Elora Canne's Blog, page 2
June 12, 2025
Profound Review on Human Nature
My review follows a request by the author who gifted me with a digital copy of Watercolors and Tears.
It was a moving tale that I did not want to rush. The observations by the author on human nature were evocative, made poignant by the fact that they were based on real situations told to the author. I truly wanted to absorb the resonance of the main characters portrayed.
Manuel and Elvira started their lives together full of promise and soon wanted more for themselves and their family. This resulted in separate quests for a decade; what follows, is a story of deep self-reflection, resilience, tenuous relationship longevity.
I have many highlights to share with you from the story, first and foremost was Elvira's depth of knowledge as she grew into womanhood searching for a meaningful life. She falls under the guidance of Sister Felisa where she is entrusted with a basement of ancient books. She feeds her love of reading there: The scents trapped in the room accentuated the ancient age of the books and, like the bouquet of aged wine, aroused interest in savoring their contents. It is her love of books that sets her path in a shocking trajectory later in the story.
Sister Felisa further entices Elvira by thumbing a stack of pages under her thumb, then releasing them rapidly next to Elvira's ear: Listen to this lovely purr. If you're a booklover like me, then you'll understand the emotions these actions evoked. Such is the author's rich storytelling.
Books and more books, inviting guests to sail through their seas of knowledge.
That is exactly what it feels like when the reader is swept away to other lands by the pen of the author.
It would be even more tragic to remain stagnant and not venture out to find my future. In the gamble of life, one can either win or lose; as for me, at least I want to be able to play.
This, from a side character on a treacherous journey in the bowels of a ship hoping to forge a better life.
It's never too late for anything; hear me well, young man; it's never too late.
This quote hit hard. It is aimed at Manuel from his mentor, as he grapples with the inner turmoil of leaving the safety of what is known, for the uncertainty of the unknown.
Elvira and Manuel are the main characters who fall for each other over his watercolor paintings that depict the depth of his feelings for all that he sees around him. Elvira is so taken with his emotional expression.
Over the decade that they are separated seeking fortune for their own home and children, both become employed in the lives of other children, enriching their lives at the peril of their own children's lives. Both are enticed by the lives full of passion that are at their fingertips. But Elvira wants to nurture her own children before it is too late. She goes through harsh realisations of the potential life she could have with the same emotional intelligence and love of ancient books she shares with a friend, and what she has given up.
She is devastated to find that Manuel does not share her feelings about going home, with the same urgency. However, on discovering his watercolor paintings that he had done over the decade they were separated, she is overcome with affection for him as she learns that his emotions, while not expressed in the same way, shine through with fullness in his paintings. His love and emotional intelligence is revealed in the solitude of his craft, full circle to what she fell in love with from the beginning.
Can they resurrect the love they once shared? Or will their unique journeys draw them even further apart?
The reason I gave four stars:I'll admit that while it was a story I wanted to take my time over, I did at times find it drawn out. But I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it because it is a tome for life; for love; for family, and self.Book Link: Watercolors and TearsElora Canne is a relationship writer who strives to highlight stories that strengthen the bond between couples, families, friends and even one's self.Find Elora's books here:* En Route - https://bit.ly/En-Route-the-Best* Creating Sparks - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGDFGN6S... for more relationship chats and emotive book reviews: https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogsp... indie author on:Indie Book Vault - https://www.instagram.com/indiebookvault
June 6, 2025
Time to Celebrate 🎉
By Pura from Rosas Viajeras
Sisters in the Outback is a beautifully written short story that follows two adult sisters on a long-awaited weekend escape to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. More than just a travel narrative, it’s a reflective and moving piece about the connection between siblings, with the land, and within oneself. As someone who has visited this remarkable part of Australia, I found the story both relatable and moving.
The story traces the sisters’ journey from their home to the heart of the Red Centre. From the anticipation of travel to the stillness of sunrise at Uluru, the author captures not only the physical beauty of the landscape but also the emotional significance of the trip.
What I loved most was how powerfully the story conveyed the visceral experience of being in Uluru Kata Tjuta. The descriptions of the changing light over the rock formations were so vivid, I was transported back to my own visit. The spiritual atmosphere of the park, its quiet power, its timeless presence, was seamlessly woven into the narrative.
The writing itself is clear, easy to read, and well-paced, perfectly suited to the reflective nature of the story.
Sisters in the Outback is a powerful reminder of the beauty of shared experiences and the deep impact of nature and the earth’s powerful places. It’s a short read, but one that lingers long after the final sentence. Highly recommended for anyone who’s been to Uluru—or dreams of going.
Travel Bloggers
Roxana & Pura
Mother-Daughter
Note from the Author:
It's an uplifting feeling when your story finds the right people.
I discovered Roxana & Pura's travel stories via Pinterest and knew immediately that I had to share Sisters in the Outback with them. Their travel experience was aligned with mine and Jude's and I was eager to hear their interpretation of our experience.
To say I am thrilled with their thoughts would be an understatement. I am delighted! Thank you x
I, in fact, have a further triple treat for Sisters in the Outback today.
Sisters in the Outback - Paperback, click here: Brand new original cover!
Secondly, today marks one month since release day of the ebook version 🎉🥳
Not only that, tomorrow happens to be a celebration of World Trails Day. I simply could not pass up the opportunity to join in the celebrations. I'll be hosting a YouTube 'party' as it were, baking bread rolls that emulate the meals Jude and I survived on (okay, maybe that's a stretch haha), for our 72 hours in Uluru. If you'd like to join the fun, find me on Foodie Fun with Books: Bread Rolls Recipe; click here:
And then...
hit the trails to connect with nature, get some fresh air and exercise.
Bring your friends, your dog, or take a solo hike (safely), and follow the paths
or, blaze your own (safely).
June 1, 2025
June Surprises!
HAPPY WINTER in the southern hemisphere and HAPPY SUMMER in the northern hemisphere.
It's been a busy month of May and I have lots of fun news to share with you.
Pets, Books and Adventure
I'll start with the surprise I promised to reveal in last month's blog post. (ICYMI: May’s Blog Post) You might know that I write children's books under a pseudonym, but what you might not know, is that I have a part-true / part-fiction story on preorder right now.
The story centre's around my furniece, Captain Binky, a real cat who went from street cat, to sailor cat, to landlubber. Her latest release tells of the adventures and scary experiences she encountered on her flight home to find a new house.
By a lucky twist of fate, I got to see her in her own home soon after they moved in, and that's when Binky's second story idea struck. Included in her book, are photographs of Binky warmly ensconced in her favourite cosy spots.
Binky and Jude stayed at a cat friendly hotel in the Philippines on their way home.
The most exciting part is that I am donating all of the proceeds from preorders, to a charity that I volunteer at for rescue cats. Sweet Pea Animal Rescue is close to my heart because of Binky's success story, and because of a number of cats I've had the privilege of adopting with my family through my childhood and adulthood.
I would be honoured for you to be part of something this important, with me. And I know Binky would too. Here's the preorder link for you: Captain Binky Gallivants the Globe
Sweet Pea Animal Rescue has a most exciting project that they're raising funds for; a brand new cattery. Our cats are currently housed in an enclosure that leaks in rainy weather and is surrounded by the (woofy) rescue dogs, so a new enclosure is essential to their wellbeing.
LET'S MAKE THAT HAPPEN FOR THEM!
'Captain Binky Gallivants the Globe' is on preorder until 3 July 2025 when your copy will drop into your Kindle or Kindle App (the App is free to download and I use it to read all my ebooks [I have hundreds, honest]).
Let's get those preorders rolling; share with everyone you know who loves cats, books and adventure.
I'm nervous to admit that book two in A Midlife Romcom Series is complete! Nervous because now I am steamrolling ahead to make it available by November this year. That was not part of this year's publishing plan, but, you know what they say about life happening while we're busy making plans.
I held two polls for title votes and am happy to announce that my favourite choice won- by half a point! The title of book two is:
Marriage & Mayhem (and some pandemonium)
I am deep in the editing stages right now and cannot wait for the romantic lives of the folks of Pelican Cove to be in the hands of readers.
After the massive launch of book one, Love & Laughter, I won't be hosting a big launch for book two, but I have already received requests from ARC readers to be considered for book two. So, if you'd like to be considered for an Advance Review Copy of Marriage & Mayhem, please email me with the subject heading ARC Review: elora.canne@gmail.com
Marriage & Mayhem currently sits at novella length of 44 000 words. It is a continuation of book one but can be read as a stand alone with gentle reminders that keep the story alive for both new and previous readers. ARC copies will go out late September / early October.
NOW FOR SOME EVEN MORE EXCITING NEWS!
Did I mention I had a lot happening in May?
The mini-memoir pocket guide that I published with Jude in May, launched into the world as a Top New Release featuring in the No. 1 ranking for Australia & South Pacific Travel. This was a dream come true and I am bursting to share the feedback of prominent travel bloggers with you, but that will be revealed in a special post.
Our podcast interview with Kate Champion goes live on 10 June 2025. Be sure to subscribe to the Living Big Mindfully podcast to hear of the magicks we experienced in Uluru.
As a quick-read pocket guide, our story, Sisters in the Outback, comes in at a mere 10 000 words and is packed with travel tips from Jude's years of experience on their yacht, plus the best walks to connect with the energy of Uluru.
Available at this link: Sisters in the Outback
Phew, it's been a whirlwind to say the least and I am delighted that the writing life chose me to convey stories to the world.
As my catchphrase goes: Elora Canne; writes about life, both real and imagined.
Remember to subscribe to read the travel bloggers reviews for Sisters in the Outback, airing next week.
May 1, 2025
The Year that Keeps on Giving
Well, for me it has been, anyway.
And I'm here to share my excitement with you.
After taking the month of April off to rest up after the unprecedented success of Love & Laughter's launch in March, I feel revitalized enough to continue...
...with another book launch!
If you read last month's blog post, you'll know about my new mini-memoir, Sisters in the Outback: An Uluru Adventure (Pocket Guide to the Magic of Place). If you didn't read last month's blog post, you now know about it! But for those who are curious, you can read March’s blog post here: New Beginnings
By a serendipitous error, Sisters in the Outback is already open for preorders!
Honestly, this whole experience has been ordained by the universe, from beginning to end [more on that in the book itself]. The preorder error I made was a misunderstanding on Amazon's calendar, and since it was the second time I'd made the same mistake - what can I say, I'm overzealous - I had to beg Amazon to lift their year-long restriction on further preorders for me! Scary times. Nevertheless, there was absolutely no way I was going to approach Amazon a second time with the same error, so I just ran with it, hence, preorders now being open! (The first error I made will be revealed in next month's blog post).
There's a popular saying that I'm going to unpopularize:
Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. Thich Nhat Hanh
My version:
Walk as if the Earth is kissing your feet, because...it is. Elora Canne
This was our experience over and over again in Uluru, the magic just did not stop happening. It's a story you will never forget, I promise! If you’re curious and want to know more, I encourage you to preorder our mini-memoir today. First, I should probably introduce my sister here, since she’s an integral part of our story. Jude Kurten is an energy healer and I couldn’t have wished for a better travel partner to a place with such an energetic vortex of wisdom.
Elora and JudeHere’s the link to our story for you: Sisters in the Outback
Click through to your country’s link since I’ve shared the Australian link above.
If you're interested in our work, our contact details are included below.
And now, onto other bookish news.
First, I must apologize to authors who anticipated an April review from me. I honestly did not expect to feel so wiped out after a busy launch month; it truly took me by surprise and even resulted in a reading slump! Can you believe it? Me, in a reading slump. It's unheard of, I tell you, but, here we are.
Fiction:I did manage to fly through a sweet (literally) romcom novella by Angelique Bosman called Inked to Love.
Full of doughlicious miscommunications by bakery owner Daisy and tattoo artist Jack, Inked to Love takes us on a whirlwind romance of wit and charm. I highly recommend it for a light easy read to get you through a slump.
I was on the library waiting list for months - not even kidding - when this book became available in April. This is the reason I dropped everything else to read it. The book in question is called Good Energy by Dr Casey Means. Alas, it is a slow but highly beneficial read and, again, is the reason all other reading material has taken a back seat. I want to absorb everything she has to say, so informative it is.
My Writing News:
I am so overjoyed with how well the second book in A Midlife Romcom Series is coming along! Dare I say there might even be an end-of-year launch - don’t hold your breath though, I’ll keep you posted.
The working title is Marriage & Mayhem (and some pandemonium) and is full of delightful romcom drama with a few twists and romances even I didn’t see coming!
As for novella length, I would only have to write 10 000 more words, but I still have way more to say than those 10 000 words would allow. So we’ll see what length it ends up being.
Well, that's it from me.
I'll end off with a few images from mine and Jude's adventure in Uluru. Be sure to preorder the mini-memoir today. It's a quick-read of only 10 000 words. Preorder our Uluru adventure here:
Connect with Elora:
Instagram: @elora_canne
Connect with Jude:
Instagram: @quantumhealingenergy
Click here for Our story:Remember to subscribe to the blog to stay up-to-date on our news: Creating Sparks that Last Blog Sign-Up Form:
Find out more about Elora’s work: Books by Elora Canne:
Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate the occasion
Bye for now.
Elora xx
March 31, 2025
New Beginnings
With book launch successfully tucked away in March, I can now focus on new projects!
I’m excited!
Book two in A Midlife Romcom Series is well on the way to nearing the halfway mark. And I am bursting to share the surprises that the residents of Pelican Cove have got in store for you! But, you’ll have to wait 🤣🤣
However, I am thrilled to tell you that my latest short story is nearing publication. In fact, my co-author/sister, Jude, and I have our first triple interview on the weekend for our mini-memoir, Sisters in the Outback: An Uluru Adventure. All three of us, interviewer included, reside in different countries so it should be an interesting get-together.
But if you’re still curious about how the launch for Love & Laughter went in March, I’ll link some of the interviews for you:
Sue’s Musings: Love & Laughter
Intrepid Reader and Baker: Love & Laughter
These were really special to me. And if they’ve whetted your appetite for more, here’s the purchase link for Love & Laughter for you:
Incidentally, I was told by the marketing manager at Goodreading Magazine that Love & Laughter would make a great Mother’s Day gift!
And before I go, I just want to say congratulations to our blog subscribers giveaway winners for Love & Laughter. Happy reading to Leeza and Kerry 🎉🎉
Until next time, keep smiling.
Remember to subscribe to the blog for more exciting updatesSign Up Form:
March 27, 2025
Book Giveaway Information
Hello again avid readers!
Launch month for Love & Laughter has gone so well and the book has been received with much positivity!
This has made me even more excited for our end-of-month giveaway!
I want to be certain that any subscribers to the blog who would like the opportunity to win either a paperback (AUS/NZ), or digital pack (International), have the chance to - or just as importantly, not to, win.
AUS/NZ Paperback prize: Signed paperback of Love & Laughter, cover art bookmark
International Digital pack: ePUB of Love & Laughter, cover art wallpaper for smartphone with a quote from Love & Laughter.
If it is something you are NOT interested in winning, please reply to this email. I know from my own reading experience, that not every book is for everyone and indeed shouldn't be, as we wouldn't have multiple genres to read and/or write if that were the case.
I will be drawing our blog giveaway on 31 March using a random online name generator of all entrants. Hence my need to know whether to include or exclude your name.
Reply to my email if you would not like me to include your name. Much appreciated. That way, whoever does want to win, has a better chance.Check out the book blurb here, to help you decide: Love & Laughter blurb: (Just follow the books2read link)
My email: elora.canne@gmail.com
Thanks in advance for your prompt response.
If you would like the opportunity to be entered into the giveaway, remember to subscribe at the link below, as it is only for subscribers to the blog; Creating Sparks That Last & All Things Romance: Blog Sign Up Form
Winners will be notified by email via the blog subscriber information.
🎉🎉 Good luck everyone 🎉🎉
Elora Canne is a relationship writer who strives to highlight stories that strengthen the bond between couples, families, friends and even one's self.Find Elora's books here:* En Route - https://bit.ly/En-Route-the-Best* Creating Sparks - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGDFGN6S... for more relationship chats and emotive book reviews: https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogsp... indie author on:Indie Book Vault - https://www.instagram.com/indiebookvault
March 12, 2025
Love & Laughter is here!
It’s LAUNCH DAY for Love & Laughter, and I am so ready 🎉🎉
We’ll be having a Live Instagram Launch Party where you’ll hear a little about the cast of eclectic midlife friends who live in the empty-nest-turned-love-nest village of Pelican Cove.
💕 In the meantime, you can read this glowing article about Love & Laughter’s launch, by the Australian Romance Reader’s Association, here:
Australian Romance Reader’s Association article:
🥰 And here’s the buy link for you. Just follow the books2read link:
Love & Laughter: ebook and paperback
🤗 Remember to subscribe for more exciting news and giveaways!
Blog Sign Up Form:
Elora Canne is a relationship writer who strives to highlight stories that strengthen the bond between couples, families, friends and even one's self.Find Elora's books here:* En Route - https://bit.ly/En-Route-the-Best* Creating Sparks - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGDFGN6S... for more relationship chats and emotive book reviews: https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogsp... indie author on:Indie Book Vault - https://www.instagram.com/indiebookvault
March 4, 2025
Quick Little Interlude
The Australian or New Zealand winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Love & Laughter, plus a cover art bookmark.
The international winner will receive an ebook copy, plus a cover art screensaver of a quote from Love & Laughter, for smartphones.
Subscribe at the link below, and share with a friend who loves second chance romance too.
Blog Sign Up Form:
Author profile:
Giveaway Details:
Elora Canne is a relationship writer who strives to highlight stories that strengthen the bond between couples, families, friends and even one's self.Find Elora's books here:* En Route - https://bit.ly/En-Route-the-Best* Creating Sparks - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGDFGN6S... for more relationship chats and emotive book reviews: https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogsp... indie author on:Indie Book Vault - https://www.instagram.com/indiebookvault
January 31, 2025
When Life Propels You Forwards
When life propels you forwards, be sure to grab it with arms open wide.
I could never have imagined the life that my novella, Love & Laughter, has taken on all of its own accord.
The secret to the novella's success? Community.
Creating genuine connections and friendships is the answer to lasting support from your circle of influence. But this will never happen with fake and shallow engagement. To feel part of a warm environment of belonging, we have to encourage each other wholeheartedly.
Okay, let me explain.
My life cycle on Instagram began as a nonfiction writer-turned-self-published author with the advent of a close-knit network called, Nonfiction Network. In that tight circle of support, we shared each others' work on a weekly basis, then bi-monthly, and now monthly. You can check out our community at this hashtag: #nonfictionnetwork
What has this got to do with my novella, you might ask. It is that same community of nonfiction writers and authors, who have helped propel Love & Laughter into the world. You see, many nonfiction writers also turn to fiction as multi-genre authors, and so our network continues to support each other in our various endeavours. This did not happen overnight. It took years of genuine interaction, conversations and heartfelt engagement with advice and tips to help each other progress.
All this to say, my novella, Love & Laughter, has hit the ground running for launch day on 13 March 2025.
It is available right now for preorder at a special introductory price.
The price will increase on launch day, 13 March 2025.
Here’s the preorder link for you:
Love & Laughter Preorder Link:
**The link will open to your country’s Amazon page via books2read.
Here's a little backstory into my 'why' for writing Love & Laughter:
Right from my early days of nonfiction writing, I have been fascinated with the success, or not, of longevity in relationships. What makes a partnership succeed? What makes it fail? Please note, I am not referring to abusive situations.
My interest was piqued when my husband and I reached a major wedding milestone and I began to reflect. Certainly, our relationship, and most others, I'm sure, don't always run smoothly. So what is it that makes some relationships outlast others? I might not have that one golden answer, but I can tell you the secret to my own marital longevity success; and that is to 'have the awkward conversations.' Over and over again. Some conflicts will never be resolved, but deeper layers of understanding emerge with each conversation had.
Anyway, I digress. Love & Laughter began as an entertaining romcom based on a real-life occurrence in my neighbourhood, which happens to be the opening scene. Thereafter, my intrigue of all things relationships kicked in and I began observing the interactions of spouses, widowers, divorcees, and developed my own interpretation in Love & Laughter. Ultimately, it comes down to our self-love which is what I have always preached, as to the quality of our relationships. How much we value ourselves, is reflected in our interactions, choices and confidence.
So that's the backstory, but the premise is a laugh-out-loud funny, witty banter and clean, closed-door, second chance romance love story.
I implore you to take a chance on the folks of Pelican Cove and see how well you relate to their stories of love & laughter (and other disasters).
Click on the link for your preorder:
Remember to subscribe for news on book two in
The Midlife Romcom series:
Creating Sparks that Last Sign Up Form:
And if romance is *NOT* your thing, I have just the antidote for you. The nonfiction anthology, Not Marriage Material comes out on 14 February 2025; yip, a very un-Valentines Day read! I’m a proud contributor with an excruciatingly vulnerable teenage un-love story which I was thrilled to have selected for the anthology. Collated by Sue Bavey, and all true, since it’s a nonfiction anthology.
You can find the preorder link here:
I’m curious to know; is Valentines Day something you celebrate, or avoid like the plague? 😅
💕 Happy reading book lovers, until next time 💕
January 12, 2025
2025 Is Off To a Cracking Good Start!
Welcome to our first blog post for 2025
Cover design by @ambergrosjeanwritesJanuary is a very busy month in our family with four birthdays thrown into the mix of Christmas and New Year. It makes for a very festive holiday season and is wonderful to catch up with everyone.
I hope you have had an amazing start to 2025. It's been a big one for many people already, so I do hope you are keeping well.
In exactly two months' time on 13 March 2025, I will be releasing my next book! It's been a whirlwind time getting everything ready over the holiday season - note to self: never a March release again.
I'm releasing a romcom novella called Love & Laughter (and other disasters). It is 32000 words in length and provides a fast-paced introduction to the characters in short story style. Love & Laughter follows a group of midlife yogis in the village of Pelican Cove. As they develop feelings for each other, some couples go from friends to lovers, while others are shocked at the notion of falling in love 'at their age.' It is a clean sweet romance with no spice.
I am launching requests this week for Blog Tour stops which is essentially a social media post on an allocated day during release week 13-17 March 2025. No review is required but is always greatly appreciated. What is required, is a post with the book cover and synopsis on your allocated (by me) day of the social media tour. Images and synopsis will be provided.
The second promotional opportunity is our ARC review team. Reviews are required on release day 13 March 2025. You can post your review across social media as well as Amazon and/or Goodreads. A PDF or ePUB copy of Love & Laughter will be provided as well as promotional images.
I would love to have you on either of these promotional teams, but will be doing a strict social media screening since this blog is a public domain.
Please email me if you are interested: elora.canne@gmail.com - Love & Laughter in the subject heading.
If you have a bookish blog, I'd love the opportunity to guest post for my new release, or perhaps an author interview.
Apologies for the promotional post today, but my team of Me, Myself and I have a lot of marketing and publicity to cover.
I'd love to hear your news and any upcoming releases you might have of your own.
See you in February everyone.
Blog Sign Up Form:
Elora Canne is a relationship writer who strives to highlight stories that strengthen the bond between couples, families, friends and even one's self.Find Elora's books here:* En Route - https://bit.ly/En-Route-the-Best* Creating Sparks - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGDFGN6S... for more relationship chats and emotive book reviews: https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogsp... indie author on:Indie Book Vault - https://www.instagram.com/indiebookvault
