What a thrill to be able to help spread the word about a fabulous book!
I was asked to be a part of the blog tour for Geraldine Verne’s Red Suitcase, the second novel by Jane Riley, and after reading the blurb, I jumped at the chance!
Here’s the Blurb
His dying wish was to set her free. So why does she feel so trapped?
Jack had two dying wishes: that his wife scatter his ashes somewhere ‘exotic’, and that she not give up on life once he was gone. He intended to spur her on to new adventures, but despite clinging to her red suitcase, Geraldine Verne hasn’t left the house for three months.
It takes an accident for Geri to accept help from her friends, but when Meals on Wheels arrive she is mortified. Yet heartbroken volunteer Lottie brings with her more than cottage pie and custard. Like Geri, she too is struggling to cut loose.
As a gloriously unlikely friendship blossoms, Geraldine begins to feel a long-lost spark of life and a newfound confidence. Perhaps what both women needed most, after all, was each other.
I was thrilled to be asked to read an arc of Jane Riley’s second, book, not least because the blurb hooked me right away. The grief of losing someone is intense, and we all deal with that grief in different ways. Geraldine Verne, or Geri to her friends, is floundering. She is lost without her soulmate, Jack. Upon his passing and subsequent cremation, she finds herself unable to let go of his ashes, and rather than display the urn on her mantlepiece, as some do, she finds solace in wrapping Jack up in special mementoes and placing him in a red suitcase they used to travel with, using it as both a physical and emotional crutch. An accident forces her to rethink her ideas, as she is suddenly in need of help. More help than ashes and a wheelie suitcase can provide her. My heart went out to Geri. A woman in her later years, with nothing more than her husband’s remains, and his collection of butterflies as her support. The way she shut everyone out, in order to wallow in her grief, really hit home with me. But I loved the way her saviour came in the form of a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and now, despite their age difference, and background, they actually helped one another accept the way their lives were going to be. Grief can hit us duer to the loss of a loved one, who has passed away, as well as one who has left us and our life, whilst still living theirs, and this book explores that whole topic in a very sensitive, yet entertailing way.
Hi, I’m Jane Riley!
I was born and raised in New Zealand. After graduating from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in French and English literature, I headed to Europe to practise my French, got waylaid in Germany and ended up in Australia.
I have had a varied career in public relations, publishing, freelancing as a writer and editor, and launching an online e-commerce business, which involved writing a design blog interviewing makers and creators. When The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock was published, I achieved my dream of becoming a full-time author.
I live in Sydney with my husband, an energetic but scared-of-heights Australian cattle dog-staffy cross, and two daughters old enough to not be living at home anymore. I volunteer as an English language tutor for the Adult Migrant English Program, am learning the piano and teaching myself Italian.
I’m hazarding a guess that this will be another quiet reading month, as not only do we have the move to continue with, but it is also report writing month, which is always hectic! Anyway, let’s see what I managed!
5. I managed 5. And if I am totally honest, I am still reading one of them! It has been a really hard month, time is whizzing by…
The premise for the book, Songs In Ursa Major, intrigued me and it made for an interesting read. The story follows the meeting of Jane, lead singer in a local band, and Jesse, up and coming popular musician, who ends up needing medical care after an accident. Jane and Jesse’s relationship is very complex, but you can feel.the strength of their bond, and I was taken on an emotional roller coaster as their relationships journey progressed. Filled with music, and the relaxed atmosphere of the 60s, coupled with more serious issues, dealing with drug culture, and loss, as well as the male-dominant industry that the music business was, at that time it was a compelling read. My only disappointment was that the ending felt very displaced and abrupt, jumping from then, to the present, with not a lot to explain what had happened in the half century between where we were, and where the story actually ends. An interesting debut. Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw the cover, with that cute pug face, how could I refuse a chance to read? And, the title, Pug, Actually, made me giggle out loud, so, of course, it was a given that I would read this one! We have Julia, stuck in a somewhat restrictive relationship with a married man called Luke, and a pug, called Doug (Yes, really!) who knows this man is not for his mistress, at all. The book is all told through the large, sometimes bulging eyes of Doug, the pug, as he tries very hard, with the help of a few other humans, to manipulate situations, to make Julia realise exactly how bad this man is for her. Knowing this Luke already has something called a ‘wife, at home, Doug knows that Julia could do much better, as he steers her towards Tom, a V-E-T-, (not ideal, because, well, his job, but so much better than Luke with the dodgy smell that he leaves in his wake!) A delightful romance with a canine twist! Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Released 29th June, 2021
Review to follow in a Blog tour post! But, here’s the blurb to whet your appetite!
His dying wish was to set her free. So why does she feel so trapped?
Jack had two dying wishes: that his wife scatter his ashes somewhere ‘exotic’, and that she not give up on life once he was gone. He intended to spur her on to new adventures, but despite clinging to her red suitcase, Geraldine Verne hasn’t left the house for three months.
It takes an accident for Geri to accept help from her friends, but when Meals on Wheels arrive she is mortified. Yet heartbroken volunteer Lottie brings with her more than cottage pie and custard. Like Geri, she too is struggling to cut loose.
As a gloriously unlikely friendship blossoms, Geraldine begins to feel a long-lost spark of life and a newfound confidence. Perhaps what both women needed most, after all, was each other.
Released 29th June, 2021
Another one I read, for review purposes, and I shall not share the review until the release date, which is at the end of July, but, if you know Sacha, you know this will be a goodie!
Do your characters fail to bring your story to life? Are they flat, boring or have no depth? Is your story lacking a little cohesion or sparkle? In 8 Steps to Side Characters, you’ll discover:
+ A step-by-step guide for creating side characters that bring your story alive + The main types of side characters and what you should do with them + The key to crafting character depth that hooks readers + How to harness your character’s voice to deepen your reader’s experience + Tips and tricks for using details to enhance characterization + Methods for killing characters that will help deepen plot, theme and story + Dozens of ideas for creating conflict with your side characters + Tactics for differentiating characters and making them feel real to your reader + Character archetypes and functions + The most common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid
8 Steps to Side Characters is a comprehensive writing guide that will help you create the side characters your story needs. This book is packed with tips and tricks for polishing characters for writers at any level.
If you want to power up your characters, eliminate dull and lifeless archetypes, and perfect your characterization, this is the book for you. By the end of this book, you’ll know how to strengthen your characters to give your story, prose and plot the extra something special it needs to capture a readers and fans for life.
If you like dark humor, learning through examples and want to create better side characters, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting supporting roles with intention, purpose, and power. Read 8 Steps to Side Characters today and start creating kick-ass stories.
Now, just the name of this book drew me to request it, and I was not disappointed at all with the story. I have been struggling to read, recently, and this book pulled me out of the rut I had found myself in! So we have Lottie, the blonde sparky, never an intellectual person, and definitely not known for her love of words. She’s been attending a book club, but really isn’t feeling it, what with all the literary greats they are meant to be reading, when all she really wants is a bit of romance, happy endings, and a little steaminess thrown in. An idea sparks (see what I did there?!) with the help of some other members of said book club to start their own, a more inclusive one, with less formal rules, and here’s how she finds herself the head of the Beach Reads Book Club, with a slowly growing number of members, who do like a book with a bit of a romp in them, but more than anything, they cherish the time they spend together, and the friendships that evolve. Oh, and I can’t forget the romance within this book, either, can I? Matthew, the rather serious new book shop owner is eye candy for more than one of the members, but, slowly, as he sheds layers of clothing and his own mystique, he ends up being a perfect candidate for our Lottie. Though, nothing is ever that simple. There is family drama, exes, and a gorgeous, protective dog, involved. Oh, and who could forget the oldest member of the club, Audrey, who has a potty mouth disguising a heart of gold. Such a lovely book, I highly recommend it! Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Released 30th June 2021
So, were you any better than me with your reading?
So, another week has flown by, of this final term of the academic year… another manic one, if I an honest!
Let’s give you a quick recap, along withour weekly drink! Ready?
If we were having chai I’d start, with that thing called work/school. You know, being a phase leader for this department is a tough slog, especially this year. With new curriculum stuff to sort out, assessment for another incomplete year, reports to write, sorting out the classes for next year, and a high leven of need from several of our pupils, it has really threatened to push people over the edge. So much so, that I have had staff members in tears, as well as me, feeling that we aren’t able to do more for certain children, but we are doing the best we can under circumstances out of our control. Staffing was better, this week but there was still a lot of upheaval, with meetings, and more meetings… and a few heartwrenching sessions with one particular child. Still, we have such a good relationship with the parents, that we all know we are trying our best to give each child what they deserve.
If we were having chai I’d go back to that old report thing… I still have ten more to write, but I managed to snatch a couple of hours one evening to get some done, with the help of my furry pal… Jaffa cakes were also there as a support…
If we were having chai I’d tell you that cricket has still been pretty full on, with Lil Man playing for the U17s, the Mens Vth team, and filling in for the 1st team, too! There were some ups and downs, but he got 4 wickets for 32 runs off 6 overs in the 1st team game, so, even though they lost, he did really well! But, I have to admit that I am getting very tired now… counting the weeks until the league season ends…
If we were having chai I’d tell you that I feel like I have barely picked up a book the last few weeks. When I do, I am so tired that I fall asleep when reading. I can’t wait to get back into my proper reading routine!
If we were having chai I’d end by saying that it was my bro in law and wife’s anniversary, so as we were unable to be there, I arranged for a luxury breakfast hamper to be delivered, so they could be treated at home, since with his foot in a cast, my Bro in Law can’t actually get around anywhere, right now!
This week, along with the usual work stuff, I hope to get the data done, and the reports written, alongside a biggie. Lil Man turns 16 this week! When did that happen? I admit to feeling rather old now!
And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!
“Behind every favourite song, there is an untold story.”
Unknown
Many thanks, Spidey, for finding me an appropriate music-based quote for today’s post!
It’s true, isn’t int? There is definitely a story behind favourite songs, or else, why would they be so special?
Okay, I know there are some that you just like the lyrics of, but if you dig deeper, there will be some reason, some connection, that keeps you coming back to it.
Music was on my mind, recently, as I set up my Alexa Dots around the house, and compiled playlists that I could stream through the system. I’m quite backwards like that, where music is concerned. I still prefer my cd player in the car, to the streaming, even though I have Apple music, etc, but now, I guess it’s time to harness the power, and the fun you have, asking Alexa to play certain songs, even though she gets songs of other languages a bit mixed up, and ragga songs, which I do love!
Anywho, on Saturday night, as I cooked the dinner, I asked her to play all sorts of songs, and there were mini stories behiind why each of them stuck with me.
I started with (don’t laugh) the Birdie Song. A true party favourite when I was a young child! I attempted to get Lil Princess to join me to do the moves, but after laughing at me (result, better than the moods we get!) she ran off to her room!
Then it was Copacabana, which reminded me of a dance competition in school, where a couple of friends choreographed a dance to it.
These songs morphed into more and more memories from the past, with tunes, or choooons, as we used to say, from my uni years, leading me to begin to create a playlist for myself with memory songs!
It lightened a rather heavy mood here, as a certain someone came home from a match that was lost, and was particularly negative, and after a bit of a kitchen boogie, all felt so much better. The music followed me up to the utility area, where I ironed and continued to dance to more memorable songs from years filled with wonderful memories.
What fun!
So… tell me, are you following the Euro Matches this year
So, the first week of the last term has whizzed by, and boy was it a doozy!
Let’s give you a quick recap, along withour weekly drink! Ready?
If we were having chai I’d start, as I always do, with school. So, I always love this last term of the year, it is a time we see so much development within the children. But, what I didn’t count on was being short staffed! It was a bit mad, I’ll admit. One of my team was really unwell, meaning we were down for four days, then another who works two days, had to be off as her daughter was isolating, due to a bubble bursting in her school… plus, we had candidates in every morning, being observed for a position as a one to one support TA for one of our children. Oh, and I had a new student, in, too! There weren’t enough hours in the day, to be honest. I had hoped to try and write a few more reports, but that didn’t happen, either! In fact I did bring my laptop home for the weekend, but it has sat, untouched, as I was so exhausted. It was also Olympics week, through the school, so we tried our hardest to give the children lots of opportunities to learn, about the games, the different sports, the history, diversity, through countries taking part, and the Paralympics, and also a topic on Japan, as that is where the 2020 games (2021!) are meant to be held. The children loved it, to be honest, and seeing them so engrossed was lovely.
If we were having chai I’d tell you that another reason I was shattered was that for the first two evenings, I also acted as Cricket Mum taxi, and we didn’t get home until past 9pm, due to Lil Man having games. I don’t mind taking, him, I never have, but it made for very long days… on top of extremely hectic school days.
If we were having chai I’d excitedly let you know that my reading/writing area is pretty much ready, too, and I managed to spend all of Saturday afternoon there, not writing, unfortunately, but reading, and enjoying my own peace!
If we were having chai I’d say that as it was Father’s day on Sunday, we went to see the In-Laws, as well as spent a while talking to Pops on the phone. It’s not the ideal way to celebrate, but at least we had some sort of contact! And Then Sonu Singh and I chilled to read! Well, I read, he chilled!
This week, I hope we are fully staffed, so things can be a little back to normal, though what normal is, I don’t know! I have three SEN children being observed, a phone interview about an initiative we were meant to use, but didn’t get to, a meeting with the rest of the Academy EYFS Phase leaders, then a meeting with our Senior Leader tutor… and that’s just school! Cricket will factor in it too, weather-pending, but how many games or practices, I don’t have a clue!
And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!
