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First Lines … ‘The Baggage Handler’ by Colin Browne

February 2, 2012 By 14 Comments

Available From Amazon

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‘Martin White looked at his watch. All around the floor of the open-plan office, people gathered in groups, then split into others, mingling through the murmer of after-work plans that had thankfully long since stopped involving him.

It was after five which meant that he would have the place almost to himself and get the best of his work done. In the longest part of a London summer when daylight beats the night by two-to-one, Martin thought of the extra hours of sunlight like plundered loot from a captured galleon.”

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I wonder why Martin only gets his best work done when everyone else has gone home for the day?

Why doesn’t Martin want to be included in the after-work plans … is he not very popular?

What is the ‘baggage’ that Martin seems to be encumbered with, is that vivid cover art a clue?

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As usual, so as to avoid too many unwanted spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis of the book in this post. However to find out a little more about the story before deciding whether it is your ‘cup of tea’ or not, you can either click on the book image, or click here to enter the author’s website, where there is some great extra background material.

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They say that the first lines of a story, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page, although this book is definitely going to be an unknown quantity because of its unusual genre and its male perspective in the narrative.

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What is ‘Book Beginnings’ and how can you join in the fun?

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be discovered.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

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This romantic/comedy was gifted by Colin Browne, as an author request for me to read and leave my comments about and as such was free of charge.

This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in this, or any future blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

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Update 13/02/2012 – Great character driven story, well defined and executed plot, just the right amount of humour – a very entertaining first novel.

My thoughts about this book can be found by clicking here.

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First Lines … ‘Hoodie’ by Brendon Lancaster

January 13, 2012 By 10 Comments

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CHAPTER 1

Available From Amazon

His lungs were bursting; his breath was shallow. The result was a mix of fear, adrenaline, thrill and sheer exhilaration, accompanied with a large dose of light-headed madness and a small dose of asthma for good measure.

All triggered at having just pulled off the most daring and high-risk ‘crime’ imaginable.

His lean, sinewy legs had never felt more powerful, propelling him at ever increasing speeds further downwards – at times leaping high over the shoulders of the unfortunate pupils who happened to get in his way – whilst his usually steady hands were shaky and barely able to control themselves. They flapped around at his sides, making his otherwise impressive athletic descent appear more like a bird attempting flight with wings ten sizes too small.”

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I wonder what the daring ‘crime’ is, which Ben has just admitted to committing?

Are we inside a block of residential apartments or a commercial property, from which Ben is making his escape?

I am wondering just how old Ben is, as he seems to be very fit?

Don’t you just love that cover art?

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As usual, so as to avoid too many unwanted spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis of the book in this post. However to find out a little more about the story, before deciding whether it is your ‘cup of tea’, or not, you can either click here, on the book image, or click here to enter the author’s website, where there is some great extra background material.

-.-

They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t…

-.-

What is ‘Book Beginnings’ and how you can join in the fun.

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be discovered.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

-.-

This contemporary/YA fiction book, was gifted by Brendon Lancaster, as an author request for me to read and leave my comments about and as such was free of charge.

This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

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Update 26/01/2012 …. What an awesome read this was, a real tour de force from Brendon. My thoughts about this amazingly authentic story, can be found by clicking here.

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First Lines … ‘A Dangerous Harbor’ by Rebecca Dahlke

December 30, 2011 By 9 Comments

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CHAPTER ONE

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Available From Amazon

‘Except for the mermaid on a weedy patch of sea grass ghosting in her wake, Katrina Hunter’s solo sail into Mexican waters had been monotonous and uneventful.

And now her thirty-two foot Westsail was on a leisurely stroll with only the current and the thrum of the auxiliary engine for companionship … except, that is, for the mermaid

She rubbed at gritty eyes, the result of too little sleep and too many hours at Pilgrim’s helm. “Sure it is. Last night it was Mickey Mouse reciting Robert Frost on top of a following wave, so why not mermaids?”‘

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Why has Katrina sailed into Mexican waters and where has she come from?

What is out there which even starts to make Katrina believe that she has seen a Mermaid?

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I am not a great lover of water or the sea, so the probability of getting me on board a sailing boat in the first place, are quite remote.

I could however, if I were an accomplished sailor, appreciate the peace and tranquility of the ocean, time for reflection and making plans.

I wonder though, just how long it would be, before I would begin to imagine things, both visual and audial, as a result of such isolation.

Or perhaps, Katrina’s imagings are not so far-fetched at all and her life is about to take a whole new turn ….

-.-

As usual, so as to avoid too many unwanted spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis of the book in this post. However to find out a little more about the story, before deciding whether it is your ‘cup of tea’, or not, you can either click on the book image, or click here to enter the author’s website, where there is some great extra background material.

-.-

What is ‘Book Beginnings’ and how you can join in the fun.

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be discovered.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

-.-

UPDATE 05/01/2012

Having now finished reading ‘A Dangerous Harbor’, my thoughts about it can be found by clicking here.

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This romantic mystery/suspense book, was gifted as an author request for me to read and leave my comments about and as such was free of charge.

This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

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First Lines … ‘The Safety Expert’ by Doug Richardson

December 16, 2011 By 10 Comments

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PROLOGUE

‘Tick. Tick. Tick.

Available From Amazon

“So there it is. I’ve made my confession. It’s off my back. And now it’s on yours.”

Old man Pratt shut his mouth and sucked back some fresh O2.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

The oxygen meter continued. It sounded every bit like a death clock, counting down to his very last moments on earth.

“I don’t care what you think about me, who I am or what I done. I said what I said for me ‘n’ me alone. You understand?”

Tick. Tick. Tick.’

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Is  old man Pratt dying from an illness, or from an injury which someone has inflicted on him?

What is it that he felt he had to confess?

What is so bad about the confession that he feels that he has to place the burden on someone else, rather than let the secret die with him?

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I can almost already imagine myself in that sick-room, listening to the monitors and machines beating out their endless rhythms to sustain life, although in this case, I am not too sure that the outcome is going to be all that good, for either the patient, or for the poor hapless soul who now carries the burden of the recently imparted confession … I’m hooked already.

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If, like me, you always seek out a full synopsis for a book, then clicking on the image will take you to it’s Amazon page, or alternatively you can click here to visit the author page, where you will find out some great information about Doug Richardson, as well as being able to check out all of his published books and some of the great films he has worked on.

I deliberately have not included the synopsis in this particular post, so as not to include too many spoilers.

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They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t… although I doubt that will be the case for ‘The Safety Expert”

-.-

How to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

-.-

This thriller fiction book, was gifted as an author request for me to read and leave my comments about and as such was free of charge.

This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

I hope that you all have  a great weekend and can avoid all the Christmas crowds!

-.-

Update 21/01/2012 …. You can share my thoughts about ‘The Safety Expert’ by clicking here.

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First Lines … ‘The Moon Coin’ by Richard Due

November 24, 2011 By 15 Comments

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PART ONE – THE RINN OF BARETH

PROLOGUE- BEDTIME TALES

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Available From Amazon

“Ebb Autumn stood tall and slender in his coat of many pockets. He was wearing his world-traveling clothes, and while the items in his many pockets normally remained private, tonight he had presents

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Lily and Jasper were bouncing on the bed when he knocked. A gentleman always knocks. Their uncle had a habit of arriving late or not at all, but when he showed up at bedtime, he always had a new story in need of telling – as if a thousand-year-old publishing factory resided in his head…..”

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I wonder what uncle’s story will be about tonight?

Why does he have presents on this visit?

Why is he wearing his world traveling clothes, is he going on a trip, or has he just returned from a trip?

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They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t…

-.-

To avoid too many spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis with this post, but if like me, you can’t wait to read the book to find out additional details about the story, please click on the image.

-.-

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so, would you like to share them with us, (without revealing too many spoilers of course) ?

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

-.-

This YA Fantasy book, was gifted as an e-book by the author Richard Due, with a request for me to read and leave my comments about it.

This will in no way influence any comments I may express about the book, in any blog article I may post. Any thoughts or comments will be my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

-.-

Filed Under: First Lines Tagged With: , , ,

First Lines …. ‘My Sister’s Voice’ by Mary Carter

November 18, 2011 By 14 Comments

CHAPTER 1 – ‘My Sister’s Voice’ by Mary Carter

Available From Amazon

“It was here, in the city of  Brotherly Love, at twenty-eight years of age, that Lucy Gears first discovered she had a sister.

An identical twin. Of course it wasn’t true. A joke, a hoax a prank. As if.

It was completely ridiculous, and although she of all people appreciated a good Gotcha! she didn’t have time for games today. She had to buy an anniversary gift for her boyfriend, Alan, then race off to paint a chubby Chihuahua and its anorexic owner. An identical twin. Funny, ha-ha.”

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They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t…

I wonder just why Lacey is so sure that she doesn’t have a twin sister?

How has she found out about this sister, that has immediately forced her to dimiss it out of hand, as a hoax or a joke?

There is nothing for it, but to read on and find out!!

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To avoid too many spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis with this post, but if like me, you can’t wait to read the book to find out additional details about the story, please click on the image.

-.-

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would the first few lines of your book make you want to read on?

If so and you would like to share them with us, without revealing too many spoilers of course .

 Click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

 -.-

This book was a ‘Kindle share’ purchase by my mother-in-law, just one of the forty odd books that I have discovered in my ‘Kindle archive’, enough reading to keep me going for a while then!!!!

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First Lines … ‘Eulogy’s Secret’ by Grace Elliot

November 11, 2011 By 10 Comments

Chapter One

Available From Amazon

‘As night fell, the rain stopped. A hackney cab sluiced through the deserted streets, slithering to a halt outside an imposing stone terrace.

“Here we are, Miss. Grosvenor Square, like you said.”

Eulogy tightened the grip on her valise and peered into the night. Yellow lamplight spilt through the curtains of the grand buildings, hinting at comfort and warmth within, mocking the inhospitable, rain-washed streets.

“Well, Miss. I ain’t got all night, you getting out or what?” ‘

..

Those lines definitely made me want to read on:

Judging from the fact that she doesn’t seem to recognise Grosvenor Square and that she finds the buildings so grand and imposing, we can only assume that Eulogy has never been to this place before.

Why is she arriving in a strange place at night time?

Does she have a tight grip on her valise because she is worried about the character of the neighbourhood she is in, or because she is a little scared of the reception she might get at one of the houses she has just been delivered to?

..

To avoid too many spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis with this post, but should you wish to read more details, please click on the image.

This book was a review copy, sent to me by the author, Grace Elliot and as such, was free of charge.

This in no way influenced any comments I may have expressed about the book, in any blog article I have posted. Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

..

They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t…

..

My thoughts about ‘Eulogy’s Secret’ will be published very soon

..

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would those first few lines of your book make you want to read more, without revealing too many spoilers?

If you want to share the first lines of a book you are reading, click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

 ..

UPDATE: 14/11/2011 …. My thoughts about ‘Eulogy’s Secret’ can be read by clicking here

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First Lines … ‘The Children Of Men’ by P.D. James

October 27, 2011 By 10 Comments

Omega

January – March 2021

Friday 1 January 2021

–

Available From Amazon

“Early this morning, 1 January 2021, three minutes after midnight, the last human being to be born on earth was killed in a pub brawl in a suburb of Buenos Aires, aged twenty-five years two months and twelve days.

If the first reports are to be believed, Joseph Ricardo died as he had lived.

The distinction, if one can call it that, of being the last human whose birth was officially recorded, unrelated as it was to any personal virtue or talent, had always been difficult for him to handle.

And now he is dead ….”

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‘The last human being to be born on earth’…..?

Who couldn’t read on, after such strong opening lines? The questions are endless, the answers probably quite chilling … but I need to know!

If you feel the need to find out at least part of the answer, then click on the image link to the full synopsis, you may be in for a not very pleasant surprise.

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They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page… and it is quite disappointing if they don’t…

..

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would those first few lines of your book make you want to read more, without revealing too many spoilers?

If you want to share the first lines of a book you are reading, click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

..

Filed Under: First Lines Tagged With: , ,

Book Beginnings …. ‘Double Crossing’ by Meg Mims

September 30, 2011 By 27 Comments

 

CHAPTER ONE

Evanston, Illinois: 1869

..

Available From Amazon

‘I burst into the house. Keeping the flimsy telegram envelope, I dumped half a dozen packages into the maid’s waiting arms.

“Where’s Father? I need to speak to him.”

“He’s in the library Miss Lily. With Mr. Todaro.”

Oh, bother. I didn’t have the time to deal with Emil Todaro, my father’s lawyer.

He was the last person I wanted to see – but that couldn’t be helped.’

..

They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page…

What news was contained in the telegram she had received?

Why is she in such a rush to see her father?

Why does she not want to see her father’s lawyer, right now?

..

To avoid too many spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis with this post, but should you wish to read more details, please click on the image.

This book was a review copy, sent to me by the author, Meg Mims, and as such, was free of charge.

This in no way influenced any comments I may have expressed about the book, in any blog article I have posted. Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.

..

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would those first few lines of your book make you want to read more, without revealing too many spoilers?

If you want to share the first lines of a book you are reading, click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

..

Update 27/10/2011

If you click here, you can now read my thoughts and comments about this title

..

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Book Beginnings … ‘The Perfect Rose’ by Felicia Rogers

September 22, 2011 By 16 Comments

 

 Chapter One

Available From Amazon

“She should be here any moment.

Mabel had said ten 0′clock and assured Caleb the lady was never late.

..

Now here he sat, sipping hot coffee and watching Joshua make snow angels in the yard.

His mind relaxed and drifted to his earlier conversation with Mabel … “

..

They say that the first lines of a piece of writing, are always the most difficult to set down on paper. It seems to me, that they may also be the most definitive, as I find they often set the scene in my mind, even before I have turned the first page….

Why is Caleb so nervous about meeting the lady?

Does he know her, or is this a first meeting?

What has the meeting got to do with his son?

Who is Mabel and why does she seem to figure so prominently in Caleb’s life?

..

To avoid too many spoilers, I have not included a full synopsis with this post, but should you wish to read more details, please click on the image.

This book was a review copy, sent to me by the author, Felicia Rogers and as such, was free of charge.

This in no way influenced any comments I may have expressed about the book, in any blog article I have posted. Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article.


..

Want to take part in ‘Book Beginnings’?

Would those first few lines of your book make you want to read more, without revealing too many spoilers?

If you want to share the first lines of a book you are reading, click on the link and visit Katy, at ‘A Few More Pages’

You can then leave a link to your own book beginnings post, or just browse for some great reads, there are always plenty of new authors and titles to be found.

Don’t forget that Katy and all the other contributors to this meme love to hear from you, so why not leave a comment or two at the same time.

..

Update

My thoughts about this book can now be found by clicking here

..

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