Chapter and verse

The Marlborough Book Festival 2023 will be held from Thursday 20 July to Sunday 23 July. This year sees 23 sessions with 16 authors. Here, Hera Frei reviews one of the books included in this year’s festival.

At the meeting Lily duly receives a once cherished Italian recipe and an aged theatre program, which are the crucial and sole links to Estee’s humble beginnings.

Lovingly instilled by her late father, and as luck would have it, Lily’s passion for winemaking leads her to the magnificent Martinelli vineyard and the undulating landscapes of Italy.

the scorching Italian sun, a forgone tale of extraordinary love and equally, overwhelming tragedy is unearthed. Sorrow and sadness it seems have shadowed Estee throughout her entire life nonetheless true love always triumphs, does it not? In what appears to be an impossible tryst, the solution is simply unbearable.

When Lily receives an unexplained email beckoning her presence at a mysterious lawyer’s office, her curiosity is naturally roused. To her astonishment she learns there that her beloved Grandmother, Estee, was raised in a home for unmarried mothers.

Unbeknown to Lily, this will be the first valuable step toward uncovering her family origins. Lily settles easily into the welcoming arms of the Martinelli family and their breathtaking winery. Subsequently heir to the prized grapevines and gorgeous son, Antonio, provides handsome support and the tender encouragement Lily requires to further her search.

As they figure out the puzzle together, Lily steadily becomes captivated both by Antonio and her newly discovered home.

Amidst the trailing vines and

Soraya Lane will pull you into the fascinating world of a delicate 1940’s Ballerina and indulge you in absolute Italian luxury.

I read deep into the night, unable to let go of this exquisite story. Agonising over such heartbreak, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the characters and became completely invested in every heart wrenching detail. Pack your bags and prepare to be ensconced in Italy right from the stunningly illustrated jacket. As you devour the rich Italian goodness, rest assured, you won’t want this magical love story to end.

Adventurous Scouts following Indy’s footsteps

Churchward Park Scout Group are hosting Blenheim’s first showing of the final Indiana Jones film to fund travel to their yearly national Jamboree.

Revenue from tickets for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at 6pm, Wednesday 28th June will send Scouts to Mystery Creek in Hamilton for this year’s 23rd annual gathering, alongside 4000 of their fellow Scout recruits and helpers from the 30th of December to the 7th of January.

The Scouts spent this weekend at their Den, with all the activities, entertainment and food organised by the kids themselves.

“Scouts gives these kids a great opportunity to do activities they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to do while learning lots about leadership and self-reliance” says Scouts helper Helen Marriott.

“All of the activities we do including the fundraising opportunities are created by the kids themselves and they’ve been do- ing everything from selling cookies and chocolate door-to-door, selling firewood and organising carparking at events to saving up money they make from family chores”. troop at the last Jamboree. With expenses coming to around $3,000 per scout, their fundraising efforts are aiming to bring the out-of-pocket cost down to $1,000. makes the end result feel more satisfying for them”, mentions Helen.

This sentiment is echoed by 13-year-old Scout Katlyn Ross, who’s been a part of the troop for three years.

“I learn so much through Scouts and do lots that I otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to do, including the Jamboree.

“Throughout my fundraising I’ve met former Scouts who have all said how much fun Jamboree is so I can’t wait.

“It’s great to engage with the community and have things to aim for with our badges while having fun with friends on overnight camps like this where we organise what we want to do”.

Tickets to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny at 6pm, Wednesday 28th June are $25 for Adults and $20 for children, and can be purchased from http://www. cwparkscouts.org.nz/forms/movietickets/

Eighteen of Marlborough’s Scouts are combining with the Greymouth troop for this year’s Jamboree to create the ‘Grape Miners’ – which is nothing new, as they joined with a New Caledonian

“The kids do have to earn their own way to Jamboree through their own work and fundraising ideas, so having such an awesome opportunity isn’t handed to them on a platter – but it