Holidays and reading

We’ve just come back from a wonderful family holiday in Hong Kong and Thailand.

As well as having lots of family time, I had time to relax and did plenty of reading.

 

This month’s book club reading included lots of fabulous books -

The War Bride Club – Soraya Lane

Bound by her Ring – Nicole Flockton

Office Affair – Jess Dee

Second Chance – Carla Caruso

Saved by the Bride – Fiona Lowe

I enjoyed them all and can’t wait for this Wednesday when we’ll select more wonderful romances to read.

So what are you reading this weekend?

Chinese New Year and a Book Club update

Gong Hay Fat Choi – happy Chinese New Year!!!

We are lucky to have a vibrant Chinese community here in Melbourne and Chinatown, in the city, is filled with wonderful restaurants and interesting food shops.

One the weekend my friend and I went to Chinatown to enjoy the festivities.  We followed the dragon, heard the boom of the drums and watched the firecrackers explode. 

Look how glorious the sunset lit up the sky with the lanterns decorating the streets – just stunning.

Keeping in line with a Asian theme, I recently finished “Short Soup” by Coleen Kwan which was a delightful read, I highly recommend it

This month in Book Club we are going “category” and I’m thrilled we selected two books which were on my TBR (To Be Read) pile.  I have now read and thoroughly enjoyed both books – Fast Forward (Juliet Madison) and Arranged to Love (Elizabeth Dunk). 

Escape Publishing (who put out the 3 books I’ve mentioned) have some great reads and this month’s books are currently on sale for $0.99. Do yourself a favour and buy them

That’s it for now, happy reading!

More time to write!

Like most writers, I juggle family, work, house-work, friends etc… to find time to write. Often it’s late at night or in snatches on the weekend.

I’m very lucky to have some accrued leave, from my (paying) job. And even luckier that my boss approved my extended leave application so I could stay home and write. 

Today was my first day off work and I am thrilled with the number of words I wrote. Thanks to my lovely CP, Jen, who suggested a word target.

I’m also using this time to update my website and complete some courses. This is such a fantastic opportunity and I’m really excited! 

A perfect date

It’s summer here in Melbourne which means warm weather, the cricket is on the TV and we’re all taking it easy. Especially the time between Xmas and New Year most small shops are closed and it’s a lovely time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

This week we’ve been doing family outings and we headed to the outdoor cinema in the beautiful botanical gardens - http://www.moonlight.com.au/melbourne/

We had a perfect spot and enjoyed a twilight picnic before the movie. Next to us were couples seated in the “Gold Grass” roped off section which boasts comfy bean bags and impeccable service. It’s like they were in first class and we were in economy

I did notice a couple who appeared to be on a date enjoying wine and nibbles. A perfect date. We had such a good time and I’m sure the couple did too that I will have to include this perfect date in a future book. However, my hero will definitely take my heroine to the Gold Grass area

So have you had a chance to go to the open air moonlight cinema?

Reading something different

I read …… a lot!!! I love reading and tend to buy books I know I will like.  Which is why book club is so good, I read books I may not have chosen.

I love a good HMB Presents /Sexy but my least favourite theme is royalty and my least favourite heroes are Russian. So, why Maisey Yates’ A Royal World Apart. It’s got Royalty and a Russian hero. Why? Why? I hear you ask? Why read a book I wouldn’t normally choose. Simply, I decided to read something different PLUS the set up intrigued me.

Did I like it? YES! It was a wonderful, emotional read Well done Maisey!!!!  After I finished it, I received an email from Amazon recommending Maisey’s next book, At His Majesty’s Request.  I really enjoy books linked by characters so I’ll definitely checking out Eva’s brother’s story.

So, do you read outside of your comfort zone? And do you like books with “linked” characters?

Weekend Reading

I’ve just finished Emmie Dark’s In His Eyes Ok, I may be biased as Emmie is a friend and CP but this is a really good read. It’s a very intense book with lots of emotion. And the title reflects how the heroine thinks the hero sees her – through his eyes. I also loved how the book was set in a vineyard and it was interesting reading all about wine making

With the ease of 1-click buying via Amazon, my kindle is full of wonderful books. So which one to read next?

So what are you reading this weekend?

PS – I really enjoy managing the (Aust) RWA’s CP (Crit Partner) scheme with Bec. Here, we match up writers depending on their skills and sub genres they write. Last night I received a thanks with the best line ever – referring me to a literary yenta (match maker) – love it!!!!!!!!

 

Swingin’ on a Star

So you see it’s all up to you
You can be better than you are
You could be swingin’ on a star

I love the lyrics to “Swingin’ on a Star” and found they resonated with me in a scene with my heroine. She’s humming the song and realises she can do more with her life and not be caught in the daily grind. It’s a defining moment for her

The good news is I’ve finished the manuscript “Swinging on a Star” and will be soon subbing to a publisher.

So do you have any good news you’ve like to share? I’d love to hear

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