Showcasing “NO GREATER LOVE” by Justin Sheedy

To abandoned child, Colin Stone, World War Two grants an escape from the mean streets of St. Kilda. A natural warrior, his talents qualify him to join an elite group of young men. The shining ones. Who fly Spitfires against Nazi tyranny. Rising with them, from the top Colin Stone looks down on a world that has doomed his first true friends.

Bringing to vivid life true Australian war history and events, No Greater Love is a saga in the classic mold, featuring the drama, beauty, heroism and horror of one young man’s war journey through stunning Malta, Egypt and North Africa, Sicily, England and Europe. It is a portrait of the once-in-a-lifetime characters the war places on his path, of the tragic, wholesale waste of war, on occasion even the profound humanity of his enemy, and of his evolving perception of his world for what it is.

Though standing on its own as a ripping and also highly emotional read, No Greater Love is the third and final chapter of Justin Sheedy’s now widely and warmly cherished World War Two novel trilogy begun with Nor the Years Condemn and Ghosts of the Empire. Continuing and now concluding their portrait of shining young men destined never to grow old, No Greater Love is the full and rich story of Part 1’s reader-favourite character, Aussie rough diamond Colin Stone (‘Stoney’). It is the story of his war, of his loyalty and devotion to his friends, of his enduring love for the mother who abandoned him, and his dreams of being held by her once again.

BOOK LAUNCH! “No Greater Love” by Justin Sheedy – Sat 3 Sept 2016 at Dymocks Sydney

About the Author:

Justin Sheedy was born in 1968 and grew up in North Epping in Sydney’s north-west suburbs. He was educated by the Little Sisters of No Mercy, then by the Jesuits, and obtained a degree in fine arts, qualifying him to drive a cab.

He has worked in radio, for a while as a go-go dancer as well as for the Australian Public Service though has since made a full recovery. If you have ever worked in the public service, you will understand. If you still do work in the public service, Justin remembers you, so you better have been nice to him as he’s writing books now.

His efforts have seen him invited to the Byron Bay Writers’ Festival 2010 and to the Gloucester Writers’ Festival 2012.

His books “Goodbye Crackernight” and “Nor the Years Condemn”, “Ghosts of the Empire” plus now his latest book “Memoirs of a Go-Go Dancer” are available at AMAZON in paperback and Kindle formats, in Australia at Dymocks Books nation-wide. Also at GLEEBOOKS, ABBEY’S BOOKSHOP, BERKELOUW BOOKS & THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, in the UK via WATERSTONES, WH SMITH and orderable at YOUR local bookstore.

 

On a personal note, I have read all of Justin’s books and have enjoyed each one thoroughly. As recommendations go I have no difficulty in promoting Justin Sheedy’s books. I wish him every success with his latest offering “No Greater Love”.

RLB – Tomewriter

BOOK LAUNCH! “No Greater Love” by Justin Sheedy – Sat 3 Sept 2016 at Dymocks Sydney

Wishing Justin every success with this book. If it’s as good as the two previous novels then it’s going to be a pleasure. I can’t wait to get my copy :o)

Goodbye, Crackernight

On the eve of Fathers’ Day 2016, Justin Sheedy will be launching his latest historical novel, No Greater Love. Bringing to vivid life true Australian war history and events, it is a saga of the drama, beauty, heroism and horror of a young Australian Spitfire pilot’s war journey through stunning Malta, Egypt and North Africa, Sicily, England and Europe. It is a portrait of the once-in-a-lifetime characters the war places on his path, of the tragic, wholesale waste of war, on occasion even the profound humanity of his enemy.

Though concluding Sheedy’s now highly acclaimed World War Two trilogy (all titles available on the day), No Greater Love is the stand-alone full story of Book 1’s reader-favourite character, Aussie rough diamond Colin Stone. It is the story of his loyalty and devotion to his friends, of his enduring love for the mother who abandoned him, and his dreams of…

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Third Time Lucky

A Tangled Web by Viviane Elisabeth Borg gets another lease of life when it is released on Friday 12^th August 2016 by Luminosity Publishing, UK.

This will be third time in four years that A Tangled Web which is a mystery/suspense novel with romantic elements is published.

It was first published independently by Robert L J Borg as an e-book on Smashwords in 2012:

In 2014, Sweet Cravings Publishing, USA (SCP) made an offer to publish the novel as an e-book and in print. Sales of the book did reasonably well under their banner, a lot to do perhaps with the flattering review by Nightowl: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Reviews/Paulinemichael-reviews-A-Tangled-Web-by-Viviane-Elisabeth-Borg

Regrettably in September 2015 SCP went out of business and publishing rights were restored to the author.

Since then the book was submitted to several publishers and in May 2016 a three-year worldwide publishing contract was offered and accepted.

Viviane Elisabeth Borg is now eagerly looking forward to seeing her novel “live” again for all those millions of potential readers who enjoy a good mystery with romantic elements and, of course, a happy ending…

Serena Burton is a shy and disillusioned young English woman holidaying on the idyllic Mediterranean island of Malta. Although she finds romance with the hotel manager, Luigi Coletti she finds it hard to commit herself completely to their relationship. This is mostly due to her deep involvement in the life of her employer, an elderly writer named Louisa Weston.

As Serena gradually discovers Louisa’s strange past she is drawn into a tangled web of hidden mysteries. As these are slowly uncovered her fledging romance struggles to develop into something more meaningful. Regardless Luigi persists and though he perceives a future, it comes at a high price…

You will be able to find Viviane’s book initially on Luminosity’s website at http://luminositypublishing.com/ and then on the usual popular book distributors. Buy links will be added to the blog page of A Tangled Web as they become available.

To those people who have not yet read it, please do, as I am sure you would enjoy it. I for one who has reviewed it countless times when working alongside the Sweet Cravings and Luminosity editors will never tire of it.

RLB – Tomewriter

 

 

Menton – Travel Log 28

Menton is reachable by car along the A8 motorway, or if time isn’t pressing you could take the coast road. We however went by train. An adult return fare from Vallauris-Golfe Juan to Menton is €14.66 for a journey that takes just over the hour.

Menton Railway Station

The area itself has been inhabited since pre-historic times but only gained some importance when under Roman influence. However it was in the 11^th century that an initial permanent settlement was created. Since then control of the town passed from one noble to another until after the French Revolution when it was annexed to France.

From around the late-1800’s tourism became a major factor in the town’s growth. This was mainly due to Doctor James Henry Bennett who encouraged tuberculosis sufferers to visit the area as a way to improve their health.

Doctor James Henry Bennett

The town was popularised by English and Russian aristocrats who constructed luxurious villas, hotels and palaces. A frequent visitor was the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Queen Victoria also visited Menton.

   

The Winter Palace                   The Orient                               Le Balmoral

We stayed at Le Balmoral – a quaint hotel. Certainly not to the standards of hotels that I have been used to in Australia: for one thing there were no beverage making facilities in the room nor a fridge, but classed as a 3 star hotel so perhaps being France it doesn’t qualify for those facilities. The staff, on the other hand were friendly, helpful and efficient. We had dinner at the hotel on the first night of arrival [Monday 18^th] and the food was superb. Breakfast the following morning was another story and was most disappointing. The single room I occupied was another let down. Although the room in itself was adequate the bed was possibly intended for a child. It was extremely low and narrower than one would expect a normal single bed. The rate for the night was €87 which I thought was high for a 3 star hotel and for the “lack” of facilities in the room. Oh! They did have a TV – at least that was something.

However I didn’t go to Menton for the hotel. I spent most of the time walking around the town sight-seeing; and there was so much to see.

Although Menton is nice to visit in summer, I am told the best time is February for their Lemon Festival. I guess I will be heading off again then to witness this event, although I shall not be staying at Le Balmoral.

As pictures speak louder than words here are a just a few snaps of the place for your pleasure:

A word about the beaches they are consisted of a conglomerate of stones rather than sand – so a bit tough on the feet. If you are after sandy beaches then you won’t find any until you reach Golfe-Juan.

If the beaches aren’t for you then there is a vast array of boutiques, shoe shops, museums, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and gardens, as well as a casino to keep you more than occupied.

Menton is a beautiful town, one worth a visit, and even worth returning to.

For more information check out the Menton Visitors’ Guide at:

http://www.tourisme-menton.fr/

Until the next time – Happy Travelling!!

 

RLB – Tomewriter

 

 

 

Baking Day

Anyone following my blog will know that as of the 2^nd March this year [2016] I have been living in the south of France.

I retired from my 45 year career in the field of commercial credit management at the end of January and decided it was time for a sea change. As my personal circumstances changed at the same time it seemed logical to leave Australia that has been my home for the past 28 years and return to Europe.

Although I have been writing on a part-time basis, mostly as a hobby on an as and when I have time basis I have now decided to turn my hand to writing full-time. However with my move to Europe has also come a period of adjustment. For a start I am temporarily living with my mum and elder sister in their flat at Golfe Juan located close to Cannes on the Cote d’Azur. It’s a wonderful part of the world and the view from their apartment is spectacular. The view across the Mediterranean Sea is breath-taking. There is always so much to see – huge cruise ships on the horizon, exotic yachts of every size entering and exiting the port of Camille Rayon, sailing boats filling their sails as they skim across the bay of Le Golfe Juan, and occasionally, as moments ago, a show of fire fighting seaplanes practicing their skills in the event of the return of the bush fire season.

  

Apart from carrying out a bit of research for my next book and a short blog from time to time I haven’t done much writing. My excuse is that I am unable to concentrate. I have bought a flat but I don’t finalise exchange until 7^th June 2016, and I am waiting until I move in before I dedicate the lion’s share of my time to writing.

Until then I am killing time playing scrabble with my mother [a note on this: mum is 91 years old, has limited vision due to macular degeneration, but when it comes to playing Bridge and Scrabble she is champion]. I do manage to win sometimes though.

I have also spent time reading – never have I read so many books in such a short time – I have been averaging two to three a month depending on the book. In addition I have completed a hundred or so crosswords and I have been watching endless TV quiz shows… in French: It is a great way to improve my language skills. French isn’t my first language although I have known it since my youth – I am more comfortable with Italian and English [obviously], but since I have chosen to live in France it only seems sensible to improve my mastery of French.

So onto Baking Day…. As another diversion to keep me occupied I have offered on a few occasions to offer to cook for my family. I have prepared omelette; meatballs in a tomato sauce served with pasta; Ivory Coast Beef with rice; a salad or two, and today I experimented in preparing a fruit tart: a first for me. There were some cherries, grapes, a few prunes, and a couple of nectarines looking sad in the fridge. My sister suggested we have a fruit salad, but I said I would do something better. So this morning I nipped down the road to a local Spar supermarket and bought some short crust pastry then returned home to attack the fruit.

The photos speak for themselves [yes that’s me, Koala apron included]:

 

Ready for the oven:                                        Baked:

 

Presentation:            And of course, ready for eating:

 

Served with custard it was quite good – not bad for a first attempt.

I expect the next time I cook anything will be at my new flat.

It’s an exciting prospect.

RLB – Tomewriter

Easter 2016

If someone had told me that I would be spending Easter in France in 2016 I would have contradicted them, but here we are on Sunday, or should I say Dimanche, 27^th March 2016 typing this blog at Golfe Juan-Vallauris on the Cote d’Azur.

Accompanied with my family I attended church and tried to follow the Mass in French. Not an easy task. I would have done better had it been in Latin. Anyway, duty done we proceeded to the Hotel de Provence located at the Avenue de la Gare for a coffee – typically French tradition.

Before heading home we stopped by the Patisserie to purchase a freshly baked fruit tart for our dessert at lunchtime which is to be with friends.

Home now, whilst typing this, Lesley is in kitchen creating a gastronomic masterpiece, and mum is relaxing in an armchair. This is living.

So as my first Easter gets underway I will wish you all peace and happiness for the future.

As for me I am looking forward to a new beginning in this beautiful corner of the world.

RLB – Tomewriter

SIXTH Book-Signing in ONE Year for Author Justin Sheedy at Australia’s Premier Bookstore

Reblogging this to support my friend and fellow author Justin Sheedy. If you haven’t already read his first two books in this wonderful trilogy, namely “Nor the Years Condemn” and “Ghosts of the Empire” hurry down to your local bookshop or Amazon and get copies…. start reading.

Goodbye, Crackernight

On the eve of ANZAC Day 2016, Justin Sheedy will be signing Books 1 & 2 in his warmly-received Australian war historical fiction series, Nor the Years Condemnand Ghosts of the Empire, in which he brings to life an untold story in our great ANZAC tradition – yet not one of heroic defeat but of stunning victory at staggering cost.

Nor the Years Condemntells the story of Sydney Uni Rugby Union player, Daniel Quinn, who leaves his peace time life behind to fly Spitfires against Nazi tyranny in Sheedy’s portrait of doomed, brilliant youth. Ghosts of the Empire is the saga of Sydney tradie, Mick O’Regan, who takes on the most dangerous job of World War II: flying for RAF Bomber Command.

In the lead-up to this year’s release of Book 3 in the trilogy, No Greater Love, this will be Sheedy’s 6th book-signing event at…

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That’s it for me… I’m done!!

That’s it for me… I’m done!!

No more getting up at 5.30 a.m. unless it’s to go somewhere nice.

No more commuting on Sydney trains.

No more trudging to and from the station through Sydney’s weather extremes of blistering heat, torrential rains, hurricane strength winds that destroy umbrellas.

No more account reconciliations.

No more phoning customers to pay their bills.

No more having to put up with sanctimonious salesmen who forget who pays them?

No more having to work with colleagues who walk around with long faces and are just plain miserable bastards.

That’s it for me… I’m done at being a credit controller.

From 4pm on Friday 29^th January 2016 I finished up from a profession that has spanned 45 years.

You know when it’s time to quit and in my case it came earlier than planned.

I had hoped to have phased it out gradually after reaching my 65^th birthday in August 2016, but personal circumstances have brought it to an immediate halt. Am I sorry? Yes and no. Dealing with no regular income will be a challenge but it is just one more of life’s problems to overcome.

After 27 years of marriage my wife decided it was time to end our relationship; so as part of the transition process back to bachelorhood I have decided to finish working. This is mainly because of my decision to relocate to Europe to be close to my 91-year-old mother and my two sisters.

I chose to end work now so as to allow me freedom to wind up my affairs here in Australia and make the necessary preparations to set up my new life on the Cote d’Azur in southern France.

All is slowly falling into place and depending on how quickly I can get my superannuation account closed and transferred, and how fast our respective lawyers can finalize the separation agreement will determine when I can finally leave.

In a way I am sad it has come to this – after knowing someone for thirty years to give up such a relationship isn’t easy.

Dealing with the emotional wrenching of separation, leaving a job, packing one’s possessions into several boxes [64 years of one’s life all wrapped up in 11 boxes doesn’t say much – pretty sad really], arranging bank accounts in a foreign country, leaving people you have got to know, is all very stressful. Any one of them could lead to a nervous breakdown… to do all of them at the same time: well there aren’t any words that can describe how I feel.

But life goes on… I have always been a fighter. Whenever I have been knocked down by some personal disaster or set back I have always bounced back. And so it will be again…

As one door closes another opens: for me it is a new start in a new country.

I may be scared at the unknown, but I am also so very excited at the challenges awaiting me.

I hope you will follow my progress in the months and years to come :o)

RLB – Tomewriter

A new chapter, a new location…

A new chapter is about to unfold in my life effective early 2016 [end of February/beginning of March].

Although we have been married for just over 27 years and been together for almost 30 years, Sandra and I have come to a decision to legally separate.

I will therefore be relocating back to Europe.

As my mum and elder sister both live in the south of France I have chosen to join them there:

The move to France will allow me to finally achieve my heart’s desire to become a full-time writer.

I currently have three stories waiting to be published:

• The Sword and the Rose [Book 1 – The Sword and the Rose Series]
• Embrace Amidst Orange Blossoms [Book 2 – The Sword and the Rose Series]
• Out of the Darkness [Book 2 – The Mark Lander Chronicles]

Three pending to be finished:

• Passionate Harvest [Book 3 – The Sword and the Rose Series]
• Dragoon Serenade [Book 2 – Romance in War Series]
• When Doves Weep [Book 1 – The Mark Lander Chronicles]

New ones to begin:

• Neptune’s Landing [Book 3 – Romance in War Series]
• Warm Nights in Alex [Book 4 – Romance in War Series]
• Lady of Seville [Book 4 – The Sword and the Rose Series]
• Nightsafe [Book 3 – The Mark Lander Chronicles]
• Guardian Angel [Book 4 – The Mark Lander Chronicles]

It is hoped that surrounded by the beauty of the Cote d’Azur, as well as the care and love of family and friends I will be able to conquer my fears as I restart my life far away from Australia.

RLB – Tomewriter

 

Having a clear out………

Over the last couple of weekends I have been under taking in clearing out some of my files, tearing up and throwing away old papers, documents, receipts, completed manuscripts – books now published and others that have been typed and saved onto memory sticks waiting to be published. Plus going through the mountains of books that have been read and just gathering dust.  The ones I no longer want to keep will be taken to a charity shop to hopefully find a new home and at the same time benefit the charity.

So too are some of my clothes; things I haven’t worn in a long time, others that no longer fit.

All is going out of here one way or another.

Today, as I was sorting out some stuff I stumbled upon a few minor writings scribbled on note paper and possibly never seen or read by anyone but me… until now.

I was about to tear them up and throw away, but instead here they are saved on my blog… now I can throw out the scribbling:

There are no dates when these were written so I have no idea which came first.  Therefore I am presenting them in alphabetical order:

All writings below are Copyright© Robert L J Borg 2015

 

Abandoned

I’m lying down in a comfortable place. The sky above is an azure blue. It’s not cloudless though. There are clouds, big white fluffy ones – like balls of cotton wool which have been pulled apart so they become stretched; thin in parts, bulky in others.

The sun breaks through them occasionally and bathes me in its warmth; when it disappears behind the clouds their shadows dance across my body.

Then a round face, bright, brown-eyed appears before me; lustrous hair in pig-tails. Then it speaks in a high-pitched voice: “MUM! A baby’s been abandoned on our front step!”

*

Cloud Shadows

Like a pestilence they rush upon us

From the outer reaches of the sea;

Unstoppable forces of nature

They bound over every hill and valley

A deep-throated rumble is heard

Carried on the breeze;

A dazzling flash of lightning

Dissects the sky, incinerating trees

 

The sun fights to dominate

Its place amongst the heavens;

But the wind drives the clouds on

Blocking out the sun’s radiance.

Cloud shadows race quickly

Across a fragile land they assemble;

Storm clouds show their mastery

In fear man and beast tremble.

*

Cold Front

Pushing against the wind I trudge on. Collar up, scarf wrapped around my neck in a failed attempt to keep warm. Hands gloved, one deep in my pocket; the other gripping the brolly in a strained attempt to keep dry.

Rains slants at an angle; sheets of it bucketing down. Wrestling with the brolly as it bends, twists and finally snaps, exposing my fragile body to winter’s bitterly cold front.

*

In Too Deep

It was hard to sleep

Amongst the constant chatter,

I tried counting sheep

Though it could hardly matter.

I knew the hotel was cheap

Even the curtains were a tatters,

The room was a shit heap

I should have known better.

Hiding out from some creep

To avoid a promised batter,

Each sound made me leap

Thinking how my bones would shatter.

 

Wondering if my safety would keep

Concentrating through the noisy clatter,

I knew I was in too deep

And my head would soon be on a platter.

*

Remote Control

I am in a remote place, restrained by wilderness; without persons or beasts about me. I feel my senses tested.

At night the cold is so intense my mind feels numb. By day as the warmth of the sun bathes my body I become so alive.

There is no fear amidst the loneliness, only happiness in the knowledge that I am alert to my surroundings.

I do not weep, but permit tears of joy to flow freely at the grace of being utterly in full control.

*

Third Time Lucky

What’s that old saying of try, and try again? But how often must one “try” to get it right? Or should the saying be: How many times are we allowed to get it wrong? Whichever way you look at it, whether you get it right or wrong there are times we should ask ourselves: Should we try it at all?

Worse, if we have tried it and failed, why would we want to even try it again? Let alone more than once!

So what fool came up with the remark of “Third Time Lucky”?

Obviously someone with unshakeable optimism………… stupid sod!!

*

Unusual Engagement

He glanced up slightly bewildered. A light streamed in through a crack in the curtains. Surely it wasn’t morning already?

He pulled at the bedclothes trying to block out the intrusion; burying his face into the pillow.

It was no good. Curiosity at what the light was got the better of him. He rose from the bed and padded to the window. Drawing the curtains back revealed a sight he would never had imagined.

In a floodlit street a kneeling dwarf seemed to be offering a huge diamond ring to an Amazonian woman.

It was the most unusual engagement he had ever witnessed.

*

That’s the end of my diversion for the day… getting back to clearing out more rubbish!!

RLB – Tomewriter