34th week of the Columbia Community Association gets underway

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All week long, there were workmen here and workmen there – workmen everywhere…  up on the roof, in the cellar… heavens, the CCA  was all go.  It doesn’t quite scan but you get the picture.

Liam the lovely electrician from JLA popped in to discuss the electrical work scheduled for the toilets, convector heaters, window extractors and water heaters with work to commence during the week. Great excitement at the CCA hub.

      
Cultural Creatives were at the CCA as usual with the morning session all about weaving, then after lunch all change and there appeared eventually an abundance of bunny rabbits. Aren’t this group amazing and talented? What’s more,  they make it look so easy.


At the team meeting with ACT  progress  was was discussed and the decorating schedule decided.  Lo and behold, decorating actually began during the week, in the Brady Square room.

Arthur the decorator

When all the decorating is finished, the memorabilia, donated by Alyson Chapman of Bells, will be able to be hung, (also the team’s surprise to their beloved community to which Frost Magazine is privy, but which is not to be revealed or the consequences will be dire: arghhh). Marion explained that the colour scheme the team have opted for is magnolia with the feature wall a fabulous emerald green.  Arthur, the decorator is doing a marvellous job, and is kept topped up with coffee, milk and two sugars

Shake your Boogey was cancelled sadly, wnen the snow came back in force.
Tickets for the Redcoat show continue to fly out, only four left. People coming and going, workmen buzzing around, singing and dancing groups, and always so much laughter and let’s not  forget lots of tea and coffee.

Forever Young Bingo Ladies came, of course, complete with home baked cakes , created by Linda and St Patricks day on Friday corresponded with the  weekly coffee morning and the drawing of the winning tickets for the ten food hampers. The Luck of the Irish for the winners. A great many tickets were sold, and Marion is ‘Sure that our contact Kam from the Polish centre will be overwhelmed when we hand over the cheque on MONDAY next week for the Ukrainian appeal. We need to count up but what we do know is that it went extremely well.’

Coffee morning as usual was a big hit, Red Shoes Bob did the prize bingo, making everyone laugh at his antics and all raffles prizes claimed.

Ah, one more thing: Marion was talking to Margaret Graham, of Frost Magazine, about ideas for ‘what would come’ after the CCA centre was up and running. Together they wondered if it would be a good idea to gather up people’s Brady Square memories and create a Brady Square Memoir Collection to be kept at the Centre. A collection to be added to by others coming up…

As Margaret considers Brady Square is part of her heritage she wondered if it would be a good idea to come up from Thirsk to the centre, to work with those interested. She could suggest ways to access these memories: perhaps some told to us by parents, relatives, friends, others which have been experienced by us:  from birth, school, and on, and on… Together they could all beaver away (well, perhaps toddle along) putting them together. Each one personal, each one centred on Brady Square. ‘Going back through time  is often fun, often thought provoking,’ said Margaret. ‘Do talk to Marion and we can work something out.’

So, Mother’s Day is here again. Frost Magazine and the Columbia Community Centre take huge pleasure in  wishing all us lovely mams a happy day!

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

WRITERS ON THE ROAD: ELAINE EVEREST

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Little did I l know that my first Saturday job at the age of fifteen and three months at the Dartford branch of Woolworths would lead me to write a series of historical sagas over fifty years later, or that the home I lived in for twenty years when first married would provide me with such a wealth of happy memories. Those memories still feature in my books today, in fact I’ve just filed my tenth book set in and around Woolies during the early 1950s.

I was born and brought up in Erith, Kent, growing up listening to my parents and family members talking about ‘the good old days’ even there were times when life wasn’t so good. The history of the small town on the south bank of the Thames has a rich history not only of its involvement during the two wars, but also of family life which fascinated this young child – and still does to this day. With my mother passing away at the age of forty I hung onto the stories she told me about growing up in the war and what happened to her family members. I would need to write many more books to cover all her memories and what I’ve discovered since she died. Even though I’ve moved away from the area I only have to close my eyes and I’m back there in the street where I had such happy memories and, in my mind, walk through the old Erith which was, in my childhood very much as it was during WW2.

As I explain to new writers, memories are fine, but writers must ensure stories we’ve grown up with fit in with the history of that time. Use archives and read, read, read as much as you can about your subject. Believe me if we get anything wrong our readers will soon correct us. One of the joys of being an author and setting my books in and around North-West Kent is being able to chat with local people and hearing their family stories and memories of the town and Woolworths; there is a large community of ex Woolies employees, and they love to share their stories.

When I wrote that stand-alone book – yes, The Woolworths Girls was originally commissioned as one book – I become so interested in the history of that well-known store and started to collect old copies of The New Bond, the Woolworths monthly staff magazine. I have copies from as far back as the 1930s and they hold a wealth of information about the different stores, staff celebrations, employment anniversaries as well as advertisements from those times; I lose hours reading through my stash!

Of course, local history and store information is important, but this author needs to know what is going on in the outside world away from the town and Woolworths, and importantly how it plays a part in my ‘girls’ lives. Hours spent at the local archive centre as well as having my nose in a non-fiction book means I glean information that may just appear in my stories.

Do I envy authors who set their stories in exotic locations? Of course, I do! However, the joy for me is knowing I only need to close my eyes and step outside the front door of number 13 Alexandra Road to see again my characters and hear their stories.

 

Elaine’s website: www.elaineeverest.com

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE BOOK REVIEWS, MARCH 2023

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Nicola Cornick’s The Winter Garden, reviewed by Morton S Gray

Ten stars! I loved this book. A perfect mix of past and present. I was in love with the present day hero Finn and wanted things to work out for Lucy. The historical side was told in an intriguing way and I enjoyed the ghostly elements of the story. Best historical/timeslip I have read in a long time. Bravo Nicola Cornick.

 

Lizzie Lamb’s Dark Highland Skies, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

Dark Highland Skies is another triumph for Lizzie Lamb. Who doesn’t love a highland hero, strong heroine and a wee dram of secrets?

‘We all have demons to confront, secrets we’d rather not share. But that’s life, isn’t it?’

The characters are like good friends who really deserve a happy ending. The deeper you delve into the Halley and Tor’s past, the more you discover about what makes them tick. I wanted to know what was behind Halley’s ‘wall of aloofness’ and why a ‘bleakness appeared to descend’ on Tor. This is a heart-warming story of two lonely people finding each other.

Halley reaches for the stars and meets her destiny. A magical romance under the dark highland skies. As a reader I fell in love with the setting, and the ending was wonderful. If only I could have met charismatic Tam, Halley’s late uncle, who touched everyone’s life in the novel. I did not want to leave Lochaber!

Lizzie Lamb is queen of highland escapes. The uplifting stories are a perfect retreat from the troubled world.

 

Daisy Wood’s The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris, reviewed by Jane Cable

This is one of the books that makes me curse review sites that force you into giving stars. For me it isn’t quite five as I give those so very rarely, but it’s far better than the four I’m going to be forced to give.

This is such a skilfully told tale of resistance in wartime Paris with a main character, Jacques, you can root for and cry for, so wonderfully brave and flawed is he. A bookseller who is slow to join the underground movement fighting the Nazis, the plight of Jewish children in particular means he has no option but to help.

Meanwhile in the present day, American Juliette walks away from her unfaithful husband during a holiday in Paris, at first because she simply does not want to go home. She has family history to research but when she finds an empty, dusty bookshop she wonders if she can bring it to life again.

If you love Second World War dual timeline romances this is definitely one of the better ones I’ve read and I heartily recommend it.

 

An Italian Island Summer by Sue Moorcroft, reviewed by Morton S Gray

Get whisked away to Sicily to join Ursula Quinn, who wants to learn to paint ceramics after her life in England implodes. Add in suspicious Alfio Tringali, who returns home to fulfil family duty, helping his sister with her baby and his mother recovering from an operation run the family hotel. Ursula’s parents and family in Ireland are worried about her and her ex-husband is still possessive. There are links and complications between the families that Ursula knows nothing about and these threaten her happiness.

I soon became absorbed in this story with its twists and turns, surprises and revelations. Lovely to have characters from previous novel Under the Italian Sun make an appearance too. A classic Sue Moorcroft read that doesn’t disappoint.

 

 

Yet another cornucopia of books from Joffe Books

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As their book of the week Joffe is offering a brand-new utterly addictive cozy murder mystery — MARRIAGE IS MURDER by bestselling author Jean G. Goodhind which is out now for just £0.99 | $0.99.  Meet Honey Driver. Hotel owner. Widowed mum. Amateur sleuth. An elderly woman has been found dead — sitting in the front pew of a church, dressed in a lavish wedding gown.
Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is about to tackle one of her strangest cases yet . . .

‘An absolute treat!’ Bestselling author Jill Mansell
‘Fast moving with a likeable heroine and an impeccably rendered Bath background . . .’ Kirkus Reviews
*This special launch price is available for a limited time only. Please check this price offer is live and available in your location before purchasing.

       

Every Deadly Sin  by D.M. Greenwood.   £0.99/$0.99

AN UTTERLY GRIPPING COZY CRIME MYSTERY.  I know, I know, but it IS my favourite sort of crime) Surrounded by green hills and lush valleys, St Sylvan’s is a haven of spiritual renewal. Until a shocking act of violence shatters this peaceful retreat. There’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing at St Sylvan’s and it’s up to amateur sleuth Theodora Braithwaite to catch the culprit.

The Master WILLIAM FALCONER Medieval Mysteries Books 1-9 by Ian Morson.£0.99 | $0.99

A BRILLIANT MEDIEVAL MYSTERY SERIES FEATURING 13TH CENTURY OXFORD SLEUTH MASTER WILLIAM FALCONER.  Premiering as a box set. Get NINE absolutely gripping medieval mysteries in one great-value box set. If you like Cadfael, give these a try.

Who was Sylvia? by Judy Gardiner   £0.99/$0.99

HEART-WRENCHING HISTORICAL SAGA.   Travel to war-time London in Judy Gardiner’s heart-wrenching historical saga that tells the story of a young woman, haunted by the mystery of her sister’s disappearance. A page turner.

 

THIS WEEK SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT –  LET’S MEET FEATURE BESTSELLING WRITING DUO M S MORRIS in Joffe’s Indie Author Spotlight

M S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. They both studied at Oxford University, where they first met in 1990. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. They are married and live in Oxfordshire. Margarita studied Modern Languages at Jesus College, Oxford. She then worked in IT before joining her husband in their internet business. She writes historical fiction at margaritamorris.com.  Steve studied Physics at University College, Oxford. He worked in the nuclear industry before becoming a dot com entrepreneur. He writes sci-fi and thrillers at stevemorrisbooks.com

Aspire to Die by M.S. Morris OUT NOW — JUST £0.99 | $0.99

A GRIPPING OXFORD-BASED MURDER MYSTERY.   When a student is found dead in her room in Oxford’s most prestigious college, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart is called to investigate. No one can be above suspicion within the closed and claustrophobic confines of an Oxford college, where a ruthless killer waits to strike again.

Q  &A WITH M S MORRIS:   How do you find writing as a couple? What poses the most challenges?  We love writing as a couple. We both have books that we’ve written individually, as Margarita Morris and Steve Morris, so we know how hard it can be to write a book on your own. That’s why we appreciate the support that comes from a collaboration. The first step in our joint process is the planning stage. When you’re writing a book together, you really need to have a plan! We have daily meetings where we sit down and plan the whole book from start to finish, writing up a scene-by-scene outline as we go. This usually takes about four weeks. All the suspects, clues, red herrings, twists and reveals are mapped out, as well as the personal stories of the main characters. Then Margarita spends 6–8 weeks writing the first draft, after which Steve takes over and writes the second draft, fleshing things out. It helps that Margarita is good at beginnings and Steve is strong on endings! Once the book is finished, we both go through it at least once more, polishing the prose and making it as good as it can be. As indie authors, of course, there are lots of other jobs besides the writing. Steve designs the book covers and runs ads. Margarita manages the website, the mailing list, proofs the audiobooks and manages the publishing process. We’re both active on our author Facebook page. We rarely disagree on plot points or characters, and any differences of opinion are soon sorted out by talking the matter through, usually at the dinner table!

What do readers like most about your books?   Well, from what they tell us, they seem to really like the characters and the settings. Our Bridget Hart series is set in Oxford, and as alumni of Oxford University ourselves we’ve really tried to make the most of the university setting, featuring colleges, faculties and the Bodleian library. But as Bridget muses in Killing By Numbers, Oxford isn’t all ‘punting and poetry’. The traffic is a nightmare, there are hordes of tourists, and homelessness is a real issue. The North Yorkshire coastal setting for our Tom Raven series is very different, but Scarborough is very historic and scenic. When it comes to characters, we try to create flawed but relatable individuals. Both Bridget Hart and Tom Raven are utterly dedicated to their jobs, but this comes at a price for their personal lives and relationships. A strong theme that runs through our books is family. Dysfunctional or otherwise, it’s always hugely important.

Which writers would you say influence and inspire you the most?   We both read widely, and not just crime fiction. Different writers influence and inspire us in different ways. When it comes to crime fiction, we both enjoy Anthony Horowitz for the brilliance of his plotting and the quality of his writing. We love Belinda Bauer for her dark humour. Margarita enjoys Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves, whilst Steve likes Harlan Coben and J.D. Kirk. Margarita is a great fan of Charles Dickens for his characters and his intricate plotting. Amongst contemporary authors her favourites are Sarah Waters, Kate Atkinson and Robert Harris. Steve reads quite a lot of fantasy, particular favourites being George R.R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie, but also thrillers, sci-fi and horror. Everything you read influences you in some way, even if you’re not consciously aware of it.

Your second series featuring DCI Tom Raven, is set in Yorkshire. Do you have a particular connection to the region?  Yes, Margarita is from Harrogate in North Yorkshire and we’ve enjoyed many family holidays in Scarborough when the children were growing up. We chose Scarborough as the base for our North Yorkshire detective because the town has so much character and charm. Layers of history are constantly present, from the castle on the headland to the Victorian hotels and spa and even the twentieth-century amusement arcades.   The books also venture beyond Scarborough into the stunning North York Moors and the medieval city of York. We’re planning to head up the coast to Whitby for one of our future books.

Who would be your ideal choice to play Bridget Hart in a TV/Film adaptation and why?   Ooh, tricky question. Bridget is approaching forty, short and slightly overweight. She drives a red Mini convertible and is partial to pasta, pinot noir and chocolate cake. We can’t think of anyone off the top of our heads, but if anyone has any ideas, let us know. Or better still, tell Netflix!

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?  It must be stumbling into Blackwell’s bookshop in Oxford, where we bought all our books as students, and finding our own books filling up almost a full shelf. Fame, at last.

Readers can find M.S. Morris at their website http://www.msmorrisbooks.com/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/msmorrisbook

For more information: Joffebooks.com

 

Still the Columbia Community Association powers on – doing what they do so well – helping the community

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On Monday, with snow forecast, the CCA team knew that external work could well slip slide to a halt but as the elements are almost the only thing outside the CCA team’s control  they accepted the fact graciously. Besides there was such good news crowding in from every direction:

             

Here we go: Aimee Green and her dancers were at the Northumbland Championships last weekend and heavens, they danced out of their skins, as the results showed… The group had winners, a runner up, three making some fantastic finals.

In Aimee’s words ‘Katy Tate, who walked away with first prize in her category was absolutely stunning, she danced like she had never danced before.’ Frost Magazine is equally thrilled for them all, such wonderful news during a cold week. Well, at any time.

Back at the powerhouse, the team was fuelled with coffee by Red Shoes Bob as they got their heads together  organising all sorts of activities, including Day Tours, with a consensus opting for Whitby (Fish and Chips). Margaret has been to Whitby, and had fish and chips – followed by an ice cream sitting on a bench overlooking the harbour like an old duck, before chasing a three year old around the beach.  Though you probably won’t have a 3 year old to chase which could be all to the good. 

It was then arranged that Tina would nip in on Friday to establish what people wanted to learn and create whilst attending the Flower Arranging group.  But that’s not all, of course; the list is long. Next on the list was that the the team is  actively seeking someone who can deliver Seated Exercise Classes.’

‘It seems an  associate, Julie, knows a man who knows a man so we might just be lucky,’ said Marion. 

Cultural Creatives were at work as usual, making lavender bags and heart shaped pin cushions. It’s such a happy group and Margaret hears they are like one big family. Joy has even ordered a buffet for the group courtesy of Di’s Diner.

Ah, the snow at last reached good old Brady Square, though gritters  kept the approaches to the CCA safe for visitors, and… Bravo, Bravo. Carl the roofer braved the weather. Not such good news of Richard, though, the CCA’s lovely surveyor, who has a broken foot – ouchy! ‘Are his Bear Grills exploits to blame?’ pondered Marion. Whatever, the team and Frost Magazine sympathise and wish him a speedy recovery. 

The Basic Sign Language course on Wednesday included Marion, Glenda, Deborah and Julie the trainer of course. It was  fascinating and Marion is cockahoop with her certificate, as well as the BSL App on her phone, through which she can continue her training. Congratulations to you all. 

An email was received from David Laidler letting the CCA  know that Lesley Tye from EPNE training would be hosting a drop-in session on Friday, corresponding with the coffee morning, to see if there is any interest in free training on Cost of Living budgeting along with many other subjects of interest.

Of course the CCA was keen to celebrate International Women’s Day, and to raise awareness for women’s equality. A glass or two once home was the name of the game. 

The tickets for the Redcoat Bitesize show went on sale during the week and sales are good. Added to that, news came that  the refurbishment might be finished by May  as the internal decorating is due to start very soon. The team have even been privy to the colour charts. Such good news.

But that’s the future, in the present 130 hats have been sent off to the Seafarers Mission, collected up by Andy Hayes for which the team were enormously grateful. AND Belle Cummings, who  never lets the CCA down delivered a very large bag of baby wool to pass onto Biddick Academy who are looking for wool to use to knit bonding squares and teeny hats for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit project.

Finally, the turnout for the Friday coffee morning did not disappoint. Great food, good company, a great prize bingo and dates arranged with Tina the florist for two sessions March and April.

So, yet another busy and productive week, to be followed by a fun packed weekend with dancers and the wonderful Redeemed Christian Church of Christ. ‘Happy days in good old Brady Square,’says Marion, and Frost Magazine has to agree, and our readers too, who look forward to an update every week.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

EVA GLYN’S HIDDEN CROATIA: DUBROVNIK SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUM

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I would never have even realised Dubrovnik had a Jewish Museum if I hadn’t been researching the city’s Jewish community during the Second World War. As it happens, their story – and the museum itself – became an important part of The Collaborator’s Daughter.

I tracked the museum down online first. There are walking tours of the city with a Jewish focus that appear to be aimed specifically at the cruise passengers, and through this I discovered the heart of the Jewish community in the old town. The name of its location, Zudioska (Jewish) Street might have given it away if I’d thought about it.

As with many medieval trading cities the Jewish community in Dubrovnik were important and the synagogue is one of the oldest Sephardic ones in Europe. It is on the top floor of the rather anonymous building and is a beautiful and calming sacred space even today. The dark wooden seats are rich with age and the Wedgwood blue decorations on the ceiling reminiscent of the Mediterranean sky.

Even more interesting to me was the museum that takes up the floor below. It is tiny but showcases the community’s history so well, from the fabulously embroidered vestments and ornate fourteenth century torah scroll that represent the Jews’ proud history, to a second room with chilling artefacts from World War Two.

Compared to other parts of Europe, overall Dubrovnik’s Jews suffered less because initially at least they were under Italian control. While Croatia’s (and yes, it is correct to use that term for the period) home grown fascists persecuted the faith with even more vigour than the Germans, in this small enclave they were safe. For a while at least, and their numbers grew.

Then, in 1942 the Italians were told the clamp down. Curfews were imposed, yellow armbands issued. All the awful paraphernalia of ethnic hatred. Finally in the November the eighty or so members of the community were interned near the harbour at Gruz and on the island of Lopud. Eventually they were moved north to a larger camp at Rab, and during the chaos resulting from the Italian surrender the partisans took the area and a majority were saved. In all twenty-seven of the Dubrovnik Jews died, many more moved to Israel, and the community never recovered.

Although the synagogue is rarely used, helpful volunteers are available to show visitors around and to talk about the artefacts and history. The museum is open all day, every day, and is well worth half an hour of anyone’s time.

Brilliant Jerks at Southwark Playhouse, London Reviewed by Paul Vates: “The play is performing a little near the 8 level and I want to turn it up to 10…”

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Take your mind back to 2008 (yes, it was fifteen years ago!). Now imagine you’re an entrepreneur leaving a tech conference in Paris (it just happens to be Paris, but it could be anywhere). You can’t hail a taxi. Then the idea hits you – so simple, it’s amazing that it has never been thought of before… tap a button on your phone and a cab arrives.

This is that story ten years later, from three points of view: Mia, one of the drivers in Manchester; Sean, recruited as one of the new programmers for the App; and Tyler, the man who had the original vision in Paris.

Joseph Charlton’s play has been updated since it premièred at London’s VAULT Festival a few years ago. It’s a fast-flowing stream through the minds and hearts of the central characters, showing that no matter where you are in the pyramid of a multi-billion pound company, life will throw you constant curve balls and everyone celebrates and suffers equally.

The cast of three play numerous characters throughout the piece and it feels comfortable to watch them – strong and focused performances from Kiran Sonia Sawar (primarily Mia), Sean Dealaney (Sean) and Shubham Saraf (Tyler).

Katie-Ann McDonough’s direction keeps the action at a constant pace as the characters encircle each other, almost constantly walking and talking in and around Hazel Low’s clever, functional set.

Brilliant Jerks, as a play, I think suffers slightly from the constant monologues. The story unfolds in the past tense. We are told about, but seldom shown, scenes of emotion. When such scenes do happen, they are spellbindingly amazing – and I craved more of them. So overall, it feels like the play is performing a little near the 8 level and I want to turn it up to 10…

Photography Nick Rutter

Writer Joseph Charlton

Producer RJG Productions

Director Katie-Ann McDonough

Designer Hazel Low

Sound Designer Annie May Fletcher

Lighting Designer Rachel Sampley

Running Time 90 minutes (no interval)

Dates until Saturday 25th March 2023

Monday to Saturday at 8pm, Tuesday & Saturday Matinees at 3.30pm

Venue Southwark Playhouse, 77-84 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD

Tickets £24 (£19 concessions)

via www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

or phone on 020 7407 0234

Age Guidance 14+

Social Media @RJGProductions

Joffe Books have a fabulous selection for us this week.

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Joffe Books’ book of the week is bestselling author Janice Frost’s brand-new gripping and twisty crime mystery featuring feisty female detectives Warwick and Bell — MURDER AGAINST THE ODDS is out for the special launch price of just £0.99 | $0.99*.    Special Constable Jane Bell finds a wailing new-born baby in a local park the same night Detective Steph Warwick attends the murder of a coach driver. Jane doesn’t want to lock horns with Warwick again, but when the murder is linked to the baby, Jane has no choice but to alert the sharp-tongued detective inspector.
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER MURDER AGAINST THE ODDS BY JANICE FROST FOR JUST £0.99 | $0.99.

      

THE DEVONSHIRE SAGAS BY TANIA CROSSE 1 – 5  £0.99 | $0.99
 

What a good offer: FANTASTIC-VALUE BOX SET OF FIVE HISTORICAL SAGAS.
‘Well-drawn characters, real authenticity.’ Historical Novels Review
‘Feels like living history.’ Dorset Echo
‘Strong themes of romance and feminist equality.’ Booklist

MURDER AT GOLDEN COVE FOREST BY CATHY PICKENS   £0.99 | $0.99

A classic cozy murder mystery set in South Carolina.  A woman enters amateur sleuth Avery’s office claiming her husband is accusing her of poisoning him. From beyond the grave. Soon she isn’t the only one and Avery’s cozy hometown is about to reveal it’s darker side . . .

DEADLY WAVES BY PAULINE ROWSON £0.99 | $0.99

A new gripping crime mystery series from a bestselling author.  Meet Art Marvik.He’s earned the scars on his face as a commando in the Marines, but now he’s struggling to adjust to civilian life. It’s a page turner…

What’s the biggest distraction in your writing day? 
Oh, quite a mixture of things really. In the summer, definitely the garden. I’m a very keen gardener. It’s very relaxing and I get a lot of the best ideas for my books while I’m weeding or planting or whatever. I also try to go for a walk around our village every day unless it’s raining, but I’m thinking about my stories while I’m walking.

What author, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with?
Audrey Howard without a doubt. I read every one of her books and have them stored safely in the attic so that I can read them all again one day. She was an incredibly talented author and told the most wonderful stories. I believe it was studying her style and techniques that allowed me to hone my own writing skills and become a published author myself.

Who would you want to play the main character in a film/TV adaptation of one of your books — and why?
That’s a difficult one. The possibility is so remote that I’ve never really thought about it. But either Jenna Coleman or Lily James would play one of my spirited heroines superbly. They’re both such brilliant actresses and would put over the vulnerable side of my characters perfectly, too.

What is the most interesting/unique thing you’ve had to research for a book?
I’m passionate about the research for my historical novels. I have stacks of files of research notes I’ve made over the years, so it’s impossible to pick out one particular item. Little is known about the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills on Dartmoor, so I had to glean information from wherever I could for The Gunpowder Girl, and visiting the remote site on my beloved Dartmoor was amazing. But maybe the traditional quarryman’s funeral in The Quarry Girl was one of the most moving things I have ever discovered and I just had to include it in the book.

What are you currently reading and watching?
I’ve just finished reading Cold Blows the Wind by Catherine Meyrick. Set in Tasmania in 1870/80s, it tells of the harsh life the descendants of the convicts faced there and is based on the author’s own ancestry, which makes it all the more poignant. It’s a gritty, intensely moving read. Television wise, I watch a variety of genres from documentaries on railway buildings and walking old railway lines to Call the Midwife, Vera, The Catch and Maternal. However, what’s really caught my attention recently is Atlantic Crossing, which is about the Norwegian royal family during the Nazi occupation of Norway in World War Two. It’s based loosely on truth and I’m sure makes use of a lot of artistic licence, but it makes for compelling viewing and it’s an aspect of the conflict that wouldn’t normally spring to mind.

The team at Joffe Books are very sad to announce the death of their author, Gretta Mulrooney.  She will be missed by her many readers as well as by everyone lucky enough to work with her at Joffe Books. She was a brilliant writer who dazzled both in psychological insight and at the level of the sentence.

She was a wonderful person who brought laughter and warmth wherever she went. Gretta was a remarkable person; she shaped so many lives for the good and she will be much missed.  To use her own words, spoken by Tyrone Swift, “May you live as long as you want to, and want to as long as you live . . .”

Read her obituary here: https://joffebooks.com/…/remembering-gretta-mulrooney…

Please note that launch prices are available for a limited time only. Please check all price offers are live and available in your location before purchasing.

For more information: Joffe Books