Archive for June 2013
Cover Reveal - Missing Believed Dead by Chris Longmuir
About the book:
Missing children! Internet predators! Dead bodies!
She crossed his arms over his chest, and placed the jade beads in his eyes. ‘To remind you of me,’ she said.
Jade was 13 when she disappeared, five years ago, and DS Bill Murphy suspects someone from her family is responsible for recent Dundee murders. But is it her mother, Diane, who now suffers from OCD? Or Emma, her twin sister, who was catatonic for a year after Jade’s disappearance. Or Jade’s brother, Ryan, who enjoys dressing in women’s clothes and is going through a sexuality crisis, unsure whether or not he is gay.
What happened to Jade? Is she alive or dead? Or has she returned to wreak a terrible revenge on all male predators?
The book will be officially launched on the 11th July and you are invited to meet Chris Longmuir herself! The book will be available to purchase on 1st July!
Author Bio
Chris Longmuir
was born in Wiltshire and now lives in Angus. Her family moved to Scotland
Her crime novels are set in Dundee , Scotland America and Britain
Chris is a
member of the Society of Authors, the Crime Writers Association and the
Scottish Association of Writers. She designed her own website and confesses to
being a techno-geek who builds computers in her spare time.
Chris Longmuir
is an award winning novelist. Night Watcher, the first book in the Dundee Crime
Series, won the Scottish Association of Writers’ Pitlochry Award, and the
sequel, Dead Wood, won the Dundee International Book Prize, as well as the
Pitlochry Award.
Links
Title: Missing Believed Dead
Series: Dundee Crime Series
Author: Chris Longmuir
Cover designer: Cathy Helms, Avalon Graphics
Genre: Crime thriller
Release date: 1 July 2013
Ceri's Journey : Angels by Linn B Halton
Ceri
can see Angels. They appear to give her warnings so that she can help other
people. Although Ceri has been able to help many people, she is resentful of how
her premonitions have impacted on her personal life. Whilst Ceri is saving
other people her love life has suffered as a consequence. There are few people
she trusts to share her secret and she is feeling alone and isolated. Ceri is a twin and finds it incredible that
her twin brother Seb neither shares her gift nor tries to understand it. Ceri struggles with trusting someone close to
her and telling them about the burden she carries. What does life hold for Ceri and are things
spiralling out of control for her?
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Having
read Linn B Halton’s book Never Alone, I was thrilled to be offered the
opportunity to read Ceri’s Journey. The
subject matter interests me greatly and I was not disappointed with this great
little book which I devoured in one sitting.
Linn B Halton has created such interesting characters and I love the way
they develop throughout the course of the book.
The reader feels Ceri’s frustration about not being able to change the
course of her own life when she has a hand in changing the destiny of
others. I can highly recommend this book
for those of you who love a good paranormal romance. The book ended on a
cliff-hanger and has me desperate for the next book. I just didn’t want it to
end! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Linn B Halton is a fantastic
writer and her writing style will have you hooked from page one.
Introducing Ceri's
journey: Angels – a psychic romance
Release party on Loveahappyending
Lifestyle emag July 6th, 2013
This is a three-part series (each book is a novella of around
30,000 words in length - Angels, Truth and Decisions) and it follows Ceri's
journey - her
love story with the sensitive and loving Alex. I have written a
couple of novels now that feature life after death, the ‘other’ side and each
time I like to think I’ve sparked some very different questions. In Ceri’s
journey it’s all about the detail of how it works when angels experience life
on earth. Angels are only in heaven, right? But what if there are rare
occasions when they are called here to carry out a specific task?
It’s been a surreal time spending my days trying to figure out
the why, what, when and how of life as an angel. Snapping back into my regular
wife and mom role isn’t always easy. It’s a bit like having to come back down
to earth, as after a long day of writing I then have to write shopping lists
and think about the ironing. In truth, once you have a work-in-progress (I’m
half-way through the second novella, Truth, at the moment) it never leaves you.
Even after you go to bed you find yourself jumping up in the middle of the
night and having to jot down an idea that pops into your head. It’s all in a
day’s work for a writer .....
But let's start the very
beginning... with Ceri's journey: Angels, the release party will be
featured on Loveahappyending Lifestyle emag on July 6th, 2013.
Pop over to http://loveahappyending.com on that day for details
of how to win an angel all of your very own!
Ceri thinks she
sees angels…everywhere. She struggles to keep separate what feels like two very
different sides to her life. As a manager in an advertising company she’s been
working with the gorgeous Alex for two years. They have a friendship based upon
the image she portrays whilst she’s at work and it helps to keep her sane. One
mad, crazy night spent sharing their secrets, and a lot of wine, result in them
ending up in bed together. When Alex explains that the reason he doesn’t date
is because someone broke his heart, how can Ceri admit that she feels a deep
connection to him?
Ceri's purpose
here on this plane is to correct a series of incidents that alter the course of
many of the people's lives with whom she comes into contact. She’s simply
putting right little errors that could ripple outwards and change the course of
their destiny. But how can she prove that she really has made a difference? Is
it all in her head?
She's alone for a reason; she's not meant to fall in love in her
earthly life. Alex is supposed to cross paths with her and help Ceri during a
phase where she begins to question the signs she’s being given. It's meant to
be a turning point for them both—but in opposite directions. They are destined
to travel very different paths…but Ceri doesn’t know that and neither does
Alex…
This is a romance story that explores the possibility of there
being something more than just the ‘here and now’. If that were the case, how
would it work? What keeps us on the path determined for us, when we have free
will? How would the spirit world link with us as we go about our lives? Love is
a powerful emotion, but can it change the course of someone’s destiny? Ceri’s
journey has begun.
Linn’s links:
Website
Twitter: @LinnBHalton
Facebook: Facebook: Linn B Halton and Author Linn B Halton
Amazon.co.uk (buy)
Amazon.com (buy)
Pinterest
A Loveahappyending Lifestyle feature editor
Signed by: http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/linnbhalton
Romantic Novelists’ Association page
Twitter: @LinnBHalton
Facebook: Facebook: Linn B Halton and Author Linn B Halton
Amazon.co.uk (buy)
Amazon.com (buy)
A Loveahappyending Lifestyle feature editor
Signed by: http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/linnbhalton
Romantic Novelists’ Association page
Little White Lies and Butterflies by Suzie Tullett
Lydia Livingston isn't like other young women of her generation. She isn't career driven and her greatest ambition in life is to get married and have a family of her own. She isn't one of those women who wants it all. In the modern world of high powered business and women struggling to achieve a glittering career and balance a family life, Lydia is considered somewhat of an oddity. Unfortunately for Lydia, her ambitions for a perfect husband and a family have not come to fruition and approaching her 30th birthday, she is still single. And not happy about it! Frustrated with the direction her life is going, Lydia decides to go abroad to re-evaluate life and the lack of a man in it. This also gives her the opportunity to get away from her family who are driving her nuts!
Lydia finds herself on a beautiful Greek island where she rather stupidly tries to reinvent herself - as a professional chef. Thinking that her little white lie couldn't possibly cause any problems, Lydia soon realises that that lie will propel her into a series of events - namely being asked to cater for a Greek wedding! Not great for a woman who can't even boil water! To further complicate matters, Lydia meets Sam and hates him on sight, convinced that after finding out about her little white lie, he is going to blackmail her. Just when things can't get any worse for Lydia, they do! How will the Greeks and Lydia cope with the arrival of the rest of the Livingston clan!? Is there anyway out of the mess Lydia manages to get herself in? Is Sam all he appears to be?
This wonderful book by Suzie Tullett is the sort of book that is perfect for holiday reading. Set in the beautiful Greek island of Kalymnos, the descriptions of the outstanding scenery instantly transports the reader there and the author's knowledge of the area is evident. I adore the main character Lydia. I love that she goes against convention and wants a husband and family instead of a career. Lydia was such a refreshing and vibrant character.
Little White Lies and Butterflies was a great romantic comedy that had so many cringe-worthy moments for poor Lydia that I often found myself shouting out.......'No Lydia!!!' This is a great fun read with just the right amount of romance and comedy throughout and highlighted just how important family can be, no matter how crazy they are! I defy anyone not to love Lydia and her family instantly, despite the comedy situations they manage to find themselves in. Suzie Tullett has a writing style that is easy to read and leaves the reader with that 'feel good' factor that is so important. I shall be following her career with interest. Little White Lies and Butterflies is published 1st August 2013.
*I had a very special interest in this book as I was the editor so I can doubly recommend it!
About the Author
About the Author
Born and raised in Lancashire, Suzie Tullett has worn many hats in life: from office work to teaching, from managing an advice centre to being an outreach worker for Women’s Aid. She’s achieved a Bachelor’s and a Master’s and works with the BBC as a scriptwriter—all while raising her family. Ultimately, she wants to leave scriptwriting behind and write full-time. She says “it’s fair to say my working life has given me the chance to get to know all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds; a definite asset for anyone looking to write for a living.”
Author Links:
Synopsis
A child of the nineties, Lydia Livingston is different. The last thing she’s ever wanted is to be superwoman; she knows first-hand that ‘having it all’ isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. As far as she’s concerned, when it comes to job versus family, it’s a definite case of one or the other. And whilst most women her age have spent years climbing the corporate ladder, she’s made a career out of bagging her perfect man.At almost thirty and still single, Lydia wonders if she’d made the right choice all those years ago. And realising the time has come to take stock, she goes against her family’s wishes and banishes herself off to a distant land—all in the hope of finding a new direction.
At least that’s the plan. But Lydia Livingston isn’t just different, she’s misunderstood. A fact she knows all too well. So when the totally unsuitable Sam comes along, she decides to tell a little white lie, reinventing herself as a professional chef – not exactly the best new identity to come up with for a woman who can’t even cook. Of course, the last thing she expects is for him to find out the truth and start blackmailing her. Let alone find herself roped into catering for a local wedding. But with things going from bad to worse, her madder than mad family also turn up in something of a surprise visit, intent on celebrating a birthday she’s no intentions of celebrating!
Belfast Book Festival 2013 - Meeting John Boyne
This year I attended an event at
the Belfast Book Festival which ran from 10th - 16th June. It was the first time I'd attended such an event and
had hoped to attend more of the Festival but work commitments meant the only event
I was able to go to was a reading by John Boyne, of his new book ‘This House is
Haunted’. There subsequently followed an interview with John Boyne and a book
signing.
When I arrived at the venue -
The Crescent Arts Centre, I was pleasantly surprised to be lead into a large
room with a stage at the front and lots of round tables with black tablecloths
and candles. I wasn't sure if I was walking into a book reading or a séance!
The atmosphere was fab and perfect for a reading from a ghost story. The event
was attended by people of all ages from young kids who were obviously huge fans
of John Boyne's children's books, to older adults. It was great to sit and have
a chat with fellow book lovers before the reading began.
When John Boyne came onto the
stage he began to read an excerpt from the new book. The book is essentially a
ghost story and is narrated by a governess, Eliza Caine. The year is 1867. The
extract that was read was when Eliza meets, for the first time, the two
children who are to be in her charge. The reading certainly piqued my interest
in the book as I adore a good atmospheric ghost story.
After the reading came an
interview with Hugh Odling Smee, who is himself a writer and theatre producer. So,
just what did I, a reader and blogger discover about the book, Mr Boyne himself
and the writing process. With Eliza, John Boyne had wanted to create a strong
female character, and the story to be told from a female perspective. It is the
first time he has written a book this way and he wanted Eliza to be
strong-willed and brave. Eliza is essentially a Feminist before Feminism itself
became a strong movement. She is described as 'a modern.'
A lot of John Boyne’s children’s
books have child characters who are enduring some form of difficulty or
hardship. John Boyne himself did not have a difficult childhood. He talked
about how it was in fact a great childhood but he is interested in how early
childhood experiences can ultimately shape us and how we overcome them.
The interview then turned to how
John Boyne writes his books and how he structures his writing. He discussed how
he used to have set plots but doesn't tend to do that so much now since he
wrote ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’. He now starts with a general idea /
character / theme and simply writes, seeing where the story will take him. As
he went on to explain, he feels that he can use this style of writing and plot
development as he is now more confident as a writer. When he is close to
finishing a book he starts to get his idea for the next book and never seems to
take time off from writing. Does John Boyne get writers block or get ‘stuck in
a rut’ like some writers do? This was one of the questions posed by an audience
member. He replied by saying that he must be very disciplined and write every
day. This is certainly what I am hearing from a lot of the writers that I
interview for the blog. It’s obviously good advice. He went on to say that he certainly
doesn't believe in being struck by inspiration but remains focused on the story
he is working on.
Given that the new book is a
ghost story we were treated to the writers own experiences and he told the
audience a great 'true' ghost story about not just one ghost but an entire pub-full
of ghosts. Only in Ireland would the ghosts be enjoying a Guinness! He went on
to discuss how he likes ghost stories because he likes being scared and had
always wanted to write a good ghost story himself. He always knew that his
ghost story would be called ‘This House is Haunted.’ There was further
discussion later on in the evening around book titles. A member of the audience
enquired as to how he got the ideas for his titles and whether they evolved
further along the writing process. He discussed how his latest book ‘Stay Where
You are and Then Leave’ came about after he visited Christchurch in New Zealand
which unfortunately experienced a serious earthquake a few years ago. He read a
safety advice notice about what to do in the event of an earthquake – Stay where
you are and then leave! This was apparently a ‘light bulb moment’ for him. He
went on to discuss how his biggest regret was the title that he eventually
settled on for his book 'Mutiny on The Bounty'. The original title was ‘Bligh and
I’ but he was convinced by his publisher to change it.
In order to carry out research
for his novels John Boyne tries to read books written in the particular era
that his own book will be set. He feels that this is the best way to gain a
true sense of language and etiquette of a particular era rather than reading
about it in history books or books written about an era in history. In ‘This
House is Haunted’, there is a theme of class divide and of the hierarchy even
within the classes. John Boyne is a huge Charles Dicken's fan and has read his
books many times over. After reading all of Dickens’s 'orphan' books he became
obsessed with orphans and boarding schools. He discussed how he would love to
see children today read more Dickens but feels that the format of such books
puts children off a little.
No-one could of course forget
John Boyne's acclaimed book ‘The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas’. He was asked if
he was worried whether through the film adaptation of his book, the emotions of
the characters and their experiences would be conveyed properly. He said that
he didn't give it too much thought and essentially doesn't set out to write a
book that he hopes will be adapted. However, at the moment a screen play is
being written for his book ‘The Absolutionist’. Despite his books being set in
countries all over the world, he hasn't yet written any set in Ireland. His
next book will be!
Another question posed to him
was around what we can, as readers expect next from him. Well, he has a
children’s book due for release soon – 'Stay where You are and Then Leave' which
is due to be released on 26th September. He is in the process of
writing an adult’s book at the moment which is the book due to be set in Ireland
and he is a little nervous about that and whether he will be able to convey and
represent the area, the place he grew up, properly.
I found John Boyne to be an
extremely interesting and pleasant person and really enjoyed my first experience
of such a literary event. Afterwards there was the opportunity to purchase some
of his books and he very kindly signed them for me. I was a bit star struck and
did stumble a bit when he asked how I spelled my name! The man must think I am
a total idiot!
How Not to Murder Your Grumpy by Carol E Wyer
At
some point in a woman's life she says to herself, 'If that man doesn't get out
from under my feet I am actually going to kill him!" What? No? Oh is that
just me? I don't believe you! Well anyway, I digress. Carol E Wyer has written
a wonderfully fun little book called How Not To Murder your Grumpy.
This
very brightly coloured book is a must to the woman who has a man at home who is
driving them insane. Especially useful to the woman who has one of those hard
to manage retired grumpy! This very funny book lists in alphabetical order some
activities for your grumpy to keep him out of the house and away from the
rolling pin that you keep ready to hit him over the head with.
How
Not to Murder Your Grumpy is such a fantastically funny guide that provides you
with ideas for hobbies to keep your grumpy busy. I'd especially like to see my
grumpy take part in Zorbing or Extreme Ironing! Those of you who have read any of Carol E Wyer's previous books will know just what a funny lady she is and this book does not disappoint. I recommend you read it with a glass of wine in one hand and a small tribe of your girlfriends cackling along with you!
I made some suggestions outlined in the book to my very own grumpy (the not retired species) and he raised a very grumpy looking eyebrow at me and shuffled off to complain about some teenager with pink hair who had just walked passed the house. Oh I so can't wait until he retires...........not! My only saving grace is that he will hopefully spend his retirement on the golf course!
So, if you want a bit of a giggle then you need this book. Of course, once you have finished reading it you can always throw it at your grumpy when he refuses to leave the house! I read the book in one sitting, having a bit of a laugh as I went along. I loved it. Well done to Carol E Wyer for giving us more laughs.
There
is some fab swag to win as part of the book tour! Just use the Rafflecopter
link!
You
can also take part in the How Not to Murder Your Grumpy high jinks going on
over at the Events Page. Total madness. You will love it!
The Blurb!
Is
your Grumpy Old Man getting under your feet? Is he wrestling with retirement?
Are you wondering if you should bundle him up and entrust him to basket-weaving
classes? Then this book could be the answer to your prayers. This light hearted
guide is packed full of lively ideas, anecdotes and quips. Not only does it set
out to provide laughs, but offers over 700 ideas and ways to keep a Grumpy Old
Man occupied.
From
collecting airline sick bags to zorbing, you will be sure to find an absorbing
pastime for your beloved curmudgeon. There are examples of those who have faced
extraordinary challenges in older age, fascinating facts to interest a
reluctant partner and innovative ideas drizzled, of course, with a large dollop
of humour.
Written
tongue-in-cheek, this book succeeds in proving that getting older doesn't mean
the end of life or having fun. It provides amusing answers to the question,
"How on Earth will my husband fill in his time in his retirement?" It
offers suggestions on what might, or most certainly might not, amuse him. Ideal
for trivia buffs, those approaching retirement, (or just at a loose end) and
frustrated women who have an irritable male on their hands, this book will
lighten any mood and may even prevent the odd murder.
The
following is an excerpt from a recent article published in Men’s Health on NBC
News
The
look: A scowling face, a wagging finger, and a shaking head. The targets: The
economy. Teenagers. Windmills.
Some
informally dub it “grumpy old man complex.” British author Carol Wyer labels it
“irritable male syndrome,” a spike in the outward crankiness of guys of a
certain age.
“Women
have friends and we talk about our problems and we take medication and all that
kind of stuff. But for men, it’s something they suppress. It’s a male thing ,”
says Wyer, author of the upcoming humor book “How Not To Murder Your Grumpy."
Feeling
that they no longer are useful, especially, if a man has held an important
position in employment prior to retirement, "can result in severe
depression at worst and general grumpiness at best,” Wyer said.
Wyer's
husband of 25 years, John, turned 60 this year and became very grumpy just
after his birthday, she says. "I have spoken to other women in the same
position who have said exactly the same: Husbands, even those who have looked
forward to a big birthday, have become morose soon after,” Wyer says.
John
Wyer, who owned his own business and misses "the cut and thrust" of
his work, has self-diagnosed his own occasionally gloomy anger as something of
a byproduct of Western society’s collective view toward — and value of — people
who are 60 or beyond.
“One
of the things that really took hold of me was the fact that I was approaching a
ripe old age, let’s say, and I felt society can cast you off as a little bit of
a no-hoper. I just feel that isn’t right. I feel people in increasing years
have a lot to offer. And they shouldn’t cast off to one side. And I suppose my
grumpiness is a little bit of a protest against sliding down that particular
route,” he said.
“You
think, well, gosh, there’s got to be to be something a little more than this.
Being grumpy is just my way of getting through it and laughing at myself.”
Want
to know a bit about the lovely Carol? Oh ok then.............
About the Author:
After completing a
degree in French and English, Carol E Wyer became a language teacher. She
actually began her working life abroad, in Casablanca, Morocco, where she
taught English as a Foreign Language in an American Language school. It was
soon discovered that she could speak French rather well, and she became a
translator and teacher to large organisations and companies such as ‘Regie de
Tabac’, Morocco’s largest cigarette company, and the Mediterranean Shipping
Company.
After a few years she
was ‘head-hunted ‘to run the English as a Foreign Language department of a
private school in the UK. (Imagine Hogwarts without the wizardry.)
Carol taught English up
to, and including‘A’ Level, along with English as a Foreign Language. She also
qualified to teach pupils with Dyslexia and became Head of English for Special
Needs.
In 1988, Carol set up
her own language company called Language 2000 Ltd and worked in schools and for
companies. She taught a variety of languages, including basic Japanese, to all
ages and translated documents.
A recurrence of spinal
difficulties that began when she was a teenager, forced her to give up teaching
and choose a new direction. In order to deal with her health problems, Carol
attended a fitness course (Premier), took the qualifications to become a
fitness instructor and became a personal trainer. That led her to become a
trainer for others, particularly for older people who, like herself, had
undergone major surgery.
Thanks to older age,
Carol now no longer trains people, but she is currently writing a series of
novels, articles and books which takes a humorous look at getting older. It is
her hope that they will educate through laughter and help others appreciate
life.
Carol has written
several short stories over the years, including humorous books for children
which served to teach them French. She was not able to fulfil her desire to be
a full-time author until two years ago when her son flew from the nest, leaving
his bedroom which Carol turned into her office.
Since
then, she has written two novels, Mini Skirts and Laughter
Lines and Surfing
in Stilettos, both of which have
enjoyed media attention and success, becoming best sellers and winning awards.
Carol
writes regularly for author websites and she has recently become a contributing
author on a help guide entitled Tutorials and Tools for
Prospering in a Digital Age.
Carol’s
links:
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