Novel Kicks

Book Review: The Funeral Crashers By Joanna Nell

Published February 12, 2026 | By Laura

‘There are a lot of lonely people in the world, Martin. Especially when you get to our age. This is the one place you can come where nobody judges. Besides, you don’t need to have known somebody personally to celebrate their life.’

Retired academic Martin Pottinger‘s romantic aspirations for the delectable head of his former university’s archaeology department, Professor Mary Blake, seem about to be realised. If only he could devise a plan to manage the demands of his eccentric elderly mother, Edwina.

Recently bereaved Grace Cavendish spends her days helping out at All Souls Church, making it her mission to drown out the Reverend Rod’s tone-deaf hymn-singing and give each funeral recipient a hearty send-off. Yet the peace she craves remains elusive despite the comforts offered by psychic medium Rhondda and her eight-year-old son, Hudson.

When Martin and Grace meet and bond at an All Souls service, they unwittingly set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. They become funeral crashers. But who could have predicted that crashing funerals might have such life-changing and life-affirming outcomes?

*****

Grace has been alone for a long time. She struggles to fill her days. When she meets a young boy named, Hudson, she can see he is someone who needs help.

Martin is getting a little impatient with his mother invading his space. He is distracting himself with a crush he has on colleague, Mary.

When a funeral brings Grace and Martin together, some luck comes their way. As they get to know each other, will their friendship blosson or will they have nothing in common?

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: A Character Q&A

Published February 11, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today, I thought it might be good to revisit a previous exercise and look at getting to know your character. However, we won’t be talking to your character in their present day, for this, they are 16 years-old.

Get into the head of your character by answering the following questions. Remember, in this scenario, they are sixteen. Think about how differently they would answer compared to how an adult would answer. Maybe you could try answering from the point of view of different genders and see how the answers differ?

What did you want to be when you were five? What do you want to be now?
What scares you?
What is your biggesr secret?
Who is your best friend?
Who has betrayed you?
If you needed to save one thing from your house, what would you save?
What is in your bedside table?
Where would you like to visit and why?
Why did your Dad leave?
Are you happy?

Let me know how you get on in the comments below. How did you find answering the questions? Which one was hardest to answer? Which answer suprised you? Did you learn anything about your character that has now further informed the piece of writing they feature in?

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A Moment With… Lucy Kaufman

Published February 10, 2026 | By Laura

Lucy Kaufman is bringing the blog tour for The Heart-Shaped Box to Novel Kicks today. Welcome.

The page-turning psychological thriller novella about infatuation, revenge and the lengths we will go to for love.

“She pressed her nose gingerly to the glass, peering unblinking through the viscous liquid at her gift.”

Victorian, rural Sussex. When headstrong daughter of a rector, Constance Timothy, receives a flurry of gifts in pretty little boxes from the charming, smouldering student doctor Smith Williams, her whole family anticipates a future betrothal.

Yet beneath the exquisite pastel lids and satin bows lie macabre secrets that entice Constance into a private world of obsession and darkness, where morality becomes blurred, loyalties are tested and unthinkable acts are possible.

One secret will shake the genteel world she knows to the core…

The first book of The Carousel of Curiosities series, this haunting novella is perfect for readers of Sarah Waters, Laura Purcell, and Angela Carter.

To talk about how much she loves Novellas and why you might too, it’s over to you, Lucy.

Like many schoolkids in the UK, the first novella I read was Of Mice and Men. Short enough to read over a term in a classroom and engaging enough a story for even the most book-phobic child to be drawn into its emotional world, it’s obvious why Steinbeck’s 30,000-word masterpiece has become an all-time classic as well as a Literature syllabus perennial.

There are clues in that thin-spined book as to what makes a great novella: one strong storyline pushing forward to an inevitable climax and conclusion, unforgettable characters, vivid description that puts us right there with Lenny and George in Soledad, and an emotional tangle at its heart that has a deep sense of how things should go in an ideal world but – in this book at least – don’t.

I read recently how a novella is akin to other short forms such as flash, the short story and even poetry in that a novella cannot afford to waste a single word. For this reason, they may be short, but they are rich and refined, the good ones often polished to perfection like precious stones until they gleam.

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NK Chats To… Kathleen Jeffrey

Published February 6, 2026 | By Laura

Hi Kathleen. Thank you so much for joining us today and for bringing the blog tour for Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety to Novel Kicks. What’s a detail, theme, or clue in your book that most readers might miss on the first read—but you secretly hope someone notices?

Empathetic, concerned faces of Katie’s teacher, Mom & Dad, and her classmates when Katie is upset. No one is making fun of her.

When did this story or idea “click” into place for you—was there a single moment you knew you had to write it?

During critique group sessions with a long manuscript, I discovered I actually had two books to write. The first became Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety, to identify Katie’s character with school & test anxiety, which is based on my personal story I had to tell for authenticity. The second book will feature Katie once again and will be illustrated sometime this year.

Which character or real-life person surprised you the most while writing this book, and why?

Katie’s sidekick Finn turned out to be quite the entertaining cut up as well a very concerned and empathetic friend.

If your book had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it and what scenes or moments would they pair with?

“Inside Out” by Michael Giacchino, (From joyful school yard to Katie’s sudden test anxiety.)

“When I Breathe” by Stephanie Leavell (Learning belly breathing with Miss Julie and later with the class.)

“When I’m Nervous” (A song for kids about overcoming anxiety.) Overall story wrap up. Would play at the end of the book.

What’s one belief, question, or emotional truth you hope readers carry with them long after they finish your book?

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: One Sentence In Different Genres

Published February 4, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

It’s all about trying different genres today.

We are going to begin with this one sentence –

He/She/They/I walk into a room. Everything stops. Silence falls.

Starting with that one sentence, we are going to write something within four different genres.

Historical Fiction

Crime Fiction

Contemporary Fiction and/or Romance

Horror

We are going to write at least three hundred words in all four of the genres above.

Try not to think about the quality of what you’re writing. Just write and see.

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A Moment With… Elaine Spires

Published February 4, 2026 | By Laura

We are saying hello to Wednesday and welcoming Elaine Spires as she brings the blog tour for her book, A Body in the Banjo to Novel Kicks.

It’s November 1958 and Dagenham is excitedly awaiting Bonfire Night. Cissie Partridge isn’t too keen on fireworks but she generously donates to the local children doing Penny for the guy. Cissie is content with her lot. She loves her husband Harold.

She shops, she cooks, she reads at every opportunity and she volunteers at the Dockland Settlement. Observant and sharp, she gets on with all her neighbours.

Then, one morning, she finds a body…

To tell us about more about The Body in the Banjo’s main character, Cissie, it’s over to you, Elaine.

Mrs Cissie Partridge

As a writer I have often struggled to classify my novels. Romance? Well… there is romance in them but they certainly don’t fall into the typical enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers formats of most romantic novels. Contemporary Fiction? Some are. Sagas? Sort of. Women’s Fiction? Getting warmer! All of my books feature strong women. But all the years I have been writing there was one genre that I’d always wanted to attempt: cozy mysteries.

When I went to live in Spain as a 19-year-old holiday rep — or courier as we were known in those days — clients would often offer me their paperbacks when they were leaving. I’ve always been a voracious reader and I was extremely grateful for their generosity. Thus I discovered so many authors, Jackie Collins, Harold Robbins, Sidney Sheldon, Mario Puzo, Alistair Maclean to mention just a few. However, there was one author’s name I was always delighted to see on my gifted books: Agatha Christie.

I devoured her books and fell into every trap, followed every red herring as the Queen of Whodunnits totally blindsided me. I never once guessed who the murderer was. I’ve also watched all the TV Miss Marples over the years, my favourite being Geraldine McEwan and I must have seen every episode of David Suchet as Poirot a dozen times. From time to time over the years I would ask myself “Can I write a murder mystery?”

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Book Extract: The Last Adam By Ron Echols

Published February 3, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Ron Echols to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Last Adam.

Ron Echols’s The Last Adam tells a story where spiritual warfare unfolds alongside everyday life. What begins quietly soon gathers momentum, as hidden forces start influencing events with lasting consequences.

Mary Levitt’s pregnancy becomes the focal point of violent attacks and unexplained visions, revealing a prophecy feared by forces that have waited centuries to act. Her child represents a threat to an ancient balance.

Joseph Riesman’s involvement in a major development project exposes political manipulation and older powers operating beneath visible authority. What seems modern and rational soon gives way to something far more dangerous.

The sacrifice of the archangel Raphael exposes a war involving angels, fallen angels, and human collaborators working across time. Watched and hunted at every turn, Mary and Joseph confront betrayal and spiritual warfare while fighting to protect a life destined to change the world.

Ron has kindly shared an extract from The Last Adam with us today. We really hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Prologue

Location: The Lunar Surface, Tranquility Base, southwestern corner of the Sea of Tranquility.

The moon hung motionless, like a dead thing in the void of space. Its pockmarked exterior reflecting the sun’s merciless glare and millennia of asteroids pummeling its surface. In that airless waste where humans had once taken a small step, the lunar dust lay since undisturbed, marked only by boot prints and machinery left behind.

Piercing through the silence of the void, a voice called out.

“Raphael!”

A brilliant white light erupted into existence, hovering above the moon’s surface like a tear in the fabric of space itself. The light intensified until it seemed to bend space around it, taking form. A figure of a man emerged. Behind him, the first suggestion of wings. Translucent, but appearing stronger than steel, they folded against his armor etched with ancient angelic symbols that seemed to move when viewed directly. Dark hair, wild and untamed accentuated his sapphire eyes and caressed his polished, glass-like skin.

The being that called itself Gabriel stood motionless on the lunar surface, its feet leaving no prints in the ancient dust. The face that poets had tried and failed to capture for millennia turned slowly, searching.

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Book Extract: Winter’s Season By R.J. Koreto

Published February 3, 2026 | By Laura

I am so pleased and excited to be welcoming R.J. Koreto to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his novel, Winter’s Season.

Winter’s Season by R.J. Koreto follows a man tasked with enforcing justice before the tools to define it exist. Through Captain Winter’s perspective, the story examines how authority operates when law is informal and accountability is selective.

In a city still shaped by war, Captain Winter serves as Whitehall’s “special emissary,” confronting crimes meant to be handled quietly. When a young woman is murdered, his investigation exposes connections that reach beyond the crime itself, binding privilege and violence together.

Winter’s path is shaped by uneasy reliance on others. A nobleman tied to his past opens doors to influence, while a wise Jewish physician brings careful observation to a world driven by rumor. The case grows more volatile with the return of Barbara Lightwood, a former lover whose intelligence and social access place her near dangerous truths. Her guarded involvement unsettles Winter at a critical moment.

As pressure mounts, Winter is forced to confront not only the crime, but the moral limits of his role in pursuing justice.

R.J. Koreto has kindly shared an extract with us today. We really hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

The captain said goodbye to his colonel and a few other officers, and the butler saw him out. He walked to the nearest stand and engaged a hackney cab to Bow Street Court. A few heads turned as he entered the building, but no one accosted him. A clerk gave him the barest nod but said nothing as he entered a room.

A few minutes later, the captain came out. He was no longer in his regimentals, but in rather shabby outfit, almost rural, with a slouch hat. Down the hall, he entered another room, where a squad of Bow Street Runners awaited—constables, employed by the local court at Bow Street, to keep order and seize felons. Winter suppressed a grimace. They were poorly trained and poorly paid, but it was pretty much all London had for law enforcement. Many still thought the idea of a formal professional constabulary too much government interference—too un-English. So, the Runners would have to do. At least they were willing and obedient.

“We have already gone over where you should be standing,” said the captain. “You know how important it is you aren’t seen.” There was more than instruction in his voice—there was menace.

“Yes, sir,” said the most senior constable present.

“Then take your places. I’ll be along shortly.”

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Novel Kicks Book Club: The Phone Box At The Edge of the World By Laura Imai Messina (Translated By Lucy Rand)

Published February 1, 2026 | By Laura

Hello and welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club.

What a joy it is to be saying hello to February. We did it. We got through another January.

For this month’s book club, I have chosen a book that I know is going to wreck me. We all need a good cry every now and then, right? Then a piece of cake to make us feel better?… Right….

We will be reading The Phone Box at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina. Translated by Lucy Rand, this japanese based novel is inspired by true events. You know when you read the blurb for a novel and even that gives you all the feels. This book did that for me. Plus, this cover is so beautiful.

How To Take Part?

Are you new to our book club? Well, anyone and everyone is welcome and at any point in the month. Maybe you’ve read it and want to talk about it? You may be reading along with me? I’ve posted a question in the comments to get discussion going. I look forward to seeing you there.

About The Phone Box at the Edge of the World –

We all have something to tell those we have lost . . .

On a windy hill in Japan, in a garden overlooking the sea stands a disused phone box. For years, people have travelled to visit the phone box, to pick up the receiver and speak into the wind: to pass their messages to loved ones no longer with us.

When Yui loses her mother and daughter in the tsunami, she is plunged into despair and wonders how she will ever carry on. One day she hears of the phone box, and decides to make her own pilgrimage there, to speak once more to the people she loved the most. But when you have lost everything, the right words can be the hardest thing to find . . .

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Book Extract: Under Vixens Mere By Kit Fielding

Published February 1, 2026 | By Laura

I’m so excited to be welcoming Kit Fielding to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Under Vixens Mere.

If poor Harry Jones hadn’t lowered himself into the water one freezing winter’s night, a long-buried secret would never have come to the surface.

If …

Big Ed and Milly had been able to have children,

Karen hadn’t longed for love and romance,

Lorrie hadn’t finally ditched Petra,

Dinah hadn’t found out the truth about Barry,

Jed hadn’t dealt drugs and got Anna pregnant,

Carl Thomson hadn’t come looking for him,

and Moses hadn’t heard the commotion …

then there would be no story of Vixens Mere to tell.

There’s a chance to win some books below but first, Kit has shared an extract from Under Vixens Mere with us today. Grab that beverage and the blanket. Find that comfortable chair and enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

The tenuous trail that brought them to Vixens Mere begins when Big Ed and Milly the Mystic wake up together in his roughly converted Transit van at the Reading Festival in the August of 1978. They’re on a lumpy and rather grubby mattress in the back of the vehicle and it must be about ten o’clock when Big Ed rolls himself over onto his back and encounters the soft prone body of Milly the Mystic. He yawns, looks at her curiously and says, ‘You been here all night?’

She says, ‘I think so.’

Big Ed studies her a bit more. ‘What do they call you then?’

‘Milly.’

She sits up, notices that her breasts are bare, lifts the covers, peeps down further at her naked nether regions. She looks at Ed, a question knitting her brow.

‘Did we …?’ she begins.

‘Must have, I suppose.’ Big Ed looks appreciatively at her breasts. ‘But we could make sure.’

Continue reading →

Book Extract: The Vision Board By Siobhan Murphy

Published January 29, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Siobhan Murphy to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, The Vision Board.

Two best friends. Two one-way tickets. And a future that might just surprise them.

Bex and Amy are best friends and total opposites. Bex is cynical, Amy is romantic. Bex is chaotic, Amy is organised. With the prospect of turning 34 just around the corner, neither is where they expected to be at this point in their lives.

Bex is exploring her sexuality and has a string of failed relationships, while Amy is newly single and desperate to fall in love. Armed with a photographic vision board of the future, Bex and Amy put their trust in ‘The Universe’ and fly from London to Bali, then on to Australia in search of adventure, cocktails on the beach and maybe even love.

Almost immediately, Amy finds someone who is the perfect fit for her dream life. While Bex is stuck playing double dates with his best friend, the most pompous man she has ever met, but also one of the hottest. Travelling via white sand beaches, lush rainforests and road trips through idyllic scenery, the images on their vision board begin to transform into reality.

However, people are not always what they seem, and first impressions are not always accurate. Add in a queer, charismatic love interest and a vindictive ex-girlfriend, and the path of true love begins to get a little more complex.

When ‘The Universe’ has its own agenda, is it possible to manifest a happy ever after?

An Enemies to Lovers destination romance with a sprinkling of Pride and Prejudice vibes.

Siobhan has kindly shared an extract with us today. Grab that beverage, find that comfortable chair. We hope you enjoy reading.

(Warning: Mild Language.)

*****beginning of extract*****

This section is the opening to the book. I hadn’t planned to write a romantic comedy but was woken up at 3 am with the character of Bex in my head, telling me about a bingo game. I had no choice but to drag myself out of bed, head to the sofa with a blanket, a cuppa and my laptop and find out exactly what she was banging on about. That is how ‘The Vision Board’ began.

*****

Amy and I are playing ‘Airport Bingo’, and we’ve just ticked ourselves off the list. ‘Get in.’ I shout, striking a flamboyant line through the words, loud, irritating girls who are already drunk, even though it’s first thing in the morning.

The bingo game is a ‘keep Amy calm’ tactic (along with the alcohol I insisted on buying at 6 am). Only one bar was open in the Departures area at that time of the morning. Dark, generic, and utterly soulless, the staff radiated either boredom or abject misery. Anything approaching even basic customer service had left the building. A pungent-smelling lad in a stained apron took our order begrudgingly. One glance at him made me doubt the high star rating on the bar’s hygiene certificate, so I went for liquid refreshments only. Amy was too nervous to eat, and I’d learned from bitter experience that long-haul flights and questionable food standards are a risky combination. The waiter dumped the G&Ts and the bottle of Prosecco unceremoniously on the table, then returned to his position behind the bar. Elbow propped on the counter, face slumped on his hand, his expression that of a semi-comatose hospital patient.

Continue reading →

Novel Kicks Writing Room: From Three Different Ways

Published January 28, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today’s exercise is about looking at the same event in three different ways.

First, pick one of the following scenarios –

You’re at a magic convention and you bump into the one person who has made your life a misery.
You go speed dating but it’s all your previous partners.
You wake up and all of the colour has disappeared from the world. You go on a quest to find out why.
Your life is being narrated by a mysterious voice.

Continue reading →

NK Chats To… Caroline James

Published January 24, 2026 | By Laura

Hi Caroline. Thank you so much for inviting Novel Kicks onto your blog tour!

Thank you so much for inviting me to join you and your wonderful followers on your lovely blog. I do hope that you all enjoy my new novel, The Arctic Cruise.

Can you tell us about The Arctic Cruise and what inspired it?

I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, so when the chance arose to take a winter cruise to Norway, it felt like the perfect opportunity—and irresistible research for a new story. The fjords were breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains rising above icy waters, and the atmosphere was completely magical. As we sailed beyond the Arctic Circle, the idea for The Arctic Cruise began to take shape: a story about two people drawn together aboard the ship, while the lives of other passengers subtly and unexpectedly intertwine with theirs, shaping a journey none of them will ever forget.

What were the best and most challenging parts of writing this novel?

The most rewarding part was exploring the emotional connection between Henry and Joy as their chemistry grew and obstacles intensified. Portraying those vulnerable moments—where attraction, doubt, and hope collide—was satisfying. The biggest challenge was ensuring those emotions resonate with readers and keep them invested in the characters and story, which demands honesty and careful crafting.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

I start each day with coffee, then answer correspondence and check social media before working on my novel. My target is 2,000 words a day; reaching that gives me a strong sense of accomplishment.

How do you approach the planning, writing, and editing processes?

I tackle planning, writing, and editing with discipline. I honour my publishing deadlines and treat writing as both a profession and a passion by refining my work to its best and marketing it effectively.

What comes first for you, plot or characters?

Plot comes first. I visualise and research the setting, then add characters to fit the story.

What kind of scene do you find the hardest to write?

Emotional scenes at a character’s most vulnerable moments are the hardest, requiring complete honesty and authenticity on the page. Achieving this is a challenge I strive to meet every time.

What are you currently working on?

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Croatian Island Library By Eva Glyn

Published January 21, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Eva Glyn to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, The Croatian Island Library.

Where books are borrowed, and friendships are forged…

When her beloved grandfather dies, Ana Meštrović buys a catamaran in his memory, which she names Dida Krila – Grandad’s Wings.

For the summer months, it will be transformed into a travelling library, delivering books to children living across the Croatian islands.

Joined by crew members Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, and Lloyd, an older widower who needs a fresh start, the newly-formed trio all have their own reasons for needing the floating library to be a success.

Embarking on an adventure that will change them for good, they each discover that a new chapter is only a boat ride away…

*****

Ana is a woman who is living with guilt when it comes to family expectations. Lloyd is trying to run from grief after the loss of his wife. Natali is a young woman who is fearful of many things and hides from the world.

These three different people are due to come together for one summer. Can they help each other find what they’re missing, are looking for and have lost? Can the power of books bring them together?

I am pleased to be welcoming Eva Glyn back to Novel Kicks. Despite featuring this author previously, The Croatian Island Library is the first of her books I’ve read.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Journal Entries

Published January 21, 2026 | By Laura

Hello and welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today, I thought it would be fun to write a journal entry from the point of view of your main character from your work in progress.

What I thought would be interesting, is if we write three journal entries in total.

The first entry would be based toward the beginning of your story.

The second entry would be based in the middle of your story.

And, you’ve guessed it, the third entry would be from the end of your story.

With each one, focus on what is happening within that story section. Have your character ask themselves questions like –

What is currently going on?

How am I feeling now?

What is my reaction to what is going on?

How have I changed from the first/last entry?

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Book Extract: Assassins By Mike Bond

Published January 21, 2026 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Mike Bond to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Assassins.

Night drops, covert deals, and consequences that stretch across decades form the backbone of Assassins by Mike Bond. The novel opens the door to a world where intelligence missions rarely end when the operation does, and where personal history becomes inseparable from global conflict.

Jack is a CIA operative sent into the shadows of America’s longest and most complicated conflicts. His work begins with covert missions supporting resistance fighters and expands into intelligence operations shaped by terrorism, retaliation, and shifting political priorities. Along the way, personal bonds formed under humanitarian cover refuse to stay separate from his professional life.

As alliances shift and former partners reemerge as future threats, Jack is repeatedly drawn back into conflicts he helped set in motion. Militants he once trained resurface years later, and decisions made in secrecy return with devastating consequences. Spanning more than three decades, Assassins follows a man caught inside the machinery of covert war, where victory is never clean and the past never truly stays buried.

Mike has kindly shared an extract from Assassins with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

An Evening in Paris

November 2015

IT WAS WARM for mid-November. They sat on the terrace of a little restaurant. Anyplace in France, she said, how wonderful the food, the delicious wine, the gentle harmony of others there for love, food, friendship, ideas, freedom, the joys of life.

They had been through the wars together, fallen in love amid the hail of bullets and thud of explosions in cities drenched with blood. Knowing, as the cliché put it, any moment could be their last.

It gave an intensity to love, that this person dearer to you than life itself could be extinguished at any instant. Someone you cherished so completely, composed of neurons, cells, muscles, bone, tissue and memories, could be blown apart, riddled with bullets, any second.

“I love you so much,” she said. “But I think I love you even more in Paris.”

Continue reading →

Book Extract & Giveaway: The Colletta Cassettes By Bruno Noble

Published January 21, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Bruno Noble to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Colletta Cassettes.

Liguria, Italy. Summer 1978.

The Kentish family are on holiday in idyllic medieval village of Colletta. Sixteen-year-old Sebastian is smitten with Rosetta, the hotel cleaner and waitress, much to his snobbish mother’s dismay, while his younger brother and their fellow hotel guests are obsessed by the World Cup, hosted by the murderous military junta in Argentina.

The boys’ father, Peter Kentish, has very different motivations for the trip. An investigative journalist, he spends much of his time interviewing a mysterious American, a disillusioned ex-CIA agent.

As Kentish uncovers the shocking extent of Operation Gladio, he delves into some of Italy’s darkest secrets. Darker still is the involvement of the USA. Those complicit will do anything to ensure that the truth is buried. For good.

There’s a chance to win a stack of 5 Inkspot books below but first, Bruno has shared an extract from The Colletta Cassettes. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Sebastian, aged 16, is on holiday in Liguria, Italy with his parents and his brother in 1978. He is intensely attracted by Rosetta, who works at the hotel as a waitress and chambermaid, much to his mother’s disapproval.

*****

Sebastian heard the door open and there stood Rosetta, with a broom and her mop and her basket again. Against the light, she resembled an Amazon, clutching spears and a shield.

‘Hello,’ he said, resisting the impulse to stand, recalling his mother’s instruction that one stands for a lady but not for a servant.

‘I’ve come to clean,’ she said.

She wore cut-off denim shorts and a blue and white striped man’s shirt rolled up at the arms and tied around her waist.

‘You’re holding it upside down,’ said Rosetta, indicating his book with a nod.

Furiously embarrassed, Sebastian turned the book the other way only to find that he’d been holding it the right way up to begin with.

‘Very funny,’ he said righting the book immediately, now just furious.

Rosetta laughed. ‘So,’ she said and ran her tongue across her top lip, ‘your mother is an artist, your father is a writer and you’re a reader.’

‘What do you know about my father?’ asked Sebastian with interest.

Rosetta shrugged. ‘I saw him yesterday. Everyone is by the pool and he’s there with his typewriter. And you’re here with your book.’

That had been said rather contemptuously, Sebastian felt. ‘And what do you do? When you’re not – working?’ He’d intended to say ‘cleaning’ but he’d been afraid he’d sound like his mother.

She shrugged again.

‘Don’t you have any hobbies?’

‘I fight.’ That was said nonchalantly.

‘You fight?’ Sebastian couldn’t keep the note of astonishment from his voice.

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NK Chats To… Thomas Roehlk

Published January 20, 2026 | By Laura

Hello Thomas. Thank you so much for joining me today. What sets your book, Fire Feud, apart from others in your genre?

I consider my genre as thriller, with the sub-genre of legal thriller. I have much respect for women in the corporate law world, and I believe my work shines a light on this type of character in the crowded world of thrillers.

What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer?

My favorite was from a review I received on my first book, Red Deuce. It was “Red Deuce shows the author’s behind-the-scenes understanding of how corporations work, making it seem all too credible. The plot keeps you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, he throws another curveball that leaves you eagerly flipping pages to uncover the truth.”

Why did you choose this setting/topic?

Choosing Chicago as a setting provides an amazing city with amazing history, and therefore amazing opportunities to build stories. My protagonist is a study in contrasts. She finds herself unable to poke the beast until it reveals its web of intrigue and illegality, and the story of intermingled crime and espionage allows the protagonist to push herself into solving the mystery.

Which author(s) most inspired you?

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Cover Reveal: The Heart-Shaped Box By Lucy Kaufman

Published January 20, 2026 | By Laura

I am so excited to be revealing the cover for The Heart-Shaped Box, the upcoming novel by Lucy Kaufman.

The page-turning psychological thriller novella about infatuation, revenge and the lengths we will go to for love.

“She pressed her nose gingerly to the glass, peering unblinking through the viscous liquid at her gift.”

Victorian, rural Sussex. When headstrong daughter of a rector, Constance Timothy, receives a flurry of gifts in pretty little boxes from the charming, smouldering student doctor Smith Williams, her whole family anticipates a future betrothal.

Yet beneath the exquisite pastel lids and satin bows lie macabre secrets that entice Constance into a private world of obsession and darkness, where morality becomes blurred, loyalties are tested and unthinkable acts are possible.

One secret will shake the genteel world she knows to the core…

The first book of The Carousel of Curiosities series, this haunting novella is perfect for readers of Sarah Waters, Laura Purcell, and Angela Carter.

OK, now we know a bit about the story, it’s time to reveal the cover. Are you ready? Drumroll…3…2…1…

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Book Review: The Locked Room By Holly Hepburn

Published January 19, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Holly Hepburn to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her lateset book, The Locked Room.

Join Harriet White in 1930’s London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.

After a very close call on the Norfolk Fens, Harriet White is about ready to hang up her deerstalker and settle back into her normal life, working in a bank on Baker Street. Until she discovers a letter in The Times newspaper challenging Sherlock Holmes to prove his status as the world’s greatest detective, by solving an impossible mystery. The letter, signed Professor James Moriarty, advises Holmes that the crime will be committed within the following seven days. There will be no further clues – Holmes himself must deduce which crime is the correct one to investigate.

Dismissing the letter as a prank, Harry goes about her business until news breaks of the theft of valuable jewel collection from a safe in an apparently locked room in a Mayfair townhouse.

Intrigued in spite of her misgivings, Harry dons a disguise and investigates. But as she begins to unpick the puzzle, a body is found. And now, a stranger, and far more deadly mystery begins to unfold around her…

*****

Harry White takes her job as Secretary to Sherlock Holmes seriously. However, when a seemingly real challenge set by Holmes’ nemesis, Moriarty is laid down, it’s not long before Harry is pulled into a potentially dangerous game.

Having read the premise for this book, I jumped at the chance to be part of the blog tour. I couldn’t wait to get started.

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Book Review: Celebrations at the Beach Hotel By Francesca Capaldi

Published January 18, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Francesca Capaldi back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Celebrations at the Beach Hotel.

Sisters Alice and Annie have always been close but will a man come between them?

Annie and Alice love their life working at the Beach Hotel together and each is thrilled to have finally found a sweetheart. Yet the path of true love never did run smooth, and they soon find themselves facing conflict and strife. Could love come between them and the bond they share?

Meanwhile, as men start to come home from the war, the women have to work out how to keep their jobs, although they are delighted to be back with their beaus. Soon, wedding bells ring out in Littlehampton.

Will everything be made right in time for Christmas?

*****

It’s a pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for the latest novel in Francesca Capaldi’s Beach Hotel series.

Even though we’ve featured this series before, it’s my first review. I am not sure how that’s happened. This is book six in the series. Although I felt that reading previous novels would enrich my experience of this book, I didn’t feel that I had missed any important information so it can be read as a standalone.

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Book Extract: The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave By Sarah Rodi

Published January 17, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Sarah Rodi to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave.

A spicy, forbidden love Viking romance

Their forbidden tryst…

Is treason!

Helena’s spent her life preparing to be the Byzantine Prince’s bride. But when his cruel disinterest turns her position perilous, she finds salvation in fierce warrior Viggo. As the Prince’s personal guard, he knows her betrothed like no other. Could Viggo help her win his affections?

Only, Helena swiftly discovers the man she craves is not her husband-to-be…but thrillingly rugged Viggo! To act on their desires would be committing treason. Getting caught could be fatal. And yet, resisting their illicit connection feels like a fate worse than death…

Sarah has kindly shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

The Viking She Shouldn’t Crave is set in 10^th century Constantinople, where skilled Viking warriors fought for emperors in return for great riches, and the royal princes picked their wives at bride shows.

The story begins when the bishop’s daughter, Helena, is chosen at the bride show. Prince Marianos must marry to sire an heir, and Helena must wed to save her family from financial ruin, but during their first moments alone, the prince’s charming façade drops, and Helena’s ideas of a romantic union are shattered.

She is surprised when his Varangian commander, Viggo, is kind to her, despite his belief that she is marrying the prince for wealth and status.

In this scene, Helena has snuck out of the palace and gone to Viggo’s home to ask for his help to win over the prince’s affections. But she soon discovers it is not the prince’s heart, but that of his right-hand man she cares about, but any attraction between them is forbidden, and Viggo must resist temptation – he needs the wedding to take place to receive his coin and help his pregnant sister…

*****

‘I wanted to talk to you about the Prince,’ she said, wringing her hands. ‘You’ve seen what it’s like. He has chosen to distance himself from me and there’s just days to go until the wedding.’ She paced away, towards a large ornate mirror. She was distracted by her reflection. Her cheeks were pink, her eyes bright and her hair had come loose from her braids after wearing that helmet, tendrils framing her face. ‘Zoe has told me I need to rectify the situation, yet Marianos won’t let me near him to see or speak to him.’

‘I’m sure he will come round,’ he said. But then he frowned. ‘Unless… Are you saying you want to break off the engagement?’

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: No Music Allowed

Published January 16, 2026 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: No Music Allowed.

Your character, a musician, has woken up from another night where they’ve indulged in something they shouldn’t have. As they try to piece together what happened, they become aware that they can’t hear music.

What happens? Why has this happened?

Have fun!

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Book Extract: A Brotherly Devotion By Jill Bray

Published January 13, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Jill Bray to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, A Brotherly Devotion.

YORK 1224: On a hot July night, Brother Clement is savagely murdered when returning from administering to Lady Maud de Mowbray.

Simon de Hale, Sheriff of Yorkshire, is in his office when Abbot Robert visits to inform him of the murder, and request that he take responsibility for investigating the killing.

Simon is unsure whether the murder is a crime against the Abbey, or if it is a more personal matter against the monk.

Commencing their investigation, Simon and his deputy, Adam, ride out to see Lady Maud de Mowbray at Overton – the last person to see Brother Clement alive. When they encounter her son, Roger de Mowbray, they both take an instant dislike to him.

Lady Mowbray reveals to Simon that she intends to leave her money to the Abbey, and Simon can see this being a motive for the monk’s murder, if her son was aware of this.

The investigation gathers pace and a murder weapon is found.

A banquet is held at the castle to honour the Royal Justice – during which, one of the guests is exposed as the murderer and apprehended. But that will not be the end of the story for Simon and his family.

Jill has shared an extract from A Brotherly Devotion with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

This extract is taken from Chapter 5 when Alexander visits Simon to ask for Katherine’s hand in marriage, only to be told that Simon has already promised her to Lord Fitzwarren and has received the King’s approval for the match.

*****

“Alexander, it is good to finally meet you. My daughter Katherine has told me about you.”

Alexander looked up expectantly and a little surprised. “So, you know why I am here then?”

Simon nodded. “Katherine spoke with me last evening.” He was about to continue when Alexander interrupted.

“So, you will know that I love her very much.” He began eagerly, his blue eyes sparkling and clearly nervous. “I have spoken with my own father, and he is agreeable to the marriage. I can assure you that I will take care of her and provide for her. After we are married, we will live with my family to start with, but in time I am hoping to renovate one of the properties on my father’s estate.”

Simon admired Alexanders’ enthusiasm, but he held up his hand to stop him from continuing. He had to put an end to this now, before it went too far. The last thing he wanted was to lead Alexander into thinking there was any chance of him marrying Katherine.

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Book Extract & Giveaway: Poole of Light By RJ Verity

Published January 11, 2026 | By Laura

I’m delighted to be welcoming RJ Verity to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Poole of Light, book one in The Poole Legacy.

A coal-mining town. A flicker of light. A boy who dreams of more.

Spennymoor, 1913. When ten-year-old Jem Poole sees a moving picture for the first time, it ignites a spark. Raised in a northern coal-mining town marked by grief and hardship, he begins to dream of more than soot and survival. He dreams of light.

Through war, reinvention, and the golden age of British cinema, Jem rises to national success, building a legacy of silver screens and stories that define a generation. But when a figure from his past reappears, long-buried memories resurface, and he must confront the truth of the life he has built – and the memories that never let go.

Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Britain, Poole of Light is a richly layered historical debut about ambition, identity, and the stories that shape us.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

Character-driven historical fiction with emotional depth
Coming-of-age novels set in 20th-century England
Themes of legacy, reinvention, and quiet redemption
Authors like Jo Baker, Kristin Hannah, Amor Towles and Anthony Doerr

We have a chance for you to win a limited edition copy of Poole of Light but first, RJ Verity has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

INTRO

In this scene, Jem sets out with a simple, determined goal: to earn enough money to buy a ticket to see a moving picture. What he encounters instead is a painful lesson in class and belonging. Moving from shop to shop, Jem discovers that opportunity is not equally available to everyone, and the invisible boundaries of his town begin to reveal themselves. Yet even in the face of rejection, his resilience drives him forward – until he reaches the final shop on the street, where a very different kind of conversation unfolds. This moment marks the beginning of his fight for a future beyond the limits others place on him.

*****

Jem starts his quest at the far end of Whitworth Terrace. He is standing in front of a grand, two-storey building boasting full length glass displays on the ground floor, and tall arched windows above. Coats of arms and flags punctuate the front pillars in alternate fashion. The main entrance is a double brass swing-door, framed with shiny dark wood, above it the words Spennymoor Co-operative Society in gold lettering. He’s never been inside before, but Daisy says it’s as posh as St Paul’s Church. Trust her to know.

The glass door is heavy and he gives it a hard push. Inside, a whiff of sweet citrus fills the brightly lit hall. Smartly dressed shop assistants stand behind neatly arranged counters and – as it’s still early and with only a few customers present – all attention turns to him. He looks down at his scuffed boots and Archie’s jacket and trousers that are two sizes too big. It would be easier to turn and leave, but his desire to get a job and buy a ticket to see a moving picture is greater. He pats down his hair, holds his shoulders back and walks forward, facing straight ahead, glancing nervously from one assistant to the next. He spots a kind-looking middle-aged lady, smiling as she folds squares of fabric, and approaches her.

‘Hello, Ma’am.’

She glances up, her eyebrows rising as quickly as her smile vanishes.

‘I’m …’ He clears his throat. ‘I’d like a job, Ma’am.’

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Book Review: Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland

Published January 10, 2026 | By Laura

I’m so excited to be welcoming Jessica Redland back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Tomorrow Starts Today.

It’s never too late to find yourself… 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman’s world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it’s never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

*****

It’s been five years since Yvonne lost her husband, Cliff. Since then, she’s been going through the motions with only her patchwork quilting and her Parrot for company. When she spots a Cake & Crafts club advertised in the local newsletter, she takes a chance and decides to go. WIll this one decision change Yvonne’s life or will she lose her nerve?

I have made no secret of the fact that I love Jessica Redland’s novels and was not disappointed with her latest release, Tomorrow Starts Today.

My first impression of Yvonne is that she needs a big hug. Despite it being being five years since she lost her husband, she is still greiving and this subject is approached with care and the author shows that the process isn’t linear.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Pick & Mix

Published January 9, 2026 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt – Pick & Mix.

Pick one from each list –

Place –

Night bus terminal

Basement car park

Hotel Lobby during a blackout.

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Book Spotlight: Take a Look at Me Now by Robert Crane

Published January 9, 2026 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Robert Crane to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book as we shine a light on Take a Look at Me Now.

In Take a Look at Me Now, Robert Crane presents a story rooted in everyday moments during a difficult period. The novel captures what it feels like when normal patterns begin to shift.

When Carrie Welter experiences a mental breakdown, her son Bubby’s life becomes unmoored. At fifteen, he finds himself navigating a world stripped of certainty, while his mother retreats into her own struggle.

Bubby’s attempts to assert control lead to poor decisions and unintended consequences—embarrassment, strained relationships, and growing anger. Without a stable foundation, he begins questioning not just his present, but the gaps in his past.

His search for the father he never knew becomes a way to confront long-held questions about identity and belonging. Take a Look at Me Now captures the emotional weight of stagnation and the quiet tension of a family suspended between what was and what might be.

His latest novel, Take a Look at Me Now is available to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US and Waterstones.

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Book Extract: The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner

Published January 8, 2026 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Naomi Kuttner to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting.

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions. But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date. And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

The ‘Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting’ is a cosy paranormal mystery with found family, ghosts, a grumpy assassin and a sunshine gardener.

Come for the murder, stay for the cat, the gardens, and the New Zealand country charm.

Naomi has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

In which Dante grapples with moral ambiguity.

Dante drew the blinds, checked the room for any details that might identify his location, and sat at his desk in his front parlour. It was time for a weekly Thursday meeting he’d attended without fail for the last six months.

Under the desk, his fingers wrapped around the handle of his Glock 17. He let out a slow breath, chasing the inner calm his therapist had said this would bring. His fingers tightened around the stippled grip of the gun, the polymer plastic cool against his palm.

The cat butted its head against his calf, and Dante’s pulse slowed. His focus drew inwards to a single point as his shoulders relaxed. It was time.

Dante keyed the connection, and the screen of his computer flared to life. Looking back at him were four faces: John, Aubrey, Jasmine, and Frankie. Four retired assassins, four members of Assassins Anonymous, four killers doing their level best to keep their days homicide free.

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Novel Kicks Book Club: The God Of The Woods by Liz Moore

Published January 7, 2026 | By Laura

Hello to 2026. Howdy to January.

Why is it that all the other months have up to 31 days but January feels like it drags on for a decade?

I’m hoping that you’re as excited as I am about January’s book pick and that it will help you get through this loooooonnnnng month.

The book we’re reading this month is The God of The Woods by Liz Moore.

I first came across a snippet of this book from the Taylor Swift documentary, The End of an Era on Disney+. Even though I only heard a few lines, it had me hooked.

So, how does our book club work?

If you’re new to our book club, welcome. Anyone can join and it can be at any point in the month. Maybe you’ve already read it and want to talk about it or you’ll be reading along with me?

I’ve posted a question below to start the discussion.

I am looking forward to seeing you there.

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NK Chats To… Elliott Ajai-Ajagbe Daley

Published December 22, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Elliott, thank you so much for joining me today as we shine a light on your book, Winter Solstice: Precipice of a Dream. Can you tell us a bit about your journey as a young Black author. How did writing begin for you?

When I was little, I really struggled to read. I remember proudly spelling “is”, “I-Z” in class — and everyone laughing at me. In that moment I promised myself I’d crack the literacy code and write a book of my own some day. Soon after, I was put in a reading recovery programme, and thanks to them, I quickly caught up. From there, I became obsessed with reading — I couldn’t stop and teachers had to keep taking me to the library to get more books.

Who inspired that love of reading?

My mum. She was an actress, clown, and children’s entertainer — she filled our home with stories and imagination. She used to play these videos with a catchy tune that went, “YOU CAN READ!” to encourage me. After I finally learned, I fell completely in love with books. She also got me and my brother into circus skills training — I even dreamt of joining the circus at one point!

What inspired Winter Solstice: Precipice of a Dream?

It started with my childhood belief in Santa. We didn’t have much money growing up, and I remember one year, when we were living at a shelter, Santa came to visit. When I saw he was Black, I said to him the same thing society had said me to me my whole life: “Santa isn’t black”.

Then I pulled off his beard to prove it — turns out it was my mum’s godfather just trying to bring the kids some Christmas joy. That moment really made me question what Christmas meant to me. All the media told me Santa couldn’t be black, but the only real Santa is the one that shows up and mine was a loving member of my black family. Did anything else matter?

As I got older, I started to see Christmas as both magical and difficult — a time of love for some, and pressure for others. One Christmas, an image popped into my head and to me it perfectly sums up what Christmas has become: a corporate Santa with a cigar in a gothic sleigh. He had armoured reindeer and elves pointing guns at the humans who were on their knees in the snow, holding up piles of cash, as every time you see Santa, it’s time to pay. He is the ultimate symbol of capitalism. That image blossomed into a world and that world inspired this story..

That’s a bold take on Christmas! How do you see your story reflecting today’s world?

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Book Extract: My Greek Island Christmas by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Published December 21, 2025 | By Laura

It’s an absolute pleasure to be welcoming Effrosyni Moschoudi back to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her latest book, My Greek Island Christmas.

Two die-hard cynics when it comes to love meet on a small family farm on the alluring Greek island of Santorini, and the magic of Christmas goes to work.

Cathy Roussos, a Greek-American single mom, swore off love many years ago after a painful breakup. Her nine-year-old son, the energetic but rather shy Leo, is everything she lives for. When she takes a temp job as a housekeeper for the Christmas season at a small family farm on the island of Santorini, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the standoffish son of the owner.

Alex Rallis, a veterinarian living in Athens, is a sworn bachelor. As Christmas draws near, he is offered an ideal job abroad. Before taking it, he has to sell the family farm in Santorini and find a new place for his elderly father. The last place Alex wants to be at Christmas is the farm that holds painful memories, but he can’t avoid it. His father will only agree to sell the farm and move out if Alex spends one last Christmas with him there. It seems the old man has a ploy in mind, and a string of adorable locals have their parts to play, too. Next thing you know, Christmas cheer is shared all around, old sad tales are retold in different ways, and romantic love swirls through the air deliciously, like the aromatic steam of hot chocolate.

Can these two wounded souls find happiness together? They say Christmas holds its own magic, and Santorini can be just as enchanting. Even in the midst of winter, its allure remains—enough to give anyone a chance to heal and open up their heart.

Effrosyni has kindly shared an extract from My Greek Island Christmas with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

The roosters had done the trick at ten minutes past six, according to Cathy’s watch. It was impossible to get back to sleep once she was awake, even after burying her head under the pillow to shield her ears from the high-pitched noises.

Plus, with Leo giggling every time a new animal sound echoed in the distance, she felt now more awake than she’d ever expected to be at this early hour.

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NK Chats To… Jodie Morgan

Published December 19, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Jodie. Thank you for joining me today. Can you tell me about Murder at the Summer Cheese Festival and what inspired it?

Thank you so much for having me, Laura! I’m really excited to be here.

Murder At The Summer Cheese Festival follows Laura Evans, who’s traded her high-stress Boston restaurant career for the charm of small-town Vermont.

She thinks she’s found peace as the new café manager at the Silver Springs General Store, but when a body turns up after a pre-festival cheese tasting…her boss Maggie becomes the prime suspect. With the festival just two weeks away and the store’s reputation on the line, Laura can’t just stand by and watch her new life crumble!

With the help of her observant landlady, Evelyn Chan, she discovers beneath Silver Springs’ picture-perfect surface lies a web of rivalries, secrets, and scandals.

The inspiration came from so many parts of my life coming together.

My background in hospitality (studying it at university and working long hours in restaurants and cafés) taught me the skills you need for excellent hospitality work are the same an amateur sleuth would need: observation, empathy, and reading the room.

Then there was my love of fall colors, mountains, and all the gorgeous produce of that season: apples, late summer berries, maple syrup, and my favorite, cheese! When I pictured where all this would happen, I immediately thought of Vermont with its stunning fall foliage, beautiful mountains, and those amazing annual cheese festivals.

And I had to include the crafting community. My maternal grandmother, Mama, taught me to knit and crochet, and after nine years as a knitting and crochet blogger, I knew that world had to be part of this story. The crafting community is so generous and kind!

What are the challenges of writing a book in a series? What things do you need to consider?

I knew I wanted to write a series, because the books I enjoy the most are part of a series! If you look at my Goodreads, you’ll see many Poirot and Miss Marple novels!

A series lets the reader become part of the community. You watch people grow, make mistakes, repair relationships, and discover things about themselves. I want readers to feel like they’re returning to a welcoming place when they pick up the next book.

The challenge is keeping track of all the details!

You need to remember what happened in previous books, what secrets have been revealed, and what relationships have developed. I keep detailed notes about every character, location, and item within Silver Springs and the series’ wider world.

You also need to balance making each book satisfying on its own while still moving the series forward. New readers should be able to pick up any book and enjoy it, but long-time readers deserve those lovely little callbacks and character growth moments.

I suppose it’d be like juggling, and I’ll do my best to get it right as the series progresses.

How do you approach the planning, writing, and editing processes and how long does it take you before you complete the book?

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Celebration Figures Support Group

Published December 19, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s Prompt: Celebration Figures Support Group.

Your character is someone that is tied to a festive season, a celebration or a tradition – think Father Christmas, The Easter Bunny, Cupid etc. Put in as many as you’d like/can think of.

They have all come together for their weekly support meeting the week before 25th December.

Write a story about what happens at the meeting. Start with the sentence below –

‘Hey, Father Christmas, you made it.’

Have fun.

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Blog : Book Review: Beyond and Within: Then There Were More – Edited by Martin Edwards

Published December 19, 2025 | By Laura

Beyond and Within: Then There Were More.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll already know how big a fan I am of crime fiction. I therefore jumped at the chance to review Beyond and Within: Then There Were More, the latest anthology from The Crime Writer’s Association. It’s a collection of 19 vintage crime stories, edited by Martin Edwards.

The book itself is beautiful with its decorated page edges. It would look lovely on the bookshelf.

This book starts off strong with a story from Ann Perry. Heroes is the tale of a Chaplain in the trenches during the First World War. The author does an incredible job of setting a scene and placing the reader into the horrible conditions faced by the soldiers during this time. If this story can make me feel uncomfortable, then I can’t even imagine how it actually was for men who lived through it. It also felt topical given the state of the world.

A Cabinet of Curiosities by Christine Poulson features Rufus and Simon as they seek a Jesuit priest. This one had a magical quality to it; like a stronger force was present. I hope that makes sense. The story telling in this short story was really compelling and I could have read a whole novel with these characters.

Andrew Taylor’s The Cost of Living came next. This one doesn’t pull punches when it comes to shock value. The main character is a private detective in a race against time to help his client.

Who Killed Adonis? by Amy Myers explores greek myth – Aphrodite specifically and the mystery of who killed Adonis. This story was a proper mini whodunnit and I was totally there for it. I have always held a fascination for greek mythology and this has reignited my want to research. The imagery in this story is also fantastic. I want it to be adapted for TV or film.

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Christmas Gift Guide For Book Lovers 2025

Published December 17, 2025 | By Laura

I love getting literary themed presents for Christmas.

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting to Christmas day evening where dinner is done, presents have been given and I can rest in the quiet of the night with a book or a book themed item that I’ve luckily been gifted.

If, like my family, you have a bibliophile in your life and are struggling on what to get them, here are five of my recommendations. The best part, they are all under £20 (I am not getting paid to promote these, I just love them).

A Literary Cat For Every Day Of The Year by Tara Richardson. (RRP 14.99)

This is my kind of present.. Cats and books. I don’t think it gets better. This book by Tara Richardson brings together quotes and passages from some of the best cats in literature. It includes generalised quotes about cats to more famous sayings from T.S Elliot to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

I am a proper cat lady, and I am not ashamed to say that I may purchase this for myself if I don’t get it for Christmas. I have been dropping hints to Mr. Novel Kicks. Haha.

There is an entry for every day of the year so it’s the gift that keeps on giving all the way through 2026.

It can be purchased at Waterstones.

50 Must-Read Books Of The World Bucket List 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. (£18.00)

OK, I know this isn’t technically a book but it’s a puzzle with books on it so I feel it counts…right? I know I would love this. I have gained an appreciation for jigsaw puzzles as I’ve grown older.

This puzzle is made up of 1000 pieces and would be a perfect way to spend a couple of hours in that strange time between Christmas and New Year. Does anyone keep up with the days during that weird passage of time? This puzzle will also potentially give the reader in your life a chance to discover new book titles to add to the TBR pile.

The website also suggests that, once you’re done putting it together, you could frame it which I think is a lovely idea.

This item can be purchased at The Literary Gift Company.

Beyond & Within – Then There Were More Crime Anthology – edited by Martin Edwards. (£16.99)

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Book Extract: First Descent by Mike Pace

Published December 17, 2025 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Mike Pace to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, First Descent.

There’s a wintry tension threaded through First Descent by Mike Pace, where echoes of an old Arctic disappearance begin to intersect with modern forces. The story moves between worlds shaped by myth, ambition, and shifting time, creating a steady sense that long-buried power is pressing toward the surface as the mystery deepens.

Eighteen years ago, Virgil Landowski embarked on a treacherous Arctic mission in search of a cave said to hold red diamonds and a primordial winter power. His disappearance left behind unanswered questions and a peculiar geode that his son Nick never understood.

Now a pragmatic mine foreman, Nick keeps his life simple—until a mining accident fractures the geode and exposes a hidden key. That moment thrusts him into an escalating chase through two converging realities: a contemporary world pulsing with corporate ambition surrounding the iconic Coca-Cola formula, and an ancient realm where sorcerers and shifting time wield formidable influence.

As Nick retraces his father’s final steps, he confronts enemies who will stop at nothing to bury connections linking the legendary recipe to an age-old force capable of unsettling the foundation of Christmas itself.

With every discovery, he draws closer to the truth his father pursued—one that could alter the balance between myth and the modern world.

Mike has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Seventy minutes later, his lungs about to burst, Virgil clawed his way to the top of a rocky ridge and found himself standing on the edge of a clearing. The impossible sun had long since disappeared. No moon or stars; the sky hovered tight overhead like a suffocating black blanket. He glanced again at his watch. Deadline approaching fast. He needed to reach the center of the clearing quickly.

Expecting the level terrain to ease his journey, he set out. Almost immediately he sank thigh-deep into the powdery snow and struggled to move. Before departing from Nevada he’d considered bringing snowshoes, but his boots had been too bulky to fit into the bindings. Again, the trade-off had been warmth over nimbleness, and he’d chosen warmth. In retrospect, given that his lack of cleats had almost cost him his life and now without snowshoes the whole purpose of his mission could dissolve because he would be delayed crossing the clearing, a big mistake.

Continue reading →

NK Chats To… Dr. Brent Bradley

Published December 16, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Dr. Brent Bradley to Novel Kicks and thank you for inviting us onto your blog tour. How did you research your book, Frantic?

I did a lot of research! I went deep into AI magazine articles, online articles, and research articles. I also watched a lot of Youtube videos on AI, especially interviews with leading engineers in the field of AI.

What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?

The toughest scenes for me were the romantic ones from a female perspective. For me as a male, it’s not easy to authentically write what a female character is feeling when it comes to romance and attraction. However, I’ve done couples therapy for 25 years so I have a LOT to pull from!

Where do you get your ideas?

I tend to get ideas from areas that I am already interested in, and ones that I think others are too. They MUST provide a context for juicy relationship dynamics, which is my specialty. I let ideas simmer for quite a while before writing anything. Other ideas start flowing during these “simmer” times too. I do a lot of research, so ideas come from the research findings as well.

What sets your book apart from others in your genre?

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Book Extract: Fine Points Malice and Payback by Sherrie Todd Beshore

Published December 15, 2025 | By Laura

Join me in welcoming Sherrie Todd Beshore to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Fine Points Malice and Payback.

Fine Points Malice and Payback by Sherrie Todd Beshore presents a layered look at intersecting cold cases, rising departmental pressure, and a detective’s private search for identity.

Through a tense Tucson backdrop, the story follows how a pattern of murders emerges just as personal questions long buried begin to rise to the surface.

Rookie Detective Andrew Coates identifies striking links among three long-stalled murder cases, a discovery that unexpectedly places him at the center of a fresh homicide investigation.

When a fourth victim is found under similarly disturbing circumstances, Andrew is tasked with pulling together threads that refuse to align neatly. His work takes on new urgency when a fifth victim survives, offering the first sliver of a lead—and an emotional complication involving the victim’s sister.

While sorting through interviews, evidence gaps, and shifting motives, Andrew must also face the unresolved mystery of his own beginnings. Abandoned as an infant and raised in foster care, he finds that the search for answers professionally mirrors the questions he’s avoided personally. In a case where every detail matters, the collision of past and present shapes the path forward.

Sherrie Todd Beshore has shared an extract from Fine Points Malice and Payback with us today.

*****beginning of extract*****

CHAPTER 4

Hospital security towed Detective Coates’ Bronco.

From the hospital emergency parking lot he was able to flag down a patrol car for a ride back to the Stone Avenue police station. As tempted as he was to take the wise advice of Dr. Lopez, he felt compelled to keep going.

Now was the time to interview Rosa Chavez’s landlord, her neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family even though the shock was still like an open wound.

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Audible Book Review: A Little Christmas Magic by Suzanne Rogerson

Published December 13, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so happy to be welcoming Suzanne Rogerson to Novel Kicks and the Audible blog tour for A Little Christmas Magic. Book 2 in the Winter Warmer Series.

Part of the Winter Warmers Series, A Little Christmas Magic is a heart-warming collection of stories with a focus on family, friendship, love and goodwill.

From a much-loved family pet that goes missing to a neighbour in need.
Chance meetings and the kindness of strangers.
Overcoming trauma to help others and being prepared to make sacrifices.
A father rushing to get home to his kids in time for Christmas.

Dive into a short and sweet story to get you in the festive spirit.

Eight Stories included:
Poppy’s Christmas Wish
Last Minute Dash
Driving Home for Christmas
The Honeymoon Period
A Christmas Toast
The Last Train Home
The Wrong Post
Taking Care of Belle

*****

I do love myself some festive fiction and A Little Christmas Magic was just that, magic.

Made up of a series of short stories, there is something for everyone in this book. All of the stories were heart-warming. Some were a little sad but had a positive message at their heart.

Poppy’s Christmas Wish is the first story in this collection and it’s a strong start as it doesn’t take long to tug at all the feels. It features Lauren, Mike, Poppy and Kitty the cat.

Last Minute Dash is one of the shorter stories in the collection and tells the story of a man, a woman and a chance meeting.. When I started to read, I immediately got Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses in my head.

Driving Home For Christmas was next. There was something about this story that just screamed ‘the magic of Christmas.’ Nigel is struggling to make a last minute delivery before he can go home to his family. He meets Fred and Betty and they help him find his way.

Continue reading →

Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Walking Into A Snow Globe

Published December 12, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s Prompt: Walking into a Snowglobe.

Your character is not the biggest fan of Christmas. Why this is the case is up to you. Maybe they’ve never liked it? Maybe they have a bad memory they don’t want to face?

One day, a random person hands them a small snowglobe with the North Pole inside. After trying to return it, they end up having to take it home.

They discover the scene inside the snowglobe starts to move. Your character looks closer and then is mysteriously pulled into the scene where things are very real.

Write about their time there. What do they find?

This can be as festive as you like.

Have fun.

Continue reading →

Book Extract: The Unswitchable by Yoav Blum

Published December 12, 2025 | By Laura

I’m so excited to be welcoming Yoav Blum to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Unswitchable.

A world where identity can be borrowed, traded, or escaped creates an instantly intriguing premise in The Unswitchable by Yoav Blum. The contrast between universal shapeshifting and one man’s inability to change forms the center of a story shaped by danger, secrecy, and shifting trust.

In a society where identity has become fluid and interchangeable, the idea of being permanently anchored to one body carries unexpected consequences. The Unswitchable imagines a world transformed by the Switch-Bracelet—technology that allows people to step into new forms for convenience, ambition, or escape. Amid this culture of effortless reinvention, one person’s inability to switch turns into a dangerous anomaly. When a dying stranger occupying a temporary body delivers a message tied to a part of his life he never understood, the fragile distance he keeps from the world collapses. Assassins with ever-changing faces quickly descend, hunting for something he carries without knowing. With no way to hide inside another body and no certainty about who is approaching him at any moment, he must navigate a maze built on deception, borrowed identities, and shifting allegiances. His unchanging self—once isolating—becomes the only reliable constant in a chase that forces him to confront the truth of why he alone remains unswitchable.

Yoav has shared an extract from The Unswitchable with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

(Content: Violence)

*****beginning of extract*****

She took a deep breath, her eyes cast down toward the glass of water in her hands. The light of the setting sun snuck through the open window behind her, painting the back of her right shoulder.

I looked at her, trying again to decide whether to believe her story.

She shuddered. The air in the room suddenly felt different, or perhaps I just imagined it. When she lifted her eyes toward me, I saw something that wasn’t there a moment earlier. Urgency, panic, maybe.

“Dan?” she asked.

The tone of her voice changed. It was the tone people use when they want to say something important, or when they’re suffering from amnesia and have no idea who you are. I wagered on the former.

She moved toward me, abruptly, stepping into the light of the setting sun.

“Dan?” she asked again.

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Book Review: A Christmas Caroline by K.L. Crear

Published December 9, 2025 | By Laura

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming K.L. Crear to Novel Kicks and the blog blitz for her book, A Christmas Caroline.

Caroline’s got frugality down to a fine art. She can make a tin of soup stretch for days, considers “reduced to clear” her love language, and thinks Christmas is just a daft excuse for people to throw their money away on tinsel trimmed tat.

But Christmas Eve night takes a turn when her best mate, Marlene, drops in for a chat. Lovely, right? Except Marlene’s been dead for seven years and she’s got a message for Caroline, she will be visited by three spirits and if she doesn’t pay attention, her future’s looking bleaker than the contents of her fridge freezer.

Caroline’s convinced she’s having a hallucination. Ghosts? Surely not! But as the night goes on, she starts to wonder if she might just learn something worth more than her latest discount voucher. And for someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing, this might be the wake-up call she didn’t see coming.

Move over Ebenezer! This modern, laugh-out-loud retelling of the Dickens classic has a new Scrooge in town. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella.

*****

Caroline is not a fan of Christmas. She’d much rather spend 25th December alone than spend any money and time with others. In fact, to be more accurate, she’s not a fan of people and spending money throughout the year either.

However, she’s about to be shown the errors of her ways by a very specific group. Can Caroline find merriment in the festive season and beyond?

Oh I do love a festive story and this one did not disappoint.

Continue reading →

Book Review: The Garden of Shared Stories by Clare Swatman

Published December 8, 2025 | By Laura

It’s so exciting to be welcoming Clare Swatman back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, The Garden of Shared Stories.

Emma is at an all-time low the day she meets Nick. She sits down in a quiet rose garden in her local park, and from nowhere a handsome man sits next to her and turns her world upside down.

Over the weeks, she and Nick meet regularly, always in the same place, always at the same time. They discover they have a lot in common – shared heartbreak, and shared dreams. They tell each other stories about the people they’ve lost – things they’ve never told anyone else. Bit by bit, they get to know each other, and fall in love.

But there’s a catch, because however much they have in common, they have one big thing keeping them apart… twenty years apart. Because when Nick is sitting in the garden it’s 1999 – two decades before Emma is there.

Emma never expected to fall in love again, but now she has, she’s not going to give up on it without a fight. But how do you turn something impossible into a happy ever after?

*****

Emma is mourning the loss of her husband, Greg whist Nick is trying to move on after the death of his wife, Dawn. Through a twist of fate, they both find themselves visiting the bandstand in the town gardens at the same time. Will they see where life takes them or will they be kept apart by a force stronger than fate?

I have been a fan of Clare Swatman’s books for a long time and never pass on an opportunity to jump onto one of her blog tours if I can and so, I couldn’t wait to get started on The Garden of Shared Stories.

I want to start by saying how pretty this cover is. Stunning.

OK, so down to the story. In one word, masterful.

The author wastes no time in tugging at the heartstrings and pulling the reader right into the story and taking hold, not letting go until the end.

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Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: You Find Yourself Back At School

Published December 5, 2025 | By Laura

It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.

Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.

The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.

Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.

Today’s prompt: You Find Yourself Back At School.

After wishing they could go back to school and change the day where things started to go wrong but with the knowledge of life they’ve built in adulthood, your character wakes up and finds themselves in their old childhood bedroom. They are fifteen.

They go to school. Write about a school day in their life that changed everything – they are staring in the christmas show maybe? What do they do differently? Is there something that they misremebered?

Have fun.

Continue reading →

NK Chats To… Darryl Barkwill

Published December 5, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Darryl, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell us about your latest book, FC Farce and what inspired the idea?

Thanks Laura. FC Farce follows the mis-adventures of a lower league English football team. Initially known as Henlon Wanderers, the team is reluctantly inherited by Graham Farce.

After a series of mishaps, the club is forced to reform as FC Farce, which sets the tone for what lies ahead. Their debut season turns out to be a hilarious, ridiculous chaotic whirlwind, packing in just about everything that can go wrong at a football club. And at the centre of all the chaos is Graham, who is forced to try to restore the club’s reputation and ultimately save it from relegation.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals like needing silence, coffee etc?

With two young kids, I was often writing FC Farce quite late at night, it was the only time I could get peace and quiet. No huge rituals, but at times, when I was struggling for motivation, I would open a beer and try to let my mind open up a bit! Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t…

What’s your favourite word and why?

Win. Because all wins are good. Football team ‘wins’. Quick ‘wins’. Massive ‘wins’.

How do you approach the planning, research, writing and editing processes?

Planning wise, I tried to get a strong ending first and work towards that. The ending is what the reader will remember, so it has to be strong. In FC Farce’s case, the research mainly came from my own experiences of being a football fan. The events were unique but inspired by events I’ve found amusing.

I aimed to write around 500 words a day, enough to see progress but not make it too heavy. With the editing, being a new author, I sent the first draft to a beta reader to get some professional feedback. That gave me great tips on how to elevate my writing.

If you were compiling a playlist for FC Farce, which songs would you include?

Continue reading →

Book Extract: A Family Affair by Joy Wood

Published December 4, 2025 | By Laura

It’s so exciting to be welcoming Joy Wood to Novel Kicks today and the blog tour for her book, A Family Affair.

Odele Gardia . . . married to wealthy businessman Howard, is the hard-nosed matriarch of the family and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. She’s ruthless in the boardroom and not afraid to lean on adversaries.

Sebastian Gardia . . . Odele’s brother and business partner. His wife, Freya, reveals that she is pregnant with their first child.

Elliot . . . the prodigal son, is returning from America with his girlfriend, intending to propose to her.

Business is booming, her brother is going to become a father, and her son is coming home – it’s surely a time to celebrate. But Odele is hiding a huge secret and is constantly looking over her shoulder. If the secret came out, it would destroy the family.

Jimmy Alder . . . booted out of the police force, has been paid to spy on the family. The discovery he makes could have catastrophic consequences for them all.

A dysfunctional family, protectors of their power, wealth and each other, have no warning of the revelations about to erupt and the cost to their dynasty.

Joy has kindly shared an extract from A Family Affair with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Odele Gardia, matriarch of the family was sitting in their luxurious offices where her and her brother Sebastian ran a successful business selling upmarket properties in London. Seb is married to beautiful Freya who he is deeply in love with.

“Okay, what’s going on?” she asked.

“Freya and I have had a bust up,” his face crumpled as he scratched his forehead, “it’s a big one, she’s thrown me out.”

“Thrown you out? What the hell’s happened, Freya adores you?”

“Yeah well, not right now she doesn’t.” He took a deep breath, “She’s found out I’ve slept with someone.”

“You what!?”

“I know, I know, it was a one off. It just happened one night.”

“You bloody idiot! Why the hell would you do that?”

He shook his head but avoided meeting her eyes.

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NK Chats To… Robert Whanslaw

Published December 3, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Robert, thank you so much for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto your blog tour. Can you tell me about your book, Dark Orchid Affair and what inspired it?

It was an idea I’d had in my head for over ten years—how one event can change your life. I always knew I’d write it; it was just a question of when. I love understanding how people work: the psychology behind why a person is driven to do the things they do. The most interesting of those people are the ones with flaws in their character. We all have flaws, so my focus in my writing is on characters with major flaws.

What are the challenges of this genre. Also, what do to find the most fun about it?

Knowing the boundaries. Noir is dark, but you need a little bit of light in any story, so getting the mix right—and the importance of getting that balance—is something I worry about, and hope I get right. The fun parts are just that: pushing the boundaries.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any rituals?

It depends where I am in the writing. I am a big planner. This is what I would call my creative stage, and there’s no routine to this. I can wake in the middle of the night and think of an idea. I tend to wander around the world in a daze during this time. When I have the concept of the book in place, I write intensely, but I will break every thirty minutes for five to regenerate my energy.

What’s your favourite word and why?

I bought a book a few years ago about ‘words everybody should know’. I came across the word callipygian, which means well-shaped buttocks, and thought, “That is a word I am going to have to use one day.” The Dark Orchid Affair provided that opportunity when Ben watches Maxine get up from the table and head to the exit.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes people make when writing a novel for the first time?

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Novel Kicks Book Club: The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale

Published December 1, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club.

Who else is excited that it’s finally December? The tree is up, the lights are on. Ot maybe you choose to be a little bit low key for the last month of the year or are simply looking forward to a new year? However you spend December, I hope you’ll join me in our book club.

This month, I had to admit, it was the cover that originally drew me to this title. The book we’re reading is The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale.

The blurb sounds so intriguing and I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the novel.

Anyone can take part in our book club, whether you’ve read this book or if, like me, you’ll be discovering it. You can join us at any point in the month. Like always, I’ve put a question in the comments below to get the discussion going.

See you there!

About The Toymakers –

The Christmas Emporium opens with the first sign of frost . . .

It is 1917, and while war wages across Europe, in the heart of London, there is a place of hope and enchantment.

Continue reading →

NK Chats To…Susanne Dunlap

Published December 1, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Susanne, thank you so much for joining me today and for inviting Novel Kicks onto the blog tour for The Falconer’s Lost Baron. Can you tell us a little about it?

This book is #4 in my Double-Dilemma romance series, and features a few characters from the previous book—although not as protagonists. Unlike the others, The Falconer’s Lost Baron takes place in Cornwall rather than London, and not during the height of the season. The story begins on December 1, 1814 and goes through Christmas, although it’s not really a holiday romance.

In it “twin” sisters, Antonella and Belinda, discover right at the beginning that they are not, in fact, twins—or even sisters. This propels the story as Belinda tries to right a wrong and discover the mystery behind Antonella’s birth, and Antonella has to grapple with losing the identity she’s had for 18 years. Also damaged in a profound way is Lord Atherleigh, who has returned to his estate following the loss of his left hand in the battle of Nivelle and undergoing months of painful surgeries. His friend, Hector Gainesworth, tries to get him to rejoin the world—especially after he meets Belinda at a dress party during the Little Season and discovers she is a neighbor of Atherleigh in Cornwall.

Antonella’s love of birds and fascination with falconry is threaded throughout.

The Falconer’s Lost Baron is book four in the Double-Dilemma series. What are the challenges when writing a series, even when each book stands alone?

I think for me the biggest challenge has been deciding on the timing. If they’re consecutive, how do the characters in one age out of the picture? And what exactly is it that ties the books together as a series? I’ve chosen to have characters reappear, which means I have to write the possibility of those reappearances in the books that precede them. Which means, too, creating enough of a secondary character in the earlier book to make them a believable protagonist in the next book.

What’s your writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals?

I have no set writing day pattern. I work full time for myself as an editor and book coach, so I generally try to do all that work first so it’s not weighing on me before I sit down at my laptop and write. Because I’m trying to get these books out in a certain time frame, I’ve lately sacrificed what used to be my leisure reading time—the hour before bed—to writing. That means the books I read have to be consumed as audiobooks for when I’m walking, cooking, ironing, etc.

If your book featured a playlist with modern day songs, which songs would you include?

Continue reading →

Book Extract: A Husband is Hushed Up by Helen Golden

Published November 30, 2025 | By Laura

I am so pleased to be welcoming Helen Golden back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, A Husband is Hushed Up.

A fatal fall. A duchess determined to uncover the truth. And barely any time for tea.

Fenshire, 1891. It was meant to be a birthday celebration weekend in the country—cucumber sandwiches, polite conversation, and maybe a waltz or two. But when the Duke of Stortford is found dead in a crumpled heap at the foot of the stairs everything goes dreadfully sideways. The police declare it a tragic accident. His wife, Alice, has her doubts. After all, only hours before, the Duke had promised to give up his mistress and make a go of their marriage. Now he’s inconveniently deceased.

Driven by a need for answers, and helped by her fiercely loyal maid Maud, her observant footman George, and her childhood friend Lord Rushton, Alice sets about uncovering the truth. But as she navigates a house full of secrets, simmering tensions, and more than one guest with murderously bad manners, her suspect pool grows to include those closest to her. Can she piece together the truth? Or will her husband’s murderer get away with it after all?

The guests are leaving. The killer may be among them. Time is running out…

Helen has kindly shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

It’s May 1891. Alice, Duchess of Stortford, is travelling from London to her family’s estate, Francis Court, in Fenshire, to celebrate her father’s 60th birthday. It’s meant to be a festive reunion, but Alice’s marriage to the Duke, Vance, has been under considerable strain. The couple have agreed to attend the gathering together in the hope of mending their fractured relationship.

As the rain falls and the carriage draws closer to the house, Alice confides her apprehensions to her dearest friend, Fiona ‘Fee’, Countess of Tilling and Alice’s older brother, Duncan, who is Fee’s husband. But Fee, ever the meddler with the best of intentions, has arranged a surprise guest—one whose arrival promises to make Alice’s reunion with her husband considerably more complicated…

“Come now, Alice,” Fee said, adjusting the pearl clasp on her gloves. “Tell the truth—how do you feel about seeing Vance again?”

She didn’t answer immediately as she gazed out at the hedgerows; they blurred past the carriage windows, along the long, winding driveway to the stately home.

Continue reading →

A Moment With…Tucker May

Published November 29, 2025 | By Laura

I’m excited to be welcoming Tucker May to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for Death of a Billionaire.

Ever dream of killing your boss? Alan Benning knows how you feel.

The problem: his billionaire boss actually winds up murdered. And the whole world thinks he did it.

When globetrotting tech billionaire Barron Fisk is found dead on the floor of his swanky Silicon Valley office, all evidence points to Alan.

Alan must venture into the glitzy, treacherous world of tech billionaires to clear his name by sorting through a long list of suspects with motive aplenty. If he can’t find the real culprit, Alan’s going down. The clock is ticking.

Who killed Barron Fisk? The truth will shock— and change— the entire world.

Fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, Carl Hiaasen’s tales of high-stakes hijinx, or Ruth Ware’s page-turning mysteries will love Death of a Billionaire.

It’s over to Tucker as he talks to us about Silly Mysteries from World History.

Hi there! My name is Tucker May and I’m the author of the comedic murder mystery novel Death of a Billionaire. It’s a lighthearted, fun read with a truly puzzling mystery at the center. I take a lot of inspiration for stories from real-world events, so I thought it would be enjoyable to take a look at some mysterious events from history that remain unsolved, but are a bit goofy or off-the-wall. Let’s dive in!

A Whole Lot of Holes

Off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada lies the diminutive Oak Island, which has been rumored since the late 1700s to be the home of buried treasure.

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Book Review: A Lot to Unpack by Portia MacIntosh

Published November 27, 2025 | By Laura

I am so excited to be welcoming Portia MacIntosh back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, A Lot to Unpack.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride… 👀

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job – which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

*****

Liberty wasn’t ever expecting to get that kind of picture. When this triggers a series of events that sees her out of a job and a boyfriend, she has to get her life back on track and fast.

I always know that when there’s the chance to read a novel from author, Portia Mackintosh, it’s going to be a riot of a novel and this one did not disappoint.

Liberty is a character that’s impossible not to like. She’s relatable, fun and deserves better than Ben.

The other characters also bring a lot to the story. Paige was the one I couldn’t make my mind up about. Jordon… well, I’ll let you discover him for yourself. The author is good at presenting well rounded, layered characters that all have their good points and flaws. At least I thought so anyway.

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Novel Kicks Writing Room: Inserting Prompt Sentences

Published November 26, 2025 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

For the last Writing Room of November, I have a fun exercise (at least I hope you find it fun.)

The task is to write a story using the prompt sentences below. There’s a twist though. Starting with the first sentence to begin with, set a timer for two minutes. Once that’s done, use the next prompt sentence in your story and set the alarm for another two minutes and so on, continuing the story as you go until you’ve used all the prompt sentences.

For example, these two sentences-

‘I thought I’d cracked the case’ and ‘whatever happens, I can’t let the ducks in.’

I thought I’d finally cracked the case…… write, taking the story wherever you’re inspired to take it whilst setting the timer, once the timer goes off, use ‘whatever happens, I can’t let the ducks in,’ continuing the story yourself for two minutes and so on. Make sense?

So, your prompts are –

‘Oh for goodness sake, I told you to shut the door.’

Continue reading →

A Moment With…Ian McFadyen

Published November 26, 2025 | By Laura

Please join me in welcoming Ian McFadyen to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Corpse Bell.

The last thing Penny Carmichael expected when she joined the local bellringing group was for her debut to be thwarted by the discovery of a body just yards from the belfry door. As her husband and his loyal team painstakingly sift through the evidence and delve deep into the dead man’s past, it’s clear that solving Peter Mackenzie’s murder may prove a challenge, even for someone with DCI Carmichael’s renowned detective prowess.

What was a man who’d lived for decades in North London doing in Moulton Bank? Was his chequered past a factor?

And what about the other members of Penny’s bellringing group. Did any of them have a reason to do Peter harm?

As the case unfolds, DCI Carmicheal and his trusty team seek answers to a complex puzzle which leads them along various paths and, at times, way outside the comfort zone of their rural Lancashire surroundings.

This fast-paced, cleverly crafted whodunit is the eleventh murder mystery in the gripping Carmichael series from the pen of Ian McFadyen.

To celebrate the release of The Corpse Bell, it’s over to Ian as he talks about ‘Blind Alleys’ and ‘Red Herrings’.

In my opinion, blind alleys and red herrings are crucial elements in any worthwhile murder mystery.

There’s nothing that gives me more satisfaction as a writer than injecting false trails with the aim of leading the reader off course. Whether it’s the introduction of a possible suspect with a not so plainly obvious reason to be the killer, or a tiny mention of something or other that the reader thinks they’ve picked-up on and is key to cracking the crime, these ploys are essential in creating mayhem for the reader when trying to solve the conundrum.

Even more pleasing for me is when I’m able to add to the reader’s frustration by making the person they have at the top of their suspects list, due to a subtly injected red herring, the next victim of the real killer.

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Book Extract: The Other Mother by Heidi Field

Published November 25, 2025 | By Laura

I’m very excited to be welcoming Heidi Field back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Other Mother.

Suzannah is pregnant with her third child. The first is in prison. The second is dead. How far will she go to keep her unborn baby safe?

When Suzannah learns she is pregnant, she feels like safety and happiness are finally within reach. Her handsome, successful fiancé, Alec, is over the moon about the baby. He proposes and pampers her. He thinks this is Suzannah’s first marriage and first child, but she’s keeping a few secrets. Actually, a lot of secrets. And they are dangerous…putting Suzannah in a position where she must choose who and what she’s willing to sacrifice to keep her baby and her freedom.

Drowning in her lies, Suzannah is desperate to bury her past, but her ex-husband, who abandoned her years ago, returns, stalking her and demanding to know what really happened to their daughter. When the imprisoned serial killer who lured and groomed her son, threatens to sell his story to the press, Suzannah feels like the life she’d built and the precious one she’s growing, teeter on a precipice. Now the two children she’s hidden from Alec may be the least of her worries.

Heidi has shared an extract from The Other Mother with us today. We hope you enjoy it.

*****beginning of extract*****

Suzannah has just had an argument with her new friend, Shiv, about the serial killer, Gunner Piper, who groomed her son, and she has escaped to a coffee shop to calm down.

I glug down the coffee and head out to the car. I’ll call the prison and see if I can arrange an extra visit or bring the next one forward. I need to see my precious son, touch him, check that he is OK. I want to know that Gunner hasn’t got to him inside, isn’t trying to find a way to communicate with him. I need to know that Shiv hasn’t tried to contact him, that Gunner isn’t trying to poison my son’s mind through her. I need to make sure that Mason never talks to her, never has to listen to her talk fondly about the man who stole his life.

As I lift my shoulder bag over my head and start searching for my car keys, somebody slams my body sideways against the car. I drop my bag and turn my head.

“Breck?”

His eyes are struggling to focus on me and his body is swaying. He’s drunk.

I put a protective arm across my belly. “What are you doing? I’m pregnant.”

“Another child whose life you’re going to destroy.”

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NK Chats To…Leon Mitchell

Published November 23, 2025 | By Laura

Hi Leon, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your book, Felicity Fire: And The Forever Key and what inspired it?

Growing up I enjoyed getting lost in classic fiction like “The Never Ending Story” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” I was able to lose myself, use my imagination without boundaries and be inspired creativity. As an author, I wanted to create a new modern novel with current and relevant characters, but infused with a sense of nostalgia and magic from my childhood. I wanted to share that sense of wonder with a new audience where they feel like they are the main character in the book.

What are the challenges when writing a book in this genre and for a younger audience? What are the most important aspects to consider?

For me, I write with no fear and I generally don’t follow any kind of industry blueprint. I often tap into childhood memories and try to put myself back in that frame of mind and look at the world from that viewpoint. Children have the wonderful ability to be innocent in the world, and stories don’t have to make perfect sense. When i’m in that space I can normally create new ideas and let them flow. I think not trying to be perfect is important and it’s ok to be brave in your writing. Professionally the most important factors for me are to just keep going, keep writing, even if it’s a little bit each day.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any rituals like needing coffee? Silence? What do you do to stay motivated?

I am very disciplined with my creativity. I believe a lot of this comes from my time serving in the British Army, where my grit and determination was pushed out of my comfort zone. Many of the qualities I developed in that chapter of my life still stay with me today. So I have the ability to simply just keep going and keep writing.

I do like writing in creative spaces, with a good coffee too!

What’s your route to publication and what advice do you have for someone considering a similar path?

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Book Extract: The Secret Sauce by M. J. Porter

Published November 22, 2025 | By Laura

I am so pleased to be welcoming M. J. Porter back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for The Secret Sauce, the third book in the Erdington Mysteries.

Birmingham, England, November 1944.

Chief Inspector Mason of Erdington Police Station is summoned to a suspicious death at the BB Sauce factory in Aston on a wet Monday morning in late November 1944.

Greeted by his enthusiastic sergeant, O’Rourke, Sam Mason finds himself plunged into a challenging investigation to discover how Harry Armstrong met his death in a vat containing BB Sauce – a scene that threatens to put him off BB Sauce on his bacon sandwiches for the rest of his life.

Together with Sergeant O’Rourke, Mason follows a trail of seemingly unrelated events until something becomes very clear. The death of Harry Armstrong was certainly murder, and might well be connected to the tragedy unfolding at nearby RAF Fauld. While the uncertainty of war continues, Mason and O’Rourke find themselves seeking answers from the War Office and the Admiralty, as they track down the person who murdered their victim in such an unlikely way.

Join Mason and O’Rourke for the third book in the quirky, historical mystery series, as they once more attempt to solve the impossible in 1940s Erdington.

M.J. Porter has shared the opening from The Secret Sauce with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Aston, Monday, 27th November 1944

Sam Mason walked into the large space of the factory, the smell from within making his eyes widen in alarm, which he immediately regretted. The sharp, vinegary aroma felt like it was burning his eyes as well as his nostrils. He clamped his mouth shut. It was one thing to smell Big Ben Sauce when the bottle was opened to pour onto his bacon sandwich, but quite another to experience it in such a concentrated way. He was unsure how the employees of the BB Sauce factory could tolerate it on a day-to-day basis. He was only grateful that Ansell’s brewery, which was almost next door, wasn’t also emitting the distinctive smell from its manufacturing process.

He winced as his back ached from holding his head back as though to avoid the smell, but the sight of O’Rourke ahead, already bending low to examine the cause of their summoning to the location, had him striding towards her. Well, striding as much as he could with his limp, which was pronounced. Outside, it was a damp, wet and cold Monday morning in late November, and he was pleased with whoever had thought to place sacking on the ground to absorb wet footprints over the slick concrete surface of the BB Sauce factory.

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Book Review: An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas

Published November 20, 2025 | By Laura

I’m happy to be welcoming Terry Lynn Thomas to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, An Apple Butter Christmas.

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he’d buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you love:

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter’s night.

*****

Diana has spent a year away from the hometown she loves as she tries to escape heartache. When the festive season brings her back to Hartstone, she is facing not only the failure of her family’s beloved business, but she must see the man who broke her heart.

The book had me at the cover. It’s so incredibly pretty and puts me in such a festive mood.

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Book Extract: The Bookseller of Kathmandu by Ann Bennett

Published November 19, 2025 | By Laura

I’m happy to be welcoming Ann Bennett to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her book, The Bookseller of Kathmandu.

A sweeping tale of secrets and survival set against the mystical backdrop of Nepal, and the tropical heat of 1940s Malaya.

In the heart of bustling Kathmandu, Chloe Rai’s quaint bookshop is a sanctuary for those seeking solace within the pages of timeworn stories. But when she discovers a collection of letters hidden within the crumbling walls of a forgotten Rana palace, her world begins to intertwine with a narrative from a different time and place.

Penned in the 1940s by a woman named Alice Lacey, the letters tell the story of the Malayan Emergency, a time of turmoil and conflict. As Alice’s life becomes intertwined with that of Anil, a Gurkha officer, their bond is tested by the chaos and violence surrounding them. Chloe’s discoveries not only reveal family secrets, but also mirror her own struggles in the present. As she delves deeper into Alice’s story, she begins to understand the power of the past in shaping the present.

With a rich cultural backdrop and a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and truth, ‘The Bookseller of Kathmandu’ is a beautifully woven tale that showcases the enduring power of storytelling. Join Chloe on a journey through time as she uncovers the truth and learns to navigate the complexities of her own life.

If you enjoy captivating storytelling, then you won’t want to miss ‘The Bookseller of Kathmandu.’ And if you loved ‘The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu,’ then you will be enthralled by Chloe and Alice’s intertwined stories…

Ann has shared an extract with us today. We hope you enjoy.

*****beginning of extract*****

Alice Lacey lives with her volatile husband, Bruce, who manages a remote tin mine in Malaya. Communist insurgents have been attacking British property lately and killed a British man. The Gurkhas have been brought in to protect the British community and property. Major Anil Desai arrives to introduce himself to Alice and her husband.

Chapter 4

MAJOR DESAI HAD ARRIVED in an army jeep, unannounced, with a couple of other soldiers. Alice was in the drawing room doing paperwork when he drew up. Surprised to hear an engine, worried the communists might have broken through the security her husband had hastily put in place on the gates, she’d stood behind a curtain and watched as a slender, athletic figure dressed in khaki got out of the jeep and strode across the drive.

The soldier mounted the wooden steps, crossed the veranda and rapped on the door. Her heart raced. They hardly ever had visitors, and they lived so far from other Europeans that a surprise visit was virtually unheard of. So much so that she was certain the servants would be elsewhere and wouldn’t have heard the knock.

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