As my author copies of Tumbledown are still winging their way across the pond, I can’t launch a give-away just yet. So, to pass the time and for sheer “What the hell?” hijinks, here are five things you should be able to do by the end of the novel. Plus, a gratuitous picture of a cake. And who doesn’t love cake?

1. Bake a Victoria Sandwich cake.

Ingredients: (taken from my mum’s tried and true recipe)

6oz margarine, 5 oz caster sugar, 3 eggs, 6oz self raising flour.

Add raspberry jam, whipping cre...