Busy month ...

May turned out to be a very busy month for two reasons: 1. I launched my third book 'The Village of Whispers,' and 2. Our local Am dram's production of 'Are you being Served,' a 70's sitcom had four performances. As Secretary of the Players, this meant lots of work for me :)

I also attended Bournemouth Writing Festival where I met lots of lovely fellow authors and took part in a panel discussing 'Honing your genre.'

Script Haven in Worcester is currently holding the 'Alchemy of Words Festival.' Last night I went to a talk by A J West talking about his new book 'How Queer bookshops changed the world.' I really enjoyed his presentation.

On a personal note, I have jet washed and regrouted my patio, lifted the turf at the top of the garden and create a whole new flower bed and path plus visited my beautiful granddaughter. What a joyful time.

Book recommendations for this month:

I have enjoyed this book even though it is not my usual genre as its historical fiction descriptive nature would usually put me off. Saying it that, it is an intriguing story and beautifully written.

Another blockbuster from Dan Brown, which promises to be more mysterious than it actually is. The fundamental plot is the protagonist searching for his lover in Prague. I would have liked more mystical intrigue in this book but a great read nevertheless.

This was our book club's choice this month. Again, it fantasy which I sometimes read but not my first choice. It was a romping jaunt through the supernatural otherworld of London with some humorous elements and monsters. I enjoyed it.

This was my other book club's choice this month. I haven't finished it. A harrowing story of exploitation and the resilience of two girls thrust into sex slavery. I found it slightly contrived, but a good read with powerful messaging.