Its the first day of August and the summer is flying by. In my neck of the woods we seem to have had an awful lot of rain in-between hot and humid weather. I hope that you are all enjoying the varied days and life is good.
This post is short and sweet and just to tell you that my lovely author friends over at Apricot Plots have lots of summer giveaways if you hop over to their Facebook page (or Twitter: @ApricotPlots)
Its summer time in the UK with annual sporting events entertaining us, such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the tremendous result of England winning the cricket World Cup. In-between my working days, I have been enjoying sunny trips away.
I went south to Falmouth, in Cornwall, for a Sea Shantie Festival. This was a first for me and we spent three perfect days listening to a variety of shantie groups from as far away as Brittany, Holland, Spain, Canada and Ireland. They performed their unique take on sea songs and shanties at different venues in the coastal town from quaint pubs to main stages.
Falmouth has a long history as a safe port of call for deep water sailing ships and tired Capehorners and Clippermen crews, who may have been at sea for months, would stop here and entertain themselves at the many alehouses, with tales and yarns. Their shantie songs are kept alive to this day and locals say if you listen carefully as you walk along the 17th century streets, you can still hear them singing.
The picture below shows the shantie group, Fisherman’s Friends, who inspired the movie of the same name. They were brilliant.
The beaches in Falmouth are stunning, I enjoyed several sunny walks along this one below, at Gyllyngvase, there’s a gorgeous cafe there too!
Another trip was to beautiful Norfolk. It’s lavender season in this eastern county and fields of the stunning crop give a purple haze and heady scent as you wander through the countryside.
Norfolk beaches are also lovely, this one is at Hunstanton where relics of fossilised trees can be seen at low tide.
Poppies are in abundance too and the Norfolk coast between Sheringham, Cromer and Overstrand is known as Poppyland, a name first given to the area by the writer, Clement Scott, in the 1880s. I love poppies and am told that the common poppy has been voted the county flower for Norfolk.
We visited the Queen’s private home at Sandringham House, a country house in the parish of Sandringham. The Queen’s father George VI and grandfather George V both died here. It is a beautiful building standing in a 20,000 acre estate in the Norfolk coast area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is listed as a Grade II building along with the gorgeous landscaped gardens, park and woodlands.
The house is open to the public in the summer months but closes in October to enable staff to get ready for the Queen, who stays there from December to February. You can wander through the private rooms and have a fascinating guided tour in what feels like a much-loved home. I never tire of Sandringham and always enjoy a visit there.
The lovely folk at Amazon have discounted my novel: Coffee, Tea the Caribbean & Me, throughout July and August and if you fancy jetting off the Caribbean with a feel-good read that has been an Amazon best-seller for some time, grab a copy now at the heavily discounted price of 99p in the UK and Europe and $1.24 in the USA. Happy reading!
My recipe this month is a favourite with my family. Coconut and Raspberry Slice is an easy tray-bake that is great for picnics.
If you scroll down on the link, you’ll also find a recipe for Toffee Vodka. This was shared by a friend recently and I have to say it is addictive! You make it in your dishwasher! Check the link to see how: Toffee Vodka.
Lovely Amazon is also promoting my debut novel in their Prime Reading during the summer and you can grab a copy there for free. Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me is a popular read and gets wonderful reviews. It was E-book of the Week in a national UK newspaper and reached #3 in Women’s Fiction on Amazon when it was released.
Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me
I was invited to chat to presenter, John Gillymore, on his popular BBC Radio show, which was broadcast from the fascinating Harris Museum in Preston, Lancashire. The Harris Museum is also a public library and art gallery and what better place to sit and chat about books and creativity.
The founder of the museum, Edmond Harris left a legacy to create this historic building and it officially opened in 1893. The Harris is an important regional museum and holds fascinating collections of fine and decorative art, costume and textiles, history and photography, many of which are of international significance.
The RNA (Romantic Novelist’s Association) conference was held recently and I enjoyed spending time catching up with writer friends and listening to some excellent seminars. The RNA is a great organisation to be a part of and the conference is a brilliantly well organised affair, offering a great deal to its members.
Audio books are entertaining me more and more. I find I listen when I’m driving, cooking or ironing and I’m currently enjoying The Other Wife by Michael Robotham. It’s a cracking thriller. I’ve just downloaded a new audio book by the brilliant Deborah Moggah, author of many of my favourite novels, including the Best Marigold Hotel. Her latest, The Carer, looks like it has ‘best-seller’ all over it and I can’t wait to listen to it.
Have a wonderful July lovely newsletter friends. I hope that you all enjoy some of your favourite things this month.
Whenever I get together with other writers there is often a debate that starts with the question, ‘Do men read romantic fiction?’ As an author of this genre it is fascinating to know where my readers come from, their age, reading tastes and of course gender.
I gave a talk in a library recently and having arranged my book display, I stood back whilst waiting for the audience to take their seats. A man, whom I’d noticed in the computer area, came forward and started flicking through the books. He made some derogatory comments about never reading ‘chick lit’ and ‘fluffy silly stories with no depth,’ and I was amused to listen to several ladies, who were already seated, engage him in conversation, telling him he was cynical and should listen to my talk. Later, when I was book signing, guess who bought three of my books? Yes, the cynic who never reads romantic fiction.
Below are a couple of comments that have been mailed to me recently, by men:
“After over half a century of only reading murder mystery novels I was drawn to the book cover of The Best Boomerville Hotel. I certainly did not regret my choice. What a wonder and so very well written, this book caused me to go to bed an hour earlier than usual just to read it in peace. Thank you, Caroline, for such a great read. Hattie has got to be the person I would love to get drunk with and have a curry.”
And this from a gentleman on Amazon:
“I’m a man, 71 and read the 4 books in the set and thoroughly enjoyed all and found them very moving, each difficult to put down and I read into the night, 5 stars to Caroline”
I’d like to think that my work appeals to both women and men and aim to write books that have a serious message, taking the reader up and down emotionally as well as providing plenty of love interest.
What do you think? Are you a male who reads romantic fiction or a female who has an opinion on this subject? I’d love to hear your thoughts, please comment below.
Its newsletter time again folks and I hope that you’re all enjoying the summer.
TALKS
I’ve been hosting talks over the last few weeks on subjects such as how to get your book written and whether to self-publish or go down the traditionally published route. These talks always generate a lot of questions and a lively debate. I thought I’d share with you how I became an author and you can read my story below.
PROMOTION
To celebrate summer and holiday why not treat yourself to a fictional stay at The Best Boomerville Hotel this weekend? My lovely publishers are offering a discounted price of only 99p / 99c and you can download on all platforms including Amazon, Kobo & Apple. This book is a best-seller in the UK Amazon charts and has received fabulous reviews. The offer ends at midnight on 10th June so grab your copy now:
Who wants to win a Bertie Bear? Bertie, the lovely teddy bear from The Best Boomerville Hotel is so cute. He stands at 12” tall and comes with his very own canvas travelling bag. When I give my talks, Bertie comes too and everyone always wants to take a Bertie home with them. I’m offering you, my lovely subscribers the opportunity to WIN your very own Bertie.
Simply answer the following question:
Where is Bertie in this picture? There is a clue in the picture.
If you want to buy a Bertie Bear, click this link: BERTIE BEAR
HOW I BECAME AN AUTHOR
I grew up in a small town in Cheshire, in England and wanted to write from a very early age, but never thought that I was good enough. I went to an all girl’s Grammar school and hated it and a few weeks short of my sixteenth birthday, much to my parents’ horror, I left school, and also home. I travelled to Cornwall on the south-west coast of England and looked for work, doing anything from pot-washing to waitressing. In that time, I realised that I loved the hospitality industry and if I couldn’t write, I would work hard and one day have my own business. Fast forward several years and I achieved that dream. After catering college and working for a large hotel group in London and abroad, I eventually owned a pub and then a country house hotel.
When I sold the hotel, I became an agent representing celebrity chefs. It was a fabulous career but still I wanted to write and decided that I wouldn’t die wondering and pinned my bum to a chair to write my first book. Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Mewas born. Four more books have followed and my years in the hospitality industry provide a revolving door of inspiration for characters and stories. My novels are mostly based in that environment. Two of the titles are current Amazon best-sellers and my dream of writing full-time has been achieved.
I am currently writing a follow-up to The Best Boomerville Hotel for my publisher, Ruby Fiction. I am a speaker too and give talks on various subjects including entertaining speeches for large events, such as a guest speaker on cruise ships and at various literature festivals. I write food related articles for magazines and promote my work through social media and my website.
My advice for anyone wishing to write is, just get on with it. Don’t waste years wondering. Glue your rear to a chair and get going, write and write and write – no matter what. You will find your muse when you least expect it.
I started playing golf this month and seem to have got ‘the bug’. The good thing is that you can learn and play this game at any age and it is great exercise. I’ve also been trying lots of new recipes, this photo is of the best chocolate cake I have ever made – if you want the recipe click here: Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Have a wonderful June everyone, thanks for subscribing to this newsletter and feel free to contact me at any time if you have any writing related questions.
I’m thrilled to have Morton S Gray on my blog today. Morton’s latest book, The Truth Lies Buried, is now available in paperback and audible as well as all ebook platforms. Morton, like me, loves beautiful Cumbria…
Thank you for inviting me over to your blog, Caroline. When you asked me to Meet the Author, I tried to think of a linking factor between us to spark the blog post and came up with The Lake District! Why? Because your super novel The Best Boomerville Hotel is set there and I have enjoyed many holidays in the area over the years. So, I thought I’d talk about a few snapshots from those visits.
Author Morton Gray
A favourite teenage holiday photograph sees me on the ferry across Lake Windermere. I had just become conscious of what I wore and can still remember the feel of the turquoise flared trousers and green floaty tunic top. I felt amazing.
Fast forward to when my eldest son was small – I used to take him to the Lakes at least once a year. After driving up the motorway, I very often couldn’t face the car for a few days, so we used to explore by bus or ferry and had lots of fun. One year, son insisted on wearing his pirate bandana and carrying his plastic sword all of the time – surprisingly we made lots of friends that year.
Fast forward again and I had my first holiday with my now husband in Bassenthwaite. Hubbie severely overestimated both my level of fitness and the length of walk across the fells I could cope with. I had never climbed that far up a hill in my life and had never seen Windermere laid before me like a map as we were so high up. I think it was when I was exhausted and finding it difficult to put one foot in front of the other on the scree slope on the way down that I began to seriously question whether our relationship had a future! (P.S. we’ve been married sixteen years!)
We’ve had several holidays with youngest son in the Lakes (who if we were celebrities should by rights be called Bassenthwaite, but he gets embarrassed when I say that!), but these days it’s usually hubbie and I on our Lakes holidays whilst youngest son is on some school camp or other.
Our favourite place to stay is Grasmere, as you can walk off in all directions without having to travel in the car. Last year, we stayed at the lovely Daffodil Hotel on the banks of Grasmere Lake. And, no trip to the Lakes is complete without a visit to the wonderful restaurant, The Jumble Room.
Thank you, Caroline, I’ve enjoyed reminiscing about Lakeland holidays, but what I really wanted to tell your readers and that feels almost cheeky now, was about the paperback and audiobook release of my second novel for Choc Lit, The Truth Lies Buried on 12 March 2019. You’ll find details below.
“A brilliant read and I would highly recommend anyone to read either of Morton’s books.” Amazon Reviewer
For those readers who want to know what happens next in Caroline’s novels, here is a snippet from Hattie Goes to Hollywood – the first in a new series, coming soon. The much-loved character, Hattie, takes on a new role as private detective.
Follow her shenanigans and scrapes as she sets about clearing up crime in her beloved Cumbria.
Sergeant Harry Knowles liked to think of himself as a chameleon when it came to policing his patch. A man who blended in with his surroundings. This had its good points and served him well as a shadowy observer of situations, swooping in when least expected to utter the phrase he liked the most, ‘You’re nicked!’ Not that he had much opportunity to use the words, for very little happened when Harry was on duty and this he put down to good law enforcement by himself and fellow officers.
Some would say that Westmarland was a sleepy place, where not much happened, other than chasing visitors for speeding fines, or litter-dropping on the pristine streets of the tourist towns and villages of the county. But others, like Harry, found a crime around every corner and made it their duty to investigate each lost kitten and stolen bike.
But that morning, the station at Marland was a quiet as a tomb.
Harry paced around the reception area and straightened posters on a notice board then wandered over to the main desk and tidied scattered pens and miscellaneous memos. He glanced over to the corner of the room where Constable Derek Jones sat with his feet perched on a stool, sipping from a large mug of tea. The local paper was spread out before him and he studied the crossword. The constable was in shirt-sleeves, the buttons of his uniform shirt straining over a paunch. Podgy fingers reached for a biscuit from a half-consumed pack and he dunked absentmindedly as he contemplated clues.
‘Pinging call as they search for food around Bassenthwaite,’ the constable said, ‘eight letters, third letter, ‘Z’.’
‘Buzzards,’ Harry replied with little interest and stared out of the window.
It was another hot day and the streets of Marland were filled with holiday-makers in bright casual clothes. Families wandered about, shopping for burgers for their camp-side barbeques and local fudge as a take-home treat. Harry sighed as he watched the world go by. He was bored and longed for some action, something to set the streets alight and prove his worth in his new position. Anything to liven up his day.
Suddenly, the front door was flung open and a woman bustled into the station. Hot and harassed, she swept up to the front desk and drummed her fingers on the counter. ‘Anyone home?’ Hattie called out.
Derek whipped his feet off the stool and ambled to his feet, ‘What can we do for you, Madam?’ he said as he straightened his tie and wiped crumbs from his mouth.
‘You can make me a brew and shove those biscuits over here,’ Hattie said, ‘is Harry the Helmet at home?’
‘Morning Hattie,’ Harry called out, wishing that Hattie wouldn’t be so familiar. ‘What can we do for you on this lovely sunny day.’
‘I want to have a word, somewhere quiet,’ she glanced at Derek. ‘Haven’t you got something to do?’ she asked as Derek stepped forward, ‘crime won’t crack itself, Constable.’
‘Step into my office,’ Harry said, ‘two teas, when you’ve a moment, Derek.’ He guided Hattie along a dingy corridor and into a small room, where he pulled out a chair. Hattie sat down beside a rickety table. Pulling a chair up for himself, Harry rubbed his hands together. Perhaps Hattie had something interesting for him to get his teeth into?
‘So, you’re back.’ Harry said.
‘State the bleedin’ obvious,’ Hattie replied, ‘hardly needs a copper to suss that out.’
Two years ago, I walked out of my life. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. In midlife, many women are settled with plans in place for their later years but I wanted change and couldn’t continue to live in an environment that no longer felt right, working at a job that was wrong for me.
So often we hear, ‘You only have one life, make the most of it, live each day as if it’s your last.’ But how many of us do that?
For years, I’d taken care of my mum, who passed away suffering from dementia. I’d raised my family, looked after other people and worked very hard. I’ve had a great life and there have been some amazing highs but life was no longer sitting comfortably with me and a voice in my head said, ‘Change it, before it’s too late.’ Making drastic changes involves big decisions and selling my house and walking away from the working world that I was a part of and my friendship circle, was tough.
But taking that leap of faith was the best thing I ever did.
I’d always had a dream. I wanted to be an author, to write stories and sell books. But I never thought I was good enough.
CAROLINE JAMES AUTHOR BOOKS
Now as my body clock was ticking, my literary one was too, so in the first few months of my new life, I sat in the Caribbean sunshine, glued myself to a laptop and wrote, The Best Boomerville Hotel, then found a wonderful publisher who believed in me and suddenly my writing took on a more serious note. Boomerville is all about embracing the middle and later years. In my research for the book, I discovered that in the UK, one in three people over the age of 50 live on their own, a statistic that would never have stood in my parent’s generation. Things are changing, we live longer and are fitter and healthier in our later years and I’d love mid-lifers to look positively at getting older and embrace new challenges. As the government introduces social activities on prescription, to combat loneliness for isolated people, opportunities are out there to do something different and stimulate learning and new experiences, unexpected friendships and possibly love.
In the writing world, I admired authors like Mary Wesley who had her first adult novel published at the age of 71 and Frank McCourt who wrote Angela’s Ashes at 66. Many writers flourish as they get older, by which time they’ve mastered their craft. I chose to write on a full-time basis and it was the best decision I’ve made in years.
Whatever your age, whatever you might do, a fresh challenge can feel like a rebirth, so don’t be afraid of coming out of your comfort zone, be afraid of staying in it. It’s never too late to being a new career.
February started with snow and ice in my neck of the woods and I’ve enjoyed some lovely wintery walks with Freddie the Westie, my new best friend.
As the weather got colder I’ve thinking about warmer climes and was pleased to see that readers were too, as my novel, Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me went up the charts to being a #1 best-seller on Amazon again. Huge thanks to everyone who is buying this book and enjoying a slice of sunshine escapism on those cold wintery days.
TRAVELLING
I’m off to the USA this month and can’t wait for my visit. I’ll be wrapping up warm and taking lots of photos and will share my trip with you in the next newsletter.
DAYS OUT
I had a lovely day out at The Barn at Scorton – an interesting venue if you are in the North West. I was there to interview the owners of this business, located in a pretty picturesque village. I write food related articles for a Lancashire magazine and this place is a real find. Wonderful food, served all day and an eclectic mix of gifts alongside a garden centre with some unusual plants. I can recommend a visit, if you are in the area.
Another find on my foodie haunts was on a recent trip to my favourite county of Cumbria in the Lake District. Many of you know that I love to have a tipple of gin occasionally and enjoy sampling flavoured gins. Gin seems to have exploded onto the beverage scene in the last year or so and I am told that there are now more alcohol distilleries in England than in Scotland. Imagine my delight when I came across a shop that sells over 500 different gins! Chestnut House in Pooley Bridge, Cumbria is brilliant little shop with knowledgeable staff (thank you Darren!) who encourage you to sample their delicious drinks.
Warm and fuzzy from several tasters, and with a bottle to take home safely tucked up in the boot of the car, I enjoyed a glorious walk around Lake Ullswater, one of my favourite lakes. Cold, windy and so atmospheric, with snow on the mountains and that divine light that peeks through the clouds on a wintery day and sparkles off the water. As William Wordsworth said about Cumbria, “The loveliest spot that man hath found.”
VALENTINE’S DAY
Be sure to follow APRICOT PLOTS this month. This author group, that I a member of, is running an event for readers in the build up to Valentine’s Day and there will be some great give-aways and interaction. I am hosting on 7th February and want to know all about your worst date ever. There’s a box of chocolates for the one that amuses me the most.
COMPETITION DRUM ROLL…
The winner of last month’s competition is Linda Gawthrop who correctly named the chef in my novel Jungle Rock .
Many congratulations Linda – a Bertie Bear is heading your way.
Linda Gawthrop wins a Bertie Bear!
FEBRUARY COMPETITION
Win a signed copy plus chocolates!
This month’s competition is for a signed copy of my latest book plus chocolates to enjoy while you are reading. Simply name the county in England where my novel The Best Boomerville Hotel is set. Can you name the county? (Hint – my favourite county). Please email your answer to me: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk The winner will be announced in my March newsletter.
NOSTALGIA
I took a step back in time a few days ago, when I visited the Westminster Tearooms in Southport. This delightful venue is a 1930s time warp and an absolute delight.
I was lost in time for a couple of hours as I listened to gentle background music, reflective of the era and ate a delicious afternoon tea.
The ladies on the next table were celebrating a birthday with glasses of Babycham.
Were Babycham glasses really so small? Babycham was launched in the United Kingdom in 1953 and in later years when I was growing up, I remember it being a celebratory drink with the ladies in my family.
As the clock on the mantlepiece chimed the quarter hour in the Westminster Tearooms, I felt that I’d stepped into a bygone period. It was delightful.
I do love afternoon tea, especially one as special as this with cucumber sandwiches and scones. What’s your favourite afternoon tea?
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’ve got a good book to recommend do get in touch and I’ll share your thoughts here. I’m reading Magnolia House by Angela Barton at the moment. It’s her new novel and I’m loving it.
New novel by Angela Barton
Have a brilliant February, lovely readers and followers.
Stay warm wherever you are and keep well and happy.
Happy New Year lovely readers and followers. I hope that the start of 2019 brings lots of love, good health and happiness your way and that this will be a very special year for all.
SCOTLAND
2019 began for me with family celebrations in beautiful Scotland with a party on New Year’s Eve in Inverness, followed by walks beside the famous Loch – Loch Ness. We didn’t catch sight of the monster but a great time was had by all.
BEAUTIFUL INVERNESS
BOOK SIGNINGS
The Best Boomerville Hotel went on tour with signings in Waterstones and these pictures show me at Waterstones Book Store in Carlisle, where I had a fabulous day meeting some lovely readers. Thanks to everyone who bought a book and had a chat.
BOOKS
The Best Boomerville Hotel is currently on a promotion and you can download the novel for only 99p/c on all ereader platforms. Here is the link to Amazon:
The Best Boomerville Hotel ebook is on promo – only 99p/c in January!
WIN A BERTIE BEAR!
I’m giving away a fabulous gift this month. Would you like to own your very own Boomerville Bertie Bear? Bertie comes in his very own travelling bag and will make a faithful companion. To be in with a chance of wining, just tell me the name of the chef in Jungle Rock (mentioned in this blog post) and email it to: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk The winner will be chosen at the end of January and announced in my February newsletter.
Win a Boomerville Bertie Bear!
SCONES
As the weather gets colder I had a Sunday afternoon snuggled up with a good book and a plate of scones. I love this recipe, it makes a really light and fluffy scone. If anyone wants to know how to make them, just drop me an email: caroline@carolnejamesauthor.co.uk
CRUISING
2019 will see me setting sail as a guest speaker at sea. Do you enjoy cruising? if so, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what you enjoy about the talks on the cruises you’ve experienced and what you’d like to hear on your next cruise.
“I’ve had this sitting on my Kindle for far too long. My first read from Caroline James was “The Best Boomerville Hotel”. A fabulous page turner, it made me laugh out loud and cry in equal measure, but with “Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me” we meet the main characters Jo and Hattie as they both start new chapters in their lives after both husbands ran off with younger models. We see the trials, tribulations and not to mention the romance. It is a true page turner which is why it was read in 3 days. The characters are fun, firey and very likeable. Although set in the 1980’s the story line is so true of today’s economic situation that you’d be had pushed to believe it wasn’t happening right now. It gave me plenty of laughs, even shed a tear but kept me reading until I was done, already starting thinking about the next one.”
Thanks SO much lovely Stephanie, for taking the time to post a review. Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me is reduced at the moment to £1.99/$1.99 and you can download it here:
I often write about Cumbria after falling in love with the county many years ago. For me, the Lake District is a creative’s dream.
Cumbria – the inspiration for The Best Boomerville Hotel
My novels often feature a fictional hotel and the latest, The Best Boomerville Hotel is no exception as guests’ flock to the area and book in, to experience the beauty and splendour of the landscape.
For several years, I ran a pub, then a hotel, in the Eden Valley and was captivated by the warmth of the locals who were so supportive to a newcomer. Walking along the shadowy ridges of the fells in my spare time restored my spirits after a hard day at work and spurred my creative juices, for even then I knew that I wanted to write stories based in this special place.
More recently I was touched by the floods that devastated parts of the country. In particular, the town of Appleby which had once been my home and the floods feature in The Best Boomerville Hotel.
I write feel-good novels to uplift and inspire and with the magic of the mountains and sparkling waters of the lakes, I owe a great deal to my muse.
Beautiful Cumbria, thank you.
Novels by Caroline James
The Best Boomerville Hotel is available in paperback from all good bookshops and online as an ebook and audible download.
Were Babycham glasses really so small? Babycham was launched in the United Kingdom in 1953 and in later years when I was growing up, I remember it being a celebratory drink with the ladies in my family.
Caroline James Author 