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New novel from Adrienne Vaughan!


A captivating novel from the pen of talented author, Adrienne Vaughan.

As the crisp autumn breeze rustles through the golden-hued leaves, there’s nothing quite like cosying up with a delightful novel that takes you on a magical journey. And for fans of Adrienne Vaughan, who have been waiting eagerly the companion novel to SUMMER OF SECRETS, the wait is over.

The author – Wicklow Harbour

Introducing SECRETS OF THE SHELL SISTERS a breathtaking tale designed to captivate your imagination and leave you spellbound as Adrienne weaves together vivid characters and captivating plotlines that transport you to the Atlantic Coast Ireland for this heart rending, other-wordly tale.

In this mesmerizing novel, you will be introduced to a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected and profound ways. Each page is infused with a palpable sense of emotion, drawing you deeper into their joys, their sorrows, and their triumphs. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling city of Dublin, Ms Vaughan’s vivid descriptions bring every scene to life, enveloping you in a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations.

With a masterful blend of heartwarming moments, tantalizing mysteries, and unexpected twists, Secrets of the Shell Sisters and its companion novel – Summer of Secrets – will keep you eagerly turning the pages, desperate to unravel the secrets that lie within. Every chapter is filled with intrigue and suspense, leaving you yearning to uncover the truth about the sisters and their beginnings.

So, dear reader, as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, embrace the enchantment of this autumn season by immersing yourself in the pages of this novel. Get swept away by a tale that will linger in your heart long after you’ve reached the final page. And, to be honest, I was so keen to learn the truth about the Shell Sisters that it took every ounce of self control not to skip to the end to see how it all turned out. Here’s what some reviewers have said about the novel.

“This is romantasy at its best and I loved it.”

“This is a fascinating tale full of Irish magic and mysticism.”

“This is a contemporary novel with an otherworldly twist; don’t miss it.”

“Secrets are hinted at and disclosed (I’m still searching for answers) as the story unfolds, twists, turns, leaves you completely mesmerised and deciding you don’t want to leave.”

“That’s like believing in Father Christmas,” he said. “Or mermaids,” she replied gravely.

Meet the Morgans. Three very different sisters, who each blame themselves for their mother’s mysterious disappearance. Now, over forty years on, they are in crisis.

Cassandra – the eldest – runs the family’s quirky, cliffside hotel. But the business is in trouble, and it seems a secret from the past is determined to resurface and destroy all she’s worked for. Greer – the youngest – walked away from a glittering career to live in London. The mistress of a powerful man, she’s left stranded on the day they were to start a new life together. Now she has no choice but to return to the family home – but what kind of welcome can she expect? And Orla – the middle sister, whose obsessive shell collecting and messages from the ‘sea- people’ dominate her life. But Orla knows things. She knows Greer is coming home to a new future, that Cassandra’s dark secret will change their lives and that their mother never really left at all.

And there’s another secret, something they all share… but of course nobody’s telling.

Say Hello to Anna Shenton

A big hello to author, blogger and Facebook aficionado – Anna Shenton. Anna and I met via her writers’ page on Facebook and I wanted to get to know her better. So, here we go.

Anna, tell us a bit about yourself.

Born in a village in Staffordshire, England I experienced an interesting upbringing via my English father, and German mother -together with two elder siblings Ilona and Steven, and later, Ingo, a surprise brother from Germany.

Interesting names: I would like to know more about them sometime.

I live in Staffordshire with my lovely retired policeman hubby. We love to travel with our touring caravan. We share a fantastic family of six sons and daughter-in-law’s, and millions of adorable grandchildren, no shortage of inspiration.

Did you say caravan? Small wonder we clicked on Facebook. Not that OUR caravans are anything like this one – LOL.

The Facebook page Anna organises
(with the help of Fiona Morgan and Anne Williams) 

Share with us how the writing process works for you

I write purely as a hobby, no set rules to how I work. I rely on what, where and when. I’ve never experienced (what shall I write feeling, or I must do this). Having said that, I hold much optimism for the future and revel in the freedom of writing. A home study course with the Writing School of London helped with publication of Star Letters, Fillers, and Articles in various magazines including Writers Forum.

Indie-publishing is my ideal. I’m free, no deadlines, no criteria, no rules. Thus far I’ve created – Seduced by Mind Tricks being my debut romance novel, followed by Lust for Survival a collection of short stories, Writing Spelled Out a guide on how to start writing, and my recent release 76 Silver Street a historical romance novella.

Freelancing is always lurking at the back of my mind, too. Scanning through magazines often tempts me to submit feature articles. If they’re accepted, great, if not, I’ve enjoyed writing it.

I love social media and through it I’ve made many new friends – writers and readers alike. But it can be ‘time suckage. What do you think, Anna?

My heart has warmness to the social network. Without it I wouldn’t have learnt so much, neither would I have met so many wonderful people. Controlling usage is the key; I don’t allow it to takeover! Many opportunities are there for the taking and I do believe building a social network reputation is essential for all authors! I’ve enjoyed building a Facebook page, and creating the writers authors & readers closed group, almost 1,000 fabulous supportive members.

Tell us who or what inspired you to become a writer –

My flair to create comes from my family. My late uncle, a famous artist, and my late father, a pencil/cartoonist who contributed to the Daily Mirror. My late brother wrote his Debut Novel (Notes in the Margin) which unfortunately, wasn’t published. I hope to get this published one day donating proceeds to cancer. My Sister writes a very popular frugal blog too (Mean Queen) she is amazing. The freedom of writing, expressing your inner self and creating is something I would hate to lose. I breathe inspiration from everyday life.

If not a writer, then what 

Thank you Lizzie, for the opportunity to answer this question. It holds so many diverse answers. Naturally life itself is foremost, family, sharing and savouring precious moments.  Thereafter, I’m lucky enough to have time to travel with my touring caravan, to tranquil places taking my pencil drawing subjects with me. I mainly draw portraits, self-taught, from photographs and find it rewarding.  Outdoor life suits me too, so lots to do beyond writing.

A sequel to 76 Silver Street is at its infancy, title coming later.

Blurb – Although she had a roof over her head, Rosa Brown couldn’t abide Dan’s drunken coercive behaviour as his housekeeper anymore. Aunt Mildred’s call from her hospital-bed sends Rosa sneaking out of town, to take over her aunt’s rundown boarding house. Met by Jack Howard on arrival, in Pemberton 1905, Rosa’s heart plummets when her eyes meet with the dingy filthy place and Jack’s dark devilish impudent manner, who thinks she’s mad and has no intention of helping to get the place up and running before it goes bust.

Rosa is shocked when faced with all the ruffians and commoners knocking on the door and struggles to keep Jack’s hands off her. Sprucing the place up and filling it with respectful paying guests, proves harder than expected.

Now, filled with fear for her aunt and her own wellbeing, will Rosa ever find true love and be free from trouble?

Reviews

Jenny Lakin – 5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced romantic novella of lives in the early 20th century suburbs of working Manchester . The story is fast paced and keeps you reading, I read it in one go.

S. M. Wragg – 4.0 out of 5 starsLively, believable characters. Sets the scene well at the turn of the 20th century. Running away from an abusive relationship, young and feisty Rose Brown has been left in charge of a run-down boarding house by her aunt, who is ill, a happening that brings her into contact with a variety of lively, believable characters. I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.

Lady Rochford – 5.0 out of 5 stars 
This is a time when life is cheap . . . Manchester at the turn of the last century is no place for a girl like Rose. Just when she thinks she’s found safety and love she needs to draw on all her reserves of strength in order to survive. She needs a way out of the slums; and a call from her aunt provides her with just that.

Thank you Lizzie, for the kind invitation to write a guest post for your blog. It’s a delight to be here. I hope to make this post as fulfilling, interesting and joyful as I can!


Photo by Gratisography on Pexels.com

You can connect with Anna Maria at –

https://authorcentral.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile

https://www.facebook.com/annaswritingpage/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/writersauthorsreaders/

76 Silver Street – Kindle edition  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JGQGYRQ

paperback coming soon

My Writerly Year 2019 #part two

The highlight of the year was publishing my fifth novel – Take Me, I’m Yours. For this one I abandoned Scotland and headed for Wisconsin where I spent a glorious five weeks a few summers ago. However, fear not, there is a Scottish connection as the hero – Logan MacFarlane and the heroine India-Jane Buchanan are of Scots descent – natch. You can read about it here. Within a few weeks it reached #1 in its genre –

If you’d like to read the first three chapters – follow this link – And if any readers think I’ve abandoned Scotland, read to the end of the blog for details of my next novel . . .

July was a busy month. Adrienne Vaughan and I arranged a Literary Lunch at the Belmont Hotel, Leicester which raised £300 for MIND. It was also a great chance to showcase our books and to thank people for supporting our writing. We are lucky to have such generous friends and readers.

It’s funny how good things happen when you least expect them. I was overwhelmed when Simon Whaley of Writers Magazine contacted me and asked if I’d like to contribute to a piece he was writing on BLOG TOURS.  Having taken part in two blog tours in as many months I felt qualified to comment.

June saw Bongo Man and me heading for Scotland with our caravan for a month – writing, touring, kicking back. I don’t know what it is about Scotland but it feeds my soul and my imagination. We’ll be returning there this summer, too. This time, we’ll be staying on a site overlooking Castle Stalker which was the inspiration behind Girl in the Castle.

For me, writing is all about making friends and sharing my work with others. Through Facebook and Twitter I’ve made many friends who have gone on to become readers and reviewers of my novels. I never take their support for granted. On our way up to Scotland, by an amazing coincidence, one of my proofreaders was staying on the same campsite in Kendal so I was able to thank her in person for all her help. Later in the summer, on the way to Cornwall in July we were able to meet up again at Exeter Service Station where I gave her a signed copy of Take Me, I’m Yours. Who says writing isn’t romantic? LOL.

Here we are at Exeter Service Station, with a signed copy of TMIY

In March I attended the RONAs with La Diva, Isabella Tartaruga, who is always first to read the rough draft of my novels and give me honest feedback. I also met fabulous JILLY COOPER – cue fan girl moment. And, in case you’re wondering, Jilly is even lovelier than you could ever imagine.

If I was to choose an author whose books put me on the path to writing, it would have to be Jilly and books such as EMILY, IMOGEN etc. And who could fail to fall for her hero Rupert Campbell-Black in her bonkbuster(s) Polo, Ride and Jump?

We’re getting close to the beginning of the year and Burns Night, which we celebrated at our Danish neighbours’ house. Go figure. As for my obsession with Men in Kilts, I encourage my husband Dave to wear his as often as possible. Purely for inspiration you understand. Here he is on his way to the Burns Night supper, looking quite the part. For those who are wondering, we belong to clan LAMONT (pron: Lam’NT, not La Mont). It’s motto is: Ne Parcas Nec Spernas (Neither spare nor dispose). Not quite sure what that means . . . but I do know that I wouldn’t have achieved half of my success without Bongo Man by my side.

A Kilted Bongo Man
I’m sure I say this in my sleep!

I was lucky enough to be featured on other writers’/bloggers’ posts this year. Here’s a selection (including two blog tours ) if you want to take a look:

As for 2019, the events are stacking up
Carole Matthews Book Launch (February), States of Independence (March), Self publishing Conference (April), Deepings Lit Fest (May) RNA Conference (July), RNA York Tea (September), Narberth Book Fair (Wales), return to DMU to give talk on self-publishing. In addition, there’s monthly Belmont Belles meetings which I organise with mu oppo and great mate, June Kearns.

If you like superbly written #Hisfic, check out June’s Amazon page.

All that remains now is for me to wish you a healthy and happy 2019. I’m about to pick up the threads of the next novel which I started just before Christmas and to get stuck in. What is it about? I’ll let this tweet and the video do the talking –