Kim The Bookworm: September 2013

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

Cover reveal - Gracie's War by Elaine Everest

Publishing 15^th October 2013

Do our actions and decisions mark us and stay with us for the rest of our lives? Gracie has her life before her as the dark clouds of the Second World War gather.

Though she and her family cope well with the stresses on the home front, Gracie's transformation to adulthood is swifter and more brutal than she could have ever imagined.

Gracie meets Tony, who arouses such feelings in her that she has never experienced before - not with Joe her regular beau who considers her his girl. Then, one night, one mistake, and she realises she is carrying Joe's child.

And now Tony has gone to war.

About the Author

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Elaine Everest is a freelance writer and lives in Swanley, Kent with her husband Michael and Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry. She has written over sixty short stories for women’s magazines worldwide. Her features have appeared in publications ranging from The Guardian, The Daily Express and the Daily Mail to My Weekly and Your Dog. Her opinion pieces have led to many appearances on radio including chatting to Jenni Murray on Woman’s Hour about having a husband under her feet all day long. Elaine has written numerous columns for canine publications centred around her expertise in the world of dogs. This has led to commissions to write three successful books for dog owners.

Elaine’s successful writing life led her to become a qualified teacher for adult education. Four years ago she founded The Write Place creative writing school and holds regular classes at The Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford Kent.

Elaine was BBC Radio Short Story Writer of the Year in 2003, short listed for The Harry Bowling Prize in 2012, Short listed for The Festival of Romance novel competition in 2012 and winner of the Myrmidon Books (Pulse Romance) Write for Us competition in 2013.

Gracie’s War is her first published novel and is set in North West Kent where she grew up. A member of the Romantic Novelist Association, Elaine is a graduate of the RNA New Writers Scheme. Gracie’s War is short listed for their Joan Hessayon Award in 2014.

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Sunday, 8 September 2013

Review - Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell

What a completely and utterly incredible and adorable book!

In the 80s Elizabeth Dean travels to Guernsey to meet Arlette, her step-grandmother who needs looking after. When they meet they become great friends. Elizabeth becomes Betty and through a mutual admiration it is decided that Betty should stay on to care for Arlette into her old age.

The book then reverts back to the 1920s when Arlette travels to England to live with her mother's friend and becomes a socialite mixed up in a whirl of parties, glamour and jazz music. Deep love and happiness, then tragedy and sorrow sees Arlette flee back to Guernsey.

In the 90s, Arlette sadly passes away and in her will leaves some of her inheritance to a mystery lady called Clara Pickle, a lady that no-one in the family has ever heard of and Betty finds a book with an inscription in the front of it to Clara. Betty feels that Arlette wanted her to solve the puzzle and find this mystery woman who was so clearly very important, so she sets of on an adventure to London and starts to uncover the secrets of her grandmother's life while building a new life for herself.

WOW! I was gripped from the first page. I become very quickly totally and completely immersed in the two time-zones and the two lives of Betty and Arlette. I was mesmerised by the life of Arlette in London in the 20s and also absolutely swept up in Betty's life in the 90s. It was so refreshing to read about a time without mobile phones and Google, when research meant trawling through a library full of Encyclopedia Britannia (I remember it well!).

As the plot unfolded and parts of the mystery solved, I found myself holding my breath in anticipation to see what would be revealed next. I felt so involved with it, it was as if it were my own family's story. I was so engrossed that I could not possibly wait to find out where the plot went next. There were lots of twists and turns along the way, along with lots of love, heartbreak, happiness and sorrow.

Both Betty and Arlette were amazing characters, I loved them both dearly. I felt heartbroken when they did, excited when they did and lived every second of the book as each of them. Totally rivetting, this book is one I don't think I'll ever forget.

It was lovely to read about Lisa and her reading journey at the end of the book too. Extremely encouraging for anyone who might be thinking about writing a book. Lisa Jewell is a complete inspiration to me personally; a completely awesome and amazingly talented author.

Lisa Jewell was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She is the bestselling author of a number of brilliant novels. You can find out more about Lisa at her website www.lisa-jewell.co.uk

You can follow her on Twitter too.

You can buy this book on Amazon UK by clicking here.

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Bedknobs and Bachelors by Kathryn Brown

Today I am joined by my very good friend, the lovely Kathryn Brown, author of Discovery at Rosehill (fabulous) and Nightingale Woods (brilliant). As there was a huge difference between these two books, I asked Kathryn her thoughts behind her latest offering which she launched earlier this week on 3rd September.

Here's what she told me:

Not one to stick to the same genre, either when I’m writing a book or reading one, I decided this time I would tackle the subject of humour, mainly in the form of horny bachelors. Not that I know many horny bachelors you understand, well, not these days *cough*, but I’ve read so many fabulous novels over the past twelve months, written in the first person from a male’s point of view.

I love a good romance and a gritty murder/mystery, but I also like a good laugh, and having been inspired by these books, I decided it was time I had a go myself. Therein was created ladies’ man, Gary Stringer, a hapless bachelor with a love for life, a love for the women and a particular desire for sex. But don’t think he’s all trousers and no man, he’s got a sensitive nature also, especially where his mum is concerned. And he doesn’t like the fact one of his best mates, also a bachelor and a ladies’ man, has the hots for her.

Gary gets himself into trouble on many occasions, usually when one of his ‘one-night-stands’ turns out not to be all he thought. But he has a way with words, always manages to wheedle his way around an awkward situation, until one day he realises he might just have to change his ways. Fast approaching thirty, still living with his mum; he has a dilemma when he needs to make a choice between two women, both of whom he is particularly fond. You’ll have to read to the end if you want to find out who Gary chooses, but the twists and turns of his ‘love life’ mean he’s never without a tale to tell on a lad’s night out.

Bedknobs and Bachelors is now available in eBook Amazon.co.uk (Kindle) and paperback Amazon.co.uk (paperback)

Blurb

Gary Stringer seems to have it all: a great job, fantastic friends, a love for the night-life and a penchant for sex. However, upholding his reputation as a ladies’ man isn’t quite that easy when, at twenty-seven, he still hasn’t cut the apron strings.

What Gary wants more than anything is his own bachelor pad – a place where the ever-increasing notches on his bedpost can be noisily etched, far away from the watchful eyes of his mother. But can he afford it? More to the point, is he actually ready to take that leap and, for once in his life, wash his own socks?

As Gary ponders his dilemma, he’s faced with yet another when two beautiful women enter his life within a matter of days. Will his reputation precede him? Will he make the decision to string along two women? Or will he finally admit that the feeling in his heart is a little more than just indigestion? Will it be Janice or Lisa? And will Alfie and Jez – his lifelong bachelor friends – be a help or a hindrance?

Other Links:

Learn more about Kathryn and follow her blog: www.crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com

Follow Kathryn on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CrystalJigsaw

Launch and review of Sophie's Encore by Nicky Wells

Happy, exhilarated, bereft. That's how author Nicky Wells feels now she has finished her trilogy. To be honest, I'm feeling all those things too now I've finished reading all three of these brilliantly written books! I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to be alongside her along the way.

But now she's finished the trilogy - is that it? Not a chance! Nicky has a surprise later this year, when her fourth full-length book, Fallen For Rock, is scheduled for release in the summer of 2014. Can't wait to get my hands on it!

But for now - its’ time to Rock And Roll in earnest! Yes, Nicky Wells is here to celebrate the upcoming launch of Sophie’s Encore. Three cheers for the third book in her Rock Star Romance Trilogy!!!

Says Nicky,

“I’m so excited to share with you, finally, this third installment in Sophie and Dan’s epic romance! Thank you for coming to celebrate with me. Read on for:

The blurb!

The fantabulous giveaway!

But most of all, enjoy yourself and party hard! Are you ready?”

Sophie’s Encore — The Blurb

Her rock star is waiting in the wings, but will he get a second chance?

It’s all change for Sophie Jones—only this time, there is more at stake than just her happiness.

Rock star extraordinaire, Dan Hunter, has been her patient and caring friend through the highs and lows since her wedding day, but now he figures it is time for her to start over. By stealth, the rock singer draws Sophie into the behind-the-scenes work for his band’s latest album. Through the days and weeks spent together at the mixing desk, Sophie discovers whole new horizons for her life, yet before she can even begin to explore them, she faces the very real threat of losing her rock star for good.

Join Sophie and Dan in Sophie’s Encore to find out how their journey will end…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what did I think? Here's my review.

I loved both Sophie's Turn and Sophie's Run and wondered how the plot would develop in the third book of the trilogy. Because it had been a few month's since I read Sophie's Run, I was also unsure how quickly I would get back into the story. Not something I had to worry about with this stunner of a book. Within the first few pages I was firmly ensconced back into this fabulous storyline and was not planning to move!

When it ended, I was really quite sad! I just wanted to carry on living with these characters who I feel I knew in their lives. One minute I was Sophie, the next I was Dan (if that doesn't sound a bit freaky!). Nicky Wells puts so much effort into developing her characters and making you love them, it really pays off. I also knew the way I wanted the story to end and was starting to worry at one point which way it would turn and how I was going to cope.

I could honestly follow this couple until they are well into their old age so hope the author has plenty more adventures up her sleeve! Brilliantly written by Nicky Wells, lots of laugh out loud giggles, plenty of tears and emotional ups and downs along the way with some rather raunchy thrown in, I do believe her ladyship has excelled herself with Sophie's Encore!

You don't have to take my word for it. Here are some instructions to do next: Use the links above to buy the book. When you have received it, get rid of your house mates, shut the curtains, take the phone off the hook, and under no circumstances - do not answer the door. You should make a flask up and you may need a box of chocs to dip into from time to time or some snacks as cooking is definitely off the agenda! Then curl up on the sofa, make sure you are comfortable and read away to your heart's content and enjoy every second! (Oh and don't forget to leave a review on Amazon too.)

Party Time — The ENCORE PARTY!!

Join in the release day fun!! Come on and party with Nicky —

On her blog

On Facebook

On Twitter — #SophiesEncore

Moreover! In honor of the launch, the first two books in the Rock Star Romance Trilogy are available on Kindle for only $0.99/£0.77 for a limited time only!

If you haven’t already got them, go get them here:

Sophie’s TURN: AMAZON.CO.UK | AMAZON.COM

Sophie’s RUN: AMAZON.CO.UK | AMAZON.COM

If you’ve already read them, share the joy and spread the word!

Party Time — The GIVEAWAY!!!

1 x signed Sophie’s Encore Poster
2 x Sophie’s Encore Mugs
1 x Sophie’s Run Mug
1 x $10 Amazon Gift Voucher (or equivalent currency)
2 x Sophie’s Encore Key Ring
1 x Sophie’s Run Key Ring
2 x “Swag Pack” featuring 2 postcards (1 signed) each for all three Rock Star Romance books, and 2 bookmarks each for Sophie’s Turn and Sophie’s Run

ENTER HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway closes 30 September at 12 midnight BST.

Entrants must be 18 or over. Giveaway is open internationally.

About Nicky Wells

Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick author. Signed to US Publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing, Nicky writes Romance That Rocks Your World, featuring the rock star and the girl next door.

Nicky’s books offer glitzy, glamorous contemporary romance with a rock theme ~ imagine Bridget Jones ROCKS Notting Hill!

Born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 and currently lives in Lincoln. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington, D.C. Like her leading lady, Sophie, Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor to The Midweek Drive show on Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!

*Nicky waves*

Whoa! What a party! I hope you enjoyed yourself. Thank you again for stopping by Kim's blog today to help me celebrate. Happy reading and rock on! And don’t forget to say ‘hi’, I’d love to hear from you and I will come back to chat later!

Sunday, 1 September 2013

I'm thoroughly delighted to be joined today by author of romantic comedy novels Lynda Renham who has very kindly offered to let me delve into her life by asking her some questions. Today is the launch day of her latest book which I finished yesterday. Clevery titled 'The Valentine Present and other diabolical liberties' it is hilarious, lively, action-packed and romantic all rolled into one.

A brilliantly entertaining book which I couldn't put down and was an absolute pleasure to read.
Like a breath of fresh air in your life to make you smile!

You can buy this book on Kindle version today via Amazon.co.uk by clicking here.

If you prefer the paperback version you can pre-order it and it will be available on 1st October.

Hi Lynda. Thank you so much for joining me on launch day for your new book. When did you first realise that you wanted to be an author?

I was seven and I had a piece published in a children’s magazine and I thought ‘aye aye, money can be made from this malarkey.

Can you tell us a little about your writing journey?

I started writing at about thirteen and stopped when I married in my twenties. It was not a bad marriage but it wasn’t one where I felt I had the support to do it plus life kind of took over. Bills and all that stuff took priority. Nineteen years later we broke up and some years later I married again and my now husband, Andrew found my old material and didn’t stop nagging until I wrote again. I owe him a huge debt.

How did it make you feel to hold your very first book in your hands?

Fabulous, but you know the whole thing for me is the readers. I love and adore them. They make me feel like I have all these wonderful friends. It is a wonderful feeling. I love writing the stuff that makes them smile and feel good.

How on earth do you come up with such quirky titles?

It’s agony. Andrew and I spend days and weeks going ‘Jam and Bees? No, okay ‘Cakes and Jam’ and so it goes on. The new one ‘The Valentine Present and Other Diabolical Liberties’ came about us joking about the gangsters in the book and we thought, hey there’s a good title. ‘Pink Wellies and Flat Caps’ started out as ‘Pink Wellingtons and Flat Caps’ until the cover designer emailed about a query and called it ‘Pink Wellies and Flat Caps’ and I thought, yes, that works. It has been called ‘Pink Willies’ often too in error obviously.

Where is the place that inspires you most to write?

Our summer house. I love being where it is hot.

You write romantic comedies. What sort of books do you like to read and do you have any favourite books and authors?

I love horror and gangster crime. I’m a big fan of Kimberley Chambers and Peter James. I don’t get to read much though, to be honest. I have always loved ‘The Heart Listens’ by Helen Van Slyke I also adore Iris Murdoch.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Listening to music. Watching DVDs and walking in my village with my camera around my neck.

Would you ever consider or have you ever written for say a TV sitcom?

I would love to do it. It is just finding the time really. But yes, that is an ambition of mine. A sitcom would be fun to do. I still will, one day.

What advice would you give to a wannabee author?

Three words. NEVER GIVE UP

What advice would you give to an author or blogger, to not be sucked in to spending long amounts of time being distracted by social media platforms? Do you take your own advice?

I use social media to promote my books. The trick is to get the balance. I think many writers have achieved that. It is about balancing your time and not getting carried away. Having said that, it’s where I procrastinate the most, that or the fridge.

What is next for Lynda Renham?

Always another book. What else?

Great news that she'll be writing more. Can't wait to read more of her work.

To find out even more about Lynda, you can follow her on Twitter, like her on Facebook and check out her website. You can also check out her other books on Amazon UK.

Interview to celebrate the launch of The Valentine Present and otherdiabolical liberties by Lynda Renham

A brilliantly entertaining book which I couldn't put down and was an absolute pleasure to read.

You can buy this book on Kindle version today via Amazon.co.uk by clicking here. If you prefer the paperback version you can pre-order it and it will be available on 1st October.