Helen McGinn Well, I wasn’t expecting that. No, not the roadmap. I’m talking about what happened when my debut novel This Changes Everything was published just a few weeks ago. The response has been totally overwhelming in quite the best possible way. Thank you so much to everyone who’s read it/is reading/plans to read it and for all your lovely messages. Seriously, they’re moving me to tears every single day! It really has been the stuff of dreams. In other news we had a couple of gorgeous wines and a brilliant line up of pre-mixed cocktails on a lively Saturday Kitchen at the weekend so I’ve included details on two favourites in this week’s reviews. And if you fancy joining me and fabulous Kat Farmer (@doesmybumlook40) for virtual drinks later this week she’s hosting another WINETIME on her Instagram at 6pm on Thursday. Expect lols.
Current white in the fridge: Tesco Finest Valle de Leyda Chardonnay
Price: £8.00 - Buy From Tesco
From Chile (think natural fruit bowl) comes this tropical fruit-loaded Chardonnay and honestly it’s just what we need right now. From the Leyda Valley, a cool coastal spot which clearly suits Chardonnay down to the ground. A proportion of the wine is aged in French oak barrels adding a bit more oomph and flavour to the wine. Properly lovely stuff, especially with roast chicken.
Current cocktail in the glass: Pink Grapefruit Margarita
Price: £24.00 - Buy From Cocktail Canaries
This pre-mixed Pink Grapefruit Margarita can’t fail to perk you up. For a start, the colour is joyous. Then there’s the taste, a hit of tequila and orange with a whack of pink grapefruit (add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra zing). This comes in a recyclable pouch that fits through the letterbox and each pouch contains six servings. Just squeeze straight into coupes and let the kitchen disco commence.
Beautiful Chardonnay thankyou for a spot on recommendation!
Ahhh thank you Lesley, glad you like it! Me too x
I really enjoyed your book Helen, it was funny and emotional too. It was lovely to have a happy ending! Thank you! Look forward to your next novel.
Thank you so much, Sarah! Really thrilled you enjoyed it x
Loved your book Helen.
It would make a great film/ tv drama.
Well done
Thank you Sue! Maybe one day…! x
I’ve just finished reading your book Helen and loved it….more please!
Thank you Margaret! Am writing another now…out in August! x
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. It was a wonderfully relaxed read, taking me on journeys in my head…looking forward to the next one!
Hi Vicki, thank you so much! So thrilled you enjoyed it (and another one coming in August)! x
Hi Helen,
I love watching Saturday Kitchen Live and when you are on it’s even better! Thanks to that I have learnt about your novel, which I have obviously bought. I had to wait for the half term to read it and I finished it in three days! I am Italian, not from Rome though, I enjoyed the sounds and smells you have written about and the images you have portrayed- a very good depiction of an Italian summer!
I might have also cried a bit…
As a knackered working mother of three myself, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Ilaria x
Dear Ilaria, thank you so much for your gorgeous kind words, I am so thrilled you enjoyed the book! And over the moon to have a seal of approval from an Italian! I’ve written another one, it’s out in August so hope you might find time to read that one too x