Blog Tour Guest Post - Sheryl Browne

Today I am really pleased to welcome author Sheryl Browne to my blog as part of her book launch tour for A Little Bit of Madness.

Hi Lindsay! 

Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little bit about myself and my newly released book. OK, where to start? Well, today is my birthday(!) and I can’t think of a more fabulous present than having my fourth book published and out there, all wrapped up in a gorgeous cover featuring multi-talented author, Carole E Wyer, whose own books are aimed at people facing big birthdays, i.e., of a certain age, and are absolutely hilarious.  A little plug for Carol there but it does bring me to my own book, A Little Bit of Madness, which features a colourful cast of eccentric ‘older people’ who are central to bringing our main love-torn couple together.

So what inspired me to write about older people, you might ask.  Why not, would be my answer.  Has anyone not watched Downton Abbey? Would anyone deny that the wonderful Dame Maggie Smith, Dowager Countess of Grantham, was central to the plot and an absolute joy to watch? 

Quoting this fabulously talented actress, who also recently starred spectacularly in Quartet, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I think stories need to be written around older people, catering for shifting population demographics.  Readers want to read about people they identify with.  In A Little Bit of Madness, I aimed for a multigenerational read, if you like, combining younger ‘boy gets girl, despite all obstacles’ romance with the relationships, lives and loves of older people.  People of the Queen’s generation, or as Celia – our heroine – prefers to call them, her elderly independents, people who have life skills you couldn’t possibly learn from a book and who still have lives to live and something left to give.

Of course, I do have a hunky, flawed and hurting younger hero in there too. And a multi-faceted, multi-talented, feisty, yet vulnerable heroine. 

To sum up, I like to write romantic comedy because I hope to allow people a little escapism that leaves them with that all-important feel-good factor.  In my mind, a smile a day keeps the gloom away.  I do, however, like to write about real people, dealing with real life events, someone the reader identifies with and wants to get to know.  A ‘boy meets girl, boy gets girl, despite all obstacles’ story portraying characters readers can relate to and hopefully laugh with as they fall over those obstacles – because the reader is empathising with the character, because they’ve been there. 

Have I succeeded?  Well…?  Here’s a little snippet from a beautiful, heart-warming review of one of my previous books, Somebody to Love, which had me whooping. 

This author shows a true understanding and appreciation of how rewarding relationships between humans and animals can be. She writes about relationships convincingly, and has created warm, likeable, but flawed and therefore very human characters in Donna and Mark. Equally, Sheryl Browne writes with sensitivity and understanding regarding Karl, and with authority and insight as to the possibilities an autism assistance dog can offer a child's life.  I feel that this story has been written with real warmth and heart, with a wry humour at the ups and downs that life throws at people.  The Little Reader Library

Ultimately, it’s the reader who decides. Thank you, Lindsay! Thank you, too, to all those people who have purchased and reviewed my books, shared my ramblings, and offered me unstinting support. I couldn't have done it without you!  

Sheryl's book launch tour is hosted by Fiction Addiction Book Tours

~~~~~

Sheryl Browne grew up in Birmingham, UK, where she studied Art & Design. A partner in her own business, a mother and a foster parent to disabled dogs, Sheryl has also been writing for many years, the road along the way often bumpy.  She was therefore thrilled beyond words when Safkhet Publishing loved her writing style and commissioned her to write her debut novel. Recipes for Disaster - combining deliciously different and fun recipes with sexilicious romantic comedy, is garnering some fabulous reviews and was shortlisted for the Innovation in Romantic Fiction Festival of Romance Award.  Sheryl has since been offered a further three-book contract under the Safkhet Publishing Soul imprint. Somebody to Love, a romantic comedy centring around a single father’s search for love and his autistic little boy, launched July 1. Warrant for Love, Blackmail, lies, adultery, entrapment - three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly - released August 1 and A Little Bit of Madness -White Knight in Blue rescues the Harbour Rest Home - released Valentine’s Day 2013.

Links:

Sheryl’s Website

Safkhet Publishing

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Author Facebook     

Romantic Novelists’ Association

Sheryl is a loveahappyending featured Author and Editor.

Twitter: @sherylbrowne

A Little Bit of Madness by Sheryl Browne - Cover Reveal

A Little Bit of Madness by Sheryl Browne

Today it's great to be taking part in the Cover Reveal of Sheryl Browne's new novel, A Little Bit of Madness - and here's the cover!

About the book

No rest for the wicked.

Saving Charlton hall will burrow into your heart.

Celia Summers loves her job as an art therapist at The Harbour Rest Home, even if her partner, Martin, is disparaging of her efforts.

Martin, a solicitor, made speculative investments and needs to get his hands on his mother’s assets, her home, Charlton Hall, to bail himself out of debt. In order to sell the house, he has to get Rosemary re-housed at The Harbour Rest Home and tries to get Celia on his side with a fabrication of lies.

Meanwhile, Celia fights for gallery space for her charges’ artwork, and to keep The Harbour from being closed.

Police Constable Alex Burrows, son of Colonel Burrows, comes to her rescue when she crashes her car. Alex turns out to be considerate and caring with a witty, wicked, sense of humour, which makes Celia laugh, though when she learns of the circumstances surrounding his the loss of his wife, she wants to cry. She ignores his reputation as a womaniser. His trying to influence his father’s Will though, she can’t.  Alex, who little by little has stolen her heart, appears to be just as much a liar as Martin.

Despite all efforts, The Harbour is doomed to closure. Celia decides to take Rosemary home and forestall Martin’s plan to sell Charlton Hall. Celia is soon joined by the rest of her elderly independents, who rally together to stop Martin evicting them. Colonel Burrows is ready to thrash the enemy to death with his walking stick when his son arrives in his uniform. Alex explains that Colonel Burrows is the buyer of Charlton Hall and finally does what he’s been trying to do for ages: ask Celia to marry him.

A Little Bit of Madness is published by Safkhet on February 14th 2013.

Visit my blog again on February 15th 2013 to see Sheryl's guest post as part of the book launch tour!

Romantic question!

As part of the cover reveal, we have both answered a question relating to romance! Do feel free to join in and leave your own answer to the question below in the comments if you'd like to!

What is your idea of a perfect date?

Sheryl: George Clooney at my front door.  Trust me, I’d let him in with or without coffee.

Lindsay: My husband and I, in our little cottage, snuggled up, with good food and a good film!

And what about you, dear reader?

About the Author

Sheryl Browne grew up in Birmingham, UK, where she studied Art & Design.

A partner in her own business, a mother and a foster parent to disabled dogs, Sheryl has also been writing for many years, the road along the way often bumpy.  She was therefore thrilled beyond words when Safkhet Publishing loved her writing style and commissioned her to write her debut novel. 

RECIPES FOR DISASTER - combining deliciously different and fun recipes with sexilicious romantic comedy, is garnering some fabulous reviews and was shortlisted for the Innovation in Romantic Fiction Festival of Romance Award.  Sheryl has since been offered a further three-book contract under the Safkhet Publishing Soul imprint. SOMEBODY TO LOVE, a romantic comedy centring around a single father’s search for love and his autistic little boy, launched July 1. WARRANT FOR LOVE, Blackmail, lies, adultery, entrapment - three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly - released August 1.

A LITTLE BIT OF MADNESS - White Knight in Blue rescues the Harbour Rest Home - releases Valentine’s Day 2013.

LINKS:

Sheryl’s Website

Safkhet Publishing

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Author Facebook     

Romantic Novelists’ Association

Sheryl is a loveahappyending featured Author and Editor.

Twitter: @sherylbrowne

Competition

Sheryl is offering a giveaway of either a paperback copy or an ecopy of this book as a prize to one winner who comments on any of the blogs participating in the cover reveal.  So from the five blogs, there will be a winner of either a paperback or an ecopy.  Sheryl will choose the winners a week after the tour ends. So do leave a comment if you'd like to be in with a chance!

You can find out about all the tour stops for both the cover reveal and the book tour by visiting Fiction Addiction Book Tours

Somebody to Love - Sheryl Browne

'Laugh,' he said....You do it beautifully.'

Donna O'Connor is a single mum to teenager Matt, and wonderful three-legged dog Sadie and little houserabbit Findus. She works in an office but would ideally like to get involved in working directly with children with difficulties, at a respite home, helping them learn. Her first marriage ended, her ex-husband Jeremy now having taken up with someone new, and being less than helpful with his fathering duties to Matt.

Mark is a policeman and single father to his autistic son, Karl. He would love to find a lasting relationship with someone who can accept him and Karl as they are, but fears that this will ever happen.  So when he meets Donna, and feels an instant attraction, he hesitates before telling her the full facts about his life, despite sensing she is a kind-hearted lady. And for her part, Donna wonders if Mark would 'really want to be embroiled in the life of a single mum and all the problems that went with it?' Not telling the truth initially to each other, though, means that lies and misunderstandings abound, and any chance of love is in jeapody.

This author shows a true understanding and appreciation of how rewarding relationships between humans and animals can be. She writes about relationships convincingly, and has created warm, likeable, but flawed and therefore very human characters in Donna and Mark. Equally, Sheryl Browne writes with sensitivity and understanding regarding Karl, and with authority and insight as to the possibilities an autism assistance dog can offer a child's life; 'Assistance dogs can vastly improve the quality of an autistic child's life, and thereby that of the parents and carers. As well as allowing them some independence, they provide companionship, unconditional love, a source of comfort and consistency when environments change and anxiety might be high.' This is illustrated through Karl's encouragingly positive steps with his new canine companion Starbuck by his side; 'Karl studied the dog for a second, his hair plastered to his head, his chest heaving, that familiar furrow in his brow that had Mark constantly wondering what he was thinking. What went on in a six-year-old mind where abstract ideas made no sense? Mark is thrilled when, immediately subsequent to this, Karl runs alongside with his dog and they play together, slowly developing Karl's behaviour.

I liked both Donna and Mark, and wished they had had more confidence at times, and less doubt about themselves and each other, but this is often the case in real life - we can't find the confidence to believe we are deserving. Yet they are two lovely people, and the misunderstandings and complications are frustrating because I felt that I knew they should be together, and I wanted them to have just one moment together alone, uninterupted by children, parents or animals to be able to set things straight!

Despite their shared nervousness, there are glimpses and moments of tenderness early on which show how much they actually like each other. When Mark tells Donna he would always want to make her laugh and smile it means so much to her.  'It was such a small thing he'd said, but so poetic in its simplicity, her disorientated heart felt full to overflowing. He hadn't been gushing, full of false compliment designed to impress. He'd picked on the one thing she quite liked about herself: her smile, which she hadn't had a reason g to use much lately.'

The supporting cast of characters, including Donna's mum Evelyn and sister Alicia, and Mark's father Robert, as well as Evelyn's friend Dot, and Agnes from the park, all add to the narrative. I thought the dialogue between Donna and her son Matt was particularly well-written and fitting.

I feel that this story has been written with real warmth and heart, with a wry humour at the ups and downs that life throws at people. It was lovely to read a story where companion animals feature prominently, as they so often provide us with much needed company and unconditional love. In particular rabbits and dogs, which are both close to my own heart.

I have to finish by saying that this is the cutest book cover ever! The absolutely adorable Findus the rabbit featuring so sweetly with his adoring human friend means I will never get tired of looking at it!

Published by Safkhet Soul

Thank you to the author and publisher for kindly sending an ebook copy of this novel to read and review. 

You can read a feature posted on my blog earlier this year about this book and the author here.

You can follow the author on twitter @SherylBrowne and visit her website here.

Find out more about the book and Safkhet here. 

Sheryl is part of loveahappyending - click to find out more.

Somebody to Love - Sheryl Browne - Author Guest Post & Extract

I am so happy to welcome author Sheryl Browne to my blog today! 

I read Sheryl's earlier novel Recipes for Disaster and really enjoyed it; a great mix of humour, pets, romance, and food, written with warmth and wit. I'm really looking forward to reading Somebody to Love, and Sheryl has kindly visited the blog today to introduce this new book, and to provide us with an extract. I love the cover design of this book so much! 

Hi Lindsay! Thank you so much for inviting me onto The Little Reader Library to talk about my recently released book, Somebody to Love.  It’s never easy to talk about your own book without wanting to say, I believe that it’s good, I believe you will enjoy it (please read it!!).  You do believe it’s as good as it can be, of course.  Authors, who have often been writing and learning for many years, work hard to make sure their books are.  The ‘written in blood’ adage really does apply for a writer.  Passionate about what you do, you pour your whole heart and soul into your stories, working hard on research, determined to get the detail right and never to trivialise emotive issues that some people might live and struggle with on a day-to-day basis.  My writing, though romantic comedy – and I am happy with that title, because romance and comedy are the key elements – has been described as funny but thoughtful.  Thoughtful because I feel drawn to look at the relationships of people whose lives may be little more complicated than most and therefore their emotions a little more tangled.

Simply, In Somebody to Love, my protagonist, Mark, has a special needs son, ergo a lot riding on any relationship he might enter into.

The story was inspired by ‘a lost little boy’.  An autistic little boy, who wasn’t lost at all, it seems, but on a mission to throw his shoes over his neighbour’s garden fence in order to facilitate a meeting with her three-legged dog.  Though I do have experience of special needs children, still I worried about that all-important detail, particularly as I was incorporating the little boy’s Autism Assistance Dog (ADD) into the story.  A tremendous amount of research was called for therefore.  I could go on, but I think a snippet from the book’s first review – which actually rendered me speechless, so overcome was I when I saw it – has dispelled those worries: 

This fabulous book is a Rom Com with a difference. It’s funny, its heart-breaking, and it will either make you sigh with contentment or scream with frustration.  At times it made me weep. The special needs thread running through this book will tug at your heartstrings and give you a greater understanding of what it’s like trying to find love when your life is full of complications.

Through this book, Sheryl Browne has captured the essence of love, life, family and the fear of giving away your heart. She has also perfectly captured the highs and lows of parenting a special needs child.

Thank you, Jontybabe JB Johnston. You succeeded where no one ever has in rendering me silent.

Here’s an excerpt.  I do hope you enjoy.  

Without readers and reviewers, writers would be lost:

Donna glanced at Karl, trying to ignore the murmur of male voices behind them, for fear of losing his attention. ‘I think Starbuck might want to try some shoes on, Karl. Does Karl think he does?’

Donna watched and waited.

The furrow in Karl’s brow deepened. ‘I think Starbuck might want to try some shoes on,’ he eventually said.

‘Good boy, Starbuck.’ Donna breathed a sigh of relief, then moved around the dog, lifting each paw one by one and popping the paw-protectors on, whilst trying very hard to ignore Mark Evans staring at her from where he stood by the door.

Mark kept staring.

Utterly mesmerised.

Quite unable to tear his disbelieving eyes away from her.

Dr Lewis leaned towards him. ‘I think we landed on our feet with Donna, if you’ll forgive the pun.’

Mark hardly dared to breathe, thinking if he did, he might wake up from whatever hangover-induced hallucination this might be.

‘She has a natural empathy,’ Dr Lewis went on in the same low voice he’d been addressing Mark with in the last few minutes, rather than distract Donna from her mission, and Karl from Donna.

Mark nodded, at a loss for words that might describe how he felt about Donna just then. How could he have been such an idiot? She was smiling at his son. Talking to his son. Engaging with his son. Getting a reaction from him, and he’d been bloody fool enough to think she’d walk away at first knowledge of him.

He kept watching, what should be a Eureka moment, feeling sick to the bottom of his soul.

‘All set,’ Donna said, straightening from her task, then cocking an ear in Starbuck’s direction. ‘What was that, Starbuck?’

‘Oh,’ she said.

Mark’s mouth twitched into a smile.

‘Starbuck won’t go unless Karl wears his shoes.’ Donna sighed melodramatically. ‘He says Karl might hurt his feet. And then Karl might not be able to go walkies. And then Starbuck will be sad, because he doesn’t want to go walkies without his best friend.’

Best friend? Jesus. That’s where it had come from. Mark reeled inwardly. Could almost feel a collective holding of breath, a palpable tension as Karl climbed from his chair, walked over to his shoes, picked them up, plonked himself on the floor and pulled them on.

‘Good God!’ Dr Lewis stared in awe. ‘I don’t…’ He looked from a shoed and ready to go Karl, to Donna, back to Mark, but Mark was gone, half out door.

He couldn’t stay to watch anymore.

****

‘Mark?’ Donna stepped tentatively towards him.

He stayed where he was, his back to her.

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘I, er…’ He ran his hand though his hair.

Turned around after a while.

Swallowed hard.

Oh, Lord. He’d been crying.

Donna searched his face. She had no clue what to say to him. Why he was so upset. Why he hadn’t mentioned he had a special son. Except…

‘Why didn’t you tell me, Mark?’ she asked again, because she had to.  ‘Was it because you didn’t think I’d be in your life long enough for you to warrant mentioning him?’

‘What!?’ Mark looked at her, visibly shocked. ‘No. I…’ He swallowed again. ‘I have to go,’ he said, dropping his gaze. ‘Can I call you, Donna? Will you please let me talk to you?’

He glanced back at her, hopefully.

Donna hesitated, then nodded. He might well have a harem on his landing. She wouldn’t be surprised if some voluptuous female popped out of the boot of his patrol car, complete with toothbrush and tassels, but… Her shoulders were broad. She had ears. She could listen if he needed to talk.

As mentioned, the story is fictional, based on a little fact, and a good deal of research, particularly in regard to Autism Assistance Dogs. To Karl, to three-legged Sadie, and with huge thanks to Danemere Animal Rescue Centre and Our Dog Publications.

About the story of Somebody to Love...

How do you tell her?

After a turbulent marriage to a man who walked off hand-in-offshoot with something resembling a twig, divorced mum, Donna O'Conner, doubts happy endings exist. She'd quite like to find herself an Adonis with… pecs …and things. Alas, that's not likely, when her only interest outside of work is hopping her three-legged dog in the park, carrying a poop-scoop. In any case, Donna isn't sure she'd know what to do with an Adonis if she fell on one. When PC Mark Evans comes along, gloriously gift-wrapped in blue, however, she can't help wishing she did.

Mark, a single father, is desperate for love. He doesn't hold out much hope, though, that there is a woman out there with a heart big enough to love him and his autistic son. Enter big-hearted Donna, plus three-legged dog. And now Mark has a dilemma. Pretending not to mind her house-bunny chewing his bootlaces, he's smitten with Donna on sight. Should he tell her his situation up-front? Announcing he has a child with autism spectrum disorder on a first date tends to ensure there isn't a second. Or should he skirt around the subject, which amounts to a lie? When one lie leads to another, can he ever win Donna's trust back? Admit that he didn't trust Donna enough to let her into his life?

Publisher’s Note: Somebody to Love has been made with love... love of animals. Sheryl Browne has done excellent research on assistance dogs for the handicapped, specifically their use with autistic individuals. With a focus on romance with police officers, appealing to all readers who love our boys in blue, the author's "teasing but not telling" style makes this read appropriate for anyone, including young adults and older teens.

Somebody to Love (Safkhet Publishing) is published on July 1st 2012.

Available from: Amazon UK, Amazon, any local bookstore, or direct from Safkhet Publishing

Website: www.sherylbrowne.com

Author Facebook     

Romantic Novelists’ Association

A loveahappyending Editor and featured Author http://loveahappyending.com/sheryl-browne/  

Twitter: @sherylbrowne

Thanks so much, Sheryl!