Scavenger Art by Lexi Rees

Do your children enjoy drawing? Are they brimming with ideas or do they need  prompts and suggestions? My younger son loves drawing, but is not a confident artist, at times asking me, "What shall I draw?" If you child is similar to mine and needs a bit of help with creative ideas for drawing, look no further.

Scavenger Art by Lexi Rees (illustrated by Molly O'Donoghue) is an inspiring book for children which is bursting with ideas and prompts for art.

In the introduction to the book, Lexi and Molly write, "Scavenger hunts are fun. Drawing is fun. Both encourage us to look at the world around us more closely. They're also a way for us to practise mindfulness, by being in the present moment, noticing things we might otherwise rush past, focusing on them as we draw, and taking the time to appreciate them".

This original art-based activity book includes 52 scavenger hunts designed to encourage curious minds, spark creativity, practise mindfulness and develop drawing skills.

What exactly is a scavenger hunt? Basically it's an idea, a mini-project - each page has a grid with nine little boxes. You have a challenge to fill in each box with a different sketch to follow the suggested theme - for example, my bedroom, views from windows, books, knick knacks, trees, cats, clouds, family, faces etc.

You don't have to complete each page, you can start with any page that takes your fancy. These prompts will boost self-confidence of any aspiring artist. It is aimed at children aged 6 to 12, but might also entertain an adult who likes doodling.

The way the book is designed, it will motivate children's interest and imagination, and ability to observe. After looking through the book the other day, we walked in town and had fun, looking at the different door knockers, noticing different details and particular features. And this being the festive season, we were also spotting all kinds of Christmas decorations and wreaths.

Scavenger Art supports and stimulates children's imagination. The projects are simple and easy to try. The instructions on each page inspire you to think and create.

This book will make a great Christmas stocking filler for any budding artist.

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1913799042/

US -  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1913799042/

Author Bio

Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south. She writes action-packed adventures brim full of witch-doctors, fortune-tellers, warriors and smugglers, combining elemental magic with hints of dystopia. She also writes fun activity books for children. 

Her fantasy adventure, Eternal Seas, was awarded a "loved by" badge from LoveReading4Kids. The sequel, Wild Sky, is available now. 

She's passionate about developing a love of reading and writing in children and, as well as her Creative Writing Skills workbook, she has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.

In her spare time, she's a keen crafter and spends a considerable amount of time trying not to fall off horses or boats.

 

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://lexirees.co.uk

Twitter: @lexi_rees  or https://twitter.com/lexi_rees

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexiAuthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lexireesbooks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexi.rees/

Many thanks to Lexi Rees and Rachel's Random Resources for our copy of the book!

The Watchful Neighbour by Debbie Viggiano

"She caught a glimpse of Greg Good. He was standing behind the curtains of his downstairs bay window, watching Jade leave. Bloody man. He was always watching. And she didn't like it one little bit"

The Watchful Neighbour by Debbie Viggiano is a dark psychological thriller, creepy and tense.

Jade Ferguson is recovering from a broken heart. She takes a six-month rental on the dwelling whilst deciding what to do next with her life. 

"She'd recently spent three months in a psychiatric unit... She'd spent her time at Clarendon House piecing back together the fragments of her shattered emotions. All because of one man. Tom Harrison."

Sleazeball Tom had been twenty years older than her. "The age difference hadn't mattered. This was a guy in his prime who'd oozed charisma". 

Jade thinks of herself as "An ordinary girl who'd regrettably fallen in love with a man claiming to be unhappily married to an unattractive, lazy, neurotic woman and - for the sake of his family's mental well-being - had been toughing it out". Even ten years later, Jade doesn't want to take responsibility for her actions. She insists in her conversation with her Mum that she is not a marriage wrecker. "Jade had hoped for some sympathy. A hug. A few kind words. Instead, her own mother was pointing the finger, and she didn't like it".

She needs a fresh start, hence a new job and a place to live, which also means new neighbours, The residents of Gresham Terrace seem civilised enough, except for one...

Next door neighbour introduces himself when Jade moves into her new house. Greg Good is a carer for his elderly mother with dementia, who spends a lot of time at home, sitting by the window and watching all that's happening in the neighbourhood. "Jade gave him the once over. Somewhere in his fifties. Balding. Fat. Scruffy. She took an instant dislike to the guy".

As he explains, "Caring for Mother can be very isolating... So, to give me something else to focus on, I look out for everyone at Gresham Terrace... I think of myself as" - he chuckled deprecatingly - "a protector. The street's very own watchman".

Greg is the main key-holder for the landlord, and has access to all the properties, and oh boy, how Jade resents the fact. She is positively bristling. It doesn't help that Greg seems to be enjoying his task a bit too much.

"Whilst caring for his helpless parent was a necessity, looking after the residents of Gresham Terrace was Greg's pleasure. This was the road that he'd grown up in. Indeed, he'd been born at Number 2..."

Greg is not exactly a likeable character, yet you have to admire him for being a devoted son and carer: "Mother had been a wonderful parent. And now Greg was repaying her by being a wonderful son."

Jade is suspicious and even paranoid, things seem to be moved in the house in her absence. She is convinced it must be her neighbour. Without informing her landlord, she changes the locks: "No way was Greg Good having access to this house. No way was anyone having the chance to invade her space. It had happened once before, and she would never permit it to happen again."

But this doesn't help. Someone is messing with her belongings. More importantly, they mess with her mind. Jade accuses Greg of being an interfering busybody who needs to keep his nose out of her business.

"Now Jade was here, at Gresham Terrace, with all her emotional baggage which included paranoia and rudeness. She'd disturbed the harmony of the street for almost everyone".

And Jade is rude to everyone around, from Di, an older woman, who moves next door, to the twinkly eyed Brad Grimshaw.

Brad seems like a nice guy, but his past is far from being nice. Making big mistakes in his youth, now he's "determined to help kids stay out of trouble. Despite his criminal record, he'd been lucky enough to work alongside the authorities by offering advice, counselling, and support for youngsters. Music therapy was part of the scene".

In Jade he recognises someone hurting, someone vulnerable - "the young woman was one the edge. He'd sussed her out from the moment they'd first met. She was a fragile soul. After all, it took one to know one".

Does he believe Jade that someone is playing cruel games with her, or is it all in her mind?

There's lots of creepy twists, as the story becomes more and more claustrophobic.

It's hard to sympathise with Jade who knows she is shagging a married guy, and who justifies her actions that his wife Deanna kind of deserves it because she doesn't look good. Tom is a disgusting character who promises Jade that he will leave his wife, and he comes up with one excuse after another, some of which are so outlandish that only a deluded idiot would believe any of his words. Such a cliche. In a way, they totally deserve each other. Jade never considers Deanna's feelings. She enjoys a decade-long relationship behind the wife's back. What a waste of her life, to spend waiting for her lover to abandon his old frumpy wife.

The Watchful Neighbour is a riveting psychological thriller. The plotline throbs with suspicions, tension and deep jealousies.

Purchase Links   

US – https://www.amazon.com/Watchful-Neighbour-absolutely-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B08MDL32X4  

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watchful-Neighbour-absolutely-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B08MDL32X4  

Author Bio –   

Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy... apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!  

Social Media Links –   

Twitter: @DebbieViggiano  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.viggiano.5  

Instagram: debbieviggiano 

Photo diary: week 49, project 366

 Two weeks of school to go, and Christmas holidays will start. I'm absolutely unprepared - I have bought hardly any gifts. I have a food delivery booked for the 21st by miracle with Ocado, and still undecided what to cook as the main for Christmas lunch. Most likely we'll have a vegetarian main, but for the boys I will make pigs in blanket, and maybe a little ham. 

I was browsing Fortnum & Mason Christmas hampers (just for fun, I haven't actually bought anything), and saw their famous hamper for £6,000. It made me think that even if I won a lottery, I wouldn't spend this amount of money on a hamper. Don't think I could justify it to myself. I don't pontificate, if anything, I have always wanted a little F&M hamper as a gift. There are several competitions running at the moment where you can win one. Have you spotted the competition at Nigella.com, you need to find a pudding every day for 24 days to be entered in the draw. You can catch up on the previous days as well.

Talking of giveaways, don't miss a chance to win over 1,4kg of chocolate - I am running my annual 12 days of chocolate giveaway, and you still have a chance to win, just go through all the questions and answer in separate comments. And good luck! I have enjoyed choosing different chocolate bars for this giveaway.

Are you working on your advent comps? Any wins to report? Nothing here so far, but I'm ever hopeful.

The bleak beauty of naked trees - walking across the bridge over the Windrush river.

A lovely sunny morning... St Mary's Church and the Church Green.

As soon as the cafes were open after the second lockdown on the 2nd, I had a latte at Costa. It was lovely too. It was nice to see the familiar faces of the staff and have a quick chat. 

This month One More Chapter is running a book photo challenge, there are daily prompts and ideas. On the 3rd you had to choose a book with snow on the cover. I read The Girl Who Speaks Bear last year, and loved it. We even met Sophie Anderson in person last year (live book events, do you remember these things happening in the past life?!), and she signed a copy to Eddie. 

If you're looking for a great stocking filler for someone who enjoys YA/middle grade fiction, this is a fantastic story.

The Blue Boar has decorated its interior for Christmas. Even their boar head is wearing a Santa hat. It was nice and toasty indoors, with a roaring fire and a hot drink.

We braved the cold and ventured to the playground on the Leys, but I could just about endure half an hour before begging Eddie to leave. My fingers were so frozen, I couldn't even catch Pokemons.

We walked in town and admired all Christmas decorations. Someone has added a huge ribbon to the front door, it was very pretty (my second photo from Saturday, as on Monday I haven't done any pictures).

What else is "newsworthy"? We have set up our Christmas tree, it only needs a string of lights to be added. It's one of my favourite seasonal tasks, to take the ornaments from the box, unwrap them and lovingly place them on the branches. So many memories...

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Christmas at Moonshine Hollow by Angela Britnell

"Oh, it's beautiful." She stopped after they'd crossed the road. "If someone asked me to draw a picture of my vision of small-town America, this is how it would look". The tree-lined road of classic Victorian-era buildings glowed with white fairy lights and, halfway along the right-hand side, the Franklin Cinema's neon-red frontage looked like something from an old film.

"Yea, it's Leiper's Fork on steroids".

On these dark winter evenings there's nothing better than to snuggle up with a cosy Christmas book. Christmas at Moonshine Hollow by Angela Britnell is a festive, sparkling treat, filled with romance, family secrets and Christmas miracles.

There's not many books where the main romantic interest is running a moonshine business, is there?! Meet Cole Landon.

We first encounter Cole at Landon Hollow Distillery, being told off by his mother, for not looking friendly during the tours around it. Cole might be a gruff, unpolished guide, but he sure is committed to his business. He is a workaholic. "He basically lived in the distillery. Ever since he'd chucked in his job as a corporate lawyer in Washington DC a decade ago".

He also believes that "his great-grandfather, the notorious moonshiner "Lightning Landon", would laugh at the idea of conducting tours to show off the handmade copper still he used to make his illegal moonshine."

Cole "was the sort of man people would always notice - tour guide or not... it was his air of suppressed energy that couldn't be ignored".

Cole's family lives nearby. His relationship with his mother Sylvia and step-father is complicated. And then there's the extended family, with the bossy matriarch who loves to meddle. 

The drama is brewing at the distillery, as Sylvia and her husband have been profligate with the money and sold shares of the distillery to an unsavoury local businessman, who also happens to be Cole's competitor. Not everything is merry and bright with the Landons.

Jenna Pendean has travelled to Tennessee all the way from Cornwall, but she is not here for the sightseeing or other touristy delights. She has a hidden agenda. There is an old family document in her possession which might alarm the current owners of the moonshine business.

"As a child, Jenna had spent endless happy hours listening to her Grandpa Jimmy's stories when her parents were busy at work in their family pub." She plans to spend her time in Tennessee checking out a few facts, then confronting the owners of the Landon Hollow Distillery. Only the fate decides otherwise - Jenna didn't count on meeting Cole and his family. There's an immediate attraction between the two.

Jenna's English accent seems to fascinate the locals, and she's given a job at the distillery on the spot, without checking out any of her credentials. She enjoys hosting tours for the distillery, and feels apprehensive.

"If his [Cole's] family discovered the truth about why she was here, they certainly wouldn't put out the welcome mat."

"His family couldn't be friendlier towards her, but that's where the trouble lay."

Jenna doesn't want to shatter the bubble of good will and confess why she arrived to Tennessee in the first place. Her own parents have a toxic relationship. She craves the warmth and good humour of Cole's extended family. How can she be honest with them, now that they've accepted her into the bosom of their family? Everything spirals out from control. And how will hot-head Cole react, when he finds out her secret?

Can Cole and Jenna have a perfect Christmas together?

Christmas at Moonshine Hollow is a heart-warming story about love, family and Christmas. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Tilly Tennant, Milly Johnson and Sue Moorcroft.

The cover design deserves a special mention. I loved the traditional red house and barn against the background of blue mountains. And all that snow reminded me of the very long winter we had in Massachusetts 18 years ago, when the little college town we lived in was completely snowed down. It was my older son's first Christmas, and our lovely neighbours took me to buy a Christmas tree. Wonderful memories.

Purchase Link  - https://tinyurl.com/yyn5c56k  

 

Author Bio – Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee to visit family and friends, drink tea and eat far too many Cornish pasties!   

 

A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she's visited or lived on her extensive travels. Thanks to over three decades of marriage to her wonderful American husband she's a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after.  

 

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers. Her first novel ‘Truth and Consequence’ was published in 2006 and she’s now had over 30 novels published internationally and several short stories in women’s magazines.  

 

If you'd like to find out more of what Angela gets up to (Advance warning: this may include references to wine, dark chocolate, Poldark and the hunky Aidan Turner) check out www.angelabritnellromance.com  or follow her on 

www.facebook.com/angelabritnell , 

www.twitter.com/angelabritnell and on Instagram as Angela Golley Britnell.  

This post is part of the blog tour.

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

Donate a Charity Gift Pack This Christmas

 

There are many charity appeals and requests for donations at this time of the year, and I would like to bring your attention to a worthy cause. It would be fantastic if you consider a donation.

This Christmas Leading Gift Retailer Thumbs Up has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Salvation Army to create The 2020 Charity Gifting Appeal.

Christmas is a time for love, care, and compassion and Thumbs Up are aiming to spread some much-needed joy to those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Thumbs Up aim to donate 2,000 presents to those who might otherwise not receive anything for Christmas. Thumbs Up have been bringing quirky products, toys, and gadgets to retailers large and small since 2004.

Each charity package is worth £30, and Thumbs Up are asking for people to contribute just £5 for the postage and packaging. 

This small donation will allow Thumbs Up to send one amazing gift package. Each package is full of presents and will be delivered to those in need, hopefully raising some smiles during the festive season.

There are 4 packs to choose from Teen Girls 12-17, Teen Boys 12-17, Male or Female 18+. For each £5 donation Thumbs Up will send a package worth £30.  

Visit Thumbsup.com to donate a package of your choice.

My younger son and I have chosen a package for a boy aged 12-17. 

If you can spare £5, please donate kindly! Thank you! 

Just for Christmas by Emily Harvale

If you are looking for a cosy Christmas stocking read, look no further. Make a cup of hot chocolate, and snuggle up on a long winter night with a heart-warming festive book! 

Just for Christmas 

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas? 

Finding an abandoned dog beside the road isn’t the Christmas surprise interior designer, Molly Ford is hoping for. But when the local vet can’t find a space for the bedraggled dog, Molly makes a rash decision.  

The problem is, she’s spending Christmas with her brother, Terence, and his girlfriend is allergic to dogs, so the bundle of wet fur, which Molly has named Miracle, might not be the only one needing a home this Christmas. 

And Miracle causes chaos wherever he puts his paws. He pees on the Christmas tree, shreds the Christmas presents and eats the honeyed ham. That’s just the first night.  

When Terence’s best friend, Chance offers Molly and Miracle a place to stay for Christmas, Molly is ecstatic. She doesn’t mind at all when he informs her there are strings attached. She’d rather like a festive fling with gorgeous Chance. 

Now Molly’s in for another surprise. Chance is about to pop the question. Except it’s not to Molly. In fact, he needs her help to get the dilapidated cottage he’s bought, all clean and sparkly in time for his girlfriend’s impending arrival on New Year’s Eve. 

But as Molly and Chance grow closer, spending time together beneath the stars in a winter wonderland and enjoying the Christmas festivities, they realise they have feelings for each other. 

Could this be true love? Or is it just for Christmas? 

 

Purchase Links  

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Harvale/e/B007BKQ1SW 

US - https://www.amazon.com/Emily-Harvale/e/B007BKQ1SW 

 

Author Bio –  

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. 
 
Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com. 
 
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not. 

Social Media Links –  https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter 

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale 

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale