What happens in school stays in school?

Thanks to Jim Webster for his entertaining reminiscences and for his promotion of my new book ‘Examining Kitchen Cupboards’ which is based on something I discovered when working in the Exams Department of a college back in 1999. It’s a suspense novella mostly created from my own imagination, except for that one question you will come across which is very real!

Thanks also to D.G Kaye for the 5 star review.

Jim Webster

Teaching is my families other profession. My mother, sister and various cousins all taught for a living. So by adding their memories to mine I’ve seen schools evolve from 1948 to now. The world my mother entered is probably unrecognisable now. At teacher training college after the war, the college held one dance per term. The RAF officer cadets from a nearby training school were invited.

Young ladies sat along one wall of the dance floor, young gentlemen sat down the opposite wall. The RAF officer commanding and the Lady College Principal sat on the stage, each with their second in command to act as a runner. Should a gentleman wish to dance with a lady, he would go up onto the stage, ask his officer commanding, who would in turn ask the principal, who would send her second in command to collect the young lady in question. They would…

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Streets Ahead Street Team – Adele Park

This week on Streets Ahead we’re promoting Adele Park’s fantasy novel ‘Wisp:

Edra; a world where magic flourishes and where dark secrets are concealed by those who rule. Secrets which can get the innocent killed without a thought.

When the body of an elf is discovered in a treacherous area of the city, Wisp a young Law Enforcer is assigned the case. He soon realises the case is far from simple. As soon as he finds one thread another one leads him to unravel a tapestry woven from lies, secrets, corruption and evil. When friendship turns to love, Wisp`s life, as he knew it will completely change.

What started out as a murder case ends in a grisly battle which Wisp and his companions seem to have no chance of winning.

Review by Colleen M. Chesebro:

Meet Wisp, a law enforcer in the land of Edra, where magic is encouraged to flourish and is often needed for sheer survival. A mages council rules Edra compared to the neighboring area of Finah, who prefers humans to control their resources. After a bloody civil war, many years ago, the two lands exist beside each other in a fragile peace.

Wisp is a marsh fairy with raven hair and pointy ears pierced with silver earrings. Marsh fairies are rare and possess special powers. Wisp keeps his real identity under wraps, known only to his superiors. Abandoned as a child, the “Senior” Law enforcement officer raised him ensuring his survival.

In a desolate area filled with putrefying rubbish, Wisp comes across the body of a High Elf, a member of the Thorns, who was a high-ranking council member found murdered in the circle. The elf’s throat had been brutally cut. Wisp sets out to solve the murder not realizing he is to play an integral part in solving the mystery.

Wisp meets Finn Redhaven, the lover of the murdered elf, Sammiel Thorn, and feels an immediate attraction to him. Wisp and Finn fall in love and discover a wealth of magical abilities enabled by their relationship. And, they are going to need all the help they can get to battle the evil that has descended on Edra.

As fantasy novels go, Wisp stands out to me in its originality and political intrigue. Ms. Park creates a world where love is considered to be one of the greatest powers of all. I enjoyed that the two main characters were male and embraced their love and desire for each other, which was a refreshing approach to solving a mystery in a magical land. The reader discovers along with Wisp the extent of his abilities which I anticipate will increase over time.

I’ve added Wisp to my list of favorite fantasy novels. I loved the story and the characters. The ending is a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next volume to find out what happens to Wisp and Finn. Hopefully, Ms. Park won’t keep us in suspense for long.

Satire, Sarcasm, and Funny Fiction

Tags

funny books, humour

One of my books, ‘The Pilates Class’, is featured in BookFunnel’s  ‘Satire, Sarcasm and Funny Fiction‘ promotion organised by Holly Tierney-Bedord, which runs through to December 15th.  You can find a whole wealth of funny books there as well as mine by clicking the link below.  Check it out!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/sarcasmbooks/e5mi8hrb6j

 

 

Streets Ahead Street Team – Marjorie Mallon

This week on Streets Ahead we’re promoting Marjorie Mallon’s fantasy novel ‘The Curse of Time’.  If you would like your book promoted and are prepared to promote other members’ books too, please click on the link above to join the group:

A unique, imaginative mystery full of crystal magic-wielding, and dark elements.

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl Esme who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting Amelina to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger. With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness. A magical YA/paranormal fantasy with dark elements set in Cambridge, England.

Goodreads’ Reviews:

“The Curse Of Time by M.J. Mallon is an intricate fantasy novel with unique supernatural and magical elements which serves as a highly entertaining read. I had a great time reading this novel and exploring the magical world of Amelina full of magic crystals and enchanted mirrors.”

“This novel would be great for teenagers, or young adults and it follows the magical story of teenager Amelina as she steps into a world of crystals, magic and wonderment. There are some likeable and not so likeable characters and both are really well written. The book weaves a story of the main character learning new skills and you see her personal growth throughout the story. Nothing is what is seems and you want to find out how Amelina will use her enchanted gifts and learn who she can trust. A book packed full of intrigue, believable characters and poetic verse.”

“This is a brilliant book for young adults interested in magic, supernatural, paranormal, fantasy and myth. I found it highly readable and the author’s imagination is phenomenal, as is the fluency of her language and the dazzling way she describes the curious events and characters in her story. I loved the idea of Esme, the girl trapped in the mirror.”

“Beautifully written and poetic fantasy novel that perfectly sustains mystery and drama throughout the pages. The characters are very vivid and the world is rich in detail and atmosphere. Marjorie is excellent at painting imaginative and believable scenes with words and magic. A fantastic debut! Looking forward to her next book.”

“The overall world-building creates a wonderful, spiritual atmosphere.
There’s a bit of poetry at the start of every chapter, a nice touch which leads us into the action.
The story bravely tackles issues of mental health and self-harm, but in such a sensitive way that it can only help improve understanding.”

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro

 

 

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Christmas Book Fair – Pre-order – #Thriller – Examining Kitchen Cupboards by Stevie Turner

Thanks to Sally Cronin at Smorgasbord for her help in promoting my new thriller ‘Examining Kitchen Cupboards’, which was based on my own findings when working as an examinations assistant at a college back in 1999.

The book is at the pre-order price of just £0.99 /$0.99 until December 7th. After this date it will revert to its normal price of £1.95/$2.50.

Thanks also to D.G Kaye for the 5 star review!

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-christmas-book-fair-pre-order-thriller-examining-kitchen-cupboards-by-stevie-turner/

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Delighted to share the news of Stevie Turner’s upcoming release which is on pre-order at the special price of 99p/99c for delivery on December 7th – Examining Kitchen Cupboards.

About the book

Jill Hayes discovers that not all is as it seems in her new post as a college examinations administrator. When she turns whistle-blower and tries to report her findings to the authorities, she is horrified to discover that some people will stop at nothing to ensure her silence.

For readers’ information:Although the characters and college are fictional, the actual exam question that sparked Jill’s nightmare is a genuine one from 1999.

One of the advance five star reviews for the book by D.G. Kaye on her blog Review for Examining Kitchen Cupboards by Stevie Turner

Stevie Turner never disappoints. From her fictional family sagas to her nonfiction, and mystery/thrillers, she knows how to keep a reader engaged…

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Streets Ahead Street Team – D.G Kaye

This week in Streets Ahead we’re sharing D.G Kaye’s memoir ‘Words We Carry‘.  Here below is a description of the book by the author herself:

“I have been a great critic of myself for most of my life, and I was darned good at it, deflating my own ego without the help of anyone else.”

What do our shopping habits, high-heeled shoes, and big hair have to do with how we perceive ourselves? Do the slights we endured when we were young affect how we choose our relationships now?
D.G. takes us on a journey, unlocking the hurts of the past by identifying situations that hindered her own self-esteem. Her anecdotes and confessions demonstrate how the hurtful events in our lives linger and set the tone for how we value our own self-worth.
Words We Carry is a raw, personal accounting of how the author overcame the demons of low self-esteem with the determination to learn to love herself.

Here is my own 5 star review for this book on Amazon UK:

The dysfunctional childhood suffered by author D.G Kaye has left her with great insight into the human condition, which she writes about with much accumulated wisdom in her inspirational non-fiction book ‘Words We Carry’.  We read how parents, teachers, and events in our childhood shape the adults that we become.  I suffered quite a few similar events in my own childhood that the author did, and found the whole book excellent and eerily uncanny to my own life experiences.

Ms Kaye believes, just as I do, that we should put on a smile, think positive thoughts, and dress to please ourselves and not others.  It doesn’t matter if we are not blessed with outward beauty, a happy and friendly demeanour will shine through and attract new friends.  Beauty is as beauty does; nobody gets pleasure from being around a miserable complainer, even though they may be the best looking person for miles around.
By the time the reader reaches the last page, they would have the recipe in their hands to give their self-esteem a huge boost.  Over the years I have learned to feel comfortable in my own skin, just like the author had to, and to ignore or walk away from people whose only aim in life was to make disparaging comments in order to make me feel bad about myself.

I received this book in a free promotion, but I will definitely read it again.  Thoroughly recommended!

Stevie’s New Suspense Novella is Now Available for Pre-Order.

Tags

new book, suspense

Suspense/Thrillers seem to be quite popular, and so I thought I’d write another one.  Twenty years after I quit my job in a college as an examinations assistant, the time was right in the summer of this year to create the novella  ‘Examining Kitchen Cupboards‘.

Jill Hayes discovers that not all is as it seems in her new post as a college examinations administrator. When she turns whistle-blower and tries to report her findings to the authorities, she is horrified to discover that some people will stop at nothing to ensure her silence.

When I worked at a college back in 1999 I found out just what Jill discovered, but it took me twenty years to get around to writing about it.  Jill is braver than I ever was, as you will find out if you pre-order the novella.  It will be just £0.99 / $0.99 until its publication date of 7th December 2019, when the price will then rise to £1.95 / $2.50.

The college I write about is fictional, as are all the characters.  However, the exam question that sparked Jill’s nightmare is absolutely the genuine article from 1999.

Streets Ahead Street Team – Dorinda Duclos

This week we’re sharing Dorinda Duclos’ book of short stories, passages and poetic prose ‘Short & not always Sweet’.

Imagine yourself being lost in a faraway land, or sailing on a pirate ship. Perhaps you’ll find yourself in a predicament, or a romantic rendezvous. From passages to longer, more detailed stories, these are writings that are sure to capture your imagination and evoke emotions, from sadness, to madness, to happiness and beyond.

5 Star Review by D.W Peach:

Duclos offers a generous selection of over 60 short stories, pieces of poetic prose, and flash fiction in a compilation that kept me enthralled for an entire afternoon. The writing is lovely, evocative, and in many cases emotional. Some pieces are lyrical and heartfelt reflections with themes centered on nature, serenity, and empowerment. Others are dark forays into ghostly hauntings and the realms of murder and revenge. Some of my favorites are Patience, Dusk, Wilted, and I Am. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon or to savor over a week, one page at a time.

 

Streets Ahead Street Team Promotion – Richard Dee

Fridays are my Indie author promotion days, where readers can find either Click & Run,  Friday Book Share, or Streets Ahead.

This week it’s Streets Ahead, and Richard Dee’s new Sci-fi book ‘Survive‘ has recently been published:

An interplanetary surveying expedition ends in disaster. The survivors are stranded; on a beautiful but savage planet. 
Making it home will be hard enough, without having to fight each other.

Can the truth survive one man’s desire to make a name for himself?

Ballantyne Alysom is the Galaxy’s most famous explorer.
Davis Jansen is the cameraman he takes to record his latest mission.
Alysom is giving nothing away, except that it’s something that’s never been seen before.
When things go wrong, they are marooned on a savage and uncharted planet. The survivors need a leader they can rely on.
Jansen watches and records it all as Alysom’s true character is revealed. He’s not the genial and fearless explorer that everyone sees.
The Far Explorer is a ship riddled with infighting and jealousy, Alysom is controlling and arrogant, nothing like the man that his reputation suggests.
Jansen’s efforts to expose the truth carry just as much risk as surviving on the planet did.
Maybe more
Find out if enough lies can ever bury the truth in Survive, the tale of Ballantyne Alysom.

Beta Readers’ Reviews:

What a fantastic book!!! I love how while every book you write is technically the same genre, they are all completely different.

Survive came alive from the first page, and really took on a life of its own.

The characters were all well developed and believable, the story was saturated with the atmosphere, and the bad guy Bal was someone that everyone has experienced at one point in their life!

A lot of effort has been put into the research for the story, it comes across as real instead of patently fake.

My goodness, that ending though! Perfect setup for a second book, which I sincerely hope there is one!

All in all, another fabulous read.

Streets Ahead Street Team Promotion – Anita Dawes

This week on Streets Ahead we’re promoting Anita  Dawes’ novel ‘Simple‘:

SHADES OF DELIVERANCE MEETS THE WALTONS…
Simple’s life is a painful nightmare.
He is one huge bear of a man, but with the heart and mind of an innocent child. He suffers terrible abuse from his vicious and uncaring backwoods family.
Together with his half-sister Leanne, they are hunted like wild animals and suffer the terror of nearly being burned alive as they try to escape.
Will they ever discover the joy of freedom?

Review:

5.0 out of 5 starsDisturbing, but compelling and heartwarming

3 October 2013

Format: Kindle Edition

This is a story about some very tough and mean people somewhere in the backwoods and mountains of America. It is told from the perspective of a young girl whose mission in life is to protect her big, but simple-minded brother from harm. The story is compelling, frightening and sometimes brutal in the manner of the film Deliverance, but it is also a heartwarming story of loyalty, love and deep affection. It was not what I was expecting, but I’m glad I read it. It has an unforgettable quality about it and the characters are complex but convincing. It really is a great story and unputdownable.