Monday, 2 September 2013

Charlie Smithers Review - Sharon Menear

I'm proud to say that this review of Charlie Smithers was posted by my friend and fellow writer, Sharon Menear, author of the thriller novel Deadstick Dawn. I know what you're thinking: yeah, we're pals, but don't let that fool you. If she thought my book was crap, Sharon might not have told you, but she  would have told me, and in no uncertain terms, too!

Thanks Sharon.


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Thrilling and Humorous African Adventure September 2, 2013
By Sharon Menear
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Englishman Charlie Smithers' adventures while stranded in the heart of Africa in the 1850s. Charlie's experiences were alternately hilarious, thrilling, heartwarming, and tragic. It was obvious Lovatt had done extensive research. The compelling characters were true to life, and the dialogue was authentic for the time period. I laughed, cried, and breathlessly turned the pages during many suspense-filled scenes. All in all, a true triumph for debut author C.W. Lovatt.
S.L. Menear, author of thriller novel DEADSTICK DAWN
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Sunday, 1 September 2013

Charlie Smithers - Back in the Top 100


I just checked Charlie's Canadian Amazon ranking. Not bad. He's made it into the top 100 again.

To give you an idea, that's slightly behind my idol, George MacDonald Fraser, and slightly ahead of Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. I have no way of knowing how long this will last, but it makes me feel giddy just being on the same page as these giants!


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Twisted Tails and Charlie Smithers - Links for September


First of all, do NOT forget this one, it's very important: 524230_10201017551306723_255111181_n.jpg

And for Amazon:










While I'm at it, I'll include my FB author's page. Don't be afraid to visit and leave a 'Like' on the wall. And hey, leave a comment as well! I like hearing from you. www.facebook.com/tacscwl

Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter, too, you lucky devils! @tacscwl on Twitter




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Saturday, 31 August 2013

Charlie Smithers - Review - By An 'Ordinary Bloke'

It's impossible to express how truly gratifying it is when reading a review, and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that the person who wrote it 'got' everything I had intended. This was the case this morning when I read the following, posted on Charlie's page on Amazon.uk, by 'Ordinary Bloke'. A simple 'thank you' seems a woefully inadequate response.



1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly epic tale, exceptionally well written., 31 Aug 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers (Kindle Edition)
I was attracted to this brilliantly written tale purely by the title - The Adventures of Charlie Smithers. It conjured up images of the sort of stuff I, as an English kid back in the 1960's, would read about in things such as The Boys Own, or tales of Biggles the dashing pilot. I was vaguely correct I suppose, but this was the most magnificent adventure I have ever come across. Anything Biggles, or William Brown for that matter, may have got up to in the way of adventures pales when compared with Charlie Smithers and what happened to him on his perilous, though always exciting, journey through untamed Africa. His journey is quite incredibly dangerous at times, and many times I was led to think 'surely he's a goner this time!?'. The author has written this quite amazing, yet very believable, tale with such aplomb that you cannot help - given that you get'right into it' - getting so involved in everything that happens. He has, as other reviewers have noted, done his research very well indeed and he held my attention to such an extent that my breakfast had been stood for four hours before I touched it, not being able to abandon the story for even ten minutes to eat. I was moved to genuine tears as the story reached it's conclusion, though the author skillyfully managed to ease the grieving with another charming twist. I really cannot recommend The Adventures of Charlie Smithers too highly,just buy it and read it yourself. You will surely find it one of the most engaging reads ever, whatever your particular preference, or usual choice of reading matter. This would, without any shadow of a doubt, make a magnificent film. I could easily see a modern day equivalent of Richard Harris in this. Though at times Smithers' tenderness and ability to wax lyrical would have been perfectly suited to another great of the screen, Richard Burton. I echo previous sentiments when I say I would love to read more of Charlie Smithers. To the author, very well done indeed Sir.
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Wednesday, 28 August 2013

Charlie Smithers - Another Five Star Review!

I'm going to have to put out a spoiler alert on this one, for those of you who want to experience Charlie Smithers without anything preconceived. It really is a very nice review, though.

Thank you Liamin!


5.0 out of 5 stars not normally my cup of tea but I loved this one, August 27, 2013
This review is from: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers (Kindle Edition)
Adventure books and history are not my normal choice of books, but it was a great read. Well written, warm characters and wonderful humor here and there, Yes, it was a sad ending, but it was probably all for the best for that day and age.
Thanks for the free review copy, Chuck, I really enjoyed your book!
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Friday, 23 August 2013

One of the Nicest Letters I've Ever Received

As I always try to do whenever I have the means, I wrote Ed Jenzen, managing editor of Canadian Stories Magazine, thanking him for my 1st Place certificate in Creative Non-Fiction for  'The Thing About Pantyhose", and for including "Fear of Flying" as an editor's choice. This is his reply, one of the nicest letters I've ever received as a writer:

PS: If this sparks your curiosity, you'll find both stories two posts down, entered on the 13th of this month.


You are very welcome.
We have three second timers who won before.
You are one of them.

Now I'll tell you a secret.
"Fear of Flying" almost won first prize in Fiction.
That was Bruno Penner's first choice and then he changed his mind.
I didn't agree but that's OK.
The judge should have full control and the right to decide.

But we met with Bruno and his wife Freda as we occasionally do over lunch. I read the story out loud to us four. I love it. I think it's the best contribution we have ever had. It so mirrors how I have "performed" many an approach to something I wanted.

Now here's the question: is there a metaphor in the story (?) and what is it...

Ed
----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck Lovatt" <clovatt@xplornet.ca>
To: "Ed Janzen" <ejanzen345@sympatico.ca>
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2013 12:27 AM
Subject: Canadian Stories



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Monday, 19 August 2013

Another Great Review - Twisted Tails

Another review came in For Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails (and again: yes, the pun is intended). This is very rare, but I really don't know what to say in response without sounding like a gushing idiot.

Except to say thank you Lolli.

Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinatingly Horrific! August 13, 2013
By Lolli
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you don't have a lot of time to read, or you prefer short stories, or you just want to read some excellent horror stories, Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails is tailor made for you. You'll especially want to read the stories by Chuck Lovatt. If I had one complaint about this book, it is that there are not enough stories by Lovatt. His tales are vivid, creative and scary, just the way I like them! Read it, my friends, and feel the goose pimples rise across your cold flesh.
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