This month's Guinea Confidential book recommendations are both Gothic thriller, new releases for 2024, and feature glamorous mansions full of secrets, set in the United States.

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton is set in post WWI South Florida. This is a highly anticipated must read, and how can we not be drawn in, when there are such enticing teasers as; 'As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide'.

The Heiress: A Novel by Rachel Hawkins is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and revolves around the life and death of the notorious, and multiply married, richest woman in North Carolina.

With a back cover description, which begins; THERE'S NOTHING AS GOOD AS THE RICH GONE BAD, how can this not be added to cart and purchased ready for that relaxing weekend getaway or spa day?

One thing you may notice in abundance this time of year, whether in a shady bit of the garden, or on a walk - though you may well smell it before you see it, is wild garlic. This pungent plant is a wonderful seasonal ingredient and can be used fresh in salads, to add a bit of spice, incorporated into meals, or whizzed up for a lovely pesto alternative. 

We are salivating over the mere thought of this recipe, and we are hoping that one of the team at Guinea HQ is going to give it a go, as our blogger, Emma's garden is simply over run in parts by wild garlic!

So here it is, the recipe that has us all drooling, Wild Garlic and Cheese Scones from the National Garden Scheme website. This would be a delicious accompaniment to soup, or a simple light lunch or supper, plated with cheese and chutney.

In keeping with our uber rich, Southern America setting from our 'Rest, Read, Relax' segment, Palm Royale, set in 1969 Palm Beach, looks colourful and outrageous. This comedy follows a wanna be socialite, as she aspires to gain access into high society. This looks the perfect watch, for a hit of sunshine, while the weather here makes up its mind of what it wants to do. 

Available to watch on Apple TV+ 

This time of year means throwing open the windows and spring cleaning the house, but it also means it is time to pack away the winter wardrobe and bring out the spring and summer clothing.

But before you get out your lavender sachets and cedar hangers, it is the perfect time to check over each item, before it is put away, for repairs - it is far easier to sew on a button which is loose, then find a replacement when it gets lost -  or even have to replace them all because you can't find a button to match!!

Also, there is nothing worse than pulling out an item to wear, finding the issue and thinking, I meant to fix that last time. You can just end up in an endless cycle of picking it out to wear, putting it back without mending, and on and on it goes.

It is also a good opportunity to show your shoes some care and attention; to brush down boots, polish up shoes, and check them over for re-heeling and new soles. It might seem an utter pain to do now, but you will thank yourself in the long run.

This month we are styling our oh so versatile, Hampton Combat Jacket three ways, simply by changing the shoes! This fabulous, durable heavy weight cotton jacket, is perfect for the changeable weather of April. Come rain or shine this jacket won't let you down.

And as you can see, just by swapping out your footwear, you have three stylish outfits. 

Knee high boots for when you want to feel super sophisticated, a hard wearing pair of boots for dog walking and Sunday strolls and we love these Dark Oak Inclement Cropped Tassel Boot by Penelope Chilvers, and Guinea's own Camden bronze trainer which is perfect for shopping and pub lunches. 

As for the outfit itself, April is all about layers; as one minute it can be sunny and the next you can find yourself caught in a downpour! Start with a black or white t-shirt and dark jeans, add a navy cable roll neck knit like this from The House of Bruar, pop on the Hampton Combat and you are good to go for any occasion.