Novelicious.com | The Women's Fiction Blog for Readers and Writers

Feasting on Romantic Comedy – Onion Tartlets from The Silent Hours by Cesca Major

In The Silent Hours Cesca Major draws the threads of different people's lives and brings them together in a powerful, shocking and heartbreaking way. It is the Second World War in a village in France. This village has been largely untouched by the war. Yes, sons, husbands and brothers have gone off to fight, but right there in the village little action had been seen. Some of the children had never even seen soldiers before.

But the novel begins in 1952, some years later, in a nunnery in South West France. Adeline is being looked after by the nuns; she can't speak, she has become mute, and no-one knows what has happened to her.

We then rewind to the war and the stories of Isabelle, Paul, Sebastien and a nine-year-pld boy called Tristan.  

Tristan and his mother, father and various siblings, are fleeing Paris. They're in a motorcar, but stuck in traffic as many other families have had exactly the same idea. Their destination is a village, some way away, to safety. It was going to be a long journey. They eat onion tartlets on newspaper on their laps. They're were nice enough, but Tristan prefers a hot meal. His innocence is heartbreaking.

Novelicious Chats To...Freya North

We’re very excited to have Freya North in the house this week, talking everything from inspiring landscapes to juggling a writing career with single parenthood. Freya’s latest book, The Turning Point, is out now.

Tell us about The Turning Point.

Set partly in North Norfolk and partly in British Columbia, The Turning Point tells the story of Scott, a Canadian musician and Frankie, a British author, both in their early 40s. A chance meeting between the two of them strikes a profound connection and, against all advice, they decide to see where it might go. Over oceans and time zones they make sacrifices and take risks, discovering along the way new truths about love and family. For the first time in a long while, it seems life could be very good. But fate has a tragic twist in store, one that could destroy all that was hoped for…

Where do you find inspiration for your books?

The inspiration for The Turning Point came from a very deep place. I never feel like a puppeteer when I write – in fact, with this, my 14th novel, I take little ownership for the story. To me, it felt as if the whole story existed out there in the ether – and I was the author fortunate enough to be the one to write it down.

Review – The House At The End Of Hope Street by Menna van Praag

Reviewed by Jenny Banks

The house at the end of Hope Street only shows itself for the most deserving of people. It is a place of refuge and gentle comfort for broken hearts and lost souls. Alba is a brilliant young academic and in need of sanctuary after being betrayed. She is welcomed by the guardian of the house, Peggy, who has kept watch over the women who have come to her door and guided them back on the right path. Hope Street soon starts to work its magic on Alba, as she discovers the famous past residents who have inhabited the house, and continue to do so, and is joined by Carmen and Greer, similarly displaced women who are in need of shelter.

Much like Alba is soon wrapped up in the dealings of the house, I was quickly absorbed in Menna van Praag’s novel. It is by turns magical, funny, and overwhelmingly sad yet filled with warmth. As Alba begins to pick up the pieces of her broken life, it’s evident that the luxury she was surrounded by growing up has made her incredibly unhappy and lonely. The revealing story was very touching and personal, and quite unexpected, and I was rooting for the youngest resident of the aptly named Hope Street to find some solace.

Menna van Praag weaves the three main strands of the novel – Alba, Carmen and Greer’s stories – intricately throughout, and as such I became invested very quickly in their lives. Carmen came to Hope Street from Portugal, fleeing an abusive husband but carrying a poisonous secret. Greer has left her cheating partner, and while her dreams of acting stardom fade her desire for a child never leaves. The author has created three distinctly different characters. While their lives intertwine, their personalities are often contrasting. Alba is quiet and studious, lacking confidence and living vicariously through the great heroines of her novels. Carmen is kind and passionate, and is able to rediscover her love of music. Greer appears to be the most lost out of the three, hurting from the past and unable to commit to her future.

Jenny Hale's Top 5 Writing Tips

1. Read in your genre. Reading other writers recharges my batteries and helps me find fresh perspective when I’m writing.

2. Travel. I think getting out, getting some sunshine, and people-watching is helpful in creating believable settings and characters.

3. Write every day. We live busy lives. That’s the only way I can get it done.

4. Have fun! Every part of the process is a new opportunity for me to learn a little more. Even when I’m completely stumped, I love it because the process helps me grow.

5. Listen to your readers. When I see an overwhelming theme running through my reviews, either good or bad, I pay attention. I remember it, and I keep it running in the back of my mind when I write again.

Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale is out now.

My Writing Room By Teresa Driscoll

The story of my writing room(s) is one of contrast. Beauty and the Beast. The fact is I divide my time between two very different spaces – my kitchen (Beauty), which has a glorious view of the garden, especially pretty just now. And the Beast, which is the practical but not-so-pretty office space, currently tucked in the corner of the guest room.

The Secret Dreamworld of an Aspiring Author – Bring On the Funny

by Anna Bell

There’s one thing that terrifies me about writing romantic comedies more than anything. Not the plot, the story, the believability or the characterisation; it’s the fear that what I’ve written isn’t funny. Does that terrify other romantic comedy writers too?

We’ve all been there: someone tells you a joke and you’re left wondering how it’s funny. It’s a cringe-worthy, awful situation, where you try and fake a laugh to spare someone’s feelings. But what if your whole book was like that? What if you thought you’d written something laugh-out-loud funny that fell short, and people didn’t laugh at all?

I’m particularly sensitive to the topic at the moment as I’ve just read through the first draft of my WIP. My first drafts are not known for their comedic merit and I usually add a sprinkling of laughter in the editing stages. Whilst reading through the first draft I’ve been highlighting where humour is needed. It’s not like every line has to be funny, but there are certain points in the story where it’s crying out for a joke. It’s a comment I always hate to see when I’m editing, as I then feel the pressure to channel my inner funny.

The Worried Writer Podcast – Creative Writing For The Timid

I’ve never had much self-belief in my writing and, for a long time, I thought this lack of confidence meant that I would never be a novelist.

I spent my days writing non-fiction articles and blog posts and pretending that I was content to be a freelance journalist. I was following a path close to my dream, as it felt less terrifying than pursuing the thing I truly wanted. 

I kept researching authors, though, looking for the key to the door of that secret club. Many authors spoke candidly about the hard work that went into their books, about the need for practice and rewriting, and their own creative fears, and it dawned upon me that maybe my anxieties weren’t a death sentence for my writing dreams.

However, self-doubt wasn't easy to vanquish. Even when I started writing and got external validation, I still felt riven with anxiety. I was so nervous the night before my first book was published, that I was seriously considering calling my publisher and asking them to call the whole thing off.

Five Judy Blume Books That'll Stay in Our Hearts Forever

After a gap of, quite frankly, far too long, Judy Blume has a brand new novel out for adults. In The Unlikely Event is about three generations of families, friends and strangers whose lives are forever changed in the aftermath of three plane crashes in 1950s America. To celebrate (as Kirsty says, "Judy Blume is da queen") we thought we'd revisit those special Judy Blume books from Team Novelicious's childhood.

1. Tiger Eyes – This is Cressida and Kerry's favourite. When Davey's father is murdered, her mother takes them to stay with their prim and proper aunt and uncle in New Mexico. Davey goes out cycling to the canyon to escape the claustrophobic house and meets a boy called Wolf. But meeting him won't bring her dad back.

2. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret – This is Helen's and Kirsty's favourite - As a teenager going through a confusing time, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret is perfect. Margaret doesn't know if she is Jewish or Christian. And – horror! – she's a late developer. She talks to God because it's far too embarrassing to talk to her parents about this stuff.

3. Just as Long as We're Together – Susan loves this book and has re-read it over and over again. Stephanie and Rachel have been best friends for years, but this is all upset when Alison moves into the area. Is it possible to have two best friends? 

4. Starring Sally J Freedman As Herself – Another favourite of Kerry's. It's 1947 and Sally's close knit family has been separated because of her brother's illness. Moving to Florida, Sally is gloomy, and her love of making up stories in which she is the star is not enough to comfort her. Worse still, Sally is sure Hitler is alive and well and living in Miami Beach.

Extract – Summer at Shell Cottage by Lucy Diamond

On the lookout for a new book after zooming through your TBR pile over the weekend? Exhausted yourself with Grey and in need of a gentler read?

Set on the sparkling Devon coastline and stuffed with family secrets and characters you’ll root for from the start, Summer at Shell Cottage by Lucy Diamond is one of our favourite reads this season. We reckon you’ll love it too. Enjoy this taster and be sure to let us know what you think of the book if you decide to read the whole thing!

A seaside holiday at Shell Cottage in Devon has always been the perfect escape for the Tarrant family. Beach fun, barbecues and warm summer evenings with a cocktail or two – who could ask for more?

But this year, everything has changed. Following her husband's recent death, Olivia is struggling to pick up the pieces. Then she makes a shocking discovery that turns her world upside down.

As a busy mum and GP, Freya's used to having her hands full, but a bad day at work has put her career in jeopardy and now she's really feeling the pressure.

Harriet's looking forward to a break with her lovely husband Robert and teenage daughter Molly. But unknown to Harriet, Robert is hiding a secret – and so, for that matter, is Molly ...

Click here to read an extract of Summer at Shell Cottage by Lucy Diamond.

Review – Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk

Reviewed by Kirsty Nicole Pole

Some things in life are always immensely satisfying; that first gulp of chilled white wine on a hot day, a warm blanket when it’s raining outside, and a Lindsey Kelk novel.

With a successful career that now spans 10 novels (and another on the way in the autumn), it’s safe to say that she is a powerhouse in women’s fiction – her books are always guaranteed to delight.

Always the Bridesmaid is Lindsey’s latest standalone novel and it is packed with the same wit and humour that her readers have come to know and look forward to with every release. Her unique, humorous style translates to both her running series and her standalone novels making Always the Bridesmaid a perfect escape from the real world.

Maddie is an events assistant who wants to be an events manager but her scary, bitch-face boss seems intent on keeping her down. Whilst spending her days dying rabbits pink for clients and trying to find real-life storks, she has also been given the task of planning best friend Lauren’s wedding, which you’d think would be a great honour, right? Except for the fact that the bride-to-be alternates between being the ultimate bridezilla and crying in the toilets not wanting to get married at all. With fellow friend and bridesmaid Sarah going through a painful divorce at the same time, you could say that Maddie has got enough on her plate already. Add to that, new man Will – who is everything she’s ever wanted: handsome, a lawyer and sensational in bed – and Maddie’s beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. As Maddie juggles margarita fountains, late night counselling sessions and calming the bride, is it time to stop being the bridesmaid?

Novelicious Explores Podcasts For Inspiration, Information and Fun

by Sarah Painter

Much as I love the act of reading, I also adore listening, and find the burgeoning world of podcasting very exciting indeed.

For starters, audio is so convenient. There are lots of times during my week when reading a blog would be frowned upon (driving springs to mind), but if I have my iPod, lovingly loaded with podcast episodes, then I can still have wordy entertainment. 

If you're not familiar with the term, podcasts are basically on-demand internet radio. They are often amateur-made (which is not to say the quality is 'amateur' but just that they are made by independent companies and individuals) and span a wide range of interests. 

Some are simple one-person shows on a particular topic or talk shows with guest interviews, and some, like the acclaimed Welcome To Nightvale, are complex fiction serials with talented voice actors.  

You can browse for podcasts in iTunes (or one of the many podcast apps such as Stitcher or Podbay) and subscribe so that you automatically get episodes when they are released. I have always enjoyed listening to the radio (I grew up to the sounds of the News Quiz and I'm Sorry I Haven’t A Clue on Radio Four), but the ability to choose exactly what I want, when I want is brilliant.

Feasting on Romantic Comedy – Coffee from One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin

"Is there really such a thing as a perfect proposal? Over the next hundred days I intend to find out. I will find one hundred ways to propose to our Chief Proposer Suzie McKenzie and post the results here for your enjoyment. One thing’s for sure, not one of my proposals will be on top of the Eiffel Tower with a dozen red roses."

In One Hundred Proposals by Holly Martin, Suzie and Harry are best friends. They also work together in their business of creating the perfect and ultimate marriage proposal for would-be grooms. 

Novelicious Chats To...Gill Hornby

Gill Hornby is no stranger to the publishing world – her brother is novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby and her husband is bestselling author Robert Harris – but with her debut published just last year, she says she is proof that it’s never too late to start writing. Gill joins us this morning to talk about her latest book, All Together Now, as well as her own unplotted journey to becoming an author.

Tell us about All Together Now.

It is the story of a small community choir with the big ambition to win the County Choir Championships and try and bring back some civic pride to their rather downbeat town. The trouble is, the choir is as downbeat as the town it belongs to, so first it needs to find a lot of new members and a whole new sound. In comes Tracey, one of life’s soloists with a hidden past; Bennett – a church choir refugee who struggles with the modern world; and Jazzy, who wants to use her talent to get on and up and out of there. Can they all learn to work together and in the process find their own true voices?

Where do you find inspiration for your books?

All around me. I don’t go very far ... The first one was about the parents’ association of a primary school – inspired by having four children – and this one is about a choir and a collection of characters all facing the challenge of the empty nest – inspired by the challenge of an empty nest and belonging to a choir.

Can you tell us a little about your average writing day?

It is the same, more or less, as the school day. Once the breakfast chaos is over, I muck about and procrastinate and look around for every displacement activity I can find, then I see the clock, realise how little time there is left and write like a mad thing until the children come home again. I know I’m doing it, but somehow I can never change……

What is your favourite Women’s Fiction book of all time and why?

I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith. It’s funny, kind, romantic and very intelligent, which is what the best women’s fiction should be.

What female writer has inspired you?

Jane Austen: the proof, if proof is needed, that you don’t have to look far to find material for a novel; that even if you base it in your own backyard, the whole world can still respond.

Review – The Doris Day Vintage Film Club by Fiona Harper

Reviewed by Zarina de Ruiter

The Doris Day Vintage Film Club follows Claire Bixby, who works as a travel agent specialising in romantic destinations, which is ironic considering the fact that she's having no luck on the romantic front herself! Still, she's happy with her job and her friends, with whom she shares a love for actress Doris Day and so they regularly meet up for film evenings to relish the back catalogue of the inspiring woman.

The one thing not going according to plan in her life, after not yet finding a man to share it with, of course, is her annoying downstairs neighbour who has reappeared and is being really inconsiderate; leaving a bike where she can trip over it and even stealing her milk. She spends an aggravating time exchanging notes with the man who becomes more rude with each passing message. But when Claire finally seems to have met a serious contender for Mister Right, not even her neighbour can get her off her happy cloud.

I'm very fond of novels that group together women of all ages as they meet over a shared passion after reading similarly structured such as The Vintage Tea Club by Vanessa Greene and The Meryl Street Movie Club by Mia March, which both were excellent in their execution – so The Doris Day Vintage Film Club had a lot to live up to! Unfortunately this one was was more focused on Claire and her storyline, rather than than dividing it more equally between the women attending the film club, so while the novel's title is certainly enticing it was a bit misleading.