Learning to Speak American by Colette Dartford Reviewed by Frances Colville

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Learning to Speak American is Colette Dartford’s first novel and is based on her own experience of renovating and living in a derelict house in California’s Napa Valley.

Lola and Duncan Drummond are struggling to cope with life in their Somerset village home after the tragic death of their only child Clarissa. An attempt, initiated by Duncan, to improve the situation by taking a holiday in California results in a sudden decision to buy a holiday home there. The ramifications of this trip combined with the continued unraveling of their lives in the UK take them on an emotional and sometimes heartrending journey. But for the first time since Clarissa died, Lola feels able to let go off her depression and consider a future.

A moving story, sensitively handled, which draws you in and keeps you reading. It’s a little bit predictable, but sometimes you just want a book which doesn’t require too much thought or analysis, which you can enjoy for its engaging characters and beautiful setting. and which tells a story you can involve yourself in. This does the job well.

Learning to Speak American is published by Twenty7 – the new digital-first fiction imprint of Bonnier Publishing – and will be available as a Paperback Original, priced at £7.99, from July 14^th2016.

Overdone The Sun? Soleve Sunburn Relief Review by Margaret Graham

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Margaret Graham

With summer, perhaps at last here, Frost is interested in Soleve Sunburn Relief. This means, that if the worst happens, and you sit out in the sun for too long you can make sure you have some help.Not only is Soleve Sunburn Relief licenced but it combines ibuprofen with a soothing emollient, isopropyl myristate. It is available without prescription, and not only relieves pain but rehydrates the skin.

New research by Soleve™ Sunburn Relief, has revealed that 60 per cent Brits have had a holiday ruined because of sunburn and three out of five have suffered from sunburn in the past five years. The research, which surveyed 1000 women aged 25-50, also found that amongst other surprising facts, three out of four women do not know which sun factor they should use, and half did not pack any protection at all which seems extraordinary with all the warning constantly being published.

Shoulders seem to be the most common hotspot for burning, followed by face and chest. So maybe the answer is – protect, but take something like Soleve just in case you forget to re-apply your sun protection after swimming. Better than ruining your holiday, I would think.

So on that note, with the school holidays here, may the Frost Magazine team wish you all wonderful holidays.
Soleve Sunburn Relief can be found in Boots.com and independent pharmacies at £9.95 for 100ml.

Chains of Sand by Jemma Wayne Reviewed by Frances Colville

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Chains of Sand by Jemma Wayne will haunt you long after you have reached the last page. It’s a wonderful story, which draws you in from the very beginning and grips you until the final reveal. And it’s well written too.

This is a book about identity, about what it means to be Jewish in London and in Israel, about what life is like for Israeli citizens, and for Palestinians living in Gaza. It explores religious beliefs, racism and anti-semitism, and looks at the strength of family ties and the power of relationships. There is also a strong thread of feminism, cleverly worked into the story given that the two main characters (both of whom we can empathise wholeheartedly with) are male.

And for me, showing us more than one side of the debate is perhaps the main strength of this book; as we follow the lives of the two men, one of whom is desperate to leave Israel and the other to move there permanently, and also dip into the lives of several other characters, both male and female, we are made aware that of course there is no easy answer to any of the huge questions which the author raises.

But above all, this is a book about people, not facts or philosophies or doctrines. And those people have lodged themselves firmly in my head.

Chains of Sand by Jemma Wayne is published by Legend Press and available as a Paperback Original priced £9.99 from 7 July 2016.

A Launch at Breakfast by Kathleen Thompson: The Santiago Sisters – Victoria Fox

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Margaret Graham

The Ivy Kensington Brasserie was the perfect venue for the launch of The Santiago Sisters – Victoria Fox’s latest novel, due for release on 28th July.

Victoria explained the plot and inspiration over a fantastic breakfast, and quite frankly what could be better than hearing about the background to a novel in the company of interesting people and great food.

It transpired that a few years ago, Victoria spent an exciting time in Argentina and Patagonia, herding cattle with gauchos, watching tango in street cafes and sleeping at least partly under the stars (their tent had a few poles missing) and so she chose Argentina as the background for her story.

What story? An exploration of ‘sister’ relationships through the two main characters – Calida and Teresita Santiago.

Victoria and Tory

As she talked to us, she brought the whole Argentinian and Patagonian experience to life in such a way that clearly the book is going to be unputdownable.

She and Cleo, editor from HQ, (a new imprint being launched by Harper Collins this month) discussed how they had worked together to produce the final product. Besides Alice and Tory from Midas PR, there were representatives from various magazines, including our own Frost magazine and also Claire from Fabulous Magazine.

Next week, Frost Magazine will be publishing a review of The Santiago Sisters published by Mira on 28th July. pb original £7.99.

All is not Forgotten by Wendy Walker Book Review

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Margaret Graham

All is not Forgotten landed on my desk along with others. Flipping through the pile this debut psychological thriller intrigued me. It’s not usually a book I would read. I can’t bear violence towards children, for Jenny is one, though I suppose in fact she is a youth. She is 15, so a youth, but really as are they all, a vulnerable child.

I couldn’t put it down.

Wendy Walker has created a fascinating concept that explores memory and what you would be willing to do to protect your child.

Jenny is attacked, raped, horribly. Her parents agree to an experimental treatment that wipes the mind, enabling her to move on with her life. But does she? Can this really work?

She has a scar on her back, and instead of being haunted by the memory of an event, she is instead tormented by an unknown fear.

This is perhaps why it intrigued me. One of my own children had to undergo massive painful surgery at the age of one. The consultant said that because of his age my son had no understanding of the pain and distress of the event, and would forget the actual incident. But for many years, his dominant emotion to any situation would be an intense fear. And so it was. It breaks my heart even now to think of it.

The unknown for Jenny is worsened by the knowledge of a violation. But what?

And where is justice? Her father is obsessed with finding her attacker and her mother is in denial.

The decision is made to take Jenny back into her memories. But even if it can be done, will pulling at the threads of her suppressed experience reveal more than intended. Where is the healing then?

Well written, thought provoking at a profound level. A triumph, but it won’t be a novel that you can forget, so be prepared. And to try and decide what decision you would make.

The only problem for Wendy Walker is what to write now.

Let me know your thoughts on the book at frost@margaret-graham.com

Film rights have been pre-empted by Warner Bros, with Reese Witherspoon set to produce.

Published by Harlequin on 14th July. £12.99

Premier Estates Wine Review Special

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Today we have a Premier Estates Wine special. They are winning awards galore so we thought we would see what all of the fuss was about. We tried the following award-winning wines.

Cava Brut – Silver

CAVA BRUT SPARKLING WINE

11.5% vol. 75cl

This was a delicious sparkling wine. Not all Cava is equal, but this one was fruity and refreshing. It is nice and light with a good amount of sweetness. This Cava is a double award-winner and it was my favourite out of the six we reviewed (Followed by the rosé). It has citrus and apple flavours. Perfect for parties, dessert, fish, pasta, risottos or white meat.

California Chardonnay – Bronze

CALIFORNIAN CHARDONNAY.

12.5% vol. 75cl

This one is a triple award-winner. Complex, but also refreshing, with flavours of orange and melon. It also has a very light hint of butterscotch. It is smooth and easy. Perfect for delicate food such as shellfish and fish. Would also go well with pasta or chicken.

South Africa Chenin Blanc – Bronze

SOUTH AFRICAN CHENIN BLANC

12.5% vol. 75cl

This is a fresh wine with a good, crisp finish. The citrus aromas and flavour of lychee makes this wine interesting, but also a good all-rounder. This wine doesn’t seem to want to be placed, it leaves you taking another sip as it is complex. it is not too sweet (nor too sour), making it perfect for white meat such as pork or Asian food.

Australia Shiraz – Commended

AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ.

13.5% vol. 75cl

This is a medium-bodied red wine. It is not one of those headache-inducing heavy red wines. It is soft and easy-to-drink. It has an abundance of spiced plum. Red wine tends to go well with red meat, like steak and lamb.

South Africa Shiraz Rosé – Commended

SOUTH AFRICAN SHIRAZ ROSÉ.

12.5% vol. 75cl

I love rosé. Although we always end up having a debate about it in the office. Some of us prefer a paler, less sweet rosé, while others like a deeper redish colour, which is generally more sweet. While I am susceptible to a Pinot Grigio Blush, I also love the darker sweet stuff. This shiraz rosé is perfect for summer. It is deep and full of berries. A refreshing wine which will go well with salmon, pasta and creamy cheese.

Australia Chardonnay – Commended

AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY.

12.5% vol. 75cl

A smooth chardonnay with a long finish. Soft, smooth and tropical. This fruity wine is perfect for summer. Enjoy with fish or turkey.

Premier Estates Wine is an independent British company aiming to deliver fantastic quality wine at everyday prices. They have a free delivery service and take the fuss out of the wine buying process. There is no minimum spend for the free delivery. They have won numerous award from the world’s finest and most fastidiously judged drinks competitions. Including the International Wine & Spirits Challenge (IWSC) and the Decanter World Wine Award (DWWA). Prices are reasonable and the wine is good. They sell through independent grocers, wholesalers, and directly to customers through their ever-popular online store where there is no minimum spend and all orders benefit from free delivery. Give them a try.

Why We Have To Get Rid Of The Notion of a Bikini Body Forever

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

Women Either Have To Exercise, Diet and be Subjected to Photoshop, Or Be Told How “Brave” They Are For Having “Real” Bodies. And that has got to stop.

It’s summer and with that comes dieting, exercising, fake tanning, dry body brushing, exfoliating, waxing and moisturising. It includes hundreds of products and doing our hair and make up just perfect. Oh, and shopping for bikinis and sandals. Except THANK GOD it doesn’t. There is only one way to get a bikini body: put on a bikini. There you go. You already had the body.

In the run up to summer, magazines are full of articles on how to detox and lose weight for summer. I have read so many articles on fake tanning on auto-pilot that it actually made me angry that I did not stop reading these “how-to’s” years ago. I don’t even use fake tan. I love my pale skin and I will not let society and the media tell me how to ‘fix’ it to conform to their ideal of beauty. Ditto the dieting, waxing and detoxing articles. In fact, one of my biggest girl crushes, Mindy Kaling, has said the following: “Most people want to ask about my size and how brave I am. I’m like, ‘I’m not brave, I’m just not really skinny”. Because being a successful and beautiful woman is not enough, right? You also have to be skinny and conform to a certain ideal of beauty. Usually a tall, thin white woman.

The truth is, a women’s body is always politicised and objectified. We either have to work out, eat healthily and be photo-shopped into oblivion, or flaunt our ‘real women’ bodies (how I hate that phrase!) and get told how “brave” we are. We get bullied into insecurity because that is how the beauty industry, how capitalism, makes billions from us.

Making women feel bad about themselves is an industry in itself.

I am not attacking women’s magazines, but I am saying that those ‘bikini body’ articles have to go. Sure, tell us how to be fit and healthy. Tell us about the latest beauty products and give us great articles on health and recipes for good, nourishing food, but stop with the bikini body myth. It is damaging all of us. There is no such thing as perfection. It seems like it is a secret that women’s bodies are not perfect. That they don’t have marks on them. Well they do. Women have cellulite and stretch-marks. But here is the thing: men do too! They just can’t make money out of making men feel bad about it so they don’t bother. Hell, even babies have cellulite! Frankly, can you think of anything more dire than the pursuit of physical perfection? For one, it doesn’t exist. Even for the most narrow of beauty ideals, and because we all have better things to do. Can you imagine what women could achieve if they spent the same amount of time getting ready as the average man? We could take a course, work, even just relax for a while. I would rather carry some extra pounds and enjoy my life than have a ‘perfect’ body (and let’s be honest, those don’t exist).

In my life I have been everything from a UK size 4 to a UK size 12/14. And here is the thing: I always felt fat. I hated it if my stomach was bloated, if my skirts were tight around my hips. Then I freed myself. Because, to borrow a phrase from another wise woman, fat is a feminist issue. My body has made another human being. It has been good to me and I love it. And I love it even though I have been taught not to. Despite the lack of fake tan, waxing and expensive ‘firming’ creams. I love it because loving your body as a woman is a revolutionary act. And I have always been a bit of a rebel.

Do It Like A Woman by Caroline Criado-Perez

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Tracy Baines

Do It Like A Woman …and change the world by Caroline Criado-Perez

Doing anything like a woman used to mean being a bit rubbish.

No longer. Now, as the women in this book prove, it means being brave, thinking differently, speaking out, standing up, taking a risk, fighting back, dreaming big, and being more than a bit amazing.

Every day, all around the world, women are reinventing what it means to be female in cultures where power, privilege or basic freedoms are all too often acquainted with being male.

From physical strength to having a voice and being heard, women are still being overlooked and even dismissed. I still find it hard to believe that women not only have to fight to be heard but that the fight is not over. Many of the older generation will remember when things were much worse in the UK and USA and we have come a long way over the years but women in others countries are not so fortunate. FGM is one topic covered and the graphic description and potential side effects suffered by young girls made me grit my teeth as I was reading it – and sadly, women continue to be the perpetrators which I find baffling.

The book contains examples of women challenging various boundaries on a day to day basis which differs from country to country. Speaking out, not keeping silent, putting your head above the parapet can be traumatising and draining but it has to be done. Criado-Perez tells of the consequences.

We could, in the next few weeks, see leaders of both Conservative and Labour parties, and we already have female first ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland. It will be interesting to notice how the general reaction differs as to when Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979. I remember many males objecting to being told what to do by a woman. I think there will be fewer protestations now, it is much more common to have women leading companies and businesses.

One quote that stood out for me, as women continue to work harder for equal recognition was the following:

‘I am reminded of the aphorism that we will have equality when there are as many mediocre women at the top as there are mediocre men. ‘

Quite.