The Waterway Girls: A moving relateable British WWII saga of friendship and resilience Kindle Edition by Milly Adams. The first book of three. In 1943 war-torn London, young Polly Holmes leaves heartbreak behind to join a narrowboat crew on Britain’s canals – where friendship, resilience, and a new community give her hope, as they face the darkening days of war. This Kindle is FREE for a limited time.

Stepping aboard the Marigold amid pouring rain, there’s lots for Polly to come to grips with. Not least her fellow crew: strong and impetuous Verity, whose bark is worse than her bite, and seasoned skipper Bet. With her sweetheart away fighting in the RAF and her beloved brother killed in action, there’s plenty of heartache to be healed on the waterway. And as Polly rolls up her sleeves and gets stuck into life on board the narrowboat – making the gruelling journey from London up to Birmingham – she will soon discover that a world of new beginnings awaits amid the anguish of the war. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ kindle @ FREE. (Paperback also available.)

A Blend of Murder: A British woman sleuth cosy murder mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. New. In a quaint English town, a tea shop owner with a knack for advice stirs up more than Earl Grey when a mysterious death brews trouble close to home.

Meet Lilly Tweed – former agony aunt, proud purveyor of fine teas and accidental sleuth. When Lilly loses her newspaper column, she follows a dream and opens The Tea Emporium in the quaint market town of Plumpton Mallet. But old habits die hard, and with her hapless replacement bungling the advice column, locals still turn to Lilly for guidance. Then tragedy strikes. The body of a local woman is pulled from the river – and in her pocket is a letter of advice from Lilly herself. Unwillingly drawn into the investigation, Lilly begins to ask questions the police would rather leave alone. Was it truly an accident, or something far more sinister? Twists, turns, and more than a few red herrings lead Lilly into very hot water. A Blend of Murder is the charming first book in J. New’s The Tea Leaf Mysteries series – perfect for fans of classic British whodunits, small-town secrets, and a good cup of tea. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G2581TDR/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99 for a limited period of time. This work was previously published as Tea & Sympathy by J.New

Anything for Him: A jaw-dropping thriller about obsession and jealousy that will keep you up all night (The Ex Book 1) Kindle Edition by LK Chapman 

Felicity thought Jay could heal her grief–until his love became a trap. A psychological thriller for fans of twisted love stories and emotional suspense–a haunting tale of grief, manipulation, and survival. Since my parents died in a house fire, I can’t feel anything. Nothing interests me anymore. Jay is the only remaining light in my life. I don’t care that my gut feeling warns me that he means trouble. I even help him with his plan for revenge against his former best friend. But no matter how much I give, it never seems to be enough for Jay. He always finds a reason to punish me. Do I even know this man? What if everything he told me about his past was a lie? What if I find out the truth and it’s already too late? To escape him. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRMTKMYK/ kindle @ £0.99 instead of £1.99. (Also available in paperback.) More titles in this series: Found You (ISBN: 9782386191947) Never Let Her Go (ISBN: 9782386191954)

Finally:Secrets of Burnham House | The gripping historical mystery in the regency era (The Sinclair Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by Bethany Swafford (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition Book 1 of 1: The Sinclair Mysteries. @ the special offer of £0.99 for a limited time.

She entered Burnham House to find the truth. But behind every locked door lies another lie … The first book of the captivating historical whodunit series set in Regency England London, 1816. A name disgraced. A truth hidden. And a house where secrets whisper behind every door …

Juliet Sinclair was raised a lady—but when whispers of treason stained her family name, she stepped into the shadows to clear it. Posing as a servant in the opulent home of her father’s former associate, she entered Burnham House with a false identity and a singular mission: uncover the truth behind the allegations that destroyed her family. But the household is not what it seems. Servants vanish without explanation. Locked doors hide more than valuables. And the family she once knew has changed in ways she cannot explain. As Juliet pieces together fragments of the past, she realises someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQCCN6BR/ @ – I say again – £0.99

Forgive me, I seem to have come at the above all skewiff. Our Market Square on this Saturday is full of visitors and Thirskians taking the sun and admiring the Yarnbombers talent, so I have been tripping around getting in the way, taking images of just a few of the delights.

Above you see the rabbits nestling in between just a couple of the wonderful Thirsk in Bloom tubs which are magnificent this year, and are all over the centre of Thirsk.

There are many who garden with bees in mind. We have several bee keepers near us so I grow heathers, and all other bee loving plants. So bees should take their place of honour in the Square. How bee-guiling is this. Oh, I know, but I can’t help myself.

And another bee-loved bee, just look at those wings. Moving on swiftly, as I am beginning to get silly. As my mum would have said. ‘Not clever, funny or nice, so stop showing off.’ But I can’t.

Almost finally, in homage to this wonderful sunny spring day, with Easter not far away, and winter slinking off into the shadows (please please), let’s see the sunny face of spring, just look at those cheeks, that dear little smile, the leaves, and other flowers. Glorious.

Finally, yes – not almost – how can we not show yet another homage, this time to our wonderful Thirsk Yarnbombers who so frequently make our little market town just that little bit more wonderful. Each time they come by night and delight us daily, until suddenly, again overnight, they are gone again. Happy happy 10th anniversary, Thirsk Yarnbombers, from us all. And thank you.

I confess to being something of a fan, having previously reviewed, and continuing to use, the Green Pan bakeware range, which is now my go to in the kitchen. So, I was delighted to be asked to try out their Wok, and had equally high expectations. I chose the Pine Green to match my kitchen and bakeware.

From my point of view, the wok cooks quickly and evenly, and is easy to clean (my wife raises her eyes to the heavens, as it is mostly her that cleans the pans,) and to be honest, that is all that really matter to me.

Of course, there is far more to this Wok than meets the eye. Crafted from 100% recycled aluminium, this collection champions sustainability without compromising on performance.

Each pan features the world-leading Thermolon™ PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating, enhanced with diamonds for effortless food release and everyday durability. The extra-large Balance Pro hard-anodised base includes Magneto™ technology,ensuring the pan stays perfectly flat on every hob – gas, electric, ceramic or induction – and it’s oven safe up to 220°C.

 With its sleek stainless-steel handles and Scratch Guard™ technology, this cookware performs beautifully and is built to last.

The rivetless, seamless interior means food and sauces glide out effortlessly, it’s dishwasher safe, (my wife will be thrilled) though a gentle hand-wash will keep it looking new for years.

Just as thoughtful as the environmental credentials of the Wok, the packaging also deserves a mention. It comes with the handle detached and an Allen key. Cleverly, the instructions are printed on the inside of the packaging thus reducing paper that will be simply thrown away when the wok has been assembled. (which took about 2 minutes).

Available in Black, Cream, Teal and Pine Green. The Collection includes:

Frying Pans

• 30cm – RRP £89
• 28cm – RRP £79
• 24cm – RRP £69

Wok (28cm) in Black, Cream and Pine Green – RRP £79

The NEW GreenPan Evolution Collection at greenpan.co.uk and John Lewis (24cm and 28cm Frying Pan in Cream and Teal).

A Jar of Thursday: A thrilling historical mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock & Jack Book 1 of 3) by Liz Hedgecock. A thrilling new twist on classic detective tales, with time-travelling heists, a mysterious thief, and a young Sherlock Holmes racing to uncover the truth. Such a inspired idea – great title too.

It’s London, 1890: When Jack Hargreaves takes a job with Fingers Molloy, it doesn’t quite go to plan. Fingers turns out to be a time-travelling burglar, with a host of ingenious devices supplied by the mysterious Mr Smith. And the things they’re stealing are, frankly, odd. But Jack is in no position to pick and choose — for Jack has a secret too … I have no intention of telling you more, just keep reading. You won’t be able to put it down, and it’s FREE. Yes, that’s right FREE: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F62WRHX2/ It’s FREE – remember!

The Whitechapel Mystery – a gripping historical crime novel set in Jack the Ripper’s Victorian London (A Constance Piper Mystery Book 1 of 1) by Tessa Harris As a mysterious killer stalks Whitechapel, one young woman is drawn into a deadly puzzle that threatens to expose secrets far darker than the murders themselves …

London’s East End, 1888. When darkness falls, terror begins … The foggy streets of London’s Whitechapel district have become a nocturnal hunting ground for Jack the Ripper, and flower seller Constance Piper struggles to survive in a place where every woman fears the night. When a high-born stranger begs for her help in uncovering the truth behind a brutal murder, Constance becomes entangled in a dangerous search that leads far beyond the headlines. As public hysteria mounts and the killings continue, Constance follows a trail that leads beyond the accepted Ripper narrative … read on, Macbeth… You won’t stop until you reach the end. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GRBGQ82T/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99

A Bridge Through Time: A time-travel romance set in the Scottish Highlands (The Bridge Through Time Series Book 1) by Jennae Vale A mysterious stranger, a time-torn romance, and a Highland destiny – Ashley’s journey from modern San Francisco to medieval Scotland will test her heart, her courage, and her fate.

Ashley Moore’s life in San Francisco has hit a few snags, not the least of which involves sightings of a mystery man around every corner. Is she losing her mind or does he really exist? Her search for this grey-eyed stranger leads her to Scotland, as she crosses a fog-shrouded bridge into the arms of a 16th-century Highlander. Cailin MacBayne is no stranger to beautiful women, but has always managed to stay one step ahead of commitment. That all comes to an end when he meets Ashley. He doesn’t care where this beautiful, yet unusual lass came from, he’s just happy to have found her. Ashley cannot resist the handsome Scot and finds herself falling hopelessly in love. In the process, a secret is revealed, a battle is waged … https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FPXCWF1V/ £0.99 instead of £3.99 – but only for a short time.

To wrap up this week’s offers, A Sherlock & Jack – Book 2 of 3 – Something Blue: A thrilling historical mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes by Liz Hedgecock

A gripping mystery filled with buried secrets, a fearless bride-to-be, and Sherlock Holmes racing against time – while Moriarty lurks in the shadows. When Jacky Day accepts Tom Huggins’s proposal of marriage, there is just one problem. Abandoned as a baby and raised in the workhouse, she has no family to call her own. Now, with her wedding weeks away, she enlists the help of Sherlock Holmes to try and find them. However, the great detective has his own worries. His old enemy, Professor Moriarty, grows ever more daring, and his attempts to kill Holmes more blatant. Add Holmes’s imminent departure for the Continent, and finding Jacky’s family becomes a race against time… So all you need to do is read for FREE A Jar of Thursday Book 1 of the Sherlock & Jack books, and pay the offer price for this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F8QHCJPM/ @ £0.99 instead of £2.99

Milly Adams is the author of the ever popular Waterway Girls series @ £5.97 for all three https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterway-Girls-British-friendship-resilience-ebook/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/

 The Spark Arts for Children is launching a fundraising appeal to make the most of a rare week long matched‑funding opportunity which will enable them to expand the creative opportunities for children across Leicester. From 17–24 March, every donation made to The Spark through The Big Give’s Arts for Impact campaign will be doubled at no extra cost.

The charity’s immediate goal is to raise £5,500 (matched to £11,000 by their champion, Arts Council England) during this week; however, the long-term need is far greater. This matched funding opportunity is a critical chance for the Leicester community, past festival goers, schools, and local philanthropists to protect creative opportunities for hundreds of disadvantaged children in the city of Leicester.

Why the Appeal Matters: Access to arts and culture is at risk for many young people. A recent UK study warns that 93% of state school children are being excluded from arts education due to funding cuts. When schools and community arts programmes shrink, children lose vital chances to build confidence and creativity.

For many Leicester families, The Spark programmes are the only way their children experience live theatre, music, arts, dance, and storytelling. Without sustained support, thousands of local children may miss out on these life-changing experiences, many of which are delivered directly into schools, libraries and community spaces. For over 21 years, The Spark Arts for Children has delivered world-class theatre, music, storytelling, and creative experiences directly to children aged 0–13 across Leicester. 

‘We see every day how creativity transforms children’s lives. The Spark helps young people build confidence, express themselves, and know that their ideas matter,” says Trina Haldar, Interim Director of The Spark Arts for Children. “Every story we tell and every performance we give depends on funding and the generosity of people who believe creativity belongs to every child. The Spark has touched many lives over the years and if we have touched yours then now is the moment to pay it forwards so we can bring a spark to the lives of all children in Leicester. With this matched funding campaign, every donation will go twice as far in making sure no child misses out.’

Today, funding levels for arts and education are at a critical low, especially for charities serving disadvantaged and under-served communities. The Spark fills a widening gap. As school and local arts programmes shrink, opportunities for children to experience creativity decrease each year.With Spark Festival 2026 on the horizon — where local children (the “Spark Mega Bosses”) have chosen themes of Peace, Play & Equity — every additional donation ensures more children can share in the joy and excitement of discovering the arts. They chose the themes, you can power the festival.

The Spark needs increased funding to grow its year-round programmes of workshops, performances, and festival events. This Big Give week’s matched campaign is a crucial opportunity to help protect and expand those opportunities at a time when other funding sources are shrinking.

To donate  visit: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000ArfSJYAZ

It’s always a welcome gift, when I get something for the kitchen that I didn’t even know that I needed, especially when it immediately becomes a must have.

Such is the Microplane Spice Mill which is a thing of beauty. I tested the grey one, but there is pretty much a colour for every kitchen. It is undoubtedly a kitchen must-have for grating and storing hard spices.

This spice mill is light, smooth and beautifully engineered, each of the three pieces fitting together with a crisp locking action. The Microplane Spice Mill features razor-sharp stainless-steel blades, ensuring ingredients are effortlessly and precisely cut, whilst releasing all of the full aroma and flavour.

As you would expect, it grates Nutmeg and Cardamom like a dream, and come Christmas I will be testing it out on Cinnamon and Cloves, but the real surprise was just how much of a joy it is to use.

An integrated compartment in the top also allows for light-protected storage of the spices for future use, and a secure silicone lid ensures clean and safe storage whether it’s on the counter or in a cupboard.

I won’t use it on a daily basis, but when I do need it, I’ll know exactly where it is. A perfect gift for the chef in your life or if you are very organised a lovely stocking filler. The Spice Mill 2-in-1 is dishwasher safe for fuss free cleaning, although a quick rinse under the tap is often sufficient. Available in a range of pastel shades, including Cashmere Beige, Dusty Rose, Lipstick Pink, Sage Green, Eucalyptus, Green, Sky Blue, Denim Blue and Dark Grey.

RRP £29.95 available from independents such as Trevor Mottram microplanintl.com, @microplaneintl #microplaneint

The Williams Handbaked team have taken the most popular of their luxury biscuits and shrunk them! (Let’s say straight away that this is a painless process for the biscuits!) Wonderfully, though these mini biscuits are small in stature… they’re simply massive on taste and of course one can eat two if so desired. Just look, you can see there are plenty in each beautiful glass clip jar and as a mum, I can vouch for the fact they make an ideal present. Of course, the jars can be used afterwards for anything needing to be kept in pristine condition, and they look right at home on a kitchen shelf. Furthermore, and yes, I know I do harp on about calories, but for one such as this writer who starts the day with good ‘diet’ intentions, then falls at the first taste of the BIG Williams’ biscuits, these minis do save things from going terribly wrong.

Look at these Mini Chocolate Chip Biscuits – one of my favourites. I bet mums will like them too. You can send an order to any address in the UK (including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). With any order you place, you can always include a complimentary gift note; just add your message on the cart page prior to checkout.

Some like ginger, so no sooner said … than done. They can come with chocolate too. They do look very scrumptious, do they not.

Moving on to my particular favourites:

and:

I find they simply seem to melt in the mouth, and are of course, crammed full of flavour.

All Williams Handbaked Hamper Boxes are packed and sent from Williams Handbaked Lancashire bakery via 48 Hour Tracked delivery with Royal Mail. This gloriously bustling bakery aims to deliver all orders within 7 days, although this isn’t always guaranteed. However, the vast majority of orders are delivered within two or three days of being placed.

If you would like to speak to Williams Handbaked before placing an order, or if you would like more information, please email online@williamshandbaked.co.uk or call them on 01772 724 888. Or go to Williams Handbaked

I do despair during my weekly supermarket shops these days. Why do they all seem bent on offering an infinite assortment of poor quality, processed, pretend food. There, I’ve said it. I saw a recent TV programme, demonstrating how ‘ham’ can be formed by mincing the worst scraps of animal parts, mixing with numerous chemicals and holding the whole thing together with ‘meat glue’. Apologies if you’re having lunch dear Reader, but seriously, our grandmothers would be turning in their graves. They may not have had a lot of spare money, but they knew how to cook proper meals for their family, using real vegetables, and, when finances allowed, some real meat too.

So, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, thank goodness for Tracklements. As regular readers will know only too well, this Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses – just like Grandma used to make.

So it’s always a guilty pleasure to road-test their inspired creations, and their latest, Tracklements NEW Special Edition Sweet Carrot & Pink Peppercorn Relish, is no exception. How do they think up such innovative, delicious and healthy ideas? Although called a relish, Tracklements describe it as a clever twist on a traditional Bengal pickle. The ingredients make my heart sing – naturally sweet, earthy carrots (57%), Bramley apples, cider vinegar, raw cane sugar, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, pink peppercorns, sea salt and red chillies – simply pure good food and the taste reflects this – a crunchy sweetness, from real fruit and vegetables with raw cane sugar, balanced by the subtle heat of just enough chilli and peppercorn, plus liberal complementary spices for the most amazing flavour. It’s vegan and gluten-free too.

Tracklements suggest this as a perfect accompaniment for an Indian meal, but it’s just as perfect with a ploughman’s so, wherever the mood takes you, make sure you take this great relish with it.

This would make a super special treat for Mother’s Day – either a gift, or for the celebratory lunch (so you can enjoy it too). But frankly, at just RRP £3.95 for a generous 200g jar, spoil mum and yourself – you both deserve it.

Tracklements NEW Special Edition Sweet Carrot & Pink Peppercorn Relish is available from fine food delis and farm shops nationwide and online at at www.tracklements.co.uk. 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.