Reviews for my books

These are some of the reviews for my first Western "THE GHOSTS OF POYNTER" I finally found out how to post them on to here, I hope you enjoy reading them. Thanks for dropping by.

Top Reviewer

The Ghosts of Poynter (Black Horse Western) by Amos Carr

Nostalgia...and a fresh view of Westerns, 20 Sep 2012 This book took me back to the days when I sat in a movie theatre watching a western before the main movie. I loved those movies and also TV shows such as Bonanza (sighing over Little Joe!) For some reason I had never thought of reading westerns but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is plenty of action and gunfire but also some smouldering romantic fire in the heart of the hero, Chase Tyler. By the way, I am looking forward to calling someone 'a sack of entrails' Amos Carr is a unique western writer; the book has a strong, multi-layered storyline and will appeal to both men and women.

 

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant surprise 21 Jun 2012

By Sara Camber
Format:Hardcover

I call it a pleasant surprise as I am not someone particularly fond of western films, and had never read one as I felt it didn't interest me. However, this particular story had been recommended to me, so I relented.. and was very glad I did. It was an interesting, pacey story with believable characters, who you could really relate to and feel for. The central character, Chase, was an excellent protagonist without being too 'good'. The story was riveting and a real page turner so that I always wanted to find out 'what happens next'.
There were one or two places where I felt that the story was slightly predictable, however I was also surprised when the tale took me in a completely unexpected direction. I was hooked and nearly missed an appointment because I couldn't put it down!
Being a relatively short novel, I fineshed within a couple of days, and felt satisfied with the ending, although it left me wanting more.
I don't want to go into great detail about the plot here, for fear of spoiling it for other readers.
I read the book in record time and look forward to reading more from this interesting author.
Read and enjoy!

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A well written, exciting story, with very believable characters 26 Jun 2012

By M. V. Treaddell

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

 

The Ghosts of Poynter has one of the most atmospheric openings that I have ever read. I was hooked from the beginning by the exciting story, the colourful and very believable characters (described brilliantly) and the dark, handsome, and moody protagonist, Chase Tyler.

Chase, the central character, is a combination of charm and aggression, understanding and intolerance. He is an honest and fair man who is essentially good, but would kill in an instant if his life, or the life of someone he loves, is threatened.

After years of being a loner, searching for something he believes is lost to him forever, Chase goes home to Poynter. After an argument where his sister tells him some home truths, Chase is forced to acknowledge is faults and face his demons, and he eventually finds what he has been looking for.

The story has its fair share of surprises and tension, it moves at a pace and at times I couldn't put it down. I loved the ending as much as the beginning, because although it is fraught with difficulties, they are overcome and the story ends happily - with a small question mark. So, has the door been left open for a second book about the charismatic, Chase Tyler? I'd like to think so.

This was my first Western; it won't be be my last.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A cowboy story with heart 2 Oct 2012

By T. E. Hartshorn

Format:Hardcover

 

I haven't read many western books, though I do like to watch a good western. The Black Horse westerns from Hale are akin to watching a western on Sunday afternoon televison. They're short and sweet, and just right as a form of escapism. This particular story had all the right elements. A wise-cracking bounty hunter, someone who is trying to kill him, a cute kid, and the ghost of an old love.
Chase Tyler is a real western hero, with a great sense of humour. He's also a man with a past and that past catches up with him when he returns to his hometown of Poynter. I particularly like that he was forced to come to terms with the man he had become since his childhood sweetheart died in a fire. He wasn't perfect, as shown with his feud with his brother-in-law, and that made him very real. But he was likeable, and that's important for any western hero.
Once the scene had been set, the story moved on at a cracking pace, so that each page seemed to turn itself. There are enough shootouts to please any western fan, and enough romance to make this story appeal to women too.
If you're looking for escapism, this book is for you.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Taken back to The Good Old Days of Cowboys, 24 Sep 2012

By

  Mr CANNY.

This review is from: The Ghosts of Poynter (Black Horse Western) (Hardcover)

I am relatively new to the joys of reading so any book that I read needs to grab my attention from the first page...I can't "stick" with a book in the hope of it developing into something interesting. This book certainly "grabbed" me from the start and didn't let go.
It has an excellent story line with well described characters...so much so that I was transported back to my days of youth when every night a "cowboy" was on the TV.
This book will appeal to both lovers of Westerns and to the "newcomers" who don't even know that they could be interested in them.
Looking forward to the next book.

 

 

 

And the following are reviews for my second "CRAZY MAN CADE"  Enjoy!

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this adventure 2 Nov 2012

By G. M. Dobbs VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Of course I'm a seasoned western reader as well as an author and this novel comes from my own publisher, and so I was eager to see what my fellow scribes were up to. I spent an enjoyable evening reading this book and before I knew it several hours had gone by and I was turning the last page. It's a great well paced adventure and should be accessible to readers who don't usually read westerns since the themes and motifs are universal. A great book.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars My first western - and not my last! 17 Oct 2012

By Troutie

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have never read a western before, but Crazy Man Cade has left me wanting more! This is a pacey story, with a fabulous protagonist in the form of moody, anger-fuelled, Jed Cade.

The story is a real page turner, and I read it in two sittings. I was instantly smitten by Jed, and really cared what happened to him. A brilliant cocktail of adventure, bad guys, tension, and romance. I am hoping for a prequel!

 

 

 

 

Tempus Fugit.

Time does indeed fly!  I've just noticed how long it has been since I posted on here! Heck!  I last posted two weeks ago!
But then there hasn't been much to tell really, I've had no more writing talks booked lately. My Kindle book 'Saint or Sinner' is selling, slowly, but it's going, just need more people to want to read a rootin' tootin' Western! Any ideas how I can drive more folks to buy? Do let me know.

Meantime, my dear friend, actress and author Madalyn Morgan had a 'virtual launch' party for her first self-published book, 'Foxden Acres' (she has another three in the series to finish writing) the party went well, she organised a raffle, with prizes of books, donated by writerly friends, and some real life friends actually turned up to help her celebrate with flowers and wine!  How lovely.

Here is a picture of the book, on a shelf along with my two, and others by more of our writer friends. 'Foxden Acres' isthe tall one in the centre, sandwhiched between Jane Wenham-Jones' 'Wanna be a Writer we've Heard of', and my (Amos Carr's) two Westerns. Thanks for the picture Maddie! It feels great to be seen alongside such good company!!

                               

                 Madalyn's  blog adress is-   madalynmorgansfiction@blogspot.com

Also, another writer friend of ours, Pauline Connoly, who lives in Australia, has her first book out now, it is called 'The Water Doctor's Daughters' and is about the doctor who declared that the waters of Malvern were a cure for all sorts of ills. She spent a very long time researching it, and has followed it, almost immediately, with another one entitled 'All Along The River' which is about the River Thames, and the connections with certain parts of the river to specific foodstuffs or dishes.  I have her first one on order, eagerly awaiting the arrival, then I can tell you more about it!  It should be here this week.
She too, has a very interesting web site. Go to -  http://paulineconolly.com. And she even has her own in-house editor, a little Teddy Bear named Desmond! He's cute!

 Pauline is actually in the UK right now, promoting her first book, by doing signings in some of the places mentioned in the book. I'm a foodiemyself, so I am looking forward to the next one coming out Pauline!!

Do please take a look at these blogs, and buy my friend's books won't you?

New workshop piccie!

 

Hi, just adding another, better, picture of the workshop at the Oswaldtwistle Library last week. It's a good one. And I'm the one with the long skirt, and long hair, at the centre! One had left early for an appointment, the other was taking the photo!

Writing now, and on Friday, I attended a new writing group which has been set up at our local library, small attendance, but enthusiastic. Set for every fortnight now, so we will see who carries on coming. Our subject to write about for the next meet was INHERITANCE, in 1000 words.

I wrote two pieces that same evening! One fiction, one memoir. So it is a good way to give the writing a push in different directions.  I'll keep you posted.

Library talks.

Howdy folks! I have been giving workshops and talks this last couple of weeks, to Libraries in the area. The attendance has been ragged, to say the least, 2 at one venue, 12 at another!

I am going to attempt to put a picture in here from the last workshop which was at Oswaldtwistle Library, where 11 people turned up. One has had a POD book published, others had some pieces in magazines, and there were two complete beginners, so it was a nicely mixed bag. It was a very good afternoon, and everyone reacted enthusiastically to the excercises I set them. I even got asked back. And I thought I was a hard task master! I do believe in giving real 'constructive criticism' but wouldn't say anything to scare away complete beginners, honest!

OK, here goes, if this picture won't come on for whatever reason, and you'd like to see it, or just to find out a little more about me, my life, and my writing, please take a peek at my website, and don't forget to leave a comment! Thanks.  Go to -  -  www.womanwholeads.webs.com

 

 

 

Talk to Ladies Group.

Howdy. Last night, (Monday 28th January) I had the pleasure of giving a talk to the Business and Professional Women's Guild, aka Red Rose Ladies Social Group.What a nice lot of ladies they were! Having been told to expect between 12 and 20, imagine my surprise, as I watched nearer 50 roll in! It went really well, with a talk, and Q and A session, and I was told at the end, that they had never had such good interaction with a speaker before.
I read a short section from my first book, 'The Ghosts of Poynter' and you could hear a pin drop.One or two said they'd never read Westerns before, but would certainly give it a try now. Success!!! I was able to tell them about my getting the world wide large print rights for 'Ghosts', and the fact that the National Library of Wales, has two copies of both of my books in!
I enjoy public speaking, although my main enjoyment comes from teaching workshops. These ladies all have connections with other groups and organizations, and by the end of the night, they had all but cleaned me out of flyers and cards, so I'm hoping for more engagements to come from this.
I do have a couple of Library writing groups to attend this week also, but watch this space for what might come my way after this
See ya'all soon!

!! NEWS FLASH !!

Following on from my publishing my latest Western Romance  "SAINT OR SINNER"  on Kindle. 

Today, Wednesday 23/1/13, Robert Hale, who have published my other two 'regular' Westerns, in hard back format, sent me a letter saying they had managed to get the world wide, large print rights for my first book 'The Ghost Of Poynter"  Who's had the cream today then?
I'm hoping they will be able to get the same for the second one also now.

Kindle Book finally done!

Howdy All!.  Well, at last My promised Western Romance - 'SAINT OR SINNER?' is on Kindle.

It took me absolutely ages to sort out all the formatting and such, so if you do read it please forgive me, it's a first attempt. Any others I do will be done slightly differently. But what a palaver! When you have finished uploading the book, and it shows as being finally 'published' if you see a mistake and want to alter it, that also takes hours to do. But I couldn't get that to work, no way, so I'm sorry but the few mistakes which are there will have to stay.

So, if you do have a Kindle, please go and take a look. At least it's a fair bit cheaper than the Black Horse hard backs! And if you do read it, please tell me what you think, good or bad, won't you?

Thanks a lot friends. Catch you later!.

New Year, New Book!

Hello again all.

Been a bit quiet here lately, due to old man being in hospital with pneumonia (again). As he's had two strokes, he has various problems with his health, and swallowing etc, so sometimes he gets chest infections, which can easily turn into other problems. I had to wait with him in the hospital for 11 hours whilst they sorted out a bad for him!!  11 hours! Can you believe it? I was just about ready for a bed next to him after that long on a hospital chair I can tell you! And because they were so short staffed, they'd had to bring in theatre staff to do the booking in of patients, and other work which, one of the theatre staff said she hadn't done for over 5 years! Chaos, complete and utter. That's the NHS for you. But hey, at least we have one, in other countries we'd have to pay through the nose for the treatment. (Which, because of that, would probably be better. Hey ho!)

Right, off the soapbox now! Not long now until I go to do my talks, and workshops, for the libraries and groups around here. Robert Hale are sending me some nice big publicity posters, with stands, to put on a table, so, as I used to be a window dresser, there should be some nice displays for people to look at when they tire of me yapping on!

Johnny Depp hasn't contacted me yet about starring in a film of my book! Never mind, there's time.

My third book will be on Kindle in the next few weeks. It's another Western, which was rejected by Hale, as not having enough 'action', but I've bumped up the Romance a fair bit. I finished designing the cover this week, and am now tidying up the last couple of chapters (for about the third time, I have three alternative endings, and can't decide which way to go). Once that's done, I will be putting it on. I will let you all know as soon as I start, and keep you posted on the progress and how easy (or hard) it is to do, especially for a non-techie like myself! And as soon as I can figure out how to bring my new cover pic into this blog I will post it for you all to see.
Oh. Well at least I've managed to add the picture to the side of the page, so please check it out. And while you are at it, why not come and join my page? It's free!


Bye for now, keep warm.
'Till next time. X

Talks to Libraries.

A little in advance, but I want to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year!

Talking of the New Year, I have a fair few talks to Library groups and even to business groups. Fingers crossed that they all go well!  I hope you all have a good New Year also, and good luck in all you do.

Talking to audiences

Well folks, I have some dates for the New Year, to talk to writing groups at various Libraries in the area, as well as to a group of business and professional ladies. A bit nervous, but I guess I shouldn't be, I used to be a tutor at the local College, teaching Creative Writing, among other things, so standing up and talking in front of rooms full of people really doesn't worry me. I just hope they don't heckle me!  My second book 'Crazy Man Cade' is doing well and getting good reviews on Amazon. I am going to put my third Western straight on to Kindle next year. I am also working on another for Robert Hale, and my Romance is coming along well. Maybe next year will be even better than this!!
Here's hoping eh? See you all soon. X

Me and Johnny Depp!!!

Hey! Remember I told you I was in Writing Magazine this month? Well, just go and look a few pages further in, and you'll see my biggest hero, Johnny Depp! I'm in the same magazine as my hero!! YAY! Be better if I was in the same room.  I'm hoping that he'll get a copy of the mag, see that I write Westerns, and ask me for permission to turn one of my books into a fim for him to star in! He'd be a great leading man for my second one, 'Crazy Man Cade'. A girl's allowed a dream or two isn't she? Wouldn't you? I'm going to keep everything crossed for a while! X.

BULLETS AND HEARTS.: Writing Magazine news.

BULLETS AND HEARTS.: Writing Magazine news.: Hello everyone, this is just a quickie, to let you know that there is an article about me, and my writing of course, in the latest issue of ...

Writing Magazine news.

Hello everyone, this is just a quickie, to let you know that there is an article about me, and my writing of course, in the latest issue of Writing Magazine. It's just a short piece in the Members news section, but the magazine is read by a lot of people. It's all about networking, and getting your name out there, and if just some of the people who read that magazine, go to my website, or buy or borrow one of my books, it's working.
For more information, take a look at my website - www.womanwholeads.webs.com
Those of you who are interested in writing in any form, why not try joining an online writing site, or forum, there are lots, Facebook has a lot also. They are full of friendly helpful people (for the most part) and range from complete beginners, to people who have had many books published.
Why not check it out, and maybe I'll see you there?

Books arrived at last!!!

Well folks, I've finally received the advance copies for my second Western 'Crazy Man Cade'. Only they're not really advance, since some of my friends have already received their copies! I was cross !

I love it when a parcel of my books arrives, I love the feel and the smell of them, Okay call me odd, but that's the smell of an author!! Hee hee!

I hope people will put reviews on amazon for me, and tick the box which says you want to read the book on Kindle, as Robert Hale are talking about turning them into e-books at some point in the future. (Near future I hope!)

If you read this please leave me a comment on here will you?  Thanks a lot.

Possible e-books!

Remember me saying that I had heard from some of my friends who said they'd received copies of my new book, 'Crazy Man Cade' from Robert Hale, and I hadn't even got my advance copies? Well, I still haven't! The girl who handles that side of things has been away, and no-one else has done it for her. Typical! HUH!
Still, there might be a tiny speck of good news to be had, she did happen to hint that they may be looking at turning my first one, 'The Ghosts of Poynter' into an e-book! Now, if everyone who reads this, goes to Amazon, and asks for anything by 'Amos Carr' to be turned into an e-book, I'd be very grateful indeed! Thank you in advance. XX

'The Next Big Thing'.

Hello all. My dear friend Madalyn Morgan tagged me on her blog last Wednesday, to spread the word about 'The Next Big Thing', and when I have answered the ten questions about my latest work in progress, I will be tagging other writers, who, in turn will hopefully answer the same questions and tag others, thus spreading the word, far and wide about our latest works.  So here goes -

WHAT IS THE WORKING TITLE OF THE BOOK?     Simply 'Ravenswing' at the moment.

WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?   From the time that I and husband and daughter lived in kent where we 'did up' an old cottage and started a smallholding. A place like 'Ravenswing' has always been my personal dream.

WHAT GENRE DOES IT FIT INTO?  Hmmm, well, it's not quite chick lit, nor is it an Aga saga, but there are elements of both, along with a strong Romantic thread, so I suppose it's just a contemporary Romance really.

WHICH ACTORS WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY YOUR CHARACTERS IN A MOVIE RENDITION OF YOUR WORK?    Actors? I've never really considered this one as a film, but looking around the people who 'fit the characters best' would be, Scott Maslen, who, I am reliably informed plays in East Enders, as the creepy Estate Agent,  - Ruth Bradley (Primeval) as Jackie, and the hero (he'd have to grow his hair though!) Mark Salling -Puck in 'Glee'.

CAN WE HAVE A ONE SENTENCE SYNOPSIS OF THE WORK?  Jackie's husband dies, leaving her a large legacy, she buys a rundown old farm and begins a romance with one of the restoration workers, they have their problems, but it's a 'happy ever after' tale.

WILL IT BE SELF-PUBLISHED, OR REPRESENTED BY AN AGENT?  I hope it will be accepted by an agent or publisher, if not, its Kindle!

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO WRITE THE FIRST DRAFT?  I'm one of those writers who drafts, writes, edits, re-writes, edits again, then drafts another bit, so I'm still drafting, and will be until it's finished.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS WOULD YOU COMPARE IT TO WITHIN YOUR GENRE?  I'm really not sure what genre/author to compare it with, as I don't really know anyone who writes on similar themes, though I dare say there are some out there.

WHO, OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE BOOK? This particular one was mostly inspired by a dream, combined with personal experiences. As to writing in general, my father and grandfather. And if you would like to know more about me, please go and check out my website - www.womanwholeads.webs.com    Thank you in advance.

WHAT ELSE ABOUT THE BOOK MIGHT PIQUE THE READERS INTEREST?  It's 'The Good Life' for the 21st Century, with a strongly Romantic twist ( and a gorgeous hero!)

Okay, that's the ten questions answered, so now I have to tag other writers, only trouble is, some of the ones I originally wanted, bon't have blogs! So for now, there are just two, but I will put others on as I find them, honest!

sallyquilford@blogspot.com

effiemerryl@blogspot.com

troutiemcfishtales@blogspot.com

Come on ladies, your turn to tell us all about your WIP ! And thanks for agreeing to take part. XX

Where are my books?

Okay. What's going on? Friends are telling me they are now receiving their copies of my latest book, 'Crazy Man Cade'. And I haven't got my advance copies from the publisher yet!! Annoyed or what!
And I can't speak to the girl at the publisher's until Wednesday! Typical eh?

I'm now working on trying to answer the ten questions for the 'Next Big Thing' which I will be posting on here on Wednesday (I hope). It's a way for writers to spread the word about their latest works in progress, and also to spread info about their writer friends.  Please look out for my blog then, on Wednesday 17/10/12.

Thanks folks!

linking to other people's blogs

Well folks, I've been ordered to put a link on here to my mate's blog, She's a real bossy boots you know! So I'm going to try but I'm a bit useless at this job.
To read all about her works in progess, and other  info about this lovely lady  please visit her at -madalynmorgan.blogspot.co.uk

New book out soon.

Am just hearing from folk that they have started to pre order my latest book, 'Crazy Man Cade' from Amazon!  (published through Robert Hale, as a Black horse Western). My first one 'The Ghosts of Poynter' sold out in less than three months! Let's hope this one does as well!
Thank you to those who purchased the first, and those who do decide to purchase the second.

News from the tipi.

Hello All. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my parcel of advance copies of my second Western 'Crazy Man Cade', on pre-order at Amazon as we speak!

In other news - My 85 year old Mum was flooded this week, lost carpets, some furniture, knick knacks etc, I felt so helpless, as I couldn't get down there to help her, she lives at the bottom of a hill, in a 300 year old cottage, and all the rain from the hill runs down past the front of her house, usually. only this time, it got in. Without knocking!!

My little dog, Poppy, had a fit last week. Horrible! We think she might have epilepsy. Need to ask vet. It's a horrible thing to witness.

I hope anyone reading this is fit and well. See you soon. :)