Tag Archives: novels

#FallingIntoLove, Linda McLaughlin, Novels, Publishing, readers

Lady Elinor’s Escape by Linda McLaughlin #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 21, 2014 Melanie 3 Comments

Lady Elinor’s Escape
by Linda McLaughlin
Sweet Regency Romance

Blurb:

Lady Elinor Ashworth always longed for adventure, but when she runs away from her abusive aunt, she finds more than she bargained for. Elinor fears her aunt who is irrational and dangerous, threatening Elinor and anyone she associates with. When she encounters an inquisitive gentleman, she accepts his help, but fearing for his safety, hides her identity by pretending to be a seamstress. She resists his every attempt to draw her out, all the while fighting her attraction to him

There are too many women in barrister Stephen Chaplin’s life, but he has never been able to turn his back on a damsel in distress. The younger son of a baronet is a rescuer of troubled females, an unusual vocation fueled guilt over his failure to save the woman he loved from her brutal husband. He cannot help falling in love with his secretive seamstress, but to his dismay, the truth of her background reveals Stephen as the ineligible party

Interview with Stephen Chaplin of Lady Elinor’s Escape by Linda McLaughlin

I recently visited barrister Stephen Chaplin, Esquire at his offices in London’s Lincoln’s Inn to interview him.

LM: Mr. Chaplin, thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me. Can you tell me a bit about yourself? For instance, are you originally from the London area?

SC: No, my family is from Lincolnshire. I grew up on a small estate with my elder brother and my younger sister, Olivia.

LM: Where did you attend university?

SC: Cambridge, of course. The men of my family have done so for several generations. Then I came to Lincoln’s Inn to read for the law.

LM: Did you always want to be a barrister?

SC:Not as a child, of course. Boys always have dreams of being brave warriors or finding one’s fortune at sea. But Father said I wasn’t cut out for the military–not obedient enough–though he thought I would do well in Parliament, since I seemed to enjoy arguing.

LM: You do think for yourself. What do you like most about the legal profession?

SC: I find it most gratifying when the law and justice align, which doesn’t always occur. Many of our laws are unnecessarily harsh, and I’d like to do something about that one day. In the meantime, I do what I can to help those in need of protection.

LM: What are your reading tastes?

SC: The Times, of course; all the London newspapers, for that matter. I rarely have time to read for pleasure, unlike my sister, Olivia, who devours every Gothic novel she can get her hands on, no matter how ridiculous. She even has hopes of publishing her own romantic scribblings one day. I’ve told her in no uncertain terms that she may not use my life experiences as fodder for her novel, or she will be very sorry!

LM: Hmm. What is the oddest thing that’s ever happened to you?

SC, with a smile: That would have to be the day I met the mysterious Mrs. Brown, a.k.a. Lady Elinor Ashworth, now Mrs. Chaplin. I was in the West Country, having a peaceful breakfast when a madwoman in widow’s weeks came bursting through the door, demanding immediate passage to London. She appeared to be in need, so naturally I volunteered to assist, not knowing she would disrupt my life, destroy my peace of mind and make me fall madly in love with her.

~~~~~~~~~~

If you want to know exactly how Lady Elinor turned Mr. Chaplin’s life upside down, the answers are in Lady Elinor’s Escape.

Buy links:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00CHSNEII

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lady-elinors-escape/id645217449

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-elinors-escape-linda-mclaughlin/1100559263

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lady-elinor-s-escape

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312406

~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

The Horse and Cart Inn bustled with business when Stephen Chaplin entered the common room. The scent of frying bacon soon had his stomach growling. A fire burned brightly in the smoke-blackened fireplace, dispelling the morning chill.

He had no sooner taken a seat at a small table than a young blonde woman with a rounded belly and a beaming smile on her freckled face approached him. “Good morning, sir, did ye sleep well?”

“That I did, Nancy. Are you glad to be home?”

“Yes, sir.” Her pale blue eyes stared at him earnestly. “I can’t be thanking ye enough fer what ye done for me. I don’t know how I’d have managed, with a babe on the way and all.”

“Yes, well, the next time a charming rogue comes along, perhaps you’ll think twice before going off with him.”

“Oh, I’ve learned me lesson.” A blush suffused her face. “Now, will ye be havin’ tea or coffee with yer breakfast?”

“Coffee, please, and toast.”

Nancy fisted her hands on her hips. “Now that isn’t enough breakfast for the long trip to London. I’ll bring ye some of our fine Wiltshire bacon, too.”

Stephen laughed. Ever since he’d arrived, one Wainwright or another had been pressing food and drink on him. “Very well, Nancy. Toast and bacon.”

She turned and walked away, weaving between the crowded tables. She seemed like a different girl than the half-starved waif his housekeeper had taken in two months ago. He frowned, remembering her tale of being lured to London by a smooth-talking stranger only to be abandoned as soon as she had conceived. What kind of cad deserted a woman in a delicate condition? The only thing worse was a man who used his fists on a female, like that blackguard Northam.

Stephen closed his mind to that line of thought. Deborah had been gone for six years now, and if not forgotten, at least the pain of her death had faded. At her funeral Stephen had vowed never again to walk away from a woman in need, which was how he found himself at an inn in Wiltshire during the Season.

When Nancy returned with his breakfast, he applied himself to the large slab of bacon and toast dripping with butter, and then washed it all down with strong black coffee.

Rescuing damsels in distress was hungry work.

~~~~~~~~~~

Author bio:

Linda McLaughlin grew up with a love of books and history, so it’s only natural she prefers writing historical romance. She loves transporting her readers into the past where her characters learn that, in the journey of life, love is the sweetest reward. Linda also writes steamy to erotic romance under the name Lyndi Lamont, and is one half of the writing team of Lyn O’Farrell.

You can find her online at:

Website: http://lindalyndi.com

Blog: http://lindalyndi.com/reading-room-blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaMcLaughlinAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lindamclaughlin

Twitter: @Lyndi Lamont https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont

#FallingIntoLove, Book Launch, Novels, Publishing, readers, Tina Gayle

Stormy by Tina Gayle #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 15, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

Now available for preorder on Amazon goes live Oct. 15

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N8797R4

Blurb –

A widower, a divorcee, co-workers, lovers…a future together…marriage?

Consoling each other for years over each other’s misfortune, Karen and Daniel turn a friendship into a weekend of unbridled red-hot passion. The heat between them leads to thoughts of a future together. That is…

Until children, an ex-husband, an unexpected heart-attack, a conniving trophy-wife, guilt, and personal choices come between them. Will the heat of their passion let them break from the past and move into the future?

Hot read for mature adults – a second chance at love.

Excerpt:

“Daniel, if you’re in the bathroom come out this minute.”

The entrance opened, and he stood in the doorway.

Problem, he wore only a towel.

Awe, shit…she didn’t need to see his bare chest covered in crisp dark hair, the sculptured muscles of his arms and shoulders, developed pecs, and thick thighs.

Damn, how was she supposed to resist such temptation?

Desire added with the anxiety she’d already experienced on her drive here, lit her anger. “Why the hell didn’t you answer your phone? I’ve been calling and texting you for the last two hours.”

A confused frown passed over his handsome face. Instead of responding, he stepped to the bedside table. He lifted his cell phone and clicked a few buttons.

Unable to contain her impatience, Karen stalked forward.

He glanced up when she grew closer and showed her the phone. “I don’t understand it. I don’t show receiving any messages or calls. The signals must have gotten lost because of the storm.”

She’d suspected as much. Still, she refused to let him off the hook because he could’ve contacted her before he left town. “You should’ve called me. But no…”

Having endured his inability to communicate for months now, she stabbed her finger through the air at him. “You never call. You always expect me to phone you. Well, I’ve had it.”

The distance closed between them and she stood inches from him. Her fingertip tapped his chest. Static electricity sparked between them and her fist unfolded. She stumbled backward.

“Whoa.” Daniel caught her around the waist with one hand and held her close. His phone landed on the bed before he circled his other arm around her. His strong grip held her steady and didn’t allow her to step away. “You’re right. I guess I’m just use to…”

“Don’t say it. I’ve heard it too many times. Sharon might have resented the interruptions but I’m not her. I’m never in any type of meeting that you could possibly disrupt.” Karen spread her hands over his chest and worked to maintain a smidgen of distance. Nevertheless with him so near, his warmth surrounding her in a seductive cocoon, she had to fight the urge to melt against him.

“Yes, but if I called you whenever I wanted we’d never get off the phone.” The husky tone of his voice pulled her gaze upward.

Author Bio

Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loves escaping into a good romantic book.

She is currently working on two different series the Executive Wives’ Club and the Family Tree series both combine elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. Read the 1st chapter of any of her books on her website.

Home – www.tinagayle.net

Blog – www.tinagayle.blogspot.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_Gayle

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle

#FallingIntoLove, Jake dh, Novels, Publishing, readers

THE BULLETPROOF GHOST by Jake dh #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 12, 2014 Melanie Leave a comment

Blurb

Kyle Richard is constantly picked on by a group of bullies. One day, they took it too far and killed the young boy. Kyle awakens as a cybernetic killing machine created by a mysterious man only known as William. Kyle makes new alliances and reforges connections with old friends as the action packed climax comes to a fever pitch. Will Kyle obey his creator’s will or forge his own destiny?

Excerpt

Four saw Kyle on the gym floor bleeding to death in Irene’s arms. She was screaming, “No,no no nononono,” Kyle was coughing up blood. The other younger, uninjured Kyle was still at Four’s side staring at him with angry tears rolling down his face.

Four turned away. He never had been disturbed by anything before, but this… “No… make it disappear, Kyle.”

“Why? Isn’t this what you wanted?!” his eyes were filled with tears of rage, “This is how I died! Bleeding and scared. I didn’t understand,” Kyle dropped to his knees and screamed in rage, pounding the floor. The gym shattered when his fist hit the linoleum, “Why did I have to die…?” the white nothingness Four inhabited at the beginning remained,

Author Bio

Jake dh has written for Examiner for years, but now he delves into the world of fiction. He just released his first book, The BulletProof Ghost: Prototypes. This is the first book of many in this riveting new scifi series.

Jake lives with his wife Sarah and baby son, Xander in Evansville, IN. He enjoys gaming, genre movies, anime and comics. He also roller blades when he gets the chance.

Purchase Links

Amazon Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK30EC4#
Amazon Softback (physical) – http://www.amazon.com/The-BulletProof-Ghost-Prototypes-Invincible/dp/1495448118/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/470168

Author Links

Website – www.thebulletproofghost.com
Author Shout – http://authorshout.com/author-shout-bookshelf/jake-d-h/
Author Central – http://www.amazon.com/Jake-d-h/e/B00N8LTYNM/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Blogger – http://thebproofblog.blogspot.com/

#FallingIntoLove, Ashley York, Novels, Publishing, readers

The Saxon Bride by Ashley York #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 8, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

The Saxon Bride buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Saxon-Bride-Norman-Conquest-ebook/dp/B00M08LCJI/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1411140570

Blurb: In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined to break their resistance. Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot.

When the new King decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?

John of Normandy resists marriage and wants only to prove himself worthy of William’s trust but when rewarded by King William with the gift of an earldom and a Saxon bride, he balks at marriage, driven by the guilt of knowing her father died by his sword. However, John’s reluctance is soon replaced by a deep desire to please this woman and win her over as well as her people.

As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?

Bio: Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in the Norman Conquest series.

When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.

Links:

www.ashleyyorkauthor.com

email: ashleyyorkauthor@gmail.com

Twitter: @ashley1066york

EXCERPT:

A Norman. I have been given to a Norman to wife.

Rowena Godwinson, daughter of the late Earl of Essex and the last living member of that powerful Saxon family, stood before her reflection in the polished brass. The wedding gown passed down through three generations of Godwin women before her, draped softly across the shoulders, skimming down her waist and falling over the tips of her deerskin slippers. She blinked back with vacant eyes.

Fear tripped up her spine and her stomach clenched. She had lived among the victors for nigh on five years now. Their disdain for her people was quite obvious. Now the man who had usurped her own uncle as rightful king at the Battle of Hastings had ordered her to marry. With both parents dead, she was his ward.

Rowena clenched her teeth and turned to the window. She glimpsed the slate roof of the chapel beyond the trees where the nuptials would take place this very day. Her family’s chapel. Countless celebrations with uncles, close friends, and more cousins than she could name, had taken place there. Those were happy years.

“My lady?”

Rowena looked at the drawn face of her handmaiden, Joan. The blonde sheen of her hair, long gone with the stress of the circumstances and occupation they were all forced to live under.

“Yes?”

Joan gulped. “Do you think he will be kind to you? Tonight, I mean?”

Rowena’s breath caught in her throat. The marriage bed. How would her husband treat her? With kindness? As her husband, he gained much by this union. A lot of responsibility, yes, but also power. Some men loved power.

She tipped her chin up.

“I believe he will be kind as I will give him no reason not to be.”

Joan’s eyes rounded. Rowena smiled tightly.

“Fear not, Joan. I will be amicable.”

“My lady, would that I could impart upon you my own knowledge, but I have none. Your mother’s death before she prepared you leaves you in a bad way.”

“Perhaps he will be a gentle man. John.” His name was all she knew.

“Yes, my lady. He is one of William’s most trusted knights.”

“A warrior.” Rowena’s tone was flat and for an instant she saw again her father. Cold and dead. Blood all around. She forced the memory aside. “Then he will be a good protector.”

“Yes, but of whom?”

#FallingIntoLove, Ally Shields, Book Launch, Novels, Publishing, readers

Cross Keys by Ally Shields #FallingIntoLove Exchange

October 3, 2014 Melanie 3 Comments

Thank you so much for hosting me and my new urban fantasy release! I’m thrilled for the opportunity to tell you a little about my book and to share a Cajun recipe, one of several I brought back from New Orleans while researching the book.

(If you check my Oct. 3 blog post, you’ll find a list of other websites where you’ll find eight more recipes!)

Happy reading…and sampling of the Cajun cuisine. 🙂

Cross Keys (An Elvenrude Novel) by Ally Shields

Genre: Urban fantasy/Paranormal romance

Rating: PG-13

Book Blurb:

Conspiracy, murder, and magic…and the death of all they hold dear.

When the first wanderer—a common elf who isn’t authorized to use the portal—is spotted on the streets of New Orleans, the king assigns Kameo Ryndel to assist in the elf’s capture. But before she can intervene, humans with guns shoot the wanderer and steal his body. When Seth Lormarc, an Elite elf from a rival guild, appears at the scene, Kam suspects he is involved.

Seth Lormarc is in New Orleans to find out who was behind the portal breach, and his best lead is the intriguing Kam Ryndel. When he stakes out her apartment and finds her sneaking out in the middle of the night, dressed in black and leaping to the top of the nearest building, he knows there’s something unique about the beautiful elf. That kind of feat requires magic. Ancient magic.

As their paths cross during their investigations, they develop an irresistible attraction, although there’s little time for romance. The portal breach is tied to an illegal smuggling operation that has come to the attention of the human CIA. But the stakes are raised when Kam and Seth discover a band of conspirators and a rebellion deep in Elvenrude that promises nothing except destruction of their world.

Pre-order and Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Cross-Keys-Ally-Shields-ebook/dp/B00NSR0OT4/

Writers’ Corner at the Turkey Fair

September 21, 2014 Melanie 1 Comment

Writers’ Corner

September 20th meant the Turkey Fair returned to Lyndhurst.

View Larger Map

Thankfully, we had no rain unlike last year when it teemed all day. The good weather brought out even more people and we had a steady stream coming through the community room of the local library.

Every author sold at least one physical copy of their book(s) and many of the customers passing through were thrilled to hear that some of us had e-book versions, too, with kobo being the e-reader of choice it seemed. – See more at: http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/?m=201309#sthash.OxjV5DmS.dpuf

I sold four copies of A Shadow in the Past, doubling last year’s sales.

Other Eastern Ontario authors participating yesterday were:

Jeanne Patric

I first met Violette by attending one of her writing workshops and Vicki through attending the Scene of the Crime Mystery Festival on Wolfe Island. She, too, gives workshops and I’ve been to them when she’s come to the Thousand Islands Writers Festival.

I enjoyed myself immensely and I’ll be back for a third time next year (that is if they’ll have me). I’ve already marked the date in my calendar – September 19, 2015.

Since kobo seemed to be the e-reader of choice, does anyone know if there’s a way of tracking your sales through them similar to how novel rank works for amazon?

#amwriting, Novels, Publishing, Scotland

Works-in-Progress #amwriting

August 25, 2014 Melanie 1 Comment

#amwriting

Yep, I’m writing. As a matter of fact, I’ve got two projects on the go at the same time. Well, sort of at the same time.

Shadows From Her Past (the sequel to A Shadow in the Past) is comfortably ensconced with my beta readers. So while I’m waiting for feedback from them before moving on to the next revision, I plotted another book.

Plotting for me is huge! I’m more of a pantser but I have to know where I’m going so maybe that makes me a plantser?

Anyway, I had started this project a while ago and it languished in the dark recesses of my hard drive. I wrote the ending but that was about it. So while I had lots of time (well not lots but you get my drift), I went to my trusty software Storybook Pro (similar to Scrivener) and plotted my little heart out from beginning to end.

My writing has changed (hopefully for the better) a lot since I originally started this project so a lot of things have changed since that early draft. Some of the characters are new, some aren’t. They’re older now – thirtysomethings – but essentially the plot remains the same.

The ending will remain the same just improved (I hope) because my voice has developed and I’ll be able to pack more oomph into the emotional upheaval.

So all that being said, this work-in-progress (currently known as Second Chances) is sitting at … drum roll please … 5133 words. I know it’s not much but every word counts. I’m thinking this one will come in at about 85,000 words when all is said and done.

And what is this work-in-progress about?

Here are two versions of my two-sentence blurb.

#1 Katherine Murphy lives in fear of losing her partner when the helicopter he’s on ditches in the North Sea on a return flight from the oil platform he works on. Will he perish in the crash or will they be given a second chance together?

#2 When a helicopter ditches in the North Sea returning from the Alba Ecosse platform, Katherine Murphy lives in fear knowing that her partner, Jared Martin, is onboard. Will he perish in the crash or defy the odds and survive?

Which one do you like best?

Authors, Bonnie Glee, Novels

Satin Murder by Bonnie Glee – COVER REVEAL

August 1, 2014 Melanie 2 Comments

Satin Murder

Blurb:

‘“Ladies don’t just let a gun rattle around in the bottom of their purse.” Sallee took the beige bag, unzipped it, and dropped the contents on the bedspread. She gasped, as Officer Riley and Mr. Davis starred in silence. In place of the gun there laid a mostly flat, brownish-black rock.’

It’s 50’s Seattle and socialite Sallee Anderson appears to be at the height of her popularity. But her beauty, intelligence and savviness won’t stop her from being implicated in the cold murder of her husband; found dead in his office with a single bullet to the head. The .25 pistol used for the crime is Sallee’s, but someone has removed her gun and replaced it with a rock. Lawyer Jack is now hot on the case trying to unravel the mystery, but will he make it in time to save Sallee from jail and disgrace?

Disgrace is not all that threatens Sallee’s happiness. With suspicious family and friends surrounding her, Sallee doesn’t know who to trust, especially not with her big secret…

My review:

I love the first line in the book’s blurb and when that scene arrived, the timing was perfect. Bonnie has a strong voice and kept the suspense going throughout the story, only revealing snippets (aka red herrings) as and when required. I thought I had it figured out but I didn’t. And, no, I’m not going to tell you. If you want to find out whodunnit, you’ll have to buy the book.

☆☆☆☆

About the Author:

Bonnie Glee’s sixth grade teacher, Mr. Orville Nelson, observed her constantly writing during recess. When the school year came to a close, he mailed her a handwritten note encouraging her to follow her passion for words. Her maternal grandmother, a newspaper columnist, and her mother, a published poet, greatly influenced her. As a single working mom of five children, her publishing career began with poetry when four Utah State University professors, one by one, took her under their wings and mentored her. She held leadership positions with the League of Utah Writers, Utah Poetry Society and the National Poetry Society.

Family stories often leave a compelling image in Bonnie Glee’s mind; an image that drives her to expand such one liners as . . . ‘Your Aunt’s husband was killed by his business partner’. Bingo, Satin Murder was written. She writes about people, diverse people, and how they conquer everyday life.

She blogs here: http://bonnie-glee.blogspot.de/

More info on the book here http://safkhetpublishing.com/books/suspense/Satin_Murder.html

Authors, Novels, Sue Barnard

THE GHOSTLY FATHER by Sue Barnard

July 21, 2014 Melanie Leave a comment

The Ghostly Father

Blurb:

Romeo & Juliet – was this what really happened?

When Juliet Roberts is asked to make sense of an ancient Italian manuscript, she little suspects that she will find herself propelled into the midst of one of the greatest love stories of all time. But this is only the beginning. As more hidden secrets come to light, Juliet discovers that the tragic tale of her famous namesake might have had a very different outcome…

A favourite classic story with a major new twist.

~~~~~~~~~~

I managed to get Sue to sit down long enough to answer a few questions…

You say your background is stranger than fiction (I’ve got some crackers in my family history, too), could you share a snippet from your family history? You don’t need to mention names.

Suffice it to say that for almost forty years, I was a skeleton in someone else’s cupboard – a secret baby who had to be given up for adoption because of the unforgiving attitudes of the time. How I came to be reunited with my birth family is a long and very complicated story, but when it happened, it felt like a homecoming. And the day I met my mother would have been a very good day to have owned shares in Kleenex!

What prompted you to write this book?

It was in response to the prompt “Write the book you want to read.” I’ve always loved the story of Romeo & Juliet but hated the ending, and I’ve often wished that there was an alternative version of the story which had a better outcome.

What’s the best thing about being labelled as “professionally weird”?

The label “professionally weird” originated when I first became involved with writing questions for BBC Radio 4’s fiendishly difficult Round Britain Quiz – something which requires a particularly warped type of mind. The best thing about the label is that it gives me something to live up to!

Thanks so much, Sue, for stopping by Celtic Connexions and sharing your book and your story.

~~~~~~~~~~

About the author:

Sue Barnard was born in North Wales but has spent most of her life in and around Manchester. After graduating from Durham University, where she studied French and Italian, Sue got married then had a variety of office jobs before becoming a full-time parent. If she had her way, the phrase “non-working mother” would be banned from the English language.

Since then she has had a series of part-time jobs, including some work as a freelance copywriter. In parallel with this she took several courses in Creative Writing. Her writing achievements include winning the Writing Magazine New Subscribers Poetry Competition for 2013. She is also very interested in Family History. Her own background is stranger than fiction; she’d write a book about it if she thought anybody would believe her.

Sue has a mind which is sufficiently warped as to be capable of compiling questions for BBC Radio 4’s fiendishly difficult Round Britain Quiz. This once caused one of her sons to describe her as “professionally weird.” The label has stuck.

Sue joined the editorial team Crooked Cat Publishing in 2013. Her first novel, The Ghostly Father (a new take on the traditional story of Romeo & Juliet) was officially released on St Valentine’s Day 2014. Her second novel, a romantic mystery entitled Nice Girls Don’t, is due for release in July 2014.

You can find Sue on Facebook, Twitter (@SusanB2011), or follow her blog here.

There’s a Facebook Event happening today, too. You can join the fun here:

Facebook Events page –

You can purchase The Ghostly Father at:

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

Waterstones

Smashwords

Greek Island Mysteries, Julie Ryan

SOPHIA’S SECRET by Julie Ryan

July 12, 2014 Melanie 1 Comment

Sophia’s Secret – Book 2 in the Greek Island Mysteries

Sophia's Secret

Blurb:

This is the second book in the Greek Island Mystery series. Although each book is intended to be read as a standalone, some of the characters from the first book, Jennas’s Journey, do make an appearance.

Kat has never understood why she was sent at the age of seven from Greece to live in England with her Aunt Tigi. When she receives an email from her grandmother, the first contact in over twenty years, informing her of her mother’s death, she knows this could be her last chance to find out the truth. Little by little she finds out the shocking facts as her grandmother opens her heart. It seems everyone has a secret to tell, not only her grandmother, as Manoli, her school friend, also harbours a guilty secret. Then there’s a twenty year old mystery to solve as well as a murder and what happened to the missing Church treasure?

~~~~~~~~~~

I see in your bio you have a strong attachment to Greece. Can you elaborate on it?

I first went to Greece in 1984 to work as a Language Teacher and although it wasn’t love at first sight – I arrived by train in Thessaloniki in the middle of the night – as soon as I saw Athens I felt a tingle and by the time I visited the islands it was a full blown love affair. I stayed for two years in all and have been back to visit on numerous occasions. There’s just something magical about the light and the scenery and climate are fantastic. What more could you ask?

You were born in Barnsley, Yorkshire (I have a character in one of my WsIP who comes from there). What was it like to live in a former mining town? (Since I’m not sure of your age, if you lived there before the mines closed any memories such as the miners’ strike in (I think) 1984?

I have a strong attachment to Barnsley – though for different reasons to my attachment to Greece. The people are down to earth and for me it will always be home. I remember the miner’s strike well and how divisive it was to the community. It was a very dark time and some of the wounds it opened still haven’t healed completely. I have family there and whenever I return, it’s like reliving my childhood and I immediately lapse back into ‘Yorkshire.’

Sophia’s Secret is the your 2nd book in the series. How many do you envision in the complete series? Two? Three? Four? More?

To be honest, I have no idea. The first book in the series, Jenna’s Journey’ began life as a short story. I was amazed that it developed into a novel. I thought that was it but I missed writing about Greece and before long a second book was on the way. There will definitely be a third but after that I’ll wait and see what my characters tell me.

Did you always want to be a writer? When did the bug bite you?

I’ve always loved writing but never really imagined that I would write a novel. I think I just needed some self-confidence. Once I saw that it was a real possibility then the bug took hold and now I don’t think I could stop even if I wanted to.

~~~~~~~~~~

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Sophia's Secret About the Author:

Julie was born and brought up in a mining village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (hons) in French Language and Literature from Hull University. Since then she has lived and worked as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in France, Greece, Poland and Thailand. She now lives in rural Gloucestershire with her husband, son and a dippy cat with half a tail. She is so passionate about books that her collection is now threatening to outgrow her house, much to her husband’s annoyance!

She is the author of two novels set in Greece, “Jenna’s Journey” and “Sophia’s Secret” both part of the Greek Island Mystery series. She is currently working on a third book, ‘Pandora’s Prophecy.”

You can follow Julie on

Facebook
Twitter
and on her Blog

You can buy Julie’s Greek Island Mysteries

Jenna’s Journey

Sophia’s Secret