This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the first installment in my Speak Its Name series, To Light A Fire .
The Magic of Christmas
Christmas was a magical time when I was small. We would have nearly twenty family members descend on the house to play raucous games like Team Charades, Wink Murder and Pass the Parcel with more elaborate forfeits each year.
I would get so excited that sleep on Christmas Eve was an alien concept and certainly not one I was going to let get in the way of starting the big day.
My poor Mum would have to practically pin me down and sing carols in my ear as Dad carefully put the pillowcasesfilled with presents at the end of the landing. Knowing they had a huge day ahead, they would creep into bed and try to stay as still as possible.
I can remember lying there, thinking I really should try and sleep. But by two in the morning, it would become too muchand I’d creep down to the end of my bed and peep out. There they were. A great big pile of wrapped boxes delivered by actual Father Christmas. I could wait no longer.
With a warcry of “He’s been!” I would thunder down the landing and straight into my parents’ room. They probably got about ten minutes sleep maximum. But with my angelic blonde curls and grinning face, who could resist?
The next hour consisted of me trying to control my trembling hands while I ripped open parcel after parcel. I had a big extended family so I was very lucky. Star Wars toys were usually the big-ticket items with a Millennium Falcon one year followed by an AT-AT the next.
Once I’d finished, the bed was awash with torn wrapping paper. Mum would always be on the lookout for big bits for the Pass the Parcel game.
Then it was my Dad’s cue to take me downstairs and let Mum get a couple of hours. We would take a selection of toys and books. We had a coal fire in those days so Dad would stoke up the fire and we’d play for a bit. When dawn was breaking, he would wedge me in the chair next to him with a book or two. The heat and Dad’s soothing voice usually sent me off.
Dad would sit back, close his eyes and listen to the crackling sticks on the fire. Just as he fell asleep the telephone would go.
My Grandad would ring early to see what time I’d woken up. The ring of the phone would make my eyes burst open. For a second, I wondered why I was asleep downstairs then I’d remember.
“He’s been!”
Frank never thought he would find love…until he met his friend’s servant.
It’s 1922 and Frank Harris has finished his exams at Cambridge. He had planned on going home to his parents’ Midlands shop until his friend Charlie Fitzwilliam issues a surprise invitation to stay at his family’s stately home.
Frank has nursed a secret attraction to Charlie since their first meeting and can’t resist a chance to spend time with him, but once there, it’s Tanner, a manservant, with whom he instantly falls in lust.
Charlie tries to force a local girl on Frank, and although Frank knows he should keep up appearances, it’s Tanner who sets a fire in him.
To Frank’s astonishment, Tanner is attracted to him too, and their mutual passion kindles, then burns strong. Only, their feelings must remain a secret—discovery would mean the ruin of them both.
But how long can love that blazes this bright be hidden?
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
Buy the book at First for Romance.
lovely memory
I like the memory. I have some like that