THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM - Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

 I'm thrilled to feature Dana Claire's Reclaimed Kingdom on my blog today. Enjoy reading about his great book and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway towards the end!

 

 

The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire Publisher:  Chamberlain Publishing House (February 14, 2021) Category: Young Adult, Fantasy/Romance Tour dates: April 9-May 31, 2021 ISBN: 978-1792361357 Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages

 Description Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire The Legend is true. The Fear is real.

                            

Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen year old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes. She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.

 

EXCERPT From Chapter 1

"Houses, towns, drinking holes have all been burned to the ground as examples of what can happen if we do not obey. If we don’t fill the queen’s coffers, she fills our caskets.” I laughed mockingly. “She’s a fool, trying to drain dry udders. And you’re a fool blind to the truth.”

Anger rose inside of me, and it wasn’t drawn from the men. This time it ignited from the soles of my heels to the crown of my skull as I relived all that I have known, done, been through, but mostly all I have lost. I shook my head. I didn’t know this man in front of me anymore, and he didn’t know me. “No, you do not care. You lie at night on plush beds, inhaling the scent of fresh linens. You dine on hot savory meals prepared by your servants. You have shelter to shield you from nature’s many moods. Hah! Your purpose today is not to be enlightened but to save your life and those of your men. We are not jesters, here for your entertainment. So how about you save your miserable life, hand over your coinage, and let us on our merry way?”

Advance reviews for Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

"Ms. Claire has such a talent for imaginative magic systems. The Syphon in this series has abilities I have not encountered before. The ability to take emotions and how she deals with them are quite intriguing. In this story, Dru makes an interesting heroine with her contrasts of her life as a brigand and thief with her previous life. She is very much a Robin Hood character without falling into the tired tropes that can come with that. The male main characters are so different. Hawkin is intense and unrefined. Dodge is softer and somewhat of a dreamer. They are both fiercely loyal and capable. The progression of their relationships with each other and Dru has made this a fabulous and compelling story."- Aizlynne, Goodreads 

 

What an exciting, fast paced adventure! I loved this escape into a Robin Hood type world which had a refreshingly different twist. I was drawn into Dru's world from the first page and felt I  was still there when the book ended. 

Courageous   and independent, Dru has a unique talent, which is as much a burden as a gift. I don't want to give too much away, as it would spoil it for anyone who has yet to read the book, but there are many twists and turns before the climax. The two main male characters, Hawkin and Dodge, are so different to each other, but each is charismatic in his own way, and each would do anything to protect Dru. As their past and present relationship with Dru gradually unfolded, I could not help wondering which one of the two Dru would choose - or if she would have either one!

For me, this was a real page turner and I found it hard to put it down. I didn't want the story to end, and when it did, it left me wanting more - a lot more. It's not quite a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave a few questions to be answered, and I will happily be looking forward to reading the second book in the series. (Five Comets)

 

 

About Dana Claire

Author, Dana Claire, believes that a good story is made through strong character development. When readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives, the readers are there for the long haul backing the characters and their emotions. How cool is it to read a book and think about the characters long after you’ve read the last page? She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire, slay a dragon, or use a time machine, there’s a book for that. Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/ Twitter:

https://twitter.com/danaclaire143 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/

Buy Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Amazon IndieBound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on May 28, 2021 at midnight pacific.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

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I have also read the SF Fantasy novel Connection, by the same author, and it is just as exciting and intriguing as 'The Reclaimed Kingdom' although completely different. The characters are just as real and the world-building just as brilliant.

Praise for Connection by Dana Claire

“To begin with The Connection is an interesting book to wrap your head around, the opening chapter leaves patches and mystery which I find a good thing, it dragged me in and made me want to figure out why this dystopian time was like what it was. The main characters name is Beatrice Walker and the story, though not followed from her perspective, is based all around her. After the next couple of chapters, you get the concept of the whole new world and its so bitter sweet and beautifully unusual that you just want to discover more and more about this story. The made-up memories that are written have so much meaning and you get to experience these moments all over again. Then ending is so amazing, Dana Claire really knows how to leave a reader wanting more.”-John Kerry, Let’s Talk Knowledge 

“After the first chapter, I could tell that this book was going to resemble The Lux Series. The lux series is one of my all-time favorites, so I was genuinely interested in seeing where the author takes this story. I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. One thing I was not anticipating was the never-ending action. I loved how there was never a dull moment, as our main characters seemed to never catch a break.  Dana Claire has a way of getting under your skin because Beatrice and Cash have made it to my favourite characters list. I can’t wait to see what the author does next! I really hope it’s the sequel to this novel. That cliff-hanger at the end makes me want to read book two as soon as possible.”- Jessica Marie, The Mermaid Reader 

“Enthralling and well- crafted story. The author’s descriptions are so vivid you feel as though you are in the book. The plot of the story is suspenseful and hard to predict the next move because right when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes into a different direction. Dana Claire took me on a roller coaster of emotions all the way from the first page. I found myself not being able to stop until I completed the book. The Connection is indeed an outstanding and ingenious read. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her books.”- Chinnie N., Amazon 

“Sci-fi fantasy can be challenging, but Author Dana Claire did a fabulous job with this novel. The characters are great. They develop throughout the book in such a powerful way. I love Bea, AND I love her with Cash. The Connection is a book I could not wait to read every day. I loved falling into this story because I thought about the plot even when I wasn’t reading it. A telling sign it’s a great novel!”-Hey It’s Carly Rae

 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Welsh myths and legends - the gwyllion

Hi folks
Continuing my series on Welsh myths and legends, we've concentrated on mythical animals over the last few weeks - so this week I thought we'd have a kind of fairy.

No nice, pretty little fairies though, nor even the rather mischievous Tylwyth Teg, featured a few weeks ago.

No, these fairies are the gwyllion, female fairies, said to be frightfully ugly and scary, who haunt lonely mountain tracks and roads in the Welsh Mountains. They are really more like bad witches. They would lead the unwary traveller astray so that they were hopelessly lost, even if they had travelled the same road before.  One gwyll was reputed to be the ghost of a witch, and to shriek and cry in the Llanhyddel Mountain which she haunted.  A lost traveller upon encountering her, assumed she was a mortal woman and followed her, calling to her to help him find his way, but she led him further and further out of his way, eventually enticing him to a marsh. As she emitted an evil laugh, he realised the cackling sound was not human and drew his knife, whereupon she disappeared, because Welsh ghosts and fairies have an inherent fear of knives.

So should you ever come across an ugly old woman in the Welsh Mountians, be sure to flash a knife, and she will quickly disappear, but should she arrive in your home, treat her kindly, and you will come to no harm.

FREE AUDIOBOOKS
  If you're at a loose end in these strange and rather scary times, there are many great books out there to be read, so why no try a new author.
If you'd like to listen to a book rather than read it, again there are some really great books available in audio.

(You can get my own Destiny Trilogy for FREE.)

GET YOUR FREE CODES NOW:

Starquest: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=starquest
Children of the Mist: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=children+of+the+mist

Beloved Enemy:https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=Beloved+Enemy

Also try this one by the very talented Helen Johannes:

https://www.freeaudiobookcodes.com/book/4911f918-9db3-4733-867a-53e015ec3192

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Myths and legends of Wales - Adar Llwch Gwin

Apologies for there being no post in this series last week - no real excuse except time caught me up and passed me! Anyway the mythcal animals are back this week with the Adar Llwch Gwin (but more about that in a minute. First I want to say I hope all my friends in the U.S. had a very happy Independance Day and also that you are all keeping safe during this horrid pandemic.

Back to the Adar Llwch Gwin and once again, this story is connected to the Arthurian legends.
The name means Bird of dust and wine (Adar - bird, Llwch - dust, and gwin - wine.)  This creature was a ferocious, giant bird, similar to a griffin. They were said to understand the human language and obey every command given to them by their keeper.

The story goes that the Adar Llwch Gwin was given to a warrior named Drudwas ap Tryffin, by his wife, who was also a fairy. Drudwas's father was the King of Denmark and his sister, so the story goes, was a mistress of King Arthur.

Drudwas was about to do battle with Arthur, and commanded the Adar Llwch Gwin to kill the first man to enter the battlefield. As he prepared for the battle, confident that Arthur would be first on the field, his sister delayed the King, and when Drudwas strode out onto the battlefield, the bird turned upon him and tore him to pieces. When it realised what it had done, the Adar Llwch Gwin let out a shrill and mournful wail.

Later, in medieval Welsh poetry, the phrase Adar Llwch Gwin came to describe all kinds of raptors including hawks and falcons, and was the name was also given to men who proved their bravery.

If you haven't yet read (or listened to) The Destiny Trilogy, and would like to see a 'taster', I'm thrilled to have had the covers animated, and a new trailer made for the series, by the talented Morgan Wright, with music by GeeGee Music

Productions.

 

FREE AUDIOBOOKS

 If you're at a loose end in these strange and rather scary times, there are many great books out there to be read, so why no try a new author.
If you'd like to listen to a book rather than read it, again there are some really great books available in audio.
(You can get my own Destiny Trilogy for FREE.)


GET YOUR FREE CODES NOW:
Starquest: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=starquest
Children of the Mist: https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=children+of+the+mist

Beloved Enemy:https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/https://freeaudiobookcodes.com/?q=Beloved+Enemy

Also try this one by the very talented Helen Johannes:

https://www.freeaudiobookcodes.com/book/4911f918-9db3-4733-867a-53e015ec3192

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Holiday shopping made easy!

Well, Halloween is over for another year. Hope you had fun and enjoyed the trick or treating, if you participated. We had several little trick or treaters, and I love to see them in their cute costumes - I didn't realise we had a little 'Dracula' living next door! Of course, there were some sweet treats left over - oh dear, hubby and I will just have to finish them off ourselves!

So now it's time to think about Christmas and buying gifts for friends and loved ones.   why not take a trip to NN Light's Book Heaven Holiday guide.

Over a hundred authors are featured in the Holiday Gift Guide from N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, including the three books in my Destiny Trilogy:

STARQUEST
Love can sometimes be so close there is a danger it might not be recognized until it is too late.

CHILDREN OF THE MIST
The danger to her heart is as real as the danger to her planet.

BELOVED ENEMY
Falling in love with the man she'd sworn to kill wasn't part of her plan.

 Here's that link again NN Light's Book Heaven Holiday guide. You'll find loads of wonderful books there, such a great variety you're sure to find something for everyone - all in one place and easy to click on and purchase!

Check them out now!




For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

I'm being interviewed ...

 I'm featured on Diana Stout's blog today, sharing some 'behind the scenes' titbits about me and my writing.

 Please stop by and say hello, if you have a moment.

https://dianastout.org/2018/09/14/featuring-hywela-lyn-author/

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Giveaways and Author Interviews

Hi lovely readers.

You don't have to be in the U.K. to be in for a chance to win one of the following great prizes. First prize is £150.00 or equivalent Amazon Gift Card or iTunes card!

Also eligible to non UK Residents

Just click on either of the above graphics to go to the site

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

WeWriWar:Starquest - things hot up between Kerry and Jess!

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warrior and 8 Sentence Sunday, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to read and write! We've got a variety of genres and talented writers just waiting for you to come sample their work.

Writers share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet on Sunday each week. Be sure to visit the other writers - they're listed Below:

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

If you'd to share your own 8-10 sentence snippet, whether published or not, follow the link and sign up. It's a great community to be a part of! 

I'm currently sharing excerpts from Starquest, the first of the Destiny Trilogy

This excerpt continues from last weeks' post

Kerry has come to Jess's cabin on board the starship Destiny, having discerned that she is worried about something, and despite the previous coolness between them is keen to clear the air. Finally the emotions they have been trying to keep from each other rise to the surface.

Creative punctuation editing from published version to keep within sentence limitation.

“It seems,” she said, her voice unsteady, “we’ve both been guilty of trying to hide our true feelings—”

“Then...perhaps we’d better make a fresh start." He wrapped his arms around her and she clung to him, finally surrendering to the strange, sweet emotion she had tried to deny. He kissed her, a lingering kiss that sent shock waves through her body, awakening the feelings she had tried to conceal for so long and her lips responded to his with a fierceness that surprised them both.

Several minutes later, with obvious reluctance, he released her, his eyes still not leaving hers. “I only came to make sure you were all right, I should leave now, I have heard of the strictness of the Sisterhood -- I do not wish to risk compromising any sacred vows or beliefs—”

She smiled, touched by his consideration in giving her the chance to back away, while she still could. “I’m a missionary, Kerry, not a nun, the Sisterhood only condemns casual liaisons, not genuine relationships.” She lowered her eyes, “I...I’ve never been in love before, not...not like this, but I know nothing that feels this way could be wrong.” She slipped into his arms once more. He pressed her body close to his, and kissed her again, with a tenderness she would not have imagined him capable of a short while before, and she wondered how she could ever have thought him cold.

STARQUEST (The Destiny Trilogy, Vol. 1)

BLURB: When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen.

Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close that there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late…

Purchase all three books (or just one, they stand alone, while sharing some of the same characters)  at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01MRY3XXT

8 For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

RNA Conference

It's hard to believe that just a week ago I was at the  R N A Conference at Harper Adams University, Shropshire.

It was a packed weekend with talks and workshops that were both enlightening, interesting and entertaining.
I  attended some great talks, among them Janet Gover’ talking about how to manipulate pictures, which I have to admit is something I enjoy playing about with myself!  Then there was a fascinating talk given by Christina Cortenay and Anna Belfrage, who discussed time slip versus time travel. Then there was the panel on how to please (or not to annoy) your editor/publisher...
and I could go on, there was just so much information out there at this conference!

We had a wonderful gala dinner on Saturday evening and wine flowed freely and the food was delicious.

My books in great company on tbe bookstall!

 This was my first RNA conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I learnt a lot, including what to do and what not to do on social media, and how to use graphics etc, etc. I met some old friends and some whom I had only met on-line before. Altogether a fantastic weekend!







For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Happy Valentine's Day

To all my readers and fellow authors, I hope you have a loving and happy Valentines Day

Thank you for your continued support and friendship - 
I love you all!

(If you haven't visited the ABA blog hop yet you only have today to do so - there are some great prizes to be won so don't miss out!)
https://hywelalyn.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/valentines-hop-prizes-and-surprises.html

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Reviews - a great post by Rosie Amber

I'm giving my Monday's ramblings   over to Rosie Amber today. She's written a great post on her blog about reviews - of you're hesitant about leaving a review for a book I think she explains why reviews are so important to an author and need not be a problem to write, very succinctly.

Check out her article here:

https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/4-quick-ways-to-write-a-bookreview-and-overcome-your-fears-mondayblogs/

Also this follow up post by UK author and fellow RNA member, Lizzie Lamb
https://lizzielamb.co.uk/2016/07/30/how-to-write-a-review-and-help-your-favourite-authors/comment-page-1/#comment-7535

And, of course if you've read any of my books and would care to leave an Amazon Review, I would be truly grateful - thank you so much.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join   Every new subscriber will get a free download of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com) Every new subscriber will get a free download of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Monday's Rambles - Spring Fling

Greetings from a wet and miserable UK! It's April and the weather has been very seasonal, yesterday was showery but in between it was beautiful and springlike, so I'm not complaining, no really, I'm not!  

 I'm taking part in the fantastic Spring Fling, with loads of prizes.

"If you’re ready to win one of several prizes, hang on to your hat because it’s time for our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway! For the second year in a row we’re celebrating spring by giving away a slew of prizes that readers love! So get ready, set, go, and enter our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway today and everyday through April 18-30. Meet new authors, find incredible book deals (many free and heavily discounted books by Amazon, NY Times, and USA Bestsellers) in the genres you love! What could you win? How about a Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), A Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1-Year of Amazon Prime ($99), Amazon gift cards ($50, $25, $25), or a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket. Yum!
What: Spring Fling Giveaway. 
When: Apr. 18-30, 2016
$440 in Prizes: 1 – Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), 1 – Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1 – 1-Year Amazon prime ($99), $50, $25, and $25 Amazon eCards, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket ($40). That’s $440 in prizes!

HINT: There is no purchase necessary to win or enter,  but you get BONUS points when you buy a book. So scroll through the book covers and check out the titles that appeal to you. You just might find a new favorite author! Best of all, a portion of your purchase(s) will support Pencils of Promise. Click on the book covers to connect your purchase to Pencils of Promise."

To enter the site click on the banner at the top or 

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2016-spring-fling-giveaway/ 

If you would like to purchase my book, BELOVED ENEMY, scroll down towards the bottom, my book cover is the first cover on the third line from the bottom.   And don't forget, if you buy one of the books on the site you'll not only be eligible to win a prize but you'll be helping 'Pencils Of Promise' and Global Education too.  

Spring crocuses and daffodils

Monday Musings

I can't believe it's well into November and Christmas is only about six weeks away! Where has the year gone! I'm going to bake our Christmas cake today as soon as I finish this.

I love my fellow authors and really enjoy promoting  them on my blog - but I think it's time I started sharing some of myself with you again, so I'm going to try to keep Mondays to chat with you about this and that - and perhaps post up the odd Welsh legend again.

It's been quite an eventful and busy year.  I had the third novel in what has become the Destiny trilogy accepted by the Wild Rose Press and have been busy with edits with my very patient editor, Frances Sevilla, and was thrilled with my lovely cover by the talented Rae Monet, who gave me exactly what I asked for - only better! Hopefully I'll have the release date soon and will be giving a few short 'teasers' here and on my Facebook 'Street Team', where I'll be posting all the news about 'Beloved Enemy' first.  If you'd like to join, just pop along to
https://www.facebook.com/groups/118700921405/  I'll be thrilled to have you on board.

I've also been busy with our new 'rescue' Choccy.  He was pretty hyper when we first had him, as he'd spent most of his life shut up in a box room, and never being taken out for walks or played with until he went to the Blue Cross, who, along with other rescue centres in this country do such sterling work for abandoned, abused and neglected or unwanted animals.  Never having been 'socialised' as a puppy, he tended to bark and spin like a loony when meeting other dogs. I'm glad to say he's a lot calmer now, and doesn't bark so much when we meet

dogs when out and about. We had a few sessions with a
local dog trainer, which we enjoyed very much, and I think that helped a lot.  It was his third birthday yesterday, and he had a good time, with two different types of ball (he loves chasing balls), a nice marrow-bone to chew on and a special chicken dinner. He had a great time and is sleeping it off today, lying behind me on my chair as I type.

I'm doing National Novel Writing Month again  this year,  and am writing a ghost story.  It's completely different to the Destiny series and is very horsey, we'll see how it goes.  I'm actually behind on my word count so I'd better finish this post and get back to it - as soon as I've made my Christmas Cake.

Have a great week!

Thursdays Bits and Pieces

It's been a while since I posted my 'bits and pieces'. I do apologise.  It's been a slightly hectic couple of weeks.

First of all, my beloved little Jack Russell. Bouncer, was taken ill.  At first the vet thought it was a 'mini stroke' but when he didn't improve as expected, he recommended we took him to a veterinary specialist hospital, for a scan, which unfortunately revealed a brain tumour.  Poor Bouncer, he was ill treated before we had him. had a broken hip and pelvis which had been allowed to heal without veterinary treatment, then last year he went blind, and now this.  Although he's on new medication, which seems to have help enormously, and he's almost back to his usual cheeky self, we've been told the tumour will continue to grow, and there's nothing else they can do for him.  So all we can do is treasure whatever time we have left with him, and give him as much love as we possibly can.

On a happier note, last week we adopted two 'feral' cats to do the mousework down the stables.  We've named them George and Katy, in honour of the Royal baby.  They're both jet black, with a little bit of white fur on their chests, and brother and sister. I don't have any actual pictures, as they have to be kept in their pen for three weeks until they get used to us. They're settling down well though, and Bouncer has seen them but for some reason is not terribly impressed! :)

Then, at the weekend, I went to the Festival of Romance in Bedford.  It was a great event, as always, and I met up with many old and new author friends. The Book Fair was a great chance to meet readers, and on Sunday there was a really interesting programme of speakers for the Conference, with Publishers and Agents, AND I had the chance to speak to a lovely editor who liked my first chapter and wants to see the rest! SO I really need to get that WIP finished and polished before I send it to her, so I'm going into the writing cave, I may be a while! :) )Not too long I hope, wish me luck!)

Nicky Wells and me

Sheryl Browne and Nicky

Our hotel

In the evening, after dinner, I went for a walk by the river.  It is beautiful, especially at night.