May Issues of Fleet Life and EHD

The May issues of both the local magazines that I wrote for are now out online, these are great opportunities for authors with approximately 7000 paper issues of the magazine being printed and online versions with endless numbers of potential readers.

Fleet Life is showcasing the following books – go to http://www.fleetkife.org.uk, click on the online directory and turn to page 14.

http://www.fleetlife.org.uk

Greening of A heart by Stepheny Houghtlin, Overlanding, How, What, Where and With Who by Andy N. Robinson and Kirsty McGregor, The Nosferatu Scroll by James Becker, The Royal Descendant by Fleet Author John P Ford and Red Clay and Roses by S.K.Nicholls.

The Elvetham Heath Directory has its set of books too. http://www.ehd.org.uk, click on the online directory and find my review on page 6.

http://www.ehd.org.uk

Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster, Roomies by Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrando, Dawning by Olivia Stocum, The Orphan & The Thief by M.L.LeGette and Murder at the Maples by Joanne Phillips.

Year 2 Good Deeds, Week 1

Welcome to my second Year of Good Deeds, a challenge I set myself during April 2013. I decided to do at least one Good Deed a day for a whole year. Last week I celebrated my completion of the year and announced I would be continuing on. Catch my Celebration post here http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-4XA

So what have I been up to this week?

April 20th – Discussing with Author/Editor Alison Williams, the possibility of telling everyone about her editing  her services on my blog. The April A-Z challenge has a day off on a Sunday, but I still post a round up of posts for anyone who is too busy in the week to catch up.

April 21st – Have just finished reading Boot Camp Bride by Lizzie Lamb and will be writing my review next. I have a lovely long list of books awaiting review, so I’m on to my next book, The 20’s Girl, the ghost and all that Jazz by June Kearns.

April 22nd – The paper copy of May’s Fleet Life fell through the door this morning, really early. The online version won’t go up until the beginning of May, but I can tell you which books and authors got a shout out this month; Greening of A heart by Stepheny Houghtlin, Overlanding, How, What, Where and With Who by Andy N. Robinson and Kirsty McGregor, The Nosferatu Scroll by James Becker, The Royal Descendant by John P Ford and Red Clay and Roses by S.K.Nicholls.

April 23rd – Organised a night out for a group of friends tonight, it was good to go out and catch up. Finished reading June Kearns’s book The 20’s Girl, the ghost and all that Jazz by June Kearns. , wrote and posted my review.

April 24th – Stayed up way too late last night finishing “An Englishwoman’s Guide to the Cowboy” by June Kearns, couldn’t put it down, wonderful book. Gave money to the British Diabetes charity. Suddenly the April A-Z is rushing to an end, I’ve only 5 more letters left to go, but don’t worry, the blog is booked up into June with book reviews and guest author interviews to keep all your TBR shelves overflowing. Re-directed some lost delivery drivers.

April 25th – So with over 20mm (just under an inch) of rain today, it must mean it’s cricket season! 2 out of 3 games for this weekend have been cancelled for my son, so best laid plans need changing. Generously tipped my hairdresser this morning. Then received a lovely review copy of Terry Tyler’s latest book Kings and Queens which has been released today. Am reading Secrets of the Unaltered by Leti Del Mar, ready for review.

April 26th – Started  and finished Irish Inheritance by Paula Martin today after finishing Leti’s book last night. The third cricket match has now been cancelled, need to re-think some potential good deeds. Agreed to visit the parents this coming week to sort out a few computer issues.

Good Deeds Week 2nd – 8th March

Welcome to my weekly roundup of my year long challenge to do one Good deed a day for a year. This challenge began back in April 2013 and is still going strong. My inspiration came from reading “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. Here is what I’ve been up to this week.

March 2nd – Helped a fellow author out, Rachel Roberts, promote her book in a Kindle Countdown Deal, she was at no.27 in the top 100, with her book Medea Complex.

March 3rd – Helped out at school this morning. Had some wonderful help from fellow bloggers with some of the last letters on my A to Z Challenge. Volunteered to read and review Me and Billy The Kid for author Briana Vedsted.

March 4th – Got up seriously early this morning so that I could get my social networking done before sitting in traffic jams with the kids and finally getting to work. After this morning I really appreciate the fact that usually, I can avoid rush hour. Have been promoting The Griffin’s Boy and author Julia Hughes over the last 2 days. Julia’s been busy herself helping out a fellow author who is fighting cancer. Author Stephen C Spencer writes the Paul Mallory series, America’s answer to James Bond. Julia and Sean Campbell (who was our guest a few weeks ago with his book Cleaver Square) are helping Stephen to re-launch his books. I’ll be helping out on the blog with the re-launch in a few weeks and will appreciate help from you all to spread the word where possible during that time.

March 5th – Bought Land of the Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel book 6 in the Earth’s Children series, for my Mum ready for Mother’s Day. We’ve both enjoyed the series and Mum has been looking for a copy for a while. Started reading The Singing Bowl by Roy Dimond. Good Deeds received; Today I was a guest author over at fellow book reviewer A Woman’s Wisdom.

March 6th – Made a charity donation whilst out shopping today in one of my favourite stores, Lush.

March 7th – Posted my review of Flawed Perfection by Cassandra Giovanni on Goodreads and Amazon inline with the book launch today. Dropped off a birthday gift for a very good friend.

March 8th – Today’s book on the blog is a FREE travel download available from my friends at Blackfrog Publishing. “Overlanding- How, What, Where and Who with…”  by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor. Check out the link to the post here http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-4UG

I’m ploughing my way through The Singing Bowl by Roy Dimond it really is an brilliantly epic book full of amazing characters and places, it is about a Tibetan Monk who is given a mystery to solve and a lost book to find as he flees from Chinese communists who want to destroy the ancient religion. It spans many cultures and travels through The Ancient World, The Old World and will end in The New World. The monk learns so much from inspiring people, I feel that I am travelling along with him. My deed today is to spread news of this book to you. May you too, find time to read this book and enjoy it as much as me.

Overlanding: How, What, Where & Who With by Andy N. Robinson & Kirsty McGregor

Overlanding: How, What, Where & Who With…? by Andy N Robinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book and one that is FREE from authors Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor at Blackfrog Publishing. These two authors have worked with overlanding tour companies in over 100 countries covering 5 continents.

This useful guide explains that it’s about the experience of the journey and not necessarily the destination. Overlanding was started in the 1960’s by mad Brits, Aussies and Kiwis. Today it’s become a very popular commercial enterprise with purpose built vehicles and tour guides. Travelling this way is no longer just for the young or gap year market, you’re never too old for an adventure.

The book offers advice, explains different style of tours, tells you what to expect in different continents and how to tell if you’d be right for a tour. There’s a list of different companies that provide all sorts of different style tours and there is the reminder that overlanding requires participation. “You get out what you put in”. A tour can be a challenging, fun adventure if you let it. If this sounds like the ideal tour for you there are several links to further reading to wet your appetite.

What are you waiting for? Download a copy today and live the dream.

http://www.blackfrogpublishing.com/Books.htm

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-UK/ebook/overlanding-1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overlanding-How-What-Where-With-ebook/dp/B00IC58ADO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20819205-overlanding

View all my reviews on Goodreads.

Rosie’s Good Read Collections: Travel

Welcome to “Rosie’s Good read Collections”, I’ve put together the books I’ve read into subject headings that I think the books belong to, for you to browse.

An essential guide for anyone travelling on a group tour. Fun and informative, it will help you understand more about what group tours involve – different types available, what happens on tour and offers advice to help you make the most of your time away from home.  It introduces 20 stereotypical characters you will find on your tour and highlights the A-Z of group travel through real stories and humorous anecdotes from the authors’ experience on the road as tour leaders. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-1JY

Next, two books by Swarupa N Ovalekar.

Discovering Mexico is Swarupa’s chronicle which began with her new life in the Mexican city of Guadalajara and her wide exploration of the country she lived in for nine months in 2007-08. Cosmopolitan Mexico City, world-class beach resorts, charming mountain resorts, beautiful colonial cities, amazing archaeological zones, mesmerizing Maya ruins, colourful indigenous markets…there is never a dull moment for her as she explores each place with immense gusto.

Available direct from the author, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2DP

Mexico: The Country, Its History & The Maya World is a comprehensive guide to the diverse aspects of Mexico, including its indigenous people, its long and colourful history and the mysterious Maya civilization. This excellently researched eBook offers a wide glimpse into the rich and varied cultural heritage of contemporary Mexico, detailing the country’s history, from the pre-Colombian period to modern times, and providing deep knowledge of the glorious Maya culture, including the much-famous end of their calendar. With over 75 coloured photographs, and black and white political and geographical sketch maps of Mexico, this insightful eBook will appeal to every person interested in learning about Mexico – aficionados, travellers and scholars.

Available direct from the author, My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2Dy

SIHPROMATUM (Sip-row-may-tum) is a memoir series of one family’s four-year backpacking adventure around the world. The first instalment, I Grew my Boobs in China, is the beginning of an intensely fascinating, sobering, and emotional memoir of Savannah’s introspective and innovative family adventure.

In 2005, 14-year-old Savannah Grace’s world is shattered when her mother unexpectedly announces that she and her family (mother, 45; brother, 25; sister, 17) would soon embark on an incredible, open-ended journey. When everything from her pets to the house she lived in is either sold, given away or put in storage, this naïve teenage girl runs headlong into the reality and hardships of a life on the road.
Built around a startling backdrop of over eighty countries (I Grew my Boobs in China relates the family’s adventures in China and Mongolia), this is a tale of feminine maturation – of Savannah’s metamorphosis from ingénue to woman-of-the-world. Nibbling roasted duck tongues in China and being stranded in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert are just two experiences that contribute to Savannah’s exploration of new cultures and to the process of adapting to the world around her. Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com My Review: http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-277

Good Deeds Week December 1st – 7th

I now head into towards my 8th month of my year long challenge to complete at least one good deed a day for a year. I started back in the middle of April when I began reading “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. Her book inspired my own challenge. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for someone who sets themselves up with New Year’s resolutions then this may be ideal. Find a copy here on Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

December 1st – It’s been a busy blogging morning. My weekly Good Deeds update, plus the launch of a new competition to win an e-copy of “Family Ties” by E. L Lindley. http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-30T and the launch of my “Rosie’s Good Read Collections” http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-37B where I am sharing my joy of books with you the reader.

December 2nd – Easy Good Deed today ticked off, my morning of helping in school. Spent an enjoyable afternoon entering book giveaway competitions, signing up to authors facebook and twitter pages. I’m always ready to receive more books! My 24 Sleeps ‘Till Xmas tour is underway with a Christmas book theme.

December 3rd – I’ve done a spot more Christmas shopping today and this year I’ve gone in a different direction for one of my gifts. I’ve bought books from the charity shop at bargain prices so I can afford to give more than 1 book and the charity benefits as well. I know the books will get passed around other grateful readers after Christmas and will come full circle back to the charity shops for them to sell once more. I’ve thanked the “voice of doubt” in my head for its concern at giving a gift that isn’t brand new, and I’ve let go of any guilt associated with it. I know more people will benefit from the gift of multiple books than just one brand new one.

December 4th – Spotted a lady just about to drive off from the next petrol pump with her petrol flap open. Stopped her and closed it for her so she could drive off safely. Good Deeds received: My lovely postman delivered a signed copy of “It’s NOT a Holiday” by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor as thanks for all my help and support promoting their book, thanks guys, had a teary moment there! If you’ve missed any of my posts about them click over here. http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2RV Also had some amazing feedback from my 24 Sleeps ‘Til Xmas guest Nicky Wells, here’s a link to her post. http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2Pt

December 5th – I spread the word about a free kindle download today “Driving Me to You” by Julie Farrell. A really windy day today and I rescued my neighbour’s wheelie bin which was blowing down the road.

December 6th – Dropped some money into the Diabetes collection bucket at Tesco where workers were cycling the equivalent miles to Lapland to raise money for the charity. Signed up to post a cover reveal and to do a book review and interview for Author Cherie Reich’s new book “Reborn”  next year.

December 7th – Had friends over for supper this evening, which was lovely. Good Deeds received: They were extremely grateful as they had had a very busy day and having someone else cook them a meal at the end of it made all the difference.

Good Deeds Week November 24th – 30th

This is all about my journey to achieve one Good Deed a day for a year. I was inspired to set myself this challenge when I began reading “A Year of Doing Good” by Judith O’Reilly. Judith undertook some amazing deeds in her year, my own challenge has opened my eyes to opportunities which would previously have passed me by, where I can make a difference to the world, not matter how small.

November 24th -Today I’ve spent some lovely time in the garden with my husband giving it some last tender loving care before the winter sets in. The recent frosty nights have ended the fuchsias and the last flowering geraniums. It’s nice to tidy it up and energise the garden, then I placed the pots of bulbs in prominent places ready to watch them bud in the early spring. Sadly heard that a dear friend had recently passed away, my thoughts and wishes go to the family left behind.

November 25th – My morning giving my time to the local school. I also took in some bottles of booze for their Christmas Fair from my cupboards. Good Deeds Received; Lots of thanks for my help and the bottles.

November 26th – A lovely short morning at work which was great because the farm barn which is our office was quite cold. Dropping off some books to the charity shop later. Good Deeds received: Had some great comments on today’s book review post of “The Initiate” By Sue Vincent and Stuart France. Here is a link to my book review http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-37P

November 27th – I have a group of friends coming around after lunch. After my disappointing first try of a banana cake I’ve reverted to cakes I know will work and I’ll try another banana cake at a later date. I’ve soya milk for the friend who needs to avoid dairy and I’ve made brownies with rice flour for the friend who can’t eat gluten. Good Deeds received; Lots of lovely thanks from my friends for hosting the afternoon.

November 28th – Sourced and bought a small pack of wallpaper paste the other day for my Mum, delivered it today so she can do a bit of touching up around some windows after they had new double glazing installed. Wow! had our first Christmas card today, so nice to be in people’s thoughts.

November 29th – Am thrilled to publish a post today for some great friends I’ve met over the internet. Andy and Kirsty are launching their book “It’s NOT a Holiday” all about overland group travel. They’ve written a fun A to Z guide for anyone thinking of going on some of the fantastic trips that are available world wide. Here’s a link to their guest post; http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2RV and a link to where you can get a copy Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

November 30th – The December issue of Fleet Life has just been delivered and I’m excited about my book review page. This month is a bumper issue and I’m on page 50! The books that I have reviewed are; “It’s NOT a Holiday” by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor, “Becoming Anorak Nid” by local author Alix B Macey, “Beatrysel” by Johnny Worthen, “Death of the Mad Hatter” by Sarah J Pepper and “What it Takes” by Terry Tyler. Brilliant, the online version is up today, so I’ll be posting and tweeting to the lucky authors. Good Deeds Received: Lots of brilliant re-tweets and thanks from this month’s set of authors who are featured in the magazine.

December Issue of Fleet Life

I’m really thrilled to once again have my book reviews featured in Fleet Life. This magazine goes out locally and is also available online at www.fleetlife.org.uk click on the online directory and find my review page on Page 50.

This month my featured books are;

 It’s NOT a Holiday by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Becoming Anorak Nid – A Rude Awakening by local author Alix Macey Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 Beatrysel by Johnny Worthen Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J Pepper Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

 What it Takes by Terry Tyler Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

It’s Not A Holiday by Andy Robinson and Kirsty McGregor (30th Nov)

It’s NOT a Holiday! The A-Z Guide to Group Travel by Andy N Robinson and Kirsty McGregor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“It’s Not a Holiday”, is a brilliant book all about going on an organised tour with a group of people. It is full of humour and I laughed out loud whilst reading it. Gap years are no longer just for students and taking a tour to far away places has become very popular. The authors of this book have been tour guides and or drivers on such overland tours and are very experienced as shown by the content. If you have ever considered a tour to places like Africa, Asia and South America where you want to see the real people and experience the local sights by driving across the land and eating, living and embracing these cultures then this book is a must. It tells you what to expect and what is expected of you, don’t be surprised if it shocks you, forewarned is always forearmed and this way you’re more likely to have fun and enjoy the trip.

Check out yesterday’s guest author interview with Andy and Kirsty here; http://wp.me/p2Eu3u-2RV It includes some fab photos!

Find a copy of this book here from Amazon.co.uk, or Amazon.com

View all my reviews on Goodreads