Book Review: Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

Pretty Masks is the brand-new novel by C.A. Bell, and I was lucky to receive an advanced review copy to share on my blog. I must say; this book was not what I expected. Actually, I don’t know what I did expect, but it certainly wasn’t this. The book hooked me in, although I did get a little bit confused during the first couple of pages. Once I warmed to it, I was soon engrossed, and I finished reading it very quickly.

Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

The subject matter in Pretty Masks is very dark and disturbing, not least because it tackles the issue of mental health. We meet Lois, who on the outside appears to be your average married woman. When she is betrayed by her husband, however, she reveals a life history of tragic events and experiences. The story unravels a mind twisted with pain and suffering, but there is no happy ending when the Pretty Masks are removed… Suffice to say, I believe this book is a good read. A very good read.

                                                      

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe today, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book to get you started… (be warned, my vampires do not sparkle, and my wolves will bite!) 

Out Now - Pretty Masks by C.A. Bell

OUT NOW - PRETTY MASKS: A TWISTED TALE OF REVENGE BY C.A.BELL

RELEASE PRICE - 0.99

BLURB

Masking a problem doesn’t fix it. No matter how long you keep it covered.

We all hide behind masks. Whether that be a forced smile to a loved one after a long day. A sympathetic frown of concern to someone that doesn’t really matter to you. Or a professional face at work after an almighty row at home. The fact is, we all do it. We do it because we want to be prettier on the outside than we truly are on the inside. We do it to hide the cracks that have formed due to life. But what about the people who are forced to wear masks? The people who are forced to hide their true colours because society says so?

Life has thrown its fair share of crap at Lois Johnston, and the one thing that has kept her sane and going for the last seven years is her husband, Nathan. But what happens when the one person that is keeping you safe from yourself leaves, taking not only your heart, but your sanity with them as well?

For the first time in a long time Lois is about to remove the mask that was forced upon her years ago. But what’s matured underneath after years of heartache and hiding is something even uglier than before. Life has twisted her into a monster, and she’s about to set it free.

AVAILABLE NOW

AMAZON

GOODREADS

About the Author

C.A.Bell was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England, but for the past four years has resided in the west midlands where she married and made a home.

She is author to numerous erotic fiction stories, including The Architect, Nancy's Curse, Femme Fatale: The Agency, The Shame Train, and many more.

As well as putting together her own collections of short stories and poetry, she is also a contributor to many anthologies and online magazines.

C.A.Bell's Social Links

Website - http://cbellatrix.wixsite.com/cabell

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.A.BELL/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cbellAtrix09

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/C-A-Bell/e/B0140XPC0U/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1951042.C_A_Bell

#NationalPoetryDay – Living with the Black Dog

The sun is shining brightly

And the air is crisp and clear,

You barely slept again last night

I was there, so far, so near.

What thoughts distract your tired mind?

What torment must you feel?

You worry, stress, so much to do

You’re on the hamster wheel.

Come home, I say,

we need you here.

Oh no, you say,

There’s much to fear.

My work won’t wait

I’m all alone,

And there we wait

Just by the phone.

I love you, husband

I know you care.

We wait here for you

As the demons keep you there.

Life is too hectic

We never stop to think,

Why is it so important?

To push ourselves to the brink?

Of mental health disorder

Of chaos, anger and tears,

Our life falls into madness

While you succumb to your fears.

THE END 

Did this poem resonate with you? Then you might like to read some articles on my other blog: SpookyMrsGreen: the Pagan Housewife - A pagan lifestyle blog that incorporates mindful parenting, magic and mysticism, environmental awareness and related subjects.

I’m a #NaNoWinner, Hooray! #NaNoWriMo

I did it! I survived #NaNoWriMo2015, and I conquered it! This has been a very challenging month for me. Not only did I have the ongoing chaos of domestic family life, I was dealing with emotional and mental health difficulties as a caregiver. By that I mean that I do not have a mental health disorder, but I am close to people that do, and I take on the role as cheerleader, counsellor, and supporter for these people, because I love them, and I want them to be happy.

There was one major trauma during #NaNoWriMo for me this year, and it was the death of my beloved Nanna. I was very fortunate to have her in my life for over 33 years, and I am thankful and happy to hold such precious memories of growing up with her, and with my remaining grandparents. My Nan was my cheerleader. She was incredibly proud of my writing achievements, and she would keep our distant family members well informed of my projects and novels in progress. Therefore, I had no choice but to persevere with #NaNoWriMo this year, even as I was wracked with grief and sadness at her loss. This new novel, Hunting the Hunted, will be dedicated to my Nanna Hargreaves. It is the least I could do.

Congratulations on your successes, fellow Wrimos. Whether you hit 50k or not, you wrote something, and I am proud to call you my writing buddies. Well done folks!

I am Back on Track for #NaNoWriMo!

Phew, what a day! It has been a challenging start to #NaNoWriMo2015, with the shock of a family bereavement last week. It was my wonderful Nanna, who succumbed to illness after a lengthy stay in hospital. She battled hard right to the end, and I think truthfully she knew it was coming, and so did I, deep down. It was still a shock, however, and as I write these words, I feel the tears welling up once again.

It would be very easy for me to give up on NaNoWriMo 2015, and blame life events for the cause. But that is not my nature. I have been battling many life challenges during these past five years, and the struggle continues every day. We all have our challenges in life, and we all have our stories to tell. Mine is a story of emotional upheaval, living with mental illness (not mine, but a close family member), living with accident related illness, and the general chaos that comes with small children.

And so, this time, I am determined to succeed at NaNoWriMo and honour the memory of my wonderful Nanna, who always believed in my writing, and was incredibly proud for each novel that I got published. I do this also for my Grandad, who now has to live in a nursing home full time, and who is bereft without his wife. I'm not sure exactly how many years they were together, but I know it was a long time. I do not remember any occasion during my 33 years where I have not seen my grandparents together. And now, Nanna will join us in Spirit, and we will continue to visit Grandad regularly so that he is not alone.

Good luck with your life challenges, fellow Wrimos. And if you are struggling with the challenge, do it for the ones you love. They will motivate your words to flow. See you later!