Book Review: Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire by SC Skillman

 

Good evening, Bookaholics, have I got a book for you. Now, you are probably wondering, Wendy, you're from Scotland, why on earth a book about Warwickshire. The answer - - this book is truly brilliant. 

Blurb

Warwickshire, often known as Shakespeare’s County, has a host of strange and mysterious tales ranging from ancient legends and stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in Warwickshire’s towns and villages, some of which still flourish today. These strange and spooky stories include the quirky death of the Roundhead commander who owned Warwick Castle, the association of the great author J. R. R. Tolkien with the town, and the story of the hand of glory obtained at Warwick hangings. The historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon have witnessed many strange events over the centuries and more recently the Crackley Wood sprite has been sighted at Kenilworth. Other stories include the Wroth Silver at Knightlow Cross, an 800-year‑old violent ball game played annually at Atherstone on Shrove Tuesday, and the unresolved mystery of the 1945 murder at Lower Quinton associated with witchcraft, along with other strange tales from the surrounding towns and villages. These stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs in this hugely entertaining book.

Review

I love, in fact adore, visiting new places and learning new things. If it's combined with a place associated with Shakespeare it ticks all my boxes. This book is jam packed with fascinating information about different places in Warwickshire. The county, both historical and contemporary, is skilfully brought to life in both prose and pictures. The photographs which support the stories were taken by either SC Skillman herself or by members of her family. Highly professional, they are the perfect accompaniment to bring the horse to life. Or is it the prose which brings the pictures to life. I believe both are true. 

The book is split into sections - from Strange and Spooky Tales to And Then The Whining Schoolboy: Lewis Carol at Rugby School, via myths, legends, witchcraft, and so much more the stories leap off the page and into your heart and psyche. The author, a skilled writer, brings the county to life and the stories are delightful.

Of course, no book about and English County is complete without Morris Dancers. I loved the colourful images for this story, as well as the colourful description which described Morris Dancing to a T. 

There is something for everyone in this book whether you are visiting Warwickshire or not. If you are visiting, or live anywhere nearby, I would say it is a must read. 

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review. At no point was I asked to write a positive review and my review is based on my reading of the book. 

My next blog will come to you from Antigua in the Caribbean where I'm off to do a research trip. Yes. research. See you soon Bookaholics and until then keep reading and writing. 

You can buy the book from all bishops or via the author's website. 

Bio

Sheila lives in Warwickshire, and writes psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction and non-fiction. She is a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers.

Her two non-fiction books Paranormal Warwickshire and Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire are both published by Amberley and she is now writing a third book in her Warwickshire series, A-Z of Warwick.

Her new novel, Director's Cut, is out with publishers and she is also working on Standing Ovation, the sequel.



She began her publishing career with the duology Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit which are both set in the same mysterious English manor house in the heart of England - the beautiful Cotswolds hills. There, gothic themes, paranormal events and ghostly tales are never far away. She has set the books in contemporary times, not far from her present home.

She has also written Perilous Path, A Writer's Journey: a self help book for those writing a novel, or who would like to write a novel. Packed full of tips and friendly reminders, it's encouraging and motivational. It's also for anyone who loves finding out about writers, their lives and works.

Sheila was born and brought up in Orpington, Kent, and has loved writing stories most of her life. She studied English Literature at Lancaster University, and her first permanent job was as a production secretary with the BBC. Later she lived for nearly five years in Australia before returning to the UK. She has now settled in Warwick with her husband and son, and her daughter currently lives and works in Australia.

Count Our Blessings Book Review

Good morning Bookaholics. This may be April Fools' Day but I can assure you this book review is one hundred percent genuine. I bring you this book because I loved it on so many levels. 

I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone in terms of reading and as it is also Easter, I took the opportunity to read the latest book by Fiona Linday. The subtitle of the book is, Short stories of identity and hope and, given the current pandemic, I feel that we can all do with a healthy dollop of hope. I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the book to be honest but what I found was a book which intrigued and enticed, which made me think and ponder, which made me reach down inside myself and find a strength I didn't know I had. 

As is indicated from the subtitle, the book is a mixture of short stories and poems around different themes. Each is written from the heart and touches your mind, your heart and your soul. They are both simple and profound, both accessible and complex and each reading brings something new to the literary table. Linday, a gifted writer uses every word to good effect weaving a tapestry of hope for these troubled times. It is a Christian book which has God at the very heart of it. It draws you closer to him and allows the reader to see the hope which can only come from God. 

It reaches through the generations and I feel readers of all ages would be attracted to its message. Linday uses tales from her own life and I particularly liked the poem which she wrote as I child at school and which was subsequently published. It's simplicity drew me in and allowed me to see things with fresh eyes - something repeated throughout the book.

This is not a book to rush through but a book to read, ingest and think about. It is a book which can be read again and again, allowing the reader to relax in its words and to feel the warmth of its literary embrace and as the title says Count Our Blessings. It is perfect, not only for Easter but, for any time of the year and would make a thoughtful present. 

      

You can buy the book from your local Christian bookshop when open, or via the links above. 

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review, it is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. The links above are affiliate links and I will receive a few pence if you buy the book. 

Constructing a Platform that Works

One for the writers amongst us today. This is a fabulous opportunity to get free advice from an industry expert on how to develop and expand your author platform. 

For the last few months I have been following Amy Collins and listening to her advice to authors. I have been impressed by her focus on giving authors the actual tools that they need to market and sell their books. With so many options out there, have you ever wondered what works and what doesn’t? Do you know what best-selling authors are they doing to get their books on the bestseller lists? What is their secret? 

The answer is, in one simple little word: PLATFORM.

On Sept 10, I am hosting Amy on a free webinar class where she will show you step-by-step how to successfully construct a platform that works for you. During the session, Amy will teach on the following topics:

•          Establishing platform-building habits that only take a few minutes a day

•          Setting up your author's press and interviews

•          Getting reviews

•          Taking advantage of social media

•          Putting your fellow authors and readers to work for you

In essence, platform is the relationship you build with your readers over a lifetime. And platform is what separates truly successful authors from merely talented ones. Join Amy and I on Tuesday to get a road map on how to get that platform and the sales that result.

To register for the online web class or to get the invitation to the replay that will be hosted after, Go To: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3249143023256353293?source=wendy

Amy Collins

Amy Collins is the founder of Bestseller Builders and president of New Shelves Books. Collins is a trusted expert, speaker,and recommended sales consultant for some of the largest book and library retailers and wholesalers in the publishing industry.She is a USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL bestselling author and in the last 20 years, Amy and her team have sold over 40 Million books into the bookstore, library, and Chain store market for small and midsized publishers.She is a columnist for and a board member of several publishing organizations and a trusted teacher in the world of independent publishers.

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Wendy H. Jones

Wendy H. Jones is the best selling author of the award winning DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries, Cass Claymore Investigates, the Fergus and Flora Mysteries and Bertie the Buffalo children's picture book. She has also published two successful books for authors, Power Packed Book Marketing and Motivation Matters. As an international speaker, she regularly speaks about writing and marketing. 

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Book Review: The Flame Ignites by Donna Fletcher Crow

The Flame Ignites

For my third day of my 31 Day Blogging Challenge I bring you a review of a cracking prequel to the best selling Elizabeth and Richard series. 

I love Donna Fletcher Crow books so was excited to read this new one. I was parricularly interested in the fact this is a Prequel to the excellent Elizabeth and Richard series. As well as being a mystery the book also reveals how they met. The mystery in this book is gentle and is not the main focus of the book. However, there is enough mystery in there that I wanted to find out what happened. This is handled well and blends in well with the rest of the book. Where this book comes into its own is characterisation. The characters are skilfully drawn and come across as both real and engaging. I loved seeing how the relationship between Elizabeth and Richard developed. They play well off each other and I definitely was left wanting to know more about them. Much of the book covers a correspondence between Elizabeth and an American author named Elswyth Thane. These took place many years before the book begins and brings the history of literature to life. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of many long dead authors. The research done to ensure historical accuracy is evident, ensuring a fascinating read. Far from being boring, Donna Fletcher Crow, brings the history to life in an imaginative way. She is a skilful writer and this is evident from every word. This is a superb book which I have no hesitation in recommending.

I was given an advanced release copy of this book for review purposes. At no time was I asked to provide a positive review. My review is based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book.

See you all back here tomorrow my Bookaholic friends. Until then keep reading and writing.