Dede Sophie

Volvo Cars have announced upgrades to their XC40 and related C40 Recharge models to provide more range, improved powertrains, and a new RWD version, writes Brian Byrne. The brand’s two key electric cars also gain faster charging times at suitable charge points. Both cars are now available to order in Ireland with prices starting at €61,715. The cars now come with 82kWh batteries, which have extended range by up to 62km. The arrival of a RWD version is the first time in 25 years that Volvo have produced such a configuration.  The AWD vehicles benefit from two new electric motors, the more powerful of which has been developed by Volvo in-house. 

Today I’m happy to welcome Karleen Koen , the New York Times bestselling author of Through a Glass Darkly, Now Face to Face, and Dark Angels, who’s guest blogging here today. Her latest book, Before Versailles focuses on four intense months of King Louis’s young life. It’s the summer of 1661, and after the death of his prime minister, twenty-two-year-old Louis steps into governing France. He’s still a young man, and in a way quite inexperienced and shy, but also very determined, intelligent and headstrong. He’s used to having anything and everything his heart desires—land, women—including his brother’s wife. Why did I write “Before Versailles”? by Karleen Koen Read more »

There is certainly something to be said about the art of saving money.  It’s undeniable that a lot of us like to find good deals.  It can even be addictive, to some extent – if you’ve ever heard the stories about extreme coupon users, that’s one example of this desire spiraling out of control. Don’t worry, though.  Just because you enjoy saving some cash doesn’t mean things will get crazy.  In fact, it’s a good thing for most of us.  We should always try to find the cheapest options, especially when it comes to something like borrowing money. In this sense, it’s best to find the best APR.  This is a combination of any fees that are associated with a loan and the interest rate on it.  If we find a low annual percentage rate, we are saving money in the long-term.  Sure, we still must make repayments on the borrowed money, but less interest means less cash spent in this period. To some of you, this sounds like obvious stuff.  I mean, of course we want to find the best rates.  However, for...