Sunlounger 2 Launch

Sunlounger 2 - Launch Party

Sunlounger 2 book cover

Yesterday I took some time out to attend the Sunlounger 2 book launch.

Sunlounger is the brainchild of women's fiction writer Belinda Jones.  She has published over ten books set in fabulous locations such as Las Vegas, Capri, Tahiti and Greece.  Her characters are funny, heartfelt and engaging, and the stories keep you hooked to the end.

Last year Belinda released an ebook called Sunlounger.  It contained fourty-four stories written by some of the hottest writers in women's fiction. It was a fantastic book for summer, perfect for reading on the beach, by the pool or in the  garden whilst sipping a sneaky cocktail.  Every story took the reader to a different country, Austraila, Thailand and Jamaica to name a few.  Reading it felt like you were travelling the world without having to get onto a plane and I absolutely loved it.

I was excited to hear that there would be a Sunlounger 2, and was lucky to get an invite to the launch yesterday at Trader Vic's London.  It was great to catch up with bloggers, contributing writers and of course, Belinda herself.

Chrissie Parker and Belinda Jones

Despite the inclement weather, the day had a fantastic holiday feel to it. Summer dresses in bright colours were out in force, accompanied by flip flops, sandals and sunglasses.  Writers wore flower garlands, Mai-Tai's brimmed with fruit, and Tracy's T-Cakes provided some of the most beautifully decorated cakes I've ever seen!  

Cakes by Tracy's T Cakes

I can't wait to read Sunlounger 2 this summer, it's going to be another fantastic holiday read, and I'm really looking forward to getting my copy, putting my feet up and getting stuck in.  If, however, you can't wait that long, Belinda's latest book The Travelling Tea Shop, set in New York and along the East Coast of the USA, was released yesterday.  

The Travelling Tea Shop by Belinda Jones

For updates on Sunlounger 2 go to Belinda Jones Travel Club on Facebook.  To follow Belinda on twitter go to @belindatravels.

Cover reveal by Andrea Buginsky

I'd like to welcome Andrea Buginsky to my blog. She's revealing the beautiful  new cover for her book. 

Nature’s Unbalance: The Chosen, book 2.

Finally re-releasing with a beautiful new cover!

Synopsis:

During a time of celebration for The Chosen, a mysterious force appears on Phantasma, threatening to destroy Nature and all of her creatures. Will The Chosen find and defeat this force and save Nature before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

Suddenly, as if someone had cast a freeze spell, everything stopped. As everyone looked around, they saw the shamans and druids gather together nervously and look up at the sky. Everyone else’s eyes focused upwards to see what was going on; chatter and screams could be heard as the sky suddenly darkened out of nowhere. Day became night in an instant. Now in a near panic, everyone shouted out assumptions.

“It’s Gastle! He’s back!”

“That’s impossible! This must be a new monster.”

“Perhaps it’s Gastle’s descendants seeking revenge for his death.”

“Or an old enemy trying to replace him on the throne.”

“Everyone, please, stay calm,” Striker spoke up. As the head of The Chosen, he normally took command, and it was accepted by those around him. “Let’s try to get some answers before we make assumptions.” He turned to the druids and shamans, who talked animatedly with each other while they pointed to the dark sky. “Red, any idea what this is?”

“It’s definitely not Gastle, or any other creature in Phantasma. There’s something off with the elements. Whatever caused this is a natural entity, and comes directly from Nature herself. There is a definite shift, and it’s unbalanced. We can all sense it.”

“Any idea what it could be?”

“No, but the strongest feelings we received are coming from the North, in the Polard region. We need to go there and see the situation for ourselves.”

Halli glanced at Queen Laurali who stood nearby and listened to the conversation between Striker and Red. The queen came toward the group, and Halli knew what she would say.

“I know this is a day of great celebration,” the Queen said, “but under the circumstances, I think it would be best if The Chosen headed out at once to seek some answers.” She turned toward the bride and groom. “Halli and Silvor, I will send a replacement healer and mage, of course, so you two can start your honeymoon. Until we know more, there’s no reason for you to cancel your plans.” But Halli and Silvor wouldn’t hear of it.

“We go with our family,” Silvor said. Halli nodded in agreement. “We can celebrate our honeymoon once we know what’s happened.”

Queen Laurali bowed her respect to them.

“Very well,” she said. “The Chosen, in its entirety, will head out right away toward Polard to see what you can find out. You may change in my tower while your horses are prepared.”

Coming soon from Amazon

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer and author. The Chosen, a middle-grade fantasy novelette was her first book, and was followed by My Open Heart, an autobiography about growing up with heart disease. Andrea released Destiny, the first book of her New Avalon series, in 2013. She is currently working on more books in both series. You can find Andrea on her website. Her books are available at Amazon. Remember to sign up for Andrea’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on all of her exciting events.

The wonderful world of history

Many of my followers know that I love history.  It's something that's been with me ever since I was a child.  When I was at school I wanted to be an archaeologist.  Historical buildings, ancient bones, and artefacts the dead left behind, completely fascinated me.  Unfortunately my creative side was always stronger than my academic side, and I just didn't have high enough grades to follow it as a career.  Over the years my love of all things historical hasn't waned though; if anything it's continued to grow.  I collect books on my favourite historical subjects, visit museums all the time, and have recently completed two short courses on 'Archaeological techniques' and 'the History of Ancient Egypt' with Exeter University.  

There are so many great archaeological sites that I would like to visit but haven't had a chance too yet.  I'd love to go to Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, to wander the ancient streets and buildings that were covered by ash in AD79 when Vesuvius blew her top, and devastated the surrounding area.  I'd also love to visit Knossos on Crete, it's considered to be Europe's oldest city and the centre of the Minoan Civilisation.  I'd really love to also get the chance to go to Machu Picchu in Peru, a lost city that sits at 7,000ft above sea level and was only rediscovered in 1911.  These amazing places all sit on a list of dream sites that I keep adding too.  One day I hope I'll get to visit some of them.

Despite not visiting any of the above, I've been lucky to go to some great sites already, both in the UK and abroad. 

Egypt

My husband and I first visited Luxor, Egypt in 2001.  We immersed ourselves in the history and it was a great holiday.  While there, we went to two museums - Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and Nobles.  We also went to a lot of temples - Karnak, Luxor, the Ramesseum, Del er Bahri, and Medinet Habu to name but a few.

The history and culture of Egypt is wonderful and I just love the place.

Me at Colossi Memnon

A few years later we visited Cairo, despite being a hectic city it didn't disappoint.  The Egyptian Museum is incredible there are so many artefacts to see and the mummy room is really interesting. We also went to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and the Sphinx, and Saqqara to see Djoser's step pyramid and funerary temple.  No one can ever describe how truly stunning these monuments are, it's something you just have to see for yourself.

Step pyramid at Saqqara

Somerset, England

I spend a lot of time in the West Country (UK), it's where I was born and the area is steeped in folklore and interesting history.  One of the places I visit a lot is Glastonbury, the town is small, but there is a ruinous abbey (razed to the ground on the say so of Henry VIII), and of course Glastonbury Tor, a prominent hill that overlooks the town, with the Tower of St Michaels at the summit.

Glastonbury Tor

Just down the road from Glastonbury is Burrowbridge, a small village on the edge of the Somerset Levels.  In the village there's an ancient earthwork called Burrow Mump.  It looks a bit like Glastonbury Tor, but on a smaller scale, the ruinous church at the top is also called St Michaels.  The area around Burrowbridge is rich in history, it sits close to the Isle of Athelney, an ancient  fortress/hiding place of King Alfred the Great.  I love Burrow Mump, and the view of the Somerset levels from the top it is great.

Burrow Mump

Jordan

In 2000, my husband and I went to Jordan.  The ancient city of Petra is indescribable.  Nothing can quite prepare you for the sight that greets you when you step out from the Siq Gorge to see the ancient city for the first time.  The site is huge, filled with rock cut tombs, temples and an amphitheatre.  It literally takes your breath away. 

Rock cut tombs, Petra

In the south of Jordan is the gulf of Aqaba.  Out in the gulf is Pharaohs Island, a small land mass with a fort on.  It was built and used by the crusaders to defend routes between Cairo and Damascus.  It's a really interesting place and the water surrounding it is beautifully clear for snorkelling and diving. 

These are just some of my favourite places.  There are so many others, but if I listed them all this blog would be the size of a novel! 

Until next time.