Different Rules

by Jan Jones

When grieving Maggie Scott finds troubled Irish writer Gervase Kennedy sleeping in her father's church, she knows he needs their help. What she doesn’t know is her decision heralds a new phase for Seetings one of living, loving and growing that will involve her as intimately as it does everyone else in their talented, vibrant, disparate household. Set in the 1990s when times were so much gentler but the emotions just as tangled as today, this is the perfect book to get you through lockdown.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2020

About the author

A maths graduate, former computer programmer and erstwhile playgroup leader, Jan Jones writes contemporary romantic comedy, Regency romances, romantic suspense (often with a paranormal twist), cosy quirky mysteries, serials for women's magazines, short stories and poems. She won the RNA’s Joan Hessayon Award in 2005 with her debut novel Stage by Stage which came about through her experience of chaperoning her daughter during a touring production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. When in Georgette Heyer territory, she uses her fascination with history to write a series of Newmarket Regencies (The Kydd Inheritance, Fair Deception, Fortunate Wager etc) set 200 years ago in her nearest town. As with all writers, elements of her life also inspire her many short stories for women’s magazines (one of which won the RNA Elizabeth Goudge award in 2002). This could be why she gets funny looks whenever she takes out her notebook during conversations in the bar. Jan organises the annual RNA conference and is firmly of the opinion that the Romantic Novelists' Association is the friendliest, most supportive organisation around.

Reviews

[Shelbycat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tricky one. I loved the writing and the characters, the vicarage was so cosy I want to visit. But there were a few elements that I found hard to stomach.

[Catharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite possibly Jan's best yet. Her Penny Plain work is my favourite but this is a contender. I had read the kindle sample and ummed and ahhed on whether to buy it or not when a lovely pal gifted me a copy and I am glad they did as it is well worth reading. It does take a little while to settle into but is worth that early perseverance as it goes from strength to strength and you become more and more engrossed. A worthy read for many a book shelf.