Tag: Book Review

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Under a Sky on Fire-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

Three words.

Have. Tissues. Ready.  

I knew from this author’s previous books, A View Across the Rooftops and When We Were Brave, that I was in for an emotional and heartfelt story, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Kelman has a particular talent for creating characters and situations that are so real, a reader can imagine being a part of the story. She is probably my favorite historical fiction author.

I really liked the way she set up the main characters, all young women with very different backgrounds. It took awhile to figure out what the connection would be and how they would all relate to each other.

First was Lizzie, from the Highlands, with a deep personal secret she was determined to atone for. Then we met Diana, from Birmingham, whose father is still suffering from Shell Shock from WWI. Last was Julia in London, whose husband is called up, leaving her alone with two young children.

Lizzie and Diana are joining up in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, while Julia finds herself promoted to being a steno in Churchill’s War Rooms. Each woman takes her own path to help the cause, and the ways they all get there are both engaging and informative.

I especially liked Julia’s job. Her proximity to Churchill and interactions in the War Rooms were very realistic. I got chills reading some passages, knowing how accurate they were (we visited the museum of his War Rooms when we were in England a few years ago). Well done to the author for that.

And then the Blitz occurs.

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Again, this is where the author’s talent for creating authentic scenes shines. The terror and uncertainty of the residents of London is palpable, and I truly felt like I could smell the smoke and see the rubble of the bombed-out buildings. Very few authors can evoke such vivid scenes.

Of course, with it being war time, you know that there is going to be heartache and loss. The author does a fantastic job of building the tension, tracking each of the three ladies as they learn their jobs, meet new people and form relationships that may or may not be fruitful.

You just know that one (or more) of them is going to suffer a tragedy of some sort. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. And even though I expected it, I wasn’t prepared for it when it actually happened (and no, I’m not going to tell you what happens or who it happens to).

But this is where you will definitely need those tissues I mentioned at the beginning. The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching.

I did like how the author highlighted the strength of women and the important parts that they played in the war effort. There were a few times it verged on preachy, but then it became more restrained and palpable. To be sure, there were a lot of unsung heroines over the course of the war (the details on the barrage balloons were especially educational).

There was a small subplot about Julia’s mother-in-law that popped up late in the story and for the most part didn’t go anywhere. I would have liked to have seen that fleshed out, especially in light of Julia’s job.

Ultimately, this is a story about how friendships forged in fire are quick but resilient, and family doesn’t have to mean blood relations. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end. I highly recommend picking this one up.

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Twitter: suzkelman

Author Bio:

Suzanne Kelman is an Amazon International Bestselling author in America, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her WW2 historical fiction books “A View Across the Rooftops” and “When We Were Brave,” together have sold over 150,000 copies and are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K. Her third WW2 Book, Under A Sky on Fire, publishes October 13th, 2020. Kelman’s books have also been translated into five languages.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition. As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State. Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

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A Golden Fury-Blog Tour (Review)-YA/Teen Fantasy-Available Now

When reading and reviewing YA novels, I think it’s important to put oneself in the mindset of a young adult. That’s not always easy (obviously), but I also don’t see the point of reviewing a teen novel with adult perspectives.

That being said, this YA novel has an awful lot going for it and that can be split into two parts.

First, in a generation brought up by Harry Potter, the promise of learning more (or different) information about the Philosopher’s Stone should be intriguing. And it is. All of the parts regarding alchemy and the steps to make the stone were well-researched and informative.

The author also has a particular talent for creating vivid scenes. The details and descriptions of locations are realistic but carry a hint of the mystery that surrounds alchemy. It’s a deft touch that is effective in keeping the story interesting.

We learn early on that Thea’s mom has figured out the secret to the final steps of creating the stone and has done so largely because she pays attention to Arabic alchemists as well as western European ones. This is a nice touch that broadens one’s thinking.

Unfortunately, there is a secret that goes along with the stone: anyone who attempts to create it to the full extent will descend into madness. Doesn’t that throw a monkey wrench into things?

Buy link for A GOLDEN FURY: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/a-golden-fury/

We do see the results of that in the very earliest pages of the book. I think, however, that it is questionable as to whether Meg was actually trying to protect Thea (by sending her away) or if she was more glory hungry. An argument could be made either way; that’s a strength of the book, because it doesn’t seem as if there is a right or wrong answer.

Second, there is the romance angle. This is where I think the author got a little bit tripped up. I found that these sections pulled focus from the story; they didn’t fall in seamlessly. They also seemed a bit forced and verging on melodramatic.

But one has to remember that this is a 17- year-old girl we’re talking about and they are nothing if not melodramatic, especially when it comes to love. In that regard, the author was successful in capturing the attitudes of a teenage girl. Apparently, they are the same no matter what the century.

I do wish that the author had stuck more to the alchemy and Philosopher’s Stone and let the romance/personal life play more of a backseat. But I think that teens and other young adults will find the balance to be perfectly acceptable and will enjoy this book immensely.

Samantha’s Twitter: smcohoe
Samantha’s Instagram: samanthacohoe/
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About the Author:

Samantha Cohoe writes historically-inspired young adult fantasy. She was raised in San Luis Obispo, California, where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood of beach trips, omnivorous reading, and writing stories brimming with adverbs. She currently lives in Denver with her family and divides her time among teaching Latin, mothering, writing, reading, and deleting adverbs. A Golden Fury is her debut novel.

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A Wild Hope-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction Saga-Available Now

If ever you were looking for a book that was the definition of an epic story, you would be hard pressed to find one that fits better than this sprawling novel from Celeste De Blasis.

Fair warning: the book was originally released in 1985 as Wild Swan and is part one of a trilogy. To truly understand the scope of this book, one has to think back to novels like Roots, The Thorn Birds, and even Gone with the Wind and The Godfather.

They were all written when television was still in its relative infancy (or, in the case of Gone with the Wind, didn’t exist at all). Novels were a major form of entertainment. They needed to be exciting, with memorable characters and unforgettable settings. They needed to be written with detailed descriptions so people could picture unknown places or understand subjects they otherwise would know little about.

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For example, in A Wild Hope, you will learn more than you every thought possible about breeding horses. That’s just one backdrop of this story, but you’ll receive so much information you might be ready to go out and try it yourself.

I was swept away by the descriptions and writing style of the author. She truly was able to take me out of time and put me into when- and wherever Alexandria was. I appreciated her ability to do so, because that is something that is sometimes lacking in today’s novels.

If you can get past the long passages that discuss horses, as well as several other topics, you’ll find a story about a woman torn between two men – one of the very simplest of conflicts. This one is especially well-done, because the two men also happen to represent the two separate lives that the heroine (Alexandria) has led. Which should or could she continue to true happiness?

You’ll have to read it to find out. Just because a book is almost 800 pages doesn’t mean that I am going to give you the Cliff’s Notes version.

And honestly, don’t let the length scare you away. In today’s “immediate information age” it’s easy to forget what it used to be like: to stop, and breathe, taking the time to immerse yourself in a whole different world. When reading could be an absolute luxurious pleasure instead of something to do quickly to fill a few hours.

This book is worth investing your time because there is so much to take in. From the detailed descriptions of England’s West Country over to early-mid 1800s Maryland (and several places in between), I felt like I was there.

The emotions of the characters are real, their troubles consistent with the times, and their reactions purely human. Everything just reads as genuine.

With winter coming, it would be a good time to consider this book (or rather, 3 books, as I assume the trilogy will be completely re-released), especially if you are in a place where you might be stuck due to weather. You’ll be happy to give yourself the ability to follow Alexandria’s trials and tribulations.

Author Bio:
Millions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001.  

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Last Girls Alive-Books On Tour (Review)-Crime Thriller Series (#4)-Available Now

It’s been exciting to “watch” Detective Katie Scott grow and evolve over time. After the events of Flowers on Her Grave, I was wondering if the author was going to switch gears and ease up on Katie a little bit.

Spoiler alert: Nope.

You can expect the same solid investigating from Katie and her cold case partner, McGaven. They’ve worked together long enough that they are more familiar with each other’s tells and habits. I like the way the author has allowed these two to grow to understand each other better. That’s how true law enforcement evolve in partnerships.

Katie has also made progress in dealing with her PTSD. Part of that comes from her sessions with a therapist, but also from learning how to rely on the people around her, like McGaven and Chad, her boyfriend. She’s even made some progress with him as well, pondering a future – where she used to totally shut it down.

Her job takes a twist with the appointment of a new undersheriff (Dorothy Sullivan) who makes it clear that she will be watching Katie and could suspend Katie at any moment if she steps out of line or doesn’t go by the book. I thought this addition to the cast of characters was good, because Dorothy made a big deal about “women sticking together” while issuing the threat to Katie (at least that’s how I took it). This sets up for potential conflict in future books.

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That threat might be necessary, because Katie still likes pulse-pounding risks (one scene in a storage container was particularly well-done). I found it telling that even as Katie still has panic attacks and is working through her PTSD, she still relies on the military training sometimes to the point of recklessness.

The case itself is unique, dealing with an old mansion that was once a home for teenage girls in foster care. When a couple of the girls turn up dead, including one who may be a missing person from five years prior, Katie and McGaven are given the case to connect the MisPer to the current deaths.

As with previous books, the investigation is solid, and the details of law enforcement investigation are fairly accurate. But the author still has a tendency to drop a few red herrings that are later tossed off as an aside or “we won’t ever know for sure.” That bothers me, because they often seem like bigger clues and to have them dismissed so easily seems manipulative.

I will also say that with this one, I felt like the plot got lost a little bit. It was the first book in the series where I didn’t think there was a purpose TO the investigation. I mean, I know it was the dead girls turning up, but there were a few twists that seemed to be thrown in randomly, and there were ties that could have been made that weren’t.

At times it seemed like various plot points, while intriguing, were disconnected and never gelled into the resolution. The more I think about it, it seems like missed opportunities.

That being said, I do like Katie and I definitely want to see how she reacts under Dorothy’s scrutiny. With the progress she has made, it will be interesting to see what Katie does next, and I look forward to reading about it!

Twitter: @JChaseNovelist

Author Bio:

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells.

In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.

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One Fatal Night-Blog Tour (Review)-Psych Thriller-Available Now

I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise was good, but it lacked clarity in execution.

I liked the set up – heroine (Astrid) out to avenge her mother’s death gets close to the person she suspects of killing her mother. I mean, who can’t go for a good revenge story? Unfortunately for Astrid, her plan is not as simple as she hopes it to be. The deeper she goes, the more she realizes that what she thinks she knows may not be accurate.

I thought the characters were interesting. None of them exactly fit the stereotype (vengeful woman, suave billionaire, henchman) they represented; each of them had a few different traits that kept them from being caricatures.

The plot was decent. It was fairly tight. While I wouldn’t exactly call it a page-turner, it did keep moving along. There was a definite noir feel to it that I enjoyed.

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Where I thought it faltered, however, was in the actual telling of the story itself. I got the distinct feeling that the author’s native language was not English (or this was a translation) because a lot of the dialogue seemed very stilted. This resulted in sometimes awkward exchanges between characters. At times, this was distracting.

It was also very short; took me just over an hour to read it. On the one hand that’s a good thing because it really did speed along and came to a rapid conclusion. On the other hand, it felt like there could have been more meat on the bones of the story, more details to flesh it out.

If you’re looking for a quick read with an interesting plot in a foreign setting, this one is definitely for you.

Twitter: @helenefermont 
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About Hélene Fermont:

Hélene is an Anglo-Swedish fiction author currently residing in her home town of Malmo, Sweden, after relocating back from London after 20 years.

Her thrilling character-driven psychological fiction novels are known for their explosive, pacy narrative and storylines.

Hélene is the proud author of four novels – One Fatal Night, Because of You, We Never Said Goodbye and His Guilty Secret.

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Paris Time Capsule-Books on Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I really enjoyed this author’s Beyond the Horizon. I thought it had interesting (and little-known) history and realistic characters. When I saw that more of her books were available, I was excited to see what else the author tackled.

On the surface, this one had a fantastic premise. Cat receives a mysterious letter and key in the mail; the letter urges her to call a lawyer in Paris. When she does, she is told that she has to fly to Paris to settle…something. But it’s mysterious.

Once everything is settled, she finds that she has inherited a Belle Epoque apartment that hasn’t been touched in decades. Everything from the furniture to the artwork and personal letters is just as the owner left it.

I loved these parts of the novel. The author vividly created the apartment and its furnishings so that I could practically feel the dust tickling my nose and see the moth-eaten fabrics. This was well-done.

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I also liked how Cat was a bit “vintage” herself. She seemed to prefer dress styles from the 30s and 40s, which made her a throwback perfect for the era of the apartment. This was a nice touch and a clever connection.

I gather from looking at publishing dates that this was one of the first novels (if not the first) written by the author. It shows in the dialogue and plotting. The conversations between characters seems very stilted and unnatural. For example, there are times when a name is used repeatedly instead of a pronoun.

There was also overuse of some words. Christian calling Cat “honey” ALL of the time comes to mind. I mean, I know that it’s possible he was just one of those people who only uses a pet name and that reflects his actual lack of commitment or connection to Cat. But it was a little too much.

And while we are on the subject of Christian, I didn’t like him. He was a snob (as were his friends and family) and pretty much a jerk. I know that was the point, but it was jarringly obvious that he was not the one for her.

The plot also meandered a bit. Loic and Cat seemed to argue too much about who the apartment actually belonged to – at times, it seemed as if neither one actually wanted it (which was weird). The middle could have used some tightening and each character’s perspectives could have been clarified.

These are some things about the book that indicate it was an early attempt by the author because they seemed unpolished. I still liked the plot of this one, and (since I read a later book of hers) I know that she has improved over time, so I look forward to more from her!

Website: http://www.ellacarey.com/
Facebook: ellacareyauthor/
Twitter: @Ella_Carey

Author Bio:

Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.

Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.

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The Ex-Boyfriend-Books On Tour (Review)-Psych Thriller-Available Now

Twisted doesn’t even begin to describe this one.

Honestly, I read so many psych thrillers that it takes a lot to get one completely over on me. But this one did. Not only did the author have me going on several fronts, she also had me convinced that I had outsmarted her and knew who it was from the beginning.

I was wrong. Well done.

The reader knows from the prologue that something nefarious is going on in Becca’s life. We then immediately skip back to 2.5 weeks earlier to where it all began. But as events unfold, we find out that things began even further back than this.

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The author did a fantastic job of plotting. As Becca succumbs to the pressures of life, her long-held doubts come to the forefront making her question her own sanity. In turn, this makes the reader question Becca’s trustworthiness as a narrator. It was effective, because I never knew if she was truly a victim or if she was bringing it on herself.

Becca’s past job experience also plays heavily in the plot, which was another great aspect. As situations worsen, so does Becca’s perspective. She keeps trying to do the right thing, but her past keeps passively working against her.

Except for when it comes to Connor, the titular ex-boyfriend. This was perhaps one of the most effective plot threads. Everybody has “the one that got away,” and in times of stress it would be natural to think about “what might have been.” It’s easy to look at the past through rose-colored glasses.

Somebody close to Becca knows this and uses her uncertainty and unhappiness to prey on her family in the worst possible manner. Is it the ex-boyfriend who wants her back? The husband she suspects of cheating? Or somebody else?

No way in hell am I going to give anything away on this one. The twists keep right on coming, literally up until the very last chapter.

If I had any complaint at all, and this is nitpicking, it would be that one of the last twists was never really explained and the follow-through on it wasn’t as plausible as the rest of the story. That, and one character’s actions were never fully addressed.

But those are minor compared to the overall arc, as it was well-written and definitely a page-turner. By far, one of the best ones I’ve read this year. You do NOT want to miss out – go get it now!

Facebook: RonaHalsallAuthor  Twitter: @RonaHalsallAuth

Author Bio:

Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she’s actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true. 

She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she’s plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because… well, you can’t be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

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Her Final Prayer-Books On Tour (Review)-Crime Thriller-Available Now

Detective Clara Jeffries had quite the experience in The Fallen Girls, the first book in the series. Returning to her hometown after several years away was a difficult choice, and the decision to stay on as Chief of Police was even more troublesome.

This is all because the town of Alber is not a “normal” hometown by most standards. It’s home to a sect of fundamentalist Mormons called Elijah’s People. Clara is considered an apostate for having left, which presents her with unique challenges. Especially in the face of the current investigation.

Once again, a member of Clara’s family is involved, but this time it’s Mother Naomi who finds a gruesome scene at the farmhouse of a local family. It’s up to Clara, and her longtime friend (possible boyfriend) Chief Deputy Max Anderson to solve the case.

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As with the last book, the author does a good job plotting the investigation so that not too much information is given out all at once. The reader is told of clues as the characters find them – there is not a lot of insight into other characters or from other perspectives that would give the reader a “heads up” on culprits or motives.

I did think that one aspect of Jacob and Carl’s friendship, and their time in Mexico, seemed a bit out of place. It was interesting, and the influence of their experiences with the other sect certainly had bearing on the case. But I wish there had been a little bit more to it and that the author had followed through with some of the imagery and customs. That could have been interesting.

I also honestly expected that there was going to be something more to Jacob and Carl’s “friendship.” The way that some of the characters referred to them certainly made it seem like that was going to go in a different direction, which would have definitely caused a stir in town.

It’s the town and its people who intrigue me most about this series. As I mentioned in my review of the previous book, the author either has experience with or has completed extensive research of the customs, because she brings the alternative lifestyle to the forefront without making judgments or commenting on it.

I’m not sure if that makes sense. Clara and her experiences (both in town and what she deals with upon her return, even from her own family) serve as information about the people and their beliefs. Because of that, the reader gets a “personal” view of it all, which allows it all to seem realistic while acknowledging the dangers and problems of the lifestyle.

Clara has a particular difficulty with this case because part of it reminds her of her own time with Max when they were teenagers. She obviously remains influenced by that, even as she tries to fight through it and move on to acceptance of her current situation.

As to whodunit, I’m not going to say (of course), but the author did a good job of keeping the guessing going right up until the very end. I also liked how there seems to be a set up for a big confrontation between Clara and her supporters and the townsfolk who think she shouldn’t have a position of power (or even be allowed back in town at all).

I’ll be eagerly looking forward to the next book to see how it all shakes out.

Website: http://www.kathryncasey.com/
Twitter: @KathrynCasey

Author Bio:
A novelist and award-winning journalist, Kathryn Casey is the author of eleven highly acclaimed true crime books and the creator of the Sarah Armstrong mystery series. Library Journal picked THE KILLING STORM as one of the best mysteries of 2010. Her latest true crime, IN PLAIN SIGHT, investigates the Kaufman County prosecutor murders, a case that made worldwide headlines. Casey has appeared on Oprah, 20/20, the Today Show, Good Morning America, the Biography Channel, Reelz, The Travel Network, Investigation Discovery, and many other venues. Ann Rule called Casey “one of the best in the true crime genre.”  

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The Dentist-Blog Tour (Review)-Crime Thriller-Available Now

I’m always on the lookout for new detective/crime thrillers to latch onto, and my love for unique characters and settings is known to anyone who has read a few of my blog posts. I have to say, DS Cross is truly one of the most unique characters I have ever come across.

As you have (probably) seen elsewhere, Cross is on the spectrum. According to the book, he has a form of Asperger’s (which I believe has been absorbed into the full autistic spectrum). This results in him obsessing about the smallest details and minutiae.

While one would think that this is a good trait for a detective, his colleagues don’t always agree. To be sure, he is a bit off-putting at first, because you want him to get to the point. However, as you (the reader) gets to know him, you realize that these tics and habits are what enable him to be successful.

That being said, there were still times that I wished he would get on with it. But it became easier to accept the further I read.

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The case itself is interesting, as it weaves a cold case with a current case. Due to his attention to detail, Cross notices similarities and picks up on things that were missed by the initial investigators. Of course, this doesn’t win him any favor in the department.

But no matter, because he is so focused that he doesn’t have time to worry about what people think about him. His sole focus is the case. I found that refreshing. I also liked the way the story read. It felt like watching a tv show (which is not surprising, given the author’s background)

It’s not a spoiler to say that the woven stories finally meld together it’s a really interesting case. I think it was made more so because OF the attention to detail.

I will say that Cross reminded me of the tv character Monk; they exhibited a lot of the same characteristics, and I got the same vibe. Ultimately, what makes both characters work is that their particular quirks are simply part of their personality.

Yeah, they’re different, but they get the job done, so who ultimately cares about the method? I really loved the humanity that was brought to this character.

This was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more investigations with DS Cross.

Twitter: @TimJRSullivan
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Website: https://timsullivan.uk/
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About Tim Sullivan:

TIM SULLIVAN made his first short film before graduating from Cambridge University. His ambition to become a screenwriter was formed not so much by this experience but as an attempt to foil his father’s determination to turn him into a lawyer.

Within weeks of leaving university armed with a law degree he had met the film maker Derek Jarman and persuaded him to commission an original screenplay from him entitled BOB UPADOWN and so a career was born.

A few months later he joined Granada Television as a researcher. Here he was commissioned to write the first of many television scripts for the company. Two sitcoms entitled THE TRAIN NOW LEAVING and THE GREASY SPOON followed by the crime dramas MYSTERIOUS WAYS and MAIGRET.

While at Granada he was selected for the prestigious Directors’ Training scheme when only 26. Previous encumbents had included Mike Newell, Roland Joffe, and Michael Apted, more recently Julian Farino. Among other credits he directed CORONATION STREET, MADE IN HEAVEN, THATCHER THE FINAL DAYS and THE CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOLMES with Jeremy Brett.

During this time he also co wrote the screenplays for the movies A HANDFUL OF DUST starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Judi Dench and Alec Guinness and WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, both with producer the legendary TV producer Derek Granger (BRIDESHEAD REVISITED).

Upon leaving the bosom of Granada and venturing into the wild wide world of the freelance film maker he wrote and directed the movie JACK AND SARAH starring Richard E Grant, Samantha Mathis, Ian Mckellen, Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins. This led to a commission from New Line Pictures to write the screenplay WALKING PAPERS based on the Jay Cronley novel of the same name.

This screenplay came to the attention of execs at Universal and Imagine who then asked Tim to do a page one rewrite of a western for Ron Howard entitled THE PRETENDERS. Tim enjoyed working with Ron for over a year on this.

He then wrote an original screenplay, PERSONAL SHOPPING, which was promptly snapped up by Paramount for producer Scott Rudin.

He spent four months working for and with Jeffrey Katzenberg at Dreamworks animation as a production writer on the movie FLUSHED AWAY. Impressed by his work Katzenberg commissioned him to write a script for SHREK 4 which wasn’t used as a different storyline was decided upon as a director came on board.

During this time he was actively involved in British television directing the last ever ninety minute episode of the BAFTA award winning series COLD FEET. As well as a TV movie for ITV called CATWALK DOGS written by Simon Nye.

He was commissioned by the BBC to write a pilot for a TV series he invented called BACKSTORY as well as another pilot for the ITV network entitled OFFSPRING.

He also wrote HIS MASTER’S VOICE for the BBC as a radio play starring Rob Brydon which was broadcast in 2015.

He recently wrote the screenplay for LETTERS TO JULIET starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.

Oscar winning producers of The King’s Speech, Iain Canning and Emile Sherman then commissioned an original screenplay from him entitled THE WEDDING DRESS.

Tim is writing and co-producing and co-writing an animated feature screenplay for Hasbro and Paramount which is in production and scheduled for release in 2021.

He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. Set in Bristol in the south west of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. The DENTIST is in the first of a series.

Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN.

He is currently the UK chair of the Writers’ Guild of America (West).

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The Italian Girls-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction (WWII Italy)-Available Now

It’s funny how my book choices/tours seem to go in waves. For a while, the historical fiction novels I was reading were mostly about the French resistance. Then there were a few about Jewish people being hidden in different countries. Even a few about England.

But this is the third or fourth book in the past few weeks that has focused on Italy. I find it fascinating, because WWII is often remembered as Hitler’s War, but Mussolini was right in there with him, at least for a while.

My love for learning through historical fiction is nothing new to anyone who has read past reviews. This time, I got the fascinating perspective of Italian cinema. It’s one of those little things that one never thinks about (who can think about movies while there’s a war going on?) but continue they did…at least for a while.

I thought that the author did a fantastic job of paralleling the stories of Livia and Isabella. Although their lives were completely opposite of each other (university student and actress), they had much in common. I also liked how their stories touched each other, but never fully intertwined.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3hF6DDF

Each of the women were brave, although one was more forthright and took action. The other was a reluctant hero who stayed naïve for far too long. By the time the latter person “woke up” she had even more difficult choices to make, which led to a complicated end-of-the-war time for her.

If anything, the author clearly wanted to get the point across that in a time of struggle, it is important to choose your side wisely; otherwise, it might be chosen for you and you’ll have to take whatever happens as a result.

What I thought was most interesting about this book was the period in which it takes place. Many people don’t realize that the Italians (in a strange way) were more protected under Mussolini – at least, several of them had become comfortable with the fascist government.

Once he was removed, however, there was a vacuum of leadership that allowed for the Germans to invade and take over. The author did a great job illustrating the depravity of the Germans, their defiance of societal norms, and the desperation they exhibited when they knew they were failing.

It was also a stark reminder of just how far the German occupation expanded before it was beat back by what seems like sheer will…at least in part. When I read books like this, I am reminded of how easy it was for them to grab their footholds, and how it can never be allowed to happen again.

This story of fortitude, bravery, and the compelling urge to do the right thing should be on the top of your reading list.

Website: http://www.debbierix.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/debbierix 

Author Bio:
Debbie Rix has had a long career in journalism, including working as a presenter for the BBC. Her first novel, The Girl with Emerald Eyes was set around the building of the tower of Pisa and she has since released Daughters of the Silk Road and The Silk Weaver’s Wife. Debbie writes heartbreaking historical novels about love, tragedy and secrets. 

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