Two Wrongs by Mel Mcgrath – Reviewed by Natalie Jayne Peeke

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In the city of Bristol, young women are dying in mysterious circumstances. The deaths look like suicides – but are they something more sinister?

Honor is terrified that her daughter might be next. But as she looks for clues as to what really happened to the girls, she stumbles upon a link to a dark secret in her own past – one that she’s kept from her daughter.

Now Honor has the chance to avenge her child for the terrible events of years ago.

I am a West country girl through and through and a ginormous bookworm, so how did I feel when I discovered a amazing new book is set in my beloved beautiful Bristol. Well let’s just say excitement was an understatement.

I am very rarely absorbed by a book within  the first sentence, but this one had me hooked. In this one sentence  the scene has been set on one of the most iconic landmarks of the Westcountry, in the British weather we know and love and the hint of something dreadful is about to occur.

Mel Mcgrath creates several in depth characters, each relatable in their own way and as the story advances the reader bounces from character to character, which can be slightly confusing to begin with but i soon was used to switching between the characters. The plot is compelling and thought provoking, fast paced and gripping.

I would recommend Two Wrongs to fans of; Louise Candlish, T.M. Logan and Peter James.

Pub date – 24th June 2021

Available in – Paperback, Hardback, eBook and Audiobook

The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey: reviewed by Kate Hutchinson

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Does it put you off when you see a sticker on a book cover proclaiming it has won a literary prize? I’m guessing it doesn’t for most people or the publishers wouldn’t do it, though my book group always groans when we see the Booker Prize Winner sticker, even if we end up loving the book.

However The Mermaid of Black Conch, which won the more accessible Costa Book of the Year 2020, is now out in paperback, and is well worth a dip into.

A fisherman called David waits for a catch off the island of Black Conch in the caribbean. Instead of the expected red snapper, he is surprised by a mermaid, red skinned with black hair hanging with anemones and conch shells. They seem to have an instant connection and they meet at sea many times until by mistake she follows a different boat.  The mermaid is captured by American tourists who treat her like an animal and plan to exploit her.

David rescues her and slowly gains her trust as she metamorphoses back into the woman she once was before she was cursed. But she is spotted by one of her captors and curses don’t disappear…

I love books like this which make you wonder – how did the author think of that? From the title I expected a timeframe at least a couple of centuries back like the legends that inspired the story, but instead it is set in 1970’s, just close enough to be in living memory for many readers but far enough away to have perspective.

The same originality is shown in the way the tale is told three ways – by the narrator, in excerpts from David’s diary, and from the poetic inner voice of the mermaid herself which is beautifully written and gives a way into an otherwise difficult to reach character with little language.

The painful, difficult transformation back into a two legged woman is also brilliantly captured, as is the complicated relationship between the island’s past and future, encapsulated by relationship between Aycayia, the descendant of Victorian Anglican clergy and owner of most of the land, and Life, the poor local boy she has known from childhood who is the father of her child.

It’s a bittersweet story, but imaginatively told, and well worth spending time with over a cup of coffee.

The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey ISBN 978-1-529-11549-9 £8.99

THE DIARY OF A BOOK, JUNE 2021

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Research for The Lost Heir continues – and Jane Cable puts pen to Papyrus

DIARY OF A BOOK… JUNE 2021

June can be instantly categorised as a month when I didn’t get as much work done on The Lost Heir as I’d have liked to. This was for a number of reasons including a long overdue trip to visit my father-in-law and the edits arriving for my first Cornish Echoes book, The Forgotten Maid. But they have now been done and dusted and a review copy is ready and waiting for anyone who wants one (hint!).

But of course that does not mean I have been entirely idle on the next book in the series. Indeed, I have actually put pen to paper. Or to Papyrus to be precise, because I use writing software.

The first task with a new project is to set up the files. It’s not as complicated as it sounds – in fact you can just open a new document and get writing, but that isn’t using the system to its best advantage. In order to track your story and to keep your research together you need to use it properly. It’s an upfront investment in time that saves ages later.

One of the great features of writing software (and I understand that Scrivener works in much the same way as Papyrus) is the ability to move scenes around. So the first thing I did was to set up my scenes in the organiser. Just a line or two, so I know what happens in each, then you tag characters, locations and important items into each one.

Every tagged item has its own file so you can record all the important details about it or them – in other words, I never need forget the colour of a characters’ eyes again. I know perhaps it sounds a bit unprofessional, but while I know their backstory inside out I do struggle to remember physical characteristics. I’m the same in real life – I can’t even picture the faces of those closest to me (apparently it’s a known syndrome) – so to have descriptions to hand is a godsend.

I also loaded in the research sources and notes I wrote about last month, but of course some have stayed in my notebook – like the detailed family tree I spent a couple of days constructing for the Basset family, which started with truth but quickly and necessarily descended into fiction. But for this particular story it was vital to get it right – especially as each timeline deals with one end of it.

Alongside this I drew up some mind maps for my characters, and as I was planning to start writing in the present day timeline, took the contemporary protagonists further with detailed notes on their conflicts and emotional journeys. That done, I was ready to write the opening scene.

I always find it helps to play with your story a little before you settle down, and I know much of what I’ve written so far won’t make the final cut, but it helps me to establish people and places in my own mind. Some of the minor characters even surprised me a little, which is always good, and this is the point to open my heart and mind and listen to them. After all, The Lost Heir will be their story more than it will ever be mine.

There are still some loose ends to tie up before I get stuck into writing the 1810 narrative, largely driven by two more research books which have just arrived from the library. And then the exciting part can begin.

 

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: JUNE BOOK REVIEWS, PART TWO

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Lisa Hobman’s Under an Island Skye, reviewed by Morton S Grey

I loved this book and wanted to make my own escape to the Isle of Skye! Tackles some difficult issues – bereavement, depression, divorce, children of divorce but in a way that carries you along wanting the characters to find their happiness. Believable characters especially the hero, Reid and the heroine, Juliette. Evin and Chewie the dog wormed their way into my heart. A lovely escapist read.

 

Carol Cooper’s The Girls from Alexandria, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

The mystery of Nadia’s missing sister hooked me from the outset. There are many layers in this book. Set in Egypt, London and in a London hospital ward, this novel explores the impact of one’s culture life experiences on our identity. The insight into life in Alexandria intrigued me and I could feel the exotic heat of Cairo. I enjoyed the contrast between the voices of Nadia as a girl and a mature woman. The naïve girl becomes a wise and witty woman, and the impact of her past on the present is explored beautifully. The way Nadia makes sense of a patriarchal and disrupted society is enlightening and relevant: revisiting memories sparks new connections and insight. The novel kept me guessing about Nadia’s sister and Nadia’s illness. There are wonderful gems of wisdom sprinkled throughout this novel. An intelligent novel I know I will reread.

Readers who enjoy Maggie O’Farell’s The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox will love this book.

 

Natasha Lester’s The Paris Secret, reviewed by Jill Barry

Skilfully plotted, beautifully written, and with a cast of fascinating and ‘real’ characters, this dual time novel is a joy to read. Word pictures of Cornwall, the sensation of becoming airborne, the loneliness and horror of the war years against the camaraderie and determination to enjoy being young and alive, all contribute to this magnificent novel with its tiers of separation and reunion, even if the latter is sometimes not entirely welcome. Family secrets and historical facts blend with real life dramas. Devotees of haute couture will drool over the name dropping and the exquisite descriptions of dresses most of us can only dream of acquiring. This is a book you won’t want to put down. This is a love story that will stay with you long after you regretfully reach The End.

 

David Sivers’ In Ink, reviewed by Evonne Wareham

Dave Sivers is an established indie/self published crime author specialising in police procedurals. In Ink is the first in a new series in which a murder team under DI Nathan Quarrel investigates a serial killer in the leafy and affluent communities around Tring. When the body of a middle aged accountant turns up in a churchyard with a macabre facial disfigurement Quarrel’s team have to unravel a scheme for vengeance from a killer who is a meticulous planner and who always seems one jump ahead. Why have the victims been chosen and what is the significance to the killer of tattoos and tarot cards? A twisty plot, a policeman with a haunting act of violence in his own past, a killer with a grisly calling card and a cast of interesting characters – both police and suspects – make this a satisfying read.

 

 

 

Frost Loves Seep’s biodegradable, plastic-free and recyclable household essentials

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We love Seep. They make excellent biodegradable household essentials. We cannot recommend them enough. The Seep Natural All-Purpose Loofah Cloths and Sponge with Loofah Scourer, part of a new range of compostable and plastic-free household essentials here to help. 

Seep Sponge with Loofah Scourer

With over 80% of common sponges being made from virgin plastic, which can’t be recycled and with estimates that a massive 600 million sponges are thrown out every year in the UK, it was a no brainer for Seep to offer an alternative. 

 

The Seep sponge is quite frankly, the best-looking sponge on the market! Made with entirely renewable materials like wood pulp and natural loofah fibres it is highly absorbent, long-lasting and durable. They also require less soap due to the natural fibres of the loofah and create more suds than other plastic based options. 

 

Being 100% compostable, when it has reached its lifecycle (typically one month), the entire sponge can be placed in a kitchen composter or garden compost bin where it will naturally start to break down. 

 

Seep Sponge with Loofah Scourer – RRP £9.50 for a pack of 4

 Also…

Nothing screams summer like picnics in the sun. Seep is here to make cleaning up as simple as possible with its plastic-free, biodegradable and compostable bin liners.

The Seep bin liners are the brand’s latest addition to the range. Coming in a handy 30L or 10L roll, the compostable, biodegradable liners are a high quality, gentle on the planet option. The bases of the liners have also been reinforced to prevent annoying leaks.

Large Compostable Bin Liners 30L Roll (25 Bags)

Seep Compostable Bin Liners.  30L – RRP £8.00 for 25 bags per roll / 10L – RRP £4.00 for 25 bags per roll

What’s also awesome about our bin liners is that they are made from one of the best bio polymers on the market – taking less than 8 weeks to break down in a composting facility. If they are used for normal household waste and disposed of in landfill or an incinerator, they are still better than their traditional plastic counterparts since they don’t release microplastics or toxins.

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: JUNE BOOK REVIEWS, PART ONE

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Audrey Davis’ Lost in Translation, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

A clever twist on the romantic comedy genre. It was wonderful to meet Charlotte and follow her new life in Switzerland with her husband and children. I adored the way the character found her voice and her identity and slowly changed. This story had me hooked from the outset because I feared the worse and wanted Charlotte to triumph. Perfect escape to Switzerland for me, and I read it very quickly. The writing style is fun and engaging – so entertaining to get inside of Charlotte’s head and hear what she thinks. There are some fantastic moments in this novel. This is an uplifting feel-good book with a satisfying ending. I loved it!

 

Natalie Kleinman’s The Reluctant Bride, reviewed by Jane Cable

In the notes to the reader at this end of the book, Natalie Kleinman mentions Georgette Heyer as an inspiration, and if you love the classic Regency romances by the doyenne of the genre, you are going to enjoy this book too. Widowed after just six weeks of her arranged marriage, Charlotte emerges from mourning with no intention of letting her newfound freedoms go. But she is young, beautiful and spirited, so of course she attracts admirers.

I read this book in a day and so enjoyed being transported to a different world. A world of Almack’s, riding out in Hyde Park, shopping (not to mention taking the horrible waters) in Bath, and picnics under the trees in the park of great country houses. The central characters are beautifully drawn and I enjoyed finding out how many of them achieved their happy ever afters. Recommended!

 

Jessie Cahalin’s You Can’t Go It Alone, reviewed by Judith Barrow

I really liked You Can’t Go It Alone. The characters are well drawn and multi layered and there are so many familiar ‘human life’ threads running throughout all the relationships. All thought provoking.

The dialogue is exceptional; the personalities of the characters were instantly revealed, through both the internal and the spoken speech.

It’s the Olive Tree Café where most of the action occurs and there is a strong sense of the cafe’s ambience. Indeed, all of the settings have a good sense of place and it’s almost as if the Delfryn itself is personified as a character in the story, with the interweaving, individual lives it holds at its centre.

Initially, the story appears to be a light-hearted look at life in a Welsh village, but actually, it’s a story that explores the contrasting mindsets and distinct possibilities between different generations of women.  Jessie Cahalin’s debut novel, You Can’t Go It Alone, is an interesting and thoughtful story.

 

Sue Moorcroft’s Under The Italian Sun, reviewed by Morton S Gray

I think this is one of my favourite Sue Moorcroft books to date. The hero Piero is fanciable just from Sue’s words on the page. Zia has a lot going on with her complex family dynamics and the fact her ex-boyfriend is best buddies with her best friend’s husband. Add into this an interesting and complex plotline spanning across England and Italy and there is plenty to keep you guessing. Can’t wait for the next novel already!

 

 

Why Do People Value Jewellery So Much?

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Most woman love to wear jewellery as it enhances their beauty on an entirely new level. Stylish women wear various necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and bangles to look classy and beautiful.

Why people value jewellery

From ancient times, jewellery has been symbolized as a luxury for women. People have a common habit of experimenting with jewellery. Jewellers like Nomination experiments with materials, colour, size, and length. For materials, diamond, gold, silver, platinum are always on the top of the list. Charms are also becoming very popular as luxury additions.

We believe that worldly objects cannot bring your inner peace. But a small piece of precious jewel can be bliss for your life. This article will let you know why people adore it this much and how it is more than just ornaments for some people.

A tool of treasuring memories

Jewellery, in the form of a gift, will always remind us of the giver. Whenever someone wears that specific gifted jewellery, it will drive them back to the memory lane of any particular occasion, situation or scenario.

A means to feel attractive

It is said that when you look pretty, you become more confident. Sometimes feeling gorgeous from the outside can make us feel worthy from the inside. A lot of people buy jewellery when they feel lonely and depressed. According to them, it helps to feel loved even on the worst day.

A symbol of empowerment

We often see awarding jewellery as the recognition of people’s achievement. People get gold-silver medals, trophies or crests for their remarkable achievements in different sectors. Did we ever think about the meaning behind it? It symbolized the reward for their empowerment as humans.

A family legacy to hold onto

Jewellery plays a vital role to run the family legacy. From grandma’s bangles to mother’s necklace, jewellery passes on from generation to generation. Therefore, it carries a family legacy year after year, representing a solid formation of family bonds.

A precious present for the loved ones

Nothing can beat jewellery when it comes to showing affection. It is always a luxurious, classy and elegant thing to give someone. The gift will forever be memorable to the person, making them feel so special and loved.

Companion for the rainy days

If you have jewellery in your locker, you do not have to worry about bad days. It comes as the saviour in the time of any financial hardships. Also, many jewellers and artisans around the world earn their bread by selling it.

To conclude, jewellery is something very personal that represents the true you as a person. A small piece of jewel can make someone stand out in a crowd while creating an aura around. With its value also always appreciated, no wonder people love to hold on to it forever!

 

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Joffe Books has some belters this week

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Joffe Books’ Book of the Week, sounds fantastic. Get THE UNIFORM, a first-rate crime thriller debut by Jodie Lawrance!  99p/99c

Helen Carter has just landed her first case as a detective: a murder in an abandoned cinema. A mysterious clock-like symbol is drawn on the wall . . . in blood.  Stranger still is what the killer left behind: the business card of an ex-cop.

Since being promoted from WPC, Helen is having trouble making her mark in the male-dominated Edinburgh CID, working under Inspector Jack Craven. He’s not happy about having a woman on his team. Witnesses won’t talk to her, her colleagues don’t take her seriously.  And now a body turns up in a sweet shop with a pocket watch shoved in his mouth.

The clock is ticking to stop a serial killer.

             

The Night Hunter     by Caro Ramsay    99p/99c

Elvie’s sister, Sophie, is missing. She went out for a run — and never came home.

Then one night when Elvie is driving home, a body of a young woman crashes onto an oncoming car. Where has she been this whole time and why was she running for her life?

Elvie teams up with Anderson and Costello to find out what happened to Sophie and the other missing girls.

The Bisley Wood Murders by Biba Pearce  99p/99c

Katie is missing. Her pink backpack is found weighed down in the local reservoir.

Time is running out to find her, but strangely the disappearance has a striking resemblance to another unsolved mystery from twenty years ago.
It seems a killer has been haunting the area for years — can Detective Jo Maguire bring them to justice?

The Taste of Murder by Brian Battison

Out now 99p / 99c

DANGER LURKS WHERE YOU’D LEAST EXPECT IT . . .Someone’s contaminating the food in the local supermarket.Shards of glass are found in the baby food. Bleach in the bottles of ginger ale.  Can Detective Jim Ashworth stop the ruthless criminals before they harm anyone else?

 

Highlights

Film and TV rights for Faith Martin’s DI Hillary Greene crime series have been optioned by LA-based Southwell Neal Entertainment (SNE). 

Martin was represented in the deal by Kate Nash of the Kate Nash Literary Agency while SNE was represented by Darren Trattner from Jackoway Tyerman in LA.

The DI Hillary Greene series currently has 18 novels and has sold over two million copies. The series is a cold case homicide investigation centred on a “flinty, brilliant” detective living in Oxfordshire. The titles follow Greene as she is partnered for the first time with former LAPD detective John Sullivan.

SNE’s Becky Southwell and Dylan Neal plan to create a dramatic TV series in a co-production with the UK, along with the support of Play Media in Canada.

Neal commented: “We are thrilled that Faith has entrusted us with bringing Hillary to the TV screen and know that her millions of loyal readers will be joined by even more TV viewers. We believe that everyone will fall in love with this addictive procedural and the two complicated leads at its heart, just as Becky and I have.”

More information on Joffe Books is here