Book Review – Bridge of Sighs: A Short Story of the Bubonic Plague by Laura Morelli

This is a brief story but within its pages the author has captured the essence of Venice and the Bubonic Plague.  It is told through the eyes of a ten year old boy.  The author has done a great deal of research about the plague and I can tell from her biography and her writing she knows the city of Venice well.

During this time the plague was carried by black rats.  The boy refers to his pet as a mouse and I suspect that it is indeed how he views the animal he cares for.  Short stories are an ideal way to while away brief moments of time and if they make you think a little so much the better.  This example is a little gem and well worth the read.

Keith Jahans

Available in the Amazon Kindle Store in mobi (kindle) format

Book Review – 200 Free Tools to Save Time on Social Media Management by Anita Nipane

Serious authors need to keep in touch with potential or actual readers through social media.  Not only does this serve to promote their work but it helps in developing a strong fan base.  This handbook is an outstanding guide.  It contains a huge selection of aids to help the busy writer in maintaining most major social media platforms.  There is a massive amount of information here so, just as writers need to be selective in their choice of platforms, they should also be selective with the tools they use to manage them.

The number of social media platforms online is constantly changing.  New ones are arising and some old ones are disappearing.  As a rule of thumb writers should choose those platforms where they know their readers are and only use the tools they find easiest to use.  Anita Nipane provides a wide range to choose from and in doing this has produced a book which serves as an excellent tool in its own right.  Used correctly, it can save time and energy by allowing the busy wordsmith to get on with doing what he or she wants to do most which is to write.

Keith Jahans

Available in the Kindle store as an ebook in Mobi format

The Christmas Pudding

It was Christmas Day.

     “That was a strange pudding,” said Claire.

     “I made it,” said Marcus.

     “What was in it?”

     “Plums.”

Claire fled to the bathroom.  After a long wait, Marcus tapped on the door.

     “I’m alright” called Claire.  “I’ve done a test.  We’re having a baby!”

 

©Keith Jahans

www.peatmore.com

 

Book Review – Sunday’s Child by Rosemary Morris

This is not a genre I would normally read but having met the author I was struck by her professionalism.  This is certainly borne out by the way she has crafted this excellent novel.  It is obvious upon reading it that a great deal of research has gone into substantiating the facts surrounding the life of the upper classes who inhabit the Regency period in which this story is set.

I found it an unexpected delight and I am sure that it will captivate the devotees of this form of literature.  The tale of Georgina, her family and her quest to find happiness is set against the background of the looming battle of Waterloo.  In the character of Pennington the author has created the perfect villain against whom Georgina needs all her wits about her to ensure the safety of herself and her sisters.  It is an enthralling story which kept me turning the pages to the end.

Keith Jahans

Published by BWL Publishing Inc.
and available as a paperback and ebook
on a number of different platforms

 

 

 

Books – The ideal Christmas presents

One of the most enjoyable experiences anyone can have during Christmas is to receive a book as a present.  A hardcover or paperback book is an ideal shape to be wrapped and, if the giver is tuned in enough to the tastes of the recipient, when the wrapping is opened it is certain to delight.

It is a gift suitable for all ages.  Small children love turning pages to admire pictures and be read to by an attentive adult.  Those of us who are older can curl up by a fire or somewhere warm knowing that someone close to us has been thoughtful enough to bestow such a delightful personal gift.

So when out shopping for someone close to you at this festive time of year your first thought should be to buy a book.

 

Keith Jahans

http://peatmore.com/jacklindseyholidaydeals.htm
http://peatmore.com/thrillerholidaydeals.htm