What a strange year 2020 has turned out to be. For me, Covid-19 was a big distraction, and my work rate suffered. And yet, apart from travel, our lives in Queensland have been relatively unaffected except for a short period of lockdown. I feel so sorry for people in countries overseas where coronavirus is rampant. … Continue reading Writing life – book 4 in the Belleville saga during the saga of Covid
Reviews? Opinions, good and bad
So, what's with reviews? Whose opinion do you value? Book reviews sometimes provoke a war of words between author and reviewer. I notice too how journals with literary pretentions sometimes downplay the merit of 'commercial' fiction - you know, the books we all like to read - compared with the often totally perplexing literary fiction … Continue reading Reviews? Opinions, good and bad
Update on Downton Abbey binge .. and the bit I got wrong!
Matthew Crawley and Lady Mary Crawley in that famous scene. Image courtesy PBS.In my previous post about Downtown Abbey, I wrote - wrongly - that there had been no explanation of how Matthew Crawley came to be the heir to Lord Grantham. Well, I only had to wait until Season 3 - I had forgotten … Continue reading Update on Downton Abbey binge .. and the bit I got wrong!
Downton Abbey: Best binge watching during lockdown?
I've seen others write about their favourite binge watching during the Covid-19 lockdown - so here's mine: Downton Abbey. I just love it. Sumptuous setting and costumes; good acting (who can go past Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess - she has the best lines); and a storyline that keeps you engaged (most of the … Continue reading Downton Abbey: Best binge watching during lockdown?
Social distancing? Writers are used to it.
I couldn't help but think that writers are probably the one group of people most suited to social distancing ... but even we get to a point where we need to see another human being and interact with someone, at least with our loved ones. I feel really sorry for people who live alone during … Continue reading Social distancing? Writers are used to it.
1950s fashion: How Julia and Catherine might have dressed
I wanted to share this little bit of Friday frivolity - these images are from this website selling custom-made frocks - and I thought just how much this range was inspired by the 1950s. I can certainly see my character Catherine Cavendish in the little black number - and Julia in the two full … Continue reading 1950s fashion: How Julia and Catherine might have dressed
ElizaBeth Adams: her take on Julia’s Story
When I read the first few words of this review back at the end of May, I must admit I was a bit taken aback .... "All I have to say is, “Nooooooo!” Not, “No, don’t read this book,” or, “No, it isn’t any good.” “Nooooooo,” ...... AND THEN I COULD BREATHE A SIGH OF … Continue reading ElizaBeth Adams: her take on Julia’s Story
In my fiction, some bits are real
St Paul's CathedralCriterion HotelPowder compact circa 1942 As I begin to write my 4th Belleville novel, I was reflecting on my pleasure in having my fictional characters inhabit a world that is not entirely fictional. I enjoy grounding my characters in real environments, (where practical, I hasten to add). I originally set out to write … Continue reading In my fiction, some bits are real
I’m often asked: Is your book based on a real person? My American neuro surgeon was ….
Inspired by a real person, US Army surgeon Philippe Duval's story is a key thread in the Belleville novels
Book Review 4**** stars: Return to Prior Park by J Mary Masters
And Mrs B, a dedicated reviewer, finished book 3 in my Belleville series, Return to Prior Park. She awarded all books 4 stars. Thanks so much, Mrs B.
Title: Return to Prior Park
Author: J Mary Masters
Published: February 28th 2019
Publisher: PMA Books
Pages: 400
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Rating: 4 stars
A final act of vengeance. An illicit liaison. A passionate affair. In this third instalment of the Belleville family story, loyalties will be tested and new secrets concealed as the family begin to rebuild their shattered lives. But in the end, it is Prior Park that draws them back as the next generation of the family begins to emerge.
In this third book in the series, the Belleville family begin to rebuild their shattered lives. Wrongly believing they are safe from the madman Alistair McGovern, he escapes from custody to attempt one final act of vengeance. In the aftermath of this final desperate act, each of them must come to terms with the events of the past.
Her marriage in tatters, Julia Belleville begins to question whether she can rebuild…
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Judith Mary Masters (Judith) - Australian author writing as J Mary Masters 