This weeks 5 STAR book recommendations

This week sees Nora Roberts Daring to Dream on our number one pick. SYNOPSIS - Raised together, Kate, Margo, and Laura are as close as real sisters, despite their differing backgrounds. Laura Templeton is the beloved daughter of the wealthy Templetons, Kate Powell is her orphaned cousin, and Margo Sullivan is the housekeeper's daughter. Margo has achieved fame and success far away from home, but her world comes crashing down when the man she thought she loved loses all her money and involves her in an international scandal. Devastated and broke, Margo has no choice but to return home to try to rebuild her life. Laura's older brother, Josh, has been in love with Margo for years. He's always disapproved of her lifestyle, but her unexpected return heats up the long dormant passion between them. (READ A REVIEW)

Number two is Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman. SYNOPSIS - Patty Bigelow thought she'd finally figured life out. Then her wayward sister Leila abandons her child, Tanya, on her doorstep. The aunt and troubled niece slowly learn to live together, with the help of Dr Alex Delaware's counselling. Now, fifteen years later, Tanya is back in Alex's office, a self-possessed Harvard student, about to enter graduate school in clinical psychology. Patty - the only real mother she's ever known - has died and left Tanya with a chilling legacy: a deathbed confession that her aunt murdered a man years earlier. Tanya has tried to let go of the confession. But it soon becomes clear that nothing short of finding out the truth will do. And she needs Alex's help... (READ A REVIEW)

The third, Simon Kernick’s Severed is an absolute must for all you crime and thriller lovers, this book is straight into action, blood and guts from the first few pages. SYNOPSIS - You wake up in a strange room on a bed covered in blood. You have no idea how you got there. Beside you is a dead girl: Your girlfriend. The phone rings, and a voice tells you to press play on the room's DVD machine. The film shows you killing your girlfriend. Then you're told to go to an address in East London where you're to deliver a briefcase and await further instructions. There's no way out. If you're to survive the next 24 hours, you must find out who killed your girlfriend, and why. Before they come for you too... (READ A REVIEW)

The fourth book is the eagerly awaited Tanya Ramsay’s Family Kitchen but can she measure up to her husband. This books certainly shows that she does. SYNOPSIS - Bestselling author, Tana Ramsay, knows the challenges of cooking for a demanding family -- as a mother of four and the wife of Gordon Ramsay, she's certainly put to the test. Now, for the first time in paperback, Tana shares the delicious recipes, kitchen secrets and shortcuts she uses to satisfy the Ramsay family. Time-pressed parents will swear by Tana's simple and delicious recipes -- although not in the traditional Gordon way. Tana has a tasty solution for every occasion, from lunch bites and tea-time treats to weekend lunches and party foods. She also offers personal tips on a wide range of issues all parents face, including how to adapt dishes to suit different ages and tastes and how to encourage children to experiment with food. Whether you only have minutes to rustle up Lime and Ginger Salmon Fillets or fancy a fun afternoon with the kids creating Gingerbread Lollies, this lavishly illustrated book is an adventure in the kitchen for adults and children alike. (READ A REVIEW)

Finally we have chosen Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro. SYNOPSIS - A delicious romantic comedy from the bestselling author of Elegance 'Unique situation available for attractive, well mannered, reasonably educated young man. Hours irregular. Pay generous. Discretion a must.' In a small office in Half Moon Street, Hughie Venables-Smythe discovers the world of the professional flirt. A timeless art, it can save a marriage or lift a heart faster than any therapy. Letitia Vane runs a bespoke lingerie shop in Belgravia and understands just how to make women feel beautiful. But she cannot let her guard down and fall in love, least of all with Hughie. Olivia Bourgault de Coudray is in an unhappy marriage to a very wealthy man. When a series of beautiful notecards begins to appear, with intriguing clues handwritten on each, her interest is piqued. But the same clues are being delivered to Letitia. Who is flirting with whom? And is flirtation as innocent as it seems -- or can it lead to far more dangerous territories of the heart? (READ A REVIEW)

Christmas Books for HIM

Christmas is that perfect time to give and receive books and it simply would not be christmas without a book to read over the festive season. So with that in mind, Books4TheBeach have put a selection of books together that would make that perfect gift for HIM.

Synopsis

Bobby Charlton is Manchester United through and through. He was a member of the original 'Busby Babes' and has devoted his career to the club, playing in 754 games over 17 years. Here, he tells the story of those United years.

Synopsis

Puts British common sense back where it belongs. This book brings together the wit and wisdom of the Pub Landlord, and the thoughts of the locals at Al's pub. Together they speak for generations of down-to-earth, normal, hard working, sensible, law abiding, tax paying, normal, hard working, honourable, decent, reasonable people - British people.

Synopsis

Body Guarding a TV crew on the streets of war-torn Basra, ex-deniable operator Nick Stone seems certain to die when insurgent gunmen attack. Only the reporter's swift action saves his life. When the reporter vanishes within hours, presumed kidnapped, Stone is asked to find him. The trail leads from Iraq to London, Dublin, and ultimately Kabul.

Synopsis

Lewis Hamilton's explosive arrival on the Formula 1 scene has made front-page headlines. In My Story, for the first time Lewis opens up about his stunning debut season, including the gripping climax to the 2007 F1 World Championship, as well as his dad Anthony, his home life and his early years. The only book with the real story, as told by Lewis.

Synopsis

It's an offer you can't refuse. Who would not to wish to be the man in charge of Ankh-Morpork's Royal Mint and the bank next door? It's a job for life. But, as former con-man Moist von Lipwig is learning, the life is not necessarily for long.The Chief Cashier is almost certainly a vampire. There's something nameless in the cellar (and the cellar itself is pretty nameless), it turns out that the Royal Mint runs at a loss. A 300 year old wizard is after his girlfriend, he's about to be exposed as a fraud, but the Assassins Guild might get him first.In fact lot of people want him dead Oh. And every day he has to take the Chairman for walkies. Everywhere he looks he's making enemies.What he should be doing is ...Making Money!

Christmas Cook Tips & Book Recommendations

Burnt Turkey

Sloppy Veg

Tasteless Gravy

Sound Familiar

then read on.....

Christmas dinner is one of the most stressful meals you will cook during the year, so with just weeks to go, Books4TheBeach have put together 5 top tips to ensure this years christmas dinner is absolutely delicious. We will also be recommending top cook books to give you inspirational ideas, impressive menus and fantastic recipes to dish up in this festive season.

Tip 1. Get Organised

To ensure everything runs smoothly on christmas day, make a list of everything you will need to prepare the meal, ensure the roasting tray is big enough to hold the turkey (or other meat selection) and prepare any of the vegetables the night before where possible.

Tip 2. Turkey

To avoid the turkey going dry regularly baste the bird and cover with a piece of muslin. Next the turkey crown can be covered evenly with a smooth mixture consisting of fresh thyme, garlic, sea salt, pepper and butter. The muslin is then placed over the crown and secured in place with string. The meat will remain moister by cooking at a lower temperature longer, this can be done by starting at around 120°C, and increasing to 160-180°C towards the end. Every 20 minutes baste over the muslin and then finally during the last 20 minutes remove the muslin and allow the bird to crisp up. Cooking times should always go on the weight of the bird.

Tip 3. Roast Potatoes

For lovely roasters par-boil for 8 minutes in gently boiling salted water and then set aside to cool before seasoning with a little salt. Next you need to pre-heat your chosen oil in a seperate pan, this should be at least 1/2 inch deep, adding any meat fat from the roasting tin just before adding the potatoes. Make sure the oil is sizzling hot before adding the potatoes and once added, turn the potatoes ensuring they are covered in a light coating of oil. Roast for 45 minutes turning several times and thats it, perfect roasters.

Tip 4. Sprouts

Believe it or not we use frozen sprouts. It is said that sprouts need a frost and there is no frost better than a freezer. Defrost your sprouts, take off the outer green leaves and fry them in a generous amount of butter. Wait until it is bubbling away nicely and then throw in one layer of sprouts across the base of the pan and fry them until they are slowly singed on the outside. They are better than any fresh sprout.

Tip 5. Gravy

Last but by no means least THE GRAVY

Firstly start by chopping an onion as finely as you like, and then gently fry in a small amount of oil until lightly browned. Add 1 heaped teaspoon of cornflour and stir well and if you are feeling a little adventurous for that extra colour allow the flour to brown but not burn. You can now add the juices from your meat, deglazing the roasting tin or pan with sherry (water or wine can be used as an alternative). Add extra liquid as required, this can be water from your vegetables. Season the gravy to taste. For that extra sheen, add a knob of butter just befor serving. Any unwanted onions can be sieved out befor serving up.

Book Recommendations................

Packed with inspirational ideas, impressive menus and fantastic recipes, festive foodies will find everything they need to make Christmas magical every year with "Good Food 101 Christmas Dishes." Add sparkle to your party nibbles, rev up the roast, delight your guests with truly decadent desserts. From canapes to Christmas cake, the team at BBC "Good Food Magazine" will take you every step of the way with simple, mouthwatering recipes that won't keep you in the kitchen for days on end.

Mrs Beeton has provided practical advice and inspiration to generations in their first attempts at running their own homes. This collection brings together a selection of reliable, delicious, seasonal recipes, fully updated for the modern kitchen, that will encourage beginners and provide inspiration for more experienced cooks. Whether you need to coordinate an enormous family feast, or you just want to make some spicy, decorated biscuits as gifts, you'll find everything you need to make Christmas cookery a more enjoyable experience.With helpful hints, freezing and microwave tips, menu plans and serving ideas, the

techniques are easy to follow. Here you will find all the familiar favourites, with a wide range of accompaniments and extras including sauces, confectionary and beverages, as well as tips for table laying, menu planning and the Christmas countdown

Written by Joanne Franks

Agatha Christie

As we wrote about in a previous blog, Agatha Christie is the top selling author of all time. It seemed only natural to start our first monthly feature of AUTHOR OF THE MONTH with Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was born Agatha May Clarissa Miller in Torquay, Devon.

Agatha was a quiet child and turned her hand firstly to music and then later in life to writing as a means of expression.

Agatha was a bright child and by the age of 5 had taught herself to read.

She met Archie Christie in 1912 who was a fighter pilot, they married in December 1914 but by 1926 were divorced since Archie met another woman.

Agatha re-married a archeologist called Max Mallowan and remained married for 46 years.

During the war in France, Agatha became a volunatary nurse working for the Red Cross in Torquay.

Her very first manuscript 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles' believe it or not was rejected at least six times by publishers before finally being accepted in 1920

The publication of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' in 1926 was her first major publication that was recognised, this being followed by 75 novels and works adopted for film, titles that we have all heard of, such as 'Death on the Nile', 'Witness for the Prosecution' and not forgetting 'Murder on the Orient Express'.

Christie was the creator of Hercule Poirot the Belgian Detective and Miss Jane Marple, Agathas final publication was Miss Marples, 'Sleeping Murder'.

Sites of interst for you agatha fans:

www.kirjasto.sci.fi/christie.htm

www.poirot.us/pfacts.html

www.topmystery.com/quick_facts.htm

The Art Theif

Did you know that ART CRIME is the 3rd highest grossing criminal industry worldwide, behind only drugs and the arms trade and nets between US$2-6 billion per year for criminals.

Today we are recommending a book by Noah Charney called the Art Thief. He was born in 1979 in New Haven, United States but then moved to the UK where he gained Masters degrees in 17th century Roman sculpture and 16th century florentine painting and iconography. Shortly after Noah turned his hand to writing the Art Thief his first novel.

Charney undertook a PhD in the study of Art Crime which was a field that nobody had ever studied before and discovered almost all of art crime today is perpetrated either by, or on behalf of ,international organised crime syndicates. Charney believes that for this reason, art crime funds other crimes which are easy to recognise as severe, such as the drug and arms trades and international terrorism. Through fiction, lectures as well as diverse future enterprises, Charney's primary task is to inform the public and government about the severity of art crime.

The Art Thief by Noah Charney.....

The disappearance of a priceless Caravaggio in Rome and the famous 'White on White' by Russian painter Kasimir Malevich in Paris heralds the start of a series of seemingly unconnected art crimes across Europe. Fitting the pieces together as they follow a trail of bluffs and double-bluffs, bizarre clues and intellectual puzzles, Inspector Jean-Jacques Bizot in Paris and Harry Wickenden of Scotland Yard come to realize that what at first appears a spate of random thefts is all part of a single master plan, and that they are being led ever deeper into a baffling conspiracy. This fiendishly clever debut thriller takes us behind the scenes of the elite fine art world of auction houses, academia and museums to offer a fascinating view of art history, witty, fast-paced dialogue and an ever-surprising plot that twists its way from Rome to Paris to London and back again.

The Ultimate Guitar Tutor

Everyone has heard of songs by THE KINKS, VAN MORRISON, GREEN DAY, JIMI HENDRIX, NIRVANA & R.E.M. Well, whether you are a budding lead guitarist or simply want to strum along with your favourite songs, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to playing the guitar and more

The book is intended to get you started with the business of playing the most versatile instrument there is: the guitar. The basics are more or less the same across the range of modern styles, so whatever your musical taste, this book contains all you need to get going.

The books aim is to give you the background knowledge you will need if you want to make use of the wealth of material around in more advanced tutor books, song books and guitar magazines.

Features of the book include Classic Pop and Rock Songs by legendary artists Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, R.E.M., Van Morrison, Eagles, Green Day, Nervana, Elvis Presley and George Michael as well as well known folk and classical tunes. There is an introduction to TAB and standard notation as well as essential guitar techniques including tuning, power chords, barre chords, string bending, sliding and left handed damping. Also there is extra help throughout the book with top tips, fact files, recommended listening and extensive chord glossary.

A great addition to this book is the integral CD which comprises over 50 stunning sound-alike backing tracks

The author Tom Flemming is a skilled and highly experienced guitarist, adept in a wide variety of styles including rock, jazz and folk. He is also an arranger and composer, and an examiner for rock school, www.rockschool.co.uk the UKs only dedicated rock and pop exam board.

Pink Floyd - The Inside Story

A Great Book

A Great Group

This we had to show you

In July 2005 in Hyde Park, before a global audience in the tens of millions, Pink Floyd performed together on stage for the first time in 24 years. As even Bob Geldof himself acknowledged, it was 'a far bigger story than Live 8 itself'. From the moment the metronomic pulse of a human heartbeat thudded out to begin 'Speak to Me' to the soaring, stinging guitar solo by David Gilmour that climaxed 'Comfortably Numb', these four self-effacing men in their late fifties stole the show.

Almost a year later, the death of their troubled and reclusive founder-member Syd Barrett made headline news around the world. Both events signalled a kind of closure to the remarkable tale of one of the world's biggest bands. Now, in the first full-length history of the group for over 15 years, Mark Blake tells the complete story of how a group of middle-class Englishmen who grew up together in Cambridge went on to conquer the world with such classic albums as Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall, and put on some of the most pyrotechnically spectacular stage shows of all time.

Drawing on his own interviews with all of the band members, plus almost a hundred new interviews with the group's friends, road crew, producers, designers, former housemates and university colleagues - some of whom have never spoken before - as well as musical contemporaries including Pete Townshend and Alice Cooper, "Pigs Might Fly" follows Pink Floyd all the way from the early psychedelic nights at UFO in the mid-sixties to the stadium-rock and concept-album zenith of the seventies, and finally the acrimonious schism that sundered the band in the eighties and nineties. Along the way there are fascinating new revelations about Syd Barrett's chaotic menage at the time of Piper at the Gates of Dawn, the band's painstaking and Byzantine recording sessions at Abbey Road, and the fractious negotiations to bring about their fragile, tantalising reunion in Hyde Park. Meticulous, exacting and ambitious as any Pink Floyd album, "Pigs Might Fly" is the definitive account of this most adventurous, and at the same time most English of rock bands.

X Factor books - Make great christmas gift ideas

"The X Factor" is the most popular TV talent show in the UK, with over 12 million people watching Leona's victory in 2006. This is the book for all those fans, who will be eagerly awaiting the fourth series in autumn 2007.This official companion is packed with pictures and memories from every series, as well as introducing the new series finalists for the first time. The book takes readers behind the scenes at every stage of the competition from the auditions through boot camp to the live finals, with profiles of all the previous finalists - as well as everyone's favourite failures.This complete companion also includes exclusive interviews with all four judges and is packed with hints and tips from the vocal coaches, the judges and the finalists making it the ultimate book for anyone tempted to join that famous audition queue.

X-Factor judge, Louis Walsh, has managed acts such as Westlife, Girls Aloud, Shayne Ward and G4. He formerly steered Boyzone to chart topping success and also propelled Ronan Keating to solo stardom. Now he plans to guide other budding pop stars to superstar success with his "Fast Track to Fame".Louis has succeeded in notching up a staggering 28 number one singles through his stable of artists and has starred alongside Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne on X-Factor for three years. Now he is sharing his expertise with a new generation of pop wannabees. "Fast Track to Fame" takes us through the A-Z of the music business (or from A is for Agents to X is for X-Factor) with the honest truth of how the pop industry really works.The book is peppered throughout with contributions and anecdotes from many of Louis' stars, stories of their own successes and setbacks, and lavishly illustrated with exclusive colour photographs. It is essential reading for anyone, of any age, dreaming of becoming a star.

In her award-winning bestseller EXTREME, Sharon Osbourne revealed the truth about her life in her famously frank and gutsy way. In her new autobiography SURVIVOR she goes even deeper - revealing the secrets and heartbreak behind the headlines, along with the love and humour that have pulled her through. From the recent sad loss of her father, to her experiences as a judge on number 1 hit shows THE X FACTOR and AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, to the further jaw-dropping adventures and dramas in the Osbourne family, Sharon tells it like it really is - with wit, honesty and style.Set to be a huge bestseller this autumn, SURVIVOR is as astonishing, big-hearted and fascinating as Mrs O herself ...

THESE THREE FIVE STAR BOOKS4THEBEACH RECOMMENDATIONS ARE A MUST HAVE GIFT FOR ALL THOSE WANABEE STARS AND

X FACTOR FANS.

Blog of the day - The X Factor Blog

Linda La Plante - Clean Cut

FOLLOWING ON FROM ABOVE SUSPICION AND THE RED DAHLIA, LINDA LA PLANTE SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISHED DI ANNA TRAVIS AS THE MOST COMPELLING FEMALE INVESTIGATOR SINCE JANE TENNISON OF PRIME SUSPECT.

IN CLEAN CUT D.I. ANNA TRAVIS AND HER BOSS DCI JAMES LANGTON ARE BACK, TRYING TO NAIL NOT ONE BUT TWO MURDERERS WHO SEND THEM RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES...

CLEAN CUT IS THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED NEW NOVEL WITH ALL THE TRADE MARK LA PLANTE ATTENTION TO CRIME - BUSTING DETAIL.

HER MOST GRIPPING AND
TWISTING NOVEL TO DATE

LYNDA LA PLANTE IS A BAFTA, EMMY AND EDGAR ALLAN POE AWARD-WINNING WRITTER WITH A MAJOR TV CRIME FANBASE FROM PRIME SUSPECT TO TRIAL AND RETRIBUTION.

THE RED DAHLIA AND ABOVE SUSPICION BOTH SOLD OVER 80,000 COPIES IN HARDBACK AND IN TRADE PAPERBACK.

ABOVE SUSPICION HAS NOW SOLD OVER 300,000 COPIES IN PAPERBACK AND WAS A TOP 5 BEST SELLER ON PUBLICA

TION.

Steve Irwin - The Story of a Remarkable Man

Steve Irwin's death

shocked the world.

Steve was a much loved celebrity and his TV shows were broadcast worldwide, his image recognisable to millions. Respected for his charismatic persona, Steve also held a deep, passionate commitment to help animals threatened with extinction.

Steve and Terr'is story is not just one of sharing and following a noble cause but also a fairy tale love-affair. When Terri first laid eyes on Steve she saw a real-life action hero. They married in 1992 and together they changed the perception of conversation, sparked global interest in animals of the Australian bush and founded the Australian zoo, one of the worlds leading wildlife preservation centres.

In STEVE & ME, Terri tells their story for the first time, revealing the private side to the ebullient TV star, and how she heard the heartbreaking news of his death.

'"Make them love an animal," Steve always said, "and they'll never want to destroy it." That was Steve's legacy as a wild warrior, a message of love, enthusiasm and wonder and we are determined to carry that legacy on. '

-Terri Irwin

Sites of interest:

Steve Irwin memorial site

Australia Zoo