katewritesandreads

katewritesandreads

Saturday 31 December 2016

Four in December


Or, more accurately, I read three books and finished a fourth in December.


Family Britain 1951-57 by David Kynaston

This has been one of the non-fiction books I dip into between novels. (I previously read his Austerity Britain 1945-51.) I started it a while ago and finished it this month – 776 pages (including notes and index) encompassing exhaustive research through newspapers, books, magazines, Mass Observation diaries and other archives.



As the blurb says this was the era when: ‘Britain was starting to move away from the hardships of austerity. Great national events jostle alongside everything that gave 1950s Britain its distinctive flavour from Butlin’s holiday camps, Kenwood food mixers and Hancock’s Half Hour to Ekco television sets, skiffle and teddy boys.’



I was born during this time so one item gave me particular pause for thought. There was a very popular radio quiz programme called Have a Go! compered by ‘Halifax’s Wilfred Pickles’. His opening catchphrase – ’Ow do, ’ow are yer? – was followed by ‘amiable chat with the mainly working-class contestants about their lives’ and there was (my italics) ‘a large round of applause if a contestant turned out to be over 60’.



From which I conclude that 90 is the new 60.




Gingerbread and Cupcakes by Claire Watts

As hinted above I am an ‘OA’ and not a Young Adult at which market this book is aimed. I was already aware of the author’s excellent non-fiction book The Covenanters so was interested to know about her novels. She is one of four YA authors who have collaborated to publish their books under the banner Paisley Piranha.



Although this title is the third in a series about a group of 17/18-year-old girls it can be read as a standalone. It’s the summer before Lily and Simon go to university. Simon has been one of their school’s heart-throbs (to use an OA expression) while Lily is quieter, more in the background. They are thrown together when Simon’s cake-shop-owing mum has an accident and he and Lily step in to help. Their sweet romance is told from both their viewpoints – and there is bonus material in the form of cake recipes at the back. Loved it.



Betty MacDonald is an author I re-read, most recently in October this year. So I was delighted to find out that there are a couple of biographies newly out on her. It was great to fill some of the gaps in my knowledge about her  – her four books for adults (she also wrote very successfully for children) are ‘lightly fictionalised’ accounts of her life. This book is self-published and my only gripe is that I would like to know what the author’s connection, if any, was to Betty MacDonald/her family. They sound such fun – even during the Depression they were able to keep cheery in their overcrowded household and made a ceremony out of every meal however frugal.


Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

This is 514 pages but I read it in just over a day in the Christmas holidays – not as impressive a feat as it might appear as the type in my hardback copy is large and many of the chapters are just one page so there’s a lot of white space.



I’ve loved Curtis Sittenfeld’s books which are all quite different. The last one was Sisterland which I read in March this year. She’s such a stylish writer.

So I was really looking forward to Eligible, her modern take on Pride and Prejudice. Her Fitzwilliam Darcy is a neurosurgeon newly moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where live the feckless Bennett family. Mr Bennett has had a heart attack and as Mrs B is more interested in her Ladies’ Luncheon Club than in looking after him, 40-year-old Jane and 38-year-old Liz come home from New York to help. It was fun seeing what CS did with the characters (although perhaps too many ‘issues’ are ascribed to them) but it’s told in a kind of reportage style which I found distancing (and another reason why it was a quick read); all in all I confess I was rather disappointed.



What would Jane Austen make of 21st-century life were she to take this as her guide? I expect she’d be delighted that women can now live independently, and amused to know that they can make the running in a relationship … but I’m sure she’d be sad that, in 2016, romance (dictionary definition: a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love) would appear to be well and truly dead.

Let’s hope that’s just in Cincinnati ...



Wishing you a happy and peaceful 2017. Oh – and, wherever you are, if you are looking for a book that does give a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love, may I recommend ...

See reviews here. And buy it here. And may all your Christmas wishes come true.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Six in November


I read six books in November.

I'm playing catch-up, posting this in late December. My last few blog posts have been about my own book Stella’s Christmas Wish which was published by Black & White on 3 November. I’m thrilled that it’s attracted so many lovely comments.

I squeezed in reading six books in November – between doing guest posts for lovely book bloggers and looking at reviews. Find out more about all that here

So, I read:


Return to Kilcraig by Rosemary Gemmell
Read on Kindle. ‘The legacy of her beloved grandmother's cottage in the Scottish village of Kilcraig seems like the ideal solution after Christy Morrison’s recent trauma. Until the threats begin.’ I do love a romantic suspense novel. Great sense of place here and some heart-stopping moments.


A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt
Read on Kindle. I hadn’t read ‘Kate Hewitt’ before but have enjoyed books by this author under the name Katherine Swartz (see her website here). I was enjoying A Yorkshire Christmas and was surprised that the story was being wrapped up although only showing 50% finished, then I realised that what I’d downloaded was two books in one; the other was called Falling for Christmas (Book 1 in the Falling for the Freemans series).


And blow me, if it didn’t have exactly the same plot as A Yorkshire Christmas – just before Christmas a city girl running away from her life gets snowbound in a remote area, is rescued by attractive man who is going to be spending Christmas on his own, they fall for each other, and get married in the local church the following Christmas Eve. However Falling for Christmas is set in upstate New York.

I forgave the author because what’s not to like about that scenario plus I love books set in upstate New York – and I went on to buy and read the second in the series, set in the same location:


Falling Hard (Falling for the Freemans Book 2)
‘Quinn Freeman has spent his life avoiding the dangers of commitment, but his reluctant return to his home town stirs up memories and emotions he’d intended to leave buried.’ This is the only book I’ve read where the female protagonist is a plumber – Meghan's skills come in handy when Quinn Freeman decides to renovate his family’s abandoned hotel.

I look forward to Book 3.

And now for something completely different …


A House in Flanders by Michael Jenkins
In 1951 Michael Jenkins aged 14 was sent to spend the summer in a country house in Flanders, in a household consisting of elderly ladies who had previously been connected (in a way that eventually became clear to him) with his own family. He was soon irrevocably entwined with a family that had taken him to their hearts – and found out about the scars that two world wars left on his hosts and on the area. Beautifully written account of events seen through the eyes of a boy.


Displacement by Anne Stormont
Read on Kindle. Loved this book with its dual setting. First there’s the Isle of Skye (where the author lives) and the loveliness of its geography and geology, and the work involved in looking after sheep, plus the interaction between friends and neighbours. Then we move to Israel, its beauty and its problems – and its wonderful food. Through her time in both of these places we get to know author/artist/crofter Rachel – her heritage, and her coming to terms with recent traumatic events in her family. An engrossing read and – my test of a good book – one that brought tears to my eyes more than once.

Thursday 22 December 2016

Let it snow ... and read Stella's Christmas Wish




Thankfully, Kate Blackadder keeps Stella’s Christmas Wish on the right side of syrup. This is a lovely, heart-warming festive read. Blackadder writes confidently and with a great sense of pace.

I fell in love with the characters and actually wished they were real … I loved reading about them and the way their lives intertwined … I really, really, want there to be a sequel …

Later on as we discover the truth I thought the reasons for Maddie's absence were heartfelt and brought a lovely tone and atmosphere to the story.

Stella quickly became a very sympathetic character for me.

The beauty of Scotland comes alive in this story, and the characters are so engaging and really make you care about them.

http://bookaholicswede.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/blog-tour-stellas-christmas-wish-by.html
 ... I enjoyed reading this book and if you are looking for a Christmas read I recommend this one.
a delightful, warm-hearted Christmas read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

And see reviews on Amazon/Goodreads including:
‘This is a lovely story told against the backdrop of a beautiful part of the world. I love the author's descriptions of the Border country and Edinburgh in the run-up to Christmas.’
‘Loved all the tiny details that brought places and characters to life.’
‘From the very beginning of this novel I was really intrigued by Stella and her family.’
Stella’s Christmas Wish by Kate Blackadder is a really entertaining read, and I highly recommend it!’
‘ … populated with engaging, credible and interesting characters, and a couple of good twists along the way.’
‘Kate Blackadder has created characters which are a delight to spend time with. Warm a glass of mulled wine, forget the Christmas to-do list... and enjoy!’


Blog tour guest posts/Q&A
Q&A with Janet Emson

Q&A with Helena Fairfax

www.myreadingcorner.co.uk
Guest post: The times I celebrated Christmas in July/November

Guest post: Christmas traditions

 
See also:
 
Guest post: Sisters and secrets

Guest post: Three Christmas wishes

Guest post: Christmas …. my favourite things



Stella's Christmas Wish is published by Black & White Publishing at 99p.

Saturday 10 December 2016

Stella's Christmas Wish - recommended


I have enjoyed my blog tour – many thanks to the lovely bloggers who hosted me or reviewed.



Reviews

I fell in love with the characters and actually wished they were real … I loved reading about them and the way their lives intertwined … I really, really, want there to be a sequel …

Later on as we discover the truth I thought the reasons for Maddie's absence were heartfelt and brought a lovely tone and atmosphere to the story.

Stella quickly became a very sympathetic character for me.

The beauty of Scotland comes alive in this story, and the characters are so engaging and really make you care about them.

 ... I enjoyed reading this book and if you are looking for a Christmas read I recommend this one.
 
Portobello Book Blog
a delightful, warm-hearted Christmas read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

plus:
Guest post: Christmas childhood memories

Meet the Author Q&A
  
From First Page to Last
Q&A with Janet Emson


Q&A

Guest post: The times I celebrated Christmas in July/November

Jera's Jamboree
Guest post: Christmas traditions – love them or hate them

  
See also: 

Portobello Book Blog
Author in the Spotlight

Jenny Harper Author
Guest post: Sisters and secrets

Linda's Book Bag
Guest post: Three Christmas wishes

Wendy's Writing Now
Guest post: Christmas …. my favourite things


More reviews!  On Amazon  and Goodreads including:

It’s a book I found hard to put down

I particularly like the characterisations, and the settings of Edinburgh and the Borders, while the element of mystery keeps the pages turning until the satisfying conclusion.

… a great, feel-good modern romance

Loved all the tiny details that brought places and characters to life.

From the very beginning of this novel I was really intrigued by Stella and her family.

Stella’s Christmas Wish by Kate Blackadder is a really entertaining read, and I highly recommend it!’

 … populated with engaging, credible and interesting characters, and a couple of good twists along the way.

Kate Blackadder has created characters which are a delight to spend time with. Warm a glass of mulled wine, forget the Christmas to-do list... and enjoy!

Stella's Christmas Wish is published by Black & White Publishing at 99p.



Monday 5 December 2016

Guest post by Karen King


I’ve very pleased to welcome prolific writer, and writing tutor, Karen King. Karen has published over a hundred titles for children but today she is talking about her romance novels.


Thank you for inviting me on your blog to talk about my romance novels, Kate
I’ve been writing children’s books for years then turned to writing romance novels about ten years ago. The first romance novel I had published was Never Say Forever. It was aimed at Mills and Boon but didn’t quite make the grade. However, it’s now been published by four different publishers – as a People’s Friend Pocket Novel, in large print by Thorpe Publishing, then by Astraea Press a small, independent US publisher and has now been republished by Accent Press.
Although I love writing for children, I enjoy writing romances too, because I love exploring adult relationships and dealing with contemporary issues. Never Say Forever and my next two novels (my next one will be published next spring) feature heroines who don’t want to settle down in a serious relationship then along comes a guy they just can’t resist so they have this big emotional battle. I think this happens to a lot of people, and that some people give up their dream for love and wish they hadn’t a few years down the line, whereas others follow their dream then long for their lost love. The luckiest are those who manage to find a compromise.
My second romance novel The Millionaire Plan and my latest chick lit I do…or do I? feature heroines who are marrying for the wrong reasons then meet someone who makes them rethink so they have a tough decision to make.  Again, I think this is a plot many people will identify with. Amber in The Millionaire Plan is trying to marry a millionaire to save her parents from losing the family home, a Tudor house that’s been in the family for generations. Then she falls for Jed, a hired hand, and must make the choice whether to marry for love or money. Whereas Cassie in I do?...or do I? has drifted into marriage with her boyfriend, Timothy, because she didn’t like to turn him down when he proposed, and he’s safe, reliable – not like her ex Jared who dumped her to travel the world as a photographer. Then Jared comes back into her life, Timothy turns out to be not so reliable and Cassie is wondering whether to call off the wedding.
Although the ending of a romance novel is fairly predictable, readers are there for the ride, they want to know how the couples overcome their obstacles and to relate to the characters and storylines. Often the readers are going through, or have gone through, the same things themselves and will be rooting for the heroine and urging her to make the right decision. Some people say romance is escapism, and yes, it is in a way, but there’s a relationship truth at the core of it and readers relate to that.





Author Bio
A member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, Karen King writes sassy, contemporary romance just right for reading on the beach.  I do - or do I? her first chick lit for Accent Press, was published in May 2016. She has been contracted for two more. And she is delighted that Accent Press has republished her earlier romance novels, The Millionaire Plan and Never Say Forever. The Millionaire Plan was nominated for the RONA Award (Romantic Novel Awards) in 2014 and I do?-or do I? has just been nominated for the RONA.
Karen has had several short stories for women’s magazine and 120 children's books published.
When she isn’t writing, Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.

Author links
Website: http://www.karenking.net/
Twitter: @karen_king

Karen’s Romance Books
I do ... or do I?
Blurb
Local journalist Cassie is getting married to hotshot, reliable Timothy, and his mother, Sylvia, who Cassie has nicknamed ‘Monster-in-Law’, wants to plan the entire wedding. When Sylvia books the exclusive ID Images to take photographs of the extravagant do, Cassie has no idea what she’s walking into.
The elusive JM, ID Images’ newest photographer, just so happens to be Jared, Cassie’s first love and ex-fiancé, who broke off their engagement to travel and take photos of far-reaching wonders. He’s back to pay for his next wild adventure.
Cassie decides it’s best to pretend not to know him, but when she’s asked to write an article for her newspaper, she’s tasked with a column surrounding all things wedding related. When Cassie jokingly writes a column meant for herself depicting her situation, a co-worker submits it in place of the real article and it’s soon making headlines, with readers asking the age old question – Who Will She Choose?

Buy Links

The Millionaire Plan
Blurb
Love or money, what would you marry for?
Amber Wynters is on a mission to find a millionaire to marry – and fast. Her parents are nearly bankrupt and being forced to sell their family home, a beautiful Tudor house that has been in the family for generations, thanks to Amber's ex-fiancé persuading them to invest in his dodgy shares. Armed with a self-help book and a ten-point plan, she sets off to hook herself a rich husband. On a millionaire's yacht, she meets the drop-dead gorgeous Jed Curtess. The attraction between them is sizzling. It's a shame that he is only a hired hand. Can Amber ignore her heart and follow her plan?
Buy Links
Available from Amazon

Never Say Forever
Blurb
Do you follow your dream or follow your heart?
That's the decision Kendall McKenzie has to make when she meets hunky businessman Jake Newman. He's as attracted to her as she is to him – but Kendall has vowed never to get married, and it seems that Jake has too. When they are together, sparks fly. It's obvious to everyone except themselves that they're meant to be together. Can Kendall trust Jake enough to give him her heart? And if she does, will she have to give up her dream?
Buy Links

Thank you for hosting me, Kate!
My pleasure, Karen. Best of luck in the RONA.

Saturday 3 December 2016

Stella's Christmas Wish: reviews and guest posts


Blog tour news @ 3 December 2016:


Reviews
 
The beauty of Scotland comes alive in this story, and the characters are so engaging and really make you care about them.

 ... I enjoyed reading this book and if you are looking for a Christmas read I recommend this one.
 

a delightful, warm-hearted Christmas read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

plus:

Q&A with Janet Emson

Q&A with Helena Fairfax

Guest post: The times I celebrated Christmas in July/November


Guest post: Christmas traditions – love them or hate them



See also:


Guest post: Sisters and secrets


Guest post: Three Christmas wishes


Guest post: Christmas …. my favourite things


More reviews!  On Amazon including:

‘Loved all the tiny details that brought places and characters to life.’

‘From the very beginning of this novel I was really intrigued by Stella and her family.’

Stella’s Christmas Wish by Kate Blackadder is a really entertaining read, and I highly recommend it!’

‘ … populated with engaging, credible and interesting characters, and a couple of good twists along the way.’

‘Kate Blackadder has created characters which are a delight to spend time with. Warm a glass of mulled wine, forget the Christmas to-do list... and enjoy!’

Stella's Christmas Wish is published by Black & White Publishing at 99p.