*Note, while I will try to avoid major spoilers, I sometimes won't be able to help it.

Showing posts with label Fiction Addiction Book Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiction Addiction Book Tours. Show all posts

Thursday, May 22, 2014

"The Second Time I Saw You" by Pippa Croft: Tour


It's the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.
Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.
Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .




About the Author


Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

Author Links





TheFirst Time We Met is the first novel in the sizzling new Oxford Blue romance series from Pippa Croft. When US Senator’s daughter Lauren Cusack arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University, she hopes to mend her broken heart by throwing herself into her studies. But then English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks into her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding, and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him. Both Alexander and Lauren know that they should stay away from each other . . . but
Happy Reading! -Melly

Thursday, March 6, 2014

"Tiny Acts of Love" by Lucy Lawrie

You probably saw the interview I did with Lucy Lawrie a few days ago. Here's what I thought of her book:

Let me start this review by saying that I did rather enjoy this book and had a good time with the characters and the plot. That said, I do feel that the overall plot was a little scattered. Tiny Acts of Love is about Cassie a woman trying to figure out; motherhood, how she feels about a past romance, and spends part of the novel on a ghost hunt.

I was very much interested in Cassie's struggles to get a grasp on motherhood and while I was less interested in her conflicts from her past relationship with Malkie, I thought that it did bring something to the story. However, I would have left out the bits involving ghost hunting and much of her work as lawyer. While those elements are interesting, I didn't feel that the they quite fit with this story. At times, it almost felt like there were two plots that had been meshed into one book. Despite this, I enjoyed the overall book. I thought that Lawrie did a great job of capturing first time motherhood and what it would be like to not be completely sure how to raise a child but still wanting to do the best job possible. This book is full of many laugh out loud moments from baby Sophie's birth announcement to antics of the Babycraft group.

Though this book does have it's weak points, I think it is pretty good for a first novel. I will be keeping an eye out for more books by Lucy Lawrie. Fans of Emily Giffin, you will probably want to give this book a read!

Happy Reading!
-Melly

Monday, March 3, 2014

Interview with Lucy Lawrie, author of "Tiny Acts of Love"

Published by Black & White Publishing on 6th March 2014

Surviving motherhood? It's all about having the right support network.

Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish.

Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie’s maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife? He’s started sleep talking and it seems there’s more on his mind than he’s letting on. Then sexy, swaggering ex-boyfriend Malkie saunters into Cassie’s life again.
Unlike Jonathan, he ‘gets’ her. He’d like to get her into bed again, too…

And on top of all her emotional turmoil, she also finds herself advising a funeral director on ghost protocol and becomes involved in an act of hotel spa fraud, never mind hiding cans of wasp spray all over the house to deal with the stalker who seems to be lurking everywhere she looks. Marriage and motherhood isn’t the fairytale Cassie thought it would be. Will her strange new world fall apart around her or will tiny acts of love be enough to get her through?

Funny, perceptive and real, Tiny Acts of Love portrays the rawness of motherhood, the flipside of love and the powerful lure of paths not taken.


What inspired Tiny Acts of Love?

When my first baby, Emily, was a few days old, a friend from my antenatal class phoned for a chat. (Unlike the rather challenging Babycraft group in Tiny Acts of Love, the mums in my antenatal class couldn’t have been lovelier.) I couldn’t even begin to explain the shellshock I was feeling, but I think my friend could hear it in my voice. She told me a saying she’d heard – that deciding to have a baby is like deciding to have your heart walk around outside your body for the rest of your life. I remember my tears of relief to hear that I wasn’t the first mum in the world to feel like that.

Much later, I began to think this would be an interesting idea to explore in a novel… What would it mean for your marriage/relationship if you felt as though your heart was now living and beating inside a third person? What would it mean for you professionally if you had to leave your heart in a nursery every time you went to work? What would it mean for your sense of identity and your sense of being in control (or not) of your own world? I wanted to get across that feeling, which I experienced in the early days of parenthood, that nothing would ever be safe again. After I’d got over the shellshock (mostly – I don’t think you ever do completely!) I found myself wanting to write about the funny side of parenthood too, so I decided to weave the more serious themes into a funny, mummy-lit type of novel.

What do you want people to get out of this book?

I want them to laugh, and to feel like they’re in good company with Cassie, the main character. I want them to believe in her, and to feel as if they’re going on a journey along with her. If they feel uplifted as they turn the last page, and perhaps just a bit sad to be saying goodbye, then I’ll have done everything I set out to do.

Do you have a writing routine? Can you tell us about it?

My writing patterns have changed along with the routines of my two daughters as they’ve grown. Most of Tiny Acts of Love was written in the car – I always had to drive my youngest around to get her to take her nap, then I’d pull up, get out the laptop and write for an hour. Now she likes me to sit with her while she falls asleep at night, so I often write then. My brain seems to be more creative at night, and I find it easiest to write when everyone else is asleep, all the chores are done and the house is quiet. I have to be careful not to get too carried away, though – it takes ages to wind down again afterwards.

When did you start writing? 

I started writing when I was 30. My daughter Emily was nearly two, and the idea for the novel had been playing on my mind for some time. One evening, my husband was working late and there was nothing good on television, so I opened up the laptop and started writing. Those were the first words of Tiny Acts of Love.

Besides writing, what are your hobbies/interests?

I love music, whether it’s singing along in the car, playing Just Dance on the PlayStation with my daughters, or playing the piano. I find baking very therapeutic (more so when my four-year-old is not ‘helping’!)

What are you currently reading?

I recently discovered Liane Moriarty and read The Hypnotist’s Love Story and The Husband’s Secret back to back. They’re brilliantly drawn, darkly funny in places, and so insightful about relationships in all their complicated, messy glory. I’ve just started another of Moriarty’s – What Alice Forgot.

About the Author

Lucy Lawrie was born in Edinburgh, and gained an honours degree in English Literature from Durham University before going on to study law. She worked as a lawyer in Edinburgh for several years, specialising in Employment and Pensions law. When Lucy was on maternity leave with her first baby, she unearthed a primary two homework book in which she’d stated, in very wobbly handwriting: ‘I want to be an AUTHOR when I grow up.’ To appease her six-year old self, she began writing her first novel.

Author Links




Monday, September 30, 2013

Cover Reveal Blitz: "Murder on a Summer’s Day" by Frances Brody



Murder on a Summer’s Day


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




Publisher: Piatkus (3 Oct 2013)
416 pages
ISBN-10: 034940058XISBN-13: 978-0349400587
Murder on a Summer’s Day is the fifth novel in the Kate Shackleton Mystery Series set in 1920s Yorkshire.
A Maharajah on the Moors
When the India Office seek help in finding Maharajah Narayan, last seen hunting on the Bolton Abbey estate, they call upon the expertise of renowned amateur detective Kate Shackleton to investigate.
A Priceless Jewel
But soon a missing person’s case turns to murder. Shot through the heart, it’s clear to Kate that Narayan’s body has not been in the woods overnight. Who brought it here, and from where? And what has happened to the hugely valuable diamond that was in the Maharajah’s possession?
An inexplicable murder . . .
As Kate digs deeper, she soon discovers that vengeance takes many forms. Was the Maharajah’s sacrilegious act of shooting a white doe to blame? Or are growing rumours of a political motive too powerful for Kate to discount?
One thing Kate is sure of: her own skills and insights. Qualities that she is sure will help her unravel a mysterious murder on that fateful summer’s day . . .
EXCERPT
Kate Shackleton receives a dawn telephone call from her cousin James, a civil servant in the India Office. James tells Kate that a visiting Indian prince has gone missing from the Duke of Devonshire’s Yorkshire estate, leaving behind his female companion, a former Folies Bergere dancer. James asks Kate to investigate. Housekeeper Mrs Sugden offers her usual sterling support.
James’s briefing had left me feeling less than well-armed for the task ahead. What was a maharajah of Gattiawan doing in Yorkshire? Why was he visiting Bolton Abbey before the start of the shooting season? Today was Saturday, 2 August, so open season, but with ten days to go before grouse-shooting began, on the Glorious Twelfth.
James had not even told me when the maharajah and his companion arrived in Yorkshire.
I checked my watch. Ten minutes to six.
Mrs Sugden called from the doorway. ‘I’ve found summat about maharajahs.’
‘I’ll be there in a tick.’
Fortunately, Mrs Sugden is a fast reader and The Times Court Circulars have the virtue of brevity. She placed the relevant pages on the piano stool, drawing it up to the chaise longue.
We sat side by side as she tapped the page with her ridged fingernail and read, ‘The Maharajah of Kapurthala is the first Indian Prince to visit the British Empire Exhibition. He expressed his satisfaction with the Punjab Court exhibit. He has now returned to Paris, but will be back.’
‘What about Gattiawan?’
Mrs Sugden is nothing if not thorough. ‘Aga Khan … Maharajah of Rajpipla at the Savoy Hotel … Maharajah of Nawanger … They’ll all know each other. Probably rivals, and one of them has done away with another, perhaps sent an assassin. It’s like Shakespeare. Ah, here he is. The Maharajah of Gattiawan arrived at Marseilles yesterday in the SS Malwa on his way to London.’
I looked at the item, dated 26 April. It gave no indication whether the maharajah was travelling overland, or stopping on the way. ‘Nothing else since then?’
She shook her head. ‘Nowt else in Court Circulars, only an article about the good command of English among educated Indians, from the Special Correspondent in Bombay.’
There was nothing for it but to set off, feeling less than well-prepared.
I shrugged into my motoring coat.
Mrs Sugden followed me along the garden path. ‘You don’t have much luggage. Have you packed an evening dress?’
‘The Delphos robe.’ I opened the car door and got in quickly, before she had time for more questions.
She frowned at my choice of evening wear. ‘I suppose that Delphos gown doesn’t betray its age. But I can pack another bag for you.’
I started the motor. ‘If I need anything else, I’ll send you a telegram.’ My mind already raced ahead. Prince Narayan of Gattiawan, where are you?
Mrs Sugden waved, folding her other arm around herself against the morning chill.
A sudden thought propelled her through the gate. She leaned into the motor. ‘Be careful. They all carry daggers, and they’re very good at strangling.’
‘I’ll try to stay in one piece, throat intact.’
As I drove away I heard her call something about the black hole of Calcutta, but my thoughts were already on the missing man, the lovers’ tiff, and the mysterious Miss Metcalfe who had hooked herself an Indian prince.
James wanted to rule out theft and foul play. The Yorkshire Dales has its sprinkling of poachers. But jewel thieves, murderers? Surely not.

About the Author


Frances Brody writes the highly acclaimed mystery series set in 1920s Yorkshire, featuring First World War widow turned sleuth, Kate Shackleton; twice nominated for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger in the Library. As Frances McNeil, she has written for radio, theatre and television and published sagas, winning the HarperCollins Elizabeth Elgin Award for the most regionally evocative debut saga of the millennium.
Visit Frances online at

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 5, 2013

Promo post "The Cordello Quest"

(Hosts own introduction)

What would you do if you found yourself in another world? If you were told you had a key role to play in the lives of a people you never knew existed? That you had been a part of their legend for centuries? Who would you rely on? The Cordello Quest is a tale of hope, trust and faith. It is a tale of magic and mystery ... of making the most of your inner knowing. It is a tale of doing the right thing ... wherever you are. It is a tale of tuning in to your most aware self. Most of all, it is a tale of the power of love and light.

An Extract from The Cordello Quest

Charls walked towards me, his hand concealing the object that he'd removed from the table drawer.

“Keira, I believe this will help you in your time here; I am sure that it will give you guidance on how to use your energy to its best advantage.”

He handed the object to me. It was a small, thin book, about the size of a postcard, and I guessed it contained no more than forty to fifty pages.

“It is my great–grandmother's journal. She entrusted it to me when she moved on to her new life.”

I was puzzled. “Sorry, Charls; I don't understand. Where did she go?”

“Ah. 'Move on' is the term we use when someone dies. We consider the process to be a transition to another place just as 'real' as this one.”

“Oh! I see.” Well, I thought I did. I waited for Charls to continue.

“This treasured little book has the capacity to teach you about lovelight, positive thinking, the power of prayer, belief, love and co–operation, and will help you to understand how best to develop your skills so that you can assist us.”

I took the book as gently as I could. Feeling a reverence that I had not felt before, I carefully lifted the cover, faded now to a soft dove grey, and examined the first written page. The writing was clear and firm, despite its age. I read: “This journal belongs to Aida Charlotte Evangeline, Lady of Cordello.”

As I read her name, a jolt of electricity pulsed through me. I felt the strangest, strongest connection with Aida, simply by touching her book and reading her words. Charls noticed my reaction. “Keira? Is everything okay?”

A little shaken, I nodded my head. “I just had what felt like an electric shock. And I don't think it's static from your carpet," I joked. I stroked the aged paper and received a muted version of the same sensation. “It's like there's some sort of power in the book, which I access when I touch it.” I looked up at Charls, wondering what his response would be. He had tears filming his eyes.

“Oh Keira . . . you are picking up Lady Aida's energetic vibration through your hands. You must have a natural affinity and skill for reading energy from objects. You could be more valuable to us in our mission than we first thought possible. At present, there is no–one in Cordello with this ability. This must be why my inner guidance prompted me to give you her book.”

An Interview with character Lady Aida

Joanna: Hello, Lady Aida, thank you for agreeing to answer a few questions.
Lady Aida: I’m pleased to be here, Joanna and Ron. Thank you for having me.
Joanna: First of all, what’s it like being an Ascended Reikan?
Lady Aida: It’s extremely rewarding. My assignment has been interesting, to say the least. Being able to offer guidance to awakening humans is a joy.

Ron: Lady Aida, when you were writing in your journal - the one used by Keira when she was in Cordello - did you have any idea that it would become so important?
Lady Aida: No, not at all. Writing the journal was simply my way of making sense of my learning, and tracking my own development in the use of crystals, lovelight and intuition. I was heartened to see that Keira gained so much from my own experiences.

Joanna: When you were working with crystals, did you ever have a favourite?
Lady Aida: I would not have been able to choose, my dear. Their frequencies are different, and each has its own value. It would be like asking me to choose a favourite niece or nephew. I do have a fondness for the quartz crystals, however, and appreciated the warm tones and shades of the Tiger’s Eye.

Ron: Of all the places you’ve seen, do you have a favourite?
Lady Aida: Cordello, without a doubt. True, I have travelled to many worlds, seen many wonderful things. And I was very fond of Reika, of course. But . . . Cordello is home, and I am always glad to return to its green valleys and to my own people.

Joanna: What is your favourite colour?
Lady Aida: I have no favourite, dear. All colour is light, and to choose from among the light is not possible.

Ron: If you could be any animal, what would you choose?
Lady Aida: I believe I would choose to be an eagle. Soaring high, with wide perspectives and clear sight. I am fond of flying, as you know.

Joanna: A final question for you, Lady Aida. Do you have a favourite word?
Lady Aida: Oh yes, dear. It is Love.
Joanna: I should have known you’d say that! Thank for your time, Lady Aida.
Lady Aida: It’s been a pleasure. Goodbye.


GIVEAWAY
The Cordello Quest – ecopy mobi, epup, pdf
Giveaway to be structured by tour host


Creations

Three Matches



Joanna’s short tale ~

“You only have three matches,” the man announced. “Use them wisely.” He turned the key in the lock behind him as he left. The light was snapped off, leaving me marooned in the blackness. Heart plummeting, legs weak, I sank into the chair. Trapped. The only person who could get me out of this was me.

I lit the first match, a quivering glow of light leaping around the small room’s walls. It wasn’t long before the flame burned my fingers, the match dropping uselessly to the tiled floor. The darkness seemed even deeper than before.

I willed myself to sit in the darkness for a while, to let it become my friend rather than my enemy. I could see nothing - but that didn’t mean I needed to be scared, did it? It was just like closing my eyes; the room was still there, unchanged. Only my perception was different.
In response, my hearing sharpened. There was a scuffling in the corner. Rats?

When I could bear it no longer, I ignited the second match and peered towards the noise. Small black shapes milled around, tumbling over each other with fluid grace. A gap appeared; I could see the hole they were using to bring nesting material inside.

“Ouch!” I cried, the flame singeing my fingertips. The spent match slipped from my hand, darkness wrapping around me once again. I took a deep breath. Only one match left. Carefully, I moved towards the rats. My timing would have to be perfect. I struck the match, and the animals fled with high squeals. Grabbing the bundle of straw they’d been using, I set it aflame. Holding it high above me, I blew on the blazing straw, fanning the flames wider and higher, sending smoke billowing throughout the room.

The smoke alarm pealed and the door was flung open. Crouching low to the floor, below the smoke, I scrambled out, straight into the man’s legs. He grabbed my arms, lifting me upright.
He smiled his approval.
“Well done,” he grinned. “You passed that challenge with flying colours. Are you ready for the next one?”
“Bring it on!” I replied.


Ron’s poem ~

The fire from the past still remains
Though darker and dimmed by the year
It guides, it answers and misleads
As memories mix and appear

The flame of today burns so bright
As source is consumed in its path
The flicker shows end is in sight
Rejoice in the light and the warmth

Don’t rush to the future bemused
In time the glow will all catch
Keep safe, keep dry, keep unused
The potent from belief will sure match

These short pieces were first published in Edition #3 of Creations, the Lazuli Portals Newsletter. Click here to sign up for free. http://www.lazuli-portals.com/

About the Authors

Joanna Gawn is an author, energy-healing practitioner and wife. She loves writing, reading, spreadsheets, National Trust gardens, and inspiring scenery. Dartmoor and Brittany are two of her favourite places. She and her husband are owned by two cats. Joanna is a chocoholic, and is also partial to cake.
Ron Dickerson is a Cornishman with a background in rugby, business and Round Table/Rotary; perhaps not the expected connections for writing spiritual adventure novels! He has a deep love of books and superb writing. He is an intuitive natural healer. He and his wife also have two cats.
Joanna and Ron are currently writing the sequel to The Cordello Quest, entitled Mosaic of Light. They also write short stories (published as ebooks), flash fiction and poetry.


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