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....?