It’s one of my personal end of year treats to pick out some Independent Authors whose books I have enjoyed – to the hilt.
This year it’s a fabulous clutch that can easily be wrapped (do we really have to use plain brown paper because the other can’t be recycled? But being good, I have two HUGE rolls) and given to relatives, and friends, and they’ll thank you for it.
Entertaining Angels by Anne L Harvey is a collection of short stories of everyday angels. We’ve all met them – those good ‘uns who inspire us by their understated actions, actions that can change lives, or make us do better. This will do the same. Uplifting, absorbing, well written. Atta girl, Anne. Perfect for a Christmas stocking or for any time of year.
Entertaining Angels by Anne L Harvey: ebook 99p and pb £2.99 www.tinyurl.com/y6w6a5ss
The Martyr’s Scorn – a Harry Somers novel by Pamela Gordon Hoad.
The sub title is: Physician and Investigator Harry Somers struggles to secure his future. The story?
To avoid imprisonment in 1450 Harry Somers accepts the protection of the Church and a challenging commission in Winchester. The acquaintances he makes there lead him to investigate distasteful allegations. What’s more he has to make a choice which will have consequences for his future. Long standing enemies menace him, former supporters loyalty is uncertain. I’m not telling you more. Why spoil a good novel.
Written in the first person the author clearly loves this period, and invests in the characters, always a good sign. The dialogue leads one straight into how I imagine that period of time to sound. Lots happening, the pages keep turning. Absolutely give it a go.
The Martyr’s Scorn by Pamela Gordon Hoad pb £8.99 (prime) and kindle
Wonders will never cease by Judi Moore, winner of the Words for the Wounded Georgina Hawtry-Woore Fiction Award with the fabulous and unputdownable Little Mouse
This author’s writing is extraordinarily good, her breadth of vision remarkable as she draws us fluently into Fergus’s world. The understated dry humour runs beneath, sharp as a lemon in a dry gin (and tonic) with as much fizz. Love it, love it.
So what’s it about. Fergus Girvan, a Classicist at Ariel University, world weary, perhaps cynical, (what’s more he has piles and shouldn’t sit on plastic seats – ouch) What’s more he has a right to be cynical, as there’s a bloke who not only snaffles his work, but is intent on doing the same with Fergus’s daughter. How very dare he? But is Fergus as hard done by as we think? Is he perhaps as Machiavellian as his opponent? I’ve no intention of telling you but there’s a lot more going on that at first we think.
Ah, Judi Moore, God bless your talent. Enjoy this everyone – keep it for yourself, eh?
Wonders will never cease by Judi Moore available pb @ £7.99 and kindle.
And yet two offerings from the Words for the Wounded Young Adult Georgina Hawtrey Woore Award with The Kelpie’s Eyes.
Walls of Words by Oliver Eade
This is a collection of short stories inspired by Eade’s travels and connections across the world, and fascinating it is too. The structure is sound, the change of rhythm and dialogue keeps us totally in tune with the area in which he is writing. A book to take on a journey, one you can tuck away when you reach your station, and then start another story further along in your travels. Great stuff, Oliver Eade. I took it with me to London, and on and off tubes, and heaven knows what. It was a good companion. Bravo.
Walls of Words by Oliver Eade. RRP £10.99
And finally a lovely touch.
Stories for Children from Olivia Ruiz Eade and Oliver Eade. A family production, skipping a generation – Gramps and beloved grand-daughter. Ages 7 – 77. The mix gives a vibrancy and immediacy to the writing and subject matter. Olivia’s artwork is a joy. (apparently she takes after her great grandfather; Edward Eade – he’d be proud of you, Olivia)
Lovely, lovely gift for an oldie, or a youngie, and those in between.
Great stuff, you two. Fabulous cover.
Stories for Children – Olivia Ruiz Eade and Oliver Eade. pb £10.99 (prime)