Hunting The Eagles By Ben Kane Review by Jan Speedie

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Margaret Graham

This is Ben Kane’s second book in his trilogy about the Roman invasion of Germania. Following his first book covering the invasion of AD9 in which the Roman’s were ambushed and defeated in the Teutoburg Forest. Carefully researched military history, passionate and violent perhaps not for the squeamish or weak hearted.

The first part of ‘Hunting the Eagles’ is planning the revenge for the ambush and the loss of the legions gold Standards. Centurion Tullus, a veteran of many battles, is determined to avenge the loss of 15,000 soldiers and regain his Eagle.

Part 2: Germanicus is now in charge of the Roman forces and planning an invasion of Germania in the autumn of AD14. In Germania, Arminius and the local warriors are determined to repulse the Romans once again. Legions and tribes clash in bloody battle, who will survive, who will conqueror……….

Immerse yourself in this story of Roman legions; it’s cruel, relentless and compelling reading.

Ben Kane was born in Kenya. The family moved to Ireland where Ben completed his education and then studied veterinary medicine at University College, Dublin. Ben always had a passion for ancient history and travelled the world visiting and collecting facts and incredible stores about Roman history. Ben lives in North Somerset with his wife and children.

Published by Arrow in Paperback £6.99

Shelter From The Storm by Ellie Dean

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Tracy Baines

The latest saga set at Beach View Boarding House in Cliffehaven.

It is 1943 and nineteen-year-old April Wilton has joined the WRENS and is busy servicing ships’ engines in Portsmouth. Here she has found freedom, friendship, and fulfilment.

April meets Daniel, a young American soldier, whose mother is Sioux and father is of African descent, The attraction is immediate, and coming from strict racial segregation in South Carolina, Daniel finds the freedom he has in England overwhelming.

But with war and race both involved, their relationship was never going to be simple.

Rejected by her mother and facing an uncertain future she travels to Cliffehaven. However, she carries a secret, one that could change her life for ever.

Can the warmth and support of Peggy Riley and those at Beach View Boarding House heal the wounds of April’s past and bring her hope amid this time of turmoil?

This is my first encounter with the characters of Beach View Boarding House even though it is Ellie Dean’s eleventh family saga. However, it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read any of the others as I was soon swept into the warm and welcoming arms of Peggy Riley and the members of her hotch-potch household. It quite easily stands alone but it did make me curious to find out the back stories of the other members that now reside at Beach View – which can only be a good thing.

Ellie Dean handles a wide range of characters and makes you warm to each one of them – no mean feat at all. She takes us back to a time when life was difficult enough fighting a war and dealing with rationing, let alone the complications that relationships bring. A heartwarming and uplifting story for lovers of family sagas.

www.ellie-dean.co.uk

www.penguin.co.uk

www.tracybaines.co.uk

Frost Editor Catherine Balavage Writes Poetry Book

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Frostie

Frost editor Catherine Balavage has released her new book, What Do You Think?: A collection of poems. This is Catherine’s fourth book. She has previously written three non-fiction books on acting, wedding planning and blogging.

In her fourth book Catherine Balavage turns to poetry. A collection of poems that speak from the heart and tell the truth about the world. You will be left nodding your head in agreement and relating to these poems about love, loss and life. The book features poems over the course of Catherine’s life. The first one was published when she was just 12-years-old. The poems cover every aspect of life, from love, motherhood, loss and even mean girls.
Best-selling author Margaret Graham wrote the foreword.

I’ve long thought Catherine Balavage is an extraordinarily accomplished young women: author, writer, editor and actor, mother, wife, and she can add poet to that roll of honour.

In What do you think? a collection of her poems written throughout her still young life, she connects with the vast majority of the human race, as she writes of the struggle to achieve a sense of who a person is, the efforts to release oneself from early angst and stand tall; finally achieving confidence potential and contentment.
In her introduction Catherine says that As an artist it sometimes feels like you are born without skin, yet spend your life rolling around on razor blades. Well, quite.

In What do you think? Catherine has written poems that could be songs – I could hear music. She has written poems beating time with the rhythm in her head, poems hauled up from experience, observation and unflinching, sensitive thought.

A triumph.

What do you think?: A collection of poems by Catherine Balavage is available on Kindle and in print.

Domination of Screens Taking Its Toll On Children’s Reading, Learning And Behaviour

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Margaret Graham

At Frost we are great believers in the value of reading, as you will have notices from the number of books we review.

So, it’s no surprise to know that new research has revealed that a book at bedtime can boost a child’s brain power, accelerate academic achievement and reduce the risk of behavioural problems.

MRI scans show that reading to children from an early age actually increases activity in parts of the brain involved with language, particularly those regions which are critical for spoken language and reading.

Better understanding of the neurobiology of the brain has also shown how diet and digital technology can influence reading and cognition.

But the latest research, underlining the importance of reading, points to problems ahead. Research from Equazen, suggests that a worrying number of British children are turning their backs on books.

Leading neuroscientists believe that our reading is more superficial when we use a screen, but a survey of parents has shown nine out of ten children have access to a tablet or Kindle.

I endorse this. As an author I write more succinctly, and superficially for screen than for print. A new report, SOMETHING FISHY ABOUT READING, authored by Philip Calder, Professor of Nutritional Immunology at the University of Southampton and an advisor to Equazen and independent dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton examines the very latest data and explores new research into literacy and brain function. And it reveals a complex interplay between reading, cognition, behaviour, diet and lifestyles.

It seems reading alters the way we think^,and interestingly improves blood flow to the brain though, but e- devices may lead to ‘digital brain’ and reduced concentration. The report supports the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, which I take. .

Might be wroth trying some omega-3 for the kids, and ourselves. Equazen do a range which is suitable for pregnancy, babies from six months to three years, a liquid for children who don’t like pills, and a chew .

You can find these Equazen products at pharmacies, Amazon.co.uk and health food shops.

Sweet Tomorrows By Debbie Macombe Reviewed by Jan Speedie

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Followers of Debbie Macomber’s stories of life at Rose Harbor Inn will be disappointed to learn that this is the fifth and final book in the series. Debbie has new projects she wants to do so sadly she must say goodbye to Cedar Cove and the people who live there.

Three years ago Jo Marie took over running the Rose Harbor Inn following the death of her husband. Jo Marie has formed a close relationship with Mark Taylor but Mark had to go back to Iraq to complete a dangerous and difficult mission for the Army. It is a year since Mark left Cedar Cove and there has been no news of him; Jo Marie’s heart is in turmoil should she wait and hope for his safe return or move on with her life.

Following a second failed relationship Emily Gaffney comes to stay at Rose Harbor Inn with the intention of finding a new home, starting her new job and absolutely no involvement with men. Emily and Jo Marie form a close friendship and help each other through the difficult times life brings. Can the Rose Harbour Inn work its magic?

A delightful summer read just right for those lazy days on your holidays.

Debbie Macomber is one of today’s bestselling authors with more than 170 million copies of her books in print worldwide. She has also produced two cookery books and two books for children. In 2013 the Cedar Cove series successfully debuted on US cable TV. Apart from her writing Debbie is also spokesperson for World Visions ‘Knit for Kids’ charity initiative. Debbie and her husband Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington and winter in Florida.

Published by Arrow in paperback on 11^th August 2016 – £5.99

Ruby Slippers – by Tracy Baines Reviewed by Margaret Graham

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Tracy Baines has put together a collection of short stories previously published in Woman’s Weekly, My Weekly, Take A Break, Best and People’s Friend.

It is fascinating to read short stories written for women friendly magazines, stories that explore the everyday relationships of families, couples and friends.

This collection is filled with realistically imagined characters coping with life’s rich pattern, sometimes with aplomb, sometimes almost in spite of themselves, but always with humour and courage. I suppose that’s much as we all do, and this is the key to this collection, because Tracy Baines has a great understanding of women. To this end she has created real worlds with a few strokes of her pen.

Baines is such an expert at her craft that she hits the nail on the head for each one of her readers. Indeed, she has real understanding of the women’s magazine market, so much so that the short stories seem to flow effortlessly onto the page, solving the problem for the main character. But not just solving the problems of the main character, but through these stories she brings some sort of clarity to the muddle of our own lives. I said earlier, ‘effortlessly’ but bet it isn’t, because writing is a craft, and it takes time and application to achieve this level of expertise.

Tracy Baines has got this expertise, in spades. Read Ruby Slippers and enjoy.

Whether you are a reader or a writer, do note that Tracy will be tutoring a Short Story workshop on September 25^th 2016 at High Wycombe – so maybe attend and see behind the scenes of short story writing.

Writers’ Short Story Workshop: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

Her book will be available there, or find it on Amazon.co.uk

www.tracybaines.co.uk

Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley – Reviewed by Frances Colville

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Margaret Graham

I normally try to avoid books with this sort of strapline – Two siblings trapped in a world of abuse. One woman determined to free them – partly because the horrors unfolding make for very uncomfortable reading and partly because with the best will in the world there seems to be a tendency to veer towards sensationalism. With Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley however, the latter is absolutely not the case. I think this is largely because the story is told from the point of view of Maggie herself, foster carer to Evie ( 2) and Elliot (3) who have witnessed extreme abuse and been neglected and isolated throughout their short lives. Maggie relates her story and theirs in a matter-of-fact and understated way which feels very honest and is therefore all the more compelling. So even if like me you wouldn’t usually pick up a book like this, I do recommend that you give it a go – you cannot fail to be moved, saddened, horrified and ultimately uplifted. And also like me, you won’t be able to help admiring Maggie hugely. What an incredible woman she must be.

Tiny Prisoners by Maggie Hartley is published by Trapeze on 28 July 2016 in paperback at £6.99 and eBook at £4.49

Exclusive Because of You by Helene Fermont Book Extract

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Catherine Balavage

We have an exclusive extract of Because of You by Helene Fermont. We will review the book soon, but meanwhile this should whet your appetite.

Arriving at the Primrose Hill venue at 8:00pm on the last Saturday in September, Hannah arranged with the cab driver to pick her up at midnight. Wearing a blue sequinned dress accentuating her gure and small waist, she stepped out of the car, carrying a bouquet of owers and Belgian tru es. As she entered the foyer of the large premises to be surrounded by stran- gers, she heard someone call her name.

“You must be Hannah, Mel’s friend?”

Turning to see who it was, she found herself gazing into the friendliest pair of blue eyes.

“My name’s Matthew Jacobs – Mel’s ancé and associate – I’m pleased we nally get to meet.” With his tall, athletic build, short brown hair and big smile, it was easy to understand why Melanie had fallen in love with him.

“Mel’s instructed I take extra good care of you! She’s busy with all the guests.” Taking her arm, he proceeded to introduce her to groups of people, all curious to know what it was like to live in Sweden. A passing waiter o ering sparkling champagne. Dis- creetly watching her take a sip, Matthew agreed with his ancée. She was completely oblivious of her own beauty and of everyone staring at her, the red hair reminiscent of a rich burgundy wine. Engaging in small talk, Hannah asked if he minded Melanie having a career.
“Not at all. I want her to be happy, she’s the woman I love.”

Just then, they were interrupted.

“Hannah! Just look at you. That dress is simply divine.”

Embracing one another, Melanie exclaimed, “I’m so happy you’re here!”

“Your ancé’s been very nice to me. Congratulations on turn- ing twenty- ve and getting engaged!” Hannah handed her the owers and chocolates.

“How wonderfully decadent! Sweets aren’t good for the gure . . . What the heck, it’s not every day one gets the opportunity to celebrate!”

“You’ve nothing to worry about – I’ve never seen you as gor- geous as you look tonight.” Radiant in a red gown, with matching lips and nails, Melanie wore her hair in a sleek pageboy cut, emphasising her dark blue eyes. Steering Hannah towards the back, she put an arm around her.

“What do you think?”

“Wow! I never saw anything like it!” Hannah gasped at the sight of pink tablecloths on the bu et, candles and roses.

“There’s someone I want you to meet . . .” Walking arm in arm in the direction of a small group of people talking amongst themselves, Melanie made a formal introduction. “This is the girl I’ve been telling you about. Hannah Stein – Benjamin Isaacs. Ben’s my oldest friend, Hannah’s over on a gap year, staying with an adorable lady in Golders Green.”

His eyes glued on the pretty woman in front of him, Ben replied, “Mel’s been singing your praises, Miss Stein. Now I know the reason.”

Eyes locking, both felt an instant chemistry, quite unlike any- thing they’d experienced before. Tall, dark and handsome, Ben bore an uncanny resemblance to Sean Connery, each muscular with dimples in their cheeks. What attracted her most was his impeccable accent, deep voice and big brown eyes, seemingly looking behind the exterior into her soul.

From a distance Hannah heard Melanie say, “I’ll leave you to it, you’re bound to have plenty to talk about. . .”

“I’m honoured to sit next to you, Miss Stein.” Flattered that he’d pulled out a chair for her to sit, Hannah felt his eyes on her. Overwhelmed by her presence, beauty and charm, Ben was acutely conscious of the fact he’d never met anyone like her; the ery red hair, delicate features and emerald green eyes.

Dinner consisted of melon with port, rack of lamb and sorbet with almond biscuits; everything tasting delicious. Ben enter- tained Hannah with stories of the time he and Melanie were enrolled at nursery, while Hannah told him about her country, silently comparing his interest in everything she told him to Mark, who rarely listened to anything she had to say.

After dinner there were birthday speeches, including one from Ben, who told everyone how fortunate he was to have such a caring, loyal friend in Melanie.

“She’s a lousy loser, though. I lost track of all the times I let her beat me at a game,” he teased, raising his glass in a toast to her and Matthew, before returning to his seat.

Touched by his words, Melanie blew him a kiss across the table. They’d celebrated her and Matthew’s engagement at her parents’ house the previous weekend. At twenty-seven, Ben was the brother she had never had.

Turning his attention to Hannah, Ben asked, “Are you plan- ning on leaving in the near future?”

“Not until after Christmas. Then I’m enrolling at university.” Relieved she’d be staying a while longer, Ben enquired about her career subjects. “I always wanted to teach.”

“Good for you!”

It felt wonderful opening up to him about her future plans. Un-like Mark, Ben seemed genuinely interested and non-judge- mental.

“I miss home and my family – it’ll be great to go back.”

“I bet they can’t wait to see you. Mine missed me a lot when I travelled to France and America. Tell me to mind my own busi- ness but I have to ask, how old are you?”

“I just turned nineteen.”

“I gathered as much. You’re extremely mature for your age.” Blushing, Hannah asked what he did for a living. “I’m a solicitor, working at my father’s law rm – hoping to start my own one day.” He proceeded to tell her about his younger sister and brother, who were both still at college. “Mum’s preoccupied with her secretarial temping agency. She and Dad are the perfect couple.”

“What a strange coincidence both our fathers are solicitors,” said Hannah. “My mother’s a housewife and extremely proud of it. She speaks several languages. My younger brother, Peter, and I are very close. My maternal grandmother moved to London when she was in her seventies.” It struck her how e ortlessly they communicated with one another, again, totally unlike Mark who wasn’t interested in anyone but himself.

Listening to her, Ben felt much the same, thinking she was special in every way. “I own a at not far from here,” he said. “It’s a typical bachelor’s pad. I only use it to sleep in.” He deliberately wanted her to know he was single, praying she was as well.

Time passed quickly, and while they were engaged in conversa- tion, the other guests drifted into an adjacent room, to drink tea and dance.

“Would you care to join me for a dance, Hannah?” Ben asked shyly, as John Paul Young’s ‘Love Is In The Air’ began to play. She was on the verge of accepting when Melanie approached them.

“Please forgive me for being such a lousy hostess – I’m like a headless chicken,” she told them, looking ustered. “Tonight’s great!” She went up to Hannah, kissing her cheeks. “May I borrow her for a couple of minutes? I promise to bring her back to you.” Sensing Ben’s disappointment, Hannah followed her into a corner of the room.

“Ben’s completely smitten with you,” Melanie enthused. “I never saw him this happy. You’re a striking couple. Didn’t I tell you you’d be perfect for each other?” She was so excited; she couldn’t stand still.

“Before you continue, there’s something you should know. I’m in a relationship . . . I’m sorry I never let on.” Hannah felt awful she had kept it from her.

“But I was under the impression . . . my mistake. I’m really gutted.”

“It’s early days but we’re committed to each other,” Hannah whispered.

“Is it someone I know?” Mel looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

“I don’t think so. His name’s Mark, we only just met.”
“Are you sleeping with him?”
Blushing at her friend’s blunt question, Hannah bowed her head in response.
“I see. What a pity. Men like Ben don’t come along often. If I were you, I’d not rule anything out just yet. I sure hope that guy appreciates you. . .”

“How about that dance you promised me earlier?” Standing behind her, Ben refused to take no for an answer.

“She’s all yours – talk to you later!” Melanie told him, leaving. “Are you alright?” Ben’s eyes probed Hannah’s.
At that moment Hannah wished things weren’t so complicated.

“I’m alright . . . I’d love to dance with you.” Taking her hand in his, Ben led her to the dance oor, Burt Bacharach’s ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head’ echoing in the room.

Keeping a respectful distance between them, Ben commented, “That song goes straight to my heart.” What he meant to say was that she had already captured his. Feeling him so close to her, breathing in the masculine scent of his aftershave, Hannah felt a sense of belonging.

Twenty minutes later she looked at her watch, exclaiming, “I’m sorry but I have to leave, a cab’s awaiting me outside.” Ben was visibly disappointed.

“Can’t you call and cancel it? I’d be pleased to bring you home.”

“That’s impossible, seeing as it’s booked. . .”

“Tonight’s special. Will you let me take you out to dinner?” He’d been telling himself she was a lot younger and the last thing he wanted was to scare her o , but he just couldn’t help himself.

Not sure how to respond, Hannah started to panic. “Listen, I really enjoyed spending time with you Ben, but I’m leaving soon – take good care of yourself – you’re the perfect gentleman.”

“Please wait!” His eyes pleaded with her to stay. “Are you tell- ing me you don’t wish to see me again? The least you can do is explain.” He looked every bit as upset as she was feeling.

“It’s nothing to do with you – I’m seeing someone.”

Ben’s face dropped, the same devastation in his eyes as in Mela- nie’s. “I see . . . That explains everything.”

“I’m sorry I gave you the wrong impression.”

“Me too.” His voice faltered. “I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I hope whoever it is realises how lucky he is. Thanks for being straight with me.”

Their eyes locked for a split second and Hannah knew without a shadow of a doubt the only thing coming between them was that they’d met at the wrong time.

“You’re de nitely an item?” he asked, eyes sad.
“We are – yes.”
Taking a deep breath, Ben replied, “I wish you every happi-

ness. You’re an outstanding young lady, inside and out.” He gave her a card with his number, adding, “I’d love to keep in touch. . .” Listening to him made Hannah feel less upset; the idea of not seeing him again, too di cult to comprehend. “I’ll keep it in mind but you mustn’t expect it . . .”
As he bent to kiss her cheek, both felt the same chemistry as when they’d rst laid eyes on each other. She was on the verge of changing her mind and agreeing to meet up with him, when Mark’s face appeared in her head.

“Goodbye, Ben. I’ll see myself out.”

Waving at Melanie, who was busy talking to a guest, Hannah walked out of the venue and towards the cab waiting for her out- side. Exchanging a few polite words, Hannah’s thoughts turned to Ben. He’d made such a lasting impression. She could only ask herself if it was possible to be in love with one man yet feel attracted to another.

Watching the last guests leave, Melanie and Ben retired to the back of the foyer. Looking into his eyes, she whispered, “I’m so sorry things didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”

“That makes two of us. I’m in love with a woman I just met and lost.”

“Listen to ‘Auntie Mel’: I’ve a feeling you’ve not seen the last of her. If I were you, I’d not give up just yet.”

“You’re seriously thinking I stand a chance?” There was a glimmer of hope in Ben’s eyes.

“I do. Trust me on this one, okay?”

That night Ben vowed to not give up on the woman he loved. Mel’s intuition had never failed her before. Despite wishing Hannah and that guy she was involved with every happiness, Ben couldn’t stand the thought of her belonging to anyone but him.

Because Of You by Hélene Fermont (Fridhem Publishing) is released on August 15, priced £9.99 in paperback and £3.99 as an eBook. Visit www.HeleneFermont.com

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