Book Review - Wicked by Sara Shepard

** Contains NO spoilers**

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .

Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.

Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching. . . . 

Wow!  I know I have probably started every review of the Pretty Little Liars series with the word Wow! but that is the first word that I think of when I finish the books and this one was no exception.  

This book was very surprising to say the least..  Without giving away any spoilers there isn't a lot I can explain about the book that isn't in the description above but all I do have to say is READ THIS BOOK!  Its amazing.....  I loved the ending although I had already predicted what was going to happen....

LOVED IT

10 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review - Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

**Contains NO spoilers**

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares.

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.

If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one. 

Wow!  Another fantastic book in the Pretty Little Liars series.....  I won't spoil the story line for those who have not read this book yet but this one has a very explosive ending...  What a shocker...  I never expected that although I am not sure whether what we found out is true or just another set up? Hmmm...

Brilliant read!   10 out of 10

Best wishes.

Book Review - Perfect by Sara Shepard

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem.

Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister.
 
Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or else! 

Ok, so now I am totally addicted.  I have read so much of these characters and story that every time I pick up the book to read I feel as though I am in their world right there watching what is going on rather than reading it!  The only thing I found annoying was the parents... Emily's parents reaction when they found out her secret was a bit unfair.

Utterly brilliant!  Can't wait to read more...

10 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review - When Daddy Comes Home by Tony Maguire

She finally thought she was safe! Toni Maguire, author of Don't Tell Mummy, takes up the story of her tragic childhood where she left off, revealing the awful truth about what happened when her father, sent to jail for abusing her, was released, and came home. Toni Maguire's father abused her from the age of six, and was only found out when she fell pregnant, losing the child from a botched abortion. Jailed for his crimes with the help of her testimony, Antoinette believed she was finally safe, but it was not to last. Being dispatched to collect her father from the station by herself marked a new low for young Antoinette. Realizing that she was no longer safe at home, she was forced to leave. Her mother did nothing to protect her or prevent her going. Traumatized and alone, Antoinette was unable to cope, and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, sinking deeper into despair every day. Finally transferred to the dead-end ward with no hope of recovery, Antoinette slowly began to improve, by the sheer force of her indomitable will.

This was a book that I had borrowed from a friend at work and because I like books written by Cathy Glass I thought that this one would be a good read.  Yes, it was good but also it was very frustrating.  In the first few chapters, it was great because you got to see why Antoinette was being abused and what happened to remedy the situation but after that it was all really all about Antoinette coming to terms with this and how she dealt with her relationship with her family which was, to be honest, not as exciting as the beginning of the book. 

5 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review - Flawless by Sara Shepard

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.

And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive. 

Oh my goodness...  I am now totally addicted to these books and this is only the second one!  Following the different characters around what they are doing, what they are trying to hide and watching them try to figure out who is sending them the messages....  I had taken me slightly longer to read this book but only because my work got in the way of my reading!!!!!

10 out of 10

Best wishes

Books That are Turned into Movies

* This article does not contain any spoilers


I was asked today 'What would you prefer – watch the movie and then read the book or read the book and then watch the movie?'. For me, the answer to that question is easy, my preferred option would be to read the book and then watch the movie. I have in the past had experience of watching a movie first and then turning to read the book but I found that the story line spoilt because I already knew it from watching the movie. The main drive for me when reading a book is the anticipation of what happens next. If that anticipation is lost, I have no drive to keep on reading the book. Let's take for example, the movie called Pay It Forward. I had actually purchased the book, which was sitting on my bookcase waiting to be read but I decided that I would watch the movie first. Big mistake. I thought the movie was an ok movie meaning one that I would watch once and then probably never watch again. That killed some of my drive to want to read the book. What killed the read of my drive to read the book was the fact that I knew the ending. The ending was such an explosive ending that I felt that the book probably could not offer anything more. I still have not read the book. If anyone has read the book and watched the movie, I would love to hear from you.

On the other hand, there are exceptions to the rule. Let's take Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. I LOVED this movie. In fact, this movie is my favourite movie of all time. I did not come to read the book until a couple of years after I had watched the movie for the first time and I loved it. One of the reasons why I loved it was because the story had differences to the movie which made it an entirely new experience despite the fact that it was really the same story mainly.


Ok, let's turn the tables around. What about reading the book first and then watching the movie? Well, this is definitely the way I prefer to go. Not long ago I read My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and LOVED it. It was a fantastic story. When I heard that the book was being turned into a movie, I was really excited and looking forward to the release. When I went to see it at the cinema, I had mixed feelings. The actors and actresses in the movie were really good but there were certain story lines which were in the book but not in the movie. I had been expecting to see one thing and was given another but I have to say that the book story line was better.


In summary I would have to say that, given the choice, I would read the book first and then watch the movie. As to movies that have then been turned into books, I might give one a chance one day but not sure...

So, how about you? I would love to hear which one you would choose?


Best wishes





 

Book Swap Website for the UK

For those of you guys who live in the UK, unfortunately we are not able to use Paperbackswap but I have found an amazing site called Read It Swap It that is brilliant.  You list the books that you want to swap and go for it.  Either search for ones that you want or wait for someone to request one of your books.... 

I have had my first successful swap being in the picture to the right hand side - The Cottage by Danielle Steel.  It was perfectly packaged and delivered within the week, which I thought was brilliant.  I have another four that I am going to be posting on Monday and look forward to receiving the book I swapped for...

Best wishes

Book Review - Haunted by James Herbert

Three nights of terror at the house called Edbrook - three nights in which David Ash, there to investigate a haunting, will be victim of horrifying and maleficent games. These are the three nights in which he will face the blood-chilling enigma of his own past - the three nights before Edbrook's dreadful secret will be revealed...And the true nightmare will begin! Remember with fear. "Disturbing atmosphere and constant unpleasant shocks." - "Daily Mail".

This is a book that I took to work to read in my lunch break (mainly because it looked a bit scary and I never like to read those sorts of books in the evening).  I was so looking forward to reading it but I was very disappointed.  I could not get into the book, mainly because I found the style of writing very hard to follow.  Once I had finished the book, I was also very disappointed by the ending, which I felt to be very predictable.  I had already figured out what was going to happen at the end when I was only halfway through the book and, for me, that spoiled some of the build up to the ending.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. 

2 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review - What the Hell is He Thinking by Zoe Strimpel

What does he think if I sleep with him on the first date? Why is he possessive even when he isn't all that into me? What does it mean when he won't call me his girlfriend? Why does he freak out when I leave my stuff at his house? What the hell is He Thinking? Having spent a good part of her post-pubescent life picking apart dating dilemmas with her girlfriends over cocktails, Zoe Strimpel decided it was time to do something once and for all about the mystery that is the male mind. So, instead of moping about in the Mars/Venus divide, Zoe did something completely crazy: she talked to actual guys, getting them to explain the tales of confusion that she had gathered from her friends. And - would you believe - they had a lot of gems to offer. So while she had their attention, she also asked them the eight questions you most want men to answer. 

This is such a funny book!  I am in a relationship and have been for the past four and a bit years and for all those out there in relationships you know that there are just some times when you think to yourself the same question as the title of this book......  Sometimes, I just don't have a clue.  I found this book so incredibly funny in reading the mini scenarios in it and comparing it to questions I have myself!

10 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review - Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

OMG!  This book is amazing...  OK, so I am completely biased because I believe that Nicholas Sparks is the greatest writer ever...  I like his style of writing, the way he tells a story and the way he builds his characters up throughout the story.  I just could not put this book down.  I immediatetly felt sorry for Katie and wanted desperately for her to win at the end of the day and I completely fell in love with the character Alex....

For all you Nicholas Sparks fans out there, this book will not disappoint you one bit....  For all those who have not yet read a book written by Nicholas Sparks, start with this one and work your way through the rest!!!!  I wonder if this one will be made into a movie?  I hope so, it will be brilliant.....

1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 out of 10

Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J K Rowling

'His hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux, but in spite of everything, in spite of the dark and twisting path he saw stretching ahead for himself, in spite of the final meeting with Voldemort he knew must come, whether in a month, in a year, or in ten, he felt his heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with Ron and Hermione.' With these words "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" draws to a close. And here, in this seventh and final book, Harry discovers what fate truly has in store for him as he inexorably makes his way to that final meeting with Voldemort. In this thrilling climax to the phenomenally bestselling series, J.K. Rowling will reveal all to her eagerly waiting readers.


I loved this book just as much as I loved the first. Although it was quite a long book, it tied up all the loose ends that I had been wondering about throughout the whole series and I thought was an incredibly ending for such a long series of books.


The Harry Potter series has to be one of my most favourite book series ever. The only other book series that has to come just a step up would be The Babysitters Club by Ann M Martin, whose books I was totally hooked on for the whole of my teenage life!


10 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Book 6) by J K Rowling

'In a brief statement on Friday night, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He Who Must Not Be Named has returned to this country and is once more active. "It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord - well, you know who I mean - is alive and among us again," said Fudge.' These dramatic words appeared in the final pages of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In the midst of this battle of good and evil, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes up the story of Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with Voldemort's power and followers increasing day by day


This was another of the Harry Potter books that did not leave a great impression on me for the very same reasons as book 5. I am not sure whether I had just got a little bit over exposed to the Harry Potter books by now and had built this book up to be something more than it was, I don't know. A good story and for those who love Harry Potter, probably just as long as you don't read one after the other.


8 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J K Rowling

Dumbledore lowered his hands and surveyed Harry through his half-moon glasses. 'It is time,' he said, 'for me to tell you what I should have told you five years ago, Harry. Please sit down. I am going to tell you everything.' Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. He is desperate to get back to school and find out why his friends Ron and Hermione have been so secretive all summer. However, what Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his whole world upside down ...But before he even gets to school, Harry has an unexpected and frightening encounter with two Dementors, has to face a court hearing at the Ministry of Magic and has been escorted on a night-time broomstick ride to the secret headquarters of a mysterious group called 'The Order of the Phoenix'. And that is just the start. A gripping and electrifying novel, full of suspense, secrets, and - of course - magic.


If I have to be honest, I would have to say that this is my most least favourite of the Harry Potter series only because it was a very long book, which was quite a challenge for me, and also because it had a lot of description which I am not a huge fan of. The story, however, was very good and I loved the character Sirius Black...


10 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J K Rowling

The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can't wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and there are spells to be learnt and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to be attended. But Harry can't know that the atmosphere is darkening around him, and his worst enemy is preparing a fate that it seems will be inescapable ...With characteristic wit, fast-paced humour and marvellous emotional depth, J.K. Rowling has proved herself yet again to be a master story-teller.


Another great story in the world of Harry Potter. I liked this one because it involved more than just Harry Potter and friends at school, learning things and someone trailing them etc. In this one the plot got clever in getting Harry Potter to take place in challenges he should not have been exposed to but all the time knowing that he would make it through.... He had to!


10 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J K Rowling

Harry Potter is a wizard. He is in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's always a relief after summer with the Dursleys, however, Harry doesn't realise that this year will be just as eventful as the last two! The atmosphere at Hogwarts is tense. There's an escaped mass murderer on the loose, even the Muggles have been warned. The sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school and Harry, Ron and Hermione rapidly discover why all witches and wizards live in fear of being sent to Azkaban. Lessons, however, must go on and there are lots of new subjects in third year - Care of Magical Creatures and Divination among others. Plus the delights of Hogsmeade, the only village in the UK entirely populated by the magical community.


I have to admit that this book creeped me out a little bit. I think, but will stand to be corrected, that this is the first time I read about those weird creatures that guard Azkaban. I can't remember the name of them now but they really gave me the creeps! On the other hand, the way this story turns and becomes something different made me cry....


9 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J K Rowling

Harry Potter is a wizard. He is in his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Little does he know that this year will be just as eventful as the last ...even getting there is an adventure in itself! The three firm friends, Harry, Ron and Hermione, are soon immersed in the daily round of Potions, Herbology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and Quidditch. But then horrible and mysterious things begin to happen. Harry keeps hearing strange voices, sinister and dark messages appear on the wall, and then Ron's sister Ginny disappears...


I was quite lucky at the time because I had waited so long to start reading the first book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, I was able to go out and buy the second book straight away, with no waiting... I enjoyed this book just as much as the first book and immediately got sucked into the story and watching Harry Potter and his friends go through their next year of school life. By the time I got to this second book, I was a fan and knew that whatever story came next I was going to read it and was bound to love it!


10 out of 10


Best wishes

Book Review – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Book 1) by J K Rowling

Harry Potter is an ordinary boy who lives in a cupboard under the stairs at his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's house, which he thinks is normal for someone like him who's parents have been killed in a 'car crash'. He is bullied by them and his fat, spoilt cousin Dudley, and lives a very unremarkable life with only the odd hiccup (like his hair growing back overnight!) to cause him much to think about. That is until an owl turns up with a letter addressed to Harry and all hell breaks loose! He is literally rescued by a world where nothing is as it seems and magic lessons are the order of the day. Read and find out how Harry discovers his true heritage at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, the reason behind his parents mysterious death, who is out to kill him, and how he uncovers the most amazing secret of all time, the fabled Philosopher's Stone! All this and muggles too. Now, what are they?


Oh dear, when unpacking my boxes I found the whole set of Harry Potter books, which I had completely forgotten I had read! How is that possible! Just from reading the back of the book, I can remember so clearly what effect each book had on me at the time I read them because they played a very important part in my reading life. Back when the first Harry Potter book came out, I was smack bang in the middle of a reading slum. I don't know why but I could not pick up a book. I had no interest in reading. I was more about the movies than anything else. Then I had heard about this amazing new book that everyone was raving about. It was about wizards and I remember thinking, this was completely up my street, why don't I give that a go? So I did and what it did was wet my appetite for not only reading the rest of the Harry Potter series but for reading in general. From then on, I have not looked back.... So, I would have to say that this book does have a very special place in my heart as being the book that brought me back to life, reading-wise.....


I loved this book from start to finish. I loved the way the character Harry Potter went from being this geekish schoolchild into this young boy that has this shiny new future ahead of him...


10 out of 10


Best wishes










 

 

Book Review – Blockade Billy by Stephen King

Even the most die-hard baseball fans don't know the true story of William “Blockade Billy” Blakely. He may have been the greatest player the game has ever seen, but today no one remembers his name. He was the first--and only--player to have his existence completely removed from the record books. Even his team is long forgotten, barely a footnote in the game's history.

Every effort was made to erase any evidence that William Blakely played professional baseball, and with good reason. Blockade Billy had a secret darker than any pill or injection that might cause a scandal in sports today. His secret was much, much worse... and only Stephen King, the most gifted storyteller of our age, can reveal the truth to the world, once and for all.

 

 I have to confess that this is the first book that I have read written by Stephen King and I have to say that I liked his style of writing. Building up the tension and great characters. To ease myself into Stephen King novels, I chose this book firstly because it was a novella so it was not really that long (80 small pages long) and secondly because I thought this was one of his less scary stories. Yes, it was creepy but very good story. The only thing that let it down for me was the fact that it talked a lot about baseball which is a sport that I do not know too much about so a lot of the story I was not really understanding as much as I would have if I knew the sport. I loved the way that it was written like someone was telling the story to the author. To me, it felt like I was a fly on the wall watching the conversation from the ceiling.

For those of you who love baseball, this is a story that you will definitely enjoy.....

6 out of 10

Best Wishes

Book Review – The Testament by John Grisham

Troy Phelen is a self-made billionaire, one of the richest men in the United States. He is also eccentric, reclusive, confined to a wheelchair, and looking for a way to die. Nate O'Riley is a high-octane Washington litigator who's lived too hard, too fast, for too long. Emerging from his fourth stay in rehab, he knows returning to the real world is always difficult, but this time it's going to be murder. Rachel Lane is a young woman who chose to give her life to God, who walked away from the modern world with all its strivings and trappings and encumbrances, and went to live and work with a primitive tribe of Indians in the deepest jungles of Brazil. In a story that mixes legal suspense with a remarkable adventure, their lives are forever altered by the startling secret of "The Testament".


This has to be one of my most all time favourite books! I love it! I loved the way the characters were written and conflicted with each other with all the twists in the turns in the plotline... The way the storyline progresses into something that I had not expected really is a work of a genius!


If you like a good whodunit mixed with a bit of suspense and trapped underneath a whopping big secret which shakes the characters to their very core, you will love this book


10 out of 10


Best wishes

 

Author Interview – Mark Damaroyd

I would like to introduce you all to a wonderful new writer, Mark Damaroyd. His first novel 'Pursuit to Paradise' is out now (links at the bottom of this interview for all who are interested to purchase your own copy.....).

 

Cover art by Dara England

In the worldwide recession of 2009, Ben Lofthouse plans to rebuild his life on Koh Pimaan, a paradise island in Thailand. Desperate to escape the increasing hostility of the locals who blame him for his failing businesses, and determined to find the beautiful but mysterious Nataya who has disappeared, Ben is plunged into an adventure which may prove fatal.

Surrounded by beautiful women, but relentlessly pursued by a former girlfriend, and stalked by a notorious London gangster, an unexpected romance develops. A new friendship catapults Ben into both increasingly sensual and dangerous situations. With a bevy of beauties at his side, he finds himself drawn into erotic moviemaking at Casa Blanca, a spectacular hillside villa.

Ben's dreams seem destined to become reality. But an amazing piece of news he has received could change his life forever, or bring it to an untimely end...

To read more, do check out these links -  http://www.thailandstories.com/article/book-previews/pursuit-to-paradise.html  Or http://ping.fm/33yjp (other links at the bottom of this intervi

• 
  
  • You moved from England to Thailand, that must have been quite a life changing decision. How did you come to make that decision and how much has it changed your perspective on life?
    

Firstly, Debs, thanks so much for inviting me along to your interesting English website. I'm very happy to be here.

 

After holidaying in Thailand a few times, then going to work there, I discovered the lifestyle and laidback attitude suited me fine. I've lived in Thailand for some years, including on islands similar to the imaginary Koh Pimaan, in Pursuit to Paradise, which I had to dream up because of the naughty goings-on there. I never came across such amazing antics elsewhere. I've endeavoured to convey something of the unique atmosphere, and sights to be found in The Land of Smiles. I hope readers will be able to easily relate, bouncing along happily with characters as they plunge into action. The people of Thailand always smile, in good and bad times they smile even at me and the many thousands of westerners who've settled there. It seemed a good idea to tell my story with lots of humour. Before relocating to Thailand, I spent long periods in quaint English villages, similar to those featured in the story. Dramatic differences in climate, lifestyles and attitude provide contrast, changing from scene to scene as a subplot unfolds.

 

• 
  
  If you could work with any other author, who would it be and why?
  

 

I'd love to be able to turn the clock back to Ian Fleming's days. His James Bond, created way back in nineteen-fifty-three, had such style!

• 
  
  What would be a typical working day for you? When and where do you write?
  

I don't need wakeup calls in my northern Thailand village. Cocks, ducks and yapping dogs dependably announce the dawn. My wonderful Thai wife turns on my computer, makes the first of endless coffees, and prepares breakfast while I stir, fall out of bed and check to see what's going on in the big wide world. Depending on my mood and the weather, I sometimes stroll along the quiet lane to the local temple, walk briskly around the beautiful grounds and along the river bank. Chanting monks and clanging gongs never fail to remind me how lucky I am to be in that part of Southeast Asia. Then I attempt to buckle down and knock out a few more pages of the next book. Most days bring distractions – elephants strolling past my house, herds of buffalo munching foliage in the front garden – little things that cause you to look up from the keypad. Bedtime usually comes early, after a stiff drink or two.

• 
  
  What is the hardest part of writing for you?
  

Getting the style of English spoken by the characters correct. In, Pursuit to Paradise, There's a mixture of Thai, American, English, Scandinavian, Indonesian, Australian and others. The heroine – or is she? – from Thailand, mysteriously speaks perfect English – much better than me. Other Thais in the book struggle with it. Then I spent ages researching acceptable English spelling for the few Thai words dotted here and there. Capturing the American, Australian and East London tone proved a challenge too. I hope it comes across okay. The other hard part was deciding how much detailed sex needed to be included. The outrageous, quirky romance and humorous adventure is sensual, but graphic sex wasn't required. I feel sometimes leaving a bit to the readers' imagination whets the appetite. It slots into heat level 2 category. I'm deeply indebted to my publishers, Decadent Publishing. They helped tremendously in getting it all together.

• 
  
  When and why did you first start writing?
  

I travelled overland from England to India many years ago, and responded to requests from publishers of periodicals and magazines to cover the journey. On returning home two years later, I wrote several short stories before abandoning the pen to take up a career in sales and marketing, once again travelling around the world. I recently retired and now have plenty of time to write.

• 
  
   How did you come up with the idea for the book 'Pursuit to Paradise'?
  
  
  
  Encounters and relationships involving western men and Thai women have been published in many different guises around the world. I've attempted to throw new light on the subject, at the same time highlighting different lifestyles, such as people struggling for financial survival in the remote rice growing regions, to how different city life can be. Then there's how tourists perceive Thailand when they visit the luxurious mainland resorts and spectacular paradise islands to the south. The well-known slogans, 'Amazing Thailand' and 'Land of Smiles' are certainly justified.
  

• 
  
  Your character Ben Lofthouse in your book 'Pursuit to Paradise' is an English man who travels to Thailand, how much of the character is based on you and your experiences?
  

Ben's outlook on life makes me smile. When he finds himself in a bit of a predicament, his snap reaction hurtles him into an adventure beggaring belief. I certainly don't agree with him all the time. However, there are some similarities. I've travelled the world extensively for work and pleasure. It's hard to accept routine when so much of your life is spent on the move. Itchy feet and all that.

 

• Your character Ben Lofthouse is a native of a fictional village called 'Bramblegate'. How much of this village is taken from places where you lived?
  

 

Bramblegate is very much like the quaint North Devon village where I spent many happy years. I still miss the thatched pubs and cottages – along with pasties, pies and roast dinners enjoyed in magical scenery. Your county, Suffolk, is also one of my favourites.

• 
  
  Is there a message in your book 'Pursuit to Paradise' that you want your readers to grasp?
  

Primarily, I hope it entertains. Life in Thailand varies so much, so my story is just an example of escapades to be found there – but I've used a lot of imagination to convey this particular yarn.

 

• 
  
  Do you have any favourite authors/books?
  

Ian Fleming's James Bond series. Jack Higgings' Night of the Fox, The Eagle Has Landed and many others. Jilly Cooper's Riders and Solo. Then there's Dick Francis, Wilbur Smith...

 

• 
  
   Are you a big reader? If so, what are you reading now?
  

 

Sadly, when you write, and spend countless hours marketing, precious little time remains to read. But I'm attempting Rosamunde Pilcher's The Shell Seekers.

 

• 
  
  Do you have any advice for other aspiring writers?
  

Keep believing in yourself and in what you write. Get it down on 'paper' from beginning to end. Step back for a while – take a holiday or something – before revising it, trying to see what others are looking for.

 

• 
  
  What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
  

 

This was asked recently, but I love it: What would you say is the biggest misconception about being an author?

 

Getting rich quick, becoming famous overnight, and a glamorous lifestyle.

 

If only!

 

Debs, once again my grateful thanks. I've thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you – and thanks for paying for my return ticket to Thailand! 

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Mark's book 'Pursuit to Paradise' is out now and available, please see links below for more info and to grab your copy of this fantastic new book:

 

Direct link to book: http://tinyurl.com/26e7qx3

Mark's Publisher : Decadent Publishing
Mark's webpage: http://markdamaroyd.blogspot.com




Recommended read: Quackers and Tease

Interview: Babbling About Books and More

Interview: Fallen Angel Reviews

On Amazon (US): Amazon US Link to Buy Mark's Book

On Amazon (UK): Amazon UK Link to buy Mark's Book here
Other online stores: All Romance Books - Buy Mark's Book Here

Other online stores: 1 Romance Books - Buy Mark's Book here

The Worlds Greatest Mysteries by Gerry Brown

Part of a series of books which examines real-life stories that have made newspaper headlines around the world, this features mysterious stories.


This was such an interesting read, as well as quite gruesome including people who have gone missing, people who have committed crimes and 'done a runner' and all things like that. I love stories about this especially if they are stories that are based on true stories...


The only mark that I would take away from this book was the fact that there was a lot of description about what happened but no 'follow up story' or anything like that. It may be the case that there isn't a follow up story or nothing has happened since the case was left unopened but if there was it would have been good to know what happened next....


9 out of 10


Best wishes