Monthly Archives: January 2021

28 Days to find your Bliss Part 2: Alex Bannard is in conversation with Annie Clarke

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We were talking about how to help your tribe  establish their own self-care practices Alex. Tell us more:

Because I know how much I (& my family indirectly) have benefited from my own self-care practices  I set up my couch to programs. Think a more nourishing & nurturing version of couch to 5k but couch to yoga mat or meditation cushion, or both as some of my clients have embraced.

These programs are aimed at anyone who has heard about all the wonderful benefits of yoga & meditation: physical, mental, emotional spiritual even but just don’t really know where to start. These programs guide you from the basics, establishing a good solid foundation in your practice so that you have the skills & confidence to go to any class online (or in person) & to cultivate your own regular, daily even, practice in yoga or meditation in the comfort of your own home, which is ideal in lockdown.

You can also join this program if you have done a little yoga or have meditated. This program will help you fine-tune, finesse your practice & guide you towards establishing a a regular meditation or yoga ritual of self-care.

So how does it work?

When you sign up, you will get a yoga practice &/or meditation delivered into your inbox everyday for 28 days (we are in the process of building a member’s portal, such has been the success of this initiative).

How much time does this take? 

4 of the 7 yoga practices are less than ½ hour long so that they are easy to fit into your busy schedules & demanding family lives. Similarly, the meditations are between 5-10 minutes long so again easy to slot into your hectic lifestyles.  In the yoga program there are 2 longer recorded sequences you can delve into to develop your stamina, whilst there also an hour long live session in both programs, so that you can experience the wonderful energy of practicing in a group.   

So, the yoga and meditations remain to be  looked at again and again?

Yes, of course. You get life-long access to the  28 different yoga sequences or meditations.  The program is self-led so as long as you do the sessions in sequence, you gain  a sense of progression & transformation whether you take  28 days, or longer.

If you upgrade to the VIP option this includes a weekly 1-2-1 75 minute coaching session where we get to practice together & I can help you to fine-tune your poses & delve into anything that you may be struggling with.  At the end, I hope to have guided you towards embracing a regular, daily even ritual of self-care which includes yoga or meditation & you will be beginning to discover the inner sense of peace & calm these practices provide on the yoga mat or meditation cushion. And the more you practice, the more this serenity, bliss even, will start to translate into your life.

After all, in the midst of lockdown with the backdrop of a global pandemic, now more than ever we need to invest in ourselves to help navigate the challenges these unusual times are bringing to us all. Now more than ever we need to embrace self-care practices to help us getting on getting through this.

And soon, Alex,  you are going to be talking us through some Mindfulness insights and practices  which Frost Magazine is thrilled to be publishing.

Absolutely. Can’t wait.

If you would like more information on 28 Days… message Alex at alex@myananda.co.uk.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

Alternatively check out the website: www.myananda.co.uk

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the last 8 years, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace self-care. 

 

From a Safe Distance: Suicide is not the end of the story’ by Julia Bishop – reviewed by Sue Stuart

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An interesting novel, which concerns Newman’s discovery of his sister Abbie’s  unpublished manuscript following her suicide. Considering publication he decides to write an introduction to the novel, whose main character is Vee, a teacher. Vee was previously in love with Max, a psychiatrist, but the relationship was short-lived.

Childhood nightmares about her long-dead Aunt Mary’s mental illness lead Vee to create a “door” in her mind to shut her out. But Aunt Mary’s door is not enough to withstand a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which ends Vee’s teaching career. Some time later Vee gets a job at Squaremile, a centre for disabled people, but she soon realises that stigma is not just confined to job applications.

Once, when she was a teacher, she was believed and trusted. Now, suffering from bipolar disorder, she is doubted and bullied. Vee meets Max again, but this time as his patient. Max is unable to prevent Vee’s suicide, and feels intolerable guilt, in part because of his earlier relationship with her. Max hopes to find answers in Vee’s novel, a copy of which she gave him at their last appointment before her suicide.

Max, and his wife Helen, who works at Squaremile, are shocked to read of how Vee and some of the residents there have been treated. They investigate the allegations of bullying and neglect and prepare a report, presenting it at a meeting in the boardroom at Squaremile, attended by the chief executive officer of the centre. The atmosphere is tense, particularly as both Max and Helen have health problems, and because of attempts by Sandra, the chief bully at Squaremile, to sabotage their efforts to unmask her.

However, as the story reaches its climax, it is Abbie who will have the last word.

So, my  thoughts on From a Safe Distance? I found this novel an intelligent and sensitive story giving insight into the life of one living with bipolar disorder and the trials that have to be endured as a result of prejudice and stereotypical assumptions.

Do not be put off by grim references on the front cover or the apparent complexity of the synopsis. This novel tells a story within a story where the central message is one of love and hope in the search for better understanding of people who bear the burden of living with bipolar disorder.

The outer shell, that of Abbie’s suicide, encloses her writings where under the pseudonym of Vee she records the progress of her life and how it might more ideally have turned out.

This powerful story gives insight to all of us who have been fortunate enough not to have experienced this cruel, mysterious condition. It is also engaging as a gentle love story and makes compelling reading. In addition, the novel is essential reading for employers, interviewers and all who work in caring professions.

From a Safe Distance is available from Amazon as paperback or eBook. 

More books, more information from Joffe Books… by Milly Adams

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More interesting news from Joffe Books, the entrepreneurial publisher shortlisted for 2020 Independent Publisher of the Year Award.

This time, let’s have a look at a  selection of standalone historical sagas by the fabulous Tania Crosse and there’s more –  Joffe Books are delighted to have signed two more books, so watch this space. This series, by RONA Romantic Saga of the Year 2020 Tania Crosse is also doing well in the audio world, which is great to see.

Performed by popular narrator Emma Powell, the audiobooks, published by British-based audiobook pioneers W.F. Howes, includes three titles from Tania’s phenomenal Devon series.

Two of the three sagas to be adapted are The Ambulance Girl* and The Wheelwright Girl*, published earlier this year by Joffe Books. The third, The Gunpowder Girl*, is set to hit Kindle screens and post boxes 16 September 2020, along with The Quarry Girl* and The Railway Girl*.

These novels are not only page turn-able treats, but are packed with impeccable historical detail, and enough  emotion and passion to keep you on the edge of your seats.

The Ambulance Girl is available now on Amazon.

The Wheelwright Girl is available now on Amazon.

* These novels were originally titled, in order: Teardrops in the Moon, Wheels of Grace, Cherryrbook Rose/Bouquet of Thorns, A Dream Rides By and The Wrong Side of Happiness

And now to an everlasting  firm favourite, Helen Forrester:

And there is fabulous news for Helen’s fans, ( several of whom are on Frost Magazine’s book review team),

Roll of drums…   Let’s hear it for Helen Forrester, for despite having published a revised edition of LIVERPOOL DAISY in March 2020, the eBook is STILL ranking 158 on the Amazon charts and is a clear favourite among our readers.

                            
Frost Magazine loves to hear from the team  in the driving seat at successful publishers, especially at the start of a new year, and heavens, we’re leaving a right old basket case of a 2020, and wondering quite where  2021 will take everyone… So who better to go too, than the horse’s mouth (Sorry Jasper)

Jasper Joffe    Founder, Joffe Books who said: Remember: “In the end, everything comes down to great books by great authors. We just make sure the amazing readers discover them.”

So, how do you see Joffe Books in 2021, Jasper?

I asked the team at Joffe Books to weigh in on the question of what publishing 2021 will look like, as together we are much smarter. The consensus is that 2021 will be about solidifying three major changes that took seed during the pandemic. Conscious actions taken in 2020 will begin to translate into real, measurable progress for the industry and spearhead further campaigns and initiatives to create greater diversity than ever. There will be a paradigm shift in work-life balance (for good or bad), thanks to home working. We’ll see huge, simultaneous growth of digital publishing (being super-convenient and accessible, especially during quarantine) and local bookshops (meeting the desire for real-world community).

Across our sector, I’d like to see books by authors from a broader range of backgrounds. In our case, we hope to see results. We’ve shown everyone can work remotely but we miss the doughnut parties to celebrate our successes. The convenience of digital and its global growth will continue to mean agile indy publishers will be building readership. Our own sales are up 25% this year. But I think (I hope) from Easter on, there will be a return to the office and the high street.

Next time we’ll hear more about books, books and more books as well as from another member of this hard working enthusiastic team.

Join Joffe Books mailing list to hear about free books and great new releases: http://www.joffebooks.com/contact/
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Milly Adams is the author several historical novels, including  The Waterway Girls series

 

 

My Writing Process – Emma Eker.

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I’m a searcher – always have been, potentially always will be. I’ve questioned the status quo from the moment I had the capacity to do so – finding myself dissatisfied and unconvinced with the answers I was given. I mention this so you may understand that I spent my whole life pushing boundaries, rebelling against ‘the machine’ and searching for the Truth. This quest came with a restlessness that ensured I couldn’t stay still for any substantial amount of time, moving from place to place, job to job and person to person for as long as I can remember – I was always trying to get ‘there’… destination unknown. 

What you have written, past and present.

Apart from writing a teenage diary, essays for my psychology training, helping friends formulate emails and blogging through social media, my professional writing CV, up until this point, has been limited! Until recent years, although with a great love for writing, I am not sure that I considered utilising this in any particular way, either professionally or for any paid or altruistic offering – it simply wasn’t in my consciousness awareness to do so.

What you are promoting now.

My book is called “Liberation”. It has been a labour of love and is predominantly a solution-based memoir, highlighting my journey through life – moving through addiction, heartache, temporary loss of Self and many of the trappings of the human experience. I have always been solution-based, always aware that life is magic and benevolent and therefore I could not, would not, write a book relating to struggle without presenting the reader with a solution. Too many books in the mainstream point to the ‘problem’, providing identification but little or no hope for the eradication of that which the reader may be battling with. I believe we are all whole and perfect, but for our belief systems and this is what Liberation allows the reader to see. 

3. A bit about your process of writing.

If anyone is looking for ‘good advice’ from me in this area, they may be disappointed! My writing process has been totally haphazard. Some days / weeks I would be in ‘the zone’, writing flowing, immersed in the creative process and other times, my laptop would be left unattended whilst I found it more important to do absolutely nothing at all! Many a time I have found myself in judgement around my process, but I have come to see that everything happens perfectly and in divine timing. What I will say is this, I have learnt to hear and to listen to the still quiet voice within me that taps gently in order to gain my attention and nudges me in the right direction. When the ‘knowing’ comes knocking, I know it’s time to put fingers to keyboard. 

4. Do you plan or just write?

Absolutely no planning whatsoever. I truly trust my writing process and I go with what feels right, rather than what I could have set out in black and white with regard to a structure. I have never worked logically, despite being thrown into a system that required it. I must be honest and say I don’t think I ever planned any of the book at all. Everyone’s process is different though and we need to find what works best for us which is simply a matter of trial and error. I know that when I sit down in front of my computer with the intention to write, the words will flow through me and if they don’t, I recognise it isn’t the right time. For me, the trick is to take my thinking mind out of it and go with the (creative) flow.

· What about word count?

With “Liberation”, there was no specific word count. I made the decision to self-publish rather than write for a traditional publishing house who may have required a certain length of manuscript.   

· How do you do your structure?

There was no specific structure, although, before I made the decision to self-publish, I was in discussions with a traditional publishing company who had asked me to draw up a synopsis and provide a rough chapter breakdown. I did, on some level, find this helpful to refer to as the writing process began. I held the structure loosely, understanding that the ‘story’ would unfold and become clearer as time moved on. Therefore, the format continually changed as the writing flowed and took on different directions, but it was useful to at least know the direction in which I was headed.  

· What do you find hard about writing?

At many times, thoughts, ideas and words would flow into my mind incredibly quickly and leave just as quickly making it difficult at points (not to mention incredibly frustrating) to grab hold of and capture them. Because I have a perfectionist within me, I would find myself continually editing, editing and re-editing some more which again, can be incredibly frustrating. I have however learnt, that if there is something that needs language which I temporarily ‘forget’, it will revisit me again to make its way onto the page. Moving out of my own way to make way for the creative process has also been a challenge for me, left vs right brain – practice is the name of the game. 

· What do you love about writing?

It’s an interesting question. Is it enough to say that it feels like an extension of who I am? I love putting words together and creating something that touches or resonates with another human being in order to gain identification and understanding. The ‘writing zone’ is a very real thing and I love getting lost in here.

· Advice for other writers.

If you feel there is something you have to offer and have a desire to write, trust it. Do not give up. It does not always feel easy to take what is inside of us and give language to it ‘out there’ and at many times you may feel you are in a battle with and up against yourself, but you must trust your heartfelt desire to do it. For if it wasn’t yours to do, you would not have the desire in the first place. And remember, everything has its ‘perfect’ time, so trust that too!

 

Liberation by Emma Eker is out by Spiffing Covers on 28 January. You can buy a copy of Liberation by Emma Eker via her website or Amazon.

 

WELSH WRITING WEDNESDAYS: SALLY SPEDDING ON LIVING OTHER LIVES

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‘Write what you know’ is a common enough diktat for the newbie writer, but how about the more subtle ‘write what you sense’ which carries far more possibilities. Material delivered by mysterious inner forces, as opposed to merely outer observations. Why? Because I’m a believer in the transmigration of souls, whereby a departing spirit finds the first empty womb to inhabit, as espoused by the hounded, tortured Cathars particularly from that beautiful, historic Ariège region of France during 1294 – 1324.

To visit it, having read the historian, Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie’s moving account of their lives in the hamlet ‘Montaillou’ and its seemingly still mediaeval surroundings, is to experience, like the shepherd Pierre Maury, mysterious timeslips. When interrogated under torture, as to where he’d been on a particular day, he replied, ‘out looking to find my shoe.’
‘What shoe?’ asked his interrogator.
‘One that I cast when I was a horse.’ Sealing his fate.

To read of these Cathars’ cruel deaths in Pamiers, Foix, and in Carcassonne’s ‘Tower of Justice’ during the early fourteenth century, is chilling, yet these gentle people who posed such a threat to the Catholic Church, will never be forgotten, and whenever I start new work, whether a poem, short story or novel, conflict between good and evil begins.

Having reluctantly moved from our cottage near the River Sawdde in Llangadog, to urban Northampton, because of my now late artist husband Jeffrey’s new post at its university, I felt bereft, so, using a ruler to find the nearest coast, found where the River Nene, dividing Norfolk and Lincolnshire, meets the North Sea. Even now, that sense of death lurking in its silence, still lingers. I soon began ‘digging’ then writing the first few chapters of a part-contemporary/part-historical novel provisionally entitled, ‘Snare.’

Imagine my surprise having discovered Hilaire Belloc’s vivid collection of essays, ‘Hills and the Sea,’ in which he describes how once a newly-cleaned footbridge was re-opened in Sutton  Bridge, those who’d been waiting then walked across it ‘into the Wringland.’ This name intrigued me, but learning it had evolved from ‘wrungo’ the old High German for ‘snare’ added to the weirdness. I met several people living on the Fens who wouldn’t allow their children to go out after dusk because of ‘evil spirits.’

‘Wringland’ was the first in a two-book deal with PanMacmillan in 2001. Here, the ghost of Martha Robinson – one of the last to be publicly executed in 1862 – tells a fragment of her story before each chapter, in which young, keen Abbie Parker, a saleswoman in a new housing development, arrives at its Show Home to find the door already unlocked, the alarm disabled, and a strange, black-clad woman sitting by her desk demanding Plot 2 be reserved for her. Someone badly wronged, seeking justice. But at what price for Abbie, with her new career?

While looking for a holiday home in France, we’d stopped by the Grotte de Lombrives near Tarascon, where I immediately began shivering with fear and begging Jeffrey to drive on. Only afterwards did I learn from my Dutch aunt how Frenkel – my middle name – evolved from those Franco-Raphaelite Jews, purged by the Spanish Inquisition. Many of whom were walled up alive in that very same grotto. This might explain my claustrophobia. I still can’t use the Underground, lifts or aeroplanes. Meanwhile, France with its relatively few cremations, although harbouring so much dark history, continues to inspire my later books.

 

http://www.sallyspedding.com

 

 

She Hot Pepper – And Now They Have Home Delivery And Curb-side Collection – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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She Hot Pepper Bundles

Exciting news – do you remember the Frost feature on She Hot Pepper Sauces – those delicious home-made, authentic Trinidadian sauces – Trini Pepper, Lime Pepper and Tamarind? You know, the ones made with only real ingredients?

Well The Doubles Kitchen now have a full menu to get you through lockdown, and wow, it looks good.

The menu showcases traditional Trinidadian cuisine. Taking you on a trip to the Caribbean with every bite, touch and smell of their delicious food. Every dish is hand-made just like one would have in Trinidad. For some, it’s a memory of childhood, whereas for others it’s an exciting journey for their tastebuds.

So if you live in Enfield Borough, Southgate, Leyton, Leytonstone, Walthamstow or Chingford, take a look at the home delivery menu, otherwise curbside-collection is available from Sittingbourne Avenue, EN1. Just check out Double Kitchen on Facebook or Instagram or this link for current menu.

 

                                                 

                                                                              She Hot Pepper Bundles

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.

28 Days to Find your Bliss – in conversation with Alex Bannard by Annie Clarke

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Frost Magazine is invested in promoting every possible way to help everyone through lockdown, but not just lockdown, for we encourage ways and means to good health on all its levels – all the time.

So, Alex, let us know about yourself and the help you can provide to our readers:

I am a yoga teacher & a mindfulness coach & I have been sharing my passion for both of these practices for several years & been blessed to be able to do so all over the world, which is why I am so happy to be writing this for Frost Magazine, and  even happier to be writing  a mindfulness series for Frost readers in the near future.

So why are you so committed to yoga and mindfulness, Alex?

I believe whole-heartedly in the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual benefits these practices create because, well they have changed my life. Catch me on a melodramatic day & I’ll happily announce ‘They saved my life!’ always one to relish  theatrics.

I have used both practices to help me navigate the choppy waters of: mental illness (breakdowns, hospitalization, more breakdowns & eventually utter rock-bottom to precipitate the spiritual awakening that was the breakthrough – hurrah at last!); divorce (toxic nasty business, is there any other kind?); menopause (ghastly business, horribly similar to mental illness or such was my experience with the added extra of a hefty dose of anxiety & panic attacks…all very ‘normal’ apparently, who knew?); and then  lockdown & global pandemics. But combined with daily practices of gratitude & nature, I have found mindfulness & yoga are the cornerstones of my wellness & wellbeing.

So self-care, Alex? Tell us more.

I am a huge believer in the many benefits of self-care because I was so bad at practicing it myself, and consequently  my mental health took a battering. Self-care is the care we take of ourselves to nurture & nourish our physical, mental & emotional wellbeing, our mind, body & spirit. I believe that it is not a luxury but a necessity. I also believe that it’s not all chocolates in the bath & massages. Or self-indulgent, time consuming or expensive. But more of that later.

Self-care has a number of benefits. It builds resilience, our ability to bounce back from adversity because when we have taken time to look after our self. we are less likely to be floored by normal daily setbacks. It improves our sleep & our relationships because  our energy isn’t always going out, some of it is coming back inwards. It becomes clear that attending to our own needs  gives us more energy & time for others. Think of it like this: you can’t pour from an empty jug.

Self-care is an act of self-love, it reaffirms our sense of self, building our self-esteem, a sense of ‘I deserve’ this simply because we have taken the time to invest in ourselves. Our self-awareness improves as we become better at identifying stressors & what we can do to limit or offset them. Of course this all has a knock on effect making for a happier & healthier outlook.

But establishing a daily practice of self-care is not as common as you would belief with almost three quarters of adults not practicing any self-care rituals. The common excuses include lack of time & energy, guilt & finances.

Time & energy I get but what I have found by slowing down & investing in myself for a few short minutes every day, is that I am more productive & efficient,  & fulfilled. Self-care doesn’t have to be time consuming…surely we are all worth ½ hour of each day just for us, to nurture, nourish, rest & replenish ourselves?

Guilt – why would we feel guilty for taking care of ourselves? Surely we care enough about our self, not in a narcissistic, self-absorbed fashion, to spend a few minutes on our self everyday? I also believe that when we model self-care to our family, not only do they learn to respect those few moments we devote to our own wellbeing but they start to practice it themselves…what a gift to give to our nearest & dearest.

Finances – well yes, but as I’ve said before it doesn’t have to be expensive. And the longer term cost of not practicing self-care financially, emotionally, mentally…well I have experienced them first hand. My mental illness was the direct result of not making myself a priority in my own life. If you’re not a priority in your own life, how can you be a priority in anyone else’s?

So, from working with yourself, how did you move on to helping us?

It was with this idea of how can I help my tribe establish their own self-care practices & because I know how much I (& my family indirectly) have benefited from my own self-care practices that I set up my ‘couch to …’ programmes. So, think of  a more nourishing & nurturing version of my ‘couch to 5k’ and you come up with ‘couch to yoga mat or meditation cushion’.   These programmes are aimed at anyone who has heard about all the wonderful benefits of yoga & meditation: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual but just don’t  know where to start. These programs guide you from the basics, establishing a good solid foundation in your practice so that you have the skills & confidence to go to any class online (or in person) & to cultivate your own regular, daily even, practice in yoga or meditation in the comfort of your own home, which is ideal in lockdown.

You can also join this programme if you have done some yoga or meditated a bit, this programme will help you fine-tune, finesse your practice & guide you towards establishing a a regular meditation or yoga ritual of self-care.

Alex, that’s all we have time for but next week, tell us more about these courses, and we look forward to your mindfulness series starting in  Frost Magazine  in February.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the last 8 years, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace self-care.

Alex tells us that if you would like more information message her at alex@myananda.co.uk.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

Alternatively check out the website: www.myananda.co.uk

Alex will return on Monday 1st February.

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE SAINT DWYNWEN’S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL

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Most people probably know that St Valentine is considered to be the patron saint of love, but did you know that Wales has its own equivalent? St Dwynwen’s day is celebrated on 25th January in the same sort of ways as her more famous counterpart – sending cards, giving flowers, having a special meal – anything in fact that says ‘I love you’. St Dwynwen’s own story is a sad one, told with an overlay of traditional folklore elements – beautiful princesses, thwarted lovers and people being turned into blocks of ice. Ill-fated in love, Dwynwen became a nun, founding a convent on Anglesey, and generously praying that true lovers should have better fortune. Frost magazine is marking her special day with some reviews from Welsh authors of romance books that have a Welsh connection.

Trisha Ashley A Leap of Faith, reviewed by Evonne Wareham

I’m an Ashley fan, and she has been one of my go-to feel-good reads in lockdown. That said, I had mixed feelings about this one. It has familiar ingredients – a slightly older heroine, with a biological clock ticking, a bit of mystery, some infuriatingly arrogant and entitled ex boyfriends and husbands, a supporting cast of eccentrics, crafts and baking and recipes. I loved the fact that it’s set in Wales, in an imaginary community on the Gower and has a rather gorgeous hero called Nye, who speaks with a Welsh lilt, although he was brought up in Manchester and his looks are more Viking than Celtic! On the down side, the book is twenty years old and has not been significantly updated and there are a couple of episodes of harm to animals that I found upsetting. With those caveats, I did enjoy the book. Probably one to choose if you have read her others and are completing your collection, as I was. If she is new to you, it may be better to begin with something more recent. Those involving chocolate are particularly scrumptious.

Sue McDonagh Escape to the Art Café, reviewed by Jan Baynham

The third in a series, Escape to the Art Café is another feel-good, uplifting novel that may also be read as a stand-alone. The author writes with pace and humour to keep the reader turning the pages. However, for me, her strength is in the characterisation. She creates multi-layered characters whom you care about. Both Flora and Jake are ones I really warmed to and as their backstories are revealed, I came to understand more about them. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Gower peninsular and with a great twist towards the end, the theme of strong community so often found in Wales runs through the whole novel. I enjoyed it immensely.

Tracy Rees The Hourglass, reviewed by Jill Barry

Two different eras spring to life in this poignant story of youthful dreams and cold reality. We meet the competent Nora in 2014 at an unhappy time for her. In 1953, schoolgirl Chloe lives for her annual visit to Tenby, a town to which the troubled Nora is also drawn. But the two are linked by more than the Welsh seaside resort which, as the novel progresses, is viewed in all its colourful splendour through the main characters’ eyes. You’ll relive simple pleasures and wonder about the power of love and positive thought.

Evonne Wareham A Wedding on the Riviera, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

A Wedding on the Riviera is a smoking hot romance entangled with an intriguing mystery. The runaway groom hooked me from the outset. An intricately woven plot ensured I escaped to the Riviera, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath.  Wonderful writing took me into the heart and soul of Nadine and Ryan and made me yearn for their happiness. I absolutely loved the tension created by the dubious dealing of Thackery. Drama, romance and glamour are packed into the novel. Will the perfect plan to catch a thief be thwarted?