Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Reblogging Don Massenzio's 20 Questions with Rukia Publishing author John Searancke #RPBP



Don Massenzio's Blog
Don Massenzio is the author of Frankly Speaking - A Frank Rozzani Detective novel and the follow-up, Let Me Be Frank. He has also written several short stories.

Today we sit down with Author John Searancke. He is going to tell us a bit about his work, his life, and his inspiration.

Please enjoy this edition of 20 Questions:





Q1) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I retired from my business in 2009, my wife and I, with our dog Freddie, moved from England to live in The Canary Islands, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, off Africa. At that point I decided to put pen to paper, figuratively speaking. I felt that I had a book waiting to get out of me.

Q2) How long does it typically take you to write a book?

I spent about 9 months actually writing each of my books, and then went through a fairly gruelling exercise with a superb professional editor, who made me polish my work. That in itself, with the to and fro, took some 3 months extra, but it was well worth it.

To read the remaining 18 Q&A click here

Saturday, 30 January 2016

Going, going, gone! Why are John Searancke's books flying off the shelves? #RPBP

Going, going, gone! 
Local residents and holiday makers have made a dent in this pallet of books!
It's the weekend and just the time to think about settling down with a good book, planning a holiday or maybe even a lifestyle change! Whatever brings you to a book this weekend please enjoy the experience. In this digital age we often hear "paperbacks are dead" or "no one reads real books any more" well, one author who smashes these misconceptions and bucks this trend, by proving that paperbacks are an essential component of an authors platform and product list, is John Searancke.
John has less than 50 books from a large pallet remaining in Tenerife where the sales have been made locally via book signings, events and placement in selected libraries, stores, etc. Holiday makers and local residents support the local author who has made Tenerife his home. Recent book signings for his latest release Prunes for Breakfast have been featured in the local press and the paperback version is selling well.
Books sell for a variety of reasons; quality content, eye catching book cover, author engagement with fans/readers, visibility and availability. It is this availability in all formats, both digital and paperback, that works to ensure that no potential readers are excluded.
Prunes for Breakfast has recently moved into expanded distribution at all good book stores including, iBooks, GooglePlay, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and many more. Accommodating readers around the world is key to the success of a book and its author.
Congratulations to John Searancke and his two great books.
Author John Searancke
 "Thank you to everyone, whether holidaymaker or readers living here in The Canary Islands for your support over the last two years."
On the brink of retirement, John and his wife Sally are determined to end a life at the grindstone in grimy and wet Lancashire. Together with their beloved Jack Russell/Staffie cross, Freddie, a rescue dog from the local RSPCA, they embark on the journey of a lifetime and relocate to the island of Tenerife. Selling up, they make the move to the north of Tenerife, a part almost unknown to the casual tourist, their very own hidden paradise, a world away from the 'tourist trap' that is the south of the island. Relaxed and surrounded by stunning coastal views, life in their new home, set amidst orange groves and banana plantations, is very different indeed! The weather is fantastic, the temperature idyllic, the people so friendly and the cost of living outrageously low...what more could they ask for? Adjusting to life abroad, and all of the costs that come with it, are explained in the book, from buying a new home and sorting out living taxes, to integrating into the local community and taking the dreaded Spanish driving test. Follow John and Sally as they learn a new language and take on a couple of new hobbies, while Freddie takes off on some unbelievable (but true!) exploits with his new canine friends. With a colourful collection of characters, travelling anecdotes that stretch from the English Midlands and all the way through mainland Spain in an old classic car, and some not so perfect moments that bring us back down to earth from time to time, this is a series of adventures that you will not want to miss. Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands is an ideal read for those contemplating retirement, moving to the Canary Islands or an extended trip through Spain. The book will also appeal to any dog lovers and holidaymakers who enjoy an interesting story.

Get your copy of Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands and Prunes for Breakfast from John's author website 
This is the story of John Searancke’s parents, told mostly from the side of his father, Eddie Searancke, from the time of his calling up in early 1940 to his release from a prisoner of war camp in Germany in 1945, thence his return to England to try to pick up the pieces of his old life. Nothing could ever be quite the same afterwards. The letters take readers through five captivating years, telling of the ups and downs, the plots and counterplots, as Eddie rose through the ranks to end his war as a captain, elevated to that rank in the field as his troops faced the formidable might of the SS Panzers. The letters also reveal where his battle came to an abrupt end, in an orchard surrounded by the enemy and captured after a series of bloody skirmishes as the British army spearheaded its way from the beaches of Normandy. The journey as a prisoner across France and Germany in a truck, with comrades dying each day, may be as hard to read as it is to tell, particularly when a new life and new harsh rules had to be learned and rigidly enforced in a prison camp in northern Germany, the final destination. This is written as part memoir, part fictionalised retelling and partly in letter format; John draws together all sources to recreate the five years of war and hardship that the letters span.
Find out more about John Searancke at Rukia Publishing
Meet the author
Book Showcase Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands
Book Showcase Prunes for Breakfast
Check out some reviews here Connect with John on social media:
Facebook fan page Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands
Facebook fan page Prunes for Breakfast
Twitter 

Friday, 29 January 2016

Behind the scenes of Fred's Diary1981 #TravelsinAsia #RPBP

"Behind The Scenes"


For the next 10 weeks follow along as we go behind the scenes of Fred's Diary 1981. 

Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary. 

This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.

Fred's Diary 1981


Travels In Asia




by 


Author Robert Fear




Behind The Scenes of 


"First Impressions of Hong Kong"

with



"Pre-Travel Jitters"


written by Robert Fear

***

Brought To You

 by 

Rukia Publishing Book Promotions




"Pre-Travel Jitters"


With two days to go until I head off to Hong Kong the doubts and worries are worse than ever. I've never felt this way about my travels before. There has always been a sense of nervous anticipation during the days prior to setting off, but the feelings I am getting at the moment are much more intense than ever.


This trip has been a long time in the planning and I have managed to save a fair amount of money working in the bank in Frankfurt, Germany for the past fifteen months. I started as a messenger because of my lack of language skills but within a couple of months I had secured a position in the accounts department. The work was enjoyable, well-paid and rewarding. I also seemed to get on well with my German colleagues.
After my first spell in Germany when I lived with Rita at her parents house, this time I had my own flat and a lot more independence, which I really enjoyed. I am already missing the great social life and the friends I have made in that short time. There was a tearful farewell with Rita, my on-off German girlfriend, who was very down when I left. I feel guilty about having been so selfish and not spending more time with her during the past few months.


Since returning to England a week ago, I have been catching up with family and friends and making final preparations for the biggest adventure of my life. Maybe that is why I am so on edge, the fear of heading off into the unknown. When I went on my four month trip around the US and Canada things were a lot more familiar.


Although I have been trying to hide my true feelings from everyone there was an occasion last weekend when I showed myself up. I was in London with a couple of mates who I had met whilst in Germany. We went on a bit of a pub crawl and had quite a few pints. Towards the end of the evening I got quite emotional and was in floods of tears. I think my mates were quite embarrassed and got me out of the pub and back to the place we were staying in double quick time. No longer do they think of me as Fearless Freddy!


What am I worrying about? My bags are packed, my passport is in order, and I have my A £99 one way ticket to Hong Kong, plus enough money for at least six months in Asia. I am sure once I am on that plane these negative emotions will start to subside. First I need to get through these next two days though. Maybe I'll pop down to the local pub and have a couple of pints (although no more) to try and steady my nerves.




http://www.abhk.org/



"First Impressions of Hong Kong"


An excerpt from Fred's Diary


I was soon outside and got my first taste of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Waited twenty minutes for a 201 bus to take me to Kowloon and sat dazed in the bus trying to take in the many sights amid the clamour of Chinese conversation, which to say the least is pretty loud.


After a ride of half an hour I got off the bus in Kowloon and within twenty minutes, with the help of a young Chinese woman, had located Chungking Mansions, a collection of supposedly cheap guest houses.


Eventually found a room free in one run by an old woman for HK$40. I tried knocking the price down for a longer stay but she wouldn't consider it. Being tired I decided to take it for one night and look around tomorrow for alternatives.


Got into the room and tried to get some rest. I got a couple of hours sleep disturbed by a TV being played loud in the next room. One thing I'm going to have to get used to here is noise. It is now 8:30 p.m. and I am going to go out in search of something to eat and drink.


I returned to the room just before midnight after a fascinating if bewildering wander around different parts of Kowloon. Lots of bright lights, scores of different shops and stalls, amazing contrasts between rich and poor, the swish tourist hotels near the waterfront compared with the slums and beggars in the backstreets.


Saw a few western faces but not many. Had a meal in McDonalds of all places as I couldn't pluck up courage to go into one of the Chinese restaurants. Feeling a bit lost and far from home but hopefully that will soon pass.





Fascinating time capsule from the 80's




NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION 



Synopsis


Have you ever wanted to read someone else's diary? 


Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home? 


Then this book is for you. Fred's Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man's travels around Asia in the early 1980's. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal. 


Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers. 


Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey. 


Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications. 


Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's. 


Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal. 


Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.






To celebrate the coming new year, the price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99 (was £2.99 / $3.99). Get your copy while this offer lasts:


getBook.at/FredsDiary1981





You can find out more about author Robert Fear on Rukia Publishing's 



Come back next week when we publish another original segment 

of

"Behind The Scenes"
 

with 


Fred's Diary 1981

by 


author Robert Fear



Saturday, 23 January 2016

Welcome, the coffee is made and I have books, come and join me!




Hello and welcome to my new blog!



I have been an avid reader of book and parenting blogs for many years, but it was not until I joined the Rukia Publishing Social Media Team that I started to realise what really goes on behind the scenes of blogging and what an important role it plays in the platform of an aspiring writer like myself. So here I am launching my blog and joining the Rukia Book Blog Tour Team. Wow, it's a bit scary, but as my good friend Sarah Jane Butfield often says, "he who dares wins" so with those words in mind I would like to set the scene for my blog.
Firstly, I am a multi-genre reader and I love to write book reviews so the starting point for my blog will be to share my book reviews with you. Secondly, I love to network, I am a virtual chatty person so please comment and leave a link to your blog so we can chat. Lastly, for now, I love my kids, coffee, red wine and all foods, not always in that order! Therefore, I will also post and reblog from my parenting and food friend's blog sites.

BOOKS!
I will start with a couple of reviews for an author I recently discovered, Robert Fear.

Recent reviews
Travel Stories and highlights by Robert Fear
5*****
What an amazing collection of very individual travel stories from around the world. I really enjoyed reading about places I would still like to visit and also reading another person's experience of a place I have already visited. Something for everyone in this great compilation which makes easy reading and is very entertaining.

Fred's Diary 1981
5*****
I really enjoyed this book. I have never visited Asia so I was keen to experience it through this diarised account of a young man's travels in the 1980's. A sense of honesty comes through, which is a strong influence in this format of writing as it is an open and detailed account of the people, the places and personal adventures he experienced. I applaud the author for including some of what we might call 'ordinary' aspects of travel and day to day living as it reinforces that this is true and not fictionalised. Highly recommended for travel writing fans.


FOOD!
This weekend I am trying a recipe from Sarah Jane's Our frugal summer in Charente because I have some left over Tiger bread and I love bread sauce.


Sarah Jane’s Bread sauce
Ingredients:
½ pint of milk
1 small onion, peeled and halved
2 cloves
50g of breadcrumbs
Seasoning

Method:
Put the milk, onion halves and cloves in a saucepan. Place on a low heat and bring to a simmer. After 30 minutes remove the onion halves and cloves and add the bread crumbs, continue to simmer until it reaches a sauce consistency. Season to taste. Remove from the heat and serve in a warm dish

As we continue with our French experience, the plans for our garden and our lifestyle are evolving. Everything that we have experienced will shape the decisions and plans for the future. The moral of our story is that living on a frugal budget does not mean sacrificing on taste or variety.

Thank you for visiting and reading my debut blog post and keep in touch via this blog or on Facebook or Twitter




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