JOURNEY TO THE PAST…

A tale of romance and survival as three people travel from 2236 to the beginning of time.

Jennifer Daykin joins the three-man crew to explore the newly discovered planet, Eden.

All was going well until Jenny found herself deserted…

She listened for an answering shout – there was nothing. In the distance, Jenny was transfixed with horror as the space shuttle rose into the blue sky of Eden.

‘No… Don’t leave me here!’

Only the pounding of her heart answered her.

…but not alone

The instant she hit the floor she curled into the foetal position. Finally, the bare feet walked away. A Native American warrior, had been her first thought, but it was his eyes that had alerted her he wasn’t an Indian or even human. They were completely black; black, dry orbs in a battered face.

Ordinary people with ordinary emotions, fears and insecurities.

Only this isn’t Earth, and he isn’t human.

A very short “True” Ghost story, set in a Solicitors Office.The author and his friend are employed to sort out paperwork for the firm and during this time they are joined by an unseen “Guest” who disturbingly causes Poltergeist type behaviour and takes a liking to the author and his friend and decides to follow them. The book is an interesting read both recounting the authors early life and the short time at the office and the Ghostly encounters.I would have liked the author to have tried to find out who their “Guest” could have been and if he has encountered anything since,although with the benefit of the few black & white photos, I think the author “Suggests” who their companion may have been. For those interested in the paranormal I think they will enjoy the book.If I have a critiscism, the book is very very short at only 88 pages, but that didn’t spoil my read.

The Amazon Link

Will the Witches’ Tree give up its secret?

Maggie MacQueen flees to the Highlands of Scotland to recover from a broken love-affair. As the beautiful scenery and gentler lifestyle begin to work their magic, she finds herself being haunted by the ghostly figure of a woman and encounters a strange character from Scottish folklore. She sets out to discover the reason behind these supernatural happenings, wondering if there is a link between them and the grave of the Unknown Maid in the local churchyard.
At the same time, she has to deal with her developing feelings for Angus Cameron, landlord of the Loch Shee Inn. Both fight against the growing attraction between them; Maggie is certain she cannot face the heartbreak of loving again and Angus fights shy of commitment. The crisis comes on the night of a terrifying Highland storm when human and supernatural worlds collide.
Reviews
The story is paced like a thriller, with every chapter carrying the plot that much further towards resolution. It is,literally,a page turner, and there sre not many compliments higher than that. The fact the plot is one of the oldest – quite Bronte-esque – does not detract from its appeal. I love the way the supernatural creeps in right at the start,and keeps threading a way through all the other events in Maggie’s life. It is a very satisfying read.
Hi-Arts: Scottish Arts Council.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Witches’ Tree, April 27, 2009 By Nicola Dillard “Nicky” (California, USA) – See all my reviews

Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. I loved how easy it was to fall into the world of The Witches’ Tree. It has a wonderful balance of mystery, supernatural and romance. With its fantastic setting in Scotland and beautifully portrayed characters, The Witches’ Tree will remain on your mind long after you’ve finished reading the last line. This is a book you will want to read over and over.

About the author
I am a retired primary school teacher and live where my novel is set in a small Highland village…although of course some details have been changed! I live with my husband, Ian, two dogs and two cats and spend most of my days writing…housework, I’m afraid takes a bit of a back seat these days! I belong to a local writing group which meets once a month in the local High school…although small in number…there are only eight of us…I find it very motivating and supportive and would reccomend joining such a group if you’re serious about your own writing. I have also just completed a level 2 OU course in Creative Writing which was very demanding but so worthwhile, and am embarking on the level 3 course in October.
I cannot describe the thrill of finally getting the manuscript you’ve slaved over for months in your hands as a published book. Ir really is like giving birth and I can’t wait to do it again! So I’ve begun writing a follow up to The Witches’ Tree which will tell the story of one of the main supporting characters in that book , Bridie, and what happens to her.

Jacqui Campbell-Elliot Buy it here

Please visit Jacqui’s website.  The Link

Tasting the Wind is an eye-opening tale of the lives of a group of mental patients who move out of their Victorian institution into The Bungalow; their first steps to independence and the wider world. But it’s not easy, and the story of this journey is scattered with moments of wry genius, such as Eddie’s random chanting, a wonderful way to reveal clues about a sinister murder through the voice of a disabled person. And how well the book shows us what it’s like to think like a person who’s brain is wired differently. Take Oscar’s thought process when he undertakes a seemingly simple task of buying eggs from a supermarket. Allan Mayer has made us really care about these people, and has created a great sense of time with references to household things from the 1980′s that some of us had no doubt forgotten. And the way in which one character, Ruth, finds her way into the caring business. The irony of a fortune-teller’s premonition really made me smile.

These anecdotal asides feel very real, and are undoubtedly taken from Allan Mayer’s experiences in the field of care. Equally fascinating, is the way in which Mayer gets under the skin of the institutional elements of patient care. As the reader, one feels at times privvy to actions and activities which normal folk choose to look away from and pretend don’t happen, yet Mayer forces us to watch, and I was disquietened by the very likely notion that mental care can strip the individuality out of its patients. These elements are extremely well told.

But these serious aspects are wrapped up in some great humour and set pieces. Then the coiled spring tightens and, like the chess positions often referred to by the narrator, the finale plays out with each character moving to retain the upper hand to protect themselves, and the ones they love.

Tasting the Wind is a subtle thriller with a big heart. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Amazon Link

Thousands do it, some even make money from it.

But just how do you get started? Where can you visit and log in and talk to people all sharing one common interest.

To write a novel, a book of poems, anything that your instincts tell you.

Where is there to get all the help you need?

YouWriteOn.com

Visit the site today, who knows, you maybe the next J.K.Rowlands!

You think you know the characters, that you can read and predict their motives, but you are never sure what is real and what is a lie. The plot focuses on a bag of £100,000 and the woman that took it and her relationships with the other protagonists. She gets all of them, some innocent some not so, into an ever spiralling plot of theft, violence and murder.

This book has multi-narratives and characters you love and hate, but always believe in. There is alot to admire in the writing which is at times witty and yet never looses a sense of underlying menace. Apparently it is Glover’s debut novel, but it reads like something from an established and accomplished author.

If you like your thrillers character driven with plots that twist and turn, but that always entertain, then The frog and the scorpion is for you.

Amazon Link

They can all be purchased in this nice new Amazon Shop

LAUNCH OF GLASGOW’S FIRST INDO-SCOT NOVEL
Glasgow’s first Indo-Scot novel, ‘Twice Born’, by local novelist, Leela Soma, is being launched in Borders in Buchanan Street on Thursday June 4 at 6.30pm.

‘Twice Born’ takes us on the journey of Sita Iyer who moved to Glasgow from India in the 1970s. We see Glasgow through Sita’s eyes, as she adapts to a new life and culture. The changes in the political landscape of Scotland from 1970s to the present day form the backdrop of this engrossing tale. A twist in Sita’s life makes the culture clash a confrontation. Is she truly twice born, entwined in two cultures, enriched by the Indian womb that had nurtured her soul, and the Scottish cradle that had nurtured her being?

Leela Soma, formerly a Principal Teacher of Modern Studies in Glasgow is married with one daughter and lives in Milngavie, Glasgow. Like Sita, Leela’s made her home in Scotland in the 1970s.

Commenting Leela Soma said “Twice Born is the story of how one young woman adapts to new circumstances, something many people can relate to. It is a thrill to see my book in print and I am looking forward to the launch in June.”

Amazon Link

About Lynne   

Autobiography

I live in the north west of England and work as a data analyst for one of the local Health Authorities. I have been a prolific reader all my life, and for many years have spent the majority of my free time writing. As well as being educated up to degree level, I have completed courses and received diplomas from ‘The Writing School Ltd’ and ‘The Academy of Children’s Writers.

My aim in life has always been to write, and I‘ve had a sideline of freelance writing for more years than I like to admit to having lived. This has mainly involved published articles in such magazines as ‘Prediction’. I have also completed two children’s novels, published by YouWriteOn in conjunction with Legend Press in December’08. I am currently working on a fantasy novel for adults, and another very different children’s humorous fantasy.

Description of my books

Zac’s Destiny:

ISBN-10: 1849232326

A children’s sword and sorcery fantasy novel aimed at the nine years of age to mid teen market. Zac is a fifteen year old stable boy whose life is turned upside down when he finds himself in the midst of demons, magic and a perilous quest. The land around Albemerle castle is under attack, and the only hope of survival for Zac and the people he loves is to find the great wizard, Aldric. Men have already died trying. Strange dreams mark the beginning of Zac’s life changing events. Armed with a magic sword, ring and crystal, he sets out with a group of soldiers to find Aldric. Demon attack almost ends Zac’s quest as soon as it begins. Zac refuses to give up, and soon finds himself accompanied by unusual travelling companions. Many dangers bar their way. Only Zac’s determination and the unexpected help he receives can make it possible to find and free Aldric, and return for the final battle to save the land…

Gertie Gets it Right (eventually)

ISBN-10: 1849232318

A children’s humorous fantasy novel aimed at the eight years of age to young teen market.

Gertie Grimthorpe comes from a long line of witches. Unfortunately, she hasn’t really got the hang of it. Being blonde haired, blue eyed and free of warts isn’t much of an advantage. Try as she might, Gertie’s spells fall flat. She manages to give her bat-headed umbrella the ability to talk, but then wishes she hadn’t when all he does is complain and insult people. Even finding an owl to be her Familiar doesn’t help. Then again, he is extremely shortsighted… Gertie is sent to The Academy to improve her spell casting skills. She soon has a best friend in the form of Bertha Bobbit, a big girl, with a matching appetite. Add to that a Moat Monster with a flatulence problem, the weirdest array of witch’s Familiars possible, and a warlock determined to ruin Gertie’s chances of success, and the story unfolds. Not to mention the demon…

Where people can buy my book.

My books can be bought on all the usual book-selling websites such as Amazon, W.H. Smiths, Waterstone’s, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository and Bertrams book wholesalers.

Amazon Link

‘The Adventures of Michael Fane’ is an old fashioned ‘rip roaring’ adventure story.

Here are some of the reviews received so far.

The brutal depictions of the 1600’s are really brought to life in this gruesome tale of Michael Fane. The book continues, using a more adult depiction of the times, from where ‘The Black Box’ left off. The combination of factual and fictional information makes the story believable and creates some powerful mental imagery.

Uncover the truth behind Michael’s misfortune in this very entertaining read. Hopefully there will be a lot more to come from this author – David Castle. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Michael Fane Rides Again In A Great Book, December 10, 2008 By Kevin Riley “Book Lover” (Osaka, Japan)

This review is from: The Adventures of Michael Fane (Paperback)
I was fortunate enough to read an advance draft of this book. It is
set in 1685 at the time of the Monmouth Rebellion, the story is
centered on a young officer serving under Lord Feversham and Percy
Kirke, his name is Michael Fane. Michael’s father Gilbert was
entrusted with the famed ‘Black Box’ by King Charles II – in that box
were the forged papers of marriage between King Charles and his lover
Lucy Walters which declared that James Scott (The Duke of Monmouth)
was the legitimate heir to the throne. King James knew of the box and
ordered Feversham to find it. Feversham uses a spy named Tubal Ammon
who entraps the young Michael and learns the location of the box.
After Sedgemoor, Feversham and Kirke name Michael as a coward and a
traitor and send him to Taunton Castle the home of ‘The Bloody Assize’
for a hearing before the ‘Hanging Judge’ George Jeffreys. Michael is
charged with Murder and High Treason, he is allowed no Counsel and is
chained to Doctor Peter Blood for seven weeks.

Feversham gets word to Jeffreys to make Michael’s execution the most
violent and protracted death imaginable. From there begins a whole
chapter of adventures with Sea Battles, land battles – it just goes
on. Cannot recommend this enough, a great ‘adults only’ adventure.

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating, truly captivating, February 5, 2009 By Warren Penner (Manitoba, CAN) – See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adventures of Michael Fane (Paperback)
David Castle provides a thorough and historically accurate tale of murder, deceit, honour, loyalty, treachery and corruption during the reign of King James II.

Resplendent with graphic violence, the story depicts gruesome battle scenes, extreme torture and horrific executions.

A high degree of historical research is evident as Michael Fane walks us through the bloodbath known as the Monmouth Rebellion, the Battle of Sedgemoor and the resulting trials in the courts of Chief Justice George Jeffreys which shocked the nation and became known as the “Bloody Assizes”

Absolutely captivating. A wonderful read for those who enjoy historical fiction.

5.0 out of 5 stars From Google News, January 17, 2009

This review is from: The Adventures of Michael Fane (Paperback)
This review came from Google News
This impressive piece recounts The Monmouth Rebellion, and the part played by Judge George Jeffreys in this historic period. Historical references abound within the pages of this retelling of a monumental period in history.

The cornerstone of this piece is the sentencing of Michael Fane, by Judge George Jeffreys . The method of execution having been predetermined by conversations and orders from King James, proves to be the catalyst, in this engaging story of true friendship and of battling the odds.

The adventures of Michael Fane written by David Castle is an impressive literary piece about The Monmouth Rebellion . With central characters such as the “hanging judge” George Jeffreys and Captain Peter Blood, the book, recounts details of this turbulent period, the essence of which is encapsulated by the story of Michael Fane

David Castle has managed to capture the essence of the uprising and with incredible detail and dexterity and has encompassed the barbarism and ruthlessness of this historic moment in time. His book “The adventures of Michael Fane” is a detailed, expressive piece of literature.

Amazon Link

The book is selling out daily, so you may wish to order or search the title on Google where other retailers have it in stock.  Lincolnshire Libraries can arrange for copies to be made available.

The Link

The link above is to the most visited blog site on Historical Fiction Novels in the UK. Well worth a visit.