Review of NOT WHAT IT SEEMS by The Bookbag on-line reviewer

Not What It Seems by Pamela Fudge

Not What It Seems byPamela Fudge
Genre: Women's Fiction
Reviewer: Sue Magee
Summary: Not great literature but certainly a great read for when you just want to relax.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 224	Date: July 2013
Publisher: Robert Hale
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 978-0719809606
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Owen was a widower with two young children and Evie was recently divorced with three children of about the same age. Friends introduced them - in the way of doing a little matchmaking - but although they liked each other and the kids all got on well there was no spark between them. They both needed help though and they made a business arrangement. Until the children were old enough to leave home they would share a house and the parenting of the children but they would not be involved in a sexual relationship. Friends and acquaintances found this difficult to accept and Evie grew tired of explaining that the setup was Not What It Seems. When we meet Owen and Evie the last child has just left home and as the arrangement has come to an end they're both moving into their own houses.

I do hope that Pam Fudge will forgive me for describing her as a guilty pleasure. I don't mean that I've no wish to admit to reading the book but rather that on a hot night when I couldn't sleep I should have been reading something worthy. After all, I have a veritable Everest of such books at the side of the bed. But what I wanted was a darned good story with characters I could believe in and warm to - and you've got to admit that this is a cracker of an idea

And the beauty of the book is that you can understand why the relationship worked when the children were growing up and why there's a bit of strain when it's all broken up. Fudge has given us a couple of great lead characters in Owen and Evie. You not only believe in them - you sometimes get cross with them when they seem to be doing something silly. You're involved. The greatest praise I can give though is that Fudge brings the five children off the page as individuals and you can understand why they feel the way that they do. Like me you'll probably be wondering about how the relationships between the kids works out and Fudge delves into this quite neatly.

I'm not telling you that this is great literature - it's not. It's a great read and if, like me, you can't sleep, or you're on a beach or curled up in front of the fire then this could be the book to have in your hand. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.

If you've not encountered Pamela Fudge before we recommend that you start withA Change For The Better.

 You can read more book reviews or buy Not What It Seems by Pamela Fudge at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google play and Waterstones.

Fabulous time at the book launch for Not What It Seems

I already know that I have the best family and friends in the world and to prove it they turned up in their droves on Friday 2nd August 2013 for the launch of Not What It Seems. Waterstones and Hale will be pleased with the book sales, I was just really happy to see so many friendly faces!

Really enjoyed being interviewed by Katie Martin on Solent Radio just before the book launch. If ever a person was in the right job, it's Katie. She's bright, funny and makes you feel right at home. Should have been interviewed by Echo reporter Jenny Awford today but she had to postpone until Monday. However, the photographer did turn up, so cleaning the house from top to bottom wasn't wasted - and perhaps the dust won't have settled again by Monday! On Tuesday 13th August I'm being interviewed by Geoff Carter on Fire FM 107.6 and on Thursday 22nd August I'm being interviewed on Forest FM. So a busy couple of weeks ahead - but I must try to fit some writing in somewhere.

Exciting Times!

Today the complimentary copies of my new novel, Not What It Seems, arrived from my publisher, Robert Hale Ltd. The cover is bright yellow and very eye-catching so it should stand out on the book shelf and encourage readers to pick it up.

The launch is only a week away now. In fact by this time next week it will be all over.

If you live in Dorset it's all happening at Waterstones in Poole on Friday 2 August at 6pm.

I've accomplished the important bit, which was to buy a new dress for the occasion and the lovely Dee at Waterstones has ordered the books - which is even more important obviously!

Meanwhile, I have an interview slot on Solent Radio with the gorgeous Katie Martin at 3.30pm  on Tuesday 30 July, I'll be meeting Faith Eckersall from the Echo on Friday 9 August, and have an interview slot on Forest FM at 2.20 on Thursday 22 August. I'm not a big name - yet! - so I really appreciate these opportunities because the whole point of writing novels is for people to read them - and they won't do that if they don't get to hear about them!

Busy at everything but blogging!!

You must be able to tell that I'm not a blogger by nature - but I do admire those who are naturals and find the time!

Currently I'm brewing up to send out books to readers as the brand new RoNA Organiser for the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) with my Deputy, Nora Fountain.

Also regularly giving talks for the Dorset WI and having a great time meeting the lovely members. Likewise with local libraries where it's a joy to meet some of my own readers.

The new novel, Not What It Seems (my 10th) is due out at the end of July with the launch at Waterstones in Poole on 2nd August at 6pm.

Another novel It's In The Cards is already written and the next Not My Affair is now underway and would be even further along if the sun didn't keep tempting me outside!

Dunford Writers' Day

Dunford Writers' Day tomorrow with some top notch authors - I'll just creep in and sit at the back!!  A brilliant day for feedback on your latest literary offering. Critique of the most encouraging kind is what every writer needs. I can't wait!! 

How to …write your first novel with well-known local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Saturday 25 May

How to …write your first novel with well-known  local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Westbourne Library, Alum Chine Road BH4 8DX

10am to 4pm

£30

If you’re thinking of writing a novel, or are partway through one, then this workshop is for you.  If you want to know why some novels sell and why some don’t, then this workshop is also for you.  Novelists, Pam Fudge and Della Galton, will take you through the basics – how to attract an agent or publisher’s attention, how to write that all important first page, and how to keep yourself motivated throughout the writing process.  Both experienced tutors, they will answer any questions you have, and their mission is to have you leaving the session inspired.

To book please call 01202 454844 or visit any Bournemouth library.

What a week!

Gave a talk to Dorset Writers in Wareham on Monday (20th) and what a great bunch they were. I had a great time! Judging the 'Open Mic' Story Slam at Upton Library on Thursday evening with Dr Jim Pope - following the interview on Hot Radio with Geoff Carter earlier in the day (arranged by Liz Gordon of Brilliant Fish For Writers) and - last but not least - there's Saturday's How To Write Your First Novel workshop with Della Galton as part of Bournemouth Festival of Words. Now, what was I saying about a quiet life? It's not happening, but I'm finding that a busy life is actually GREAT!