For her — SoleCup Original, 18oz Ice Cream Silicone A joyful pastel band (lilac/mint/lemon) with the premium glass build and comfortable grip. Dishwasher safe and made for coffee, tea or hot chocolate – ideal for cosy commutes and weekend strolls. It is a modern, design-led gift that people will use daily (and actually enjoy using).
It is dishwasher and microwave safe and has an additional tea infuser and smoothie filter that is easy to attache and clean. Sustainable and eco-friendly, it is made with reinforced glass. This is the perfect cup. We are obsessed with it. Love it.
In Safe Hands is a psychological thriller set in London and Singapore, about a once successful but now penniless woman who seeks help from her elderly, wealthy father but finds that her role has been replaced by an attractive and efficient caregiver.
Where does your inspiration come from?
For me, inspiration comes from reading, theatre, sightseeing and walking, travel, TV and movies. I very rarely take inspiration from real people as I want to create settings and characters that are larger than life. Fiction is about stretching the boundaries of our imagination. For In Safe Hands, I was inspired by the class struggle and status consciousness in both Singapore and London, two parallel cities absorbed with economic and commercial growth which made me want to write about the have and have-not characters.
What does it feel like to be published by Penguin Random House?
Like most authors, I grew up on Penguin classics. I used to admire the plain orange spines, and wonder how I would ever write a book that appears on the shelf with the Penguin logo. When I received an offer 9 months after submission for The American Boyfriend, I thought it had to be a scam. I didn’t even reply for a week. After investigating the email, I was grateful that I was going to be not just an author, but a Penguin author.
Can you describe the moment you signed your book deal?
The moment I signed my book deal, I felt excited and light-headed, Prosecco-filled and buzzing. This was swiftly followed by a heavy responsibility, and also that I was an amateur and not good enough. Although in theory every author feels a debilitating sense of anxiety and inferiority, I felt the pressure of no longer someone who was just messing about, experimenting with writing, with sporadic success. Now I was a “real” writer and there were consequences, which were a sense of professional duty to perform, the urge to gain readers from all over the world, while developing my author brand, and finally the responsibility in delivering a top quality product to the world.
Tell us about your writing journey.
My writing journey actually began quite early, even though I only published my debut novel in my late 40s. I was writing short stories throughout my childhood for fun. Some received national commendation. I had always been interested in competitions, in case I won something. A real breakthrough came when one of my short stories was broadcast on the BBC World Service. I was actually even paid for it. It was the first time I had been paid for my writing. Gradually I entered more competitions and eventually won two big first prize competitions.
Encouraged by my initial success, I signed up for an MA in Writing. I began writing my first novel then, which won a literary prize in Hong Kong. After I started writing novels, I was less interested in writing short stories, which I saw as something you do in between novels, like a side dish or a snack. I really enjoy investing time and energy into novel writing, which I feel is all-consuming and more like a satisfying, seriously rich meal.
In Safe Hands is your sixth book. Does it get easier?
Yes and no. They’re like children. The problems change and get bigger. Before, they just come out, exist and you make sure they don’t die. Then, when you have more books, you have to look after the whole family, your brand identity, your own development, the commercialisation of your writing, your publishing strategy and plan. There is no more hodgepodge or random scribblings, unless they are just for fun. The marketing and promo is the least fun bit of being an author, yet a significantly and disproportionately large part of publishing today, to the detriment of the fun bit: just writing. Everytime I make a reel, I know I’m not writing.
Which book is your favourite?
In Safe Hands is my favourite book. I say this not just because it is my latest book. I have made meteoric improvements since my debut 8 years ago. I exceed my own expectations with each book. I wrote better and better books. With each book, I tackle a little weakness or strength learned from previous books. Had I given up, which of course, I have considered doing many times, I would never have realised my potential to grow as a creative thinker and writer.
What is your writing routine?
I don’t have a writing routine. Being a full-time architect and mum of two, I just write whenever I can. If I have one hour while waiting for my daughter at ballet, then I’ll write for one hour. If I have 15 minutes in between appointments, then I will write for 15 minutes. I don’t schedule any of it or get stressed if the words don’t come, because I feel that eventually when you get those minutes or an hour, the words will come. If it’s a story, then the story will be told sooner or later.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I’m definitely a plotter, as I had made the mistake of spending 12 years writing my first novel due to not having any plot. I would just make things up as I felt like, until I got to the end. This only cost me many more years of rewrites. Now I can fill an A3 page with a diagram of my plot, and a google sheet with my chapter plan. It gives me a sense of peace just staring at these diagrams or Google sheets. I don’t mind if I have to spend a bit more time on the plotting. I see them as just as valid as plans for a building, or instructions to construct an object.
What writers and books do you love?
I enjoy character-driven plots. I read Liz Nugent, Elle Marr, Tony Parsons, Emily Barr, Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and Andrea Mara. I also enjoy literary fiction. Books which have influenced me include Penguin Classics. For contemporary book club fiction, I enjoy JM Coetzee, John Lanchester and Rebecca Kuang. An automatic read for me would be David Szalay. I have already ordered his Booker winner, Flesh. I love anything he’s written.
Before the Killling by Margie Benedict is fabulous, and don’t you think the title grips before you even start to read – you just know it will be the cutting edge mystery thriller it is. Gulp.
Let me tell you just a little more… because the past doesn’t stay buried. It waits for Cassie to return to her coastal Massachusetts hometown, which indeed she does.
In the summer of 1973, the day after Cassie’s return, the town is shaken by a brutal killing – and someone close to her is accused of the crime. The investigation tears through the community, leaving behind guilt, suspicion, and secrets Cassie can’t forget. Seven years later, Cassie’s life is still defined by that night. An unexpected and inexplicable event gives her a chance to finally uncover the truth. But as she retraces the days leading up to the murder, she begins to realize the story she remembers isn’t the whole one—and that someone has been keeping dangerous watch all along.
Now, hunted by a killer who knows more than she does, Cassie must piece together what really happened – before the past and the killer catch up to her. (Book 1 The Killing Hour) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G24SFSGB/ Pre-order @ £0.99 instead of £2.99
Dark Corners by Alex Walters – Volume 2 – the Murrain Series – a tense crime thriller.
When a child’s body is found, DCI Kenny Murrain uncovers buried secrets and a killer ready to strike again. A missing child’s body is found on the edge of the Peak District. As DCI Kenny Murrain and his team investigate, more attempted child abductions are reported. Murrain’s instincts tell him this is a community with secrets, and those secrets have their roots deep in the past. Unexpected connections surface as he uncovers mysteries long buried… And a high-profile child killing two decades before. Then another child goes missing, and Murrain and his team must race to identify the killer before it’s too late … I confess I usually skip child killings, but this is written with humanity and empathy, and of course, that – ‘what happens next’ – magic.
Never let her goby LK Chapman Book Three in the Chilling Psychological Trilogy (No Escape)
Oh crikey All he wants is his family – no matter the cost. But hang on a moment, it might be an idea to have just a little glass of something calming (a gin) before you begin to read … You see, I fear this jaw-dropping thriller about obsession and jealousy will keep you up all night.
A while ago Felicity escaped from Jay, her obsessive cruel ex, and thought she was safe, as she built a new life with Scott and son Leo in a seaside town. Little does she know that Jay has tracked her down and wormed his way into the confidence of Vicky, a woman from Scott’s past who has her own very sharp axe to grind … This is the taut and gripping finale (yes really – boo hoo) of the No Escape trilogy, Jay’s obsession with Felicity pushes him to ever more desperate lengths to get her back. Felicity soon discovers that he’ll stop at nothing, and history begins to repeat itself as she finds alone, terrified, and at Jay’s mercy once again. Can she escape him before it’s too late? …Nope, I’m not going to tell you … Read it and see. Wonderful.
Hope on the Waterways by Milly Adams – The gripping finale of the historical trilogy which is touched by romance – well, more than a touched – there are three girls after all. Add to all this, there is that final question … should Sylvia keep a promise which will see her gone from the waterways, or will she, as closest friends, Polly and Verity hope, choose love of a different kind? Nope, no answer forthcoming, because yet again, I will leave that for you to find out for yourselves. Let’s just say thatwhen all seems lost, the three waterway girls find strength in each other and in that most important of emotions, especially in wartime – hope. Sensitively plotted and building to a satisfying pitch.
Set in January 1945, West London: Sylvia Simpson is flourishing in her role aboard the Marigold and has quickly become an invaluable member of the waterways crew and their little family. But as the V-I and V-2 rockets draw closer, someone from her past is about to burst into their lives. Meanwhile Polly and Verity are still waiting for their sweethearts’ safe return, and soon find they have their own battles to fight on the home front. It will take all their resolve to keep their heads above water, but as long as they stick together there will always be hope. I found the setting of wartime canal transport in which girls were recruited is a most satisfying world within which all these disparate characters find out just what they are made of. Heavens, could I do what they did? I fear not.
When we were walking Polly over golden leaves in Sowerby churchyard looking for squidgies (which everyone knows are squirrels for Polly to chase) we saw this 1902 headstone for a lady – who was …. Relict of her husband.
I was intrigued. Relict? I nipped home and researched: relict means ‘left behind’. relicts are widows, and the term was in common use between the 17th and 19th centuries. It became obvious the more I thought about it, that the term underlined the fact that a woman’s social standing was dependent on the context of her marriage, so, on the death of her husband, and the start of her emergence as a relict or widow meant – what now?
Just think, widowhood, or relic-hood was a highly precarious situation. Not only did the relict, face grief – if in fact love existed in the marriage, which was so often arranged – but also the social and financial vulnerability as laws governing property and inheritance frequently left widows dependent on the goodwill of their children or other family members. Perhaps a brother, or a cousin. The word Relict was far too often the reminder of a life that had been fundamentally altered by loss.
But… many relicts played pivotal roles in their families, and even communities. As time passed some found themselves navigating complicated inheritance law to secure dosh for their children. Or even gave them time to think, and become determined to change the scenario for their daughters and grand-daughters. After all, the female suffrage movement was stirring.
All so interesting. Or is it just me finding it so? Lord, I do go on.
I love it when people use their initiative to fill a need, and I’m very impressed with Alvin Mills, founder of SHYNE. As a man of colour, he struggled to find hair products for men with textured hair. He decided that if a specialist brand didn’t exist by the time he’d completed university, he would create one. In 2018, he graduated, and SHYNE was born.
What makes SHYNE stand out is that all their products are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, whereas parabens, silicone and mineral oils are conspicuous by their absence. Let me talk about two of their great range.
SHYNE Curl Defining Cream does what it says on the tin – after applying to dry (or wet) hair, curls immediately look defined, shiny and in great condition. There are some excellent ‘before and after’ images on the website. And the secret of its success? It’s packed full of fabulous natural oils, including shea butter, castor oil and coconut oil, which have been used traditionally to moisturize and promote hair growth. At only £13 for 100ml this is a great buy.
Although I am neither a man, nor do I have textured hair, I couldn’t resist trying SHYNE Hair And Beard Oil (I hasten to add, for my hair – I absolutely do not have a beard). Wow, just wow, I’m so glad I did. The light oils soaked into my hair rapidly, leaving it feeling so, so soft. Formulated with a blend of rosemary oil, castor oil, olive oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, black seed oil and patchouli oil, it’s no wonder this product is so effective. It smells wonderful too. At £18 for an easy-to-use 50ml dispenser it can transform your hair.
But there is so much more on the SHYNE website – if you are a man with textured hair, and you’ve been searching for great products, designed with you in mind – look no further.
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.
Frost Magazine has raved about the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener before – with its fine-grained diamond grinding wheel, it’s both exquisitely beautiful and incredibly useful. The first real knife sharpener for the home chef, unusually for a home device, it sharpens the entire bevel of the knife, achieving professional sharpness in minutes.
So it would seem fitting that such an elegant piece of engineering would have a super stylish cover. And I would like to present the NEW MC-1 Cover, tailor made by Jeansverket.
Made from premium denim in Borås, Sweden and finished with a Swedish leather handle, the cover is tailored to protect your sharpener from dust and moisture when not in use – all while looking impeccably sharp. The handle is easily removable for machine washing, ensuring both durability and practicality. Thoughtful details make this cover stand out: a dedicated pocket for storing small items and a sturdy loop secures your EM-15 Edge Marker right where you need it. What a fabulous display for your work top. I really love this cover.
The NEW Jeansverket MC-1 Cover for the Tormek T-1, RRP £45, is available from shop.tormek.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.
Late Checkout: An unputdownable police procedural thriller by Alex Walters (DCI Murrain Series Book 1) in Kindle – a real belter.
DCI Kenny Murrain is called in to a Manchester hotel to take the lead in the investigation when a woman is found murdered. Roll of drums as the crime scene raises more questions than answers: a violent killing, but so precise. No forensics. No witnesses. No clear motive.
More victims are discovered across the region, each bearing the same hallmarks,and it becomes clear only one killer is behind them – methodical, mobile, and always one step ahead. Murrain is forced to rely on the instincts that have always set him apart, but the closer he gets, the more the case begins to unravel in ways no one could have foreseen.Truly good, truly a great price.
Wow, remember Anything for You by LK Chapman? Well, follow Volume 1 with Volume 2: Found You – and let me tell you, it’s pretty damn good.
Just as Felicity begins to believe she’s safe with her new life and nice bloke, the shadow of her violent past looms – because Jay is out there, and he isn’t finished with her.
She’s escaped once, acquired a new name, a new hairstyle, and supportive Scott. Though the nightmares still creep up on her, she’s starting to feel that she may, finally, be safe.
Death Under Palm Trees: A cozy 1930s murder mystery (Jack and Frances Mysteries Book 4) by Carmen Radtke Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVXW2XRP/ @ £1.99
I simply love, love, love cosy murder mysteries, and isn’t this jacket evocative of the 1930s?
Before a party turns deadly Jack and Frances must trade glamour for disguises to unmask a thief – and a killer. So, do they? Hang on, give me a moment. It’s 1931 Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal are all dressed up ready to be guests of honour at a dazzling New Year’s party in Nice. But – oh dear me – instead, their discreet help is needed to help their host solve the theft of government documents – and quickly – before it causes chaos if it bursts upon the public.
Frances dons a maid’s uniform, Jack poses as a chauffeur, and good old Uncle Sal …
Nope, that’s it. Read and enjoy – you know you will.
From Erysimum To Eucalyptus; Heal The Plant-Based Way
The way to get through autumn and winter is with Puressentiel and their fantastic range of products. With Autumn many, many of us will be looking for ways to recover fast and support our immune system, so we can get on with everyday life and bust coughs and colds fast.
According to research by Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs – 36% of Brits have had a cough in the last month and 35% have had a cold in the last month with a third of these respondents claiming that their symptoms were worse and took longer to go away than in the past two or three years.[1]
GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel – uk.puressentiel.com – explains: “From respiratory issues, runny nose, headaches and sneezing to watery eyes, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat, the symptoms of coughs and colds can cause real distress. There is unfortunately no hard and fast cure to coughs and colds, but with 93% of Brits admitting that they have struggled to sleep while suffering from symptoms,[2] and only 22% of Brits saying that they would keep working when they are struck down, finding ways to manage symptoms is vital to stop coughs and colds being so disruptive.
Natural Solutions For Coughs And Colds
The Puressentiel research discovered that 45% of Brits manage their cough and cold symptoms with at home medicines, 41% said they used painkillers and 40% admit they just rest as much as they can.
But, natural health specialist and chemist and part of the Puressentiel expert hub – uk.puressentiel.com – Dr Tim Bond – recommends trying natural solutions borne out of nature as a means of easing symptoms and supporting the immune system.
Natural remedies include any product borne out of nature, including plants and also essential oils.
Dr Tim Bond explains: “Using plant-based ingredients, we can help tackle coughs and colds, allowing us to think more clearly and feel more alive. Let’s not allow these frustrating symptoms to dictate our lives and instead, work to lessen the impact they have on our day-to-day life.”
Speaking of the many essential oils shown to ease symptoms, Dr Tim Bond adds: “Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts; one of the functions of essential oils in the plant include antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties as part of the plant’s immune system.[3] As a result, any well studied essential oil product, like the Puressentiel cough cold range is going to be great news for our immune health, vital for winter wellness needs.”
Essential Oils To Ease Symptoms
The essential oil e.globulus, extracted from eucalyptus, helps to clear mucus from the airways and break up mucus in the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier, plus it has antiseptic properties. “It has been incorporated in many of the Puressentiel cough cold remedies as it promotes bronchodilation as well as Puessentiels Purifying Air Spray,”[4] says Dr Tim Bond.
Pine bud extract, also known as scots pine, has been found to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.[5] “Scots pine essential oil is often used to help against respiratory system ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, colds, sinusitis and sore throats,” says Dr Nisa Aslam. Dr Nisa Aslam adds, “as well as being a key ingredient carefully wrapped into many of the Puressentiel cough cold products, scots pine is also in Puressentiel Purifying Air Spray. This smart product is designed to be used indoors, and combines 41 essential oils — including two species of lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and geranium (pelargonium) — to combat airborne bacteria and viruses, fungal spores, and house-dust mites. A trial in patients with a history of respiratory symptoms showed significant improvements in lung function after just four weeks of use.[6]
Used to help prevent viruses, bacteria, mould and improve indoor air quality
Helps support immunity
Ideal for those suffering allergies
Over 18 studies – clinically efficacious, safe and well tolerated
100% plant origin formula
Easy to use format
Propellent free, alcohol denat-free, aerosol free
Used and loved around the globe by shoppers
The Wonders OfErysimum, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint Oil
Found in Puressentiel’s new Acti Pure Kids Syrup, erysimum, also known as ‘wallflower’ helps to soothe inflammatory throat pain[7] while lavender essential oil and linalool – a component of lavender-has been shown to increase relaxation and improve sleep while also improving mood.
“With so many Brits struggling to sleep when they have a cough or a cold, lavender could be the support so many people need,” says Dr Nisa Aslam, who adds: “Linalool has antibacterial and antifungal activity as well as antioxidant and analgesic activity with proven benefits in migraine headaches.”[8]
Another natural support is lemon essential oil, which has been used for thousands of years for various reasons including helping to ease sore throats, coughs, cold and influenza, while also helping to induce relaxation and sleepiness.[9] “Peppermint oil (as well as peppermint leaf) has been used internally to help clear catarrh of the respiratory tracts and helps with inflammation of the oral mucosa,[10]” says Dr Tim Bond.
Puressentiel: harnessing the power of plants
Puressentiel’s range of products offer a number of natural respiratory aids to help you to breathe easier when you’re suffering from a cough or cold. “Using the power of nature’s pharmacy and a variety of different essential oils, Puressentiel has developed clinically-proven formulas to relieve bothersome cough and cold symptoms,” says Dr Nisa Aslam.
For kids, Puressentiel Acti Pure Kids Syrupcontains a 100% natural formula made of 100% pure organic honey, natural plant extracts of elderberry and erysimum and vegan vitamin D3, sourced from lichen.
“This is ideal for soothing and softening children’s sore throats during winter. It helps unblock the nose and supports the body’s natural immunity at the first signs of a cold,”[11] says Dr Tim Bond. In fact, 100% of parents said their kids felt better after using Puressentiel’s Acti Pure Syrup and considered the product ideal to take from the first signs of a cold.[12]
Puressentiel’s Acti Pure Syrup:
100% natural with 100% organic honey, erysimum, elderberries and vegan vitamin D3 sourced from lichen
Helps soothe and reduce the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms when used at the first signs of a cold
Clears the nose and makes breathing easier, soothes sore throats and supports the body’s natural immunity
Delicious natural taste
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup, available from Holland & Barrett contains three aromatic honeys – propolis, marshmallow and elderberry – to help soothe sore throats and supports the body’s natural defences. Dr Tim Bond adds: “This clears the upper respiratory tract by hydrating mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing a lasting protection to reduce cough frequency.”
100% natural containing plants, essential oils, honey and propolis.
Contains the essential oils Peppermint, Eucalyptus radia, Rosemary cineole, Lemon.
Helps calm and reduce the frequency of coughs from the first day
Sweet honey taste
Reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the mucous membrane.
Suitable for ages 7 and above .
To help relieve a blocked or runny noses, Dr Tim Bond recommends New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray, available from Holland & Barrett. “This combines a 100% natural sterile saline solution to soften blocked nasal mucosa in the event of a cold and other nose congestion. Organic rosemary floral water plus the soothing and decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara, as well as propolis help you to breathe more easily.” It’s also clinically proven to decongest from the first few minutes of use. New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray is:
100% Natural and organic relief for Colds, rhinitis (chronic or allergic), sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis
A unique formula with a blend of: 4 Organic Essential Oils, Hypertonic Sea water, Organic Rosemary floral water, Propolis and Echinacea
Fast, effective, clinically proven relief1
Non-irritating and preservative-free
Suitable for people with high blood pressure – no corticosteroids or vasoconstrictors
“With a combination of plant extracts, seven essential oils and soothing ingredients, such as honey and lemon, this syrup forms a protective film, soothing the throat, pharynx and tired vocal cords, while supporting your natural defences.”
100% Natural, fast, effective relief
Cough relief: soothes irritated mucous membranes that line our throats and cause us to cough and provides lasting protection for the upper respiratory tract
Calms cough: reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the tiny hairs, known as cilia – technical name: mucous membranes
A natural, effective, special formula with a blend of: 3 aromatic honeys (thyme, lemon tree and lavender), marshmallow extract, elderberry & propolis
Pleasant honey taste
Non-drowsy and free from: gluten, colouring and preservatives
A formulation with sustainable honey. For every purchase made, Puressentiel makes a donation to the global beekeeper’s network
Suitable from three years plus
For a stronger spray to help prevent ear, nose and throat issues and strengthen the nasal lining’s defence, try Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray, which deeply cleanses your nose and helps in the treatment of colds.
100% plant-based formula with plant extracts of organic calendula with soothing and protective properties
100% pure and natural seawater, rich in marine trace elements
An alcohol-free, no preservatives, propellant gas-free format
Protection against colds or ear infection
A 3-in-1 action: gently cleanses, hydrates and decongests with a user-friendly nozzle and multidirectional spray. Ideal for a sensitive and irritated nose
The elimination of impurities and reduces the viscosity of mucus
The restoration of natural moisture
A Medical Device Class IIa
Dr Tim Bond adds: “Plants and nature can really support us when we’re struggling with coughs and colds and Puressentiel truly harnesses nature’s power within its extensive range of products. Let’s help ease frustrating symptoms and recover quickly so we can stop these cough cold perils from dictating our lives!”
