Tag Archives: Review

Red Flags by Sophie Jo Book Review

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Red Flags is a joyful book with a great message. It is How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days for the Gen Z generation. I love Poppy. She is so confident and sure of herself, but her guard is up and she is too cynical. Then we have Cam, who is scared of being vulnerable. He is terrified of intimacy. It is so wonderful to see a young man portrayed in such a beautiful and nuanced way. I am not the target market for this book. I am not a teen, nor a young adult, but if I ever wanted to read a manual for having a good, healthy, relationship, then this is definitely it.

This witty and engaging book is a must read. Sophie Jo writes very wise books full of warmth and well-rounded characters. I adored it. A brilliant five star read.

Poppy is known for her high standards. Why bother with relationships when boys don’t ever seem to live up to her expectations? One red flag and she’s out.

Cam is known for quickly developing the ick. He’s never dated anyone for long – a week here, a month there, but he always spooks.

When Poppy’s friends challenge her to give someone a chance for two whole months, Poppy decides that Cam (her mysterious bus crush) could be the best of an underwhelming bunch. But Cam’s been set his own challenge: he’s banned from ending things in his next relationship … and that means he’s ready to do whatever he can to put Poppy off.

Two skeptics. Two months. And this time, neither of them can disappear the moment they spot something they don’t like…

The Grapevine by Kate Kemp Book Review

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Every now and then there is a book that everyone wants a proof of. Melancholy is the downside of seeing the social media posts of the book you want to read RIGHT NOW. Anyway, not to be smug, but I got a copy of Kate Kemp’s The Grapevine ages ago and devoured it in two days. A sumptuous story set in 1970s Australia, it is one of the most talked-about debuts of 2025. Winner of the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction, The Grapevine is a grippy and luscious story of living in a claustrophobic community and how the roles of motherhood can lead to bad decisions. 

I felt for the housewives of this suburban community, even while being infuriated and sad with their decisions. 

Set in the height of the summer in Australia, 1979, you can feel the heat in this book. It starts off with a shocking murder. As the news of Antonio Marietti’s death spreads through the neighbourhood, the gossip starts and fingers are pointed. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, desperate to solve the mystery. 

The Grapevine is a fantastic story with a gripping plot and characters that you don’t forget. I thought I knew what was going to happen, then the plot threw me for a loop. Expect big things from Kate Kemp. This is a stunning debut and an unforgettable novel. It captures small-town life perfectly. The historical settings add yet another layer to this atmospheric novel. Gorgeous. 

Australia, 1979.

It’s the height of summer and on a quiet suburban cul-de-sac a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white chequered tiles of her bathroom floor. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, it’s 3 a.m. For another, she is trying desperately to remove all traces of blood before they stain. Her husband seems remarkably calm, considering their neighbour has just been murdered.

As the sun rises on Warrah Place, news of Antonio Marietti’s death spreads like wildfire, gossip is exchanged in whispers and suspicion mounts. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, determined to find out what happened, but she is not the only one whose well-meaning efforts uncover more mysteries than they solve. There are secrets behind every closed door in the neighbourhood – and the identity of the murderer is only one of them . . .

Richly atmospheric and simmering with tension, The Grapevine is an acutely observed debut novel about prejudice and suspicion, the hidden lives of women, and how the ties that bind a community can also threaten to break it.

The Grapevine, published by Phoenix, is out now and available here.

Rewind Your Hair’s Age: Scandinavian Biolabs 

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We’re all about helping hands at Frost. Any beauty products that work, we love. This hair activation system made a notable difference to hair.

As we age, our hair naturally thins and loses volume, but with the right routine, you can turn back the clock. Scandinavian Biolabs, known for their innovative, science-backed hair care solutions, believes everyone deserves to love their hair at every stage of life. 

The Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine (£96, scandinavianbiolabs.co.uk) is the perfect gift for transforming thinning, ageing hair. Their 3-step system is powered by clinically proven ingredients that nourish the scalp, boost growth, and restore fullness—targeting the common signs of hair ageing. 

This Christmas, give the gift of youthful, rejuvenated hair – because great hair knows no age…

STEP 1 : TARGET

At the forefront of the transformative regimen is the Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum (£49/100ml), a cutting-edge formula meticulously crafted through stem cell technology. Plant growth nurture hair follicles, promoting hair growth and reducing thinning. Ingredients like HotFlux® and Capilia Longa®stimulate blood flow, revitalising dormant hair follicles. Niacinamide and Caffeine work to increase keratin production and improve nutrient delivery, strengthening and improving the integrity of hair.

STEP 2: CLEANSE

Complementing the potent serum is the Hair Strength Shampoo (£21/250ml), delicately formulated to cleanse, fortify and rebalance the scalp environment. Utilising Capilia Longa® to help reactivate growth in dormant hair follicles while providing nourishment for optimal growth. Niacinamide +Amino Acid Complex are both karatin-boosting and rich in proteins to strengthen and improve durability of hair, whilst also providing moisturising benefits.

STEP 3: CONDITION

To seal in the revitalising benefits, the Hair Recovery Conditioner (£26/250ml) helps improve the smoothness and elasticity for a healthy shine and restore weak hair, limiting breakage. With ingredients like Capilia Longa®, Aloe Vera to hydrate and soothe the scalp, Amino Acid Complex (rich in proteins) and a Lipid-Rich Oil Blend which is rich in fatty acids to condition and smooth, while forming a lipid-rich protective film to improve shine, reduce frizz and prevent breakage

CLINICAL EFFICACY STUDY OF THE SCANDINAVIAN BIOLABS BIO-PILIXIN® FORMULA USED IN A HAIR SERUM conducted by: Centro de Tecnología Capilar, S.L.30 volunteers men and women (two groups of 15) carried out over 150 days+       77% reported reduced hair loss after 45 days+       97% reported reduced hair loss after 150 days+       93% had clinically tested reduction in hair loss after 150 days+       73% had clinically tested increase in hair density after 150 days

scandinavianbiolabs.co.uk        |         @scandinavianbiolabsco

Scandinavian Biolabs is available to buy from scandinavianbiolabs.co.uk and unfabeled.co

Simba Slippers. The Perfect Stocking Filler

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There is nothing quite like a comfortable slipper during Christmas time. We spend so much time at home and comfort is paramount. Simba are a great brand when it comes to sleeping. My bed is made by them and I love it. I trialled the Rok slipper and loved it. It looks great and is comfortable. The only downside is that I have wide feet and they were a little tight so I would go up a size if you also have weird feet like me. My Christmas style game has definitely been upped and my feet are happy.
Simba has taken its expertise in sleep technology to a new level with the launch of the YLUR (£79), ROK (£89), and STORMUR (£69) slippers. These aren’t just any slippers—they’re crafted using high-performance materials like Merino wool, leather, and suede, offering comfort and style in equal measure, for men and women alike.

ROK Slipper: A classic moccasin design with durable suede and Simba’s 9-Zone Reflexology technology, providing all-day support and relief.

Designed with 9-Zone Reflexology technology, simba slippers gently massage the feet, improving circulation and relieving pressure in key areas. Whether it’s for a quick dash outside or for lounging by the fire, these slippers will bring holiday joy and year-round comfort to anyone on your gift list.

Simba Slippers: YLUR, ROK, and STORMUR, £69 to £89

Available now via www.simbasleep.com

The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw 

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 As the nights get darker and Autumn draws in it’s the perfect time to curl up with a book. There is no book more perfect for a wintry evening than The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells. Modern magic meets perfect prose. I read this in one day. It is an absolute masterpiece and one of my favourite books of the year. It incorporates magic in a modern way that feels natural.You will love meeting the Woodsmoke women as much as I did. An evocative and compelling story about lost love and the magic of coming home. Absolute perfection.

The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells follows Carrie Morgan, who expects trouble when she returns to Woodsmoke after ten years. What she does not predict is the beautiful stranger who walks into her life with the first frost. 

Cecilia Ahern also loved it: ‘It captivated me from the very first page. It reminds me of why I love writing and why I love reading. It’s magical and grounding at the same time, otherworldly and natural. I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end.’

Rachel Greenlaw grew up in North Cornwall, surrounded by wild moorland. She studied English with Creative Writing at Falmouth University before moving to the Scilly Isles. She is an expert on life on a remote island.

Simba Hybrid Mattress Review

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You sleep on a mattress every single night so buying a good one is important. Nothing is more important than sleep. Spending money on a good mattress is money that will never be wasted. It’s good for your body, your day when you are rested, and not being awake at night.

The Simba Hybrid Mattress is a fantastic mattress. Comfortable, cool and just the right amount of soft and firm. It contours to your body like a glove. It arrives in a box and expands in a few hours. Then you are ready to go. It smells a little at first so you might want to open a window. The Simba Hybrid Mattress is a dream to sleep on. I couldn’t recommend it enough. It is fantastic technology for a perfect night’s sleep.

Hybrid® Original Highlights

  • Our original Hybrid mattress. Our first ground-breaking design, over ½ million happy customers so far.
  • More springs, more comfort. Double the Aerocoil® springs of the Hybrid® Essential, for better spinal alignment & pressure relief.
  • Cooler sleep. Open-cell Simbatex® foam provides cooling airflow.
  • 100% edge-to-edge support. SupportCore™ base prevents roll-off at the sides.
  • Breathable cover. Soft, knitted cover with zip-off top for washing or replacing.
  • Made in the UK. With UK sourced materials, in zero-waste factories.
  • 100% recyclable. And designed with 68% less foam.

HIGHER AEROCOIL® SPRING COUNT

Extra springs, extra comfort

  
More contouring   
More cooling action   
Anti-motion transfer 

Made from titanium alloy. For strength in a tiny size.  

The Hybrid® Original features 2,000 of our titanium alloy Aerocoil® springs, the maximum we can fit in a single layer (and a big step up from the Essential). You won’t feel them, but they provide the tailored full body support and soothing pressure relief that’s already helped over half a million happy customers sleep better.  

They work in three, clever ways:  

Contour: each spring compresses individually in response to body weight; they’re also zoned for optimum pressure relief and contoured support  

Cool: they gently push fresh, cooling air through the mattress as they compress  

Control: their conical shape means they compress inwards, limiting transfer of movement.  

The Hybrid® Original also features our unique SupportCore® base, with another 1,000 pocketed barrel springs to ensure 100% edge-to-edge support.

The Simba Hybrid® Mattress

Under Her Roof by A. A. Chaudhuri Book Review

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The Final Party by A. A. Chaudhuri was one of my books of the year when it was released last year. Fantastic writing and a brilliant plot made her one of my new favourite writers. When Under Her Roof dropped through my letterbox I was excited. Taking a very real issue (housing) and making a twisty stalker thriller that grips from the first page. It’s perfect for fans of dark thrillers. If you liked You you will love this. I didn’t see the ending happening. The novel is gripping and dark. Under Her Roof is a fantastic thriller that is tense and keeps you guessing all of the way to the end. I was fully immersed from the first page and the book has stayed with me. A. A. Chaudhuri has made her name as one of the best thriller writers today. Brilliant.

It seems too good to be true…

When struggling writer Sebastian finds a room to let in a palatial Hampstead residence he cannot believe his luck. The rent is ridiculously cheap and he immediately feels a connection with his beautiful widowed landlady, Adriana.

It is.

Things take a dark turn when he finds out what happened to the last lodger. Could this be why the house is a fortress of security, and why Adriana seems so fragile? Adriana doesn’t want to talk about the death and sadness that seem to follow her wherever she goes and Sebastian has secrets of his own.

Now someone is watching their every move and there is nowhere to hide.

This house of light becomes a dark nightmare as the threat ramps up – what does the watcher want? And how far will they go to get it?

A gripping, twisty thriller perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Shari Lapena and Lucy Foley. If you were hooked by Netflix series You or The Watcher then you will love this. Out June 13th.

Under Her Roof is available to preorder here.

Solid Beauty Bars The Ultimate Travel Essentials

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I adore beauty bars. None of the guilt of plastic, and all of the beauty benefits. They are perfect for traveling because they can’t explode in your bag or leak. Hurray!

Solid Beauty Bars – The Ultimate Travel Essentials

When it comes to travelling, the struggle to streamline and squeeze in all of our beauty essentials can make packing feel like a mean feat – especially with carry-on restrictions and tight luggage allowances. Hack your summer holiday packing and forgo the liquid hassle altogether with solid beauty bars from Eco Warrior.

These compact, job-specific, plastic-free, solid cleansing bars are not only kind to your skin, hair and the planet, but also help to take the stress out of packing – replacing bulky and heavy liquid bottles, you can simply pop your Eco Warrior bars in your hand luggage, without the risk of any leaking or spilling. From washing and exfoliating, to shaving and shampooing Eco Warrior has all your cleansing needs covered…in solid form. It’s time to hit the bar this summer!

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Mini-Bars with Bottle for Everyday Cleansing
Eco Warrior Mini Cube – £8/ 4 x 30g
your essential face, hair and body cleansing routine in mini form – pocket sized perfection for cleansing away from home.

Shampoo Bar – with a blend of Orange & Ginger essential oils to stimulate the scalp and Pink Clay to deeply cleanse and hydrate, this solid shampoo cleans, conditions and moisturises hair. Why take two bottles into the shower when one mini-bar will do?
Sensitive Facial Bar – with a Chamomile & Calendula essential oil blend, this nourishing facial bar is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and good to use all over the body.

Exfoliating Bar – Fragranced with a pure Citrus essential oil blend, this solid, moisturising body scrub is made with oatmeal – a natural, soothing exfoliant to help gently buff away dead, dull skin cells, for soft, smooth, supple skin.

Shaving Bar – a luxurious, naturally lathering bar with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, fragranced with a pure blend of Bergamot and Lime essential oils to moisture, and soothe the skin pre, post and during your shave.

Targeted Cleansing Bars
Eco Warrior Clear Skin Bar – £4.50/100g
for those with oily, acne-prone skin this clarifying and richly moisturising black cleansing bar contains Charcoal to reduce excessive sebum, Grapeseed Oil to nourish and soothe dry, sensitive skin, with an antibacterial Tea Tree essential oil blend.

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Eco Warrior Sensitive Scalp Shampoo Bar – £5.50/100g
for a uber-gentle, scalp sensitive cleanse this shampoo bar contains a blend of White Clay and Clary Sage Oil to gently and naturally cleanse and moisturise your hair and scalp.
fragranced with a clearing, pure essential oil blend of Mint and Eucalyptus to help keep the scalp happy and heathy.

Vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable, biodegradable, recyclable and plastic-free – Eco Warrior bars have major impact on cleansing, minimum impact on the environment. And as you’ve come to expect from this certified B Corporation collection – totally from detergents, SLS, sulphates, alcohol, parabens, sorbates, silicones, and synthetic preservatives.
littlesoapcompany.co.uk

Eco Warrior bars are available from Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and littlesoapcompany.co.uk
@eco_warrior_soap | @little_soap_co