9 Winter Skincare Tips from the Experts

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As we welcome the comfort of knitted jumpers in preparation for winter, the change in weather can wreak havoc on our skin, causing it to become dry, chapped, and tight. We’ve called on some skincare experts for their best tips on how to bring comfort and hydration to our skin during these colder months…
1) Autumn is the BEST season to introduce or re-start your actives
Chemical engineer, skincare formulator, and consultant Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz says, “Autumn is a good time to restart on acids and retinoids if you have avoided them during summer. If you have normal to dry skin, you can start on your retinol serum and alternate that with either a glycolic or lactic acid serum (so one-night retinol, one-night acid, one-night rest). On top of that go for a rich, buttery moisturiser with peptides, urea, and ceramides, with a shea or mango butter base. For combination and oily skin, you can introduce any retinoid serum product and alternate with a mandelic acid serum. On top of your serums go for a lighter moisturiser with plenty of humectants such as urea, panthenol, glycerin, and light emollient oils and esters. Avoid shea butter, mango butter, etc. in your moisturiser if you have oily skin. Ingredients like dimethicone and poly-silicone 11 are good in autumn and winter for dry and even oily skin as they protect the skin against dehydration by creating a breathable barrier over the skin.”
Product recommendation – BeautyPro RETINOL 1% Overnight Serum, £8.95 The Fragrance Shop
2) You still need SPF
Chartered Scientist, and founder of SOS Serum Skincare range, Bruce Green says, “Don’t think that because its cold and there is little sun that you can dispense with your sun block. Wearing SPF all year round will reduce and can prevent cumulative sun exposure damage which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and even skin cancer. I recommend products with SPF 20/30 during the winter months.”
Product recommendation – SOS H20 Day Cream with SPF 30, £16 sosserum.co.uk
3) Keep skin barrier healthy
Skincare Educator for SBC Skincare Lyndsey Flannery says, “Your skin will become drier and often more sensitive with the onset of colder weather and central heating. As well as hydrating your skin with drinking lots, gentle cleansing is a must as you need your skin barrier to be as healthy as possible so that it can retain vital moisture. As a rule of thumb, if your skin feels tight after washing it is likely that the cleanser you are using has disrupted your skin barrier. Skin should feel calm and hydrated after washing, so if you are reaching immediately for your moisturiser you may want to consider a gentler cleanser.”
Product recommendation – SBC Skincare Propolis & White Willow Gentle Milk Cleanser, from £6.50 sbcskincare.co.uk
4) Pay attention to sensitive skin
Skincare specialist, and founder of Bedew Skin, Rachael Robertson says, “Those with sensitive skin may experience heightened or more significant cold or wind sensation than those without. Although everybody’s reason for sensitivity is different, some research suggests that one factor may be that people literally have different degrees of sensitivity in the nerve fibres connecting our skin to our brains. Using a richer or more soothing moisturiser with ingredients like CBD, Vegetable Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, can help balance things out and calm skin that experiences irritability.”
Product recommendation – Bedew Moisturiser, £19.99 bedewskin.co.uk
5) Layer up at bedtime
UK Representative for COSRX Julia Marinkovich says, “My number one tip is to embrace using a more occlusive, rich product, especially for the evening routine, which can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Overnight masks are a great option for all skin types overnight as a little goes a long way, with even oily skin benefiting from the overnight hydration and nourishment. Look for ingredients like Rice, Glycerin, Betaine, and natural oils including Sunflower Seed. The occlusive effect of such ingredients essentially shields the skin and gives it time to repair itself or maintain its natural barrier function.”
Product recommendation – COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask, £23 Beauty Bay
6) Protect lips from ‘lick eczema’
Bruce Green explains, “The lips comprise of multiple thin layers of skin. They do not contain sebaceous glands and therefore cannot produce the oils necessary to self-moisture. In winter particularly, lips can become dry so hydration and moisturisation is the answer. Drink lots of water and avoid licking them. Licking sore lips will only exacerbate dryness and can cause what is referred to as ‘lick eczema’. On top of this many people don’t realise that lips need just as much protection as your face from UVA/UVB.  It is vital to use a lip formulation with a sun block – SPF 15 being the minimum. Your lips do not have the ability to produce as much melanin as the rest of your skin – they need protecting especially on the snowy slopes with high sun reflection.”
Product recommendation – SOS Lip, £16 sosserum.co.uk
7) Prevent dry chapped hands
Lyndsey Flannery says, “Hands are very high risk for becoming chapped and sore in winter, the main culprit? Lack of moisture. During winter, the humidity in the outside air plunges. Inside, things are even drier, thanks to indoor heating. If you’re washing your hands frequently to avoid catching a cold or the flu, you could sap whatever natural oils are left in your skin. Opt for a hand cream that has intensively nourishing ingredients that also help with skin irritation, such as Propolis, Safflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. You can use creams throughout the day, but if you’re really struggling apply a rich layer of hand cream under cotton gloves at night. After a few nights, the skin barrier will start to heal.”
Product recommendation – SBC Skincare Propolis & Safflower Intensive Hand and Foot, £10.50 sbcskincare.co.uk
8) Skin conditioning facial mists
Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz says, “Facial mists or essences typically play a role in providing hydration to the skin before applying serums and moisturisers. I believe in making each step of your skincare routine count to be as effective as it can be. So, find a facial mist/essence with serum properties, which will allow you to elevate the results of your serum. Mists with emollients such as ceramides, dimethicone, plant or seed oils such as squalane or jojoba oil, and caprylic/capric triglyceride, prevent dryness and protect the skin by acting as a barrier and healing agent, as well as soothing and softening the skin by filling the space between skin flakes with a droplet of oil.”
Product recommendation – The Jojoba Company Jojoba Water Toning Mist, £13.95 thejojobacompany.co.uk
9) Exfoliation is key
Rachael Robertson says, “While you may think exfoliation should be avoided if your skin is feeling a little dry, the opposite is true. Gentle exfoliation shifts sluggish skin cells to reveal fresh skin and promote a healthy glow. Exfoliating is even more key in winter when our skin is getting all flaky, plus it will also help to prevent breakouts.”
Product recommendation – Bedew Skin Instant Enzyme Peel, £19.99 bedewskin.co.uk

Great Books To Read Now

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The Hiking Trip by Jenny Blackhurst

I loved this pacy thriller. I honestly didn’t see the ending coming. One of my fav books I have read recently. Superb.

Don’t trust everyone you meet here…

A young British backpacker goes missing on the West Coast Trail.

No one is sure whether she died or simply disappeared.

Apart from Laura.

Twenty years later, a body has been found.

And there’s only one person who could reveal the secret that Laura’s been hiding all this time.

But she knows that two can keep a secret.

IF ONE OF THEM IS DEAD.

The Hiking Trip is available here.

Looking Out For Love by Sophia Money-Coutts

I have read all of Sophia Money-Coutts’s books and they just get better. The characters, the plot, everything about this book is pitch perfect. It’s like the perfect caper rom-com. 

Stella Shakespeare isn’t having a good day, or month come to think of it. She’s been unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend, cut off from the bank of dad and at 32 years old, she doesn’t know what she’s doing with her life.

What Stella really wants is to find love. She wants all-consuming, can’t-think-about-anything-else, can’t-even-manage-to-eat kind of love. What she found beside her in bed that morning wasn’t love. But when a tall, handsome man in a well-fitting suit walks into her life, she thinks she’s finally found The One.

Everything seems to be falling into place now Stella has met the man of her dreams and has an actual job working with a private investigator nicknamed The Affair Hunter. Although seeing relationships in trouble shakes Stella’s own trust and makes her question if she’s been looking for love in the wrong places all along…

Looking Out For Love is available here.

The Coming Darkness by Greg Mosse

A superb dystopian thriller. This ambitious debut really draws you into this futuristic world and doesn’t let go. Intelligent and entertaining. 

A massive new talent in British fiction, Greg Mosse’s storytelling is complex and finely crafted, combining twisting plotlines, intelligent dialogue and ambiguous characters, all skilfully brought together in an epic climax. Never before has dystopian fiction been so chillingly real.

Set in an alternate near future in which global warming and pathogenic viruses have torn through the fabric of society, The Coming Darkness follows French secret operative Alexandre Lamarque on the trail of global eco-terrorists. Lamarque’s target is set on destabilising the controls placed on global governments that protect human life from climate change. One wrong move and the world could be plunged into darkness.

From Paris to North Africa, Lamarque is drawn into an ominous sequence of events: a theft from a Norwegian genetics lab; a string of violent child murders; his mother’s desperate illness; a chaotic coup in North Africa, and the extraction under fire of its charismatic leader.

Experience has taught Alex there is no one he can trust – not his secretive lover Mariam, not even his mentor, Professor Fayard – the man at the centre of a deadly web of government control. Lamarque rapidly finds himself in a heart-thumping race against time, the one man with the ability to prevent chaos and destruction taking over.

The Coming Darkness is available here.

One Last Secret by Adele Parks

I’m a huge fan of Adele Parks. Her writing is so sharp and entertaining that she makes it look easy. I love Dora, the escort who’s had such a tough life and triumphed. Will one last secret bring her down? This is a glamorous thriller that is sometimes sad, but keeps you entertained until the last page. A must read.  

Another incredible domestic thriller from the Sunday Times number one bestselling author of sensational books like Both of You….

One last client….

A week at a beautiful chateau in the south of France—it should be a straightforward final job for Dora. She’s a smart, stunning and discreet escort and Daniel has paid for her services before. This time, all she has to do is convince the assembled guests that she is his girlfriend. Dora is used to playing roles and being whatever men want her to be. It’s all about putting on a front.

One last chance….

It will be a last, luxurious look at how the other half lives, before Dora turns her back on the escort world and all its dangers. She has found someone she loves and trusts. With him, she can escape the life she’s trapped in. But when Dora arrives at the chateau, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it seems….

One last secret….

Dora finds herself face to face with a man she has never forgotten, the one man who really knows her. And as old secrets surface, it becomes terrifyingly apparent that one last secret could cost Dora her life….

From the Sunday Times number one bestseller Adele Parks comes a blisteringly provocative novel about power, sex, money and revenge.

One Last Secret is available here.

Islands by Mark Easton

I really loved Islands. Well-researched with lyrical prose; it’s enchanting and endlessly fascinating. 

No man is an island, wrote John Donne. BBC Home Editor Mark Easton argues the opposite: that we are all islands, and it is upon the contradictory shoreline where isolation meets connectedness, where ‘us’ meets ‘them’, that we find out who we truly are.

Suggesting that a continental bias has blinded us, Easton chronicles a sweep of 250 million years of island history: from Pangaea (the supercontinent mother of all islands) to the first intrepid islanders pointing their canoes over the horizon, from exploration to occupation, exploitation to liberation, a hopeful journey to paradise and a chastening reminder of our planet’s fragility.

But that is only half of this mesmerising book: aided by the muse he names Pangaea, Easton also interweaves reflections on what he calls ‘the psychological islands that form the great archipelago of humankind’. Taking readers on an enchanting adventure, he illustrates how understanding islands and island syndrome might help humanity get closer to the truth about itself.

Brave, intelligent and haunting, Islands is a deep dive into geography, myth, literature, politics and philosophy that reveals nothing less than a map of the human heart.

The Island is available here.

Busy Betty by Reese Witherspoon

Not only did I love this book, but my daughter did too. A fantastic story with an important message. The illustration is also wonderful. 

From Academy Award-winning actress, founder, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon, comes Busy Betty, a story about a creative, curious, and exuberant young girl who has big plans and an even bigger heart.

Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby!

When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world! But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and just when everything seems impossible, with Mae’s help, Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork, and one great idea.

From Reese Witherspoon comes a smart and larger-than-life character who encourages young listeners to celebrate what makes them unique and realize that anything is possible!

Busy Betty is available here.

Love My Reads Box.

If you are looking for a gift idea I can recommend Love My Reads. A subscription box which comes with a book and lots of treats every month. Mine came with Dear Dollly by Dolly Alderton. A great book with lots of good advice.

 

Have I Got News For You: The Quiz of 2022.

I’m a huge fan of Have I Got News For You. This book is hours of fun. Funny as ever. Great for yourself or others. Grab a copy now. 

Whatever word you’d care to apply to 2022, no one can deny it’s been eventful. Russia invaded Ukraine, Boris Johnson resigned, the Queen passed the baton to Charles after a 70-year reign, heat records were broken, food and energy bills went through the roof, fading celebrities discovered that libel laws are a great way to generate publicity, Liz Truss spent more money in her first week as PM than anyone since the war, and – as usual – most of the biggest stories broke while HIGNFY was off the air.

What better way, then, to commemorate a year most of us probably want to forget than with over 1,000 quiz questions about it? There’s the Missing Words Round, the Odd One Out Round, loads of rounds that we’ve nicked from other puzzle books, and for any insomniacs out there, there’s even one on the Labour Party.

With questions on everything from politics to pop culture, and Paul Merton and Ian Hislop’s predictions for 2023, Have I Got News For You: The Quiz of 2022 promises hours of entertainment (albeit probably by candlelight) and will serve as the ultimate souvenir of a rollercoaster year.

Available here.

With This Kiss by Carrie Hope Fletcher.

This is a quirky and original story from a fresh voice. Kept me hooked until the last page. A heartwarming and beautiful romance.

If you knew how your love story ends, would you dare to begin?

From the outside, Lorelai is an ordinary young woman with a normal life. She loves reading, she works at the local cinema and she adores living with her best friend. But she carries a painful burden, something she’s kept hidden for years: whenever she kisses someone on the lips, she sees how they are going to die. But she’s never known if she’s seeing what was always meant to be, or if her kiss is the thing that decides their destiny. And so, she hasn’t kissed anyone since she was 18.

Then she meets Grayson. Sweet, clever, funny Grayson. And for the first time in years, she yearns for a man’s kiss. But she can’t…or can she? And if she does, should she try to intervene and change what she sees?

Spellbinding, magical and utterly original, With This Kiss is one love story you will never forget.

With This Kiss is available here.

Small Acts of Kindness by Jennifer Antill.

This is a brilliant historical novel from a writer who really knows their stuff. Outstanding. 

St Petersburg, 1825. Imperial Russia still basks in the glory of victory over Napoleon, but in the army and elsewhere resentment is growing against serfdom and autocracy. Vasily, a pleasure loving, privileged young man, returns home from abroad expecting to embark on a glittering career. Having become entangled in an impossible love affair, he joins a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Threatened by exile to Siberia or death, he is forced to flee the Tsar’s vengeance. Vasily hopes to rebuild his life in a distant provincial town. But he cannot forget his lost love, and now finds himself pursued by a rival who aims to destroy him. Can he escape the past, mend his broken relationships and find a better way to change the world?

Small Acts of Kindness is available here.

 

 

Snow falls on Brady Square as week 26 of the CCA refurbishment swishes along

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Would you believe it was snowing in good old Brady Square!  Snow, snow snow and the electricians arrived but alas, as we all know the external contractors have postponed their starting date, which was perhaps just as well as they would most probably have been laid off with the weather. But never mind, on with the amazingly busy Cultural Creatives  who, under the guidance of Joy, were making bespoke dishcloths this week,  and now such good news: more sessions booked for MARCH

Now, to sunny thoughts: the CCA is liaising with the powers that be for Solar Panels, and of course there is a shower of  paperwork which needs to be filled in, so they have been scooted along to Pauline, who has just returned from holiday. Everything crossed for a successful conclusion.

The ladies from Shake that Boogey livened the place up no end on Wednesday. Marion shared with Frost Magazine that Graham, the yummy sparky, obediently shook his boogey to Little Richard’s Tutti Frutti. While later Aimee and her snazzy little dancers set the pace at the centre. Lordy, it’s all go in Brady Square.

Uchi delivering her sermon

The Redeemed Christian Church God group really enjoyed delivering their first service and welcomed Thelma, one of the CCA’s senior members with open arms, and as if that wasn’t enough another 100 hats were bagged and ready for delivery to Sister Mary for her beloved Seafarers.

Ross, a joiner from Equans did a great job of fitting the trims on the window sills, these people are so supportive and really care about our community centre and the people who use it. CCA  have gained so many friends over these past months.

Lovely Lynn nipped in to see how the team and centre were doing for tea and coffee and said they would keep the CCA supplied. The CCA’s stock of tea bags put Asda to shame. Coffee is on the shopping list. Caffeine is needed on a regular basis.

‘The kindness and generosity of our community is amazing,’ said Marion. ‘Every minute we are reminded how lucky we are. Not just hats, tea/coffee and on and on, but a  beautiful standard lamp donated for our warm spaces room. Sadly, we  didn’t get the donor’s  name but we are very grateful to her.’

       

Now, a hearty thank you to the ladies who donated the playing cards for the games room and the 20% off everything vouchers for Bon Marché, a great saving and very much appreciated. And Marion continues: ‘Special thanks to Sandra who popped in with some Super Mario Nintendo puzzles. Boys and their toys, Red Shoes Bob just couldn’t wait to assemble the motorbike.’

Then yet another visitor. Alyson Chapman former owner of Bells who is still donating items to the community centre. ‘A special lady with a heart of gold.

The Forever Young Bingo Ladies arrived for their Thursday afternoon session, complete with the scrumptious delights that always accompany them. Linda insisted that Marion and friends have a slice or two. Of course, out of pure politeness, nothing to do with greed, they accept with alacrity.

The Forever Young Ladies were over the moon with news of the the vouchers. And to top it all off Amazon delivered the CCA’s order, and Red Shoes Bob got busy fitting a Multifold Hand Towel Dispenser in the kitchen.

So, as for the weekend… There are many activities planned. Dani’s Diddodancers, Aimee’s dance group, 7th birthday party and the Redeemed Christian Church of God… Let us draw breath. Gasp…

But while we’re gasping: ‘Let’s reflect on the priceless gift of kindness, said Marion. . ‘With special thanks to Jennifer Kelley for her thoughtfulness and the beautiful red roses.’

Whatever will next week bring? One can only wait impatiently.

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Bianco Ristorante: an Italian gem of a ristorante in Thirsk and another in Northallerton

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Frost Magazine, in the shape of its editor, Margaret Graham, took leave of her senses and decided that the time had come to have a few hours off during her busiest press day of the week, Friday, and nip into Thirsk, to have a coffee at the Golden Fleece with a pal. If that wasn’t bad enough, lo and behold Dick, him indoors,  texted to invite your editor out to lunch. He was, of course, worried that he would not be fed, as time was drawing on, and Margaret was not yet home.
So they met, Margaret conscious she was playing serious hookey,  and headed for Bianco Ristorante.
Margaret and Dick have a special place in their hearts for Italian restaurants, so why had they not been before? Too busy, is the reply, which is no excuse whatsoever.
They were welcomed at the door, ‘Come in, come in…’  Not full by any means, but : ‘A table for two, please?’ The waiters searched the empty tables.  ‘Of course.’
They were led to one. There was a Specials board. Margaret couldn’t quite see, having had her cataract done just weeks ago. A small board was brought for granny, but so  charmingly. Drink orders were taken:  a Pino Grigio and tap water for Margaret. Dick had draught lager. Within the blink of the eye others lunchers were pouring through the door. It was then we realised why the staff  had searched tables for they were actually bagsied; Bianco Ristorante was fully booked, even at midday.
Margaret adores seafood, but not mussels. You do not need to know what happens if she has mussels, but let’s start with the fact that she gets very hot feet, and leave it there, before the situation gets ugly.
Unable to decide on the specials Margaret found herself seduced by a mature waiter who had spent 18 years in Italy before returning home, though that was:   ‘Further South.’ he said.  Well, Wetherby, north of Leeds. So not that much further south.
Seduced, she hastens to add, into trying the delicious sounding Crab Linguini  (although of course, there was a special name, but to her shame it has slipped through the net of her memory). It was in the Venetian style, and apparently a Venetian had been in recently and found it delicious. ‘Naturally Pino Grigio is perfect with crab,’ said our charming waiter.  Goody, thought Margaret, she had not only chosen well, but had ordered a large glass. But then she always does.
Dick had Pollo Pescatora:  chicken breast with prawns, peppers in a white wine garlic sauce, with big chips and salad. A short wait, of course, as  each meal is prepared especially. Drinks were brought immediately .
Once the dishes arrived, they launched themselves into the experience with gusto, and Margaret who usually talks too much, didn’t, because her Linguini was so delicious and she left nothing for Mr Manners. Dick left nothing either. Readers of Frost Magazine, your editor did you proud. She totally stuffed herself.
The flavour was nuanced, there was not a hint of dryness which there so often is. It matched a Linguini she, Dick and her friend from school, Jan, had at a much higher priced restaurant in Rome. Hurrah for Bianco Ristorante in Thirsk. Dick’s was equally as good, and the large chips were somehow the perfect accompaniement.
To crown the lunch, Limoncello was brought to your editor’s table. She shared with the waiter her experience in a Florence restaurant when she was dining in the evening with Jan, and Limoncello was brought to their table by the kindly patron. He refilled the glasses several, perhaps many times. Margaret and Jan were unfamiliar with Limoncello and thought it a mildly intoxicating Vitamin C drink. They stood up, finally, to find their legs were numb. and they were totally plastered, to the extent that they took almost an hour to reach their hotel which was five minutes away.  So many wrong turnings, and retracing of steps. The amazing thing was that they woke with no hangover.
The waiter had the grace to laugh. The meal? Perfect. The service? Great. and helpful. The price? Ridiculously reasonable. The ambience? Relaxed. Busy. Charming. Very Italian.
To sum up: lucky old Thirsk, and Northallerton, for each has a Bianco Ristorante. The joy.
Bianco Ristorante,17 Market Pl, Thirsk YO7 1HF
Eat in. Takeaway.

Closes 10 pm

 biancoristorante.co.uk
Phone: 01904 405412

WRITERS ON THE ROAD: GILL THOMPSON

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Back in spring 2018, I visited Prague to research my second novel, The Child on Platform One. Known as ‘The City of a Hundred Spires,’ the capital of the Czech Republic is characterised by gothic splendour and quaint medieval charm. It’s dynamic and vibrant, a brilliant collision of past and present.

But I wasn’t just there to admire the scenery, stunning though it was. If my story was to come to life, I wanted to see for myself the locations I’d placed my characters in. First the conservatoire, a large sand-coloured building situated close to the river between two of its central bridges. My novel starts with a young girl and piano-playing prodigy, Eva, having a music lesson at this famous musical venue. But she is late – we don’t initially know why – so has to hurry home to her parents who will be anxiously awaiting her. For this reason, she takes a short cut through the old Jewish cemetery, a decision with fateful consequences. I was shown round the cemetery by a wonderful Czech guide, herself called Eva, who stood amused whilst I checked my Eva’s route through the graveyard. She agreed with me that Eva would have been able to enter and exit at different points, essential to my plan.

My next destination was even more sobering: Terezin, the old eighteenth century fortress 60 km northwest of the capital which was converted to a Jewish ghetto for the duration of the war. When I first read about this ‘holding camp,’ the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Although they were prisoners, fed a meagre diet, and worked until they dropped, the Jewish inmates were allowed to paint, sing, dance and act in their ‘free time,’ most notably performing Verdi’s Requiem to an audience of Germans, who were unaware that the choir were singing of God’s judgement on their captors. As I was shown round the camp with its poignant gallery of portraits, reconstructions of dormitories and the terrifying crematorium, I was moved, appalled and inspired in equal measure. What came across to me most strongly was people’s capacity to use their creative talents to make meaning in the darkest of times. I hope I have brought this quality to life in my novel. It was certainly a tour I will never forget.

My final destination was the Wilson station. It was here, on platform one, that I discovered the statue of Sir Nicholas Winton, the British man who rescued 669 children from Nazi-occupied Prague before the start of World War Two. Later in my novel Eva, terrified for the safety of her child, sees her daughter Miriam safely onto one of Winton’s trains before Eva herself is sent to Terezin. It was this episode that finally provided the title for my novel: The Child on Platform One.

The novel has been published now, and I am delighted that it was also translated into Czech and sold in bookshops throughout the republic. Eva’s story will finally be shared with the people who inspired it.

The beautiful city of Prague won my heart. This is an amazing place to visit but its history is sometimes dark and terrible. I hope I have done these events justice in my novel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EVA GLYN’S HIDDEN CROATIA: KOMIZA

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I knew, when I started to write the book that would become An Island of Secrets, that I needed to visit Komiza, but as it was during the lockdowns of 2021 it seemed like an impossible dream. Then, in the summer, everything opened up and we booked a small apartment, took our covid tests, and headed off.

It was a bit of a journey, and that’s one of the reasons the place remains low on the tourist radar, despite being the main filming location for Mamma Mia II. We flew into Split and after an overnight stay on the mainland took a ferry to Vis (the island and the town), where a taxi met us and dropped us on Komiza’s harbourfront.

This was our first lesson about the town (not a village, a town, and the inhabitants are intensely proud of that fact) – there is no vehicle access to much of it, certainly not to the narrow streets and alleys heading up the hill from and surrounding the harbour. But as we strolled along the waterfront in the late afternoon sun, past restaurants, coffee shops and an ice cream parlour, I sank into the sort of peaceful joy that only the Mediterranean gives me.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink around the waterfront, and a small supermarket if you prefer to actually self cater. A surprising amount of stock is squeezed into its narrow aisles, but it’s worth fighting to the back to the deli counter. The staff were delighted we wanted to try different local cooked meats and cheeses.

There are several tiny beaches near the central harbour, but the main one, Gusarica, is to the right as you face the sea, perhaps a five minute walk down Ribarska Ulica, the street through the old fishermen’s quarter. On either side are beautiful old stone houses, a few of them little more than tumbledown ruins just crying out to be repaired.

I swam from Gusarica’s pebbles every morning (don’t expect sand in Dalmatia); the sea warm and the backdrop stunning. Komiza is wrapped in the arms of a wide bay – thus its long and rich tradition as a fishing port – and watching the sun creep along the peninsular, making it glow golden, was incredible. Behind the beach is one of the pretty churches I feature in An Island of Secrets, with a beautiful incense-filled interior that’s well worth peeping into.

Along the harbour there are many boats offering trips to the famous blue cave on the nearby island of Bisevo and other gorgeous destinations. Alternatively, if you want something different, chat to the ladies selling them; although they’re in competition they do work together. I just wanted a trip along the coast to spec out some locations for my book and was able to negotiate a late afternoon bespoke trip for quite a reasonable price.

There are a plethora of restaurants to choose from, but we started with Konoba Koluna on the harbour – look for the red table clothes – and didn’t feel the need to go anywhere else. The staff were super-friendly and the food fresh and homely; just the way we like it. I suppose we were rather lazy, there were other places we would have liked to have tried, including Konoba BAK that specialises in peka (it was just too hot!) and Konoba Jastozera near Gusarica, which has fabulous views back across the harbour.

Admittedly Komiza is special to me because it is so central to one of my books, but if you want a quiet, traditional Mediterranean break in a warm and welcoming place then look no further.

 

 

 

The Things We Do To Our Friends by Heather Darwent

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I had the pleasure of reading The Things We Do To Our Friends last year and it has proudly sat on my shelf ever since. No word is wasted in this fabulous debut. The idea is original and the plot dazzles along at pace. It’s hard to say what my favourite thing is about this outstanding novel, but the foundation of female friendship is always something I love reading about.

I’m also Scottish and I loved reading a book set in Edinburgh. This dark novel is impossible to put down and will no doubt be the most talked about novel of 2023. Get your hands on your copy now or miss out on a dazzling new voice in fiction. With this novel Heather Darwent has cemented her place as one of the best writers of her generation.

the things we do to our friends, heather darwent

 What is the cost of an extraordinary life if others have to pay?

 

Clare arrives at the University of Edinburgh with a secret. This is her chance for a blank slate – to finally become who she was meant to be.

 

And then she meets Tabitha.

 

Tabitha is charismatic, beautiful and intimidatingly rich. Soon Clare is sucked into her enigmatic circle of friends and their dizzying world of champagne on rooftops and summers in France.

 

Her new life has begun.

 

Then Tabitha reveals the little project they’re working on, a project they need Clare’s help with. And Clare can’t say no.

 

Because they know what she did . . .

 

Heather Darwent is based just outside of Edinburgh. Originally from Yorkshire, she came to Scotland to study History of Art at the University of Edinburgh, like her character Clare, and ended up never quite leaving. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading chaotic non-fiction about Silicon Valley and swimming in the sea . . . or being unbearably boring in conversation about swimming in the sea. The Things We Do To Our Friends is her debut novel.

The Things We Do To Our Friends is available here.

One More Chapter escapes to the Highlands with four new romantic mysteries from Kindle bestselling author Julie Shackman

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HarperCollins division One More Chapter has acquired four new titles in Julie Shackman’s bestselling Scottish Escapes series. 

Senior commissioning editor Jennie Rothwell acquired World All Language rights from Selwa Anthony at Selwa Anthony Literary Agnecy in a four-book deal, that sees The Bookshop by the Loch publish in Spring 2024.

The first title in the series, A Secret Scottish Escape, published in 2021 and has been a bestselling novel for the division. Collectively the series has now sold over 100k across all formats, with The Cottage in the Highlands having published on 1st December.

The Bookshop by the Loch follows book lover Lexie who is bereft when she discovers that her beloved local bookshop is up for sale. Desperate to save the shop, she takes things into her own hands, but not everyone is happy with her enthusiasm. And when the owner’s nephew Tobias arrives on the scene with some ideas of his own, the two are not happy at the prospect of having to work together…

Jennie Rothwell says: “I absolutely love working with Julie, her writing is uplifting and provides much needed escapism, and I love the balance of romance and mystery that she brings to her readers. I’m incredibly proud of what Julie has achieved in such a short space of time and can’t wait to continue working with her and watching her brand grow as she continues to find new readers.”

Julie Shackman says: “I am thrilled and delighted to be continuing my writing journey with the amazing One More Chapter. They are a first-rate team and it really is just like being part of one big happy family. I can’t wait to bring more romance and mystery to the readers with my Scottish Escapes series!”