I love being part of a book’s journey into the world so when Karl Muntz got in touch about his book, The Pain Eater, coming out today I simply had to invite him onto Linda’s Book Bag to find out more. Let’s see what he told me:

Staying in with Kyle Muntz

Hi Kyle, and welcome to Linda’s Book Bag. I rather think I know the answer, but what book have you brought along today?

I’ve brought along The Pain Eater. It’s a literary horror novel out today from Clash Books about two brothers who discover a creature that eats human pain.

Oo. Happy publication day Kyle. This sounds fascinating. What can we expect from an evening with The Pain Eater?

Anyone who has ever lived in a small town can expect something familiar, yet somehow uncomfortable—especially if you happen to grow up in the 2000s. The Pain Eater definitely has the darkness you’d expect from a horror novel; but beneath that, it’s about a time, and a place, and aspects of life I think anyone who has lived in a small-town will recognize.

I live in a very small town. You’ve got me thinking… What else have you brought with The Pain Eater?

I’ve brought a novel by Stephen King. I grew up loving King, especially the gritty realism of his setting and characters. But as I got older, I found myself disliking how, once you discovered what was going on, beneath the surface the characters always stumbled into some great struggle between good and evil. When I wrote the Pain Eater, I was curious to see what horror would look like if we looked into the darkness, and just saw more of ourselves.

Really, was it just Stephen King who had this effect on you?

Actually, maybe not. I feel the book might appeal to similar audience, probably especially because of the setting. But I haven’t read King much since I was quite young. Recently I’ve been a lot more influenced by writers like Larry McMurtry, Anne Tyler, and Jonathan Franzen, especially the techniques they use to make characters realistic and nuanced. At the same time, I was thinking of Haruki Murakami, who injects a bunch of surprising supernatural elements into realistic settings—but darker. So the book works gradually towards intense, grim moments that were ultimately intense enough the publisher felt it could be released as horror.

So does The Pain Eater reflect your own life?

The Pain Eater isn’t autobiographical, but it does happen to be set in the mid-2000s—right in the years when I was an angry teenager. I was quite surprised during the writing just how different many things were. The characters barely use social media; they don’t have cell-phones. One of the characters is very into Japanese nerd-culture, but they don’t stream anime on the internet—they steal DVDs from the store. The process of recreating the setting was an interesting reminder that it’s not quite “historical”, but still remote enough to feel both close and far away.

What would you drink while you’re reading the book?

Bell’s Oberon. It’s a wheat beer from Michigan that actually appears in the novel; when I was in my early 20s, I remember feeling it wasn’t summer until you could get Oberon in the stores. And these days, since I’ve lived overseas for quite a few years, it’s one of those details from home that has taken on a sort of mythical proportion.

I’d never heard of that beer. Pour me a glass and tell me what readers been saying about the book?

So far, I’ve gotten lucky with some pretty nice buzz! I was especially pumped about this blurb from Eric Larocca, author of the viral hit Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke:

“Absurd, grim, and wonderfully unique, Kyle Muntz’s The Pain Eater is an exceptional read from a new and distinct voice in horror.”

I also got a great blurb from Nick Mamatas, a multi-genre whose most recently book is The Second Shooter. I’ve been following his work for about decade now, so was incredibly excited to get this from him:

“What if the horror boom of the 1980s had instead exploded during the age of emo? Everybody you know would be reading and re-reading The Pain Eater. A dark slow burn of a novel.”

Those are fabulous responses. You must be thrilled.

Also, there have been some very kind pre-release reviews, including this one from Vanessa at Pirate Twinkie which also had some nice period references:.

“As the story spirals ever downward, it gets darker, angrier, and at times, pretty gross. There’s a level of melancholy with the characters like the feeling you would get if you listened to an entire Bright Eyes album. Maybe Bright Eyes mixed with screamo.”

And thanks to Christina, a very generous Goodreads reviewer who had this to say about the novel:

“Original, disturbing, and imaginative—all things that make for a great horror story, of which Muntz is not in short supply…Fans of horror will love this. It was graphic, it was unsettling, and it was a wildly dark take on trauma and family.”

I think The Pain Eater sounds brilliant Kyle. Thank you for staying in with me to chat about it. Happy publication day once again. Let’s raise a glass of Bell’s Oberon in celebration and I’ll tell Linda’s Book Bag readers a little more:

The Pain Eater

The Pain Eater is the story of two brothers from Michigan reunited after the death of their father. They’ve never been close, but now they have to live together―and it gets more difficult when one discovers a strange creature, vomited from the body of a dead cat. A creature that eats human pain. It feels good: too good. Soon he wants to hurt himself more, just so the pain can be taken away. But the more the creature becomes a part of his life, the more he damages everything around him. Some wounds are too deep to ever heal.

Published by Clash Books today, 5th July 2022, The Pain Eater is available here and here.

About Kyle Muntz

Kyle Muntz is an American novelist and author of Voices [2010, Enigmatic Ink], Sunshine in the Valley [2011, Civil Coping Mechanisms], VII (or) The Life, Times and Tragedy of Sir Edward William Locke the Third: Gentleman [2012, Enigmatic Ink], Green Lights [2014, CCM], and Scary People [2015, Eraserhead Press].

Excerpts and other pieces of his have also been published in Gone Lawn, Step Chamber, The Journal of Experimental Fiction and Fiction International.

You can follow Kyle on Twitter @kylemuntz and Instagram.

It’s amazing how long it seems since we were in the thick of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations and I’m delighted today to share my review of the children’s book Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration. My enormous thanks to Josh at DK for sending me a copy of Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration in return for an honest review.

Published by DK Children’s Books on 16th June 2022, Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration is available for purchase here.

Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration

An official Platinum Jubilee souvenir that explores the incredible life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth and how her historic reign has shaped the world.

In honour of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee 2022, this once in a lifetime history book for kids tells the story of a young princess who grew up to become our longest reigning monarch, and celebrates the achievements, people and places that have become part of her remarkable legacy.

There is a treasure box hidden away in Great Granny Joyce’s home, bursting with all kinds of things… A photo of a young woman wearing a crown, a map of the world, newspaper clippings, and so much more that reveal the great wonders of the last 70 years. There is so much to look at that little Isabella doesn’t even know where to begin! Did you know that Princess Elizabeth was only 27 when she became Queen? Or that she made an appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2010 London Olympics alongside James Bond? And that the most astonishing inventions like the World Wide Web, as well as historic milestones like the first female Prime Minister of the UK happened under our Queen’s watch?

Delightfully playful illustrations, exciting facts, and information sidebars fill every page to tell the full story of the world’s most beloved and inspiring monarch. Embark on this royal journey and show what you know with a surprise quiz at the end!

Inside this beautifully illustrated history book for children, you will find everything from the Crown to the Corgis detailed here, including:

– An exclusive quiz poster
– An illustration mapping out the Royal Family tree
– A timeline of the histories of the four UK nations
– The story of the Queen’s dedication to her country from wartime service during World War II to fundraising and commitments to the Commonwealth and wider world
– A timeline of the extraordinary events in history, as well as the incredible achievements of people from the UK and Commonwealth countries that have taken place during The Queen’s lifetime
– Details of the 14 British Prime Ministers who have served alongside The Queen
– A celebration of the amazing people The Queen has recognised

My Review of Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration

A celebration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth 11.

What a fantastic souvenir of an important moment in history Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration is. Equally relevant to homes or classrooms there’s so much to explore, with history, geography, stories, facts, places to visit, a glossary, sport, music, charities, the Queen’s own words and so much more. I must confess I didn’t know the National Anthem beyond the first verse until I read this book!

Although Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration is a book to relish and treasure in its own right, because it’s such an interesting read, it really is a wonderful catalyst to inspire and engage young people. I think using it in a KS2 school setting it would be perfect. I can imagine the map of the Commonwealth Countries being used for classes to create a map of the world including their own cultural heritages, or the section on innovation inspiring research and science based projects. Even the snippet about succession could lead to discussion about the role of girls and females in society. However, what I think is most important about Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration is that, through Great Granny Joyce sharing her treasure box with Isabella, there is a sense of belonging and community that the world needs. I think it says something about the intention behind the book that no one person is singled out as author or illustrator but that the book has been complied by a team.

Before finishing my review, I have to comment on the super physical qualities of Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration. It’s beautifully presented with illustrations that appeal to readers of all ages and that illustrate diversity from the young to the elderly, from the able bodied to those with disabilities and with people of all colours so that it feels inclusive and respectful of all.

Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration would be a fantastic keepsake for children born during the jubilee year as well as those already old enough to enjoy it. I thought it was excellent.

About the Authors and Illustrators

Usually at this point I give details about individuals, but as I said in my review, Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Celebration has been complied by a team and that concept of teamwork or community is something from which the world could benefit right now.

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 Jennifer Bibby to stay in with me to chat about The Cornish Hideaway 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.

****

Luton author, Jennifer Bibby, is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022 with her novel, The Cornish Hideaway. 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 Jennifer Bibby

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

It’s been a real treat to be invited along, so thank you.

You’re very welcome. Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve bought along my debut novel The Cornish Hideaway because it’s the perfect summer escape. With all the predicted travel chaos, it means you can while away an evening in Cornwall without leaving your sofa / garden. With these light evenings its certainly reading outside weather.

That sounds just perfect. I think we could all do with an easy escape!

What can we expect from an evening in with The Cornish Hideaway?

Well, as it’s about Freya fleeing from the collapse of her life in London following failing her Masters degree and her boyfriend dumping her you can expect the usual sort of commiserations over heartbreak – wine, cake and good company with her friend and café owner Lola. By the end of the night your spirits will definitely be lifted and if Lola gets out her tarot cards then you may have a glimpse of what is waiting for you in your future.

So is The Cornish Hideaway all girls?

No, don’t expect it to just be a night in with the girls, you’ll probably find local retired fisherman Alf and his dog Scruff coming along to dish out some advice. But watch out – Scruff will definitely be after your cake!

Scruff sounds like a ‘person’ after my own heart!

Everyone has loved their journey to The Cornish Hideaway and hanging out with the Polcarrow crew so I’m sure you’ll also have a wonderful time. I’m over the moon with how well the novel has been received.

I’m delighted to hear that Jen. What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

You couldn’t have a night in with The Cornish Hideaway without having a cream tea, Lola wouldn’t hear of it! Freshly baked scones, clotted cream and sticky strawberry jam, the works!  Since we’re also celebrating being a contender for the Joan Hessayon award I also think it’s only fitting that we crack open a bottle of fizz, don’t you?

I do indeed! Fizz and a cream tea – you’re talking my language! Thank you so much for staying in to chat about The Cornish Hideaway 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 Cornish Hideaway Escape for myself and I’ll just give readers a few more details: 

The Cornish Hideaway

All Freya has ever wanted to do is paint. So when she fails her Master’s Degree in Art, on the same day that her boyfriend decides he needs a ‘more serious’ partner, to Freya it feels like the end of the world.

Luckily, she has a saviour in the shape of best friend Lola, who invites her to the sleepy Cornish village of Polcarrow, to work in her café. With nothing keeping her in London, Freya jumps at the chance of a summer by the sea.

Freya needs time to focus on herself. But then dark and mysterious biker Angelo blows into town on a stormy afternoon, with his own artistic dreams and a secretive past, and Freya’s plans of a romance-free summer fly straight out of the window…

Heart-warming, heartfelt and romantic, The Cornish Hideaway is a novel of community, friendship and learning to love again, for fans of Jenny Colgan, Cathy Bramley and Heidi Swain.

Published by Simon and Schuster on 22nd March 2022, The Cornish Hideaway is available for purchase through the links here.

About Jennifer Bibby

As a lifelong lover of stories, Jennifer Bibby spent her teenage years wowing various teachers with her historical epics before finding her feet exploring the everyday lives of modern women through literature. In addition to being a bibliophile she loves classy cocktails, cake and medieval history. She’s happiest by the sea and loves to travel, and firmly believes that dinosaurs improve everything. The Cornish Hideaway is her debut novel.

For more information, follow Jennifer on Twitter @jennyfromthewr1 and Instagram.

Having recently interviewed John Marrs in his one and only in person interview at the Deepings Literary Festival, how could I resist taking part in the blog tour for The Vacation? My thanks to Anne Cater and Tracy Fenton for inviting me to participate.

I’ve been a fan of John’s writing for years and he’s appeared on Linda’s Book Bag several times. Most recently I interviewed John about The Minders, here.

You’ll find John on the blog when I reviewed What Lies Between Us here. I reviewed John’s The One here, and interviewed him about The One here. When John’s The Good Samaritan was published he provided a superb guest post that you can read here too.

Published by Pan Macmillan on 23rd June 2022, The Vacation is available for purchase through the links here.

The Vacation

Longlisted for the 2022 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, The Vacation is a compulsive, holiday-set thriller from John Marrs, the author of The One, now a Netflix Original Series.

How far would you run to escape your past?

Venice Beach, Los Angeles. A paradise on earth.

Tourists flock to the golden coast and the promise of Hollywood.

But for eight strangers at a beach front hostel, there is far more on their mind than an extended vacation.

All of them are running from something. And they all have secrets they’d kill to keep . . .

Originally published as Welcome to Wherever You Are, this is a re-edited release perfect for fans of T. M. Logan.

My Review of The Vacation

Life in a backpacker’s hostel isn’t quite what it seems.

Having been used to John Marrs’ intense, claustrophobic, psychological thrillers, I was taken by surprise by The Vacation as it roams across time frames and settings and is very different to other of his books. What works so well is the way the different time frames are woven like a tapestry so that there’s an almost visual uncovering of the action in this fast paced, absolutely gripping narrative.

The Vacation is a cracker of a summer read. I loved the way the plot ebbed and flowed like the tide on Venice Beach and the manner with which John Marrs gradually fed information to both the characters and the reader makes it so engaging. Something about the episodic quality took me back to the days of watching television series like Dallas where there’s intrigue, deception, crime and manipulation all rolled into a breathless, engaging story. It’s not possible to say too much about the plot of The Vacation as it is intricate and so full of brilliant surprises that anything more would spoil the read.

I loved meeting all the characters and the way John Marrs explored and gradually uncovered who they were and why they found themselves at the hostel. I usually struggle to keep multiple characters clear in my head but here the cast of The Vacation is so cleverly presented that every single person feels distinct. The themes of identity and trust build these people into totally convincing characters to the extent that reading The Vacation has made me question how well I know anyone in my life.

Themes of love, family, life, death, race, sexuality, greed, estrangement, guilt, blame, trust, revenge, loyalty and so on are so inextricably linked in the story that it really is a fabulous read.

I thought The Vacation was brilliant. It’s quite bonkers at times with so many twists and turns that it leaves the reader’s head in a total spin. However, that insight into the human psyche I’ve come to expect from John Marrs’ writing is absolutely present alongside the hugely entertaining story so that The Vacation is a total corker of a read. It’s great fun, filled with drama and surprisingly emotional. I loved it and if you’re looking for a read with everything from murder to mothers, broken hearts to broken noses, duplicitous characters and a fabulous plot, you will too.

About John Marrs

John Marrs is an author and former journalist based in London and Northamptonshire. After spending his career interviewing celebrities from the worlds of television, film and music for numerous national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time author. He is the bestselling author of: The One, The Passengers, The Minders, What Lies Between and When You Disappeared.

You can visit John’s website for more information, or you can find him on Facebook and Instagram.  Follow him on Twitter @johnmarrs1,

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 it’s my pleasure to welcome Lissa Morgan to stay in with me to chat about The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride 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.

****

Dolgellau author, Lissa Morgan, is a contender for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s (RNA) annual Joan Hessayon Award for 2022 with her novel, The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride. 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 Lissa Morgan

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Lissa Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you for inviting me, Linda, it’s great to be here!

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 for Harlequin Historical-Mills & Boon Historical, The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride, which is one of the contenders for the Joan Hessayon Award this year. It’s my first historical novel, after several years of focussing on contemporary romance for HM&B but never quite making it to publication. It is a book very close to my heart for this and many other reasons.

How exciting – especially when switching focus. Congratulations. What can we expect from an evening in with The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride?

Well, as the title suggests, it’s a ‘marriage of convenience’ story and is set in my native Wales in the late 13^th century. It’s a dramatic love story played out against a factual and fierce Welsh rebellion against the Crown. This broke out in 1294 and raged for a year before the rebels were finally defeated by the military might of King Edward I.  The external political events are mirrored by the internal conflict of the two main characters, Rhun and Eleanor, who carry deeply rooted scars and inner fears that make their marriage a difficult as well as reluctant one. As I’m a passionately Welsh writer, readers can expect quite a bit of authentic medieval history – and to learn one or two Welsh words and even a piece of poetry! – and an intensely emotional journey to the hard-earned happy ever after.

This sounds fabulous. I’ve just come back from a trip to Wales so next time I visit I may have to take The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride with me.

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

I’ve brought along an image of Dolwyddelan Castle in North Wales. This was the inspiration for the home of my hero, Castell y Lleuad, which means Castle of the Moon. My heroine finds it a gloomy, unwelcoming and forbidding place at first but soon discovers that it is totally magical.  Castell y Lleuad almost became a character itself, and it plays a significant part in the bonding of my two characters in an emotional and spiritual as well as physical sense.

Dolwyddelan Castle is a place I’ve visited Lissa! Thank you so much for staying in to chat about The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride 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 Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride for myself and I’ll just give readers a few more details: 

The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride

Enjoy the drama that unfolds in this medieval marriage of convenience…

A wedding between enemies

A marriage to heal their scars

Hiding a disfigurement, Eleanor de Vraille is already lacking confidence when she arrives at her future husband’s cheerless Welsh castle. And Rhun ab Owain’s open disapproval of her does nothing to make her feel at ease. Their union is to seal peace between their families, nothing more.

But Eleanor’s heart rebels–is she a fool to hope for any affection from this strong-willed nobleman with the dark glittering eyes?

Published by Mills & Boon/Harlequin on 24th May 2022, The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride is available for purchase through the links here.

About Lissa Morgan

After several unsuccessful attempts at contemporary romance set in far flung locations, Lissa’s acquiring editor, Linda Fildew, asked her if she’d ever thought of writing historical romantic fiction. Lissa studied History at Aberystwyth University, and history has always been a passion, so she doesn’t know why she didn’t go down that route sooner!  Because it all suddenly fell into place when she set The Welsh Lord’s Convenient Bride in the Middle Ages – her favourite historical period – and in her own neck of the woods, mid and north Wales. Lissa says she guesses there’s a right time and a right place for everything!

For more information, visit Lissa’s website, find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @LissaMorganAuth. Lissa is also on InstagramInstagram.

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.