thing she thinks she’s looking for is romance.

The setting for a pivotal scene – where Megan tentatively looks to the future and begins to believe she might want it to include Jim – takes place in the hotel bar:

 

The pianist was in full flow as Megan entered the bar. His fingers moved across the keys with the kind of confidence only a seasoned professional possessed. The music he produced was quiet and understated, which was more than could be said for his shirt. The vibrant duck-egg blue and plum check of the fabric was highly visible under his beige linen suit, open at the neck and unapologetic.

Megan smiled. For the first time in such a long time, she felt a spike of anticipation about this evening.

The room was less populated this evening, the weekend buzz replaced by mellow groups seated at some of the low tables, visible through the waving fronds of the potted plants as she took a seat at the bar.

‘Hi.’
There was no need to turn, she recognised the voice. ‘Hi, Jim,’ she said as he shrugged his way out of his leather jacket. She looked more closely at his face. ‘What did you do?’
Jim’s hand travelled up, his fingers tracing over a small patch of damaged skin. ‘Would you believe me if I told you there were five of them and I took them all down single-handed?’
‘Um, no. Not really.’ Trying to appear serious, she couldn’t stop the corners of her mouth twitching in amusement.
‘Damn.’ He grinned. ‘Cut myself shaving.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘It didn’t, until I put aftershave on without thinking.’ He pulled a face then shrugged. ‘A bit of pain reminds me I’m still alive.’
‘Do you need reminding?’ She kept her tone light, but it was a genuine question. She had spent months wondering if she was still alive.”

 

After living a lie for far too long, and desperate for honesty from others, this is the moment when Megan begins to believe in Jim. However, Megan’s past hasn’t finished with her, the hotel is not all it seems, and Jim is harbouring more than his fair share of secrets. Secrets which may cost them both a great deal more than their happiness.

In the time-honoured tradition of romantic suspense, The Valentine Retreat is a fast-paced and twisty novel, but at its heart lies the story of two people who just want to find someone to rely on, and trust with their deepest emotions.

 

For more information – please visit my website www.laurarleeson.com or search for me on social media @laura_R_Leeson

Byron New Burger, The Easy Cheesy

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bryon easy cheesy burger

Cheesus, what’s this?! A cheeseburger without the beef? Sometimes change can be great! This March, indulge in the tastiest, tangiest, taste bud tantalising burger you’ve ever tried 

The Easy Cheesy is a homage to cheese lovers, vegetarians and everyone in between. Byron burger launches their first vegetarian burger, The Easy Cheesy is a homage to cheese lovers, vegetarians and everyone in between.

This delicious deep fried halloumi burger, will set your taste buds alight, with the crunch of a deep fried Halloumi patty, the tang of pickled red onions and a crispy fried onion ring, with the spice of jalapenos and the delicious combination of smoky BBQ sauce and Byron sauce, all encased in a glazed brioche bun!

Indulge in the tastiest, tangiest, taste bud tantalising burger you’ve ever tried

Launching today, the 8th March, the Easy Cheesy will be available in all Byron restaurants and on Deliveroo, joining the already esteemed beef, chicken and vegan burger options.

For those looking for a complete cheese blowout, why not add a gooey mac & cheese on the side, perhaps some cheesy chips, or additional halloumi fries! Or simply a shake, some slaw, deep fried onion rings, or some good old regular fries!

Easy Cheesy Burger £11.99
Sides start from £3.50
Shakes start from £5.50

www.byron.co.uk 

Joffe’s latest new offerings, and there are some belters here …

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Joffe’s  book of the week this week is THE SOUTH BANK MURDERS, the gripping new crime mystery from bestselling author Biba Pearce, out now for just 99p | 99c.

His mentor slain. A detective out for revenge. A criminal mastermind always one step ahead. Retired Chief Superintendent Sam Lawrance, Rob’s friend and mentor, has been shot dead.
And when the body of a young man is found on the south bank of the Thames near the London Eye, Rob suspects the cases may be related. Their suspect is not some amateur criminal, but someone with terrifying reach, known only as The Wolf.

His baby won’t sleep. His partner needs him. Can he be there for them and bring a killer to justice?

Full of twists and turns, this really is unputdownable from an author who is bound to find a place amongst your ‘favourites

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF THE SOUTH BANK MURDERS BY BIBA PEARCE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.
                                                 

Detective Sarah Quinn 1-4  by Maureen Carter    OUT NOW — ONLY 99P | 99C

Get FOUR excellent mysteries set in the buzzing city of Birmingham, full of twists and turns you’ll never see coming, in one great-value box set.

“One of crime fiction’s best-kept secrets.” Sharon Wheeler, reviewingtheevidence.com

OUT NOW — ONLY £1.99 | $2.99

Constable at the Fair by Nicholas Rhea

All’s not entirely fair out on the North Yorkshire moors . . .  A long-dead body turns up on the moors, clutching a jar of priceless Tudor coins. He was peddler who never made it to Scarborough Fair. How did he meet his end?

Can Constable Nick piece together the puzzle while keeping the peace? Read a favourite author of mine Nicholas Rhea with his latest  village mystery.

Some exciting author news from team Joffe who are delighted to announce the acquisition of Gaynor Torrance’s DI Jemima Huxley crime thriller series in a five-book deal! Ooh, can’t wait.

Many more new offerings at joffebooks.com

Here Is Everything to Ponder When Buying a Knee Cushion

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Knee pillows are made to enhance comfort when you are lying down. This works to relieve pressure, assist in maintaining your body in a comfort zone, and help in spinal configuration. People like pregnant women side sleepers, and through the help of the pillow, they will support the knee cushions. When buying such pillows, take your time first and research; this will help avoid getting disappointed after shopping. Do not shop blindly but ensure you understand what your needs entail. Shopping for the first time is one of the challenging things. The following tips will help one buy a suitable knee cushion. 

Look At Firmness Level And Support

The firmness and thickness of knee pillows are directly proportional to the support given. You will find that thicker and stiffer ones do provide more support. Enormous and weightier individuals probably require more support, whereas lightweight individuals require less. Cushions cannot be compared with mattresses because they do not have ratings in terms of firmness. The manufacturers of the pillows only express that firmness in words. The best way to tell the firmness of a mattress is by trying it out. This will help you know that you will be comfortable if you get such a mattress.

Consider The Shape And Size

Such products come in different shapes and sizes. The best way to get the right size and shape of your knee cushion is by testing it out. Many of the pillows are curved to fit one of the individual’s legs. They also come in the form of cylinders and wedges, and these do function well for back sleepers who like to place the cushions in their knees. The size of the cushions applies to the individuals who don’t sleep in their homes. 

Consider The Temperature Regulations And Quality Of The Materials

Many of the pillows are made of memory foam, and they have some forms made of cloth covers. It is suitable for you to consider choosing the one with high-density memory foam that can promise excellence in durability. The customers’ reviews will help you verify the quality of the product. The way the cushion responds to the body warmth is meant by temperature regulation. Choose a knee cushion that can adjust the temperature well for it will be moderately cool for you. One may consider buying the one made of covers that have cooling features materials that are breathable to counter the temperature regulation. 

Check On Their Price

You should have a budget when you are excising to purchase a knee cushion. Different pillows come in sold at a varying amount depending on their features or the manufacturers. Consider evaluating market research in the process of buying your knee pillows. The reviews of the previous clients will help you determine the right cushion at a reasonable price. Prices also differ in different shops, and thus it is vital to consider buying from a reputable shop that deals with quality products at affordable rates. It is well to be aware that expensive does not mean quality, and cheap does not mean the best.   

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

An extraordinarily useful new book Team, Lead, Succeed – Taking Teams from Dysfunctional to Dynamic.

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For the last 20 years, Nick Fewings has been working with teams around the world to motivate and inspire them to transform how they work,  and so achieve even greater success. He has also shared his knowledge and experience of teamwork at many conferences, providing delegates with practical tips and suggestions on how to increase their team’s effectiveness.

Asked, “Have you written a book about how to achieve high performance teamwork?” His answer has always been no, but that has all changed.

Team Lead Succeed is for anyone who works in a team and wants to make a positive difference to the effectiveness of their teamwork. It provides tools, learning and practical suggestions to help teams achieve even greater success by understanding both WHO is in their team and HOW effective their teamwork is.

Team Lead Succeed helps teams appreciate those areas of their teamwork that are working well, while also highlighting areas that could be working better and need to be shared with the whole team, discussed and if agreed, changed.

As I read it, I thought about this, and  I  feel I could have used it when my kids were teenagers… It might have stopped me from tearing my hair out. Most useful, readable and sound.  Nick says “I believe everyone in a team has a voice, which needs to be heard, especially when things aren’t working as well as they should be. After all, nothing will change if you do not take action and speak up.”

  Author Nick Fewings, Director of Ngagementworks, has for the last 20 years facilitated team development. He calls himself a teamologist, someone who specialises in the study of the dynamics of teamwork, using this knowledge to help teams become more effective.

Nick is also the creator of the Team DyNAmics Model, used by teams to measure their effectiveness in 16 areas of teamwork. This allows teams to understand whether they are dysfunctional, average or high performing.

So back to this book,  Team, Lead, Succeed.

Read it, learn from Nick’s experiences as a worldwide team coach. Be guided, we don’t have to make ALL the mistakes in order to make a better job of it when this is on hand.

Team Lead Succeed by Nick Fewings is out now.