So much is happening at the moment, my son has returned from university for the summer, my daughter is in the middle of GCSEs and is looking forward to her prom next week and I'm in the middle, well near the end, of the first draft of an historical novel and loving it.
Sometimes it's good to step away from it all and I love wandering off to the conservatory with Grumps and spending time reading a good book. The latest book I've enjoyed is Sometimes It Happens by Pauline Barclay.
Sometimes It Happens is a story about Doreen, a single-mother to a lively seventeen-year-old daughter, Trish. Doreen wins over eleven million pounds on the lottery and goes on holiday to Villas Bonitas where she meets an array of characters including larger-than-life Jack and his snobby wife Sheila who believes she's far more important and impressive than she actually is. She treats everyone with contempt especially Doreen, but Doreen has a lot to keep her busy. She isn't used to this new way of life and isn't sure if she can fit in with the other residents, then when she meets up with Pat Greenwood, the man who she loved and lost when she was very young, she starts to wonder why he's suddenly appeared at this time in her life and if he's everything he seems to be.
There are other fantastic characters in this book and all of them were entertaining and their stories funny as well as occasionally sad with several twists and surprises that I didn't expect. I really enjoyed this book and will now have to buy Pauline's other two books. You can read Chapter One on Pauline's website
You can buy Sometimes It Happens here, and as well as finding out more about Pauline on her website, she has an entertaining blog and can be followed on Twitter @paulinembarclay and on facebook.
16 comments:
Yay for being almost to the end of your first draft! That's a reason to celebrate in itself. ;-)
This book looks like lots of fun, too. I don't think it's available in the states, either...it seems the UK always has all the books I want to read!
Hi Debs, I've tried to leave a comment, but Blogger refuses to let me...grrr! Thank you so much for your lovely words on Sometimes It Happens... I'm glad you enjoyed it...thank you!
Also pleased your family are gathering around you again, it must be great to have them back home.
Good news on the Mss, can't wait to see it!
Hi Melissa, Sometimes It Happens...is also available at Amazon.com in their Kindle store. Hope you find it and enjoy! :)
How exciting to be near the middle-end of your first draft, Debs. Just curious, how long has it taken you to get to this point? You said you're loving the writing right now, but what happens if you fall out of love with a character along the way?
We'd love to see photos of the prom dress and shoes--if your daughter will sit for this. Grumps allows his photo to appear on your blog, but doesn't always look pleased! :-)
Sounds like you're getting on with your historical very well, Debs!
Pauline's book is on my TBR list - sounds great and I do like a book with good characters.
Good luck with the novel Debs, and Pauline's book sounds just my cuppa....
Yay for Pauline! It's on my TBR list and I can't wait to dive in.
Thank you everyone and I hope you enjoy Sometimes It happens... xx
Enjoy your summertime with your family, Debs. We're visiting Ms Bennet this weekend and can;t wait.
PS Yay on the first draft too.
melissa - thank you, I'm really enjoying writing it, so it's been fun so far. I'm not so sure the editing is going to be all that fun though!
pauline - this was such a fun book, thank you.
faye - it's hard to know really. I've been researching and working on the characters for about eighteen months in between working on other things. The main part of the book has been written since October I suppose.
I've never fallen out of love with a character yet, although one of my two main characters was a little too unlikeable, so I'm going to have to work on that when I edit the book.
Prom photos will be published if her ladyship gives her permission :)
pauline - I am, finally, and loving it.
I hope you enjoy Sometimes It Happens as much as I did. I have your book on my tbr pile (as it were) and look forward to reading that soon.
flowerpot - it's a great book.
Thanks.
talli - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
phillipa - have fun with your daughter, I'm loving having J back home again.
Yes, it's always good to step back from a busy life with a good book. This one sounds great.
helen - it is a great fun book and perfect for a few days lying in the sun.
Yay on the first draft. I love reaching the end of that.
Pauline's book is on my TBR pile - has been on it for ages now - and I can't wait to read it!
Sounds like a very pleasant time for you all!! Hope your girl has a fab time at the prom... :)))
shirley - I still have about 20k words to do, but can see the ending coming closer now.
I really enjoyed Pauline's book.
anna - It was great fun thanks.
The prom is so soon and she's getting very excited.
Twists and surprises are always good.
As is wandering off for a read :)
Post a Comment