Tag Archives: Reviews

The Business of Books – 18.1.17

Posted on by

the-business-of-books-interviewswithjanecableSince Another You saw the light of day almost a month ago much of my writing life has been taken over by marketing, interspersed with periods of panic that I’m not marketing enough, or that I’m doing the wrong things. It’s actually very hard to tell what works, however empirical you try to be, so one of my first priorities has been to start the reviews ticking over. That really matters.

Reviews are not all about an ego trip for the author – although I have to say with some of the initial comments about Another You my head could swell more than one hat size. In the cold light of day – rather than the warm glow of knowing someone really loved your book – reviews are about Amazon algorithms. Once you pass a certain number (said to be 50, but for The Faerie Tree it was somewhere in the low 60s) your book will be featured more and more in Amazon customer mailings and suggestions. It’s certainly worth it – I went from selling a few copies of The Faerie Tree each day to selling a thousand or so over a three week period. It just takes a little while – and a lot of work – to get there.

Some lovely reviewers will post on Amazon on the UK, in the US and on Goodreads – as well as their own blogs if they have them. There’s an extra dimension to the Amazon reviews for Another You because for each one in the UK and the US I’m donating £1 to Frost’s favourite charity, Words for the Wounded.

Over the last few years I’ve met some lovely book bloggers online. Most of them have full time jobs and/or are busy mums as well as reading, reviewing and writing and I have a huge admiration for their work rate. I try to be as helpful to them as I can by sharing and tweeting things which I think will be of interest to my followers too and taking part in their special events, so over time relationships build. That means I don’t feel bad about asking if they’ll review Another You or take part in the blog tour but it also means it’s a pleasure to work with them.

The Business of Books – 18.1.17topbookboggersinDorset

Some really go the extra mile, putting together graphics for the book to go with their reviews. Making these graphics – especially useful for saying more in Twitter posts – is something I’ve started to do myself, using a website called Canva. I have no design skills at all but even I can manage to knock up something which looks quite professional. Here’s one I prepared earlier to showcase some review quotes.

Something I haven’t been able to do before is offer a free ebook on Amazon to generate downloads and reviews. On Friday I had an email from Endeavour saying that Another You will be on free promotion from 16th – 20thJanuary. I was really excited by the possibilities but a little phased by the lack of notice. Having canvassed a few writer friends they advised me to get everyone possible to share the news – and the download link – and to look at a few well-chosen free book promotion sites. Sadly most of them need a lead time of at least five days but I have picked three and I’ll let you know well they work in due course.

To end my post with something completely different… I am absolutely made up that my first novel, The Cheesemaker’s House, has been selected by Books on the Underground for 1st February. I really believe in sharing books and this is an amazing way to do it. I’m hugely grateful to the book fairies for allowing me to join the fun.

To download your free copy of Another You before Friday please visit:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-You-Jane-Cable-ebook/dp/B01N9HINKI/
https://www.amazon.com/Another-You-Jane-Cable-ebook/dp/B01N9HINKI/

 

 

Best Endeavours Book Blogging Best: Jane Cable on what happens once that digital publishing deal is in the bag continues.

Posted on by

janecablenewbookwriterBEST ENDEAVOURS

Jane Cable’s blog about what happens once that digital publishing deal is in the bag continues.

BOOK BLOGGING BEST

It wasn’t how I’d expected to find out that Another You was live on Amazon. It was just a hint, really, in an email from Endeavour. The lovely Dorset author Rosanna Ley had given me a cover quote for the book so I’d passed it on. Only to receive the reply that the Amazon description would be changed but it might take twenty-four hours to update.

I was straight on the internet and searching. Yes – there it was. Pristine, undownloaded, unnoticed. Just how I wanted it to be.

Nevertheless I sprang into action. My Amazon author profile needed updating and the book linked to it. My web designer needed a prod… but only because she’d been moving house and once she realised the urgency she rushed to publish the updates.

I also needed to tell the bloggers signed up for the tour. I’d envisaged tying it in with a January launch but it was becoming clear there was no way I could keep my promotional powder dry for that long. So I consulted and we’ve agreed that it doesn’t matter so very much and we’ll probably go for early February. It’s an enviable line up of premier British book bloggers including Rosie Amber, Liz Loves Books, Linda’s Book Bag, Being Anne and Jaffa Reads Too.

The next question was review copies. With my previous titles I relied heavily on Netgalley – and Netgalley promotions – to reach anyone who may want to review the book. Matador had made them available for four to six weeks but Endeavour’s policy is just seven days – and the clock started ticking on Friday. My next task was to reach every blogger who’d shown an interest in my books in the past; by email, through Twitter – even Goodreads (although Goodreads frown on this sort of behaviour) just to let them know the book was there. Some weren’t interested but overall the response has been really good. And of course I’m tweeting the link to the Netgalley download as often as I dare.

Jane Cable, publishing, writing

Regular readers of Frost will know my connections with Margaret Graham’s charity, Words for the Wounded, and I had always intended to use the book to raise funds and awareness. Not just because I believe in it, but because a major character in Another You is a soldier suffering from the aftereffects of combat. So what I have decided to do is to donate £1 for every review of the book on Amazon in the UK and the US. For more information on the hows and whys, please visit my article on Words for the Wounded’s own blogspot:http://wordsforthewounded.blogspot.co.uk/

In the middle of all this activity, sometime on Sunday evening, the book escaped. It was being downloaded, beginning to achieve an Amazon ranking. So there was no point in keeping quiet about it anymore. Which leaves me with quite a long to do list for this week.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Jane Cable is the author of two independently published romantic suspense novels, The Cheesemaker’s House and The Faerie Tree, and a sporadic contributor to Frost. Another You tells the tale of how chance meetings on the 60th anniversary of D-Day help forty-something Marie Johnson to rebuild her shattered confidence and find new love. Discover more at www.janecable.com.

New Zealand is a Place I Should Visit. Why? Wine

Posted on by

Three very good reasons:

 

Villa Maria Private Bin Dry Riesling 2015, 

New Zealand is a place I should visit. Why? Wine1

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Gris 2015, 

villamariawinereview2

Villa Maria Private Bin Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2015

sauvignonblancvillamariawine3

These are three New Zealand wines created by Villa Maria.

 

Let me just give you more of a run down:

 

Villa Maria Private Bin Dry Riesling. 

 

This is a bright perfumed wine, with a sense of lemon and lime. Perhaps even a hint of apricot. It is so light and crisp that it is perfect for summer, and perfect for fish, pizzas, salads, even picnics. I am off to Opera on the Green on 3rd  September, in Chesham. What could be better?

 

RRP: £10.55

Stockists: Waitress.com, Majestic.co.uk, Wine Rack, Booths, Ellies Cellar, The New Zealand House of Wine, Fountainhall Wines, The Strand Wine Company, Bin 21 Limited, The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Hailsham Cellars, The Seriously Good Wine Company

 

 

Cellar Selection Sauvignon Gris, 2015.
The grapes are hand picked from the Fletcher Vineyard in the Wairau Valley and the wine has a sense of nectarine and pineapple which dominate. I think it works well with cheeses, as well as the usual suspects, fish, and salads.

 

RRP: £14.95

Stockists: The Co-op, Vino Wines, Partridges of Sloane Street, The Shenfield Wine Company, Brooksby Wines, Famous Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop.

 

 

The lighter Villa Maria Private Bin Lighter Sauvignon Blanc 2015.
This is again perfect with all the above foods, but has the advantage (for some) of being lighter in alcohol at (9% aby). It is full of fruit flavours and freshness

 

RRP: £11.30

Stockists: Vino Wines, Islington Wine, The Seriously Good Wine Company, Ellie’s Cellar, Famous Wines

 

All three wonderful reasons for visiting New Zealand, but failing that, buy these wines, and bring summer into your lives.

 

 

Paint By Pixie Lott Hair Hi-Light Pen Review

Posted on by

pixielottpainthairchalkpenpixielottpaintpinkhairchalkhilightpenreviewThe fashion for pastel hair shows no sign of waning and now Pixie Lott has joined in the fun. Singer/ songwriter and style icon Pixie Lott has delved into the world of beauty with her first range of hair products – a fun, commitment-free range of wash out, head-turning hair colours, which include Hair Chalks, Metallic Sprays and Wash Out Hair Colours.

I tried out the Hair Hi-Light Pen (£2.99). It is available in pink and blue. The packaging is great and fun. The pens are easy to use and give a good colour. You can see how the pink looks on my dark hair. You can change the look: applying lots for pink streaks or applying lightly for highlights. The pens can be used on wet or dry hair and then set with hairspray. When you are bored of it, simply wash it out. Simple, fun AND it looks great. The pen has a fine tip with wind up action which allows accurate application. I’m sold.

 

Also available:

Wash Out Hair Colour (£5.99)

Soft, luscious colour giving subtle pastel hues allowing you to flirt with your new hair colour then simply wash it out! Available in Sorbet – the perfect pastel pink, Hawaii – an ice blue, Starlight – a chic, silvery grey and Violet – a subtle but stunning purple, these pastel wash out hair colours are easy to use and wash out after 2-10 washes. Wash Out Hair Colour also contains ‘Fade Out’ shampoo to control the shade in order to create your perfect look.

 

Hair Colour Chalks (£4.99 per pack)

Available in six different bright colours; dark blue, light blue, green, yellowand orange these hair colouring chalks allows easy application of colour and are a handy size for a variety of styling and shading. Ideal to switch up your look for a night out, girl’s holiday, festival or even if you’re just in need of a temporary reinvention.

Spray On Colour (£3.99)

This easy-to-use compressed glitter spray, available in Silver or Gold, will help you achieve party hair in one simple step and also washes out easily the next day.

 

Pixie Lott comments; “I love experimenting with my hair, so selected some colours I thought would be fun to try and would look brilliant at festivals, at a party or even just to mix it up a bit when you’re bored with your colour.”

Twitter/Instagram: @PixieLott / @PixieLottPaint
The Pixie Lott Paint range is available at Superdrug stores and Superdrug.com

 

Sukin – Australian natural skincare

Posted on by

Sukin – Australian natural skincare

The Frost team like this skincare product:

formulated in Australia, Sukin is a natural beauty brand offering a range of luxurious yet affordable products crafted using ingredients that are the best nature has to offer.

Sukin focus on perfecting formulas that contain active botanicals and essential oils carefully selected to restore the natural vitality and radiance of the skin.

From foaming cleansers to antioxidant eye serums, moisture rich body creams to hydrating face oils, protein rich haircare to intense firming serums, Sukin has a range to suit your skin head to toe, whatever your age.

Give the gift of glowing skin this Christmas with the ‘Love Your Skin’ set from Sukin. Beautifully presented in an attractive gift box and featuring a 3 step face kit of hero products from the range, this is the perfect present for any natural skincare lover this Christmas.

RRP £19.99

Foaming Facial Cleanser (125ml)

A non-drying formula utilising the coveted calming extract of German chamomile, this cleanser enlists the help of soothing aloe vera, witch hazel and green tea to provide a deep, refreshing cleanse whilst purifying and balancing the skin.

Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml)

This multitasking product isn’t just an excellent addition to your daily skincare regime. Infused with rose & chamomile, and dispensed as a fine mist, this hydrating toner is the perfect handbag accessory for refreshing skin in air-conditioned environments and on hot days and long flights. Use to set make-up as well as under & over lotions, creams, gels and oils to soothe and cool.

Facial Moisturiser (125ml)

A daily use, deeply penetrating and rapidly absorbed moisturiser that naturally hydrates, softens and soothes skin, combining a winning infusion of aloe vera, horsetail, burdock and nettle to soothe, as well as skin healing rosehip oil, wheat germ, jojoba & avocado oil.

Sukin is available from Holland & Barrett, Alphega Pharmacies, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Ocado, www.cressuk.com, www.feelunique.com and Independent Stockists nationwide.

 

 

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide for Mums: Chambord & Licor 43

Posted on by

chambordchambordandlicor43Panicking about what to get mum for Christmas? These two make great stocking fillers or proper presents for mum: Licor 43 (the premium, Spanish liqueur) and Chambord (the premium French Black Raspberry liqueur). The Chambord 20cl bottle is available in a beautiful gold box, and is the perfect stocking filler. It retails at all major supermarkets throughout the UK for just £7.50. Licor 43 70cl (700ml) bottle is available from ASDA stores and asda.com nationwide as well as through www.drinksupermarket.com with an RRP of £17.50-£17.99.

 

Cocktail recipe ideas below. 

Licor 43 winter serves for 2015

 

Mulled Wine 43

  • 50 ml Licor 43
  • 125 ml shiraz
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 1x sugar cube
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4 dashes of orange bitters
  • 1x cinnamon stick

Soak sugar cube in both bitters, place soaked cube, lemon juice and wine into a pan and place on the hob until hot. Add Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

 

Spiced Cider

  • 50ml Licor 43
  • 125ml cider (apple or pear)
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 2x barspoons of honey
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4x dashes of orange bitters

Place all the ingredients, except the Licor 43 into a pan and heat on the hob until warm. Add the Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass.

 

Spanish 43 Coffee 

• 25ml Licor 43
• Black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder

Warm the Licor 43 and pour into the coffee. Top carefully with the whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder.

 

 

Chambord Royale

You take the fizz, you top with Chambord, and puff! Now watch the bubbles storm.

Ingredients 

  • Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • Champagne, prosecco or cava

Method
Pour your favourite fizz into a flute glass and top with Chambord. Garnish with a raspberry.

 

French Martini

Christmas calls for a classic cocktail. Take pineapple juice and shake, shake, shake it with Chambord and vodka and voila! You have the French Martini.

Ingredients 

  • 15ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 50ml vodka
  • 60ml pineapple Juice

Method
Vigorously shake Chambord with vodka, pineapple juice and plenty of ice.

 

Chambord Very Berry

Brrr. When the snow is cold but the fire is burning, warm your hands with a Chambord Very Berry.

Ingredients 

  • 25ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 125ml red wine
  • 25ml fresh lemon juice
  • Spoonful of sugar
  • 3 raspberries
  • Slice of lemon studded with cloves

Method

Crush raspberries in a wine glass with sugar, then add Chambord, wine, and lemon juice. Top with hot water and garnish with a slice of lemon.

For more inspiration visit www.facebook.com/ChambordUK

The Christmas tree looks best when there are presents beneath it. Wish your friends and family Joyeux Noel with a 20cl bottle of Chambord packaged in a beautiful gold box. Available from all major supermarkets (asda.com, tesco.com, sainsburys.co.uk) throughout the UK. RRP: £7.50. Bon!

 

 

 

 

Salon Science Hair Review Special

Posted on by

salonscience2 salonscience3 salonscienceas salonsciencehaircare salonsciencereviewSalon Science CELLULUXE Shampoo and Conditioner. For anti-ageing and restored volumne.

Really works to leave hair healthier, shinier and younger-looking. Restores volume.

A luxurious cleanser enriched with nourishing phytonutrients, CELLULUXE™ SHAMPOO contains powerful plant stem cell extracts of a rare Swiss Apple, to restore volume and rebuild fine, fragile and ageing hair.

Containing a youth replenishing formulation, CELLULUXE™ SHAMPOO protects and rejuvenates tired looking hair for optimum health, vitality and thickness. For anti-ageing and restored volume.

and

A luxurious light weight conditioner enriched with nourishing actives and shine enhancing components to repair and rebuild fine, fragile, ageing hair.

A youth replenishing formula using powerful plant stem cell extracts of a rare Swiss Apple, CELLULUXE™ CONDITIONER hydrates and nourishes from root to tip, leaving hair silky soft and shining with health.

Salon Science Cellutensive Masque

A great, indulgent masque that leaves hair looking gorgeous and your scalp happy. 

For Anti-Ageing and Restored Volume

A rejuvenating, anti-ageing treatment enriched with the advanced plant stem cells of a rare Swiss Apple to protect the longevity of hair cells whilst improving the hair’s health, strength and thickness. Formulated with Keratin and Wheat Protein, the CELLUTENSIVE™ MASQUE is a deeply nourishing treatment. Contains powerful repairing actives to prolong vibrancy and shine with lightweight, yet deep conditioning. CELLUTENSIVE™ MASQUE ensures hair is radiantly youthful and visibly replenished.

Reglosse Smoothing Serum. For repair and radiance.

Great at controlling frizzy hair. Great stuff. 

For Repair and Radiance

REGLOSSE™ is a rich, smoothing serum containing tocopherol and grape seed extract to tame and instantly nourish dry, frizzy, uncontrollable hair. Like a glossing top coat for hair, the REGLOSSE™ SMOOTHING SERUM repairs split ends and smoothes unruly flyaways for a radiant, silky soft finish.

Proaccelerant Treatment 3. For targeting Hair loss.

Targets hair loss, giving you thicker hair. 

An intensive scalp treatment formulated with AnaGain™, an Organic Pea Sprout extract that is rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres. These rebalancing, organic phytonutrients combined with stimulating caffeine agents work to prolong the life cycle of hair and encourage growth at the root.

Continuous use of PROACCELERANT™ 3 TREATMENT gives denser, thicker, fuller hair in 3 months*.

Recorrect Leave In Treatment.

Very nourishing. Great for dry hair, leaves it hydrated and looking fab. 

For Repair and Radiance

A deeply nourishing corrective treatment containing agents to immediately saturate, restore and retexturise porous and damaged hair. Formulated with GSP-T which combines Swiss Grape seed procyanidins and natural tocopherol to help prevent colour fade, leaving hair vibrant and radiating health.

Hydrafoliant Scalp Scrub

A great scalp scrub that is powerful, leaving your scalp cleansed, smoother and clearer. Helps with scalp problems and leaves hair radiant. 

For Hydration and Scalp Relief

A luxurious pre-shampoo scalp treatment containing powerful exfoliants to lift and remove skin cells for a visibly smoother and clearer scalp.

Formulated with the water-binding compounds of a rare Organic Cactus to hydrate and to soothe irritated itchy scalps. HYDRAFOLIANT™ nourishes and nurtures whilst clearing the way for healthy, radiant hair and helping with scalp problems.

 

 

 

Disaronno Partners with Roberto Cavalli to Outfit Limited Edition Bottles

Posted on by

disaronnacavalli1 disaronno disaronnacavalliinsDisaronno Partners with Famed Roberto Cavalli to Outfit Limited Edition Bottles

When this gorgeous box arrived on our doorstep, with even more gorgeous Cavalli wearing Disaronno inside we were pretty happy. The mini bottles are a delight and the full size one is not just gorgeous, but also comes in a little bag. Yes, we know we keep saying gorgeous but just look at them. These are limited edition so get your hands on some now.

 

The Annual Fashion Collaboration will Benefit Ongoing Charity Partner Fashion 4 Development

 

DISARONNO, the world’s favourite Italian liqueur, will be back this holiday season with a unique new look designed by Roberto Cavalli. The luxury brand has dressed the iconic bottle in the bold, vibrant and colourful style, for which it is famous throughout the world.

The DISARONNO wears Cavalli design draws inspiration from the Roberto Cavalli SS 2015 Pre Collection. Influenced by the enchanting undersea world and the most exotic safari locations, the bottle will be draped in a new graphic animal print making DISARONNO the perfect gift for fashion lovers this winter.

Disaronno Partners with Roberto Cavalli to Outfit Limited Edition Bottles

Augusto Reina, CEO of ILLVA Saronno, declared: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Roberto Cavalli for our third Disaronno limited edition. To include Cavalli in the list of our collaborations is a real honour and a truly special moment in the history of our brand.”

“We are excited to join ILLVA Saronno in this initiative. Two of the most well-known brands of the Made in Italy getting together is always worth celebrating”, said Renato Semerari, CEO of Roberto Cavalli.

 

The DISARONNO ICON project is in its 3rd iteration this year, after the past partnerships with Italian fashion brands Moschino and Versace. The ICON project will continue its longtime support of the charity ‘Fashion 4 Development,’ sponsored by the United Nations. DISARONNO will once again donate part of the proceeds to the development of this unique project in Africa. The exclusive limited edition will be available from the beginning of October in all major stores across the UK. The suggested retail price of the 500ml bottle is £15.

 

To toast this delightful collaboration Disaronno US Director of Brand Ambassadors, Paul Sevigny, and Disaronno UK Brand Ambassador, Rod Eslamieh, have joined forces to craft the Disaronno wears Cavalli cocktail, a unique twist on the famed Disaronno Sour. The duo have applied the most popular trends in mixology to develop this signature sip, blending the sweet flavour of DISARONNO with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters.

 

disaronnocavallisourThe ‘DISARONNO Cavalli Sour’ cocktail, created for the occasion blends the sweet flavour of DISARONNO, with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters – full recipe below.

  • 1 ½ oz Disaronno
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • ½ oz Sugar syrup
  • 1 ½ oz Prosecco
  • 10 dashes angostura

 

Check out more cocktail recipes here.