Lucy Mitchell's Blog, page 29

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

#BookReview A Stargazy Night Sky

I’ve been following this book series by Laura Briggs so was pleased to get onto the tour of this seventh book – A Stargazy Night Sky.

As I read this enjoyable book from Laura Briggs I got the sense trouble is brewing in the concluding book (eight) for the main couple; Maisie and Sidney. My suspicions proved right and now I am on tenterhooks! I have already penned Laura Briggs a few emails which are titled – Urgent update on timescales for book 8 needed! How long am I going to be in this torturous state of not knowing whether things will work out for Maisie and Sidney? *wail*

Here’s the blurb.

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Here’s my review

It was good to be back with Maisie, Sidney and all the staff at Penmarrow hotel. I was also keen to get an update on Maisie’s unfinished manuscript as she’s a budding author trying to get a publishing deal.

Laura Briggs did a good job of making me initially think all was right with Sidney and Maisie’s relationship and then dropping a few breadcrumbs of doubt as the book progressed.

The astronomers conference was good and I was intrigued by the celestial event; the first documented visual appearance of a new comet, which coincided with an awards banquet being held by the International Society of Astronomers. A nice subplot weaved into the book and it led to a little bit of romance.

Things You Should Do With New Story Ideas #AmWriting

I believe brand new story ideas should be handled with care and attention.

Looking back I wish I had read a post like this when I was starting to take my writing seriously. I was so excited with my shiny new story ideas that I wanted to tell everyone I met about them. The trouble with this was that I didn’t realise a new idea is a fragile little thing. In the early days of its existence it’s not strong enough to withstand criticism from others. This scenario would often result in someone picking holes in my idea, my new story idea excitement evaporating and me reaching for my imaginary dustpan and brush to sweep up the remains of my new idea.

I also overlooked and dismissed many new story ideas because I had not thought about them for long enough. New ideas need time. They also should be left at the back your my mind to stew.

So, today’s blog post is my advice on how to care for your new story idea.

Here’s my list of things you should do:

Accept that what you have is a wisp of a new idea for a story. It is fragile, delicate and can fall apart if treated roughly. New ideas should be boxed up inside in your mind or in your writing folders and labelled with FRAGILE. The tricky bit is that some new ideas get you so excited that you want to release them into conversations, in blog posts or onto social media. This is when the trouble starts. Someone will unintentionally damage your new idea by pulling it apart in a conversation or on a social media post and this is heartbreaking. Be strong with your new ideas and box them up!Nurture your idea. Give it a chance to grow inside your mind. Be kind to it. Smile when you think about it and keep those pesky writing demons away. Examine your idea. Until you have studied and examined your new idea, you can’t label it as rubbish. Accept that the examination process can take weeks, months and years. Let it stew. Your idea is the teabag and your mind is the teapot. This is very important. Go about your daily life and let it stew. I have learnt that stewing is so important and there is no timeframe for how long you keep it in the creative teapot either. If after all of the above you find it doesn’t work then file it away for your future self. Here’s a secret about writing which I have discovered – some story ideas are meant to be improved and perfected by the future you. Stick a note on your new idea file with the words; ‘Dear Future Me, here’s a little something I made earlier for you, enjoy xxx’ Look at the future you as an extra writing resource!

Happy writing!

#BookReview My Christmas Number One @LeonieMAuthor #TuesdayBookBlog

Don’t you just love a romance book with sizzling hot chemistry between the two lead characters?

The chemistry in this book was INSANE. I read a lot of romance books and I have to say this book is one of the best in terms of chemistry. Readers – we’re talking red hot! From early on in the story I couldn’t stop thinking about how the earth was definitely going to move for Cara and Javi once they got together.

I think the chemistry was helped by the music scenes which feature heavily in the book and Leonie Mack’s creative gift of bringing these to life.

Leonie Mack has given us romance fans a real treat with her debut novel; My Christmas Number One.

This book was an energetic and sensual read. By the end of it I was a hot mess.

Here’s the blurb:

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas love story, to get you in the mood for celebrating…

Cara doesn’t do sexy and she only does ‘Happy Christmas’ under duress. She is, after all, a serious musician, and her stubborn streak is born from her struggle to recover from a serious injury.

Javi lives for escapist fun – in his music, and in his life – especially since he’s always failed at life’s more serious challenges, including marriage and fatherhood.

Javi and Cara are forced to record a Christmas single together, but neither of them have plans to spend any more time with each other than they absolutely have to. With Christmas traditions that couldn’t be more different, and outlooks on life that are worlds apart, the chemistry just shouldn’t work. But the magic of Christmas can bring even opposites together…

From the snowy beauty of London at Christmas, to the candle-lit magic of Javi’s traditional family celebrations, let Leonie Mack whisk you away on a memorable festive adventure. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin.

Here’s my review:

I was drawn to the characters of Cara and Javi as they had been given so much emotional depth. Cara’s life story was heartbreaking and I admired her strength. Javi surprised me. There was a lot more to him underneath his pop star exterior.

It was a great premise and I loved how the record label binds them together.

I thought Leonie did a superb job at dealing with some of the issues in the book; PTSD anxiety and disability.

The clash of cultures and the contrasting Christmas celebrations in both Columbia and in the U.K. made it an enjoyable read.

An uplifting and deliciously romantic read with a generous sprinkling of Christmas tingles.