Hi all:
As you know, on Friday’s I bring you guest authors. Recently I’ve also been trying to bring to my blog authors and bloggers I know and exchange comments with often, but I’ve come to realise they’ve never made it as guests to my blog yet. Today it’s Judith Barrow’s turn. She’s a fellow author who is very generous in discovering interesting content and promoting it, she is a sharp reviewer with a very keen eye on Rosie’s Book Review Team (hey!), and she writes about subjects that will be close to many people’s hearts. And her latest book was just published on the 17th of July, so, what better reason!
First, before I forget, here is her blog:
And what her Amazon author page says about her:
Judith Barrow,originally from Saddleworth, near Oldham,has lived in Pembrokeshire, Wales, for thirty four years.
She has BA (Hons) in Literature with the Open University, a Diploma in Drama from Swansea University and a MA in Creative Writing with Trinity College, Carmarthen. She has had short stories, plays, reviews and articles, published throughout the British Isles and has won several poetry competitions. She has completed three children’s books.
She is also a Creative Writing tutor.
And now, the books:
Pattern of Shadows
Mary is a nursing sister at Lancashire prison camp for the housing and treatment of German POWs. Life at work is difficult but fulfilling, life at home a constant round of arguments, until Frank Shuttleworth, a guard at the camp turns up. Frank is difficult to love but persistent and won’t leave until Mary agrees to walk out with him.
Here is what Judith tells us about the book:
Pattern of Shadows was inspired by my research into Glen Mill, a disused cotton mill in Oldham, Lancashire, and its history of being the first German POW camp in the country.
I was researching for an earlier book in the Local Studies and Archives in Oldham, while staying in the area, but reading about the mill brought back a personal memory of my childhood and I was sidetracked.
My mother was a winder in a cotton mill and, well before the days of Health and Safety, I would go to wait for her to finish work on my way home from school.
I remember the muffled boom and then the sudden clatter of so many different machines as I stepped through the small door, the sound of women singing and shouting above the noise, the colours of the cotton and cloth – so bright and intricate.
Above all I remember the smell: of oil, grease – and in the storage area. the lovely smell of the new material stored in bales.
When I thought about Glen Mill I wondered what life would have been like for all those men imprisoned there. I realised how different their days must have been from my memories of a mill and I knew I wanted to write about that.
So started 18 months of research
http://www.amazon.com/Pattern-Shadows-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00940YWKQ/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pattern-Shadows-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00940YWKQ/
There are some great review too, but I’ll let you discover them, because we have a few more books. And if you want to see pictures and read Judith post about it, check here:
http://judithbarrowblog.com/2014/11/23/the-inspiration-behind-pattern-of-shadows/
Changing Patterns
In May 1950, Britain is struggling with the hardships of rationing and the aftermath of the Second World War. Peter Schormann, a German ex-prisoner of war, has left his home country to be with Mary Howarth, matron of a small hospital in Wales. The two met when Mary was a nurse at the POW camp hospital. They intend to marry, but the memory of Frank Shuttleworth, an ex-boyfriend of Mary’s, continues to haunt them and there are many obstacles in the way of their happiness, not the least of which is Mary’s troubled family. When tragedy strikes, Mary hopes it will unite her siblings, but it is only when a child disappears that the whole family pulls together to save one of their own from a common enemy.
http://www.amazon.com/Changing-Patterns-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00B0STM2I/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Changing-Patterns-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00B0STM2I/
Living in the Shadows (Just published on the 17th of July)
It’s 1969 and Mary Schormann is living quietly in Wales with her ex-POW husband, Peter, and her teenage twins, Richard and Victoria.
Her niece, Linda Booth, is a nurse – following in Mary’s footsteps – and works in the maternity ward of her local hospital in Lancashire.
At the end of a long night shift, a bullying new father visits the maternity ward and brings back Linda’s darkest nightmares, her terror of being locked in. Who is this man, and why does he scare her so?
There are secrets dating back to the war that still haunt the family, and finding out what lies at their root might be the only way Linda can escape their murderous consequences.
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Shadows-Judith-Barrow/dp/1909983292/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Shadows-Judith-Barrow/dp/1909983292/
And:
Silent Trauma:
When Meg Matthews gives an interview on the local radio station it leads to a friendship with three other women. They share a terrible secret. Together, can they find the strength to expose the silent trauma they have endured all their lives?
The story is fictional: the facts are real.
http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Trauma-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00AFZ8CLO/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Trauma-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B00AFZ8CLO/
Here is what Judith says about this book:
Silent Trauma is the result of years of research, and the need to tell the story in a way that readers will engage with the truth behind the drug Stilboestrol. So I had the idea of intertwining this main theme around and through the lives of four fictional characters, four women, all affected throughout their lives by the damage the drug has done to them. Their stories underpin all the harm the drug has done to so many women all over the world. The story is fictional, the facts are real.
Judith Barrow’s books are also available in Honno (Welsh Women’s Press):
In Honnos you can find an anthology Judith has contributed to:
Coming Up Roses:
A fiction anthology from Welsh women writing about gardens: what they mean to them, what happens in them and where they take them…
In ‘Yellow Ribbons on a Pear Tree’ an Italian POW returns home to a mixed welcome from his wife and family; ‘Gift’ is a tale of loss and love and of misunderstandings set around a memorial oak sapling; ‘Rosemary and Rue’ concerns memory and what it means to lose it and ‘Seasons of Brews and Roses’ tells of the love between mother and daughter and its waxing and waning, in good times and bad.
There are sad stories and happy ones, tales from home and abroad – all of them share a love for plants and planting, flowers and seeds, a real sense of the power of growing things to change lives.
“Crime, romance, loss, haunted tales… this collection has it all. 20 great stories… an ideal prsent for the gardener in your life.”
Lynda’s Book Blog (http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/)
“Sad, tense, funny, bizarre but best of all, original plots and a huge variety of themes show how creative writers can transform fruit and veg, flower borders and potting sheds to delve into our deepest fears and unrequited longings but also bring on the growth of new possibilities with each passing season.”
Western Mail
http://www.honno.co.uk/dangos.php?ISBN=9781870206938
Thanks so much to Judith for bringing us her books, thanks to you all for reading, and if you have enjoyed it, share, like, comment and CLICK!
82 replies on “Today #guestauthor @barrow_judith. Local history, stories with heart and memories of times past but not gone.”
It is a wonderful collection of books. I enjoyed hearing about Judith’s thought process that led her to write the book. Hugs!
LikeLike
Thank you for reading and commenting Teagan. – really appreciateed
LikeLike
Thanks Teagan. I had checked some of Judith’s books but was fascinated when I went exploring. All of them sound like a must read, for sure!
LikeLike
Hi Olga, Hi Judith!
You are a busy woman, Judith! Your books sound so amazing. I love historical romances!
Melinda
LikeLike
Hi Melinda, thank you so much. Love writing – and times/posts like this make it all really worth while
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Melinda. I think you’d have a field day with Judith’s books. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
I cannot recommend these books strongly enough. I found them on twitter a long time ago and have been a huge fan ever since.
LikeLike
Hi Christoph – what a lovely comment – thank you. And you re-blogged! Honoured, flattered and grateful. J x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well deserved. Looking eagerly forward to the next book 😉
LikeLike
I look forward to reading your review, Christoph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Christoph. They all sound fantastic, I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Today #guestauthor @barrow_judith. Local history, stories with heart and memories of times past but …. […]
LikeLike
Many thanks – much appreciated.
LikeLike
Love Judith she is a great supporter of bloggers and authors. Pattern of Shadows is a great WW2 family drama and I’m looking forward to reading her latest book too.
LikeLike
Thank you Rosie. That means a lot, coming from one who is so generous with her time for so many authors.
LikeLike
They all sound fantastic, Rosie. I hope I’ll become familiar with the work of the writers in the team, as I’ve realised we’re quite a varied bunch, and I’m sure my readers would love to meet them all.
LikeLike
Good morning, Olga….this is a very interesting review….and I will definitely pick p Pattern of Shadows. Thank you so much for introducing me to another interesting author. Her subject matter has great appeal to me.
Meanwhile have a wonderful weekend. Janet:)
LikeLike
Hi Janet, thank you for taking the time to comment. I am indeed indebted to Olga for including me on her guest post today
LikeLike
You are most welcome…I will look forward to reading your work. Janet:)
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Janet. Yes, it’s a topic that’s always interested me, and even more in recent years. I hope you have a magical weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Olga and Judith. I’ve just finished Pattern of Shadows and am looking forward to following the series.
LikeLike
Hi Cathy, you read Pattern of Shadows? Thank you. Hope you’re not disappointed with the next two. Thanks also for taking the time to comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cathy. I must get to Judith’s books soon. I enjoyed creating the post, so I can imagine how much I’d enjoy the books. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judith is such a wonderful lady, and a huge supporter of us writers, authors and bloggers. Thank you for having her as your guest today Olga. It’s lovely to read about her books.
LikeLike
And thank you, Hugh, for your kind comments. Been off-line for a few days. Coming back to this great post from Olga and words like yours make my day.
LikeLike
You’re most welcome. I hope you had a nice short break and enjoyed the rest?
LikeLike
My mum is also in care and has dementia, Judith. I saw her quite a lot when I was in Wales over the last 3 weeks. She doesn’t know who I am either. I was hoping by me going just about everyday it would help, but it seems not. My thoughts are with you.
LikeLike
Love to you both.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Hugh, I couldn’t agree more.
LikeLike
Well, I went to see my mum who went into care six months ago. She has dementia and doesn’t know me any more. But I know she would be so proud reading this lovely post and everyone’s kind comments. So here’s a thank you from her as well1
LikeLike
Love to your Mum.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Two favourite writers, bloggers and friends together in one post.. Judith A Barrow is a wonderful author and terrific support to us all. And Olga Olga Núñez Miret has a wonderful way with words and on Fridays showcases writers that she admires.. so pop over and enjoy.
LikeLike
Well!! isn’t this wonderful, Sally!!? I’m on Olga’s Friday Showcase. What an accolade! (and so many exclamation marks!) Shows how overwhelmed I am. And thank you for the re-blog – that means such a lot as well. Jxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
What can I say? Such a generous post, Olga. many, many thanks for this
LikeLike
Been off-line a few days, Olga – what a lovely post to return to. I can’t describe how much I appreciate this . J x
LikeLike
My pleasure, Judith. I always enjoy pausing for a bit and exploring what my blogger friends are up to. And your books are a treat, for sure.
LikeLike
Olga, it’s a great gesture.Jx
LikeLike
Do keep me posted with any new books, Judith. I love to keep my readers up to date when guests publish new books. 🙂
LikeLike
I have just purchased D.G Kaye’s three books that are currently on their way from America. I do believe I have found my next author I want to delve into! Each and every one of these books sounds brilliant! Great post Olga! I’m sold!
LikeLike
Thanks Belinda! I know what you mean. As I was putting the post together I kept thinking that I know so many people who’d love her books, me included!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve already thought of a few people I know that will want to have a read after me!
LikeLike
I’m sure, Belinda! Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you Belinda – following in the footsteps of D.G.Kaye would be a great honour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your books sound absolutely wonderful Judith!
LikeLike
Enjoyable and interesting! Good post, Olga.
LikeLike
Thanks Billy Ray. Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
And it’s s big thank you from me as well, Billy. I’m thrilled to be part of Olga’s Fridays’ guest posts
LikeLike
This is a WONDERFUL book and Judith is an exceptional writer. I highly recommend it!
LikeLike
Thanks Noelle. You are a woman of taste.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for such wonderful comments, Noelle.
LikeLike
An interesting new slant on the current popular trend for wartime and immediate post-war fiction. I suspect that they will sell very well, and you will gain a loyal following. I wish you luck with all your books.
Best wishes from Norfolk. Pete.
LikeLike
Thank you, Pete, you’re very kind. It’s rained all day here in Pembrokeshire but I’m sitting under a HUGE sun – metaphorically speaking, of course!
LikeLike
Thanks for commenting Pete. And happy weekend. Love to Ollie.
LikeLike
All the books sound very good, I’d like to read at least four of them… Thanks Olga….
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping to comment, Rosa
LikeLike
I haven’t read any of Judith’s books yet, but they all sound wonderful. A very interesting post.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Michelle. She’s a fascinating writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful selection of books, Judith. I just had to come and read about them, having enjoyed your blog interview with Jan Baynham so much. Congratulations on all the positive comments you have received for this post. Your work obviously touches people.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your comment, Sue. You’re right.
LikeLike
Thank you Sue. I enjoyed my interview with Jan – and now this with Olga! I’m very lucky.
LikeLike
Hello Olga and Judith! I enjoyed this spotlight. Judith has an impressive collection of novels. I’m very intrigued by the historical romance genre and I like Judith’s thought process. 😀
LikeLike
Thanks Vashti. I’m becoming more and more interested in the genre myself, at least as a reader.
LikeLike
Thank you Vashti, I appreciate your comments. I try to write from the heart as well as from a plot line.
LikeLike
Lovely to find Judith being showcased here today Olga. Judith is always praising and showcasing so many other talented books and authors. Congrats Judith on your newest book! I look forward to reading it! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Debby. I agree. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Debby, you’re very kind. I’d had a difficult time visiting my mum who has Alzeimers – and then I came home to Olga’s lovely showcase. It’s been a brilliant couple of days, thanks to her. I would love to know what you thought of the book sometime. jx
LikeLike
I’m pleased I just chose the right date. Sending you big hugs, Judith.
LikeLike
You did, Olga,it was just what I needed. Thank you J x
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I look forward to reading it Judith. And when I get to it, I’ll be sure to review. I’m so backlogged at present, revisions on my newest upcoming book, always behind reading blogs, lol, and my reading time has been minimized to bedtime reading. 😦 I’m sure you’re familiar with all this. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, I am, Debby. No problem at all about a review. I always seem to be running and not getting very far – but I have to say it’s great fun trying. J x.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Judith has quite a collection of books. Thank you for sharing her talent with readers, Olga! Wishing Judith much success with her books! She is a kind and generous soul to share others’ books on her lovely blog! Hugs to both of you!
LikeLike
What lovely comments, thank you so much. I’ve been thrilled to be a guest on Olga’s Friday blog and able to meet so many brilliant people. Such fun!!
LikeLike
I agree with you. I have the best followers in the world. And you deserve it!
LikeLike
She does, indeed. And I agree, she is a shining member of the fraternity of generous bloggers. 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
LikeLike
Thank you so much – much appreciated
LikeLike
Great list of books from Judith. I love patterns so those are particularly appealing.
LikeLike
You’re right Jacqui. Thanks so much and happy weekend.
LikeLike
Thank you for dropping by, Jacqui – much appreciated.
LikeLike