Helena Halme's Blog, page 12
March 2, 2018
Five Books for Mother’s Day
Are you stuck for ideas for Mother’s Day? I personally think you cannot go wrong with books. Below are five novels which I think would make perfect presents for your mother.
Love Again, Doris Lessing
This novel by the late Doris Lessing is a second chance romance (of sorts!) and the perfect book for Mother’s Day. Lessing, known for her intelligent, often politically motivated works, writes here about a woman in her later years, Sarah, who falls madly in love with two much younger men. Her passion is by no means diminished by her 65 years, on the contrary, it seems the feelings are even more powerful than those that overwhelmed her as a younger woman. I absolutely adore this novel and often think back to it when I’m writing my own tales of love and romance.
The Alien Corn, Clare Flynn
If your mother likes historical romance, Clare Flynn is the author for her. The Alien Corn is a sequel to The Chalky Sea and tells the tale of Canadian Jim Armstrong, who after having married Joan in haste in Britain during the second world war, arranges his wife and their small son join him on the other side of the world. But Joan struggles to adapt to life on a remote farm in Ontario, far from her family and friends, while Jim finds it hard to come to terms with his own past.
[image error]
Until Thy Wrath Be Past, Åsa Larsson
For mothers who love Nordic Noir, this Rebecka Martisson crime series is the perfect gift. Set in Northern Sweden, Åsa Larsson’s books were included on a list of Top Mysteries Every Woman Should Read. These novels feature murders in a cold climate with a difference: the two female investigators are intelligent, fallible, but strong. Malla, a mother of two, is the no-nonsense police detective, while Rebecka is a local girl turned attorney, struggling to come to terms with a tragic past. She’s temporarily working as the public prosecutor in the small town of Kiruna, and living in her late parents’ house. I particularly love these books for their inclusion of Finnish-speaking cast in ‘normal’ roles. Usually, in Swedish crime drama, Finns are portrayed mainly as petty criminals, but here they’re either as the second romantic interest, victims of crime or normal families who have, due to no fault of their own, got tangled up in a crime.
[image error]
Still Me, Jojo Moyes
I’ll be surprised if your mother hasn’t heard of Jojo Moyes’ books starring her iconic heroine Louisa Clark. Still Me is the third book in a trilogy, with the previous novels, Me Before You and After You making the best-seller lists. The first novel, the tragic love story, Me Before You, was even turned into a film which became a box office hit. 
In this third novel, Lou is living in New York, while still trying to keep a relationship with Ambulance Sam, who works in London, afloat. Will their love go the distance?
Last Train to Helsingor, Heidi Amsinck
If you’d like to get something darker for your Mother’s Day present, this new book of short stories, set in Denmark, by Heidi Amsinck, will be perfect. There are sinister and sometimes humorous tales of the unexpected very much in the vein of Nordic fairy tales, but there is also a touch of Roald Dahl and Daphne du Maurier. This is an excellent book to dip in and out of, perhaps read a story of an evening, or during the daily commute. Just remind your mother not to fall asleep if she’s on a train to Helsingor …
I hope I’ve inspired you to give your mother the gift of reading on Mother’s Day. Many of the books above are also available in audio, and some in film form (Me Before You) or as a TV series (Rebecka Martinsson), but there’s still something heartfelt about giving a physical book as a gift, don’t you agree?
Want to join my Readers’ List a get a free book? Join by tapping the image below.
The post Five Books for Mother’s Day appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
February 28, 2018
Where to find your Nordic Hygge in London
As today is the International Hygge Day, I thought I’d let you know where I take myself when I feel homesick and need my Nordic Hygge fix. Whether it’s Swedish Fika (coffee with cake or bun), Danish Hygge (feeling cozy) or food old-fashioned Finnish silence, you can find it in London.
Nordic Bakery
I may not be right, but I think this is the oldest Nordic cafe in London. Founded by Finnish ex-ice hockey player Jali Wahlsten, the Nordic Bakery has changed little over the years, and ownership changes. Serving open rye sandwiches, world-famous cinnamon buns, blueberry pies and other traditional Finnish cakes, this quiet oasis in the middle of London now has several outposts in addition to its original Golden Square cafe.
Good for:
Quiet coffee with your Scandi friends.
Scandi Kitchen
This Danish/Swedish shop and cafe has been around since 2006 providing freshly made food and groceries from Scandinavia. They also have a useful online shop. You can find anything and everything Swedish here as well as some goodies from the other Nordic countries. Their motto: “We’re all about bringing the best of Nordic cuisine to you – whether you’ve got time to join us in the café or need to get back to your desk.” Read their fun and informative blog for anything relating to the Nordic lifestyle.
Good for:
The online shop for anything and everything Nordic.
Bageriet
I’ve only visited this little Covent Garden bakery once, but I was impressed by their vast array or Swedish baked good. We had excellent cinnamon buns and ‘semla’ the Nordic cream buns, only available this time of year. (They are traditionally served on Shrove Tuesday). They also had Princess Tårta (cream cake covered in green icing) and Kokosbollar (rolled chocolate sweets made with oats and covered with coconut flakes), which made my mouth water. The sitting area is inconveniently small, which is a shame because I would have happily lingered while listening to the Swedish music and the staff talking Swedish to each other. Closing my eyes I could have been in the little cafe opposite my mother’s flat in Stockholm!
Good for:
Cinnamon buns are the best I’ve tasted in London
Aster Victoria
My sister choosing pastries at the Aster cafeHelena Poulakka, the Finnish TV chef, is in charge of the Nordic fusion food at the large cafe/restaurant opposite Victoria station. I’ve been to Aster several times, both to have a coffee and a cinnamon bun as well as for lunch, both of which were excellent. I particularly loved the Nordic tapas, or you can enjoy a selection of Smorgasbord dishes, traditional Nordic meatballs, healthy salads and much more. They even have crayfish on the menu during August.
Good for:
Both ‘Fika’ and proper Nordic restaurant food
Scandi Spring Market
If you’re lucky, you may bump into a Moomin troll at the ScandimarketThis Scandimarket takes place twice per year, in November for Nordic Christmas, and in March for Nordic spring goods. The next Scandinavian Spring Market takes place on Albion Street in Rotherhithe on 17 March 2018. The street market connects the Finnish and Norwegian Churches and coincides with the indoor Spring Fair at the Finnish Church. This is a popular event attracting Nordics living in the UK as well as local residents, who come enjoy good food and explore a wide variety of Scandinavian related goods, arts, and crafts. The street market is free to visit.
Good for:
Scandinavian Easter decorations, food and getting your Nordic fix for the spring
There are two other places in London that I have yet to visit
Blåbar Nordic Living opened a cafe in 2016 in Putney in addition to its online shop which sells everything Nordic from toiletries to cushions. Ole & Steen has several cafes in London, so I’m not quite sure how I’ve missed this Scandi place! As well as serving Danish inspired fare, they make local deliveries.
It’s just wonderful that there are so many Nordic cafes and shops in London these days; when I moved to the UK in the 1980s, the only thing close to food from home was Scottish rollmops and Italian coffee. Another positive membership of the EU has given us! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)
Want to keep up to date with Helena’s Nordic world?
Sign up for the Newsletter today and a get a free book!
The post Where to find your Nordic Hygge in London appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
February 8, 2018
20Booksto50K London
The 20Booksto50K author movement was birthed by Michael Anderle and came to London for the first time last weekend. As some 75 authors sat down to listen to the speakers, Craig Martelle, the host for the weekend, told us that since the event was sold out they could refund about a third of the cost of the conference to us.
Who does that?
With the value for money ratio of the conference thus radically increased, I was getting even more excited about what I was about to learn during the intense two days.
The principle of 20Bookst050K
I’ve talked in the past about how I wanted to create an income of $50k a year by having a backlist of 20 books. I came up with this number because I noticed after the first few days of selling my first book, I was averaging about $7.50 a day in income. At that number ($7.50 a day for each of the 20 books) I’d make $54k. You only need $36k to enjoy a very nice retirement in Cabo San Lucas. That was my goal. – Michael Anderle
In other words, the more you write the more you earn. Of course, nothing is that simple. First of all, writing 20 books in a writers’ career takes commitment and time. Secondly, writing 20 books for a market that doesn’t either know about your books or for readers who don’t enjoy them gets you nowhere near that magical 50K. So you need to write good books and know how to market them. And this was why the roomful of serious authors was there to learn about. We all wanted to know how the 20Booksto50K speakers were each earning 4-5 digit figures a month from their writing alone.
Nothing here is prescriptive – we are just telling you what worked for us. – Craig Martelle
Here is a brief summary of what the 13 speakers had to say:
Find your readers
Word of mouth is still the best way to increase sales, but you can help that word of mouth along with advertising, mailing lists and engaging with readers and other authors on social media.
Mailing lists with your superfans are an excellent way to launch a book. If, before your book comes out, you already have a list of, say, 2,000 fans on your mailing list, think how this will affect the sales on that first day! Those sales will, in turn, increase the book’s visibility on Amazon and other online stores and will give you the valuable social proof of positive reviews.
Advertising to readers who are interested in the kind of books you write will also enable you to find your readers as will a good cover and blurb. (More on advertising below)
Have a good cover
You need a good cover which speaks to your readers and clearly displays your genre. This will be something that is similar but different to the ten best-selling books in your genre.
The book title and the author name need to be visible as a thumbnail, and you need your covers to have an author brand.
If the book isn’t selling, change the cover. I was surprised how many of the speakers had published their books with several covers before they found the one that worked.
If you’re on a budget, you can also do your own cover. A Scottish author, Barry Hutchinson, studied cover design online and came up with best-selling book sleeves for his comic Sci-Fi series.
[image error]
(If you’re interested in learning about cover design, Mark Dawson, one of the speakers at 20Booksto50K course has a new online course out where his cover designer, Stuart Bache, shares all his secrets. It’s on an offer at $195 at the moment. Find out more here.)
Make the blurb enticing
On the first day of the conference a couple of authors had been brave enough to submit their Amazon blurb and cover for review and we learned what worked and what didn’t. These are the points that I came away with on blurb:
Charm the readers
Do not give them a synopsis, but just a flavour of the story
Remember only first three lines are visible when the reader first sees your cover
Use limited HTLM to make the book description stand out (bold, italics etc.)
Practice makes perfect
The more books you write the better you become at writing and the more readers you gain and the more books you sell. Simple, right?
All you need to do is to write a good book; it doesn’t have to be a great book. – Barry Hutchinson, author of The Space Team comedic Sfi-Fi series
Series is still King – and romance and mystery still bestselling categories
If you can, write a series. It’s also a good idea to have several entry points to the series. Best-selling author Abby-Lynn Knorr who moved to Venice after falling in love with an Italian man began writing when she found herself out of work. She wrote a Young Adult series of books which readers can start reading at any point. The story is told from 4 characters’ point of view. I found this ingenious and will definitely be trying this technique out myself.
Prequel novellas to give away are a good way to get readers interested in a series. This has definitely worked for me, so I can vouch for this technique. Sign up for a free novella here. 
February 1, 2018
The Red King of Helsinki in paperback and other news
I’m delighted to tell you that my Cold War spy story, The Red King of Helsinki is finally out in paperback! This novel, which I wrote right after I’d finished my MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, is a story of a rookie spy, a young gymnast, and a violent KGB officer. I know this is a different departure for me. I don’t usually write thrillers, spy or otherwise, but if you read this story, you’ll find that it also has romance, drama and deals with one of the themes most of my books have: what is truly important in life?
The Red King of Helsinki Blurb
He’s a rookie spy chasing a violent Russian KGB man. She’s a young student looking for a friend who has mysteriously disappeared. Can he save her?
At the height of the Cold War, former Royal Navy officer Iain is asked to work undercover in Finland, the playground of the Russian KGB. He’s to investigate Vladislav Kovtun, a violent Russian spy, dubbed The Red King of Helsinki. This is Iain’s first assignment, and when he discovers the bodies left in Kovtun’s wake, he quickly gets embroiled in danger.
Young student Pia has two goals in life: she dreams of a career in gymnastics and for Heikki, a boy in her class with the dreamiest blue eyes, to notice her. But when her best friend, Anni, the daughter of an eminent Finnish Diplomat, goes missing, Pia begins to investigate the mystery behind her disappearance. Unbeknown to Pia, Kovtun is watching her every move, as is the British spy, Iain. Will Iain be able to save Pia before it’s too late?
If you like Nordic Noir, you will love this fast moving Nordic spy story.
What Readers Say about The Red King of Helsinki
Wonderfully tense spy-story in late ’70s Helsinki – 5**** Amazon
Excellent read!! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Halme. Medium paced with very interesting characters. If you have visited Finland you will understand the weather conditions and the citizens’ reaction to Russia. Truly enjoyed – 5**** Amazon
More comments include:
“I LOVED THIS BOOK”
“Chilly suspense”
“A well-crafted thriller”
“An intriguing cold war novel of espionage, murder, and betrayal”
Buy your copy of The Red King of Helsinki here
Next …more Nordic Romance with a bit of Nordic Noir
You know I told you that The True Heart was the last book in The Nordic Heart Romance series? Well …it turns out that wasn’t exactly right.
The Christmas Heart
Yes, I know it’s January and the Season has just passed, but I am planning ahead. In mid-December 2017, I began plotting a seasonal book for 2018 and surprised myself that the story that came to me was one of Kaisa, all grown up, falling in love again.
I kept thinking of a book called Love, Again by one of my favorite authors, the late Doris Lessing. If you haven’t read this gem of a novel, please look it up! (It’s on Amazon here but I’m sure you can also find it in other well-stocked bookshops.)
The Christmas Heart is set in a Swedish Ski Resort that I visit almost every year, called Åre, over Christmas 2017. There’s snow, grown-up romance, and skiing …
I’m pleased to report that I finished the first draft yesterday, two days ahead of schedule. The Christmas Heart will be out in late autumn when we’re all going to be feeling a bit more festive. Look out for posts about the book here on my blog. If you’d like to be in the know well before anyone else, you can also sign up for my Newsletter. You will also receive a free copy of the prequel novella to The Nordic Heart series, The Young Heart. (See below)
A New Series
I’ve also started writing a new series of books, with a working title of The Island Stories (this may change). The books will be set on a group of islands in the Baltic, called The Åland Islands. Those of you who have followed my blog from the early days will probably remember that this is a place where, over the years, I have been holidaying a lot. I have family living on the main island and was even granted with the title, Sommar Ålänning (summer islander), in an article in the local paper about my novella The Young Heart, which is partly set on the islands.
This new series of books will be a little darker in the genre than The Nordic Heart series. There might even be a mystery or two, and definitely some deaths. I’m not moving away from the romance genre altogether because the books will still include tales of happy and unhappy love, but with this new series, I am definitely joining the Nordic Noir gang.
Appearances
In other author news, I will be attending a conference, 20BooksLondon this weekend and be appearing at two separate events in February.
A Finn in Britain and a Brit in Finland
FinnBrit Language Centre in Finland will be hosting an evening discussing nationality and citizenship.
Helena has just become a UK citizen and Penelope has recently filed her application for Finnish citizenship. They will talk about their respective journeys to citizenship and explain why and how they chose to become dual nationals. Maybe you also have a journey to share or some questions to ask. Do join us for this interesting talk and discussion on culture, language, and citizenship.
The event will take place at 6 pm on 9th February. More details here.
The Nordic Book Fair
Finally, if you’d like to see me in action, talking about writing with my fellow Nordic authors and reading from my latest novel, The True Heart, come and join me at the Nordic Book Fair in London on 17 February. It’s part of the Nordic London Festival, and I will be appearing with a fellow Nordic author, Heidi Amsinck, discussing writing in a foreign language, author identity and feeling like a tourist in your own country. The event is free, but it’s best to register to avoid disappointment! Tickets can be found here.
Perfect for Valentines …
Don’t forget, all the books in The Nordic Herat Series are now also out in paperback. I have been told they make perfect romantic presents. Order now to make sure you get the books in time for 14th February! 
Happy reading!
If you’d like to get my news and book offers straight to your mailbox, join my Readers’ Group now and receive a free book! Find out more here.
The post The Red King of Helsinki in paperback and other news appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
January 5, 2018
Are You Ready for Nordic Family Drama?
January seems so right for some Nordic family drama doesn’t it? With all the dieting, non-drinking and bleakness of the weather (at least here in London it’s decidedly Dickensian) we all want something that reflects the somber mood, right? So if you crave something different after all the festive reads, look no further. Coffee and Vodka, my Nordic family drama tells the story a displaced and dysfunctional family in Finland and Sweden and will be free to download for a limited time 5 to 9 January 2018.
Coffee and Vodka
When Pappa announces the family is to leave Finland for a new life in Sweden, 11-year-old Eeva is elated. But in Stockholm Mamma finds feminism, Eeva’s sister, Anja, pretends to be Swedish, and Pappa struggles to adapt.
And one night, Eeva’s world falls apart.
Fast forward 30 years. Now teaching Swedish to foreigners, Eeva travels back to Finland when her beloved grandmother becomes ill. On the overnight ferry, a chance meeting with her married ex-lover, Yri, prompts family secrets to unravel and buried memories to come flooding back.
It’s time for Eeva to find out what really happened all those years ago …
This Scandinavian story has it all: family drama, mystery, romance and sisterly love.
The FREE offer runs from 5 to 9.1.18 on A mazon only.
This offer is regulated by Amazon and WILL end at midnight on the 9th when the price will revert to $2.99.
But there’s more …
Launch Offer extended
My first non-fiction book which came out before Christmas: Write Your Story: Turn Your Life Into Fiction in 10 Easy Steps was on a launch offer until 4.1, but will now be just $1.99 until 9 January after which it will revert to its usual $3.99.
Turn Your Life into Fiction
Write Your Story shows you in 10 easy steps how to turn your life into a novel. It includes:
How to get inspired
Where to start your story
How to write with confidence
How to create strong characters
How to use dynamic dialogue
Whether to seek permission to publish
In Write Your Story I show you how to change plot points, characters, dialogue, and timelines to avoid upsetting your nearest and dearest (if you don’t want to, that is!). I also devote a whole chapter to dealing with the issue of seeking permission from the significant people in your story.
And if that wasn’t enough …
My latest novel is now just $0.99
The True Heart, fourth Book in the Nordic Heart Romance Series was on a New Year’s Offer, but this offer will now also be extended until 9 January, when the book will revert back to its normal price of $4.99.
The True Heart
When Kaisa suffers a third miscarriage, her submarine officer husband Peter is devastated. Kaisa, who has chosen a job with the BBC over the traditional life of a Navy wife on a marriage patch in Scotland, feels guilty. Has living apart from her husband to pursue a demanding career, contributed to her inability to keep hold of a baby?But childlessness pales into insignificance when her old friend Rose tells Kaisa about a former lover’s serious illness. The consequences of Duncan’s condition could wreck Kaisa and Peter’s future.
And then life takes another heart-breaking twist … Can love conquer all?
The True Heart, the fourth, standalone, book in Helena Halme’s acclaimed The Nordic Heart romance series explores what true love is.
Finally, don’t forget all the books are also now available in paperback! You can get them on Amazon, just go to my profile page (and you can like it too!) by clicking here or by tapping the image below.
I hope you are having a great start to 2018 and find lots of good books to enjoy this year!
Download your free copy of Coffee and Vodka here.
Get Write Your Story: Turn Your Life into Fiction in 10 Easy Steps for just $1.99 here.
Buy The True Heart for just $0.99 here.
The post Are You Ready for Nordic Family Drama? appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
December 21, 2017
Don’t Bore Your Reader
We all know to bore the reader is the most heinous crime an author can commit.
Boring Explanations
You know those days when you sit down at your keyboard to write and know you have to explain something in the book that, to put it frankly, bores you? It could be a little bit of backstory, or scene that you have to write first in order to get to the exciting scene? A bit of narrative that is needed to explain why your character says or does something – or is upset, happy, surprised?
Series of Books
This happens most often to writers of series of books. In all subsequent books, you know you have to tell a new reader (or remind someone who is already familiar with your books) what happened in the previous novels in the series. Rewriting an old scene, or summarising a character’s previous escapades, is at least for me, dull, dull, dull. It’s a total pulling your hair out moment.
Is Boring Narrative Unavoidable?
As a writer, you know you have to tell a story, and sometimes in the telling, there has to be moments when it’s a bit boring, or does there? No, there doesn’t, and what’s more, there never should be any boring passages in your book. As an author, you need to – always – be excited by your own writing. I repeat, always. Because, if you are bored, how do you think your reader feels?
Write Only Exciting Scenes
I cannot tell you how many times during the writing of The Nordic Heart Romance Series I was in a situation where looking at my screen, I took a deep breath. I knew I had to explain what had happened to Kaisa and Peter in the previous books. I’d sit there and think, ‘This is boring, boring, boring.’ Until I thought, ‘What if I think its boring, what will be reader make of the paragraph?’ I was horrified to realise that, of course, if I found the writing dull, the reader would find it doubly, triply, even ten-fold as boring as I did.
I came to the conclusion that in order to make the series exciting, I needed to be excited while writing each book. So I made a rule for myself: If a scene bores me, I skip it. I just go to the one that is exciting, the one I’m looking forward writing, and forget about the boring scene. This way, I can move the story on, and keep my own interest in the novel alive.
Backstory will come naturally
If you keep to this rule of writing only what excites you, you’ll find that the boring parts, the character’s backstory, or the previous plot points in a series, will naturally emerge in your writing. (And no longer be boring!) Or you can add a sentence here or there in the editing process, if you feel that the reader doesn’t have enough information.
Not All Readers Are Equal
Don’t forget, another reader’s boring is another reader’s exciting, and vice versa. Not all readers will love your book, so while you’re writing the first drafts, remember the only arbitrator of what a good story consists of is you. Be the master of your own work and your readers will love your writing.
The post Don’t Bore Your Reader appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
December 15, 2017
Helena’s Best Reads: She Did It by Mel Sherratt
This month’s best read is a psychological thriller, She Did It, by Mel Sherratt. This author, who I have a met a few times on the writers’ circuit, has sold a whopping one million books (and counting) since she started her career in 2012. She describes her books as ‘grit-lit’ – gritty crime dramas and fiction with a punch. Mel also writes romance under the name Marcie Steele. Mel describes Marcie’s books as ‘not so much rom-com as chick-grit.’
Twists and turns
I love a good story where my second guesses at the plot fail, and She Did It is just this kind of a book. There are many twists and turns, but all action is still believable. The story revolves around two women: Tamara is a successful businesswoman, enjoying her champagne lifestyle to the full. At least, that’s the front she displays to the world. Really, she’s running out of money. Esther is a shameless liar and working for Tamara is a perfect ruse. Alongside fake references and qualifications, she has a plan for revenge. When the past begins to catch up with the two women, with its secrets, lies and deceit, people start dying.
Strong female leads
Both the female leads are likable characters, even if Tamara is at times superficial and unable to understand what it’s like to have nothing. Esther, on the other hand, has a (very) dark side, which she’s trying to hide. I loved the way the book dealt with these two modern women – although they both have severe problems with men, there are no handsome princes on white horses coming to the rescue. Even the police investigation is largely led by a female police officer.
London setting
I loved the London setting of the novel. Since I moved here some seven years ago, I’ve found myself writing books set in this vibrant city. In She Did It, we see both the well-heeled part of town in Tamara’s story as well as the seedy underbelly of the city that Esther has experienced with its prostitution, drug abuse and bodies found in shady alleyways. Luckily, I’ve not had much contact with the latter, and little of the former, but I love reading about both!
Believable police
I also like the fact that the police in She Did It don’t appear superhuman; they aren’t immediately able to second guess the criminals, or be able to produce forensics in a matter of seconds. In reality, the police procedures take time, there’s limited staffing and the detectives often juggle several cases at a time.
Tight plot and great pace
The plot of She Did It is perfectly paced; it isn’t too fast, or too slow. At the start of the novel, Tamara interviews Esther for a job in her PR company and all seems almost normal. Expect we are told Esther isn’t who she pretends to be, and that her plans are far from becoming the perfect employee. Tamara, on the other hand, is a bag nerves, but we are left guessing the reason for her odd behaviour. Doesn’t she have it all? A good education, parents with pots of money, a business of her own, a beautiful home in an expensive part of town? But soon, the first body is discovered and we begin to realise that the situation is far more serious than it first seems. Towards the end of the book, the plot thickens and picks up pace, so much so, that I had to read well into the night to finish the book to find out what happens.
Just enough violence and sex
Another aspect of this psychological thriller I like is that the violence isn’t too gory. There are no hugely drawn-out scenes of torture. The killings are very much described on the emotional level. I particularly liked the way both the women’s thoughts were examined by the author during and after any violence. The sex scenes are also just right – and this again is a talent in itself. Writing too much is such a temptation, as is glossing over amorous, or violent, sex episodes altogether.
Great conclusion
You may have guessed by now that I thoroughly enjoyed She Did It ! The ending is brilliant too. The reader definitely gets the payoff she hops for. All loose ends are neatly tied up, while still making you want to find out what happens next. I sincerely hope there’s going to be a sequel![image error]
Surprisingly, this was the first Mel Sherratt book I’ve read and I feel a binge of all her books coming on. Just as well it’s nearly holiday time! Tap here or the image above to find out more about She Did It . The ebook retails at just $1.99 so buying this book shouldn’t break the bank.
December 13, 2017
The Nordic Heart Romance Series Out in Paperback
The new paperback copies of the Nordic Heart Romance series of books are finally here!
Customer reviews
I’m delighted with the wonderful reviews I’ve had for the series.
Romance for the thinking woman. – Valisa Iskandar, Fixi London Publishing
A terribly moving love story. I am so glad to have found this author when I nabbed a copy of the first story in this series (The Young Heart)! The prose is well-written, clear and simple, conveying a complicated life for Finnish-born Kaisa and her British Naval officer husband Peter. She builds such a full world for them, with lots of family, friends, work colleagues, and past acquaintances that shaped their lives. This couple’s relationship suffered through separation, loneliness and infidelity and yet still survived. The plot really gained momentum as it moved along and supplied some major twists and heart-stopping surprises along the way. – Amazon 5 *****
I have loved this series. As well as capturing the essence of romantic love, family relationships, and friendship, it is a brilliant evocation of times and places, pulling you from Soviet-dominated Finland in the late 1970s to London in the 80s and 90s, much of which I recognise myself. Very sorry that this is the last one. – Dorothy Stannard, Editor Hare & Heron Press
You Can Buy the Books at Amazon.com
It’s taken a long time but you can now buy all the books in The Nordic Heart Romance series in paperback format from Amazon. Just click the images below and you’ll be taken to each book’s page on Amazon.com.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
Amazon’s International Sites
If you’d like to purchase the books from your local sites, go to my International Amazon pages by clicking the image below. You should automatically be taken to your country’s site.
Christmas Gifts?
As it is nearly Christmas, these books would make wonderful presents for anyone who enjoys Nordic Noir, or loves military romance. Give a gift of reading this Christmas!
The post The Nordic Heart Romance Series Out in Paperback appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
December 7, 2017
Celebrating Finland’s Centenary Year
Finland, my country of birth, has been celebrating the centenary year of its independence for all of 2017 and the events organised by SuomiFinland100 committee, culminated around the country yesterday.
I’m feeling incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finland’s Independence in my hometown of Tampere with my sister and other family.
Yesterday, the actual anniversary of the date when Finland declared independence from Russia 100 years ago 6th December 1917, we had an action-filled day.
First, my sister and I had lunch with our father, having to rush out of the house to catch an Independence Day Concert at the fabulous new Tampere House at 3pm. The concert by the Tampere Philarmonic, led by the hugely popular and talented conductor, Santtu- Matias Rouvali was incredible. There was music by Uuno Klami and naturally Sibelius, and then the conductor, who is so popular that he has reached cult status in Finland, led the orchestra into an emphatic rendition of Fnlandia. I have never heard a version of the unofficial Finnish national anthem like it. Finlandia was followed by Finland’s actual national anthem, Maamme Suomi, with the whole auditorium singing their hearts out, proud and loud. I certainly had tears in my eyes and I know I wasn’t the only one.
Along with most of the concert-goers and some 30,000 others, we walked along the snowly streets to the centre of Tampere where a traditional Independence Day event was held by the city. There were speakers, music and a fireworks display to the tune of Finlandia, which was fabulous. At the end, we all sang the national anthem again. I cannot describe what a wonderful feeling it was to be in my hometown, celebrating our hard-won independence with my fellow Finns!
Photo by AamulehtiOur next destination was celebratory dinner at Finlayson Palatsi. Finlayson was a Scot who made his home in Tampere in the 1820s and set up a cotton mill, cementing the industrial tradition of the town. Now the Finlayson family’s home, ‘The Finlayson Palace’ is part park and part restaurant. ‘This seems a befitting place for an Independence Day dinner,’ my sister said, and how right she was! We had Toast Skagen, a Scandinavian marinated fish dish, reindeer fillet and cloudberry parfait to finish.
Afterwards, we went to a bar attached to the Tampere Worker’s Theatre, Kivi, where we watched a live broadcast from the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, and once again ended the occasion with a rendition of Maamme Suomi, the Finnish national anthem.
Today, slightly tired, I just feel incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to be here in Tampere and in Finland for these unique centenary celebrations.
The post Celebrating Finland’s Centenary Year appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
November 27, 2017
What a Week!
Appearance on Live TV
Those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram may know how I very nearly couldn’t join my sister on her birthday trip to Cap Verde in Africa. To cut a long story short, I had inadvertently put my maiden name on my ticket when I purchased the (very expensive) airfare with TAP Air Portugal to these sunny islands in the Atlantic. Noticing my error a couple of weeks later, I pleaded with the airline, explaining my situation, but they wouldn’t budge, saying ‘It was impossible’ to change the name. Even when I contacted them via Facebook and Twitter they said the only option I had was to purchase a new set of flights for just under £1,000 (about $1,200 or €1.200).
Eventually, in desperation, I contacted Rip Off Britain. (This is a consumer rights programme in the UK). The wonderful people at the BBC took up my case and within hours of their email, Air Portugal telephoned me and changed my name on the ticket without charge. The process took two minutes at the most. Hearing of the success of their approach, Rip Off Britain asked me to appear on their live programme in Glasgow which I accepted. I’ve never been on live telly before and thought I’d be terribly nervous but the production team, Julia Somerville in particular, were so wonderful and put me so much at ease, that appearing live in front of millions of people was a doddle! I also hope my story will help others in a similar situation, and perhaps make TAP Air Portugal change their policy in line with other airlines, such as Norwegian, SAS, Thomas Cook, or Thomson Air, all of which allow name changes against an administration fee.
Helsinki Book Fair
Just a few days later, I flew to Finland to take part in a panel on self-publishing at the Helsinki Book Fair. It was the first time that this consumer fair had aired the subject of indie publishing. It was a huge success and many authors approached me afterward for more information about Alliance of Independent Authors and about the process of international self-publishing. It was so wonderful to be able to pass on some of the experience and knowledge I’ve accumulated in the industry since my first book came out in 2012, and I hope the fair will invite me along again next year!
Cap Verde
I think these pictures speak for themselves! It was hot and sunny and we had a wonderful time celebrating my sister’s significant birthday in Cap Verde.
Series Rebrand and a New Book
On my return to London, I fell headlong into the launch of my latest novel, The True Heart , book four in The Nordic Heart Romance Series, which came out 16 November. In conjunction with the new novel, I also decided to rebrand the books, formerly known as The Englishman series, with new titles and covers. I talk about the reasoning behind the change here.
Becoming a British citizen
While I was away, a letter had arrived informing me that my application to become a naturalised British citizen was accepted and that I was to attend a citizenship ceremony on 20 November. Whoop, whoop! The ceremony was at Islington Town Hall, and it was a joyous occasion, even if the whole (costly) process was forced upon me. The worry about my future in this country since the Brexit vote in June 2016, was finally gone; I now had a guarantee that I’d not be turned away at the British border or refused medical treatment by the National Health Service after the UK leaves the European Union. I talk about my concerns about my future and about feeling very foreign in the country I’ve grown up and called home for the past 33 years in a previous post here.
And by the way, although I have now become a British citizen, I still feel absolutely disgusted by the UK government’s failure to guarantee the future of the 3 million EU citizens who have made their home in this country. And, naturally, I think Brexit is crazy on so many levels, and I will continue to do everything I can to make my fellow Brits who voted to leave the EU, understand how misguided they are, and how they were (and continue to be) lied to by certain politicians.
Loss of a Loyal Friend
Only three days after the joyous occasion at Islington Town Hall, as a family, we suffered a terrible loss. Our 15-year-old terrier, Jerry, was put to sleep on Wednesday. He had been going downhill for some weeks, even months, and we couldn’t let him suffer any longer. Anyone who has lost a pet will understand how devastating it is to say goodbye to a loyal friend. For our daughter, who had grown up with this clever and active terrier, it has been very difficult, as it has for me and the Englishman.
Jerry was my little muse. He made me get up and finish work at a sensible time because I had to take him out; he kept me company while I wrote and gave me an excuse to take a break and scratch his tummy or throw a ball for him. He was always happy to see me when I came home – however late, or after however many cocktails … I loved walking him in the woods; the number of ideas for a book, plot twists or character traits that I found during those walks is impossible to count. Simply put, he was my best friend.
Helsingin Sanomat
Only the next day, I was interviewed and photographed for a forthcoming story in the Finnish daily, Helsingin Sanomat. (I wanted to appear happy in the photos but you can imagine smiling for an hour only a day after such a loss was a challenge). Hesari, as the paper is colloquially called in Finland, has written many times about Brexit and how it’s affecting the Finns living in the UK. I’m delighted that they have included my story in some of the articles. The next piece will appear within a few days – keep an eye out for my social media posts.
Finland 100 Ball
The week ended with a glittery ball to celebrate the centenary of Finland’s Independence. On 6th December this year, it will be 100 years since Finland gained its independence from Russia. Us Finns have been celebrating this anniversary year for all of 2017, but my London celebrations culminated at the Finnish British Chamber of Commerce ball at the Savoy on Friday. I was lucky to be joined by good friends as well as my family, and in spite of being so very sad about the loss of our furry friend, we all had a good time.
Have you had weeks, or months, when you feel you’re on a roller coaster ride and the ups and downs of your life are just a little too deep? Comment below to start the conversation!
The post What a Week! appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
