Book Review: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

I finally got round to reading this classic novel just before Christmas, and I finished reading it in January. I loved it! Dickens had me chuckling from the very first page with his witty description and conversational tone.

Pip is a thoroughly loveable character, and the story is just as relevant now as it was all those years ago when it was first written. In some ways I found it a little sad that British society still has parallels with the austere and oppressive Victorian era, although there is a part of me that thrives on nostalgia. I also felt quite surprised to see the ‘text speak’ in the sections where Pip was teaching Joe to write on a tablet (you know, the old-fashioned chalkboards, not the modern electrical versions). I couldn’t help but think that maybe Mr Dickens was something of a prophet when he described these activities… anyway I highly recommend this book to everybody.

Oh, for the Love of Books!

I am feeling rather sorry for myself at the moment. I am an avid reader. Well, I was an avid reader. I mean, I adore books, always have done, and I always have reading material to hand wherever I go. But lately I have found myself exhausted as a result of several domestic upheavals, and as a result I finished reading one book and actually didn’t start reading another for nearly two weeks. That is shocking!

I don’t think I have ever gone so long without holding a book and taking time to savour the pages and their contents. Anyway, I am relieved to say I have since rectified this problem, although I am only two chapters in to my latest paperback from the pile in my bedroom. I have chosen to read Torment by Lauren Kate, since I enjoyed her first book in the series, Fallen, so much. The novel itself is a hefty paperback, which is what I needed, since I also feel like I have neglected my beloved friends recently in favour of my new Kindle Fire HD.

I suppose we all have times of drought, so to speak. This particular drought was not a surprise to me in the circumstances, but it was quite distressing nonetheless. My fellow book lovers will understand, I am sure. Well, my children are in bed, I am catching up on some work, and then I am off to read a chapter… or two!

*Image of Catherine reading from personal collection; Image of girl reading courtesy of Tumblr

Middlewich Literary Festival Launch Event #MidLitFest

I am pleased to announce that our official launch party for the Middlewich Literary Festival will take place this Thursday, 20th March, at 4:30pm in Middlewich Library. Come along and meet our resident authors, get some industry advice and insider information, and find out more about our fabulous writing and design competitions. See you there!

Happy St Patrick's Day! #IrelandInspires

I couldn't let the day pass without a nod to my grandmother's homeland... I do after all carry the flame red hair that is associated with Ireland! Although I have never visited the country (my family are in Northern Ireland, and it was not safe to visit when I was younger), I feel a kinship with the country because of my beloved Nan. She has lived all over the world, and has lived in the UK throughout my lifetime, simply because my Grandad is a retired naval officer and therefore they travelled with his work. But my Nan has never forgotten her country, and she loves telling stories about her upbringing and family life.

Anyway, Happy St Patrick's Day everybody! Perhaps there is the reason why my Mason brothers are Irish... although they are from Dublin, quite randomly, and I cannot explain why! Check out the Redcliffe novels to learn more about the vampire and werewolf identical twins...

*Irish blessing courtesy of mythnic.com

There’s Something About the Water in Redcliffe! #ReadMe

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of being invited as a special guest author to my local book club. I am actually a member of the book club anyway, so it was quite a strange experience. I was very anxious when I learned that our book of the month for February was my first novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). What would my book club friends think of it? What if they hated it? What if they loved it? What would I say?

As it turned out they all did enjoy my book, and that included a few friends who have never read any paranormal novels before. I take this as an added compliment. I was also very honoured when one of the women brought all three of my Redcliffe novels with her and asked me to sign them because she enjoyed reading them so much. We settled down and got stuck into conversation.

I was happy to be told that the readers liked my book because it provides a bit of ‘easy reading.’ It is genre fiction, primarily paranormal romance, and the chapters are short. I did this based on my personal experience. As a reader I always like to finish a chapter when reading my book. I hate having to put a book down with the bookmark in a random page. It just doesn’t feel right, I can’t explain it. So I chose to write short chapters in my novels.

The characters and setting were all well-received. There were warm feelings and mixed feelings towards everyone in Redcliffe, just as I had intended, and there were also a few unexpected reactions. Two of my readers asked about the significance of drinking water. That surprised me! Apparently there are lots of references to drinking water in Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel). I’m not saying yes or no to the question “Is it relevant?” I will admit that the question was unexpected and gave me something to think about for my continuing series… And the same goes for the storyline of pregnancy and having a baby. Take a look!

I Celebrate World Book Day Every Day! #ReadMe

I cannot allow today to pass by without celebrating the official World Book Day, even if it has been rather lacking in book-related activities for me. I suppose really I celebrate books and reading every day, so on a personal level it doesn’t actually matter.

Every day I take a few minutes to stand before my tall bookcase situated on the landing by my bedroom, and I stare lovingly at the piles and stacks of paperbacks, hardbacks, and special edition magazines carefully stashed away. Then I glance at the overflowing pile on my bedroom floor with the same fondness. Then I walk downstairs, sit on the sofa, and stare across at my small bookcase proudly displaying my collection of Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter books by Laurell K Hamilton… OK I do have a lot of books! But I need more, dammit!

Happy World Book Day everybody!

It's All About the Books! #MidLitFest

As we move into a new month and the promise of the Spring season, I feel especially excited because this coming week it is all about the books! I mean, every week is all about books for me (and children of course), but this week we celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 6th March.

World Book Day not only means my daughter can dress up for the day at pre-school, and we get vouchers for money off children's books, but World Book Day UK sees the (un)official launch of the very first Middlewich Literary Festival, and I have been invited as a guest author. I am very honoured! There will be short story competitions for local school children, featured authors and poets showcasing their work, the offer of literary critiques from speakers (possibly me), and a general gathering of readers and writers sharing the book love. In fact, I want to start a new Twitter handle for it: #MidLitFest

Not only that, but on Monday 2nd March the Middlewich Readers book club will be discussing my first novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and I will be present to answer questions and join the chat. I am excited but a little bit nervous about the experience... 

Have a fantastic week everybody!