An Unsuitable Alliance: A sensual Regency romance novel (The Earl’s Disputed Inheritance Book 1) by Fenella J. Miller (Author) Book 1 of 5

The impossible match novel is the first volume of a spellbinding Regency romance series full of intrigue and passion—featuring an independent lady and the man she cannot risk loving… As a trusted business partner of the Somiton twins, Adam and Richard, Edward Revere stands by them but has no desire to involve himself in the tangled legal matters of the Somiton inheritance. He is content to let the lawyers decide whether Adam is the rightful Earl. Nonetheless, he finds himself enamored with a young woman caught in the middle of it all—despite knowing their match is impossible. Lady Eleanor Somiton is more than happy to leave the grand but unwelcoming family estate behind. Along with her mother and sister, she retreats to the peaceful Dower House, relieved to let the new masters of Somiton Hall take charge—whoever they may be. But when distant relatives arrive for a grand summer gathering, not everyone comes with good intentions. And even Eleanor’s heart has its own hopeless plans.

Edward and Eleanor find themselves drawn to one another— oops, do read on. It’s great, and it’s FREE but only for a while: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F2MQST76/

Cassandra – A Scandal in Pemberley: A captivating Pride and Prejudice inspired Regency Romance (The Ladies of Pemberley Book 1) by Linda O’Byrne

Here we have a thrilling Regency romance that continues the story of Jane Austen’s unforgettable characters, where love and betrayal intertwine… and the cost of freedom is higher than ever. The breathtaking launch of the Regency Romance Series The Ladies of Pemberley – Time to quaff a glass of champagne,  Linda O’Byrne. I loved it.

At eighteen, Cassandra Wickham is as headstrong and sharp-witted as her beloved aunt, Elizabeth Darcy, preferring the thrilling pages of a book to the stifling decorum of crowded ballrooms. Yet, her mother, Lydia, has different plans for her: Cassie must marry a wealthy officer, and the grand Regimental Ball is the perfect opportunity for her debut into society… or so her mother hopes. But Cassie harbours no interest in soldiers. Her heart belongs to one man only: Dr. Richard Courtney, intelligent, charming, and refreshingly unassuming. But fate has other plans – her dreams are shattered when she overhears her stepfather promising her to an elderly, powerful widower whose reputation fills her with dread. Outraged and determined … Go girl. Do read this, you’ll enjoy it. And yes, it’s FREE too but only for a while @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GTZM2JT8/

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls trilogy https://www.amazon.co.uk//dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ @ £5.97 for all 3 kindles

On a hot evening in June off I trotted to Coronation Hall, Boroughbridge, near Thirsk for another show by Hightimers. And what a show, such enjoyment emanated from the cast which was wide in age, from the children to the… well, older, but all so talented. Humour, glamour, with a thoughtful story beneath it all, and glorious catchy songs (well, we know that after Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit production wowed the west end) and wonderfully choreographed. Heat? Forget it, it was just pure theatre. Bravo.

As for the costumes, Victoria Herrington shared with Frost Magazine that she had five costume changes, some involving much burning of midnight oil in order to sew on beads to dazzle on stage. Victoria was Potiphar’s wife, amongst other parts and – heavens – she showed herself in a new light as she … No, enough, watch it! Very balletic I must say. Crikey.

And… And … even the Technicolor Dreamcoat was created for the production. It was spectacular. How clever people are – I can barely manage some patchwork.

As Marlo Lomas, Chairman of Hightimers said, ‘I would like to thank everyone for coming to the show. I know I say this for every production, but Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is, without a doubt, one of the best productions we have ever staged.’ A view , Frost Magazine can endorse.

There must have been a great deal of hard work involved, much practise and rehearsals which requires amazing commitment, and this is confirmed by Michelle Henstock, the director. ‘The group of people you have come to see tonight have one thing in common: a desire to do their very best and to send you home with that feel-good factor. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells a story of betrayal, love, acceptance and ultimately redemption, all brought to life through song and dance.‘

I have to say that I was foot tapping along with the rest of the audience – all of us, without exception. It was glorious, but in view of the subject – somewhat thought provoking – which all good theatre should be. My goodness, though, the cast must have been hot and bothered, courtesy of the heatwave, but you’d never have known. Add to this the many and varied costume changes as the scenes whipped along at an impressive speed, ‘amazing’ it most certainly was. Oh, how the wonderful cast smiled, sang and danced and I do hope they enjoyed it as much as the audience – not a spare seat to be seen. The show will go on until 27th June. Do go if you possibly can. More information at www.thehightimers.co.uk

Splash of Scandal: A cozy small-town whodunnit mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 7 by J. New  

A glamorous rowing club. A celebrated champion. And a murder that won’t stay beneath the surface.When a body washes ashore in Plumpton Mallet, Lilly Tweed must dive into a deadly web of secrets.

We’ve met Lilly Tweed at Frost Magazine before – a former Agony Aunt, purveyor of fine teas, and accidental sleuth. Heavens, I do love cozy crime. When Lilly and Abigail cater their first joint event – a sixteenth birthday party at the local rowing club – they’re determined to make it an occasion to remember. But the celebration becomes unforgettable for all the wrong reasons when a body is discovered washed up on the lake shore. Well, yes, it is a bit of a party dimmer. The victim is no stranger: a prominent club member… Cue Lilly Tweed … This title was previously published as Storm in a Teacup by J. New. Do read it, a bargain @ £3.99 at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GZCS1QX5/

If I Were You – A totally gripping domestic thriller with a heart-pounding twist by Helen Matthews 

She needs your help. But the truth she is hiding could destroy you both.
A jaw-dropping topical thriller about siblings that will keep you up all night. Tessa, a former career woman with long Covid and depression, lives a reclusive life in a London suburb. When her long estranged younger sister Maddie suddenly turns up with a baby, events spiral. Maddie claims she’s fled a controlling partner who is threatening to take the child. Overwhelmed at first, Tessa wants to help—both her sister and herself. But the situation grows murkier. Maddie speaks of a man named Zak, the baby’s father, who isolated and manipulated her. Her story has gaps and contradictions. Flashbacks and Maddie’s behaviour plant doubts. Is she really just a victim? As Tessa gets pulled deeper into Maddie’s account, she begins to question her own reality and soon the sisters’ relationship starts to fray. A taut thriller you won’t want to put down. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G64HJ23M/ @ £0.99 for a limited time.

Hung Verdict: An interesting historical mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end (a May Keaps novel – Book 3 of 3) by BK Duncan

A gripping 1920s London mystery, where a fearless Coroner’s Officer faces the complicated mystery of a dead man and a underlying murderous conspiracy … East London, 1920. May Keaps is faced with the perplexing case of a man kicked to death by a horse. He has been formally identified, but it seems the man who died may not have been who the coroner thought he was …

Meanwhile, May’s boss asks her to help on a top-secret case involving Irish terrorism and another potential misidentification. This job puts May in the path of great danger more than once; fortunately, she has a well-placed friend in the form of Irish newspaper reporter Jack Cahill, who helps her to understand the intricacies of the Irish Question. But when Jack returns to Ireland to cope with a family crisis, he is drawn into the war of politics and bullets that rages between the IRA and the British Establishment. On return to England he sees his Irish connections and May’s English investigations coincide, and as the tale concludes with a final violent showdown, May and Jack are forced to consider their futures. A fascinating and well researched historical novel which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Find it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHQ43PSF/ And it’s FREE.

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls trilogy https://www.amazon.co.uk//dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ @ £5.97 for all 3 kindles

Level Up Dad’s Gaming Setup … Yep the time is approaching yet again. You know, when you sit staring at the ceiling wondering what to suggest the older children buy, and what you can find for the little ones to present to the man of the house. So just look at these little beauties, or perhaps beauty is a bit far fetched for the one immediately above, but it does sound interesting. Monkey Bomb Controller Holder & Phone Stand £29.99 from ExgPro.com. Gaming dads can upgrade their desk or gaming station with Monkey Bomb, inspired by Call of Duty. Designed to hold controllers, headphones, remotes or smartphones, the detailed stand doubles as a standout display piece for fans of the franchise.

And look at this Smarter Way to Lounge…

The Krafted Couch £39.99 from KraftedTech.com sounds as though it would fit Daddy in this household as it’s designed for dads who are never far from their phone – even when they’re relaxing. Available in latte, matcha or deep blue, the sleek wireless charger hangs neatly over the arm of a sofa, keeping devices powered up without messy wires trailing across the living room. Available in 3 colours, deep blue, matcha or latte, it will compliment any sofa. Made from soft silicone for a secure fit, it blends seamlessly into the home while offering a practical charging spot exactly where it’s needed.

And this…The Cable Adapter Every Dad Needs

The Krafted Connex £29.99 Available from KraftedTech.com is ideal for dads juggling phones, tablets, earbuds, power banks and more, the Connex solves one of modern life’s biggest annoyances – tangled charging cables. Available in charcoal or jade, this compact adaptor hub combines multiple charging connections into one smart solution, while also supporting fast PD charging and data transfer. Small enough to throw into a work bag or travel case, it’s the sort of gadget that quickly becomes indispensable.

These are just a few of the joys on offer, so have a browse and see what delights your star of the day might prefer @ KraftedTech.com AND ExgPro.com.

A String of Silver Beads (The Moroccan Empire Book 1) by Melissa Addey Book 1 of 4: The Moroccan Empire

What have we here, behind this wonderfully evoked jacket? A woman seeking adventure. but has she taken on board: power struggles, love and journeys through history?Probably not, but what a saga this makes. Set in 11th century North Africa. Kella is a Berber girl disguised as a boy, travelling the trade routes and beating all comers in the camel races. When her true identity is revealed, she is sent home to the family desert camp to be taught women’s skills. Really? Before long, bored with her restrictive life, Kella yearns for her freedom and the excitement of life on the road. When a mighty army sets out on a holy mission, she risks marriage to its general, Yusuf, hoping to join him on a great adventure. But … Read on for FREE for a limited time: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKHBKFMW/

Moving on swiftly to Book 2 … None Such as She (The Moroccan Empire – Book 2) by Melissa Addey is as readable as Book 1

A false prophecy. The rise of a great empire. And a dangerous queen.
The second volume in this historical saga of love, passion and the destiny of strong women. 11th century North Africa. In an attempt to change her destiny, love-struck Zaynab makes a false prophecy: that she is destined to marry a man who will create an empire. Although her plan backfires, Zaynab’s intelligence, beauty and ambition leads to four marriages, each lifting her status higher. When Zaynab becomes the queen of Yusuf bin Tashfin, leader of the Almoravid army creating an empire stretching across North Africa and Spain, her status finally seems secured – ah, there is always a but… So read on https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FM7RN7YK/ @ £0.99 instead of £4.99 but not for long. Ah, that’ ‘but’ again.

The 9th Hour: Volume 1 (The Detective Temeke Crime Series) by Claire Stibbe A chilling Albuquerque serial killer thriller that fans of Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter will love.

Nine girls. Nine trophies. One obsessed killer. When another teenager vanishes in Albuquerque, Detective David Temeke is thrust into the most dangerous case of his career. The Duke City Police Department has seen brutal crimes before, but this serial killer is different—he stalks young victims across New Mexico, mutilates their bodies, and keeps their parts as trophies. With one suspect already locked away, a new disappearance proves the nightmare isn’t over… Available at the special price of £0.99 instead of £1.99 for a short while: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKHGTG42/

Last but not least Lost Lies A compulsive police procedural thriller (DCI Murrain Series Book 4) by Alex Walters ( Book 4 of 5: DCI Murrain Series ). An astrologer is found murdered, DCI Kenny Murrain faces a case where nothing makes sense – and even his instincts fall silent. Another unputdownable police thriller by Alex Walters.The  astrologer is found stabbed outside his Manchester home,and it appears to DCI Kenny Murrain to be a routine case – a burglary gone wrong, a random killing with no witnesses and no clear motive. But … There is that wretched ‘but’ again so read on @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GZ9HRS5K/ for £3.99.

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls trilogy. https://www.amazon.co.uk//dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ @ £5.97 for all 3 kindles

Summer has arrived in style, with a beautiful sunny bank holiday weekend and good weather all through half-term. This is the official definition of a miracle.

And this sends my thoughts to barbeques, garden parties, picnics and drinks evenings with friends. And these send my thoughts to canapés, cheese boards and cheese and pickle sandwiches. And these send my thoughts to Microplane.

For those who don’t know, Microplane was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the 90s, who, fed up with her traditional grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools, and Microplane – the original manufacturer of photo-etched cutting tools – was created. After over fifty years of experience, their durable, photo-etched and razor-sharp stainless-steel blades are simply the best – effortlessly cutting through hard and soft foods, without tearing or shredding.

Microplane’s latest creation is the amazing Professional Cheese Slicer. The super sharp blade and clever non-stick pattern means every cheese slice is pristine – no crumbling or sticking here. But it’s also really handy for thin slices of cucumber, courgettes and even carrots. It’s neat and easy to use, and so attractive it complements any cheese board, meaning people can do their own slicing – I love it.

NEW Microplane Professional Cheese Slicer RRP £24.95 is available from selfridges.com. So do grab one, because summer is here – it’s official.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

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.

S.A. Cosby Image: Courtesy of Sam Sauter Photography

Created in 1955, the world-famous CWA Daggers are the oldest awards in the genre and have been synonymous with quality crime writing for over half a century. This year’s shortlists showcase the range and depth of the genre, from historical fiction, to thrillers and classic whodunnits. Importantly, as well as championing established authors of the genre, it also provides a platform for debut and emerging talent. Nadine Matheson, Chair of the CWA, said: “This year’s shortlist is a fantastic reflection of the extraordinary breadth and diversity of crime fiction today, and a celebration of authors from debuts to established names, whose creative talents ensure that the genre continues to grow from strength to strength.”

The coveted KAA Gold Dagger, sponsored by Kevin Anderson & Associates, is awarded for the best crime novel of the year. Shortlisted novels are S.A Cosby with King of Ashes, Abigail Dean’s The Death of Us, Holly Jackson with Not Quite Dead Yet, Vaseem Khan’s The Girl in Cell A, Ariel Lawhon with The Frozen and Lara Shepherd-Robinson’s The Art of a Lie – a novel that also makes the Historical Dagger shortlist.

S.A. Cosby is the only author to be shortlisted for an unprecedented three Dagger awards. As well as Gold, the American author of “Southern noir” is also in contention for the Short Story Dagger and the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, which honours the best thriller of the year.

Also shortlisted for the Steel Dagger is the standalone thriller by BookTok sensation Noelle W Ihli, Such Quiet Girls inspired by the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping. She’s up against the global bestselling author Karin Slaughter for We Are All Guilty Here, Tariq Ashkanani’s The Midnight King, Robert Crais with The Big Empty, Mark Ezra’s A Sting in her Tale and Liam McIlvanney’s The Good Father.

Joining Laura Shepherd-Robinson, authors Nina Allan, Rob McInroy, Donna Moore, Alan Parks and Sally Smith make the Historical Dagger shortlist. The historical novels span 18^th century London to 1920s Glasgow, from stories inspired by gritty true crimes to a cosy Christmas mystery.

The Twisted Dagger for psychological suspense shortlist features Sarah Pinborough, the author behind the New York Times bestselling breakout novel (and hit Netflix show) Behind Her Eyes with a haunting Gothic novel, We Live Here Now. She’s up against Kia Abdullah, Nicci Cloke, Fiona Cummins, Carole Hailey and Sam Lloyd.

The Whodunnit Dagger for books with an intellectual challenge at the heart of a good mystery, sees Alexandra Benedict, Victoria Goldman, Anna Fitzgerald Healy, Robert Holtom, Mel Pennant and CJ Wray in the running.

The global reach of the genre is showcased in the Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger. International authors include two German writers – Karsten Dusse with his bestselling dark comedy series, Murder Mindfully and Leonie Swann with her mystery novel, Big Bad Wool, the anticipated follow-up to her breakout hit, Three Bags Full that follows a flock of sheep as they try to solve a murder. The shortlist also sees Norway’s Jørn Lier Horst, the Croatian writer and journalist Jurica Pavicic, Finland’s Antti Tuomainen, and Strange Pictures – a novel from the Japanese YouTuber and writer, Uketsu. Their translators are also recognised in the award, which is sponsored in honour of Dolores Jakubowski.

The ALCS Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction includes The Spy in the Archive by Gordon Corera and Shaun Walker’s The Illegals, profiling Russia’s most audacious spies, reflecting the enduring fascination with espionage and true crime, alongside Shadow of The Bridge by Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee, John Curran’s The Murder Game, Caroline Fraser’s Murderland, and Susannah Stapleton with That Dark Spring.

The Short Story Dagger features S.A. Cosby, alongside the acclaimed Scottish author Denise Mina and the bestselling Abir Mukherjee. The Daggers are one of the few high-profile awards celebrating short-form storytelling.

The Dagger in the Library, voted for by librarians, recognises authors whose bodies of work have resonated with readers over time. On this year’s shortlist are Paula Hawkins, best known for her huge hit, Girl on the Train alongside JD Kirk, Clare Mackintosh, Freida McFadden, Abir Mukherjee and Tim Sullivan.

The CWA Daggers are also known for providing a platform for emerging talent, with the much-anticipated ILP John Creasey First Novel Dagger and the Emerging Author Dagger competition, sponsored by Fiction Feedback; over two dozen past winners and shortlisted debut authors have signed publishing deals to date.

The Best Crime and Mystery Publisher category recognises the publishers behind the genre’s success, with leading imprints including Faber & Faber, Pan Macmillan, and Simon & Schuster shortlisted against Bitter Lemon Press, No Exit Press and Viper.

The CWA Diamond Dagger, sponsored by Karen Baugh Menuhin, is awarded to an author whose crime-writing career has been marked by sustained excellence, is announced in early spring and in 2026 was awarded to Mark Billingham.

The winners are announced at the CWA gala dinner awards night in July. For more information: https://thecwa.co.uk/the-daggers