Charities

Over the years I haven't recorded the charities I have supported and wish now that I had.  There are so many of them aren't there?  How do we chose who to support/give to, or not?  You will no doubt have your favourites or perhaps you just give to one?  With so many organisations, national and international concerns it is harder than ever to ignore - Children in Need, Save our Soldiers, Movember, Cancer Research, WWF, Dogs Trust, Lifeboat trust, British Heart Foundation etc etc etc.  I started young - no other member of my family were examples for me, but as a teenager I did a sponsored walk around Birmingham followed by voluntary work for under-privileged children.  Like many at school in the 1960's I collected silver foil bottle tops for guide dogs for the blind and put pennies in Sunny Smiles envelopes for children in need.

I have worked for, and volunteered for, various charities alongside full time employment.  Charities are part of my life.  I have walked the Race for Life a few times, watched my daughter jump out of a plane/sky dive for charity, supported TLM (The Leprosy Mission for nearly 40 years) and put on events at home to raise funds for the local hospice.  This year I had a deeply personal reason to be raising funds for Breast Cancer Now having been involved with my daughter's journey from diagnosis to recovery from breast cancer. 

Working as a team we raised, with gift aided donations too, over £1,000. The event was amazing - cakes were made and sold; paintings, cards and other craft items were on stalls, a tombola, homemade wine, a chocolate fountain and lovely coffees were all enjoyed by those who attended.

 

   It is my hope that the funds raised will help researchers find new drugs in the not too distant future that will eradicate the need for chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgical removal of cancers. 

Two charities I had not heard of before needs to be mentioned in this blog.  The first was an afternoon of pampering offered by LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER.  A team of beauticians helped teach ladies who had lost hair, eye brows, eye lashes etc to use make-up to its full potential.  They were given a gift bag of various brands of skin cleanser and toner, eye shadow, liner, mascara, lipstick, foundation, power etc etc after the demonstration and practise.  Do look them up if you know someone who has had any form of cancer - they do support men too.

The other charity I can't praise high enough is the WILLOW FOUNDATION who support people with cancer up to the age of 40, with a Treat Day.  They were so caring, fabulously organised with a folder of rail tickets, schedule for the day, directions to the chosen venue and payment card for the treat.  My daughter chose to share her day with her parents and as a family we had a wonderful fine dining experience in Birmingham. 

 

 Again do look them up if you know someone who could do with a joyous pick-me-up during or after the long haul of facing consultants, doctors, nurses, surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapist, chemo therapists etc etc.  The paperwork hospitals give to patients for information and form filling can be overwhelming but Willow Foundation have one simple form that just needs your GP's signature or other professional and very little else.  Just choose something nice to have a lovely memory making day.

 

I hope you found this blog interesting, if not useful.  Do leave a comment below or tweet me on Twitter @tweetsue13.



Tea & Chemo

BOOK REVIEW

I feel like Jackie Buxton is a part of my life.  This last year I have dipped in and out of her best selling, award winning book; listened to her radio broadcast; followed and communicated with her on Twitter.  What a lovely and remarkable lady.  I think that of all women going through breast cancer treatments and about others that have had other life changing health issues.  We woman are NEVER the weaker sex.  Men I know too have endured stem cell treatment, liver, prostate or bowel operations, radio and chemotherapy.  They bravely fight back when cancer attacks.

 

Tea & Chemo has been my bible for 2017.  I needed to know stuff I’d rather not know - stuff I didn’t want to ask anybody about but needed to be informed.  In other situations I have always turned to books and when some kind young man gave my daughter a copy of Tea & Chemo, I promptly ordered it as well.

 

I read a chapter at a time, finding out what I needed to know to support my daughter in the process of BC.  You will probably have read Breast Cancer for BC but for me BC equals B***ard Cancer.  Anyone who has been affected by others close to them having the most dreaded disease will understand. 

 

The book is written in a positive light although not hiding the truth of the awfulness either.  It is one woman’s story, one woman’s experience and yet there are many common elements to all breast cancer survivors’ stories.  Yes, I know others stories too.  My friends are 15, 13, 3 and 2 years down the line but I wasn’t involved in their journey like I was with my daughter.
 

I felt Jackie was writing like my daughter would, with positivity and humour.  How I wished I had the gift of humour in such dire times, I think my chuckle went out of the window at the first hurdle.  This book lightened the load.  It was affirming that all would be well.  It reassured me that someone else knew exactly what was happening, someone who was indeed ‘holding my hand’ through the process.

 
As the ‘dust’ settles in the ‘after treatment’ phase I intend to dip in again because although I want to put the experience behind me I don’t want to loose the gems that were hidden in the fog of my brain through the first reading. 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone going through Breast Cancer treatments, anyone who is married to, parent of, best friend of, work colleague etc.  Don’t go to the internet as is so easy to do these days but sit with a cup of tea or coffee and be still and calm to read it.  My guess is you will not manage it all in one sitting; if you are closely involved with someone going through it you will not be emotionally strong some of the time and the words will just be a blur on the page but when you have time, read, digest and learn so that your loved one, friend, colleague can draw reassurance from your knowledge and understanding.  Buy them the book – there will be plenty of ‘stay in bed’ days for them to dip into it too.

Well done Jackie.  Keep fighting the good fight with all your might, and with a brilliantly positive attitude and good humour.   If there is to be a follow-on book I’m sure that will be a huge success too.

 

Footnote : if you have read this review you may like to scroll down to the next one as it relates to the subject matter - Split Second by Sharon Rose is a play about how life can change in just a moment.

Split Second

Split Second – A Review

No it’s not the title of a book, but rather it is a stage play, written and presented by Sharon Rose.  If you have read other blogs I have written, you will see she has written four books about her journey through breast cancer, sepsis and other life’s tragic events, scroll down to Thorns of a Rose 22.4.17.

I was so thrilled when Sharon asked me to attend/review the play held in a local High School hall.  The day arrived and I was so excited for Sharon.  Writing and publishing memoirs and supporting local charities is one thing, but staging a play is taking her story to a whole new level.  Sharon has proved that if you want to make dreams come true just keep on working towards them and sure enough it will happen.

The music started and the salsa dancers, dressed in black and red sashayed around the stage with the backdrop of Blackpool Salsa Weekend, Feb 2015.  We were soon then into a family life scene which portrayed mental and physical abuse and the first reference to the charity ‘Pathways’ (a local supporting agency for those experiencing domestic violence).  The scene quickly changes from normal daily household life – kids and mum doing their own thing – to a visit from an angry, controlling man (ex husband/child’s father).  It makes shocking viewing but highlights our need to be aware that this sort of relationship is a ‘normal’ part of existence in some households.

Back to the Salsa class and the audience began to laugh.  Being a beginner and meeting different members of the group the leading lady, Becky Easen as Lucy, is soon in the arms of a ‘show off’ and ‘daddy dancer’ and she was having trouble with knowing her left from right.

Scene changes were effortless and with minimal props one quickly knew where we were next.  Lucy was a Health Visitor, stressed out in the baby clinic with the workload and facing cut-backs in the service.  Another scene and we were in Magaluf on the beach and at the airport which afforded the audience more giggles.   

A ticking clock featured several times throughout the production and also projector pictures on the screen behind the actors helping us to know the year and be aware of how precious time is.  This is a quote that was screened early on:

Not only were the cast giving their time freely but without realising it they probably didn’t bargain for the feeling of great elation at their first efforts of performance, whether it be in acting, dancing, singing, stage hand or showing the audience to their seats.  Sharon, will no doubt have set many on a road of self-discovery, be it empathy for the tragic circumstances of the story, performing ballet, playing the guitar, singing either alone or in a choir.  I was struck by the many talents before me.  The young girl named Summer who danced to a recording of Barbra Streisand – Papa can you hear me (from Yentl) must have melted many a heart with her beauty and suppleness and again later in her second solo dance.  Ali Gilbert, Sharon’s son, is also very talented playing the guitar and singing equal to that of an X Factor winner, and the ladies choir and soloist young Jenny in a red dress all all added beauty and uplifted our spirits.

Messages regarding the urgency of treatment for SEPSIS and the scariness of being treated for CANCER would have, I am sure, resonated with members of the audience who may have encountered these dreaded illnesses either for themselves or someone they care for.

The words of the final song “Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through hell with you, I’ll stand by you, you are not alone…” really got me.  When we are ill it may feel like we are very alone, but as cast members joined the choir to fill the stage it made you realise there are loads of people pulling you through – doctors, nurses, friends, colleagues, family, charitable organisations, hobby groups etc. 

The event raised over £1,600 for sharing between local and national charities.  Sharon said I was there to ‘critique’ the show but there is no criticism to be found.  I am just full of admiration and feel that this show should be repeated, perhaps in another part of town, neighbouring towns etc.  The messages are clear – there is help out there; also you can have fun dancing, singing, writing or whatever your passion or hobby is as well as endure life’s scary moments; do what you can when you can.  TIME is precious, use it wisely and fully because in a Split Second life as you know it can change.

White Lies and Wishes

☆☆☆☆☆

BOOK REVIEW BLOG :

As you know if you have read my other blogs I am an avid reader and love a good book.  I also run a Readers & Writers group (see Facebook: Readers & Writers, Tamworth).  We listen to authors and learn about their journey to publication and then we eat cake, drink coffee and chat about our latest reads. 

I have just finished White Lies and Wishes by Cathy Bramley (having previously read Wickham Hall and loved that too).  I feel sure every reader will connect with the three main characters in this tale of making dreams come true.  It is about the journey and process that goes on in many a person's life when you set yourself a goal.  It seems inevitable that obstacles, negative thinking and/or other people, test your grit and determination.

The friendship of the 3 women develops after meeting at a funeral, although with very different characters they encounter some tensions and misgivings.

Carrie is my favourite character as I have more than one friend who struggle with weight and body image issues.  Even those who don't over-eat will recognise some of Carrie's patterns of behaviour; her self comforting; self put-downs, self degrading activities.

For working mothers you will empathise with Sarah and stay at home dad, Dave.  And for the ambitious, Jo's single and sacrificial life tells of the stress of parent-pleasing over one's own happiness.

Conquering her fear of heights Jo brings the story to a wonderful end.  Although the Wishes have twists and turns, all 3 women have life changing experiences that leave the reader on a high - almost as high as the Empire State Building.

The 86th FLOOR!!!!!  No way.  I can't say I am frightened of heights but a recurring dream of going up in a lift that high, then waking up before it reaches its destination in a hot sweat, obviously has me panicking at the thought.  The highest I have been in London and Athens is the 14th floor and that was well high enough for me thank you.

Well done Cathy Bramley - an excellent 5* read.  Ps.  Since publishing this blog I can now say I have been on the 25th floor of a building.  Who knows maybe I'll reach dizzier heights soon!

Teenagers, Sisters, Holiday in France, Chocolate, Helicopter Pilot...

What have these got in common?  Well they all feature in my latest read -

 

 



If you like reading contemporary family dramas you will love this book.  Set in France, Leah finds her sisterly love lands her in family life up to her neck.  Being Aunt to two moody teenagers; neighbour to a divorced helicopter pilot recovering from a crash, with his teenage Goth son; sister and sister-in-law to a separating couple is a far cry from her single, carefree life back in the UK.  The comings and goings of the gîte turns into a catalogue of happenings akin to a nightmare.  Yet there is still room for love.

 

Sue Moorcroft writes with great attention to detail – her research is outlined at the conclusion of the novel – regarding the helicopter pilot, entering a world of a career most of us would have no knowledge of.  She obviously has experience too of ‘teen speak’ with gaming terminology and colloquiums reserved for those precious years when language has not met maturity.  Chocolate and quick nourishing meals feature too – I would love to research these!

 

Excellent writing style makes the sex scenes (yes, there are a few) delicate, not sordid; hot without crudeness; erotic without lurid words; passionate and pleasing.  The moments were brief but meaningful.  However, frustration and confusion to the characters follows each occasion so not lovey dovey romance but making Leah assess what she wants from life.

 

When I reached the final paragraph of page 267 I actually said “Wow” out aloud.  It stood out for me as exquisite writing.  I had to put the book down to reflect for a moment.  It left me questioning my ability to ever be a published author as I must have had my ‘writer’ head on, not my ‘reader’ head whist living in the complexity of the holidaying family lives.  Here there was a build up, an explosion and an aftermath all in one paragraph and following sentence.  I could quote it here but, out of context, it would not have the same impact.  You will need to read or have read the book to know what I mean.

 

Having met Sue Moorcroft a few times, sat with her at Swanwick Writers Summer School and learnt from her teachings on novel writing, I hold her in high esteem.  She conveys her techniques of novel writing, and her work as a novelist, on a level I ‘get’.  She is a lovely lady with extra-ordinary skill and passion for her work.  One I aspire to be like.  One that champions me on.

The 'bar' at Swanwick was a great meeting place

So, back to the book – the ending is emotionally charged so hankies at the ready.  I didn’t want it to end but was certainly left flying high.  Would I recommend it? -  Yes, most definitely.  How do I rate it – 5*.  Well done Sue Moorcroft, can you write a sequel please? I want to know how Leah and Ronan and all the family go on from here!

Swanwick 2017

 

How hard it is to capture the essence of a wonderful week away mixing with 285 fellow writers!  To simply say that my second visit to Swanwick Writers Summer School, held at The Hayes Conference Centre, Derby, was 'fabulous' tells you one word and no flavour.  If I were to give you a moment by moment detailed report you would be bored, unless you are another writer!  So try to imagine being a child in a sweet shop or toy shop where there is so much to choose from and you want it all.  This was what it feels like opening the programme and selecting which workshops and courses you will attend.  There is something for every genre - short stories, fiction, crime writing, page to stage, poetry etc etc. 

I paced myself better this year and was able to enjoy 'time out' too.  The nature in and around The Hayes enhances the experience offering tantalising colours, lush grassed areas where cows graze and undulating lawns outside the vast buildings that make up the accommodation, dining halls, chapel, teaching rooms and staged hall.  There is only one thing missing, for me, a swimming pool.  I first went to The Hayes some 40 years ago when summers were hot and outdoor bathing could be enjoyed in the place where there is now a prayer labyrinth, which as lovely as this is and well situation by the chapel, a wee dip would have been a bonus.

This year I booked myself in for a 1-1 with author, Della Galton.  She gave me rich advice, tips and encouragement for my novel in progress which I will action with grateful thanks.  I am also grateful to fiction writer, Sue Moorcroft for making me realise I am investing valuable TIME and MONEY into the dream that I hope will become a reality - my own published novel or three.  Lucy Felthouse gave an up to date presentation of marketing and promotions and I enjoyed chatting with both Lucy and Sue at dinner or in the bar.

I was also befriended by 3 lovely ladies who were white badgers (wearing white badges denotes that they are first timers) and we had many a laugh over dinner and felt totally at ease with one another in a very short time.  New friendships are formed at Swanwick, I missed Karen Botha from last year, and was amazed at who remembered me from the 68th SWSS.  I guess next year, being a 70th year, will be extra special.  It was nice too to meet fellow Tweeters and Facebook users, putting faces and character to a Twitter picture is very satisfying.

I can't end without mentioning the Unwind your Mind course.  It did what it said on the tin.  Stillness in a busy day, movement to stretch and revitalise your body - mindfulness, Thai Chi and free dancing to music that moves the soul.  Thank you Zana.

The last evening with awards and entertainment sends us off with a resolve - I will write 500 words and I will write 500 more....  sang with gusto.  I can not recommend Swanwick Writers Summer School highly enough.  It brings out the best in the shy, the depressed, the doubter, the underachiever, the ill, the old, the young and all ages, abilities and disabilities in between.  I'll be going again God willing.  For more information go to www.swanwickwriterssummerschool.org.uk

In the Summer Time

 

Published by Black Swan, part of Transworld/Random House Group

 

Reconnecting with a holiday village after 20 years Miranda, her family, a friend and ex boyfriends find that not much has changed - only life happened in the intervening years.  It is a story of intrigue, family fun, secrets, sorrows and love.  Three generations spend time away from the city, peer groups and job pressures to give Jack a final farewell.  The scenery of the beach, country lanes, local stores and rental cottage with pool are all very vivid.

 

If you have ever been to Cornwall you will remember the pace of life there, names of places and images your mind brings forth as you read.  I was thrilled that TRAGO MILLS was mentioned as that shopping complex brings fond memories from my teenage years (over 40 years ago!).

 

I love the cover - anything with beach huts will always appeal to me as they are so British and attractive - these painted candy pink and a hint of pale blue.  Beach huts for me are landmarks of holidays on the coasts of our shores that will never be forgotten.

 

Well done Judy Astley. 

A Crafty Read

Another 5* read from my favourite author

How lovely it was to have a book about CRAFTING - one of my passions.  I loved all the names and terms/crafting jargon, that comes with the territory.  Reading about papers, die cutting, craft channels on television etc was like listening to my friends at our craft group (see previous blogs).

It became a harder read for me when the protagonist's only child, a teenage son, is diagnosed with a Life Threatening Condition as I too am a mother of one child, an adult daughter, going through a similarly harrowing time. 

Carole wrote exceptionally well from the mother's view whose thoughts and feelings resonated with my own.  Tissues should be to hand in these chapters.  Thankfully there was no mention of a bald head, wearing caps, stitches and scars that anyone with or caring for someone with the same or similar LTC will perhaps know about. 

The story moved seamlessly into uplifting me again when young love, surprises and exciting new beginnings brought happy endings.

The book encouraged me to blog about crafting more and start a stash of home-made cards for sale later in the year to raise money for my chosen charity.  Watch this space.

Meanwhile I can't wait to re-connect with Danny and the Dreamcatcher in the autumn.  If you have read The Cake Shop in the Garden, you will know what I mean.

Warning: this book is very calorific!  Much cake will be eaten as you enjoy reading it!



Novel in Progress

 

Having given myself an early retirement, my private practise counselling cabin was transformed into my writing cave.  It is heated in winter and cool in summer.  All my needs, particularly coffee, are to hand.  So a few steps away from the house where I can leave behind ironing, cleaning, etc. has become my creative hive.  It's a 'she-shed' and rare visitors get to step inside, even OH (other half).

It has taken two years to complete the 98,000 words.  The sense of achievement and self-satisfaction in that alone is a great feeling.  It has been read by OH, a dear friend and now out to someone I don't know who worked in education.  Constructive criticism, notable mistakes or obvious boobs that are not always noticed by the writer is always welcome.  Having read it through several times I was beginning to loose heart but my beta readers, book loving friends and Twitter pals keep me going. 

I sent it to a publisher that I admired, had followed for three years on social media and felt excited about it leaving my computer.  Alas, I had my first rejection, with no feedback, no reason and no answers to my enquiring questions afterwards.  I was gutted, but nevertheless determined not to have that stop me now.  I have got this far and it is not going to be consigned to a drawer!  Besides which I have a sequel and a third book going on in my head.  Am I mad? I ask myself.

I have always been told I am good at writing - people loved receiving letters from me (in the days before emails!!) and I had self-published a children's book 30+ years ago.  More recently, well in the last decade, I have had articles published in professional and commercial magazines that have encouraged me to keep hopeful of living the dream - of one day having a paperback book in my hand with my name on it. 

Having that first rejection actually made me add three more chapters at the beginning of the novel, change the title and use a pseudonym.  So if this second publisher takes me on my own name will not be on the cover!  How dreams can change in the reality of the world.



To keep me going in the latter stages of writing I made a short video with Photo Story 3 for Windows.  It contains a few pictures like the one above that I would like as a cover for my book (it will probably be something very different), some photos of people and places along my journey that have inspired me, and some uplifting music to play as I watch the 2 or 3 minutes of pictures playing on my laptop screen.

I also downloaded Natural Reader to have my words read back to me.  I could 'hear' mistakes that I otherwise I missed when reading.  It was very useful.  It can be set to any language, gender of voice, pace of voice etc. and can be paused and saved at any stage.

I share these two ideas to any other budding writer.  I learnt many lessons along the way - I changed from third person to first person half way through so that was a nightmare to correct the first 50,000 words!  I plotted the theme from the beginning using a pin board and an A3 sheet of paper.  I cut out of magazines people who I could look at and picture as my characters and they became very 'real' in my head and 'came alive' in the written word.  They took on a life of their own and I was surprised at where my writing went from time to time.  The middle chapters were not planned but developed.

My second choice of publisher wanted a covering letter and synopsis as well as the whole novel (I appreciate publishers taking the whole novel rather than the first three chapters) but found that the letter and synopsis where quite hard to 'get right'.  In the end, as with the novel writing, I got to the stage of  "well that's the best I can do for now," and pressed the send button.

I am now about to start typing the sequel from notes I have been making in preparation.  Further progress can be followed on Sue Flint, Author page of Facebook and @tweetsue13 on Twitter.  Any encouragement is welcome in the comments box below or on social media.  Thank you for reading this blog.

 

Visiting Hitchin

I had three reasons for visiting Hitchin, Hertfordshire:

1. To reconnect with a dear friend;
2. To surprise a Twitter pal;
3. To see the place where the novel Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews was set.

I spent three years living in Cyprus and as an ex-pat made friends with other ex-pats; several of us have returned to live in the UK at various stages of our lives and are now spread far and wide.  I travelled from the Midlands with one of these friends to meet another that we had not seen for ten years.  It was a lovely reunion with much laughter, reminiscing and catching up on life since sunny Cyprus days.  Naturally our friend wanted to show us around where she lived, so we saw Hitchin and Letchworth Garden City towns; a garden centre and Hitchin Lavender fields.

St Mary's ChurchHitchin Town

I was able to picture the 'handbag shop' and the 'chippy' in Summer Daydreams and enjoyed my amble around the quaint town of Hitchin.

 

I was also able to call into a supermarket and surprise a Twitter pal in her place of work.  It was lovely to be able to chat with her in person rather than short snippet of sentences on social media.  To put a voice and character to a small profile picture was a treasure.  We were able to chat about our writing pursuits and other interests.  So lovely to meet you Sarah.

 

Lastly a real treat was to visit Cadwell Farm, Ickleford to see Hitchin lavender fields.  Walking into the historic shop, that delighted my nostrils with the scent of bags of lavender, was a step  back in time.  I purchased essential oil, bath melts, honey and a small decorative mirror from the barn that housed the on-site café and souvenir shop.  Over in the fields the heat of the morning sun blazed down on the great expanse of rows and rows of lavender plants.  I could have laid down in the middle - forget heaven being paved with gold, mine is the colour purple and smelling divine.

 

www.hitchinlavender.com

There is, I am sure, a lot more to see if you have the time in North Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.  Do look it up for places to stay/eat/visit: www.hitchinherts.com.  









 

Crafting

I set up a Crafting Group TEN years ago this November.  We have met every month and made loads of cards.  I was a novice back then, amongst avid crafters.  Some of the group watch/ed QVC and spent a fortune on items, had/have a stock that any craft shop would be proud of, and never sent a bought birthday or Christmas card.

Over that time I have stopped saying 'I have no imagination'; I have learnt that mistakes are opportunities to learn or make something up to cover it up; and have become 'quite good' at cutting and pasting.  Whilst my Crafty friends use die cuts and glitter pens, stamping equipment and Sissex machines, I have been content with packs of lovely papers, decoupage and easy to make kits. One friend is a super expert at parchment craft.  Words and terms of crafting have developed in my vocabulary over the years.  Of course, my crafting equipment grew too, from a bag to a box; from a box to boxes; and now a cupboard full.

We are happy cutting and pasting; chatting; laughing; sharing life events etc whilst surrounded by papers, cards, ribbons, gems, peel offs etc etc.  We have a Christmas meal together and when one or other of us are away on holiday or not well they are sorely missed.  The group and activity is SOOOOOOOOOO therapeutic - not only does focusing on a hobby lift our souls but the laughter and camaraderie is invaluable.  The fact that we make lovely cards is secondary now.

I have always had a creative side to me, as do the other ladies - one makes bespoke celebration cake, another sews bags and toys, another knits etc etc.  I have, over the years, painted stones, baked cakes (but not feeling they were good enough to donate to 'cake stalls' - that's changed; sewing, knitting and growing plants.  I have branched out to painting flower pots, re-creating a chair or two, designer pegs, board pictures and so much more.  (I wrote about selling my wares on a stall a few years back - scroll down to find the blog).

Recently I volunteered to make cards to raise money for a young girl to get into a ballet school.  I made 20 cards and was surprised at how much I enjoyed doing it for monetary gain, and, with my efforts.  I gave myself a 'very good'.  It has made me think about raising funds for a Cancer Charity - so watch this space (and/or Facebook & Twitter).  Here are just some I made earlier...

 
 

The Sweetest Taboo - Book Review

☆☆☆☆☆

If you didn't already know I am a Carole Matthews fan.  Recently I went to Mims Café, Nr Cannock where Kim Nash hosts a book club.  We all share our latest reads. 

"That's an old one," Kim says.  I am behind the times, I know.  Carole writes so quickly I can't keep up and I have 3 of her books on my bedside cabinet.

My head was not in a good place when I picked up this one.  I started and stopped and stopped and stopped.  I got stuck in the first chapters where there is a reference to the protagonist wearing a "Betty Boo" t-shirt.  My daughter is 'into' "Betty Boop" in a big way and I wasn't sure if this was a mistake.  I researched both looking for the answer. I was unaware there was a singer called Betty Boo.  I was still unable to continue; its a silly thing that stopped me from reading. 

Thankfully I had a weekend away on my own recently and some quality reading time.  So having got my head around the latest 'life' issue that had made me grumpy, I settled down with a cup of coffee on the sun-lounger in the countryside to hours of reading. 

Sadie Nelson gives up her boring UK life and follows someone she hardly knows to USA.  She loses her suitcase and that is the start of a fretful and fateful time in a new location, new friends, new job, new 'potential' romances.  She becomes involved with two 'non-starter' men and the sequence of events unfold in a mishmash of crazy happenings.  The reader is transported into the world of the rich and famous of the film industry; 'would be' actors; and WAGs. (Wives and Girlfriends).

It is an easy read, as are all Carole Matthews books. It is funny and tragic; full of missed opportunities, confusion and hopeful love.  Will she chose Gil or Tavis, the rich or the poor, or will she miss her UK London life and return 'home'?  Suspense to the end. 

As always a lovely, great 5 star read. 

Readers and Writers

I host meetings for READERS & WRITERS in Tamworth, Staffordshire.  Here's a snapshot of what you are missing!

 

• Venue - Christopher's Restaurant, The Peel Hotel, Aldergate, Tamworth have kindly let us use part of the restaurant that is separate from the main seating area.  We all purchase a lovely coffee, pot of tea, cake of the day and/or stay for lunch after 12.30 pm.  The waitress service is pleasant, quick and helpful; the surroundings are welcoming, clean and friendly.  It is central to the town centre with parking both at the venue and across the road in a public car park.

 

• Speakers - They are sooooooooooooo interesting.  First we heard from Kim Nash, Publicity Manager of Bookouture.  This fast growing publisher has obtained awards, top sales of new and already published authors and has a very wide following both in the UK and abroad.  Kim told us all about her role, how she just loves her job and is "living the dream" - doing what she likes doing most - reading new novels, reviewing and promoting them.  Her blogs and other social media entries are exciting, encouraging and makes you want to buy every book she promotes.  Check her out on Twitter at @bookouture or @kimthebookworm, Facebook, Blog: Kimthebookworm.co.uk.
   

• Next we met Sharon Rose, Author of four self published books journeying through her life's difficulties, in particular breast cancer.  (You can read my review of these lovely books by scrolling down through previous blogs).  Sharon's warmth and openness gave us an insight into living life in adversary and how to turn a negative situation into positive joy.  She raises funds for so many charities through the sales of her books and later this year she will be staging her own written play - Split Second - details on Twitter and Facebook.

 

• At our third meeting we learnt all about Blogging from Noelle Holten aka Crime Book Junkie.  Her passion for books, authors, blogging, writing reviews etc. oozed out and encouraged those of us who blog to do more of it!  Working full time doesn't stop Noelle from spending a very disciplined time in the evening on her laptop.  This was her first 'talk' to a group after blogging for two years and she conquered her fears of speaking out about her journey through blogging on Wordpress.  You can find Noelle on Twitter and Facebook and her blog Crimebookjunkie.co.uk.

 

• The second hour of our gathering sees some of the readers sharing what they have been reading since we last met, swapping books, titles of books, tips on apps, information about courses and competitions for writers, and Tina Williams, from Tamworth Literary Festival, tells us of dates for our diaries of events coming up in the months ahead.



We leave having been fed with enthusiasm, excitement, joy, friendship, food, drink and an ever growing love of all things bookish.  Do come along if you are in the area.  You can book in on Facebook - search for Readers & Writers, Tamworth. 

• Thank you for reading this blog, do leave a comment below.