An Excerpt From The Cruise Club By Caroline James
This week I’m delighted to welcome Caroline James back to my blog to share an extract from her latest novel The Cruise Club. I have read and enjoyed the book so I will share my own review at the bottom of the post. Over to Caroline …
Huge thanks to Morton for inviting me to her lovely blog as my new novel The Cruise Club sets sail. I hope you enjoy the excerpt below.
Wishing you all many happy reading hours, warmest wishes, Caroline xx
In this excerpt from The Cruise Club, Carmen—who lives with her elderly, nagging mother, Betty, makes a life-changing decision to embark on her very first cruise …
“A cruise is more than the start of a journey, it is the beginning of a love affair with the sea, where every port brings a new adventure.”
As Carmen picked up the newspaper, a supplement fell out. Stooping to retrieve it, she saw that it advertised cruise ship holidays. The glossy brochure was colourful, and, sitting down again, she idly flicked through the pages, imagining what it would be like to pack her bag and escape to a far-flung location.
A holiday without Betty, imagine!
There were enticing cruises to the Caribbean, Asia, Antarctica and the South Pacific on giant passenger liners. At the same time, closer to home, one could enjoy a five-city break in Europe. Carmen imagined cruising on the Danube, the Rhine, and even the Norwegian Fjords sounded fascinating. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a holiday. The annual pilgrimage to Bournemouth, pushing Betty’s wheelchair along the prom during two weeks in the summer, hardly made magical memories of sun, sea and shenanigans.
‘How I long for some shenanigans…’ Carmen said as she stared at the adverts and exotic locations.
But the words of an advert for a lesser-known cruise line suddenly caught Carmen’s eye.
Discover the magic of The Mysteries of the Mediterranean
Embark on an unforgettable journey as you join The Cruise Club on the Diamond Star.
This small luxury liner prides itself on memorable cruises for the more mature. Set sail on an adventure through crystal-clear waters and visit sun-drenched beaches and ancient cities.
Enjoy a comfortable cabin with sea views, plush surroundings and gourmet dining.
The Diamond Star’s talented team will entertain throughout with song, dance, comedy and knowledgeable enrichment speakers.
EXCLUSIVE: Number One Best Selling Author of the award-winning TV Series Detective Inspector Blakeman Investigates RUSKIN REEVE will be on board to host a talk and workshops. For a cruise you will cherish forever – book your dream holiday today!
Carmen felt her pulse quicken as she re-read the advertisement. Her hero, the crime writer Ruskin Reeve, was a guest speaker on this Mediterranean cruise. It must be a sign!
The famed Ruskin Reeve was her inspiration, and she had all his books, in series order, placed prominently on a shelf in her bedroom. She adored the crime writer who wrote tales of intrigue and deception and whose works had captivated readers and critics worldwide, gaining many prestigious awards. Carmen loved how Ruskin pushed the boundaries of the genre with his keen eye for detail and understanding of human psychology, creating complex mysteries and believable characters. The writing gods had guided Carmen, and now, all she had to do was summon the courage to pick up the phone and call the number to book her place on the cruise.
‘If only I could write like you…’ Carmen breathed as she gazed at Ruskin’s photograph, her fingers tracing the outline of the letters of his name.
A voice in her ear whispered, and tilting her head to one side, Carmen felt sure that her dad was speaking. ‘Follow your writing dream!’ he urged.
Carmen desperately wanted to follow Ruskin onto the Diamond Star cruise, to draw inspiration from his knowledge of the complexities of crime writing. Her heart fluttered at the thought of attending his writing workshops. Time with the talented author would surely kickstart her writer’s block and get the words flowing again.
She had to go on the cruise!
Carmen’s hazel eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she pushed her heavy-rimmed glasses along her nose before running her fingers through her shoulder-length brown hair. She could almost feel the warm Mediterranean breeze on her skin and hear the gentle lapping of waves against the ship. Indeed, such a setting would inspire her to write, and it might be the remedy she so desperately needed. After all, it wasn’t as though she couldn’t afford the holiday, and Carmen had a tidy sum in a savings account.
She checked the sailing date and was pleased that the cruise began in just over a week. There was no time to cancel, if she decided to go. Carmen knew that Agnes would be back from her holiday in a couple of days, and with a little gentle persuasion and extra money in her wages, she felt sure that the kindly woman would step up and help with Betty.
Betty. The roadblock in her plan.
The pitfall to the holiday would be Betty’s hysteria when she learnt that her daughter was planning an exciting trip without her mother. Memories of dozens of disappointments, caused by Betty’s interference, flooded Carmen’s mind.
She mustn’t let Betty spoil her plans!
Despite the building guilt, Carmen picked up her pen and circled the cruise agent’s number. For years Carmen had allowed her mother to dictate, often sacrificing her hopes and dreams for peace. But now she felt an unfamiliar, steely resolve.
Straightening her shoulders, Carmen set her jaw with purpose and gripped the pen. This wasn’t just a trip – being in the company of Ruskin Reeve was a necessity, and she knew that she must seize the opportunity.
Carmen dreaded breaking the news to Betty but decided that she would deal with that disaster later. She reached for her phone and began to dial, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. With a hesitant voice, Carmen began the booking process. Each word she uttered felt like a brick in the foundation of her ongoing writing dream.
‘I’m going on a cruise…’ Carmen whispered in amazement as she ended the call. ‘Carmen Cunningham is about to set sail!’
About The Cruise Club
Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.
Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…
However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.
But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…
Get your copy here: The Cruise Club
About Caroline James
Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves too.
Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.
Contact Links:
Website: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk
Twitter: @CarolineJames12
Facebook: Caroline James Author
Insta: Caroline James Author
Books by Caroline James:
Morton’s review of The Cruise Club.
Five Stars – Really enjoyed my cruise!
It almost felt as if I was sailing along on this cruise alongside the characters and the wonderful descriptions of places and food made it even more vivid.
I so wanted Carmen to stand up for herself and was definitely on her side as the book progressed. Great to catch up with characters from The French Cookery School, Fran and Sid. After reading this book I don’t think I will ever view depictions of pineapples in the same way again and any references to squid will make me smile.
Loved the fact that there were writers and writing classes on the boat. Theo definitely captured my heart.
Looking forward to the next Caroline James book already. 
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