“Out with the Tide” Review

Out With the Tide
by Lola Faye Arnold (Goodreads Author)

This book was a sweet and inspirational story set in the South, a location that I am not familiar with. The author described the area and used the local dialog to paint a great picture, which I enjoyed as I progressed through the story.

The main character is a believable young woman that evolves and grows. Caroline Carter has lost a loved one in the past and experiences heartache, choice and struggle within the pages. The story follows Caroline as she completes her education, explores her various friendships, relationships and her family dynamics. It also takes the reader to several other locations in the USA and again the author paints a vivid picture with her words.

The ending of this story was unexpected, and although this book is essentially a romance between Caroline and J.P this twist gave a more lifelike conclusion to the story.

I would recommend this book to romance and fiction reader’s also young adult readers.

Gone to ground

I must apologize  to being absent.  Why?  I am currently on a small island in the Yasawa Group of Fiji.  It is the perfect place for writing, and that is what I am doing.  Of course I am also finding some time to read “Out with the Tide,” a book I hope to finish soon and will review.  It is a really lovely story and nice to step away from the complex characters in my next novel.

The Quilt, Unravelled is available on kindle and in the paperback form.  If you haven’t as yet got your copy here is the link.  Enjoy a slice of New Zealand through the journey of Joanne Kyle and Paul Clarke. http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

I was asked recently if The Quilt, Unravelled was emotional to write.  Of course given the content and outcome for one of the characters I did become swept away by their circumstances.  But it was also a wonderful experience to travel the road of The Clarke Family, and to deliver a small message about a subject that is close to my heart.  Life hasn’t always got a predictable outcome.  But love can sometimes  make it easier to heal.

Have a great week and here are some photographs of the magnificent South Pacific for you to enjoy.

The latest review.

Thank you for the latest review.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

ByDave Adairon March 27, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Quilt is a wide-ranging and moving story of one family, their love, their losses and, most significantly, their resilience. It is a highly emotional read and Ms. Carlton does a masterful job of bringing the two main characters – Paul and Joanne – together throughout the story.

Secondary characters consistently threatened to steal the story as they are written with such believability it must be that the author knows people like this in real life. The depth of the characters, the intertwined relationships, and the stunning New Zealand landscapes described throughout make this a wonderful choice for anyone looking to connect with a new and fresh group of characters.

Thank you for the review!

Latest 5 star review.  Thank you!

I find it difficult to review an author’s debut novel, to read and review from a totally objective viewpoint, but sharing my thoughts on The Quilt: Unravelled comes easy and might be summed up in my simple words: a delight. Rochelle Carlton’s vivid descriptions provide the reader with crystal clear images of life in the beautiful country of New Zealand and her characters that play out the saga of the Clarke family. This is not sugar coated romance, but a dramatic and moving tale of the lives and complex relationships of generations of the individuals depicted. The further I read, the more captivated I became and found myself glued to the sofa, even on a lovely sunny day, reading until I satisfied my hunger to reach the resolution of this novel. I have truly enjoyed my first read of an authentic novel written by a Kiwi and set in New Zealand. Carlton has done a superb job with this first novel, and I have no doubt that her future work will be equal in excellence.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

Latest review!

The latest review has made my day!  Thank you Trish Carroll.

The Title of Rochelle’s Book stood for me because I am a seamstress, generally I go for specific Authors. The Book was not difficult to get into,the opposite in fact, I could not put it down. Every facet of the Story was fascinating. Rochelle stitched together all the characters past and present seamlessly. For me to feel as if I was actually there is rare. Her wording created within me many emotions and for that I Salute Her. I have the utmost confidence in recommending ‘The Quilt:Unravelled’ t The Title of Rochelle’s Book stood for me because I am a seamstress, generally I go for specific Authors. The Book was not difficult to get into,the opposite in fact, I could not put it down. Every facet of the Story was fascinating. Rochelle stitched together all the characters past and present seamlessly. For me to feel as if I was actually there is rare. Her wording created within me many emotions and for that I Salute Her. I have the utmost confidence in recommending ‘The Quilt:Unravelled’ to All my Family and Friends. – review by Trish Carroll.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

The Quilt, Unravelled

Latest 5 star review.

Latest review by Glen Barrera.  Five stars.  Thank you for taking the time to give feedback.

It was the title that intrigued me. I had heard of “story” patchwork quilts some years ago and liked the idea of a story that would unravel one. I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, the novel captured me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the last sentence. The story is about four generations of the Clarke family – “a family hunted by tragedy and hardened by struggle” – and how the past affects the present. At the same time it’s also a novel about relationships, love and loss, and the turning points in life that can make the difference between heartbreak and happiness. Like any good book, it’s the characters, good and bad, that make the story come alive. And Carlton has gone above and beyond in this department. Her richly woven creations still stick in my mind; the true mark of a good writer. I appreciated this book, and give it a high recommendation.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

Two days left to enter!

Don’t forget to enter if you would like a chance to win a copy of the “The Quilt, Unravelled.”

This is a full length novel set in rural New Zealand.  It takes the reader on a journey to the gem like islands of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.  It explores the dramatic High Country through the eyes of the troubled Clarke family. This story of hardship is warmed by a romance that could change their lives.

Goodreads rating 4.93.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/124678-the-quilt

“The Quilt, Unravelled” is also available on Kindle.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L.

For the month of February all proceeds will help a friend battle bone cancer.

High Country, New Zealand

Beautiful Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand.

Good coffee and burnt muffins

New Zealand Tui, native to New Zealand. Seen here in one of its favourite places the Kowhai tree.

As the title suggests my latest attempt at being awarded the title of domestic goddess has failed, and it has failed spectacularly.  But as we washed down blackened berries with strong caffeine this page has been steered in to a logical format.    Welcome to my new look blog.

I would like to share a few of the images that have been included in previous posts.  I hope you enjoy these glimpses of New Zealand through the eyes of some of my talented friends.

If you have been following my blog you will know a friend has recently been diagnosed with bone cancer.  I am happy to say that he is in good spirits and an auction was held yesterday.  It has raised considerable funds towards his treatment.  Great to see so many generous people  donating and bidding.  Mike is a wonderful man, and for another three weeks we will continue to donate proceeds from The Quilt, Unravelled to his on-going treatment..

If you would like a chance of winning a free copy of The Quilt, Unravelled please click on this link.  The competition is running for a further 10 days and is open to readers from all eligible countries.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/124678-the-quilt

If you would like to download a copy of The Quilt, Unravelled or purchase it as a paperback please click on this link.  All proceeds will help Mike Shaffer battle bone cancer.

http://goo.gl/yrnj5L

Auckland City, New Zealand.

Waiheke Island, North Island, New Zealand. Home of The Quilt, Unravelled.

The spectacular South Island, New Zealand. Photo Des Clegg.

“GIVEAWAY”

Missed out on the last Giveaway?  Another copy of The Quilt, Unravelled is available.  Click on the link for a chance to win.  Open to all eligible countries https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/124678-the-quilt

Tragedy brings them together.  The past drives them apart.  Their choices change the future.  An epic story of love against the odds.

For one month all proceeds from The Quilt, Unravelled (both Kindle and paperback) will help a wonderful man battle bone cancer.

The Quilt, Unravelled

WRAP UP IN THE QUILT

A little advanced news.  Another Goodreads giveaway will start on the 30th of January.  Enter and have a chance of winning a copy of this novel.  Open to all eligible countries.

I would like to share with you the latest review of The Quilt, Unravelled.  5 stars and the description below is beautifully written!

“A POWERFUL FAMILY SAGA WELL TOLD”

A single thread is fragile, as is life. But as more threads are woven together, the fabric strengthens. Now those individual threads may represent major themes of the human condition–both good and bad: the fragility of health, betrayal of family, careers terminated, sociopathic cruelty — or, on the other hand, there’s the kindness of strangers, selfless loyalty, a purpose driven life, the damp muzzle of loving dog, natures splendor and the possibility of true love. All these threads come together in bold colors and powerful strands in Rochelle Carlton’s compelling novel “The Quilt: Unraveled” to render vividly life’s harsh realities in a story that is both personal and intimate. This multi-generation family saga is immense in scope (and intense); but the author finds balance by placing the majority of the action in New Zealand (such a refreshing change from typical book backdrops). By the end, I found I cared profoundly about the characters Ms. Carlton had created, and that is the essence of what a good story is all about. I’m now waiting on her next book!

Review by author Mark Fine The Zebra Affaire

The Quilt, Unravelled