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Giveaways 2023
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I’d love to be included the draw. 🤞🏽 Thank you
Thanks for the offer Ian, but I'm already buried under a bookcase-full of my own tbr books ... plus, I just bought/ordered some more from wonderful 'Harbour Bookshop' in Kingsbridge... and I also checked out more library books. What can I say: joy unalloyed! Cxx
I thought I'd replied to this, anyway, despite my huge stack of Christmas books this sounds like an exciting read, please include me in the draw. Thanks
I'd like to be included in the draw. Thank you Ian.
Mod
Serena Ellacott here on Twitter
Carol aka DrMama on our Goodreads community
Danielle from our Twitter community
I pick at random but it is lovely when someone wins across all our platforms. I shall be in touch with the winners immediately to get your addresses.
In the meantime, thanks to everyone who entered and look out for more giveaways during the year
Thank you to everyone who expressed an interest. It means a lot ... I'm so pleased for the winners and I really hope they enjoy it! ❤️
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I'm sure they will Lucy
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'Sarah Needs Saving', the debut women's fiction and domestic thriller by Barnstaple writer D CR Bond (Debbie) was published by Prosperina Press on 5th July 2023
'Sarah Needs Saving' shows the complexities of family life at middle age, including caring for elderly, dementia, family law, probate, inheritance and multiple marriages.
About the book:
What do you do when your neatly ordered life starts to topple?
Sarah never expected to be blackmailed, especially not by someone so close.
Sarah hadn't expected to be receiving criminal hush money either. As a respectable Exeter University Professor's wife, neither were really the done thing. But super organised Sarah has it all under control. Or so she thinks. Initially strong armed into silence, Sarah is gradually dragged deeper into the underworld, as she strives to protect her reputation and the lives of her friends and family.
With its frenetic pacing and confounding plot twists, the gripping family drama, Sarah Needs Saving is a captivating domestic thriller, certain to entertain you as Sarah’s life descends into chaos and surprise you with its final “hidden in plain sight” plot twist.
Set in rural north Devon, this family saga shines a light on “baby boomer” issues, the care of elder relatives, passing of wealth to the next generation, dementia, probate and inheritance
following multiple marriages.
A rollercoaster ride, or a cautionary tale?
A new voice in women's fiction, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Marian Keyes, Jane Fallon, Adele Parks, Dorothy Koomson and Sophie Kinsella.
A little about Debbie:
DCR Bond (Debbie) was born in London, but grew up Jamaica, then Zambia, and dimensions of this international upbringing feature in her writing.
As a child she was encouraged to write and wanted to nurture her talent and become a journalist. She never did; instead, she studied law, then qualified as an accountant and worked for twenty years in the City. She’s not sure she ever really enjoyed that job. Now freed from the shackles of the day job, DCR Bond has reverted to her childhood passion and loves her new career. Her women's fiction novels are light-hearted, visual, fast-paced, and easy to read, with strong credible and relatable characters.
When Debbie is not writing, she can be found playing tennis (badly), bridge (a little better), in the gym, walking her dogs on Exmoor, or tending her garden - she loves cooking her own produce for friends and family. She lives with her husband in rural Devon, surrounded by their miniature bull terriers and small flock of free-range hens.
The Giveaway:
DCR Bond, in collaboration with Literally PR, is generously offering our community 5 copies of Sarah Needs Saving . All you have to do is to leave me a message in this thread saying that you'd like to be entered for the draw by noon on 13th August 2023 (UK Only I'm afraid).
Good Luck
Hi I’d love to enter Ian, how do I enter the giveaway?
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You just did :)
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Thanks to all who entered and keep your eyes out for other Giveaways.
Have a lovely day everyone
Mod
Today's offer is a combination of a memoir from the author, Dr. Len Lofts, and an important commentary on adult social care over Len's 50 years in the sector. The book is called DR LEN - 50 YEARS OF REASONS FOR INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL CARE: Foreword by Jennie Stephens, MBE
Len brings a very personal reflecton on his motivation to work in the sector and the passion that has burned for him throughout his career. Len has very strong connections to Devon, the culmination of his career in many ways being his time as CEO of the Northam Care Trust in North Devon, of which he is now Patron.
Many of you will know that I also have a long career in social care and it has been one of my many pleasures to have worked closely with Len over the last 5 years. I have been honoured to have seen drafts of his book as he has written it and I am delighted to recommend it to you.
The book is a sincere, often humourous and very wise book. It helps the reader to understand aspects of social care in a very accessible way. Len blends his personal and family story (a major part of his motivation for working in the sector as you will see when you read teh book), with changes to adult social care and health over the last 50 years. He recognises where progress has happened but, restless for continous improvement, also shares his thoughts about what needs to change if we are to support people who are born or become vulnerable with integrity, compassion and dignity and to recognise and value each and every person, both in their own right and as members of our families and communities.
Len describes his book as "a Call to Action for the government, in fact for all Parties. It isn't just about my professional life but portrays how people needing support have experienced social care and their stories are at the heart of the book."
This may not be the kind of book you'd usually read but I'd encourage you to do so. Social Care is the other side of the coin to to the NHS. Both are central to the future well-being of our nation and social care is not well enough understood.
"Dr. Len - 50 Years Of Reasons For Investment In Social Care" makes an important contribution to improving that understanding.
It has a Foreword from Jennie Stephens MBE, former Director of Adult Social Services at Devon County Council.
To enter the draw for a signed copy of the book simply either reply to my e-mail or comment below, saying that you'd like to be included by Midday on 26th August (UK Only I am afraid).
That sounds fascinating and as someone who is heading rapidly to the age where might need social care I would be very interested to read it.
Mod
Marriage: For better, for worse, but not for lunch!
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Marian Keyes, Jane Fallon, Adele Parks, Dorothy Koomson and Sophie Kinsella
Looking for a holiday read to dive into over a cocktail?
Emily’s Algarve Escape will whisk you off to the stunning shores of the Algarve in Portugal.
Be sure to pack your Factor 30!
Emily is persuaded to trade her glamorous London life for a sun kissed villa in Portugal... with her family in tow... what could go wrong? Emily soon discovers she must confront the shortcomings of her new lifestyle, and the problems she brought with her to this new country, as tensions mount and boundaries are tested. It seems it’s impossible to escape the realities of family life even in the picture-perfect surroundings of the Algarve.
DCR Bond’s second novel is a compelling and enthralling tale of love, loss, adaption and self-discovery.
To enter the draw simply leave a message below saying that you'd like to be included by noon on 27th August (UK Only I am afraid)
Good luck
Mod
I can testify to what an interesting, accessible and important book this is. Delighted that you won Gerge - think this will be up your street
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is possibly the most popular giveaway I've ever done. Over 170 entries. Thanks to everyone who entered. Our 5 lucky winners are
@mrs_j007 @HannahBeetle and @Sweeet83 who entered through Twitter and Rosi and Kerri on FB and Goodreads respectively.
Thanks to all who entered
Mod
‘Beni and the Bananas’
‘Beni and the Bananas’ is intended for readers of 3-6 years old. It aims to help children’s developmental skills and awareness of their environment. As it was inspired by the television series ‘the Orangutan Jungle School’, profits will be donated to this charity.
Beni, a young orangutan, adores eating bananas. He ignores his Mum’s advice not to eat too many and sneaks off in search of his treat. But getting what he really wants isn’t as easy as he’d imagined and his hunt in the rainforest gets him into all kinds of real trouble.
About Cynthea
Cynthea Gregory left teaching to follow her husband to France. There, whilst running a Bed and Breakfast in the Loire Valley, she had three recipe books published in French. Since returning to Britain, five years ago, she has become very involved with her local community; and has also self-published two novels. She enjoys discovering her local environment of East Devon, writing, painting and pottering in the garden.
This is such a lovely book and I'm sure will do well.
To enter the draw, simply leave a comment below or in response to my e-mail by 6PM on Sunday 10/12.
Sounds like such a sweet book! My 3rd old would love it!
Devon Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Beni and the Bananas (other topics)Emily’s Algarve Escape (other topics)
DR LEN - 50 YEARS OF REASONS FOR INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL CARE: Foreword by Jennie Stephens, MBE (other topics)
Sarah Needs Saving (other topics)
Sarah Needs Saving (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Cynthea Gregory (other topics)D.C.R. Bond (other topics)
“Such is the fate of those who are greedy for financial gain. In the end, it will rob them of life.” (Proverbs: 1:19)
About the book:
“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?”
Billy Jackson can’t forget. As everyone joined hands and formed a circle to sing “Auld Lang Syne,” his father lay in a crumpled heap at the base of the stairs, bits of his brain spattered on the wall behind him.
Billy spent twenty years behind bars for the murder, a crime he didn’t commit. Now the “Laughing Boy” is free, ready to right the wrongs, make the guilty pay, and get his revenge on the real killer.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas… the Entertainment Capital of the World. If you enjoyed Catherine Ryan Howard’s The Nothing Man, and the works of J.D. Barker, you’re going to love this. Buckle up, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
I asked about the inspiration for the Book:
"A fascination with manhole covers (it’s a long story), the discovery of a homeless community living in the drains beneath the infamous Las Vegas Strip, and the fact that however populated a city might be, a person can effectively disappear underground.
Extract from the Book:
BILLY
As I head up the Strip, my eyes scan the shredded smutty handouts that litter the gutter; whores promising a good time to anyone lonely enough to fall for their tricks. Their decapitated heads smile sweetly up at me and remind me of Lorraine.
“I just wanna make an honest man of you, baby.” Shame she couldn’t have been more honest.
Me and Lorrie got hitched in April of ’97 at the Little White Chapel in the Tunnel of Love. We didn’t even get out the truck. Drive-through weddings don’t cost so much, and just so long as she married me, and Elvis married us, she didn’t seem to care. I really loved her, you know. I thought she was different, but by April of the following year we’d already gotten divorced. Nobody tells you about that. They’re quick to tell you there’s a wedding every five minutes in Vegas but forget to mention there’s a divorce every forty-five.
Looking back the signs were all there. When Elvis sang “Fools Rush In,” I wanted to interrupt the clown and ask him what he was getting at, but as it happened he was right. Lorrie wasn’t a one-man woman, and no sooner was I chucked in the slammer for something I didn’t even do, she was shacked up with the scum who put me there. I don’t see either of them no more, though I walk over the exact spot I buried ’em, every single day.
About the Author:
When she’s not plotting her next murder, L.E. Willetts runs a B&B on the South Coast in Dartmouth, Devon, UK. (Occasionally, the two interests collide).
Passionate about animal welfare, she also undertakes writing projects for ‘Rehoming Cyprus Pointers’—an organisation close to her heart as they rescued two of her dogs.
In her free time, she likes nothing better than to snuggle under ‘blankie’ with her dogs and a good psychological thriller.
You can follow L.E. Willetts on Facebook and Twitter: @lewilletts, or contact her via her website: lewilletts.com
I read the book in two sittings and enjoyed it enormously and I am sure you will too. LE Willets writes with pace, great plot and a lot of humour and the story will, I am sure, carry you along just like it did me.
To enter simply reply below by midday on 15th January saying that you'd like to be included in the draw. For an extra entry share the post as well. If you are lucky enough to win a copy you can choose a paperback or an e-book version.
Good luck!