SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: OCTOBER

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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

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Interior design

 

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

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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

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

 

In the spirit of Christmas, Michael Rowan discovers some gifts that really do go on giving, thanks to the charity Arthouse Unlimited

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Freeze wrapping paper

In the spirit of Christmas, Michael Rowan discovers some gifts that really do go on giving, thanks to Arthouse Unlimited a charity that presents the artistic talents of adults with learning and physical difficulties, needing varying levels of support; and where 100% of the retail revenue goes towards supporting the charity helping it to grow and evolve.  

 

Sometimes the stars align and a great idea is born. This could not be truer than in the case of Arthouse Unlimited

This is the brainchild of Becky Sheraidah, herself an artist who was keen to enable social inclusion for those susceptible to exclusion from the arts.

Arthouse Unlimited is a group of artists working alongside people with disability to produce a range of products ideal for Christmas gifts; stocking fillers or a gift at any time of the year.

Artist Elanor Sinden

Be quite clear these pieces are truly art and represent good value for money.

Best of all not only will you have the knowledge that you have bought an interesting gift but you will also be supporting a great initiative.

cards

I am loving the Lady Muck Range which includes Body Scrub with Bergamot and Lavender and retails for £20.00. Or try the Angels of the Deep with the life affirming motto ‘You’re splendid’ and who amongst us doesn’t need to be told that once in a while? This is a smooth scent with natural balmy, heady notes of Lavender and an airy citrus overtone.

Dark Honeycomb Bar

For those of us with a sweet tooth, try the Underwater Handmade Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt and Crispy Crunch which is handcrafted in the UK by a specialist chocolatier using cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic, this chocolate is an indulgent treat for the taste buds. This chocolate features artwork created by a collaboration of ARTHOUSE Unlimited artists. https://arthouseunlimited.org/shop/underwater-handmade-dark-chocolate-with-sea-salt-and-crispy-crunch/

Organic Plant Wax candles in a fabulous range of scents and an even more fabulous artwork. Price £16.00. https://arthouseunlimited.org/product-category/home-fragrance/candles/

In and of themselves, similar items may be sourced elsewhere, but not so the art work, which is in turn, beautiful, quirky and witty. Guaranteed to be the sort of packaging that you won’t mind hanging around the house until well into the New Year.

Order online at ARTHOUSEUNLIMITED.ORG

 

 

 

Michael Rowan doesn’t so much whisper, as shout sweet nothings about his latest passion, Eat Your Drink, Vegan Friendly Cocktail Gummies from Smith and Sinclair’s Naughty or Nice Selection

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If you look carefully at the photograph you will doubtless observe the artfully half opened box displaying six of the eight vegan friendly alcoholic cocktail sweets, but I really wouldn’t want you to think that I had already eaten two, before remembering that I was meant to be photographing them first.

Similarly, the photograph of the sweets with two empty wrappers is purely done for artistic effect, rather than me having tried one, not been able to resist a second.

Before I knew it, I had sampled that first delicious sweet, an Amaretto Sour since you ask, followed by the Prosecco Mandarin Spritz.

The striking red and white candy-striped packaging and pull out black drawer gives this a sophisticated look that makes it a perfect gift or stocking filler and retails at £15.00.

Perfect for brightening those long train journeys and I can imagine them being a very good start to a Hen Party.

Fear not if you are unlikely to find yourself on a train or attending a Hen Party, just curl up in front of the fire watching your favourite film, but make sure that the box of ‘Eat Your Drink’ is within reach.

The sweets consist of smooth jellies sprinkled lightly with sugar and delivering an alcohol kick. These award-winning gummies are made from fresh fruit, herbs and real premium spirits that impart and adult kick of 7% ABV, the equivalent of half a shot per sweet.

The four flavours (two sweets of each) are the Prosecco Mandarin Spritz, Amaretto Sour, Cherry Hibiscus and Bramble Gin and Mocha Espresso Vodka Martini.

Because of my dedication to Frost Magazine I forced myself to sample each flavour and thoroughly enjoyed them all. However, special mention must go to the Mocha Espresso Vodka Martini which manages to balance each flavour so that nothing is overwhelmed by the Vodka.

Toomies Spin & Splash Octopals – Watery Playmates From Tomy Review: By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

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This is just so cute.  A jolly coloured three-armed octopus-spinner which sticks to the bath tub or tiles and twirls round.  The spinner has a friendly orange octopus body in the centre. There’s a twirly sun which spins within one of the arms, and two happy chappies – pink and green, smiling and winking at you from the other two arms. The happy chappies are hollow and can be filled with water, turned upside down to empty the water, or spun around if your child wants to make a big splash. Of course they can spin the whole toy around too, with water flying even further.

The colours are eye-catching and the friendly faces endearing. This is great to occupy a child from around a year through to pre-school – good simple bath fun.

I love this toy  – maybe a bit too much.

RSP £12.99  Stockists include; Smyths, The Entertainer, Amazon, Independents, Hamleys, Shop Direct and John Lewis

 

By Dr K Thompson, 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.