RSS Feed

Author Archives: KMB

The Du Lac Devil – Mary Anne Yarde

Posted on April 3, 2017 by KMB

The Du Lac Devil is the second book (third story, when you include the novella, The Pitchfork Rebellion) in the Du Lac Chronicles series. My review of the first book can be found here. I received both free as part of a review tour.

The Du Lac Devil

War is coming to Saxon Briton.

As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.

Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.

Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.

Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?

My Review

I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the Du Lac Devil, after I had finished The Du La Chronicles and The Pitchfork Rebellion. In both of these stories, the character of Merton had stood out for me and this book is more about him. Merton is in many ways the typical tortured hero, bad boy who is misunderstood, or the victim of his circumstances type of character. I have to admit that I do have a bit of a soft spot for similar characters. There is something about Merton that really draws you to him.

Time has moved on from the first book, Merton has been working as a mercenary, using his talent with a sword to earn money. His only aim is to help keep Alden’s kingdom safe. Not only is the money he earns used to rebuild Alden’s stronghold, but he is also being blackmailed by Wessex. As long as he keeps paying and spies for him, then Wessex will not attack Cerniw. Wessex is greedy, the more that Merton pays, the more that Wessex wants.

Merton has found himself doing more and more things that have led him further down the path to become known as the feared Du Lac Devil. Not all that they say about him is true, he hasn’t completely sold his soul to the devil, but as far as he is concerned, the more feared that he is the better.

After finding himself in an impossible position, which he does not expect to get away from alive, Merton makes his way back to his brother Budic’s castle, Benwick. Here he finds that Budic’s wife and heir have died and that Alden is also there to pay his respects. Danger surrounds the three brothers, but are they able to unite to face it?

Merton also comes back into contact with his one time sister in law, Lady Amandine. Merton discovers that the feelings between them are far from brother or sisterly. Soon, it becomes clear that she is what he wants and that if he is to have a future, then he wants it to be with her. Amandine returns his love (who wouldn’t after all, there is something lovable about him). There is the small problem of her marriage to another man, that stands in the way.

One thing I love about this series is the way that the characters sometimes question themselves and each other. Although Merton and Alden are loyal to one another, they don’t just accept that as a given. They always have the possible fear that those that love don’t return that loyalty and love completely. I think that this makes it more realistic and the characters more rounded.

I loved this book, just as much, if not more, than the previous book. The story of the Du Lac brothers was gripping and I really can’t wait to read what will happen next. I love the historic feel to this book. Of course some of the language may be a little modern, but the joy of writing about a period like this, is that it doesn’t matter. The people then spoke very different languages to the ones we speak today, any language would be different to what they spoke, so it doesn’t seem out of place. It probably does help that the author is English, so it sounds more natural to my English ear.

I highly recommend this book and this series. If you are going to read it, please start with the first book, it would be a shame to miss the start of the series.

Continue reading →

Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Eleven ways to use Calendula

Posted on April 3, 2017 by KMB

Calendula is a hardy plant, with daisy-like flowers ranging in colour from vibrant orange and yellow through to pale apricot. Calendula will grow in most conditions, but prefers a sunny spot. It is most often used in traditional medicine for it’s skin-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

1. Calendula Infused Oil

Many of the ways to use calendula in this round-up are based on either a calendula tea/infusion or calendula infused oil. Both are simple to make although the oil does need to steep for a few weeks. Always make sure that the calendula petals used to make teas and infusions are spray and insect free. Learn how to make an infused oil here or it can be purchased here.

2. DIY Paw Balm

Once you have your calendula infused oil there are many ways to use it. If you have a dog you may like to try making DIY Paw Balm. Paw balm helps to create a barrier between the sand, snow, ice and grit that can be be hard on the pads and get between the toes of your dog’s paws.

3. Oatmeal Bath Bags

These combine calendula oil and oats to make a soothing bath for sensitive or irritated skin. Learn how to make Oatmeal Bath Bags here.

4. In the bath

If you don’t have time to make bath bags add a handful of petals to warm bath water

5. Calendula Tea – for sore throats

Calendula is most widely used for it’s anti-infammatory and skin-healing properties, but here is the base of a throat soothing tea. Recipe here

6. For you scalp

Steep a handful of dried calendula petals in boiling water. Allow to cool, then strain out the petals. The cooled “tea” can be used after shampooing to help relieve an itchy scalp.

7. Calendula Cleanser

This simple two ingredient cleanser can be used with any skin type, but is best suited to dry skin. Learn how to make it here.

8. Hot Spots in dogs

Make an infusion using the same method described for the scalp rinse. This can be gently dabbed or sprayed onto the area.

9. Mouthwash

The same cold “tea” infusion described above for scalp care and hot spots can also be used as healing mouthwash.

10. Edible Flowers

Calendula has quite a mild flavour. Fresh calendula petals (spray-free) can be added to salads for a bit of colour. The petals keep their colour when cooked and can be added to rice as an inexpensive alternative to saffron.

11. Chamomile & Calendula Bath Salts

In a non-metallic bowl or large jug combine the following ingredients:

1 cup medium/coarse sea salt or Dead Sea salt
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1 tablespoon dried calendula petals
1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
15-20 drops essential oil – lavender and/or chamomile works well

Mix will to disperse the oils through the salt mixture. Store in an airtight container. Leave a few days before using so the oils can infuse the salts.