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.

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.