In spite of July being a busy and challenging month, I did manage to keep up with my reading. For a writer, reading is essential but more than that its a pleasure. I cannot imagine my life without reading.
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
A feeling of nostalgia had me reaching for this well-loved childhood classic. Beautifully produced and with the original illustrations, it is a visual delight. Reading now as an adult, I was surprised at how some of the stories defied the happily ever after tradition.
The Olive Sisters by Amanda Hampson
After reading Amanda Hampson’s later book The Yellow Villa I was looking forward to reading this. Initially, I found the dual timeline confusing. As I read on the strands of the story became clearer. The sisters came to Australia with their family from Italy. Their family relationship is complex. Later, one of their descendants inherits the farm. For her, it becomes a refuge and retreat as she uncovers more about her past and long-lost family secrets.
The Upside Of Over by J.D Barrett
When TV newsreader Olivia makes a drunken mistake her whole life implodes. She loses her marriage, her career and her self-esteem. How did it all go so horribly wrong? And what can she do now?
Luckily, a couple of friends are still there for her as she picks up the pieces. Through her own efforts and with their help she discovers that the network was eager to get rid of her due to her age and this was the perfect excuse.
Olivia discovers that there is an upside to over, being your own person and authentically yourself. Funny, sexy and wise, but not necessarily for the prudish.
Disclaimer I won a copy in a contest but was under no obligation to review the book.
Date with Mystery by Julia Chapman
Book Three in The Dales Detective Series.
Although I hadn’t read the two previous books I still enjoyed this book. It’s an amusing mystery full of Yorkshire wit and grit. About three-quarters of the way through the book I had a good idea as to what had happened but no idea of the why-the reason. I am not too sure about the contrivance of having characters called Samson and Delilah. It stretches the bounds of credulity, but it seems to work for TV’s Shakespeare and Hathaway, so that may just be a personal quibble.
The Beach Hut by Veronica Henry
When I picked this book up I hadn’t realised that it was an interconnected series of short stories. All are based around the beach huts on Devon’s Everdene beach. A peek into many lives over the weeks they use the huts. Some stories come full circle while others remain incomplete, left to the readers’ imagination. Initially, I found it rather disconcerting to move from one story to another. I feel the cover gives an impression of a lighter read, while the stories have more depth.
PR Secrets for Savvy Authors By Louisa West
As a writer, you need to get your work noticed and for that, you are going to need PR. (Public Relations) Maybe you are an introvert who doesn’t want to put yourself ‘out there’. Or perhaps you are an extrovert but don’t want to come over as ‘pushy.’ And what is PR anyway?
Help is here, Louisa West is both an author and PR professional. The book is written specifically for authors and addresses their concerns. From learning the difference between PR and marketing, to how to feel ‘legit’ and how to establish your ‘brand’.
The importance of networking effectively with readers, writers and influencers. It demystified the whole process of how to post in social media and how to make it work for you. Presented in an easy to read style – this book should be an important part of any authors toolbox
I learnt a lot and I think it’s a great read for anyone wanting to know more about PR
Disclaimer I was gifted an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 