Category: Book Excerpt

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

A Tuscan Wedding Feast

‘…picked by Teresa and her girlfriends from the meadows around the village.’

You are all invited to an Italian wedding feast.  Dust off your gladrags and let Angela Petch tingle your taste buds with an extract from the final chapter of ‘Tuscan Roots’. 

 

 

 

 

Extract

‘Teresa and her friends from the village have been busy for days in the kitchen, banning Anna from the food preparations..’

The railings on the steps to Il Casalone have been festooned with laurel branches, garlands of white roses and long strands of variegated ivy and Teresa and her friends from the village have been busy for days in the kitchen, banning Anna from the food preparations. The wedding meal and sharing of food is every bit as important a ritual as the nuptial mass. Tables are piled with a feast of colourful, appetising food, spread on freshly laundered Busatti linen. A warm, balmy October has followed a wet summer and so a separate round table is arranged outside on the terrace to hold a whole Parmesan cheese, cut into squares and served with sparkling Prosecco to each guest as they arrive. Teresa and her team have been busy with starters of roast peppers, courgettes and aubergines, pastries with asparagus and artichokes and melting soft cheeses, home-made cappelletti, small hat-shaped ravioli stuffed with chicken breast, lean beef, lemon zest and nutmeg – and tagliatelle, with Anna’s favourite fresh tomato and basil sauce.

‘And all this is to be washed down with glasses of full-bodied local Sangiovese and Chianti Classico.’

And for the main course, Teresa carries in a platter of whole roast suckling pig served with tiny potatoes kept from the ‘orto’, roasted in olive oil and pungent rosemary, a salad of flowers: nasturtiums, borage and marigold petals with young dandelion leaves, wild sorrel and rocket picked by Teresa and her girlfriends from the meadows around the village. And all this is to be washed down with glasses of full-bodied local Sangiovese and Chianti Classico.

End***

The food prepared by the locals, in the Italian Apennines, transcends time and bridges the gap between the generations.

The food prepared by the locals, in the Italian Apennines, transcends time and bridges the gap between the generations.  I enjoyed ‘the stuffed zucchini flowers, little squares of crostini topped with spicy tomatoes, liver pate and a creamy relish made from dandelion flowers, roasted bay leaves topped with ovals of melted cheese.’  Food is prepared: to celebrate feasts, to welcome people into the home, to celebrate family occasions and to woo.

Let Angela Petch tingle your taste buds with her final chapter of ‘Tuscan Roots’.

Read Tuscan Roots, and you will not want to leave the romantic beauty of ‘indigo blue mountains’, or the ruins of Il Mulino (The Mill).  You will be impressed with the bravery of the Italian community during the war, and you will not want to leave the blossoming romance.  I highly recommend this book! Please read my whole review.

Angela has also published ‘Now and Then in Tuscany’: the sequel to Tuscan Roots.

She has published several stories in People’s Friend and is currently writing her third novel.

About Tuscan Roots

If you like Italy, you will enjoy this novel. 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. Years later, Anna Swillland, their daughter, starts to unravel romantic and historical 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 the war, her parents and herself, which will change her life forever.

Angela’s Love Affair with Italy

Angela Petch in Italy

I live in the beautiful Italian Apennines for several months each year. Such an inspiring location.
My love affair with Italy was born at the age of seven when I moved with my family to Rome where we lived for six years. My father worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and he made sure we learned Italian and visited many places during that time.
Later on I studied Italian at the University of Kent at Canterbury and afterwards worked in Sicily, where I met my husband. His Italian mother and British father met in Urbino in 1944 and married after a war-time romance.

 

Contact Angela
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch
Website:  https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com/

 

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

Travel to a Magical, Mystical Destination with Adrienne Vaughan

Pack your bags and travel to Ireland, with Mia

The mystical ‘That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel’ enchanted me, so I asked Adrienne Vaughan to tempt you with a magical extract.  As it is Valentines’s Day, Adrienne has kindly organised a free, signed copy for the lucky competition winner.  Will Leela deal you a lucky tarot card?

 

 

 

Dear Readers,

That Summer at The Seahorse Hotel

I am delighted to present an extract from That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel – my brand new romance novel.

This is the story of a family with secrets, but one particular secret has tainted all their lives. Now, with crisis looming, it looks like the revelation of this secret will change everything, forever.

Set on the Irish coast, The Seahorse Hotel is a mystical, magical place. This extract features the housekeeper Leela and her Tarot, a guiding light which has seen the family through many dramas over the years.

It’s the perfect story to sweep the reader away to another time and place. Set in the present day yet laced with memories, The Seahorse Hotel, brings a web of lies, intrigue and betrayal to the fore and with the family at a crossroads, makes you wonder if the shadows of the past will blight their future or give them the faith to forge their own way in the world.

Enjoy your stay! 

Adrienne Vaughan

Extract from That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel by Adrienne Vaughan

‘Fenella sat back as Leela’s fingers glided across the pack; gold and purple shapes and swirls.’

Leela dealt until there were nine cards face down between them. Moving left to right, she turned the first card over.

“Remind me, which is this?” Fenella said, touching the card.

Leela hushed her. “Wait until the hand is out. I need to see the complete picture.”

Fenella sat back as Leela’s fingers glided across the pack; gold and purple shapes and swirls. Turning them over she watched the jewel colours of the illustrations, faded now, corners worn, and was again the little girl in the library, entranced as Mrs Fitzgerald, diamonds flashing, tapped each card, explaining every symbol and the impact it would have on the life of the person before her.

“What is it?” Fenella asked.

Leela kept her eyes fixed on the cards.

Take a seat in Archie’s world: ‘Champagne makes everything better’

“You’re at a crossroads.” Leela pointed at the Hanged Man. “The road you decide to take will be life changing. There’s turmoil, conflict in close relationships.” She tapped the Ace of Cups. “I love this one, emotional happiness, home and family.” She thought for a moment. The Seven of Swords lay before her. “Hmm, this fella, possibly betrayal, someone getting away with something. Wonder what that could be?”

Fenella looked away, a squall was building out in the bay.

More about That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel

Mia Flanagan has never been told who her father is and aged ten, stopped asking. Haunted by this, she remains a dutiful daughter who would never bring scandal or shame on her beautiful and famously single mother.

One family, one secret – that changes everything forever

So when Archie Fitzgerald, one of Hollywood’s favourite actors, decided to leave Mia his Irish estate- she asks herself – is he her father after all?

That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel is a tale of passion, jealousy and betrayal – and the ghost of a secret love that binds this colourful cast yet still threatens, after all these years, to tear each of them apart.

One family, one secret – that changes everything forever

Praise for Adrienne Vaughan

‘The story-telling has the same charm and magic I’ve always found in a Maeve Binchy’ Elaine G (Top 100 Amazon Reviewer)

 ‘Adrienne Vaughan writes just beautifully – all of life is here – and I loved every moment.’ Welsh Annie (Top 1000 Reviewer Vine Voice)

‘I think all Adrienne Vaughan’s books are just fabulous.’- Nikki Bywater, book blogger.

More about Adrienne Vaughan

Adrienne Vaughan

Adrienne Vaughan has been making up stories since she could speak; primarily to entertain her sister Reta, who from a very early age never allowed a plot or character to be repeated – tough gig!
As soon as she could pick up a pen, she started writing them down. No surprise she wanted to be a journalist; ideally the editor of a glossy music and fashion magazine, so she could meet and marry a rock star – some of that came true! And in common with so many, she still holds the burning ambition to be a ‘Bond Girl’.

Adrienne is a fun, lively author and this translates into her writing: she is a natural storyteller.

Adrienne felt exhausted but happy when she had finished writing That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel. She said, ‘This book, like some of the characters, was wilful and demanding. I miss Archie, but in many ways, he’ll always be around now.’

Meet Archie and the rest of the entertaining characters That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel.  Pack your bags, go to Ireland to find out what happened ‘that summer’. Read the enchanting story from the author who believes in mermaids…

Read my review of That Summer at the Seahorse Hotel. I can thoroughly recommend this enchanting novel – it is a triumph!  Meet Adrienne Vaughan in my Chat Room.

You can enter Adrienne’s competition to win a signed copy of this novel if you email her at:  mailto:adrienne@adriennevaughan.com.  Mark the subject of the email ‘Competition Entry’.  Good luck!  

See Adrienne’s fabulous new website .

 

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

 

Dutch Food and French Romance with Imogen Matthews

Last Christmas, I made sourdough bagels for breakfast -they vanished almost as soon as I took them out of the oven!

Historical novelist, Imogen Matthews, shares her love of Dutch food and reveals her double life as a romance novelist.

Ah, good food…where do I start? A couple of years ago I went on a sourdough breadmaking course and have been making my own bread ever since. Last Christmas, I made sourdough bagels for breakfast -they vanished almost as soon as I took them out of the oven!

I lead a double life as an author…writing romance novels under my pen name, Alex Johnson, and Dutch historical fiction under my real name, Imogen Matthews.  So here are the flavours of Holland, a place I visit at least once a year:

Flavours of Holland: Dutch pancake

I am delighted to present a foodie extract from The Perfume Muse.  Come along and join Oliver and Julie.

A romantic dinner in Grasse

Extract

Over dinner in his favourite bistro in Grasse, the gorgeous suave Olivier breaks the devastating news that he will be moving to New York. But just weeks ago, Julie gave up her life in Oxford to be with Olivier in Grasse…

‘a piping hot casserole dish.

‘When?’ she whispered?

‘No fixed date but my boss wants the project completed by the end of the year. I’ve told him I need three months, at least, working in Grasse. I think he’s accepted that.’ He drew his lips into a thin smile which broadened as soon as he saw the waiter approach with their poulet served in a piping hot casserole dish.

‘…you can only get the sweetness from these tomatoes which grow in my friend’s garden.

‘Voila!’ exclaimed the waiter proudly, setting the dish in the centre of the table and flapping his cloth against each plate before placing it in front of them. ‘We have the local chicken from my father, cooked in the oven for a long time with the onions. See how beautiful, soft and sweet, and the fresh tomatoes -you can only get the sweetness from these tomatoes which grow in my friend’s garden.’ He waved somewhere in the direction behind their heads before carrying on. ‘And look at these olives, black and juicy, they burst with flavor. Please, enjoy your meal.’

Flavours of Holland: Appelgebak -Dutch apple tart

‘It looks wonderful. I’m sure we will,’ laughed Julie, who was enchanted by this performance. She was pleased to have the diversion, giving her time to gather her thoughts.

End of extract

 

 

 

Alex Johnson The Perfume Muse

As Alex Johnson I have written two novels: Run Away and The Perfume Muse. My career in the beauty and perfume industry, where I’ve worked for many years as a journalist, inspired my characters and I’ve used my experiences to give some insight into the fascinating world of perfumery.

The Perfume Muse is the sequel to Run Away: the first story is about the break-up of a family and how Julie, the protagonist, copes with life as a single mother and her wayward teenage daughter. Julie falls in love with gorgeous French perfumer, Olivier, but must decide whether he can offer the future she longs for.

At the start of The Perfume Muse Julie and Olivier move to Grasse, the French perfume capital, but Julie’s dreams are dashed when, almost straightaway, he accepts a job in New York. Their relationship is tested by long periods apart and Julie finds comfort in a budding friendship with the intriguing and sexy Jean-Jacques.

Both men, both acclaimed perfumers, vie for Julie’s affections through perfume: each create romantic, sensual perfumes inspired by and especially for her.

How can she possibly choose between them?

Julie’s resolve is further tested by the unexpected arrival of Olivier’s son, Michel.

What were the reasons for Michel turning up out of the blue?

Can the disappearance of the perfume formula Olivier invented for Julie be connected?

And to top it all, it looks like Michel is falling in love with Julie’s daughter, Lisa.

Julie must get to the bottom of this. She flies out to New York to confront Olivier about the son he’s never mentioned and to determine whether her future lies with him or with Jean-Jacques.

The romance novels are very different to Imogen’s recent bestseller: The Hidden Village – the forgotten story of Dutch World War Two History.  Imogen’s romance novels are available for a great price so check out Run Away and Perfume Muse.  I am incredibly impressed with Imogen’s versatility as a writer – she is a great storyteller.

 

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

Gilli Allan’s Buried Treasure

Buried Treasure is not always what it seems

 Gilli Allan, author and artist, has written a novel entitled Buried Treasure and agreed to share an extract.  I invited her to tell you more about her latest release.  Apparently, ‘Buried Treasure is not always what it seems’…

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present Buried Treasure.  The extract I’ve chosen is a flashback to the gathering after the funeral of “Uncle” Bill Sydney. The heroine Jane, a young teenager, is talking to her twenty-plus sister Rachel. Rachel is being typically high-handed and unsympathetic, and suggesting Bill’s wife, Mary, can now have the clear-out of her late husband’s ‘Sydney Collection’, that she’s always complained about. Although Bill’s father, their great uncle Alf Sydney, did unearth a Viking hoard from a field during the war, always referred to as his ‘Treasure’, it was confiscated, much to his disgust. The collection now consists of the far humbler antiquities dug-up over the years, from the Sussex farm, to which Bill added the curios he brought back after his national Service.

“… I promise you will not be disappointed. It is a very satisfying romance, to be sure, but as always with Gilli Allan’s stories, ‘Buried Treasure’ is about so much more than the relationship between two people….” Anne Williams

‘Uncle Bill’s been dead less than a fortnight,’ Jane reminded her sister. ‘And the collection’s not in her way. As far as I know, it’s still in her shed.’

‘He was a silly old fool. You were the only one really interested in it, or in the so-called treasure, for that matter.’

‘We were both thrilled when we first heard about it.’

‘We were children!’ 

‘It was an amazing find. And Bill was only young when it was dug up. No wonder it became a big event in his memory.’

‘Most of us grow up, but I can see you’re not planning to.  As for ‘The Sydney Collection’ … one day it will fall to you to sort it all out. I certainly don’t want a load of old stone-age tools, broken pottery and dirty coins…. Not to mention his “precious – s – s – s – s” !’ Rachel mimics the sibilant enunciation made famous by Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films. She twirls her index finger at her temple.

‘How can you be so…!’ Jane hated her sister’s disdainful tone, but it was true, the older he’d become the more Bill talked about the unearthing of the “treasure”, and since his father’s death he continually obsessed about the secret hidden artefact, never admitted to at the time of the treasure’s confiscation, that he claimed to have found.

‘You’ll have the pleasure of discovering that it was a delusion. Probably just as well he popped off when he did.’

Thank you for reading this extract.  It was fun selecting a short passage that might whet the appetite. If you choose to read my book, I very much hope you enjoy it.  And do please connect with me, leave a review or tell me what you think. 

Best wishes, Gilli x

Jessie:  Why did you select this extract?

Gilli: I chose this section as it’s the first occasion when one of the books mysteries is referred to – the notion that there might be something more valuable – perhaps an item of the Viking hoard – hidden amongst Bills rag-bag of oddities.

In Buried Treasure there is the intriguing backdrop of an old university, and a mismatched couple whose lives become entangled because each has an archaeological puzzle they need to solve.

Jessie:  Why should I place Buried Treasure in my handbag?

Gilli: As for why do I think you should pop Buried Treasure onto the ereader in YOUR handbag?  Well, I don’t think you should if you like your romance sugar-coated!  My writing engages with the more challenging aspects of life and relationships, often glossed over or ignored in mass-market romance.  In real life morality is not necessarily black or white. People are not neatly divided into heroes or villains. Sex is not always awesome – it can be awkward, embarrassing – even abusive – and it has consequences. And in Buried Treasure there is the intriguing backdrop of an old university, and a mismatched couple whose lives become entangled because each has an archaeological puzzle they need to solve.

Jessie:  How did you feel when you finished writing Buried Treasure?  Did you miss any of the characters?

Gilli: When I finished Buried Treasure my first feeling was relief; it was the hardest book I have ever written, but I found myself thinking about the characters long after.

Jessie:  Tell us a little about yourself.

Gilli: I am stubborn, persistent and slightly obsessional; if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have 6 published books to my name.

Gilli: I am stubborn, persistent and slightly obsessional; if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have 6 published books to my name.

Biography:

Living in Gloucestershire with her husband Geoff, Gilli is still a keen artist. She draws and paints and has now moved into book illustration.

She is published by Accent Press and each of her books, Torn, Life Class and Fly or Fall has won a ‘Chill with a Book’ award.

About Buried Treasure

Their backgrounds could hardly be further apart, their expectations in life more different. And there is nothing in the first meeting between the conference planner and the university lecturer which suggests they should expect or even want to connect again. But they have more in common than they could ever have imagined. Both have unresolved issues from the past which have marked them; both have an archaeological puzzle they want to solve. Their stories intertwine and they discover together that treasure isn’t always what it seems.

Reviews

“….credible, three dimensional, affecting characters […]  ordinary people doing and/or experiencing sometimes extraordinary things. Their respective loneliness, sadness and difficult back stories made this seemingly mismatched couple very appealing…” Anne Stormont.

“…[I] have the highest regard for this talented author.  The title intrigued me from the outset; who hasn’t at some time in their life dreamed of finding buried treasure?  I know I have, and found this treasure of a story deeply satisfying….”  Lyn Sofras  (The Manic Scroibbler)

“… I promise you will not be disappointed.  It is a very satisfying romance, to be sure, but as always with Gilli Allan’s stories, ‘Buried Treasure’ is about so much more than the relationship between two people….” Anne Williams

You can find out more about Gilli at:

Find my other books at LIFE CLASS, TORN and FLY or FALL or at:
https://accentpressbooks.com/collections/gilli-allan

Find me at:
http://twitter.com/gilliallan   (@gilliallan)
https://www.facebook.com/GilliAllan.AUTHOR
http://gilliallan.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1027644.Gilli_Allan
https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/rna_author/gilli-allan/

 

 

Trip Down Memory Lane to the Sweet Shop

‘I pull free a chunk and it fizzes on my tongue. Angela’s got rhubarb and custard…’

Inspired by Gail Aldwin’s ‘Socks’, I have been investigating local sweet shops.  If you are confused, then read the flash fiction and let Gail tempt you. It is my sweet joy to present Gail’s foodie flash fiction.

 

 

 

 

Socks by Gail Aldwin

The paper bag is damp in my hand and I peek inside – most of the sherbet pips are stuck together like frogs’ spawn. I pull free a chunk and it fizzes on my tongue. Angela’s got rhubarb and custard, she counts the sweets, putting them in a line along her thigh.

What are your favourite childhood sweets?

‘That’s not fair.’ She talks with a sweet tucked inside her cheek, making her look like a gerbil. ‘Last time I bought two ounces, I got eight sweets, but I’ve only got six this time.’

‘Don’t forget the one in your mouth,’ I say.

‘Oh yes.’ She nods and returns the sweets to the bag, inspecting the yellow and red sides. ‘This one’s chipped. D’you want it?’

‘Let’s swap.’ I take the sweet from her and spill some loose pips into her palm.

‘Is that all I get?’ She downs the scattering in one go.

I’ve been walking home with Angela for a whole week now. She’s nice – she’s the friendliest person in my new school. She lives round the corner from me and she says I can call for her in the mornings, if I like. I wish I could sit next to her, but I’m stuck with Brian Redding. He takes more than his fair share of the desk and he rubs his leg against mine when he gets up from the chair.

‘‘Let’s have a look in the stream.’ Angela picks up her satchel and leads the way.’

‘Let’s have a look in the stream.’ Angela picks up her satchel and leads the way. I don’t have a bag so it’s easy for me to scramble over the rocks, but she has to make a path over the dried mud. Once we’re by the water, she dares me to walk under the bridge. I look at the sloping sides and water laps right up to the edge.

‘I can’t. I can’t get my sandals wet.’

‘You won’t get wet. There’s enough of a ledge to walk on.’ Angela points. ‘I’ve done it loads of times.’

‘You go first then.’

Angela clutches her satchel and takes side-by-side steps, her back against the concrete wall. I watch her until she beckons. I’m only a couple of paces in when there’s a splash. She’s dropped her satchel and it’s floating down the stream.

‘What are you going to do?’

‘Get it, of course.’ She steps into the ankle deep water, then trots along, chasing the bag. When she catches it, she swings the satchel onto the ground, splattering droplets into the air like a fountain. I find her sitting on the bank, her legs are soaked and she’s using a leaf to dry her satchel.

‘Aren’t you going to check inside?’

Angela undoes the buckles and finds her pencil-case, the new felt-pens are leaking. She takes off her socks and wrings them, then wiping her pens, she turns them into a tie-dye of colours.

‘Won’t your mum mind about your socks?’

‘I don’t think so,’ says Angela. ‘Not if I tell her Brian Redding pushed me into the stream.’

Jessie:  What inspired this piece?

Gail: My family moved to Dorset from south London when my son was ten years old. This move had many advantages including extending the childhood experiences for Jonny. While his friends in the city thought a good day out involved visiting a theme park, my son was riding down the river on an airbed. Jonny’s adventures triggered memories from my own childhood involving outings to the brook.

Back in the day when sweets were sold from jars and measured in ounces, I regularly bought a bag full to eat by myself or share with friends. None of my childhood memories are complete without the tang of sherbet on my tongue.

Jessie:  Please tell me a little about flash fiction form.

Gail: I chose to write Socks as flash fiction due to the concise nature of the form. For flash fiction to be effective, it must contains all the elements of a longer piece such as plot, narrative, characters, conflict, and resolution but these parts are distilled into a story that leaves the reader free to fill in the gaps. I hope I have achieved this in Socks. (Socks was first published by FlashFloodJournal)

A Hedgehog is a Cornish ice cream coated in clotted cream then rolled in toasted hazelnuts.

Jessie:  The sweetshop in your extract resonates with me.  Do you still enjoy sweet treats from your childhood?

Gail:   Hedgehog!  I mean the ice cream not the cute creature.  A Hedgehog is a Cornish ice cream coated in clotted cream then rolled in toasted hazelnuts.  It is essential eating when visiting Chapel Porth, St Agnes, in Cornwall and brings back such memories.

Jessie:  What is your latest novel about?

Gail: Paisley Shirt is fascinating collection of twenty-seven stories that reveal the extraordinary nature of people and places. Through a variety of characters and voices, these stories lay bare the human experience and what it is like to live in our world.

Gail: Paisley Shirt is fascinating collection of twenty-seven stories that reveal the extraordinary nature of people and places.

Jessie:  What did the reviewers say?

Gail:  I have had some lovely reviews.

A collection of great depth and variety, packed with emotional integrity. Gail Aldwin’s flash fictions are sensitive, surprising, unnerving, tender and crucial. Maria Donovan, author of Pumping Up Napoleon and The Chicken Soup Murder

In these arresting and sometimes disturbing short fictions, Gail Aldwin reveals hidden moments between husband and wife, lovers, mothers and sons and those on the edge of society. Relationships are fractured or violent, tender or tragic. Often set in city suburbs in different countries around the world, the vividly written pieces in this collection cover a breadth of life and linger long after reading. Jude Higgins, author of The Chemist’s House

Gail Aldwin, author

Gail Aldwin is a prize-winning writer of short fiction and poetry. As Chair of the Dorset Writers’ Network, Gail works with the steering group to support writers by connecting creative communities. She is a visiting tutor at Arts University Bournemouth and author of Paisley Shirt a collection of flash fiction.  This collection of flash fiction has been nominated for the Saboteur Awards.

I hope you will look up Gail’s collection of flash fiction. Has her featured flash fiction tempted you to buy some sweets? As a child, I used to love buying two ounces of sweets and still can’t walk past a sweet shop. 

What are your favourite childhood sweets? 

You can contact Gail at:

Twitter:           @gailaldwin
Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/gailaldwinwriter/
Blog:                  The Writer is a Lonely Hunter

 

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

 

Connectedness with Sandra Danby

Sandra’s books in her handbag

Secrets, art, Spain and Yorkshire are always winning ingredients for me.  Intrigued by Connectedness, when it arrived in the Handbag Gallery, I invited Sandra to tell us more about the inspiration behind her book. She was kind enough to respond and offer a giveaway.

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present an extract from Connectedness, the second in my ‘Identity Detective’ series of adoption reunion mysteries.

When her mother dies, Justine returns to her childhood home in Yorkshire where she decides to confront her past.

Justine Tree’s art sells around the world, but does anyone truly know her? When her mother dies, Justine returns to her childhood home in Yorkshire where she decides to confront her past. She asks journalist Rose Haldane to find the baby she gave away when she was an art student, but only when Rose starts to ask difficult questions does Justine truly understand what she must face.

I firmly believe that daughters do not tell their mothers everything, and vice versa. I didn’t. Did you?

Happy reading!

Sandra Danby

Collaging on the track in Istan, Spain

Extract from Connectedness by Sandra Danby

The clouds hurried from left to right, moved by a distant wind that did not touch her cheek. It felt unusually still for May. As if the weather was waiting for the day to begin, just as she was. She had given up trying to sleep at three o’clock, pulled on some clothes and let herself out of the front door. Despite the dark, she knew exactly the location of the footpath, the edge of the cliffs; could walk it with her eyes closed. Justine lay on the ground and looked up, feeling like a piece of grit in the immensity of the world. Time seemed both still and marching on. The dark grey of night was fading as the damp began to seep through her jeans to her skin. A pale line of light appeared on the eastern horizon, across the flat of the sea. She shivered and sat up. It was time to go. She felt close to both her parents here, but today belonged to her mother.

Three hours later, she stood at the graveside and watched as the coffin was lowered into the dark damp hole. Her parents together again in the plot they had bought. It was a big plot, there was space remaining.

Will I be buried here?

It was a reassuring thought, child reunited with parents.

Istan, Spain is a location in Connnectedness

More about Connectedness

TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD, ARTIST JUSTINE TREE HAS IT BUT SHE ALSO HAS A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY EVERYTHING

Is Justine strong enough to admit the secrets and lies of her past? To speak aloud the deeds she has hidden for 27 years, the real inspiration for her work that sells for millions of pounds. Could the truth trash her artistic reputation? Does Justine care more about her daughter, or her art? And what will she do if her daughter hates her?

Justine’s tale of art, adoption, romance and loss moves between now and the Eighties, from London’s art world to the bleak isolated cliffs of East Yorkshire and the hot orange blossom streets of Malilaga, Spain.

A family mystery for fans of Maggie O’Farrell, Lucinda Riley, Tracy Rees and Rachel Hore.

Praise for Sandra Danby

This is a novel that I found hard to put down as it swept me along on a roller-coaster of an emotional ride. I had to pull myself together not to burst into tears. Isabell Homfeld, book blogger, Germany

With her well-defined, sympathetic characters, layers of meaning, and sensual, all-engaging descriptions, the author takes us on a highly-emotional and gripping journey through the art world, exploring love, loss and human weakness, all coming together in a truly heartfelt conclusion.Liza Perratt, Book Muse book blog

Evocative and descriptive prose brings places to life with sights, sounds and scents. Justine becomes a very sympathetic character as layers are peeled away and more and more of her past is revealed. Cathy Ryan, Between the Lines book blog

More about Sandra Danby

A proud Yorkshire woman, tennis nut and tea drinker, Sandra believes a walk on the beach will cure most ills.

A proud Yorkshire woman, tennis nut and tea drinker, Sandra believes a walk on the beach will cure most ills. Unlike Rose Haldane, the identity detective in her two novels Ignoring Gravity and Connectedness, she is not adopted.

One of the great things about writing this series is that I continue to write about Rose, of whom I am very fond despite her occasional spikiness. To me she is a real person. I grew to love Justine too, perhaps because her birthplace in Yorkshire is also mine. She has also left me with a lasting love of art, which I continue to indulge by buying beautiful art books and wishing I could paint. Despite many attempts at watercolours, I really am hopeless. Perhaps it is time for some lessons.

Contact Sandra
Website http://www.sandradanby.com/
Amazon Author page https://amzn.to/2vEvGS8
Twitter @SandraDanby https://twitter.com/sandradanby?lang=en
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/sandradanbyauthor
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/sandradan1/
Photos attached@SandraDanby]:

Kitty Wilson’s Christmas Wishes in Cornwall

Take a peek at Kitty’s book in her handbag.

Kitty Wilson is author of the bestselling Cornish Village Series.  How can anyone resist a visit to Cornwall at the most magical time of year?  Her novels are celebrated as the ‘perfect escapist read’ by her dedicated readers.  I have invited Kitty to tell you more about her Christmas novel.

Hello everyone,

I am delighted to present the fourth in The Cornish Village School series, Christmas Wishes. This series of romantic comedies centre around a primary school in the fictional village of Penmenna with each story featuring a member of staff and involving the whole community. This is the first Christmas-themed one and tells the tale of Alice, a teaching assistant in class four, and Dan who moved to Penmenna to be its vicar a couple of years ago. Alice and Dan are firm friends with a penchant for getting into mischief but when Dan’s grandmother, Annie, moves into The Vicarage with him she is determined to push the two of them together.

I wanted to choose an extract for you that both summed up the Christmassy nature of this book, the sense of community and the romance between Alice and Dan so I hope this short piece does that.

I have really enjoyed writing Christmas Wishes, the antics of Annie and her new best friend Ethel, make me giggle every time I read them and I hope they raise a smile for other readers too. I am so fond of Alice and Dan, both have had very different upbringings yet carry the same values and hopes for their future, I think the two of them are perfectly matched.

All love, Kitty

Meet the lovely Kitty Wilson

Here is the extract:

One minute Alice had been sipping Ethel’s mulled wine, giggling at the memories of last year as she cast her eyes over the church they were all in. A church that smelt strongly of Christmas with mulled wine spices mixing with the scent of pine from all the greenery. Ethel’s brew packed such a serious punch that it had had Bill Meacher attempting to Elvis dance down the aisle last year – very definitely ‘All Shook Up’ – as he chased Mrs Talbot and promised her the moon if she would consider his hand in marriage. Luckily Mrs Talbot was a Very Sensible Woman who cordially informed him that it would take a bit more than a gyrating pelvis to persuade her to give up her hard-won independence. Although if he was available for the evening and promised to be silent then a one-off arrangement may be possible.

The next minute everyone had left, she was alone with Dan and needed to take a gulp as she realised what he had just said to her. At least what she thought she had heard him say. She asked him to repeat it, just so she could be sure.

Jessie: Your Christmas novel sounds as if it is full of Christmas sparkle and delicious humour.  I can’t wait to step inside your world.  What did the reviewers think of your Christmas Wishes?

Kitty:  The reviews warm my heart and it’s great to connect with the readers.  It is lovely when readers connect with the characters.  Here are a couple of reviews that capture the essence of the feedback.

‘Full of romance, letting go of the past to move forward and plenty to do with Christmas and children. It’s a heartwarming read and has great characters and just a brilliant read and we’ll worth more than five stars.’ (Nicola – Amazon reviewer)

‘Kitty Wilson continues to please with warm tales of the people that make up the little village school in Penmenna. I will be sad when I come to the end of the series as I have become so attached to the characters in these books. Easy to get absorbed in they are easy cosy reading.’(Lorna Vickers – Amazon reviewer).

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Penmenna…

‘The magic of Christmas shines through the pages, and I loved everything about this one – it’s an amazing addition to a superb series and Kitty Wilson has done a first-class job. A joy to read and fully deserving of every one of the five shiny stars I’m more than happy to give it. Highly recommended!’  Grace J Reviewer Lady

‘Loved this book. Great characters, easy read, uplifting, funny, romantic and charming… the perfect escapist read.’ Beanie L.

Jessie:  You must be so proud of the positive responses to your novel.  It is wonderful the way the readers connect with the characters.  How did you feel when you had finished writing your book, and did you miss any of the characters? 

I loved writing this book but part of the joy of writing a series is that the characters remain the same throughout, it’s only the level of focus upon them that changes. This makes it so much easier as I don’t have to say goodbye to them yet. I am writing the fifth book now and both Dan and Alice will certainly pop back up. The downside is that when the series does finish I am going to be slightly heartbroken. I have spent almost every day over the last few years in Penmenna with these characters so I suspect there may be a big Cornish Village School shaped hole in my future. I shall just have to come up with characters that I love even more in my next books.

Kitty Wilson lived in Cornwall for twenty-five years having been dragged there, against her will, as a stroppy teen. She is now remarkably grateful to her parents for their foresight and wisdom – and these days spends her time writing romantic comedies with heroines who speak their mind.

I’ve heard very positive comments about Kitty’s Cornish Village series.  Indeed, a blogger explains:
‘I have read a few books by this author now and one thing I will say is that she never disappoints. She produces well planned out stories that leave you feeling warm and cosy inside and that was exactly how this heart-warming book made me feel – and I loved it!’ Donna’s Book Blog.

More about Christmas Wishes

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Penmenna…

Teaching assistant Alice has sworn off men, which is fine because with Christmas coming she’s super busy organising the school Nativity. This should be a blast with the help of close friend and village vicar, Dan – if she can ignore those more-than-just-a-friend feelings she’s developed for him…

Dan is happy to help Alice – his secret crush – but not only is his beloved Granny Annie about to be made homeless, the church choir has disintegrated and he’s battling some dark demons from his past.

With meddling grannies and PTA wars thrown in the mix, can Alice and Dan overcome their past hurts to move forward? Will they be spending Christmas together as friends… or something more?

A festive feel-good romance perfect for fans of Tilly Tennant and Holly Martin.

Kitty’s contact details and book links

I love hearing from readers so do please come and say hello on either twitter or facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/kitty.wilson.1610
https://twitter.com/KittyWilson23

All the book links for the series can be found on Amazon.

And for other retailers, here are the links to buy Christmas Wishes.
Kobo                http://bit.ly/2lDXCn6
iBooks              https://apple.co/2kAWqk6
GooglePlay      http://bit.ly/2lIbTzm

 

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

A copy of my novel is available here.

Does the Camera Lie?

‘Alex made the images look like big cartwheels bursting with droplets of fresh juice’

Determined to confuse my senses, Susan Willis has sent me her take on a foodie extract. The fruit is alive with colour but isn’t as delicious as it seems.  Let Susan tempt you another cheeky extract from The Girl in the Dark.  Find out if all is well and whether the kitchen is too hot.

 

‘Kim sliced large Jaffa oranges and bright, full Sicilian lemons’

Kim sliced large Jaffa oranges and bright, full Sicilian lemons while Alex made the images look like big cartwheels bursting with droplets of fresh juice. He’s such a clever guy, she thought.

She began to peel a kiwi fruit while Alex watched. He grinned at her. ‘I haven’t had this much fun for ages,’ he teased. ‘What do you think about this, Kim?’    

‘Hmm, not a shade of lipstick I’ve ever used before, but, I suppose there’s always a first time for everything?’

Kim giggled. ‘Hmm, not a shade of lipstick I’ve ever used before, but, I suppose there’s always a first time for everything?’

Alex stared into at her mouth. ‘Maybe not, but you do have those big kissable lips!’

She felt her cheeks flush and touched her bottom lip. It feels as though I’m in some type of trance, she thought, and knew for certain that she was falling for this guy in a big way.

‘Let’s see what this pineapple looks like when sliced?’

Kim shook herself. ‘Let’s see what this pineapple looks like when sliced?’                        

Alex danced a little jig from one of his big loafers to another. ‘God, I love it when a plan comes together.’

Kim laughed at the sight of his huge feet skipping lightly.

Alex placed three apples together, but Kim frowned knowing the image didn’t look original compared to the rest of the work.

Touching his arm, she suggested, ‘How about if we make long rows of the apples?’

‘But maybe the first one could be cut in half to show the white crispness inside, or, I could always take a bite out of one of them?’

He nodded as she placed the fruit. ‘Fab.’ he said. ‘But maybe the first one could be cut in half to show the white crispness inside, or, I could always take a bite out of one of them?’

‘What a marvellous team we are,’ Kim cried.

Alex agreed and came up close to her. He bent down to her ear. ‘Not just a pretty face, then,’ he whispered. ‘But more of a very clever lady, methinks.’

‘Oh, I think any stylist can come up with new ideas,’ she said gently shaking her head.

Alex smiled. ‘Aah, but you’re my food stylist and nobody else comes close.’

End of Extract

The Girl in the Dark

About the Novel

The Girl in the Dark is the latest Grip Lit novel from Susan Willis. A thrilling romantic suspense story that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

When Kim goes to old friend, Sidney’s, photography studio to start a new food styling contract she meets his new assistant, Alex. Kim is catapulted from her mournful existence into an explosive romantic relationship with Alex. Sidney, however, is wary. He thinks, there’s something not quite right about Alex, and urges caution.

Will Kim look back and wish she’d listened…

Susan Willis

Susan Willis is a published author of three novels, and five novellas’. She lives in the North East of England surrounded by family and friends. Following publication of a love story about a chef and her boyfriend, she wrote more foodie-based love stories and wove them into her first novel, ‘Yes Chef, No Chef’.

Now Susan has ventured into romantic suspense with her latest novel, The Girl In The Dark.

Set in her home town of Durham City, this storyline is not a who done it thriller, but, a psychological page-turner which she loved writing. We can only hope the heroine hasn’t put her trust in the wrong man?

Best of luck to Susan with this novel.

The heat is certainly on with this great summer read set in a photography studio in Durham. Kim is styling fruit for the new photographer, Alex, but it’s not only the July sunshine that is making her sizzle with anticipation. 

Follow Susan on:
Twitter:           @SusanWillis69
Email:              williseliz7@aol.com

 

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

A Clowder of Cats Curious and Comical in Verse

Paw Prints in the Butter

Paw Prints in the Butter

Patricia Feinberg Stoner

 

 

 

Land’s End showed me a letter

A rather curious cat, called Land’s End, disturbed my catnap.  I followed the feline to the ends of the earth.  The proud pussycat meowed about Patricia Feinberg Stoner’s book of purr-fect poems.  Land’s End stared at me until I found a letter, from Patricia.  

Greetings, dear reader, and welcome to my world of wacky felines.  I have been intrigued by cats all my life.  I love their dignity, their independence and the way they please themselves above all.  ‘Paw Prints in the Butter’ is the result of many years’ study, and all the cats in these verses are real.  Some I have known personally, some I have been told about by proud or amused or exasperated owners.  ‘A Puss in Boots’ is possibly my favourite poem, because it’s true:  and what a gift for an inveterate punster, to find a cat in Boots the Chemist!

Whether you love cats or hate them, I hope you’ll find something in these pages to inspire and amuse you.

Patricia Feinberg Stoner

No Puss in Boots, here! Try Boots the Chemist.

Presenting the Real Puss in Boots!

A PUSS IN BOOTS
In the high street chemist yesterday,
Upon a thoughtfully-provided chair
Beside a radiator, sat
A large and well-contented cat.
The chance was far too good to miss
For one who loves a play on words
So: ‘Look!  A Puss in Boots!’  I cried.

I dare you not to giggle about my pals. Photo by Alon Bennet

The shopping zombies clearly thought me mad.
They turned, as only English people turn,
A blank and even hostile stare
Upon me, standing foolish there
As ‘Look!  A Puss in Boots!’  I cried.

But then the creature stretched and purred
And opened amber eyes (that matched its fur).
And then it turned and winked at me.
I’ll swear I saw it wink at me.
As ‘Look!  A Puss in Boots!’  I cried.

‘Paw Prints in the Butter’ is a humorous exploration of our feline friends.  According to ‘Your Cat Magazine’, the poems ‘delve into the inner psyche of our much loved feline friends’.  I asked Patricia to introduce us to more of the characters:

SHUDDER at the menace of The Cat Who Howls in the Night

MEET Lulu the Terrible and find out how she fell from grace…
SHUDDER at the menace of The Cat Who Howls in the Night and LAUGH with the irrepressible Stationery Cat…
LEARN how the ancient Cabriole won his lady love, and how she rewarded him…
and LISTEN, with the wide-eyed kitten, to the mew-moirs of The Cat Who Has Been Here Before. Purr-fect Reviews

‘If you have a cat, know a cat, or have ever interacted with a cat, this collection of poems will have you chuckling… It has certainly earned its place on my bookshelf.’ Ingenue Magazine

‘This very funny collection of poems probably explains why – like Marmite – some of us love cats and some of us don’t.’ Jack le Bois

I bought my edition on Kindle but I shall have to have a paper copy to place on my bookshelf, for this is a ‘cut-and-come-again’ kind of work – to dip into at whim. Purr-fect!’ Angela Petch

Patricia present the cunning and clever personalities of our much loved pets, in this collection of poems. She will even charm dog champions with this comic collection of ‘mew-moirs’.  Take a ‘paws’ and find out more about ‘Paw Prints in the Butter’.

Patricia is passionate about humour, food and writing

Patricia is passionate about humour, food and writing; she loves all dogs and some people (you know who you are) and has a healthy respect for cat kind. She is great fun and her writing is guaranteed to make you giggle. Read ‘Paw Prints in the Butter’ and search for your purr-fect pet.

Patricia has a unique flair for comedy, and I can recommend her other books.

Experience more giggles at:

The Little Book of Rude Limericks
At Home in the Pays d’Oc
She is currently writing Tales from the Pays d’Oc

Read my review of At Home in the Pays d’Oc.

 

Sue Bentley, author of the children’s Magic Kitten series provided the cat photos.

 

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

 

Turkish Delights

Cherry trees bursting with flavour

Food is the heart of a culture and its identity, so I have invited authors to share the plates of food offered in their delicious words. Beth Elliott has invited me to join her at her table, in Turkey. Travel with me to enjoy the vibrant colours and fresh flavours of Turkish food.  A decadent Turkish feast awaits you in Beth’s travel article.

Friends,

A view of the Taurus Mountains at Aladag, in Adana province.

This is the end of a travel article called Cherries and Plums, about a Turkish mountain village [yayla] in the Taurus, north of Adana. My husband was Turkish and his kind relatives invite me to stay with them each summer. Of course, they like the coolest places they can find, hence a cottage as high up in the mountains as they could go.

Best wishes,

Beth

Extract – Cherries and Plumbs

The trees are always laden with fruit in season, sweet and tempting.

All the plum trees in everyone’s garden up in the yayla are bent nearly double under their load of purple-sheened fruit. It takes several days to pick all those we can reach. After making jam until we have used up all the sugar and run out of jars; after filling five kilo bags for each of a dozen friends and relatives in the city and after eating as many raw plums as we dare, the rest at the top of the tree are left for the birds.

In September in the main street of Tekir there is a slightly melancholy air. The summer crowds have gone. Now the weather is cooler down in Adana, the townsfolk don’t come up to their country cottages so much. A few elderly men in traditional baggy trousers shuffle along the street to their favourite café. There they will read the newspaper, talk with friends and watch the much reduced world go by.

Main market in Adana

The street is lined with mighty trees. They provide shelter from sun and rain. Little shops expand onto the pavement with displays of thick jumpers and woolly waistcoats, hardware, newspapers and strong shoes, in preparation for the snow of the coming winter. Alongside the general stores, are food shops. The large number of refrigerated stalls stocked with great tubs of thick, creamy yoghurt and pails of local white cheese reflect the importance of these items in the traditional Turkish diet.

Nearby, another shop also has a refrigerated display, this time of glorious plump green and black olives and turshu – mixed pickled vegetables. On the counter are oblong containers of honeycomb, oozing golden and sweet. The irresistible smell of fresh bread: loaves or the flat pide, wafts to our nostrils.

Everything is piled into the car. We set off slowly down the main street, across the bridge, turn sharply at the edge of town where the houses thin out and the fruit trees begin. The car twists and turns its way uphill. We go past the new mosque with its little pocket money shop underneath [useful for biscuits and matches].

Here the mountain sweeps out into a shelf where shepherds pasture their flocks in the hot summer months. The larch trees grow from this point up. Great cobbles are set in the track to stop wheels losing their grip in wet or snowy weather. The car creeps up in second gear and at last we reach the yayla, set so high above the valley but still far below the sheer grey wall of rock that makes a sharp outline against the sky. Somewhere over the ridge is the eagle’s eyrie.

Yayla soup, made from yoghurt, flour, an egg and broth, with some rice added in. You can add pepper sauce on top for a spicy version, as well as mint.

For the evening meal we have hot yoghurt soup – called, appropriately, yayla soup. This is followed by salad, cheese and olives. Then we fall upon the fresh bread and honey. To finish, there is a huge bowl of plums.

Jessie:  This is a wonderful article.  I would like to know more about Turkish food.

Beth: I have some photographs to tempt you.

Here is the main market in Adana. Four types of beans, three sorts of peppers, all fresh that morning. Turks won’t eat produce unless it’s of that day.

Breakfast at my aunt’s home

Breakfast at my aunt’s home. Four sorts of white cheese plus one hard cheese, kaymak, olives, salad, dried apricots, walnuts, honey and grape syrup [pekmez]. The boiled eggs and the freshly squeezed orange juice were added soon afterwards…

Another breakfast, at my brother and sister-in-laws’ home. Again, white and hard cheeses, olives, eggs, some fruit compotes, honeycomb and rosehip puree. All washed down with many glasses of tea.

The town of Akcatekir on the valley floor. The holiday villages are up in those pinewoods, near the rock wall, where the goats scamper along all day and the eagles fly out occasionally from over the top.

Scandalous Lady

Jessie:  The tables presented speak volumes about the generosity of the Turkish culture.  Tell me how your love of Turkish culture influenced your novel, Scandalous Lady.

Beth Elliott’s fiery, rebellious artist Olivia falls in love with the magical land of Turkey. When she encounters mysterious, ice-cold diplomat Selim, nothing goes to plan – for either of them. Is Olivia destined to live a life of solitude and regret? Or will her past stay buried long enough for her to have her happy ending?

Beth Elliott

From a young age, Beth made up adventure stories and persuaded her friends to act them out with her. Writing the novels came later, after a career as a Languages teacher in several countries. Her own Mr Darcy being Turkish, Beth adds a few exotic elements into some of her Regency Tales.

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed a taste of Turkish culture.  Please contact me at mailto:JessieCahalin@aol.co.uk if you would like to share your cultural experiences via food and words.

 

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

 

A Pesky Sleuth and Dutch Masterpieces in my Handbag

Jennifer S Alderson The Lover’s Portrait

Travel with Jennifer S Alderson to Amsterdam and find out what has happened to some missing Dutch masterpieces.  Jennifer asked me to hide the paintings in the Handbag Gallery, but if you read the novel then the secrets will be revealed.  A pesky amateur sleuth will guide you through the mystery.  Sit back in your armchair, turn back the clock to World War Two. Time to immerse yourself in a narrative, inspired by detailed historical research, and meet the author’s favourite characters.

 

Dear readers,

I am delighted to share an extract from my art mystery set in present-day and wartime Amsterdam – The Lover’s Portrait.

Home of Jacques Goudstikker, a prominent Dutch Jewish art dealer. His story, along with others, inspired the novel.

It is the second novel following the adventures of my travel and culture loving protagonist, Zelda Richardson. This time she’s discovered a cache of priceless artwork is hidden somewhere in Amsterdam. Trouble is, someone else is prepared to do anything to find the missing masterpieces first – even murder.

This extract is set in Amsterdam in the spring of 1942 when the Nazis occupied the city. Since the German Army stormed into the Netherlands two years earlier, bombing raids, neighbors disappearing, and food shortages have become normal occurrences. Philip Verbeet and Arjan van Heemsvliet are hiding the artwork Zelda will later search for. Their actions and conversation provide clues as to why these paintings must be hidden away.

I have chosen this extract because it introduces you to heart of the mystery, as well as two of my favorite characters in the novel.

Based on the many lovely reviews posted about my novel, if you love art, history and a good mystery, you will enjoy The Lover’s Portrait. And reading it now is a great way to prepare for the release of my next art-related mystery, Rituals of the Dead, on April 6th!

Happy reading!

Take care,

Jennifer

Presenting the extract

EXTRACT (From Chapter One):

June 26, 1942

Just two more crates, then our work is finally done, Arjan reminded himself as he bent down to grasp the thick twine handles, his back muscles already yelping in protest. Drops of sweat were burning his eyes, blurring his vision. “You can do this,” he said softly, heaving the heavy oak box upwards with an audible grunt.

Philip nodded once then did the same. Together they lugged their loads across the moonlit room, down the metal stairs and into the cool subterranean space below. After hoisting the last two crates onto a stack close to the ladder, Arjan smiled in satisfaction, slapping Philip on the back as he regarded their work. One hundred and fifty-two crates holding his most treasured objects, and those of so many of his friends, were finally safe. Relief briefly overcame the panic and dread he’d been feeling for longer than he could remember. Preparing the space and artwork had taken more time than he’d hoped it would, but they’d done it. Now he could leave Amsterdam knowing he’d stayed true to his word. Arjan glanced over at Philip, glad he’d trusted him. He stretched out a hand towards the older man, “They fit perfectly.”

Philip answered with a hasty handshake and a tight smile before nodding towards the ladder, “Shall we?”

He was right, Arjan thought, there was still so much to do. They climbed back up into the small shed and closed the heavy metal lid, careful to cushion its fall. They didn’t want to give the neighbors an excuse to call the Gestapo. Not when they were so close to being finished.

Philip picked up a shovel and scooped sand onto the floor, letting Arjan rake it out evenly before adding more. When the sand was an inch thick, they shifted the first layer of heavy cement tiles into place, careful to fit them snug up against each other.

As they heaved and pushed, Arjan allowed himself to think about the future for the first time in weeks. Hiding the artwork was only the first step; he still had a long road to go before he could stop looking over his shoulder. First, back to his place to collect their suitcases. Then a short walk to Central Station where second-class train tickets to Venlo were waiting. Finally, a taxi ride to the Belgian border where his contact would provide him with falsified travel documents and a chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz. The five Rembrandt etchings in his suitcase would guarantee safe passage to Switzerland. From Genève he should be able to make his way through the Demilitarized Zone to Lyon, then down to Marseille. All he had to do was keep a few steps ahead of Oswald Drechsler.

Just thinking about the hawk-nosed Nazi made him work faster. So far he’d been able to clear out his house and storage spaces without Drechsler noticing. Their last load, the canvases stowed in his gallery, was the riskiest, but he’d had no choice. His friends trusted him – no, counted on him – to keep their treasures safe. He couldn’t let them down now. Not after all he’d done wrong.

A collection of Jennifer S Alderson’s novels

More About the Story

The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery

When a Dutch art dealer hides the stock from his gallery – rather than turn it over to his Nazi blackmailer – he pays with his life, leaving a treasure trove of modern masterpieces buried somewhere in Amsterdam, presumably lost forever. That is, until American art history student Zelda Richardson sticks her nose in.

After studying for a year in the Netherlands, Zelda scores an internship at the prestigious Amsterdam Historical Museum, where she works on an exhibition of paintings and sculptures once stolen by the Nazis, lying unclaimed in Dutch museum depots almost seventy years later. When two women claim the same painting, the portrait of a young girl entitled Irises, Zelda is tasked with investigating the painting’s history and soon finds evidence that one of the two women must be lying about her past. Before she can figure out which one and why, Zelda learns about the Dutch art dealer’s concealed collection – and that Irises is the key to finding it.

Her discoveries make her a target of someone willing to steal – and even kill – to find the missing paintings. As the list of suspects grows, Zelda realizes she has to track down the lost collection and unmask a killer if she wants to survive.

The Reviews

“Gripping mystery that explores the provenance of artwork that was hidden from the Nazis during World War II and reappears in 2015… As the narrative unfolds and the truth is revealed, the suspense is intensely magnetic and the characters equally captivating.” – BookLife Prize for Fiction 2016, No. 14 in Mystery category (8 out of 10 stars)

“Well worth reading for what the main character discovers – not just about the portrait mentioned in the title, but also the sobering dangers of Amsterdam during World War II.” – IndieReader

“The Lover’s Portrait is a well-written mystery with engaging characters and a lot of heart. The perfect novel for those who love art and mysteries!” – Readers’ Favorite, 5 star medal

Jennifer S Alderson, author

Jennifer: I am an avid traveler, journalist, art historian, and long-time expat, who draws inspiration from my own adventures and interests when writing.

Writing this novel was a three-year labor of love that combined several of my passions. Finishing it was exhilarating and frightening at the same time. Of all the characters I’d invented, I missed Arjan van Heemsvliet the most. He was such a kind soul; I’ll miss chatting with him.

In a nutshell my novel is about: missing masterpieces, Nazi blackmailers and a pesky amateur sleuth.

About Jennifer

Jennifer S. Alderson worked as a journalist and website developer in Seattle, Washington, USA, before trading her financial security for a backpack. After traveling extensively around Asia and Central America, she moved to Darwin, Australia, before finally settling in the Netherlands. There she earned degrees in art history and museum studies. Home is now Amsterdam, where she lives with her Dutch husband and young son. Jennifer’s travels and experiences color and inform her internationally-oriented fiction.

I am delighted to showcase Jennifer’s The Lover’s Portrait: An Art Mystery.  She has been inspired by art, travel and history – a perfect trio for me.  I adore books that give me an insight into an unknown history. The strapline is intriguing:

When a Dutch art dealer hides the stock from his gallery – rather than turn it over to his Nazi blackmailer 

Jennifer S Alderson Rituals of the Dead

Jennifer’s next mystery – Rituals of the Dead – is available as pre-order – release April 6th.

http://jennifersalderson.com/books/rituals-of-the-dead-an-artifact-mystery/

Rituals of the Dead

Zelda is pulled into a world of shady anthropologists, missionaries, art collectors, and smugglers, where the only certainty is that sins of the past are never fully erased. Set in Amsterdam and Dutch New Guinea, art, religion, and anthropology collide in the exciting thriller, book three of the Adventures of Zelda Richardson series

Contacts Details:

My Twitter: @JSAauthor
Facebook: Jennifer S. Alderson sent you a friend request. My author page is: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferSaldersonAuthor
Website: http://www.jennifersalderson.com/

 

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

 

A Picture Book for Grown Ups

The latest picture book

Have you ever indulged in a picture book for an adult? Well, I discovered the author of two picture books entitled It’s a Bright New World to Feel Lost In and She Ran Away From Love. As picture books for adults, these books are unique and perfect as gift books. 

Mawson Bear has followed me for many years in Twitter, so it only seems fair to introduce him and explain his purpose in the world.

Jessie:  Mawson Bear, please can you introduce yourself.

Mawson: I am called Mawson Bear, and I arrived in a large brown paper bag one day at Mark’s house. Mark was not allowed to properly look until Christmas. Not many, cough, middle aged grownups get a plump teddy bear as a Christmas present, but far more of us should if you ask me. Once out of the bag, I took an interest in everything and so became a Bear About Town, attending parties, weddings and all kinds of outings. But fate intervened in the form of -shudder- the washing machine episode. Well, I had got rather grubby. After that I decided to be an Indoors Bear devoted to pondering about Baffling Things.  Mark had to write the book for me and will explain them to you.

Mawson, Writer Bear

Mark: They are meant as gentle tales of love and loss, hope, self-esteem, and finding oneself, simply told with pictures of teddy bears. They are by Mawson Bear, one of this bright world’s very few writer-bears. Photos by Mark O’Dwyer, his guardian, cushion-arranger and hapless typist. Intended as gift books, they are short, colourful, with a square format and only a few words on each page, making for an easy little read. Because they are hopefully destined to become random gifts of kindness between friends, the text is more for grownups. Although children have enjoyed them too, I describe them as ‘picture books for grownups’.

Jessie:  I hear you have released another book.  What is this about?

Mark:   Mawson has dictated a letter to me.

Dear Readers,

It’s Me, Mawson, a writer bear, and I am delighted to present She Ran Away From Love.

I was having a nap when a small Teddette woke me up with large and baffling questions. This is the story of what Frilly did next.

I chose this extract because it has me trying to protect young Frilly. But she is more determined than perhaps a slightly small and lightly pink lass might at first look. She has decided to go on a Quest. And she does.

Frilly and Mawson

Here is an extract from the book:

Mawson: Frilly, why not quest at home? Lots of journeys go to where one is sitting.

Frilly: But I want to boldly Find Myself.

Mawson x

Jessie:  Why should I place She Ran Away From Love in my handbag?

Mark: This is a grand book to plonk in your hand bag because it has the world Love on the cover, and its the right size for hand bags (Frilly and I tested),and it’s just right to look at on a journey, and because if a friend  asks you about it you can give it to them as a random gift of kindness.

Jessie: How did you feel when you finished writing She Ran Away From Love      

Mark, Guardian of Mawson Bear, says: I felt surprised. It started out as a different book but Frilly solemnly asked more big questions as she struggled on, and so the first versions of the book turned into this one. I always knew Frilly would persevere and let Mawson know that she had made it, but didn’t know what paths she would take. Like Mawson I felt glad but also sad when her particular quest had to end.

She Ran Away From Love

The Light of Love pours down on Frilly. It shines so brightly that she quails and runs away.  Upset with herself for feeling scared, she wakes her good friend Mawson and pours out her confusions. She wants to learn how to be bold and is convinced that she can do this by going on a quest.  With muddled help from Mawson she sets off into the great Out There. But is a quest to find oneself really the answer?

Can Frilly embolden herself to face the Light of Love?

Who is Mason Bear?

Mawson, the big hearted, soul searching teddy bear, is here to help. He is one of this bright world’s few Writer-Bears. He speaks about Being One’s Best in an often baffling world. He is often muddled about things (well, he is a bear). But he is always confident that things are going to turn out All Right.

Contact details
Mawsonbear@bigpond.com
https://mawsonbear.blog
https://www.facebook.com/MawsonBear/
https://twitter.com/mawsonbear

 

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

A copy of my novel is available here.

Gail Aldwin’s Debut Novel: The String Games

I was honoured when Gail Aldwin sent me a postcard about ‘The String Games’.

Presenting an author’s debut novel is one of the great privileges of blogging, and I was honoured when Gail Aldwin sent me a postcard about The String Games. This debut novel is to be published later this month by Victorina Press. Gail’s poetic style of writing is charged with emotion and appeals to me.  I look forward to reading her debut novel to discover how she has painted the complex emotions involved in the challenging narrative.

Without further ado, I will hand over to my lovely guest, Dr Gail Aldwin.

I have long been a fan of Jessie’s writing (You Can’t Go It Alone is a super novel with memorable characters) and Jessie’s blog (always love being introduced to new writers) so I am delighted to be offered a post to celebrate the launch of my debut novel The String Games which will be published by Victorina Press later in May 2019.

About The String Games

The String Games is Gail Aldwin’s debut novel

When four-year-old Josh is abducted and murdered during a family holiday in France, Nim, aged ten, becomes an only child. To cope with the tragedy, Nim reinvents herself but continues to carry a burden of unresolved grief. As an adult she returns to France determined to find out more about the circumstances of Josh’s death. How will she deal with this new information and what are the implications for her future?

I love the variety of posts on Jessie’s blog and thought I’d take the opportunity to share an extract from the novel that brings food and unforeseen consequences together. Nim narrates the story of the holiday she shares with her brother and her mother, Jenny. Joining them at the caravan is Jenny’s lover Dee and her six-year-old daughter, Ella. In charge of the little kids, Nim takes them to the campsite shop to buy ice-creams:

When it was their turn to be served, Josh bashed his finger at the glass cabinet, pointing to the vanilla. It might be easy to read words in French but it wasn’t so easy to talk. Nim nodded at the lady and stuck three fingers in the air. It was easiest to order the same flavour but that didn’t stop Ella from moaning. She was lucky to have an ice cream at all, seeing as Dad’s money was meant for Nim and Josh. When the first cone was topped with a white wig, Nim passed it to Josh and the next went to Ella. When the last one arrived, Nim gave the lady the money.

‘Non, non, non!’ The assistant shook her head and wagged a finger.

Nim stood there. The little children licked their cones while ice cream ran onto Nim’s hand. What was the matter?

‘Zis English.’ The assistant spat the words.

‘Yes.’

‘Non, non, non!’

‘Is something wrong?’ It was a relief to hear an English voice. The man had a tanned forehead and lines showed on his cheeks when he smiled.

‘I don’t know,’ said Nim. ‘My dad gave me the money as a going away present.’

‘He should’ve given you francs. Never mind. Let me get these.’ He passed the assistant a brown note and returned the five pounds to Nim. ‘Save that for a treat when your holiday’s over – you can spend it back in the UK.’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘It’s not a problem. Let me do you a favour. Your dad would do the same in this situation, I’m sure.’

‘Hmm.’ Nim didn’t know what to say. She’d been told not to talk to strangers, but it was too late. Josh crunched the last of his cone.

‘What’s your name?’ asked Josh.

‘Shush,’ said Nim. Josh had been warned as well, but the man didn’t look like a stranger. He wore a shiny top, and Nim hoped Josh wasn’t going to say anything about football shirts.

‘I’m Geoff,’ he said.

‘What’s your job?’ said Josh. ‘And where did you get that shirt?’

‘Too many questions,’ said Nim.

‘Don’t worry. I know what boys are like. I’ve got nephews. They’re toddlers at the moment but I bet they’ll be the same as Josh one day.’

‘When I was little, I wanted to be a tractor,’ said Josh. ‘But now I want to be a policeman.’

‘Interesting career choice,’ said Geoff.

‘We live at Sank-on-Seas,’ said Josh.

‘Sank-on-Seas?’ Geoff repeated.

‘He means fifty-six in English,’ Nim corrected, but realising she’d probably said too much, she elbowed Josh. ‘We need to go.’

‘Goodbye.’ Josh scampered to the steps, where he turned.

‘You can come to my place any time you want ice cream. My freezer is full of it,’ said Geoff. ‘Just look for the caravan with the yellow door along the road from here.’

‘Okay.’ Josh skipped down the steps.

This is the postcard Gail sent me from Dorset. I’ll certainly take care if I ever need to walk on the bridge.

When Josh goes missing later in the novel, suspicions about Geoff are raised and Nim shoulders feelings of responsibility for bringing the two of them together.

Praise for The String Games

The String Games takes hold of the reader and the juncture of the head and the heart and simply does not let go. With courage and tenderness, and an unblinking eye, Gail Aldwin explores the ways in which the loss of a child explodes a family. Treat yourself and read this one.

JACQUELYN MITCHARD, bestselling author of THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN

About Gail Aldwin

Gail co-writes short plays and comedy sketches that have been staged in Bridport, Brighton and Salisbury. She also performs her work at fringe festivals in the South-West.

Gail Aldwin’s published work includes Adversaries/Comrades, a poetry pamphlet (Wordsmith_HQ, 2019) and a collection of short fiction Paisley Shirt (Chapeltown Books, 2018) which was longlisted in the Saboteur Awards 2018. Gail co-writes short plays and comedy sketches that have been staged in Bridport, Brighton and Salisbury. She also performs her work at fringe festivals in the South-West. The String Games is her debut novel.

Twitter:              @gailaldwin
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/gailaldwinwriter/
Blog:                  The Writer is a Lonely Hunter

Gail’s anthology of flash fiction entitled Paisley Shirt captivated and moved me.  In the future, I will blog the flash fiction Gail’s work anthology inspired me to write.  I am excited to discover how Gail will stretch my imagination with The String Games.

 

Please see all my guests’ posts at Mail from the Creative Community and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

A copy of my novel can be found here.

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.

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.

Real Women and Real Dilemmas

‘Fly or Fall’ took me to the edge of the woman’s world

The front cover of Gilli Allan’s ‘Fly or Fall’ took me to the edge of a woman’s world and made me curious about her dilemma.  I adore compelling characters who need the supportive shoulder of the reader.  Before jumping into the woman’s dilemma, I needed to find out more. I asked Gilli, the author, to introduce the woman and present readers with an extract. 

 

 

Dear Readers,

Wife and mother, Nell, fears change, but it is forced upon her by her manipulative husband, Trevor

I am delighted to present Fly or Fall.  Nell has been coerced by her husband into moving and she feels displaced, isolated and out-of-tune with the society she finds herself in. But despite herself, she is gradually drawn into this frivolous world where her principles are threatened.

The extract I’ve chose is quite near the end, where Nell’s belief in her family life and her marriage have been completely undermined, and the pressure to strike out on her own has become irresistible. It shows both her misgivings, even at this late stage, but also her powerful attraction to sample the forbidden fruit that is within her grasp.

I believe that readers would like to have Fly or Fall in their handbags because most will be able to identify with the story on some level. Most women have been tempted at one time or another, even those with a strong moral code, but this is not a “how to” book on cheating; it’s just the story of one woman – how she dealt with a turbulent time in her life, and the decisions she eventually made.

All best wishes,

Gilli Allan

Extract

After taking a part-time bar job at the sports club she is gradually drawn in to the social scene of the area.

‘You’re not here on the pull, are you?’ He grinned. ‘Now that would keep you out of the house.’

My earlier confidence was becoming ever shakier. ‘Why do you think that?’

‘The challenging way you’re sitting there … on your own. The moment I walked into the bar I thought, now there’s a woman who means business.’

‘Are you saying I look like a tart?’

He laughed. [….] ‘Never. Far from it. Get you another drink?’

I held the new glass of Cabernet, its bowl in my palm, the stem between my fingers. The downlighter shone through the wine, throwing a reflection, like a pool of blood, into my cupped hand. As I took my first sip, he leant towards me.

‘Tell me, would anyone do or have you set your sights on a particular target? I don’t always turn down a proposition.’

The glass rattled against my teeth; my throat narrowed to a dry, choking, pinhole and I could barely swallow. I coughed, put the glass down clumsily, and the wine slopped onto the wooden counter. I clasped my hands together.

‘I’m sorry.’ He laid his hand over mine. ‘You’re trembling. I didn’t mean anything … you shouldn’t take me seriously.’

My fingers curled tightly around his. ‘Sometimes I wish I could.’

The smile died away from his face.

‘Come on, let’s get out of here.’ His hand was under my elbow as I stood, but other than that brief contact, we walked out of the bar apart, abandoning our drinks.

Blurb

Finding herself in a new world of flirtation and casual infidelity, she is torn (book cover)
Gilli Allan

Wife and mother, Nell, fears change, but it is forced upon her by her manipulative husband, Trevor. Moving to a house she dislikes, in a town she has no connection to, she feels lost, cast adrift from all her previous certainties. Her life is further disrupted by the renovations Trevor deems essential. She finds herself almost living with a firm of builders, one of whom – Patrick – exasperates and intrigues by turns.

After taking a part-time bar job at the sports club she is gradually drawn in to the social scene of the area. Finding herself in a new world of flirtation and casual infidelity, she is torn. Should she emulate the behaviour of new friends or stick with the safe and familiar? A man she only knows as Angel holds a powerful allure.

But everything Nell has accepted at face value has a dark side.  Everyone – even her nearest and dearest – has been lying. She’s even deceived herself. The presentiment of disaster, first felt as a tremor at the story’s beginning, rumbles into a full-blown earthquake. After the dust settles, nothing is as it previously seemed. When an unlikely love blossoms from the wreckage of her life, she believes it is doomed.

The future, for the woman who feared change, is irrevocably altered. But has she been broken, or has she transformed herself?

The Reviews

‘I found it deeply engrossing and sat up late into the night more than once, unable to put it down; it gathers momentum, like a snowball rolling downhill, hurtling towards its dramatic conclusion.’

‘Gilli Allan always delivers the best in realistic women’s fiction and FLY OR FALL soars; it’s an emotional tale encompassing motherhood, marriage, sexuality, painful pasts, rugged relationships and uncertain futures.’

‘The narrative is compelling, the characters are real and I believed every single word.’

Gilli Allan

Gilli writes ‘challenging and honest stories about women’s lives, documenting the downs as well as the ups.’  This commitment to real stories about real women is powerful. ‘Fly or Fall’ has been praised by the reviewers for gripping the reader until the end.  Who doesn’t love a book where you must, must answer the questions before you can rest?

Jessie:  Was it difficult to leave your characters?

Gilli:It was a wrench. Fly or Fall was complex and challenging and took me far longer to write than most books. I was sad to say goodbye to my main characters. Nell, who I’d put through such extremes of emotion, her close friend Elizabeth (the new-ager), whose close connections to the other players in the story are disguised, and David the beautiful young man who appears to have so much, yet is so embittered. And last but not least, Patrick – Jack-the-lad, chameleon, lothario, exasperating, attractive and unashamed liar.

Jessie:  Leave me with one sentence to hook your reader.

Gilli:  Will the allure of the unknown ever overcome the fear of stepping away from solid ground?

About Gilli

Always an obsessive writer, Gilli side-lined the hobby when she began work as a commercial artist. With motherhood Gilli resumed writing “seriously”. After the main-stream publication of her first two novels, Gilli went independent. Still a keen artist, Gilli has begun book illustration. She is now published by Accent Press.

Find Gilli @

http://twitter.com/gilliallan  (@gilliallan)
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http://gilliallan.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1027644.Gilli_Allan

 

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

 

No More Mulberries with Mary Smith

Ali Baba and Hussain Ali sharing a bowl of mulberries

I was intrigued when Mary Smith asked me if she could present an extract about Afghan food.  Always keen to learn more about food and other cultures, I invited Mary to present an extract from No More Mulberries. The feast of food is a treat for the senses.

This extract from No More Mulberries comes at the start of the book. Scots-born Miriam, her Afghan husband Dr Iqbal and the two children are finishing their evening meal. Miriam and Iqbal are arguing because he has arbitrarily cancelled the English classes she teaches to some of the village boys.

Mary Smith’s book, No More Mulberries

Extract:

Iqbal’s eyes narrowed and his voice was cool. ‘The subject is closed.’

About to protest, Miriam became aware the two children were still sitting in the room. For once, Ruckshana had fallen silent, gazing round-eyed at her father. Farid’s head was bowed and she couldn’t see his expression, but knew his face would have the closed, tight look it assumed whenever there the possibility of an argument. She’d wait until the children were in bed before continuing this discussion. Hoping to dispel the tension in the room she rose to her feet, saying, ‘Come on, Farid, you clear the plates while I bring the toot.’

Mantu

The children whooped as she placed a large basin heaped with a pyramid of mulberries – white, red, purple – on the cloth. Washed in icy cold well water the berries glistened like jewels in the light of the oil lamps. Everyone gathered round, busy fingers searching expertly for the choicest fruit. At last, Miriam sat back. ‘My favourite, favourite, fruit. I wish they were in season all year round. I’ll put some up to dry tomorrow. They’re not the same dried, though, with their chewy textures and …’ she groped for the word she wanted, shrugged, ‘dustiness. Right, you two,’ she continued, pointing at Ruckshana and Farid in turn, ‘hands and faced washed before you get a story.’

‘I’ll get them ready for bed and read to them,’ Iqbal said. ‘I don’t need to go out tonight.’ She gave him a fleeting smile in outward acceptance of what she understood was a peace offering, though inwardly she still seethed. It would take more than a bedtime story to make peace.

End of Extract

When I lived in Afghanistan I, like Miriam, loved mulberries and was always sorry when their short season ended, though by then it was time for apricots and peaches. It really made me understand the meaning of eating seasonally. Besides, with such a great variety of things to eat it was no hardship not to have apricots in December – fresh ones, that is, there were always dried ones, which were delicious soaked and poached and served with yoghurt for breakfast.

Ash prepared for cooking and the nan fresh from the tandoor. The heat in the tandoor is fearsome.

In No More Mulberries, Miriam worked in the remote, mountainous region of Hazara Jat, as I did. The daily fare is simple: rice with lentils, yoghurt and sometimes ash, which is handmade pasta. Afghanistan was on the Silk Route so benefited from fusion cuisine long before it was fashionable here. The pasta is served with quroot, a rock-hard sour cheese made from buttermilk which is re-hydrated into a sauce and nan, baked in the tandoor. The heat in the tandoor is fearsome. When the weather is cold children sit with their feet dangling inside to warm them – I was horrified to find my three-year-old doing it.

Kabuli rice: rice cooked with lamb and topped with raisins, almonds and strips of carrot, vegetable dishes and firni a pudding made with milk and corn flour and heavily sweetened.

Shurwa is a meat-based soup (chicken or goat) into which we broke our bread – like I used to do with tomato soup when I was a kid – and once it was all nicely mushed, another piece of bread is used as a spoon.

Afghans love entertaining and at a dinner party, a minimum of seven dishes is served, including kabuli (sometimes seen as qabuli) rice cooked with lamb and topped with raisins, almonds and strips of carrot, vegetable dishes and firni a pudding made with milk and corn flour and heavily sweetened. I so admired how the women (often, it has to be said, helped by the men), working in the most primitive conditions, on a mud-constructed stove, smoke billowing around the kitchen produced these dishes, all cooked to perfection, all hot at the same time.

One of my favourite dishes – perhaps because it is easily reproduced at home – is banjan-sia borani.

In the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif people came from all over Afghanistan, bringing their own regional and tribal specialities. Little leek-filled dumplings are delicious as is mantu, a dish of steamed dumplings filled with minced beef and onions, topped with a yogurt sauce. One of my favourite dishes – perhaps because it is easily reproduced at home – is banjan-sia borani. This is egg-plant (aubergine) slices fried and served with cooked tomatoes, topped with a sour cream and yoghurt garlicky sauce and dried mint.

I still remember the tantalizing aroma of those lamb kebabs being cooked on street grills.

And kebabs! I still remember the tantalizing aroma of those lamb kebabs being cooked on street grills. Afghan sheep have what’s known as dumba – a fat tail – and pieces of this fat are interspersed with chunks of lamb on the skewers to add flavour. The kebabs were served inside round nan breads, which soaked up the delicious juices. I found sheep testicle kebabs particularly tasty, possibly because I’d eaten them before I knew what the succulent softness was.

This is a tiny taster of the varied foods on offer in Afghanistan. And yes, the most memorable meal I had was in the home of a very poor family. He had leprosy and we’d gone to give him his supply of medicines. The rules of hospitality meant he had to feed us, even though he had next to nothing. He brought us spring onions, salt and thin nan. We wrapped a spring onion in the bread, dipped it in salt and it was as good as eating at a banquet.

Biography and links:

Mary Smith is a writer, freelance journalist and poet based in Dumfries & Galloway in south west Scotland.

She worked in Pakistan and Afghanistan for ten years, where she established a mother and child care programme providing skills and knowledge to women health volunteers. She has written a memoir, Drunk Chickens and Burnt Macaroni: Real Stories of Afghan Women, about her work in Afghanistan and the country also provides the setting for her novel No More Mulberries.

Mary’s poems have been widely published in poetry magazines and anthologies and her first full length poetry collection, Thousands Pass Here Every Day, was published by Indigo Dreams.

She has worked in collaboration with photographer Allan Devlin on two local history books: Dumfries Through Time and Castle Douglas Through Time. Secret Dumfries comes out in June 2018. Her next project is to turn her blog; My Dad’s a Goldfish, into a memoir about caring for her dad through his dementia.

Donkey Boy & Other Stories is her latest publication.

Links:
Blogs: My Dad’s a Goldfish: https://marysmith57.wordpress.com
MarySmith’sPlace:  https://marysmithsplace.wordpress.com
Website: www.marysmith.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marysmithwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000934032543

Mary’s latest book is a collection of short stories: Donkey Boy & Other Stories. Shot through with flashes of humour the stories here will entertain, amuse, and make you think. Mary Smith’s debut collection of short stories is a real treat, introducing the reader to a diverse range of characters in a wide range of locations. A donkey boy in Pakistan dreams of buying luxuries for his mother; a mouth artist in rural Scotland longs to leave the circus; a visually impaired man has a problem with his socks; and a woman tries to come to terms with a frightening gift – or curse.

 

 

Are you ready for a real Game of Thrones? – 1066

Real Game of Thrones

Are you ready for a real Game of Thrones?  Glynn Holloway’s debut historical novel: ‘1066: What Fates Impose’ is now available.  I asked the author to explain why a reader should delve into his novel.

Dear Readers,

I am delighted to present, 1066: What Fates Impose, a novel about the fall of Anglo-Saxon England.

William the Conqueror

The extract I have chosen is from the opening chapter, which shows William the Conqueror on his deathbed. The dying king is filled with guilt and haunted by the horrors he inflicted on the English.

The reason I picked this extract is because it has a lot of impact. I felt I needed this, and also, I think the guilt he feels on his death bed and the consequences he feels he will have to face in the afterlife, poses the questions at the beginning of my novel:

Did William really think he had a claim to the English crown?

How much responsibility did he accept for the deaths of tens of thousands?

If you want those questions answered, and a lot more besides, put my novel in your handbag. If you do, you’ll be in possession of a book filled with: family feuds, court intrigues, papal plots, assassinations, loyalties, betrayals, a love triangle and a battle or two. Everything, in fact, that made living in the eleventh century such fun.

With Best Wishes

Glynn Holloway

Extract

1066 What Fates Impose

With the very last of his strength he raises his head to look around the room. There are his sons, the bishop, his brother and . . . ‘Oh God, oh God Almighty. No not him! Not now!’

His eyes bulge as he is gripped by terror. Before him, unseen by the others, stands a blood drenched warrior, tall and proud as an oak, fresh from the battle field, his lank and sweat soaked hair hangs down his shoulders, his once handsome face made ugly by an eyeless socket. As though to steady himself, he leans on his battleaxe, resting his hands on its iron head. He stares impassively at William with his single eye, blue and deep as the ocean, a stare mead all the more intense by its singularity.

William has seen him, or thought he had seen him, a number of times over the years glimpsed in crowds or spotted in enemy lines, but never has he seen him so clearly, so close and for so long as he does now.

‘Have you come for me?’ he asks.

A trace of a smile appears on the face of the apparition, who turns, swinging his axe over his shoulder as he does so, before stepping, with a swift backward glance, silently out of the room.

Hopelessness descends on the king; his temperature rises, and he feels hot again. He wants to break free from the heat, but escape is impossible. Was he like a pagan king of old to be consumed by fire?

The is hot, black and silent.

End of extract

About 1066 What Fates Impose

England is in crisis. King Edward has no heir and promises never to produce one. There are no obvious successors available to replace him, but quite a few claimants are eager to take the crown. While power struggles break out between the various factions at court, enemies abroad plot to make England their own. There are raids across the borders with Wales and Scotland.

Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, is seen by many as the one man who can bring stability to the kingdom. He has powerful friends and two women who love him, but he has enemies who will stop at nothing to gain power. As 1066 begins, England heads for an uncertain future. It seems even the heavens are against Harold.
Intelligent and courageous, can Harold forge his own destiny – or does he have to bow to what fates impose?

Jessie:  What do the reviewers say?

‘An extremely promising debut – highly recommended’. Steve Donoghue – Historical Novel Society

‘A Brilliant and Entertaining Novel of the Events that led to 1066.’  Glenn Cook – Vine Voice – Amazon Hall of Fame – Top 100 Reviewer

‘Excellent and Gripping Story.’ Avid Reader – Amazon Hall of Fame – Top 50 Reviewer

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

I was pleased that I’d actually managed to finish it; there were times when I thought the day would never dawn. I did miss some of the characters, particularly King Harold and Earl Godwin.  completing my novel felt a bit like saying goodbye to friends I knew I’d never see again. Harold and Godwin won’t appear in any sequel but there are other characters who will put in an appearance, one of them I’d quite like to never hear of again, but that’s the price of a good villain I suppose.

Glynn Holloway

About Glynn Holloway

G K Holloway lives in Bristol with his wife and two children. After reading a biography about Harold Godwinson, he studied the late Anglo-Saxon era in detail. When he had enough material to weave together facts and fiction he produced 1066 What Fates Impose. 

http://www.gkholloway.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/G-K-Holloway-219766941394283/
@GlynnHolloway

 

 

The Art of Food

‘I’m going to try a different approach with this,’ he said. ‘We call them fantasy shots?’

In response to my request for foodie extracts, Susan Willis presented me with something that wasn’t quite what it seemed.  I marvelled at the glorious pictures of food, but there wasn’t any recipe or cooking.  Feast your eyes on the extract from The Girl in the Dark.  Find out what is simmering in the kitchen.

Extract

Kim arranged six of the Chantenay carrots.

When Kim carried coffee into the room they all busied themselves preparing for the shoot. Thankfully, her mind was occupied with preparing the carrots and green beans to look as appealing as possible, rather than staring at Alex. He looked even more attractive prowling around the room with the big camera in his hand. Editorial still shots of the vegetables were first taken on a plain black background. Kim arranged six of the Chantenay carrots with their green tops uppermost into an attractive pile all facing in the same direction. She looked at Alex, who smiled and asked her to slice one lengthways and balance it on top of the pile.

‘We need to make it look sweet and tender,’ he muttered. ‘I’m loving the bright orange colour on the black background, and I’m thinking of whizzing them around with water droplets.’

Kim blanched the green beans to help to keep the green colour bright

Kim agreed and began to pile the green beans with their trimmed ends uppermost in an attractive pile on a wood board. She smiled at Alex, as if to say she was on the same wavelength, in fact, one step ahead. Kim blanched the green beans to help to keep the green colour bright and they worked out a design scattering the cut ends on a white cloth. By the time Alex had finished cropping and working his magic on the computer, they looked amazing.

He stood beside Kim chatting while she trimmed the cauliflower for the overhead shot. ‘I’m going to try a different approach with this,’ he said. ‘We call them fantasy shots?’

Kim could feel his hot breath on the back of her neck and her knees trembled – she was having fantasies of her own, but they didn’t include cauliflowers!

About the Novel

The Girl in the Dark

The Girl in the Dark is the latest Grip Lit novel from Susan Willis. A thrilling romantic suspense story that will keep you turning pages long into the night.

When Kim goes to old friend, Sidney’s, photography studio to start a new food styling contract she meets his new assistant, Alex. Kim is catapulted from her mournful existence into an explosive romantic relationship with Alex. Sidney, however, is wary. He thinks, there’s something not quite right about Alex, and urges caution.

Will Kim look back and wish she’d listened…

Susan Willis

Susan Willis is a published author of three novels, and five novellas’. She lives in the North East of England surrounded by family and friends. Following publication of a love story about a chef and her boyfriend, she wrote more foodie-based love stories and wove them into her first novel, ‘Yes Chef, No Chef’.

Now Susan has ventured into romantic suspense with her latest novel, The Girl In The Dark.

Set in her home town of Durham City, this storyline is not a who done it thriller, but, a psychological page-turner which she loved writing. We can only hope the heroine hasn’t put her trust in the wrong man?

Best of luck to Susan with this novel.

I had never really considered the role of a food stylist until I read this extract.  When I take photographs of food for tweets and posts, I tend to photograph exactly what I have cooked.  Food is all about the taste for me.  However, recipe books are probably bursting with these creations.  

Have you ever followed a recipe from a cookbook and realised your creation looks nothing like the photograph?