Heroes On The Home Front By Annie Clarke Book Review

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Catherine Balavage

Heroes On The Home Front By Annie Clarke.

I love Annie Clarke. Not many people can do what she does. She writes with real heart and soul, transporting you straight into 1941. She writes of a time that should never be forgotten and brings her characters to life so beautifully. Heroes on The Home Front is the second in the series by this stunning writer. This is the perfect book for Autumn, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, put your feet up and enjoy the next few hours. I hope this series makes its way onto TV. It would make the perfect Sunday television show.

Yes, Annie Clarke does write for Frost, but she is a master at her craft. her novels are researched within an inch of their lives and have real heart and soul. Just perfect. I cannot wait for the next instalment.

December 1941, North East England: It takes courage to risk your life every day.

Despite the recent loss of her father, Sarah is settling well into her new role at the munitions factory. Her blossoming romance with pitman Stan is a welcome distraction from the dangerous working conditions. But a shocking revelation is about to put everything on the line.

Meanwhile Fran is desperately missing her sweetheart Davey, who has been conscripted to work at Bletchley Park. Beth is longing for someone too – and it’s not her husband on the front line…

As the factory girls face hardship on the home front, they will discover that the heroes they need are already by their side.

Available here.

Book Ideas for all the Family

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Tracy Baines

My stress levels are starting to soar. I’m already fed up of the Christmas adverts and it’s only the beginning of November. It’s not the day itself that I find stressful it’s the thought of choosing gifts – will I give something to be cherished or something to be sent to the charity shop in January? Can you go wrong with a book? I hope not.

This small selection is published by Chronicle books and has eased my worries already. I don’t think the books can be categorised as ‘For Mum, Dad, boy girl’ etc. All of them are interesting in their own right, beautifully illustrated and perfect to leave on the coffee table.

Tartine – A Classic Revisited – Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson
This beautifully rephotographed book is an updated edition of a classic for home and professional bakers―from one of the most acclaimed and inspiring bakeries in the world – Tartine in San Francisco. Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson have updated old recipes for new tastes and added 68 new ones – including their famous morning bun (a sweet roll made with croissant dough and filled with orange-scented cinnamon sugar).

60 favourites from the original book have been revamped to suit today’s tastes which include 30 wholegrain and/or gluten free recipes.

The photographs are mouth-wateringly beautiful and if you can’t make the journey to San Francisco at least you can create the flavours for yourself.

Chronicle Books £29.00

The Hollywood Book Club by Stephen Rea

Packed full of Movie Stars – Spencer Tracy, Marilyn Monroe, Lana Turner, Marlon Brando and many more. The stars are captured either on or off set, curled up with a book, reading to their children – or Ziegfeld Girls balancing them on their heads.

Featuring nearly 60 enchanting black and white images, lively captions about the stars and what they’re reading by Hollywood photo archivist Steven Rea. A great gift for booklovers and film fans. The perfect book to settle down with and savour.

Chronicle Books £11.99

All Hail the Queen

Twenty Women Who Ruled – Illustrated by Jenifer Orkin Lewis, written by Shweta Jha

Twenty real life stories of women who ruled – some were rulers by birth, others by marriage but all led lives of adventure and individuality. There are women we’ve perhaps all heard of – Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, Elizabeth 1st, Catherine the Great – and others we may not – Hatshepsut, Pharaoh of Egypt, Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, and Lady Six Sky, Maya Queen of Naranjo. Women of strength and power who lived in times when women did not have equal status to men.

Beautifully illustrated by Jennifer Orkin Lewis it’s a jewel of a book. A delight on the eye.

Chronicle Books £13.99

The Hike by Alison Farrell

A delightfully illustrated story of friendship and adventure. Three little girls and their dog set off for a hike through the woods with a map – no GPS here! The children hike through the forest and up to the top of the mountain before heading home as the sun begins to set and the stars appear.

This spirited picture book covers the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. Featuring a glossary, a sketchbook by one of the characters, abundant labels throughout, it’s a book for budding adventurers.

Chronicle Books £12.99

Perfect Books For The Christmas Season

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Catherine Balavage

The Runaway By Hollie Overton

You can tell the writer put her heart and soul into this book. It is an outstanding thriller. It leaves you holding your breathe until the very last page.

Available here.

Poetry. A Very Short Introduction By Bernard O’Donoghue.

Perfect for writers and poetry fans. Entertaining and educational: it gives a perfect overview of poetry. Bernard O’Donoghue also ask what poetry is and what is is for. Riveting.

Available here.

Give Birth Like a Feminist By Milli Hill.

This book is perfect for any expecting parent. It is even a good read for those who are not. Give Birth Like a Feminist is an important read from a pioneer in pregnancy and birth. Milli Hill founded The Positive Birth Movement and her work in the field has progressed women’s right by years. She also allowed me to publish one of her birth stories in my book, Women on Childbirth. She is the best kind of woman: a woman who support other women and fights for them too. A must buy.

Available here.

With Child By Andy Martin

Andy Martin spent a year with Lee Child. With Child is the diary of these adventures. I found this fascinating as a writer myself. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Jack Reacher. A great book.

Available here.

Designing Babies By Robert L. Klitzman, MD.

This book is absolutely fascinating. In-depth research mixed with personal stories creates a perfect book on the subject of designing babies. Fertility, infertility, genetics…. This book covers the medical science of making babies. it does so with a human heart. What is right and what is wrong? Robert Klitzman is a brilliant and eloquent writer.

Available here.

The Children’s Forest.

The Children’s Forest is the perfect book for children and parents. This book has a lot of fun activities to get your child in touch with nature. This book is a celebration of nature and, in my opinion, is essential for children to get them outdoors and learning more about nature. For ages 3-12, it has games, songs, recipes and animal, tree and plant lore. This excellent book offers hours of fun for children and parents.

Available here.

What Snowflakes Get Right By Ulrich Baer.

This brilliant book is thought-provoking and brilliantly written. Snowflakes get a bad wrap but this in-depth and passionate analysis should be read by everyone. Great stuff.

Available here.

The Writer’s Creative Workbook By Joy Kenward. Illustrated By Ruth Allen.

This is a brilliant book for the writer in your life. Even the most advanced writers will find this helps get things flowing again.

Available here.

One More Lie by Amy Lloyd.

This is a stunning thriller. Full of suspense and atmosphere: you will not want to put it down. It also has a quote from Frost Magazine writer Annie Clarke who is a fan.

Available here.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas By Abbey Clancy.

I do not know how she manages it: as well as being gorgeous, working as a model and TV Presenter and raising four children Abbey Clancy has written this amazing book. I loved it from the first page. The characters are so vivid and the story is a glam, glitzy read that entertains right to the end. I LOVE this book.

Available here.

A Mrs Miracle Christmas By Debbie Macomber.

This is the perfect Christmas book. It is a warm book that is a perfect example of romantic fiction. Perfect for an evening snuggling with some hot cocoa.

Available here.

Rebel Dogs By Kimberlie Hamilton.

This book is perfect for dog lovers. Fun and well-written, it makes you happy.

Available here.

Heroes On The Home Front By Annie Clarke.

The second in the series by this stunning writer. Yes, she does write for Frost, but she is a master at her craft. her novels are researched within an inch of their lives and have real heart and soul. Just perfect.

Available here.

A Quaint and Curious Volume. Introduction By Sarah Perry.

An interesting and original volume. Perfect for fans of the gothic. You can read all the way through or dip in and out. A really great book.

Available here.

The Oceans Between Us By Gill Thompson.

This is a truly beautiful story of triumph, loss and a mother’s love. It will touch your heart and soul. Wonderful.

Available here.

Nightingale Wedding Bells By Donna Douglas.

The eleventh book in the series. Another heart-warming story that is perfect for Christmas.

Available here.

Simon’s Cat It’s a Dog’s Life By Simon Tofield.

Hard to believe it is the 10th anniversary. The much-loved cat is back in this hilarious book. Love it.

Available here.

Something To Tell You By David Edwards.

This is a great, if terrifying, book. Perfect for fans of science-fiction, fantasy or thrillers. A perfect combination of fiction and out-there science. A clever book and a great read.

Available here.

Raw Spirit By Iain Banks.

Perfect for fans of a wee dram. Banks explores the rich history of Scottish Whisky. It has a new introduction from Ian Rankin.

Available here.

This top secret book arrived. What was it? Oh just the new Alex Cross book, Criss Cross By James Patterson. It is brilliant, of course. But then it always is. Out on the 14th November.

And now for some shameless self-promotion. I have books on acting, blogging, poetry, childbirth and wedding planning. They are all great for Christmas presents obviously. Nudge nudge, wink wink.

What books would you recommend?

SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: OCTOBER

Posted on November 4, 2019 by Jane Cable

Kirsten:

I haven’t been reading very much lately – I’ve been wrestling with proposals and second drafts and teenagers – but one book I have read and very much enjoyed is Bonnie and Stan by Anna Stuart. It’s a story of mature love and the premise is that after over 50 years together, Stan – who still adores his wife – starts dating again.

In a dual time-line. Bonnie and Stan met during the Swinging Sixties, to the soundtrack of The Beatles and the Merseybeat scene. Bonnie’s the only woman on her architecture course and Stan is in a band. This bit is great fun –music and fashion and energy and sex and working out which one of the band members will end being Stan because they all have nicknames.

In the present day, the two have grown old together, had children and grandchildren. This bit happens at the beginning so I’m not giving anything away but Stan has cancer and is running out of time, and can’t bear the thought of leaving Bonnie on her own so, with his teenage granddaughter Greya, he sets out find Bonnie a new love. And it must remain a secret …

I thought it was a fabulous book – ultimately uplifting but with moments of real terror and fury and vulnerability.

Susanna:

One of the things I love and admire about books by Carol Rivers is that, while some authors get a bit stale and produce books that feel samey, Carol always writes something fresh, using new ideas, at the same time as remaining true to the drama and strong sense of personal relationships that characterise her books. Christmas Child is a story for any time of year, not just for the festive season.

An emotional and enthralling tale, it follows Ettie as she faces up to life’s dangers and challenges and learns the hard way that not everyone deserves to be trusted. I love stories set in Victorian times and I’m delighted that Carol Rivers has, for this book, left behind her customary 20th century setting and moved into the 19th century. I hope there will be more Victorian stories to come from this wonderful writer.

Jane:

I went on holiday last month and as such had a little more time than usual to read, so a couple of books I’d been wanting to get my teeth into for a while came to the top of my TBR pile.

The first was Liz Fenwick’s The Path to the Sea, a truly absorbing book, well researched with the strands of the story pulled beautifully together. It is set in 1962 and 2018, with a clever structure that means the action is set over the same three days of both years, flipping between them, but taking events sequentially in both. It must have been an absolute sod to write, but it’s so beautifully managed it never feels contrived and I was caught up in the story rather than the way it was told, which is exactly how it should be.

Three generations of women come together at Boskenna for the last time, both bound together and torn apart by the secrets and lies between them. It’s a fabulous story, but what I loved the most was that important thing wasn’t what had happened, but why.

The second book was Jen Gilroy’s The Cottage at Firefly Lake. Far more of a traditional holiday read, it’s a heart-warming small town romance set in Vermont and featuring realistically scarred characters you want to alternately hug then knock their heads together. Two sisters return to Firefly Lake after eighteen years to sell their late mother’s cottage and more than just old passions are ignited in this beautiful place. The book’s just perfect for readers who love a truly emotional romance.

Travel thoughts: Interior design for holiday homes

Posted on November 3, 2019 by sam stone

A property with the WOW factor doesn’t happen by magic. It takes imagination and skill. But if you haven’t got the money to employ a qualified interior designer, there are plenty of good tips on the web. A savvy hotelier or holiday homeowner with a good eye for design can easily use this free information to improve the look and feel of their property for a fraction of the cost. So why don’t they?

I travel a lot for my job, so I am in and out of spaces all the time: hotels, apartments and villas. I have rented them all. I’ve also used big and small agents: Airbnb, Booking.com, James Villas’s and independent owners. Depending on where I am and what suits my needs, I select a property on a mix of location, size, facilities and look Location and size can’t be changed, but the amenities and interior design can. Facilities are a blog post for the future, but for now, these are my top tips for achieving attractive holiday home spaces.

Space

Cramming the communal areas with too much furniture, especially in open plan living arrangements is one of the biggest mistakes to be made. In large properties, sofas and armchairs should be clustered together to create cosy areas. And the use of different colours, textures and patterns in specific areas such as sitting rooms and dining rooms can add appeal and intrigue.

Light it up

Lighting sets the mood and ambience of a room. Too little and the place is gloomy and depressing. Too much, and it feels sterile and unwelcoming. If you are going to invest time and money, to improve a room, lighting is an essential element to get right. When natural light is weak, use cleverly positioned mirrors within a space to highlight the colours, textures and patterns. When an interior space is too bright, soften the area with textural curtains or blinds.

Add Colour

Colour sets the tone and mood of property just as much as the lighting. So it’s worth researching the psychology of colour. However, bear in mind that not all the design tips for using colour will suit your property. For instance, in chalet interior design, where wood tones tend to dominate the palette, red may not be the best choice for a dining room. And green may not be ideal for a small bedroom.

Fabric softener

Fabrics are perfect for adding interest, texture and colour to a room. They can be employed used to create character and style by either complimenting or contrasting depending on the feel you want to achieve. A classic interior design styling tip for integrating soft texture within a bedroom is the use of cushions and bedspreads. And rugs are ideal for adding depth and warmth in a living space. The overall number one interior design tip for creating harmony within a room is accessory repetition. And three is always the magic number.

Maintenance

Above all, remember there is no point creating unity of colour, texture and pattern if the windows are dirty or curtains are unevenly hung. A good cleaner is worth their weight in gold. And no one likes shabby furniture or broken appliances, so please owners – stay on top of the maintenance!

For a more in-depth knowledge of a chic home environment and other themes, here’s how to become an interior designer, so you won’t need to hire a pro if you need one.

Revised from a blog written for the OVO network

Sam stone is a freelance writer with an enviable job of being a travel and lifestyle blogger After working in the publishing industry for 15 years, she now travels the globe documenting her experiences for commissioned blogs and specialised web content. Based in Cornwall she unapologetically confesses to being a beach bum and obsessed foodie who is always on the lookout for her next big adventure!

Festive Cocktail Guide Vol. 1 ft Italicus

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Kesh

It’s that time of the year again… and to kick it off, we bring you our favourite festival tipples guaranteed to wow your guests and to top your Christmas lists.

Impress your guests this Festive season by creating a cocktail using a fine and majestic liqueur. Italicus is made from Rosolio di Bergamotto and was actually the main Aperitivo drunk by the King of Savoia.

This exquisite liquor is made from Bergamot from Calabria, Cedro form Sicily, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Melissa Balm, Yellow Roses, Gentian.

The result; a finely aromatic and floral flavour with light notes of citrus which certainly mixes well with a number of mixers, garnishes and other spirits.

Italicus has already won numerous awards including a few for the packaging which is utterly show-stopping, another reason to grab a bottle this Christmas. The beautiful design will certainly wow sitting atop your bar or drinks cabinet.

Italicus can be served in a number of ways

Negroni Bianco:

35ml Italicus

35ml London Dry Gin

35l Dry Vermouth

Served: In a tumbler with 3 olives.

Italicus Cup:

50 ml Italicus

25ml Pink Grapefruit

Top with Soda add a Pinch of Salt and 3 Olives

Italicus is priced at RRP £29.95 for 70cl bottle ABV 20%

https://www.rosolioitalicus.com

Snuggle up with a Saga

Posted on November 2, 2019 by Tracy Baines

Isn’t it just the perfect weather to indulge yourself and curl up on the sofa with a saga? The wind is howling away outside, rattling at the widows and what better way to spend the dark evenings than with a book to transport you to other times, other places. Here are three that might just be what you’re looking for:

The Tuppenny Child by Glenda Young

‘She’s not worth more than tuppence, that child!’

Those are the words that haunt seventeen-year-old Sadie Linthorpe. Orphaned when her parents die of the Spanish Flu, Sadie is taken in by Freda McIntyre and her son Mick. Neglected and abused Sadie finds herself pregnant. Sadie is distraught when the child is forcibly taken from her at birth and sold on by the grandmother. The only clue that Sadie has to her whereabouts is that she has been taken to Ryhope. What marks the child out is a small port wine birthmark that resembles a ladybird.

And so the search for her child begins.

But when a visitor from her past appears – one who could jeopardise the life she’s beginning to build and ruin her chances of finding her beloved child for ever.

Another heart-warming saga from the author of Belle of the Backstreets. Warm-hearted characters on every page and a fine attention to period detail sweep you away with Sadie as she sets out to find her child.

Headline Paperback £6.99. Also available in ebook and audio.

The Girls from Greenway by Elizabeth Woodcraft

Angie Smith lives in Greenway, Chelmsford with her elder sister Doreen, her mother, and her drunk, violent father. Life is dull and boring and Angie dreams of bigger and better things.

Out shopping on Christmas Eve, Angie goes into a boutique and there meets the owner, Gene Battini, a charming older man who sweeps her off her feet. Unfortunately, Gene is married – and to complicate matters, Doreen is falling for Gene too.

As life at home goes from bad to worse the girls have to decide whether their choices will force them apart – or bring them closer than ever.

An evocative and nostalgic saga set in the 60s that brings to life the music and fashion of the time. Can you remember the Mods and Rockers, the Ban the Bomb marches? If so you’ll really enjoy this trip back in time.

Zaffre Paperback £6.99. Also available in eBook and audio

The Orphans of Bell Lane by Ruthie Lewis

London 1860s
When Rosa and her younger sister, Gracie are orphaned, they vow to stick together. Life is hard and people are cruel in the workhouse and Rosa does her best to protect Gracie from the dangers and bullies that confront them.

So when Grace is suddenly faced with a world without Rosa, she is forced to make difficult decisions. Can she walk away from everything she has built to protect the children Rosa has left behind?

Returning to the gang-ruled streets of south-east London, Grace is determined to build a better future for herself and for the children of Bell Lane – no matter what the cost.

The first book in the new The Ragged School series. A powerful story of triumph over adversity.

Zaffre Paperback £7.99. Also available in eBook

EAT food and drink festival Burnham on sea: Natalie Jayne Peeke – West Country Correspondent – gives us a taster.

Posted on November 2, 2019 by Margaret Graham

As a self-confessed foodie I thoroughly enjoy attending the local food and drink festival that are held in my local high street twice a year once in May and again October. Hundreds of sellers from around the country line the streets with their divine food and drinks, many offering samples of their products. Many sellers appear year after year but more often than not they have new products to try.

It is free event to attend and fun for all the family, there is face painting, cook school even punch and Judy along with bustlers who fill the aromatic air with their musical skills. The organisers keep prices low for producers so that smaller businesses and artisans can trade as well as more established producers.

The festivals encourage buyers to support smaller businesses by buying local, with the festivals situated in the high street local shops also benefit from the increase of footfall.

I have many favourite producers that I buy from time after time and these some include;

Leaf and petal loose tea

Hullabaloos natural lemonade

Cocoa’s handmade chocolate

Hudnott’s spirits.

Many of the vendors are extremely knowledgeable of their product and happily advise what to eat or drink them with as well as offering samples of what they sell. Whilst I visited the Hudnott’s stand I sampled every single spirit that was on offer and this was no big ask for the lovely lady behind the stall and she was most amused when I then explained how I couldn’t possibly just choose one to buy, so stepped away with three bottles.

The Eat: Food and drink festivals visit several towns throughout the West country including Nailsea, Minehead, Portishead, Taunton, Weston Super Mare and of course Burnham on sea. Every festival attracts ample amounts of visitors and is a great day out.

As a frequent visitor I advise that you take a strong a sturdy backpack, wear comfortable shoes and don’t be afraid to try new things.