I am very excited to be involved in the Publication Day Push for the latest book by this highly esteemed and popular author. I have to admit this was my first read by this author, though I do have a few of her back catalogue waiting patiently on my TBR!
Blurb:
In Sheila O’Flanagan’s stunning new novel, two women face up to shocking truths about the men they’ve loved – and start to make their own decisions about what to do next…
Deira isn’t the kind of woman to steal a car. Or drive to France alone with no plan. But then, Deira didn’t expect to be single. Or to suddenly realise that the only way she can get the one thing she wants most is to start breaking every rule she lives by.
Grace has been sent on a journey by her late husband, Ken. She doesn’t really want to be on it but she’s following his instructions, as always. She can only hope that the trip will help her to forgive him. And then – finally – she’ll be able to let him go.
Brought together by unexpected circumstances, Grace and Deira find that it’s easier to share secrets with a stranger, especially in the shimmering sunny countryside of Spain and France. But they soon find that there’s no escaping the truth, whether you’re running away from it or racing towards it . . .
My thoughts:
In the same wonderful way as the blurb, the opening of the novel makes some facts very clear, revealing just enough to hook you into the story and wonder what has happened to cause Deira to run away alone. I completely felt sympathy for this character when she said “the last thirteen years of her life had been entirely wasted” as that’s definitely how I felt when my marriage broke down. We are then introduced to Grace, who is also travelling alone, and you can’t help but make comparisons between the two characters. Despite trying to create an uplifting tone to the narrative, with quotes such as a “perfect day to travel”, as a reader I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding and worry about what lay ahead…
This has been quite a dramatic read. The narrative is driven mainly by the dialogue and interaction between characters, and this is definitely a stand out feature of this book. Through this, Sheila creates tension and drama but also provides a detailed backstory for the two main characters, allowing us as readers to have sympathy for them on some level. I definitely connected with the characters and at the really emotionally charged parts, I could feel myself choking up too. These are complex characters though, and they definitely have their flaws – as we all do!
Another aspect which drives the narrative is the quest to solve the clues and riddles left by Grace’s husband, Ken. This provides another layer of interest and tension to the story as we feel a little in limbo, like I’m sure the characters do due to their circumstances, and we never know which route the story, and their journey, is going to take next.
“You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.”
This quote from the book seeks to highlight how the women are trying to escape from their previous lives, yes physically in terms of distance and a new setting, but also seeking a mental and emotional refresher too. This is something they really struggle with in the book. Can they work together and support each other to make peace with themselves and their past, in order to move forward into the future?
The book explores lots of important issues, and the characters ask questions of themselves when reacting to these issues, and this in turn makes us question our reactions as readers, too. I particularly liked the exploration of gender roles: these are examined in terms of intelligence, practicality, marriage and parenthood. This definitely provided me with some food for thought.
Overall, this has been an emotional and thought-provoking read, with strong and relatable female characters at the fore. I’ll admit that the ending was so emotionally charged and beautifully written, I ugly cried. This has been a wonderful introduction to Sheila’s writing and I look forward to delving into her extensive back catalogue!
I am very excited to be on the blog tour for my first read by this wonderful romantic fiction author. This author has been recommended to me many times by friends with similar tastes, and after reading I completely regret not reading work by this author much, much sooner! I was also of course drawn in by the beautifully designed cover and the wonderful pastel tones which really make this one stand out.
Blurb:
First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.
Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.
The worst offender is her new neighbor: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper.
But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet.
With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.
My thoughts:
I have absolutely adored this book. The opening hooked me in, as Luke’s day just keeps going wrong. I was laughing at all the mishaps and how they are described. Obviously someone parking in your space and stealing the last donut when you had your eye on it are minor first world problems, but the frustration came.across and within the first few pages I was laughing to myself.
Lukecan’t get the beautiful yet selfish and stern Vivian out of his head, and since they’re going to be working in the same building, it might prove difficult for some time…
I loved the main characters in this one. Clearly true opposites, Luke is positive, thoughtful energetic and a mender of relationships, whereas Vivian is a divorce lawyer: more practical, stern and tries to bury problems and only deal with the logistics. I loved have a nose through their dating profile and thought this was a fun, easy and quick way to really get to know the charactets.
My favourite thing about this book is the humour that is prevalent throughout. For me, this really started when they reveal their names for each other: The Wicked Witch of the West Office and Shrek the Shrink. I was chuckling out loud already! There is a really mix of this too: situational comedy, word play and even verging on slapstick at times. This brings light and life to the narrative. Even when the narrative gets a little more serious at the end, Camilla injects even more humour by letting us hear this story from the cat and dog’s point of view.
I have absolutely loved my first intro into Camilla’s books. This book has been uplifting, heartwarming and at times laugh-out-loud funny. I am looking forward to reading her impressive back catalogue now!
You can’t say you aren’t intrigued by the cover of this one? It was reminiscent to me of the idea of women as “caged birds” and I hoped that I would meet some strong and powerful women in this story.
Blurb:
Single mums, Tia and Kay, meet when their sons are born on the same day.
Tia is a product of the welfare system but wants a better life for her son. Her entrapment by her manipulative and controlling boyfriend in the world of drink, drugs, crime and enforced prostitution suggests otherwise. Is she a ‘born devil’ or can she change and break free?
Kay comes from a stable home but sacrifices it all, initially, to live her own kind of life.
Overshadowed by betrayals, mistakes, regrets, and the mystery of an abandoned child, their paths – and those of their families – run parallel or criss-cross over twenty-five years.
Can determination and the power of the snow globe offer a chance of happiness?
My thoughts:
This is a narrative driven by the thoughts, actions and choices of a complex cast of female characters. The multiple perspectives provide a unique view of the characters. I found Janet and Ruth to be the most likeable, though I found aspects of their character could even be described as weak at times.
This is an epic tale that spans 25 years. That is quite some feat for an author and Angela manages to pull it off, by providing details of key events only and being unafraid to gloss over the more mundane aspects of the characters’ lives over this time.
I have to admit to feeling quite uncomfortable at times whilst reading this book. I didn’t expect it to trigger me like it did and I found myself getting very upset and angry at certain points. I believe some aspects were designed to shock, but I am also not naive enough to think that this does not reflect a certain reality.
That’s not to say I think that these things should be taken out of the book. Far from it, actually. I am very familiar with books that deal with criminal underworlds etc., and though this is supposed to come across as realism, it is easy as a reader to remember that these aspects are fictional as it so far removed from our everyday lives.
However, this story sets quite a different tone. It looks at some sectors of society that some people choose to ignore. We could pass people like Kay or Tia in the street every day, maybe pass a judgemental glance over at them, and then get on with our normal day. This book reminds us of the detrimental effects of doing so. It brings to the fore some of the most pertinent issues of our twentieth and twenty first century class system.
There is an intense realism and rawness to this book, reminding us that there are different paths people choose in life, and sometimes they need assistance to help them get on the right one. That’s not to say I really actually felt sorry for Tia, as I really struggled with that. It was more of a sense of frustration around her circumstances.
This has been an intense and dark read. There is an actual “fractured” or broken globe that carries a certain level of importance for the characters in the book, but for me it seems to serve as a symbol for a broken system in which, at times, those who need to most help, garner the least attention. As an English teacher, I love to read a book that carries a significant “message”, and I feel this one does.
A hard-hitting and emotional read, this is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
Ooh, I have something different again for you today and this was such a treat to read and review. This is a book ideal for avid readers at Junior level of primary school, or possibly less confident readers in secondary school. As an English teacher and mum, I have enjoyed this lovely little book!
Blurb:
Everything about Oliver is small, from his footprint to his glasses-and a trio of bullies never let him forget it. When Oliver receives his grandfather’s old bike for his birthday, he rides tall for the first time. But the meanest bully in school doesn’t like that at all. Oliver quickly finds himself challenged to a race. Now, he’ll have to be bigger than he ever imagined in order to prove heroes come in small packages too.
The Big Ol’ Bike is a contemporary slice of life for ages 7-10. It’s filled with characters who could live down the street from you, or have a locker beside yours at school. Come hang out with Oliver, Austin, and Sue, as they experience excitement, setbacks, and adventure together. Themes of bullying, family, friendship, confidence, and community are all explored.
Longer than average for this age range, The Big Ol’ Bike is meant to be transitional between chapter books and middle grade novels. It’s an equally perfect choice for eager readers who fly through the pages, and kids who enjoy taking it chapter by chapter.
WARNING: Reading this book may cause an immediate and urgent need to ride your bike. Do not be alarmed-the feeling will pass soon enough. But don’t let it.;)
My thoughts:
This book has definitely got me thinking about the benefits of cycling, and imagining Oliver’s happy face as the bike provides him with a sense of freedom and pride! It has also made think about the birthday present I have got for my daughter, who is going to be 3 next month, and it’s got me excited to see her little face when she opens her bike, full of excitement I’m sure, just as Oliver was when he opened his bike on his birthday.
This was not a smooth ride of a book though, as there was quite a lot of emotion and tension in the story! Oliver faces some quite nasty bullying but I’d say that the overall message of the novel is uplifting and left me smiling.
This is definitely a book about resilience, kindness and self acceptance. Oliver is told: Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about being who you are” and “size doesn’t define who you are”. As a 4 ft 10 1/2 grown woman myself, I’ve definitely identified with Oliver’s struggle about being small and feeling inadequate. There are a small cast of wonderful main characters, who really demonstrate the key qualities described above.
Overall, this has been a lovely and uplifting read with a positive message for young people, that I look forward to sharing with more children in the future, including my own.
I am very excited to be involved in the blog tour for one of my most anticipated releases of 2021, by an author that I absolutely adore. Flying Duo is a wonderfully uplifting sequel to Zoe May’s earlier novel, Flying Solo. Though best enjoyed as part of the ‘duo’, it can be enjoyed as a standalone as Zoe provides just enough context and clarification to ensure connection with the characters and to allow you to get up to speed with the plot, without alienating readers who are well familiar with the first book.
Blurb:
Can true love go the distance?
London lawyer Rachel Watson has wound up in an Indian ashram with hippy heartthrob lover, Seb.
A high-achiever, Rachel has always lived life according to her Life List, ticking off goals along the way. But now that she’s in India, Rachel is going with the flow, or at least trying to…
Rachel’s visa is running out and it’s time to decide whether her relationship with Seb is a holiday romance or built to last.
The pair embark on a trip to Nepal for an Everest base camp trek, but will their relationship survive this gruelling expedition or is it time to part ways?
Flying Duo is the second romantic comedy in the ‘Flying’ series, following on from bestseller, Flying Solo, which was described by the Daily Express newspaper as ‘a must read that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Beth O’Leary and Mhari McFarlane’ ★★★★★
My thoughts:
Well, as predicted, I have adored this book and lapped it up in one sitting. I loved that within the first few chapters, we were whisked away to yet another exotic and escapist setting – the base camp of Everest, in Nepal. We were back with Seb and Rachel, following them on their next adventure, and I was keen to find out what this book had in store for them.
We are greeted with more wonderful secondary characters, as well as catching up with some memorable characters from the first book. Rachel’s and Seb’s characters reach new depths, as we discover more about their hopes and plans for the future. They remain very likeable characters, and they face challenges head on, with communication and compassion. Seb’s relationship with his father provided an interesting thinking point about parent/child relationships in adulthood.
I was eager to find out how, and if, things worked out, and although I think the book ending in a perfectly romantic and beautiful way, I still need more! My only disappointment was that there was no hints as to whether there is going to be a book 3 in the series, but I am certainly hoping so!
An uplifting, escapist, romantic read, that I have thoroughly enjoyed and I would describe this author as a must reader author for romantic fiction fans.
I am always keen to support independent authors and I was drawn to the cover of this book, which suggests this book will be about travel and self discovery!
Blurb:
Rachel Watson has it all worked out. By 30, she’s ticked off most of the goals on her Life List. She’s a home owner, a partner at her law firm, she has a gorgeous boyfriend, lots of hobbies and loads of good friends. The only thing that’s missing is a ring on her finger.
According to her Life List, Rachel should be getting hitched around now, so when her boyfriend, Paul, plans a romantic date, Rachel’s pretty confident he’s going to propose. Except Paul has other ideas. He’s jetting off to India to find himself.
Distraught, Rachel doesn’t know what to do. Not one to easily admit defeat, she embarks on a mission to win him back.
Flying solo to India is definitely not part of Rachel’s plans, but could her trip teach her unexpected lessons about love, life and herself? Could she realise that perhaps her Life List wasn’t exactly what she wanted, after all?
My thoughts:
I love a dramatic opening, and this book certainly delivers on that! In the midst of what can only be described as a perfectly acceptable date after six years of a relationship, Rachel believes Paul has taken her back to the location of their first date in order to propose. Unfortunately, Paul delivers a very different message!
The plot quickly develops and before you know it we are in India with Rachel as she attempts to win Paul back. I absolutely loved being transported so far away from my current situation, making this a truly wonderful escapist read.
Rachel goes on quite a journey of self discovery whilst in India and it was great to see her confidence grow, with a helping hand from her new found friend Seb. Rachel was a really likeable character, with a depth and realness that I really appreciated.
I flew through this book in a really short time and loved how I was kept waiting and guessing until the end! However, I am so glad that there is a follow up book because I need more! It’s clear that Rachel’s journey isn’t over yet…
This was an easy and entertaining read, providing me with some well needed escapism and introducing me to some lovely characters (with the exception of idiotic Paul!). I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic fiction and fans of Portia Macintosh, Lindsey Kelk and Lyndsey Gallagher.
Look out for my review of “Flying Duo”, next week!
Ooh I have something a bit different again for you today on my blog! Yesterday was an audiobook tour, and an author Q&A. Today I am delighted to bring you mine (and more importantly, my almost 3 year old daughter’s) views on this beautifully illustrated book ideal for the book loving infant in your life.
Blurb:
From the award-winning duo that brought you Sarah’s Shadow comes another magical adventure…
When bear-mad schoolgirl Sandy Lane has her beloved teddy bear Berisford confiscated at school, she dreads the thought of going a whole night without his cuddles.
Little does she know that a bear-rilliant night awaits her, involving Berisford, a bear statue and many other wonderful friends!
My thoughts:
There are so many things we enjoyed about this book. Firstly, the plot is fantastical and really ignites the imagination. We loved following Sandy’s adventures with the bears in Bear Town. The book itself is a little bit longer than what we’d usually go for, and I’d say it’s more suited to ages 4 and up, but my daughter is a keen “reader” and we really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of the story.
My daughter is an inquisitive soul and the beautiful illustrations provided lots of opportunities for questions and comments. I could see that she could understand that Sandy missed her bear and was trying to sympathise with her. “Aww mummy. she’s feeling sad!” The pictures also kept her interested in the book and helped her to closely follow the story-line.
As well as being entertaining, emotional, and magical, the plot provides an important message about the way we treat others and how our words effect others. I liked the fact I was able to discuss the message of the story with my daughter afterwards.
Since receiving a wonderful paperback copy of this book, it is one we have read many times and even whilst I was writing this my daughter saw the picture above and said “Mummy! My bear book! Let’s go and read it!”
I think we can safely say that this has been classed as a five star read in our house. I would definitely recommend this book to parents of young children, who enjoy books with beautiful illustrations and a lovely and important message!
I am very excited to be involved in my first ever audiobook tours. For quite some time, audiobooks were the only way I ‘read’. Since having children, I have tended to prefer the peace and quiet of sitting down with a physical or Kindle book, in complete silence. However, I have now been working from home for a considerable period and have been getting back into audiobooks as they make for great company and entertainment whilst sat at a computer all day!
Having said that, I think my audio tour expectations are a little higher than normal as it takes more to peak my interest, and it also takes me much longer to get through an audiobook so it really has to not only grip me from the beginning, but hold my attention throughout. Jailbird certainly did this!
Blurb:
When you’re working undercover the smallest mistake can cost you your life. ‘A riveting read full of tension and suspense with a vivid cast of characters and an enticing plot.’ Heather Burnside
Detective Constable Bailey Morgan has been out of the undercover game since her last job went horribly wrong, leaving her with scars inside and out. When her colleague Alice is found dead whilst working deep cover in a women’s prison, Bailey steps in to replace her. Working alone, Bailey embarks on a dangerous journey through the murky underbelly of the prison and soon discovers that Alice’s death was part of a spate of brutal murders.
Surrounded by prison officers, criminals and lowlifes, the slightest mistake could cost Bailey her life. Illicit drug trafficking, prison gangs and corruption are just some of the things she’s up against… and behind it all lurks a sinister and terrifying secret that will truly test her survival instincts. Heart-stopping and gripping. Perfect for the fans of hit TV shows such as Line of Duty, Orange is the New Black and Bad Girls.
My thoughts:
The opening of the book hooked me in straight away. In the first chapter, someone is attacked and left for dead. Caro has no qualms about delivering us the gritty, grizzly and shocking details of this, and this really sets the tone for the book. If you can’t handle this level of dark, then this book is not for you! However, thankfully, I can, and it completely reeled me in!
The novel is written in the third person throughout, which allows for an almost omniscient narrator in that she is able to delve into the lives, minds and thoughts of a number of characters, giving us multiple perspectives to look at the story from. There is an array of complex, intriguing and somewhat dark characters in the book. When she enters the jail, Bailey is warned: “Be careful who you get mixed up with in here. It’s a small world and it can be very unforgiving.” I have to say I was mostly interested in the perspectives of Alice, Amber and Bailey. I found Bailey to be a clever, brave and determined character who has her own demons that she needs to lay to rest. She constantly reminds us of her mission: to “Never. Break. Cover” and you can see that she aims to be professional but also get the job done.
Bailey is eventually given a strict deadline to complete her undercover task by, and this adds further tension to the story, increasing the pace towards an explosive and unexpected ending. Characters which we have come to trust, or assume to be trustworthy due to their character or position, crumble before our eyes and this was a particularly shocking and unexpected element for me.
This is quite a long book, but the style and language made it a quick, easy read for me. This was also helped along by the number of short chapters which provide cliff-hangers and small but significant details that encourage us to keep reading in order to discover the truth, and whether Bailey will be successful in her undercover mission. This is a book I definitely recommend to fans of gritty, dark crime thrillers and fans of Emma Tallon and Casey Kelleher.
I am very excited to bring you a guest post today! A A Chaudhuri is a talented and passionate writer, with a background in law. In today’s post, she answers a series of questions so that we can find out a little bit more about her, her writing style, writing processes and her developing and successful career as a writer.
In 2013 and 2014 she self-published two women’s fiction novels under the name Alexandra Sage: Love & Limoncello and the sequel Love & Loss. Love & Limoncello has sold more than ten thousand copies to date.
THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION, published in July and December 2019, are her first crime book series, plunging readers into London’s glamorous legal world and featuring series’ heroine, Maddy Kramer, fiction’s first female City lawyer amateur sleuth, who teams up with charismatic DCI Jake Carver to solve a gruesome series of murders and a puzzling abduction.
Look out for my review of The Abduction here on the 6th March!
When writing what comes first for you, the plot or characters?
Plot, always. But once I’ve come up with the plot, the characters tend to evolve very quickly. For both plot and characters, I might be inspired by my own life experience, reading the newspapers/watching the news/TV programmes/films/documentaries, or reading articles on the internet. The main inspiration for THE SCRIBE came from my time at the London College of Law where I studied the seven legal subjects which form the basis of the plot. Obviously, THE ABDUCTION is slightly different because it’s a sequel and was therefore always going to feature the main characters of Kramer and Carver. Having said that, aside from DS Drake, none of the other characters in the book came to me before I devised the plot.
Even with the plot, I’ll only have a rough idea of the story and how it might progress when I first start writing, rather than a detailed chapter by chapter account of what’s going to happen. New ideas will occur to me as I write, and these can often take me in a totally different direction from what I originally envisaged, including, at the most extreme, the identity of the culprit. It’s one of the most exciting, not to mention satisfying, things about being a crime/thriller author; thinking up that new twist or red herring you hadn’t considered when you first started writing the novel, but which takes the story up a gear.
2. Do you have a lot to do before you dive in and start writing?
It depends on the book. With my, as yet unpublished, psychological thrillers, I dived straight in, largely because their primary focus is the human mind/nature, the feelings/circumstances that motivate people to behave in a certain way, along with things I have had experience of, for example, working in the City, being a mother, being in love! Obviously there may be some research required, but with these types of novels I’ve found it’s generally easier to dive straight in with the story and do bits of research along the way as and when required, than it is with, say, a spy/political thriller, or a police procedural, where detailed research is generally required beforehand. With THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION, I had to do a fair amount of research on police and forensic procedure before I started writing both novels, but further points of research came up once I got going. I’ve also written a spy thriller, which required me to do extensive amounts of research on government agencies like MI5 and the CIA before I started writing the book. I have a whole lever arch file of notes for that novel! As with both THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION, the research didn’t stop once I started writing. Things cropped up along the way that needed to be verified, although I’ll admit we writers embellish a little here and there to make the story more interesting!
3. How do you carry out the research for your books?
A huge amount of research can be done online now, and I used the internet extensively for THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION and for my spy thriller. But sometimes on-site visits are warranted to get a real feel for a place. No amount of research on the internet can tell you what a place smells like, what you might hear, as well as the general prevailing atmosphere. For example, for THE SCRIBE, I visited the various murder locations, even though I had lived in London for thirteen years before and was therefore familiar with most of them. I wanted to go there and imagine what it might be like at night, observing every little detail, imagining what I, as the victim, might see, the sounds I might hear as the killer approaches, noting down the exact location of minor details which add tension to the scene.
Employing expert advice is another invaluable research tool. For THE ABDUCTION I employed two experts to advise me on police and forensic procedure/pathology. One of these was Roger A. Price, who’s not only a brilliant crime writer, but an ex-DI and therefore knows his stuff!
4. Now I’m curious, what does your writing space look like, can you describe it for us?
Well, before the pandemic turned all our lives upside down, I had my own study overlooking our garden. I have a fairly large desk from IKEA, a comfy chair, and on the desk, I keep a desk top computer, a phone and research filing tray to my left and a desk lamp and printer to my right. Being situated at the back of the house, the room is quiet which I like. I’m not one for music playing in the background, or any kind of noise really. It’s nice and light in there, too, and behind me I have a bookshelf full of my favourite books which gives me added inspiration! Unfortunately, my husband has laid claim to my study for the best part of a year, now. He’s a lawyer, on constant conference calls, plus he does a lot of document work, so it’s only fair he has my desk. I remember what it’s like being a lawyer and needing lots of desk space! In the first lockdown, I sometimes worked at a desk in our spare room, or just on my laptop in the living room. Now, with my older son using the spare room and my younger one working at a desk in his bedroom, I’m finding it easier to work on my laptop at the dining table.
5. Now tell us about your first published book? What was that journey like?
My first published book was THE SCRIBE, published by LUME BOOKS in July 2019. The book features Maddy Kramer, fiction’s first female London lawyer amateur sleuth, who teams up with the surly but enigmatic DCI Jake Carver, to hunt down a serial killer who appears to be targeting former law students of Maddy’s old London law college. Because of Maddy’s connection to some of the victims, and the fact that the murderer appears to be killing in line with a pattern corresponding with the legal syllabus, while also sending the police disturbing legal riddles pertaining to give clues as to the location of the next murder as well as the victim’s identity, Carver enlists Maddy’s help. It’s quite a dark, gruesome read, but I hope it also educates readers a bit about the law without slowing down the pace or detracting from the story.
I won’t lie, the journey leading up to the publication of THE SCRIBE was long, arduous and hugely stressful! It took me several years to get my agent, Annette Crossland of A for Authors Literary Agency, and then another three years to get my deal with LUME BOOKS, who also published THE ABDUCTION.
By way of background, I started writing a women’s fiction novel, Love & Limoncello (basically a romantic comedy with a bit of mystery thrown in) in 2010 when I was pregnant with my second son, and a full-time mum to my first. Every spare minute, usually at my toddler’s nap times, either at home, or in Starbucks (!) I’d spend writing and it took me about six months to finish it, allowing for horrendous morning sickness and serious indigestion! I spent a year or so submitting it to various agents, but had no luck, and so ended up self-publishing, with the sequel following the next year. Love & Limoncello did extremely well on Amazon, considering I did all the editing myself, while the cover was home grown too, and it sold over 10,000 copies. But I always knew I wanted to write thrillers, having become addicted to them since reading The Firm and A Time to Kill by John Grisham.
In 2013, I had an idea for a London-based legal thriller featuring a struggling female lawyer who becomes embroiled with a corrupt firm. By then, with my first son starting school and the second in pre-school, I had more time to write. I loved writing this book, and soon became utterly immersed in it, and from that moment knew for certain that crime/thriller writing was what I wanted to focus on. Once again, I submitted to agent after agent (and in that time had a rather upsetting agent experience which very nearly broke me (!)) but I ploughed on and finally, to my joy and relief, was offered representation by Annette in 2015. Between then and 2018, I wrote THE SCRIBE and THE ABDUCTION as well as two other standalone books, one a psychological thriller, the other a spy thriller, but despite coming close with some big publishers, that magic ‘yes’ still eluded me. None of them said I couldn’t write; in fact, I often got hugely positive comments, but nothing quite hit the mark for them, and in some ways the ‘nearly there’s’ were more heart-breaking than the straight rejections because, as the saying goes, I was so near and yet so far. But I kept going, kept honing and refining my books, hoping that one day I’d catch a break. Writing is a tough, competitive business, and you need a thick skin to cope with the inevitable setbacks and criticism you will encounter along the way. It helped that Annette always believed in me, was always there to pick me up when I felt down and plagued with self-doubt. I knew it wasn’t just me, that rejection is par for the course for most authors and that, being a highly subjective industry, with so many variables, publishing deals are like gold dust. Luckily, James Faktor, publishing director at what was then Endeavour Media, loved THE SCRIBE, and made the offer in November 2018.
Having my book launch for THE SCRIBE at Foyles on Charing Cross Road, London, alongside Awais Khan’s IN THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS, and with the amazing Ayo Onatade hosting, was a very special occasion, and one which I will never forget, as was the moment I held the paperback version of my book for the first time. That’s the thing about rejection, I guess. Although it feels like the end of the world at the time, ultimately it makes that one ‘yes’ taste that much sweeter. And now, with both books out in audio with Isis, that’s really the icing on the cake!
6. Now, I know you have written a couple of romance novels under the name Alexandra Sage, how do you feel you have developed as a writer?
I’m learnt a lot about the writing process/industry since I started writing ten years ago, and definitely feel I’ve matured as a writer since then.
Of course, my romance novels were written in a completely different style to my thrillers. Thankfully, having read a lot of thrillers, I already knew crime fiction tends to require shorter, sharper, punchier sentences and dialogue to build and maintain suspense, as well as a more methodical, considered, analytical approach so as to ensure all the threads of the plot add up in a convincing, logical and believable manner. I’m more aware of the smaller, finer details now when I write. The importance of characterisation, use of the senses to build atmosphere and tension, when to include dialogue and when to hold back. I think more about the structure of my novel now: how my chapters start and end, injecting humour at the right moment to break tension or give the reader a break. I think more about showing what’s happening with the plot and characters, rather than telling the reader what’s happened or went on in the past, allowing for the fact that sometimes a degree of telling is needed to set the scene/allow the reader to understand a character’s motivations. Since I started writing full-time, I’ve written books in the third and first person, and I’ve also learnt the importance of getting my research right, and verifying every fact, particularly with my police procedurals. Having now had some of my books copy-edited, I’m also more conscious of certain formatting/grammar conventions that I wasn’t so aware of before. I also think more about what’s essential and what isn’t; what could be cut down or chopped out completely.
Finally, when I first started writing, I used to read through my completed drafts on screen or print them out and read them that way. Now, I always download my finished drafts to a kindle because it reads more like a book, and I’ll frequently notice things/spot errors I’d never have seen on a laptop or on an A4 print-out.
7. Can you share with us something about The Abduction that isn’t in the blurb?
It’s not just a straightforward kidnapping action thriller. It’s a dark psychological thriller in many ways, focussing on some painful issues/life events that can change a person forever and lead them to do terrible things.
8. Now a little more personal, What book is currently in your bedside table?
What Lies Between Us by John Marrs. It’s a dark, gripping psychological suspense thriller centring on a mother and daughter who live in the same house and share a disturbing secret. I love books that explore the darker side of human nature. They’re not the most cheerful of reads, but I find them utterly compelling.
9. I am a big quote person, what is your favourite quote?
SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT.
It is hard work, perseverance,
learning, studying, sacrifice
and most of all, love of what you are doing. – Pele
10. What is the best part of the day?
On a normal working day at home, the morning up until around 4 pm, because once I’ve had breakfast and worked out, that’s when I’m most productive.
On weekends, especially Saturdays, the evening as that’s usually family movie night when I’ll curl up with the kids and indulge in my favourite Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream.
On holidays abroad, although I generally love all parts of the day, I’d say the evening just before dinner, because there’s nothing better than enjoying a cocktail or glass of bubbles al fresco in the balmy evening air.
11. If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Empathetic, conscientious, sentimental.
12. Can you share something with us that your readers wouldn’t know?
I hate rollercoasters!
13. If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?
This is really hard!! I can think of so many people, both male and female. In my younger days, I would have said Morten Harket, the lead singer of A-ha, because I was completely and utterly head-over-heels in love with him.❤️
But now, if I had to choose one person, I’d probably say Robert Downey Junior. Not only is he a brilliant actor with a voice to die for (I loved him way back when in a film called Only You set in Italy and more recently in his iconic role as Tony Stark), I really admire the way he overcame his addictions to become one of the most celebrated actors of our time. That takes real guts and willpower. I love his quote: ‘Remember that just because you hit rock bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there.’
I imagine he’d have a great sense of humour, and therefore make me laugh, while also keeping me entertained with stories about the movie business. Being a movie buff, that would really interest me. I’d also ask him what inspired him to turn over a new leaf. My younger son also loves The Avengers, so I’d get his autograph for him, though he’d probably prefer it if he signed it “Iron Man”!!! 🤣 I’d make fresh sushi and sashimi, followed by a chocolate bento box.
14 Now lastly I think given these are not normal circumstances we currently live in, how are you finding Lockdown?
Frustrating, tedious, exhausting! I’m an only child and both my parents have been rather unwell for the past eighteen months and so what with that, along with the pressures of trying to work whilst home-schooling and keeping my children’s spirits up, not to mention the book industry turned on its feet, it’s been a lot to deal with both physically and mentally! Although my vocation is one that requires you to be OK in your own company for long periods of time, which I am, I am otherwise quite a sociable person, so I’ve really missed seeing my girlfriends, having a meal or drink out, being able to travel, the general variety of life; things we all previously took for granted but hopefully will appreciate more in the future.
From a writing perspective, although I love having my family around, I do miss having quiet time to write. The day-time, when the kids are normally at school, and my husband is at work, is when I usually knuckle down and get four or five hours of writing done. Now, there’s quite a bit of noise, extra washing and lunches/snacks to prepare, on top of trying to write! On the flip side, though, and thinking more positively, I can see how fast my children are growing up, so really I should be thankful for the extra time I’m getting to spend with them, especially when I think about people who are alone and would do anything to have some company. Also, despite missing their sport and friends, my two are coping pretty well all things considered.
Obviously, it’s frustrating that writers haven’t been able to attend live events, or meet their readers. And I really miss meeting up with my agent and good writer friends. But thank goodness for the internet and social media – sometimes they’re a curse but for the writing community they’ve definitely been a blessing! Both have allowed writers to continue to promote their books and support one another, as well as converse with bloggers and readers on a daily basis. This blog tour being a prime example! I’ve made so many new writer and blogger friends during lockdown, while it’s also forced me to be more creative in my approach to marketing. What’s really stood out for me is the way in which writers, publishers, agents, bloggers, literally everyone who’s a part of the writing community, have rallied round each other during lockdown, making the most of opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible in the non-digital age.
So, I guess we all just need to hang in there, think positive and hope that the vaccines will get us back to something resembling normal sooner rather than later!
I was drawn to this book by the eye-catching title and tag line. I also found the cover image quite intriguing, suggesting this will be a dark book about three friends, betrayal and connection, and probably with some exciting twists and turns! Trisha Sakhlecha is a new-to-me author but after reading this incredible debut, I am looking forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
Blurb:
From Trisha Sakhlecha,Can You See Me Now? is a gripping psychological suspense thriller about a young Indian woman, now a government minister, whose past secrets are about to reverberate into the present and shatter her life. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Erin Kelly.
Fifteen years ago, three sixteen-year-old girls meet at Wescott, an exclusive private school in India. Two, Sabah and Noor, are the most popular girls in their year. One, Alia, is a new arrival from England, who feels her happiness depends on their acceptance.
Before she knows it, Sabah and Noor’s intoxicating world of privilege and intimacy opens up to Alia and, for the first time, after years of neglect from her parents, she feels she is exactly where, and with whom, she belongs.
But with intimacy comes jealousy, and with privilege, resentment, and Alia finds that it only takes one night for her bright new world to shatter around her.
Now Alia, a cabinet minister in the Indian government, is about to find her secrets have no intention of staying buried . . .
My thoughts:
The opening of this book (the prologue) caught my attention and hooked me into the story right from the beginning. The author introduces us to the three main characters immediately, and they are compared to fireflies. We are told “they burn out, quick and bright, like fireflies do and leave darkness in their wake.” I was immediately intrigued by this simile and wanted to find out more about how they ‘burn out’ and what sort of ‘darkness’ is left behind.
The book has a wonderfully original and sophisticated set up. The majority of the narrative is told from the point of view of Alia, but we also hear from Sabah later in the book. The entire book spans over 30 years, but focusing on fifteen years prior to, and after, the present day. The structure is clear and builds tension slowly and effectively, in order for the reader to really get to know the characters and build the reader’s anticipation towards finding out what happened to these girls fifteen years ago.
As part of this structure, the author has to delve into the interesting perspectives of three teenage girls. This is quite unique to have such a strong “teen” narrative, and I think in this case it is refreshing, necessary and cleverly done. The use of this perspective shows us the girls’ naivety, confidence and their insular attitude as they take very little interest in anything outside of the gossip and drama of teenage school life. In the book, we are asked “Is there anything more dangerous than a bunch of bored teenagers?” and Trisha certainly gives us some food for thought on this question throughout the book.
We are also told “things have to blow up before they blow over”, and as readers we are sat, navigating quickly through the fast and furious chapters, filled with cliff-hangers and twists, waiting for things to “blow up” – and blow up they do! The ending is explosive and completely unexpected.
The book also provides an interesting insight into Indian culture and the sometimes corrupt ways of working that can happen when it comes to powerful and strict families. We are reminded that “control flipped sideways can look a lot like concern.”
Overall, this is a book about belonging, families, friendship, difference and trying to fit in. It is explosive, gripping and in my experience, completely unputdownable. I’d definitely recommend this book to mystery/thriller fans and I look forward to reading more by this author.
*Ceri's Lil Blog* 