Tag Archives: Review

Hunting The Eagles By Ben Kane Review by Jan Speedie

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HUNTING THE EAGLES BY BEN KANE Review by Jan Speedie book reviews, books, reading

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

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

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

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

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

Published by Arrow in Paperback £6.99

 

 

3DU Whoosh 3D Screen Protector Review

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The screen protector market is an overcrowded one. With so much choice it can be hard to stand out. 3DU have achieved this by creating screen protectors that allow you to watch 3D content on your phone. Pretty cool.

iphone6shop

I wasn’t sure how this would work but I put it on my iPhone 6 and it is very impressive. You can even watch 3D films without glasses. You have to download the free app, but it is easy to set up.

shark understand-features

Simply put the 3DU Whoosh 3D screen protector on your phone, download the free Whoosh 3D app and you can instantly convert your pictures and videos to 3D. It even works whilst streaming movies and TV shows, watch from 2D and turn into 3D with one click. It works even better when watching original 3D films, all without the need for glasses. Just play on your phone and become immersed.​ Interesting and original, it would make a great present.

 

It works for iPhone 5S, 5c or 6.

https://www.3du.co.uk/whoosh3d/

 

Royal Warrant Holder Fulton Umbrellas launches ‘The London Collection’

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 Fulton Umbrella’s 2016 Parasoled range Review
It is no secret that I love London and Frost Magazine can be quite London-centric (sorry to the rest of the UK. We love you too). There is a good reason for our love of London: it is the best city in the world. To celebrate Fulton have launched a London Collection. Fulton’s iconic style makes it a favourite of Her Majesty the Queen. I review the London Photographic print. It is beautiful and full of landmarks of London. The umbrella is well made of course. It is of the highest quality and fits well into a handbag. I am a fan. Pick one up yourself. There are five original designs.
Designed to pay homage to the city’s iconic landmarks and famous features Fulton launch The London Collection. Featuring classic cabs, red telephone boxes, Big Ben, the Royal Guards and the Union Jack, Fulton’s London Collection offers the perfect accessory to celebrate the city where the brand was born sixty years ago.

The collection includes a range of lightweight, compact models which feature bold prints to make a statement in showers this summer. The ‘Tiny’ is Fulton’s most compact style, without compromising on quality, making it perfect for handbags in case of unexpected downpours.The Birdcage, Fulton’s iconic style and a favourite of Her Majesty the Queen, is given a fresh twist with the London Icons pattern. Children aren’t forgotten, with a distinctive Funbrella featuring Royal Guards marching along its trim.

 

Fulton was founded in 1956 in the UK and from humble beginnings the company is now the UK’s leading umbrella manufacturer, exporting to countries around the world. As an international brand, Fulton is a great UK success story for innovation and style.

Polly’s Angels by Katie Flynn Review by Jan Speedie

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book reviews, books, reviews, good reads, Polly’s Angels by Katie Flynn Review by Jan Speedie

Katie Flynn first published Polly’s Angels in the year 2000; if you missed it then it is well worth a catch up. A classic saga of the O’Brady family .

In 1936 the O’Brady family’s circumstances change and they are forced to move into central Liverpool to find work.  Life in Liverpool is very different from the countryside home they loved.  Polly is a bright, popular 13 year old who does well at school and always follows the rules.  Local bad boy Sunny Anderson is very taken with Polly and tries hard to lead her astray.

In 1939 as war looms, Sunny, for all his wayward ways, joins the navy and trains as a signaller. As soon as Polly is old enough she enrols into the WRNS. Polly’s childhood sweetheart Tad Donoghue, trains as an RAF pilot and hopes to reunite with his first love.  Secrets about Polly’s past come to light – who does she really love Sunny or Tad?

Katie Flynn’s knowledge about wartime Liverpool is extensive, the bombings, food shortages and the strength of the citizens to endure all that is thrown at them.

Katie Flynn is a compulsive writer starting her career with short stories broadcast on Radio Merseyside.  Her Liverpool series was inspired by hearing reminiscences of her family’s lives during the war.

Katie has lived for many years in the north-west.

 

Published by Arrow in June 2016

 

£6.99 in paperback

 

 

The Taste of Summer by Kate Lord Brown Review by Frances Colville

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book reviews The Taste of Summer by Kate Lord Brown Review by Frances ColvilleFinancial problems with a rambling castle in south west Ireland, a busy hotel and restaurant, the filming of a favourite cookery competition for TV, a tangled web of relationships both current and in the past, mother and daughter issues, childhood memories, alcoholism, food-blogging, cake baking, house building, a disturbed and manipulative main character, kidnapping, sabotage, a fire and possible murder all vie for position in this new novel from Kate Lord Brown.  A bit much?
Yes, probably.  But I did keep turning the pages to see how it was all going to work out and although some parts of the ending were clearly signposted I didn’t get everything sorted in my head.  Not sure it’s quite a relaxing beach read given that you need to concentrate.  Perhaps despite the title, it’s better suited to a long winter’s evening when you’re feeling in need of that taste of summer.

 

The Taste of Summer by Kate Lord Brown is published by Orion on 28 July 2016 in paperback priced at £7.99.

 

 

White Wine Summer Special

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Following on from our rosé wine special, here are some whites to enjoy this summer.

Louis Jadot Mâcon Blanc Villages 2014Louis Jadot Mâcon Blanc Villages 2014 

This is a superior white wine. Well balanced and ripe. This Chardonnay is soft and creamy with a crisp finish. Very enjoyable.

RRP: £12.05

Stockists:  Asda, Nisa, Palmer and Harvey, Wine Rack, Bin 21, The Devine Wine Company, Wimbledon Wine Cellars, Eynsham Cellars, Luvians Bottleshop

An extremely well made and balanced Chardonnay showing the lovely ripe fruit of the Burgundy region that gives a balanced wine with a soft, gentle creamy mouthfeel and crisp apple characters all balanced by just enough fresh acidity.  This wine is lovely on its own but also make the perfect partner to fish and chicken dishes at your summer picnic.

Cune Barrel Fermented Blanco 2014Cune Barrel Fermented Blanco 2014

I do like a good Rioja and this one is particularly pleasing. It is 100% Viura grapes and has freshness in abundance. Perfect on a summers day.

RRP: £9.80

Stockists: Waitress.com, Wine Rack, Tanners Wines, Eynsham Cellars, Ellie’s Cellar, The Seriously Good Wine Company, Old Chapel Cellars

This wine will remind you of how good white Rioja can be.  Made using 100% Viura grapes, this wines has fresh citrus flavours and a toasty richness on the palate. Just the thing with a chicken salad or grilled fish.

Errazuriz Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Errazuriz Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc 2015

I am a fan of Errazuriz Estate AND Sauvignon Blanc so this one was bound to go down well. This one is fresh, dry and delicious. Tropical fruit and citrus notes make it ideal for summer.

RRP: £10.30

Stockists: Waitrose, Morrison, Majestic, Wine Rack, Fenwick, Cheers Wine Merchants, Field and Fawcett, Palmer and Harvey, Vino Wines

Fragrant tropical aromas of melon, papaya and passion fruit are mingled with subtle citrus notes. Intense and refreshing, this Sauvignon Blanc shows vibrant acidity and a juicy, elegant finish.  Ideal for sipping in the sunshine.

 

 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Review

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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight

I am a fan of La Roche-Posay. I always find their products are good to my skin. The Toleriane Ultra Overnight is for sensitive skin, combining powerful antioxidant with soothing active ingredients. I have been using this for a few months now and I am a huge fan. It is lightweight on skin and sinks in well. It really hydrates and soothes. It has made a difference to my skin, making it less dry and healthier. It is very soothing and I notice a difference in my skin if I forget to apply it. I would definitely buy this. It is a great product and the price is reasonable. I also love the packaging, which is air-tight to protect it. Great stuff.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight review

TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT (£17.50) 
NEW for 2016, La Roche–Posay introduces breakthrough night care to help hyper-sensitive skin feel ready to face the day in comfort. Adhering to La Roche–Posay’s strict minimal formulation charter and air-tight packaging to protect its purity, Toleriane Ultra Overnight combines a powerful antioxidant duo with soothing active ingredients to minimise discomfort, giving sensitive skin what it needs to help repair itself, overnight.
SENSITIVE SKIN IS AN INCREASINGLY COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG UK WOMEN, WITH SUFFERERS EXPERIENCING A RANGE OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS.
Even during sleep, sensitive skin has no respite. People with sensitive skin can sometimes wake up and feel like their skin is already irritated and uncomfortable before the day has even started. Signs of discomfort can include tingling, tightness, itching, stinging and even a burning feeling. Delivering intensive relief and hydration to sensitive, reactive skin. Tested on even the most allergy-prone skin, the TOLERIANE range contains a high tolerance formula with a minimal number of ingredients for optimal efficacy on sensitive skin. Now La Roche–Posay goes one step further with the new Toleriane Ultra Overnight – clinically proven to significantly reduce skin sensitivity, whilst providing intense soothing care to relieve and hydrate uncomfortable, reactive skin night after night. Hyper-sensitive skin needs extra help at night. Compared to ‘normal’ skin, sensitive skin is more easily irritated by external aggressors like allergens, toxins and histamines, and it is less able to defend itself against them.
KEY INGREDIENTS
CARNOSINE + VITAMIN E = DETOXIFIES AND LIMITS TOXIN ACCUMULATION
Naturally produced by the body, Carnosine is an amino acid and hydrophilic antioxidant. Present in the body’s cells, Vitamin E is an antioxidant active ingredient known to fight free radicals. Together, they are the best performing and most complete antioxidant duo to inhibit oxidation induced by daily aggressors and help detoxify skin cells to reduce the skin’s reactivity and relieve signs of irritation.
NEUROSENSINE = BREAKS THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF INFLAMMATION
The ultra-soothing action of Neurosensine inhibits the micro-inflammatory process responsible for skin hypersensitivity to ensure long-lasting comfort. With its peptide molecular structure, Neurosensine is able to stimulate the release of messengers within skin that work against inflammatory messengers, such as histamine. The lightweight formula is reinforced with the naturally soothing properties of La Roche Posay’s Thermal Spring Water.
KEY BENEFITS
• Clinically proven to reduce inflammatory redness, itching, tightness and stinging sensations
• Instant hydration that works overnight to leave skin feeling soft, comfortable and rested for an even, smooth complexion
• Helps the skin build stronger barrier properties to defend itself against irritation, reactivity and sensitivity
• Skin is freed from discomfort and looks rested, soothed and ready to face the day ahead
CLINICAL TEST RESULTS
Tested on even the most intolerant, allergy-prone skin, La Roche–Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight has proven clinical efficacy to reduce skin sensitivity, night after night. After one month of use, those tested reported:
• 76% reduction in tightness
• 69% reduction in itching
• 57% in stinging
THE TEST RESULTS ALSO DEMONSTRATED ITS EFFICACY ON THE LOOK AND FEEL OF THE SKIN:
• 96% skin felt softer
• 95% skin felt soothed, more supple and smoother
• 89% skin looked renewed
TOLERIANE ULTRA OVERNIGHT USAGE
Designed for night-time use, the non-oily, fresh water gel texture melts into the skin for instant absorption. Both light and enveloping, Toleriane Ultra Overnight cocoons the skin without leaving a sticky residue, for a soft and soothing on-skin feel. Apply to the face and neck every night. For optimal results, use with the Toleriane Ultra range for a comprehensive regime tailored to transform sensitive, reactive skin.

Summer Rosé Wine Review Special

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There are few better pleasures in life than a glass of rosé on a summers day. Here are some picks from us. We have been hard at work testing three different bottles of rosé. Don’t say we don’t love you.
Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015Jean-Luc Colombo Pins Couches Rosé 2015

This is one of the best rosés on the market. Subtle and refreshing, this wine is clear and light. This gorgeous, abundant wine transports you to the Italian sunshine. A huge winner. .

Available from: BargainBooze.com, Vino Wines, Wino’s, Harrods.com, Ellie’s Cellar, Partridges of Sloane Street, Les Caves du Patron, Kingsgate Wines

RRP: £11.10

A light, refreshing and dry Rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit characters. On the palate, notes of fresh fruits and herbs evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast, transporting you to sunny climates all summer long.

Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

 Joseph Mellot Sancerre Le Rabault Rosé 2014

Perfect for picnics and barbecues. Delicate and floral. A not-too-sweet wine that is both delicate and fruity. It is a beautiful salmon colour and has a fruity freshness.

Available from: Aitken Wines, Fountainhall Wines, The Whalley Wine Shop, The Leamington Wine Company, Eagle Wines

RRP: £18.80

With a delicate floral nose and fresh raspberries on the palate this wine is the perfect partner to any summer BBQ.

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Villa Maria Private Bin Rosé 2015

Refreshing and dry, the ripe berry fruit makes this wine another perfect summer addition. It’s sweetness makes it a perfect apéritif.

Available from: Tesco.com, Majestic.co.uk, Temple Wines, Beers Wines & Spirits, Village Wines, Hailsham Cellars

RRP: £10.30

This New Zeland Rosé has bright floral aromas with flavours of strawberry, red fruits and spice and a delicious smooth finish which will go down perfectly at all summer soirées.