Amity and Sorrow by Peggy Riley

Tinder Press is the new imprint from Headline Publishing and will be launched in spring 2013.  Amity and Sorrow by Peggy Riley will be one of the first releases.

Headline Publishing Group is delighted to announce the launch of a new imprint, Tinder Press.

Tinder Press is to be a distinct imprint publishing 10–12 titles a year, standing alongside Headline’s existing imprints. Tinder Press is created to build on recent Headline successes, for example Maggie O’Farrell’s Costa Novel Award winning THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE,Sarah Winman’s Galaxy National Book Award winning  WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT, and  Andrea Levy’s Man Booker prize shortlisted THE LONG SONG.  The imprint will be steered byMary-Anne Harrington, Fiction Publisher, andLeah Woodburn, Associate Publisher, who have a remit to publish extraordinary stories from original voices: books that inspire a  passionate response and will stand the test of time. 

The Tinder Press list will launch in spring 2013 and will include playwright Peggy Riley’s AMITY AND SORROW, an extraordinary debut about sisters in an end-of-the-world cult, run by their father; THE YONAHLOSSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS by Anton DiSclafani, a lush first novel of Southern decorum, family secrets and girls’ school rituals; Michel Rostain’s THE SON, a bestseller in his native France, and winner of the Prix Goncourt Debut Novel award; SNAPPER, Brian Kimberling’s heartfelt and humorous first novel about love and birdwatching in rural Indiana, which was awarded the Janklow and Nesbit Bath Spa Prize; and Maggie O’Farrell’s sixth novel, the story of four eventful days in the life of an Irish family in the heatwave of 1976.

It’s a hugely exciting endeavour for us, and we can’t wait to tell you more about the fantastic books we’ll be publishing – do keep an eye out for them here. And, despite the fact that we’re not launching till next year, we’re already chattering away: do follow us on Twitter@TinderPress, have a peek at our website: www.tinderpress.co.uk/, and, lo! we’re even on Pintrest: pinterest.com/tinderpress/

Although Amity & Sorrow is a fairly short novel at just 284 pages in the advance paperback edition, it is an intense and at times very difficult story to read.   The subject matter is quite harrowing, and a subject that is rarely touched upon in fiction, and the writing is quite unique and distinct - it takes a little while to get used to the style.

Amaranth and her two daughters; Amity and Sorrow are fleeing their home, they have driven across country for four days and the only reason that they have stopped is because Amaranth has crashed the car.  Stranded in the middle of nowhere, not knowing where they are, or where to go, they are discovered by Brad - a farmer who seems unconcerned by their plight, doesn't comment on their strange dress and allows them to camp out on his land.

Amaranth cannot let go of her memories and despite the fact that she knows that she had to flee, her thoughts return time and time again to her husband; the father of her girls.   Amaranth is his first wife, the first of his 50 wives and she was instrumental in establishing the cult that they have left behind.   Amity and Sorrow have no idea what it is like to speak with ordinary people, to allow anyone to see their hair, to walk through a field.  They have no conception of what is acceptable behaviour in the real world.  All they have known is life as part of a huge family, with rules, with terror, with abuse.

Amity relishes this new world, but Sorrow wants nothing more than to return to her father and their old life.

A lot of this story is told in 'flash back' form - when Amaranth remembers their life and how they were treated.   The reader has quite a lot of reading between the lines to do - as events emerge slowly and are often hinted at, rather than explained fully.

Reading Amity and Sorrow reminded me of watching films by director M Night Shyamalan, especially the film The Village.  There is a darkness about the writing and about the story that can be quite creepy at times.

Amity and Sorrow is an intriguing story with an ending that is unexpected and quite shocking and leaves the reader with lots of questions.

Peggy Riley is an accomplished author, with an unusual and quite quirky writing style that although fairly difficult to engage with at the beginning, becomes enchanting by the end.

Peggy Riley is on Twitter - follow her here.  She also has her own website here 

My thanks to Sam Eades from Headline for sending a copy for review.

My Adventures at thePan Macmillan Reading Groups Panel

I was thrilled to be offered a place on the newly launched Reading Groups and Book Clubs Panel organised and hosted by publisher Pan Macmillan

"A group of enthusiastic reading group members to form the panel and meet authors and editors, visit Pan Macmillan HQ, receive plenty of free books and contribute to reading group material for four perfect reading group reads.

The Pan Macmillan reading groups and book clubs panel was inspired by Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, a startling debut novel and the first book chosen for the panel."

The first meeting was yesterday at Pan Macmillan Towers in London.  200 people applied to be part of the panel, and 20 were selected.  Yesterday 11 of those 20 members met to discuss Tell The Wolves I'm Home with Pan Macmillan staff, the Reading Agency and the author Carol Rifka Brunt.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous, but very very excited.  I don't go to London very often, so it's a bit of an adventure, going to the big city.  Here in sleepy Lincolnshire we class more than 4 cars waiting at the traffic lights as a traffic jam.  I took the train from Retford and spent a pleasant 90 minutes or so reading my book before arriving in London.  It was a beautiful day, very sunny and warm.    After stopping off for a quick expresso and a biscuit I made my way to Pan Macmillan Towers.

Pan Macmillan

In Reception

Yes, I was a bit overwhelmed and yes, like a real tourist I took loads of photos.  This was a real publishing house, full of beautiful displays, and art and the friendliest bunch of people ever.   The reception is a shrine to Tell The Wolves I'm Home and this certainly broke the ice and soon I was chatting away with the other members as we waited in reception.

Not many cakes left!

There were cakes!   Lots of them, and tea and coffee, juice and biscuits.  Those Pan Macmillan folk really know how to get the best discussion going.  Surrounded by new hardback books and cakes and invited to come and talk about books - I was in heaven!     We had a wonderful debate about the book, everyone added something and views were expressed freely.  It's really great to talk to people in 'real life' about the books that you love - I tend to speak online about books and although it's enjoyable, it's just not the same as a room full of passionate readers ....... and cake!      We were not let off lightly though, the next step is for us to produce the content for the Readers Guide at the back of the soon to be released paperback edition - we want to make it a little 'different', with content that will make the reader think a little more and a little deeper about the story.

Then there were sandwiches - yes, more food - delicious cheese and ham for me, and another biscuit or two!     Carol Rifka Brunt arrived and read from the book, she was then very brave and answered our questions.  Carol was very very friendly, she took on board our views and debated them with us, she told us a little about the background of the novel and how it came to be written.  I was a little in awe of her at first, but by the end of our chat, I felt comfortable and the chat was all very natural.

Off we went then to Drink Shop Do - a quirky bar just around the corner from Kings Cross station.  A list of cocktails was produced and it took me an age to choose which one to have.  I choose well:

"PEACH MELBA      

Chase Marmalade Vodka, Vanilla Ice Cream, Peach Puree"

It was delicious, they all looked delicious and loosened everyone's tongues - as if they needed any more loosening.   We spent the next hour chatting, getting to know a bit about each other, sharing book recommendations, swapping Twitter names and Blog addresses - time just flew by.

At Drink Shop Do

I was sad when it was time to leave, but am really looking forward to our next meeting - sometime in November, and hopefully meeting the other members of the Panel who were unable to make it yesterday.

A huge thanks to Jodie and Jen and the team at Pan Macmillan for being fabulous hosts, to The Reading Agency for backing the Panel and to Carol Rifka Brunt for answering our endless questions.

I reviewed Tell The Wolves I'm Home back in April, you can see my review here.

I'll also be having a give away in the next couple of days, keep your eyes peeled - the prize is a
hardback copy of Tell The Wolves I'm Home, signed by Carol Rifka Brunt.

The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals by Wendy Jones

The title of Wendy Jones' first novel sums up just what the story is about, and although it's a bit of a mouthful, it really is the perfect title for this wonderful story.

Looking at the cover, which depicts the back view of a shapely young woman in a beautiful dress, the reader can suppose that many of Wilfred's thoughts centre around his relationships.

The story is set in the small Welsh town of Narbeth in the early 1920s.

Wendy Jones has brought this insular, sometimes petty, often snobbish town and it's inhabitants to life so well.  

Wilfred has lived in Narbeth for all of his life, now in his late 20s, he's been the town undertaker since finishing his apprenticeship under Mr Ogmore Auden some years before.  

Grace Reece has also lived in Narbeth since she was a child.  Grace is the only daughter of the local Doctor and his rather haughty wife, her brother Madoc is in the Army, and the apple of his mother's eye.    

Wilfred and Grace are enjoying a picnic together, when out of the blue he proposes to her.  Grace is delighted, Wilfred is horrified by what he has done, and realises that his mind was turned by Grace's beautiful yellow dress, that showed just a little more cleavage than is acceptable.   Wilfred does not love Grace.

The characters appear quite simple and straightforward at first.  Wilfred has got himself into a situation that he needs to get out of but he has no experience with women as his Mother died four days after he was born and he has no sisters.  He's a kind soul at heart and also knows that if he just dumps Grace, his business will suffer.    Grace is a very unhappy girl, delighted to be 'engaged', and ignoring the fact that Wilfred seems to be avoiding her.

There were times when I wanted to shake Wilfred, and at first I really disliked Grace.  As the story moves on though, the reader learns that Grace is not what she at first seems, and is hiding heartbreak and horror from everyone.  Wendy Jones handles these hidden secrets very delicately, allowing the reader to gradually realise that all is not what is seems in sleepy Narbeth.

Wendy Jones

The sense of place, the characters and the community spirit shine through in this novel.  There is a sprinkling of humour, lots of secrets, passion and wonderful dialogue.   I enjoyed Wilfred Price far more than I expected to and will look forward to more from this author.

The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals was published in paperback by Corsair, an imprint of Constable & Robinson on 21 June.

My thanks to Lauren from Constable & Robinson for sending a copy for review.

The Shoestring Club by Sarah Webb

The Shoestring Club is Sarah Webb's 10th adult novel, she also writes children's books including the very successful Amy Green series.

It's been quite some time since I read anything from this author, and was delighted to receive an advance copy of The Shoestring Club to review.

At first glance, and after reading the blurb on the back of the book, it would be fair to assume that The Shoestring Club is going to be a light read, easy and maybe a bit fluffy.

Julia Schuster (Jules to her friends) is the lead character of the story.   Life is not going so well for Jules, she has no money, her job bores her, her sister bosses her around and her boyfriend Ed has announced his engagement to her (ex) best friend Lainy.

When a beautiful designer dress arrives at Shoestring; her sister's designer dress swap-shop, Julies knows that she just has to wear it to the wedding.  Only that dress will get her through the day, and show everyone that can cope.

The dress costs 1200 Euro - and Jules is broke.    

Enter Arietty; elephant keeper at Dublin Zoo - she needs a 'knock em dead' outfit too, so that she can attend her school reunion and show the bullies that she's done OK.    Jules and Arietty devise a plan - they will time-share the dress, they just need two more members of the club and the dress will be theirs.

The Shoestring Club is a multi-layered story, and although at first Jules seems to be quite a shallow person, her main interests being clothes and how much she can drink, the reader soon realises that under that bright exterior is a sad, vulnerable girl.  

This is the real beauty of this book, one moment I was smiling, or sighing and the next I was gulping back the tears.  

The dress is the cover story, the real story is gently unfolded as Jules stumbles through life from one crisis to another - exposing her vulnerabilities, her sadness and most of all her strength of character.

Sarah Webb

The supporting cast of characters are excellently created - some adorable, some hateful, but all of them truly believable, each adding to the novel in their own special way.

I enjoyed every page of The Shoestring Club, it's warm and funny, and sad and uplifting - all at the same time.

The Shoestring Club will be published by Pan Macmillan on 27 September 2012

Sarah Webb has a website here, she is also on Facebook, or you can follow her on Twitter.

A huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy for review.

The War of the Wives by Tamar Cohen

I read Tamar Cohen's first novel The Mistress's Revenge back in April 2011 (my review here), and loved every page of it.

I was delighted to receive a copy of her second book The War of the Wives to review.

The War of the Wives was published in July this year, by Doubleday at Transworld.

Tamar Cohen is a very accomplished author, she writes stories that do not shy away from controversy, featuring characters who are often very easy to dislike.

Her first book featured an adulterous affair, this one centres around the almost never talked about subject of bigamy.

Simon Busfield is dead, dragged from the river in a part of town that he had no business visiting.  His wife Selina has to cope with the shock of his sudden death, and so does his wife Lottie.

Yes, two wives, totally unaware of each other.  Selina and Simon have been married for the last 28 years.  Lottie and Simon have been married for the last 17 years.   Two very different women, one husband - the same husband.

Tamar Cohen

The story is narrated in turn by each wife.   Classy Selina; cool, calm, in control.  A beautiful house, the perfect family.  

Ditzy Lottie; bohemian, scatterbrained mother of one.  As the two women discover more and more about their shared husband and his secret life their own lives become connected.

Tamar Cohen portrays Selina and Lottie's struggle to come to terms with Simon's death wonderfully well, their feelings of betrayal and their anger and despair as they realise that their life has been a lie.

There is an underlying feeling of something dark and quite seedy running throughout the story, the mystery around how and why Simon died.

The suspense continues right up until the end of the story and had me gripped, and although the explanation and the ending of the book is maybe a little over the top, it is extremely well written.

I was very impressed with this second novel, I enjoyed it just as much as her first book.  The writing is quite unique in style and kept me engaged right up until the very last page.

Tamar Cohen has a Facebook page.  Transworld Books are also on Facebook, or you can follow them on Twitter

My thanks, as always to Lynsey at Transworld who always finds the perfect books to send for review.

On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Everyone has heard about the success of a certain self-published author recently, those books are everywhere .... and the copy-cat novels, and the debates!

On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves is another success story for self-publishing.

The novel spent a couple of months on the New York Times Bestseller List and has is now being published in the UK by Penguin on 16 August.  It has a couple of thousand reviews on Amazon.com ranging from 1 to 5 stars.

I really have been surprised by how much I enjoyed reading On The Island.  If I were giving a star rating for pure enjoyment, then it would most definitely be a big fat 5.  I am actually going to give it a 4 - purely because at times the writing was a little clunky and disjointed and some of the dialogue grated on me, but that  really didn't stop me from immersing myself in the story and enjoying it.

The story is a little bit of Blue Lagoon and a little bit of Castaway, with Anna and TJ finding themselves alone on a deserted island in the Maldives after the pilot of their seaplane has a heart attack and the plane crashes into the sea.   Anna is thirty-one, TJ is fifteen - Anna is his tutor for the holidays and they've only met once before.

Once the realisation sets in that they are alone, the pair of them concentrate on surviving and hoping that they will be rescued.   It seems that everything that could happen to them, does happen to them.  Sharks, storms, illness, and of course the inevitable romance!    It takes a while, but as time passes and TJ turns from boy to man, their relationship changes.

This is the perfect summer's day read, by the pool or the beach, or in the garden with a glass of something chilled.

Tracey Garvis Graves

My thanks to Real Readers for sending me a copy to review.



Tracey Garvis Graves has a website, you can follow her on Twitter, or visit her Facebook page.

Finding Casey by Jo-Ann Mapson

Although Finding Casey is the sequel to Jo-Ann Mapson's 2010 novel Solomon's Oak, readers can still enjoy it as a stand-alone story due to the author's expertise in providing background details whilst not straying from the current plot.

Finding Casey finds Glory, her new husband Joseph and their adopted daughter Juniper living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, having left California behind to make a new life for themselves.

All three of the main characters have troubled pasts; Glory lost her beloved first husband Dan when he died suddenly; Joseph suffers with injuries caused during a shoot-out when he was working for the Police, and Juniper has clawed her way back from homelessness, the suicide of her Mother, and the disappearance eight years ago of her elder sister Casey.

I read Solomon's Oak a while ago and enjoyed it.  I was looking forward to seeing how the story and characters would move on in Finding Casey.

I was not disappointed, in fact I think that this novel is far better than the first, with a stronger storyline and a much faster pace.

Jo-Ann Mapson has cleverly weaved in a parallel storyline; a young woman called Laurel has escaped from what can only be described as some sort of sect to take her very sick daughter Aspen to the hospital.  As Laurel's story slowly unfolds, alongside that of Glory and her family, the reader becomes caught up in what is often quite a tense drama.

This is a powerful story, well written with warm, humorous and engaging characters.  It is about the bond of a family, a little bit of ghost story, some folklore and a hint of suspense.

Finding Casey is published in the UK on 11 October 2012 by Bloomsbury

My thanks go to We Love This Book for giving me the chance to read and review Finding Casey.

Jo-Ann Mapson is on Twitter, and Facebook.

We Love This Book are on Facebook, as well as their magazine, they also have a website