News & Reviews
With July jogging swiftly towards August ~ AUGUST ~ can’t quite believe I’m saying that, I wanted to check in and say Hi.
With restrictions easing since my last news update, it’s been wonderful to properly see Mum and Dad who’d been shielding and also the rest of my lovely family and friends in various homes, gardens and local parks. Can’t believe how much our great-nephews and niece have grown during this time, especially youngest Stanley who was only a month old when Lockdown started.
Henry, Thea & Stanley ~ always a joy to see their little faces ❤
Mr B is now back doing the day job but I’m glad to say Project Briggy is taking great shape. As well as Little & Large (sheds) as I’ve called them (everything has a name at Brigden Towers) he’s built some new decking on the sunnier side of the garden, with a pergola to follow. What a star! I love it all and can so far take zero credit, but when all the building stuff is complete, I look forward to choosing some lovely (low maintenance) plants and ornaments to complement.
Latest pics:
Little & Large 
New Decking
On the writing front, If I Ever Doubt You is continuing to receive fabulous reviews since its release in April. I always imagined this moment when I was writing As Weekends Go, creating the story and the characters, so to see the two books side by side, telling Alex & Rebecca’s story in full, makes me happy and proud.
Also … drumroll …
In June, following a promotion, If I Ever Doubt You briefly reached number #1 in the Romance, Sport category on KOBO. It also came out as an audiobook that month. Double Delight! 😀
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Talking of books, I’ve read some sparklers this past month, both fiction & non-fiction:
Under Your Skin, a psychological thriller by Rose McClelland
I love Rose’s writing, her punchy dialogue, the raw honesty of her phrasing, and have enjoyed all her novels. This was a change in genre for her, and she has delivered another brilliant story. Kyle’s wife Hannah goes missing and from the off we know things aren’t what they seem with this couple and their complex relationship. It is dark, disturbing and gripping all in one and the subject matter and characters’ emotions were so cleverly and authentically portrayed, I could have almost been reading a true story. I love multi viewpoint tales and a great cast of secondary characters and their subplots add to the ongoing tension and drama. Go grab it. You won’t be disappointed.
Another top crime thriller I’ve just finished reading is Claire Sheldon’s debut, Perfect Lie
A body is found in the village where main character Jen lives with her husband and two children. Jen then starts receiving mysterious items through the post. We meet and subsequently follow DI Chris Jackson’s perspective on matters, obtaining a compelling insight into police matters and what goes on in the background. Well, talk about knock me for six when I was least expecting it. You’ll know “the” moment I’m talking about when you get to it. Suspense, intrigue and twists aplenty as details emerge linking the past with the present and all the secrets and turmoil in between. An accomplished debut. Loved it!
Being a huge fan of anything inner peace and mindfulness-related, I found the two books below so easy to follow and understand as well as fascinating. Let’s face it, when you’re looking for reassuring calm in your reads, the last thing you want is a headache trying to figure it out as you go.
Anyway, for any fellow mindfulness devotees, if you want to know more, here they are:
Last but very definitely not least, I feel privileged to have read an early copy of Lizzie Lamb’s soon-to-be published latest Scottish-themed romance Penhaligon’s Highland Bride. Can’t say anymore at the moment but believe me, you’re in for a treat. Expect a full review when the novel is launched.
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Blooms and trees this time round come courtesy of another recent soothing, peaceful walk with Mr B.
Until next time,
With much love (and hair cut and roots nicely sorted – at last!)
Jan x
Posted on July 23, 2020, in Jan's Posts and tagged As Weekends Go, Claire_Sheldon, If I Ever Doubt You, Kobo, Lizzie_Lamb, Rose_Mcclelland. Bookmark the permalink. 16 Comments.
jan brigden, writer 
Lovely to read you again, Jan! Gorgeous photos, too. Your outdoor area is really nice! As a fellow beta-reader, I can only agree with you on Lizzie’s new novel. A real treat! Many congratulations on the results achieved with If I Ever Doubt You, so well deserved. xx
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Thank you, Isa. Your lovely comments are always appreciated 🙂 Xx
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Love your catch ups Jan. Really enjoyed If I Ever Doubt you and hope you’re now busy working on a new novel xx
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Glad you enjoyed the post, Jo. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am indeed working on a new book. It’s a Christmas novella (won’t make it in time for submission this year so it’ll be next) 🙂 Xx
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Great to catch up wit h all your news and success!!! Thanks Jan. That gorgeous little one in the middle is the image of you! What a dote. X
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Aw, thanks Ade. Those little cuties lift my spirits no end 🙂 Xx
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Reblogged this on New Romantics Press and commented:
Always a pleasure to read Jan Brigden’s monthly blog posts. They’re warm-hearted and sincere, just like her two wonderful novels.
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Thanks for reblogging, Lizzie Xx
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Hi Jan – very envious of both our outdoor space and your haircut. Here, in Lockdown Leicester, grey roots and shaggy manes abound. I must also thank you and Isabella for reading Penhaligon’s Bride and giving me such helpful and informative feedback. Can’t wait to send over a dedicated paperback to your both. Loving the trio of little cuties, too. You know that Stanley is mine . . . but Thea and Henry aren’t far behind. Loved your latest novel – If I Ever Doubt you and was happy to read and review it.
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Oh Lizzie, I must admit it was heaven getting my hair cut and having those pesky tram track roots sorted out- lol. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too much longer, bless you! You are more than welcome re PB – it’s a fab read. Thank you for your lovely comments about my book (and of course about the three cuties. Stan sends an extra big kiss!!) 😀 Xx
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Congratulation on the bestselling sticker – well deserved. And I am so jealous you have read Lizzie’s latest novel.
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Thanks so much, Jessie. I was thrilled to say the least. You will LOVE Lizzie’s new novel 🙂 Xx
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What a lovely catch up and your little peeps are gorgeous! The outdoor area and sheds look fab too. xx
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Thank you muchly, Sue. 😀 Xx
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Looking beautiful Jan! Always lovely to read your blog. Mr B doing a fabulous job in that there garden! Little and large, :)!
Loved the mindfulness book tips! I shall peruse!
All good wishes xx
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Thanks so much for your lovely message, Lu. I’ll pass on your comments to Mr B re Little & Large 😉 His head will swell, I’m sure. Ooh yes, be sure to peruse the mindfulness reads. I love anything calming and reassuring. Any excuse to nurture the inner peace (or the attempt at inner peace – lol!) Xx
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