Wednesday 30 December 2015

Downunder - A Review - "Enthralling, Intriguing, Spot On Mate!"

Notwithstanding that she's a good friend of mine, this review had me blushing furiously.
Thank you, Evie, your cheque's in the mail...

on December 29, 2015
I am so out of my league in the frail attempt I'm about to make on writing a review of this latest book (the third, in "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers" series) by C W Lovatt.

An extraordinary talent is Mr Lovatt.

Charlie is now in the land Downunder amidst all of us Aussie sheilas and blokes. Ha! We are a colourful mob, and he has done a smashing job of depicting our irrepressible Aussie politically incorrect outlook on life. Even then, in 1866, we were an irreverent lot, totally confusing at times, but a strong people living in a unforgivably harsh land.

C W Lovatt has captured our essence, both of the aborigines and we whiteys. We demand you acknowledge our independent nature, but don't forget to hold the door open for me gentlemen, I love that!

"Charlie! What? Are you sure your name is Charlie, Smithers? I could have sworn it was...." Lord Brampton, (our lovable bumbling fool.) He continues to have NO idea that when he attempts to save Charlie, he comes close to causing the exact opposite. Each episode will make you simultaneously cringe with apprehension and giggle at his unfailing ineptitude.

Another beautifully written story, the prose, faultless, the pidgin, delightful and the description of the land (vernacular included) 'spot on, mate!'

This time Charlie experiences spirituality he never dreamed existed and I believe that, this gives us, as readers, a deeper look at the author himself. The tale is magical, a love story, wrapped around folklore and so cleverly entwined with history, that I found it nearly impossible to differentiate fact from fiction.

"I bravely huddled as close to her as was humanly possible"

(Ha ha!) A simple line (which brings yet another smile to the lips) that unerringly explains ‘exactly’ what needed to be communicated, that our hero, Charlie, is questioning his manliness.

"All that I'd learned of gratitude was ruthlessly thrust aside, as I opted for vengeance instead".

I found this line to be… profound (for want of a better word.) Charlie chooses to push aside his fundamental nature, that being, a man who has duty as his first priority, accompanied by fairness, compassion and a strong aversion to killing.

I have always believed that words are powerful, but often, words lack the full meaning of what an author is trying to convey. We try to express emotion, but we find the words insufficient. Not so for this writer. C W Lovatt comes close to perfection when describing anything from scenery to the most simple of body motions.

I am envious (as a writer myself) of the easy flow of the story and strength of the characters.
I urge you, buy and read this fabulous piece of literature.
 
 
 
You can purchase your copy of Adventures Downunder here.
 
 

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Me This Week in the Top 10 of Author's Data Base

Looks like I'm one of this week's top ten writers on Authors' Data Base. To check it out, click here.

Top 10

Sunday 27 December 2015

Downunder - A Review - "Totally Awesome!"

This excellent review gave me quite a rush, as Elaina's no slouch as an author herself. I found it very interesting that we both look for the same things while reading - not just what the author is saying, but how he's saying it. Also tickled pink that she mentioned the musical bit at the end.
Cheers, Elaina, I consider this high praise, indeed!

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally awesome!, December 26, 2015
This review is from: Charlie Smithers: Adventures Downunder (The Charlie Smithers Collection Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
I did ask for a review copy … because I really wanted to read this, the third book in the Charlie Smithers series! Right, so Charlie and Lord Brampton are on an Indiaman when pirates attack and the luckless Charlie lands up in the drink. Finally he washes up on a shore in Australia … and his adventures Downunder commence. He meets Mattie, a woman with secrets and a survival instinct that brooks no nonsense whatsoever …

Did I enjoy it? Absolutely and without a doubt, and I recommend it to readers of historical adventures, historical romance, those who enjoy the somewhat otherworld stuff behind reality, and also those who love a good giggle now and again. Adventures Downunder rolls all these facets into one amazing tale and I love every moment spent reading.

The author has a worthy way with words, I must tell you, and merely reading the way he constructs not only his situations, but also his sentences, the thought processes … pure magic. Oh, and the little added twist to the musical tale there in the end? Awesome.

DEFINITELY a worthy read!

Saturday 26 December 2015

Downunder - A Review - "Suspense With A Twist Of Humor!"

It's always a thrill to stumble across a review from a new reader. Thank you for giving my book a chance, C. K. Phillips, and for taking the time to write your review.

on December 23, 2015
Adventures Downunder was the first of the Charlie Smithers books I have read--it will not be the last. I enjoyed the characters immensely, as they carried the quick plot along nicely. The dialogue was great and kept me hanging between suspense and humor. I highly recommend the book.

Saturday 19 December 2015

Downunder - A Review - "A Thoroughly Enjoyable Read"

This kind of review never fails to put a smile on my face. Thank you, JoAnn, very much appreciated.

on December 19, 2015
I've been looking forward to the 3rd installment of the delightful Charlie Smithers and C.W. Lovatt did not disappoint. Charlie is in the thick of it right from the get-go as their homeward bound ship is besieged by pirates. This is only the first of many perils our Mr. Smithers faces on his trek 'down under' - yet even when he is in the direst of straits, he quips a one-liner that has me laughing aloud. Pirates, a very mysterious woman and a showdown with a band of merciless outlaws. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
 
 
 

Adventures Downunder - Now Available in Paperback

If, like me, you're one of those die hards that insist on holding an actual book when reading, this should interest you: "Adventures Downunder" is now available in paperback. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get my greedy little hands on a copy!

http://mybook.to/tacs3


Saturday 12 December 2015

"Adventures Downunder- A Review - "This Book Had Me Beyond Elated!!!"

Another five star review for Downunder. Thanks very much, Monique!



5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Had Me Beyond Elated!!!, December 12, 2015
This review is from: Charlie Smithers: Adventures Downunder (The Charlie Smithers Collection Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Having read the first two installments of Charlie Smithers' Adventures,I was beyond elated to find there was more to read about old Charlie,and of course I was in for a treat.C.W Lovatt delivers dialogue that puts a permanent smile on my face,he has a very unique talent of making the most direst of circumstances in his stories, so light hearted I find myself giggling ,knowing that Charlie will come through the situation worse for the wear but able to forge on with utter determination.This book is sensational,C.W. Lovatt transported me to the Australia's with Mr. Smithers and I dare say I did not want to return from this latest adventure.Starting out with pirates, ending with outlaws and a touch of mysticism thrown in for good measure made for an extremely brilliant read and I highly recommend this book.
 
 
 

Adventures Downunder - "Charlie in Australia" - A Review

Reviews for Downunder have already started coming. Thank you Miss Lyn!


By Miss Lyn on December 12, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Charlie Smithers takes us on his best adventure ever when a fall from a boat during a battle floats him away to the land down under. Never one to do things halfway,Charlie has many thrills,adventures,trecks, through the desert and some very mysterious happenings.Wow,what an amazing book! 
 
 
 

Adventures Downunder - Now Available For Your Reading Pleasure

Now available.


Check out the brand-spanking new universal link.  http://mybook.to/tacs3


Wednesday 9 December 2015

"Adventures in India" - Five Star Review - "Charlie Is A typical Man Living In Amazing Times...."

Thank you, Genette Entenman!

on November 29, 2015
I received a free copy to write this honest review. I will admit I usually don't read this type of book but Mr. Lovatt has me hooked. Charlie is a typical man living in amazing times. I felt like I was back in 1860's India watching the struggling of the British with the different tribes of India. Mr. Lovatt did an excellent job researching and bringing this part of history alive. Looking forward to more Charlie adventures.
 
 
 

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Adventures Downunder - Now Available for Pre-Order

Scheduled to be released this Saturday, but it's available for pre-order now....


  
Ed Wolf
December 8 at 9:43am

The much anticipated third book in the Charlie Smithers series is available to pre-order (e-book now and the paperback will follow soon).
UK link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Charlie-Smithers-Adventures-Downunder-Collection-ebook/dp/B0193FBVW8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1449589242&sr=1-1
US link: http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Smithers-Adventures-Downunder-Collection-ebook/dp/B0193FBVW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449589364&sr=8-1&keywords=charlie+smithers+downunder
CA link: http://www.amazon.ca/Charlie-Smithers-Adventures-Downunder-Collection-ebook/dp/B0193FBVW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449589399&sr=8-1&keywords=charlie+smithers+downunder
AU:  http://www.amazon.com.au/Charlie-Smithers-Adventures-Downunder-Collection-ebook/dp/B0193FBVW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449600242&sr=8-1&keywords=Charlie+smithers%3A+adventures+downunder


Adventures Downunder - Available on Friday

Just gave the manuscript for the third book of the Charlie Smithers Series a final going over and sent it in. I'm told that the ebook should be available on Friday, with pre-order going live later today. The paperback may even be available before the New Year. That would be cool.

Now, what's my next project going to be....?

Saturday 28 November 2015

MY LINKS

Amazon Author's Page: http://author.to/CWLovattamazon

FB Author's Pages:  https://www.facebook.com/tacscwl
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/CWLovatt/275418999316419?ref_type=bookmark 

 Twitter: @tacscwl on Twitter
AMAZON: http://mybook.to/tacs2
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24975107-charlie-smithers?from_search=true



AMAZON: http://mybook.to/tacs
GOODREADS: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers


   
AMAZON: http://mybook.to/josiahstubbl 
LIBRARYTHING:  https://www.librarything.com/work/14897318/107949278


 
 
GOODREADS: Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails

AMAZON: http://mybook.to/wwtt

The Adventures of Charlie Smithers - "Brilliantly Surprised" - A Review

Thank you l brindle.

on November 24, 2015
Flashman led me to Charlie, but I took to this in a completely different way to the tongue in cheek narrative of GMF. This gave some of the same stiff upper lip English 'wot wot' but real emotion and detail and was much more thought provoking.

Great book.
 
 
 

Thursday 26 November 2015

How to Write a Review In Four Easy Steps

I think most readers consider writing a review a daunting task, so don't often bother. However, it doesn't have to be very arduous at all, and they do say that they are a great help. Here's a helpful guide that can assist you in rattling one off in just a few minutes.



Thursday 19 November 2015

Ranking - Thank You Canada!

Every once in a blue moon, I'll check my Amazon rankings outside of the US and the UK. This is what I found in Canada this morning.

Josiah Stubb:
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #7,342 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#71 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > War
#98 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > War
#281 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical

 http://mybook.to/josiahstubbl


The Adventures of Charlie Smithers:
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #11,107 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#431 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical
#812 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical

 http://mybook.to/tacs


Adventures in India:
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #7,308 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#279 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical
#284 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Action & Adventure
#439 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Action & Adventure

 http://mybook.to/tacs2



Cool, huh? But now I'm wondering how high they actually went! I'll be keeping a closer eye on them now, that's for sure. Thank you, Canada!


Monday 16 November 2015

Adventures Downunder - Call for Reviewers

Adventures Downunder is scheduled to be released this weekend (squeeee!!!) so I thought that was enough time to put out one more call for anyone who would like a reviewer's copy. No charge, just an honest review, please.

Send the address of your device, plus the format you'd prefer, to Clovatt@xplornet.ca with "Adventures Downunder - Reviewer's Copy" in the subject line.

Here's the blurb:

 Flashman never experienced anything like this, not even remotely!
Whether it’s because of his gift of the ‘sight,’ inherited from his dour old Hebridean mum, or simply a sorely battered noggin (a result of his master’s appalling aim) the Australias hold one of Charlie Smithers’ most intriguing adventures to date.
Pirates, great white sharks, mermaids, scorching deserts, cannibals and a small army of sadistic bushrangers are only part of the story. A mysterious gunslinging sheila with emerald green eyes, and a shocking vocabulary, is another adventure all on its own.
And throughout the tale there is the innocuous message from a ghost from Charlie’s past: “You must learn to forgive…”



Friday 13 November 2015

The Charlie Smithers Collection - New covers

I'm saddened for obvious reasons, but at the same time (for equally obvious reasons) very excited.
As my publisher was unable to find anyone who could re-create the same style of the brilliant Peter Fussey (who, most unfortunately has had to stop creating covers due to medical reasons) they have taken the rather bold move to create new covers for all of the Charlie Smithers books, including the soon to be released third book in the collection, "Adventures Downunder." Here, for the first time, is the unveiling of all three...Drum roll...

"Adventures Downunder" due to be released by Christmas




http://mybook.to/tacs
http://mybook.to/tacs2


Wednesday 4 November 2015

An Interview With PC Zick

Follow the link, and check out my interview with editor and novelist, P. C. Zick. I talk about the Charlie Smithers Collection - including the soon to be released "Adventures Downunder" - and that all important topic, my humble self.

http://pczick.com/2015/11/04/author-wednesday-c-w-lovatt/

Here are the links to the books (so far):
The Adventures of Charlie Smithers:  http://mybook.to/tacs
Charlie Smithers: Adventures in India: http://mybook.to/tacs2








Sunday 18 October 2015

Twisted Tails - "The Best Collection of Scary Shorts I've Ever Read"

Thank you very much, Viv Drewa!

on October 18, 2015
The best collection of thought provoking and scary stories I've ever read. Some are really twisted and I couldn't put the book down.
Many of the authors were new to me but had remarkable tales to scare the ever-loving daylights out of me!
I especially loved the two stories by CW Lovatt which dealt with real life and you dig deep in your soul to see if you've ever lived them. I'd love to have a collection of stories by Lovatt his writing is fantastic.
This is a great read for the upcoming holiday, Halloween! . Especially if you love being scared as much as I do!


 http://mybook.to/wwtt


Friday 16 October 2015

Halloween? Yeah, We Got That Covered

Just thought I should mention that, seeing as how Halloween's on the way, you might be up for something that's going to scare the beejazuz out of you....

http://mybook.to/wwtt




Tuesday 13 October 2015

Adventures in India - Great Historical Fiction AGAIN!

 Thank you, Kim Dickerson!
 
 
on October 7, 2015
He's done it again! What a great story that's so easy to get lost in. I like that he used regional words, yet still succinctly described everything so well. Poor Charlie! I adore him, he's become the poor uncle that's got the worst run of luck in the coolest way imaginable.

Lovatt's depth of research shows throughout the entire novel. Waiting for the next one!
 
 
 

Saturday 10 October 2015

Home Again

Well I'm home again. Actually, I've been home for a little over a week, but busy doing re-writes, fighting jet lag, and now a cold, because Canada...

Now that the manuscript for the next Charlie Smithers has been sent into the publisher to be formatted, I thought that you might like to accompany me on a short pictorial journey through Australia.

 This sign was at Kimba, marking the halfway spot across Australia, and we were only getting started! The next two photos are of the Nullarbor Plain where a good deal of the story takes place. Of course Nullarbor means 'no trees' and, as you can see, that was pretty much the case.


Getting close to The Great Australian Bight

And here is the Bight, one of the main reasons I had for coming to Australia in the first place. It's quite an impressive sight, as the height of the cliffs vary between 100 to 400 feet high. It was also the reason for a sizable rewrite because, once having seen it, I knew that it had to be mentioned.
This is the chariot and home for three weeks, dubbed "The Jolly Roger." It's big and spacious, but could easily get overcrowded if things weren't stowed away. Not that it had much chance of getting out of hand, as everything needed to be stowed before hitting the road anyway.
Australia is chock-full of grand old buildings dating back to its colonial past. Virtually every little town had at least one of these hotels, virtually all of them of the same design. If I'm not mistaken, we stopped in here for lunch.
 After seeing the Nullarbor and The Bight, we had to decide on the route back to Sydney. As it was early Spring, the weather had usually been quite cool, so in the end we decided to go north in search of warmer climes.
Our first stop in Queensland, via Broken Hill in NSW. After Cunnamulla, it was over to Goondiwindi, and then back down to NSW, through The Great Dividing Range, to the delightful town of Casino (cattle capitol of Australia.) Then it was back through the mountains again, down to Tamworth, via Grafton and Glen Innes, before heading on to Sydney.



Perhaps you can tell that one of my favourite parts of the trip was the wildlife, especially the parrots. So loved to see these parrots flying about free as...well...birds. The only ones I'd seen previously were in cages.

 This is the governor's mansion in Sydney where a scene plays out in the epilogue. Needless to say it, and the grounds were given a thorough going over, and a wealth of information gleaned from the knowledgeable staff.
This was a treat. Our hero, Charlie Smithers, needed a horse in his latest adventure, and I couldn't think of a better candidate than a breed that is all Australian, the Waler. Known for their strength and endurance, I had written about them to some extent, but had never seen one before in the flesh until the day we went out to a stud farm. The elderly couple that owned it were very gracious and eager to talk about their beloved horses, enough to keep me scribbling notes the entire time I was there.
Sorry, not the best of photos, but I thought I'd include it anyway. After all, with the famous opera house to the left, and the harbour bridge on the right, urban Australia doesn't get much more iconic than this.