loopyloulaura

On Friday 14th September, a brand new series hits our screens at 9pm on SkyOne: A Discovery of Witches and I am super excited. It is an 8 part series based on the first book in Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy involving witches and vampires.

Here is the trailer!

I have mentioned before that I have a history degree but I don’t think I’ve revealed that my dissertation was actually on the subject of witchcraft in the sixteenth century.

I didn’t need to be asked twice to go to a special screening of the first episode, meet the author, visit the Ashmolean to see the Spellbound exhibition and find out if I am human…

The event was held in beautiful Oxford which is where the first episode of A Discovery of Witches is set (look out for the famous landmarks as you watch!).

I arrived at Waterstones amidst much excitement as the lead actress from the series, Teresa Palmer, had arrived and was in the ‘lab’ in the front window! It’s the closest I’ve ever been to a celbrity and she was so lovely to speak to.

Then it was my turn to be ‘tested’ in the lab which involved a mouth swab and a questionnaire: the result was…I’m a vampire!

Teresa and the book’s author Deborah Harkness were then signing copies of A Discovery of Witches for members of the public and there was a definite buzz in the air as the book trilogy has LOTS of devoted fans.

We bloggers then headed over to the Ashmolean Museum to visit the special new exhibition called Spellbound which contains books, artefacts and pictures depicting the development of magic and its social importance. There were also some props on display from the upcoming series.

I was particularly excited to see the original copy of Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins’ The Discoverie of Witches (unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos of it 🙁 ) but it was also heartbreaking to see some of the methods used to denounce witches.

Finally it was time for the showing of the first episode…and wow, what a great start to a series! There was mystery, magic, danger and so much more. There is a real chemistry between the main characters and I can’t wait to find out more about the world of witches and vampires by watching the rest of the series when it airs.

After the episode, it was thrilling to meet Deborah and receive a signed copy of the book. Time to get reading…

[amazon_link asins=’B01G5NZ6ZO,0755374045,075538475X,0755384792′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’tiredmummyblog-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’19ae2fd6-b471-11e8-a259-0fdfd9729a5e’]

I was invited to attend the blogger event and compensated for my time.

Categories: blogging.

/ 14 Comments

White chocolate souffle

Laura

Tags: baking chocolate recipe

I had some white chocolate to use up after making my white chocolate and blueberry mousse so I started playing around with ideas for a souffle. I’d never made one before so wasn’t sure what to expect. Most recipes online are for dark chocolate versions so I have no idea if mine is comparable but it was tasty!

Ingredients

160g white chocolate

160g cream cheese

4 eggs, separated

Method

Melt the chocolate and cream cheese over a pan of simmering water.

Stir the yolks into the creamy chocolate mix.

Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl.

Carefully stir the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until fully combined: do this gently to keep as much air as possible.

Pour into a tin or dish and use a bain marie water bath. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees.

Turn the oven off and leave the souffle in there for another 10 minutes with the door shut and then 10 minutes with the door open.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. It will sink: don’t panic!

If you have used a springform tin then you can turn out to serve. Otherwise serve slices from the dish.

If you like decorating then sprinkle icing sugar or drizzle some white or dark chocolate on top. Ooooh or whip up a quick chocolate or raspberry sauce (I might try that next time!)

This could also be made in 6 small ramekins to make individual portions.

Categories: food.

/ 2 Comments

Sweet Heat at Bayside by Addison Cole: review and giveaway

Laura

Tags: book review book tour

Sweet Heat at Bayside sees the friendship of Drake and Serena be allowed to develop into love when they both finally admit their feelings to each other while has lasted since their teens.

Their timing is not great as Serena has just accepted her dream job in the city and Drake doesn’t want to stand in the way of her career. They struggle to maintain a long distance relationship but is Serena as happy with her new job as she imagined…?

This book is heartwarming and the dilemma of love versus career feels really genuine. Serena and Drake are so perfect for each other that the reader is drawn in to their story and wanting them to get their happy ever after.

Once again I liked the follow up to previous books that I’ve read as the characters continue to develop in the background and contribute to the main plot. There is also fun trying to spot who the next couple will be 🙂

4 out of 5!

NEW RELEASE……..

Fall in love at Bayside, where sandy beaches, good friends, and true love come together in the sweet small towns of Cape Cod. Bayside Summers is a series of standalone romance novels featuring fiercely loyal heroes and sassy, empowered women. They’re fun, flirty, flawed, and easy to relate to.

In Sweet Heat at Bayside…
Drake Savage has always done the right thing, especially where beautiful and fiercely determined Serena Mallery is concerned—even when it means keeping his feelings for her to himself. Serena has always wanted more than what their small town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts has to offer, and Drake’s roots are so deeply entrenched in the Cape, it’s all he can do to watch her pack up her life and move away.

Serena has always had big dreams. As a teenager she dreamed of becoming an interior designer and marrying smart, musically inclined, sexy-as-sin Drake Savage. Now she’s finally landed a killer job with a top interior design firm, but though she has spent the last four years working side by side with Drake, he’s never made a move. Four years is long enough for her to accept reality, and her new job in Boston is the perfect way to move on.

A weak moment leads to sizzling, sensual kisses, opening a door through which they’ve both been aching to walk. But Serena’s determined not to give up her shot at the career she’s always dreamed of, and Drake has loved her for too many years to stand in her way. With true love at their fingertips and a world of unstoppable passion igniting between them, can the two star-crossed lovers find their way to their happily ever after?

About SWEET WITH HEAT novels…
Sweet with Heat books are the sweet editions of the Love in Bloom steamy romance novels by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. Sweet with Heat books convey all of the passion you expect between two people in love, without any explicit scenes or harsh language.

Available to buy from …

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble KOBO iBooks GPlay Paperback

Also available in the Sweet with Heat: Bayside Summers Series

Sweet Love at Bayside

Sweet Passions at Bayside

Sweet Heat at Bayside

Sweet Escape at Bayside

More from Addison Cole!

Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers Series

About the author

SIGN UP for ADDISON’S Sweet with Heat newsletter. Fun, flirty romance with a dash of heat. www.AddisonCole.com/Newsletter

DOWNLOAD the first book in Addison’s Sweet with Heat: Seaside Summers series free: READ, WRITE, LOVE AT SEASIDE

Addison Cole is the sweet alter ego of New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. She writes humorous and emotional sweet contemporary romance. Her books do not include explicit sex scenes or harsh language. Addison spends her summers on Cape Cod, where she dreams up wonderful love stories in her house overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Addison is proud to be part of the Main Street Romance family, a partnership with bestselling authors Nancy Naigle, RaeAnne Thayne, and Chris Keniston, bringing sweet happy-ever-after love stories to the Main Street Romance community. Join them at www.MainStreetRomance.com ~ open 24/7 just for you.

Addison enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Addison’s books are available in paperback, digital, and audio formats.

Find Addison on the following sites….

Website Newsletter Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest Goodreads Bookbub Amazon Author Page

Follow the Book Tour

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY !!

Win Whispers at Seaside ebook (2 winners)

Ending on Sunday 2nd September at 11.59pm EST

Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team – Apply Here x

Current book tours open for sign ups HERE

Categories: Product reviews.

/ 1 Comment

The Forgotten by Casey Kelleher

Laura

Tags: book review book tour reading

This book is the third in Casey Kelleher’s series about the notorious Byrne family but it is the first I have read and works well as a stand alone novel.

Nancy Byrne has taken over her murdered father’s gangster network and is keen to establish herself as a woman in a man’s world. However, she is also a mother and as the plot develops it is clear that her daughter is in danger thanks to decisions in Nancy’s past.

I struggled in the opening chapters as we were introduced to several different narrative strands which did not appear to match up.

Later on, all of those threads wove together to create a cracking read. It was very gritty and some parts are quite grisly but it really was compelling reading.

My sympathy was inspired for several different characters along the way despite their actions being terrible to others in the story.

Due to the strength of the characters I really had no idea how the book would end or whether Nancy’s daughter Scarlett would survive unharmed.

It really is a powerful book, full of twists and surprises. The characters are well developed and most have secrets that are shown to the reader but remain hidden from their family.

Overall opinion: I give this book 4/5 and want to read the two previous novels!

[amazon_link asins=’B07F7KWTRR,B01N0KF4SN,B07837ZYNC,B06XXKCYB1,B01K0HDKC2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’tiredmummyblog-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’d037cb88-9a87-11e8-b729-bb0eaae67966′]

Book blurb

The more people you love, the more you have to lose…

Nancy Byrne might be the head of the notorious Byrne crime family, but she’s determined to give her little daughter, Scarlett, the best start possible.

After the death of her beloved father, the notorious gangster Jimmy Byrne, nothing’s stopping Nancy from making money on her own terms – even if she has to combine motherhood with providing for her entire family. But with enemies at their door, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones.

But then comes the day when Scarlett goes missing, snatched by a stranger during a trip to the local park, and Nancy’s world is torn apart. Amidst the terror of losing her precious daughter, Nancy is sure of only two things. Someone has taken her daughter … and when she finds them, there’s going to be hell to pay.

Can she find Scarlett – before it’s too late? Or will Nancy’s life of crime come back to haunt her in the worst way possible?

A gritty and hard-hitting thriller packed with shocking twists… Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberly Chambers won’t be able to put this down.

Author Bio:

Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole.

Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time.

She has since published Rise and Fall, Heartless, Bad Blood, The Taken, The Promise, The Betrayed, The Broken and her latest release The Forgotten is due for publication on the 7th August 2018.

For all news and updates:

www.caseykelleher.co.uk

www.facebook.com/officialcaseykelleher

http://caseykelleher.wordpress.com

*I received a copy of this book for the purpose of the blog tour. All opinions are my own.

Categories: Product reviews.

/ 3 Comments

Mini pizza tarts

Laura

Tags: baking food gluten free recipe vegetarian wheat free

I was looking for a savoury option for a picnic and decided to play around with pizza flavours instead of trying mini quiches. They were yum and can be eaten hot or cold 🙂

Ingredients

4oz plain flour

2oz hard marge or butter

1 egg

splash of water

homemade or shop bought tomato pizza sauce

any toppings you want (I used onion and sweetcorn)

Cheddar or mozzarella cheese to top

Method

1. Rub the butter into the flour until you reach breadcrumb stage.

2. Add the egg and bring together to form a dough. You may wish to add a splash of water particularly to gluten free doughs as they absorb more liquid.

3. Roll out to a thickness of 5mm and cut out circles

4. Place in a 12 hole tin.

5. Add half a teaspoon of tomato sauce to each one and spread to cover the base, then add toppings finishing with the cheese.

6. Bake at GM 5 for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown

7. Enjoy hot or cold.

Categories: food.

/ 11 Comments

A Discovery of Witches and I’ve discovered I’m a vampire!

On Friday 14th September, a brand new series hits our screens at 9pm on SkyOne: A Discovery of Witches and I am super excited. It is an 8 part series based on the first book in Deborah Harkness’ All Souls trilogy involving witches and vampires.

Here is the trailer!

I have mentioned before that I have a history degree but I don’t think I’ve revealed that my dissertation was actually on the subject of witchcraft in the sixteenth century.

I didn’t need to be asked twice to go to a special screening of the first episode, meet the author, visit the Ashmolean to see the Spellbound exhibition and find out if I am human…

The event was held in beautiful Oxford which is where the first episode of A Discovery of Witches is set (look out for the famous landmarks as you watch!).

I arrived at Waterstones amidst much excitement as the lead actress from the series, Teresa Palmer, had arrived and was in the ‘lab’ in the front window! It’s the closest I’ve ever been to a celbrity and she was so lovely to speak to.

Then it was my turn to be ‘tested’ in the lab which involved a mouth swab and a questionnaire: the result was…I’m a vampire!

Teresa and the book’s author Deborah Harkness were then signing copies of A Discovery of Witches for members of the public and there was a definite buzz in the air as the book trilogy has LOTS of devoted fans.

We bloggers then headed over to the Ashmolean Museum to visit the special new exhibition called Spellbound which contains books, artefacts and pictures depicting the development of magic and its social importance. There were also some props on display from the upcoming series.

I was particularly excited to see the original copy of Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins’ The Discoverie of Witches (unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos of it 🙁 ) but it was also heartbreaking to see some of the methods used to denounce witches.

After the episode, it was thrilling to meet Deborah and receive a signed copy of the book. Time to get reading…

White chocolate souffle

Ingredients

160g white chocolate

160g cream cheese

4 eggs, separated

Method

Melt the chocolate and cream cheese over a pan of simmering water.

Stir the yolks into the creamy chocolate mix.

Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl.

Carefully stir the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until fully combined: do this gently to keep as much air as possible.

Pour into a tin or dish and use a bain marie water bath. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees.

Turn the oven off and leave the souffle in there for another 10 minutes with the door shut and then 10 minutes with the door open.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. It will sink: don’t panic!

If you have used a springform tin then you can turn out to serve. Otherwise serve slices from the dish.

If you like decorating then sprinkle icing sugar or drizzle some white or dark chocolate on top. Ooooh or whip up a quick chocolate or raspberry sauce (I might try that next time!)

This could also be made in 6 small ramekins to make individual portions.

Sweet Heat at Bayside by Addison Cole: review and giveaway

Sweet Heat at Bayside sees the friendship of Drake and Serena be allowed to develop into love when they both finally admit their feelings to each other while has lasted since their teens.

Their timing is not great as Serena has just accepted her dream job in the city and Drake doesn’t want to stand in the way of her career. They struggle to maintain a long distance relationship but is Serena as happy with her new job as she imagined…?

This book is heartwarming and the dilemma of love versus career feels really genuine. Serena and Drake are so perfect for each other that the reader is drawn in to their story and wanting them to get their happy ever after.

Once again I liked the follow up to previous books that I’ve read as the characters continue to develop in the background and contribute to the main plot. There is also fun trying to spot who the next couple will be 🙂

4 out of 5!

The Forgotten by Casey Kelleher

This book is the third in Casey Kelleher’s series about the notorious Byrne family but it is the first I have read and works well as a stand alone novel.

Nancy Byrne has taken over her murdered father’s gangster network and is keen to establish herself as a woman in a man’s world. However, she is also a mother and as the plot develops it is clear that her daughter is in danger thanks to decisions in Nancy’s past.

I struggled in the opening chapters as we were introduced to several different narrative strands which did not appear to match up.

Later on, all of those threads wove together to create a cracking read. It was very gritty and some parts are quite grisly but it really was compelling reading.

My sympathy was inspired for several different characters along the way despite their actions being terrible to others in the story.

Due to the strength of the characters I really had no idea how the book would end or whether Nancy’s daughter Scarlett would survive unharmed.

It really is a powerful book, full of twists and surprises. The characters are well developed and most have secrets that are shown to the reader but remain hidden from their family.

Overall opinion: I give this book 4/5 and want to read the two previous novels!

Book blurb

The more people you love, the more you have to lose…

Nancy Byrne might be the head of the notorious Byrne crime family, but she’s determined to give her little daughter, Scarlett, the best start possible.

Can she find Scarlett – before it’s too late? Or will Nancy’s life of crime come back to haunt her in the worst way possible?

A gritty and hard-hitting thriller packed with shocking twists… Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberly Chambers won’t be able to put this down.

Author Bio:

Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole.

Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time.

She has since published Rise and Fall, Heartless, Bad Blood, The Taken, The Promise, The Betrayed, The Broken and her latest release The Forgotten is due for publication on the 7th August 2018.

For all news and updates:

www.caseykelleher.co.uk

www.facebook.com/officialcaseykelleher

http://caseykelleher.wordpress.com

Mini pizza tarts

I was looking for a savoury option for a picnic and decided to play around with pizza flavours instead of trying mini quiches. They were yum and can be eaten hot or cold 🙂

Ingredients

4oz plain flour

2oz hard marge or butter

1 egg

splash of water

homemade or shop bought tomato pizza sauce

any toppings you want (I used onion and sweetcorn)

Cheddar or mozzarella cheese to top

Method

1. Rub the butter into the flour until you reach breadcrumb stage.

2. Add the egg and bring together to form a dough. You may wish to add a splash of water particularly to gluten free doughs as they absorb more liquid.

3. Roll out to a thickness of 5mm and cut out circles

4. Place in a 12 hole tin.

5. Add half a teaspoon of tomato sauce to each one and spread to cover the base, then add toppings finishing with the cheese.

6. Bake at GM 5 for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown

7. Enjoy hot or cold.