Today my author spotlight shines on....Teresa Driscoll

I am delighted to welcome to Jaffareadstoo Teresa Driscoll and to congratulate her on the publication of her second novel.

**Happy Publication Day**

Bookouture
25 March 2016

A warm welcome to you Teresa and thank you for spending time with us today...

 Author Teresa Driscoll shares her thoughts on writing her second Bookouture novel 

Last Kiss Goodnight.

That difficult second book?

I’m not going to pretend it isn’t different. Publishing my second novel, I mean.

In the book world, it is often referred to as ‘that difficult second book’ and I get where everyone is coming from.

With your first novel, you can take as long as you like to write it. You can spend as long as you like tweaking and polishing before you submit to agents and publishers. But for the second novel, there is this whole new professional environment in which you are suddenly working. 

It is a bit like planning a gorgeous wedding and then suddenly realising that you have to be married…every day. Once you get over the euphoria of a book deal, you suddenly realise you have to be a ‘proper author’ ...every day. 

Oh – you mean I actually have to live with my husband now?

Oh – you mean I actually have to write another book?

I jest, of course. I’ve been very happily married for nearly 25 years and being an author is the most beloved job in the world. It is a joy and an absolutely privilege. But it is a job (which involves the ‘work’ word) so the adjustment I have made as so many authors before me, is building in the discipline to manage my different responsibilities all at once. Editing the new writing while marketing the published work. Learning to juggle efficiently. 

Thankfully I had the idea for this second novel and a very rough first draft already on my desk when I published my first book Recipes for Melissa. So as I was marketing my debut, I was already working on the next draft of Last Kiss Goodnight. And as I now join in the promotion of my second book, I am working hard on a new manuscript. It is a rolling road that I am now thankfully getting used to without quite so much wobbling!

What I don’t think will ever change for me is the joy of the actual writing. As I go forward now I know exactly what is key for me and that is to make sure that each book I write stems from something I feel passionately about. I always start with the theme. Something that really matters to me. Then the words just flow. Then it never feels like work.

Last Kiss Goodnight, for instance, grew out of a haunting, really. When I was a TV reporter many years ago, I was sent to a campaign launch near the House of Commons. A group of women were releasing balloons – each one representing a child who could not be found. The estrangements were varied but all the mothers’ stories were heart-breaking.

I have never forgotten watching those balloons. That’s how I came to write this book about lost children and the power of a mother’s love. A theme that really moved me…and one that has stayed with me.

And so now it’s on to the next book. 

I am hoping they call it the ‘easy third book’!

About the Author

Teresa Driscoll is a former BBC TV news presenter with 25 years' experience across newspapers, magazines and broadcasting. After training as a newspaper reporter, she joined Thames TV for five years before 15 years as the anchor of the BBC's south west regional TV news programme Spotlight.

Find Teresa on her website

Visit her Facebook page

Follow on Twitter @TeresaDriscoll

Amazon UK

My thanks to Teresa for sharing her thoughts about that 'difficult second book'

and to Kim at Bookouture for her help with this interview.

~***~

Review ~ The Widow by Fiona Barton

Random House UK Transworld Publishers
Bantam Press
January 14 2016

Sometimes a book hits my book radar long before it's published and there has been a fair amount of hype on social media about The Widow, so my expectation was high long before I started to read what is being hailed as the psychological thriller of 2016. Despite the hype, I always try to have an open mind about any book I read, preferring, where I can, to make up  my own mind.

And so to The Widow, which, for me, has all the elements of a highly inventive story. The eponymous widow, Jean Taylor, is our guide over much of the story, she's the quintessential unstable narrator, because, as the books flips around in time, we are never quite sure of what to make of her. We know at the very start of the novel that her husband, Glen, is dead, that comes as no spoiler, after all, the clue is in the title, but, as this rather tragic story starts to unfold, do I really believe Jean’s version of events, can I reconcile what’s happening behind closed doors, with the naivety of a woman who disregards her husband’s rather bizarre behaviour as his bit of ‘nonsense’?

I am quite taken with this newly emerging domestic noir genre, and I quite believe that The Widow is up there with the best of them. It’s a clever book, well controlled but not overly demonstrative. It has a quiet confidence and a really subtle touch, and the narrative very quickly draws you into a story of two people who are each superbly flawed, and it must be said, totally unlikable, but for very different reasons. Glen Taylor has no redeeming features, he’s dark and dirty, a dangerous manipulator who schemes and plans and ever so subtly undermines everything that is right and proper. And then there’s Jean the widow, alone, vulnerable, carrying secrets and making up lies, twisting the truth, planning small victories as she sees them, but with long reaching repercussions. 

I’m not going to tell you anything about the plot, counter plot and all the manipulations that occur as that would be to do the author a complete disservice. What I will say is that I read the story quickly, starting it early one morning as heavy clouds overhead started to snow, and so the coldness of the story started to seep into my bones, and I found that I couldn’t leave the book alone until, with tired eyes, I had read the story in one sitting.

Some people have felt a bit let down by the ending, but I think that it was a perfectly acceptable way to wrap up the story. I agree that’s there’s no dramatic dénouement, but for me that’s where the strength of the story lies, in the multi-layered minutiae of ordinary lives, which should have been oh, so normal and yet, which, in the final analysis, went horribly wrong.

Best read with honey laced, frothy hot milk and chunks of bitter chocolate.

 About the Author

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam Press

for my copy of The Widow.

~***~

**Blog Tour** The Secret by the Lake ~ Louise Douglas

Jaffareadstoo is delighted to be today's host on the

The Secret by The Lake Blog Tour

Black Swam (Transworld)
November 19 2015

When The Secret by the Lake opens, in 1931, we have a tantalising glimpse into something which happened in the past before going forwards to 1961, to a time thirty years later when Amy is the treasured nanny to Viviane, and is living with Alain and Julia in an idyllic location in France. Peaceful summers spent on the French coast and in an apartment in an affluent suburb of Paris come to an abrupt halt when Amy is recalled home to care for her grandmother. But tragedy doesn’t end there and Amy is soon needed again, this time to care for Viviane in very difficult circumstances. Reservoir Cottage, in the village of Blackwater, in Somerset is now home to Viviane and Julia, it’s a place where heartbreak and misfortune sit awkwardly on the edge of a lonely expanse of water, and the darkness of the water, mirrors the forsaken atmosphere of Reservoir Cottage.

What then follows is a deliciously creepy novel, which looks at the dynamics of family secrets. It’s a story of lives lost and of the tangled webs of malice which have been allowed to fester and which continue to twirl and dance in long forgotten shadows. In many ways, it is a profoundly sad book, and I won't enlighten you any further on that matter, but underneath the malice is a far gentler story, that of Amy's burgeoning attraction to Daniel, a young man of principle, who offers hope in dark times.

There is no doubt that Louise Douglas has the ability to take the reader by the hand, and believe me, a comforting hand to hold is very welcome during parts of this unhappy story. And as you embark on an adventure that feels so authentically real, you have to occasionally tear yourself away from the words on the page and look up to see the sky and the clouds scudding by, just to reaffirm that normal life is still going on around you. It’s been a long time since I read a book that had such a prowling malevolence which gets under your skin and creeps into the corners of your mind and really plays with your thoughts, until you can’t help but be completely taken in by what is unfolding on the page before you.

This is now the sixth book that this talented author has presented for our delectation and for fans, like me, she can’t write them quick enough. If you haven’t allowed yourself the pleasure of reading one of this fine author’s books, then you could pick any one of her stories, open it at random and read a page and if you don’t want to go back to the beginning and read more, well, I would be very surprised!

Best read with....a large glass of Tanqueray Gin ...and a comforting packet of cheese and onion crisps.

For your delectation...

    

About the Author

Find Louise on her website
Follow her on Twitter @LouiseDouglas3
And find her on her Facebook page

My thanks to Louise Douglas and Kim Nash for the kind invitation to join in with this exciting

Blog Tour.

And to Jan at BeadyJansBooks for her kindness in passing on her proof copy of this book.





~***~

Review ~ Secrets of the Tower by Debbie Rix

20 March 2015
Bookouture

Love. Passion. An incredible legacy

Two women separated by time, experience the beautiful city of Pisa in a story which abounds with duplicity, passion and the temptation of marital infidelity. In 1999, Sam reacts to the news of her husband, Michael’s infidelity with sadness and confusion, which is made all the more poignant by discovering her husband has been taken seriously ill whilst making a documentary film about the iconic  Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

In twelfth century Pisa, Berta di Bernardo is the young, pampered wife of a rich merchant, who becomes enamoured by Geraldo, a young mason employed to work on Pisa’s new campanile. Berta’s unusual interest in the complexities of the campanile’s architecture and of the internal politics connected with its construction make for fascinating reading.

What then follows is a cleverly researched and well written story which succeeds in bringing both the past and present to life. The clear distinctions between time frames allow the stunning city of Pisa to come gloriously alive, and whether walking its medieval streets in the company of Berta and her maid, Aurelia, or watching Sam pick up ice cold frappes and shopping for clothes in the modern day piazzas, the sense of time and place is authentic and really rather beautiful.

There is no doubt that this is a commendable debut novel. The author has a real gift for storytelling and by using her own experiences of modern day Pisa, she allows Sam and Michael’s very modern marriage dilemma to be played out with an authenticity which is both poignant and thought provoking. And yet for me, the real heart and soul of the novel was played out in the thoughts and feelings evoked by the twelfth century protagonists and of the constrictions placed on women. Keeping company with Berta and Aurelia as they go about their daily business made for compelling reading and certainly kept me turning the pages long into the night to see just how their story would play out.

Pisa, both past and present comes alive with a lovely authenticity and the story sits comfortably within its dual time frame. I am sure Secrets of the Tower will appeal to historical fiction fans everywhere, and it’s certainly a book to load onto a reading device should you be heading to Italy on holiday.

My thanks to Netgalley and Kim Nash at Bookouture for my ecopy

of

Secrets of the Tower

~***~

Three NetGalley Reviews .....

Harper Collins UK
Blue Door
2014

This is one of those lovely seasonal stories which combines the best of story telling with the added bonus, for me , of including references to knitting!

After being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved by her desire to take out her despair in the garments that she lovingly knits. But as the many knitted bobble hats and tea cosies threaten to engulf her, Sybil finds that life sometimes throws up an unexpected salvation. Forced to make a hasty exit from work, Sybil runs away to the idyllically named village of Tindledale. There she finds her heart’s desire in the shape of Hettie’s House of Haberdashery where in the world of needle craft and knitting, Sybil  finds her true raison d’être.

I loved this book from the start, it’s heart warming without being clichéd, and shows that escaping into a good book really does take away the blues.

Penguin Books UK
2014

Following on from The Midwife's Daughter, Aren't We Sisters? is a gripping novel about buried secrets and unlikely friendship.

Using her medical skills in the controversial subject of birth control, Lettie Quick is inspired by the work of Dr Marie Stopes, whose pioneering work on the subject of female contraception was deemed to be contentious in the extreme. But Lettie cares passionately for the women who are brave enough to visit her and tries to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Spinster, Norah Thornby is facing the dilemma of being unable to afford to live in her grand family home. She wonders whether taking in a lodger would help to alleviate the problem. Beautiful, Rae Granger needs a place to say and an isolated house which is miles away from civilisation is the perfect place for her to stay until her secret can be taken away. On the surface, these three women have little in common, but when killer starts to circulate, the web of deadly secrets start to become tangled together.

What then follows is an insightful look at British attitudes to relationships during the 1930s. It shows how the difference in class and culture very often marked the way that life treated women and yet there were often similarities in the way they were perceived by society.

I think Aren't We Sisters would be better enjoyed if you read The Midwife’s Story first as it gives a better understanding of both time and place.

Random House UK, Transworld Publishers
2014

When ten year old Noel Bostock is evacuated out of London during the Blitz, he is sent to live with Vera Sedge, whose own precarious position suggests that she is not the ideal companion for an impressionable child. However, the strange combination works and Vera, ever one for seizing the main chance, finds an unlikely ally in Noel, as together they devise a plan to make some money. But their plan is not without danger and unscrupulous forces, also out to profit by the war, are out to get them.

I loved the relationship between Vera and Noel, both are deeply flawed characters, but together there is the recognition of two kindred spirits finding each other in the most unlikely of circumstances. 

Wartime London is captured perfectly, as is the indecisiveness of living through such an uncomfortable time. The need we all have for love and support comes across very well, as does the humour, both poignant and emotional, and of the extraordinary lengths people will go to in order to survive the worst of chaos.

 My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read these books.

***

Review ~ Cold Feet at Christmas by Debbie Johnson

Harper Fiction UK
Harper Impulse

Kindle -6 November 2014
Paperback - 4 December 2014

After discovering her fiancé in a scandalous situation with one of her bridesmaids, Leah Harvey flees the scene of her idyllic winter wedding and runs headlong into the cold and freezing night of a Scottish winter. Hopelessly lost and heading towards hypothermia, Leah makes for a small beacon of light in a deserted cottage, only to fall headlong into the arms of Roberti Cavelli, the most delicious looking man she has ever seen.

What then follows is a light and easy read and about the ups and downs of relationships; the ones we win and the one we let get away. The whole story is written with a lovely, light touch and what could so easily have become clichéd and corny becomes a wryly observant story about the vagaries of human behaviour. You sort of know where the story is heading from the beginning, but Leah and Rob, never make it easy for themselves, and on the whole their behaviour helps to make the journey through the story lively and entertaining.

If you’re looking for a feel good read to take your mind of the inevitable Christmas shopping queues, then settle down with a large mug of hot chocolate and a skinny blueberry muffin and escape with Leah to the Scottish Highlands.

My thanks to Harper Fiction for my copy of this book.

About the Author

Review ~ The Summoning: A Supernatural Dark Fantasy by F G Cottam

Severn House Publishing
May 2014

This epic dark fantasy sees the start of a new series of supernatural stories, set in the shadow land and takes the reader into a dark world of mystery and ancient magic.

Adam Parker is a young archaeological student working on an historical site in an ancient Scottish forest. When he finds a mysterious artefact, he is unintentionally drawn towards it and yet has no reason to understand why he feels so strongly about the connection – however, it is a sign that Adam’s life as he knew it, is about to change forever, and his summons to the shadow place is about to fulfil his destiny. 

The story starts off fairly innocuously but as with all horror, there is an underlying darkness which helps to keep you on the edge of your seat. The strands of the story are cleverly woven together so that everything starts to come together and as the modern and the ancient worlds start to interweave, the two worlds collide into a believable fantasy. The added inclusion of a romantic triangle between Adam and two of his archaeological colleagues adds an interesting dimension to the story and watching how they all fit into the bigger picture is fascinating.

What follows is a creepy and decidedly scary horror story, a genre at which this author excels, and who skilfully holds the reader in the palm of his hand. Reminiscent, at times, of the early work of Phil Rickman, whose work I enjoy, this story starts off slowly, and then builds to a crescendo but which ultimately leaves the ending ready for the continuation of this shadowy story in future books.

 My thanks to Severn House Publishers and NetGalley for my e-copy of this book.

 About the Author

*~*~*~

The Boy That Never Was by Karen Perry

Penguin Books UK

With the ebullience of youth, artists Harry and Robin immerse themselves in the colourful and decadent splendour of life in Tangier. When their baby Dillon is born he slots into their life with gratifying ease and yet, an overwhelming irresponsible act by Harry will have devastating consequences. In a momentary lapse of judgement, Harry leaves Dillon sleeping and unsupervised in their Tangier apartment during a devastating earthquake. When Harry returns home, both the building and Dillon are gone.

What then follows is a story about reparation and punishment as Harry seeks to atone for his reckless lapse of judgement and even as Robin tries to remain uncritical; her own culpability needs to be addressed. Returning back to their native Dublin, the couple seek to rebuild their lives, but however far they stray from the truth of that dreadful night in Tangier, Dillon remains in the shadowy recesses of both their minds. Harry’s refusal to believe that Dillon is dead is the driving force of this compelling story.

The story unfolds in alternate chapters and both Robin and Harry’s examination of what happened in Tangier makes for fascinating reading.  There are cracks and fissures in their seemingly stable marriage, and as the secrets and lies are gradually exposed, there really can be no hiding place for them.

The author does a really good job at keeping the tension both credible and tight, and as the mystery of what happened in Tangier gradually unfolds, the psychological damage inflicted remains a forceful part of the story.

I enjoyed it and look forward to more books by this author.

My thanks to Penguin Books UK and NetGalley for my copy of this book

Review ~ Precious Thing by Colette McBeth

St Martin's Press
2014

This book delves into the minutiae of friendship and trawls through the almost impossible situation when one friend seemingly acts completely out of character, leaving the other bereft of feeling. Rachel and Clara are childhood friends who once declared that they would be friends forever and yet when a catastrophic event happens; it brings into dispute everything that was once thought was true about their friendship.

This is a difficult book to truly analyse as it throws up several anomalies about the unreliability of both narrator and perpetrator which is quite an interesting way of telling such a complex tale. However, there is much to take in; both in the way the story develops and also the way in which the characters are exposed and I think that to give too much away would be to spoil overall impact of the story for future readers.

I suppose what I must take away from the story, is that however well we think we understand someone, there is always the possibility that life can throw up a few unexpected surprises and not all of them will be pleasant ones.

My thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my review copy of this book.

Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester

The Story Plant
13 May 2014

Steven Manchester

My thoughts on Pressed Pennies

“Find a penny, pick it up and all that day you’ll have good luck"

Two old friends, with a special connection, meet again after years of heartbreak. Both are filled with trepidation at the start of an exciting new love affair, which in a way feels so right, and yet, even as ripples of anxiety threaten their new found dreams, they can only hope that their special connection this second time around will survive whatever life throws at them.

Pressed Pennies is written with the author’s usual fine attention to the minutiae of life and the believable characters with all their imperfections and hang ups make this book an absolute joy to read. What I loved about the novel, and I read it over the space of a couple of afternoons, was the way the author was able to narrate the story from a realistic female perspective without ever compromising his leading male viewpoint. In my opinion, very few male authors manage to achieve this, with the exception of Nicholas Sparks.

This is now the third Steven Manchester book I have read and this one is, by far, my favourite, it is warm hearted without being overly sentimental, and utterly engaging without the saccharine sweetness which can very easily become cloying.

It’s a perfect read for a quiet afternoon, with a cup of hot tea and a classic radio station playing quietly in the background.

***

Pressed Pennies excerpt

A mix of playful conversation and alcohol set the night’s happy mood. Rick was tipping his third beer at the season’s final bash when he looked up and saw her. He nearly choked on his drink. She was his age, pretty with an athletic build. She had gorgeous wavy chestnut hair with beautiful dark eyes that matched. She had a mysterious confidence about her and a smile that men would die for. Rick swore she had an aura from her head to her feet. At that moment, he thought, I have to meet her. His mind filled with questions that needed answers: Who does she know at the party? Who can I get her background from? Who can introduce us? As his mind raced, Carol walked over with the beauty. And as they got closer, it hit him. “Oh, my God!” he said.

“Rick, this is…” the friendly hostess began to introduce with a smile.

“Abby!” Rick interrupted. “I can’t believe it.” It was her. It was Abby Gerwitz, his childhood sweetheart. He searched her eyes and a thousand memories—happy childhood pictures—flooded his mind. And then he recalled the pain he’d felt on the day they were forced to say goodbye.

After an unforgettable summer, Abby and the neighborhood gang received the terrible tidings. Rick—then known as Richard—gathered the gang in his backyard. He felt ready to cry. “I’ve got some bad news, guys,” he said.

“Oh, God,” Tracy blurted.

“Yeah?” asked Vinny.

“What’s is it?” Grant asked.

Richard looked at Abby. She was frozen.

“My dad was promoted to lieutenant, and he has to transfer to another prison across the state.” There was a long, painful pause. “We’re going to have to move away…next week.”

It was a lie. They were moving, sure enough, but Richard’s dad hadn’t been promoted. The hospital bills from his mom’s car accident—where a drunk driver had stolen away her life—had finally broken them. It was a matter of money or more precisely the lack of it. Richard silently vowed that he’d never be put in the same position—ever. No matter what I have to do, he swore to himself.

While the rest of his friends hung their heads and complained, Abby burst out crying and ran for her house.

As Rick recalled, it was well past midnight when he finally surrendered to the tossing and turning. Rolling out of bed, he maneuvered past several moving boxes, stepped up to the window and pulled back the curtain. Wilbur Avenue was deserted and silent. From left to right—as if he was branding the picture into his mind forever—he carefully scanned every detail of the place he could no longer call home. Although one good memory after another played out before him, a sharp pain pricked his heart. No one was watching, so he allowed the tears to flow. Once he’d arrived at the farthest reaches of his vantage point, he forced his swollen eyes to work their way back and absorb more of his past. “Why do we have to leave?” he muttered. “Why?” Before long, his shoulders rocked back and forth to the rhythm of his quiet sobs.

The very next morning, gray clouds hovered over Wilbur Avenue. Richard’s dad and grandma made their goodbyes quick and waited in the overstuffed station wagon for Richard.

Richard had never said goodbye before. The pain was alien. It hurt something awful to face Abby. Overwhelmed with emotion, it took him a while to speak. It was the hardest thing he had ever had to do.

“Well, I guess…” Richard muttered, and choked on the words. Not knowing what else to do, he pulled the curled brim of his ball cap down further over his eyes.

Through sniffles, Abby finally said, “You can come back and visit, right?”

“Sure.” Richard was fighting to be strong and dared not speak more than a word.

Abby lifted the brim of his hat. “Goodbye, Richard,” she whimpered.

Richard placed his hand on her shoulder and shook his head. “No Abby…I’ll be seein’ ya,” he whispered, and with one surge of courage kissed her on the lips.

While Abby’s eyes went wide, he pulled his baseball cap back over his eyes, jumped into the family station wagon and never looked back. One cruel moment later, the Giles family drove away.

Though Richard and Abby promised to keep in touch, frequent phones calls and detailed letters gradually became an occasional event until adolescence rearranged priorities and their communication ceased altogether.

Back in the present, Abby gasped. “Richard? Is it really you?”

Rick grinned. “It’s Rick now,” he said.

Her smile turned mischievous. “Okay, Richard.”

He stood to meet her embrace and squeezed her tight. “My God, it’s been so long. How have you been?”

She pulled away to peer into his eyes and, without a word, returned to their embrace.

While they hugged over the unexpected reunion, Carol was clearly pleased with herself—as if she’d known there was history between them. “Abby just moved into the neighborhood, Rick…three houses down from us. It appears that you two have a lot in common, so I’ll leave you to it.” Carol smiled widely before strutting away.

“So you’re living on Freedom Avenue now…near these crazy people?” Rick asked. He couldn’t believe it, but his palms were actually sweaty. He looked into her sparkling eyes and experienced arrhythmia for the first time in his life.

“I am,” Abby said before looking down at his left hand and then back into his eyes. “You’re not married?” she asked, blushing slightly over the impulsive question.

“Happily divorced,” he answered.

“Then you must have a creep for an ex-husband too?” she teased. Her tone was gentle and there was a soft light playing around her eyes.

“I do,” Rick said. “His name’s Rose.”

Abby chuckled and took the seat beside her old friend. Her laugh was absolutely contagious.

For a few moments, neither spoke a word. And then Abby’s face blushed again when Rick caught her staring. She looked away. Rick was thrilled over the obvious chemistry between them.

Rick cracked open a fresh beer and offered it to her. His hands were almost trembling. No one has ever had this effect on me, he thought. No one. He was legitimately nervous.

She shook her head. “Thanks, but I don’t like beer,” she said, and then stared straight into his soul. “So you did the divorce thing too, huh?”

He shrugged. “I did. Seems like the ‘in thing’ these days.”

“Any kids?” she asked, shifting from one hip to the other.

Rick’s eyes lit up. “Zachary…the love of my life. He just turned two.” He took a swig of beer. “I’m thinking about getting him a bigger bowl.”

Abby’s eyebrow rose in confusion.

“Zachary’s my gold fish,” Rick explained, chuckling.

Even through the laughter, Abby kept staring. At one point, she slid closer to him.

Her presence felt so comfortable and familiar to Rick. “And you… any kids?” he asked.

“Paige,” Abby answered, with the same twinkle in her eyes. “She’ll be nine next week…just old enough to be brokenhearted.”

Rick nodded. “Boy problems?”

“No. Daddy problems.” She shook her head, the twinkle gone. “Her father hasn’t made a whole lot of time for her lately,” she explained.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” As a light drizzle began to fall, Rick leaned into Abby’s face. She smelled as good as she looked.

Abby nodded, but quickly changed the subject. “So how long have you known Carol?” she asked.

“Too long,” Rick answered with a smirk. “Actually, I met Danny in college and met Carol after their first date. He was my business colleague for a while. He and Carol have been together for almost three years now. She’s great. She loves Danny’s two boys like they’re her own.”

“Business colleagues?”

“Investments. Stocks, bonds… really, really important stuff like that,” he added, sarcastically.

“You two still together?” she asked.

“Nope. Danny and I have broken up. I recently discovered that I liked sunshine a little more than fluorescent light.” He thought for a moment. “I just started doing some consulting work, and I write a little now.”

“You do? That’s great!” Abby said. She smiled like an angel. “I’d love to see some of your writing.”

Rick’s skin tingled over the suggestion.

Beneath a wet sky, the rest of the night was spent getting caught up. For Rick, it felt like old times—even though he had no idea who Abby was as an adult.

They reminisced first about Rick’s grandma and father. “So how are they?” Abby asked. “I always loved them, you know.”

He smiled. “Dad lives in New Hampshire now, working with delinquent kids.”

She smiled, her head cocked. “Did he ever remarry?”

“No. He’s never stopped loving my mom enough to pursue another woman. I guess in his own way he still grieves her death.”

Abby’s mouth twisted slightly, forming itself into a frown; she was clearly touched by the undying love the man had for his wife.

“I think Grandma’s right,” Rick added. “When my dad passes, I’m betting that he and my ma will spend eternity making up for lost time.”

Abby nearly cooed at the sweet sentiment. “I’ll never forget his dog, Roy,” she said.

Rick took a sip of beer and chuckled. “Believe it or not, he actually has Roy’s grandson now—Ray.”

She shook her head and laughed. “Roy and now Ray. What was the dog’s name in between?”

“Screw Up.”

Abby was sent into a state of hysterics.

Rick shrugged and laughed along with her.

“And Grandma?” she asked, regaining her composure.

Rick nodded. “Still spry and spunky…just a really cool person. You know her motto: ‘The body doesn’t wear out, it rusts.’ She’s still listening to her music and raising holy hell.”

Abby smiled at the familiar phrase.

“And she got married,” Rick said.

“Married?”

“Yep. His name is Bill Stryker and they’re perfect for each other.” He took another swig of beer. “She still makes me sit for dinner every Sunday.” Rick then asked about Abby’s parents.

There was a sad pause. “My mom passed away,” Abby said, “from a lack of purpose, I’d say. And I haven’t spoken to my father for a few years now.” She tried to shake off the pain. “We no longer share a relationship… just some really bad memories. I imagine he’s still committing suicide the long way.”

“Drinking?”

“Yup, still doing laps in his bottle.”

Rick put his beer on the table and quickly changed the subject.

“Have you heard from any of the old Wilbur Avenue gang?”

Abby’s smile returned. “From what I hear, Vinny became an attorney and is living with his wife in Vermont.” She thought for a moment. “I don’t know how anyone could stand to live with him.”

Rick laughed.

“Tracy became a psychologist and moved to Utah.”

“Married?” Rick asked.

“A-sexual, I think.”

They both laughed. Rick couldn’t stop staring at her great smile and adorable dimples.

“Actually, I heard she lives with her lesbian lover and goes by the new name Cheyenne.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

Abby shook her head.

“Good for her,” Rick said.

“But I haven’t heard anything about Grant,” Abby added.

Rick leaned forward. “You’re not going to believe this, but the first day I walked into college…there was Grant talking to some pretty, unsuspecting freshman.”

Abby shook her head.

“I still see him every Tuesday night,” Rick said. “We shoot a little pool and a whole lot of bull.”

She was shocked. “How is he?”

“The same…emotionally amputated; socially challenged.”

As the laughter continued, she asked, “Do you remember the last time your dad brought us all to Lincoln Park? Believe it or not, I still think about that sometimes.”

“Are you kidding?” Rick said. “I could live a hundred lifetimes and never forget that day!” And without his permission, his mind immediately raced back to the smack of screen doors and the echoes of foolish, barefooted children running toward the future.

As a going away gift to Richard and his friends, Jim Giles announced, “I’m treating you all to Lincoln Park.” It was a local amusement park that was famous for its epic Easter egg hunts and The Comet—the largest and most feared roller coaster on the East Coast. The park also had the reputation of hosting some lifelong memories from early spring until late fall.

Jim Giles pulled the station wagon into the front of the park and shut off the ignition. From sheer excitement, the back doors flew open and Richard, Abby, Grant, Tracy and Vinny piled out like a trained circus act. They waited. Jim Giles never opened his door.

Richard ran around to his father’s window. “Aren’t you comin’, Dad?” he asked, still resentful over their upcoming move.

Jim handed his son some money and winked. “This is your day,” he said, and then looked at Abby beside Richard. “Stay together, all right?”

They both nodded. “Absolutely,” said Richard. “I’ll be seein’ ya.”

“We will,” Abby promised.

Richard’s father smiled. “Meet me back here at six,” he said, and drove away from the curb.

The gang watched as the wood-paneled wagon disappeared into traffic. They looked at each other and smiled. They’d been set loose for one last hoorah. This entire day was going to be their last great adventure together. Past the roller-skating rink and bowling alley out front, they sprinted toward the ticket gate.

Murals of smiling clowns holding balloons and lollipops beckoned them inside. A hand stamp cost five dollars and fifty cents and allowed them to ride all the rides for the day. Once paid, the land of thrill seekers, big crowds and long lines opened up to them. “That’s expensive,” Richard blurted, while Grant discreetly talked Tracy into paying his fare.

Three steps in and a slew of stimuli nudged them into a frenzy of squeals and high-fives. Flashing lights, carnival sounds and joyous screams filled the park. From popcorn to vomit, the smells were overwhelming. A world of vivid colors—dark reds and yellows and blues—covered everything. One look around, and it was clear that romance could blossom here, as well. Richard glanced over at Abby to find her staring at him. Smiling to himself, he turned, waved his friends toward him and ran for the rides. “Come on!”

Everyone took chase.

The gang worked its way through the park. Hidden speakers spouting the moans and wails of ghouls and mutants soon had them standing before The Monster Ride. “Looks like Old Lady MacDonald’s place,” Richard said and everyone agreed. Those who dared to ride were greeted by gaudy, lurking statues of hideous creatures with horns, sharp teeth and insane eyes. Of course, to the older, more discerning eye, the giant plaster of Paris knick-knacks were no less than absurd.

Richard led his friends toward the unknown. Tracy wouldn’t hear of it. “Come on, Scaredy-Cat,” Grant taunted. It didn’t matter. No matter how much teasing they heaped on, Grant and Vinny were forced to share a car. Abby had already jumped in with Richard.

From the moment the car hit the double doors and entered pitch darkness, Abby shut her eyes and never opened them. While hideous mannequins waited in the shadows, the car took jerky turns on a squeaky track. “Eeeek,” Abby squealed, while Richard did his best not to laugh. Through all the screaming, the smells of the midway wafted in, while several rays of sunlight streamed through the cracks in the old, wooden boards. Though these reminded everyone that his or her plight was surreal and only temporary, it still didn’t matter in the belly of the beast. At one point, Abby placed her trembling body against Richard’s.

He’d never felt such warmth. His whole body tingled and he instinctively tightened his grip. It was almost a hug. A swarm of butterflies fluttered in his guts, but even in the blackness he couldn’t bring himself to kiss her. He just couldn’t do it.

As the car came crashing through another set of double doors and back into reality, Richard and Abby released each other. Through squinted eyes, they exchanged a grin. The crush was their little secret.

Once Rick returned to their conversation, he looked hard into Abby’s eyes and his Adam’s apple took forever to travel south. “Those were definitely the days,” he said.

She nodded. “Find a penny, pick it up and all that day you’ll have good luck.”

“As long as it’s heads up,” he added, with a grin.

Between the conversation and shared laughter, the entire night seemed to last all of three seconds.

© Steven Manchester

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My thanks to the author for providing this excerpt of Pressed Pennies.



Pressed Pennies is available from 13th May 2014.
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

Review ~ Spilt Milk by Amanda Hodgkinson

Penguin Books

February 2014

From the beginning of this book I was completely taken into another world, to one of rural deprivation and where family secrets run as deep as the river which runs alongside the tumble down cottage which is home to the enigmatic Marsh sisters. In 1913, spinster sisters Nellie and Vivian Marsh eke out a bleak existence in the isolated Suffolk hamlet where dark secrets from their past are set to overshadow the whole of their lives. Fast forward to 1939 and London barmaid Birdie Farr’s story becomes inextricably linked with that of the Marsh sisters and as tendrils of the past start to intertwine, you know that life for Birdie will never be the same again.

The story unfolds almost like beautiful cinematography; sometimes in slow motion and at other times in fast freefall. Time and place are captured so perfectly that I could sense the languorous heat of the summer hay field and felt the fast flow of the river as it took the Marsh secrets away.

Beautifully written, this story really gets into the heart of soul of relationships; the love and rivalry between sisters is captured in tortuous detail and the heartbreaking  pain of unrequited love lingers in hidden corners.

Without doubt Spilt Milk is real joy to read and it is a story which will stay with me for a very long time.

Highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for my review copy of this book.

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Review ~ This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash

January 30 2014

Random House UK, Transworld Books

As the story opens, twelve year old Easter and her six year old sister, Ruby live in foster care following the unexpected death of their mother. Their short lives have been blighted by unpredictable and capricious behaviour and even living in a state owned facility does nothing to allow them the comfort of normality. Their errant father, Wade, a washed up minor league baseball player, appears back in the girl’s lives; ostensibly to take care of them, but having once signed away his rights to his daughters, the authorities now take a grim look at his behaviour and refuse his request, reasoning that his demand is not entirely in the girls’ best interest. Unaccustomed to taking no for an answer Wade decides that he’s just going to damn the consequences, and take them anyway. However, Wade is about to discover that this is easier said than done, especially as Brady Weller, the state appointed guardian is on hot on his case, along with Robert Pruitt, a vengeful and volatile man who has his own score to settle with Wade.

The story is told by three very different narrators, namely Weller, Pruitt and Easter who each have their own distinctive way of making the story come alive. Ultimately, it’s the story of a broken family, who have been shattered into pieces by broken dreams and long forgotten promises. Easter’s character is sensitively portrayed, she is a child who is way too old, and yet speaks with a poignant authority as she stands up for herself and Ruby. Wade is a profligate mess, a petty criminal who is deeply immersed in both regret and ruined ambition. We know him through Easter’s narration and his deeply personal story of reparation, redemption and broken dreams acts as a tragic warning.

“Why are you here?” Easter demands.

“I just want to spend some time with you and your sister.”

“You can’t,” Easter tells him. “It’s too late.”

There is no doubt that the author has captured this bleak and rather dark look at unconventional family relationships and captures the very heart and soul of dark despair but counteracts it with delicate acts of compassion, which demonstrate that it is indeed a dark and often lonely road to mercy.

My thanks to NetGalley and  Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my copy of this book.

About the Author

 Wiley Cash is the best selling author of A Land More Kind than Home

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