It is said that everyone has a book in them, and I, for one, agree with that!

Garnier – Ultimate Blends Shampoo Bar Zero Plastic Waste I’m sure that you, like me, are very concerned about plastic waste cluttering up our planet. So, when I came across these shampoo bars a couple of years ago in my local branch of Boot’s I thought I’d give them a go. I felt that if we could ditch plastic shampoo bottles it would be a big step in the right direction. I admit that the first time I used the shampoo bar it seemed strange. Instead of pouring shampoo into my hand I had to wet the shampoo bar. After that I simply rubbed the bar over my wet hair and lathered up as usual. And… after I’d rinsed the shampoo off, my hair felt cleaner than it had ever felt after using liquid shampoo! Wow. One wash was all it took to convert me to the Shampoo Bar. There are various options to suit all types of hair. My favourite is Delicate Oat for sensitive scalp and fragile hair. Apart from ‘no plastic’ there are other bonuses for using this product. One is that it smells fabulous. Another is that the little bar is perfect to pop in your luggage when travelling. If you try it out I’d love to hear your feedback. Enjoy! Teresa

“He who is not getting better is getting worse.” St Ignatius of Loyola Choose Christian fiction for spiritual improvement! As a Christian novelist, I know that spiritual growth is the essential element of the character progression my readers expect, but in ‘real life’ such growth is often ignored. Worse, we can easily become so wrapped up in day-to-day issues that our prayers and worship become perfunctory. Enter… Christian Fiction as a tool for spiritual improvement. As a suggestion, when we next read a Christian novel, (such as my Angel at the Paradise Hotel !) we can use its structure to take a fresh look at ourselves . I do admit, though, that in ‘real life’ a leap forward in spiritual improvement can be tougher to achieve than in a story, but let’s take heart! Each book plot is based on a premise, which contains problems and dilemmas to resolve. Resolutions often come about when the characters finally realize that they need to change; to become more loving – more Christlike! Of course, that is not going to happen with all characters, but with the protagonist it is usually the anticipated, and only satisfying, outcome for the reader. Best of all is when something in their story resonates with our own life, leaving us encouraged and hopeful. For me, the novelist, I have to say that this is the ‘mission accomplished!’ moment. I’d be very interested to have your feedback on this topic. God bless, Teresa

As I write, COP27 is taking place in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheik