Fiction – Page 2 – Jenny Kane & Jennifer Ash

A little sip from Another Cup of Coffee

On January 7, 2025

In Another Cup of..., Blog, Contemporary fiction, Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Fiction, Jenny Kane, News

This week I thought I’d share a few words from my very first #romcom, Another Cup of Coffee

Another Cup of Coffee Blurb

Thirteen years ago Amy Crane ran away from everyone and everything she knew, ending up in an unfamiliar city with no obvious past and no idea of her future. Now, though, that past has just arrived on her doorstep, in the shape of an old music cassette that Amy hasn’t seen since she was at university.

Digging out her long-neglected Walkman, Amy listens to the lyrics that soundtracked her student days. As long-buried memories are wrenched from the places in her mind where she’s kept them safely locked away for over a decade, Amy is suddenly tired of hiding.

It’s time to confront everything about her life. Time to find all the friends she left behind in England, when her heart got broken and the life she was building for herself was shattered. Time to make sense of all the feelings she’s been bottling up for all this time. And most of all, it’s time to discover why Jack has sent her tape back to her now, after all these years…

With her mantra, New life, New job, New home, playing on a continuous loop in her head, Amy gears herself up with yet another bucket-sized cup of coffee, as she goes forth to lay the ghost of first love to rest…

***

A little sip of Another Cup of Coffee…

Taking refuge in the kitchen, Amy placed her palms firmly onto the cool, tiled work surface, and took a couple of deep yet shaky breaths. Forcing her brain to slip back into action, she retrieved a bottle of white wine from the fridge, poured a large glassful and, squaring her shoulders, carried it through to the living room.

Perching on the edge of her sofa, her throat dry, Amy stared suspiciously at the tape for a second, before daring to pick it up and click open its stiff plastic box. Two minutes later, her hands still shaking, she closed it again with a sharp bang, and drank some wine. It took a further five minutes to gather the courage to re-open the case and place the tape into the dusty cassette compartment of her ancient stereo system. It must have been years since she’d seen a cassette, she thought, let alone listened to one. She wasn’t even sure the stereo still worked …

Swallowing another great gulp of alcohol, Amy closed her eyes and pressed Play, not at all sure she wanted to take this trip back in time …

***

Another Cup of Coffee is available from all good book retailers, including-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Another-Cup-Coffee-ebook/dp/B07ZJLKXV7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Another+Cup+of+Coffee+Jenny+KAne&qid=1575632954&sr=8-1

Amazon.com: Another Cup Of Coffee: a heart-warming and irresistible romance that will put a smile on your face (The Another Cup Series Book 1) eBook : Kane, Jenny: Kindle Store

Kobo: Another Cup Of Coffee eBook by Jenny Kane – EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United Kingdom

(Please note that the paperback and kindle editions of the novel have different covers – the picture above shows the kindle cover.)

Happy reading everyone,

Jenny xx

Medieval Christmas Thinking

By Jenny Kane

On December 18, 2024

In Blog, Fiction, Historical fiction, history, medieval

As I’m laid up and not able to write much at the moment, I thought I’d cheat with this year’s Christmas blog, and share one I’ve done before…

Medieval festive traditions.

I’ve been a lover of all things medieval from the first time I clapped eyes on an episode of Robin of Sherwood back in the 1980’s. Since then, I’ve had a fascination with the era- especially the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries- that has never waned. It was this interest that led me to write The Folville Chronicles – The Outlaw’s Ransom, The Winter Outlaw, Edward’s Outlaw and Outlaw Justice.

The Winter Outlaw, Edward’s Outlaw and Outlaw Justice are all set at Christmas time – so I got to thinking about how many of the festive traditions we have today hail from those medieval days.

Did you know…?

… that the practice of carol singers going from door to door was the result of carollers being banned from the churches.

During the medieval period the word “carol” didn’t refer to just a song, but to singing and dancing in a circle. This was frowned upon by the churchmen of the age as it detracted from the seriousness of the occasion. Carol singers were ordered out onto the streets, and often sang in market places, or in front of rows of houses.

Another church related tradition that had its origins in medieval times is the Christmas crib or Nativity scene. In medieval Italy, in1223, Saint Francis of Assisi used a crib as a teaching tool to explain the Christmas story to the local population. Historians believe that this was the first time animals, such as the sheep and the donkey, were added to the Christmas story, even though the Bible does not mention them.

What about Christmas food? Christmas puddings date from medieval England, although they were rather different than those we eat today. Made from a spicy porridge known as frumenty, with currants and dried fruit stirred into it, along with egg yolks, cinnamon and nutmeg, it was a considerably runnier pudding than the one we’re used to.

The majority of Christmas dinners in the UK this year will feature a roast turkey. However, turkeys didn’t reach Britain until the late fifteenth century. In medieval times the rich ate goose, while the poorer families would roast a woodcock if they could get one. Those lord’s who had royal permission to eat venison, would have deer for their Christmas meal. Traditionally, the heart, liver, tongue, feet, ears and brains of the deer (a concoction known as the umbles), would be mixed together and made into a pie to give to the poor. This treat became known as humble pie.

And how about some entertainment? Whereas today we might go to see our children in a nativity play at Christmas, in the Middle Ages people could look forward to seeing the Mummers. These travelling actors performed plays and dances in villages, manors, and castles. During the winter, mystery plays were traditionally based on the story of Christ’s birth. The part of King Herod within these plays was the first role that can be seen as being the equivalent of a ‘baddie’ in a modern day pantomime, with the crowd often booing when he came on stage.

I hope these few Christmas blasts from the past have made you smile!

Happy reading everyone.

Thank you for all your support this year. Have a very Happy Christmas.

Jenny xx

Opening Lines: Lock, Stock and Harold by Ebberly Finch

By Jenny Kane

On December 9, 2024

In Blog, Contemporary fiction, Fiction, Opening Lines Blog

Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to author, Ebberley Finch, and the #openinglines of her #debutnovel:

Lock, Stock and Harold.

Over to you, Ebberly…

It’s hard to believe I have even reached this point – Ebberley Finch is a published author with a blog spot on the fabulous Jenny Kane’s site. If this is something you are working towards, my advice is ‘stick at it’ the reward of actually publishing your debut novel is a thrill like no other.

The fun bits for me have been the writing, the editing and yes, even the marketing. The nightmare bits have been navigating the IT proficiency required, but with a little help from my friends and narrowly avoiding a divorce from my IT competent dearly beloved I got there.

The support and encouragement from people I hardly know has been a revelation and almost makes up for the 4 million hours I have spent getting this far. This evening I received a hand-written letter through my front door from someone I hardly know congratulating me on my achievement – how amazing! It certainly brought a tear to my eye — it was refreshing to have a tear of joy after all those hours swearing at my computer J.

So, what’s the book all about you ask? Well writing blurb is a whole new mystic art I haven’t even touched on. Who knew there were so many untold skills to learn at my advanced age? Here’s the version which superseded a host of discarded ones. I hope it does the book justice.

BLURB:

When you decide to change your life, expect the unexpected.

After a crushing break-up, Noah Wood ends up with no home, no job and no direction. With a wish-list in mind, he moves to the beautiful North Devon coast, hoping to rebuild his shattered confidence.

Inspired by his uncle, he buys an abandoned pet shop ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’, only to find an unexpected item in the bagging area – a parrot called Harold.

Beginning to recognise how his past has shaped him, when the chance to find love and overcome his anxiety presents itself, Noah grasps the opportunity. But just as he dares to relax, disaster strikes.

Noah must salvage a life that’s been turned upside down if he is to have any chance of finding lasting happiness.

First 500 words of Lock, Stock and Harold:

Noah peered up and down the street searching for a landmark he recognised. The rest of the world were striding confidently towards their destinations. If they could do this, why couldn’t he? He reached for his phone and the security of Google maps, a tight band squeezing his chest. Perhaps everything would become clear at the corner? He slipped the phone back into his pocket and continued walking, but without conviction.

A small well-worn backpack contained the reason he had come to this part of town. Fresh lemongrass and curry leaves, galangal and rice paper wraps. When Daisy found out he was cooking spring rolls and kari ayam curry on Saturday, her face was sure to light up. Something he didn’t see very often these days.

He had been to this part of Slough a couple of times before and on reaching the corner, he scanned all directions for something to spark a memory. A rush hour street full of ethnic supermarkets, tattoo parlours and barber shops met his searching gaze. Buses and vans squeezed past cars parked on either side of the road, adding to the chaos of the scene. He had no idea which direction to take. Defeated, he pulled out his phone, keyed in the address of his flat and sloped back down the street he had just walked up. A cloud of inadequacy tailing him all the way home.

He climbed the stairwell of his apartment block, all towering magnolia and musty odour. Reaching the fourth floor, he glanced out over Slough’s urban sprawl, where heaving traffic emitted a steady rumble. How different would life feel if he lived somewhere with open space and the sound of the sea? Surely he wasn’t the only person unhappy to be sitting like a battery hen at his computer, laying golden eggs with the press of an ‘enter’ key and receiving crumbs of salary in return?

Giving himself a shake, Noah unlocked the door to his flat, pausing on the threshold. Thursday was Daisy’s tennis club evening and he didn’t expect her to be at home, but the place felt so bleak and hollow he couldn’t help calling out.

‘Hello, are you there?’ His words echoed into an empty space.

The living room could have been photographed for a magazine. This was Daisy’s preferred look, even though it was his flat. Swinging the backpack off his shoulder, he poked his head into the kitchen. Every surface gleamed. Not so much as a crumb on the toaster. It hadn’t been like this when he left for work in the morning.

Had his girlfriend been in one of her ‘I’m spring cleaning because you’ve done something wrong’ moods? A chill ran down his spine and he slowed his steps. A piece of lined paper torn roughly out of a pad lay next to the kettle. It was out of keeping in the pristine kitchen. Daisy’s looping script filled the page. He prodded it with a finger. As it moved the words…

You can buy Lock, Stock and Harold from Amazon via this link: Lock, Stock and Harold: When you decide to change your life, expect the unexpected : Finch, Ebberley: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Bio

Ebberley Finch, worked in the corporate world for many years, both in the UK and abroad. Leaping into a radical career change, she relocated to Devon to run a B&B and holiday cottage business six years ago. Once that new business was up and running Ebberley finally had the time to write.

Having started anew several times herself, she enjoys exploring new beginnings and the friendships, rewards and challenges that come with them. This theme runs through all her novels so far. Lock, Stock and Harold is her debut novel. Her second novel will be published in Spring 2025.

LINKS:

Website: www.ebberleyfinch.com

Facebook: @ebberleyfinch

Instagram: @ebberleyfinchauthor

It’s always an honour to share some opening lines with you. Today. however, it’s a particularly special treat as Ebberly is a former member of my #novelinayear, group. Right now, I’m an extremely proud tutor!

Happy reading everyone,

Jenny x

Tiny Taster: Frost Falls at The Potting Shed

By Jenny Kane

On November 5, 2024

In Blog, Contemporary fiction, Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Fiction, Jenny Kane, Romance, The Potting Shed

This week I’m sharing a ‘Tiny Taster’ of the first book in #thepottingshed #series:

Frost Falls at The Potting Shed

Blurb

It has always been Maddie Willand’s dream to take over her father’s plant nursery. But after his sudden death, she is devastated to discover that she might lose The Potting Shed forever.

Maddie’s bossy older sister, Sabi, is joint owner of the nursery, and she’s convinced that the best thing for both of them would be to sell up.

Determined to keep the business going, Maddie can’t afford any distractions, but staying focused might be harder than she thinks. Especially when a major garden centre chain puts in an offer for the land – and her search for legal advice throws her into the path of attractive lawyer Ed…

As frost begins to fall over The Potting Shed, will Maddie find the strength to save her father’s legacy and open herself up to new beginnings?

Here’s a tiny taster from Frost Falls …

‘That’s settled then.’ Tony smiled as his younger daughter poured a fountain of tea into a row of mismatched china cups. ‘You’ll get the house and nursery Maddie, and Sabi, you’ll inherit your mum’s antique furniture and a portion of the profits from this place.’

Lifting their teacups as one, the Willand family clinked them together.

‘How about a custard cream to seal the deal?’ Maddie waved the regularly refilled biscuit tin towards her father. ‘One or two?’

‘Three.’ Tony laughed as he took a handful of biscuits before passing the tin on to his son-in-law. ‘Grab plenty Henry, or the girls will demolish the lot. I learnt that lesson a long time ago. I once witnessed them consume a packet of chocolate chip cookies in less than two minutes.’

‘A slight exaggeration.’ Maddie grinned at her brother-in-law. ‘We were helping clear The Potting Shed’s far polytunnel. Dad needed it done that day, I can’t remember why now, but there was no time for a lunch break and biscuits were the easiest option.’

‘And we were famished.’ Sabi put her palm up, refusing the offer of a biscuit as the tin continued around the table. ‘Are you sure you want to inherit all that hard work, Mads? I can’t help thinking I got the better deal with Mum’s furniture.’

‘Only because you’ve gone off gardening. Anyway, Mum’s things will look fabulous in your house.’ Maddie gave her sister a hug. ‘I can’t wait to help Dad upgrade The Potting Shed from a nursery to a garden centre.’

‘And I’m delighted to think the place will continue to flourish – or should I say blossom – long after I’ve gone.’ Tony’s habitual smile faded as he stared into his tea. ‘I can’t say discussing changes to my will is a fun way to spend a late Sunday afternoon, but once it’s done we can forget all about it and get on with living.’

‘When do you intend to start upgrading this place?’ Henry flicked through a pile of scrap paper and old envelopes on which Tony and Maddie had scribbled their plans for changing their business – which currently provided seedlings, vegetables, potted bulbs, flowers and herbs to the local shopkeepers and hotels, as well as, at weekends, the general public – into a small garden centre.

‘As soon as possible.’ Tony refilled his teacup. ‘It will take time to build up of course. But, if we are careful not to neglect our current customers, while expanding our range for sale on site, then I know we can do it. Might even have a café eventually.’

‘Sounds fabulous.’ Henry fished another biscuit from the tin.

Quiet for a moment, Tony turned to his daughters. ‘You are both completely sure you’re happy with these arrangements?’ …

You can buy this novel from Amazon UK, Amazon US, Kobo, Nook, Waterstones and all good retailers as an ebook, paperback or audiobook

Happy reading!