The Good Life



Murphy

 

 

  The Good Life

It's been a little while since we had a blog post from the fabulous 'Murphy's Mother' so I am delighted to share her brand spanking new book review with you all this evening. 
And off we go...


Dear Fellow Readers 

I think you all know by now my all time favourite author is Tess Gerritsen and I can't wait to review her up coming novel 'Playing with Fire.' 
Due for release in November, it's a step away from the Rizzoli and Isles series but I just know it will be amazing. 

Today I'm reviewing another firm favourite... Author Martina Cole and her latest book The Good Life.

If you're not aware of Martina she is a No 1 bestselling author of crime fiction. Several of her novels have been adapted for television including The Take and The Runaway. Martina has also had Two Women and The Graft adapted for the stage.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE NEVER FREE 

Photo taken from www.martinacole.co.uk

Cain Moran wanted Jenny Riley more than he had ever wanted anyone or anything before in his life. But loving Jenny Riley was the easy part... It was telling his wife he wanted a divorce that was going to be the killer...

Jenny is not just any girl. She cares nothing for Cain’s hard-man reputation – she just wants to be with him but Cain is not a free man. And he’s about to find out that when his wife Caroline said '’til death us do part', she meant it. 

When Cain is sentenced to life in prison it seems that Caroline might have got her wish. All Cain and Jenny know is that if their love can survive such separation, then one day they will have a chance at the Good Life together again. But there are greater trials ahead than either can foresee. They’re about to learn the hardest lesson of all...

The Good Life is a compelling read from start to finish and I couldn't put it down.

Cain Moran was The Face people feared but his love for Jenny couldn't be denied...
This novel had all the trademarks of another great Eastend crime story and although you know the outcome quite early on in the book it's still a gripping read. Martina seems to know intimately about the world in which she writes and this is no exception. This is a powerful piece of family drama taken to extremes.

Martina's next novel 'Get Even' is released in October.

Until next time... 

Murphy's Mother

Xxx

Click here to check out more books from Martina Cole.

New post from GGD tomorrow... xxx

Chatting with friends...

I've named this 'chatting with friends' because that's exactly how I feel when writing these posts. You have all been so amazing. I've genuinely appreciated all your kind words and messages over the last few difficult weeks. It has helped me hugely.

A week ago today we lost a great lady. Such a strange expression. It sounds like we've simply misplaced my Nanna in the supermarket or something. I wish we had because at least then I'd be able to see her again. She is missed terribly by the whole family. 
It's safe to say it's been a peculiar week. I've been walking around half the time in a bit of a daze, feeling lost somewhat. The girls at work have been incredible. I couldn't have got through this week without their love and support. 
I think loosing someone who was such an enormous part of your life makes you take stock of things. It's certainly made me question the direction in which my life is going. There are so many things I thought I'd have done by now and yet in reality I've barely scratched the surface. So, I've decided to become a little more proactive. I'm going to make a list of goals, (attainable ones) that I will have to achieve by a particular date. For instance, I must get a passport! I've never been abroad yet! And I'm also going to learn how to swim! There are obvious bigger goals that will take time and money to achieve, (bridal shop for one!) but in the meantime I'm going to also work extra hard on finishing my novel. I've even made a mental list of literary agents that I'd like to send it to! Fingers crossed!
I hope that this post inspires one or two of you to try the same thing. Maybe do something you've always wanted to do but for whatever reason you've been putting it off. 

Have a fabulous weekend/week. I'll catch you all soon.

Justine xxx

Britain's Next Bestseller...

 

 

Spotlight on Andrew Males. 

Author of '26 Miles To The Moon'

Hello my lovelies... So it's been a little while. (Apologies.) I've had quite a testing two weeks but I'm back now with a brand spanking new post. If you're a writer, aspiring or otherwise then this post may be of interest to you. If you're not, I hope you enjoy it all the same.

As I did previously with my 'All The Bright Places' post, I'm again going to split this one into two.

Part One 

 

So you may all be wondering... Who is Andrew Males?
First and foremost a husband, father and business analyst, Andy as he prefers to be called, is also the author of fictional novel, '26 Miles to the Moon.' (A romantic comedy about Jon Dunn - a nobody who is going nowhere in life until he answers a random email and finally takes a chance...)
Quite frankly I hadn't heard of Andy myself until I came across a feature in the 'Members' News' section of Writing Magazine.
He spoke of how his novel, 26 Miles to the Moon had been rejected by several agents. Now let's face it. We writers know that this is nothing unusual. For those of you who are sitting there lost... The book industry is a tough nut to crack. Winning the lottery is probably easier! However, knowing these facts does not stop the gut wrenching disheartened feeling that hits when your masterpiece, (often months of blood, sweat and tears) has been kicked to the curb. Not one to give up, (we writers are a tenacious breed) Andy decided to look into other avenues which could possibly fulfil his dream of publication... Cue route BNBS... The new book crowdfunding site Britain's Next Bestseller! 

Now if you're an unpublished, aspiring writer and haven't heard of this site then I definitely recommend you take a look. In a nutshell, you submit your manuscript to BNBS. If they approve your book then you'll be given a minimum pre-order sale target to achieve within a set time limit. The readers then decide who they want to see published. As BNBS says, it's a great opportunity to get a publishing deal based purely on the merit of your manuscript. Not to mention the fact you are guaranteed a publishing deal if your book achieves the minimum target. And as a reader, you get to check out the fresh new writing talent that's on offer. It's a lovely feeling to know you've supported new authors that might not otherwise have achieved publication.
Which leads me back to the main man in question. Andrew Males. His personal target was 250 which he smashed through in no time. I for one pre-ordered it and then set about trying to encourage others to do the same! Initially I got chatting to Andrew via Twitter (no surprise there... Twitter obsessive that I am) and so followed the idea to do a Q&A with him. I thought it would be a great insight for you all. Not just for the writers out there but for anyone with a dream. Because as Andrew himself has proven, with a lot of hard work and determination, you CAN make your dreams come true. Here is part one of my interview...

So Andrew, when did you know that you wanted to be a writer? At school, my teachers liked my stories, but it was only about eight years ago that I started writing again and realised that it was a perfect way to release my pent-up creative side.

       

What (apart from running marathons) gave you the idea or inspiration for this novel?

I wanted an adventure and a competition, something like Brewster's Millions. I love sci-fi and have a mild obsession with the Moon. I threw those ideas into the mixing bowl that is my brain and after cooking them for three weeks I'd got my plot.

Describe your average writing day.

When I was off work and writing daily it was:

Wake up. Think about the book and the 1500 words I have to write today.

Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast. Think of as many things as I can to delay starting writing.

Sit at my desk and read the previous day's work. Try not to cringe or go back and change anything.

Think of any last minute things I really, really need to do before I start typing. When did I last cut my toenails?

Write.

Resist the Dark Force that is the Internet. It's only a click away. Must. See. Sports. Headlines...

Find any excuse to stop and have lunch. Two and a Half Men, or Friends repeats. Maybe Bear Grylls, as I'm sure I might need survival tips in the wilderness of Stevenage.

Think of more things I need to do before resuming writing.

Write.

Reach 1500 words.

Do a little dance.

Make a little love.

Get down tonight.

(Or maybe just the first one).

Wait for girlfriend (now wife) to come home from work to tell her all about it the very second she steps through the door.

How long did it take you to write 26 Miles?

First draft: 3.5 months of 1500 words a day.

After that, a lot of editing, on and off, over the next 3.5 years. 

And what do you want the reader to take away from this particular story?

I'd like them to be inspired - to take a risk in life and see where it may lead. Failing that, just some LOLs.  

Tell us an inspirational quote that you love or that means something to you. 
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - F. Bueller, 1986.

 

To be continued...

The man himself. Andrew Males

In part two I'll be sharing my personal opinion of 26 Miles to the Moon. This is where Andrew runs and hides... ;)

If you fancy grabbing yourself a copy then just click here! If you've already read it then please do leave your own feedback in the comments box below.

Until next time... I hope you have a fantastic week. Don't work too hard! Love GGD xxx

Links 

Website: Andrew Males 

Email: andy@andrewmales.com

Twitter: @andrewdmales 

'26 Miles to the Moon'... Available on Amazon

10 Hopefuls. 26 Miles. 1 Target: The Moon. 

Jon Dunn is a nobody, going nowhere in life. But that all changes when he answers a random email that puts him on a journey that'll take him so far out of his comfort zone, he'll need a telescope just to look back at it...Read more of the book blurb on Amazon.

Favourites follow up...

'Mucking about!' Me with one of my favourite people... My brother.

More of my favourite things!

Happy Friday people! I cannot believe that today is the very last Friday in May! Where is this year disappearing to? Hope you are all well!
A couple of weeks ago I shared some of my favourite things with you all. From the lovely response I got (thankyou to you all on Twitter and to those that emailed...) it would seem that you enjoyed that particular post. I promised a follow up if that was the case so here it is! 
By the time I've finished sharing all my favourites over the next few months you'll probably know me better than I know myself! :)

And off we go...

Blogging

Of course I had to include this! It's been a good few weeks since I began this little venture and I'm absolutely loving every moment. Sure my novel is suffering somewhat, (I haven't written any of it for weeks.) What with all the research, interviewing and feature writing I've been doing, I just haven't had the time to work on 'Surviving Isabelle,' but I wouldn't change it for the world. Blogging in itself has become such a unique experience. I had no idea when I started how many like minded people I'd get to interact with. And I'm truly blessed to have had the privilege of interviewing several published authors. The next of my interviews is with the talented Andrew Males, author of '26 Miles To The Moon' and will be live next Friday on GGD!

Christmas

Go ahead. I can almost hear the moans and sighs of dismay but I LOVE Christmas. In fact I'd go as far as to say it's probably my favourite thing ever! My family and friends are well used to me by now! I start planning about six months ahead and listen to Christmas music pretty much all year round!

Photography

 

I love photos. Whether it's one that's taken by a stranger or just an image I've captured myself, I love this particular art form. I guess you could say I'm the very definition of 'amateur photographer.' I snap pics at almost every given opportunity. 
If you're on Twitter then do look up Steve Davey who has an excellent eye and has taken some incredible photos! 

Face Powder

This is an absolute handbag essential as well as being a favourite of mine! Not just a face powder it also doubles up as my own version of 'dry shampoo' when I don't have time to wash my hair! I usually stick to Rimmel because it's pretty cheap. But if I'm having a splurge and want to look really good for an event such as a wedding, my 'go to' is Chanel! Pricey but flawless.

InTheFrow

 

I mentioned Victoria Magrath on a post a few weeks back. (When I was nominated for the Creative Blogger Award I chose her blog - InTheFrow as one of my own fifteen nominations.) Blogging was something I'd never really looked into until I read about Zoe Sugg in a magazine. But it was then that I started googling and finding out what these 'bloggers' actually did. Victoria's was one of the first blogs that I stumbled across in my search. She also has a YouTube channel and I'm totally in love with her makeup tutorials. If you love makeup and haven't seen any then please watch them! They're awesome! 

Quirky gift shops

Although I tend to shop online these days (again due to lack of time!) I do love mooching around unusual, or as I like to call them 'quirky' gift shops. It's usually in these places that I find a random notepad or a wall hanging with an inspirational quote. Kirkby Lonsdale, a small historic market town in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria, has a couple of gorgeous shops which I always pop into whenever I'm there.

 

Twitter

 

 

I love Twitter! Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, since blogging I've been able to chat with so many like minded people and this is mostly down to social media. It's a great place to network and due to this I've been blessed to have been presented with some incredible opportunities. 
The following are people who I interact with on Twitter and who in one way or another have inspired me! Each and every one of these people has also been so incredibly supportive. For this I am truly grateful to you all! Some are writers, some bloggers but all are the most loveliest and genuine of people. When you have some time, go take a look at their pages and/or blogs. Links to their individual websites can be found in their Twitter bios!

  

Florence    

Sally

Kayla        

Aimee

Jessie        

Rebekka

Matt        

Brett

Polly       

Hayley 

Julia   

Ella

Rhea  

Bobbyanne

Adriana 

Becky

Kayleigh

Olivia 

Abbie 

Maddie 

Chris 

Jess 

Emily 

Isabel

Charlotte

Andrew Males 

Jennifer Niven  

Sarah Morgan

Emma Finlayson-Palmer

Kathryn Player 

Tony Parsons 

Matt Haig 

Marian Keyes 

                      

Random Acts Of Kindness

 

Okay so to be fair this isn't really a 'thing' but then so seems to be the pattern when it comes to the majority of my favourites list. 
I feel that it's hugely important in life to treat others as you would care to be treated yourself. Many a time a stranger has surprised me with a random act of kindness. It could be when someone has handed me their car parking ticket because they've still got a couple of hours left on it and they're leaving. Or when someone simply holds a door open to let me pass through. There are hundreds of examples. But needless to say it always makes my day and encourages me to pass this 'kindness' onto someone else. Who said one person couldn't change the world? Especially if one person starts a chain reaction! Try it... Do something totally random for someone. I guarantee you'll make their day and you'll feel pretty good for it yourself too!
  
I shall stop there for now.. More favourites will follow in the near future. As always, please leave your feedback below or catch me on Twitter. Have a fabulous weekend! Hope you've enjoyed tonight's read?? What are your favourite things? Until next week... Love and hugs! xxx

P.s Bloggers look out for this...

Coming soon! xxx

New post from Murphy's Mother...

(Murphy)

Book Review...

'The Beach Cafe!' by Lucy Diamond

Dear fellow readers,

Whilst I'm waiting for my favourite author Tess Gerritsen to release her next novel, I decided to read a few books by different authors.

Today's review is of the 'The Beach Cafe' by Lucy Diamond. I must admit the "chick lit" genre isn't one I'm normally keen on as I much prefer crime fiction, however Lucy Diamond has a way of making her characters likeable and realistic. I love the way she brings her characters to life. Evie Flynn is just like someone we all know and love who makes plenty of mistakes but is funny, caring and a little daft at times.

This is the perfect summer read and with the way Lucy describes the Cornich village it really makes you feel you want to be there on those warm summer days listening to the waves crashing in on the beach as the sun sets.

Oh how I wish I could inherit the beautiful Beach Cafe.

Until next time, MM xxx

Link to Lucy's website: www.lucydiamond.co.uk

Thankyou as always to Murphy's Mother! I'm looking forward to reading another review in a fortnight as I hope all of you are too?!
Just to finish off, here's a little bit of information about the author of 'The Beach Cafe'...
Lucy Diamond is actually a pseudonym/pen name. The author's real name is Sue Mongredien. She chose the alternative name as she felt it was easier to pronounce! Sue writes both children's books and 'chick lit.' She attended Leeds University where she read English. After a move to London and working for various publishers, Sue then went travelling around the world for a year and a half. (Would love to see some pics Sue!) Now living in Bath with her husband, she juggles writing with looking after her three young children. Her newest book is titled 'One Night in Italy.'

Pic taken from LucyDiamond.co.uk

Click here for excerpt or to buy!

If you're on Twitter then you can contact Sue here... @LDiamondAuthor

Alternatively you can email her... Lucy@lucydiamond.co.uk

Hope you all have a fabulous week! Love GGD xxx