Books, Interview, Life Issues/ Motivational Posts, Music/Entertainment

Being Pyotr Ilyich Book Tour

Do you stick to the same genre when choosing a book to read? Or are you adventurous enough to read something that is quite different from what you are used to? For me personally, I enjoy reading books encompassing various genres. So I was so thrilled to read a book that was so different from anything I have ever read before and it was captivating, thought provoking, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. The book : “Being Pyotr Ilyich- Tchaikovsky’s Inner Life Revealed By Himself 130 Years Later” by Chris Nielsen. It’s a spiritual memoir shaped by past life regression that explores Tchaikovsky’s inner world through the lens of soul memory, emotional healing and reincarnation. Before I introduce Chris Nielsen onto the blog to chat about her regression therapy, Tchaikovsky and her book, here’s a quick book summary:

BOOK SUMMARY

“Being Pyotr Ilyich: Tchaikovsky’ s Inner Life, Revealed by Himself 130 Years Later” is a confessional spiritual memoir that explores the deeper meaning of human suffering, love, and creative purpose through the lens of soul memory. Born from an extensive process of past-life and between-lives regression, the book recounts Chris Nielsen’s unexpected discovery of a former life as the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—and the profound emotional wounds, unfinished lessons, and spiritual insights that followed her into this lifetime. Moving beyond biography, the book uses Tchaikovsky’s life as a case study to illuminate how trauma, grief, identity, and longing echo across incarnations. Blending personal experience with therapeutic and spiritual reflection, Chris offers readers a rare glimpse into the mechanics of incarnation, life purpose, and healing from the perspective of the Higher Self. At its core, this book is not about the past—it is about understanding why we are here, how love shapes our evolution, and how deep inner clarity can transform pain into meaning. This is a book for seekers, creatives, and anyone longing to understand the hidden threads that connect suffering, love, and the soul’s long journey home.

ISBN-10: ‎ 9730378851

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-9730378856

ASIN: B0BTZTG87W

Print length: 205 pages

THE INTERVIEW

A big warm welcome to the the blog, Chris …please introduce yourself 😊

Thank you so much for inviting me to this interview. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share a little about myself and about the journey behind my book.

First of all, I would say that I have always been a researcher of Life with a capital L. Since I was very young, I have felt a deep need to understand the essential questions of our human existence: who we are, why we are here on Earth, what suffering means, whether there is a relationship between our emotions and our physical body, and what death truly is.

I have also always been drawn to questions about God. Does God exist? Where is He? What does He do? Can we communicate with Him? What does He feel? These questions were never abstract to me. They were living questions — questions that came from somewhere very deep inside.

And, in a mysterious way, I feel that over the past twenty years, life itself has gradually answered many of them for me. At the time, I was not always aware that a particular experience I was going through was actually life’s way of answering one of the deeper questions I had been carrying within me. But looking back, I can see that each crisis, each inner struggle, each book that came into my life, each teacher I met, each course I followed, and each healing experience was part of a much larger answer.

Many of the truths that were revealed to me through this personal and spiritual journey are now woven into my book, Being Pyotr Ilyich – Tchaikovsky’s Inner Life, Revealed by Himself 130 Years Later.

So, to answer your question in a more “earthly” way, I am Chris Nielsen, the author of Being Pyotr Ilyich – Tchaikovsky’s Inner Life, Revealed by Himself 130 Years Later, a spiritual memoir shaped by past-life regression. The book explores the inner world of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky through the lens of soul memory, emotional healing, reincarnation, and the deeper meaning of human suffering and destiny.

Alongside my work as an author, I also host the podcast Time Traveling – A Spiritual Journey of Healing, where I explore the deeper architecture of the soul through past-life regression and spiritual awareness. Across more than forty episodes, I share the inner story behind my book, while also reflecting on universal themes such as emotional healing, reincarnation, the purpose of earthly life, and the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

My spiritual and therapeutic path began more deeply in 2013, when my husband and I started studying complementary and energy-based approaches to healing. Over the years, my training has included Reiki, bioenergy, hypnosis, reflexology, lymphatic massage, and past-life regression therapy through the Past Life Regression Academy in the United Kingdom.

At the same time, I also come from a very artistic and cultural background. Since 2007, I have worked in arts marketing, communication, and public relations, collaborating with cultural institutions and international projects. One of the most memorable moments of my professional life was serving as Communication Assistant for the 63rd Cannes Film Festival in France. I have also worked with institutions such as the Bucharest National Opera, the Romanian Radio Orchestras and Choirs, and Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, through the studiOpera European project.

Academically, I trained in Theatre Directing and Communication, then specialised in Public Relations and Advertising. I continued my studies in France at Université Lumière Lyon 2 through a European Union scholarship, and later earned a Master’s degree in Cultural Marketing at Université de Lorraine, with the support of a French Government scholarship.

My first book, European Opera Nowadays: How to Promote a Performance?, was published in Paris in 2011 by Éditions L’Harmattan. It was written in French and focused on communication strategies in European opera houses — a subject very close to my professional life at that time.

Looking back, I can see that my path has always moved between art, communication, healing, and the search for deeper meaning. For many years, these areas seemed separate. But today I understand that they were all preparing me for the same work: to explore the human soul, to give language to inner experience, and to share what I have discovered in the hope that it may help others on their own journey.

Being Pyotr Ilyich – Tchaikovsky’s Inner Life, Revealed by Himself 130 Years Later is a spiritual memoir shaped by past-life regression sessions conducted over the course of a year and a half. When did you realise that your recorded life regression sessions could become such an interesting memoir?

Very quickly. After the second or third regression therapy session focused on this past life, and on the issues stemming from that existence that were still affecting my current life, I returned to my normal waking state with a kind of inner fire — a need, I would say — to share what I was experiencing in trance.

And, as I have always emphasized in interviews and in the introduction to my book, there were two aspects that prompted me to write it.

The first one is related to the book’s narrative itself — the story of my past life as Tchaikovsky. I felt a deep desire to offer people, especially those who still love the music I left behind, an extremely intimate and authentic picture of his story. Regression naturally gives you this opportunity: to truly enter the soul you once embodied and to feel, in the most intimate way possible, exactly what you went through.

So I wanted to offer those who are interested my inner truth from that time — the opportunity to understand Tchaikovsky as a man, not only as an artist or a composer.

But, far more important and powerful than this aspect, what truly led me to publish this book was not Tchaikovsky himself, but all the revelations that were given to me during my own healing process.

In order to heal myself, I desperately needed to understand why I had gone through such terrible suffering back then. I wanted to understand my life mission, my relationship with music, and especially my personal and emotional drama. I wanted to understand my depression and my dramatic ending.

In trance, I was shown things related to what birth and death really are from our soul’s point of view, to the inner child, and to my constant fear of abandonment. I understood karma, my relationship with my family, and the way we adopt behavioural patterns. I was shown how trauma creates inner blockages and limiting patterns of behaviour, and how these patterns must be understood and released in order for healing to take place.

I was also given fascinating answers about our relationship with the body and the Higher Self, the crucial importance of self-love, how the human spirit evolves, and our relationship with the Divine. I also came to understand fascinating things about how the script of a life is constructed.

And as these answers from Above were given to me in trance, it became clear: these truths were too numerous, too profound, and too fascinating to keep only for myself.

Almost all of these themes are issues that every person faces. Our lives are not as different from one another as they may seem. We all go through the same kinds of dramas — variations on the same theme. And when one of us finds an answer or a solution, I believe it is important to share it.

Do you think that your passion for music and being a woman helped you through the past-life regression sessions to understand and be able to faithfully recall Tchaikovsky’s toughest life moments, decisions and emotions?

No, I wouldn’t say that.

All these categories — gender, race, nationality, religion, and so on — are like labels we wear throughout our lives and then change from one incarnation to another.

My experience of more than ten years, both as a patient and as a therapist, has shown me that, from one life to another, we have all experienced roles that are, so to speak, extremely diverse. I, for example, was a reclusive Buddhist monk in the Himalayas. I was among the first monks who, alongside Saint Francis of Assisi, founded his church in Italy during the Middle Ages. I was part of Native American tribes. I witnessed the events in Palestine 2,000 years ago, connected to the coming of Jesus, and I also witnessed scenes described in the Old Testament.

I have been both a man and a woman countless times.

What carries us, in trance, is the close connection between an emotional or physical symptom we experience in our current life and its original source. This symptom may appear as a limiting behavioural pattern, a type of emotional blockage, recurring nightmares, fears whose cause we do not understand, phobias, or unexplained physical pains that cannot be medically explained.

Therapy therefore begins with a clear and troubling problem that we want to resolve. And the therapist, who is essentially a guide, helps us go back to what I call “the zero moment”: the source, the root where that particular problem originated.

That root may be in our current life — in childhood, adolescence, or another significant moment — or it may be in a past life.

For the soul, time is eternal. So whether something happened three years ago or three thousand years ago is irrelevant to our human spirit. The path back is the same, and the healing mechanism is identical.

What matters is to understand not only what happened, but, more importantly, why it happened.

As I often say, in my view, the healing mechanism follows a kind of inner equation: first, you understand why you went through the trauma or painful experience; then you accept it; then you forgive — yourself, others, or the Divine, because these are the only three possible poles of inner conflict — and then forgiveness ultimately opens the way to healing.

So whatever we are today — women or men, whatever our concerns, wounds, or questions may be — we can access our past at any time in order to heal ourselves.

And I want to emphasize that I am not necessarily advocating specifically for regression therapy. That was my path. But today there are many therapies and therapists who, through other forms, ultimately arrive at similar truths and similar healing mechanisms. I explain the principles as I understand them through my own experience. But each person must choose their own path to healing.

Were there any aspects of writing your book that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to relate than you expected?

Yes, of course. It was very difficult for me to put into words the most tragic and emotionally intense moments.

It was hard to relive my own death countless times, as well as the periods of deep depression, my mother’s death, and many other painful moments. I think it is important to remember that this book came into being through the transcription of audio recordings made during my regression therapy sessions.

In order to preserve everything as authentically as possible — almost as if I were broadcasting live from Tchaikovsky’s life — I intervened as little as I could, and only at the level of form. Of course, when you are in trance, you express yourself exactly as things come to you in that moment.

So I had to remove repetitions, smooth out occasional inconsistencies of expression, and arrange the events chronologically, because in trance the chronological order is not always followed.

For that reason, sitting with headphones on, transcribing the recordings and then shaping the text into a clear, grammatically correct, and fluid form for the reader was often emotionally difficult. It meant returning again and again to the drama I had gone through.

But if my readers feel that this book has enriched their lives, touched them deeply, and helped them better understand the meaning of life, suffering, healing, or the journey of the soul, then I will feel that all the effort was truly worth it.

I loved your writing style and the honesty that shone through. I went through a range of emotions — I wanted to reach out and comfort Pyotr as he struggled with his feelings, I sympathised when he was shy at performing his music… phew! Did you find writing “his” story therapeutic for you?

As I mentioned earlier, it was not the story of my life as Tchaikovsky itself that helped me therapeutically, but rather my understanding of the meaning behind it.

Any professionally conducted regression session consists of two main parts. The first is the exploration phase, in which you are guided through the essential moments of your current or past life — specifically those moments that are relevant to the issue being addressed. The second is the healing phase, which I consider to be the most essential part.

During this healing phase, the therapist guides you to meet the souls with whom you shared those significant experiences, to express what remained unsaid, to release blocked emotions, and to connect with your Higher Self and your spiritual guide or guides. This helps you understand the deeper meaning of the experiences you lived through and establish a clear, direct connection with your current life.

The therapist may also guide you through a process of future projection, allowing you to become aware of and strengthen the positive transformations that result from the healing.

There are many techniques a therapist can use to help the patient heal and integrate that healing. And this is what helped me — not the story itself, but the understanding, release, and transformation that came through the therapeutic process.

How did you feel when, during your first past-life regression session, it was revealed that the soul was Pyotr?

I was surprised. I truly didn’t expect that.

But gradually, I began to see the many apparently unconnected threads that had already woven themselves into my current life and that, in fact, stemmed from that past life. But you always understand this in hindsight. At the time, we usually don’t realise how much we carry forward from our past lives — often without being aware of it at all.

For example, if you had a past life in which you died defending a fortress and felt deeply attached to that place and that cause, that unresolved attachment can call you back. You may then find yourself, in this life, working on the restoration of a palace or fortress that you died defending three hundred years ago.

Of course, I repeat, we do not always incarnate among the same people or in the same country. But our passions, our dramas, and what remains unexpressed or unresolved within us always call us back to Earth, until that wound is healed and that emotion is resolved.

For example, I have a close connection to music in this life, and it does not stem only from my life as Tchaikovsky. In the same way, another theme that has been extremely present throughout my past lives — and that continues in this life as well — is the spiritual quest. I have been a monk or a prophet many times, within very different religions.

We have no idea to what overwhelming extent everything in our lives is a continuation.

After exploring approximately thirty past lives over more than twelve years, I can say that we all have a long, beautiful, and complex spiritual journey. Physical death is merely a pause in the physical, material realm — not an end. Everything is connected and continues in our destiny as souls. And as difficult as our journey on Earth often is, our journey as spirits is just as fascinating.

Tell me about your podcast, Time Traveling.

My podcast is called Time Traveling – A Spiritual Journey of Healing, and in many ways it is a natural continuation of my book, Being Pyotr Ilyich – Tchaikovsky’s Inner Life, Revealed by Himself 130 Years Later.

In the podcast, I explore the deeper architecture of the soul through past-life regression, karmic memory, and emotional healing across lifetimes. Each episode begins from a question that, I believe, many of us carry within us: What is the purpose of earthly life? Why do we suffer? How are emotional wounds formed? What do we bring with us from one life to another? What happens between incarnations? And how do our relationships, illnesses, talents, fears, or life missions reflect a much longer journey of the soul?

The podcast draws from more than a decade of my own regression experiences, as well as from my therapeutic training and the spiritual revelations that inspired my book. I speak about themes such as the inner child, fear of abandonment, karma, soul contracts, family patterns, self-love, the Higher Self, the meaning of suffering, the connection between blocked emotions and physical illness, and the healing process through awareness, understanding, forgiveness, and release.

Although some episodes are connected to the soul journey described in Being Pyotr Ilyich, the message of the podcast is much more universal. My intention is not only to speak about Tchaikovsky or about my own experience, but to use these experiences as a doorway into questions that concern all of us.

For me, Time Traveling – A Spiritual Journey of Healing is a space where spirituality becomes very human and very concrete. It is about understanding our patterns, our wounds, our relationships, and our destiny from a wider perspective. And above all, it is about healing — because once we understand why certain experiences happened, we can begin to accept them, forgive, and transform our relationship with our own life.

Are you a bookworm yourself? What genre of books do you personally enjoy reading?

Yes, I absolutely love reading. I would say I am almost addicted to books — they are like a kind of medicine for me.

Especially at night, before going to sleep, no matter how tired I am — and I am usually completely exhausted — I feel the need to escape into books, to unwind after the chaos of the day, and to enter another space of reflection, silence, and discovery.

Over the past fifteen years, I have read almost exclusively books on alternative medicine, spirituality, healing, and consciousness. And I can say, without exaggeration, that some of these books have truly changed my life. I feel extremely grateful to the authors who wrote them.

It is extraordinary how the right book, arriving in your life at a very specific moment, can offer exactly the answer you need at that stage of your journey.

Some of the authors I deeply admire — and whom I often read in French or English — are Brian Weiss, for his work on past-life regression; Michael Newton, a pioneer in the study of the afterlife and life between lives; Dr. Luc Bodin and Ruediger Dahlke, for their work on energy medicine, psychosomatics, and alternative therapies; Pierre Lere Guillemet, for spiritual awakening; Daniel Odier, for his profound approach to Tantra, in the deepest sense of the word, not merely in relation to sexuality; Robert Monroe, for his work on out-of-body experiences; and Tom Kenyon, Wendy Kennedy, and Sal Rachele, for their channelled teachings about what is happening to Earth during this particular era.

I also deeply admire Caroline Myss, especially for her work on the connection between the soul and illness.

And, of course, a very special place in my heart belongs to Daniel Meurois, the renowned French author based in Canada, whose work in the field of spirituality has touched me deeply. He also did me the great honour of writing the foreword to my book. His bestsellers — especially his books concerning the life of Jesus Christ — are truly life-changing.

Is Being Pyotr Ilyich available to purchase worldwide?

Yes, absolutely. My book is available both in print and as an ebook.

Readers can find it on Amazon, as well as through several other retailers and platforms, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, Smashwords, and others. It is also available through IngramSpark, for bookstores, libraries, or other institutions that may wish to order it.

All purchase options can be found on my author website: https://chrisnielsenbooks.com/. There, readers can also discover more about the book and read three free sample chapters before deciding whether they feel called to continue the journey.

Personal now — what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

One of the ways in which my life as Tchaikovsky seems to have influenced my current personality is my taste in clothing. I often feel drawn to a rather masculine, or elegantly masculine, style.

For me, the height of feminine elegance is a tailcoat — which is rather funny, but also revealing. It shows how we sometimes carry things forward without even knowing why we are attracted to a particular style, object, place, or atmosphere.

Yes, I often wear trousers and jackets. I love elegance, but a simple, refined elegance — not baroque, not excessive, not overdone. At the same time, I adore bright colours: green, yellow, orange. So perhaps there is a meeting point in me between masculine structure and a very vivid, joyful sense of colour.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

No, I wouldn’t say so. I buy whatever I feel resonates with my style; I don’t pay attention to brands or trends.

What’s next on your clothes or shoe wish list?

I adore turquoise, and I absolutely love the Mediterranean Sea. So I think the perfect gift for me would be a large, hand-painted beach shawl in shades of turquoise.

It would be especially perfect for the coming summer, because I dream of returning to Italy — a place that is very dear to me, where I have spent many beautiful holidays, and which also feels deeply connected to some of my past lives. :))

Boots or shoes? And why?

Tall, elegant boots, similar to riding boots, because they create a beautiful contrast between masculine and feminine. 🙂

Links you would like to share, e.g. website, Facebook, etc.

Of course. I would be very happy to invite readers to stay connected with me and explore more about my work through my author website and social media channels. My book, free sample chapters, podcast episodes, updates, and reflections on past-life regression, healing, and the soul journey can be found here:

🌐 chrisnielsenbooks.com
▶️ youtube.com/@ChrisNielsenChannel
📘 facebook.com/chrisnielsen.official
📸 instagram.com/chrisnielsen.official
📖 goodreads.com/author/show/29758446.Chris_Nielsen

My podcast, Time Traveling – A Spiritual Journey of Healing, is also available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

BOOK TOUR DATES

Great to chat with you Chris – your book is fascinating ! My thanks to Chris Nielsen for the review copy of Being Pyotr Ilyich.

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Chris Nielsen. Photography by Andrei Popovici and Augustin Niculescu.

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Books, Interview, Reviews, Travel

The Purpose Of Getting Lost Book Tour

I’m an avid armchair traveller. I enjoy reading travelogues, I enjoy all types of travel themed TV programmes; I like to look at holiday brochures; occasionally I actually like to visit and experience for myself places! For me, I like exploring and seeing new things and if I am not able to do so physically then I’m quite content to experience the adventure “virtually “. There are a lot of people like me and everybody has a different motive for wanting to travel. So, when I came across Tracy Smith’s book, “The Purpose Of Getting Lost”, I definitely enjoyed reading about her travel exploits (over 30 countries & 5 continents) but what really grabbed me was the reason for her travels – it was her personal story of finding herself and belonging. Before I introduce Tracy onto the blog, here’s a quick excerpt of The Purpose of Getting Lost …

EXCERPT: THE PURPOSE OF GETTING LOST

I was looking for something before I even had the words to know what it was I was looking for. Most of us start searching before we recognize the question driving us—the question that drives every journey. Mine was this: Where do I belong? 

It wasn’t a question I could answer from my couch in Chicago. So I went looking for answers—and found them in movement. I danced in mosh pits in Doha and sank in quicksand in the Amazon. I drank rice wine with the Hmong and laughed with strangers. I swam naked in the Caribbean and got lost in the streets of Reykjavík. 

The geography shifted, relationships rose and fell, and my body broke and healed. Through it all, belonging never announced itself—it only whispered. Not after the divorce that left me untethered, the kids who were growing up and away, or the friendships that faded when I stopped playing the part. 

For most of my life, I’d looked for belonging in other people—in marriage, in motherhood, inthe opinions of friends and family who always seemed just out of reach. I bent myself intoshapes I thought would make me acceptable. I smiled when I wanted to scream. I stayed when I wanted to run. 

What I’ve learned is that belonging isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we build—from the inside out.

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Tracy 👋 Welcome to the blog – please introduce yourself….

Hi, I’m Tracy Smith. Mother, daughter, colleague, friend. I’ve always loved to read. Nancy Drew, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary when I was a teenager. In college, I took my first anthropology course and was taken to a world that I never knew existed. One of the first books I remember reading was by Mark Mathabane, who wrote of growing up in South Africa. He followed his first book with a book about his sister, and then his mother. I was hooked. Today, I still love to read. Two of my favorite authors are John Grisham and John Sandford. But I also love to read non-fiction. I’ve recently discovered Erik Larson—the way he weaves facts through story-telling is a style I’d love to master.

The Purpose Of Getting Lost” has the subtitle “ A Story Of Finding Myself” What made you decide to write down your story? 

This title is very personal to me. Not only am I geographically challenged, and have found myself lost in a Barcelona plaza, the Reykjavik airport, and an Ireland field, but I was also lost before I ever went to any of those places. I’ve spent most of my life lost, not only was I not sure what I was supposed to do, but at some point, I realized, I didn’t even know who I was. Traveling has helped me find that person. The one who was lost as a teenager, a college student, as a mother. I wrote this book because I don’t think I am the only woman who has thought this about themselves. Since writing the book, I’ve had a friend booked a trip to China and another booked a trip to Italy. My mother told me, she often feels like she doesn’t belong. We’re not alone and I want women to know this.

Although the book is not a traditional travel story, it does involve travel nevertheless.  You’ve been to over 30 countries in 5 continents, experiencing cultures and landscapes vastly different from your home. When you first start to plan a trip, what criteria, if any, do you use to decide where in the world you are going to go? 

I always look for places and experiences where my stories will be different than the stories I hear back home. I found that in a souq in Doha or standing in the Sophia Hagia in Türkiye. Or when I cruised down the Kinabatangan River in Borneo, looking for orangutans flying high in the trees. It wasn’t until I wrote the book, and even after, when I started writing essays and talking with hosts, that I realized, I looked for places where I will not fit in. But early on, I didn’t know that. I just knew I needed different. So I don’t think I am looking for anything specific with the places I choose to go, but I do think I unconsciously choose places where my not belonging is a strength and not a weakness. 

 Your book highlighted for me how important it is for women to choose themselves, be accepted for who they are, being seen as an important part of the community and a feeling of belonging. I think your trip to Ireland stood out for me as one of the places you chose to do your own thing separately from the group on occasions, without feeling estranged from group, and you were accepted for who you were by them. What is it about travelling or even travel planning, that helps you through your toughest moments? 

Traveling is movement and movement is my default when I am struggling. When I am lying awake at night worried about work or an argument I had with someone or when I’m sitting at home, alone on the weekend, I start to Google. Flights, hotels, landmarks. And before I know it, hours have passed. But more importantly than the hours passing is that travel planning makes my brain forget that I am lonely. Sometimes it turns off the responses to the argument that I want to say and don’t—the ones that keep me awake at night. The momentum from planning reminds me I am someone who does things, who goes places, who chooses herself. And that reminder carries me further than any other trip could. 

Underground wine cellars in Fleurie, France ©️ Linda Hobden

Were there any aspects of writing your book that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to relate than you expected? 

It was far harder to write the book than I thought it would be. I’ve always loved words—the pictures they create, the feelings they can evoke. And given that I wrote academic content for a living, I thought that writing a book would come naturally to me. So when I decided to write the book, I downloaded my Facebook feed and thought I had a book. But the FB posts weren’t a story by themselves. When I realized that, I was forced to confront feelings and ideas that I had buried deep inside me years ago. But the wonderful part of writing the book is that I have discovered a new way of writing and it has led me to writing daily. Those words on paper now replace the never-ending thoughts that can keep me awake at night.

I loved your writing style and the honesty that shone through.  At times I felt alongside you in your travels – I loved your flirting in Iceland; I sympathised during what must have been an awkward trip in South Africa and I admired your stamina and perseverance in Peru – and I did find your escapades doing your laundry in the Peruvian Amazon amusing – although that sounds like something I would have done too! Did you find writing your story therapeutic? 

It was so therapeutic. Writing the book has been a love letter to myself. The words on paper reminded me that I am someone—someone that others see, like Minh in Vietnam or Carmen and Cheryl or Katinka in Belize. And it means so much because I went through life feeling like I was constantly being rejected. Writing the book reminded me that there are people who care about me. And it made moments that were hard, like South Africa easier to understand. Easier to remind myself: I am worthy of being loved and taking up space.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to travel solo?

Anyone can travel solo. But if they’re not comfortable with being alone or not willing to, traveling solo can be uncomfortable. One practical tip I would give to anyone traveling solo is to be a defensive “driver”. This means to simply be aware of your surroundings at all times—who is in front of you, on your sides, and behind you. But the deeper advice I would give anyone traveling solo is to learn to say yes to yourself. Because when you say yes to yourself, you remind yourself that you are someone. And when you remember that, you can begin to enjoy your own company, or take up a nice table at a restaurant, or sit in a plaza in Barcelona just watching people, even if you are doing it because you were lost.

You have travelled quite extensively across 5 continents – Any favourite destinations?  What’s top of your bucket list for future travels? Any place you have been to that didn’t quite meet your expectations?

Vietnam, Iceland, Copenhagen are definitely favorites. And I’ve now been to Vietnam five times (this last time for my friend’s wedding) and Iceland three times. Something about these places just makes me feel like I belong. My bucket list is gorilla trekking in Uganda, a cruise through Antarctica, and horseback riding in Mongolia. I didn’t love Paris. I wanted quaint European and instead I found wide streets and heavy food.

Reykjanesbaer , Iceland copyright ©️ Ethan Hobden

Is “The Purpose Of Getting Lost” available to purchase worldwide?

It is available to purchase worldwide and can be found on Amazon.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing when travelling?

I tend to keep it casual. A pair of American Eagle jeans or jean shorts and a t-shirt or hoodie. Some of my favorites represent my kids’ colleges—Miami (OH), UVA, UR, and Illinois. On my feet are my Nike gym shoes, the only gym shoe I wear, or much to the chagrin of my friends and family, my trusty Birks. My Patagonia tote/ backpack is always present. It folds up into itself so can be thrown in my suitcase and then pulled out when I need it for shopping. And original earrings, though I tend to fall back on a pair of blue stone ones that I bought at a market in New Orleans twelve years ago.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Amazon because you can’t beat two-day shipping. But for bags, jewelry, and scarves, I always find those when I travel. I get great joy from supporting local entrepreneurs every opportunity I have and on more than one occasion, I’ve had to buy a second suitcase to hold all my finds.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

My wish list is accessories. Bags: designer, handhelds, shoulder, crossbody, locally made and designed totes. Coach is my current favorite, and I find it difficult to walk past a Coach store and remain empty handed. When I travel, I almost always come home with scarves, blankets, and jewelry. I have an alpaca blanket from Peru, a sheep wool one from Morocco, and an indigo dyed one made from a Hmong family in SaPa. And on my current trip to Vietnam, I had a 100% silk gray and heaven blue áo dài handmade for my friend’s wedding.

Boots or Shoes?

I am a heels girl but those aren’t really great for walking 20,000 steps daily when traveling. So I tend to favor a cute tennis shoe. They also travel light and won’t make you hot in warm climates. Though I do have a few favorite pair of boots, one is a brown leather pair of ankle cowboy boots that I found in thrift store in Nashville. I’m obsessed with them. And recently I bought a pair of burgundy Steve Madden boots that my daughter has been begging me to let her wear.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Facebook Geography of Connection project: https://www.facebook.com/thegeographyofconnection/

Facebook Travel stories: https://www.facebook.com/tracytravelseverywhere/

Substack: https://substack.com/@tracysmithphd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracytravelseverywhere/

Website: https://tracysmithauthor.com

BOOK TOUR DATES

So lovely to catch up with you, Tracy… and your bucket list trip of mountain gorilla trekking is on mine too! Thank you so much for inviting me onto your book tour and for sending me a review copy of The Purpose Of Getting Lost. I loved every second of reading it!

Linda x

Book cover & author photographs have been published with the kind permission of Tracy Smith.
Other photographs are by Linda Hobden, including the header photo of the desert area of Fuerteventura; and Ethan Hobden

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Author Interview: Sandro Martini

I seem to be reading a lot of good historical novels lately and “Ciao, Amore, Ciao” by Sandro Martini is high up on my list of favourite books in this genre. The novel is based on the true story of the author’s Italian family’s experiences during World War II. It is heartbreaking, thought provoking and kept me spellbound from the beginning. Not many books do that! Before I introduce Sandro onto the blog, here’s a quick book summary to whet your appetite 😊

BOOK SUMMARY

In the winter of 1942, an army vanishes into the icefields of the Eastern Front. In the summer of 1945, a massacre in small-town Italy makes international headlines… Today, an ordinary man is about to stumble onto a horrifying secret.

Alex Lago is a jaded journalist whose family, marriage, and career are fading fast. So, when the accidental discovery of an aged photo from World War II offers him a last gasp at bonding with his dying father, Alex can’t help but scratch at the scabs of a mystery seventy years in the making.

What he’s about to uncover is a secret that can topple a political dynasty.

From the unhealed wounds of a post-war massacre to an army of boys forever frozen at the gates of Stalingrad, from British spies reshaping Italy’s post-war future to the casual cruelty of ice-hard US Army investigators, and from the unsolved murder of a partisan hero to the most heroic, untold battle of World War II, the deceits of the past are about to propel Alex on a collision course with a deadly legacy… until a compromised, beautiful stranger promises redemption for an unimaginable price.

THE INTERVIEW

A big warm welcome to the blog, Sandro 😊 Please introduce yourself…

Hi! I’m a word monkey who’s somehow managed to make a living writing across three continents. Started in Africa, then London, and Italy, then two decades in New York, and now I’m hiding out in Zurich in a building with a nuclear bunker. You can’t be too careful these days.

I’ve published a few novels—mostly historical fiction—and my next one, Joburg Zen, lands in October. It’s about Johannesburg, which is arguably the most insane city in the world, and a golfer named Bobby Locke and his family.

I’ve been reviewed by the New York Times, told to go work as a waiter (specifically at Mickey D’s!) when things weren’t going well, and once made a “Top 10 Young Writers” list in the UK. So … a … balanced career.

For what it’s worth, I didn’t believe the hype or the put-downs. I just believed in myself. It’s probably the only advice I’d ever think of handing out.

“Ciao, Amore, Ciao” is a heartbreaking historical novel based on the true story of your Italian family’s experience during World War II. What made you decide to write a novel based on this true story?

I lost both my parents within 12 weeks of each other in 2019. The week I buried them together in a small town in the foothills of the Dolomites, I came back to Zurich broken—and started writing a novel I’d been researching for ten years.

Maybe it was therapy. Maybe something else. I honestly don’t know. I don’t even remember writing the first draft. It came together from about five thousand cue cards and a lot of grief.

Maybe I just wanted to keep them alive a little longer.

It’s a story about “little” people—those caught up in history rather than shaping it. Those are the stories that matter to me.

Who were the hardest characters to portray?

My uncle. He vanished during the war—part of what Italy now calls the “Vanished Army.”

A lot of people don’t realise Italy fought at Stalingrad. Their losses were catastrophic. Men simply disappeared into the ice of a Russian winter—left behind, buried without ceremony, or lost on death marches they called the “Way of the Davai”.

My uncle was 18.

My father never recovered from that. And he never spoke about him.

I was named after my uncle. I look like him. So writing about him … that was difficult. Because he never came back, and despite years of research, I never found out what became of him.

Were there any aspects of writing your novel that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to write about than you expected?

Writing about my father’s final weeks.

The book demanded honesty. And being honest about your father—as a son—is complicated.

There’s a temptation to turn yourself into something heroic. Or maybe, I don’t know, cool. Tough. Whatever. I wasn’t any of those things. The only thing I can give myself credit for is that I didn’t break until he left.

I was just a guy trying to get through one day at a time. It’s like gluing something broken back together. From a distance it looks fine. Up close, you see every seam.

Hypothetically speaking, if “Ciao, Amore, Ciao” was made into a film, who would you love to see portraying the characters, especially Alex Lago?

My ego says Brad Pitt in his prime.

Reality says Nicolas Cage.

He has that perfect mix of mania, gallows humour, and confusion. And dodgy hairline. That’s Alex.

Have you always wanted to have a career in writing or did you have other aspirations?

I wrote my first “novel” at nine. It was about Nazis living in a volcano. So yes—this was always the plan.

The trick is: novels don’t pay the bills unless you’re one of a very small group. So I built a career writing professionally, which lets me keep my fiction exactly how I want it. Doesn’t pay the bills, but I can focus on the lyricism and prose. That’s what matters.

It’s a good balance.

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book?

I read about 200 books a year. Whatever fits the mood.

To give you an idea: this month I read Inshallah by Oriana Fallaci, The Exorcist (if you haven’t read it, it’s very good, not schlock at all), the new Rob Rinder law novel The Defence (fantastic new series), and a few non-fiction works for the novel I am currently writing—Caribbean by Mitchener, The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis, Divine Horsemen by Maya Deren, and some smaller historical books from St Maarten (by Will Johnson and Jean Glassock).

All-time favourites? Céline, Romain Gary, le Carré, Graham Greene. And Anthony Horowitz—consistently excellent.

And physical books. Always.

Is “Ciao, Amore, Ciao” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes—and it even hit the Amazon bestseller charts for a while.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Important question. I’m Italian!

Winter: black jeans, a turtleneck (I have a mild obsession with Aran fisherman knits), and handmade shoes from my dad’s hometown, from a small shop called Zamberlan. Those shoes last forever.

Summer: white linen shirt (obviously), jeans, and my completely destroyed Superga 2750s.

Those shoes just scream Italy in summer. Same design since 1925. And the history is cool: A guy named Martiny (yup!) used surplus vulcanized rubber from the tyre factories in Turin to design new shoes for his wife, who was a tennis player. He invented what was arguably the world’s first rubber tennis shoe.

That became the “2750 Cotu” model, which became the classic Supergas of today.

If you don’t own a pair, we need to talk.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Superga, obviously.

Otherwise, Brera and Porta Ticinese districts in Milan for vintage stuff. I go with my daughter. It’s two hours from Zurich and about half the price… just don’t get stopped at the border on the way back!

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

A new pair of white Superga 2750s when these finally fall apart. I got new Zamberlan’s in October. The Supergas may just make it through the next summer.

Boots or Shoes?

Shoes.

Unless there’s snow. (And then, probably still shoes, though I have a great pair of 20-year-old Zamberlan mountain boots!)

Why shoes? Because I only tie my laces about twice a year. I never really learned properly. Same with the alphabet—I got to that in my teens.

Don’t ask.

Links

https://www.sandro-martini-writes.com

It has been fantastic chatting with you, I loved your book and am looking forward to to reading more of your novels in the future. My thanks to you and Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity for sending me a review copy of Ciao, Amore, Ciao, although my opinions are 100% my own.

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Sandro Martini.

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Book Review: Only Breath & Shadow

Way back in December 2022, I interviewed author Andrew Tweeddale as I had just read his debut novel, “Of All Faiths And None”. This was an historical novel about the building of Castle Drogo and the beginning of World War I. You can read the book review and interview HERE.

Fast forward to December 2024, and the 2nd book in the Castle Drogo series has been released and, oh yes, it was just as riveting as book one! Book 2, entitled “ A Remembrance Of Death” continued the family saga. You can read my book review HERE

The storyline I pondered over after reading A Remembrance Of Death , was wondering what had happened to Christian Drewe, who resided in Vienna , as he had seemingly disappeared. Now, in April 2026, author Andrew Tweeddale has released “Only Breath & Shadow” , the 3rd book in the series and it is the story of Christian Drewe in Vienna…..

BOOK SUMMARY

Only Breath & Shadow is a gripping historical novel set against the darkening backdrop of 1930s Vienna.

The story follows Christian Drewe, an English gentleman who was blinded and scarred during the Battle of the Somme and now navigates the world entirely through sound, smell, and touch. Christian’s quiet existence is shattered by the escalating Nazi persecution of his Jewish friends, the Friedmann family. When the Friedmanns are arrested and sent to concentration camps, Christian finds himself the unlikely protector of their four young children. Aided by Claire Astor, a spirited American nightclub singer, and his fiercely loyal housekeeper, Frau Agnes Huber, Christian must move out from the shadows of his regimented life and orchestrate a desperate escape for the children.

MY THOUGHTS

I was so excited to receive a copy of Andrew Tweeddale’s latest novel, “Only Breath & Shadow” – although it had been 2 years since “A Remembrance Of Death” I was looking forward to reading more about Basil, Celia & the family. Although fleeting mentions of Mother, Basil, & Celia are in the book, this instalment is firmly about Christian Drewe and his life in Vienna – and it is just as riveting. Andrew cleverly weaves storylines throughout his novels and he has done the same with this one …with an ending I didn’t see coming…..

Storyline 1 – Christian & his blindness & his necklace from the love of his life who was killed when her nurses barracks were targeted in France during World War I. His reluctance to get close to other young ladies, his longing for intimacy and yet he was frightened to tarnish Rose’s memory. My heart went out to Christian as he tried to navigate his feelings.

Storyline 2 – Christian’s social life and array of friendships in Vienna . I loved the vision of the cabarets, the colourful characters including his homosexual friend Paul, the American singer Claire and his housekeeper Frau Huber. I was full of admiration as Christian seemed able to maintain an active social life despite his blindness, and have a close knit group of friends who genuinely seemed to care for each other.

Storyline 3 – the relationship between Christian and Claire….. that was frustrating in parts as they tried to fathom out their relationship…

Storyline 4- the raids on the Jewish community, forcing his friends to try and escape Austria…. and non Jewish Christian and Claire do all they can to help them… this part reminded me of the escape of the Von Trapp family in the film , The Sound Of Music, which always kept me on edge… Will they or won’t they escape?!

I absolutely adored this book! Do I have a favourite out of all Castle Drogo books? Well, all 3 are brilliant but I do think this one might be my no 1 …. I might read all 3 again to make sure!! 😂

Get your copy here: 🇺🇸 amazon.com/Only-Breath-Shadow… 🇬🇧 amazon.co.uk/Only-Breath-Shadow

My thanks to Andrew Tweeddale for sending me a preview copy of Only Breath & Shadow.
All photos have been published with the kind permission of Andrew Tweeddale


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Author Interview: Stephen Oram

Something a bit different this week on my book list – “We Are Not Anonymous “ by Stephen Oram. This near-future science fiction novel was a totally absorbing read – tackling issues such as AI – run governments, climate change, personal rights , police militarisation and data ownership. There’s a touch of human emotion running through the novel too. Author Stephen Oram knows his sci fi stuff – his “main” job is in the field of science & technology and he has also 3 published novels, 3 collections of sci fi short stories and his stories have been published in many anthologies, including the Best Of British Science Fiction 2022 and Best Of British Science Fiction 2025 – published 17 April 2026 by Newcon Press.

Here’s a quick summary of “We Are Not Anonymous “ before I welcome Stephen onto the blog .

BOOK SUMMARY

In a near-future, climate-flooded England divided into three countries, Beth and Naomi fight against Kai, the leader of the tech-elite Narcissists.

As part of Resist and Regain, they confront his experiments on children to turbo boost evolution and his use of cutting-edge technology to control governments and their willing citizens.

Can they stop Kai and his vision for a de-humanised tech-fuelled world?

 And can Beth live with the suffering her activism will cause her family?

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Stephen! Welcome to the blog 👋

Hi. I’m Stephen Oram, a speculative fiction author of short stories and novels and an applied science fiction practitioner. I love exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. I live in the heart of London and have been known to attribute much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in my writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where I live.

Who or what inspired you to write “We Are Not Anonymous”?

The world we live in! I’ve been interested in the grey space between utopia and dystopia for a while. Often, people say that conflict and tension is only possible in a dystopia and not a utopia. However, I’d been thinking for a while that it actually sits inside the journey from one to the other. I had already written short stories about activists not simply opposing the dystopian use of technology, but using the momentum behind it and repurposing or realigning it for the common good. I wanted to explore that further and during the writing of “We Are Not Anonymous” I came across the sub-genre Thrutopia, which the novel seemed to neatly fit into.

I really enjoyed reading your book, “We Are Not Anonymous” and I particularly enjoyed how you portrayed the characters of Beth, Naomi, Kai & Tam. What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

Beth was the one I really enjoyed writing because in a lot of ways she’s the most complex. Although Naomi is complex too, her complexities are more implicit than explicit. Writing Beth as a flawed character who takes the biggest emotional journey was what made her rewarding. I think Kai was the hardest because he’s so extreme, but the tech-bros seemed to keep up with his extremes; deciding how far to push his narcissistic dysfunctionality became challenging. 

Researching for your novel must have been quite interesting..… did you discover anything that shocked you or uncover some nugget of information that was unexpected?

I am extremely fortunate in the applied science fiction work I do because I get to see behind the curtain of interesting emerging technologies and new thinking about political and social systems. Douglas Rushkoff’s book – Survival of the Richest – was also an inspiration. Did I discover anything that shocked me? Well, when researching and imagining the extremes that a narcissistic tech-bro could go to, it was certainly an eye-opener to discover ideologies such as those at the intersection of longtermism and effective altruism. There’s a lot of cool technology in there too which is extrapolated from existing research, but that was less shocking than the belief systems I came across.

You are known as an author of realistic, near future science fiction – with 3 published novels, 3 collections of sci -fi shorts and have been published with the same in many sci fi anthologies, including “Best Of British Science Fiction 2022 and Best Of British Science Fiction 2025 – published 17 April 2026 by Newcon Press. What do you enjoy most about writing near-future science fiction? Have you ever been tempted to write a novel/book  encompassing a different genre?

I really love thinking and writing about the moral issues associated with emerging technology and what that means for our possible futures. Setting these stories in the near-future means you can rely on the assumption that a fair amount of the world-building can be implied and be quickly understood by the reader. This leaves you more room for the human element. Also, it’s great to explore and research what’s actually happening now and then extrapolate that into the next few years.

Yes, I’m often tempted to write in another genre, but I’m conscious that it takes practice to master a genre so it wouldn’t be a one off. We can see from some of the failed attempts at near-future fiction from mainstream authors that hopping genre isn’t easy. That said, my last novella and the one I’m finishing now are ‘futuristic fables’ and I’m really enjoying writing those and the first – “Brain Fruit” – is getting great reviews, which is encouraging.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

I didn’t really envisage myself as anything, except to spread my wings and leave my home town. I’ve always approached life, especially work/career, as a journey of opportunities within a general direction. Recently, I came across some teenage writings which I’d forgotten about, so maybe there was a hint back then of what was to come.

Is “We Are Not Anonymous ” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes, it’s available everywhere. With the paperback, even if it’s not stocked in a physical bookshop, it can be ordered in. The ebook is also available on all platforms worldwide.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why?

That’s a difficult question. Once a year I take time out and rent a place by the sea to give myself time to think about new stories and Dungeness is a favourite. Increasingly I’m interested in where biotech might take us and I’ve been actively involved in the emerging sub-genre of Zoefuturism over the past year. So, I suppose either China or Japan would be interesting as they’re on the rise in this field and because spending time in their cultures would also give me a more Zoefuturist perspective than being in the UK, Europe, or the USA. 

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

Definitely a ‘proper book’ fan. I do read non-fiction on a kindle, but you can’t beat a physical paperback. I read all sorts of fiction and am less concerned with genre and more about story and character. I do love stuff that messes with your head though, for example Jeff Noon and Jeff Vandemeer.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

What an unexpected question. I’ll do my best to answer it, although it varies a lot. I’m a big fan of suits, both for their style and their practicality. But then I also really like clothes that are slightly off kilter. One of the things I do regularly is change the buttons to personalise everything from coats to shirts, a trick I spotted on some of the ‘edgy’ fashion brands. I also do a lot of clothes dying, randomly seeing what colour they become and how the stitching that doesn’t take the dye stands out against the new colour.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Not really. I’m lucky that I live in the centre of London so I can pop into shops and markets easily, just to see what’s on offer. Festivals are a good place to find interesting jewellery and I have a few favourite markets for that too – Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Camden. A couple of years ago I made my own ring with the help of a friend who is a jewellery maker, which was an interesting experience. As far as clothes go, I tend to drop into Psylo and Clime-It Brothers in Camden market whenever I’m passing and have thetime.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Well, I have far too many clothes and live with someone who is big into the repair movement so all my favourites are kept going, leaving no space for the new. Except when I see something I can’t resist.

Boots or Shoes?

Boots. Not sure why, they just feel a lot more comfortable.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

website: https://stephenoram.net

Substack: https://substack.com/@nudgethefuture

Linktree for all other links: https://linktr.ee/stephen_oram

Thanks Stephen for an interesting chat, a fabulous book and for introducing me to a new genre – Thrutopia ! I love it ❤️

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Stephen Oram.

My thanks to Stephen Oram and Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity & Marketing for the review copy of We Are Not Anonymous.

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Harriet Hates Lemonade Book Tour

Do you love stories with a subtle twist? Just when you thought you were clear about the storyline, the story somehow presents you with a different viewpoint …. well “Harriet Hates Lemonade” by Kim McCollum is that book. It made me smile and yet there were times of sadness; it made me think and encourage Harriet’s actions. And as for hating lemonade…. before I introduce the lovely Kim to you all, here’s a quick book summary…

BOOK SUMMARY

Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their Easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules an judgmental opinions are not her own.

Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet’s door seeking help because the girl’s father is physically abusing her mother. Reluctantly, Harriet comes to her neighbor’s aid and, in the process, recognizes her own insidious abuse which has unwittingly shaped her isolated, rigid existence. To escape her crushing loneliness, she must learn to break free from the patterns of control and isolation that have defined her life and learn to connect with people she previously viewed as heathens.

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Kim 👋 Welcome to the blog… please tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m Kim McCollum, an author living in the beautiful, rugged landscape of Bozeman, Montana. My author brand centers on “strong and quirky Montana women,” and I love exploring the grit and resilience that this landscape brings out in people.When I’m not at my desk writing, I love spending time with my family and our three pets – two dogs and a cat. I’m also an avid traveler and a fan of staying active, usually on the pickleball court or the golf course.

Who or what inspired you to write “Harriet Hates Lemonade”?

The inspiration was two-fold. Personally, it was my way of processing a very difficult chapter of my own life. I was the victim of mostly emotional abuse. I wanted to show how quiet and insidious that kind of control can be.

On a lighter note, Harriet’s neighborhood wars were inspired by a place I once lived in that looked like Mayberry but was surprisingly uptight. Between neighbors complaining about children taking shortcuts and actual suggestions to the HOA for dog-poop DNA testing, I knew I had the perfect setting for a woman like Harriet, who uses rules as a fortress to keep the world away.

What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

I absolutely loved writing Harriet. There is something so liberating about a protagonist who is unapologetically difficult and honest. Finding the humor in her rigidity, like her crusades against “off-leash man,” was a joy.

The hardest character to portray was definitely Les, Harriet’s late husband. It was incredibly difficult to have to revisit that painful part of my life, but as hard as it was emotionally, writing his dialogue was the easy part. Whenever I needed to know what Les would say, I thought of what my ex said to me. Believe it or not, a recent reviewer on Goodreads said they couldn’t finish the book because Les was too terrible, but the heartbreaking truth is that he was my reality for nearly twenty years. I had to capture the way Les (and my ex) used what appeared to be love and concern to systematically dismantle Harriet’s confidence. As emotionally draining as this was, it was necessary to tell the truth about how that kind of manipulation works.

Researching for your novel must have been quite interesting…did you discover anything that shocked you or uncover some nugget of information that was unexpected?

Unfortunately, I didn’t have to do any research about emotional abuse for this novel. It was simply my life. I didn’t need to look for nuggets of information because I had lived the reality of emotional abuse for two decades. The truly difficult part was recognizing the abuse and then finally speaking that truth out loud.

I worked with our local abuse shelter on a program called “End the Silence.” We had to get up on a stage in front of hundreds of people and tell our stories. That was hard. It was a terrifying, vulnerable experience, but it was also the catalyst that gave me the strength to write this book. It taught me that while the silence is where the abuse thrives, the telling is where the healing begins.

Hypothetically speaking, if Harriet Hates Lemonade was made into a film, who would you like to see playing the characters especially Harriet, Audrey, and “off the leash man”; and why?

For Harriet, I would love to see someone like Frances McDormand or Olivia Colman. They both have this incredible ability to be prickly and formidable on the outside while letting the audience see the deep vulnerability underneath.

For Audrey, I’d look for a young actress with a lot of raw energy. Maybe someone like Brooklynn Prince. And for “off-leash=dog-man” (Kevin), I’d want someone charming but persistent, maybe a Paul Rudd type, who can handle Harriet’s grumpiness with a smile.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

I always loved stories, but for a long time, I prioritized more practical endeavors. After my initial career on Wall Street, I spent many years staying home to raise my five children. It was a busy, rewarding life, but once they all finally headed off to school, I realized I wanted to do something just for me. Writing was that thing I had carried in my heart for as long as I could remember, but I never quite had the time or confidence to pursue it. To finally be doing it now, and to see my work resonating with readers, is an absolute thrill.

Is “Harriet Hates Lemonade” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes! Thanks to my publisher, Black Rose Writing, it’s available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and everywhere books are sold. If they don’t have it in stock, they can order it.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why?

Actually, all of my novels will be set in Montana because it is quite simply my favorite place in the world. I’ve lived in seven different states and studied abroad in Japan and Germany, so I feel very qualified to say that Montana is the absolute best. Currently, I am immersed in studying Montana’s gold rush for my next novel. I recently visited the ghost town of Bannack for research, which was a fascinating journey into the state’s gritty and resilient past. Seeing those preserved buildings in the silence of the mountains really brings that era to life.

The ruggedness of this landscape is exactly what inspires the strong characters I love to write. However, I believe that experiencing other cultures is vital to character developmentbecause the more we understand how people behave across the globe, the deeper we can go into the human psyche. While I’ve spent time in Japan and would love to go back, I’m also dying to go on a safari in Africa, stay in a hut over the water in Fiji, and eat amazing food from the noodle boats in Thailand. Those experiences help me build more complex, nuanced characters, even if my stories are set in Montana.

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I am a huge bookworm! I love character-driven fiction from authors like Elizabeth Strout, Fredrik Backman, and Kristin Hannah. As for the format, I am a “proper book” fan through and through. I love the smell of the paper and the weight of the book in my hands. I do use a Kindle for travel or beta reading for other authors, but my home is overflowing with physical copies.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’m a Montana girl at heart! You’ll usually find me in a pair of well-worn jeans, a comfortable top, and a fluffy jacket (or shacket).

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I’m honestly not much of a shopper, so I tend to rely on sites like Stitch Fix where they just curate and send me things they think I’ll like. It saves me so much time! That said, when I do want to visit a physical shop, I love our local Montana stores. Heyday in Bozeman is a favorite for finding unique gifts and home goods, and if I’m looking for clothes locally, I’m a fan of the style at Jonah and Sage. 

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Right now, I’m looking for a great pair of furry boots that I can slip on easily. In Montana, especially when you’re dealing with snow and cold, something cozy and convenient is a must-have!

Boots or Shoes?

Boots, but they have to be the kind I can slip on in two seconds. I’m usually running late, so I don’t have time to mess with laces or complicated buckles. I need to be able to jump in them and go! Living in Montana, you need footwear that can handle snowand mud at a moment’s notice. 

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

I’d love to connect with readers! You can find me at:

• Website: https://kim-mccollum.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimmccollumauthor

• Instagram: @author.kimmccollum

IBOOK TOUR DETAILS

Thanks to Kim for chatting to me, for the review copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade and for letting me me join her book tour! 😀

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Kim McCollum

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Books, Interview, Life Issues/ Motivational Posts

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady Book Tour

Every now and again I like to read a non fiction book, and “Marie Conner, A Leading Lady” by author Elle Mott . It is a true story about a lady who showed true community spirit and dedication; it’s a story about how American society has evolved through the 20th century; and Marie lived in an era when women were expected to stay at home and not go out to work, for example, and yet Marie was a strong female character who was not one for staying at home, twiddling her thumbs. It gives me great pleasure to be part of Elle’s book tour, but before I chat to Elle about this incredible woman (who happened to be Elle’s maternal great-grandmother) , here’s a quick summary of “Marie Conner, A Leading Lady”:

BOOK SUMMARY

Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.
In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.
Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father’s acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father’s praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.

THE INTERVIEW

A big warm welcome to the blog, Elle .👋 Please tell us a bit about yourself. 😊

Hello, I’m Elle (three letters in my name are silent but I am anything but silent in bringing you this historical biography: Marie Conner, A Leading Lady). Some people call me the “bird-lady.” Not only do I feed the birds outside when on my breaks at work, but I have several pet birds (and two cats). Some people call me the “blue-haired lady.” My bangs are blue while the rest of my hair has gone gray. Some people call me “the writer” and some people call me “the author.”

Who or what inspired you to write the biography “Marie Conner: A Leading Lady”?

Inspiration for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady came from my memoir, Out of Chaos, in which my remembrance of her gave me strength to make peace with my mistakes and to overcome difficulties. I had been on the verge of adulthood, and she, much older, when she had imparted words of wisdom to me. With my memoir published, and she, long gone, I questioned why my strength had come from her. That answer involved research. Marie, who was once my matriarch, was next a great muse for me as I peeled back the layers of a woman, who, as I came to find out, had lived a truly remarkable life. As in awe as I was, I knew I had to share her story.

Your book highlighted the strong character of Marie, her dedication to her fellow citizens and her community spirit; when she lived in an era where women were expected to stay at home and concentrate on running her family. I was particularly impressed with her newspaper column and how through that she helped those community members who were in particular need. What did you particularly admire about Marie?

The spunkiness and can-do spirit in Marie is what I especially admire. If something needed to be done in her community, she did it—or in her rare moments of not shining with perfection, she surely tried rather than to sit still in doing nothing. Marie was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things to change her community for the better and forevermore.

Researching for your book must have been quite interesting… did you discover anything that shocked you or uncover some nugget of information that was unexpected? 

I thought I had known my matriarch, Marie. She was the all-wise one and had shared so very much about herself with me. Yet, and when in the early stages of research where I perused documents in genealogy repositories, I turned pages if only out of curiosity only to discover something concerning her marriage—something she had never revealed to me, that I remember. That there is a spoiler though and one for you to read about in the conclusion of Chapter 2. This “something” that I discovered caused me to flesh out that part of her story, worthy of inclusion.   

Hypothetically speaking, if “Marie Conner, A Leading Lady” was made into a film, who would you love to see portraying Marie Conner? 

Thinking of Marie in her golden years, reflecting on all that is shared in her biography, Helen Mirren would be a fine choice to portray her.

Growing up, did you always want a career in writing, or did you have completely different career aspirations? 

I’ll admit that teachers noticed my creative approach to what was supposed to be facts-only-essays. But, no, a career in writing was not on my mind when growing up. My author life came as an adult and when people told me to write my story, and from that, my first book, my memoir was published. And as you know, my memoir inspired this book. That’s my writing journey—I write because people want me to write and out of that, I have a gained passion to keep writing.

Is “Marie Conner: A Leading Lady” available to purchase worldwide?

As of February 11, 2026, its paperback and ebook is available on Amazon worldwide. Shortly thereafter, readers can also find it on B&N.com, bookshop.org, Powell’s Books, and even online at Walmart.

If you’d like your local bookstore to carry it, then if you give them the ISBN, they can have your order fulfilled by Ingram. You can also ask your neighborhood library to get it—the copyright page has a cataloging-in-publication data block to ensure their smooth acquisition. 

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I’m not so much of a bookworm, per se, but yes, I like to read. I find that historical books—both nonfiction and novels—are invaluable in that history shows we have the power to create a better tomorrow. One author I keep coming back to is Paulette Mahurin—she has many novels to choose from, and in each, with strong characters from the past. Recently, I read a book by another author, Dede Montgomery: A Map of Her Own is a dual-timeline novel—now that was both interesting and quite good.

At home, I have my kindle bookmarked on my computer for my ever-growing ebook shelf. Whereas, when out and about, such as on my breaks at work, I am, for sure, a “proper book” fan.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

When I was a little girl, my matriarch, Marie, made sure I was in a dress and often times, carrying a matching parasol. Today, being winter, it is J.Crew corduroy pants paired with a turtleneck t-shirt and boots. Summertime will bring knee length shorts and skirts. Between now and then, its Levi’s. No longer a little girl, cords and jeans are just fine so long as I pull the look together in a way that shows I care.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

Marie felt that we should give attention to our appearance, and that how we present ourselves shows who we are. With that in mind, I wear quality clothing and shoes. Marc Nolan is my go-to shoe store for both boots and Mary Janes: I need quality shoes to withstand my work week. Summertime finds me in colorful silk skirts or in casual Volcom shorts.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Maybe another pair of Mary Janes?

Boots or Shoes? ( & Why?)

Today, its winter boots that zip up. Come warmer weather, it will be Mary Janes that buckle. I don’t do shoelaces. I hate keeping up on shoelaces that are prone to coming untied, that, plus shoes with shoelaces give an outfit an unpolished look. If Marie could pull her look together to show her beauty, so can I.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

https://ellemottauthor.com

Previous ASIN B0GFGTN761
New ASIN B0GP93NVQ8

New Amazon ebook link:
https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Conner-Leading-Lady-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0GP93NVQ8

BOOK TOUR DATES

My thanks to Elle for inviting me onto her book tour, for chatting to me, for the review copy of her fabulous book and for sharing an interest in delving into our past.

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Elle Mott.

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Books, Interview, Reviews

Murder, Tea & Crystals Book Tour

If you enjoy reading paranormal novels filled with witches, murder and unexpected twists – like I do – then you would enjoy the “Murder, Tea & Crystals “ trilogy by author Sherri Dodd. I am pleased to be part of her book tour promoting the first book in the trilogy, “ Murder Under Redwood Moon” and I am also pleased to welcome Sherri onto the blog for a natter! But first, here’s a quick book summary to whet your appetite….

Book Summary

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.

But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.

Publisher: Independently Published(March 20, 2024)

AISN:  B0CTKPM863

ISBN: 1685133886

ISBN-13: 978-1685133887

Print length:  289 pages

About the Author, Sherri Dodd

Sherri was raised in southeast Texas. Walking barefoot most days and catching crawdads as they swam the creek beds, she had a love for all things free and natural. Her childhood ran rampant with talk of ghosts, demons, and backcountry folklore. This inspired her first short story for sale about a poisonous flower that shot toxins onto children as they smelled it. Her classmate bought it for all the change in his pocket. It was not long after that her mother packed the two of them up and headed to the central coast of California. She has ping-ponged throughout the area ever since.

Her first real step into writing was the non-fiction fitness book, Mom Looks Great – The Fitness Program for Moms published in 2005, and maintaining its accompanying blog. Now, transmuting the grief of her father’s passing, she has branched into Fiction, specifically the genre of Paranormal Thriller with generous dashes of Magick Realism! Her Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy released book one – Murder Under Redwood Moon – in March 2024. Book two – Moonset on Desert Sands – released in March 2025, and the final book in the series – Hummingbird Moonrise – became #1 New Release in Occult Supernatural on Amazon in October 2025!

The Interview

Hi Sherri and welcome to the blog 👋

“Murder Under Redwood Moon” is the 1st book in the series of 3 books of the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy. The others are: (2) Moonset On Desert Sands and (3)Hummingbird Moonrise –   What inspired the book series?  Are they stand alone books or best read in numerical order?

I wrote this series as a movie I’d like to see. One I can watch in the dark and be spooked without feeling downright terrified. While I envisioned the amibance of Twin Peaks in the first book, Murder Under Redwood Moon, it turned more toward a Young Adult style of writing after my Editor got ahold of it, and I went with it! I believe to best experience the story, it is advisable to read them in order. You can watch the characters grow and celebrate or boo-and-hiss the end result! 

My favourite characters are Arista Kelly and the mysterious Yelena and Jason 😊Are your characters based on observations of people you’ve come across in the past and incidents you’ve experienced ? Who were the hardest characters to portray?

Many of the characters throughout the trilogy are based on my friends and family. However, I wrote Arista’s character and eventually envisioned her being played by Sadie Sink but added the bohemian flare of a Santa Cruz resident. For Yelena, I pictured a version of Fairuza Balk with that big smile of hers! However, I made her character a bit more sweet and charming than some of Fairuza’s roles. Jaxon was heavily inspired by one of the vampires in the original The Lost Boys since it was a huge hit in my era. I don’t remember hearing a name for him, but I just looked it up – Dwayne. Able to put myself in most of these characters minds, the most difficult was the serial killer and his sordid thoughts.

Were there any aspects of writing your book trilogy that surprised you, either by being harder or easier to write about than you expected? 

I’ve always been a very private person-no social media and not a lot of socializing. So, l really had to learn to put myself out there for public scrutiny. Also, I learned that reader/reviewers are actually quite kind and even with a three, you get highlights of the good along with what they did not like. Of course, you get some reviewers who obliterate your book, and that’s frustrating when it’s because they missed a detail that a hundred other reviewers completely understood. 

Have you always wanted to have a career in writing or did you have other aspirations? 

My love of writing started in school. I breezed the five-, ten-, and hundred-page essays that others lamented about, but I never believed I’d end up writing. My first book was a vanity project. I self-published a little fitness book after recovering my pre-pregnancy body. I’d heard so many negative stories that it couldn’t be done. At that time, I found one book on the subject, so I wrote one. Within a couple years, there were twenty, and they were written by much more reputable author than me! Fast forward fifteen years and with that notion to avoid empty nest syndrome, I had planned to re-enter the fitness industry. With my Personal Training certification current, I also certified in a few group classes. However, when all that did not work out due to an injury, I happened to enter a three-page writing contest, and while waiting for the result, decided that I quite liked the premise of my essay and, over the course of three years, elaborated to the point of nine hundred pages!

 Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

People are shocked when I say I am NOT a bookworm! Admittedly, I probably have the attention span of a ten-year-old, suitable for a magazine. When it comes to reading, unless I am actively participating in some kind of self-help or philosophy book, I languish in detail. With that said, when a fiction book strikes me as interesting, I’ll read it. When my son was in college, he’d tell me about a book he was reading, and if I’d previously heard of a controversy surrounding it, I’d pick it up. An example was Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Thereafter, it’s thirty movies until my next serious read. NOW, that doesn’t mean I don’t buy books. I have so many lovely unread books lining my shelves, and I had every intention of reading when I bought them. However, it’s only when I buy a book on Kindle/iBooks that I actually end up reading it.

By Linda Hobden

 Are your Murder, Tea & Crystal series of books available to purchase worldwide?

The Murder, Tea, and Crystal Trilogy is available wherever you find an Amazon.Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and even India! If you can order an Amazon book, you can order Murder Under Redwood Moon, Moonset on Desert Sands, and Hummingbird Moonrise. These are the three titles in Murder, Tea, and Crystals Trilogy.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Well now, this interview just got fun! I don’t know if it’s the root of Texas in me or the Gen-Xer thing, but I have and always will love denim! My jeans are either Lucky Brand or Johnny Was. Since I’m going through a Johnny Was phase for about three years now, I pair the jeans with a sweater or embroidered silk top from the boho chic store. Accessories include one of my many pairs of vintage Tabra chandelier earrings and possibly one or two of her rings as well! 

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

In addition to the outrageously priced JW, I balance the budget with cute finds at our local TJMaxx. We’ve got a very fashion-oriented buyer! However, most of the time, I’m in Alo Yoga and my tan or white leopard-print Brooks runners – ha! There’s a lot of gym activity in my schedule.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list? 

I just bought the Starlight jeans from JW, but I’m all set on treads!

Boots or Shoes?

Dark brown leather or black suede, sometimes faux snake-print, ankle boots! I wear Kors, Vionic and, sometimes, Coach. I even have a beautiful pair of Ariats for when we’re cruising the showgrounds at Scottsdale for the Arabian Horse Show! I like a solid 1½- to 2½-inch wooden heel, so I feel the strength in my stride. Since I’m in crazy Cali, I don’t tiptoe around. I want people to know I’m coming and hopefully my heavy stride makes a strong statement toward protection. Also, while I hope to never have to put my martial arts training to task, I’m thinking that wooden heel would be pretty effective – hah!

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Under-Redwood-Moon-Paranormal/dp/1685133886

Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-under-redwood-moon-sherri-l-dodd/

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/murder-under-redwood-moon-a-thrilling-paranormal-murder-mystery-sherri-l-dodd/21145506

Website: www.sherridodd.comInstagram: @Sherri.Dodd.Author https://www.instagram.com/sherri.dodd.author/

Book Tour

My thanks to Sherri for the review copy of Murder Under Redwood Moon, and for chatting with me about your book.
Photographs have been published with the kind permission of Sherri Dodds, and Linda Hobden (where marked)

Linda x

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Books, Interview

Captive Heart At Brantmar Castle Book Tour

If you love mystery romances then you’ll love the “Mysteries Of A Heart” series, which Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle, the book I read, is book 2. The series is written by author Celeste Fenton, and I’m so pleased to be part of her latest book tour and welcome Celeste onto the blog. But first, here’s a brief summary of Captive Heart At Brantmar Castle…

BOOK SUMMARY

Two mysteries. One fight for survival. And danger closing in from both sides of the sea.

Gabby Heart travels to a remote Scottish castle with her best friend, Abe—a bestselling children’s author—expecting misty views, historic charm, and quiet time to plan their next book series. But Brantmar Castle holds more than ghosts of the past. When the women are taken hostage, Gabby must rely on her instincts, her resilience, and the help of men who may not deserve her trust to survive.

Meanwhile, on Dost Island, young residents are vanishing without a trace. As those left behind scramble for answers, unsettling clues emerge—leading to a dark motive no one could have predicted.

From the storm-swept highlands of Scotland to the rocky shores of New England, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle blends mystery, emotional grit, simmering romance, and humor, in a story where secrets run deep… and time is running out.

Publisher: Independently Published (September 22, 2025)

ISBN: 979-8292238829

ASIN: B0FNLY4WXK

Print length:  389 pages (also available as ebook)

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Celeste and a big warm welcome to the blog 👋

Thank you, Linda for inviting me to Boots, Shoes, and Fashion! I’m Celeste Fenton, retired professor turned mystery author, and proud creator of The Mysteries of a Heart series — where danger comes with a dash of desire. I live in sunny Florida with my spoiled Cavalier spaniel, Gemma, who insists she’s my muse (and she’s not wrong – she’s the inspiration for Darcy in Captive Heart). When I’m not writing or reading, I love spending time with my kids and grandkids and traveling to small towns to people-watch, and cook up romance and plot crimes (on my laptop of course!).

Who or what inspired you to write “The Mysteries Of A Heart” series?

The idea of writing a mystery had been chirping in my head for years — like a persistent parrot reminding me I wasn’t getting any younger. When my husband passed away in 2021, I realized there’s never a “right time” to start pursuing a dream.  I  took a deep breath, gave myself a strong pep-talk, ditched my fear of failure (mostly), sat down at my computer, and let my stories take flight. 

I really enjoyed reading your book, “Captive Heart in Brantmar Castle ”, which is book 2 in the Mysteries of The Heart series, and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Gabby, Abigail, Jay & Rick. What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

Thank you, Linda! That means so much — it makes the long hours worth it. Gabby is definitely my favorite; she’s so messy, layered, and wonderfully human. Sometimes I have to wrestle her off the page just to let the others speak! Jay, Lola, and Gail are a blast — they practically write their own dialogue. Rick is a bit of a challenge since he keeps his cards close to his chest…back story there! The hardest? Abe. Her quiet strength and past trauma hit a bit close to home and writing her feels like revealing a little too much of myself.

Researching for your novel must have been quite interesting… did you discover anything that shocked you or uncover some nugget of information that was unexpected? 

I’m glad you noticed the level of research involved in Captive Heart. I spent much more time, four or five months, delving into the settings and topics in book2 than I did for Lost Heart. Along the way, I fell down a lot of rabbit holes. While Lost Heart was a more contained plot, Captive Heart, moves readers back and forth from the U.S. to Scotland. I dove into everything from aviation to Scottish weather patterns. I consulted a pilot, who taught me that planes can’t simply “fly straight” across the Atlantic — they follow great-circle routes because of the curvature of the Earth. Geometry class came back to haunt me! I had to rein myself in… showing off my new knowledge about aerodynamics at luncheons and dinners. I also read about survivor’s guilt and gunshot trauma, which was sobering but essential to get right.

Captive Heart in Brantmar Castle is based in New England and Scotland, yet you live in Florida. What made you pick those locations for this story?  

I’ve been lucky enough to visit all 50 states, and New England stole my heart early on. I knew Gabby had to come from a small island off the Massachusetts coast — think Nantucket with secrets. As for Scotland, well… let’s just say my husband had to limit the number of castles I could drag him to. Just think what those ancient stone walls have seen everything — love affairs, betrayals, ghosts — what mystery writer could resist?

Although you made your debut as an author at the age of 69,  growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

You know…I’ve been asked that question a lot over the last year and it has lead me to do some real reflection. For more than ten years, I worked as a career counselor in both a high school and a community college, and one thing I learned—about people and about myself—is that while some individuals know their path from an early age, most of us are pulled in certain directions through opportunity or necessity. Looking back, I can see that the impulse to write was always there, even if it never appeared on a formal career plan. I even won a short-story contest in college, which kept my ego floating happily for quite a while.

The urge to write was a little bird that chirped at me, but life led me in other directions—into academia, family, and a long career I loved. After my husband passed away, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure who I was, what I wanted. Grief has a way of sharpening your understanding that time waits for no one. I chose to give myself permission to try, to let go of the fear of failure, and let the little bird out of the cage to write.  

Is “Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle” available worldwide?

Yes! It’s available on Amazon, Ingramspark, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million…worldwide in both ebook , paperback, and hardcover — perfect for readers who enjoy a little danger with their desire. (And no passport required!)

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire a new novel, where would you go and why? 

Tasmania, hands down. It’s the setting for Book Four — where Gabby and her friends investigate the mysterious death of Anna’s half-brother. I’ve already started researching the wild landscape, remote cliffs, and culture. It’s part mystery, part adventure, romance — and maybe a little heartbreak. 

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I’ve been devouring stories since I was four, and I have a blue ribbon from the New Port Richey summer reading program of 1960 to prove it! My reading taste is eclectic — Elizabeth Berg, Karen White, and Heather Hummel Gallagher for women’s fiction; Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton for cozy mysteries; Nora Roberts and Lisa Kleypas when I’m in the mood for romance; and Game of Thrones when I want dragons with my drama. While I have a Kindle, I love the feel and smell of a ‘proper book’. I love to browse and buy in a real physical bookstore. 

Celeste at her local theatre production of Grease in her Pink Lady outfit

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Most days, you’ll find me in jeans or leggings and a comfy tee — the official uniform of dog-moms everywhere. When I venture into civilization, I’ll throw on a stylish dress or pants and top (Thank you, Chicos!). As for shoes, I’ve surrendered to flats (gracefully, I might add). But— they’re still cute with glitz and bows. And yes, I do own too many pairs. (Looking at you, Gabby Heart.)

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

Chico’s, hands down — I love their mix of comfort and class. Amazon, of course, because what can’t you get there? Chewy’s for Gemma’s royal treats, and Etsy for all the clever, crafty people who make things I could never dream of making myself.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

There’s a sparkly tee at Chico’s calling my name, but I’m trying to be sensible and hold out until it goes on sale. And…I was asked to be a model in a fashion show last week…my credit card bloated a bit when I bought the outfits I modeled. I’ll definitely be visiting the boutique the for the cute little dress with the fishnet sleeves another woman got to show off.

Boots or shoes — and why?

I adore boots, but Florida’s climate gives me about three days a year to wear them. So, shoes win by default. That said, there’s a pair of tan suede boots at DSW whispering, “You deserve us.” And honestly, who am I to argue with good footwear?

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Website

https://celestefenton.com

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@CelesteFentonWrites

@CelesteFentonWrites

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/celeste.fenton.9

celeste.fenton.9

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/celestefentonwrites

@celestefentonwrites

BOOK TOUR DETAILS

Fantastic to have you on the blog, Celeste! Thank you also for the review copy of Captive Heart At Brantmar Castle …. I’m looking forward to the next books ….

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Celeste Fenton

Header photo is by Linda Hobden – Warwick Castle, England .

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Books, Interview, Life Issues/ Motivational Posts, Photographers/Models

An Interview With Anika Pavel

I’m so excited to welcome onto the blog this week ex Bond Girl Anika Pavel. Anika came to England from her native Czechoslovakia (Trnava, now part of Slovakia) in the 1960s to be an au pair for a year, based in the town of Ipswich, Suffolk. Unfortunately in 1968 the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia and she was unable to return home. Her good looks and poise helped her gain financial independence and she became a fashion model, gracing pages of women’s magazines…. a Playboy Bunny… a Bond Girl … an actress … and a writer. Her memoir, “Encounter With The Future”, is interesting to read as she navigates the different stages of her life from Czechoslovakia (Slovakia) to England; to Asia and settling now in the USA. Such a fascinating insight into those heady days of the late 60s /early 70s….. Hi Anika 👋

Hello readers. My name is Anika Pavel. I live on Cape Cod Massachusetts. Pretty poetic given my ties to the Bee Gees music as you will find out below. 

 “Encounter With The Future” is your memoir from when you left your home country of Czechoslovakia in the 1960s  for a year’s experience as a au pair in England at the tender age of 18; your life as a fashion model, as an actress, and as a Bond girl,  eventually settling down in the USA; what made you decide to write down your story? 

I arrived in England wide eyed and eager to learn. The plan was to be an au pair for one year, then go home. I was soaking up the English experience when in August 1968 the Soviet Union invaded my homeland and nobody could be sure if it would be safe for me to go back. I became a model by chance, although fashion was in my DNA. My father was a tailor and I made my first outfit on his old PFFAF foot-powered sewing machine at the age of seven. Supervised by dad of course. 

My parents always said I was never short of words. I remain a story teller with an elephant memory. So when my children asked me to write down the stories I was telling them, I decided to go to school and learn how to write properly. To my surprise my essays began to get published. I was asked to put the essays into a book and as a result, Encounter with the Future was born. 

What helped you through your toughest moments when you first left your family in Czechoslovakia; and when the Soviet Union invaded your homeland?

Being alone in London and knowing my family was in a country full of tanks and soldiers, was hard. Getting through the difficult moments was rough. I can’t sugar coat it. But when you have no choice, you just go on till it gets better. The Bee Gees song about the mining disaster made me feel lucky that I could feel hunger and I could feel cold, because I was alive. I never complain to people around me. I did not want to be labeled; “wet” do you remember that expression? Is it still used? 

Oh yes, Anika, that expression is still used!

I loved your writing style and the honesty that shone through. Did you find writing your story therapeutic? 

I find writing the essays therapeutic. I laughed and I cried. Let me rephrase it, I laughed a lot and I bawled my eyes out and it helped me.

For me, writing is therapy. It is not like talking. Once you say it, you cannot un-say it but you can always delete your writing. So I can just let it rip. 

How difficult was it to adjust to living in a different country? How did you get to grips with learning English?

Adjusting to living in different countries was not hard for me. After all, I grew up on “Travel is the University of Life!” Learning English was harder. Actually, learning English was not hard. I could read books in less than four months. Understanding English however was a whole different matter. Thanks again to the BEE GEES song; Smile, an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me… that song broke my ear barrier.  After I was able to understand that song my ears had adjusted. I shall be forever thankful. 

Becoming a Bond Girl must have been very glamorous  … of course, I love Bond films especially The Spy Who Loved Me 😊 Was it nerve racking being on the film set? What was your favourite modelling/acting experience ?

Being on the set of The Spy Who Loved Me was exhilarating. I inhaled every last drop of air in the Pinewood studios. It’s a miracle Roger Moore found any oxygen left to survive!  Haha!

My favorite modelling experience was to appear on three covers of a WOMAN magazine and the Close up toothpaste tv commercial. Working on James Bond was a unique experience I could never forget. I met Roger Moore in NYC when he was promoting the 50 years of James Bond. He treated me like a long lost friend. As for acting, working with Benny Hill in Raid on the Waterloo Station was very unique. Benny became a friend beyond cameras. He was kind, funny and very perceptive. 

Since your foray to England at the age of 18 from Czechoslovakia, you have travelled quite extensively across Europe, Asia and USA – Any favourite destinations?  What’s top of your bucket list?

I loved living and learning about different parts of the world but London will always be deepest in my heart. I will always be Slovak but being British is an honor I treasure. My children are now in New York so my heart tags toward the city that never sleeps as well. I have only one place on my bucket list. Australia. I have so many wonderful friends who live there, some I met in Hong Kong but some were pivotal in my life in England. I have to go and see them all.

Is “Encounter With The Future” available to purchase worldwide?

Encounter with the Future is available worldwide. You can get it on Amazon. Barnes and Noble, though you have to order it on B&N and you can also order it from my website too.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Personal yeh! I love suits, vests and ties, what can I say, my father was a tailor. I like to switch it around too. So certain trousers may find themselves dancing with a different jacket and totally funky blouse. But I love ties! Not scarves, I love ties and vests. I would wear a tie and vest with a soft silk frilly blouse! Pants are secondary as long as they are comfortable. I do love the occasional funky skirt with tie and vest. Hmm I have a need to stick my nose into my closet.  

Shoes – When I was younger, I loved very high heels. I still do but now I carry flats in my handbag. I always felt high heels give women great posture. You can’t slouch in high heels.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

I like the whole experience of shopping. Or as my friend Carolyn in London calls it RETAIL THERAPY. I used to love going to Harrods in the 1970’s and Peter Jones in Sloane Square, Selfridges in West End.  But my absolute favorite was Liberty of London! I own a whole collection of their ties and mentioned my passion for the store and their ties in one of my essays in the book. 

On line, I hit Etsy for something funky. J. Crew for something practical. I also love going to one of the little shops nobody ever heard of. I don’t shop much online. My daughter does, I think it is generational.

Oh my, Liberty’s in London was my haunt in the 1980s! Love that store! What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

What outfits am I looking for now? Something comfortable yet structured. Suit but not suit. I want to stay true to myself but I don’t want to see myself coming 40 years ago. I am also sensitive not to look like my daughter wannabe. Although we raid each other’s closets frequently… 

Boots or Shoes?

Shoes or boots. Shoes mostly because I have a very high instep and it’s a pain to take my boots off. Just ask my husband how many times he ended up on the floor pooling my boots off. 

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

www.anikapavel.com  

Instagram@anika.pavel

Facebook@anika.pavel

Such a pleasure to have you on my blog, Anika! I loved reading your memoir and I am so glad to chat about your life experiences with you. And share a love of Liberty’s too! 😍

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Anika Pavel.

My thanks to Anika Pavel for the interview and Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity & Marketing for a review copy of Encounter With The Future.

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