I am thrilled to be today’s stop on Mark Tilbury’s The Abattoir of Dreams blog tour! 🙂

I have my review to share as well as a brilliant Q&A with the author himself!

Publisher: Bloodhound Books (28th February 2017)

My review

Why have a never read a Mark Tilbury book before now??

I stayed up late last night (23^rd February) as I had to finish this book. I was desperate to find out what really happened. I know the words page-turner are used a lot in book reviews, but this really is one.

When we meet Michael Tate he’s in hospital. He’s recently come out of a coma and is paralysed from the waist down. He had, allegedly, thrown himself off the top of the building he lived in after stabbing his girlfriend, Becky, 21 times. However, Michael has no memory of his crimes. He can’t remember anything at all. I wasn’t sure, at first, if I felt sorry for Michael or if he was faking his memory loss as others suspected. It was obvious that something wasn’t quite right about the whole thing. I also imagined Michael to be older than he was, until his age was mentioned.

Detective Inspector John Carver is a sadistic character. He is determined to see Michael put away for this crime and his interrogation methods are despicable. He didn’t seem at all interested in finding out the truth, he just wanted the case closed and Michael behind bars. Michael has no defence and seemingly no choice but to lie there and await his fate.

When strange things start happening to Michael during the night, I wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or hallucinating, but the scenes he is confronted with are heart-breaking. As the story unravelled, I became more and more shocked and sickened by what had happened in Michael’s past. Some people are pure evil and I think Michael might have wished he had never remembered anything of his past for the rest of his life, but he needed to know the truth. Was he really capable of murdering his own girlfriend?

This book is brilliantly written. The characters are very real and believable. I did have to remind myself on several occasions that this is fiction as, to me, it reads almost like an autobiography, particularly as the story progresses. I really sympathised with Michael as I learned more about his horrendous childhood. (I loved the relationship he had with Liam and his dog, Oxo.) To think there are children out there in the real world who have been subjected to the abuse they suffered in their past is beyond devastating.

The pace of the story is perfect, between learning about the past and working towards finding out the truth, I was totally hooked. It’s a very emotional read and one that made me feel physically sick at times. The descriptions of abuse are horrific and very upsetting, but the story is completely captivating and one I am unlikely to ever forget.

Outstanding!!

I highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author for my ARC.

Buy your copy HERE

Q&A

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

First of all, thanks so much for inviting me. I grew up in Oxfordshire where all my books are set. I am widowed, and currently live with my girlfriend in a small village in the lovely county of Cumbria.

I have two grown up daughters, and my eldest daughter has just given birth to my first grandson.

I have always enjoyed writing, right back as far as I can remember. I just loved the magic of creating worlds where I was in complete control. The nearest thing to power a child can have!

I spent some years in the Royal Navy, before getting married and having children. After being widowed, I didn’t write for ages. It was only with the emergence of Amazon Kindle that I thought, why not? With the help of my girlfriend, I started from scratch, learning about social media and all aspects of self-publishing. It was quite a daunting journey, considering I didn’t even know what Twitter was. A lot of people helped and encouraged me along the way, and I self-published my first two novels, The Revelation Room, and The Eyes of the Accused in 2015 and 2016.

After receiving quite a lot of favourable comments about these two books, I decided to submit my third novel, The Abattoir of dreams, to a publisher. Luckily, Bloodhound Books believed in it, and it’s due to be published on 28^th February 2017.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

They usually start with a character. And then, as strange as it may seem, the character speaks in my head. In the case of Edward Ebb in The Revelation Room, it was something along the lines of “Down the rabbit hole where all the burnt bunnies go.” Then it was up to me to try to make sense of it. Make sense of him, and who the “burnt bunnies” were.

My new novel, The Abattoir of Dreams, started as a dream. I plotted it in one sitting the following morning. And then I changed it. And again. The finished story bears no relation whatsoever to the original dream, but the inspiration certainly came from it.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Not specifically. Pastor Tom in The Revelation Room was influenced by attending a Pentecostal church when I was a kid. Although he bears no resemblance to the guys who ran it, the experience had a lasting effect on me. Good people with good intentions.

How do you pick your characters names?

I just have a comprehensive list of first names and surnames, and then try to decide which ones fit best. I do look for symbolism in a name if at all possible, particularly in the antagonist.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I’ll begin by roughly plotting the whole thing. I don’t really care if the novel stays true to the plot, in fact, I like to be surprised by unexpected twists and turns, but I need the framework. I usually write out sixty scenes, separated into three parts. If I’m still happy, I begin. I try to write 2000 words a day, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Once finished, I’ll leave it a while, maybe a month, then start the editing process. Then I’ll give it to several beta readers for feedback, make necessary changes, and begin editing again. All told, from start to finish, The Abattoir of Dreams took five months to complete, but that was extremely quick for me.

Do you have a favourite author?

Stephen King. Once I’d read Carrie, there was no looking back for me. I couldn’t get enough of his stories. They even started to become case studies from Misery onwards. There are a lot of books written about how to write, what to write, how to create, and although they may be extremely useful and valid, I think the best education you can get is from studying the works of a master. Dean Koontz runs King close as a writer, but the sheer breadth and volume of King’s output is, in my opinion, unparalleled.

If you could meet any author, who would it be? And what would you ask them?

I know it’s impossible now, but the one author I would have loved to have met was Catherine Cookson. She had such an interesting life, and I was always fascinated by her portrayal of life in the North East. I loved the historical nature of her books, and the gritty realism of her characters. I would ask her if there were any characters in her books that she wished she could be.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes. I loved Enid Blyton, particularly the Famous Five. I used to devour the adventures of the four children and their dog, Timmy, then write my own stories. I can’t really remember too much about them, but I can guess they were probably in a very similar vein, and the plots were more than likely nothing short of plagiarism, but everyone has to start somewhere.

When did you start to write?

Way back. It was something I always enjoyed. Pure escapism.

What are you working on right now?

My work in progress is called The Key to Death’s Door. It’s another thriller with a supernatural twist, but it’s radically different to The Abattoir of Dreams. I’ve written the first draft and edited it once. It’s now with my alpha reader, so still quite a long way from being finished. The Abattoir of Dreams was written in the first person, so switching back to the third person for The Key to Death’s Door was quite challenging, because I really enjoyed writing in the first person.

When can we look forward to a new release?

My new novel, The Abattoir of Dreams is about to be published by Bloodhound Books on 28^th February. It’s a bitter sweet story of murder, innocence and abuse. Michael Tate has not had an easy life. With his father in prison, and his mother dead, Michael was sent to Woodside Children’s Home.

Now an adult, Michael wakes up from a coma in hospital suffering from amnesia and paralysis.

Confused and terrified, he is charged with the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend, Becky. He also learns he attempted to end his own life.

Detective Inspector John Carver is determined to send Michael to prison and to make him suffer. With no way of defending himself, Michael is left in his hospital bed awaiting transfer to remand.

But then strange things begin to happen, and his childhood comes back to haunt him.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I can be found in the following places:

Amazon Author Page: http://ow.ly/hoEZ308UgQc

Author blog: http://www.marktilbury.com

Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/marktilbury

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/marktilburyauthor/

Twitter page: https://twitter.com/MTilburyAuthor

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Mark.

Description

The unmissable new psychological thriller

The past is never far away.

Michael Tate has not had an easy life. With his father in prison, and his mother dead, Michael was sent to Woodside Children’s Home.

Now an adult, Michael wakes up in hospital from a coma suffering from amnesia and paralysis. Confused and terrified, he is charged with the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend, Becky. He also learns he attempted to end his own life.

Detective Inspector John Carver is determined that Michael is sent to prison.

With no way of defending himself, Michael is left in his hospital bed awaiting transfer to remand.

But then strange things begin to happen and his childhood comes back to haunt him.

Can Michael ever escape the past?

Will he ever discover the truth about Becky’s murder?

And why is DI Carver so eager to make him suffer?

The Abattoir of Dreams is a bitter sweet story of murder, innocence and abuse.

Mark Tilbury Amazon Author Page

Don’t forget to catch up with, and follow, the rest of the blog tour with these lovely book bloggers…..

Enjoy!

I am delighted to be today’s stop on Dylan H Jones’ Anglesey Blue blog tour! 🙂

Publisher: Bloodhound Books (1st March 2017)

A Gripping New Serial Killer Thriller

MURDER. BETRAYAL. REVENGE.

It’s not the homecoming Detective Inspector Tudor Manx was expecting, but solving the case is just the start of his problems.

Recently transferred from the London Met to the North Wales Constabulary, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx has come to Island of Anglesey hoping for a quiet life.

But his hopes are dashed when a brutally mutilated body is found crucified to the bow of a fishing boat sending shockwaves through the peaceful community.

Manx’s faces pressure to solve the case quickly equipped with an inexperienced team.

Is the body a message or a premonition of more murders to come?

Adding to his mounting problems, Manx’s troubled past returns to haunt him. Manx left the island after the disappearance of his younger sister, Miriam; a cold case that still remains unsolved.

Can Manx solve the case before the body count rises?

How will he cope when he is forced to choose between his family and his duty as a police officer?

This is the first book in the thrilling new DI Tudor Manx series.

Buy your copy HERE

Extract

PART ONE

Redneck Roulette

CHAPTER 1

“I’ll do you for a fiver,” the barmaid said, extending her long, perfectly manicured fingernails across the bar, and sliding a freshly poured pint his way. “Make you feel like a new man, but don’t go telling every man Jack or they’ll all be expecting discounts.”

Detective Inspector Tudor Manx took a slow, considered sip of his bitter. “A new man? Still got a few miles left on the old one yet, thanks.”

“Oh, right! Proper George Clooney you are, too. Got a couple of them supermodels waiting back at the semi-detached, like?”

“And they love me just the way I am, bad hair and all,” Manx said, leaning back and puffing his chest, as if to emphasise the point.

Gwen smiled. “Just the hair, is it? They didn’t have the heart to tell you about that jumper, then?”

“Finest Anglesey wool,” Manx said, running his hands down the length of his jumper. “They don’t shear them like this anymore.”

“Thank Duw for that. Probably a health hazard by now.”

Manx dropped his chin, and assessed the article of clothing in question. There was no doubt it had seen better days. Its once snow-white hue had turned a jaundiced yellow, resembling the fingertips of a life-long smoker. He was sure it possessed some sentimental value, but couldn’t, right now, pinpoint where, or why. The fact he was even wearing a jumper was testament to the sharp, cold turn the weather had taken. Manx’s choice of wardrobe had always been uncomplicated and predictable: a limited colour palette of white Oxford shirt, a slim, black necktie left loose at the collar, black straight-legged jeans, a black sports jacket (either wool, linen, or leather, depending on the weather), and black, chisel–toe Blundstone boots, which he purchased off the internet, directly from the factory in Tasmania.

Manx sipped at his bitter, and tugged absentmindedly at a loose strand of wool—one of many trailing, like an unfinished sentence, from his sleeve. The material unraveled rapidly, gaining twelve inches in length in the short time it took him to dispose of the errant thread.

“Keep pulling, and I’ll have to throw you out for indecent exposure,” Gwen said.

“Probably be the most excitement you’ve had round here for a while.”

Gwen finished scooping the inside of a beer glass with a towel, and leant over the bar. “If it’s excitement you’re looking for, you’re a day too late. His landlordship holds these pub quizzes, every Friday night. Reckons it makes customers spend more on booze. Anyway, it was Pop Trivia night, so the place was heaving.”

“Everyone thinks they’re a pop music expert,” Manx offered.

“You’re telling me. Nearly had a bloody riot on my hands. Should have had you lot on speed dial.”

Dylan H Jones’ Amazon Author Page

Don’t forget to catch up with, and follow, the rest of the blog tour with these lovely book bloggers…..

Enjoy!

Hi all 🙂

I hope you’re having a good March so far.

Here’s a little look back at what I was reading this time last year…..

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/you-sent-me-a-letter-by-lucy-dawson/

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/12/what-happens-in-the-alps-by-t-a-williams/

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/dirty-dix-by-monica-james/

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/homecoming-quite-possibly-the-strangest-romance-ever-told-by-tanya-bullock/

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/the-second-chance-shoe-shop-by-marcie-steele-aka-mel-sherratt/

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/wicked-dix-a-hard-love-romance-book-2-by-monica-james/

Have you read any, or all, of the above?

What were you reading this time last year?

What are you currently reading?

I’d love to hear from you 🙂

I am very happy to be today’s stop on Karen Clarke’s The Beachside Sweet Shop blog tour! 🙂

I have a lovely Q&A with the lady herself for you to enjoy…..

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I was born and raised in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but have lived in Buckinghamshire for years, with my husband and three grown up children. I write romantic comedies, as I like the idea of making people smile – although I do have a dark side, and a couple of psychological thrillers stashed on my hard drive.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

I find ideas everywhere: gossip columns, reality television, news articles, and snippets of overheard conversation, but sometimes I’ll start with a first line and take it from there. It’s got me a surprisingly long way! The idea for The Beachside Sweet Shop came from wanting to write a series set in a particular place, with some of the characters popping up in subsequent books.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

They may have characteristics of people I know, but basing them on actual people doesn’t work because I know on some level they wouldn’t behave the way I wanted them to, and that would get in the way.

How do you pick your characters’ names?

I’ve been known to go on Facebook, particularly if I’m stuck for a surname – it’s a great resource! I can’t start writing until I’ve got my main character’s name, which gives me a feel for her character, and I can spend ages choosing the right one. Female names that work well in romantic comedy tend to end in ‘y’ or ‘ie’. I’ve always liked Marnie, after seeing the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, and knew I’d use it one day.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I don’t have a routine as such, and am not very disciplined. I tend to work better first thing, but once I’m up I get distracted by other things, so I’ll often go to a café to write. I often write for a couple of hours after dinner, but a deadline is what really motivates me. Fear of failure forces me to get on with it, and when that happens, not much else gets done.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

This is so hard as I read an awful lot, have wide-ranging tastes, and there are loads of great writers out there. Off the top of my head, new books by Marian Keyes, Liane Moriarty, Belinda Bauer, Margaret Atwood, or Sophie Kinsella, always get me excited.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Marian Keyes. She’s naturally funny, so it would be great to hang out with her, and I’d ask her to be my friend 

Were you a big reader as a child?

Massive. Our family didn’t have a television when I was growing up, so reading was my passion. I’d get three books from the library every Saturday, and had usually read them by Monday. My mum once said I couldn’t possibly have taken in any of the stories, but I had! I can’t imagine a day without reading.

When did you start to write?

I was always conscious of an urge to write, probably stemming from my love of reading. There was a story about a lonely fox at a young age, and I had a poem published in Judy comic aged 11. In my teens, a couple of friends and I would sit at the back of the class in biology, writing a novella called Pigs in Pink Plastic Macs, which was still doing the rounds after we’d left school.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

I’d change the ending of Me before You by JoJo Moyes, so I wouldn’t be left a sobbing, snotty wreck.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Harry Potter, for obvious reasons!

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Mr Darcy (the Colin Firth version) into my bedroom, where we’d discuss modern politics (obviously) over a cup of decaf.

What are you working on right now?

Book three in my Beachside series, which is set at Christmas time. I’m getting in the mood by playing carols while I write, and as luck would have it, we’ve had some snow this February, so it looks quite festive outside.

Do you have a new release due?

The Beachside Sweet is released on March 2^nd and The Beachside Flower Stall will follow in April.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

Post about it on Facebook, mostly, and smile a lot. I don’t really celebrate as such, though I may eat more cake than usual.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Readers can get in touch via my website, or on Facebook or Twitter. I love feedback – if it’s nice 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I love baking and eating cake but am always on the lookout for healthier recipes, so if you have one, let me know!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Karen 🙂

Buy your copy HERE

Chocolate fudge, butterscotch and raspberry bonbons… treat yourself to some sugary treats, a big slice of friendship and a sprinkling of romance at The Beachside Sweet Shop.

When Marnie Appleton inherited a sweet shop from her grandfather she was determined to do his legacy proud. The shop has been a much-loved feature of the little seaside town of Shipley for years, but now Marnie needs to bring it up to date, and she’s recruited gorgeous new assistant Josh to help.

Marnie gets busy redecorating the shop and choosing delicious new sweets to stock, but things are never that simple: new neighbour Isobel, a fame-hungry blogger, is on a crusade against sugar, and she’ll go to any lengths to secure bad publicity for Marnie’s shop.

Marnie fights back with homemade sugar-free treats, but with her best friend Beth heavily pregnant, her grandmother Celia recovering from an operation, and her very recently ex-boyfriend Alex returning to Shipley with a new love, Marnie has a lot on her plate.

And then there’s Josh, with whom Marnie is struggling to keep her relationship strictly professional…Will both the sweet shop and love flourish?

A deliciously heartwarming read about family, friends and handmade coconut ice. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson, and Tilly Tennant.

Don’t forget to catch up with, and follow, the rest of the blog tour…..

Enjoy!

I am delighted to be one of two bloggers kicking off Anna Mansell’s How To Mend A Broken Heart blog tour 🙂

Happy Publication Day, Anna and Bookouture!

Q&A

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please? 

My name is Anna and I’m a crisp-a-holic… oh wait, no, that’s a different Q&A, apologies.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Anna 🙂

Anna Mansell’s Amazon Author Page

Don’t forget to follow the rest of the blog tour with these lovely book bloggers…..

 Enjoy!

Review requests direct from the author/publisher…..

 (Mobi via Amy Winchester, publicity manager, Unbound)

Meet Sonny Anderson as he tips headlong into adulthood. Sonny doesn’t remember his mother’s face; he was kidnapped at age five by his father, Guru Bim, and taken to live in a commune in Brazil. Since the age of ten, Sonny has lived in Redondo Beach, California, with his guardian Thomas Hardiker. Brits think he’s an American, Americans think he’s a Brit.

When he turns 21, Sonny musters the courage to travel alone to the UK in an attempt to leave a troubled past behind, reunite with his mother and finally learn the truth about his childhood. With a list of people to visit, a whole lot of attitude and five mysterious letters from his guardian, Sonny sets out to learn the truth. But is it a truth he wants to hear?

Narcissism for Beginners is a fresh, witty and humane take on the struggle to make sense of growing up.

 (mobi via Lucy at Legend Press)

Natalie King is back: back from a stay on the psych ward. Her reluctance to live a quiet life has contributed to a severe depressive episode, and now it’s time for a retreat to the country, and a low-key research job at a provincial university nearby.

But Natalie and trouble have a strange mutual fascination. Her charismatic new boss Frank is friendly, even attractive. But it turns out his pregnant wife is an old enemy of Natalie’s. And when Frank’s tragic personal history is revealed – then reprised in the most shocking way – Natalie finds herself drawn deep into a mystery. And even deeper into danger.

 (mobi via Liza Perrat)

All eleven-year-old Tanya Randall wants is a happy family. But Mum does nothing besides housework, Dad’s always down the pub and Nanna Purvis moans at everyone except her dog. Then Shelley arrives –– the miracle baby who fuses the Randall family in love for their little gumnut blossom.

Tanya’s life gets even better when she meets an uncle she didn’t know she had. He tells her she’s beautiful and could be a model. Her family refuses to talk about him. But that’s okay, it’s their little secret.

Then one blistering summer day tragedy strikes, and the surrounding mystery and suspicion tear apart this fragile family web.

Embracing the social changes of 1970s Australia, against a backdrop of native fauna and flora, The Silent Kookaburra is a haunting exploration of the blessings, curses and tyranny of memory.

Unsettling psychological suspense blending the intensity of Wally Lamb with the atmosphere of Peter James, this story will get under your skin.

 (mobi via Amanda Leigh Cowley)

Nothing could prepare Emily for what she witnessed that day.

With no money to support herself and suffering from panic attacks, she reluctantly moves in with her estranged mother and half-sister overseas. But as fractured relationships start to heal and a new one threatens to blossom, she uncovers a chilling secret.

When the truth hurts this much, would you prefer not to know?

 (via co-author)

Highlanders’ Revenge tells the story of Mash, the nickname Highland soldiers give to an Englishman in their ranks. Scarred both from the retreat before the Blitzkrieg advance across France and from the murder of his first love, Mash has to integrate himself into a new section that is wary of the sullen and secretive ‘Mash Man’ – an outsider in their midst. Together they journey to Egypt where they encounter a way of life that tests them to their limits. Scorched by day, frozen by night and plagued by insects, they have to learn how to live and fight in the desert as they prepare for one of the greatest battles of the Second World War. They are then cast into the thick of the fighting at El Alamein and the Allies’ tumultuous battle to break through the Axis defenses…Highlanders’ Revenge combines the fast-paced action and intrigue of a military novel with the real-life exploits of the 5th Camerons, an extraordinary unit that saw action in most of the major battles in North Africa and Western Europe. As a result, the book is both a riotous story of battle and life, and also an insight into the world of this little-known, but fierce, fighting unit. It will appeal to fans of military fiction who also appreciate historical accuracy.

 (PDF from Kate Dunn)

When Colin discovers his son is on a murder charge in France, he trails his small boat, ‘The Dragonfly’, across the channel to stay in Paris to try and help him. There he meets his grand-daughter – the irrepressible Delphine – for the first time. They embark on an exciting boat journey through the picturesque French canals, heading south through Burgundy, ‘until the butter melts’. Along the way, they catch up with Tyler, a spirited American, and through various mishaps and misunderstandings, they land big fish, cultivate new loves and uncover a burning secret. But can Colin finally help his son get off the hook?

Books I have requested (or been invited to view) on Netgalley…..

 (Invited)

Pub Date 16 Mar 2017

Lori Golden’s family have had more than their fair share of troubles. But through it all, Lori and her sister, Jessie, have always supported each other. Then Jessie is killed. And Lori’s world turns upside down.

Devastated, Lori struggles to cope with her loss, and to learn to live in a world without her bright, bubbly sister by her side. Around her, her already fractured family start to fall apart. And, as Lori and her mother try to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, secrets long thought buried are coming painfully to light.

Faced with the unthinkable, Lori is forced to ask herself how well she really knows those who are left behind…

 (Invited)

Pub Date 09 Mar 2017

‘I’ve lived through ten iOS upgrades on my Mac – and that’s just something I use to muck about on Twitter. Surely capitalism is due an upgrade or two?’

When Caitlin Moran sat down to choose her favourite pieces for her new book she realised that they all seemed to join up. Turns out, it’s the same old problems and the same old ass-hats.

Then she thought of the word ‘Moranifesto’, and she knew what she had to do…

This is Caitlin’s engaging and amusing rallying call for our times. Combining the best of her recent columns with lots of new writing unique to this book, Caitlin deals with topics as pressing and diverse as 1980s swearing, benefits, boarding schools, and why the internet is like a drunken toddler.

And whilst never afraid to address the big issues of the day – such as Benedict Cumberbatch and duffel coats – Caitlin also makes a passionate effort to understand our 21st century society and presents us with her ‘Moranifesto’ for making the world a better place.

The polite revolution starts here! Please.

Books I have bought or downloaded when free…..

 (Pre-ordered paperback)

‘Grippingly claustrophobic and unpredictable on every page: perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train‘ Marie Claire

**Preorder the new novel from Claire Douglas now**

Libby and James Hall can’t believe their luck when the leaflet comes through the door. Swapping their tiny city flat for a beautiful house by the sea? Who would say no? But once they arrive at The Hideaway Libby starts to get jittery and increasingly paranoid. She is sure that someone is watching them. Something here isn’t right. And when their dog digs up an unnerving object they swiftly decide to return the Bath.

But they can’t pick up their old life so easily. Because it seems that this isn’t just a casual house swap. This is something more sinister.

 (Paperback)

At the start of his school holidays, Danny Delaney is looking forward to a trouble-free summer. But when his mother returns home one afternoon, flanked by two policemen, he knows that something terrible has happened.

Mrs Delaney has accidentally hit a small boy with her car. The boy is in a coma at the local hospital and nobody knows if he will ever wake up.

Consumed by guilt, Danny’s mother closes herself off, while Danny and his father are left to pick up the pieces of their fractured family.

Told in John Boyne’s unique style from the point of view of a twelve-year-old boy, The Dare is a brilliantly compelling story about how one moment can change a family forever.

 (Kindle first Prime member freebie)

World War II comes to Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Lord Westerham and his five daughters, when a soldier with a failed parachute falls to his death on the estate. After his uniform and possessions raise suspicions, MI5 operative and family friend Ben Cresswell is covertly tasked with determining if the man is a German spy. The assignment also offers Ben the chance to be near Lord Westerham’s middle daughter, Pamela, whom he furtively loves. But Pamela has her own secret: she has taken a job at Bletchley Park, the British code-breaking facility.

As Ben follows a trail of spies and traitors, which may include another member of Pamela’s family, he discovers that some within the realm have an appalling, history-altering agenda. Can he, with Pamela’s help, stop them before England falls?

Inspired by the events and people of World War II, writer Rhys Bowen crafts a sweeping and riveting saga of class, family, love, and betrayal.

Added to my wish list…..

Competition/Giveaway wins…..

 From Wendy at https://littlebooknesslane.wordpress.com/

From Laura at http://www.novelkicks.co.uk/

From https://josbookblog.co.uk/

From https://lindasbookbag.com/

I am delighted to welcome Judith Harch today! 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I’ve been a freelance writer for 37 years. FALLING OFF THE FAMILY TREE is my first venture into fiction. It is a multi-generational family saga about two American immigrant families whose lives become intertwined. A dark secret binds the families and affects each member. Most of my work has been as a journalist. But I’ve done some unusual writing as well, such as scriptwriting for 30-second commercial spots. That certainly taught me to write tight (FYI- about 75 words can be spoken in a 30-second spot!). I co-authored a book for Alzheimer caregivers, which forced me to overcome my fear of public speaking. Several of my essays have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

My ideas come from observing how people interact. I am an incurable people watcher. Reading newspaper articles also generates great ideas for storylines and characters for me.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Yes, one of my closest friends is the basis for one of my main characters in my novel. Interestingly, she doesn’t see herself in that character. Also, I had a much-loved literature professor in college. She and I became good friends after I graduated. Her spirit is the basis for one of my main character’s love of literature and desire to teach.

How do you pick your characters names?

As I was writing the story, the names of new characters would often just pop into my head. However, when outlining the book, I tried making the main characters’ names relevant to the story in some way. In FALLING OFF THE FAMILY TREE, my character’s name Rory, whose full name is Aurora, is highly significant to the plotline.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I would love to say that I write every day, but I don’t. I need blocks of time with no interference to transport me into the world I’ve created in the story. Having experience as an editor, I find it impossible to write without revising as I go. It does slow down the writing process, but I have to be true to myself. I stopped trying to write any other way.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Anne Tyler, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Berg for great family stories. Lisa Gardner and Greg Iles when I’m in the mood for a dark mystery. One of my favorite author books on writing is by Stephen King, titled On Writing. I also enjoy Jeffrey Archer’s books since family relationships are very important to his stories.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Anne Tyler. Her books, deceptively, seem so uncomplicated, but they carry the essence of how complex family relationships can be. Her stories are often about the mundane day-to-day life we lead. I would ask her how she gets into the heads of her characters so well.

Were you a big reader as a child?

I loved Nancy Drew books as a child. My most treasured possession was my library card. I grew up in Camden, New Jersey, where my story takes place. On my way to the library, I often passed the tiny row house Walt Whitman lived in for many years. (It still stands and is open to the public.) My old library building is now the Walt Whitman Center For Culture and Democracy. Life often comes full circle. That is one example of how I drew from my own life experience when one of my characters makes those same trips to that library.

When did you start to write?

I didn’t know I could write until I took a creative writing class at college. I attended college while my children were growing up. My professor loved my work and encouraged me to continue writing. Eventually, I took many writing courses with him and began my career as a newspaper journalist while still in college. As I mentioned, I adored my literature professor. When she became terminally ill, I promised her I would write a novel someday.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

Jodi Picoult often writes endings that are tragic. I understand why, but I become so attached to her characters that I am very sad when someone central to the story dies. For me, her saddest ending was in her book, My Sister’s Keeper. I won’t spoil the ending for anyone reading that book, but I wish no one had to die. I will say, though, that Jodi’s writing gave me “permission” to have beloved characters die in a story. That’s real life.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

I wish I could take my mind to the dark places that mystery writers go, and then write a great mystery. I never say never, though. I never expected to write a family saga. Perhaps a mystery lurks in my mind and will find the light of day.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

I would take Rory, my protagonist from FALLING OFF THE FAMILY TREE to a small, quiet cafe where we could hold a private conversation. I’d tell her that one can overcome disappointment with a parent by becoming everything she wishes that parent had been.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a sequel to FALLING OFF THE FAMILY TREE. The story spans the first seventy years of the 20^th century. There is much left to tell in a sequel about what happens to my characters after 1970.

Do you have a new release due?

No, I don’t. I’m struggling with the ending to my sequel. I always knew how my first novel would end. This is maddening!

How can readers keep in touch with you?

They can reach me at jharch@comcast.net. I would love to hear from them. Also, I have a blog: judithharchwrites.wordpress.com. It’s called Writing About Life – With Dessert. (Baking is my other passion.) I must admit that I am remiss on keeping the blog current. My apologies, but some good dessert recipes are included if anyone is interested.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

How very difficult, but how wonderfully rewarding writing a novel can be. What I’ve learned from the difficulty is that I don’t think I could ever write a negative review of another writer’s book. Their very heart went into that book. It is their baby. The wonderfulness is the great sense of accomplishment I felt when my story entered the real world for others to read – and hopefully – enjoy.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Judith 🙂

Publisher: BookBaby; 1 edition (15th October 2012)

Sean Kinnarney, headstrong son of Irish immigrants and Ana Lapinski, beautiful, self-absorbed daughter of Polish immigrants, ignite a far-reaching fire when their worlds collide. Sean’s recklessness and Ana’s sense of entitlement create a family secret that comes home to roost in the following generation. Sean’s trail of sins and Ana’s deceit and thirst for revenge lead to disaster for each of them.

It is 1936. Emotionally deserted by distraught parents after the death of his baby sister, Sean refuses to abandon his father’s forsaken American dream. Left to his own devices, the young man travels a road strewn with bad choices and risky behavior. Trapped into marriage and unexpected parenthood at a young age, Sean begins down a path of destruction – first stop – Ana Lapinski.

Ana Lapinski is born with the gift of beauty. Her old-world parents are incapable of reigning in their willful, wild child. Time and again, Ana effectively abuses her God-given gift as a means to whatever end she desires – with one exception – Sean Kinnarney.

FALLING OFF THE FAMILY TREE is a three-generation saga told against the backdrop of the first 70 years of the 20th century. The story moves from southern New Jersey to the wealthy suburban enclaves of the Main Line outside Philadelphia. It ends in tragedy on the Chesapeake Bay.

Buy your copy HERE

Judith Harch Amazon Author Page