Megan's Game by Tony Drury

                                                            

Paperback:  247 pages
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Publisher: City Fiction 2012
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: The early morning sky was unusually cloudy as Lance Corporal Rhys Williams of the 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards, tried to cushion his body from the bumps inflicted by the uneven and dusty road leading back towards southern Basra.
Review Quote: 'Tony Drury's crime/romance/finance exposé packs a punch' Money Maker Magazine.
My Opinion:  Fun to read.


I had never heard of this author before his début novel was recommended to me by one of the district nurses' that looked after my husband last Spring. However now I have I will most certainly be reading the other titles he has already published including the most recent 'A Flash of Lightning'. 

This romantic thriller was such fun to read, especially so for me as much of the novel is set in the beautiful region I am fortunate enough to now call home. I enjoy reading books set in surroundings that I am familiar with, an extra bonus for a change to be able to picture places without imagination. Do not get me wrong though I get much pleasure from using my imagination when reading normally, the very reason I always read the book before seeing the film. As a matter of fact I think this novel would convert well to television or big screen, but then I am bias, the scenery alone is stunning without the romance and mystery. (Note - I have just seen on the author's FB page that Megan's Game is being made into a film, I could not be more thrilled!). Tony Drury's personal knowledge of the world of finance and the region in Wales where the story is partly set has made for a plot that flows smoothly throughout.

Megan of the title is a young war widow still trying to come to terms with the death of her husband in Basra. Living in the beautiful Cardigan Bay area of Wales, she works as a sports teacher in a village school and at a local Outward Bound Centre. Her life changes one weekend when she plays in a local tennis tournament, finding herself partnered with a local holiday home owner. Megan and her partner David get on well together and there is an immediate spark of attraction between them. However his life is mainly in London where he is immersed in the world of  finance, very different from Megan's life in Wales. With two such different lifestyles can a relationship between them ever work?  To complicate things further David is preoccupied with the suspicious activities of a city broker and even finds himself a suspect in a murder enquiry. How can he ever hope to have a successful love affair with Megan? The odds are certainly against them getting the happy ever after ending. 

Anyway as I have already said this was fun to read, a successful mix of two genres that had me reading way past after the lights should have been turned out!  An impressive début from an author that will appeal to a wide cross section of readers.


A fabulous trailer for the book!





Author Profile

Tony is a corporate financier based in the City of London, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers and a Member of the Securities Institute. He has written extensively over the years and is particularly well known for his financial and political books. He blogs weekly for www.enterprisebritain.com - both in his name and that of his alter ego, Mr. Angry.

He decided to pursue his love for fictional novels by becoming a Romantic Thriller Writer and in May 2012 released his first book 'Megan's Game' which is being released as 'Megan's Game' - The Film.

Tony Drury is also a fully elected member of the Romantic Novelists' Association. 

Read his fuller biography here 

The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and his writing.


You Tube    Tony Drury - Facebook   Amazon Author Profile   Official Author Website - Tony Drury

Twitter Profile   City Fiction Publishing - FB Page    City Fiction Publishing - Website

Solomon's Tale by Sheila Jeffries

Hardback: 234 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: Avon 2013
Source: The publishers in return for an unbiased review.
First Sentences: I sat down in the middle of the road to think about why I had left home on that summer morning. I was only a black kitten, eight weeks old, but I had a tough decision to make.
Review Quote: “An inspiring tale destined to delight all.” The Sun
My Opinion:  A wonderful spiritual tale for young adults but one that will be enjoyed by all animal lovers.



When I was approached by the publisher to see if I was interested in reading and reviewing Solomon's Tale I admit I had my doubts. Firstly I normally steer away from young adult novels and secondly books written from an animals point of view. However loving cats and missing having my own there was something about it that I found appealing so I said yes. Thankfully I did and thanks Avon for giving me the opportunity to read this heart warming spiritual story proving to me just how close a relationship one can have with a cat.

Solomon is the hero of the novel and the narrator of the story of how he saved a family in crisis. Solomon had once been the pet of a little girl called Ellen, now a young woman with a child and in an unhappy marriage. She needs help which is why the angels send Solomon back to earth to find her and guide her through troubled times. You may not believe in angels or the concepts Sheila Jeffries writes about, but read with an open mind you cannot help but find it emotional and uplifting. A simple little story that covers some big emotional issues in a unique style.

In conclusion this is a wonderful spiritual tale for young adults but one that will be enjoyed by all animal lovers, young or old.


Author Profile + Author Question and Answer Interview

Sheila Jeffries has been writing since she was young, writing and publishing four children's novels before she left school. Written under her maiden name, Sheila Chapman, in the popular 'pony story' genre of the time, the books continued to sell worldwide until the eighties.

After studying at Bath Academy of Art, Sheila spent many happy years teaching in UK schools. She had eight more children's novels published under the name Sheila Haigh, and her most successful book, Little Gymnast, was a bestseller in America.

Solomon’s Tale breaks new ground in her writing career. It's a book truly from the heart, and though it is fiction it is based on two real cats, Solomon and Jessica, who shared and enriched her life. Sheila lives in Somerset where she enjoys teaching meditation and running workshops for writers.

For a fuller Biography please visit Shelia Jeffries - Official Website

In agreement with her publicist I am including a question and answer interview with Shelia Jeffries, which I hope my readers here will find of interest.

Author's questions answered by Sheila Jeffries the author of Solomon's Tale.

What is your average writing day?

 About three hour’s actual writing, another three hours thinking time, research and editing.

Do you use celebrities or people you know as inspiration?

I was inspired by a brilliant English teacher, and by both my parents. Now, I am grateful for the support of my close writers circle and my husband, Ted, who is amazing. I don't have a celebrity role model but a person I like and admire is Joanna Lumley.

What is your favourite women's fiction book of all time?

I love so many books, it's hard to choose. I also love classical literature and poetry. The one book I have re-read several times is GAINING GROUND by Joan Barfoot. It's such an important book for women, really challenging everything society expects of us.

What is your writing process?

I write in longhand, always, sometimes very fast and sometimes painfully slow. I am slow if I haven't had enough thinking time and solitude. My stories evolve organically and the most impossible task for me is doing a synopsis. I edit my work ruthlessly and usually need 3 drafts. My handwritten copy is a real mess and the girl who does my word processing is incredibly tolerant.

Can you describe your journey to being a published author?

I've had 3 journeys! The first began when I was still at school and writing as Sheila Chapman. The first publisher I approached gave me a 3 book contract, and, at the time, I didn't appreciate how lucky that was.  The second journey began after I'd married and been teaching for a few years, writing as Sheila Haigh. I wrote 8 children's novels which were published in UK and America, and they were popular. But that was an intensive time for me and I felt type cast into doing a 'next in the series'. Journey number 3 is where I am now, and it hasn't been so easy. I was determined to re-invent myself and write from the heart as Sheila Jeffries, and, for the first time in my life I wanted to be up front about my interest in spirituality and healing. My lucky break came at the Winchester Annual Writers Conference when Solomon's Tale was spotted by a top agent, Judith Murdoch.

What is the biggest myth about being a novelist?

People think I sit in a tree and write poetry.

What advice would you give to readers who want to write a novel?

First, read, read and read. Then, just get on with it. Don't worry about it being perfect. Once you have a rough copy, you can transform it. And go to writer’s circles and conferences whenever you can.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am writing a 3 book saga about an inherited gift of clairvoyance in a family and the jealousy and prejudice which tried to destroy it. I'm also writing a new children's book, and a non-fiction book, FOREST OF DREAMS, a true story which you can see on my website http://www.sheilajeffries.com/ 

What are your top five writing tips?

1- Don't procrastinate. Just get on with it.

2- Read your work aloud.

3- Watch people, (discreetly!) and build your characters from details of behaviour, body language and try to see the real person in the eyes.

4- Join a writers circle, and if there isn't one, start one.

5- If you are stuck, write a different section of your novel. You can fit it all together later.

The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the authors publisher and the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing. 

Amazon - Solomon's Tale   Goodreads - Previous Books  Sheila Jeffries - Author's Official Website

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

Hardback:  832 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Granta Publications 2013
Source:  Tywyn Public Library, Wales.
First Sentence: The twelve men congregated in the smoking room of the Crown Hotel gave the impression of a party accidentally met.
Favourite Quote: “Love cannot be reduced to a catalogue of reasons why, and a catalogue of reasons cannot be put together into love.” 
Review Quote: The Luminaries is an impressive novel, captivating, intense and full of surprises. --Times Literary Supplement
Literary Awards:  Man Booker Prize Winner 2013
My Opinion: Complex but engrossing.


At over 800 pages, this was rather long and when I collected the book from the library I was rather shocked not having realised when I ordered this just how massive this novel was. As a friend commented it was a good thing thing I did not fall asleep reading it in bed, dropping this may well have been painful. Joking apart I was at first put off by the sheer size and reading the blurb the number of main characters. This was going to take some concentration, in fact it took me at least 100 pages before I really got into this and my early fears of not being able to read it all were banished as I began to understand the plot.
It is a great achievement for the 28 year old author that she should have won the 2013 Man Booker Prize against 150 other authors whose novels were also submitted this year.

Set in 1866 the story transports us to New Zealand during the gold rush. It is a world of banking, shipping, seances, drugs, sex and lots of mystery. As the novel opens Walter Moody newly arrived in the small gold rush town of Hokitika encounters  a group of twelve men gathered  in secrecy for a meeting in a hotel. A series of unexplained events in the township have drawn these men together, a wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute has tried to take her own life and a large fortune has been found in the home of a local drunkard. Walter Moody finds himself drawn into the group as they all take turns to relate their stories and gradually all is revealed as the mystery unfolds in a story of astral influences and fortunes, that is amazingly complex but still a pleasure to read.

As I mentioned earlier it took me a good few pages to feel properly involved in the storyline but once I had become so it was an engrossing tale, which I am glad I have read. In conclusion then a complex and engrossing novel which by the time you have finished the last page will have all fallen into place leaving the reader satisfied.


An interview with Eleanor Catton.

Author Profile

Eleanor Catton was born on September 24th 1985 in Canada while her father, a New Zealand graduate, was completing a doctorate at the University of Western Ontario. She lived in Yorkshire until the age of 13, before her family settled in Canterbury, New Zealand. She studied English at the University of Canterbury, and completed a Master's in Creative Writing at The Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University of Wellington. She wrote her first novel, The Rehearsal, as her master's thesis.


The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing. 

Goodreads Author Profile  Eleanor Catton - Wikipedia  YouTube  Eleanor Catton on Twitter

The Real Katie Lavender by Erica James

Paperback: 463 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:  Orion Books UK 2012
Source:  Tywyn Public Library
First Sentence: 'At the age of thirty, Katie Lavender believed she was better equipped than most when it came to receiving bad news.
Review Quote: With marvellous writing, eccentric characters and a great plot, this has it all. (CLOSER 2012-08-11)
My Opinion: Great Escapism

Erica James is an author I have been a long time fan of, since 1996 in fact when I read A Breath of Fresh Air.  The Real Katie Lavender makes the thirteenth novel of hers that I have read. After having not read any of her books for a few years this is the second in the last few months, great escapism just what I have needed recently. Her novels might not be literary but they are always well constructed, this latest one is no exception, with lots of secrets revealed.

The biggest secret of all is revealed to the heroine of the title Katie Lavender by a solicitor a year after the death of her mother.  It is not a spoiler to tell you about this big secret as the reader knows all about it from the start of the novel. Katie is the recipient of a large trust fund that has been built for her by her birth father, a great shock to her that the man she called Dad was not her biological father but a man named Stirling Nightingale. Curiosity gets the better of her and despite her initial reactions to this news she decides she wants to find out more about this man. Her clandestine enquiries lead her to discover that she is part of what from the outsider's view point appears to be a very successful and happy family with a perfect lifestyle! In fact the family turns out to be plagued with problems, some of the characters are very stereotyped and you find yourself sympathising with some and irritated beyond belief by others. Katie becomes embroiled in the life of the Nightingale's and their complicated family relationships as they all seem to lurch from one family crisis to another. A good mix of romance, drama and humour that will keep you reading to find out how all will be resolved.

In conclusion then if  you are looking for contemporary fiction that is pure escapism then Erica James will satisfy your requirements.

 I have reviewed some of her earlier novels on the blog. They are Tell It To The Skies,  It's The Little Things   Hidden Talents. and The Hidden Cottage.

I am having trouble posting videos on the blog but here is the link to Erica James discussing the novel on YouTube. The Real Katie Lavender


Author Profile

Erica James, née Sullivan was born in 1960 in Surrey, England, UK and she grew up on Hayling Island, Hampshire from the age of 4.  Now divorced, with two grown-up sons, Edward and Samuel, she divides her time between Cheshire, UK and Lake Como, Italy

 She began writing after attending a creative writing course at the Arvon Foundation, and published her first novel in 1996. In 2006, her novel Gardens of Delight won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association. Erica James  is the author of sixteen best selling novels including her most recent, The Real Katie Lavender.

Apparently she has an insatiable appetite for other people's business and will readily strike up a conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it is the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.

The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the author's publicist and following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing. 

Goodreads - Author Profile  Erica James - Official Author Website  Facebook Profile

Amazon - Author Profile