Desolation by Keith Moray

 

Desolation by Keith Moray is a medieval mystery set in Yorkshire in 1361. It is a potent brew of violence and fear, with murders galore. This book, out on 17 October 2025, is the start of a new medieval mystery series.

Blurb:

Desolation

The Black Rood of Scotland, stolen.

A coroner of York, murdered.

An evil worse than plague itself, at large...

1361, York. As the country recovers from the war with France, and whispers that the pestilence has returned to England grow louder, fear is in the heart of every nobleman and commoner alike.

Sir Ralph de Mandeville, ex-soldier and newly appointed Justice of the Peace is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby.

More deaths quickly follow, and while these are swifty dealt with as plague victims, Sir Ralph and his two assistants Merek and Peter soon uncover something altogether more horrifying... A greater evil is at large in the northern wapentakes.

As panic escalates and the lines between plague and murder blur, Sir Ralph is thrust into a desperate race against time. Every shadow hides a potential killer, every cough could be a death knell. Can he unmask a murderer lurking in the terrifying shadow of the Black Death before they're all consumed by a terror more sinister than any plague?

Set in and around York in 1361, the story follows Sir Ralph de Mandeville, a newly appointed Justice of the Peace. Tasked with finding the killers of the Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby, Ralph and his assistants, Merek and Peter, travel to the wapentake of Langbarugh.

The peace between England and France is very fragile, and any minor trigger could bring a conflict. Then there is The Black Rood of Scotland being stolen from the shrine of the blessed St Cuthbert in Durham Cathedral, which might present a potential threat from Scotland, where it could be used to rally an army. "And if one country sought war, the two may join together. The Auld Alliance as they call it!"

The wapentake of Langbarugh is a place where fear reigns. One death after another keeps most people behind the closed doors, as the rumours of a new wave of pestilence spread further afield.

"It had been thirteen years since the pestilence that they called the Great Death had ravaged the land and killed almost half the population of the country. Now there was talk that it might be returning, and it was only natural that people were fearful".

The plague victims all seem to succumb to the most horrible death during the night. De Mandeville and his side-kicks are trying to uncover several mysteries at the same time. There is a great evil at large, and it's not necessarily the plague.

Could Ralph and his loyal team find out the shocking truth?

Ralph is a decent investigator, he is perceptive, analytical and fearless. "Sir Ralph knew the law as well as any man in England and was always both fair and considered in his judgments".

While Merek and Peter provide brawn and brain to the given tasks, it's de Mandeville who assesses and evaluates the evidence, looking for clues. The three men understand each other well, and despite the differences in social standing, they are truly comrades, set on investigation.

"Several times they had found themselves in dangerous situations and had to fight and guard each other's backs. Each brought different fighting skills that somehow complimented each other".

I read a different medieval mystery by K.Moray a few years ago (The summoner's sins), and rather forgot that his stories revel in gory details. 

Desolation depicts so many sadistic murders that it feels like an overkill (no pun intended).

If you enjoy historical fiction with lots of gore, this book is for you. If you're squeamish, find something lighter to read.

Desolation is a suspensful, vivid and memorable tale of the dark and desperate times.

Potential triggers: multiple murders (including that of a child), death from plague, graphic violence, mutilation of corpses, extensive descriptions of plague symptoms.

Many thanks to Keith Moray and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/desolationsocial

Author Bio –

Keith is a retired GP, medical journalist and novelist, writing in several genres. As Keith Moray he writes historical crime fiction in the medieval era and in ancient Egypt, The Inspector Torquil McKinnon crime novels set on the Outer Hebridean island of West Uist, and as Clay More he writes westerns. Curiously, his medical background finds its way into most of his fiction writing.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @KeithMorayAuthor

Twitter: @KeithMorayTales

Instagram: @souterkeith

The Silver Tide by J.H. Mann

 

"The ocean unleashes a surge of emotions and memories. Despite all the pain it has caused, it raises spirits and she ups her pace. The sea is part of her. It surges in her veins as it did in those of her father and brothers..."

"She will discover the truth. Whatever it takes. She owes it to her father, to her brothers, to Norah's son and every other soul who died on that fateful day".

The Silver Tide by J.H. Mann is a moving historical novel, set in Cornwall in 1863. Full of secrets, drama, menace and dark intrigue, romance and passion, with a strong female protagonist.

The Silver Tide

Cornwall, 1863.

On a windswept beach, Maggie Pascoe watches in horror as her family is lost to the sea. Her father and three brothers are among dozens of fishermen from the town of St Branok who perish in a summer storm.

Destitute and alone, she finds comfort in her friendship with widow Norah Bray, whose young son also drowned in the disaster.

But the tragedy was no accident. As Maggie battles to uncover the truth, she hides a devastating secret - one that could destroy her bond with Norah forever.

Inspired by a true story, The Silver Tide is a powerful tale of love, betrayal and one woman's courageous fight for justice.

Like with the other Cornish-themed book by J.H. Mann that I've read (The echoing shore), the story begins with a dramatic prologue. The unexpected summer storm brings a tragedy of astronomic proprotions to the Cornish town of St Branok.

With so many souls lost in the storm, "the town's heart has been ripped out". Seventy one fishermen perish, fifteen fishing boats sink, many other boats are damaged. It looks like St Branok has suffered a mortal blow.

Maggie Pascow is bereft, having lost her whole family to the sea, including her father and three brothers. She is left to cope on her own. As a single young woman without means to support herself, her choices are very limited. The only person Maggie can rely on is her friend Norah, who has lost her young son on that fateful summer day.

"Where would she be without Norah? Where would Norah be without her? They've become intertwined by tragedy. The greatest friendships are forged in adversity, so they say".

Maggie cannot rest until she finds out the truth how the tragedy has happened and whether it could have been prevented. She is considered by many locals as a nuisance, someone who doesn't know her place.

"Everybody has a purpose. Everybody has a home. Everybody has their place in the community, no matter how low it might be. Everybody but her. What is she going to do? What can she do?"

Driven out of her home, Maggie doesn't give up. Her resolve to dig out the truth is unwavering.

St Branok is a typical fishing community, where men's words and opinions matter, while womenfolk are delegated to the supporting task, they have to be obedient and subservient.

Prickly, disobedient Maggie is a thorn in the side of the local bully Jed Hoskin, a self-made man of business who buys silence and loyalty in his community. But even Jed with his nasty sidekick cannot stop her.

While searching for answers, Maggie hides a secret of her own, which could bring her friendship with Norah to a disastrous end.

Maggie is a strong protagonist. You cannot but admire her grit, spirit and inner strength.

There is a well-built cast of supporting characters, from shrewd and wily Norah, trying to survive in the men's world by using her female charms to a very colourful (literally and metaphorically) eccentric parson Kellow, and many others.

The bleak Cornish coastline is recreated vividly, and the historical setting is spotless.

The Silver Tide is an unforgettable story of tragedy, deception and lies, love and loyalty, which is second to none in its evocation of the Cornish coastline.

For me, this tale has all the elements that make the reading perfect - the Cornish setting, the strong-willed heroine, fascinating history, the convincing blend of fact and fiction. A five-star page-turner from the first pages.

Many thanks to J.H. Mann and Rachel's Random resources for my copy of the book.

Praise for J.H. Mann:

"J.H. Mann writes compelling fiction set in Cornwall. He transports his readers to rugged coasts... and introduces us to fascinating characters" - Magraget James, Writing Magazine.

"If you love Cornwall, storms at sea and an engrossing mystery then look no further" - Cathie Hartigan, author of Notes from the Lost and the bestselling Secret of the Song.

"J.H. Mann lovingly evokes the Cornish lasndscape, from the Atlantic coast to the bleak and threatening moors, for his gripping stories" - Debi Alper, author of the Nirvana series of thrillers.

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silver-Tide-J-H-Mann-ebook/dp/B0FKH6D69Z

https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Tide-J-H-Mann-ebook/dp/B0FKH6D69Z 

Author Bio – 

J.H.Mann is an award-winning journalist and writer living in the South West of England. His previous novel The Echoing Shore was a Yeovil Literary Prize award winner and the Adult Fiction Winner of the 2025 Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair. He has strong family links with Cornwall. His novels are inspired by the many stories told by his mother and father and his own experiences as a shore-based volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He lives with his wife, Nicola, and their lively whippet Patch.

Social Media Links –

Facebook – www.facebook.com/jason.mann.9047

Instagram – www.instagram.com/jhmannauthor/

Tik Tok - www.tiktok.com/@j.h.mann.writer 

Website: www.jhmannauthor.com

Kalahari Passage: Koba Book 2 by Candi Miller (book extract)

 

Celebrate Black History Month with a new powerful novel by Candi Miller. I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to publish a book extract on my blog.

Kalahari Passage: Koba book 2

Koba and Mannie have been in jail. Their crime, loving each other across the Apartheid colour bar in southern Africa. Koba escapes her captors and using her bush skills, finds her way across the semi-desert to her former tribal home. But adapting to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle after a decade away, has challenges. And her mortal enemy is on her trail.

   Meanwhile Mannie absconds during his parole and sets off on a sub-continental road trip to find his beloved Koba. But will his new comrades persuade him to join them across the border for training in deadly guerrilla warfare? And what will that mean for his future with Koba? 

   Under tragic circumstances the lovers meet, but the danger they are in means they face  heart-breaking choices.

Kalahari Passage is an action-packed story of a search for identity and love. Readers will be spellbound by Koba’s world where an ancient culture dances, trances and lives in harmony with the land.

 

 

Key ideas

 

●     Unique FMC from world’s oldest living culture, largely unknown outside anthropology. The lineage of Koba’s people goes back to the dawn of humankind. 

●     Dispossession - ancestral land, cultural identity, freedom

●     Interracial love - romantic and family  

●     Racial discrimination and defiance

●     Recent black history - Apartheid South Africa 1960s

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 Book Extract:

Intro for extract

 

This is a letter written by Marta Marais, mother of Mannie, to her foster daughter, Koba, who has been forcibly taken from them and repatriated to her former home in Bushmanland.

 

 

Impalala, near Hoedspruit

South Africa

 

30 September

 

My dearest Koba,

 

I don’t know if this will reach you. I shall send it care of my sister-in-law, Mrs Aletta Marais, at Weltevrede farm, in South West Africa. She was at the station when you left Johannesburg. She was the small woman in the very big hat, who was in front for every picture.

   Lettie, if you are reading this, you shouldn’t be, it’s private. But if you’re here, let me assure you I am very grateful to you for helping the children. Truly. You succeeded where we failed, so don’t take my tease to heart. And please, please, Lettie, help me with one more favour – find a messenger to take this letter to Bushmanland. Ask them to give it to any Ju|’hoan person (Bushman) they see. Koba is from the Ju|’hoan band, which lives in the vicinity of Nyae Nyae. Just tell them to look for the girl who lived with the whites. She might still be wearing a yellow dress. God and you willing, this letter could end up in Koba’s hands. Thank you, my dear. I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we are, after all, sisters-in-law. That’s still true, isn’t it, even though Etienne is gone?

   Kobatjie, my heart broke to see you in the pretty yellow dress in the back of a police van. You looked so small sitting next to that policeman they handcuffed to you. I have sent a letter to the authorities to complain. I have argued that you are still a child and they have no right to treat you so roughly. Well, they have no right to treat anyone brutally, but they do, we hear. But you, so small and alone, and after what you’ve been through! Oh, my dear, I shudder to think what detention must have been like for you. I heard such terrible stories during the months I stood outside with the other mothers. Ja-well, I must be careful what I write, Deon says. Still, someone should be brought to account and I will do what I can. Anyway, that’s for the future.

   For now, I want you to know that never a day goes by when I don’t berate myself for taking you from South West Africa. If you’d never come to Impalala none of this might have happened. Oh, Koba, I lie in bed at night crying for the harm my family has done to you and yours. For pity’s sake, believe me when I say I only did what I thought was best for you. I thought I could keep you safe. Ja, I know, I should have made a plan to get you back to the Kalahari years ago, but even after only a year it was already too late – we’d all grown to love you.

   Well, as you would say, ‘my heart is very heavy’. I am trying to believe that it all happened for the best, but I don’t know. I wish they’d let me talk to you. If you ever get this, perhaps you will write back, if you ever get pen and paper, or go near a post office. I don’t suppose there is one where you are going. 

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Purchase Links

Kalahari Passage: https://mybook.to/7qAtkQA

Koba series:  https://mybook.to/T81RWsf

Author Bio –

Candi Miller was born in southern Africa and has spent more than twenty years researching the first peoples of the region, a group who have now adopted the exonym of San or Bushmen. She taught creative writing at UK universities. She now lives in Cornwall where she is writing the last book of the Koba trilogy. She is republishing her novels to support a school feeding scheme she co-founded for San children in 2017.

 

 

 

Social Media Links –

https://candimiller.substack.com

Insta & TikTok @candimillerauthor

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092417402759

Degustabox September Box

 There's a chill in the air, and the evenings are crawling in earlier and earlier, and no wonder, as we've said Goodbye to September.

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in September Box Degustabox?

 Tilda Meals - Hearty Meals Madras Bean Curry and Easy Meals Vegetable Paella - are chosen Product of the Month.

These two latest addition to the versatile Tilda range offer tasty and nutritious meals for one, ready in just two minutes.

Tilda Vegetable Paella is a hearty mix of long grain rice and vegetables (24%), such as carrots, red peppers, green beans, white beans, etc. Made in Spain with imported and local ingredients.

Nutritional values: 333kcal and 2.25g of salt per 250g serving.

Tilda Madras Bean Curry with lentils is a tasty combination of lentils, pinto beans, tomato, fried onion, coconut milk, etc. 

Nutritional values: 293kcal and 5.8g of sugar.

Both products contain 1 of your 5 a day; a source of fibre and protein, vegetarian and vegan; no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Available in Sainsbury's and Tilda.com.

You should receive 1 item in your box. 

Indie Bay Pretzel Thins Ligthly Salted (£1 each) are tasty savoury snacks which have a satisfying crunch. They are thin and crispy and absolutely delicious. Great for dunking, dipping and topping, enjoy them on the go or while watching a film. 

They are vegan, a source of fibre and protein, and are made with natural ingredients. Nutritional information: 137kcal and 2.5g of salt per 35g bag.

Available on Amazon, indiebaysnacks.co and good independent shops.

You should receive two in your box.

Slooow Crispy Multigrain Rolls (£2.80) are prepared with the best 100% natural and organic ingredients. 

The bread is given more than a day from start to finish, and that makes the bread extra tasty - crispy on the ouside and soft inside.

Bake at home for 10 minutes to have fresh crispy rolls for your meal. Great with soups, stews or as a sandwich base.

Nutritional values: 244kcal and 0.59g of salt per serving; vegan, organic.

Available in Ocado, Dunnes Stores and Booths.

Rice Krispies Squares Honeycomb & Chocolate (£0.79) are cereal snack bars, made of Rice Krispies with a honeycomb flavour coating and a chocolate drizzle. 

I buy Rice Krispies Squares cereal bars for my sons, and they enjoy the texture and flavour of this treat. Each bar contains appr. 134kcal.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mutti Peeled (£1.60) is a versatile Italian tomato product. 

Mutti tomatoes are known to be processed within 24 hours of harvesting to capture the taste of freshly picked 100% Italian sun-ripened tomatoes.

Excellent product for a great variety of recipes, from pasta to stew, from soup to chilli. 

It has an intense fresh flavour and rich texture, the colour is a beautiful bright red. Mutti peeled tomatoes are fleshy and firm, immersed in a velvety passata.

Nutritional information: 22kcal and 2.9g of sugar per 100g.

If your family enjoys a Bolognese (whether meat-based or vegetarian), Mutti Peeled will make a good tomato base for the ragu.

Our family are big fans of Mutti products. I use Mutti in vegetarian stews, vegetable ragu with okra, sweet peppers and butter beans, curries and pasta dishes. 

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Cheez-It Snap'd Cheese & Chilli baked snacks (£1 for 40g bag) are baked with 100% real cheese.

Thin and crispy, and very moreish, these snacks are a big hit with my guys. I buy them pretty regularly.

Crunchy and well-seasoned, Cheez-It makes a great snack, whether you are feeling peckish or having a movie night. 

Nutritional information: 501kcal and per 100g, or 200kcal and 1.4g of salt per 40g pouch. No artificial colours or flavours. Suitable for vegetarians.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

BrewDog Elvis Juice Hot Sauce (£2.50) is an award-winning sauce, inspired by an iconic headline beer and the undisputed King of Citrus. 

Infused with lime juice, it offers bold flavours. Just right for grilled halloumi sandwich, a chicken sub or tacos. 

Spicy and citrusy at the same time, it is hot hot hot. A bit too hot for me personally, while my guys enjoyed it.

Nutritional values: 112kcal and 1.8g of salt per 100ml.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Sunfly Sunflower Seed Butter Crunchy and Sweet & Salty (£0.90 each) are nut-free, top 14 allergen-free squeeze pouches.

Made with sunflower seeds, and offering a 7g protein boost, you can add them to your smoothies or porridge, spread on toast or eat straight from the pouch.

Nutirional values: 208kcal and 6.8g of protein for Crunchy and 211kcal and 6.8g of protein for sweet & salty. Rich in Vitamin E, magnesium & iron.

Available on Amazon and Ocado.

You should receive two items in your box.

Munchies Sharing bag (£1.65) is another lovely treat, offering a rich caramel and a crunchy biscuit centre, all ensconsed in a smooth milk chocolate. It's a winning combination of crunchy, chewy and creamy.

The sharing bag includes approximately 6 servings of 7 sweets. 

Nutritional values: 156kcal and 18.4g of sugar per serving.

Is it your on-the-go kind of snack, or will you share the bag, while watching a new episode of Slow Horses?

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Fruitbowl Yogurt Fruit Goals (£2.45) are juicy raisins in yogurt flavoured coating in pretty pastel colours. 

These fruity snacks will appeal to children or grown ups with a sweet tooth (a tad too sweet for me). Made with real fruit and using natural colours & flavours, they are just right for a lunchbox or as a sweet treat after school.

Nutritional information: 87kcal and 11.8g of sugar per serving/pouch; suitable for vegetarians, gluten free.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Goodrays CBD Elderflower & Yuzu (£2.29) is a refreshing drink, infused with 30mg of premium sun-grown CBD, and high in Vitamin D.

The flavours are a combination of zesty citrus of the Japanese Yuzu and the sweet floral notes of the British Elderflower.

No added sugar. No artificial sweeteners. 100% vegan.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

If you're a Degusta Box Plus member, you will also receive an extra product - Spice Kitchen Tandoori Masala Spice Blend (£6.50).

What product is your favourite?

And don't forget to order an XXL Advent Calendar. We've had it for several years in a row, and it's always fabulous.

Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas

 

"Women were working in all kinds of jobs now so as to free up men to join the services and fight for their country".

Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas is an evocative family saga, set in Manchester during the WWII.

Blurb:

Manchester, 1942

When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husband's debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar's into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the once prestigious hotel. 

Sharing her home are former chambermaid Lily, and kind-hearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of the Manchester Blitz: one built on respect and resilience. 

When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy and willing to lend a hand - and help to serve "Dunbar's Wartime Wedding Punch"! 

But when Lily meets a handsome doctor, and Beatrice comes face to face with her old flame, will hearts finally be mended, or broken once more?

While war rages around them, can these three women find the courage to keep fighting for their dreams?

While German bombs rain down on Manchester, three women dare to build a new life inside the former Dunbar's hotel. 

Kitty Dunbar refuses to be defeated. While the hotel had to be closed due to Mr Dunbar's multiple debts, she comes up with an idea of "providing secure accommodation for what was left of people's furniture and household goods after they had been bombed out".

Her husband Bill's shortcomings have had a huge impact on her life. To provide for her daughter and herself, Kitty takes on new responsibilities and turns out to be managing well.

"Just look at her now, not just working but actually running the business. Not only that, but she had set up the business herself". 

Kitty is proud to be a businesswoman, she dreams of breathing a new life into the old building, together with her loyal friends, Lily, the former chambermaid, and Beatrice, who works in a welfare office. 

All three women have secrets and losses of their own.

Lily is trying to cope with a recent tragedy, and feels lost. She is struggling with a mix of emotions: grief, sadness, guilt. Unreasonably, Lily blames her husband for not being there for her, when the tragedy struck, yet it was not his fault. The trauma makes Lily reconsider her marriage, and an alienation follows. When she meets a handsome doctor in dramatic circumstances, Lily wonders if there is a chance of a new love for her. 

As a former child carer for her own mother, Beatrice is full of empathy and concern for the other children who have to look after their own parents with disabilities/long illness. She is aware of the huge responsibilities on their young shoulders, all this done at the expense of a proper education.

 Remembering her own childhood experiences, Beatrice, with a help from another welfare officer, sets up "a club at Dunbar's for children like this, so that for a few hours each week they could meet other children who fully understood what their lives were like and enjoy games and other activities..."

You would think this initiative would garner great support, but not everyone approves. Beatrice's superior in the office takes a completely different view.

Beatrice has resigned herself to living on her own. When she meets the man she never expected to see again, the sparks are flying. Is there a promise of a future together for them?

Beatrice is the character of a quiet strength, who I could most relate to. 

Holding on to revived hopes, and to each other, three women discover new strengths they never knew they had. 

They all come from different walks of life, but living together, sharing secrets and supporting each other, Kitty, Lily and Beatrice create a very special unit built on trust and friendship. In a way, they become a family of their own. 

As Kitty explains to her older sister Naomi, "Family matters can be complicated... I'll tell you something I'm grateful for: the way Beatrice, Lily and I have grown so close through living together. We all help one another and they both love Abbie. We've become a sort of family".

Their unbreakable bond will get them through heartbreak and trauma.

The author creates an authentic setting, with a great attention to detail, from wartime recipes to women's rights, or the lack thereof.

There are some pages, when you're going to be fuming at the injustice of it. Women are expected to work hard and support the war effort, yet they are still the second-class citizens, with many of their rights curtailed or non-existent.

I forgot just how much I have enjoyed Maisie Thomas' books in the past. The Railway Girls series is a fabulous historical fiction set during the WWII. I'm delighted to discover a new family saga by this brilliant author. 

Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel is an unforgettable story of love and loss, friendship and loyalty.

A gripping tale with well-drawn characters and wonderfully vivid writing. A must read for all historical saga fans.

Many thanks to Maisie Thomas, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!

Purchase Link:

Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel

Author Bio:

Maisie Thomas is the bestselling author of the Railway Girls series. She is now writing a new saga series for Boldwood, set in wartime Manchester.

Social Media LInks:

Facebook @MaisieThomasAuthor

Twitter @maisiethomas99

Newsletter sign up: 

https;//bit.ly/MaisieThomasNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maisie-thomas

Photo diary: Project 365, first week of September

 Back to school week was a mishmash of emotions.

Taking Sasha out to his favourite cafe Nero, I messaged Eddie who stayed at home, if he fancied a slice of Neapolitan cake for me to bring back. Later he said it was too sweet. It does look pretty though. 

Monday was a stressful day. We were waiting for Sasha's PAs; one of them arrived in time, and told us that the second guy would be late, as he was still in Oxford. Half an hour later, he was still in Oxford, and I asked Eddie if he would do me a great favour and accompany Sasha and PA to the cafe.

I walked with them, bought the drinks and food and left, as Sasha gets very anxious when I stay there.

It's hard to explain to an outsider, but he compartmentalises everything. 

When we are out of town, let's say in Cornwall, or Paris, he is fine to eat out together as a family (and my presence is acceptable, in his eyes). 

If we go out locally, and I accompany my husband and Sasha to the cafe, I only buy drinks/food and leave, otherwise Sasha gets upset. In his mind, this is a wrong move. His autistic way of thinking is quite rigid, and every change in the usual routine is a big drama.

Eddie was a real champ, and stayed all the time with the guys. The second PA arrived almost an hour and a half later, and they brought Sasha home, who got very upset that they didn't go to the bookshop afterwards. And then we had a hellish evening, as he couldn't cope with all the broken plans.

I totally forgot to take a single photo, so here are two pics from Tuesday.

While I have been struggling, solo parenting for another stretch of days, my dear husband was enjoying himself in Paris, walking past Ralph Lauren.

Now that the academic year has started, he will be commuting weekly, working in Paris for a few days, then coming home for the weekend. 

While Sasha was out in town with his PAs on Tuesday, I ran from shop to shop, as we needed some last minute school shopping. Of course, we left it too late to get new shirts, all shirts in Eddie's size were unavailable. Came back home and placed an online order, for a slightly bigger size, as they didn't have them in the right size either.

Last week I bought a book Ghosts & Dark Curiosities from the Sticker Treasury series to use in collages for the forthcoming Halloween. It's a beautiful edition, with all kinds of curios.

It's been raining almost every day, changing from sunny to grey drizzle to bucketing in a matter of hours.

There are decorative pumpkins in the shops already, and we are still in September.

My kid got soaked through and through on his first day of school, coming home.

And then we had a lovely rainbow.

Trying to up my omega 3 fatty acids intake with a snack of smoked sprats on bread and butter.

I needed a visual prop for one of my ink sketches, and took a photo of festive lights. 

My husband returned back from Athens in the night, and Sasha was particularly thrilled to see him, when he woke up. 

The weekend wheezed by, with lots of chores and things to do. We also watched Interstellar. Every time I see this film, I am impressed by the music score, it is truly amazing. And such a deep, philosophical concept. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Photo diary: Project 365, second half of August.

 Good bye, summer! 

The last two weeks of summer were a bit of a turmoil. I was parenting solo for most of that time, and it wasn't easy. My dear husband returned home last Thursday, and off he goes again on Monday. Deep sigh.

Most of the snaps I have taken are of food, either what I saw in the shops, bought or cooked. 

Shopping for groceries after our return from Cornwall, I spotted two new chocolate bars in Waitrose, Danny's Dubai style chocolate (£12 each).

They couldn't shift Lindt Dubai, as nobody was buying £10 bars (apart from a few simple souls, like us. I did buy a bar, and resented every penny of it). And instead of lowering the price to a less money-grabbing level, they introduce an even more pricey chocolate. Thanks, but I won't be buying it.

Would love to know, if you have tried it, and what did you think?

Jolly sunflowers in town...

Another novelty product in Waitrose - Tyrrells Honey glazed glorious gammon flavour crisps, with the Downton Abbey crew on the packaging. As if Lady Mary is partial to crisps, "Pass me that bowl of crisps, Carson".

They were OK, but I won't buy them again. I prefer Co-Op Sea salt & Chardonnay vinegar crisps, they are superior.

Eddie and I watched Wednesday season II, and were slightly less enthusiastic about the kooky family. In comparison with the first season, it seems to have lost its allure.

Wednesday's one-liners are not very funny, and she doesn't look like a schoolgirl any longer. We're still going to watch the second half of the season, when it comes out in September.

Just before we left for Cornwall, I had an email from Steenberg's, saying that I won their prize of a trio of spices and Naturally Vegan cookbook by Julius Fiedler. 

I love this brand of spices. Their Mild Curry spice mix is my favourite, and there are many others that I use in baking and cooking. 

The book looks good. None of us are vegans, but I do cook a lot of plant-based dishes, and there are quite a few recipes that I have bookmarked.

With plenty of windfalls in the garden, this is a season of apples in everything. Baked a simple apple cake Sharlotka, using Steenberg's cinnamon. Apples and cinnamon are made for each other.

It's probably one of the first recipes I have learnt as a young girl, so easy but tasty. It's just eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon or vanilla and apples. No butter or oil. Lovely with custard, cream or ice cream.

I have a shallow bird bath on the stone ledge outside the kitchen window, and often see birds taking a bath, like this fluffy-feathered chap. 

In summer I top it up daily on hot days. 

One of our old apple trees in the garden has this mushroom growing on the side. Do I have to remove it, so that it doesn't affect the tree? Or is it harmless? It does look rather sinister.

Last week was very wet, we had rain almost every day. 

Last week's Penandinkchallenge on Insta was all about recipes. This is my page with Spaghetti Bolognese recipe and a quick sketch of little Eddie. I remember the days, when he couldn't pronounce the word spaghetti and called them sghetti.

This snap was taken by Eddie on the walk through town. Somehow I missed seeing the rainbow.

On Saturday we went to Oxford to do some last minute shopping for school trousers and shoes. Walking in Oxford, we saw this unusual plant with enormous leaves. I have no idea what it's called, but it is impressive.

We walked from Summertown into the town centre, I showed Eddie my old department, where I used to work, and we stopped by in Jericho tavern for a quick sandwich. Only it wasn't quick at all, it was very slow. They didn't have a coffee machine, and could only offer a black or white coffee. 

I asked if they have tea. The choice was between Everyday, green and mint. And then the mint tea was served with milk. Who drinks mint tea with milk?! 

The food was very average. Won't recommend the place. This is my halloumi sandwich.

Shoe-shopping with Eddie is like accompanying Imedla Marcos to choose a new pair, he is so very particular. I got flustered, traipsing from one shop to another, I absolutely hate shoe-shopping. He was in his element though. 

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Degustabox August Box

 Saying Good bye to summer days, and welcoming autumn. Back to school, hectic mornings and afternoon snacks, hot cocoa on chillier evenings and cosy jumpers.

Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in August Box Degustabox?

Tilda rice is the Product of the Month with two flavours from their extensive range - Tilda Soy & Ginger Sticky rice or Chinese Special fried rice (£1.54 each).

Discover two new tasty flavours.

Both Soy & ginger sticky rice and Chinese special fried rice, inspired by popular cisines from East Asia, are perfect with Oriental-style recipes.

Chinese Special fried rice is a steamed long grain rice with mixed vegetables (carrots, peas), mushrooms and Chinese spices. Perfect with Salt & Pepper Tofu, Chinese meatballs or spare ribs.

Soy & Ginger Sticky rice is a steamed round rice with soy sauce and ginger. Great with Shiitake mushrooms and green beans. For extra protein, add fried chicken or tofu.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, gluten free. Nutritional information: 210kcal and 0.7g of salt per 125g serving (Soy & Ginger); 160kcal and 1.19g of salt per serving (Chinese special).

Ready in 2 minutes in a microwave or 3 minutes on the hob.

I have mentioned it more than once in the past that we are big fans of Tilda rice, and always have a couple of rice pouches in the pantry for quick and easy meals.

Available in Sainsbury's and on Tilda.com.

You should receive 1 item in your box.

We had Tilda Soy & Ginger sticky rice as a side dish to sea bream, marinated in soy sauce, spring onions and honey.

Seabrook Waffle Bites Maple Bacon Flavour (£1.50) is a lattice potato snack, available in individual 16g bags. 

A lovely snack, when you're feeling peckish, or as part of your packed lunch, these waffle bites are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional values: 74kcal and 1g of sugar per 16g bag.

Available in ASDA, Morrisons and Ocado.

Bold Bean Co Queen Chickpeas/or Queen Cannellini Beans (£3.25)/ or Smoky Chilli Baked Beans (£3.50) are cooked, using high quality ingredients, sourced from where they grow best.

Eat straight from the jar, or use as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, added to salads and rice, or mashed as a topping for crostata.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, Ocado and major independents, or directly from boldbeanco.com.

You should receive 1 item of three. Ours was a big jar of Queen Cannellini Beans. 

I am planning to use it next time I cook a five-bean chilli (a vegetarian recipe), but you can use it in Chilli con Carne.

Nutritional values: 81kcal and 0.8g of salt per 100g.

Kellogg's Bluey Multigrain Cereal (£3.50) is a fun novelty cereal for the little people in your family. 

I miss the days when my guys were little, as I know they would have been absolutely delighted to see Bluey on the cereal box.

Nutritional values: 119kcal and 4.5g of sugar per 30g serving; high in fibre, no artificial colours or flavours, contains vitamins and minerals.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Mentos Pure Fresh Strawberry Gum (£2) is a long-lasting chewing gum with a unique liquid-filled centre.

Sugar free and bursting with a berry flavour, this refershing gum comes in a bottle which contains 35 pieces.

Nutritional information: 195kcal and 0g sugar per 100g.

Available in Tesco.

Forest Feast Honey & Sea Salt Cashews and Peanuts (£1.50) is a nut mix, glazed with Scottish heather honey and roasted with hand-harvested sea salt. A perfect snack. Top marks!

Nutritional values: 515kcal and 19g of sugar per 100g (one package is 40g); vegetarian, gluten free.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Sacla Creamy Pesto Pasta Pot (£2) is a new product from Sacla.

Made in Italy, with short-cut tagliatelle that stays al dente, each pot is a source of protein. Pour in boiling water, and enjoy a bowl of pasta in five minutes.

We had a bit of a disaster with this pasta pot. It got squashed in the transit and arrived, with all the powdery contents (basil sauce) spread around the box. The pasta itself stayed in the pot, so I might use that, when cooking soup next time. 

Nutritional values: 314kcal and 1.9g of salt per pot.

Available in larger Asda, Morrisons, Amazon, Ocado, sacla.co.uk and Sacla TikTok shop.

Activit Sparkling Vitamin Water Lemon & Lime/or Blackcurrant & Raspberry/or Tropical (£1.50) is a carbonated flavoured spring water with added vitamins and minerals with sweetener.

You should receive 1 item in your box. We got Activit Lemon & Lime, which contains 8 vitamins and minerals, zero sugar. It's a refreshing drink, a quick pick-me-up for busy lifestyles.

Nutritional values: 1kcal per 100ml and 0.5g of sugar (one can is 330ml).

Available in the major supermarket chains.

Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil (£1.50) is a low cal mixer, with natural flavours.

Double Dutch is a range of premium mixers and tonics. In the few of years we've had a few different flavours of Double Ducth Drinks in Degustabox deliveries, and they are all high quality drinks.

This soft drink offers a vibrant blend of sweet pomegranate and aromatic, earthy tones of basil. It's herby and fruity sweet at the same time, well-balanced, with a depth and complexity.

Serve chilled.

Available on Amazon and Ocado.

This product is only avaiable as a case of 24, and not individually.

And finally, a herald of autumn - Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee Pumpkin Spice Latte (£3).

Inspired by the iconic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, this instant coffee allows you to prepare your favourite brew at home.

Made with high quality 100% Arabica beans, blended with dairy milk and a Pumpkin spice mix.

Nutritional information: 92kcal and 14.9g of sugar per mug. There are four sticks in the box.

Available in the major supermarket chains.

What is your top favourite product from the latest Degustabox?