Sunday 15 December 2013

Don't miss Jonathan Cohen's Christmas Carol Singalong at the Royal Albert Hall!

I'd always wanted to see Jonathan Cohen's Christmas Carol Singalong at the Royal Albert Hall, but I was a little worried that it might just be him and a piano with us trying to sing along! However, I needn't have worried, he was helped by the London Concert Orchestra and the London Concert Chorus, and also Laura Tebbutt who had stepped into the soloist's shoes at only a week's notice and was making her first solo performance at the Royal Albert Hall. She was fantastic and what a voice!
The audience dressed up for the occasion in Christmassy jumpers and Santa hats and those in the posh boxes decorated them with fairy lights. There was even a couple with fairy lights on their Christmas tree type hats!
Jonathan Cohen, known for BBC's Playaway  in the 1970s, made sure we all enjoyed ourselves as we sang traditional carols like Once in Royal David's City and classic Christmas songs like Santa Claus is Coming to Town, although we were allowed to sit back and listen to the London Concert Chorus and Laura's magical items. The highlight was when we all danced and raised the roof to I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Wizzard and Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade.
If you want to get into the Christmas mood, this is the concert for you.
If you can't fit it in this year, or can't wait until next Christmas, Jonathan is doing a Summer Singalong in June!

Thursday 12 December 2013

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber - A Great Read for Christmas!

Christmas is nearly here, but you still have time to read Starry Night by Debbie Macomber, the well-loved American author.
It's the first of her books that I've read, and it's a Christmassy take on Beauty and the Beast.
Carrie is a social reporter, filling her life and her Chicago newspaper column with glitzy parties and gallery openings. She yearns to write more serious news stories, so her editor challenges her to find Finn Dalton, a best selling, but reclusive author who lives in the depths of snowy Alaska.
If she can get this scoop of a lifetime, her editor will reward her more demanding and stimulating assignments.
She is so determined to find Finn Dalton and write the piece, that she misses her family Thanksgiving dinner, and heads off to Alaska, but when she eventually meets him, she finds him as wild and uncompromising as she had been warned, and also strangely attractive!
As Carrie and Finn stand under the starry Alaskan skies and watch the Northern Lights, could they really be falling in love? How can she write her article and publish it against his wishes now?  And with Christmas just around the corner, do they have any future together?
I really loved this novel and felt that I was there in the cold Alaskan winter with the icy wind on my face, wondering what would happen to these mis-matched lovers.
If you don't have time to read this book, you could always buy it as a stocking filler for a romantic friend or relation!

Sunday 8 December 2013

Gipsy Moth Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal Results!

On December 1st, I set up a Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal on my historical romance, Gipsy Moth.
I experimented with putting it on Free Download last year, but now the rules have been changed so that these 'sales' don't count towards your ranking on Amazon, so although I had a great result then, which led to my book being recommended for a romantic read, any free downloads now wouldn't be taken into consideration.
I decided that the best way to promote my book was to run the deal over four days: two discounted to 99p and two at £1.99 before returning to the original price on Day 5.
Don't worry, Amazon works out the prices and time intervals for you. You just have to enter the dates, and can adjust their recommendations to suit your needs.
Obviously, the reason I tried this was to get people to buy my book, and I thought a good idea would be to put Christmassy extracts on my blog as tasters, and luckily the first one started on December 1st. Perfect!
I also found some snowy photos to set the scene and some vintage Christmas cards to get a feel of Christmas 1929.
Amazon recommended using social media to promote the deal, so of course, I blogged here; tweeted two or three times a day; and updated my Facebook page.
Was it a success?
After a good start and a rise in the rankings, on the first day, I slipped down again during the next two days, only for a rally on the fourth! I expect that was people buying the book before the final price rise.
Would I have done anything differently?
I think I could have been more enthusiastic to entice readers on Facebook and Twitter to read the extracts here and therefore buy the book, but overall it was a useful exercise and I enjoyed doing it.
Have you tried a Kindle Countdown Deal promotion?

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Gipsy Moth Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal, Last Day!



Welcome to the final day of my Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal on my historical romance, Gipsy Moth. Each day I've been publishing a Christmassy excerpt from my novel to whet your appetite, but if you would like to buy a copy, do it soon as the price returns to normal tomorrow at 8am GMT! 

Christmas has arrived at last and Kathy can't wait  to see Ben again.

December 26th 1929
Ben was due back on Christmas Eve, but it was Boxing Day afternoon before he could manage to escape from his family. Every time someone came to our door or the telephone rang I thought it was him. But, I didn’t dare telephone his house, or turn up at his front door for fear of what his parents would say. At last, however, there he was at ours, muffled with a long red scarf, and stamping the snow off his feet. We clung to each other like two children lost in a blizzard.
‘Happy Christmas, Kathy. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.’ His kiss was soft, warm, desperate. And that faint smell of engine oil on his clothes made me feel safe and reminded me of all the good times we’d had before I got pregnant and he’d gone away.
‘I’ve missed you too.’ I could hardly speak.
He touched my tummy. ‘There’s definitely a small bump.’
‘Yes, but it doesn’t show too much yet, does it?’ I held in my muscles and smiled.
‘No, but it will soon.’
‘I know, but it would be a lot easier if we could get married. Have you talked to your parents yet?’
‘I haven’t had a chance. You know what it’s like at Christmas. They’re so busy with the visitors, I’ve hardly spoken to them at all.’
‘Oh, Ben, you said you were going to, and I’ve been hoping and hoping that you would. Don’t you want to marry me?’ I made a puppy face with doleful eyes.
‘Of course!’ He kissed me again.
‘Oh, Ben, can’t you get them to change their minds? Then I could come up to Lincolnshire and be near you all the time.’
‘Look, I’ve got your little black bead here on my ID chain.’ He dug it out to show me. ‘It brings you to me, any time I’m lonely.’
‘I know, but I want you, Ben,’ I said, kissing him back.
Voices rose in the front room, and the door opened.
I let go of him. ‘Mother’s sisters are here with their families,’ I whispered.
‘Let’s go for a walk then,’ he whispered back, smiling.
Making excuses and getting disapproving looks from my aunts, we escaped into the sparkling wintry wonderland. I’d had a black fur muff as a present, and we held hands inside it, keeping our other ones warm in our pockets.
 Putting my worries behind me, I squeezed his hand, deciding to make the most of having him here. ‘Did you have a nice Christmas?’
 ‘No, of course not without you. Everyone was so boring; Great Uncle Peter, Great Aunt Jane, cousins I never see from one Christmas to the next. I’m not sure who half of them are. Even the table was groaning under the weight of all the food.’ He made a snowball and hurled it at a tree. ‘What about you?’
‘How could I have a nice Christmas, knowing that you were just a hundred yards away over the road, and I couldn’t see you? If I’d had my own aeroplane, I would’ve flown by and carried you off to, I don’t know, the Northern Lights, so we could fly round amongst all the shimmering colours. That is, if your parents would have let you come.’ I aimed a snowball fair and square in the centre of his. ‘Bullseye!’
‘Should you be doing that, er, in your condition?’
‘I’m blooming like a Christmas rose now you’re here. Never felt better.’ I gathered up some more snow and threw it at him.
‘Hey, Kathy!’ He seized my hand, then kissed my icy blue fingers. ‘I’m so sorry about this awkward business.’
We walked on in silence, through deep drifts of snow which stretched across the river meadows like frozen waves on the Arctic Ocean, and the winter sun shone through our cloudy breath and turned it into rainbow colours.
‘What do your parents say?’ he asked.

‘You know, don’t you? They want us to be married, but if we can’t, Mother wants me out of the way. She doesn’t want the neighbours to gossip.’
 ‘I’ve been thinking, she might be right to send you to Devon. I don’t want people saying awful things about you. You’ve got to be strong, Kathy.’ He ducked under a branch which hung heavy with snow, and created a little snowstorm of loose flakes. ‘When are you going?’
‘The day before New Year’s Eve.’ I brushed the snowflakes off his shoulder. ‘I used to love those New Year’s Eve parties at your house. We were so happy then, when your parents weren’t afraid that I might marry you.’
 He kissed me on the forehead. ‘I won’t be there either this time, and Abigail’s going to Maureen and Hilda’s party, isn’t she?’
‘Yes, so everything’s changed.’  
Ben stopped, and faced me. ‘Listen Kathy, I’ve got to go back tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow? But I thought you were going to stay a few days.’ I held him tight. ‘I’ve only just got used to having you here.’


GIPSY MOTH

It’s 1929, and Kathy’s greatest wish is to fly a Gipsy Moth like her childhood sweetheart, Ben. But when his parents find out she’s expecting his baby, they forbid them to marry, and Kathy is dispatched to her aunt’s in Devon in disgrace, whilst Ben is sent to Lincolnshire for his RAF officer training. 
How can their love survive when they’re so far apart? Especially now that Kathy has met her aunt’s stepson, Paul, who encourages her to take some flying lessons at Haldon Aerodrome, despite her pregnancy, and her imagination has been captured by Amy Johnson who is proposing to fly solo to Australia. 
But when Ben’s plane is lost at sea, Kathy is torn between raising her baby alone and being frowned upon by society, or giving it up for adoption and pursuing her dream of flying. On top of this, she uncovers a disturbing family secret which makes her decision all the harder.

If you have enjoyed this you can download the rest of the book, here on Amazon. (Offer available UK only)
Remember, it goes back to its full price at 8am GMT tomorrow!

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Gipsy Moth Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal, Day 3


This is Day 3 of my Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal on my historical romance, Gipsy Moth. The price has gone up today, but don't worry, it won't reach the full price until 8am GMT on Thursday 5th December, so bear that in mind if you would like to download a copy!

Yesterday, Kathy replied to Ben's letter, and today, his sister, Abigail, comes with an invitation.

 
December 21st 1929
Two o’clock in the afternoon of the shortest day of the year, and with heavy snow clouds in the sky, it seemed to be getting dark already. Dad had gone to the football, Mother was knitting, and I was roasting nicely by the fire, lost in thoughts of Ben coming home in only three day’s time, when the doorbell rang. Sorry to be roused from such a delicious daydream, I shuffled off in my old slippers to see who had disturbed us.
Abigail stood at the door, wearing a camel coat and hat trimmed with honey coloured fur that framed her pixie face, and matching tiny ankle boots with buttons up the sides. Snowflakes clung to her like sugar sprinkled on a cake.
‘Oh, Kathy, may I come in?’ She took a step forwards, her eyes glistening, as if she’d been crying.
‘Yes, of course, what on earth’s wrong?’
 ‘Mother is driving me mad. I’ve been trying to make her see reason about you and Ben, but she won’t listen. It would be so nice if you could come over to our house on Christmas Eve, like you used to, and sing carols, but she won’t hear of it. Oh, Kathy, she seems to think that it’s all your fault, and that you led Ben on. She even thinks that you are jeopardizing his time at Cranwell.’ Puddles of melted snow gathered round her feet on the doormat.
I nodded, and sat down on the stairs. I’d heard it all before. Abigail had been trying her best to make amends, build bridges and generally smooth things over between me and her parents, but they wouldn’t budge.
‘Oh, do come shopping with me, Kathy? I can’t bear it at home any longer.’
‘But it’s snowing!’ My thoughts went back to the warm fireside and my dreams of Ben. ‘No, I don’t really feel like it. I went with Mother last week and the shops were so crowded that we were squashed to bits. We could hardly carry our bags; they were nearly ripped out of our hands in the crush.’
‘Oh, come on, it’ll do you good to get out. You can’t spend all your time hiding indoors.’
‘I . . . but . . .’
‘I’ve got the car; Benson’s outside waiting.’
‘The Alvis Silver Eagle? I’ve been itching to go for a ride in that. But, I can’t, Abigail, what would your mother say?’
‘Oh, she’s busy this afternoon; she’s got her ladies round for bridge, and Father’s gone up to London for some Reunion Luncheon. Please Kathy, I’m all on my own. I miss Ben, and I never see you very much these days, please come?’ She begged with her large blue eyes.
‘I’ve got all the presents I need; I really can’t face all those bad tempered shoppers and gaudy gifts. Everything seems so glittery and false this year.’
‘Please, Kathy?’
Abigail’s earnest expression made me relent. ‘Oh, all right, but I’m only coming so I can have a ride in that car.’
Mother fussed that I was going out in the snow and made sure I wrapped up warm, but she was as keen as Abigail to keep the channels of communication open between our families.
Benson had the engine running at the kerb and the headlamps lit up the falling snow like a sky full of shooting stars. We sat back in the leather seats as if we were on a sleigh ride to fairyland.


GIPSY MOTH


It’s 1929, and Kathy’s greatest wish is to fly a Gipsy Moth like her childhood sweetheart, Ben. But when his parents find out she’s expecting his baby, they forbid them to marry, and Kathy is dispatched to her aunt’s in Devon in disgrace, whilst Ben is sent to Lincolnshire for his RAF officer training. 
How can their love survive when they’re so far apart? Especially now that Kathy has met her aunt’s stepson, Paul, who encourages her to take some flying lessons at Haldon Aerodrome, despite her pregnancy, and her imagination has been captured by Amy Johnson who is proposing to fly solo to Australia. 
But when Ben’s plane is lost at sea, Kathy is torn between raising her baby alone and being frowned upon by society, or giving it up for adoption and pursuing her dream of flying. On top of this, she uncovers a disturbing family secret which makes her decision all the harder.


If you have enjoyed this you can download the rest of the book, here on Amazon. (Offer available UK only)
Remember, the sooner you buy it, the cheaper it will be!

Monday 2 December 2013

Gipsy Moth Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal, Day 2


I hope you enjoyed yesterday's seasonal installment of my historical romance, Gipsy Moth, which I am offering as a Kindle Countdown Deal over the next three days to celebrate the beginning of December and the advent of the Christmas holidays. Today, the price is still 99p, so if you haven't already downloaded your copy, you can use this opportunity to buy it at a discount because it goes up tomorrow at 8am GMT!!

Yesterday, Kathy received an Advent calendar from Ben. Although she's having his baby, his parents won't let them marry, and she's waiting at home to see him again at Christmas, whilst he's been sent on officer training in Lincolnshire.

As always, I sent him a reply by the next post. I had a large stack of his letters, and I imagined that he did too, tucked in a drawer. I often wondered if there was enough room for his RAF socks.

Dear Ben,
Only you would think of making such a wonderful Advent calendar. Thank you so much. I’m just itching to peep inside all the doors, but that would spoil all the surprises.
 I miss you too; time drags by so slowly without you here. I even miss the shop, and find myself longing to go back to work, at least that would make the days and weeks crawl past more quickly.
There’s nothing to do. No motorbike to tinker with and no trips into the countryside, hugging you for dear life as we breeze along the lanes. I’d really enjoy that, even though the weather’s turning cold and damp now. No poring over the latest magazines together, and dreaming about shiny new motor cars. No holding hands in the pictures and watching newsreels of aeroplanes and adventurers. Ben, my life is so empty without you. I can’t wait for Christmas to see you again. But afterwards, I’ll have to go away to Devon, and I’m dreading that. I really hope that you can talk to your parents soon and they will let us marry.
Hurry up and come home,
Your loving Kathy


GIPSY MOTH


It’s 1929, and Kathy’s greatest wish is to fly a Gipsy Moth like her childhood sweetheart, Ben. But when his parents find out she’s expecting his baby, they forbid them to marry, and Kathy is dispatched to her aunt’s in Devon in disgrace, whilst Ben is sent to Lincolnshire for his RAF officer training. 
How can their love survive when they’re so far apart? Especially now that Kathy has met her aunt’s stepson, Paul, who encourages her to take some flying lessons at Haldon Aerodrome, despite her pregnancy, and her imagination has been captured by Amy Johnson who is proposing to fly solo to Australia. 
But when Ben’s plane is lost at sea, Kathy is torn between raising her baby alone and being frowned upon by society, or giving it up for adoption and pursuing her dream of flying. On top of this, she uncovers a disturbing family secret which makes her decision all the harder.


If you have enjoyed this you can download the rest of the book, here on Amazon. (Offer available UK only)
Remember, it will be cheaper today than tomorrow!

Sunday 1 December 2013

Gipsy Moth Christmas Kindle Countdown Deal, Day 1


I can't believe it's December already, and to get everyone into the mood for Christmas, I'm giving a seasonal Kindle Countdown Deal on my historical romance, Gipsy Moth! Over four days, the price will rise, starting today from just 99p! 
So if you haven't already read my novel, here's your chance. 

As a taster, I will be publishing a Christmassy extract from the book each day!

December 1st 1929
The days ground by, and the rest of November disappeared under a blanket of cloud and fog. I wondered why Ben’s parents were being so mean? Why couldn’t his mother cope with a wedding? I was good enough, wasn’t I? I wished that he could make them change their minds. I really didn’t want to be sent away.
I felt so empty each night; I wanted to see Ben and tell him how much I missed him, but all I had were his letters. I couldn’t wait to sit on the stairs in the morning, eager to grab the post as it came through the letterbox. I would search through the brown bills, scented letters from aunts, or airmail letters from cousins in Canada, until I found the blue one with Ben’s spiky handwriting. Then letting the rest fall, I would open it with a beating heart. His little cartoons made me smile. This time last year, marriage was the last thing on my mind, and Ben, along with Abigail, were just my best friends. Now I was expecting his baby, and I needed to be with him more than ever. The fact that we weren’t allowed to marry made it all the worse.
Today, a large mysterious envelope, with his familiar writing, burst through the letterbox with the usual post. I only just caught it as it sailed to the floor. Inside was an Advent Calendar, but instead of a Nativity scene, there was a red Gipsy Moth flying a banner which said, ‘Happy Christmas, Kathy!’ and a letter.

Dearest Kathy,
I love you so much and I miss you every minute of every day. Even though the chaps here are friendly, like Archie McCall who’s really looked after me, I feel lost and alone without you. I’ve made this calendar so you can open a door each day and count the time to Christmas when we can be together again.
I gently opened number one, and there was a cartoon of Ben wearing a paper hat from a cracker and smiling, with my little black bead around his neck. I stroked it with my finger and kissed it.

It’s only a few weeks till I come home, and I can’t wait. I’m so cold and lonely without you. Remember, every day that passes is a day less to wait. It won’t be long, until I am there and you are my arms. I love you, Kathy, with all my heart, and I’m going to talk to my parents when I get home and see if they will change their minds.
All my love,
Ben


GIPSY MOTH


It’s 1929, and Kathy’s greatest wish is to fly a Gipsy Moth like her childhood sweetheart, Ben. But when his parents find out she’s expecting his baby, they forbid them to marry, and Kathy is dispatched to her aunt’s in Devon in disgrace, whilst Ben is sent to Lincolnshire for his RAF officer training. 
How can their love survive when they’re so far apart? Especially now that Kathy has met her aunt’s stepson, Paul, who encourages her to take some flying lessons at Haldon Aerodrome, despite her pregnancy, and her imagination has been captured by Amy Johnson who is proposing to fly solo to Australia. 
But when Ben’s plane is lost at sea, Kathy is torn between raising her baby alone and being frowned upon by society, or giving it up for adoption and pursuing her dream of flying. On top of this, she uncovers a disturbing family secret which makes her decision all the harder.

If you have enjoyed this you can download the rest of the book, here on Amazon. (Offer available UK only)
Remember, the sooner you buy it, the cheaper it will be!