I enjoy writing fiction set in historical times. My inspiration for my debut novel Secrets in the Babby House, came from the love of my childhood memories and my enjoyment of listening to stories of times gone by.
I enjoy talking about religion—not to promote my own beliefs, but because I’m genuinely interested in hearing how others practice their faith.
I love talking about life after death. I like listening to other people’s opinions about it. Although some people’s views on the subject freak me out a bit.
Talking about books is more enjoyable than death and religion. Our book club discussions are my favourite. It’s interesting how subjective books are. One person might find our book choice of the month boring, while another would find it a real page-turner. There has never been a book discussed that everyone loved or hated – the opinions are usually mixed.
My other favourite topic is writing. I mostly have these discussions with myself, though, unless online in forums or on social media!
And of course…. I’ll talk about any other mad stuff that crops up. It’s all research at the end of the day!
I went to Torrevieja with some good friends recently, and I was so busy having fun that I forgot to keep a lookout for some quirky and interesting doors.
When I spotted this one, though – the entrance to an Asian restaurant – I remembered Thursday Doors, and I whipped out my camera.
I snapped it and went back to having fun!
Oh well, one is better than none!
Thursday Doors is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join in and create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week, visit nofacilities.com for more information.
The sunshine today may have something to do with this book cover catching my eye. Wouldn’t it be lovely to head off to the beach with a summer read in your bag?
That’s the kind of vibe this book is giving me. I love the warm colours. They’re cheerful and relaxing at the same time. The title Big Island Sunrise makes me think it’s a love story with perhaps a little humour but not a rom-com.
It’s an interesting blurb. The setting is in Hawaii, which adds to the intrigue – for me anyway.
Lani King and Emma Kealoha both need a fresh start.
Emma lost her husband at thirty-six, and life without him feels impossible. A Hawaiian inheritance might be her chance to start over… but the Kealoha place is a mess. The roof leaks, the goats keep escaping, and the jungle is overtaking the orchard. It’s more than she can manage on her own.
Lani spent years trapped in a marriage that went from bad to worse. Finally, she summoned her courage and moved home to Hawai’i. Now she’s starting over with her four year old in tow.
Emma offers Lani a place to stay — and together, they work to restore Emma’s crumbling farmhouse.
Lani reconnects with a childhood friend, now a gorgeous single dad. Romance is peeking over the horizon, but how can she open up to love when her ex won’t even sign the divorce papers?
Dive into this heartwarming saga set on the Island of Hawai’i.
Big Island Sunrise is the first in a series of eight. The stories are clean and wholesome romance and with only 200 – 256 pages in each book, they’re the perfect holiday reads.
Some people prefer quick reads like these, whether they’re on holiday or not.
Here’s a few Amazon reader reviews (out of hundreds) to give you more of an idea of what to expect from Shayla Cherry’s Big Island Series.
Ohana means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten
Shayla Cherry created this truly amazing story, with 3 more books planned. What I love is the ohana or family strength to look out for each others. Like Ted Lasso of goodness while we struggle through plans that don’t work out, others that want to harm you, so much bad news in the world that a story of family strength to overcome and make everyone’s life better is heartwarming. Not fake but the characters she created makes you want you to follow their story and find out what happens? Set in beautiful Hawaii and expertly written of the nature, the community and the native people. Can’t say anymore without saying too much. I hope you enjoy it as much as I the first book, and I cannot wait for the second book.
The entire series has been warm and full of aloha, but this volume may be my favorite. The characters are relatable: the women have their flaws and baggage, their children have their issues as they navigate their lives and challenges, and they are all just trying to make it. They are not people of privilege, but they have a full appreciation of each other. In a world where things could be better, they can also be worse. The Big Island as a backdrop makes for a colorful and tropical ambience. As the drama unfolds, the Ohana becomes more close knit.
I think if you’re looking for heart-warming, clean romantic stories, these might be right up your street. The covers are easy on the eye too!
Thank you for reading. See you soonwith more from Judge a Book by its Cover!
MORE ABOUT ME, MY BOOKS AND MY CHARACTERS IN THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO!
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Because we live so far apart since I moved to the West of Ireland, we only get to meet up a few times a year.
Our time together is always fun and laughter. If you’re Irish, you’ll know what I mean by banter and good ole slagging.
If you’re not Irish, it means we mildly insult each other in a way that’s not taken seriously. We have a line we don’t cross. And if sometimes that line gets smudged, we acknowledge it, apologise without drama, and begin again. We laugh with each other about ourselves, our problems, and our habits.
Some might say that this kind of behaviour comes with age, but I disagree, because we’ve been like this since the beginning. (30+ years)
Humour is important and can be the best antidote for all sorts of problems. It helps us to see things in a more positive light. That’s what my experiences have taught me anyway.
My friends and I can have heart-to-hearts and important conversations, but we always end on a high note!
I think a lot of it has to do with how we accept each other – flaws and all. None of us are perfect and none of us are the same. We share some traits but the best thing we all have in common is our sense humour!
A recent trip to Torrevieja. Unfortunately, one link in the Golden Girl Chain couldn’t make it – Roza! “Next time, Bridie!”
Gloria McBreen 