I love the beech trees in my garden. At this time of year, as the leaf buds appear, the stark and sharp grey winter branches become softened, almost furred, with an auburn glow.

I have just finished reviewing Catriona Kelly's excellent book, Russian Food since 1800. Now I have new delicacies to add to my characters' diet in the third instalment of my Blackbird's Song trilogy, as well as a hankering for Solyanka soup.

Sunrise.

Icicles!

A Fistful of Ashes Three friends: one in prison, one in exile and the third on the run. Each must live with the dire consequences of their act of terrorism while desperately trying to be reunited. A fast paced sequel…

I'm thrilled to announce that my sequel to Blackbird's Song, A Fistful of Ashes is now out! Find it here! www.stairwellbooks.co.uk/product/a-fi...

It has been described as a 'captivating story of the unfolding of human lives in the aftermath of the 1905 Russian Revolution'.