Four of my novels are available as online publications (e-books) but I am now pleased to announce the forthcoming publication of my novel Far Beyond Rubies as a paperback.
It can be pre-ordered through the following link.
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/now-available-in-ebook/far-beyond-rubies-652-detail
Thursday, 17 October 2013
School Assembly & New Novel
This morning I attended assembly at my 9 year-old grandson's school to watch his class perform a play about Moses. Every child had a line or more to say, and they obviously enjoyed the production. Afterwards I returned home and caught up with the housework and laundry. First thing tomorrow morning I hope to write another 2,000 words of my new Regency Novel, the sequel to Sunday's Child.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Kenya
Unlike Elspeth Huxley, whose book Flame Trees of Thika I posted about yesterday, while I lived in Kenya from 1962 to 1982 I never felt entirely at ease. However, I do have some outstanding memories.
On a visit to the Nairobi National Park in 1968, a lion, ahead of our car, plodded along the red dirt track. On either side stretched grassland interspersed with thorn trees, weird sculptures beneath a jacaranda-blue sky from which blazed a brazen sun. Not once did the king of beasts look back at our car. Totally at ease he ignored the herds of deer, wildebeest zebras and deer, and the giraffes and ostriches took no notice of him. At a leisurely pace he reached his destination, a flat-topped rock overlooking the grassland on which his harem and his cubs had settled.
As my husband drove away I hoped the lions would enjoy long lives protected from hunters.
On a visit to the Nairobi National Park in 1968, a lion, ahead of our car, plodded along the red dirt track. On either side stretched grassland interspersed with thorn trees, weird sculptures beneath a jacaranda-blue sky from which blazed a brazen sun. Not once did the king of beasts look back at our car. Totally at ease he ignored the herds of deer, wildebeest zebras and deer, and the giraffes and ostriches took no notice of him. At a leisurely pace he reached his destination, a flat-topped rock overlooking the grassland on which his harem and his cubs had settled.
As my husband drove away I hoped the lions would enjoy long lives protected from hunters.
Monday, 14 October 2013
Memory of Kenya
Unlike Elspeth Huxley, whose book The Flame Trees of Thika, which I wrote about yesterday, I do not return to Kenya frequently. I was never entirely at ease during the 22 years I lived there and prefer living in England. However I do have some wonderful memories.
On one occasion, when we visited the Nairobi National Park a lion sauntered in front of our car along the narrow, road which was not tarmacked. On either side of the road, the rich red of African soil, was scrubland interspersed here and there with thorn trees like weird sculptures.
Not once did the lion look back, not a breeze ruffled his splendid mane and the sun beating down from a Madonna-blue sky disturbed us but not the king of all he surveyed. Belly full, he ignored the giraffes, z
On one occasion, when we visited the Nairobi National Park a lion sauntered in front of our car along the narrow, road which was not tarmacked. On either side of the road, the rich red of African soil, was scrubland interspersed here and there with thorn trees like weird sculptures.
Not once did the lion look back, not a breeze ruffled his splendid mane and the sun beating down from a Madonna-blue sky disturbed us but not the king of all he surveyed. Belly full, he ignored the giraffes, z
Flame Trees of Thika
I lived in Kenya from 1961 to 1982. During my years there I visited Thika. When I first went to Kenya I had not heard of Elspeth Huxley's non-fiction book, The Flame Trees of Thika, Memories of an African Childhood, first published in 1959.
I can't remember when I first read the autobiography, but I do recall finding it very interesting, although Elspeth Huxley's experiences in Kenya were so far removed from mine.
The other day, after I met my friend at The Coach and Horses in Rickmansworth I was delighted to find a secondhand copy of the book in a charity shop.
I've finished reading it with a sense of nostalgia for the beauty of the country.
The Flame Trees of Thika is a fascinating account of Elspeth Huxley's life and that of the first settlers in and around Thika, amongst whom were her parents, Robin and Tilly.
The author breathes life into her descriptions of the African tribesmen and women, their way of life, their beliefs and their attitudes.
I shall search for two of her other books, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, !"A Journey through East Africa",and White Man's Country, "Lord Delamere and the making of Kenya," as well as her novel, Red Strangers, a story of Kenya.
I can't remember when I first read the autobiography, but I do recall finding it very interesting, although Elspeth Huxley's experiences in Kenya were so far removed from mine.
The other day, after I met my friend at The Coach and Horses in Rickmansworth I was delighted to find a secondhand copy of the book in a charity shop.
I've finished reading it with a sense of nostalgia for the beauty of the country.
The Flame Trees of Thika is a fascinating account of Elspeth Huxley's life and that of the first settlers in and around Thika, amongst whom were her parents, Robin and Tilly.
The author breathes life into her descriptions of the African tribesmen and women, their way of life, their beliefs and their attitudes.
I shall search for two of her other books, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, !"A Journey through East Africa",and White Man's Country, "Lord Delamere and the making of Kenya," as well as her novel, Red Strangers, a story of Kenya.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Rosehipa Jelly
Wet and windy today, so I put the rosehips collected earlier in the year to good use. I boiled 1 kilo of organic rosehips in 1pint of water and 2 kilos of organic Bramley cooking apples from my garden in the same amount of water. The rosehips and the applies are now in separate jelly bags, to drain the juice from the pulp. Tomorrow, I shall add the finished jelly to my store cupboard.
Friday, 11 October 2013
Historical Pub
Yesterday, a friend and I met at one of The Coach and Horses, one of Hertfordshire's most historical pubs, in Rickmansworth.
I liked the ambience of the original tap room. Low, beamed ceilings, and flames leaping in the old fireplace warming the flag-stoned room. My imagination had not difficulty occupying it with people from times past.
According to the brochure: "To discover the history of the Coach and Horses, we must trace our steps back in time to the late 1600's and the Salter family of Rickmansworth.
"At around 1720, a Samuel Salter arrived in Rickmansworth. Born in 1695, this young man married Elizabeth Robinson in 1724 and settled in the town. ...
The Coach and Horses itself dates back to at least 1722, with the foundations of the building dating as far back as the end of the 16th century. Salter's brewery emerged at a later date beside the pub."
To discover more visit: www.thecoachand horses.info
I liked the ambience of the original tap room. Low, beamed ceilings, and flames leaping in the old fireplace warming the flag-stoned room. My imagination had not difficulty occupying it with people from times past.
According to the brochure: "To discover the history of the Coach and Horses, we must trace our steps back in time to the late 1600's and the Salter family of Rickmansworth.
"At around 1720, a Samuel Salter arrived in Rickmansworth. Born in 1695, this young man married Elizabeth Robinson in 1724 and settled in the town. ...
The Coach and Horses itself dates back to at least 1722, with the foundations of the building dating as far back as the end of the 16th century. Salter's brewery emerged at a later date beside the pub."
To discover more visit: www.thecoachand horses.info
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Beetroot Soup and Plum Pie
I have lots of beetroot from my organic garden. Yesterday, I made a big pot of soup to be served with sour cream and fresh dill from my garden.
From lunchtime onward members of my family popped in and had one or two bowlfuls of soup. So much for freezing some, but I don't mind. Even more than cooking, I like watching other people enjoying one of my homemade meals.
I also picked plums from the garden and made a plum pie, which members of the family ate with gusto.
From lunchtime onward members of my family popped in and had one or two bowlfuls of soup. So much for freezing some, but I don't mind. Even more than cooking, I like watching other people enjoying one of my homemade meals.
I also picked plums from the garden and made a plum pie, which members of the family ate with gusto.
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Review of Far Beyond Rubies
Romance Historical Lovers Classifications:
Time and Setting: England 1706
Genre: Historical Romance Heat Level:1
Amazon. Reviewer Rating: 5 stars4Review by Maggi
There’s a wealth of historical detail in this charming and well-written novel by Rosemary Morris. The plot is woven with some skill into the history of Queen Anne’s rein. The heroine, Juliana, is at the mercy of her scurrilous stepbrother, William, the seventh Baron Kemp. He plans to claim her inheritance, Riverside House, and rid himself of her and her sister, Henrietta, claiming them to be illegitimate. He has plans to marry Juliana off to a libertine. With her father dead, Juliana is at his mercy.
The handsome hero, Gervaise Seymour, is one of the most interesting heroes I’ve read in a while. He comes from a broken family, and has personal issues he must resolve. He is returning from India, where he gained a fortune and married an Indian woman. Now a widower, he mourns his lost love. But having come across Juliana who is in need of help, how can he turn his back on her? It is Juliana’s voice, which first attracts him: a melodious voice offering comfort. And despite Gervaise’s intentions, he is soon captured by her looks. But he is ever the gentleman.
Gervaise put a hand on each side of her tiny waist, controlling his fervent desire to hold her close.
He avoided looking into her eyes for fear she might read the lusty thoughts in them.
Determined to honor his dead wife, he fights his feelings during their shared adventure, quite convinced he will never marry again. But there’s a hint here, of something mystical between them.
Morris’ knowledge of India enriches this novel, adding spice, while never loading us with unwanted detail. It’s a novel, fresh story, which sets it apart from the more conventional historical romances.
Gervaise, a decent and attractive man, has brought Indian customs and food with him to England. His home is decorated in the rich colors of the East and delicious cuisine graces his table. This makes for a fascinating hero and serves to cause a degree of conflict between him and Juliana, who is a strong heroine. She is protective of her younger sister, and while extremely attracted to Gervaise she is reluctant to trust him or indeed any man.
I’m
a fan of Rosemary Morris. Her characters always make perfect sense, and again
the resolution of this story is quite believable. There are some great
secondary characters too, like Monsieur Lorraine, an ‘air merchant
* * * *
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
My organic garden plus a reciepe
Yesterday, I gathered my marrows and summer squash, cleared the veggie patch where they grew, and then spread lime over it. Recently I bought a tray of winter cabbage and another of purple sprouting broccoli for next to nothing in a sale at a garden centre. It's a little late to plant them in the garden, but I've limed their patch and if I cover them with fleece to protect them from the worst of the weather I hope they will thrive.
The broad beans I planted two weeks ago after enriching the plot with manure are coming up. They are hardy and will survive even the worst winters. The plants toughen up so much that few blackfly attack them. Early next year, after sufficient pods develop, I shall pick the topmost leaves and cook them like spinach.
At the moment I'm enjoying apples, pears and plums from the garden. Today, I plan to make a plum pie, yesterday, I made vegetable marrow soup.
To serve four.
2 lbs of peeled, cubed marrow, seeds and pith removed.
2 ozs butter.
1 & a 1/2 pints vegetable soup stock.
1/2 pint milk.
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp pepper or more to taste
(I added a tbs of hyssop leaves from the garden but it's not essential.)
The broad beans I planted two weeks ago after enriching the plot with manure are coming up. They are hardy and will survive even the worst winters. The plants toughen up so much that few blackfly attack them. Early next year, after sufficient pods develop, I shall pick the topmost leaves and cook them like spinach.
At the moment I'm enjoying apples, pears and plums from the garden. Today, I plan to make a plum pie, yesterday, I made vegetable marrow soup.
To serve four.
2 lbs of peeled, cubed marrow, seeds and pith removed.
2 ozs butter.
1 & a 1/2 pints vegetable soup stock.
1/2 pint milk.
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp pepper or more to taste
(I added a tbs of hyssop leaves from the garden but it's not essential.)
Watford Writers
Yesterday I attended Watford Writers at Café Cha Cha in Cassiobury Park.
On manuscript evenings members bring something to read and afterwards receive constructive comments from the group.
Yesterday, was a little different. There was a quiz about t.v. films and books. I did not do well but I'm not going to confess how badly I did. We then played consequences. I chose Charles II for my character. I wrote a bit about him, and then folded the paper down, passed it on and answered the other questions on other papers. At the end the results were read out.
A number of men chose to be David Beckham. I leave you to draw your own conclusions.
On manuscript evenings members bring something to read and afterwards receive constructive comments from the group.
Yesterday, was a little different. There was a quiz about t.v. films and books. I did not do well but I'm not going to confess how badly I did. We then played consequences. I chose Charles II for my character. I wrote a bit about him, and then folded the paper down, passed it on and answered the other questions on other papers. At the end the results were read out.
A number of men chose to be David Beckham. I leave you to draw your own conclusions.
Monday, 7 October 2013
Locked Out
After spending an enjoyable Sunday with some of my friends I returned home, went upstairs and could not open my bedroom door. Guess what! My address book, diary and mobile were in the bedroom. I used my landline to phone people whose numbers I remembered. Everyone was out.
Eventually I contacted a workman who came within the hour. He managed to open the door but the paintwork has been damaged. Anyway, in spite of that, I'm grateful to him.
Eventually I contacted a workman who came within the hour. He managed to open the door but the paintwork has been damaged. Anyway, in spite of that, I'm grateful to him.
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Tag for The Captain and The Countess
Last night I woke at 2.a.m and fretted about all the things I must do and those I want to do. While trying to go back to sleep I composed a 21 word description of my new novel The Captain and The Countess for my publisher. Afraid I would forget it, I turned on the bedside lamp and jotted it down on a notepad I keep beside my bed. I've sent it to my copy editor and hope she approves of it.
Friday, 4 October 2013
Garden Centres and Stephen
Yesterday, my 11 year-old grandson had a day off
school. He spent the morning with me, and asked to visit a garden centre. Off we
went. I bought some tulip bulbs - a different variety to the ones already in the
garden. The pink and peach coloured flowers will be frilly. I also bought a tray
of winter cabbage.
Grandson did not find anything he wanted so we went to Homebase. He chose a cactus in a blue pot with orange Mexican inspired designs and promptly named it Stephen. The cactus is tiny but it has vicious thorns.
I bought a tray of purple sprouting broccoli and some rock roses reduced to 20p a pot. I'll nurture them in the greenhouse until next year.
Grandson did not find anything he wanted so we went to Homebase. He chose a cactus in a blue pot with orange Mexican inspired designs and promptly named it Stephen. The cactus is tiny but it has vicious thorns.
I bought a tray of purple sprouting broccoli and some rock roses reduced to 20p a pot. I'll nurture them in the greenhouse until next year.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Who are you?
Yesterday, while I made green tomato chutney and considered my store of homemade jam, jelly, chutney and pickles with satisfaction, a fair-haired slip of a girl came to mind. She was making a conserve (of what?)when a servant rushed into the still room saying: "the soldiers are coming." At that point I sensed the anxiety of the girl, who loved her home, her garden, her still room and other country pursuits. Who is she? What is her name? Was she real or is she a figment of my imagination?
For a long time I have been considering writing a novel centred around a garden, perhaps my mystery girl will feature in it. At the moment, I want to get to know her.
For a long time I have been considering writing a novel centred around a garden, perhaps my mystery girl will feature in it. At the moment, I want to get to know her.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Festival of Romance
I'm really looking forward to attending the Festival of Romance. I'm looking forward to meeting friends and making new ones as well as to the events. At the moment, I'm thinking about what to wear. A sari for a special event, a smart outfit to wear when I read an extract from Far Beyond Rubies, something appropriate for the awards etc.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Fewtival of Romance 2013
Yesterday, I booked accommodation at the Park Inn in Bedford for the 2013 Festival of Romance at which I shall be a participating author.
By the way, you could win a weekend away at the Festival of Romance and meet your favourite romance authors, thanks to the Romantic Novelists' Association
Details are at: http://festivalofromance.co.uk/#/win-tickets/4578722184
By the way, you could win a weekend away at the Festival of Romance and meet your favourite romance authors, thanks to the Romantic Novelists' Association
Details are at: http://festivalofromance.co.uk/#/win-tickets/4578722184
Harvest from my Organic Garden
Since I went on holiday to Woolacombe Bay in
Devonshire my routine has been interrupted, but, to use a cliché, I'm back on
track.
There's a bumper crop of fruit and vegetables this year. The apples, pears and plums are more delicious than any bought from the shops.
I've made chutney, jam and pickles and am about to make rhubarb pickle. I've also stewed plums and put them in containers in the freezer - I'll enjoy them in the winter months. I've also hoarded rhubarb, apple and apple and blackberry pies in the freezer.
So, I'm wishing myself bon apetit. Cheers everyone.
There's a bumper crop of fruit and vegetables this year. The apples, pears and plums are more delicious than any bought from the shops.
I've made chutney, jam and pickles and am about to make rhubarb pickle. I've also stewed plums and put them in containers in the freezer - I'll enjoy them in the winter months. I've also hoarded rhubarb, apple and apple and blackberry pies in the freezer.
So, I'm wishing myself bon apetit. Cheers everyone.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
From My Bookcase
Following the Drum - The Lives of Army Wives and Daughters Past and Present by Annabel Venning.
"Scanning four Centuries from the 1660's to the present day. Following the Drum tells the stories of wives, daughters and mistresses of the British army who followed their military menfolk to some of the most treacherous places in the world."
Annabel Vennings tells "of women taken captive, or forced to become fugitives in enemy territory; of women who endured long marches and harsh sieges; women who chose to follow their men onto the battlefield itself; women who had to give birth to the sound of canon fire and then march on minutes later; women who found themselves widowed and alone in a strange land; and of women who struggled to keep themselves and their families alive as the world they knew disintegrated around them."
A fascinating read, I glanced through the book and can't resist re-reading it.
"Scanning four Centuries from the 1660's to the present day. Following the Drum tells the stories of wives, daughters and mistresses of the British army who followed their military menfolk to some of the most treacherous places in the world."
Annabel Vennings tells "of women taken captive, or forced to become fugitives in enemy territory; of women who endured long marches and harsh sieges; women who chose to follow their men onto the battlefield itself; women who had to give birth to the sound of canon fire and then march on minutes later; women who found themselves widowed and alone in a strange land; and of women who struggled to keep themselves and their families alive as the world they knew disintegrated around them."
A fascinating read, I glanced through the book and can't resist re-reading it.
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