Tag: Book Review

Flash Review of Gail Aldwin’s Anthology

Gail Aldwin’s Paisley Shirt

I had no idea what to expect from an anthology entitled ‘Paisley Shirt’. I drifted along with the words and became hooked.  Enigma, shock and a wry smile accompanied me as I read these stories.  Each evening, I sipped another story and savoured the unanswered questions.  I searched beyond the words and entered the territory of the unsaid.  As I travelled in the gaps between the words, I admired the meaning squeezed into the story. Even the child’s perspective temps the reader with the innocent gaps in the narration.

‘Stepping back as the glass shatters, his blood speckles the paintwork.’

Some stories are presented as vivid a flash of emotion whispered in black and white tones while other stories are sounded in blast of colour.  Aldwin explores: love, domestic violence, families, political asylum, memories, loneliness, divorce, other cultures and more.  She is not afraid to challenge her reader and is skilled at presenting economical use of dialogue.  This compressed narrative form showcases Aldwin’s poetic style. To unravel each story would spoil the surprise for future readers.

‘The gift is an entry into his world.’

Tension spins in the narratives like a storm waiting for the finale, but the reader often must imagine the conclusion.  Aldwin writes,

‘And there was something tuneful about Australia.  Sitting on the veranda at night, listening to the rhythm of the cicadas or hearing the wind ripple through the gumtree that build to a crescendo when the storm came.’

Here in ‘Blue Skies’, Aldwin captures the way I felt when reading the flash fiction.  Even the titles of the story add to the compressed meaning of the narrative form. Indeed, one must have blue sky thinking to appreciate flash fiction and look into the characters’ world.

Indeed, one must have blue sky thinking to appreciate flash fiction and look into the characters’ world.

As a tribute to Gail’s writing, I have presented words that left images on my mind.  Images presented throughout the post are a snapshot of emotions that flashed in my mind long after reading. The poetic quality of this writing conjures powerful images, and I hope they will tempt you to read on.

The stories have also inspired me to experiment with this genre and have enjoyed reading the language into shape.  Indeed, Gail explained:

‘I write every day and love to see my stories change direction and become more textured through redrafting and editing.’

“‘If she lives it will be thanks to God’, said the doctor, ‘If she dies, she will not be alone.’”

About the Anthology

‘Paisley Shirt‘ is a fascinating collection of 27 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 Aldwin

About the Author:

Gail Aldwin is a prize-winning writer of flash fiction, short stories, and poetry. Her work can be found online at Ink, Sweat & Tears and Slamchop and in print anthologies including What I Remember (EVB Press, 2015) Dorset Voices (Roving Press, 2012) and The Last Word (Unbound Press, 2012). Gail works collaboratively with other women writers to develop comedy for the screen and stage. With the Dorset Writers’ Network, Gail supports isolated writers in rural communities. She is an experienced teacher who delivers workshops to young people and adults in community settings.

You can find Gail @gailaldwin and http://gailaldwin.wordpress.com

Please see all my book reviews at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Jan Brigden’s ‘As Weekends Go’ is Calorie Free Indulgence

Jan Brigden writes in a lively, witty style and captures her characters beautifully.

Jan Brigden’s ‘As Weekends Go’ is a great escape. Visiting a hotel described as ‘a vast stretch of grandeur’ is a perfect destination.  I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca whose life is turned upside down when she receives an invitation from her friend.

I had a great time with cast of characters during a visit to Hawsley Manor, York.  Brigden writes in a lively, witty style and captures her characters beautifully.  She skilfully incorporates four perspectives in order to build the tension to fever pitch.  I wanted to join Abi and Rebecca on their weekend retreat.  I loved the way Bridgen draws these characters and represents the heart of their friendship. The lively exchanges between these Rebecca and Abi makes you feel as if you are sitting there joining in the conversation.  Similarly, the dialogue during scenes of smouldering tension or conflict is outstanding.  This novel would make a great film.  I have just discovered it is an audio book and would be ideal for this medium.

Could this be an inspiration for Hawsley Manor?

I must also praise Jan Brigden for the way she presents the male characters and explores their perspective.   The contrast between the arrogant, ambitious Greg and calm, considerate Alex is perfect.   The book had me shouting at the horrible characters and racing towards the outcome.  Challenging the stereotype of the celebrity footballer is a clever idea.

I laughed at portrayal of characters.  You will meet ‘the suited gorilla’, ‘Doberman’, the woman ‘with a face you could chop wood on’.  An there’s Martina who ‘hijacked’ Alex, then ‘cross examined him resting her boobs on a side plate’ in the restaurant.  The thread of comic observation adds to the fast pace of the novel.

Rebecca and Abbi escape to York for the weekend

I enjoy a positive, upbeat message in a novel: love, friendship and honesty are key qualities throughout the novel.  As a reader, one is loyal and supportive of Rebecca until the very end.  And ‘if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be’ and will happen.  Brigden shows that we gain strength and warmth from friends and families and hungry ambition needs to be fed to the wolves.

Reading ‘As Weekends Go’ is like indulging in a luxurious bar of chocolate without the calories.  ‘As Weekends Go’ is a perfect must read for the weekend.

Meet the author

More About Jan Bridgen

Jan lives in South East London with her husband and motley crew of cuddly toys. Jan’s written for pleasure from a young age; short stories for classmates, odes for workmates, fun quizzes for family and friends, progressing to her first novel, the idea for which sprang from a script she composed as part of a creative writing course assignment via The Writers Bureau. Following much secret plotting, research and feigning of passion for the customer accounts she was supposed to be reconciling during the day job, the chance finally arose to put pen to paper.

After attending many author talks, literary events, and connecting with writers and readers on Facebook and Twitter, Jan learned of and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme.

Jan’s debut novel As Weekends Go subsequently won the 2014/2015 Choc Lit and Whole Story Audiobooks Search for a Star Competition , which led to a publishing contract with Choc Lit.

An avid reader and all round book devotee, Jan is also one eighth of online group blog The Romaniacs who proudly received the RNA Industry Media Star Award and even got a mention in The Bookseller.

 

Please see all my reviews at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Lizzie Lamb’s Thoroughly Modern Romance

Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill. Well done, Lizzie Lamb! DANGER FIREWORKS!

 

Escape to this glorious setting

 

 

 

 

 

Like the Capulets and Montagues, there is a family feud between the Macfarlanes and Buchanans.

Visit a penthouse in Chicago. I am in awe of Lizzie’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict.

This is a book with a strong female and male heroine and I loved it.  I am in awe of the author’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict. How wonderful to escape to a condominium and boutique B&B with such sparky characters.

As I speeded along with the narrative, I laughed throughout.

Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.

Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.

This is a thoroughly modern romance populated with independent, strong characters.  Logan has got ‘chutzpah’ but has been warned about Buchanan women.  Call the fire brigade!  Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill.

This is clever writing!

About Take Me, I’m Yours

India Buchanan plans to set up an English-Style bed and breakfast establishment in her great-aunt’s home, MacFarlane Landing, Wisconsin. But she’s reckoned without opposition from Logan MacFarlane whose family once owned her aunt’s house and now want it back. MacFarlane is in no mood to be denied. His grandfather’s living on borrowed time and Logan has vowed to ensure the old man sees out his days in their former home. India’s great-aunt has other ideas and has threatened to burn the house to the ground before she lets a MacFarlane set foot in it. There’s a story here. One the family elders aren’t prepared to share. When India finds herself in Logan’s debt, her feelings towards him change. However, the past casts a long shadow and events conspire to deny them the love and happiness they both deserve. Can India and Logan’s love overcome all odds? Or is history about to repeat itself?

About Lizzie:

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. Although much of her time is taken promoting her novels she published Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon. Her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has co-hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about writing and the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie’s latest romance Take Me, I’m Yours is set in Wisconsin, a part of the USA which she adores. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and this summer will tour the Scottish Highlands in her caravan researching men in kilts. What’s not to like? As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building up a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish a debut novel. Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.

 

Please see all my book reviews at Books in Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Large Slice of Life with Mavis and Dot

Reading this book is like delving into a large slice of Tiramisu: a pick me up dessert with a bitter sweet balance of perfection.

Embark on a series of adventures with Mavis and Dot but prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions. Humour and adorable, eccentric characters present a commentary on modern Britain.  Reading Angela Petch’s ‘Mavis and Dot’ is like delving into a large slice of Tiramisu: the pick me up dessert with a bitter sweet balance of perfection.

Like a quintessential seaside town, Mavis and Dot have Britishness stamped through their charming identities.  Though they are as different as builders’ tea and Lapsang Souchong, they are both women of a certain age from the same generation.  The contrast between this couple of friends makes them so endearing you don’t want to leave them.   Beneath the façade of flamboyant Mavis and straight-laced Dot, there are secrets and loneliness.  Loneliness is a cruel companion who can be banished with the warmth of a cuppa and chat.  Peel away the faded glory of Mavis and Dot to reveal their secrets and warm hearts. I guarantee this story will warm your heart.

‘Mavis and Dot’ celebrates the eccentricities of Britishness but appeals to everyone.

Wonderful humour is presented through the characters and the author’s powers of observation.  I was drawn into the story with Mrs Gallsworthy whose ‘cameo necklace dangled like a climber hanging on for dear life over a precipice.’  We have all met these characters, yet only Petch could capture this personality so beautifully.  Humour is contrasted with pathos to form a vivid impression of the characters’ lives.  Mavis’s only photo of her lover is a framed photo of an image cut out of the funeral order of service, but she manages to search for some joy in the sadness. Her penchant for Italian men, fuelled by her liaison with her lover, takes Mavis on a challenging journey of discovery.

‘Women of a certain age from the same generation.’

Dot describes Mavis as ‘the salt of the earth’.  Mavis’s kindness opens a new world for Dot.  Though Dot has her own eccentricities such as sleeping on cushions with the windows open: an eccentricity that is both funny and sad.  Dot’s reflections on love made me giggle when she compares falling in love to catching mumps.  She explains, ‘… it’s fine catching mumps when you’re young but it’s tricky when you’re older. It hits you harder.’ Hilarious observations hit you throughout the narrative but digging deeper often creates a lump in your throat. For instance, the scene where Mavis models for a group of artists captures the combination of humour and poignancy perfectly.

The unlikely friends enjoy shopping in charity shops while seeking sanctuary in the various tea shops.  It was comforting to settle in ‘the cosy fug’ of the cafés while they search for a ‘a large helping of happiness’ as they shelter from the storm of loneliness.  Both ladies are from an era that ‘learned to keep their feelings buttoned up’.  One hopes they will help each other to find out more about themselves.  The house doesn’t have to be ‘too quiet’ if you open your door to others.

This clever, touching and powerful writing leaves you thinking.  Life can’t be all fairground rides and candyfloss: visiting the seaside is different in the mature years, yet it is possible to make the most of it.  Happiness can be sought in the company of others, but when alone we must comfortable with ourselves.   Reading this book will provide the comfort of nostalgia, cake and a good old fashioned giggle with these characters.  I loved this celebration of life painted with vivid brushstrokes of humour.

Angela Petch is a #1 bestselling author who also writes for People’s Friend.  All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to a cancer charity.  ‘Mavis and Dot’ celebrates the eccentricities of Britishness but appeals to everyone.  

My blogging USA pal has also reviewed this book.  See Jena’s review at: https://www.jenabooks.com/a-new-book-to-share-mavis-and-dot-by-angela-petch/

About Angela:

Meet the author who is going in search of more adventures for Mavis and Dot.

I’m an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem. In 2018, I was contracted by Bookouture with a two-book deal. The first, a slightly amended version of “Tuscan Roots”, will come out in June 2019. A brand new second Tuscan novel is scheduled for Spring 2020.

Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out to holidaymakers from across the globe. When not exploring our unspoiled corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.

In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen, for I never know when an idea for a story might strike and I don’t want it to drift away.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends and enjoy walking along the sea, often quite moody in the winter months but inspiring. I’ve lived abroad for most of my life, including several childhood years in Italy. After graduating with honours in Italian at the University of Kent at Canterbury, I worked for a short spell for The Times, before moving to new employment in Amsterdam. The job relocated to Sicily, where I met my half-Italian husband. We married near Urbino and then went to live for three magical years in Tanzania. Wherever I travel I store sights, sounds and memories for stories I feel compelled to record.

Visit Angela’s blog:
https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com/

Connect with Angela at:
@Angela_Petch 
@AngelaJaneClarePetch

 

Please see all my book reviews at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

 

Handbag Bulging with Norwegian Cakes and a Sweet Romance

Time for Honesty

Mette Barfelt

 

 

 

 

 

On Boxing Day, it was time to seek solace from the guests. I hid away in my reading haven.  The seasonal dark weather inspired me to light candles, switch on the fairy lights and reach for the trusty kindle.

Earlier in the day, we had strolled past the white Norwegian church in Cardiff Bay, and this reminded me of ‘Time for Honesty’, set in Norway, and safely stored on my kindle. As soon as I opened the book, I read of ‘…old wooden houses, so perfectly in sync with the little town, where white houses abounded.’ I could imagine the delightful Norwegian church feeling far more at ease in its native setting.  Indeed, my wish to read a charming romance, with the magic of Christmas, was granted when lost myself in the novel for an evening.

Emmelin, a travel agent, living in Oslo with her husband and son, invited me to join her in Norway.  Unfortunately, she is faced with the death of her mother.  Her mother leaves her the family home in Solvik with its view of the ocean. Sadly, her mother has ‘taken her secret to the grave’, and one hopes the home will wrap itself around this lost soul, Emmelin.  Unfortunately, Emmelin’s husband is unpleasant and makes unreasonable demands.  Although, very fond of Emmelin, I wanted to yell some home truths about her husband and sister.  This is the twenty first century thus she will discover her independence through challenges – won’t she?

It was a pleasure to get to know Emmelin.  She would be a loyal friend who needs a little support, and the occasional nudge in the right direction.  Fortunately, her friends are always on hand with delicious vanilla custard bakes, custard doughnuts, cakes and cookies.  Despite the troubled childhood in Solvik, it provides Emmelin with a haven from reality.  Solvik is the ideal cosy retreat conjured while gazing into the flames of a cosy fire.  Café Soleside would be my go to destination if I needed a culinary treat to soothe the senses.  I would order smoked salmon and scrambled eggs baked with cream cheese and salad.  Although the food is Norwegian, there is a familiarity with my own culture, and I loved this.  It is also reassuring to be presented with a couple of villains who one hopes will also get their just desserts!

And there are some bitter twists in the novel to evoke your compassion for Emmelin.  The narrative gains pace as it heads towards Christmas.  I hoped there would be a comforting ending to compliment the ‘vanilla custard bakes with sugar glaze and coconut flakes.’ Or perhaps the bitterness of misunderstandings would be soaked up with the ‘creamy fish soup with seafood and newly baked rolls.’

I found a cosy setting for the Norwegian church as, ‘the ocean had frozen as I {she} gazed out at the white, untouched landscape. Little could compare with fallen snow.’ What a treat to find a charming Christmas tucked away in the corner of a sweet novel.  If only, I could have skied over the Welsh mountains to meet Magda, Oliver, Emmelin and her first love.    Instead, I decided to try some of the recipes at the end of the novel. Time to plan my New Year’s Eve menu, and Time to look forward to the year ahead.

 

About the Author:

Mette Barfelt is a Scandinavian author. After 16 years working for travel agents and airlines, she got a degree in Marketing, before she started writing books. Naturally, with her background in the travel industry, she has travelled extensively throughout the world and visited numerous countries. Her passion for travels and cruises has resulted in the non-fiction book “Alt du bør vite om cruise”, published by Aschehoug Publishing House in Norway.
She is now writing contemporary romances – sweet small-town love stories with a dash of mystery and has already published five books in the Solvik series in Norwegian. The books in the series are stand-alone novels. She lives with her husband and two teenagers, just outside Oslo in Norway.

https://www.facebook.com/mettebarfeltbok/
http://www.mettebarfelt.no/
https://twitter.com/MBarfelt
https://www.instagram.com/mettebarfelt/

 

Please see all my reviews at Books In Handbag and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.

Sadie’s Wars: Powerful and Deeply Moving

This historical saga of an extraordinary Australian pioneer family continues into a new generation

I have been idle for two days and it is Rosemary Noble’s fault. I travelled from innocence to experience with her character, Sadie.  She had my ear as soon as I walked into this thrilling family saga.  This hard-hitting, realistic document of challenging times deals with: propaganda, inequality, domestic violence and loss. Insight into Australia and England placed me in the centre of the historical periods.

Strategic juxtaposition of Sadie’s life during World War One Australia and World War Two Grimsby is brilliant.  Noble explores how our experiences make us react in the future thus providing depth to Sadie’s character.  Wounded by past troubles, Sadie makes decisions that made me want to sit her down and give her advice.  Tempting questions hang artfully in each chapter of this novel.  The trajectory of the plot is driven by the intense drama: the action never stops.

A photo of Sadie (she is the standing bridesmaid). This is the only one I have. She is a bridesmaid for her brother, Joe and his wife, Olive. Grandma Jane is sitting next to her. (I found this photo on the author’s website).

I moved from the air raids and community spirit in Grimsby to Sadie’s privileged life in Australia. Neither the ‘uninterrupted sky changing from purple to cobalt’, nor the ‘endless grey skies’ of Grimsby can shelter Sadie from the harsh reality of life. In her innocent years, she is brainwashed by war propaganda then learns about the impact on people as she moves through her life.   Sadie is raised to ‘obey your father until you marry then obey your husband.’  Like her contemporaries, the social straightjacket causes Sadie pain.  Noble shows the inequalities between men and woman at the turn of the century and contrasts it with changing attitudes in post Second World War Britain.  Historical events, attitudes and politics are artfully woven into the narrative fabric of the novel.

Chateau Yering as it is today

Details of a wealthy life in Australia at the turn of last century intrigued me.  I lingered on the verandas and looked at the ‘rich grassland and vineyards as far as the eye could see, framed on by majestic mountains.’ I admired Sadie’s wardrobe of beautiful clothes but realised her wealth and over-protection of her father made her more vulnerable. At every turn, I felt empathy for the young Sadie who is isolated by her ignorance.  ‘Her marriage seemed like a distant dream and her husband merely an actor in it’, and I wanted to chat with Sadie.  Noble explored love so beautifully in the novel.  There is an enchanting, exciting love story, as Sadie learns what real love means.

The wiser, experienced Sadie charmed me.  I sat with her as she waited to discover if her sons would return safely from the RAF. Noble takes the reader into the heart of air raids in Grimsby.  The air raid provides a backdrop to the inner turmoil Sadie suffers, and all these emotions are vividly connected to experiences of the past. Events in post-World War One Australia were shocking.  An intelligent, powerful and deeply moving novel from Rosemary Noble.

About the Book

An astonishing tale, spanning continents, where truth is stranger than fiction. This historical saga of an extraordinary Australian pioneer family continues into a new generation.
Sadie is brought amongst the vineyards of the Yarra Valley whilst her work-obsessed father reaps riches from the boom years before the Great War.
With post-war depression looming, Sadie’s only option is to flee from her disastrous marriage, seeking refuge in Cleethorpes, a small seaside town in northern England.
Years later, when her sons are in RAF Bomber Command, she receives a letter from her long-lost brother which forces her to confront the past and her part in her family’s downfall.
Can old wounds be healed?
Will she find new love?
Will this second war destroy everyone she saved?

Rosemary Noble is the author of Sadie’s Wars and the Currency Girls Trilogy. This is her favourite writing spot.

About Rosemary

Rosemary worked as a college and university librarian and has a life-long love of social history and reading. Researching family history led to an interest in Australia where Search for the Light ends and provides the setting for the sequel, The Digger’s Daughter. A third book in the Australian series, Sadie’s Wars, is now available.

Rosemary is a member of Arun Scribes Creative Writing Group and a member of CHINDI (Network of Independent Authors). Her third book, Ranter’s Wharf is set in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. In odd moments, she writes flash fiction for Paragraph Planet and Drabble.

For more information read my interview with Rosemary here or visit Rosemary’s blog at https://rosemarynoble.wordpress.com/

 

Please see all my book reviews and book excerpts at Books In Handbag and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.

Jeevani Charika Golden Chapter

A completely captivating tale of love that will break your heart.

Jena has been squirrelling away more books for the winter.  We join her as she selects This Stolen Life by Jeevani Charika.  I know you will be tempted to read more when you read Jena’s comments about the opening chapter. There is also more exciting news about Jeevani’s novels.

This Stolen Life

One of the many joys of reading is the opportunity to travel to new places, simply by opening a book and starting to read. Don’t you love those few seconds of expectation and hope as you study the book’s cover, then the flip through the cover pages and finally settle on “Chapter One”? The covers of Jeevani Charika’s books show us that we will be getting to know the stories of someone who may be from a place we haven’t yet explored on our Planet Earth.

Jeevani Charika writes women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism.

Jeevani Charika tells us in her bio that she writes multi-cultural women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism. She also writes romantic comedy under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. So why the two names? Well… Jeevani writes about British-Sri Lankan main characters.

British readers may be more familiar with Sri Lanka, but I confess I had to look up information about this place. With a spin of the digital globe, Google Earth zoomed me 8,869 miles from Ohio, USA, to a beautiful island in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean, near India.  I learned that Sri Lanka is home to many cultures, languages and ethnicities. (At the time of British colonial rule, it was known as Ceylon.) Google Earth also displayed photos of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty that looked like the most glorious travel posters I have ever seen. What a paradise! I couldn’t wait to read the first chapter of Jeevani Charika’s THIS STOLEN LIFE.

Come with me to Sri Lanka! Chapter One is written in in short, punchy sentences. There is no time for the main character, Jaya, to indulge in lyrical, poetic thoughts. The author shows us by the fast pace that Jaya is desperate and fighting for her life. This is the night that will she escape from her home and leave her mother and step-father. She must creep from her house and hide in the shadows to save herself. She has one chance.

Jaya has a simple plan. She will ride her bicycle to the bus stop, head to Colombo and buy a ticket to freedom. I felt like I was as terrified as Jaya, until she finally gets on the bus and lets the miles of travel lull her to sleep.

Jaya is jarred awake by battering, noise and pain. Again, the rapid, blunt sentences convey a new desperation. Has her plan crashed so suddenly? Jaya struggles to save herself, but has she now lost all her plans and all her dreams?

Aren’t you ready to read more of This Stolen Life? I know I am! Let’s discuss Jeevani’s book together in the comments. If you’ve read it, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts or review. If you are considering starting this book, let’s take another look at the eye-catching cover. The subtitle is “Tell the Truth- or Keep the One You Love.” The tagline is, “A completely captivating tale of love that will break your heart.” We see a young, pretty woman, presumably from Sri Lanka. Will she survive and find love?

Please share, with these questions as a starting point:

  1. Have you visited Sri Lanka?
  2. Would you be brave enough to run away from your old life, to start a new one?
  3. Can there be heartbreak and “happily ever after?”

Jena: The wind has shifted from south to north, and my windows show rain and hints of snow. Waving goodbye to sunny summer, and vibrant autumn gets harder every year, as I am not keen to shake hands with old Mr. Winter. Thank goodness for Jessie’s Handbag Gallery! I will take my Golden Handbag and browse her beguiling displays and choose a book that will be a cheery companion.

Jena has been squirrelling away more books for the winter.

Jena C. Henry, Reader and Reviewer, Blogger, Author

https://www.jenabooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/jena.c.henry/
https://twitter.com/jenabooks

Jeevani introduced me to the fabulous Milly Johnson.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeevani twice at the RNA York Tea, she is great company and very witty.  On our first meeting, she introduced me to romance writer Milly Johnson. When discovered Jeevani is releasing another novel on 13th November, I took a peek at the blurb. A Convenient Marriage sounds like a clever narrative.  Click on the title of the book to discover more but let me tease you with this…

It was the perfect marriage… until they fell in love

It was the perfect marriage… until they fell in love

More about Jeevani

Jeevani Charika writes women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism.  (In case you were wondering, it’s pronounced Jeev-uh-nee.)

There’s a whole lot of other stuff she could tell you – but mainly: she’s a former scientist, an adult fan of Lego, an embarrassing mum, a part time geek (see ’embarrassing mum’) and a Very Short Person.

Jeevani has received high praise from an amazing group of romance authors.

“Huge fun, with a slightly different slant.” Katie Fforde
“Written with a sure touch. I love Jeevani Charika’s writing.” Sue Moorcroft
“A fantastic and fascinating read.” Phillipa Ashley

 

Forget Sparkling Happy Ever After with Sue Bentley

I dare you to read this book.

Forget the sparkling happy ever after of fairy tales when you enter the world of We Other by Sue Bentley.  I dare you!  Trade in the beautiful fairy dust for dark energy. Inhabit the shadows of the forest and satisfy yourself with the occasional chink of light.  Is this the real life of faeries?  Do they really exist on the edge of darkness? We Other challenged me to ask these questions.

I was shocked that this sinister world resonated with me.  Sue Bentley connected with my childhood fears yet managed to explain it.  Oh, my goodness, such intricate plot spinning.  You’ll be caught up in the web once you let yourself believe in another world that exists between good and evil. 

Don’t be afraid to enter the world of We Other and the flesh-eating faeries

Don’t be afraid to enter the world of We Other and the flesh-eating faeries.  You will be safe with Jess.  Let Jess’s story guide you into the world where shadows hover on the edge of reason.  There is depth to this fantasy and guidance for teenagers who are searching for their identity. Jess undergoes a metamorphosis and finds her wings.  Do you remember finding your wings as a teenager and learning to fly out there in the real world? Did you wear armour over your true identity?  Through fantasy, Bentley explores teenage identity and a battle with harsh family life. The book has many layers of meaning to explore so dive in.

Inhabit the shadows of the forest and satisfy yourself with the occasional chink of light.

This genre of book is a first for me, as I had abandoned fairies in dusty old books long ago.  We Other is something different.  Despite the narrative twisting and turning in my stomach, it captured me an evoked my imagination.   I savoured each imagining and lingered in the world of Jess.  There is a haunting intensity in every sentence.  I now know why my subconscious is always dubious of letting me go into the woods.  Having read We Other, I am a believer.  Are all animals and humans real or are they faery-kind?  Who knows?  Be careful of what magical, sinister creatures lurk in the hedgerow.

Let Jess’s story guide you into the world where shadows hover on the edge of reason.

‘Faery and the world of humankind occupy the same space. Made of different fabrics, they overlay each other.  The barriers can only be crossed by those who know.’

This explanation captures the mysterious essence of the book, but if you read We Other then you will experience this philosophical explanation for yourself.  I adored the complexity of Jess and the way she coped with the stark challenges of poverty and her mother’s alcoholism: her life is ‘harsh and joyless’.  I was equally charmed by the mesmerising encounters in the world of faery.  The complex narrative is grounded in the beautiful relationships between the characters.  Read the book and it will ‘feel like something physical, spreading tendrily through your mind.’ Sue Bentley weaves an ‘other worldly’ tale and leaves questions stranded in your mind.  I challenge you to spend time ‘mortalwise’ and faerywise when ‘time moves to a different tune’. When reading the book, a plague of dragonfly and midges hovered over my garden and this made me think about what they might be according to Bentley’s explanations.

Sue Bentley

‘Something in the air gathered around her and crackled faintly.  There was an internal gathering…’ Beware the sinister spirits when you enter the Dark Court.  I guarantee you will get lost in this story. When I visited ‘fingers of light stole through the branches of an ancient wood.’

 

 

Will ‘My Sweet Friend’ win the game of cat and mouse?

My Sweet Friend

Helene Leuschel

 

 

 

 

 

On one level, ‘My Sweet Friend’ is an insight into the way power struggles and politics operate in business and in personal relationships.  Beneath this narrative is a rather brilliant and poignant analysis of the human mind and mental illness.

Alexa and Rosie are presented via a first person narrative, and this insight plays tricks with the reader’s mind – one questions whose ‘game’ is dominant. The contrasting characters are presented using animal imagery of the cat and the mouse.  Careful choice of verbs indicates who is ‘ambushing’ the friendship.

Alexa, with her ‘immaculate looks’ appears very measured. Her controlled behaviour’ is teased out in every action and word.  Once self-control is lost, and the clouds are overhead, then it is a frightening place for Alexa.  Alexa’s state mind ends up in a place where the ‘waves had turned against each other, foam crowning as they crashed to the shore.’ Fear for the character evokes empathy.

Before reaching the crisis point, Alexa wears a mask of control like a cat waiting to pounce.  Rosie, is forced to confront her vulnerability.  She learns how ‘empathetic skills’ are viewed as weakness by some, if not ‘managed’.  Rosie’s language flows, driven by emotions, and she explains:

‘My cheeks were wet with tears by the time I reached home, feeling abandoned and used and stupid for letting myself be dragged…’

The long sentence and outpouring of emotions amplify the sense of vulnerability.  But the ‘sweet and sour’ characters begin to shift, as the dichotomy is not fixed. If one deconstructs the manipulator’s ‘game’ it is possible to fight back.  However, Alexa becomes isolated, vulnerable and needs support. I was intrigued with the way that this story manipulated my emotions.

‘My Sweet Friend’ is poetic exploration of vulnerability.  The novella is a shrewd demonstration that:

‘Behind the façade we are all human, fragile and sensitive to judgement.’

Leuschel cracks open the fragility of the human psyche in an artful manner, and clues about the characters’ vulnerabilities are woven into the text. This brutal, haunting story of the human psyche arms the reader with some survival tactics. Despite an uneasy feeling, one finds empathy for the manipulator. Perhaps, this novella will lead to a novel examining what shaped the manipulator’s behaviour, and what happens next.

To find out more about Helene please see my interview with her.

Patricia Feinberg Stoner’s Giggling Goggles

Tales from the Pays d’Oc

At Home in the Pays d’Oc made me giggle, and I was delighted to experience more divine comedy in a bundle of short stories. Do you fancy a tipple of laughter?   I can thoroughly recommend ‘Tales from the Pays d’Oc’ – what a treat! 

Patricia’s Tales from the Pays d’Oc are tasty morsels of France spiced with other cultures.  I peeped into the worlds of Morbignan and St Remy les Cevennes via Patricia’s giggling goggles and it appealed to my nosy nature. How I enjoyed the ‘babble of accents’ from: French, Dutch, German, Swedish and English inhabitants.  The ‘gossip fest’ tempted me throughout the stories.  Amusing and poignant observations are thrown in for good measure. For instance, I learned that ‘serious drinking won’t begin for an hour’ at ten o’clock.

Story: The Poet, the Thief and the Indian Prawn. Snatched the prawn from his plate almost in mid-air and hit the ground running

Oh, how I waited impatiently, in the café, for the news.  Who was dead?  What happened?  I even found myself adding details and was taught a naughty lesson.  Gossip was the only temptation to move me away from the market.  I drooled as ‘the fruit stalls spilled a cornucopia of cherries and strawberries and peaches, their scents voluptuous and enticing in the heat.’

I may have also been tempted by the character of Karl who is personified by the ‘big, butch vehicle’.  Hilarious!  Alas, we owned one of those ‘high – falutin’ ‘Bland Rovers’, so he may not have approved. The ending of the story made me laugh and laugh.  Patricia blends the humour so skilfully that I am in awe – again!

Story: Oops! The nearside front wheel slithered into thin air and they lurched to a stop.

Armageddon Falls carried me along the flow of the narrative.  The author is skilled at building simple details of the characters, hinting at conflict and absorbing the reader in the dialogue. She manages to demonstrate how people would bemuse the French inhabitants.  I felt certain the author would teach the Americans a lesson.  How can an artist declare, ‘when you’ve seen one vine, you’ve seen them all’?

All the characters are vibrant, and I love the way the style of each story reflects the personalities.  Sheer genius in every single morsel of these bite size temptations.  The enigma of the ‘boy in the pool’ is beautifully conveyed.  Who is he?  The mystery of the summer visitor combined with the mystery of the boy in the pool is brilliant.

Story: A-sitting on a Bench Sitting on the bench they have their measure of the place, but don’t expect to gossip with this crowd if you are ‘anglais’

The dog named ‘Useless’ who becomes a Greek goddess is great.  I loved this dog!  Moreover, I wanted to eat the truffle omelette on my snow-covered patio.  Indeed, animals are also wonderful, intelligent characters in the collection of stories.

Let’s not forget the eccentric French characters who throw themselves into: truffle hunting, boar hunting, village fetes, food, parties’ wine and, of course, amorous liaisons.  French culture is explored, dissected and presented on a plate. The villagers are stubborn and reluctant to change but sometimes surprise you.  There are amusing, everyday incidents, but as you weave in and out of the characters’ lives, you get to meet them several times.  The ‘good ol’ boys’ are a constant presence throughout the stories.  Sitting on the bench they have their measure of the place, but don’t expect to gossip with this crowd if you are ‘anglais’ like Henry or even a Parisienne.  You could listen to Josephine, the town crier, and find out how she is taught a lesson.  Perhaps you’d like to join the Saturday Club to discover why the ‘swing doors flung open, and on a roar of “Ou est -il donc?”’ Has Kiki been up to his ‘old tricks’ or are you in the middle of a western?  Beware of the raging woodman!  Admire, the author’s wonderful turn of phrase and stand back when Paulette grabs ‘a fistful of blonde hair with a struggling, protesting eighteen-year-old attached.’ Discover how Patricia manages to rub a little salt into the wounded pride of the various characters. No one escapes her witty observation.

Story: Cheeky ‘… and don’t come back!’

Morsels of Morbignan are ‘tres amusant’. Each story made me declare: ‘Ah, or ‘Je vois’ or ‘oh la la’.  The author transported me over the English Channel and made me think in schoolgirl French (minus the accents).  Desperate for the denouement of each tale, I burnt a stew, but it was an excuse to open a bottle of French wine.  These stories would make a perfect Sunday evening TV series.

Cheers, Patricia!  I can’t wait for more tempting morsels.

About Patricia

Patricia Feinberg Stoner began her career as a graduate trainee with the Liverpool Daily Post.

Quickly discovering she was a terrible reporter, she switched to feature writing and since then her career has revolved around the written word, as a journalist, advertising copywriter and publicist. For many years she was international press officer for Granada Television, leaving to set up her own publicity business, The Good Word.

Once a dyed-in-the-wool Londoner, Patricia now lives in West Sussex with her husband Patrick, also a writer. She is a member of CHINDI independent authors.

Her first book, ‘Paw Prints in the Butter’, is a collection of humorous verse about cats, sold in aid of WADARS, a local animal rescue charity. She followed this with ‘At Home in the Pays d’Oc’ which, she says, is the story of two accidental expatriates in the south of France. The book won a Five Star Book Award from One Stop Fiction.

November 2017 saw the publication of Patricia’s third book – ‘The Little Book of Rude Limericks’. Despite the title, she warns that not all of the limericks in the book are rude: in fact, some are perfectly polite. However, there are exceptions.

Her latest book revisits the Languedoc with a collection of short stories: ‘Tales from the Pays d’Oc‘. In its pages you will discover what Matthieu was doing in the olive tree, who stole the Indian prawn and who rescued two hapless Americans at Armageddon Falls.