indie books – Page 2 – Becky Wright ~ Gothic Writer

Christmas Book Sale

Dec 13, 2018 Becky Wright

A little Christmas gift from me to you, wishing you all the Merry Christmas. A festive ghost story.

Remember to Love Me, Kindle edition is on sale at only 99p/99c – Who doesn’t love a book sale!

Offer runs from Friday 14th – Sunday 16th. Available worldwide from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Remember to Love Me

1900 – Annabelle yearns for nothing more than motherhood and her duty to provide an heir to devoted husband Richard Hardwick, successor to a wealthy family fortune. Her younger sister Emily, engaged to Lance Corporal James Wright, imagines only wedded bliss, but as darkness falls in the shape of War, James is deployed to South Africa, leaving her alone with an uncertain future. As melancholy festers, Emily escapes taking solace by the sea. As the distance stretches between the sisters, so too does the life-thread of family.

1997 – As her 21st birthday approaches, April reluctantly moves closer to her Grandmother Sarah, to her mother’s childhood home of Bury St Edmunds, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. As she struggling to adjust, pining for her seaside upbringing, she takes solace in the bond she shares with her grandmother. In a visit to the attic one December afternoon, she discovers more than just dusty tea chests and old suitcases. She encounters an ancestor that has remained, a ghostly apparition whispering secrets in the shadows.

Confronted with visions and dreams; memories of a lost time, grave secrets, sisterly love, romance and family loyalties that stretch beyond even love’s limits. April is thrown into turmoil, living moments in two eras, experiencing love and loss in both. Piecing together snippets of another life, giving peace back to the house and laying ghosts to rest; she unfolds the mystery of her family’s Supernatural legacy.

“A brilliant novel full of romance and heartbreak, that pulls tight at your heartstrings and ensnares you with magical prose and lyrical beauty.”★★★★★

“A delicious, sensitive story that brought tears to my eyes, and wanting more!”★★★★★

“Wright came to the literary world with a wonderful book, that I could honestly read again… and again!” ★★★★★

“I just couldn’t stop thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it. When I was reading it, I couldn’t put it down.” ★★★★★

Remember to Love Me by Becky Wright, available worldwide from Amazon.

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Halloween Treat

Oct 29, 2018Oct 29, 2018 Becky Wright

Let’s celebrate Samhain with a little Halloween Treat that won’t rot your teeth, though may unsettle your nerves. Offer runs from 30th – 31st October. Enjoy a little slice of darkness…just remember to always leave a candle burning. Sleep well…

Paperback ‘Halloween Treat’ save 15% at only £6.79 Amazon.co.uk

Kindle ‘Halloween Treat’ only 99 worldwide from Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com

or Read for Free with kindle unlimited

A chilling seamless blend of history and horror.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“A darkly delicious tale that chills as it burns…a story that leaves a delicious shiver down the spine.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“An exceptionally well-written story. It’ll pull you into the world that the author is creating and keep you on your toes.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“A masterful job of crafting a sinister atmosphere, her prose is mesmerizing, and her narrative is perfectly executed.” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

1646 – A time of English Civil War, when life is cheap, death common and superstition consumes the hearts of God-fearing folk. The life of a healer is precarious, dwelling in the shadows of normal society. Ostracised, their time running out as the self-appointed Witchfinder General scours the countryside for the Devil’s whores…

2016 – One dark night, one sleepy town, one family gripped by terror. The EAPI paranormal team are called to investigate dark poltergeist activity. But, as the eternal night finally loosens its grip, it seems that some evil deeds are never forgotten, reaching out from beyond the grave to exact their revenge…

Lies, secrets, and treachery, it seems, are never forgotten

Welcome to Manningtree…

England 1645

Civil War clutches the country in a merciless embrace. It has been raging, trudging its heavy boots, sweeping the weary country with fear and battle, for nigh on three years.The hearts of men, divided, The Royalists of King Charles I, and Cromwell’s Parliamentarians. Steadfast in their intentions, to retain or gain power, each loyal to their cause, but, in fear and severe hatred of those with other, contentious, ideals.

Yet, in the souls of the lowly countrymen, the humble farmer, the timid maiden, from clerk to clergy, another war rages, fuelled by ignorance. Superstition. It rules with a fierce rod. God-fearing folk seek refuge in pure beliefs, and be damned any who step outside the boundary.

Parliament propaganda whispers in men’s ears – There be evil. Slowly, gradually, gaining momentum ‘til it spreads like wildfire. Weed out the Crown’s servants of Satan. Reap the country bare of its demons. Beelzebub lurks, preying on the weak and needy. Innocent hearts to contaminate, milk to sour, butter to spoil, crops to rot.

However, there is a man. One who wheedles his employment of local parish, town, village and hamlet. One who is trusted, esteemed and feared. He comes, with those in his employ, to watch, gathering evidence and confession. His success speaks of a countryside rife with evil, an intemperate plague of witches, the Devil’s Whores.

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Exodus 22:18

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The Purity of Crimson by Beverley Lee

Oct 1, 2018Oct 1, 2018 Becky Wright

The Purity of Crimson by Beverley Lee Firstly, thank you, Beverley Lee. *bows graciously*

The Purity of Crimson was that book. That much-anticipated read of the Autumn season, the final instalment of the Gabriel Davenport series by the supremely talented, Beverley Lee. Purity held all my expectations after absorbing myself in Gabe’s world with the first two books, The Making of Gabriel Davenport and A Shining in the Shadows; it delivered beyond my expectations. Leaving me bereft once those last few words were uttered; yes, I spoke that last paragraph allowed, finalising the end of an era. *cries in her cappuccino*

I was honoured to have an ARC (advance reading copy), sending my little dark heart all aflutter – thank you, dear Beverley. With its official release date 9th October, it is sure to fulfil all the dark lusting of even the most discerning vampire – “Blood calls to blood.”

The claws of winter raked against his skin but he did not feel its chill. Natural creatures ceased their breathing as he passed, instinctively fearful he would snuff out their lives like a candle flame.

The Purity of Crimson by Beverley Lee

Gabriel with his brothers, Moth and Teal have found refuge, though their safety is to be short-lived. Food is scarce, with danger, strangers, hunters lurk in every shadow. Gabriel, feeling the need with his innate ability as a pure breed, takes responsibility for his brothers, leading them on a journey with the pull of Teal’s fireflies.

This brotherly band go from three to five as they find themselves in the company of a questionable witch boy and a weak, tortured vampire. Can they trust either of these new additions into their fold, when trust is not easily earned in such perilous times?

Gradually the “Bloody Little Prophets” are torn apart, pulled in different directions; one by one, each facing their inner demons as well as the ones that hunt them. Gabriel is forced to accept stark realities as his innermost fear rains down on him, pushing him to the brink of his existence, questioning his very own morality. Finding himself in the company of one who has the answers he seeks, one who holds the key to death itself; can Gabriel resist? – “What would he give to know why the wings of darkness had always sought him? And what would any of them sacrifice to save each other?”

Honestly, a lot of coffee was consumed in the reading of this novel; a boost to keep me going through the late evenings as I literally could not put this down… not that I wanted to. Sleep was something for the dead, not the undead as I was dwelling in those dark hours along with my boys. Over the course of the trilogy, I’ve become quite protective; it’s the dark mother in me. Purity had me in tears more than once as fear for the boys surfaced chapter after chapter.

Purity introduces us to some new characters that weave alongside those we already know and love, some with questionable motives, some just plain evil that we adore to hate, and those who will always remain with us.

Beverley Lee’s creative voice emanates from the page, with her natural ability to produce clear description, enticing you into her world without the need to overdo it. Her writing is subtle with a poetic nuance that sends chills, shivers, captivating with blood-glistening prose with each page turn.

From the first line of book one, The Making of Gabriel Davenport to the closing phrase of this, The Purity of Crimson, I have been captured, bitten by Gabe and all that it delivers within the pages of this trilogy. Once in a while, something special comes along.

If these don’t already sit neatly on your bookshelf, physical or virtual, please do yourself a justice and remedy this.

Connect with Beverley Lee – Official website, Amazon, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

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Erinsmore by Julia Blake

Sep 9, 2018Sep 23, 2018 Becky Wright

Erinsmore is the 7th book release from indie author, Julia Blake. With its release back in May, it has been one fantasy I was itching to dive into. This is one author who never fails to deliver, with release after release, she’s a prolific force to be reckoned with.

So… Are you ready for a quest? Prepared to be carried off on an adventure of a lifetime? A tale of magic, good versus evil, epic battles? This is a tale with its inspiration firmly planted in Arthurian legend, with a quest and mythical creatures to delight even the most discerning Narnia fan. Then sit back and step inside the pages of Erinsmore.

Unsuspecting sisters, whilst on a family holiday to Cornwall find themselves stepping into another world. One of magic, swordplay, legend, chivalry, love, and a host of evil to match… But with a prophecy that will change the lives of young Ruby and her older, more cynical sister, Cassie, forever.

Two shall fight for freedom
Defend the dragon’s throne
Two shall walk the dark path
And one return alone

The fate of Erinsmore lays at their feet. They cannot ignore, refuse or forget its plight for the fate of our own world is in danger.

This book delivers it all. Once you open the book you are quickly enticed into the pages, being carried off into Ruby and Cassie’s adventure in one massive leap, making Erinsmore an addictive page-turner.

Don’t be misled, although the author was obviously inspired by the likes of C.S Lewis (what fantasy writer isn’t), Erinsmore is in no way a pastiche or rework. The world of Erinsmore, and all those who dwell within its pages, good and evil, are unique, well-formed, credible, and spellbinding.

With the author’s effortless writing style, she lures you into this new world, so you settle there as if there is nothing fantasy about it; a clever ability, allowing the reader to be utterly transported.

Erinsmore, though may fall into the YA fiction genre, delivers so much more than you may first expect. There is nothing immature about this book, in peril or plot. The author has in no way simplified or altered her craft for the younger reader, the prose is clear, clever, artistic and beautifully crafted for the adult reader, fulfilling all the requirements for a fantasy adventure for all ages. For the young curious minds, it offers to nurture and cultivate, no doubt feeding a new generation of fantasy readers with a lifelong love of swords & chivalry, as once Lewis himself did.

This is another triumphant novel from Julia Blake, a step away from her, till now, normal genre of contemporary and romantic suspense, and she seems very at home here. Though, we have experienced a taste of this world-building creativity in Eclairs of Tea, her collection of short stories and poems.

Her writing speaks volumes of how natural, how very at ease she feels within the realms of knights and dragons. I have a feeling Erinsmore will settle Julia Blake fast and firm into the fantasy genre, I for one can’t wait to read what’s next. It’s no surprise that Erinsmore deserves no less than 5 Stars!

You can follow Julia Blake at her website, social media, as well as finding all her books at Amazon.

Official Website, Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon

author thoughts, blog

Knowing your onions

Jun 2, 2018Jun 17, 2018 Becky Wright

Author Thoughts Hey, how are you? Good to see you back. Sit, sit, pull up a chair. Here *offers steaming mug* coffee’s ready.

So, I have a question for you. Have you ever pondered on the quirksome parallels between a delicious dish and a really good book?

No? Oh, just me then…?

Well, I am married to a Chef, a damn fine one too *swells with pride* It’s quite usual for us to while away long evenings in deep conversation, talking food, constructing dishes, especially if he’s writing a new menu, and likewise, books. It’s become quite apparent over the years, that writing is much like cooking. Our personalities are very similar, our creative brains work in much the same way.

My hubby has often said, “some great dishes start with an onion,” (of course, if its a dessert, maybe sugar, but let’s not get into the depths of pastry as that’s his forte, not mine. Though I make a mean bread pudding – Oh, I feel a foodie blog on the horizon.) *inspiration strikes* I digress. It happens. But let’s get back to those onions. When it comes to creating something to delight and digest, writing a book can be much the same as creating a dish.

Can choosing the right onion make or break a story? Perhaps. Let’s take that onion. A writer will peel it, layer after layer getting to the root of the plot until it’s ready, giving the story a well-seasoned, perfectly cooked base to add further ingredients – believable characters, realistic dialogue, atmospheric location. To be topped with the perfect garnish – a plot twist. Then serve it up on a well-chosen plate, the book cover. Voilà, bon appétit

I’ve spoken to many fellow writers over the years, and their ‘onion’ can vary greatly. Inspiration can come from anywhere, an overheard conversation, a location, a memory, a dream. All that’s needed to ignite that tiny spark, providing that starting point for the journey, taking it down a long winding path. Whether a cosy mystery with a variety of curious characters weaving the mystery plot among them or a 1940’s fast-paced, action-packed noir crime thriller, all their creators start with a base. This varying creative process is what makes writing so personal, so unique. Each writer works with their own personal method and style, in turn, allowing their individual voice to be heard, filling bookshelves with a diverse range of books.

So, this had me thinking, what’s my onion?

For me, it’s emotion, no matter what genre I’m writing. I am by nature an emotional soul, wearing my heart on my sleeve. What you see if what you get, as they say, *blushes*

My debut novel, Remember to Love Me, has a far gentler romantic taste than my later works, nevertheless, beneath the instant romantic essence, the emotions are darker, deep-rooted – need, desperation and grief. Again, with The Manningtree Account, and later with the extended edition, Daughters of the Oak, it’s the deep-seated character’s emotions that drive the story – fear, loathing, revenge. Without these emotions giving the characters dimension, drive and purpose, as plot-lead stories they could have easily wound-up bland and more ‘historical docudrama’ than fiction.

Is it the same for a reader?

I think so. Though most of us will read a spectrum of genres, it’s probable that most of us have our favourite go-to genre, maybe even a couple depending on our mood. That feast to nourishes our appetite, knowing it will satisfy, yet leaving us hungry for more. Our ‘comfort food’ books. Perhaps a favourite author with an ability to tantalise our taste buds, a writer who really ‘knows their onions’, presenting us with a perfectly ‘cooked’ book.

So, while you finish your coffee *takes a long sip*, I leave you to ponder, what’s your onion?

Becky x