Tag: Book Excerpt

Mistletoe and Mayhem

There’s not just kisses under the Mistletoe this holiday season, dun-dun-dun!

You don’t have to wait for the festive fun.  Open the grand doors of a manor and experience Mistletoe and Mayhem.  Author, Veronica Cline Barton, invited her readers to celebrations.  But beware of mysterious events in this cosy/cozy mystery.

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor.

Rumor has it a Castlewood Manor feature film will be made to highlight the fan favorite period drama on the big screen. As Gemma and her family and friends prepare for the celebrity filled holiday celebrations, which includes television broadcasts, a visit by the queen to Cherrywood Hall, wedding planning frenzy and plenty of mystery, family drama and intrigue, you can bet that the tinsel will be in a deadly tangle in the stately halls of Cherrywood. Father Christmas has his hands full as revenge, mur-dah, sabotage, and bridezilla wannabes threaten to bring this ‘Tis the Season’ to a fiery and disastrous end.

Mistletoe and Mayhem is a delightful guilty pleasure read for the holidays with romance, mystery, family drama and tons of royal surprises—snuggle up by the fire with your favorite libation and enjoy!

Happy Christmas and Best to You in the New Year! Cheers!

Veronica

Veronica’s Extract

“Why you little darling, it’s about time you called me. We have a wedding to plan!”

I laughed at Max’s dramatic tone. I knew there was no way he was not going to be involved in choreographing my wedding, he was on a mission. “It’s been a bit busy here, Max. Mama said you have someone in mind that you’d like to introduce me to, a Mr. Reginald Gerard?”

The royal garden view that inspired the setting.

“Oh darling, Reggie is absolutely the best there is. He just got back from Denmark you know. He and I go way back to our university days. We both majored in interior design. Reggie branched out years ago to get in the wedding and party planning event business. Queen Annelyce and Lady Adela adore him. He did the queen’s last dinner party, you know.”

“Yes, yes, I’ve heard that. I must tell you Max, that Kyle and I have really not had a chance to discuss any plans yet, not with everything that has gone on with Evan.”

“Oh, I know, darling. It’s been so awful. That’s why I thought you could just let me and Reggie, get started planning all the details for you. We’ll take care of everything. You won’t have to lift a finger…”

Reviews

‘The fourth book in this well written series has everything you desire for a perfect holiday: Romance, a cozy mystery, British royals and a heart-warming, Christmas miracle.’ Star Traveler

‘I love this cozy murder, it has everything I could ever want in one book, including a lovely little dog.’ Mark Schultz

‘You will truly feel that you are living like the almost-royals at the family home. The story moves along and is vivid, entertaining and interesting and the ending is truly a “wow!”. Full curtsey to author Veronica Cline Barton!” – Jena C. Henry

Gemma’s favorite place to stroll at Hampton Court Palace.

Final word from Veronica

This book was a complete joy for me at the end. We go through a lot with Gemma’s family issues and changes, and of course the ‘mur-dah’ and mayhem, LOL. I think the ending with the slight change in course for the series will keep things fresh and give some new perspectives for the characters and storyline. I love getting together with my characters when I’m writing—this story was particularly fun being set during the holidays, and a few of the scenes actually take place at my favorite royal abode, Hampton Court Palace. It’s been Christmas at my house for all of 2019!

I love all things cozy mystery–in addition to the My American Almost Royal Cousin series books, I’m currently starting a new cozy mystery series titled An American Hygge & Bisous Mysteries, set for release in 2020.

Meet the author, Veronica Cline Barton

More about Mistletoe and Mayhem

There’s not just kisses under the Mistletoe this holiday season, dun-dun-dun!

A family’s legacy, a mother’s heartbreak, a highly anticipated feature film announcement, and bridezilla wannabes are set to rendezvous around the Christmas tree this Yuletide season. History is about to change by royal decree, impacting forever the life of American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips and the man she loves as she takes the reins of the family peerage and title—a move that places the British/American Lancaster family relations at risk.

 

Please see all my Book Extracts and Book Excerpts and also my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A copy of my novel is available here.

An Opera Singer’s Debut Novel

Enjoy the Scandinavian landscape presented in this vintage postcard

Meet a Danish opera singer and artist, Hanne Holten, who couldn’t stop writing until she completed her debut novel.  Snares and Delusions explores myths, class and women’s situation in a time when their place was defined by their husbands.  Hanne agreed to write to her readers and present an extract of her unique novel.  As I discovered more about Snares and Delusions, I could not resist asking additional questions.

Dear Readers,

Snares and Delusions

I am delighted to present an extract from my debut novel: Snares and Delusions.

The protagonist, Hedda, faces her life — and death — in dreams and nightmares. The feisty teenager develops into an independent woman through traumatic events and brief moments of romance.

The extract is a central scene in the book where Hedda faces her abusive and — by then — insane husband. This is a pivot point that determines her future in both positive and negative ways.

Dreams and nightmares, Norse Mythology, romance, terror and the story of a life — all in one book that fits snugly in a handbag — what’s not to love?

Best wishes,

Hanne x

Jessie: What genre does your book fit into and is the writing like any other author’s style? 

Hanne: Basically, Snares and delusions is a historical novel of a literary cast. It may fit into other genres too, it certainly has elements of myth, suspense, humour, and drama. Is my style like another author’s? I’m not sure. I can think of a few authors who have written similar subjects, for instance, John Irving in Avenue of Mysteries, and Kazuo Ishiguro in The Buried Giant.

Jessie: The content of your novel seems challenging. Would you agree with this statement?

This portrait in Sepia’ presents Hedda, as I imagine her at the time of the extract.

Hanne: I’d have to agree with that. It is set in a period when men had absolute power over women, and my heroine, being dead set on winning her independence, takes up the challenge. Also, it deals with death, with pain, and nightmares on different levels.

Jessie:  What have your readers said about this unusual novel?

Hanne: The reviews have been positive.  Here are some quotes I have enjoyed:

‘Such a wonderful book.’

‘The writing style is detailed and is teleporting you directly into the story and its surroundings.’

‘Go for it! You will love it!’

Jessie:  This novel sounds unique, challenging and intriguing. Can you tell me more about the novel that takes Hedda to hell and back?

Hanne: The combined forces of opium and pain brings her face to face with her life. From rural Sweden in the late nineteenth century, over Silkeborg to the Danish Capital, and during the Great War, she experiences love and loss, poverty and betrayal.

Hedda gives up everything to win independence. She soon discovers that this is one thing to wish for and another to achieve. Life handles her roughly, but can she develop strength of character? Will she pay for her freedom in ways she doesn’t anticipate?

Jessie:  Reviewers have praised your style of writing. Please give us an extract to introduce us into Hedda’s world.

Hedda and her daughter

Inside the study, the French windows swing back and forth in the breeze. The curtains hang half off their pole, and there are mounds of twigs and moss on the tables. Most of Conrad’s books lie on the floor. Every surface is covered in bird droppings, and the stench makes Hedda gag. She enters the room step by step and whimpers when she crunches a mouse-carcass under her foot.

Out of the blue something grabs her hair. Hedda yells and waves her arms to dislodge the creature but it claws at her hands. She can’t see anything but feels its wings, flapping around her head. The bird screeches, pecking at her skull. She screams, but falls silent, as Conrad enters through the open French windows.  He carries an axe, and a raven perches on his shoulder. He turns his back on Hedda and takes place at his desk.

Then he whistles sharply. The other bird leaves Hedda and lands on his free shoulder. Conrad gets to his feet and grasps the claws of one of the ravens. He decapitates the sooty bird, using the desk as a chopping block. Wood splinters and wing feathers fly in the air, as the other raven tries to escape through the open window. Conrad throws the axe with uncanny precision, and the raven drops to the floor with a thumping noise, surrounded by broken glass from the window.

Hedda still screams. She tries to quell the sound with her hands, when Conrad turns towards her.

Jessie: How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters?

It was hard to let go of Hedda, so hard that she features in my second book, soon to be published. Hedda isn’t the main character, and this isn’t a series. Still, there is a connection in time and setting between the two books.

How has your life as an opera singer and artist impacted on your writing? 

No doubt, my life influences my writing. It is difficult to say whether my singing or painting has made a direct impact, but I tend to have a visual idea of the scenes as I write them. I also plan to write a book where the protagonist wants to be an opera diva.

About the Author

HM Holten

Hanne Holten was an opera singer and a painter who couldn’t stop writing. So far, that resulted in her debut novel, several poems, and a work in progress that explores of the history around and after the Great War.

She grew up in Denmark but lived and worked in London for fifteen years. A few years ago, she left the UK for Germany. After graduating as an opera singer, she turned to teaching. This way she acquired an eye for details that helped her developing Snares and Delusions.

Contact details
Email: hanne@holten.co.uk
FB Hanne Holten Writes: https://www.facebook.com/HmH24
Blog: http://blog.holten.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoltenHm @HoltenHm

 

Please see all my extracts and excerpts at Book Extracts and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Take a Trip to 76 Silver Street

Writers, Authors and Readers is a supportive and friendly Facebook group organised by Anna Marie Shenton.  Anna supports everyone in the group, but it is time for Anna to have the spotlight.  She has recently published a novella entitled 76 Silver Street. The novella is a historical romance and is the first book in a two-part series.  I have invited Anna to tell you more about her novella and characters.

Rosa Brown is the key character is on front cover

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present 76 Silver Street.  My novella is gritty, scandalous tale of courage, passion, love, loss and lies with sexual desire and is set in the suburbs of Manchester 1905.

Rosa had worked her fingers to the bone to prepare rooms for the boarding house. Jack Howard takes on Queenie as a new lodger without asking Rosa. Having heard gossip about Queenie, Rosa is ready to confront her.

Meet Queenie, the infamous boarding house guest.

Queenie, a former lodger arrives at Piccadilly railway station. Eager to move into her newly refurbished double room and deliver an almighty shock to Jack, she uses her charm to get there fast.

This extract sets the flavour of the novella and entices the reader to continue after this active scene, portraying just one of the obstacles Rosa is up against.

76 Silver Street is a handbag size novella. Its stunning, eye-catching cover will enhance any handbag and get tongues wagging.  Are you ready for scandal? Are you ready to meet Queenie?

Thanking you kindly for taking the time to sneak peek at 76 Silver Street.

Anna Shenton

Presenting the extract…

The is the location of Silver Street in the novel

“Pembertown…Silver Street. Remember? You dropped me there yesterday?” She instructed the cabbie with a tip of her hat.

“Sure did Miss, never forget a pretty face. On our way soonever I’ve loaded.” He then mounted the cab, cracked his whip and the horse clattered across the cobbles at speed.

“Staying long?” He raised his voice and turned his head in hope of hearing a reply.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” Queenie’s bright red lips curled into a smile as they kept up a respectable trot.

For Queenie, the ride into Pembertown gave her time to recap on her plan. Silver Street had good and bad memories. She would only stay as long as it took to get what she wanted. And she didn’t care who got hurt in the process.

The cabbie’s voice interrupted her thoughts as they passed the warehouse and slowed to a halt. “Here we are Miss.” He jumped down and opened the cab door. “Seventy-six! Owd Mildred’s boarding house! Are you sure you want to stay in this place? It was good in its day but…” He gave her a quizzical look whilst settling his ‘tach.

She stepped onto the pavement. “My card Sir…?” If ever you feel unattended to?” She ignored his question and watched him unload her luggage onto the street before paying him.

“Not very of ‘en I turn down a beautiful lass, but I’ve a beautiful wife un three bairns back home. Take care in this place mind.”

More about the novella

An impression of Jack’s clothing in 1905

Rosa Brown couldn’t abide Dan’s drunken coercive behaviour as his house-keeper anymore. Aunt Mildred’s call from her hospital-bed sends Rosa sneaking out of town, to take over her aunt’s rundown boarding house.

Met by Jack Howard on arrival, in Pemberton 1905, Rosa’s heart plummets when her eyes meet with the dingy filthy place and Jack’s dark devilish impudent manner, who thinks she’s mad and has no intention of helping to get the place up and running before it goes bust.

Rosa is shocked when faced with all the ruffians and commoners knocking on the door and struggles to keep Jack’s hands off her. Sprucing the place up and filling it with respectful paying guests, proves harder than expected.

Now, filled with fear for her aunt and her own wellbeing, will Rosa ever be free from trouble and her dreams come true?

Sleep with one eye open!

Reviews:

‘Lively, believable, characters.’

‘The author has captured the true essence of life and times at the turn of the century.’

‘The story is fast paced and keeps you reading, I read it in one go.’

‘Changing genre was a wonderful challenge for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.’

‘All characters in this novella have left a place in my heart. They took me on a journey that I could have never imagined. I feel a part of this story and proud of 76 Silver Street. And can’t wait to continue the sequel.’

What does Queenie want from Jack? Why must the inhabitants of the boarding house sleep with one eye open?  Read the novella to discover the secrets…

About Anna

Meet Anna Marie Shenton author and creator of the popular Writers, Readers and Authors Facebook group

Anna from Staffordshire, World Poetry Day Prize Winner 2015 for a publishing company, wrote many star letters, fillers, and articles for various magazines. Now an indie author, Anna independently published her debut Romance Novel, Short Stories Collection and Writing for Beginners. She is also founder of the Writers, Authors and Readers group.

Connect with Anna
https://www.facebook.com/annaswritingpage/?ref=bookmarks
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/go/profile
https://twitter.com/ShentonAnna
miarichards54@aol.com

 

Please see all my extracts and excerpts at Book Extracts and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A copy of my novel can be found here.

Alchemy in my Handbag

As if by magic, I am presenting ‘Stone Circle’ by Kate Murdoch.  The novel is a rich historical fantasy about a young man’s coming of age, as he learns about magic rituals and alchemy. I have asked Kate to present and extract of her debut novel.  She has written to her readers about the book and her chosen extract.

Dear Readers,

I would like to present you with an extract from my debut novel, ‘Stone Circle’.  

It’s a story of magic rituals and rivalry in a 16th century Italian town.

The extract, selected from the middle of the book, is a scene where my protagonist, Antonius, is being initiated as a seer. It describes the ritual he must go through. 

It is a key scene in my book, because Antonius’s life is undergoing enormous change, and the ritual is a symbol of that. 

Romance, thrilling escapes and alchemy – what’s not to love?

Best Wishes,

Kate x

 

Extract

Antonius watched the blue and amber flames as they crackled upwards, repeating the same patterns into infinity. He felt his body move to the rhythms, and realised they all moved in tandem around the fire. The music, the flames, and the night were as much a part of them as the blood coursing through their veins. The pace quickened and they followed, twisting and turning with fluidity.

Antonius’s mind was clear and untroubled. At the same time, he watched Giulia’s russet hair swing across her back and the long line of her slender white arm as she moved with perfect grace. He felt the eyes of many upon him, but he was not afraid. It was a sense of being held in the embrace of the observation, as if he were returning to the home of a friend that was as familiar as it was strange. Glancing at Giulia, he saw she scattered herbs into the flames. His nose twitched as their combined scent wafted towards him—sage, elderflower, cloves, and others. Three crystals were then released into the fire—purple, white, and gold. Several loud cracks erupted into the air and multi-coloured sparks flew, with a hiss and a whine. In a low voice Savinus chanted. It was a mellifluous language he had heard during the rituals at the blue cave. He spread his arms in an outward motion, as if clearing away smoke.

More About the Novel

Stone Circle explores themes of class, rivalry and spiritual growth. It is a historical fantasy novel.

Is the ability to read minds a blessing or a curse?

Kate Murdoch

When Antonius’s father dies, he must work to support his family. He finds employment as a servant in the Palazzo Ducal, home of Conte Valperga. Sixteenth-century Pesaro is a society governed by status, and Antonius has limited opportunities. When a competition is announced, Antonius seizes his chance. The winner will be apprenticed to the town seer. Antonius shares first place with his employer’s son. The two men compete for their mentor’s approval. As their knowledge of magic and alchemy grows, so does the rivalry and animosity between them. When the love of a beautiful woman is at stake, Antonius must find a way to follow his heart and navigate his future.

Reviewers’ Opinions

‘Murdoch presents a delightful romance, feathered with light touches of fantasy. The development of her love triangle is gratifying, and even secondary characters offer stark dramatic moments…’ Kirkus Reviews ‘

‘Her characters’ interactions with each other and their individualities helped shape the book into something wonderful; at the same time she excels at pacing the story with her characters, all within a framework designed to help readers understand the world of seers and alchemy she has created.’ Readers’ Favorite

‘Kate Murdoch’s fabulous writing is full of vivid sounds, sights and scents that pull us into the scene, expressed in inspired word combinations that are a joy to read. A wonderful, entertaining book.’ Gail Cleare, USA Today bestselling author

Words about Kate:

Kate is a painter turned author who enjoys writing flash fiction and short stories when she’s not writing historical fiction. Her debut novel is a romance with an element of fantasy.  Kate became completely immersed in her Renaissance town and characters when writing the novel.  Kate found it difficult to depart from the world in her novel and this bodes well for a reader intent on escape. The best of luck to Kate with her debut novel.

 

Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

An Innocent Abroad

Tuscany – a novel, inspired by where I live and the tourists I’ve observed

Tuscany – a novel, Fay Henson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by a life in Tuscany and fuelled by her tourist gazing hobby, Fay Henson has written her debut novel.  The glow of a Tuscan summer is hidden in the pages of ‘Tuscany – a novel’. Become a teenager again, run away with Caylin and banish the winter chill. 

The author is very keen to invite you into the pages of the book. Get ready to receive some text messages.  Meanwhile, here is a message from the author.

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present Tuscany – a novel. This extract was chosen because the reader can sympathise with the parents whilst also supporting Caylin teenage quest to reach Siena.

Caylin has stopped to rest a while from hitchhiking and opens her concerned parents’ text messages. Her parents discover she’s left the hotel in search for people her own age in the city of Siena. The messages aren’t a huge surprise to the determined seventeen year-old.

I believe that you will be tempted to pop Tuscany – a novel, a New Adult Romance into your handbags to support Caylin in times of need.  You will need to be right behind her as the reunion between daughter and parents approaches.  Add to that of course, the sun, Italian culture and first love to warm you up.

I hope you love Caylin and the city of Siena as much as I do.

Best wishes,

Fay.

Extract

Caylin opens her concerned parents’ text messages

I dug around in my bag to find my phone amongst all my stuff and the unravelled twenty-euro notes; found it. Both Mum and Dad had tried to call me. Well I hadn’t heard my phone ringing, probably because of the traffic along the road. I’d also received some text messages too which I had better open.

What do you think you’re doing, Caylin?! You should turn round and come back to the hotel right now. If that’s difficult, let me know where you are and I’ll get someone to come and pick you up. I don’t know what’s got into you! Dad

I supposed that text was only to be expected. I opened Mum’s next.

Dear Caylin, I don’t suppose you’d understand how worried we are about you, you’re alone in a country you know little about, and what about the language? Please come back, we can do different things together, we can make it more fun. And PLEASE contact us as soon as poss. We love you very much Mum xxx

That one too.

I decided it was best not to call them because I was sure it’d be really difficult to get a word in edgeways and really, if I was honest, I was afraid they’d talk me into going back or I’d accidentally let on where I was exactly, not that I really knew anyway.

About the Book

First love in Tuscany

Caylin is desperate to find fun on holiday with people her own age.  During her daring and turbulent stay in Siena, Caylin experiences amongst many emotions, jealousy, hate, fear and her first real love.  All the while, her two best friends back in Bristol wait for her message updates, albeit sometimes shocking.

What Reviewers Say

‘I really enjoyed it! I’m sure that the character of Caylin is one that a lot of teenagers will be able to relate to. I found the descriptions of the Italian landscape and Siena itself to be very accurate. I hope there’s going to be a sequel. I’d recommend it to everyone, particularly teenagers.’

‘It really bought the sights and sounds of Tuscany to life together with the underlying story of Caylin’s adventures – having to learn quickly about herself, love and life. A good story whether at home or as a holiday read.’

Fay Henson

About Fay….

A few years ago, myself and my husband made the ‘now or never’ decision to relocate with our three children from the south west of England to Tuscany, Italy. I soon discovered that I was in the perfect place for writing travel articles and commenced with writing for an online website and a monthly insert for an Italian magazine, all the while I was harbouring a passion for novel writing.

When I can, I like to take my Fox Terrier Bobby for walks and to think over a story.  I don’t live far from Siena and says that it’s an amazing place, filled with pizza, coffee, ice-cream, shops, university students, tourists and of course, sunshine and history.  A perfect setting for Tuscany – a novel.

Now I’ve completed my first book, Tuscany – a novel, inspired by where I live and the tourists I’ve observed.

Once the book was completed, I felt elated, it was to be my first novel, and when I was shown the cover design I was the luckiest person on earth.  I adored being inside Caylin’s mind, her thoughts about Joe and the guts she showed in various situations.  But it’s not possible to stop writing about Caylin, so now she’s currently developing on the pages in a new story.

I am very partial to a Tuscan escape, and I am sure this will be a fabulous read.  The best of luck to Fay with the debut novel.  Happy people watching!

 

Please see all my extracts and excerpts at Book Extracts and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com. 

 

A Feel Good Message from Diane’s Novel

I have invited Diane Need to present an extract from ‘Press Three for Goodbye’.  Her debut novel is a humorous exploration of second chances.  Beth, the central character, has been compared to Shirley Valentine, but she doesn’t travel to Greece in search of answers.

Without further ado, I will hand over to Diane who has a message for her readers.

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present Press Three for Goodbye

Beth is a gentle and caring heroine, but a lot of fun, too, with the scrapes she gets into. The story deals with some serious issues, but there’s also plenty of humour.

I’ve chosen the extract as I believe it gives an insight into Beth’s character and one of the scrapes Beth finds herself in.

It’s an easy, feel good and uplifting read, ideal for the airport, on holiday or sitting by the fire with a cuppa (or a glass of wine!)

Happy Reading!

Diane Need

 

Presenting the Extract

Paul scrutinised the paw prints and cleared his throat before continuing. ‘I’m –’ he blustered, looking to Emily as if for support. ‘Well, the thing is – we’re here about Rodney; we think he should come and live with us. I paid for him, after all – and it’s obvious you can’t cope with him.’

‘I don’t care who paid for him; Rodney stays here!’ Beth cried.  ‘He loves being with me –’

‘Well, I think –’ Emily interrupted.

Beth’s head spun round like the girl possessed by the devil in the film The Exorcist. ‘What the hell’s it got to do with you? God knows why you’re even here!’

Right on cue, Rodney pawed at the door. Expecting him to demonstrate his love for her by jumping up, Beth pulled it open. He darted past her, something bright pink dangling from his mouth, and headed once more for the sheepskin rug.

Beth clapped a hand over her mouth. OMG – it was a pair of her old knickers – her “Bridget Jones’s”! To her total horror, Rodney held the material between his front paws and gleefully began tearing the gusset apart.

Paul and Emily stood aghast as she dived to retrieve her tatty pants.

Panting like a madwoman, she finally managed to wrestle them free from the dog’s jaws.

Paul shook his head and Emily gave a loud snort.

‘Why don’t the pair of you just piss off?’ Beth yelled. ‘And you’re not having the bloody dog – he stays with me. RIGHT?’

They left without saying another word.

More about Press Three for Goodbye

When Beth, fast approaching forty and a stay-at-home wife, decides to put some romance back into her flagging marriage, her plans are thwarted when her husband announces he’s leaving her for his intellectual equal.  All he leaves Beth with is an order to vacate the family home and the wrath of her acid-tongued mother-in-law. Beth has no career, no money and no self-esteem.

Beth’s best friend Jackie manages to find her a job at a care home. The work is challenging, and, with a string of obstacles being dropped on her, one after another, her life descends into chaos.

There is a flicker of light on the horizon when handsome Ryan Morgan enters her life and offers to dog-sit her beloved dog, Rodney.  But are Beth and Ryan meant to be together? And will they be able to pursue a relationship when she discovers more secrets about those she thought she knew so well?

What do the reviews say?

“Great read which grabs your attention straight away and moves on at good pace.”

“This has everything: love and heartache, humour and friendship, courage and compassion.”

“Diane’s debut novel is a reminder that we have the power to rebuild ourselves even when we feel as though we’ve hit rock bottom.”

More about Diane

Diane Need

I’m a trained Counsellor with a background in education and social care, and I believe my work and personal life has given me insight and understanding into how life issues can impact upon people.

It felt a bit surreal when I’d written “The End.”  I couldn’t quite believe it!  I missed all of the characters, especially Beth, Jackie and Paul – and Rodney the dog, of course!

The novel explores the adage: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I wanted Beth to work through the chaos and obstacles.  I adored the lolloping dog, and enjoyed booing at the annoying characters. Grab a large glass of wine, and read this book during a weekend, to find out it Beth survives.

You can read my review of this novel.

 

Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

 

Celebrating a slice of Italian history in my handbag

Angela Petch is an author of historical fiction, and she has written two wonderful novels set in Tuscany.  I completely lost myself in both novels. ‘Tuscan Roots’ and ‘Now and Then in Tuscany’ are based on her research into her husband’s family and his family’s region.  Angela and her husband live in Tuscany for six months of the year, thus her novels are written in the heart of the setting and culture. Angela’s intelligent and vivid style of writing is perfectly balanced with cultural and historical information. 

The ebooks of ‘Tuscan Roots’ and ‘Now and Then in Tuscany’ have been snapped up by Endeavour Press.  Angela has published short stories in People’s Friend and PRIMA magazine, and she won the Ip-Art short story award in 2008.

I simply adore Angela’s books and feel as if I have discovered a writer whose work will become classics.  I asked her to introduce the extract of ‘Tuscan Roots’ to prevent me from waxing lyrical for pages and pages. 

Cari lettori (Dear Readers),

It is 1944 and in a remote corner of German-occupied, war torn Italy. Ines, an eighteen year old Italian country girl is helping the partisans hide an escaped British POW. Meeting this young man will change her life forever.

There are two time threads weaving through “Tuscan Roots” and this extract from the story set in the past introduces Ines and Norman – two main protagonists. The diary extract is being read by her daughter, years later.

Saluti,

Angela

Presenting the extract:

“Rofelle, September 8th 1944

The inglese was still asleep on the planks above the cows. The nights were chilly and the animal warmth and dry hay made a comfortable bedroom – much better than mine. I have to share with nonna and she kicks and tosses at night. She snores like the pig we used to fatten for Christmas. There have been no pigs this year. The Germans have ‘requisitioned’ ours and everybody else’s in the area. ‘Pigs eating pigs,’ we muttered amongst ourselves.

‘Signore,’ I whispered.

There was no response. His face was long and pale, blond curls fell over his forehead which was bound with a dirty cloth. Blood had oozed and crusted onto the material. He was like a big baby.

‘Signore!’ I said it louder this time. There was still no response. I put the bowl of pasta down and gently shook him.

He opened his eyes, shouted and grabbed me round the neck. I pummelled him with my fists, I could hardly breathe. ‘Let me go, leave me alone!’ I shouted.

And then he recognised where he was and dropped his hands from round my neck. ‘Scusi, scusi. Sorry, signorina.’

‘You nearly knocked over the food.’

I was shaking and rubbed my neck. His grip had hurt me. The cows below seemed to sense something was wrong and they mooed and stamped their hooves.

(Extracted from Ines’ diary. Chapter 10 “Tuscan Roots”)

More words about the book from Angela:

‘Tuscan Roots’ is a story of two women living in two different times. In 1943, in occupied Italy, Ines Santini’s sheltered existence is turned upside down when she meets Norman, an escaped British POW. In 1999, Anna Swill and, their daughter, starts to unravel accounts from assorted documents left to her after her mother’s death. She travels to the beautiful Tuscan Apennines, where the story unfolds. In researching her parents’ past, she will discover secrets about war, her parents and herself, which will change her life forever…

What do the reviewers say about ‘Tuscan Roots’?

It is indeed noteworthy that the ‘Tuscan Roots’ has received over fifty reviews!

“A wonderful read – it is a great combination of a true account and fiction that I truly couldn’t put down” (Elizabeth Pepper – Amazon) ;

“Tuscan Roots is so much more than a literary take on ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ with its credibly fleshed-out characters, glimpses of life in war-weary occupied territory and dreary post-war London and a plot that keeps you on your toes but is never too convoluted – it’s a love letter to Tuscany.” – Ingenue Magazine. ;

“The way Angela has managed to capture in great detail the amazing natural beauty of this area and the culture of the Tuscan people is incredible.” Amazon Reviewer.

“If you love Italy, you will love this book. If you love history, this novel will show you an aspect of WW2 you may well not have encountered before. Angela Petch brings Tuscany to life; the customs, the people – you can taste the food, smell the wild flowers, see the scenery.” Amazon reviewer

Angela is a natural writer and describes herself as a ‘little bit nosey and always looking for stories’.  This piqued my interest and made me wonder how she had managed to weave such a beautiful story.

The inspiration behind ‘Tuscan Roots: A tangle of love and war in the Italian Apennines’

‘Tuscan Roots’ is my first novel and I wrote it for my lovely Italian mother-in-law who was ill at the time. She helped me with so many stories from her own life and allowed me to use them. I hasten to add that, although much of the book is factual and based on research, some of the story is fiction.  I missed the characters and so I wrote a sequel so I could mix with them again. Some of the main characters make a reappearance in “Now and Then in Tuscany” and …I am currently working on the third part of my Tuscan trilogy and the younger characters will tell their stories in this.

I cannot wait for the third novel in this series!

See my review of Tuscan Roots.

Angela’s contact detail:
Website: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com
Twitter:@Angela_Petch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch/
Email:angela_maurice@hotmail.com

 

Please see all my extracts at Book Extracts and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.