Monday 23 February 2015

The Book of Pain a Guest Post by Roger Lawrence

I’d like to thank Barbara for inviting me to talk about myself, a subject my wife is always accusing me of. Can’t think what she means.

I still remember the very first book I ever read on my own because my older brother had just hit me with it. Janet and John, book four. It took me a while to get through because I was only six, but by the end of the first page I was hooked and it didn’t take long before I got on to the adventures of Jennings, a series of real boys books by Richmal Crompton. Billy Bunter soon followed and my reading life was set. Throughout my childhood I must have read most of the gorgeous books sold by Barbara and only wish I could read them again.

As I grew older the wonder of new lives and worlds, at least while I was reading never left me, and about twenty five years ago I wrote my very first novel. I thought it was a wonder of the highest magnitude despite the beginning, middle and end being in the wrong places. I even sent it off to a publisher who probably laughed himself sick before sending it back covered with coffee stains and what looked suspiciously like egg yolk.

Now, with a market absolutely saturated with Indie writers like myself, the writing almost takes second place to the marketing. But ultimately, and even if I don’t sell a million copies and buy a Porsche, I’ll still write because that boyhood enchantment with books has never left me.

My new novel, The Book of Pain is a departure for me in that it’s a mixture of horror, mystery and love. I’ve probably broken multiple rules there but it was something I’ve been thinking about for years and had to get it out of my system. 

It can be found here:






If you would like to connect with Roger, you can do so by visiting his very entertaining Three Hoodies Save The World blog.   Thank you for agreeing to talk about yourself Roger!  I’m a fan of your work and hosting you was a pleasure. Barbara.



Monday 16 February 2015

Dream Homes For Sale

Today I have two characterful properties for you to explore both are situated on a small bookshelf close to all amenities.  The first property comprises a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.  The second is a self-build in need of a little renovation.

Westminster Books 521A Bancroft & Co Doll's House
Doll's House


A bright sunny kitchen 1950s style
A bright, sunny kitchen complete with all mod cons.  


The sitting room with modern TV and fireplace
The comfy sitting room with a TV in the corner and a picture above the fireplace.


A double bed a cot and a potty
A double bed, a cot and a potty!


A typical 1950s bathroom with pink bath - pop-up book
A typical 1950s bathroom with pink bath and fitted cupboards. This picture shows how the property looks when open for visitors.



My Dolly's Home
My Dolly's Home with furniture and many cut-outs 1950s book
This self-build property comprises a cardboard sleeve with five cardboard inserts, two of the inserts are made up of several figures to cut out. These including two children, a dog, a cat, a plant on a side table, a TV (showing Humpty Dumpty sitting on his wall!), a lamp, a stool and a waste bin. There is also a cardboard rug to place in front of the fire, a stand-up sofa (one slot is torn) and the inside wall of a house, with a fireplace with five different size elephants standing on the mantelpiece,  an old telephone, pictures and a standard lamp.  

A Tower Press product Made in England No. 115, undated but I would guess 1950/60s.


My Dolly's Home the cosy living room
A cosy room.

My Dolly's Home all the pieces to cut-out and play
All the pieces waiting to be cut-out and played with.

A Tower Press product Made in England No. 115, undated but I would guess 1950s.
Close up of children, dog, cat and furniture.

That concludes our tour. Thank you for visiting and please click on the links for full particulars.

A lovely blogging friend from A Little Bit Vintage just suggested I should add the following  –

'Early Viewings Are Highly Recommended To Fully Appreciate The Unique Qualities Of These Charming Homes'. 

 How perfect is that? Thank you Francis!

Both featured books are now sold, thank you for your interest.


If you have the time please call in at my other blog - For travelling the bride wore a pink and blue two-piece.  My sister Sue and my cousin John are sharing a little about their lives, and I'm writing about my parents, grandparents and other family members. I also do the occasional Sepia Saturday post where a variety of topics are covered. 

Monday 9 February 2015

Was Miss Bennett amused?


I'm very happy to say I've never been the recipient of one of these.  According to Wikipedia, these often mean-spirited postcards were first produced in America in the 1840s.  Known as ‘Vinegar Valentines’ they were once very popular among those who liked to tease and poke fun of others.


I can only imagine how Miss Bennett felt when this landed on the mat on Valentines Day 1912.


I sincerely hope Miss Bennett found her Valentine and boxed his ears!


Happy Valentine's Day.



May all your cards be pretty ones.

Sunday 1 February 2015

Holiday Inspirations ~ an idea ‘borrowed’ from Claudine at Carry Us Off Books.

I always enjoy the Pinterest Inspirations posts over at Carry Us Off Books and thought it would be a nice way to show you what I did on my blogging holiday.




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Besides enjoying all the lovely things pictured above I've joined a pilates class and taken up walking for at least an hour a day. My bookselling life is a happy one, but it’s also very sedentary, so I’m determined to get just a little fitter in 2015.  Are you sticking to your new year resolutions?  

Thank you for all the lovely comments left on my blog while I've been away. I will be over to visit you very soon.