No matter what is going on in the real world, isn’t it great that we can escape into the imaginary world of books and reading?
Writing
I’m finding it good to be back at the writing desk after the festive break. I’ve begun writing my next novel Fulfilment which will be the third and final part of the Skye series which so far comprises of Displacement and Settlement. I love escaping into my made up story world – a world that (unlike the real one ) makes sense and where I have some control.
And I must say it’s great to be with Jack and Rachel again and seeing how this end part to their story is going to play out. But I’ve promised them that once that’s done I will then leave them in peace and go and bother some other imaginary people. And, yes, there’s already a queue of new prospective characters forming a disorderly queue in my head.
So far I have a very rough story outline in place and the first two chapters are written. So watch this space…
Reading
Over the festive period I read lots of mainly Christmas/Winter themed books. And even although Christmas is now past, they would still all be enjoyable reads at any time. I’ve listed my top 5 below – along with a brief review of each.
A Little Christmas Faith by Kathryn Freeman
What a perfect Christmas/Winter read. Lovely characters, an ideal setting and a heartwarming romantic story. This is an ideal book to curl up with and get lost in at this time of year.
A Little Christmas Charm by Kathryn Freeman
This is the second in the Christmas Wishes series. It can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend you read the first one A Little Christmas Faith ( see above) first. This one briefly mentions the main characters from book one which is nice. It’s another charming story from this excellent author of feel good romance. As always the reader is rooting for the main characters to get over their difficulties and give in to the attraction and love they feel for each other. A perfect winter, fireside read.
A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman
I’ve read several other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. So I wasn’t surprised to find this one hugely enjoyable too. It’s another cosy, feelgood story of second-chance love from Kathryn Freeman with her usual array of likeable characters and nicely drawn settings.
Winter Beneath the Stars by Jo Thomas
I enjoyed this book very much. The Lapland setting was unusual and beautifully described. I loved the Halley and Bjorn the main characters. All in all a most satisfying and romantic read.
Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland by Heidi Swain
This book has the perfect recipe for a heart-warming winter read. Hayley and Gabe the main characters have been through a lot of sadness in their lives before they meet and are reluctant to open their hearts to anyone new, but in the enchanting setting of Wynthorpe Hall they find they’re falling in love. Curl up with a glass of something nice or a hot cup of tea and enjoy this lovely, romantic story.
Sharing
But as well as writing and reading books I also enjoy sharing my thoughts about them with others. Of course I want to spread the word about my own writing, but I also like to share information about the books I’ve most enjoyed reading too. And I’m certainly going to continue doing that this year.
I’ve already got two reviews in the pipleline as 2019 has started well reading wise. So watch out for my five-star reviews of:
- Maggie Christensen‘s lovely new romantic novella – A Brahminy Sunrise – out on 15th January and available to preorder now.
- Alison Morton‘s incredibly fabulous crime/thriller/mystery/romance Inceptio. I can’t believe I haven’t read it before now and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
PS – reader’s reviews
And I’d just like to end this post with a bit of an author plea. If you read and enjoy a book do you leave a review – perhaps on the online store where you got it? Online reviews are really helpful to authors not only in terms of feedback, but also in giving a book increased visibility in a very crowded market. A review doesn’t have to be a long academic critique – just as well – since I wouldn’t be writing them. You only need to do a couple of sentences simply saying you liked it and why you did – just as I’ve done above.
And yes, I posted the above reviews on the online store where I got the books for my e-reader.
And yes, I do go to actual book shops too – especially my local one – where I tend to buy non-fiction books and books for my grandchildren – as well as the occasional paperback novel for myself.
So over to you. Do you enjoy reading and why? Do you plan to read lots in 2019 – or perhaps to write a book yourself? Do you leave reviews of books you’ve enjoyed and want to tell others about? Do you prefer a paper book or an e-book? Leave comments below.
And so, it just remains for me to wish you a happy and book-filled 2019 and may all your reads be good ones.