Christmas just got more inclusive with Wise Bartender’s brand-new Alcohol-Free Advent Calendars, the perfect choice for anyone cutting back or skipping alcohol this festive season. We have already dove into it and love the selection. It is a fantastic present for those who don’t drink or are cutting back.
Each calendar (£80 incl. delivery) includes 24 drinks from top brands like Lucky Saint, Tom Holland’s Bero Beer, Sea Arch and Sip Cocktails. Choose from:
If you like the Regency period, (Think Georgette Heyer – my Mum’s favourite author, and one of mine) you will also love A Convenient Wife – an enchanting Regency Romance Volume 4 ( The Earl’s Disputed Inheritance )by Fenella J. Miller
This lady won’t be won—but the lord is determined to claim her heart … Goodness, go for it lad! This is a lovely Regency romance full of desire and determination.
Miss Frances Somiton has no intention of marrying – especially not the charming and eminently eligible Lord Renshaw, the Earl of Stodham. Practical and independent, she refuses to be anyone’s convenient choice, no matter how polished the package. Lord Renshaw, however, views Frances as the ideal match, ticking every box on his carefully composed list of requirements for a wife. But she unexpectedly rejects his attentions and flees from his courtship.
Nothing daunted, Renshaw follows. Will Frances begin to see the real man, perhaps one with a true heart, and will Renshaw put aside his rules and lists and actually follow his heart? I’m not going to tell you, surely you know that – so enjoy A Convenient Wife and find out for yourself. It is time well spent. Published on 6th November, enjoy it at the pre-order price of £0.99 instead of £2.99 here:
Found You, by LK Chapman is a page turner, one that quickens the heart as the tension rises: Just as Felicity begins to believe she’s safe with a new life and loving partner, somehow the past … He imprisoned her, you see, but complete with new name, new hairstyle, and a different partner she thinks she can move forward…
But can she really? Because Jay is still out there – perhaps hunting for her? Or has he found her? And is watching? You’ll really have to read it to find out, though lock the doors, and look under the bed first. Due out on 6th November, but pre-orderhere
More titles in this series Anything for Him (ISBN: 9782386191930)
Late Checkout by Alex Walters:This DCI notices things others don’t—instincts that have helped him solve even the most baffling cases. But such instincts can come at a cost.
When a woman is found murdered in a Manchester hotel, DCI Kenny Murrain is called in to lead the investigation. The crime scene raises more questions than answers:this a violent killing, yet chillingly precise. No forensics. No witnesses. No obvious motive. And worse is to come, as more victims are discovered… all clearly murdered by the same killer. Written with pace and verve and that little rascal; surprise. Do read it – due out on 6th November it’s on the pre-order special price of £0.99 rather than £2.99 here.
Separated By Time: A time-travel romance in the Highlands (The Bridge Through Time Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Jennae Vale. Book 3 of 3: The Bridge Through Time Series (A Bridge Through Time (ISBN: 9782386191688) A Thistle Beyond Time (ISBN: 9782386191695).
Here we have another historical Kindle, no, not another Georgette Heyer – though just as gripping: Maggie MacKinnon, a fledgling witch is sent back in time to sixteenth-century Scotland by her aunt, Edna Campbell. Maggie’s mission is to save the MacKenzie clan but, as though this isn’t enough, she must also face a mirror image of herself in the form of an evil witch named Brielle, who must be defeated for everyone’s sake.
Romance is not forgotten, goodness me no: Dylan Sinclair is on the adventure of a lifetime, having travelled back in time to Medieval Scotland. and while Maggie weaves, ducks and dives to overcome the evil personified by Brielle the two of them have much to sort out. Published on the 6th November, you can pre-order here
Yet again, a fantastic choice of pre-order prices for absolutely fabulous books from dp Digital Publishers. Buy ’em all, why don’t you.
But hang on, what on earth is going on? Hi Viz, flight feathers? What’s happening with the ducks?
In May, much like last year, the ducks and the ducklings were being spooked at the beck as dusk fell. Was it an otter, known to be around, or a mink? No-one knew, but every evening a waddle of ducks and ducklings would exit the water, and into town they’d head, on and off the pavement to seek sanctuary in the Market Square car park.
But let’s face it, a road at dusk and then a car park are not the safest of places for ducks, even ones as determined as Thirsk’s. So the Thirsk Duck team sprang into action as they did last year. Time tables were drawn up by Emma-Jayne, who led from the front, the rear and all ways, and the high quality ‘escort service’ began. The Wardens were on the march!
Image credit: Bethany
Off would go a pair of wardens to the beck to wait for dusk. Eventually the waddlers gathered on the bank, and set off for town, but only when they were good and ready. The two sets of ducklings with a mum front and rear would plod across the grass, then across the lane scrabbling up onto the pavement. At the T junction the lead mum would take a swift turn left, and busy busy, off they’d go to the car park, which involved crossing a fairly busy road. So, escort wardens waddled alongside. No, really, they did not, they walked – forgive me – in the road actually, hi viz (courtesy of Mary K a warden) on display, warning traffic to slow, and stopping the traffic at the T junction, and most willing the cars were too.
The mum ducks, heads held high would waddle on, looking out for dogs, the only real monster, they feel, with the ducklings keeping up, somehow. If a dog appeared, panic ensued, but never fear, the Duck Wardens sprang into action. You might have heard of herding cats? Try herding ducks.
Image credit: Suzanne
Once at the car park they would automatically head for the cones which a volunteer will have set out earlier, and which the ducks recognized as sanctuary, and into which no car would dare to come – so very there. Quack Quack.
Complete with water, (thank you The Mowbray Arms for the water) always ready for the ducks to refresh after their journey, and of course, for the ducklings to plonk themselves into. Oh, come on, who doesn’t like to play?
Image credit: Richard
Once settled, the ducks and ducklings, now growing at quite a rate, were left with one or two wardens, while another returned to the beck to escort the grown ups when they were ready, along the same route. Once all were settled in the cones, these wonderful wardens would stand guard to calm the ducks when dogs passed, when the pubs emptied, cars revved until all was quiet. Then it was ‘Home James, and don’t spare the horses’ .
Sadly some ducklings and ducks were lost to the predators, and to the roads when the team had left for the night. (Some didn’t leave until midnight at the weekend). At dawn the ducks would take themselves back to the beck, when traffic was light, hopefully. Jody who was one of the founders would collect up the cones at dawn. In the evening it would all start again.
Of course, with any team effort, there were plentiful volunteers in support, what with the morning and evening feeds, the cones to put out, and bring in – some pretty heavy let me tell you. And the organisation of the whole thing requires hands to the pump.
Image credit: Adam
Come rain or shine though, and boy, was there some rain, the wardens would be there, and always passers by stopped to chat, to learn, some coming quite a distance, as this year there was national coverage of this strange North Yorkshire event, even in Australia and America. Always there was kindness and appreciation. As May ended, and the months came and went, the protection continued and the team watched as flight feathers became evident, and wing flexing was an increasing feature of the escorting. As the ducklings fledged, and flew, so did the adult ducks, until last Sunday, in the pouring rain, only one adult duck (surely this duckling was now grown up?) was settled within the cones. The next evening, none came, and none the next, so it was over, – for another year. There were 24 ducklings at the start 12 survived (50%) and in the wild the ratio is 10%-40% – now that is something of which to be extremely proud – all of you in the Thirsk Ducks team.
But the Thirsk Ducks team must have the last very beautiful words courtesy of Emma-Jayne: ‘As the sun sets on another unforgettable year, we want to say the biggest, warmest thank you to everyone who make Thirsk Ducks 2025 so special. To our incredible Thirsk Duck Wardens, – your dedication, selflessness, and humanity have been the quiet heartbeat of this whole journey. You’ve gone above and beyond, rain or shine, and we are endlessly grateful. To our followers, supporters near and far and to the local businesses (The Mowbray Arms, The Three Tuns and the Yorkshire Feed and Country Store) who stepped up with generosity and enthusiasm, our friends who made donation in different ways – thank you for standing with us, cheering us on, and helping us continue something truly unique.
And to our wonderful comminity here in Thirsk, nestled in the heart of beautiful North Yorkshire – you’ve shown what it means to come together, to care deeply and to make magic out of the everyday.
From the bottom of our hearts thank you. We’re closing the book on 2025 but already looking ahead with excitement Here’s to 2026.
Frost Magazine is moved beyond words at the small but very special market town of Thirsk, and its example of community, friendship and humanity.
Do you find that you’re always cooking the same meals? Or is that just me? I remember when I was first married (which feels like a hundred years ago), every meal was a triumph of careful planning and slaving over a hot stove. Sadly the novelty was short-lived, and meals soon became defined only by speed and ease. Every so often I’d dust off my culinary interest when friends visited, but I confess to feeling totally uninspired over recent years.
As I’m sure you know, Tom Parker Bowles, besides being son of the Queen, is an award-winning British food writer and a restaurant critic for The Mail On Sunday. He also writes for Country Life, is a judge on BBC’s Masterchef and has written eight books.
What I love about this book is that it’s true to the title – it’s written like a set of notes, jotted down whenever a fabulous new recipe is discovered. Rather than the usual starter, main course, dessert format, it’s much freer, and frankly more practical. There are sections total devoted to comfort food, to quick meals, and slow ones, and a section on national cooking – including Mexican, with three different ceviches (my mouth is watering as I write). Then, finally a fabulous section on cooking children’s meals, a life-saver when I’m on grandkids duty.
But, for someone with a short attention span, I absolutely adore the sudden change of direction, with a few cocktail recipes slotted in after the ‘Quick Fixes’ – how perfect is that? And I love that he starts each recipe with a chatty bit – an interesting anecdote or useful tips, it’s like cooking with a friend.
The recipes are great – from dinner party to simple fare – and yet all easy, with clear instructions. Some have an interesting twist, like Chillie Cottage Pie, some are traditional such as Treacle Tart, or a bit special like the Porcini Risotto, but each one makes cooking feel exciting again.
So if your nightly meals are craving new inspiration I can totally recommend this book – it will change your life. Let’s Eat: Recipes From My Kitchen Notebook RRP is £26 and available from major book sellers.
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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.
We love a bit of glamour at Frost, and what could be more glamorous than Ted Baker? Gorgeous design meets high-quality cosmetics. They are the perfect gasp-worthy gifts. Buy them all, for yourself, or other people. Our favourites are below. The Ted Baker’s It’s In The Bag, The Trio of Tranquility Candles and the travel size pampering treats.
Elevate your gifting game with Ted’s elegant selection of pampering presents, exclusive to Boots!
Renowned for its iconic festive gifting, Ted Baker returns this Christmas with a stunning collection of ladies’ toiletry gifts—designed to delight the senses and bring a touch of luxury to the season.
Available exclusively at Boots, the 2025 range showcases Ted’s signature elegance with an opulent twist—think lavish prints, refined details, and beautifully blended fragrances.
From indulgent stocking fillers to impressive under-the-tree treats, each gift is thoughtfully curated to surprise and spoil—whether you’re shopping for a loved one or indulging in a little self-gifting magic.
FROM FESTIVE FAVOURITES TO NEW SEASON STARS
Ted Baker’s Christmas 2025 collection is brimming with beautifully curated gifts to suit every taste and occasion—whether you’re after compact travel companions, pamper-night must-haves, or showstopping sets that steal the spotlight. With key price points under £10, £15, and £20, festive gifting has never been easier; from charming stocking fillers to statement gifts, there’s something for everyone. Designed with all ages in mind, Ted Baker’s timeless appeal spans generations, making it the perfect choice for the whole family.
Hero Products include:
Ted Baker Spritz Fix Trio (RRP£20.00) – A luxurious trio of 150ml body sprays featuring three elegant scents: Peony & Chamomile, Jasmine & Lime Blossom, and Rose & Orchid. Perfect for fragrance layering or switching up your scent to suit your mood.
Travel Size Pampering Treats (RRP £12.50)– This compact set includes four essential pampering favourites in the Jasmine & Lime Blossom fragrance. Featuring bath foam, exfoliating cleanser, body spray, and body lotion, it’s ideal for gifting or enjoying a calming moment during the busy festive season.
Ted Baker Bathing Bliss Gift Set (RRP £25.00) – Bring the spa experience home this Christmas with a luxurious collection of Jasmine & Lime Blossom bath and body treats. Including body cleanser, scrub, face mask, whipped body crème, body spray, and a chic claw clip, it’s the perfect way to unwind after festive celebrations.
Ted Baker Style Out Your Sleep Set (RRP£28.00) – Drift off in style with this luxurious bedtime kit, featuring a soft eye mask, printed drawstring bag, and a selection of indulgent self-care products. Designed to help you rewind, relax, and recharge, it’s the ultimate evening ritual to top up your beauty sleep in Ted’s signature fashion.
Ted Baker Blissful Moments Bag (£52.00) – The ultimate companion for a luxurious self-care ritual. This indulgent collection features a curated selection of Ted Baker bathing favourites—including a body wash, body spray, exfoliating body cleanser, whipped body oil crème, hand wash and body lotion—each in one of three irresistible fragrances. Beautifully presented in a stylish bag, it’s a pamper session in a pouch.
Ted Baker’s Christmas collection brings affordable luxury to the heart of festive gifting, with each item beautifully packaged and ready to impress—no wrapping required. Whether you’re curating a cosy Christmas Eve pamper session or searching for a gift to surprise someone special, this ladies’ toiletry collection offers timeless elegance with a festive flourish.
All products are vegan, cruelty-free and thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, including reusable packaging across selected lines.
Available now, exclusively at Boots in-store and online at boots.com.
T Having so enjoyed the first of The Carlswick Series, just see what is out at a special price for a short while: The Carlswick Treasure: A gripping mystery of lost masterpieces and buried truths (The Carlswick Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition by SL Beaumont
When history holds the key to danger, who will make it out alive?The Carlswick Mysteries continue with a story of lost treasure, deadly secrets, and high-stakes betrayal. Stephanie Cooper is studying history at Oxford University when she finds an ancient treasure map hidden in the village of Carlswick. Solving the map’s mysterious clues provides her with a much needed distraction following a shocking revelation in her personal life.
But her quest to uncover the map’s secrets sets off a chain of events that no one could have foreseen. Stephanie and those closest to her, are led into a world of intrigue and danger as they race from London to Barcelona and rural France, to unearth a cultural treasure trove before it’s too late. It really is a page turner, but so was the first in the series, The Carlswick Mysteries. Here we have old enemies, betrayal and danger – and this time, the stakes are higher.
Warm up here – Death Under Palm Trees: A cozy 1930s murder mystery (Jack and Frances Mysteries Book 4) by Carmen Radtke Kindle Edition
Before a party turns deadly Jack and Frances must trade glamour for disguises to unmask a thief – and a killer. A hard task, and fascinating.
It’s 1931. Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal are supposed to be the guests of honour at a dazzling New Year’s party in Nice. But instead, their hostess needs their discreet help to solve the theft of government documents before it becomes public. With all their plans awry, Frances swaps her evening gown for a maid’s uniform, Jack poses as a chauffeur, and retired Vaudeville artist Uncle Sal intrigues the guest at the house party as a man of possibly nefarious mystery.
With their suspects out and about, including nights at the casinos, it is difficult to keep track of their suspects without raising suspicion about their roles. Just when Jack and Frances think they’ve solved the theft, a death under palm trees raises the stakes. Quick turn the page.
They need all their wits and ingenuity to unravel this tangled web and catch the murderer before a second victim dies … Again, at the special price pre-order price of £1.99. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVXW2XRP/
I love my HokanBowls – Hokan means storage in Japanese and I’ve enthused about these before in Frost Magazine. Although a British company, Hokan Bowls have embraced the Japanese values of Shibui – simple, beautiful, unobtrusive. They’re oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe, so you can prepare a meal in the bowl, cook it, then eat from the same bowl (or the lid, which also doubles up as a small bowl). This is the kind of minimalism I love.
My bowls are Jade Green – just looking at them makes me feel calm and happy. But, great news, there are now two new colours – Baby Blue and Pink. So with nine colours in all to choose from – Lemon Yellow, Sea Green, Cobalt Blue, Pitch Black, Antique White, Blue Reactive, Green Jade and the two new colours – you’ll have no problems finding the perfect colour for your mood, and your kitchen.
RRP £90 for a set of three or individually:
• Small: 400ml, RRP £25
• Medium: 600ml, RRP £30
• Large: 1000ml, RRP £35
Available from hokanbowls.com with free shipping on orders of £90 and over.
By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
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.
