Clearly an ability to communicate…lovely. thanks to Lauryn229
Monthly Archives: August 2022
Smorgasbord Bookshelf – Summer Book Fair 2022 – #Historical Aislish Sinclair, #Crime Jane Risdon
Over the course of the summer months I will be sharing the recommended authors who feature in the Smorgasbord Bookshelf along with their books and a selected review.
The first book today is the historical novel Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair.
About the book
Elizabeth craves adventure… excitement… love…
For now though, she has to settle for a trip from her family’s castle, to the port in Aberdeen, where her father has promised she’ll be permitted to buy a horse… all of her own.
Little does she suspect this simple journey will change her life, forever. And as she dreams of riding her new mount through the forests and glens of the Manteith estate, she can have no idea that she might never see them again.
For what lies ahead is danger, unimagined… and the fearful realities of kidnap and slavery.
But even when everything seems lost, most especially the chance of ever getting home again, Elizabeth finds friendship, comfort… and that much prized love, just where she least expected it.
Set in the mid eighteenth century, Fireflies and Chocolate is a story of strength, courage and tolerance, in a time filled with far too many prejudices.
One of the five star reviews for the book and I can add my own recommendation
Fireflies and Chocolate is a wonderful book that tells the story of Elizabeth Manteith, a titled sixteen-year-old, who is abducted off the streets of Aberdeen in 1743 and taken off to Pennsylvania to work there. These abductions really happened, facilitated by the merchants of the city who were paid for their help.
Elizabeth is gutsy, vulnerable, rash and caring, and her quick wittedness and bravery had me cheering her on from the sidelines. Like her, we are confronted by the harsh realities of life as a slave or indentured labourer and she experiences danger and brutality as she wades in to protect her new-found friends.
There’s also fun and humour in the mix and a romance that grows and develops with the tale. I loved the author’s depiction of the confusion Elizabeth faced regarding her true feelings for Peter, who helped her during the voyage, and for Michael who gave her a job as his cook. I’ll leave you to find out for yourself how that pans out!
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And:Amazon US
Also by Ailish Sinclair
Read the other reviews and buy the books:Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Other reviews :Goodreads – Website:Ailish Sinclair – Twitter: @AilishSinclair – Facebook: Ailish Sinclair Author – LinkedIn: Ailish Sinclair
About Ailish Sinclair
Ailish Sinclair trained as a dancer and taught dance for many years, before working in schools to help children with special needs. A short stint as a housekeeper in a castle fired her already keen interest in untold stories of the past and she sat down to research and write.
She now lives beside a loch with her husband and two children where she still dances and writes and eats rather a lot of chocolate.
The next author today is Jane Risdon with her short story collection Undercover Crime Shorts that makes for an interesting read.
About the collection
Under one cover for the first time a collection of Crime Shorts from Jane Risdon featuring previously unpublished stories which will have you on the edge of your seat. There is an extract from Jane’s forthcoming novel (series) Ms Birdsong Investigates Murder at Ampney Parva: Operation Matryoshka – with the title of Undercover – for those who’ve been awaiting this series about a former MI5 Intelligence Office, Lavinia Birdsong. There’s something for everyone who enjoys a good yarn and more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction.
One of the reviews for Undercover Crime Shorts
The common theme of these short stories is murder, where the victims apparently deserving their fate as the perpetrators justify their actions.
All the main characters in each of the stories have psychopathic tendencies, but the short narration of the events does not allow their characteristics and backgrounds to be developed. An example is the paranoid diplomat who believes he is the victim of a ‘honey trap.’ I, as the reader, felt he was more of a misogynist and opportunist who covered up serial murders.
I liked the premise of the stories, and found them imaginative and entertaining, all with a bite of incredible plotting.
Murder by Christmas was my favourite. The idea of deciding to murder before you can collect an inheritance is a dilemma. What gives the story intrigue is that the deceased, in her will, had decided she wants rid people in her life whom she disliked. Equally interesting is how easily the perpetrators have no remorse and meticulously kill their victims before they start a new life with their new wealth. The ending left me wondering if I could do the same. (Probably not).
I enjoyed this collection of short fiction. Although on the surface a grim subject, each tale has a mischievous tone, with the narration like cosy crime providing a sense of justice in most cases.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
Also by Jane Risdon
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US– Blog:Jane Risdon WordPress – Goodreads:Jane Risdon Goodread – Twitter: @Jane_Risdon – Facebook: Jane Risdon – Bookbub: Jane Risdon – WNB Network: Channel 6
About Jane Risdon
Jane Risdon is the co-author of ‘Only One Woman,’ with Christina Jones (Headline Accent) and ‘Undercover: Crime Shorts,’ (Plaisted Publishing), as well as having many short stories published in numerous anthologies. She writes for several online and print magazines such as Writing Magazine, Electric Press, and The Writers’ and Readers’ Magazine.
Undercover: Crime Shorts was the February Free Book of the Month on the virtual library and festival site, MYVLF.com, and her live video interview features in their theatre. She is a regular guest on international internet podcasts including UK Crime Book Club (UKCBC), Donnas Interviews Reviews and Giveaways, and on radio shows such as theauthorsshow.com, chatandspinradio.com, and The Brian Hammer Jackson Radio Show.
Undercover: Crime Shorts is being used by Western Kentucky University, Kt. USA, in an Introduction to Literature Class, for second year students from Autumn 2021 for the foreseeable future.
She is the Lead Panellist, March (2022), for an online discussion of The Intersection of Literary Fiction and Women’s Literature at LitCon, an author’s conference out of New York USA.
Jane’s latest 100-word piece of Flash Fiction entitled Payback, was read by her for Showboat TV Equinox Online Festival on 25th September as part of the event’s Spoken word segment.
Before turning her hand to writing Jane worked in the International Music Business alongside her musician husband, working with musicians, singer/songwriters, and record producers. They also facilitated the placement of music in movies and television series. They were based mostly in Los Angeles and Singapore.
Earlier in her career she also worked for the British Ministry of Defence in Germany, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London, and the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell.
Jane is represented by Linda Langton of Langton’s International Literary Agency in New York City, New York USA.
Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share Jane’s post… Sally
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Carol Taylor’s – Culinary A – Z Rewind – ‘F’ for Figs, Finger limes, Flambe, Fenugreek, Fruit Pectin, Fugu
Welcome to a repeat of the series from Carol Taylor, the wonderful Culinary A – Z and a reminder, not only of the amazing variety of food we have available to us today from around the world, but delicious recipes to showcase them. Carol also introduces to cooking methods and kitchen equipment that assist in creating meals for all occasions.
Welcome once again to Carols Cooking Column and today in my culinary trawl we have the Letter F. I am loving this series as I am discovering foods and cooking terms I didn’t know or didn’t think I knew so I hope you are too.
‘F’ for me was not as easy as some and not so many terms beginning with F although as I was writing I did think of some more it takes me a while sometimes…getting old…lol
Let’s kick off with this Culinary journey…
Falafel…
A deep-fried ball, doughnut or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans or a combination of both. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food that most likely originated in Egypt. Usually served in a pitta bread, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon; Falafel balls may also be eaten alone, as a snack or served as part of an assortment of appetizers.
Fenugreek …
I use this spice in my Indian cooking so that was easy. But for centuries, fenugreek has been used by many for its health benefits as fenugreek is not only nutritious but can provide us with numerous health benefits.
Five-spice powder is also another spice familiar to me and one which I use in my kitchen.
Five-spice powder is a spice mixture of five or more spices which is used predominantly in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine and to a lesser degree in Asian and Arabic cookery. If you can’t buy 5 spice powder then it easy to make.
Ingredients:
• 3 tbsp. cinnamon powder
• 6-star anise
• 1 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
• 1 1/2 tsp. Szechuan peppercorns or black peppercorns
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves.
Let’s Cook!
Dry roast all the ingredients ( optional) I do as it intensifies the flavour. Then blitz to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or small blender. It will store in an airtight container for 2 months.
Focaccia is one of my favourite loaves of bread. Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked Italian bread similar in style and texture to pizza dough. Popular throughout Italy it is usually just seasoned with olive oil and salt although tomatoes or olives can be used.
Fatback…
Is a cut of meat from a domestic pig. It consists of the layer of subcutaneous fat under the skin of the pigs back. Fatback is hard fat and may be rendered to make high-quality lard and is one source of salt pork.
Finely diced or coarsely ground fatback is an important ingredient in sausage making.
Fatback is also an important element of traditional charcuterie and in some European cultures is used to make speciality bacon.
At one time fatback was Italy’s basic cooking fat, especially in regions where olive trees are sparse or absent, but health concerns have reduced its popularity. However, it provides a rich, authentic flavour for the classic battuto – sautéed vegetables, herbs, and flavourings – that forms the basis of many traditional dishes. Today, pancetta is often used instead.
Finger Limes…
Are native to Australian and often referred to as Caviar fruit. have a slightly sour, slightly sweet flavour that makes for an extremely versatile citrus. Often referred to as vegan caviar or finger limes, each lime is filled with citrus pearls similar in appearance and texture to fish roe. There’s nothing fishy about the flavour. These pearls have a unique lime taste distinct in its sweetness that adds a pop of fun.
Fennel…
Fennel is a hardy, perennial herb which somehow just seems to be a natural fit with its surroundings. Fennel has a pale bulb and long green stalks. It can be grown almost anywhere. All parts of the fennel plant, including the bulb, stalk, leaves, and seeds, are edible.
They add flavour to other foods and go especially well with fish.
A relative of the humble carrot it belongs to the Umbelliferae family. A lovely white or very pale green bulb which is crunchy, slightly sweet with an aniseedy/Liquorice flavour it is often associated with Italian cuisine.
I myself use fennel seeds a lot in my cooking but I do underuse the bulb and use it infrequently and not as often as I should.
Fish Sauce…
I think it is a bit like marmite you either love it or hate it… I love it and use it in many of my dishes it has that sweet, salty, fishy, funky flavour made from fermented fish. small fish like anchovies are used to make fish sauce they are coated in salt and packed in barrels fermented for a couple of months to a few years… It is used all over Asia in many dishes and gives them that unique umani flavour.
Fugu…
Is a Japanese delicacy expensive and highly poisonous? Only licensed Fugo chefs are allowed to prepare this fish. they undergo 2/3 years of training as this fish is amongst the top 10 most dangerous foods and is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide… Why would you?
Flambe…
Is a cooking procedure where alcohol is added to a hot pan and causes a flame it always looks spectacular on cooking shows and in restaurants where something is cooked at your table.
Fruit Pectin: Found naturally in fruits with some fruits having higher levels than others. It can also be purchased in powder or liquid form. It makes jellies gel and jams to set and also gives them their spreading consistency.
Strawberry Jam.
• 1 kilo hulled strawberries
• 750g jam sugar
• juice 1 lemon
• small knob of butter (optional)
Let’s Cook!
- Prepare the strawberries by wiping them with a piece of damp kitchen paper. (Wiping the strawberries rather than washing them ensures the fruit doesn’t absorb lots of water – too much water and the jam won’t set easily.)
- To hull, the fruit, use a knife to cut a cone shape into the strawberry and remove the stem. Cut any large berries in half. Put the strawberries in a bowl and gently toss through the sugar.
- Leave uncovered at room temperature for 12 hrs or overnight.
- This process helps the sugar to dissolve, ensures the fruit doesn’t disintegrate too much and helps to keep its vibrant colour.
- Before starting the jam, put 2 saucers in the freezer.
- Tip the strawberry mixture into a preserving pan with the lemon juice.
- Set over a low heat and cook very gently. If any sugar remains on the sides of the pan, dip a pastry brush in hot water and brush the sugar away.
- When you can no longer feel any grains of sugar remaining, turn up the heat to start bubbling the jam and bringing it to the boil. (The sugar must be completely dissolved before increasing the heat, otherwise, it will be difficult for the jam to set, and it may contain crystallized lumps of sugar.)
- Boil hard for 5-10 mins until the jam has reached 105C on a preserving or digital thermometer, then turn off the heat.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, spoon a little jam onto one of the cold saucers. Leave for 30 secs, then push with your finger; if the jam wrinkles and doesn’t flood to fill the gap, it is ready
- If not, turn the heat back on and boil for 2 mins more, then turn off the heat and do the wrinkle test again. Repeat until ready.
- Use a spoon to skim any scum that has risen to the surface and discard this. Do this only once at the end, rather than constantly during the boiling stage, to reduce wastage. Add a knob of butter, if you like, to the finished jam, and stir in to melt.
- This will help to dissolve any remaining scum that you haven’t managed to spoon off the top.
- Leave the jam to settle for 15 mins – this will ensure that the fruit stays suspended in the mixture and doesn’t all float to the top of the jam jar.
- Meanwhile, sterilize your jars.
- Ladle into warm jars, filling to just below the rim.
- Place a wax disc on top of the jam (this prevents mildew forming), then cover with a lid or a cellophane circle and elastic band. Pop on a label (include the date), plus a pretty fabric top, if you like. The jam can be stored for up to 1 year in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.
Figs…
There is nothing quite like the taste of a fresh fig…dried they are totally different, sweet with a chewy flesh and crunchy edible seeds. The fig tree has no blossom on its branches the blossoms are inside the fig. Many tiny flowers produce the crunchy edible seeds which give figs their unique texture.
They are sweet with a chewy flesh, smooth skin, and those crunchy seeds.
Did you know? Fig puree can replace the fat in baked goods? Well neither did I until quite recentl
Thank you for reading I hope you have enjoyed this little trip through the Culinary alphabet…Until next time when it will be the letter G.
About Carol Taylor
Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them.
I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetables ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling.
Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use have to improve our health and wellbeing.
Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
Carol is a contributor to the Phuket Island Writers Anthology: Amazon US
Connect to Carol – Blog: Carol Cooks 2 – Twitter: @CarolCooksTwo – Facebook: Carol Taylor
My thanks to Carol for creating this wonderful series and we hope that you have enjoyed. As always we are delighted to receive your feedback and if you could share that would be great.. thanks Sally.
Smorgasbord Laughter is the Best Medicine – Hosts Debby Gies and Sally Cronin – Smart Feet and Marital Advice part one
Firstly, some funnies from Debby Gies followed by some funnies from Sally. Thanks to those who share the funnies on the internet.
D.G. Writes is where you will find an archive full of wonderful posts across several subjects including writing tips, social issues and book reviews.
My thanks to Debby for excellent foraging
D. G. Kaye – Buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK Blog: D.G. Writes – Goodreads: D.G. Kaye on Goodreads – Twitter: @pokercubster
Debby’s new series Spiritual Awareness.. Spiritual Awareness -How Empaths Can Shield Negative Energies
Now for some fun from Sally….
As you know I do like to pass on pearls of wisdom and marriage is one of those topics that everyone tends to talk about! Here is part one of some snippets I have found to share with you.
Marriage!
Grooms, once you get married remember that when you have a discussion with your future wife, always get the last two words in: “Yes, dear.”
What is the penalty for bigamy? Two mothers-in-law.
The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are “I apologize” and “You are right.”
I need to start paying closer attention to stuff. Found out today my wife and I have separate names for the cat.
At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.
I always wanted to marry Mrs. Right, but I didn’t know her first name was “Always”.
Arguing with your wife/husband is a lot like trying to read the Terms of Use on the internet. In the end, you just give up and go ‘I agree.’
After a quarrel, a wife said to her husband, “You know, I was a fool when I married you.” And the husband replied, “Yes, dear, but I was in love and didn’t notice it.”
Thank you for joining us today and we hope you are leaving with a smile on your face.. Debby and Sally.
Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2022- ‘Lucky Dip – #Furfamily #Cats D.L. Finn
Since this series began in January 2018 there have been over 1000 Posts from Your Archives where bloggers have taken the opportunity to share posts to a new audience… mine.
The topics have ranged from travel, childhood, recipes, history, family and the most recent series was #PotLuck where I shared a random selection of different topics. This series is along the same lines… but is a ‘Lucky Dip’
In this series I will be sharing posts from the half of 2022
It is an opportunity to showcase your writing skill to my readers and also to share on my social media. Which combined is around the 50,000 mark. If you are an author your books will be mentioned too, along with their buy links and your other social media contacts. You can find out how to participate at the end of the post.
Today Denise Finn shares her fur family that have found their way into her heart and of her family… as they all do.
A visit with my animals! by D.L. Finn
In the top left corner is the gray tuxedo cat, Rupert, who was originally my oldest daughter’s cat, and he moved in with us when he was almost a year old. He’s 16.5 years young and, although dealing with a few health issues, appears to have a few lives tucked away to use. He’s our mother cat who has brought home a baby squirrel who fell out of the cedar tree and a bird who left the nest too soon. He left them safely with me and they were taken to the wild animal rescue. Rupert loves to snuggle and keep all the cats clean and safe. He is very loving, although sometimes, he will let you know with a well-placed bite if over-petted. I have to wrap him like a burrito to give him his thyroid pills or suffer the consequences.
Our only dog is Sara, who is 13 years old. She is a Shepard mix, and we enjoy our walks together on the magical trail. She never lets me out of her sight and is on the frail side now. Although in her day, she found a way over the fence when a bear was near my husband. She is our bear chaser, and they are afraid of her. When Hermie, her companion, was alive, sometimes they would find ways to escape and wander. She would be the one who would come home smelling of skunk. Then it was time for that bath with my special mixture of cloves, hydrogen peroxide, soap, and whatever else I thought of to throw into the mix.
The handsome brown tiger cat with bright green eyes in the top right corner is Chester. He is also thirteen years old and was a feral kitten whose mom was killed in our backyard by a dog we rescued from the pound. We could not keep the dog after that, but luckily she found a good home without cats. Then I had to rescue the scared and wild kitten left behind. It took a few days, but I finally tricked him into the house with tuna. He has his own room because his feral comes out sometimes in ways we can’t live with. He is the only cat that goes outside. Chester is the sweetest of all our cats and gives good standing hugs.
Next in the bottom left corner is our biggest cat at twenty pounds with the one white spot on his chest, eight-year-old Coco. He was born a day later than his littermates and had some health challenges as a kitten with his lungs, allergies, and finding all the parts needed to fix him. He was treated for his wheezing, and we figured out what he was allergic to that made his claws fall out. (cat sand) Those claws grew back, and after a few attempts, he was fully fixed. His charming personality makes him a celebrity at the vet. He is what I call a people-cat, and he is always bringing us his stuffed animal gifts, which you have to thank him, or he’ll meow until you notice. He and Chester dislike each other, though.
I adopted 2.5-year-old Luna with my grandson. He held her all the way home, and she snuggled under his chin. He was the one who named her. She is tiny but doesn’t know it. She loves music, especially when my husband plays his guitar. This all-black kitty with a single white whisker above her eyes is my husband’s biggest fan and fawns all over him when he is done playing. Coco fell in love with Luna so that she can get away with anything around him—and my husband. This kitty loves to cuddle under the covers but does not like to be held. When she wants in or out of a room, she will stand up and dig (without her claws) at the door until she is let in or out. She is the one that tries to escape outside, and it’s always at night. The chase is a game for her. Luna is clueless that mountain lions and coyotes won’t play with her.
Gray-striped Zuzu, named after the little girl on It’s a Wonderful Life, was a surprise addition to the family. While taking Luna to get her shots, I peeked at the kittens and went into the room with them. Well, I ended up with another cat when she sat at my feet with the cutest head tilt, and I figured Luna could use a playmate near her age. She is the most curious cat I’ve ever had and the most clumsy. If there is a crash in the house, Zuzu is the reason for it. She is why the roses I got for Valentine’s Day sit outside my window instead of the house. She is our lap cat and the one who will take care of any mice, lizards, or moths entering the house.
These are the animals that not only share our house but are my writing companions. When I write an animal or pet into my story, this devoted group has been influential in that process.
So, it’s not surprising that animals took a bigger role in my current story, A Voice in the Silence, that I’m currently finishing up. A dog, cat, and rat find an amiable lady who takes them in—of course, they aren’t your normal animals. More on that soon.
©D.L. Finn 2022
My thanks to Denise for letting me share this post from her archives and I know that she would love to hear from you…
A selection of books by D.L. Finn
A recent review for A Voice in the Silence
Colleen M. Chesebro An older woman rediscovering love in the most unusual way!
Drea, a widow, is still grieving the loss of her husband Rob, her soulmate. Lost and alone, Drea struggles to move on. She tries grief counseling, but that doesn’t help her one bit. Then one day, three incredible animals become part of her life, changing her world in ways she never imagined.
Just as Drea’s life changes for the better; she realizes that she’s being stalked by a serial killer. Scared, she turns to Adam, her husband’s best friend. He’s a police officer whose wife has also passed. With the help of the animals, Adam sets out to protect Drea. But there are some things about the animals that Drea hasn’t shared with Adam. Yet…
Plus, there is Drea’s grief to cope with. Can she let go of Rob and move into a future with Adam?
Speculative fiction is always a fun read, but this author’s creativity knows no bounds. There was plenty of tension, including some paranormal activity, that made the story feel unique. The animals make this story shine! Yet, this story is really about Drea, an older woman rediscovering love. This was the perfect summer read!
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow D.L. Finn: Goodreads – Connect to D.L. Finn – Website: D.L. Finn Author – Facebook: D.L. Finn Author – Twitter: @dlfinnauthor
About D.L. Finn
D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy.
She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.
How to feature in the series?
- All I need you to do is give me permission to dive in to your archives and find two posts to share here on Smorgasbord. (sally.cronin@moyhill.com)
- Rather than a set topic, I will select posts at random of general interest across a number of subjects from the first six months of 2022. (it is helpful if you have a link to your archives in your sidebar by month)
- As I will be promoting your books as part of the post along with all your information and links so I will not be sharing direct marketing or self- promotional posts in the series.
- If you are an author I am sure you will have a page on your blog with the details, and an ‘about page’ with your profile and social media links (always a good idea anyway). I will get everything that I need.
- As a blogger I would assume that you have an ‘about page’ a profile photo and your links to social media.
- Copyright is yours and I will ©Your name on every post… and you will be named as the author in the URL and subject line.
- Previous participants are very welcome to take part again.
- Each post is reformatted for my blog and I don’t cut and paste, this means it might look different from your own post especially if you are using the block editor
- If I do share a post which contains mainly photographs I will share up to five and link back to the original post for people to view the rest.
N.B – To get the maximum benefit from your archive posts, the only thing I ask is that you respond to comments individually and share on your own social media.. thank you.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – The Breakfast Show with William Price King and Sally Cronin – Chart Hits 2002 Part Two – The Calling, Linkin Park, Atomic Kitten, Phil Collins
Welcome to our show and we are excited to share decades of music with you in 2022.
Here is my second selection of top 2002 hits which I hope you will enjoy.
The Calling – Wherever you will go
“Wherever you will go” is from the album “Camino Palmero.” It peaked at #5 in the US and topped the Adult Top 40 for 23 weeks, the second-longest #1 in the chart’s history. Outside the US, the song topped the music charts of Italy, New Zealand, and Poland, reaching #3 in the UK, #5 in Australia, and becoming a top-ten hit in several European countries.
June 11th “American Idol” created by Simon Fuller with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson premieres on Fox
Linkin Park – In the end
“In the end” hit the #2 spot in the US and was a top ten hit in many countries around the globe. It ranked at #121 in Blender magazine’s “The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born” and became the first nu metal (alternative metal) song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.
November 18th Dark Horse/EMI posthumously releases “Brainwashed”, George Harrison’s 12th and final studio album
Now time for my second picks from 2002 and I hope you will enjoy my selection.
Atomic Kitten – The Tide is High
“The Tide Is High” is a 1967 song written by John Holt, originally produced by Duke Reid and performed by the Jamaican group the Paragons, with Holt as lead singer. The song gained international attention in 1980, when a reggae version by the American band Blondie became a US/UK number one hit.] The British girl group Atomic Kitten also had a number one hit with their version of the song in 2002,
Their version of the song also added a new bridge, hence the subtitle “Get the Feeling”. . This was the group’s third and final UK number one single. AtomicKittenVEVO
November 29th “The Concert for George”, a benefit memorial to George Harrison held at the Royal Albert Hall, London, features Eric Clapton; Paul McCartney; Ringo Starr; Jeff Lynne; Tom Petty; Joe Brown; Anoushka Shankar; Billy Preston; and members of Monty Python
Phil Collins – Can’t Stop Loving You
“I Can’t Stop Loving You (Though I Try)” is a song written by singer-songwriter William Nicholls. It is the tenth song by English singer Phil Collins on his seventh solo album Testify, released in 2002. Although it had minor airplay, the song was yet another number one Billboard adult contemporary smash hit for Collins, his eighth. The song also reached the number ten on the Eurochart. Phil Collins
December 27th “Chicago” (Best Picture 2003), based on John Kander and Fred Ebb’s musical, directed by Rob Marshall, starring Renée Zellweger, Richard Gere, and Catherine Zeta-Jones released.
Additional sources: On This Day – Music – Hits of the 2000s: Playback FM – Wikipedia
Your Hosts for The Breakfast Show
William Price King is an American jazz singer, crooner, and composer.
His interest in music began at an early age when he studied piano and clarinet in high school. At Morehouse College in Atlanta where he grew up, he sang in the Glee Club and studied classical music. After graduation he went off to the Yale School of Music where he earned a Masters degree. From there he journeyed to New York where he created a jazz trio ‘Au Naturel’ which performed in some of the hottest venues in Manhattan including gigs on Broadway and the famous ‘Rainbow Room.’ These gigs opened doors for performances in Montreal and a European tour.
While touring Europe he met a lovely French lady, Jeanne Maïstre, who, a year later became his wife. King left the group ‘Au Naturel’ and settled in the south of France where he started a new life on the French Riviera, opening his own music school – the “Price King Ecole Internationale de Chant.” He has had the pleasure over the years of seeing many of his students excel as singers on a professional level, and some going on to become national celebrities. He continues to coach young singers today, in his spare time.
Blog– IMPROVISATION – William Price King on Tumblr – Buy William’s music: William Price King iTunes – Facebook – William Price King – Twitter – @wpkofficial
Regular Venue – Cave Wilson
Sally Cronin is an author, blogger and broadcaster who enjoyed four years as part of the team on Onda Cero International’s English speaking morning show in Marbella and then for two years as a presenter on Expressfm the local radio station in Portsmouth. She co-presented two ‘Drive Time’ shows a week with Adrian Knight, hosted the live Thursday Afternoon Show and The Sunday Morning Show guests including musicians and authors. Following this she became Station Director for a local internet television station for two years, producing and presenting the daily news segment, outside broadcasts and co-presenting the Adrian and Sally chat show live on Friday evenings.
She and her husband David have now returned to Ireland where they live on the Wexford Coast where she blogs and continues to write books.
Books :Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – More reviews: Goodreads – blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Twitter: @sgc58 – Facebook: Sally Cronin – LinkedIn: Sally Cronin
Next week 2003 Part One- We hope you will tune in.. as always we love to hear from you.. thanks William and Sally.
Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Sally’s Favourites – Cats getting in on the action..
Smorgasbord Bookshelf – New Book on the Shelves – #YA #Travel Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral (An Amanda Travels Adventure Book 9) by Darlene Foster
Delighted to share the news of the latest travel adventure from Darlene Foster – Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral (An Amanda Travels Adventure Book 9) – On pre-order for September 13th.
About the book
Amanda explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, while being drawn into the mystery surrounding the destructive fire of Notre Dame cathedral.
Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda.
Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during their visit to the Louvre. Worst of all, a devastating fire blazes in Notre Dame. Why does a mysterious man, who claims to be a busker, writer and artist, show up every time something bad happens?
Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, all the time looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic cathedral.
Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets and sites around Paris, all the while looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic place.
Be sure to read all the books in this exciting Amanda Travels series!
1. Amanda in Arabia: The Perfume Flask
2. Amanda in Spain: The Girl in the Painting
3. Amanda in England: The Missing Novel
4. Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone
5. Amanda on the Danube: The Sounds of Music
6. Amanda in New Mexico: Ghosts in the Wind
7. Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action
8. Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady
8. Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral
One of the advance reviews for Amanda in France
Toni Pike 2nd August 2022 – 5 stars – an exciting mystery set in Paris
Amanda in Paris is the ninth book in the Amanda Travels series, and it is an exciting way for children aged about 8-12 to learn about Paris. In this instalment, Amanda travels to Paris with her best friend, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. Their accommodation is a hostel above the well-known Shakespeare and Company Bookshop, where writers can stay for free in return for helping in the bookshop. That puts them right across the street from the Notre Dame Cathedral.
It doesn’t take long for them to fall in love with Paris, as they explore all the highlights, and venture further afield to the Palace of Versailles and Monet’s glorious garden in Giverny. But they soon face danger and become drawn into a mystery, and it is always tied in with the places they visit. There’s a bomb threat when they attend the Paris Opera House, and later they see the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Amanda is determined to solve the mystery surrounding the fire and the strange characters who seem to be involved. She’s never been afraid to face danger, but she’ll need all her courage this time.
This book is the perfect way to introduce young people to Paris, and the mystery and adventure will have them turning the pages right to the end. I love the concept of this series, and will be giving it to my grandchildren when they’re a couple of years older. It would also be excellent for anyone who is learning English and wants to try a very easy-to-read novel.
I give Amanda in Paris a well-deserved 5 stars.
Head over to buy the book on pre-order for September 13th: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Also in the series by Darlene Foster
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @supermegawoman
About Darlene Foster
Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.
Smorgasbord Bookshelf – Summer Book Fair 2022 – #CrimeThriller Jaye Marie, #Contemporary Jessica Norrie
Over the course of the summer months I have been sharing the recommended authors who feature in the Smorgasbord Bookshelf along with their books and a selected review.
The first author today is Jaye Marie for her crime thriller Cross fire
About the book
DI David Snow has a serial killer to catch, a killer as mysterious as the crimes he commits.
Snow is due to retire, but not before he discovers why someone killed his sergeant and is now coming after him.
The killer seems to have a personal vendetta against Snow, but he is determined that no one else should die because of him. His efforts are hampered by the arrival of a new sergeant, ‘ruthless’ Ruth Winton, for she is not what she seems.
Alarm bells start to ring when Snow realises she is after more than just his job
A five star review for the book
DI Snow is ready for retirement until his partner Detective Jim Harris is murdered. This single event sets into motion the department’s hunt for Jim’s killer. When Jim’s replacement, Ruth Winton, shows up, Snow takes an instant dislike to the woman. She seems competent, but there is something about her that rubs Snow the wrong way.
When more bodies start piling up with the same wounds that Jim received, Snow considers the murders are all connected. He knows time is running out to catch the killers, but he has a problem. His health has taken a turn for the worse. If he’s too ill to find the killer, who will?
Leave it to me to start a series with the third book! However, I found “CrossFire” to be a standalone book. There are references to DI David Snow’s other cases, but nothing I couldn’t follow.
The book reminds me of some of the British mysteries I watch on Amazon Prime. As the suspense built, I kept turning pages, eager to find out what happened next. The characters are interesting, with Snow taking on the characteristics of the troubled detective. I found him to be a likable guy. There is great detail paid to the backstory of the murderer, which helped to propel the story forward.
If you like psychological mysteries, this was a good read. I’m excited to read some of this author’s other mysteries. Perhaps I should start with the first book in the series!
Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
Also by Jaye Marie
Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – Follow Jaye Marie : Goodreads – Jaye Marie: WordPress Blog – Twitter: @jaydawes2
About Jaye Marie
Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.
She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.
She also enjoy running a website/blog and all the wonderful people she continues to meet from all around the world. She learns something new every single day and it is much appreciated.
The second author is Jessica Norrie and I can highly recommend her novel The Magic Carpet.
About The Magic Carpet
Outer London, September 2016, and neighbouring eight-year-olds have homework: prepare a traditional story to perform with their families at a school festival. But Nathan’s father thinks his son would be better off doing sums; Sky’s mother’s enthusiasm is as fleeting as her bank balance, and there’s a threatening shadow hanging over poor Alka’s family. Only Mandeep’s fragile grandmother and new girl Xoriyo really understand the magical powers of storytelling. As national events and individual challenges jostle for the adults’ attention, can these two bring everyone together to ensure the show will go on?
One of the reviews for The Magic Carpet
This is one of those books that make you glad to be a blogger. You know the ones. The quiet, under-the-radar books that don’t really register on the ‘must-read’ radar. They aren’t the ones that everyone is fighting for a review spot for. The ones with month long tours of five bloggers a day that no one can find anything new to say about it by the end of the tour. This is one of the ones that you volunteer for because it sounds interesting and you have a gap in your schedule. You want to help out the organiser. You pop it in your diary and pretty much forget about it until it comes round in your reading rotation. Then – boom – you realise that you have stumbled on a beautiful gem of a book, a nugget of gold that dropped into your palm unexpectedly and you are so, so glad that you are a book blogger and that has allowed you to discover THIS book, this book that changes the way you think about things, that makes you see the world differently after you’ve read it. This is what makes book blogging such a privilege and a joy.
This book is unassumingly beautiful in so many ways. The construction, following the stories of a community through the alternating voices of different members from different backgrounds and different generations as they work on a school project, works perfectly to give clear voices to the characters. The author makes them all so distinct and believable, by the end I felt like I really knew these people; they were MY friends, MY neighbours, and I just wanted every one of them to get that happy ending. I thought she did such an amazing job of making each voice so authentic, really capturing the difference in the thought processes and speech of the children, parents and grandparents. It’s obvious that she has spent a lot of time observing characters and understanding them.
This is the story of our changing society. Of how we are trying to assimilate different cultures, backgrounds and faiths and re-weaving the tapestry of our country to accommodate the changes they bring. It reflects the difficulties this can bring, the misunderstanding and isolation this can cause for people of all backgrounds, how sometimes we fail, how some people resist but, underlying it all there is a strong vein of kindness and compassion in most people. This book is so relevant to these difficult and turbulent times in which we currently find ourselves, when it is so easy to believe the world has become a dark and unfriendly place. This book, with its message of hope is a welcome beacon, and I do firmly believe that, for the most part, the majority of us are these kind, compassionate, empathetic and tolerant people portrayed, despite the volume of protest we often hear. For the sake of my children, I so desperately want this to be true.
Throughout the book, the author gives light to a range of difficulties facing these families, which are sometimes hard to read. Domestic violence, racism and prejudice, abuse, isolation, bereavement. Unpleasant topics, but ones that people struggle with daily, often in silence, and these are things that can be affecting children in school, regardless of whether people know about them or not. One of the issues explored is how problems that parents are struggling with but believe they are hiding from their children can have a profound effect on the child. Children are acutely aware and sensitive and, regardless of whether adults speak openly about their problems or not, they cannot fail to be affected. The book illustrates this beautifully and, I hope, it will make more adults think about how they address problems with their children. It is difficult to know how much children should be exposed to, and the book acknowledges and explores that dilemma, but it is impossible to shield them completely.
The underlying message of this story is that, underneath colour and nationality and religion, we have so much more in common that we have differences and the exercise of having the children retell fairy stories, using their own words, demonstrates how our stories have so many overlaps and common themes. People are people the world over and, going back, have the same fears and problems, joys and successes and have used stories to record these. I thought this was such a clever and success motif to get across the point. If we allow ourselves to see it, there is more that binds us than divides us and as a society we need to highlight these similarities, rather than focus on our differences.
I am so happy that this book crossed my path. It is a thought-provoking, beautiful, sad, difficult but uplifting story and I would urge everyone to read it. It deserves a huge audience.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And : Amazon US
Also by Jessica Norrie in English and German
Jessica Norrie, Buy: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Website:Jessica Norrie on WordPress – Goodreads: Jessica Norrie – Twitter: @Jessica_Norrie
About Jessica Norrie
Jessica Norrie studied French literature at Sussex University, and trained as a teacher at Sheffield. Then she wandered into parenthood, told her now grown up children stories, and heard theirs. A qualified translator, she worked on an eclectic mix of material, from health reports on racehorses to harrowing refugee tales. She taught adults and children, co-authored a textbook and ran teacher training. In 2008 came the idea for “The Infinity Pool”, which appeared in 2015 (and in German in 2018). Her second novel “The Magic Carpet”, inspired by teaching creatively in multicultural schools, was published in July 2019, and she is working on a third. She divides her time between London and Malvern, blogging, singing soprano, and walking in the forest and hills.
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up- 22nd – 28th September 2022 – #IrishDNA, Pavarotti, #Waterford, Empaths, #Obesity Podcast, Poetry, Book Reviews, Afternoon Videos
Welcome to the round up of posts you might have missed this week on Smorgasbord..
I hope your week has gone well. The house decoration is still going well and still waiting for return calls from outside contractors to come in to do some maintenance work but hopeful that will be done in the next couple of weekends.
Genetic update
I received my annual Ancestry update which proved very interesting. Millions will have uploaded their DNA in the last 12 months and it means that my own DNA has been updated based on their results. As you can see from the first image, I am definitely a mongrel! What is intersting is that for the first time my Irish and Welsh ancestry exceeds my English.
My nordic bloodline has also expanded and this is probably because my Irish genes have been identified across a wider area of the South East of the country, up the West as far as Galway. The Vikings were all over the area in those days and I imagine a fair bit of pillaging went on if you know what I mean…
Also on my father’s side on the East Coast of England where raids from the Northmen were frequent. He was tall and blonde as a young man and I can definitely see that genetic link in him.
Anyway here are some graphics…
My husband is going to be joining the fun with his own DNA and it will be interesting as his family all originate from the same area. I wonder if paths were crossed at some point by our ancestors in the last two hundred years or are we even distantly related?
Just a reminder that if you have a new book coming out in the next six to eight weeks either on pre-order or available on Amazon do let me know if we have not already chatted about a promotion for it. sally.cronin@moyhill.com
Contributor News this week.
This week William Price King joined me for The Breakfast Show and shared second post in the life and music of the great Pavarotti. The Breakfast Show will cover the hits to 2005 and then we thought that as there are now so many different music genres we might go retro and cover the chart hits of the 1940s and 1950s until the end of the year. Prepare to get your swing and jive on. Next year we will be covering the Big Band Era from the 1930s through to the 1950s and it is amazing that I am able to find videos going back to the early 30s and some are even remastered which is great. We are both looking forward to that and hope you will enjoy too.You can also find William – Blog– IMPROVISATION– William Price King on Tumblr
Debby Gies interviews Martha Perez about her life, love of books and stories from childhood.. an inspiring Q&A and introduction to Martha’s many books available on Amazon including Kindle Vella. Debby Gies Q & A with Martha Perez – Debby also reviews The Catalyst a thriller by Joy Lennick for her Sunday feature and highly recommends. Catch up on her other posts D.G. Kaye
Carol Taylor will be here on Wednesday with her next A-Z of food with the letter ‘F’… a wonderful exploration of food. Carol also took her slow cooker on the road as a guest of Willow Croft for her series Eco-Tuesday. Carol shares her love of food markets and her passion for food sustainability and conservation. Willow Croft and Carol Taylor Eco-Tuesday On Carol’s own blog Monday Musings and using plastic in your microwave, Homemade chicken stew, the cuisine of Ecuador and a review of aromatic leaves..You can catch up with all the posts this week Carol Taylor’s Weekly Round Up
Thanks too for all your visits, comments and shares this week… they mean a great deal..♥
On with the show…..
Spiritual Awareness -How Empaths Can Shield Negative Energies by D.G. Kaye
Memoir #Waterford #Ireland #History – The Colour of Life – The Rosary 1955
Milestones Along the Way – #Ireland #Waterford – How I met Joan by Geoff Cronin
Podcast – #Poetry – #DoubleEtheree The Robin -Size Doesn’t Matter by Sally Cronin
– #Romance – Wrong Line, Right Connection by Karina Bartow
#GymAnnoyances #Toptenthings John W. Howell
#FlashFiction #Poetry by D.Wallace Peach
#TopTenThings – Gwen Plano by Marcia Meara
#Family #Wildlife by Pete Springer
‘Potluck – Lord of the Rings #Tolkien by Audrey Driscoll
#Poetry – #Earthday by Miriam Hurdle
First in Series – #Mystery James J. Cudney, #NorthernIreland #Thriller Jane Buckley
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will pop in again next week… Sally.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine 