One Moment is perfect for David Nicholl’s fans. I have the blurb and my blog tour review that I am closing the tour with, thanks to Random T. Tours for inviting me onto and the publisher – Corvus for the book in exchanges for an honest, non-biased review.
About the Author
Becky Hunterlived and worked in London for several years before moving to Mozambique to volunteer
with horses and try her hand at writing. A few years, a few destinations, and a few jobs later she had theidea that would become One Moment. Alongside writing, she now works as a freelance editor and publicist, splitting her time between Bristol and London, and constantly trying to plan the next adventure.
Blurb
One moment in time can change everything…
The day Scarlett dies should have been one of the most important of her life. It doesn’t feel fair that she’ll never have the chance to fulfil her dreams. And now, she’s still … here – wherever here is – watching the ripple effect of her death on the lives of those she loved the most.
Evie cannot contemplate her life without Scarlett, and she certainly cannot forgive Nate, the man she blames for her best friend’s death. But Nate keeps popping up when she least expects him to, catapulting Evie’s life in directions she’d never let herself imagine possible. Ways, perhaps, even those closest to her had long since given up on.
If you could go back, knowing everything that happens after, everything that happens because of that one moment in time, would you change the course of history or would you do it all again?
Review
One Moment is sure to have readers taking a sharp intake of breath as the words on the first page tumble out. It also has some One Day vibes about it, not a bad thing at all. Becky Hunter’s book is about how everything can change in One Moment and in the most shocking of ways.
It is a highly charged emotional read about grief and you see the impact death has on those left behind, especially in Evie’s life and then Nate keeps appearing, further changing her life.
The book also talks about MS – (Multiple Sclerosis – a disease with no cure and affects everyone differently), being an unpaid carer to someone with this, of course it piqued my attention further and scrutiny heightened. I will add that it isn’t mentioned lots and isn’t the whole story, but as part of this story and the way it fits in, it is done well.
Scarlett also has a pov in this book, yes, she is dead, (as the blurb says) but she in a state of limbo. It almost asks the reader to imagine what it would be like to witness what happens after your death, would you want to and would you change certain events? It’s an interesting concept in what is a fittingly emotional journey that shows all of life, how in a moment it can all change, so basically, perhaps not take it for granted, and so much of life’s connection.
This is a quick paced, compulsive read that packs a punch with a most unexpected ending!
Today I have a guest post , thanks to Richard Cobourne and Random T. Tours, you now have a chance to find out a little about Red Light and Bell, the second in the showbiz thriller trilogy. A trilogy that sounds so intriguing, even the blurb is mysterious as the cover and title. Discover the blurb and then read what he has to say as well as to how to order his books. It’s certainly fascinating and enlightening guest post. So, please join me, whilst I welcome Richard Cobourne to my blog. Thank you!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Real people, real events, real organisations, and real places are frequently mentioned in this trilogy – there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing, they are there solely to add authenticity and context, nothing more. You may like to think that this is entirely a work of fiction – but that’s up to you…
Richard Cobourne says:
Not many careers begin by taking the advice from a Christmas Cracker: “Write from what you know.”
Who would have thought my next-door neighbour, when I was aged just sixteen, would provide the knowledge to write this showbiz trilogy? Dick Bennet was Head of Sound at HTV — Wales’s independent TV channel. In 1973 he knocked on our door at the start of the school summer holidays where we lived in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. ‘We’re a bit short of people on the studio floor. Do you reckon you can push the Fisher Boom around?’
‘Err, what’s a Fisher Boom?’
‘It’s like a tricycle with a long arm and a microphone on the end.’
‘Okay,’ Said I.
‘We leave in fifteen minutes,’ said Dick.
And so, it began — many years working behind and in front of the cameras and microphones all over the world. I thought I was going to join the army — but those thoughts soon disappeared as I was dazzled by the lure of showbusiness.
That first day was captivating on the studio floor — as I learned to call it. HTV were producing a mini-series entitled, ‘The Inheritors’ starring among others Peter Egan, Robert Urquhart, Charles Dance, Bill Maynard, and Philip Madoc. Great actors, then young, all who went on to carve out illustrious careers.
To see and work with true professionals close-up was a thrill. To be able to speak with them was more than I could have imagined. Before long the smell of the grease paint had well and truly entered my blood.
For the next few years, I continued to freelance at HTV every moment I could — school holidays and weekends were filled with exhilarating experiences. But soon, too soon, I had completed my A-levels in Music, Maths and Physics and had to consider my future. I asked if there was a full-time job at HTV. I was told I would be better off at the BBC because, in those days, they offered proper training.
Naively one Friday afternoon I bounded up the steps of BBC Broadcasting House in Cardiff and asked for a job. Ten minutes later I was in front of Graham Walters, Head of Personnel. An hour later I had completed the application form to be told I had an interview the following Monday for the post of Trainee Audio Assistant. The interview went well for two reasons — firstly I go the job. Secondly, I met my future father-in-law. A month later I was on my way to the BBC’s Training Centre at Wood Norton, near Evesham, for what most considered to be the best broadcast training in the world.
News, current affairs, drama, thrillers, comedy, documentaries, sport, big music shows, huge orchestras, live events on radio and TV all over the UK and abroad followed — Terry and June; Charles’s and Diana’s wedding (Philip Schofield then worked in OB stores!); The Pope’s Visit; Elaine Paige; Val Doonican; more live major sporting events that I could possibly remember; The Old Grey Whistle Test; many years of Radio One Roadshows with Noel Edmonds, DLT, Tony Blackburn, Peter Powell, Simon Bates (who passed out on me upside down on a fairground ride), Mike Reid, Bruno Brooks, Simon Mayo, Steve Wright; the jungles of central Africa (close up with the silver back gorillas); drug cartels in Colombia; and three BAFTA nominations (but never won!).
Life was amazing making many good friends whom I still see today. But by the end of the nineteen eighties the BBC was changing, and I saw the metaphorical writing on the wall. I resigned.
After a short hiatus I formed my own production company. Somehow, we became successful working with some wonderful clients and with some well-known names — many pictures adorn the walls of my sh’office. Including Joanna Lumley; Toyah; Leslie Ash; Nigel Havers; Little and Large; Simon Bates; Tim Spall; Jeremy Northam (now a Hollywood star).
I continued to travel the world, one year racking up 91 flights — not sure that is something of which I should be proud? Some ridiculous travel such as a day trip to Cape Town, a day in Rio de Janeiro, with several to New York. I worked in virtually every European city. I have eaten in top restaurants, been in the swankiest of clubs, stayed at magnificent hotels and suffered in some very dubious locations. Along the way we won dozens and dozens of awards.
So, what you might say?
All the travel, stress and long hours took their toll. I have spent most of my career writing, producing, and directing; enthusing, educating, informing, and motivating various audiences but with a client and a defined purpose. I attempted to start writing a novel several times — but paying work interfered and they were soon shelved. I wanted — needed — to unlock the personal creative juices to do my own thing. So, I sold the business to enable me to write, to fulfil my ambition. Writing a novel is not a part-time job as many have found out.
Using the contacts made over the years, ‘celebrities’ and friends augmented my own knowledge — I have been back-stage with Access All Areas passes to many events including major sporting competitions, massive gigs, festivals, and intimate invitation-only special occasions — all helped me with deep background to ensure the tittle-tattle of real-life show-business, the law, parliament, and other aspects are accurately portrayed. The list of helpers is long, it includes: Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm; broadcaster and voice-artist, Alan Dedicoat; Professor Kevin Doolan (Harvard); former BBC political correspondent Robert Orchard; a senior judge who specialises in trafficking, smuggling and slavery; former Sky News producer and war reporter Nick Purnell; The Rt Hon David TC Davies, MP for Monmouth, and Secretary of State for Wales; plus others who cannot or do not wish to be named, without whom etc…!
Going back to that Christmas Cracker: “Write from what you know.”
That’s what I have done.
‘Bandwagon’, the first in the trilogy, and now ‘Red Light and Bell’, the second, reflect some of my experiences (the finale of the trilogy, ‘End Turn’ is underway).
Yes, they are works of fiction — but the foundations are firmly entrenched in the real world, or as real as showbiz is or can be? Please enjoy for what they are…
*The title ‘Red Light and Bell’ is a filming term. A red light is illuminated, and a long bell sounded once before ‘going for a take.’ When the scene is completed, the red light is switched off and two short bells sounded. But in this novel it has another meaning…
Richard Cobourne writes with a production background in the broadcast, corporate, music and global eventsand communications industries. He has worked in the business-of–show all over the world for many years – and as a result has a deep understanding of the shenanigans of the industry.
He began his career working for the BBC, initially in the sound department of radio,
TV,and outside broadcasts. After fifteen years he left to co-foundOn Screen Productions Ltd,
which he sold in 2015 to pursue a career as a freelance consultant creative producer, occasional voice artist, and to enable him to write full–time. He is a member of The Ivy Club, BAFTA and the National Liberal Club.
This is the second novel in the showbiz thriller trilogy.The third, maybe final (who knows?),
is in progress.
Richard Cobourne lives with his wife on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley and in Fuerteventura.
PREVIOUS FICTION
•Bandwagon(the first Danny and Daisy showbiz thriller)
Sincerely Me has humour, darkness and a main character whose life isn’t going anywhere but suddenly something happens that means it is about to change in unimaginable ways. The author has previously written The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman, which captured the attention of Richard and Judy for their book club. Check out the blurb and my full review below. Thanks first to Random T. Tours for inviting me onto the blog tour.
Blurb
An uplifting and heart-warming novel about a family reunited, second chances and the power of forgiveness, from the author of Richard & Judy Book Club pick The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman.
Danny is the definition of a man who ‘could do better’. He drinks more than he should, currently lives in his best friend’s garden shed – and he hasn’t spoken to his sister in 16 years.
But when Danny is the subject of a misleading newspaper article, claiming his lifestyle is actually quite enlightened, he suddenly finds himself in the limelight. Letters begin to flood in from strangers seeking his guidance.
Wolfie is the daughter of Danny’s estranged sister, Lou. She’s never met her uncle, but her mother is struggling. So when Wolfie sees Danny’s picture in the paper, she sets out to find him.
Within a week, Danny goes from being responsibility-free to a big brother, an uncle and an unwitting existential ‘guru’ to some very lost souls.
Can he become the man they all need him to be?
Review
I got into the book right away. Danny’s life isn’t going too well and I’m sure not as he planned it. It is assumed it is an enlightened life, like they assume it is all care-free. He thinks of it rather differently and no wonder, since he doesn’t exactly have a fixed abode, no job after a period of lurching from one job to another, is single and his family are estranged. He also gets arrested for graffiti. It is an appealing read as here is a man whose life isn’t as he would have hoped and is far from perfect and yet he has a life changing moment. It is odd how life works out and also not as he may have expected it. He then turns into an agony uncle as people start writing to him for advice.Then, Wolfie, the daughter of his sister, Lou, turns up out of the blue. Suddenly it is like everyone wants a piece of him and he needs to grapple with this and readers need to read to see if he can be what they need to help them through their crisis. Lou, his estranged sister is also in a crisis, which is why her daughter has set off to find her uncle, even though they’ve never met before.
The book has humour amongst many sad, darker side of life topics, which adds a certain grittiness and it all in all a pretty good read from the start with all the characters you meet, but told from Danny and Wolfie’s point of view and are characters worth investing time in. It is worth seeing if life truly gets on a different track or if it is a temporary detour back to where he whence came.
Transport yourself back to the 1990’s with This Could Be Everything. It even ups the ante with a QR code containing the sound tracks of the era. Discover the blurb and my review below as today I close the Random T. Tours blog tour.
Blurb
From the author of modern classic The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets comes a feel-good novel about hope, love and the powerful bond between sisters.
It’s 1990. The Happy Mondays are in the charts, a 15-year-old called Kate Moss is on the cover of the Face magazine, and Julia Roberts wears thigh-boots for the poster for a new movie called Pretty Woman.
February Kingdom is nineteen years old when she is knocked sideways by family tragedy. Then one evening in May she finds an escaped canary in her kitchen and it sparks a glimmer of hope in her. With the help of the bird called Yellow, Feb starts to feel her way out of her own private darkness, just as her aunt embarks on a passionate and all-consuming affair with a married American drama teacher.
THIS COULD BE EVERYTHING is a coming-of-age story with its roots under the pavements of a pre-Richard Curtis-era Notting Hill that has all but vanished. It’s about what happens when you start looking after something more important than you, and the hope a yellow bird can bring…
Review
The year is 1990. I was in the middle of my young childhood. It wasn’t until just a few years later, I would hit my teens, however, I was very aware of the music and film scene in 1990. It was pre-Richard Curtis era (thankfully as I was way too young to watch anything he produced). This Could Be Everything, well, 1990 had that vibe and as a young child realising the earth wasn’t about to spin off its axis and we didn’t fall off the cliff edge, it may well have been everything (I was an imaginative child alright). . I was also a teen in the 90’s and she captures that vibe well of music and fashion and the wider world well.
This Could Be Everything is nostalgic for anyone who lived through it, after all, who wasn’t aware of Kate Moss or Pretty Woman? It was an era of change, of innovations we see and use today and it had a certain grit. This book is a must to relive it and also listen to the music tracks in the QR code within the book to get you in the mood, just for fun. Revisit New Kids on the Block, Kylie Minogue, The Blues Brothers, Madonna, Erasure and many more. The ingenious QR code in the book links into the list on Spotify. I really liked this idea.
February Kingdom, aged nineteen also lived through 1990 and it captures that belief of This Could Be Everything type feeling well. This is her take on the year and one where she was coming of age. Turns out humans then aren’t so different from now with tragedies and life continuing on through the darkness. Readers see February’s life and how it tumbled, first with her losing both parents when she was younger and secondly with her losing her twin sister. Just as you think this is going to be an emotionally grim book, it turns out not to be so. February has a lot to deal with on top of the usual stuff of trying to find your place in the world when you step into adulthood and the wider world, but this book has a sunny disposition, not only in the way it is nostalgically written, but in the hope. February comes across a sunny, yellow canary that has flown into her house, whom belongs to Theo, called Yellow. Yellow becomes like a companion, which helps her to navigate life, including grief and makes her want to try to find a future and that light at the end of the tunnel. It shows that things do and can change even when you don’t think it can and as a reader it is easy to root for February.
The book vividly encapsulates its reader, whisking back to 1990 well and what it’s like at that turning point of really growing up. It is a slow burn, but it is well worth sticking with. It is intense at times and lighthearted at times, It’ll take you on a great journey of both nostalgia and the depth of life and all that’s thrown at it.
I totally recommend you get the book, put on the tunes and read!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the book, for which I enjoyed a talk about last year and for Random T. Tours for inviting me to review on the blog tour.
Today I am on the blog tour for Catherine Cooper’s latest mystery thriller – The Cruise, thanks to Random T. Tours and Harper Collins. Join a deadly glamorous trip of a lifetime and follow the passengers to discover the culprit. It’s a great murder mystery as we approach the festive season of Christmas and New Year. Discover the blurb and my review below.
Blurb
A glamorous ship. A mysterious cast of passengers. And a New Year’s Eve party that goes horribly wrong…
During a New Year’s Eve party on a large cruise ship in the Caribbean, the ship’s dancer, Lola, disappears. The ship is searched and the coastguard is called, but there is no sign of her, either dead or alive.
Lola was popular on the ship but secretive about her background, and as the mystery around her deepens, everyone on board becomes a suspect. Who was she arguing with the night she vanished?
Why did she come aboard the cruise in the first place? What was she running from?
Review
Immanis is is highly glamorous and very large cruise ship captained by Leo. It oozes glamour and the height of sophistication from the start. Just the amount of bars and restaurants are enough to make me gasp! It is a joy to read of such sumptuous surroundings. The cruise ship is so huge, on one hand you’d think it would be hard for someone to go completely missing, with people knowing traveller’s names, and yet on the other hand, so easy as people go about their new year holiday in the Caribbean and because there are so many and it’s so huge. Lola, one of the crew mysteriously goes missing. Superintendent Bailey and Bill are on the case to discover what happened to her, using all the technology they have at their disposal and by conducting the necessary interviews. There’s also a lot of speculation surrounding her disappearance amongst the crew. It’s also interesting to read about things from the ship’s doctor’s point of view.
The mystery also takes readers to Inverness, a city in the north of Scotland. The book also whisks readers back to 2013, Catford in London. Then the timeline moves again to 2016, a very interesting year and when more of the story comes together, so it’s worth sticking with. It’s intriguing and it intensifies as the story goes on. Between the past and present, it all becomes rather twisty with an unexpected ending.
Today, I have a later than planned (due to circumstance the publisher and blog tour organiser are aware about and have been kind) review of Suicide Thursday; the latest book by Will Carver. It is pitch perfect and dark, with just enough light to show readers another glimpse into society’s darker images, darker thoughts and realities and yet it is incredibly compelling and a page turner… Discover more in the blurb and then my other thoughts about Thursdays and more pertinently, the book in my review. Thanks first to Random T.Tours and Orenda Books for the invite to review.
If words could kill…
Eli Hagin can’t finish anything.
He hates his job, but can’t seem to quit. He doesn’t want to
be with his girlfriend, but doesn’t know how end things with
her, either. Eli wants to write a novel, but he’s never taken a
story beyond the first chapter.
Eli also has trouble separating reality from fiction.
When his best friend kills himself, Eli is motivated, for the first
time in his life, to finally end something himself, just as Mike
did…
Except sessions with his therapist suggest that Eli’s most
recent ‘first chapters’ are not as fictitious as he had intended
… and a series of text messages that Mike received before his
death point to something much, much darker…
Review
Will Carver is known for dark and twisty plots than show those darker corners of society and this doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for something so unique and a page turner with a plot that lingers in your heart, mind and soul afterwards, Will Carver is your man. It is often thrilling to see an invite to review these books and then to see where the plot takes you and if this look into parts of society not really written about like this, can be pulled off again. Turns out the author absolutely has managed to again. First I want to say something about Thursdays in general and then onto the book.
Turns out Thursdays are days I might take to hibernation. They used to be one of the great days of the week, more or less predictable, but safe. Now, however it don’t seem as wise to step outside as they once were. There are certain crime books and thrillers that now specifically happen on a Thursday and this is one of them. It makes me wonder if I can get all those authors together to persuade my employer I should have every Thursday off and then a Friday as a bonus to celebrate the fact I survived the Thursday…
Now onto the book…
Suicide Thursday hits you deep in the heart and yet compels you to read on. The intermittent text messages are as stark as an arrow going through your body. There is Jackie who is quite religious, then there is Eli, whom she knows cannot finish anything he starts. Readers of the book are privy to see what he begins to write in the book he has began. There’s also Mike who is also very troubled and having a hard time in life. As a reader and observer to the characters lives, I found myself increasingly pulled in by the interesting dialogue and thought processes of the characters, especially in texts and in a chat room with a person whom is known as fake therapist, that truly stand out and enhance the storytelling. It is poignant and thought provoking. The deeper you go, beyond the superficial and any day to day life, the darker it becomes and the more there is to discover about how Thursdays are and why the book is called Suicide Thursday and without the book being in distinctive parts, life before and after Mike’s death are revealed. It becomes apparent that there is more to be uncovered about what Eli will do, whether he will continue with therapy or not and whether he will finish his book or not and just how will it all end?…
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 