Having been involved in the cover reveal (here) for The Sinner by Caroline England I knew I’d love the book so I’m delighted to be part of the blog tour and to share my review today. My enormous thanks to Caroline for inviting me to participate and to Beth Wright at Little Brown for sending me a copy of The Sinner in return for an honest review. It’s a real privilege to help close the tour.

Caroline has been a very welcome visitor to Linda’s Book Bag in the past. I reviewed Betray Her here.  I also welcomed Caroline England to the blog when she wrote a guest post here all about secrets. Under her other writing persona of Caro Land, Caroline has stayed in with me to chat about Convictions and you can read about that this blog post.

Published by Little Brown imprint, Piatkus, on 16th June 2022, The Sinner is available for pre-order through the links here.

The Sinner

‘Powerful . . . psychological menace and dramatic plot twists’ Daily Mail

EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST

To the unsuspecting eye Dee Stephens has a perfect life as the vicar’s wife: a devoted marriage to her charismatic husband Reverend Vincent, an adoring congregation and a beautiful daughter.

EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE

But beneath the surface, Dee is suffocating. Vincent is in control, and he knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes into a heady affair with Cal, an old schoolmate.

EVERY CONFESSION HAS A PRICE

But is Cal the saviour she thinks he is? What dark secrets does he harbour? And to what lengths will Vincent go to when he uncovers the truth?

My Review of The Sinner

Life is not perfect in the vicarage.

My goodness me, The Sinner is a corker of a read. It’s so cleverly plotted and crafted that Caroline England trips up her readers time and again, making The Sinner such a compelling, interesting and exciting read.

It’s hard to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling the read for others, but  it is based on so many carefully layered psychological aspects from deception, to control and guilt that mean it is perfectly titled. By the end of the book my mind was reeling with trying to decide just who is the biggest sinner in the story.

Indeed, almost every character here could be said to be a sinner of some kind so that reading The Sinner makes the reader realise just how we all have the potential to commit a sin. Caroline England presents these aspects with such skill that by the end of the book I’d have been willing to climb into the pages and commit a few myself.

Britt and Vincent in particular created strong emotions in me. I loathed them both. Cordelia (Dee) garnered my greatest sympathy and I found echoes of Shakespeare in her family with her father perhaps (or not!) more sinned against than sinning, and three siblings with complicated personal lives. Here we have a vivid cast of people who can be their own worst enemies and yet are fascinating and mesmerising. As their lives were uncovered I found myself embroiled in their stories and increasingly hooked into the narrative. I really did find this story completely compelling.

With interesting characters and a twisty and entertaining plot, The Sinner is a really good read, but add in the themes of marriage, family, control, guilt, adultery, relationships and all the psychological aspects they weave into the narrative and The Sinner becomes quite fabulous. I think Caroline England is honing her craft and becoming an author to watch. The Sinner is, in fact, a real winner!

About Caroline England

Caroline England was born and brought up in Yorkshire and studied Law at the University of Manchester. She was a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer before leaving the law to bring up her three daughters and turning her hand to writing. Caroline is the author of The Wife’s Secret, previously called Beneath the Skin, and the top-ten ebook bestseller My Husband’s Lies. Betray Her was her third novel. She lives in Manchester with her family.

To find out more you can follow Caroline on Twitter @CazEngland and find her on Instagram and  Facebook or visit her website.

There’s more with these other bloggers too:

 

Having been a recipient of a Romantic Novelists Association Media Star award in the past, I’m delighted to feature contenders for this year’s Joan Hessayon Award here on Linda’s Book Bag. Today I’m delighted to welcome Anita Faulkner to stay in with me to chat about A Colourful Country Escape which has been shortlisted for the award.

First, let’s find out more about The Joan Hessayon Award:

The Joan Hessayon Award

Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award showcases a variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre. The novels are judged by a panel of published authors from the RNA and publishing industry professionals. Previous winners include Jo Thomas, Charlotte Betts, Lorna Cook and Caroline Day.

The New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished writers of romantic fiction. Manuscripts can be submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors. In addition, the members of the scheme can attend RNA events and participate in members-only activities and networking opportunities.

The ceremony to announce the winner will be held at 6.30pm on Saturday 16th July 2022 at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.

****

Gloucester author, Anita Faulkner, is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022 with her novel, A Colourful Country Escape. The award is for authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication.

Staying in with Anita Faulkner

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Anita and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for hosting, Linda! You can’t beat a bookish night in with lovely company. I’ve got my flannelette PJs on and I’m ready to roll.

I love a bookish night in. Gives me a chance to show off my book themed PJs! Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought my debut romantic comedy novel, A Colourful Country Escape. She’s a contender for the RNA’s Joan Hessayon award, so I feel like she deserves a celebratory night in. My main character has her zebra-print slippers at the ready.

She sounds like a woman after my own heart. Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Award Anita. What can we expect from an evening in with A Colourful Country Escape?

You can definitely expect clashing colours, ruffled feathers … and even a few scary peacocks!

A Colourful Country Escape is the story of vibrant but penniless Lexie Summers, who escapes to the Cotswolds in her bright orange camper van in search of a better life.

As an owner of a motorhome A Colourful Country Escape sounds just my kind of read. Tell me more.

She ends up taking a job at a family run paint business and camping out on the grounds of the family’s intimidating Downton-esque estate.

Lexie’s reluctant new boss, ‘Beige Ben’, seems to be her polar opposite, with his charmed life and not so charming personality. (Anyone for a brooding Mr Darcy type?!)

Yes please!

Yet the more time they spend together, the more they wonder if the sparks of friction could be something more … if only Lexie wasn’t exactly the type of person Ben’s meddling mother would never accept into their unconventional family.

Readers are calling it ‘so beautiful and uplifting’ with ‘fabulous and quirky characters’ and ‘not your usual love story.’ I’m thrilled!

I bet you are. I think I need to add A Colourful Country Escape to my TBR immediately!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

I couldn’t resist bringing the latest addition to our family – this gorgeous peacock!

That’s very handsome…

Even though the peacocks in A Colourful Country Escape give Lexie more than a little trouble, my readers have been going wild for them! I’ve had so many lovely pictures of peacocks and all things peacock related that these majestic birds seem to have become ‘my thing.’

My mum even bought me this beauty to celebrate publication week. Over in my Facebook group, Chick Lit and Prosecco, we’ve been trying to name him. I haven’t settled on the perfect name yet, so if you or your readers have any fun ideas, I’d absolutely love to hear them!

Well he looks like a Horace to me!

I’ve also brought along some lavender shortbread and lemon-balm tea, courtesy of Mrs Moon, the adorable housekeeper. Everyone needs a Mrs Moon in their life, and Lexie is ridiculously grateful to have her as a quirky ally, even if she does seem to have a few odd secrets of her own.

If you’re going to bring tea and shortbread Anita, you can come back any time!

Of course, the vintage orange camper is parked outside, complete with funky upholstery and bunting. I can’t disclose whether it’s the original Penny the camper van, as that might give the game away!

You can tell me privately later.

And finally – I’ve brought a big bunch of sunflowers, to thank you for your fabulous hosting. These bright and cheerful flowers pop up a few times in A Colourful Country Escape and play their own special part towards the end of Lexie and Ben’s story. I do hope they add the perfect splash of colour to your evening.

Those are lovely. Thank you and thank you so much for staying in to chat about A Colourful Country Escape and all the very best with the RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Whatever happens, you’ve done brilliantly to get this far. I look forward to reading A Colourful Country Escape for myself and I’ll just give readers a few more details: 

A Colourful Country Escape

FALLING IN LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS SO BLACK AND WHITE . . .

When vibrant but penniless Lexie is dumped by her posh boyfriend who is looking for a more financially suitable match, she decides to pack up her beloved orange campervan Penny in search of a new path. Stumbling upon a vacancy at a family-run paint company in the Cotswolds, Lexie believes she’s found her perfect match . . .

Lexie arrives at Nutgrass Hall, home of Carrington Paints, but it seems that owner Benedict Carrington is less than impressed with her arrival, and Lexie realises she’ll have her work cut out for her if she’s to convince stuffy “Beige Ben” to trust her with rescuing his out-of-touch business. But Ben has more on his mind than just the company – his mother is determined to find him a suitable wife worthy of carrying the Carrington family name, or she’ll take the business from him.

As Lexie sets to work on injecting some life colour into Carrington Paints, Ben allows himself to be set up with Tewkesbury’s finest ladies. But the more time the pair spend together, the more they realise their feelings for each other aren’t so black and white. Will Lexie be able to brighten into Ben’s colourless world before it’s too late?

Let yourself be whisked away with A Colourful Country Escape and fall in love with the cosy Cotswold charm, the colourful characters and some heart-stopping romance. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas and Bella Osborne.

Published by Little Brown imprint Sphere on 9th June 2022. A Colourful Country Escape is available for purchase through the links here.

About Anita Faulkner

Before Anita had her now 4 year old boy she was a bolshie litigation solicitor in Cheltenham. She’d studied hard for the role and spent tens of thousands on student loans to get there. At first, it felt like a dream to finally qualify. But Anita soon realised the hours were long and the caseloads could be stressful.

So in her spare time Anita started trying to write romcom novels as a creative escape. At first she had no clue what she was doing. But much like the ongoing fertility battle she was going through at the time, something inside her would not give up. Anita joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) New Writers’ Scheme and their feedback was invaluable.

When she finally fell pregnant, Anita realised her career as a lawyer no longer fitted her at all. She didn’t want to be a stressed-out, unfulfilled mum. It was time to pursue my her passions.

For more information, visit Anita’s website, find her on Facebook and Instagram and follow her on Twitter @anita_faulkner.

Although I love blogging, sometimes it’s a real frustration that there’s a book I know I’ll thoroughly enjoy but I simply haven’t time to fit it in to the towering TBR pile. So it is with Hannah Lynn’s latest novel. By way of personal compensation, I’m thrilled to stay in with Hannah and hear all about it instead.

Staying in with Hannah Lynn

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Hannah and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you so much for having me here!

My pleasure. Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

The book I have brought is Queens of Themiscyra. It is a retelling based around the stories of the Amazon Warriors from the time of Ancient Greece. It is a standalone novel, from my Greecian Women series.

I love modern retellings. What can we expect from an evening in with Queens of Themiscyra?

You can expect to be transported to Ancient Greece and to the lives of the famously strong Amazon women who fought on horseback and lived apart from men. Pop culture and literature is littered with references to these incredible warriors, but rarely do they get to be the star of the show. This story follows two Amazon queens, Hippolyte and Penthesilea who are both daughters of Ares, the God of War.

This sounds amazing. Does Queens of Themiscyra entirely focus on women?

Throughout the story that spans roughly 30 years you will encounter some of the most famous names and events from Greek Mythology, including Heracles, Theseus and the Minotaur and the battle of Troy, but all examined from the unique perspective of these incredible women. There’s something for everyone in this epic tale of love and loss. loyalty and betrayal, peace and war.

I think Queens of Themiscyra sounds fantastic. What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

While the Amazons were not big drinkers, I have brought myself a glass of fig gin, to go with the fruit that would grow in Themiscyra.  I have also dressed in a patterned tunic with trousers and boots to really get into character. I actually wanted to bring a bow and arrow or an axe, but it felt like a bit of a safety issue.

Hmm. You might be OK with a bow and arrow but having tried archery I’m definitely not. I love your outfit though and I’m very happy you brought the gin!

Thanks so much for staying in with me to chat about Queens of Themiscyra Hannah. I think it sounds absolutely brilliant. You pour us another gin and I’ll give readers a few more details:

Queens of Themiscyra

Sisters. Mothers. Lovers. Warriors.

In ancient Themiscyra, Hippolyte rules as Queen of the Amazons. Feared throughout Greece, their skills on the battlefield are unrivalled. But when a ship lands on their shores, it brings something more dangerous than the threat of war. It brings a future Hippolyte could never have dreamed of.

Swept away to Athens, Hippolyte learns a love that transcends even the bond of the Amazon women. But can she forget her warrior past and forge a new life?

With her sister gone, Penthesilea is left with no choice but to rise as the new Amazon Queen. Forgoing her sister’s compassion and wisdom, Penthesilea rules with impulsiveness and ferocity that sparks terror throughout the Aegean.
But when Hippolyte’s world starts to crumble it is up to Penthesilea to decide how far she will go to defend their honour, family and way of life.

If you are a fan of epic tales, powerful female characters, and mythology retellings you are going to love the latest book in Hannah Lynn’s Grecian Women Series.

Published by Medusa on 1st May 2022, Queens of Themiscyra is available for purchase here.

About Hannah Lynn

Hannah published her first novel, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Since then she has moved between genres, although the books Hannah predominately writes are romantic comedies and Greek mythology retellings. Hannah also writes urban fantasy under the pen name Ella Stone. While her stories are often very different she strives to deliver novels that are full of character driven narratives and vivid descriptions.

For more information, find Hannah on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @HMLynnauthor, and visit her website.

SHORTLIST REVEALED FOR THE BLOODY SCOTLAND
DEBUT PRIZE 2022
Sponsored by The Glencairn Glass

Winner to be presented on Thursday 15 September 2022

The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize was launched in 2019 and two of the early winners, Claire Askew and Deborah Masson have this year graduated to the longlist for the McIlvanney Prize. The shortlist for the 2022 Debut Prize features two women and three men. In a David and Goliath moment the behemoth that is Amazon is battling Into Books, an indie so small they haven’t yet published enough books to qualify for membership of Publishing Scotland. The full shortlist is: Tariq Ashkanani, Welcome to Cooper (Thomas & Mercer, Amazon). A dark thriller set in small town America by an Edinburgh based solicitor and podcaster. Frankie Boyle, Meantime (John Murray). A picaresque detective story set against the backdrop of post referendum Scotland by one of Britain’s best-known comedians and writers. Amanda Mitchison, The Wolf Hunters (Fledgling Press). Set in a brutal, chaotic Scotland of the near future. The author is an award-winning journalist and author of several children’s books. George Paterson, The Girl, The Crow, The Writer and The Fighter (Into Books). An epistolary tale of murder and chicanery which spans continents and lifetime by a writer, DJ and musician. Sarah Smith, Hear No Evil (Two Roads). Based on a true case from Scottish legal history about a young Deaf woman accused of murder. Smith is a family history researcher and a creative writing tutor. **** Arusa Qureshi, a former editor of The List, replaces Janice Forsyth as a judge for the Bloody Scotland Debut this year and she joins Kenny Tweeddale from sponsors, The Glencairn Glass, and Simon Lloyd from Waterstones. The McIlvanney longlist and the Bloody Scotland shortlist will be promoted in bookshops throughout Scotland in the period between the announcement and the presentation on Thursday 15 September. For the first time the presentation will take place AFTER the torchlight procession through Stirling in order that all shortlisted authors can take their place at the front.  The procession will conclude with a formal event at The Albert Halls where the two winners will be revealed and Janice Forsyth will interview them live on stage.

For more information, follow Bloody Scotland on Twitter @BloodyScotland, find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website.

Having reviewed A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley on the My Weekly website here. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to review another of her books, A Golden Cornish Summer, for My Weekly today.

Published by Harper Collins imprint Avon on 23rd June, A Golden Cornish Summer is available for purchase through the links here.

A Golden Cornish Summer

Under the golden Cornish sun, buried treasure and family secrets will change Emma’s life forever…

Emma loved her life in the seaside village of Silver Cove. But when the discovery of sunken treasure ignited a feud between her family and that of Luke, her first love, everything fell apart. Heartbroken and betrayed, she fled.

Now, as she wades into the sparkling surf for the first time in fifteen years, she remembers everything she loved about this beautiful place. Then a huge wave knocks her off her feet. Wet and dripping, Emma is rescued by none other than Luke – who is, to her dismay, even more handsome than ever.

As their paths continue to cross, and Emma is reminded of everything she ran away from, she starts to wonder if returning home was a huge mistake.

Or could the real treasure have been waiting here for her all along?

A heart-warming read full of sun, sea, friendship and romance. Fans of Sarah Morgan and Trisha Ashley will be hooked from the very first page.

My Review of A Golden Cornish Summer

My full review of A Golden Cornish Summer can be found on the My Weekly website here.

However, what I can say here is that A Golden Cornish Summer is absolutely gorgeous, filled with community, the environment and different relationships. It’s one of my favourite reads this year.

Do visit My Weekly to read my full review here.

About Phillipa Ashley

Phillipa Ashley writes warm, funny romantic fiction for a variety of international publishers. The first two books in her best-selling Cornish Café series made the Amazon Top 20 and Top 10 chart in 2016.

Phillipa lives in a Staffordshire village with her husband and has a grown-up daughter.

You’ll find more about Phillipa on her website and on Instagram or Facebook. You can also follow her on Twitter @PhillipaAshley.

It’s a few days longer than a year since I reviewed Louise Beech’s This Is How We Are Human in a post you can find here. I so love Louise’s writing that when I was invited to participate in the blog tour for Louise’s latest book Nothing Else, I simply had to participate. My enormous thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part. I’m thrilled to have Nothing Else on my TBR.

Louise’s Call Me Star Girl was one of my 2019 books of the year, and my review is here. You’ll also find my review of How To Be Brave here and of Maria in the Moon here.

Published by Orenda in paperback on 23rd June, Nothing Else is available for purchase here.

Nothing Else

Heather Harris is a piano teacher and professional musician, whose quiet life revolves around music, whose memories centre on a single song that haunts her. A song she longs to perform again. A song she wrote as a child, to drown out the violence in their home. A song she played with her little sister, Harriet.

But Harriet is gone … she disappeared when their parents died, and Heather never saw her again.

When Heather is offered an opportunity to play piano on a cruise ship, she leaps at the chance. She’ll read her recently released childhood care records by day – searching for clues to her sister’s disappearance – and play piano by night … coming to terms with the truth about a past she’s done everything to forget.

An exquisitely moving novel about surviving devastating trauma, about the unbreakable bond between sisters, Nothing Else is also a story of courage and love, and the power of music to transcend – and change – everything.

An Extract from Nothing Else

I dreamt of fire, my last night in the flat.

Brazen flames flickered and devoured everything around me; they crackled and snapped and then roared. There was music in the sound. Tempo. The sky blackened with billowing smoke. The air was thick with it. I couldn’t breathe and yet I couldn’t turn away.

Then I heard it. Music. Just behind me.

I turned. It was there, our cherry-coloured upright piano, sitting on the grass, grey ash raining down on the keyboard like tiny flying notes. She was there too. Harriet. Seated. Waiting for me. I joined her. We sat side by side, in the places we always took, me on the right and her on the left.

And we played.

Our song.

There was nothing else. The music swirled around us as wild as the flames, a physical force, a wave of love, a place of safety.

Then I woke, alone, my balcony doors wide open and the sounds of the harbour a cold reminder of where I really existed. I went to my piano in the dark and tried to evoke the full melody from my dream, but on my own the song was incomplete, a haunting tune without its ghostly accompaniment.

In the morning, a large brown envelope arrived in the early post. It was stamped with the local council logo. I knew what it must be – my care records – but there was no time to look now. I didn’t even know if I wanted to. Just holding the delivery my heart pulsed like a quaver followed by a quaver rest. It had arrived more quickly than I’d anticipated. Should I take it with me? Would reading what was inside it ruin my trip? Should I leave it here for when I returned?

I couldn’t decide, but I shoved it in my hand luggage anyway, and then left for the station.

I sat on a packed train for almost eight hours, stretching my legs and buying coffee when we changed at Sheffield and Birmingham New Street. Usually, I studied the other passengers when I travelled. I people-watched all the time, often creating their soundtrack in my head. An old man shuffling along might be a slow melody; a woman marching in crisp heels a faster beat; a running child joyful, her notes more random, jazzlike. But I couldn’t concentrate.

I kept thinking about the documents in my bag.

In the end, just after Birmingham, I took out the envelope and opened it. Inside was a black plastic folder; different pages were clipped together inside the cover – some handwritten, some typed, some official-looking, some yellowing. Everything was digital now, but back then, there were paper records. I slammed it shut, hands trembling.

Yes, I wanted to know what had happened to Harriet.

But that meant opening a door I had locked long ago.

***

Isn’t that just wonderful? If you haven’t yet discovered Louise’s writing you’re really missing out. She’s one of the most versatile and talented authors I’ve come across and I read an awful lot of books!

About Louise Beech

Louise Beech is an exceptional literary talent, whose debut novel How To Be Brave was a Guardian Reader’s Choice in 2015. The sequel, The Mountain in My Shoe, was shortlisted for the Not the Booker Prize. Both of her previous books Maria in the Moon and The Lion Tamer Who Lost were widely reviewed, critically acclaimed and number-one bestsellers on Kindle. The Lion Tamer Who Lost was shortlisted for the RNA Most Popular Romantic Novel Award in 2019. Her 2019 novel Call Me Star Girl won Best Magazine’s Book of the Year, and was followed by a ghost-story cum psychological thriller set in a theatre, I Am Dust. 

Louise  lives with her husband on the outskirts of Hull – the UK’s 2017 City of Culture – and loved her job as Front of House Usher at Hull Truck Theatre, where her first play was performed in 2012.

Follow Louise on Twitter @LouiseWriter, find her on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website for further information.

There’s more with these other bloggers too:

It’s just over a year since I stayed in with lovely Fiona Cane to chat about A Song Unsung in a post you can read here. Today I’m delighted that Fiona has allowed me to share the prologue from her latest book Angel Town which was inspired her mother’s comments to Fiona about cults.

Fiona has also appeared on Linda’s Book Bag here, writing about the impact of Haiti for her book The Other Side of the Mountain.

Published by Caracol on 16th June 2022, Angel Town is available for purchase here.

Angel Town

A doomsday cult. A stolen innocence. A reckoning.

What if you were born into a doomsday cult and knew nothing of the outside world?
What if everything you’d been told was a lie?

The clock is ticking …

Wayward teenager, Lola, is stunned when, out of the blue, she is summoned by her leader. Oblivious to the resentment her promotion has whipped up and determined to shine, she enters Michael’s inner sanctum.

Single mother and activist, Donna’s search for her son takes her from Brighton to Edenville, a once-peaceful commune in the Colorado desert. Trouble is brewing. The guards on the gate are armed. No one can leave; no visitors allowed.

But who is Michael? And what exactly is his agenda? As the line between what’s true and what is not grows increasingly blurred, time is fast running out …

An Extract from Angel Town

PROLOGUE

Three years earlier

The door slams with a bang, and my teeth start their chitter-chattering again. Why, I don’t know because he does that, Elijah. Slams doors. Every single day. No word of a lie. It’s a wonder ours is still hanging on its hinges. Bang. I’m leaving. Bang. I’m home. Bang. I’m headed for the yard.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

As if we give a damn.

All the same, the breath I didn’t know I was holding leaves my lungs in a satisfying sigh, and my limbs seem to melt like butter in the sun. I wriggle and writhe and shake my arms and legs. Boy, does that feel good. And smile because it’s Saturday, which means no more mean-faced Elijah and no more banging doors today. No school, chores, nor meetings neither.

I pull on my bib overalls and tear down the stairs. I can’t see my shoes so I dash into the street in case Mom has me searching for them. I’ve got places to go, people to see, to borrow one of her favourite sayings.

‘Lois!’

‘What?’

‘Your shoes?’

I twirl around and look at Mom in such a way I know she’ll believe what I’m about to say. ‘They’re at Abi’s. Headed there right now.’

And before she can say another word, I’m sprinting down the road, my clean white feet kicking up the dust.

David is sitting in his usual place on the jetty, legs swinging, waiting for Fisherman Cain. Never seems to tire of those ugly, whiskery catfish, does David. Spends all his free time trying to catch ’em.

‘Hey, Lois. Fancy joining us?’

I stop to think about it. I’m sore tempted cos they fish on the ginormous river outsidda Edenville, and I like reeling in those monsters with the chicken-liver bait, too. But I like David even more. I mean, who wouldn’t? Even I can see he’s what Mom would call real handsome. Golden hair. The cutest smile. He’s a year older but a whole lot wiser, so I’m thankful he even notices me, let alone wants to hang out. Once he showed me a nest of fluffy grey cygnets he’d found hidden in the reeds. Our secret, he said. You mustn’t tell a soul. Boy oh boy. He could’ve shown any kid, but he chose me. Yessiree. He’s about the bestest boy in the whole of Edenville.

I screw up my nose. ‘I promised Abi.’

‘Next time, then.’

I nod so hard it hurts.

David laughs. ‘It’s a deal. Have fun. And Lois?’

‘What?’

‘Stay out of trouble.’

I grin and wave and set off again, slower now, more ladylike. Sometimes it’s important to create the right impression.

The fields around Farmer Samuel’s barn seem to be deserted, but I check the area, just in case. It’s not that we aren’t allowed to play here. It’s … well … I guess … better if no one knows we do. It’s kinda hard to get any privacy in a town like ours, see.

A couple of swans are swimming on the canal, but nothing and nobody else is about, so I dart inside. It’s dark after the white brightness of the sunshine. I blink rapidly, but there’s no rushing my eyes.

‘Psst. Lois.’

I squint and look up to the rafters where Abi’s white-blonde hair shines like a halo.

‘What you waiting for? C’mon.’

I clamber to the top and dive over the hay bales into the den the three of ’em have built already.

‘What kept you, Lois?’ Ben and Gideon ask.

I scrunch up my cheeks until their bug-eyes blur. Right away, Abi puts her arm around me, and I know I don’t have to say any more. She knows all right. No need to waste any words.

Next thing, Ben is stuffing hay down the back of my T-shirt, and pretty soon we’re tumbling about, squealing.

Later, Abi hands us all some lemonade she’s thought to bring along, and a loaf of bread which she tears into chunks. She’s like that, Abi. What Mom would call real practical. I cram mine into my mouth cos I skipped breakfast, what with avoiding Elijah and all.

‘I wish it could be like this always,’ I say when I’m done eating.

Ben clicks his tongue. ‘Three more years is all we’ve got.’

Those words seem to suck all the joy from the air. No one speaks for thinking things through. What lies in store? No more free time, that’s for sure. I guess I’ll be sent to work in The Mill and The Bakery, like Mom. I’m not clever like Abi. I swear she’s destined for something special. One of the chosen few. David will be a fisherman, no question. Ben a carpenter, perhaps.

‘I’m gonna run away,’ Gideon says.

Ben digs him in the ribs. ‘Don’t joke, Giddy.’

‘I’m serious.’

‘But it’s dangerous, you know …’ I tilt my head, ‘… out there.’

‘Yeah, but I ain’t gonna spend the rest of my life being told what to do.’

He’s got a point, but running away?

Abi sniffs. ‘It’s not that bad, and anyway, where will you go?’

‘Anywhere but here.’

I have a hundred questions I want to ask, but my thoughts are all tangled, and I don’t know where to begin. Not that it matters because the unmistakable thud of footsteps brings our chatter to an end.

Ben puts a finger to his lips, and I peep through a hole expecting to see Farmer Samuel or, at worst, Elijah’s mean face. But it isn’t. It’s half a dozen men dressed all in black. Black shirts, black jeans, shiny black boots, and black scarves wound around their heads covering all but their eyes. Hell, I know what they are even though I’ve never seen them before. Nobody has, at least none I’ve met. Us kids think they’re fiends made up by our parents to frighten us into behaving. But here they are. The Powers. The faceless, nameless men. Jet-black and menacing with guns in black holsters strapped around their waists.

I gulp down my fear, a solid, prickly ball, and turn to Abi. But that doesn’t help me one little bit. Silent tears stream down her cheeks, and from beneath her shorts, a trickle of pee dribbles past her knees.

‘It’s okay,’ I whisper, reaching for her hand. ‘They won’t find us.’

It’s what I’m hoping, but I’m thinking, what will happen if they do.

****

And now, of course, we’re all desperate to find out!

About Fiona Cane

Fiona Cane is ‘a natural storyteller, with a vivid writing style that is eminently readable.’ Best selling author Peter James.

Fiona was born and educated in Sussex. After graduating from Exeter University with a degree in Philosophy, she worked in London in film, tv and entertainment PR, before moving back to Sussex with her husband and young family. When she wasn’t coaching tennis or looking after her two children, she was scratching away at her latest novel.

Her books cover several genres: cosy mystery, psychological thriller, literary thriller and coming of age. The one thing all her books have in common is they will keep you turning the page.

You can follow Fiona on Twitter @FionaCaneWrites, find her on Facebook or Instagram and visit her website.

Having been a recipient of a Romantic Novelists Association Media Star award in the past, I’m delighted to feature contenders for this year’s Joan Hessayon Award here on Linda’s Book Bag. Today I’m delighted to welcome Alex Stone to stay in with me to chat about The Perfect Daughter which has been shortlisted for the award.

First, let’s find out more about The Joan Hessayon Award:

The Joan Hessayon Award

Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award showcases a variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre. The novels are judged by a panel of published authors from the RNA and publishing industry professionals. Previous winners include Jo Thomas, Charlotte Betts, Lorna Cook and Caroline Day.

The New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished writers of romantic fiction. Manuscripts can be submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors. In addition, the members of the scheme can attend RNA events and participate in members-only activities and networking opportunities.

The ceremony to announce the winner will be held at 6.30pm on Saturday 16th July 2022 at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.

****

Bournemouth-based author, Alex Stone, is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022 with her novel, The Perfect Daughter. The award is for authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication.

Staying in with Alex Stone

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Alex and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

My pleasure, there’s nothing better than staying in to talk about books!

Good point! So tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve bought my debut psychological thriller, The Perfect Daughter, which is a contender in the Joan Hessayon Award 2022. How exciting is that?!?!

Very exciting indeed! Congratulations. What can we expect from an evening in with The Perfect Daughter?

An evening with The Perfect Daughter will immerse you in the complex mother/daughter relationship between Jess and her mother, Abigail. It’s a thought-provoking thriller, where, as one Amazon reviewer put it: ‘the reader is kept guessing as to whether Jess is a reliable narrator or not – she’s not even sure herself’.

That sounds brilliant. Tell me more about Jess.

On the surface, Jess is seemingly the perfect daughter with a great boyfriend, Adam. But when Adam is declared missing, presumed dead, the police start asking if Jess is really as perfect as she seems. Her relationships with her mother, Adam and her past boyfriends all come under scrutiny.

It’s been described as ‘a stunning piece of writing with a message,’ which is just amazing to hear. I really wanted this novel to highlight the difficulties of family relationships and raise awareness of the impact of controlling and narcissistic behaviour.

You must be thrilled with that reaction Alex.

I’ve been stunned by the overwhelming response to The Perfect Daughter. Amazon reviewers have said The Perfect Daughter was a real page turner as truth and lies spiral together for a fascinating plot’. And the ‘characters get under your skin, grinding your teeth on the edge of your seat on their behalf… This book brings you every emotion.’

That’s quite a review!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

I’ve bought along a photo of Anvil Point in Dorset. The Perfect Daughter is set on the stunning Dorset coast. Jess lives in Bournemouth and so Bournemouth beach gets a lot of attention throughout the novel, but the key scene takes place here, at Anvil Point. It’s where Adam’s van crashes over the cliff into the sea below, and Jess’s life comes unravelled.

Oo. I’m planning on heading to Dorset in the motorhome very soon. Sounds like The Perfect Daughter might be just the book to take with me – though I hope we don’t roll off a cliff! Thank you so much for staying in to chat about The Perfect Daughter and all the very best with the RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Whatever happens, you’ve done brilliantly to get this far. I look forward to reading The Perfect Daughter for myself and I’ll just give readers a few more details: 

The Perfect Daughter

Jess Harper has spent her whole life trying to make her mum, Abigail happy and proud. And everything Jess does, from the clothes she wears, the job she has, the men she dates, are all approved by Abigail first.

The perfect boyfriend…

So when Jess announces that she has a new man in her life – plumber Adam – Abigail is less than impressed. ‘A plumber? Really, Jessica….’ Adam encourages Jess to break free from her mum’s manipulation, can’t she see what’s happening?

The perfect mother….

But Abigail is only doing these things to keep Jess safe, to protect her from getting hurt again…isn’t she?

Or the perfect liar?

Jess, caught in the middle, doesn’t know who to believe or trust. And then Adam vanishes without trace.

Now Jess is the police’s prime suspect and they want to know if Jess really is as perfect as she seems….

Published by Boldwood on 19th October 2021, The Perfect Daughter is available for purchase here.

About Alex Stone

Alex Stone is an accountant from the West Midlands, who uprooted her life to pursue her dream of living by the sea and becoming a writer. She is proof that if you stick at it, anything is possible, and is now a psychological thriller author based in Dorset. This beautiful and dramatic coast is the inspiration and setting for her novels.

Alex has a keen interest in psychology, and her novels examine how situations in the past can shape a person for the better and the worst.

Her debut novel, The Perfect Daughter, has been described as; ‘cleverly written, powerful, shocking, and totally believable.’

Her second psychological thriller, The Other Girlfriend, is out on 28th July 2022 in all formats; ebook, paperback, hardback and audiobook.

For more information, visit Alex’s website, follow her on Twitter @AlexStoneAuthor or find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Having been a recipient of a Romantic Novelists Association Media Star award in the past, I’m delighted to feature contenders for this year’s Joan Hessayon Award here on Linda’s Book Bag. Today I’m delighted to welcome Laura R. Leeson to stay in with me to chat about The Valentine Retreat which has been shortlisted for the award.

First, let’s find out more about The Joan Hessayon Award:

The Joan Hessayon Award

Sponsored by Dr. David Hessayon OBE in honour of his late wife, Joan, who was a novelist, RNA member and supporter of its New Writers’ Scheme, the award showcases a variety of debut novels within the romantic fiction genre. The novels are judged by a panel of published authors from the RNA and publishing industry professionals. Previous winners include Jo Thomas, Charlotte Betts, Lorna Cook and Caroline Day.

The New Writers’ Scheme provides support to unpublished writers of romantic fiction. Manuscripts can be submitted for assessment and are critiqued by published authors. In addition, the members of the scheme can attend RNA events and participate in members-only activities and networking opportunities.

The ceremony to announce the winner will be held at 6.30pm on Saturday 16th July 2022 at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.

****

Salisbury author, Laura R. Leeson, is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022 with her novel, The Valentine Retreat. The award is for authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication. Let’s find out what she has to tell us:

Staying in with Laura R Leeson

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Laura and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for inviting me. I love a night in – slippers and a good book superseded heels and a dubiously-titled cocktail a while ago. Not that I don’t love a good cocktail every now and again, but these days I need a really good reason to exhume the heels!

Oh I’m with you on those heels – though I do like a good cocktail! I rather think I know, but tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought along my debut novel – The Valentine Retreat. I recently learned my novel is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Debut Novel Award, which is breath-taking – but added to the excitement is the news that my book has also recently become available in paperback. A life-long dream was realised when I opened my author copies and flicked through the pages!

Huge congratulations Laura. You must be so excited. 

What can we expect from an evening in with The Valentine Retreat?

My readers tell me it’s exciting and fast-paced, so you might want to make sure you have everything at hand before you settle down. One lady told me she couldn’t stop and was reading into the wee small hours because she had to know what happened, another reader told me I’d made her late for work! For me that’s the ultimate accolade and I’m so pleased people are enjoying a story which started out as a ‘what if…’ thought I had while perusing the breakfast cereal aisle in the supermarket. (Breakfast cereal doesn’t play any role in the plot, btw!)

I’m intrigued now. Tell me more.

The Valentine Retreat is published by an e-first American press – Champagne Book Group – and falls into their romantic suspense category. Not necessarily a genre the UK market is overly familiar with, but at its centre is the story of a couple who fall for one another while they’re both juggling secrets, some of which could be life-threatening. The setting is a fictional hotel in Los Angeles – The Valentine Retreat – which is also not at all what it purports to be. In fact, the whole environment is a tinderbox of covert motivations, dangerous intentions, and hidden realities. Are the feelings Megan and Jim begin to have for one another the only solid ground in an ever-shifting reality – or is that just another lie?

I think that sounds fabulous. Is The Valentine Retreat a one off book?

The Valentine Retreat is the first of a trilogy – the second instalment is due for publication later this year and is currently with my editor. I’m eagerly/anxiously awaiting her first raft of edits…

Many authors tell me that the wait for edits is the worst part of writing!

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

My main character, Megan, has a penchant for eighties pop music. Perhaps that’s unsurprising, because so do I. But then, who doesn’t? It was clearly the best decade for music. Ever.

My era completely!

So, I’ve brought along a mini playlist of my favourite banging tunes – equally wonderful to leave playing in the background whilst reading or writing…

Pet Shop Boys – Always On My Mind

Soft Cell – Tainted Love

Genesis – Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

Housemartins – Five Get Overexcited

Prince (way before he became a squiggle) – When Doves Cry

Alison Moyet – All Cried Out

Yazoo – Nobody’s Diary

Kate Bush – The Man with the Child in his Eyes (a bit of a cheat – released in 1978)

Erasure – The Circus

A-Ha – The Sun Always Shines on TV

Robert Palmer – Addicted to Love

Abba – Head over Heels

George Michael – Kissing a Fool (actually, scrap that – anything by GM is good by me)

The Police – anything they ever did (I met Sting once – he’s lovely)

Witney Houston, Queen, Eurythmics, Tears for Fears, The Bangles, U2 – do I have to stop? I could keep going for days!

That’s a fabulous selection of music Laura. Thank you so much for staying in to chat about The Valentine Retreat and all the very best with the RNA Joan Hessayon Award. Whatever happens, you’ve done brilliantly to get this far. I look forward to Reading The Valentine Retreat for myself and I’ll just give readers a few more details: 

The Valentine Retreat

The Valentine Retreat should be the perfect place for Megan to take a mini break from her broken life. She’s determined to hide her imperfections and secrets, to allow herself to soak up the opulence and glamour of the hotel for a few days. But she’s not the only one at The Valentine Retreat with something to hide.

Jim is struggling with his new job. Working at The Valentine Retreat wasn’t even close to what he had in mind as his next career move, but he didn’t have much choice in the matter. He needs to keep his head down and make this a success. No one can find out the truth about his life.

Anthony Valentine believes he has everything under control. The Valentine Retreat is running smoothly and he’s sure the authorities think his illicit activities are hidden in plain sight at his hotel. They are dead wrong about that.

Megan’s arrival at the hotel reveals Valentine’s hidden agenda. And the flames of attraction that flicker between Megan and Jim ignite more than their mutual passion as the velvet curtain of deceit that hides Valentine’s deepest secrets catches a spark. As it begins to burn, their innermost fears are laid bare, and the fire threatens to destroy them all.

The Valentine Retreat is the first in Valentine’s Vendetta trilogy.

Published by Champagne Book Group on 22nd May, The Valentine Retreat is available for purchase here.

About Laura R. Leeson

Laura lives in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, and loves walking her Labrador, Murray, even when he totally ignores her and runs off. Repeatedly. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and loves to explore the messy bits of life – and if there’s a way to add in some danger for her characters, that’s even better. She enjoys weekends away with friends (preferably by the sea) and has a large collection of artisan gins. She says it’s purely because of the beautiful bottles, but nobody believes her.

For more information, visit Laura’s website, follow her on Twitter @Laura_R_Leeson or find her on Facebook and Instagram.

My enormous thanks to Soni Zuberi Shah for sending me a copy of the children’s book 101 Dishes For The Emperor in return for an honest review.

You can find 101 Dishes on Twitter @101dishes and on Instagram, but if you visit the 100 Dishes website you’ll find all kinds of extra goodies too.

Published on 14th May 2022, 101 Dishes For The Emperor is available for purchase here.

101 Dishes for the Emperor

Food-loving Anwar lives with his mum, Paro, in a humble village in India.
One day, the Great Emperor and his caravan of people are passing by.
What happens when Anwar dares to invite the mighty Emperor to dinner – and accidentally all his followers too?
No matter how frantically Paro chops more onions, mixes more spices and pours more water into her dal, it JUST isn’t enough…

Can Anwar save the day?

Inspired by a true story of sharing, community and food

Illustrated in a unique style that mixes contemporary and traditional Mughal miniature painting.

My Review of 101 Dishes for the Emperor

Anwar has invited the Emperor to a meal.

101 Dishes For The Emperor is a smashing story of community and how success can be achieved through collaboration and neighbourliness, providing inspiration for all readers regardless of age.

101 Dishes For The Emperor reads very much like a traditional tale and would be perfect for sharing with groups of children as well as enjoying in individual homes. I think it could also lead to some wonderful sharing of foods from different cultures within educational settings and the questions at the end of the story could be used to spark classroom discussion, creative writing and oracy.

There’s so much to recommend 101 Dishes For The Emperor because this is a story that celebrates Indian culture, giving interest and an insight into food and tradition to all children as well as status to those who have an Indian heritage. Equally important is the fact that it is a little boy, Anwar, who is the catalyst for action rather than an adult so that children have an example of self worth.

I thought the balance of text to image was perfect because there’s enough space not to daunt independent readers, but sufficient text to make an interesting narrative and to provide depth for shared reading. The language is accessible but not patronising and has a pitch perfect level of challenge too.

It’s impossible to review 101 Dishes For The Emperor without mention of the fabulous, sumptuous illustrations. Whilst Anwar is depicted in a more child like manner that children will be familiar with, the pictures including the Emperor are again traditional in style so that Indian culture is celebrated.

I thought 101 Dishes For The Emperor was simply lovely – even if it did make me hungry!

About Soni Zuberi Shah

Soni trained as an environmentalist and worked in conservation and development. She has also worked in science communication at the BBC and has gone on to work in the arts and community.

101 Dishes for the Emperor is Soni’s first children’s picture book, it is inspired by a true story her father used to tell her about her ancestral heritage. Set in 16 century India, the story is about a little boy who dares to invite the Emperor to dinner to try his mum’s delicious dal. Soni says ‘With universal values of sharing, kindness and the love of good food, 101 Dishes for the Emperor is as relevant today as it was in 16th century India.’

You can find Soni on Instagram.

About Fatima Zahra Hassan

Dr Fatima Zahra Hassan is a London based visual artist, educator, and researcher, trained in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts. She specialises in Indian, Mughal and Persian Miniature Painting. Zahra has also introduced new courses at the School of Traditional Arts, The Prince’s Foundation London, and the University of London and the British Museum’s joint World Art Programme in South Asian Art and Design held at the British Museum and Asia House London. Zahra has conducted many workshops and has given talks in museums in the UK on Indo-Persian Miniature Painting and Islamic Illustrated Manuscript Illustration. She is part of international research groups and publishes on South Asian and Middle Eastern Art with an approach that bridges the practice with theory.

You can find Fatima on Instagram.