Tag Archives: Carol Thomas Author Blog

Review of Tracy Bloom’s Dinner Party

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The blurb:

Never has an unexpected guest caused such chaos!

Three couples take it in turns to host a monthly dinner party.

Beth, Sarah and Marie have been friends forever. Now they are grown up, with busy lives, busy husbands, busy kids… but they still find time to meet up over dinner once a month. A cosy, comfortable gathering of happy couples – or so they thought.

Until one night, someone brings along a last-minute guest whose wife has just left him. 

Simon is standing on the doorstep in floods of tears. While the women do their best to console him, their husbands feel the need to mark their territory.

And as Simon becomes more involved with the group, his presence changes everything these three couples thought they knew about each other, leading to a final dinner party that no-one will ever forget.

Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Literary Humour

My review:

I always enjoy Tracy Bloom’s books. This one follows a different format to Tracy’s other books and is less of a laugh out loud read, but I found myself hooked and enjoyed discovering more about each of the characters. The storyline was interesting. Each of the characters and their individual relationships had something to add the story and I really enjoyed the developments throwing somebody new into the mix produced. Towards the end, the pace quickens as the intrigue and action increase. Overall this was another great Tracy Bloom read, I’d definitely recommend.

Click here to buy the book:

About the author:

Tracy Bloom started writing when her cruel, heartless husband ripped her away from her dream job shopping for rollercoasters for the UK’s leading theme parks, to live in America with a brand new baby and no mates. In a cunning plan to avoid domestic duties and people who didn’t understand her Derbyshire accent, she wrote her romantic comedy, No-One Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday. This debut novel went on to be successfully published internationally and became a #1 Best Seller.

You can find Tracy via her website | Facebook | Twitter

Thank you for the great read Tracy, my reviews are added to Amazon Uk and Goodreads. xx

Reflections on 2018

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As 2018 draws to a close I’d like to say thank you so much to all of those who have made my year by buying, borrowing, reading and reviewing my books. Your kindness and support are hugely appreciated!

Thank you also to all those who take the time to read my blog. It has been a year since I started it and what a great year it has been.

As well as having my first book published with Ruby fiction, and gaining my first Amazon Best Seller badge,  I have met new people, travelled and tried new things.

A big thank you to the Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction team for making this  dream come true!

In June I had the privilege of going to the Arte Umbria writing retreat with Sue Moorcroft. It turned out I was the only other writer booked, and so I had Sue all to myself for a week. It was a lot of fun, with a great many words written. Sue and I shared chats on the terrace (as well as the odd glass of wine and slice of cake!). I learnt a lot, but I think one of the most valuable lessons was how much you can achieve by putting your bottom in a seat, focusing and cracking on with your work in progress. Without that trip, my new book wouldn’t have been finished by the end of the year.

Umbria with Sue Moorcroft

In July I went to the Romantic Novelist’s Association Conference in Leeds. Despite knowing a few people who were also going, I was very nervous. When I arrived, I had missed the start of my first seminar due to traffic and so decided to get a cup of tea, and gather my bearings.

As I stood making my tea Katie Fforde, Jill Mansell and Milly Johnson walked in! They set about making their drinks, while I felt awestruck and more out of my depth than when I arrived late. But I didn’t need to worry. They took time to say hello and Katie Fforde came and chatted to me as she made her tea, about – well, to be honest, I can’t remember what because I was busy thinking – “Oh my goodness, I am talking to Katie Fforde!” What a fantastic start to a wonderful weekend. The conference was informative. The main highlight, for me, was the opportunity to speak to so many writers and to spend time with fellow Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction authors.

Meeting the lovely Katie Fforde, Milly Johnson and Jill Mansell at the RNA conference.

From the conference came the spark of an idea and later in the year eight of us joined forces to create Apricot Plots, a group in which we work together to promote our writing and the romance genre. It is a lot of fun having fellow romance authors to work and promote with, and we have already formed some lovely friendships within the group. We’ve also been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far.

With fellow Apricot Plotters Angela Barton, Caroline James, Morton S Gray and Jane Cable. (Looking forward to meeting Tora Williams and Mariam Kobras in the future.)

Towards the end of the year, I stepped down as a director of the Chindi Authors, to make way for new authors and ideas. I am still an active member of the group and am ever grateful to my Chindi friends for their wonderful support, whether it be with fundraising or fathoming Amazon, they are always there.

Chindi Authors raising money for Cancer Research UK

Finally, on the cusp of December, I sent the sequel to The Purrfect Pet Sitter off to my publisher. It is currently with their reading panel, and so I am awaiting their response. Eeeek! I’ll let you know how that goes. All being well it means I’ll have a new book out in the first half of 2019. What a way to start the year.

I won’t be going to Umbria this year as my cheeky nephew has booked his wedding for the same time, but I will be off to the RNA conference again. Exciting times ahead and a new book promised to my publisher for July. Wish me luck. xx

Three Fabulous Festive Reads

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With one week to go until Christmas, I am sharing some of my recent Christmas reads. They have left me feeling thoroughly festive, so if you’re looking for a fabulous Christmas read, here’s some recommendations:

One Magical Christmas by Berni Stevens

The Blurb:

When Annie Berry collides with Nik Knoll in a car park on the day of her sister’s wedding, it feels like all of Nik’s Christmases have come at once. Annie seems like just the sort of woman he’d like to get to know, and the chance nature of their encounter is almost like, well … Christmas magic.

My Review:

I love Christmas and read this book with a big smile. The story takes you by the hand, wraps you in Christmas magic and leaves you with a warm, cosy feeling. As a novella, it was a speedy read, which was ideal for me, as a busy mum during the festive period. Berni Stevens’ gorgeous story enabled me to escape for a few hours and to claim a little Christmas magic for myself; a great read with very likeable characters. Recommended for all those who wish they could still believe!

Buy Christmas One Magical Christmas.

Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat by Angela Britnell

The Blurb:

What if you had nowhere to call home for Christmas? 
When Fee Winter books a winter break at the remote Black Cherry Retreat in the small town of Pine Ridge, Tennessee, it’s with the idea that the peace and quiet will help her recuperate from her hectic life as a photographer.

But what she didn’t bank on was meeting Tom Chambers and his huge, interfering yet lovable family. With them, could Fee finally experience the warmth and support that’s been missing from her own life – and maybe even find a place to call home in time for Christmas?

My Review:

This story begins in late fall and moves towards Christmas set in the Tennessee mountains. Told from the point of view of both Fee and Tom, it soon becomes apparent that each of the main characters has issues from their past to overcome.

As the two discover more about each other, the reader is drawn into their story and to understand their motivations. Tom is lovely – a mountain man with a big family and a heart to match. I found I liked the character of Fee more as the story progressed and willed her to allow herself to find happiness.

I loved Tom’s family and the community they inhabited around the Black Cherry Retreat. They provided levity and offered support and guidance to both Tom and Fee. With a touch of intrigue, suspense, a blossoming romance, and some emotional moments this book packs plenty in for an enjoyable Christmas read.

Buy Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat.

Christmas at Borteen Bay by Morton S Gray

The Blurb:

Christmas is a bittersweet time for Pippa Freeman. There are good memories, of course – but some painful ones too. Then her mother is implicated in a mysterious occurrence in their home town of Borteen, and Pippa wonders if she’ll ever experience a happy Christmas again – especially when a family secret is revealed.
But when police officer and old school friend Ethan Gibson offers his support, Pippa begins to realise that even though her life has been turned upside down, a happy and hopeful Christmas isn’t impossible …

(Set in the same fictional village as Morton’s other books but can be read as a standalone.)

My Review:

I greatly enjoyed my third visit to Borteen Bay. The small mentions given to characters from previous books made me smile. Having said that this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novella. With a shocking discovery on the beach early on and a touch of intrigue created by family secrets, it hooks you from the start – as you’d expect from Morton S Gray.

The story is told from the point of view of the main characters, Ethan and Pippa, who are both still touched by occurrences from their past, that have divided them. So when Pippa has to turn to Ethan for help, it is more than a body on the beach that is brought to the surface. As the two are thrown together it becomes apparent that Ethan is a different type of romantic hero; he is more measured in his responses and passions, he is flawed and yet thoroughly likeable.

As a novella, it is great to escape into for a few hours over the busy Christmas period. I enjoy Morton’s writing style and the world she has created in her Borteen Bay series. I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Buy Christmas at Borteen Bay.

With three great books to choose from, why not get a hot chocolate, put your feet up and indulge in a Christmas read? And if you haven’t read it yet (shock, horror, what have you been doing with your time?), don’t forget you could also read The Purrfect Pet Sitter, to join Lisa Blake in the French Alps for a Christmas she’ll never forget.

My reviews are posted on Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

Kick Starting Christmas with Upcoming events!

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Kick Start Christmas with Apricot Plots:

From the 1st to the 14th of December, Apricot Plots will be kick starting Christmas with a host of bookish competitions and giveaways. Each day there will be a chance to win a signed book, goodies, an ebook, or stationery, from one of these Apricot Plots authors: Angela Barton, Jane Cable, Caroline James, Morton S Gray, Tora Williams, Julie Houston and me. There will also be the opportunity to win this fabulous six book bundle!

We can’t wait for the event to get underway and hope you’ll join us by stopping by our Facebook page and having a go at one, or more, of our daily competitions.

The Chindi Authors will be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society:

On the 3rd and 7th of December I’ll be joining the Chindi Authors in Rustington, West Sussex, signing and selling books to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

With children’s books, romance reads, historical fiction, memoirs and more on offer there will be something for everyone. Signed books make perfect Christmas presents so come along, say hello and support this great cause.

See the picture for details of where and when to find us (click to enlarge).

 I hope you can make it along, your support is hugely appreciated. xx

 

 

Welcoming Children’s Author Lexi Rees

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I am delighted to welcome children’s author Lexi Rees to my blog. Lexi is a fellow Chindi Authorwho writes for young adults. Her book Eternal Seas was published by Matador, in September 2018.

What inspired you to write for children?

I really enjoy reading middle grade books, particularly fantasy adventures. My son and I often share books – when he was little he brought me a copy of “Magyk” (the first in the Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage) home from his school library because he thought I’d enjoy it. He was right – the whole series was great.

We still often share recommendations. When we were on holiday this summer he insisted I read “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown at the same time as him so we could discuss it.

Writing in a genre you love is such fun. I know some people research hot topics and write to fit that regardless of whether it’s Cowboy romances or mermaids, but I think I’d find that quite hard to do.

As well as more kids books, I do have plans for a few grown-up non-fiction books too though, in areas I’m passionate about.

Where did the idea for your novel come from?

The Relic Hunters evolved through wildly imaginative discussions with my son. When I physically started writing it, I was sitting in a marina in Turkey, but a lot of the plot twists were invented on a hiking trip with my son in Scotland. I think and write best whilst outside, either by water or in the mountains.

How have you created characters that your readers can relate to?

I did a lot of work on character development. One of my fantastic editors (Emma Mitchell from Creating Perfection) pushed me really hard to make sure the characters were engaging, and I’ve been really pleased that so many of my reviewers have commented on them.

I particularly wanted to make sure that Finn, Aria and Pippin were all strong characters in their own right – I didn’t want any sidekicks with no purpose.

I also wanted to cover non traditional family structures (adoption) and sought feedback to make sure it was handled appropriately for the readers age.

How does your story captivate and hold it’s audience?

Ooooh – I think that’s a question for my readers! I wouldn’t like to presume on their mahal!

Here are a few comments from their Amazon reviews …

“There were times when I was sitting on the edge of my bed with adrenaline and times when I truly believed that I was a character in the book. Sometimes in the evening I ended up going to bed later than I was supposed to (don’t tell my mum!) because i was so hooked. Each individual character has its own strength and weaknesses but they all care for each other and help each other. This book is definitely up in my top book list. I am about to read this for the fourth time when I have finished writing this review! Any Mums reading this review please buy this book for your kids, boys or girls.”

“I loved Eternal Seas because of the suspense and plot twists, I didn’t want to put this book down and wanted to keep reading as I really enjoyed it.”

“It was so creative and gripping. The storyline was fab with a cliffhanger at the end. The characters were believable and I could relate to Finn!!”

So I think their answer to your question is the plot and the characters.

What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve had from a child?

My team of beta readers were fantastic, each giving me different feedback. One of them was so enthusiastically positive that her mum was worried I wouldn’t get anything useful from her comments, but actually it was her gaps that gave me some of my best insights because I knew they were areas where I needed to focus my attention!

What can we expect from you next?

The sequel to Eternal Seas is well underway, with lots more action and adventure, and some ponies as well as boats, plus I’ve got two non-fiction projects and another couple of middle grade fiction ideas that I’m developing.

If you’d like to hear the latest news, plus get exclusive behind the scenes insights, competitions, and maybe even become a beta reader, please do join Lexi’s secret readers street team, here.

Eternal Seas, the relic hunters book one.

The Blurb:

Such a small parcel shouldn’t cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal.

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever. As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him – but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece?

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy – and time is running out …

 

About the author:

About the author:

Lexi Rees grew up in the north of Scotland but now splits her time between London and West Sussex. She still goes back to Scotland regularly though.

Usually seen clutching a mug of coffee, she spends as much time as possible sailing and horse riding, both of which she does enthusiastically but badly.

Her first book, Eternal Seas was written on a boat; the storm described in it was frighteningly real.

Discover more about Lexi and her work here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram |

 

Thank you so much for joining me on my blog, Lexi. I look forward to sharing Eternal Seas with my children. Xx

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