A is for….

Posted in A-ZChallenge by Emma

A is for….
Alasdair.

Alasdair \a-las-dair, al(a)-sdair\ as a boy’s name (also used as girl’s name Alasdair), is pronounced AL-as-dare. It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Alasdair is “man’s defender“. Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, often anglicized as Alistair.

Alasdair is the hero in Book one of the Highland Fairlings series.

‘Silence descended as sixteen year old Ina faced him across the stretch of field. He knew that his own burly, growing power made the small lass appear even smaller, and he was confident that his skill would prove the foolishness of allowing a wee lass to compete. And yet he was loathe to harm her.
Servants and warriors alike looked on as a champion of each clan, both descended from laird’s, stood opposite one another. Both lairds looked on in shock and bewilderment at the outcome and then smiled secret smiles. All of this was clear to Alasdair as he looked at a way of ending this humiliating display as quickly and as cleanly as possible. He could not believe that he was expected to battle her.
He was pleasantly shocked at her easy grace and put aside his feelings of being too easy on her. If she truly believed herself to be so great then he was determined to prove otherwise.
Their dancing, light steps were punctuated by loud clangs of weapons striking each other, startled gasps came from the spectators.
But he was the more experienced warrior and the one with greater strength. It was too easy for him to reach out a strong hand and boldly pull the small figure closer to him, his teeth clenched as he moved his heavy blunted blade in defense against her unrelenting attack.
“Yield tay me, fair one.” His voice was soft but in the unnatural stillness of the afternoon the words carried easily.
“Never!”
Wresting herself out of his arms she quickly returned her attack, focusing what must have been all of her power into defeating him.
He intended to make sure that she would be unable to.
With their lunges and strikes growing in intensity, Alasdair finally spotted an opening and quickly forced the lass’ sword from her hand. Unaware any more of their witnesses, he caught her as she stumbled at the impact and instinctively he pulled her soft form tightly into his frame. Pleased surprise coursed through him as the lass’ hidden curves flattened against him and he found himself curiously looking down into her ocean coloured eyes before jerking his head back in disbelief at the sharp pain under his chin.
Pushing away from the triumphantly smiling girl Alasdair placed disbelieving fingers to his tender flesh and studied the small drops of blood that stained them.
He raised his eyes, claiming hers once more and was astounded by the glee he saw there as she raised her small, tightly clenched dirk, his own blood was visible on the blade. Holding her gaze, he easily breached the gap between them. He dropped his weapon to the ground and he used both hands to haul her trembling frame into his tight embrace forcing her head back as he roughly claimed her lips with his, much to the shocked gasps of their witnesses.
With a hand that spanned almost her entire waist moving slowly up her back, he pulled her closer still, deepening the kiss and running his tongue over her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut and unsteady hands came up to clutch at his shoulders as she submitted to his onslaught. With both hands holding tightly to him, her dirk was dropped and forgotten in the power of her first kiss.
Smiling against her lips. Moving his mouth away, he heard the angry approach of both her father and his own. He looked once more into her deep eyes. His smile lifted as the realisation of their situation became clear to her outraged senses. His own dirk was held above her throat, her discarded one was now in his hand and resting above her heart.
Grinning widely, he slid both small weapons into the pocket created by his plaid. Turning away as the two lairds helped the stunned lass to her feet, he called back, “Ye fought well. But ye still be just a lass.”
He laughed at her agitated shriek and continued towards his cheering men.’

I chose the name because I love it. I’ve always been a fan of the name Alexander and that had been my original choice but it just didn’t feel right, somehow. And so it was therefore obvious to me that Alasdair was the right choice!

23Apr2015

So…… A Little Something

Posted in Everything Else by Emma

I’m in the process of typing out edits etc and realising how much harder Ebha’s story has been to complete than I ever thought it would be.
And so in the middle of everything I’ve been neglectful in updates, etc.

Randomly searching the net I came across this:

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html

And thought it looked great. Now obviously I can’t really compete as it’s way too late in April for that but I liked the idea so much that I’m going to use it.

So stayed tuned while I run down an A – Z list from the writing I do. Everything will have something to do with my writing, I’ll explain as we go along. Be prepared for spoilers!!

16Nov2014

Sillicon playstation controller cover thingy..

Posted in Reviews by Emma

My husband has an amputated finger and often complained that the PS 3 controller was uncomfortable so when I bought the PS 4 I also purchased this.
Was certainly worth it. He says it makes the controller very comfortable to use for extended periods of time and it looks good too which is an additional bonus!

Cheap and comes in a variety of colours etc. Something to suit everything and easily the best buy for the PS4 to date. Added bonus is that it’s cheap aswell.

13Nov2014

The Scottish Crannog Centre

Posted in Reviews by Emma

http://www.crannog.co.uk/

Aberfeldy, United Kingdom PH15 2HY

“A crannog is a type of ancient loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 2,500 years ago. An important part of our heritage, many crannogs were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and represented symbols of power and wealth. The Scottish Crannog Centre features a unique reconstruction of an early Iron Age loch-dwelling, built by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology (STUA), registered charity no. SCO18418. This authentic recreation is based on the excavation evidence from the 2,500 year old site of ‘Oakbank Crannog’, one of the 18 crannogs preserved in Loch Tay, Scotland. The STUA continues to explore other underwater sites in Loch Tay and further afield, regularly adding new discoveries to its award-winning centre at Kenmore, Perthshire.”

Firstly I need to send an apology to the three people who were there, staff wise, when I visited because I do not remember anyones name. Especially that apology needs to be placed to our very friendly, informative guide. I wish I remembered names but i just don’t, I really am that useless.

Also a quick hi to the lovely young, professional, couple from Edinburgh we met there.

I knew we were going here, I’ve been saying it for a while and I knew that this time we were going. So despite the rainy weather we went along.

You start of in the gift shop bit and they point you throught the door into a self guided exhibtion. There was loads of information, pictures and videos and archaelogical finds.
We got to the end just as our man was ready to get going.
Like I said, sorry I forget his name.
You go across the wooden bridge bit towards the building. Another thank you to our man who managed to stop me from slipping over on the boards. Warning, it’s slippery when wet!!

Getting into the actual warm and dry building was a relief and he directs you to benchs and as your eyes adjust to the gloom you get your first look around.
He gives you a chance to settle in and then gets started with the information bit.

I’m not telling you what he says but he is very informative, no it’s not a lecture, and he really gets you involved.
You get up and have the opportunity to look about and he encourages you to ask any questions (to which I asked loads, all of which he was able to answer!!)

Then you head to the final stage of your tour where you learn about skills, plants, fire making etc and get a hands on chance to do it yourself.

The whole thing was great, I mean really great! You need to go!
As a writer I loved how in depth and hands on everything was but as a tourist my husband was equelly as fascinated.
This may become a yearly trip for us.

22Sep2014

Vonda Sinclair

Posted in Reviews by Emma

Today is the wonderful Vonda Sinclair’s birthday and I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing her a very happy day.

But wishing her a happy birthday this year I’m sure is tinged with sadness, you see, towards the end of last month I learnt that this glorious woman lost her beloved husband of 20+ years. No funeral for my family has ever been complete without a hymn that means a lot to me personally, and so I dedicate this video to what must have been a truly wonderful and inspiring man.
Vonda, my thoughts are with you.

Now I wish to to inrtoduce you or refamiliarise you with the wonderful works that inspire so many.

All the books in the Highland Adventure Series by Vonda Sinclair are standalone books, but they are also interrelated. I hope you enjoy them!

My Fierce Highlander (Book 1)

Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans–her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her–give up her son or the man she loves.

Wonderfully packed with stunning love and wild adventures, Vonda Sinclair’s first book in the Highland Adventure series is just what an exciting Scottish historic romance should be.
Possibly sporting my all time favourite first line of any book I have EVER read, “A stiff breeze carried the scent of bruised grass and blood on its icy breath.” This line, for me, is instantly evocative of the battle that had took place and the harshness of the Highland weather. I am also thrilled with the first meeting, even if Alasdair is unconscious and therefore unaware of being hidden beneath the lady’s skirts.
Gwyneth’ s character is instantly likeable, within the first few pages you learn of her strength and bravery as she helps an unknown member of an enemy clan. You instantly know of her deep love for her small son and her aims for a better life for him.
McIrwin and Southwicke are obvious in their deplorable characters and yet at the same time Vonda Sinclair gives even them in-depth personalities explaining the horrid nature of their motives.
I love how Alasdair and Gwyneth both try so desperately to not give into their growing regard for each other. This book portrays the beauty of a love not understood and fought against only to be ultimately conceded to, set admist the beautiful highland backdrop of Kintalon this tale is extraordinarily stunning.
My favourite part of this book is probably the image of Alasdair standing before his fireplace and telling Gwyneth that he didn’t want her to leave. A swoon worthy moment if there ever was one!!!
So all in all I absolutely love this book, and the entire Highland Adventure series, this story also comes with a wonderful introduction to the character of Lachlan who is easily my favourite of all of Vonda Sinclair’s characters.
I truly believe that the very talented Vonda Sinclair gives you a little bit of magic in her creations and I would urge anyone who hasn’t experienced the delights of this author to do so now.

My Wild Highlander (Book 2)

Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she’s in dire need of his protection. Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him–Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?

What can I say? Again Vonda Sinclair has managed a completely unforgettable tale that refuses to allow you to put it down.
(I must admit to some bias being that Lachlan is my absolute favourite character.)
Who doesn’t secretly long fora sensual, wild Scottish highland warrior like Lachlan? He is easily one of my favourite characters created by the very talented Vonda Sinclair. I was half way towards being in love with him as he featured in his brothers tale, (My Fierce Highlander, Highland Adventure book one). Now after being fully introduced to him in his own tale I defy you to not swoon over his well thought out character.
The multiple layers of his personality shine through, easily highlighting this author’s superb talent and imagination. We see his passionate side, his gentle and caring side especially when it comes to his two small sons, we witness his fiercely protective side and his unerring loyalty and bravery. We watch as this complex character undergoes a complete transformation, going from an irresponsible and wildly womanizing man to the fierce chief and dedicated husband.
A wonderfully descriptive beginning shows how Lady Angelique Drummagan, certain that she despises all men, is an unwitting witness to Lachlan’ s more carnal desires. Naturally she believes herself to be immune to Lachlan’s charm and yet when offered a selection of three possible grooms it seems he is the best choice, not to mention the King’ s choice and so they wed. The wedding is a nice twist as we witness a night wedding with the bride barefoot and in disarray.
The disagreement over the next in line when the only heir is female is a central point to this tale and raises questions that are dealt with superbly.
Off course the absolute central of this is the unwitting love between Lachlan and Angelique. We watch as the couple argue ceaselessly, their behaviours and thoughts becoming entwined as a love that neither expected or wanted develops between the passionate couple. Angelique is the perfect heroine in this, her fiery and independent nature is exactly right.
Yet again Vonda Sinclair gives her gift to us all wrapped up in suspense, passion and intrigue. This author truly is a master of the written word and I look forward to reading her work for many years to come.

My Brave Highlander (Book 3)

Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn’t who everyone thinks he is. He’s Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him and will the duplicitous enemy who tried to murder him twelve years ago kill him in truth this time? Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful young widow betrothed to yet another Highland chief by her brother’s order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a Highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged and imposing man she thought dead, she wonders if he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety. Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract—an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man’s bride… would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.

Every book I read and reread by Vonda Sinclair reminds me again what a talented author she is. I absolutely love the Highland Adventure series, it is absolutely the best highland romance series I have had the pleasure to read.
I had almost forgotten the delights of Dirk and Isobel’s story. It truly is a tale of overcoming adversity. Poor Isobel, widowed already is forced to defend herself against her future brother in law and flee the home of her betrothed. It is by chance that herself and her faithful maid cross paths with Dirk, Rebbie and a man servant. Dirk is returning to his home after a long absence after his step mother repeatedly tried to kill him when he was a child.
Both have so much to overcome and whilst Dirk is certain he should honour Isobel and not take her as he wishes eventually they come together.
Theirs is a love match and they both seem so very suited to one another.
I truly hope the series continues, there are characters that stir me that I would love to see more of.
Again I am recommending these books to EVERYONE!! I promise you will not be disappointed!

My Daring Highlander (Book 4)

Beautiful and fiercely protective of those she loves, Lady Seona Murray captured Keegan MacKay’s attention when she first set foot in Dunnakeil Castle. Though she is a chief’s daughter and forbidden, Keegan has fallen in love with her from afar and burns to possess her. But so does the clan traitor, Haldane, an obsessive outlaw bent on murder and kidnapping. Sinfully handsome, Keegan MacKay is a fearsome guard as well as the chief’s cousin, but Seona’s father would never consider him a worthy husband for her because he is not a titled laird. Seona has secretly watched the sensual, tawny-haired warrior from across the crowded great hall for months, but when he is tasked with escorting her across Scotland, back to her home, their simmering attraction flames into sizzling passion with just one kiss. Though she fears she is endangering Keegan’s life, Seona cannot resist his seductive charm or his spellbinding kisses. Keegan sets fire to the memories of her sad past and shows her what it means to truly live. But her father has other plans. He’s arranged for her to marry a wealthy Lowland laird. Is Keegan daring enough to steal her away? Or will the vindictive Haldane snatch her first?

Keegan and Seona deserve happiness so much and in this story you’ll get to watch and feel with them as they fight obstacles to be true to themselves and claim each other as their own.
We see more of Haldane and McMurdo as they attempt time and again to kill Dirk and kidnap Seona. We’re witness to Haldane’s attempts becoming more and more desperate as he tries to take by force what he believes is his right to be laird, and the woman he believes he loves to be his wife.
Keegan and Seona’s love story is sweet and chaste and Keegan tries to woo Seona knowing her father will never agree to the match but loving her so much he knows he has to try. We meet Seona’ s younger sister and learn of their abuse at their fathers hands.
Again Vonda Sinclair’s tempting tales of love and adventure in the highlands will have you laughing, crying and loving right along with characters both new and old.
The Highland Adventure series is just what a highland romance should be. I am certain that I am not the only one who prays for more…..
If youre reading this review and wandering if you should try these books then the answer is a resounding yes, give this series a go you won’t regret this series, ever.

My Notorious Highlander (Book 5)

Chief Torrin MacLeod vows to possess and wed the spirited lady who stole his heart the previous winter. But Lady Jessie MacKay wants naught to do with the dangerous warrior, no matter how devilishly handsome and charming he is. When Torrin arrives unexpectedly at Jessie’s home, along with Gregor MacBain, a man Jessie was formerly handfasted to, she is thrown off-kilter. She never wanted to see either man again, but now they are vying for her hand. Torrin promises to protect her from the devious MacBain, but how can she trust Torrin when she has witnessed how lethal he is? The more time Torrin spends with the strong and independent Jessie, the more determined he is to win her heart. Once she allows him a kiss, he feels her passion flame as hot as his own. After she knows Torrin better, Jessie finds herself falling for the fearsome Highlander. But the odds are stacked against them. The sinister MacBain is bent on kidnapping Jessie, making her his bride and killing Torrin, while Jessie’s conniving younger brother, Haldane, is determined to use Jessie to take over the castle in his older brother’s absence. Jessie fears she can never be with the man she loves, while Torrin will do everything in his power to ensure they are together forever. In his heart, she is the only lady for him.

What more can I say? What a treat the Highland Adventure series is, in book 5, we find the end f Haldane and peace comes to the highlands bringing babies!!!!
It’s refreshing to see the man the one certain of his feelings. It is Torrin who knows that he will do anything to have Jessie as his wife, and he really does have to work hard to convince her.
Give me this series of books any day, with handsome warriors and courageous heroines. Time we’ll spent!
Further congratulations to the wonderful Vonda Sinclair who continues to delight with her amazing work.
Now I just have to wait for the next book, I’m excited to learn Rebbie’s story, I’m developing as big a soft spot for him as I have for Lachlan.
I’m tempted now to simply return to the beginning and read the whole series again!!!

My Rebel Highlander (Book 6)

Known for his wicked wit, fierce loyalty, and skills in battle, Robert “Rebbie” MacInnis, the Earl of Rebbinglen, loves freedom and has no plans of marrying anytime soon. But when his father, a powerful Scottish marquess, signs a contract betrothing Rebbie to an earl’s young daughter, he is furious. If he has to marry, he’s determined to choose his own bride, though he has no inkling who he would wish to wed until fate intervenes to remind him of one fair-haired, nameless beauty and the passionate night they spent together years ago. A night forever etched in his memory. Lady Calla Ferguson, a penniless widow with a young son, is forced to seek employment as her cousin’s companion in order to pay her late husband’s massive gambling debt. Having been ignored or mistreated most of her life, Calla has become a resourceful survivor who will stop at nothing to get what she wants—safety and security for her son and herself. Wealthy merchant, Claybourne cares little for the money the Earl of Stanbury owed him; he simply wants the earl’s beautiful, voluptuous widow and he’ll do whatever it takes to get his hands on her, even kidnapping and blackmail. When Rebbie happens upon Claybourne abducting Calla, he rescues her and hides her in a secluded castle deep in the wild Scottish Highlands. Calla conceals her passionate spirit beneath reserve and duty, along with closely-guarded secrets which, if exposed, could ruin both her life and her son’s. Years ago, she lost her heart to a dark-eyed stranger she never thought to see again, but now he’s her protector. Rebbie craves another pleasurable night like the one they shared in the past, and she cannot resist the fiery passion that echoes deep in her heart and soul. Soft but strong, Calla sparks within Rebbie a desperate hunger and a need to protect her. But will her secrets tear them apart?

I have not yet reviewed this book yet, I refuse to do so on the first reading but if you stay tuned I’ll get round to reviewing. First I want to reread the entire series in order. Vonda’s books just make you want to sink into their oages again and again and again….

Amazon Bio below..

Vonda Sinclair’s favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. Her historical romance novels have won an EPIC Award and a National Readers’ Choice Award. She lives in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story. Please visit her website at http://www.vondasinclair.com

http://www.vondasinclair.com/#!

8Sep2014

The Tin Man – Nina Mason

Posted in Reviews by Emma

I reveiwed Nina Mason’s last book here and now I’m going to do her next.

Sunday Review – Nina Mason’s The Queen of Swords.

The Tin Man – Nina Mason

http://ninamasonauthor.com/the-tin-man/

Synoposis (taken from Amazon)

Product Description

The last thing Alex Buchanan, the editor-in-chief of a formidable news site, expects as he looks around the newsroom at the bodies of his editors, is that he’ll soon be teaming up with The Ball Buster to solve the crime and stay alive. Well, maybe not the last thing. The last thing he expects is to fall for her or any other woman. Because he’s The Tin Man–a suit of armor without a heart. Or so he believes… The Ball Buster is his private nickname for Thea Hamilton, a smart, gutsy, and insecure investigative reporter for The New York News, America’s newspaper of record. They went out once years ago–an unmitigated disaster during which she jumped all over his case about smoking. When events force them together, they embark on an emotion-charged, high-octane quest for the truth, ending up in bed, but also in the clutches of a sociopathic corporate raider. “Zeus” is obsessed with James Bond and owns a hardcore S & M club in an old fallout shelter. Is he the killer? And, if so, what’s his motive? What he hopes to gain by torturing the journalists is clearer: the proof they’ve uncovered of a corporate takeover scheme that threatens the future of democracy. And he’ll stop at nothing to get it.

Firstly, I told Nina herself that I expected to like this 2nd novel more than her first and I wasn’t mistaken. Now don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed her first novel, The Queen of Swords but I do love The Tin Man just more.

This is a completely different style for Ms Mason and another she has excelled in!

Realistic, believable characters transport you through a variety of twists and turns so complex your head will spin. And yet Nina does it with such style!

Not for the faint hearted, this is a fast paced, dark tale that delves into the very lowest dregs of humanity and pulls you out the other side. There is no cutting corners with the characters, these are not your run of the mill happily ever after sort. They’re real and they’re gritty.

Murder, suspense and political turns wind you deeper into the tangled web of deceit that is portrayed in America today showing the false and sometimes seedy world of journalism and how the “freedom of the press” works, delves and is sometimes denied.

A complicated attraction takes place between the two main characters. One sprouting numerous issues as they try to fight their rising sexual desire for one another whilst investigating the horrendous murders and kidnaps.

For a fiction work, Nina Mason succeeds in raising real issues in a thrilling plot that will have you on the edge of your seat and contemplating the true struggle of the.. umm.. ‘excrement’ attributed to major coporations and press, not just in America but worldwide.

She also hits on mental health and post traumatic stress with a wonderful realism that shows that Ms Mason has yet again done the research involved with two traumatically affected characters.

If you haven’t yet read this then I advise you to waste no time in purchasing it, you won’t regret it!

17Aug2014

Sunday Review – The Food and Cooking of Scotland

Posted in Reviews by Emma

So today’s a little different, right? Instead of just writing a review I did a little something different.

Now I bought it from a local bookshop a few years ago but I found it on Amazon, here..

You can’t review a cookbook without trying out the recipe’s can you, but I worked for a few years as a chef so figured it wasn’t really fair me testing them. So I got my ever-ready, long-suffering husband to play my guinea pig!!! His cookery skills are lowered than zero and so I figured if he could follow the instructions then anyone could.

So we randomly selected two recipes, two recipes that aren’t overly complicated. He got traditional Bannock and Bramble Jam, two things I love!

The first thing to talk about id the book itself. It has separate sections for mains, appetizers, breads, deserts, drinks. It also has a starting point of 35 pages full of interesting information about Scotland, from their traditions to food to scenery.

I’m not going to list the entire recipes and methods, it would take forever, if you do want them then drop m a message and I’ll upload them. Instead I’ve loads of pictures to show what husband did.

He said it was easier than he expected. And the results were impressive. I’m very proud and stuffed full of yummy jam and bannock!

Bannock

You end up with three pans on the go, one is your milk and yeast, you have to leave it to the side to let the yeast activate. Then there’s the glaze for the final part of cooking. Now don’t be afraid of the next bit which involves full fat milk, lard nd butter, this recipe is not for those watching their weight!

Then the bit of messy as it has to be made into a dough. Knocked back and then put into a warm place for rising. (The yeast has been added by this stage.)

Once it’s risen you take it out and add in raisins. I don’t know why raisins, I guess you could add in anything or leave it plain if you wanted.

You let it rest again, so it was back in the airing cupboard. When you bring it out get it on whatever tray or dish you’re going to use.

We had enough for two.

It goes in at 200c for approx 10 mins and then you glaze, turn the heat down to aprrox190c and leave for 30 mins.

The jam really is easier than people give it credit for.

Good tip, heat the sugar on a low heat in the oven before you do anything. Wash your fruit. Put them in a pan with a little water and start to boil.

Once it’s boiling turn it on to simmer for a few minutes then add the warmed sugar from the oven before pushing back to boil. There is no set amount of time to cook, you’ll know as the fruit breaks down. Another tip is to put a little on a cool plate, if it sort of has a skin or crinkling after a minute or so it’s done.

BIG WARNING

You are boiling sugar, that’s incredibly hot!

Get your jar ready. You’ll want to sterilize it and make sure it has a good seal.

Then you’re ready.

Spread it on what you want and away you go!

and there you have it, in one afternoon my non cooking husband made bannock and jam easily from a favourite Scottish cookbook.

14Aug2014

Thursday 14th August. Thursday thoughts. YA Romance

Posted in Everything Else by Emma

Before I start I have to say it, this is MY opinion. Only that.

I’ve seen many posts about romance unequality and especially that portrayed in YA books and films.

I always suspected that I would come down heavily on the disapproving side.

I mean, we may as well face the truth here; YA just isn’t YA without some form of a romantic undercurrent. I don’t think that I can actually recall a film or book in this category that does not at least touch on a dysfunctional romance at least once.

Don’t get me wrong, I see no reason romance, crushes, whatever you want to call it shouldn’t be included in YA and teen entertainment, but face the facts, I doubt any person over the age of about ten nowadays has not been subjected to some form of sexualised imagery. It is far too readily available on the internet, etc., but more than that, look at a music video or advert and see how sex sells… I could wonder of on a rant here; I won’t because it leads too far off topic, but it may be something you want to consider.

I think there is a thin line between love and lust, and it is not always breached respectfully. That goes for all genres and age groups, but it’s YA I’m speaking about here. It’s important to remember how impressionable that age is. Oh, I know; a million teens are screaming that they’re not stupid, they don’t give into peer pressure, etc. but the fact of the matter is you do. I did. With all my talk of not following crowds and refusal to become little more than a consumer sheep, pressure is still there. And there is a huge amount of pressure on teens when it comes to things of a sexual nature without everything aimed at them confusing the situation further.

Now as far as I’m aware, and I admit that I could be completely wrong here, YA is a relatively new genre.

Let’s jump straight aboard the bandwagon and begin with Twilight shall we.

I doubt there are many who don’t know at least the basic plot.

Now, I’m not a fan of this as it refers to Bella and Edward, I find the characters deplorable, and they wind me up no end. The portrayal of Bella just ceasing to function when left by Edward fuels far too many arguments for me to go into..

BUT

They grow on me. Not so much Bella, I don’t think she ever has much grit as a character but the wishy washy deeply tortured crap that is Edward does. His passion and love, yes love, after all he’s offering her all of eternity, is nice.

So there’s a redeeming point right?

Don’t give in, you might have to wait hundreds of years for the right someone but they’ll show up eventually!

Twilight’s good point: love doesn’t set a rhyme or course. You could fall for someone who is nothing like you ever imagined, so completely different to you. Sometimes you have to fight hard to make it work. you don’t choose who you fall in love with. it can be the person you want, or it can be someone you don’t expect.

New Moon’s good point: sometimes the person you love the most will hurt you. it’s alright to not be alone; you have your friends for support, if you’ll just allow them to be there for you they can help you be happy again. sometimes the things that really hurt most were done with the best intentions.

Eclipse: each choice you make has consequences. not just for you but for people around you, you never know how your decisions are going to alter the lives of those close to you but ultimately you do have to put your happiness first. it’s your life; you are the one who has to live it.

Breaking Dawn: It’s about family. It’s about fighting for your family, to keep them safe. It’s about not judging something just because it’s different from what you know (Renesmee is the prime example here.) Just because it’s not something you have come across before doesn’t mean it’s ok to put an end to it.

The bad points in this serious are obvious.

A girl should give up everything and everyone just to be with her sexy boyfriend

If your boyfriend dumps you: become suicidal

If your boyfriend is seriously controlling and decides what you can and can not do in your its ok, don’t question it, he obviously only has your best interest in mind.

and more..

Oh, just one more point. I see a lot of negative issues online about getting married and having a baby at 18. This isn’t the horror story people make it out to be; everyone’s different. It’s only a modern world that dictates this is wrong, go back a hundred years nd this was the norm.

So mixed reviews. My point, although not always clear is this, is that yes a lot of these films and books aimed at YA have some dysfunctional relationships, but even the worst ones have nice points.

Just because teens are teens doesn’t mean they’re about to go out and immediately intimate what thy see or read, the same could be said for adults. I watched Silence of the lambs not long ago and yet I have not become a cannibal or a murderer. I read Stephen King’s Christine, and yet no demonic car has changed me with some weird possession crap.

Trust people, no matter their age to know right from wrong on their own. Understand that entertainment is exactly that.

Oh and look closer at some of the morals to these that you are maybe not seeing the first time.

I’m not excusing them; I’m not saying the don’t have bad morals and points, I’m just asking you to look a little closer…

So here are a few examples of love in YA romance that I like.

Oh, one further point, my husband and I have been together since I was 17, in a couple of months I turn 30. Proof I think that teen romance can last.

11Aug2014

Sunday Review on a Monday morning – 50 Shades of Grey

Posted in Reviews by Emma

So Sunday review on a Monday morning?
Well I was certain I was going to review 50 Shades of Grey and in order to do so I had to finish it!!
This time I reviewed slightly differently and reviewed on the first read and as I went along.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

“When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.
Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.
But Christian is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Christian keeps hidden away from public view .”

“The multi-million copy bestseller soon to be a major movie starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson”

Here’s my review exactly as it was written as I went along.
Question – Did I like it? Answer still unknoown..

So far I am only approximately 1% of the way in. I try not to make a judgment so quickly and yet already I’m dissatisfied. Ana already is a character I dislike. However the word is perseverance, and so I shall….
So. Chapter one. What can I say? So far I dislike both main characters. I’m also a bit peeved that if Ana is reading questions given to her by Kate for the intereview then it’s crap and this Kate doesn’t deserve to be on the paper. And seriously, no plans for after graduation? Nothing?
The word again is perseverance. So many love this that it surely has to get better?
Shopping list includes, ‘cable ties, masking tape, rope and coveralls?’ and she thinks this is just a standard little out of town shopping trip?
Oh my God! Perseverance. Reminding myself continually that there has to be something redeeming in this rubbish. It isn’t often that I can’t find anything I like but I’m struggling here. I don’t like the characters. I don’t even like the way the book is written…
I refuse to give up!
21 and drunk for the first time, I think I feel sorry for her. Can’t think if this or Twilight was first but the whole clumsy girl thing has been done.
Ok, can’t keep your hands off, passionate snogging in a lift does kinda work for me.
Still not exactly enjoying this yet but I enjoyed that bit. Yay, for Ana’s inner goddess!!
25% of the way through. They’ve just has sex, normal sex. 21 yr old Ana of the studious, non drinking was also a virgin. Not surprised. It all plays on the old view of the strict librarian taking down her hair, taking off her glasses and turning into a sex God.
Anyway….
The writing style leaves something to be desired, I can’t even pinpoint it but something is missing. I still don’t like the characters and it still feels like a bit of a chore to read and not the pleasant experience reading generally is for me.
I’m intent on finishing this book.
Hmmm… What is there to say so far? The actual characters are still leaving something to be desired. That is not to say that I am not warming to them. A beginning has been made in the complexities of character. We learn as little of Christian Grey’s past, including an inkling of previous sexual relationships. I’m still finding Anastasia Steele dull but there is hinting to more depth of her character. I’m still withholding judgement at this point.
The fully written contract felt wasteful and could have been summed up instead of fully written. There is still that indecipherable something missing from the written format. I can’t place my finger on it yet but there is seriously something bothering me.
Oh, and at this point I am 37% through book one. I’m uncertain yet as to whether I’ll continue with the further books in this series. Never say never, it really depends upon the further 63% that I have yet to read.
“Opal and aquamarine dusk” I mean seriously?
Right, so I’m currently at the start of chapter seventeen and my feelings towards certain characters are in confusion. I still don’t really like them but they are growing on me and they do have depth.
I like the fact that the situation is unique to them both and the idea that they are willing to try to compromise.
I find it relatively easy to relate with Ana’s character a little more, I too would have issues accepting gifts of such high monetary value and many people find it easier to appear more confident and well versed in script as opposed to speaking.
I am making progress in that Grey’s character intrigues me. Everybody loves the fucked up bad boy, right? I’m no exception.
The sex, it’s quality and quantity is not as horrifying as I had first expects. Hearing many things of this series I must admit to some trepidation. I am by no means prudish however there is a thin line between a story with a lot of sex and porn with a bit of storyline. So far there isn’t enough sex in this to be offensive or pornographic, (I’m at chapter 24) however the best writing is during the sexier scenes. It’s an odd sensation to be noticing the writing style so much as opposed to being able to slip wholeheartedly into the plot. This may be the under scoring reason that I find I’m not really enjoying this. I find that more and more plausible, as I’ve stated, there is nothing offensive a far as I’ve read….
We’ll see. Perseverance and all…
Hmmmm. Well that was unexpected. Whilst I have no amazing feelings of love for either Ana or Christian there pain felt very real.
I now have that part of me battling in earnest. I didn’t exactly enjoy this book, I didn’t like the writing style, or the characters particularly. I found I a let down.
And yet I yearn to know what happens.
Holy schmoley I think I’m going to have to buy the next book.
I remain completely undecided and confused over this book. Did I like it or not?
I remain unsure as to whether to continue. Currently my depleted funds refuse to allow me to purchase the next book, especially after wandering into the myriad of Amazon reviews. I know you can’t please everyone but the repetition of accounts and feelings similar to my own concerns me. However I do still desire to continue this unorthodox romance. Troubling… a decision will ultimately be made, but for now I’m refusing the ‘seven shades of sin and fifty shades of fucked up.’

27Jul2014

Sunday Review – 27 July 2014

Posted in Reviews by Emma

“They say he made a deal with the devil. Now the devil demands his due.”

“Captured and tortured by the English during Longshanks’s war against the Scots, Ronan MacGrigor finds the strength to escape, only to suffer the fear and rejection of his own clan. Forced to stalk the shadows at night, Ronan becomes a prisoner of illness, fear, and memories.

Fearing for his life, his brother summons a healer whose reputation borders on that of a miracle worker, but she comes from the land of the Sassenach, the very people who tried to destroy Ronan.

A foundling, Lia knows little about wars or politics, she knows only how to treat the wounds they create, and her dedication to healing knows no borders.

But the Demon Laird cannot abide a Sassenach within his home, and when a mysterious plague strikes the villagers, he looks to the woman of an enemy nation to be its cause. Even in the face of Ronan’s hatred of her and the superstitious fear of the clan, Lia knows she must stand for the truth.

Despite their fear of him, Ronan’s only goal is to protect his clan from the vicious war raging around them, but when the enemy is at his gates, the Demon Laird must answer. Lia wages her own war, that of healing the soul of a tormented laird—where all others have fled in terror, she refuses to run.

The villagers whisper of a curse—the Demon Laird made a deal with the devil—now the devil demands his due. “

I do not remember if I purchased this when it was free or maybe only about £1. Either way I bought it on a whim without even reading the product description or any of the reviews.
I was not disappointed!
It was almost instantly that I fell in love with the brothers, Ronan and Aidan, I’ll come back to Aiden later. The prologue starts by explaining to you how they were when they were growing up and introduces you to their mischievous, very different and yet close personalities. The rest of the book then goes on to weave a tale concentrating on their grown lives.
The author, Kathryn Loch, has made even the secondary characters in the book really interesting making you long to know all their story’s.
The heroine in this tale is Lia, an English orphaned healer who travels to the waring Scotland where she knows her heritage will make her untrusted. She isn’t wrong.
Due to his serious injuries resulting from capture, torture and his escape it is not Ronan who decides to send for the healer but his younger brother Aidan. Ronan is instantly suspicious of Lia and demands her immediate removal. As she is feeling worried about having to leave and where she would go she makes herself useful by caring for ill clans-people with an unknown affliction.
We see how she turns their image of her as a witch to the clan accepting her presence as she struggles to cure the ill. During this we see her continued struggle to both finding the cause of the illness and to allow Ronan to accept her treatment.
I don’t want to give too much away, you’ll have to read it to find out more.
I will say this, finding out that the affliction from which Ronan suffers is Epilepsy, it spoke to me personally. It was intriguing to find out how the illness was portrayed, received and treated.
Coming back to Aidan, he features in his own book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadowed-Hawk-Legacy-Mist-Clans-ebook/dp/B00K2FCF42/ref=pd_cp_kinc_0 , which I own but have not had the chance to read yet. I love the thought of his ‘birds’.
My overall verdict is that if you haven’t read this then do so. Oh but read http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mist-Warrior-Legacy-Clans-Book-ebook/dp/B00ALD1DIE/ref=la_B008CLDOFC_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406487634&sr=1-2 , it’s the 1st book in the Legacy of the Mist Clans.
Kathryn is a very talented writer who I would strongly recommend. https://www.facebook.com/#!/kathryn.loch.92?fref=ts

Emma Ruthven-Stevenson

Author

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