TIME FOR THOSE TWO ‘R’s - REFLECTION AND RESOLUTION

Today is Saturday 28 December 2019, and it would have been my mum’s 101 birthday. Sadly she died eleven years ago just a fortnight short of her 90th birthday. Since then December and Christmas have always been tinged with a certain sadness, but life moves on.

As I write this blog post we are just 4 days away from not only welcoming a New Year but a whole new decade. I’ve just realised too, that this will be the third time I’ve welcomed a new decade here in France - the first one being the millennium. 

For me personally the last two decades have flown by bringing all sorts of changes into my life - some good, some not so good and some I could in all honesty have done without. I’m sure that everyone has similar thoughts and feelings about their own lives. 

My son is currently with the organisation Sea Shepherd and is captain of one of their boats in the Upper Gulf of California trying to save the vaquita porpoise and other endangered species from extinction. There are only about 15 of the vaquita porpoises left in this protected area. Needless to say the Mexican fishermen are not happy about Sea Shepherd pulling up their illegal nets and there are frequent skirmishes. As proud as I am of Nick, as his mum I worry a lot!

If you’d like to know more about the Sea Shepherd organisation here’s the link: https://seashepherd.org/milagro

Used to the long Christmas holiday in the UK it took me a few years to get used to the French way of celebrating Christmas and New Year. Shops close at mid-day on Christmas Eve when their main celebration takes place and on Christmas Day itself. Boxing Day is unknown here, it's a normal workday (unless of course it happens to fall on a Sunday). The days running up to New Year are normal workdays and after celebrating New Year’s Eve in a big way, January 1 is a holiday, after that it’s back to a normal routine. Oh, there is the Day of Kings on January 6 when they have a special cake and a paper crown is involved.

So this week I’ve had no excuse not to work and I’ve been doing the copy edits on one of my backlist, Rendez-vous in Cannes that Boldwood are re-issuing in April. But before then A Riviera Retreat is published 23 January. If you want to escape from the January weather you can pre-order it here: https://amzn.to/2Q3cGYg

Oh, I've just realised I called this blog post Reflection and Resolution and I haven't mentioned New Year Resolutions - and that's because I decided not to make any!

On behalf of the seven Novel Points of View authors, I liked to wish you all a very happy 2020 and if you are a writer reading this lots of writing success.

BOOKISH CHARITY APPEALS TO CONSIDER THIS CHRISTMAS …

Christmas is traditionally a time of giving and, in the spirit of the season, I want to further awareness of four bookish charity appeals raising money to help others. I understand that not everyone will be in a position to donate, but hopefully you’ll find the generous work being done by the bookish community interesting. 

LAST CHRISTMAS

First up is Last Christmas, an anthology curated by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson with stories from the likes of Graham Norton, Stephen Fry and Meryl Streep, as well as contributors who have been homeless, political refugees and volunteers. It is described as a beautiful, funny and soulful collection of personal essays written by a unique plethora of voices from the boulevards of Hollywood to the soup kitchens of Covent Garden.  Published to coincide with the release of the festive rom-com Last Christmas, starring Emma Thompson, Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, 25p from the sale of each book is donated to two charities - Crisis and The Refugee Council. Find a link here … LastChristmas

COMFORT ZONES

The second anthology, ComfortZones, is one I came across whilst browsing the Jigsaw (women’s clothing) store. Written in aid of Women for Women International, who work with at-risk women in countries affected by conflict and war, it is a collection of essays and short stories by writers including Daisy Buchanan, Elizabeth Day and Pandora Sykes, who were invited to pen pieces outside their comfort zones. For example, there’s a meditation on motherhood from a food writer, a short story on quantum physics by a novelist … you get the idea. Books bought via Jigsaw stores or their website ensures the full £9.99 goes towards the work of Women for Women International. Find a link here … ComfortZones

THE TIMES CHRISTMAS APPEAL

The Times newspaper has chosen to support three charities in their annual appeal, one of which is The Reading Agency, an organisation that aims to tackle the challenges of social mobility, mental health and wellbeing, and loneliness through reading. Its Christmas Appeal aims to expand their reading friends programme which uses the power of a shared story to connect people in libraries, prisons, care homes, community centres and recovery cafés here in the UK. Find a link here … The Reading Agency Christmas Appeal

THE SCOTTISH BOOK TRUST

Some of the happiest memories I have of my boys are when they were small, all bathed and cosy, ready for a bedtime story. This year, money raised by the Scottish Book Trust’s Christmas Appeal will directly benefit teen mums and their babies. A £5 donation buys the gift of a first book (Julia Donaldson’s and Axel Scheffler’s The Snail and a Whale) for a young mum and her baby to share. The appeal remains open until the 6^th January. Find a link here… Scottish BookTrust Appeal

Most of these charities are based in the United Kingdom and I would love if readers would share book/literature based charity campaigns in other countries too.

And finally, all at the Novel Points of View team wish you and yours a peaceful, joyful festive season.

Rae x

IT'S BEGINNING TO FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS ... by Victoria Cornwall

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on. Streets, shops and homes are festooned in festive twinkling lights, ball balls and garlands, whilst gifts are being wrapped for family and friends.

A Daughter's Christmas Wish
Ebook & Audio

  This time last year my first Christmas novella, A Daughter's Christmas Wish, was published. It told the story of a WW1 soldier, Nicholas, returning to Cornwall with the intention of honouring a promise he made to his friend, a fellow soldier, who would not be coming home. But as Nicholas strives to give his friend's grieving fiancée, Rose, the best Christmas she could wish for, he begins to question whether his efforts are to honour his friend, or whether there is another reason …

  The story, which was published by Choc Lit, was well received by readers so my natural curiosity had me rummaging around Choc Lit's festive releases for this year to see what was on offer. I was not disappointed and there are a nice variety to pick from to get me in the mood for Christmas. I have left their book blurbs to do the talking and have provided a link to Kindle. However do remember they are on all the ebook platforms, such as Kobo, Nook, Google Play and iBooks, and some are also in audio and paperback! Happy reading!

Ebook & Audio

Happy Christmas Eve by Jackie Ladbury

Eve Halligan is back in her hometown for Christmas after a whirlwind few years touring with her band, the Molotovs. A lot has changed since she left, but two things have stayed the same. One: Eve is head-over-heels in love with Lucien Malikov, the Molotovs’ bad boy lead singer. Two: Lucien is completely indifferent to her.

Still, Eve dreams that this could be the Christmas where she convinces Lucien that they’re made for each other. But when childhood friend and local caterer Theo Wright comes back into her life bringing with him festive cupcake and sausage roll conundrums, Eve begins to question whether her Christmas dreams have been wasted on the wrong man …

Click HERE to buy.

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Ebook & Audio

Daisy's Christmas Gift Shop by Hannah Pearl

Daisy Kirk is a sucker for a love story, which is why she opened up her gift shop – because there’s nothing that makes Daisy happier than when she’s helped a customer achieve their own ‘happily ever after’ by finding the perfect Christmas gift for their loved one. And she absolutely does not just sell ‘soppy presents and frilly pants’ as her brother’s infuriating best friend, Eli, is so fond of suggesting.

The sad fact is that whilst Daisy is helping others with their love lives, hers is non-existent. But when unusual circumstances take Daisy and Eli on a road trip from London to rural Wales, will she finally get the happily ever after to her own Christmas love story?

Click HERE to buy.

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Ebook & Audio

Christmas on the Isle of Skye by Kirsty Ferry

The Isle of Skye is a magical place, especially at Christmas, and there’s no place Zac Fallon would rather be. But whilst Zac has everything he needs on Skye, there’s still something missing – and that something is a somebody called Ivy McFarlane.

Ivy used to work with Zac but then spread her wings and moved to Glastonbury. He’s missed her ever since. Now it’s almost Christmas and Zac realises that the Ivy shaped hole in his life is too big to bear. So starts his festive mission to the mainland – but will he be back in time to spend Christmas in Skye? And, more importantly, will Ivy be with him?

Click HERE to buy.

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Ebook

Bluebell's Christmas Magic by Marie Laval

A flick of a feather duster and a sprinkle of Christmas magic …

Cassie Bell is used to mess. Her cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning, is well known in the Cumbrian village of Red Moss. However, now it’s almost Christmas and Cassie has a slightly messier situation to deal with than she’s used to.

She’s been hired to help Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot who’s staying at the local Belthorn Manor whilst he recovers. Stefan resents Cassie’s interference and is definitely not looking for Christmas cheer. But Cassie prides herself on sparkling surfaces – so, can she bring some festive sparkle to Stefan’s life too?

Click HERE to buy.

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Ebook & Audio

Christmas in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell

Wannabe author Jane Solomon is expecting an uneventful Christmas in her Cornish village of Little Penhaven.

But then super fit American gym owner Hal Muir comes to town, and suddenly the holiday season looks set to be far more interesting. Hal is keen on embracing every British tradition on offer, from mince pies to Christmas pub quizzes – and perhaps some festive romance too …

Click HERE to buy.

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Paperback

Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat by Angela Britnell

When Fee Winter books a winter break at the remote Black Cherry Retreat in the small town of Pine Ridge, Tennessee, it's with the idea that the peace and quiet will help her recuperate from her hectic life as a photographer.

But what she didn't bank on was meeting Tom Chambers and his huge, interfering yet lovable family. With them, could Fee finally experience the warmth and support that's been missing from her own life - and maybe even find a place to call home in time for Christmas?

Click HERE to buy.

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Ebook

Izzy's Christmas Star by Berni Stevens

Student and Zumba instructor Izzy Grant leads a pretty normal life, but in the run-up to Christmas an unusual encounter with a friendly Santa paves the way for the most wonderful and star-studded Christmas she’s ever experienced.

Because at almost exactly the same time, Izzy also meets Seth Roberts – as in the Seth Roberts, bona fide rock star and lead singer of Scarlet Gryphon. As their connection grows, Izzy’s Christmas countdown becomes a glittering whirlwind of after-show parties and classy restaurants – and does she have her mystery Santa to thank?

Cick HERE to buy.

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Ebook

Hanukka at the Great Greenwich Ice Creamery by Sharon Ibbotson

Cohen Ford is a man who could do with a little bit of sweetening up. It’s no surprise that when he walks into The Great Greenwich Ice Creamery on a typically gloomy London day before Christmas, he insists on a black coffee rather than his childhood favourite – strawberry ice cream.

But then he meets River de Luca, the woman behind the flavours. After their first encounter, Cohen begins visiting the ice creamery every Tuesday, gradually learning more about the intriguing River. Could her influence encourage cynical Cohen to become the man who embraces Christmas, Hanukkah and even strawberry ice cream?

Click HERE to buy.

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  There are lots of festive reads to choose from so why not download a book and put those feet up for a well earned rest! I can't think of a better way to get me in the mood for the festivities ahead. It is certainly a lot less stressful and tiring than running around the shops on a cold winter's day hoping to find something suitable for great aunt Gladys. Enjoy and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

ALL PRESENT AND CORRECT .............................. LINDA MITCHELMORE

Well, it's that time of year when most of us are knee deep in wrapping paper and ribbons and glitter and sticky labels, and decorations, and exhausting ourselves blowing up balloons.

And it got me thinking. I've had more than a few short stories published that were inspired by presents. The good ones and the bad ones. And once, not even getting one at all. On a personal front, my husband and I (sounds regal but just a three bed-semi, not Buck House)stopped buying gifts for one another on birthdays and at Christmas a long time ago. Not my decision, I hasten to add but it took the sting out of not getting anything when I knew my husband wasn't going to be getting anything either. And, of course, there was the shivery memory of the microwave that was the gift he thought I'd been gagging for one year - the story I wrote around that sold in four countries .... more than enough to buy myself a deccent leather handbag. And a pair of shoes.

I was once handed a bunch of flowers by a young man outside the railway station as I emerged into the winter gloom, laden down with bags and cases. He just sort of thrust them between the strap of my shoulder bag and my arm as I had no hands free. 'Won't be wanting these now, will I?' he said. It was in the days pre-mobiles so I can only imagine he'd been standing there a long time with his flowers and had been stood up. Stuck for something to write about I dredged up that memory and wrote a story called STOLEN ROSES that will be out in next Christmases My Weekly Annual ... always nice to have a publication to which to look forward, isn't it?

I don't suppose I'm the only writer who has to put on a brave face when they get given yet another pen - as much as I love pens I struggled to put on a brave and enthusiastic just-what-I-wanted face when a bundle of bics turned up!

Now then, it's a bit of a dull time - writing-wise - I always find in the few weeks running up to Christmas. Many of us are full of enthusiasm afterwards with new leaves been turned over and all that but right now we need motivating - well, I do. I've got a few free days and an idea (from a true life situation) that's been rumbling around in the grey matter for some time. The son of a friend of mine - let's call him Henry - had been going out with a girl - let's call her Jessica - for some time and he knew it was time to finish it. But Christmas was coming. There were all sorts of dinners and drinks parties booked in to which they'd been invited as a couple. It would be churlish to finish with her in the run-up to all that, wouldn't it? So, Henry bought a decent but non-commital gift - a leather purse and a bottle of what he knew was her favourite perfume - and wrapped it up. But what did Jessica turn up with on Christmas Eve? Both families all in the know as well. Only a flight ticket to Paris and a booking for three nights in a top hotel. A sort of taster for the honeymoon Jessica was expecting of him. Poor Henry. The present from hell as far as he was concerned. But he went, gent that he is. And .... well, you can probably guess the rest ... Henry and Jessica got the pre-honeymoon baby as well (after Jessica muddled up taking 'the pill' wouldn't you know) in that great city of romance. As I said, it was a while ago, but I've always wanted to write Henry a different outcome to that one. Jessica too, of course ... HAPPY CHRISTMAS