New Christmas Cocktail Book From James May

James May - Ginpreneur, Pub Landlord and Taster of Great Cocktails - Has Launched His First Ever Cocktail Book for Xmas.

Introducing your complete guide to the best cocktails you can make with James Gin.

Created by Jamie Maudsley, highly skilled mixologist at The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe and diligently tasted and approved by James May, ginpreneur and, occasional, pub landlord.

Says James May: “I've been absolutely inundated with emails from James Gin fans around the wortlkd asking me what the best cocktails are to make with  James Gin. 

I have absolutely no idea, but I know a man who does. Jamie Maudley, chief mixologist at The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe, just off the A30 between Shaftesbury and Salisbury. 

"They are almost impossible to remember, so we've put them into this rather confusingly named James Gin Big Book of Cocktails. It is the ideal coffee table book, if your coffee table is really small, and you use it for gin rather than coffee.”

Enjoy delicious creations such as the very on-trend 'Yuzu Sour', 'The Gary' (named after Gary, who works in the pub), 'Funghito', (made with the new mushroom Calfornia Dreamgin'), and 'Sweet Beets are made of this.'

James Gin, gin by James May and engineered in Wiltshire, is a range of gins created by the man himself and Hugh Anderson of Downtown Distillery. It now includes Asian Parsnip, Asian Parsnip Navy Strength, London Drizzle, California Dreamgin' and a limited edition Asian Parsnip Turbo and a range of gift sets to keep everyone happy.

www.jamesgin.com

Follow https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMayDrinks for news.

Great New Collection from Award Winning Poet, Chris Husband

Following the huge success of his award winning children's Picture Book "My Magical Bearded Friend" and the best-selling collection "Fun Poems for Kids", Chris Husband has a brand new release especially for adults called Life Gets in the Way, which will make a great stocking filler this Christmas.

It is a very eclectic mixture of poems and anecdotes covering topics from loss and grief to joy, delight and pure silliness.

Here are a couple of reviews to back this up:

"Inciteful, humorous, and nostalgic. Always guaranteed a great read. I want to be in his gang!" (Ian Sloan co-author of the Inspector Morose comedy books)

"A candid regale of the highs and lows of life, sincere, relatable and entertaining. A privilege to read, my favourite poem has to be "5 minutes". Chris is a (bearded) magician with his words." (Marie McMullen)

The book has over 90 poems and stories within it's perfectly crafted covers and will be available to buy from Amazon on the 8th December 2024

How to Create a Bespoke Recipe Book for a Loved One: A Heartfelt Guide and a Wonderful Present

When it comes to thoughtful gifts, few things rival the charm of a bespoke recipe book. 

It’s a deeply personal way to preserve cherished family recipes while celebrating the memories that make them special. 

By combining your loved one’s handwritten recipes with treasured family photographs, you can craft a keepsake they’ll treasure for years to come. Here’s how to create this unique gift, step by step.

Step 1: Gather the Recipes

Start by collecting recipes that hold sentimental value. These might be your loved one’s signature dishes, meals shared at family gatherings, or even recipes passed down through generations. Ask for their handwritten versions, as these add a beautiful, personal touch.

Tip: If the recipes are scattered across scraps of paper or old notebooks, don’t worry about their condition. Even a recipe smudged with flour or sauce tells a story!

Step 2: Choose Meaningful Photographs

Family photos are the perfect way to complement recipes, adding a visual layer of nostalgia and connection. Look for pictures from family gatherings, holidays, or moments when the dishes were enjoyed. Photos of your loved one cooking or baking are especially endearing.

Pro Tip: If the photographs are physical prints, scan them in high resolution to preserve their quality for printing.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Decide on the style and structure of the recipe book. Will it be organised by meal type (e.g., starters, mains, desserts), family events, or another theme? Think about how to pair each recipe with a relevant photograph.

Sketch out a rough layout:

Left page: Recipe (handwritten or digitised)

Right page: Photograph and a short story or memory about the dish

Step 4: Digitise the Handwritten Recipes

If you’re working with fragile or heavily stained recipe cards, consider scanning them to preserve the original charm while making them easier to include in your book. You can use free photo-editing software to clean up the images if needed.

For an artistic touch, you could also overlay the handwritten text onto decorative backgrounds that reflect the recipe’s theme.

Step 5: Add Personal Touches

Make the recipe book truly one of a kind by adding these thoughtful details:

Stories: Include anecdotes about the recipes, such as where they came from or why they’re special.

Quotes: Add heartfelt quotes about cooking, family, or traditions.

Illustrations: Hand-drawn doodles of ingredients or kitchen tools can add a whimsical touch.

Step 6: Design the Book

You can choose between DIY crafting and professional printing.

DIY Crafting: Use a scrapbook or binder to assemble the pages manually. This approach allows you to experiment with textures and layering. Add embellishments like ribbons, pressed flowers, or decorative paper.

Professional Printing: Use online services like CEWE, Blurb, Mixbook, Popsa or Snapfish to design and print a high-quality book. Upload your recipes and photos, and customise the design using their templates.

Step 7: Write a Dedication

Begin the recipe book with a heartfelt dedication. Express what inspired you to create the book and what you hope it will mean to the recipient. This sets the tone for the emotional significance of the gift.

Step 8: Wrap It Thoughtfully

Presentation matters! Wrap the book in a fabric cover or tie it with a ribbon. For an extra-special touch, include a small kitchen accessory, like a wooden spoon or a set of measuring cups, to complete the gift.

Why This Gift Matters

A bespoke recipe book isn’t just a collection of recipes—it’s a love letter to the memories, meals, and moments shared over the years. By combining the personal touch of handwritten recipes with family photographs, you create a gift that honours both tradition and creativity. Every page will remind your loved one of the care and thought you put into preserving their culinary legacy.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your materials, and start crafting a gift that will warm both the heart and the kitchen.

How to Write and Self-Publish a Story for Your Young Family Members this Christmas

Have you ever wanted to write a story for your children, nieces, or nephews? Crafting a personalised book that they can cherish forever is a rewarding project. 

Whether it's for a Christmas gift, for a birthday or simply a heartfelt gift, writing and self-publishing a story for young family members has never been more accessible. Here’s how you can do it, from the initial idea to the final printed copy.

1. Start with a Simple Idea

The first step is brainstorming a story idea that resonates with the children in your family. Think about what they enjoy—whether it's dinosaurs, fairies, or friendly animals. Consider their age and interests, and keep the language and themes simple and age-appropriate.

A great way to start is by focusing on a lesson you want to teach or a fun adventure they can imagine themselves in. Make the story relatable by including family members, pets, or familiar locations. Writing for young readers means keeping sentences short, straightforward, and full of imaginative descriptions.

2. Write and Edit the Story

Once you have your idea, start writing! Begin with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Children’s stories are typically shorter, usually between 500 and 1500 words, so don't worry about writing an epic. Use vivid language that sparks their imagination, and include dialogue or interactive elements if possible.

After writing, it's crucial to edit. You can ask a family member or friend to read over your story, or even get feedback from the children you're writing for (without revealing too much!). Make sure the language is easy to follow, and that the story flows smoothly from one part to the next.

3. Generate and Source Images

Illustrations play a significant role in children's books, bringing your story to life. You have a few options for sourcing images:

Draw Your Own: If you're artistically inclined, drawing your own illustrations adds a personal touch to the book. You can use digital tools like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator if you're comfortable with them.

Hire an Illustrator: There are many talented illustrators available for hire online. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or even social media platforms like Instagram are good places to find illustrators with styles that suit your vision. Make sure to communicate clearly about the story and the characters, so the artist can bring them to life as you imagine.

Use Stock Images or AI Tools: If you don’t want to create custom illustrations, there are stock image websites like Shutterstock or Pixabay, where you can find child-friendly illustrations. Alternatively, AI-powered tools can generate images based on prompts you provide. This can be a more budget-friendly option, though results may vary based on your vision.

4. Designing the Book

Once you have your text and illustrations ready, it’s time to bring it all together into a book format. Tools like Canva or BookWright (by Blurb) allow you to design the layout of your book with ease. You can choose page sizes, add text, images, and design elements.

Remember, children's books often rely on a balance between text and visuals, so don't overcrowd your pages with too much text. Leave plenty of space for the images to shine.

5. Self-Publishing: Digital or Print?

There are two main routes for self-publishing: digital eBooks or physical print copies.

Digital Self-Publishing

If you're aiming to create a digital version of your book, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Apple Books are great options. These platforms allow you to upload your manuscript and illustrations and offer your book as an eBook. Digital publishing is a cost-effective way to get your book out there, and family members can easily download it onto their devices.

Printing Physical Copies

If you want to create a physical book, you have a few options:

Major Companies: Services like Blurb or IngramSpark specialise in printing high-quality books, with the option to distribute them globally. These platforms allow you to print on demand, meaning you can order as few or as many copies as you need. You simply upload your designed book, and they handle the printing and shipping.

Local Print Shops: If you prefer to keep things local, many independent or chain print shops offer bespoke book printing services. You can provide them with the PDF of your book, and they will print, bind, and even help with cover design if necessary. This can be a lovely way to produce a small run of books, perfect for gifting.

6. Marketing Your Book (Optional)

If you intend to share your book beyond just family, consider simple ways to spread the word. You can create a website or blog, share on social media, or upload your book to online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. If it’s a personal family project, you may want to create just a few copies for special occasions without focusing on wider sales.

7. Conclusion

Writing and self-publishing a story for your young family members is a creative and meaningful endeavour. Whether you go fully digital or print physical copies, the result will be something your family can treasure for years to come. The process allows you to not only bond with the children in your life but also leave behind a unique legacy that showcases your creativity and love.

So, grab your pen (or keyboard) and get started on your family’s next favourite bedtime story!

New historical novel set in Bristol and Shropshire published. An ideal stocking filler for your bookworms!

Bristol-born author Frederick J Hillberg is celebrating the publication of his new historical novel, ‘The Dangerous Journey’. Set in 1840’s Victorian England, the story brings to life the brutal attempted murder on Bristol accountant William Miller Mackreth in the Shropshire town of Ludlow - a crime that reverberated across Britain and the colonies. 

Based on real events, this gripping tale of mystery, love and endurance, is written by William’s great-great-grandson who recreates a moving and faithful account of the shocking attack by the enigmatic Josiah Mister, William’s recovery and the sensational trial that ensued.

Image courtesy Richard Tisdale

The author Frederick J Hillberg, who is retired, shared his insights into researching and writing his great-great-grandfather’s extraordinary near-death encounter over 150 years ago, “I began working on the project several years ago whilst I was investigating our family tree. I knew William Mackreth was a wealthy businessman in Bristol but it wasn’t until a visit to the Bristol Archives and a reference to the ‘Ludlow Chest’ that the full story began to unfold.”

It was an important, landmark case in British legal history that shocked Victorian society.

A trip to Ludlow revealed an unexpected truth: William Mackreth had been at the heart of a famous local tale of mistaken identity, culminating in a vicious attack with a razor blade at the well-known Angel Inn (still standing) and became a landmark legal case in British history.

“As I delved deeper, I was amazed at the extent to which my great-great-grandfather’s ordeal had captured the attention of Victorian society. Even Charles Dickens is believed to have mentioned the case in a letter to a friend.” Hillberg added.

The novel not only recounts the events in Ludlow but also paints a vivid picture of life in Bristol during the era, highlighting Mackreth’s struggle to recover with the help of his fiancée, Jane. Hillberg explores a time when Bristol was governed by ‘Bristol Time’ and ‘Bristol Nails,’ and where an ‘upstairs downstairs’ culture was still prevalent and the scourge of cholera outbreaks spared no one.

The author added, “It is a remarkable tale, almost stranger than fiction, not only due to the nature of the crime and the sheer number of coincidences but also the fact that my great-great-grandfather survived the attempted murder that left him scarred for life. I am incredibly proud to have been able to bring this piece of family history to light. I think the book will appeal strongly to anyone with an interest in local history, crime and mystery, or a touch of romance.”

When not writing, Fred is an active figure in his local community and his pastimes include gardening, photography, coin & stamp collecting and reading historical biographies. In 2023 Fred published his first children’s book, Brave Cat Millie (ISBN: 9781916095069 ).

The paperback version of The Dangerous Journey (ISBN: 9781839528200) published by Brown Dog Books (https://www.browndogbooks.uk/) is priced at £9.99 (RRP) and is available to order from all bookshops from 17th October as well as on-line. An eBook version priced at £3.99 will be available via Amazon (Kindle), Kobo devices and Apple iBooks.

We at That's Christmas feel this is a must buy book for the lovers of historical crime stories in your life.

Sweet Cherry Acquires Brand-New Diverse Christmas Book by Sital Gorasia Chapman

As we approach the festive season, the magic of Christmas stories comes to life in homes across the world. 

This year, Sweet Cherry Publishing is set to add a special touch to the literary offerings of the season with the acquisition of A Time to Celebrate by Sital Gorasia Chapman, a delightful new children's book that stands out for its diverse and inclusive narrative.

A Fresh Perspective on Christmas

Christmas stories are often filled with traditional themes of snow, Santa, and presents. However, in A Time to Celebrate, Sital Gorasia Chapman brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the table. 

The book explores the Christmas season through the lens of a British-Indian family, offering readers an opportunity to experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays through a more culturally diverse backdrop.

The story centres on a young protagonist who navigates the joyous chaos of Christmas preparations while celebrating their dual heritage. From cooking festive treats to decorating the house and embracing both Christmas and Indian traditions, A Time to Celebrate provides a beautiful and relatable portrayal of the blending of cultures during the festive period.

The Importance of Diverse Representation

Sweet Cherry’s acquisition of this book is a noteworthy step in promoting diversity and inclusion in children's literature. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for stories that reflect the experiences of children from various cultural backgrounds, and A Time to Celebrate is perfectly positioned to fill this need.

Christmas, while a universally loved holiday, can be celebrated differently by families across the world. Children reading this book will have the chance to see themselves represented in its pages, and for those unfamiliar with these traditions, it offers a window into a new world, fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

This story is not only a celebration of Christmas but also of identity, belonging, and the beauty of diversity. It highlights how families can honour their heritage while embracing the festive joy that comes with Christmas celebrations.

The Author’s Vision

Sital Gorasia Chapman is no stranger to weaving culturally rich narratives into her works. Her ability to create heartwarming stories that resonate with children of all backgrounds makes her a perfect fit for Sweet Cherry’s mission to bring inclusive literature to young readers.

In A Time to Celebrate, Chapman draws from her own experiences and heritage, giving the story an authentic touch that will undoubtedly appeal to readers from various walks of life. Her focus on family, tradition, and joy ensures that the book will not only entertain but also educate young minds about the richness of cultural diversity during the festive season.

Why This Book Matters

Children’s literature plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and their understanding of the world. Books like A Time to Celebrate help break down cultural barriers and build empathy by showing children that while we may all celebrate holidays differently, the essence of love, family, and joy remains universal.

Sweet Cherry’s decision to acquire this book reflects a broader movement within publishing to provide more diverse voices and stories for young readers. By highlighting the experiences of a British-Indian family during Christmas, A Time to Celebrate is a step towards a more inclusive literary landscape.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, A Time to Celebrate by Sital Gorasia Chapman is set to become a must-read for families looking for stories that reflect the rich tapestry of multicultural Britain. Sweet Cherry Publishing’s commitment to diversity shines through with this acquisition, offering children a Christmas story that is as heartwarming as it is inclusive.

With its engaging narrative, vibrant illustrations, and focus on cultural heritage, A Time to Celebrate is a perfect gift for young readers eager to explore the many ways families come together during the festive period.

As we look forward to the magic of Christmas, this book reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in embracing and celebrating our differences, making A Time to Celebrate a timely and necessary addition to our festive reading lists.

Don't forget the sales!

Yes, the post Christmas sales are now in full swing!

If you have money or gift vouchers for certain stores (including the Amazon-powered shop at http://thatsbooks.blogspot.com) then it would be a good idea to check them out now, to see what they have available for you to spend your Christmas money on.

Ideal Christmas gift! Homework For Grown-ups Quiz Book - Everything You Learnt At School And Then Promptly Forgot!

Who is Senuna? Where would you find the islets of Langerhans? Mr Deasy, Gabriel Conroy and Robert Hand are all characters from works by which author? Which of the following is larger: 0.00099 or 0.001? ...and many, many more fiendishly fun questions to test your old-school knowledge

Do the simplest questions have you scratching your head? Or are you happiest shouting out the answers to Mastermind and QI? The Homework for Grown-ups Quiz Book will provide hours of fun for the whole family. Test your knowledge and remind yourself of everything you learnt at school and promptly forgot.

The book accompanies the bestselling Homework for Grown-ups series of books by E. Foley and B. Coates, described by the Daily Telegraph as "An obvious candidate to take to a desert island, along with Shakespeare and the Bible."

Published by Random House.

Your child stars in a Personalised Book and meets Father Christmas!

Get your kids involved in reading this Christmas – Star in a Personalised Book and meet Santa!

Personalised books are great for getting kids involved in reading and with this Christmas we’re helping you encourage your kids to read with this Christmassy adventure where your child meets Santa and saves Christmas!

Penwizard’s best selling personalised Christmas book is truly unique and ideal for any child this Christmas! Helping Santa save Christmas is any child’s dream and here at Penwizard we make all dreams come true!

Our best selling Christmas book includes your child on every page in the words and pictures. Simply personalise the character to look like your child and add their name – you can even add a personal message which is printed on the first page!

Make someone very happy this Christmas and visit www.penwizard.co.uk. All books delivered within 5 working days.

Personalisation:
- First name & Surname
- Hairstyle, colour & skin tone
- Town name
- Two best friends or relations
- Two adults

Book Specification
- Full colour gloss cover
- 24 Full colour pages
- Perfect bound paperback
- Size: 21 x 28 cm

Free P&P on all orders using code 251210 on the Penwizard site, terms ans conditions apply.