Tag: promo

Walks, Books and a Giveaway.
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Walks, Books and a Giveaway.

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

January is drawing to a close and here in Lancashire in the north west of England it has been an unusually mild month. Living close to the Lake District in Cumbria I’ve enjoyed the short drive to park then wander, for some happy dog walks with Fred, our Westie. My favourite lake is Ullswater, and you can see from these photos how beautiful it is. On a misty January day, the lake and mountains have an ethereal quality of their own. All the seasons are glorious and it’s no wonder the area is famed for producing so many poets and writers. 

The Lale Dstrict
The Lake District in Cumbria

BOOK NEWS

I am delighted to say that my new novel, The Spa Break is publishing in a few weeks and you can pre-order it today at the promo price of only 99p (the promo price may differ in each country). The ebook will automatically land on your e-reader on publication day. The paperback will follow a few weeks after the ebook.

THE SPA BREAK

The Spa Break – Coming Soon

The publisher is One More Chapter (HarperCollins UK) and I was thrilled to be contacted last year by Charlotte Ledger, the Publishing Director, who had an idea for a novel and asked me if I would expand her thoughts and write the book. The Spa Break finds four friends on a relaxing weekend away to celebrate a big birthday. But as the days unfold, the spa soon has these spicy sexagenarians realising that there are unexpected benefits to age and experience, and that over the hill certainly doesn’t mean out of the game. I loved bringing new characters to life and I hope that this feel-good, funny novel will be one that you enjoy.

The Spa Break Ladies

Emily, Bridgette, Marjory and Serena are entertaining characters and I hope that I will be writing more about their escapades in future books. If this newsletter lands in the hands of any book reviewers, please get in touch for an ARC copy.

CURRENTLY READING

I’m enjoying reading novels by Marius Gabriel and am currently reading The Parisians. He has a wonderful ability to mix fiction with history during WWII, when Paris was occupied. Using real characters in his novels, especially from the world of fashion, such as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, he brings the stories to life. Clever writing and highly recommended.

GIVEAWAY

This month I have a signed copy of Hattie Goes to Hollywood to giveaway. To enter please go to my Facebook page or you can email me using the address below. Just comment why you would like to receive the book and you will automatically be entered into the draw. Good luck!

E: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Hattie Goes to Hollywood Giveaway

As we head into a new month, please keep safe, happy and well.

Happy reading,

With love

Caroline xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

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Moving on…

Featured Caroline James Author1 Comment

I haven’t written my blog for some time and apologise to anyone who has missed a monthly update on my books and writing, or new recipe or two. The last twelve months have been the most difficult time of my life, with my beloved sister, Cathy, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer, to her death on 6th May. 

Too soon and so badly missed, she was not just my sister and best friend but also my writing inspiration. As a late starter, from the very first word I ever wrote, she was with me. Encouraging me to glue my behind to a chair and get my fingers tapping out ideas on a keyboard. We plotted each novel together, shared the first draft, the highs and lows of publishing and drank champagne on news of a book’s success. She was my critique and my greatest fan, the one who urged me to write on and take my work seriously. As I sit here, I wonder how on earth I shall pick up the pieces and write again.

But I will. Because that is what Cathy would want me to do.

So, as I begin a new chapter in my life without my darling sister, the page turns and a new book is born. I am up and running again and the words are flowing and I am sure that my beautiful girl is waving her magic writing wand and willing me on.

To all of you who have lost someone close in these difficult and trying times, I send you my sincere love and raise a glass to their memory. 

Cathy – my sister and best friend

Books & offers

FREE

All of my books are free to read on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime and you can find them by using the link below:

Caroline James Author

You will also find three feel-good books for summer reading on a limited time offer for only 99p/99c on Amazon, and can find them here:

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean and Me

Coffee Tea the Chef and Me

And don’t forget that The Best Boomerville Hotel if a funny, feel-good read and the follow up, Boomerville at Ballymegille continues to get great reviews too. If you fancy more of a mystery to kick back and relax with, why not download Hattie Goes To Hollywood.

RECIPE

Summer fruits are absolutely sublime at the moment so why not cool off with a delicious ice-cream which is so easy to make and light on calories too.

Caroline’s Easy Summer Ice-cream

Ingredients: 2 bananas frozen, 400g frozen raspberries, 500g Greek 0% Yogurt, Sweetener to taste

Method: Whiz all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Freeze.

TIP: If you have bananas that are going black, don’t throw them away. Simply freeze and use in this recipe (or a banana bread recipe). Bananas that have been frozen taste sweeter which means you won’t need to add as much sweetener. You can use any frozen fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. Best of all, this ice-cream is ready to eat as soon as you’ve made it! 

For the kids: use lollipop trays and freeze

I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are in the world and that life is treating you well. May you stay safe in the pandemic affected areas. Have a great summer.

With love and happy reading

Caroline xx

Boomerville and Boom Radio UK
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Boomerville and Boom Radio UK

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Hello Everyone

I hope that you are all getting through the current restrictions and keeping safe and well. The days seem a little sunnier here with spring flowers beginning to peep through in the garden.

Snowdrops in the garden

RADIO

A new radio station launched last week in the UK called Boom Radio UK a really fun station aimed at ‘Boomers’ – a slightly more mature audience. With great music and interviews, I am thrilled to be invited to chat with host David Lloyd on Tuesday 23rd February. Tune in at around 11am to 11.40am to listen to our conversation on penning novels, my ‘Boomerville’ retreats and writing feel-good fiction. The link is here: Boom Radio UK

Boom Radio UK

GIVEAWAY

The winner of our giveaway this month is Linda Herold. Many congratulations to Linda who will receive a signed copy of The Best Boomerville Hotel plus a lovely box of chocolates.

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Keep a look out for our March giveaway, when a very special little soft toy duck will be looking for a new home. ‘Drake’ from Hattie Goes to Hollywood will be up for grabs with a signed copy of the book.

Coming soon – win a gorgeous ‘Drake’

PROMO

This week’s promo is Boomerville at Ballymegille currently on Amazon on a promo at only 99p/c – this offer ends this week. If you fancy a feel-good read during the days of Lockdown book into Hotel Boomerville and join in with the fun and shenanigans at the new retreat in Southern Ireland.

Download your copy: Boomerville at Ballymegille

Wishing you all a wonderful week,

With love

Caroline xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

Happy New Year 2021
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Happy New Year 2021

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

As we say good bye to 2020 I wish you all a very happy New Year and hope and pray that 2021 will bring an end to the current pandemic and that whatever our ‘new normal’ is, will bring health and happiness to you all in the year ahead.

Giveaway

As a thank you to my wonderful readers there’s a chance to win…

Fancy an online treat from Amazon? I’m giving away a £25.00 Amazon voucher this month and you can stock up with books or whatever takes your fancy. To be in with a chance to win simply head over to my Facebook page and tell me why you’d like to win the voucher, OR you can email me here: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

To enter click here: Win an Amazon Voucher

Good luck!

Reading

For my friends in America Boomerville at Ballymegille is currently only 99c (ends 4th January) so if you fancy a feel-good relaxing read in the days ahead download a copy here:

Boomerville at Ballymegille

Also on Promo:

If you would like to read the Coffee Tea series, the books are also on promo for the next few days:

Click here to download: Coffee Tea Series 

Recipe

One of my favourite cake recipes is A Taste of the Caribbean Cake

This delicious cake is full of lemon, coconut and ginger and melts in your mouth. Easy to make too.

If you fancy a taste of tropical sunshine download the recipe here:

A Taste of the Caribbean Cake

Wishing each and every one of you a very safe passage through these difficult days and all good wishes for a happy and healthy 2021.

With love

Caroline

xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

November News and Promo Books
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November News and Promo Books

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Another week in lockdown here in England.

VIRTUAL HUGS

I live in an area that has been in ‘Tier Three’ for some time, with the highest rates of Covid19 and it feels as though we have been isolating for a long time now, in addition to the current nationwide Lockdown. I am fortunate that I work and write from home but I so miss the contact with others face to face, to meet up for a coffee, a chat and a hug. For those of you, like me, unable to see relatives, especially anyone who is ill or going through a difficult time, I’m sending out a big virtual hug to you all.

BOOK PROMO

We’re giving you an early Christmas offer, my ‘Coffee Tea’ series is currently reduced to only 99p/99c per book. These books have received very generous, wonderful reviews by kind readers and are described as feel-good fiction with lots of twists. So treat yourself – grab a coffee and something delicious to munch and snuggle down for a duvet day of reading.

Download Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me (and ‘Chef’ and ‘Caribbean’)

ONLINE COURSES

Have you been trying any online courses during this difficult time? I am a WI member and discovered that the very clever ladies who organise speakers have put scores of classes and talks online. I had three blissful hours listening to the life story of artist Freda Khalo as we learned how to paint a watercolour in her style. I’m not very good, but I really enjoyed giving it a go.

CHRISTMAS BAKING

Christmas is approaching, have you started to prepare? I haven’t done a thing. Its difficult to plan as family members who have to isolate through illness will not be joining, even if we are out of Lockdown over Christmas. But I will make a Christmas cake this weekend and if it turns out well, will post the recipe in the next newsletter. I’ll make a pudding too.

Have you got a favourite Christmas cake recipe? Do share it, send me an email: caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk – I love to try your recipes and will credit and add to my website if they turn out well.

BOOMERVILLE AT BALLYMEGILLE AUDIO BOOK

The audio version of my latest book Boomerville at Ballymegille is now in production and it has been great fun working with narrator Gill Mills again. She is a wonderful actress/narrator and seems to completely ‘get’ my characters. It is fascinating to hear ‘Hattie’ being bought to life again and all the old friends from Boomerville. As the author, I almost feel as though I am listening to someone else’s book!

I hope that the sun is shining in whatever part of the world you are reading this.

Please stay safe, keep well and look after each other.

Happy reading,

With love

Caroline xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

Book into Boomerville this Weekend
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Book into Boomerville this Weekend

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Happy Saturday! 

I hope your autumn day is sunny and despite Lockdown restrictions, that you are enjoying a happy and relaxing weekend.

BOOMERVILLE AT BALLYMEGILLE

Just a short post here to say that my new novel Boomerville at Ballymegille is only 99p/$1.20 this weekend. So, if you want to download a copy to your e-reader, grab the bargain while you can. The story has received some fabulous reviews, I am so grateful to readers for sharing, and seems to be a feel-good book all round – just what we need right now.

All my novels are FREE to read on KindleUnlimited too.

CAROLINE JAMES BOOKS

My November newsletter will be with you soon and there is a lovely competition coming up just in time for Christmas.

Take care and stay safe during this difficult journey.

With love

Caroline xx 

BOOMERVILLE AT BALLYMEGILLE

Publication Day – Boomerville at Ballymegille – ‘Teddy’ Winner Announced – Promo Book
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Publication Day – Boomerville at Ballymegille – ‘Teddy’ Winner Announced – Promo Book

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Publication day has arrived! I am thrilled to tell you that my new novel, Boomerville at Ballymegille is now available as an e-book and paperback (audible coming soon) and you can download it here:

BOOMERVILLE AT BALLYMEGILLE

The pre-publication reviews are wonderful and I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the bloggers and reviewers who are taking part in the online book launch over the next two weeks.

Boomerville is back!

Join Hattie and Jo as they head to Southern Ireland to open Boomerville Manor, a holiday retreat for guests of ‘a certain age’. There’s Irish craic and shenanigans aplenty for the colourful cast of characters as everyone gathers for the grand opening.

Meet Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. Along with local bobby Harry the Helmet, ageing aquatic team the Boomerville Babes, eccentric artist Lucinda Gray, and heartthrob Finbar Murphy, they gather in Ireland and the fun begins. But murder is in the air and there’s mischief afoot. Will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

Set in the beautiful Irish countryside, ‘Boomerville at Ballymegille’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, fears and new beginnings.

WINNER OF THE ‘TEDDY’ COMPETITION

DRUM ROLL…

I decided that as so many readers entered the draw to win a lovely ‘Teddy’ from Boomerville at Ballymegille, and because your entries were so wonderful, that there will be THREE Teddy puppies heading to new owners. Congratulations to LINDA, KELLY AND KAREN who will all be getting an email confirmation today.

The puppies look forward to their new homes!

PROMO

And because its publication day there is of course a lovely PROMO for you.

You can download the follow up to Boomerville at Ballymegille for only 99p/$1.30 until 15th October by following the link here: 

HATTIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

Find out what Hattie gets up to next…

I’d like to say a huge THANK YOU lovely readers for all your support and I wish you all a safe passage through these difficult times. 

Stay safe and very happy reading.

With love

Caroline xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

Competition Winner, Promo and Recipe
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Competition Winner, Promo and Recipe

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Huge congratulations to Tracey McCann who won this month’s competition. Bertie Bear and his travelling bag, plus a signed copy of The Best Boomerville Hotel are on their way to Tracey.

Look out for the next newsletter, where there is a chance to win ‘Teddy’ the gorgeous puppy from Boomerville at Ballymegille which is publishing on 6th October.

Don’t forget that The Best Boomerville Hotel is currently on promo in the UK and can be downloaded for only 99p

and you can pre-order Boomerville at Ballymegille here:

Boomerville at Ballymegille

Pre-publication reviews from bloggers are wonderful for Boomerville at Ballymegille and I am over the moon and so grateful to book reviewer Jena Henry for her 5* review, which you can read here:

“This is a special story that combines love and hope, with problems and sadness, and encourages the marvelous characters to join together to make life better...”

On my recent travels to Scotland I tried lots of delicious food, especially seafood on the west coast, but this tart is simply the best I have ever tasted and I am thrilled to share the recipe with you. Ecclefechan Butter Tart is very easy to make and absolutely gorgeous – treat yourselves!

Ecclefechan Butter Tart

Download the recipe here: Ecclefechan Butter Tart

I hope that September is a good month for you all and please remember to stay safe, be kind and look after yourselves.

With love

Caroline

xx

BOOKS BY CAROLINE JAMES

(Free on KindleUnlimited)

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Happy Tuesday, stay safe, recipe and book

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Happy Tuesday Everyone

IMG_4447

The sun is shining here and #Lockdown continues. This is just to say that I hope you and your family are keeping well, staying safe and finding your way through this very difficult journey.

There are some amazing stories coming out of this crisis and our homegrown most wonderful news is that of Captain Tom Moore who celebrates his 100th birthday on 30th April and has raised over £27million to date for NHS charities, walking 100 laps of his garden. I’m sure you’ll have a tear in your eye when you watch and listen to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone‘ with Captain Tom & Michael Ball. God bless you, Sir.

IMG_5719
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone”

PROMO BOOK

If you are reading during these days spent at home, I have a flash sale today. Hattie Goes to Hollywood is only 99p /$1.25 and you can download a copy here at Amazon:

HATTIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

RECIPE

I seem to be ‘comfort’ eating whilst stuck at home and if anyone fancies a very quick sweet treat that is so easy to make, grab these few ingredients and you’ll have a Swiss Roll on the table in no time.

2 eggs, 50g caster sugar, 50g self-raising flour*, 100g strawberry jam

Beat eggs & sugar until thick and pale. Fold in flour. Pour into tin 16x 28cm (greased & lined). Bake for 10 -12 mins. Turn out, spread jam, roll up. Eat & enjoy! *add 1 tsp baking powder if using plain flour

Wild garlic is still growing and makes the most wonderful pesto. If you want my recipe, drop me an email.

EXERCISE

The glorious spring weather has enabled me to get out during our one allowed exercise period each day and I’ve dragged my old bike out of the garage and enjoyed some lovely rides on deserted roads and lanes. I hope that you too can enjoy a walk or find something new to do whilst restricted.

Take care, stay safe and look after each other.

With Love

Caroline

xx

 

CAROLINE’S BOOKS (FREE TO READ ON KINDLE UNLIMTED AND AMAZON PRIME)

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June News, promo and win a Bertie Bear
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June News, promo and win a Bertie Bear

Caroline James AuthorLeave a comment

Its newsletter time again folks and I hope that you’re all enjoying the summer.

TALKS

CAROLINE JAMES (PROMO SHOOT 26.06.2018)

 

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:

The Best Boomerville Hotel

99p jpeg copy

COMPETITION

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.

IMG_5558

Simply answer the following question:

Where is Bertie in this picture? There is a clue in the picture.

Email your answer to caroline@carolinejamesauthor.co.uk and you will be entered into the draw and the winner announced on 30th June. I’ll also sign a paperback copy of The Best Boomerville Hotel and add this to the prize. Good Luck!!

IMG_5560

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.

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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 & Me was 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.

canstockphoto29907365

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.

Happy reading,

with love

Caroline x

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www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

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