But I Smile Anyway...

Book & A Brew with Ritu and Iqbal Hussain @ihussainwriter Northern Boy #BookReview #BookAndABrew @unbounders

26 May 2024 9 Comments

by Ritu in Book & A Brew With Ritu, Reviews Tags: At The Stroke Of Midnight, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book & A Brew With Ritu, Book Review, Iqbal Hussain

I’m bringing someone new to you, today!

I am very pleased to have a new author to introduce to you all, today, and a fellow desi fiction writer, at that, so I’m even more excited. Iqbal Hussain will be chatting about writing and his debut, Northern Boy!

Hello, and welcome to But I Smile Anyway, Iqbal! Let’s get you set with a drink, first. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or maybe a masala chai?

Oh, always a masala chai. Especially on a blowy day after we get in from a big walk in the forest with Milo, our labradoodle.

If we’re going for masala tea, I can offer you some homemade pakoras or a fresh batch of cupcakes baked by my daughter this morning.

As a huge fan of pakoras and cupcakes, I would have to have both. Savoury, followed by sweet. Perfect! I agree, you have to have both!

So, could you tell me a bit about your journey to becoming a published author, Iqbal? Did you find it easy to find representation and get published?

I’m trained as a journalist, so writing’s always been in my blood. But it was only recently that I tried writing fiction. I started with short stories, first just for myself and then entering competitions. Once they began to gain traction, I trusted myself to write longer, resulting in Northern Boy. It took many years to write, taking in at least twenty drafts. The book that’s coming out in June is quite different to the first version, which was more autobiographical – a series of vignettes in need of a plot.

In 2017, I was shortlisted for the Penguin WriteNow scheme for underrepresented writers, which was a huge confidence boost. A year later, I secured a place on the London Writers’ Awards. That’s when Northern Boy really took off, becoming fiction rather than a loosely disguised memoir. On the back of the LWA, I found an agent. Soon after, the agent changed careers, and I was passed to her deputy; she left the company a month later. I was passed to a third agent, who didn’t have a connection with Northern Boy or feel strongly about it, and we parted ways. I hear so much about agents’ and authors parting ways after building relationships; I can only imagine how tough that would have been.

It took a random tweet on Twitter about one of his clients to bring me to the attention of my now agent, the wonderful Robert Caskie. And it’s thanks to Robert and external editor Gillian Stern that the book properly took shape. We did a complete overhaul – tens of thousands of words were ditched, and new ones written. We went out on submission, but, disappointingly, there were no takers.

With a heavy heart, I was all set to shelve the book. Before I did, I entered a competition from Unbound Firsts, a new imprint of the crowdsourcing publisher Unbound, guaranteeing to publish two books a year from debut writers of colour. I forgot all about it, then learned I’d been longlisted. Which turned into a shortlisting. Followed by the amazing news that I’d won and been selected as one of their two books for 2024 – along with fellow winner Zahra Barri, with Daughters of the Nile. I’ve spent the last year doing further work on the book with ace editor Marissa Constantinou, making the final book the best it can be, and this time it really is done! That is truly amazing!

Do you have a special place where you do all your creating and writing? Somewhere away from the craziness of family?

We are lucky enough to have a study each, so I work in mine, usually with Milo keeping me company. I plug in my headphones, usually listening to Bollywood songs. You can take a boy out of Lancashire but you can’t take Lancashire out of the boy. While Northern Boy was being written, I listened to certain songs over and over again – they would take me back to the early 1980s, when some of the book is set. Music also features strongly throughout the book – both Rafi and his mother love music, and they’re always breaking out into Bollywood or ABBA songs. I’ve put together a Northern Boy playlist on Spotify, which gathers together all these songs. Fabulous! I have to admit to not being able to listen to anything when writing, because I get distracted and start singing along, instead of writing!

I noticed, on your website, that you are a composer, too. A man of many talents! I love singing, but to be able to compose your own music, well that is awesome! Have you composed music to go with your stories?

Thank you! I’ve always composed music, from an early age. I imagined everyone heard music in their head, but I realised as I got older that this wasn’t the case. I hear melodies and full-blown arrangements, and I then use my computer and a music production program called Logic to set out the music, with all its layers. I’ve come a long way from the toy piano I used to play as a child with its painted-on black keys! Rafi, in the book, is also musical, but he’s much more accomplished than I am! I haven’t composed music to go with the stories, apart from a theme tune if Northern Boy ever gets optioned for TV or film! But I’ve always envisioned any visual version of the book to contain a healthy dose of music and songs in the true tradition of a Bollywood film – can you imagine, a terraced, cobbled Northern street exploding into a colourful song-and-dance number, then returning to the red brick normality! Oh, I can picture it!

Being an author of Desi fiction, myself, I was thrilled to be able to chat to someone with similar experiences to me. What pushed you to write the stories that you have, so far? I read one of your short stories on your website, too, The Reluctant Bride, which was hauntingly beautiful.

I’ve always felt there’s a gap with stories with Pakistani, Northern, working class themes. The publishing industry is getting better, and we’re seeing more books from writers from underrepresented backgrounds, but there’s much work ahead. I love reading stories set in Bombay with servants and characters who read Kipling, or some wealthy suburb of north-west London, but that isn’t my reality. I also feel that if I don’t tell my stories not only will they be forgotten (by me and those who experienced them with me) but also never learned of by the wider reading public. I often return to themes from my childhood, a time that was particularly formative for me. When I was in my early teens, the house we grew up in was bought up in a compulsory purchase order by the council and razed to the ground, the houses no longer being deemed fit for inhabitation. A once thriving neighbourhood was wiped off the map, in every sense. At an early age, I realised that histories can be erased, and if there aren’t those of us who stand up and record them then it’ll be as if they never happened. I also want to give women from my mum’s generation a voice in my work. With limited English language skills, they’re literally denied a voice in their real lives, so I wanted to make sure I redressed this is in my work. The Reluctant Bride is based on the stories of churails my mum used to tell us as children. They’ve stuck with me and I wanted to do my own take on it. It’s one of my favourite stories of my own and I’m so glad you liked it too! I really enjoyed it!

Something I get asked a LOT is, “Is this story about you?” It feels like there is a segment of the population who can’t grasp the fact that I have stories to tell, made-up ones, not just my story. Have you ever had that? Is there an assumption that you are only able to write what you know?

Absolutely. As writers from underrepresented backgrounds, there’s pressure on us to reflect ourselves and our communities in the stories and books we write. To some degree, I don’t have an issue with that. After all, often we’re told to write about what we know. But that doesn’t mean to say that’s all I write, or that’s all you write. We are more than our own experiences. If we want to write a book set in a space station, or the court of Henry VIII, or about two white English characters we should be free to do so. We should only be limited by our imaginations, not by others’ expectations of us. 100% this, Iqbal!

Let’s get back to your debut, Northern Boy. I’m a Brummie, myself, so more Midlands Girl, but, can I just reiterate how much I enjoyed reading it, nodding along to many parts, picturing the scenes. Where did the inspiration for Rafi’s story come from?

Thank you so much! There’s a Brummie character in the book, Beverley, who, while a cameo, is a favourite of mine. If the book does get turned into a TV series or a film, I’d love Meera Syal (another Brummie) to play her! Rafi’s story started off as autobiographical, but as the drafts piled up it became more fictionalised. It’s hard to put a figure on it, but I’d say at least 70 per cent is fiction and 30 per cent truth, but I’ll leave it to the readers to work out which is which. To be honest, sometimes I forget myself! The problem with real life is it’s rarely interesting enough to carry a whole book. In early drafts, I had a whole chapter detailing a typical school day, including breakdowns of the lessons. Fascinating to me, but to nobody else, so it had to go! Other inspirations were the Bollywood films I was raised on as a child, the TV we watched, programmes like Fame which I loved, and of course the film Billy Elliott. OMG, I loved Fame, too!

You write relatable characters, and the community’s reactions were spot on when certain aspects of Rafi’s life came to everyone’s attention.What I really loved was how you wove his mother, Maam’s personality into the story, without switching points of view. She is an integral character in the story, and I really felt for her. Stuck in a country she really didn’t want to move to, with all manner of unfamiliar things constantly happening around her. Would you consider writing something which is more of a prequel, about her experiences of marriage and coming over to England?

From the outset, the book was always going to be about Rafi and his mother, Maam. Early advice from the Penguin WriteNow editors was to focus on their often tempestuous relationship, and to show how as Rafi was yearning to break free from childhood, Maam was doing the opposite and trying to reclaim the teenage years she lost when she married at an early age. Maam is based on my own mum, who never wore the same outfit twice, rustling up colourful salwaar kameez on her Pfaff sewing machine and still claiming she had nothing to wear! Maam’s story features in short stories I’ve written, including “Home from Home”, which won Gold in the 2019 Creative Future Writers’ Awards, and in “The Long Journey Home”, which was featured in the anthology Lancashire Stories. A shorter form of that story can be found online, in a story called “All Her Tomorrows” as part of the City of Stories project. It would be fascinating to write Maam’s story properly – interestingly, not something I’ve considered before, but you’ve given me food for thought.

I could see this on screen, you know. How would you feel about someone wanting to make a film or series based on your book? (I know I’d love Gurinder Chaddha to read my books and I want to make a movie!)

I would absolutely love Gurinder to take this! To turn it into a film, like in Blinded by the Light. She would totally “get” the feel of the book, the period, the music, the language hopping between English and Punjabi. Early on, I contacted Gurinder on Twitter to say what a huge fan I was of hers and she asked me to keep in touch. So I did, sending her a proof of the book a few months ago. She sent a lovely email back, saying “shabash, puthar”, which made my day! Now I’ll keep everything crossed that she wants to option for TV/film – but, as with all these things, I know how difficult it is to get financing, convince everyone else, pitch to a TV/film company, etc. I wish you so much luck! If you get anywhere, maybe you can put in a good word for me! 😉

I have to ask this, because of the premise of the book… are you an ABBA fan? Would we find you twirling around with a blonde wig on, pretending to be Agnetha with a hairbrush microphone? I love a bit of Karaoke!

I’m a HUGE ABBA fan! On this point, Rafi is me – we are indistinguishable. And I did indeed have a best friend, Shaheeda, the model for Shazia in the book. We would spend hours pretending to be Bollywood starlets, especially Parveen Babi and Hema Malini, and there was an incident similar to the one in the book where Shazia turns Rafi into Agnetha. But she made me up as Maya from Space 1999, complete with mehndi dots for eyebrows, a widow’s peak traced with a surma pen and a diaphonous costume made from dupattas and chadars. And I did go into the local shop in character, tottering along on my mother’s wedge heels. I have no idea how I had the gumption. I can still remember the shopkeeper’s open jaw when I trotted in. I LOVE this! You really are my kind of person!

I love to be nosy and ask this. What is next for Iqbal Hussain? Any new projects you can tell us about?

I’m currently working on a middle-grade children’s book, “The Time Travelling Misadventures of the 7th Son”. Once more, it’s set in the North, in a working-class Pakistani household. The protagonist, Zubair Miah, discovers that, as a seventh son, he can travel back in time. Which he does to try and save his parents’ marriage. While the book is aimed at a younger audience, it has the same mix of humour and pathos of Northern Boy, and even shares some of its characters and settings. We’re hoping to submit the book to publishers shortly, so that’s exciting! There’s another children’s book after that, set in a mythical world called Djollywood – people by Bollywood-loving djinns – and I have ideas for more grown-up novels too. And now you’ve also got me thinking about writing Maam’s story!

Well, I am glad I got you thinking! I know that my 3-book series, has already got wings with at least one prequel, possibly two additional novellas and two more possible full length novels, branching out about some of the other characters! I look forward to hearing more from you. 🙂

Thank you so much for popping over for a chai, Iqbal!

Thank you for the great chai and questions, Ritu!

You are most welcome, and it would be wonderful if you fancied a return visit. 😊

The Blurb

Joyful, defiant and dazzling, this is the story of Rafi Aziz – a Northern boy dreaming of his name up in lights.

It’s 1981 in the suburbs of Blackburn and, as Rafi’s mother reminds him daily, the family moved here from Pakistan to give him the best opportunities. But Rafi longs to follow his own path. Flamboyant, dramatic and musically gifted, he wants to be a Bollywood star.

Twenty years later, Rafi is flying home from Australia for his best friend’s wedding. He has everything he ever wanted: starring roles in musical theatre, the perfect boyfriend and freedom from expectation. But returning to Blackburn is the ultimate test: can he show his true self to his community?

Navigating family and identity from boyhood to adulthood, as well as the changing eras of ABBA, skinheads and urbanisation, Rafi must follow his heart to achieve his dreams.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1800183143

My Review

Northern Boy: A big Bollywood dream. A small-town chance. by Iqbal Hussain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a brilliant debut by Iqbal Hussain!
I love finding a voice where I can relate to the characters and the situations, and the story is compelling, too. This had all that in spades.
Northern Boy uses a dual timeline to tell the story of Rafi Aziz. It follows his childhood in Blackburn from the 1970s to the early 2000s as he returns home, ending with an ending in the present era.
Rafi Aziz is not your usual young Pakistani Muslim boy living in North England. He’d rather be dressing up with his best mate, Shazia, and dancing around her room, singing pop songs and Bollywood hits, than playing football with the rest of the lads.
Music has been a part of his growing up since he can remember, with a mother who sings with a beautiful voice around the house and dotes on her youngest son, encouraging her to join in with her all the time.
Things come to a head when the family realises that his talent is a passion, and he wants to pursue his love of music, singing, and dancing rather than become a doctor or an accountant.
Then, negativity starts, and “What would the neighbours/community say?” becomes more important than allowing Rafi to realise his dreams.
When we jolt forward, Rafi is older and more established as a well-known stage actor/performer, living a life he’s sure his family would disapprove of in Australia. He heads back to his hometown for Shazia’s wedding, where he has to deal with the fireworks and many concealed parts of his life are uncovered.
There were so many things I loved about this book. Rafi is a boy I could have met growing up. I knew of many who suppressed their interests because it wasn’t the done thing.
I also really related to Maam, his mother, who was battling her cultural demons, missing her homeland, and wanting what was best for her children.
This is Billy Elliot, the British Pakistani Edit! An incredible immersion into the life of a boy who just wanted to follow his dreams.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Unbound for an ARC.

About the Author

Iqbal’s debut novel, Northern Boy, about being a “butterfly among the bricks”, is out on 6 June, with Unbound Firsts. His debut middle-grade children’s novel, The Time Travelling Misadventures of the 7th Son, is due out on submission shortly. His work appears in various anthologies, including Mainstream by Incandescent and Lancashire Stories by UCLan Publishing. Iqbal’s nature writing can be read on sites such as The Hopper and caughtbytheriver. Iqbal lives in north London but remains a Northern boy at heart. He can be found on Twitter and Instagram as @ihussainwriter. His website is www.ihussainwriter.com.

Little Experts: How Families Are Made by @DrAmirKhanGP @HarperReach @FMcMAssociates #BookReview

08 May 2024 1 Comment

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Dr Amir Khan

Today, I am delighted to share my review of Dr Amir Khan’s new educational book for 6-9 year olds, How Families Are Made.

Come on a journey with award-winning GP DR AMIR KHAN to discover how families begin and how you became part of your family.

Our EXPERTS are famous for their incredible know-how and passion for their subjects, and now they have made it their mission to share that knowledge with you in LITTLE EXPERTS: the inspirational non-fiction series for six- to nine-year-olds.

This incredible non-fiction journey has bold, colourful artwork throughout by Donough O’Malley.

Dr Amir Khan is a full-time GP who has appeared on shows such as GPs Behind Closed Doors and is a regular on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. His adult book The Doctor Will See You Now was a Sunday Times Bestseller.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this book to peruse at my leisure and to take into school, and it was a delight to leaf through. Dr Khan details different types of families at the beginning of the book, and then it goes on to a more scientific, child-friendly form of how male and female anatomies work to create babies. A brief section talks about how the baby develops, ending with how it enters the world. Then there is information about how families can be made when there isn’t a more traditional parental background, e.g. adoption.

The illustrations are gorgeously diverse, eye-catching and full of colour.

Having been through the rigmarole of finding a curriculum and way of teaching Relationship and Sex Education within schools that all parents are comfortable with, I feel this is a lovely book, something I would recommend parents to look at with their children if they choose to help to educate their children about the topic additionally, and could be further education for adults, as they share the book, too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author: Dr Amir Khan

Format: Hardback

Ageband: 6 to 9

Release Date: 01 Feb 2024

Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0-00-852088-5

Price: £9.99 (Export Price) , £9.99, €None

The Faberge Girl by Ina Christova #blogtour

08 May 2024 8 Comments

by Ritu in Blog Tours Tags: #BlogTour, #BookReview, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging

I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour for this translated text, The Faberge Girl, by Ina Christova.

1909, St Petersburg. Seventeen-year-old Alma longs to work at the legendary House of Fabergé, with its talented artisans, winding staircases, secret golden elevator, and glasshouse of tropical plants. But instead, Alma must sketch quietly in her room, inspired by magical visions that could have her accused of witchcraft, whilst her domineering brother presents her designs as his own.

But then comes an opportunity. With the help of a Finnish artisan Knut, she attracts the attention of Carl Fabergéhimself and is given a job at the House of Fabergé. Alma’s creations attract widespread acclaim, and her star is on the rise. But the world around her is increasingly divided, as the Revolution creeps ever nearer. Alma will be forced to decide what matters most to her. Can love, art and beauty survive such hatred and violence?

At once a poignant love story, a magical coming of age tale and a haunting and evocative account of one of Russia’s darkest periods of history, Ina Christova’s transporting debut is based on the incredible true story of Alma Pihl, the only female jewellery designer at the House of Fabergé and her journey during the age of silver culture in St Petersburg.

My review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It is a beautiful story based on the real life of Faberge’s only female artisan.
Alma is only 17 and dreams of joining her brother, working as an artisan in the House of Faberge, where her father also worked.
But this is not a time when women would have been accepted in this light.
Alma has a talent for her sketches that she cannot realise; instead, she sends ideas via her brother.
There is a worry that Alma is ‘inflicted’ with some power that others will think is witchcraft, where her imagination takes flight, and she finds herself immersed in strange scenarios and situations. While this happens, she goes into trances, which her family goes to great lengths to hide, for fear of her being locked up in a monastery to be ‘cured’.
However, her dream becomes a reality when Knut, another artisan, helps her meet Carl Faberge himself to present her sketches.
As the revolution begins to take hold of the country and St. Petersburg, where they live, Alma gets sucked into different perils after befriending a young man who becomes one of the leaders of the resistance groups.
There is a lot to unpick in this story, but I really did enjoy reading it. Having visited St Petersburg, I could imagine certain places, and with a connection to Finland, too, I was more than enamoured of this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ina Christova is a Bulgarian writer. When not travelling around the world, she splits her time between London and Oxford. She completed an MA in English and German Literature where she was the recipient of the Eleanor Boyle and Kathleen Major prizes for her writing. Ina’s work has been longlisted for the Blue Pencil First Novel Awards and it won this year’s Novel London Literary Competition. The first draft of The Fabergé Girl was completed on the selective Curtis Brown Creative Course in London.

April 2024 Books #AmReading

30 Apr 2024 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Am Reading, Arc, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Reviews, books, Goodreads, Netgalley, reading

I quite like April. I usually have half off, as it is the Easter break, and half in school… that means more reading (and writing) time!

I guess the big question is, what did I read, and did I continue to get words down?

I started the month with 11 (oops!) NetGalley ARCs and around another 30K to write on book three…

I wrote 40k in 2 weeks! 3 chapters and an epilogue to go….

I read 10 books, and countless pucture books in school!.

And I ended up with sixteen Netgalley ARCS still to read! I need to control this urge to say yes to everything!

Second Chance Summer: The romantic, escapist and heartwarming summer read from the Sunday Times bestselling author by Phillipa Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily Harper is a bit of a workaholic.
She’s built up her business to a successful level and acquired a rather formidable reputation, thanks to some past unsavoury editing from the media.
But she has her reasons.
Then, one day, it all comes to a head, and she finds herself railroaded into taking a much-needed, relaxing break for her physical as well as mental health.
Where she ends up is a bit more rustic than relaxing, shall we say.
Clashes with the weather, the locals, and her ‘host’, Sam, create a rocky start to the holiday, and then a near catastrophic incident leaves her questioning many decisions in her life.
Lily feels like a female Alan Sugar: no qualifications, but she’s built a business with sheer grit and determination, just not to the multi-millionaire of the aforementioned Sugar! She has succumbed to loss and hurt but has hidden it as she strives to prove herself to all those who weren’t sure she would make it.
Sam has also experienced his own form of loss. And this retreat he’s built is meant to channel his attention into something else. It’s just that he didn’t expect to find himself falling for the first guest.
I’ve never considered visiting the Scilly Isles, but the breathtaking landscapes described made me put it on my list.
Though the situation may be a bit far-fetched, why not indulge in a second chance romance, where rugged is not just the romantic interest but the landscape, too?
I enjoyed this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for an ARC.

Releasing 6th June, 2024

Second Chances at the Board Game Café by Jennifer Page
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love slipping back into a community where I feel like I’m visiting old friends, and Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe was just that.
This time, we meet a single mum, Taylor, a sewist/seamstress. She is not entirely living her dream of being a fashion designer but struggles to keep her head above water. She also has a steady life for her son, Max, who finds certain situations difficult to handle.
And then we have train enthusiast and accountant, Harry. He’s a bit socially awkward and not very experienced with women, but he finds himself strangely attracted to this young woman he keeps seeing in places.
The Board Game Cafe is integral to finally getting them to know one another, albeit under circumstances that have nothing to do with romance! (Don’t worry; that follows!)
Taylor is a complex character. Because of falling pregnant, she has not been able to realise her childhood dream, but rather than feel upset, she tries her hardest to give her son the best life she can.
Harry is such a sweetheart, and he really doesn’t know it!
I love the way their relationship develops, but Harry’s connection with little Max is possibly one of the cutest! Though it isn’t made much of, seeing two people with similar social anxieties and interests come together is wonderful. I only wish they had met sooner!
Hearing updates on the other characters, such as Mr B, his wonderful ladyfriend, and even Jo from the last book, was lovely. As I mentioned earlier, it’s like visiting friends.
It is a remarkable story with the community at the heart and a great message about upcycling, along with raising awareness of the difficulties some children have at school when they are neurodiverse.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an ARC.

Releasing 6th June, 2024

Releasing 6th June, 2024

The Lost Lover by Karen Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t wait to get back to the thrill of the lives of the St Kildans and their epic move. I’ve been hooked on this series since the first book.
Each book is the story of a different resident on the isle, told in their point of view. This means in many ways, each book can be read as a standalone, but, if you have read the other two, there is a deeper understanding of the relationships of the characters and their emotions.
This time, the story is told from Flora’s perspective. Flora is the eye-candy on the isle but pretty much unaffected by it, unless outsiders come to visit, and are stunned by her natural beauty.
A visit from another rich family, spurs on an unlikely romance between her and one of holiday makers, with a promise to return, and make her his own.
But an unexpected surprise, followed by tragedy, and a huge move from the isle to the mainland means that Flora’s beautiful future has been snatched from her.
Her looks continue to catch the eyes of all and sundry, leading her to end up in Paris as a star performer in a theatre show, where more secrets are uncovered.
There were highs, then lows, then highs, followed by another cliffhanger, with excitement and frustration in equal parts!
I wanted a happy ending, but equally I am now sure there will be another story to follow, because (please, Karen Swan!) we can’t be left not knowing!
I loved this next book. Even though we hear the same story, at the beginning, it is both a refresher for those who have read the first two, and another dimension to add to what we already know.Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC.

Releasing 7th May, 2024

Blackbird by Kay Bratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 9 in the Hart’s Ridge series, and I couldn’t be happier to be diving right back to the residents of Hart’s Ridge, more atrocities committed, and a brief update on Taylor and the Gray family.
Alongside settling into married life with Sam and his daughter, Alice, Taylor is still busy with her job as a deputy at the police station.
This time round, Taylor spends time with her colleague Caleb, who tragically lost his wife the year before, as detailed in the previous book. However, there are signs that the conclusion reached may not be the correct one.
Alongside this, we meet Allison, another person Taylor has helped in the past. She is struggling to run from an abusive relationship and needs all the help she can get.
What can I say, apart from LOVED IT!
Though this story didn’t include as much about the Gray family, we still get a good roundup of what they are all doing and the indication that Taylor is working herself to the bone and isn’t leaving much of herself to her own family.
As they unfolded, the two cases were sensitively handled, mainly since one is based upon the author’s personal experiences and the other bears some resemblance to another true crime story.
Again, we end on a cliffhanger, and though they can be a little annoying, this time, it filled me with excitement that there is at least another book in the series, especially as Kay initially started with this being an eight-book series and we are now on number nine!
I foresee some significant changes in Taylor Gray’s life, too.
Cannot wait for book 10!

Released 30th April, 2024

Five stars from me! What a powerful book! Danielle will be joining me for a Book and a Brew near release date, so look out for the full review then!

Releasing on 6th May, 2024

The Holiday Escape by Heidi Swain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful holiday romance by fantastic author Heidi Swain!
Ally lives in the idyllic coastal village of Kittiwake with her father, helping him to run a retreat that was the dream of both him and her mother. She loves her dad, but this was never the life she envisioned for herself. Instead, a promise to her mother, before she died, ties Ally to a place filled with memories that aren’t all pleasant.
On a much needed break away, Ally reinvents herself and meets a young man, Logan, who she begins to develop[p feelings for, and not wanting him to know the extent of her pitiful real life, she ghosts him.
Coming back home, she makes plans to finally admit to her father that running the retreat with him is not what she wants to do, forever, but then several spanners get thrown in the works, with the reappearance of an old school ‘friend’, Tara, and, then, ironically, Logan.
Nothing is ever as straightforward as that, so I’ll leave you to the book to find out what happens!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, immersing myself in the life of Ally and the Kittiwake residents.
Ally, herself is a mixed up character, trying to fulfil a vow while forsaking all she really wants.
Her best friend, Flora, is a real rock, and you see the ups and downs they both travel, as various events unfold. And the strength of friendship.
Logan – I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with, as I could see how good they were for one another, but as I came to realise certain things, I doubted his character, but he redeemed himself!
I LOVED Kasuku, the foul-mouthed parrot who was inherited along with the cottage by Ally’s parents was a fabulous addition to the cast of colourful characters, too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC.

Released 25th April 2024

Review coming soon as we are on the blog tour for this particular translated fiction story! \

Releasing 16th May, 2024

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a rollicking fun read!
It shows you don’t have to lose your adventurous side just because you are on the other side of 70!
Gina is reeling from the news that her husband of 43 years is leaving her to find himself and wishes to end their marriage. She’s given her all to the marriage and her family, losing sight of herself in the process.
A chance response to an advert in a magazine requesting a companion for an elderly lady spurs Gina on to apply.
Widowed Dorothy may be nearing the end of her eighties, but a silly fall will not stop her, even if her family feels she needs more support.
Luckily for them both, Dorothy meets Gina and decides if anyone is worth the job she is.
But it ends up being more of a private detective job than a companion/carer, as Dorothy finds out that Gina’s knowledge of art history may be precisely what she is looking for in solving the mystery of a theft and the subsequent death of her husband.
They are to attend a wedding with an ulterior motive at the beautiful home of eccentric and rather unlikeable Leonard.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I loved spirited octogenarian Dorothy, with her ideas, and her granddaughter, Juliet, who joined their band of investigators and made what would be a boring week of wedding stuff into something far more exciting for a young teenager.
Gina’s character develops and strengthens through the story, and it is a joy to see her find herself again and learn to believe in her own abilities.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Releasing 13th May, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love GAME by Emma Rae

A contemporary romance set around Wimbledon with a woman searching for an out from an awful relationship, and an opportunity to be the personal live in chef for a tennis pro.

It was… okay….

Releasing 16th May, 2024

So, tell me what you have been reading, and what caught your eye from the above!

Book and a Brew with Ritu – Love Letters at the Borrow a Book Shop by @KileyDunbar @HeraBooks #NewRelease #BookReview and a #GIVEAWAY!

25 Apr 2024 20 Comments

by Ritu in Book & A Brew With Ritu, Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Book and a brew with Ritu, Book Review, Kiley Dunbar, Love Letters at the Borrow A Book Shop

Is she a glutton for punishment, or does she just like my nibbles? Kiley is back for a third visit!

Today, I am thrilled to welcome amazing romance author Kiley Dunbar to my blog for a cuppa and a bit of a chat about all things writerly, especially her newest release, Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop. It’s out, TODAY!

And, before you read any further, there is a fabulous giveaway! Kiley has kindly offered a copy of her beautiful book and some other treats for one of the commenters. (UK and Ireland only, though, unfortunately!)

Credit to Tea Leaves and Reads for the beautiful bookmark that will accompany the book.

A third time back here for a cuppa and a chat, Kiley. Is it the scintillating company, or the snacks? (Hee hee!)

Hi, Ritu! You know I’ll always turn up for tea any time you ask me! Thanks so much for having me back.

What drink would you like? I’ve got all the usual, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or that masala tea if you are brave enough to try some?

You know I’m going to say masala tea please, lots of sugar, thanks.

Good choice. Masala tea always tasted better with plenty of sugar! And, today my daughter baked some chocolate chip cookies for our nibbles. 😊

You know I’m going to say masala tea please, lots of sugar, thanks.

How lovely to have you back here, Kiley! You were my first ever Book and a Brew guest, you know. 😊 Could you update me on what’s been going on in your writing life since we last chatted?

Where does the time go, Ritu! Well, since we last had a brew, I’ve been making over my garden, turning it into a writing garden with lots of cosy little nooks. And it must have helped as I’ve another book out and another almost finished! I do love your garden writing spots!

I’ve seen the online writing course/coaching you have been doing on Patreon. Have any of your students finished a first draft level yet? Do you enjoy the coaching side of this?

That’s right! I taught a ‘write your romance novel’ course in 2023 and the participants made such amazing drafts I just know I’ll be seeing those on sale one day soon. For 2024, I thought I’d try something different, a series of recorded webinars on Patreon. Romance authors can download as many as they like and watch them whenever they want. So far, I have one webinar posted and there’s a second on the way. Sounds awesome! You are pretty inspirational, you know!

As you know, I’m off to the Romantic Novelists Association Conference this summer, and I am a bit gutted I won’t be meeting you! I am looking forward to meeting many other lovely writer friends in person who I have only encountered online. What do you enjoy the most about these in-person author events and conferences?

I love an author event. Writing is such a solitary business, and it’s not the best industry for well-being and mental health, so regularly meeting up with other writers who understand the strains (and the triumphs) really helps. True. Though I don’t feel much solitude, as most of my time is spent with a class of 30 4-5 year olds, the solitude when I do write is quite welcomed!

You posted on Instagram about a poem you got AI-operated CoPilot to write… It was very funny and pretty accurate in many ways. (I had a go; it poetically regurgitated my author bio, lol!) What is your feeling about AI and creative writing? I know it is a bit of a hornet’s nest right now.

I did, and it was a great way to show how these things can only scrape the available online material, and it might well come out in a garbled mess. It really made me laugh.

In 2023 I had my first AI review of one of my books, which I really didn’t understand. It had the right book title but the setting and character names were wrong and the AI had cobbled together a plot which didn’t have a thing to do with my book! All very odd. Why would someone even do that? SMH!

Genuine human connectedness and creativity cannot be replaced but still, I worry. In an industry where on average most authors already make way below a living wage, there will be people and groups calling themselves ‘publishers’ who will sell AI generated stories, bypassing the need to pay writers altogether, all while exploiting real writers’ books for content and ideas. It really is a worry, especially if work like that sells. Makes the years and tears we put into our book babies feel worthless… Dont’ worry, Kiley; I’ll always be there to read yours!

So, back to the main event! The fourth Borrow a Bookshop book is out today! Love Letters at the Borrow A Book Shop. I LOVE this series, something special! I am still waiting for us to do this for real, Kiley! Honestly, I think this series could go on, and on. There is so much potential. What do you think?

Aww, thank you, Ritu! That means a lot coming from you especially. Well, I’m writing book 5 in the series at the moment and am wondering if this is going to be the last one. Who knows? I’d never say never. I do know I’d miss these adorable book nerds and the Clove Lore locals and little Aldous the dog! (No!! Say it isn’t so! 😭😭)

This time, your new bookshop renter was Austen, a young writer and book enthusiast who is riddled with anxiety. And I think she is your first LGBTQ+ main character, right? How did you find writing an FF romance rather than an FM one? I know it was a strange experience when I wrote my first MM one in Straight as a Jalebi!

You did such a lovely job in Straight as a Jalebi! I loved that book. Aw, thank you! All my books have featured Queer characters and love stories, but you’re right, this is the first with a Sapphic couple front and centre, and I adored seeing them find each other.

I think Austen is more like me than any of my other characters. I let out all her anxieties and insecurities in this story, and I wanted her to be rewarded for her struggles with a really enormous, joyful love story. She just has to be brave and go for it. You did a grand job of that!

I always love dipping back into the lives of the rest of the inhabitants in the village, and this time, you treated us to a second blossoming romance, too, with an existing Clove Lore resident and another newcomer. Do you know how the characters will get interwoven in follow-up books? Is that something in your long-term series plan? Or, like my characters, do yours keep talking to you, telling you they want a meatier role in the next book, and keep popping up in scenes, forcing your hand?

I don’t really plan for future books as I’m writing. But I do know now (writing book 5) that only three single Clove Lore residents haven’t found love yet. Everyone else had been paired up over the series. I’d like Esteé Gold – the ex-TV star fallen on hard times in Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop – to get a love story of her own one day. Maybe that could be a little spin-off, or a novella!

And, I already know a fifth book in the series is coming (Yippie! Dies a happy dance!) next year. Will there be more? And what else do we have coming from the wonderful Kiley Dunbar?

You can expect book five (a Valentine’s Borrow a Bookshop special) in January 2025. After that, I have something special up my sleeve for you all! I’ve only written a little bit of it and have no idea if it will ever see the light of day but it is very romantic. Oh, now I am all excited again!!!!

What are you up to at the moment, Ritu? I want to hear all your writing gossip. You can whisper it if it’s still top secret…

Ah, thank you for asking! So, I am in the throes of getting the first draft of book three in the Rishtay Series written. I have utilised the school Easter break extremely productively! Not sure of a publication date, yet, but it won’t be long, hopefully, edits pending. After that, well, I have a few ideas for further spin-off stories, possibly another full-length novel set more in the present, with some of the younger characters from the stories at the forefront. Yes, there are a couple of other plans a-brewing, but nothing set in stone, just yet!

Aah, my cup is empty. I think I need to get back to my characters, but than you for having me, Ritu 🙂

Right now, I am just happy you came over! And, thank you so much for arranging for a giveaway for one of my readers!

Peeps, remember to comment if you are from the UK/Ireland to be in with a chance of winning! I will contact you, no one else, for address details to send to Kiley. You should not receive any unsolicited requests for any details!

Now, as I mentioned before, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Love Letters At The Borrow A Bookshop, so let me share the blurb and my review.

The Blurb

Can she write her perfect love story?

Austen Archer is on her dream solo bookselling holiday, the new ‘borrower’ at the Borrow-A-Bookshop in Devon’s Clove Lore. While she has always loved poetry, her words have dried up since being fired by her last boss, bestselling author, Callista Flyte, a year ago.

Austen distracts herself with the Borrow-A-Bookshop, as well as her flirty online exchanges with an anonymous Parisian bookseller. Hiding from the world, Austen doesn’t notice that wedding planner, Patti, is falling for her – and is too afraid to admit that she feels the chemistry, too.

But as Patti and Austen grow closer, culminating in a magical day at the wildflower meadow, can Clove Lore work its customary magic and bring the two together? And will Austen find the confidence to risk her heart and write again?

My Review

Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop by Kiley Dunbar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, if you’ve read my reviews, you already know I love Kiley Dunbar, and visiting one of her favourite made-up places, Clove Lore, again is a joy.
The Borrow a Bookshop series has become one of my favourites. I mean, which self-respecting book lover would turn their nose at a holiday where you get to pretend you own a bookshop (and run a lovely little cafe) and surround yourself with the smell of books for two weeks?
So, what fun to hear that there was a fourth installment! I couldn’t wait to catch up with old characters and meet the new temporary owner(s).
This time, we meet Austen. Once bitten, twice shy, Austen is a character who riddles with self-doubt. This holiday was booked for her and another, who, given certain circumstances, was no longer coming. Still, books and words are Austen’s lifeblood, so this break was not one for cancelling.
Through her trip, a change occurs as she gains her confidence, and then she finds herself in a bit of a confusing situation regarding admirers from two very different places. Both have their place in helping her find herself once more, but where things end was always the route I had hoped for.
We were given a treat in that there was not one but two blossoming romances this time, and both storylines kept me turning the pages on my Kindle as fast as I could. Another new character, a new resident of Clove Lore, and one of the villagers have a hate-to-love situation that is great to read.
Honestly, another favourite of mine, and I cannot wait to read the next one… (April 2025 needs to hurry up!)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.

Here is the buy link for #lovelettersattheborrowabookshop

AMZ: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Letters-Borrow-Bookshop-uplifting-ebook/dp/B0CSG5QS8F

And here’s a little about Kiley and her other books.

Kiley Dunbar is Scottish and lives in England with her husband, two kids and Amos the Bedlington Terrier. She writes around her work at a university in the North of England where she lectures in English Literature and Creative Writing.

Twitter: @KileyDunbar

‘Kiley Dunbar Author Book Page’ on Facebook

Website and newsletter: www.kileydunbar.co.uk

Instagram: @kileydunbarauthor