It’s my pleasure to have Kay Castaneda as my guest and Top Author, this week.

Kay Castaneda is retired from a career as a college writing instructor and special education tutor. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in English at Indiana University. Her publications include poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction in literary journals plus articles about education for reference books. She published a novel based on her experiences growing up in the Midwest, Emmie of Indianapolis. Kay also contributed two stories to Death Among Us: An Anthology of Murder Mystery Short Stories. She is currently researching the history of Ireland for a novel based on her ancestors.  Her work in progress is a mystery novel with an amateur female sleuth. She loves to eat at Mom and Pop diners and browse in antique stores and flea markets. Kay lives in Mexico with her husband Tony, son Richard and dog Buddy.

Reviews of Kay’s work:

‘Wonderful! a joy to read.’

‘This delightful book is also a page-turner. It also left me with a warm uplifting feeling. It was a joy.’

‘One sweet novel. Full of warmth, sorrow and joy for young adults.’

‘AMAZING book!’

Book blurb:

In 1963, a young teenage girl moves with her mother and sisters from the suburbs to the downtown of a Midwestern city after her parents get a divorce. Emmie, a naïve, curious and intelligent girl, wants the security of her suburban life but has always dreamed of adventure in faraway places. She must take risks, meet new people and become independent. The change is difficult for all because of her mother’s alcoholism and lack of a steady income. When Emmie’s mother takes a job, she cares for her sisters at night. In her new neighborhood, Emmie meets people from different cultures who are both good and evil. She defends her sisters and herself each day by confronting the evil, thus awakening her courage and inner strength. But she never gives up.

Book buy link

Other books by Kay:

This week’s guest author is Julie Newman. Some of the reviews of Julie’s latest book really make you want to grab it from the bookshelf and start reading. If you enjoy captivating and well written stories, then Julie’s work will keep you turning page after page to find out more. Julie is an inspiration and began her writing career at the age of 59. Her memoir, No One Comes Close, is a true story of how one woman, unhappy in her marriage, set out to find her first love and the consequences it incurred.

Here are some reviews of Julie’s work:

‘Her emotive writing kept me thinking and feeling every step of the way.’

‘A gripping story about a woman compelled to change everything for another chance at a lost love. Great characters and period detail. I recommend it.’

‘I think we all sometimes wonder what would happen if we revisited our romantic past. This is a great book.’

Thank you very much for inviting me Lizzie. I’m a late-starter when it comes to creative writing. In 2008 aged 59, I moved to Cornwall where I took my first creative writing course.  I was immediately hooked. More courses followed. I joined several writers’ groups and soaked it all up like a sponge. I have written numerous short stories and articles, some of which have been published in magazines, but my biggest dream was to send my stranger-than-fiction story, No One Comes Close, out into the world. My favourite quote: No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.

Biography.

J.A. Newman was born in Kent into a busy, artistic family. He father was a commercial artist in London’s West End and painted in his spare time while her mother and grandmother took in paying guests.  At primary school she was repeatedly told off for daydreaming in class and at senior school she filled her rough note books with comic strip stories. Wanting a creative career she went into hairdressing which took her to South East London and later to Cambridgeshire. In 2008 she retired to Cornwall with her second husband where she found inspiration for her writing.

J.A. Newman has kept a diary for most of her life; 1966 and 1987 being the inspiration for her memoir No One Comes Close, an emotional roller-coaster romance published in 2017. Her second publication Where There’s a Will, published a year later, is a light-hearted tale of rags to riches set in South East London and the Yorkshire Dales. Her latest novel, Bay of Secrets, is a mystery with a dash of the paranormal, a slice of romance and a sprinkling of nostalgia set in her favourite part of Cornwall.

She is currently working on a sequel to Where There’s a Will and researching the English Civil War with the intention of writing a historical novel set in that period.

You can reach her on:

J.A.Newman@pobroadband.co.uk

www.facebook.com/J.A.Newman.author

www.twitter@julie3wwn

Website: julieannnewman.wordpress.com

Amazon.co.uk : No One Comes Close

Have you ever dreamed of finding a long lost love? Well, Julie didn’t just dream, she did it. This is her story.

Her other two publications:

Where There’s a Will: Amazon.co.uk: J A Newman: 9781723137921: Books

Bay of Secrets: Amazon.co.uk: J A Newman: 9798617263376: Books

Jo Lambert joins me on my blog today, as this week’s top author.  If you enjoy romance reads with lots of drama and intrigue, then jump into Jo’s book!

Some recent reviews of Jo’s work:

‘Poignant romance with a thriller edge.’

‘I’ll simply say that this is a gripping novel and one I think Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin would thoroughly approve of. I loved it.’

‘Gripping romantic suspense.’

‘For those who love Cornish novels. An involving and enjoyable book.’

Jo Lambert lives on the eastern edge of the city of Bath. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors.  She has been writing since 2008. Her first five books, a set of linked romantic sagas following the lives of several families in rural West Somerset, were followed in 2015 by Summer Moved On, a contemporary romance set in South Devon. A sequel, Watercolours in the Rain was published 2017,

 In June 2019 Jo published A Cornish Affair with Choc Lit under their Ruby imprint. Later that year, a major health scare saw her writing put on hold for a while, but in the summer of 2020, the first of a new series of romantic suspense novels was published. Shadows on the Water, set on the south coast of Cornwall, became the first of three stories set in the fictitious town of Kingswater (a place based on a mix of Dartmouth and Fowey).

Her latest novel A Kingswater Summer, due to be published in August 2021 is the second in the series. Both books can be read as standalone stories.

When she isn’t writing she reads and reviews. She also has an active blog.  Jo loves travel, red wine and music from the sixties and beyond. And sometimes she takes the odd photograph…

Shadows on the Water by Jo Lambert.

Book blurb:

After the tragic death of her fiancé, Ava Warren is slowly rebuilding her life. She has a supportive family, great friends and a job she loves, managing holiday letting company Estuary Escapes in her home town of Kingswater. Another relationship is the last thing she wants or needs. Until one evening she meets Alex Penhaligon.

Alex has just returned home from California where he has been working for the past five years. A case of mistaken identity gets them off to a bad start. But discovering his error, Alex is anxious to make amends and soon persuades Ava that he’s not quite as arrogant as she thinks he is. As their friendship begins to turn into something much deeper, Ava wonders whether she can at last put the past behind her and make a new future with Alex.

But someone is watching. A man who not only thinks Ava should be his but also holds a long term grudge against Alex. And he’s determined to get his own way irrespective of the lengths he has to go to or who gets hurt in the process.

Set on the south coast of Cornwall, Shadows on the Water is a story of family ties, lost love and tangled loyalties.

BUY LINKS:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CF3G9BL/

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CF3G9BL/

Jo Lambert: Links

Website and blog: https://jolambertauthor.website

 Twitter: @jolambertwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolambert185

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jo-lambert-6 4644530

Instagram: jolambertwriter185

Happy Thursday everyone. It’s my pleasure to introduce this week’s Top Author, historical fiction writer, Kerry Chaput. I can’t wait to find out more about Kerry and her amazing book, My Boring Life.  Kerry brings words to life and is such an inspiring lady.

Here are some recent reviews of her work:

‘There is a lot of joy and humour in this book. A story written from the heart about growing up, falling in love in a world that is changing fast.’

‘Loved it!’

‘Great writing. Wonderful read.’

‘There is a lot to take away from this book for me about taking chances and going on adventures. Highly recommended YA fiction.’

If you enjoy women’s fiction reads, then you are in for a treat with this week’s Top Author.  Caroline James writes feel-good, heartwarming and funny books that you just love to curl up with. She’s a wonderful lady and is so supportive of other writers. I always feel that she leaves some sparkle wherever she goes.

Some recent reviews of her books say:

‘A genuinely warm feel-good story.’

‘More please!’

‘ Brilliant writing, brilliant read’

‘Couldn’t put it down!’

Caroline and Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

 I’ve chosen this book because most of us are unable to travel this summer and this book enables readers to jet off on a virtual holiday, to the sunshine island of Barbados. The book is pure escapism, as described by one review: “Loss, friendship, finding love and starting over, make it a relatable, and captivating read.”

From Caroline:

When I’m not writing I make time to relax by rising early twice a week and heading to a lovely lake, about a five-minute drive from where I live. The purpose? Not to walk and enjoy the countryside but to swim in the water and experience the exhilaration of being at one with nature. Wild-water swimming and bobbing about with the ducks or swimming alongside a heron is a wonderful way to chill out and plan the day’s writing.

Caroline James Bio

Author of women’s fiction, Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever the pandemic allows. A public speaker, which has included talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking up a mountain with Fred, her Westie, or sipping raspberry gin and relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

By Caroline James

Universal link: http://mybook.to/CCA

Book Blurb:

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

“A story about friendship and loss…is there hope for those of a certain age?”

‘The time to be happy is now…’ Jo remembers her late husband’s words but is struggling to face the lonely future that lies ahead. Heartbroken, she finds herself alone with ghostly memories at Kirkton House – a Cumbrian Manor that until recently, she ran as a thriving hotel. Middle-age and widowhood loom and Jo determines to sell up and start again, despite protestations from Hattie, her colourful friend. Hattie convinces Jo to postpone any life-changing decisions by enjoying a Caribbean holiday and their escapade sets off a course of events that brings madness and mayhem to Jo. Confused and anxious for her future, can her life really begin again?

Books by Caroline James:

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

Boomerville at Ballymegille

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

Contact: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

Today’s TOP AUTHOR is the very lovely, Marie Leval. Marie is a member of my book group on Facebook and she writes such beautiful books. If you are a fan of women’s fiction reads, then look no further! Once you begin one of Marie’s stories, you won’t want to stop until you reach the last page.

Some reviews of Marie’s work:

About Marie Laval

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire. She writes both contemporary and historical romance. Her novels include best selling contemporary romantic suspense novels LITTLE PINK TAXI and ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU, which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Awards, as well as A PARIS FAIRY TALE and BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC. HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE, her latest contemporary romance, is set on the beautiful isle of Skye. Marie also contributes to the best selling Miss Moonshine’s Emporium anthologies together with eight author friends from Authors on the Edge.

HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE is available as an ebook, audio book and in print on various platforms, including Amazon and Kobo.

Hello everyone. How are you all?

It’s been hectic here at Chantree HQ, as my mother-in-law was rushed to hospital and my dog needed a second eye operation. This hasn’t left a lot of time for any writing, but I’m doing my best to add words to my two latest  manuscripts, both of which are sequels.  Luckily, my mother-in-law is home and feeling much better and my dog, who is 11 years old, has been enjoying herself in our paddling pool. We didn’t want to get her eye wet and know how much she loves swimming and water, so we improvised and let her sunbathe next to us for a few minutes, on a makeshift dog lilo! I thought it might make you all smile to see her.

We also wallpapered our utility room wall. It’s a small space and always seemed messy and unloved, but while we waited up all night to hear news about my mother-in-law, we decided we might as well keep ourselves busy and paper the wall! This was our second attempt at wallpapering and it hadn’t occurred to me to try an easier pattern! I hope you all have an amazing week. From Lizzie.

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My blog guest this week is a fellow author who hosts a brilliant podcast that I was lucky enough to be a guest on recently. Deborah is a welcoming and professional host, that I immediately felt at ease and had a wonderful time. You can check our interview out here.

Deborah has such a warm and friendly personality, that she has an ability to make everything a lot of fun. Her writing journey is really interesting, so find out more from Deborah, here today.

From Deborah:

I write feel-good, uplifting reads that deal with real-life issues. I spent my working life listening to people who were experiencing adversity, enabling them to recognise and use the resources available to them including: their inner strength and wisdom, friends, and community. As an author, I enjoy giving a voice to these ordinary people who show incredible courage and write them a happy ending. My stories are about the power of friendship, community, and personal development.

 In the past year I have published two novels, become a tweet-chat host with the popular #FriSalon, presented a weekly YouTube programme and Podcast Castaway Books, and posted a weekly blog. I have learnt so much and met some amazing people. On 1st August it will be one year since The Borrowed Boy was published and so I am delighted to be able to celebrate by telling you about it here.

The Borrowed Boy. Book blurb:

A borrowed boy, a borrowed name and living on borrowed time.

What do you put on a bucket list when you haven’t done anything with your life? No interesting job, no lovers, no family, no friends. Believing she has only weeks left to live, Angie Winkle vows to make the most of every minute.

Going back to Jaywick Sands, is top of her bucket list. Experiencing life as a grandmother is not, but the universe has other plans and when four-year-old Danny is separated from his mum on the tube, Angie goes to his rescue. She tries to return him to his mum but things do not go exactly as planned and the two of them embark on a life changing journey.

Set in Jaywick Sands, once an idyllic Essex holiday village in the 70s, but now a shantytown of displaced Londoners, this is a story about hidden communities and our need to belong.

Author bio:

Deborah has worked as an occupational therapist, a health service manager, a freelance journalist, and management consultant in health and social care.

After writing serious case reviews and domestic homicide reviews for work, Deborah now chooses to write happy endings for her protagonists. Her page-turning, feel-good stories are about self-discovery, second-chances, friendship and community.

The Borrowed Boy, her debut, was shortlisted for the Deviant Minds Award 2019, awarded book of the month by Chill with a Book readers, and awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion. Her second novel Just Bea was published in February 2021.

Deborah lives on the Essex coast, England. She loves to walk by the sea or the surrounding countryside where she fills her pockets with shells, and acorns, and her head with stories.

Links to buy:

Universal link for ebook. https://books2read.com/TheBorrowedBoy

Available in paperback from Amazon (.com)  https://amzn.to/2CZIEAz  (.co.uk) https://amzn.to/2CZJ6yL

All good bookshops and available in libraries.

Today’s guest  and my Top Author Of The Week, is a brilliant writer whose work I’m a fan of, Kate Braithwaite! Kate writes beautiful and compelling books and as soon as you start reading, you won’t want to stop.

From Kate:

I’m a writer because I’m a reader. I love reading novels and so I’m always striving to write the best book I can— something gripping, with compelling characters facing challenges. Because I’m a history nerd, I like to start with a real story from the past, something that I’d love to read a novel about myself.

            I’d always dreamed of writing my own books, but it wasn’t until I had my third child that I realised that it was time to stop procrastinating and find out if I really had what it took. I won’t lie… it was harder than I thought. My first attempt was all over the place, but some great writing books, a course at Toronto University, and a lot of drafting and re-drafting, really helped me learn the craft. I’m the author now of three novels, the most recent one, The Girl Puzzle, is about a trailblazing journalist who got herself admitted to a madhouse as a patient in order to report on conditions from the inside and win a job at Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World newspaper. Nellie Bly had fascinated me for years and it’s a real honour to be able to bring her story to a wide audience of readers.

            Right now I’m working on a novel based on a real-life scandal involving two sisters in Virginia. It’s set in late 18^th, early 19^th centuries, and there’s a high-profile trial, an accusation of murder, a secret love affair, and a whole lot of lying going on. I can’t wait to get it finished and find out what readers think of these two women and what happened to them.

Book links:

mybook.to/thegirlpuzzle

mybook.to/theroadtonewgate

mybook.to/charlatan

Social links:

Blog – www.kate-braithwaite.com

Twitter – @KMBraithwaite

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Braithwaite/e/B01KI4JPZ8

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kate-braithwaite

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10792752.Kate_Braithwaite

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/katembraithwaite/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KateBraithwaiteAuthor/

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED… THE ROMANCE NOVEL AND DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS

When I first wrote the book that is now The Missing Pieces of Us about ten years ago, no publisher wanted to know. It’s a romance, but both protagonists have mental health issues and back then that was a real no-no.

I have to say, that hurt. I had written the book after a friend suffered a life-changing breakdown and I wanted to show them – and anyone in a similar position – that there could be happiness and fulfilment further down the line. In the end I published the book myself as The Faerie Tree, and it was really well received by readers and book bloggers – and sold quite a few copies too.

The book, and the crusade for better recognition and treatment of mental health issues remained close to my heart. And over time, things improved. I never lose an opportunity to remind people that depression, anxiety and a whole barrel of other illnesses we label as mental are in fact physical, due to a chemical imbalance in the brain (which is why drugs work to treat them). I am no medical expert, but a wonderful book by Tim Cantopher (who is) explains it all. It’s called Depressive Illness: The Curse of the Strong and I recommend it unreservedly.

If there was one thing that really changed our attitudes to mental health, it was lockdown. Everything was magnified, people were isolated, and it was OK not to be OK. It didn’t come out of nowhere – it had been building for years and I, for one, was really pleased these issues could be brought out into the open without the fear of stigma.

The book world was changing too, with novels like Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. And in a lockdown world, the appetite for up lit (and in particular characters who battle to achieve the up) was becoming insatiable. Had the time come for The Missing Pieces of Us at last?

I submitted it to just one editor, because having met her a few times, having had a close call on another book, and following her on social media, I felt in my heart it was a book for her. And I was right.

The basic premise of The Missing Pieces of Us is that Robin and Izzie meet twenty years after their brief affair, only to find their memories of it are completely different. Robin’s world spun on its head when his mother died and he was unable to cope. But over the years he has learnt to. Now it’s Izzie’s turn to deal with grief after her husband’s heart attack. To forge a future together they will need to deal with the past – but how can they when there seem to be two pasts, not one?

The Missing Pieces of Us will be published by One More Chapter as an ebook on 21^st July, and as a paperback in October. Find out more here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-missing-pieces-of-us-eva-glyn

Instagram @evaglynauthor
Twitter @JaneCable