Over the summer I will be updating author’s details in the Cafe and Bookstore and also sharing their bios, books and recent reviews with you in this series…
Meet Geoff Le Pard
I have been writing creatively since 2006 when at a summer school with my family I wrote a short radio play. That led to a novel, some more courses, more novels, each better than the last until I took an MA at Sheffield Hallam. I published my first novel in 2014 – Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle. In 2015 a second followed – My Father and Other Liars. In 2016 I have an anthology of short stories out, Life, in a Grain of Sand. I have now added ‘memoir’ to my list of genres with the launch of Apprenticed To My Mother. Other novels can be found here. I write in a range of genres so there is something for everyone..
Before writing, I was a lawyer, ending up at the London Olympics. Now I mix writing with a range of activities, often walking to find inspiration or taking in a variety of sports events.
A selection of books by Geoff Le Pard
One of the recent reviews for Apprenticed to My Mother
I never thought of myself as a memoir reader, but when they’re this entertaining, I can’t help but fall in love with the genre. I’ve read a book of short stories by Geoff Le Pard and decided to give his memoir about his mother, Barbara, a try. What a touching book full of humor, compassion, and love. Lots of love.
The book starts with the funeral of Le Pard’s father, Desmond, an event that changed Geoff’s relationship with his mother, bringing it front and center. He became an unwitting “apprentice” for his father’s role, and got an education from his mother about her expectations. It made sense that his father’s death had created his opportunity and that the book would start at that point. But the book isn’t only about Barbara. Each chapter ends with a poem by Desmond, poems that highlighted this thoughtful and talented man and how much he loved his wife, family, and life in general.
As a person who takes care of her elderly parents, I could relate to many of the events that take place in the book from the baffling and frustrating to the downright hysterical. Though the book covers the last years of his mother’s life, there are plenty of look-backs to early times that give a well-rounded and colorful look into the Le Pard household. I laughed out loud at the Manure Years (something we had every spring at our house too), and the escaped guinea pig adventure. Another funny anecdote was after Barbara’s cataract surgery at the age of 82, when she took the author to task for not telling her that she had wrinkles. And there was the car that needed a half dozen clutch replacements… and Gran selling the garden vegetables when no one was looking…
I highly recommend this book to readers of memoirs who want to laugh, have their hearts warmed, and perhaps shed a tear.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website: Geoff Le Pard – Goodreads: Geoff on Goodreads – Twitter: @geofflepard
Meet Toni Pike
Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing exciting thrillers for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight and coping with the journey. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with great advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
Books by Toni Pike for children and adults
One of the recent reviews for Brody Cody and The Stepmother from Outer Space
It’s a cute story. I smiled SO much while reading it, and the alien discovery and investigation are exciting. Pike chooses the best names, like Brody Cody, Peppermint, and Persimmon, and Brody’s house is on Flowerpetal Street.
Five fun stars!
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Toni:Goodreads – Website: Toni Pike – Twitter: @piketoni1
Meet Vashti Quiroz-Vega
Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of Fantasy, Horror, and Thriller. Since she was a kid she’s always had a passion for writing and telling stories. It has always been easier for her to express her thoughts on paper.
She enjoys reading almost as much as she loves to write. Some of her favorite authors are Stephen King, Sarah J. Maas, Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Marc Cameron, and George R. R. Martin.
She enjoys making people feel an array of emotions with her writing. She likes her audience to laugh one moment, cry the next and clench their jaws after that.
When she isn’t building extraordinary worlds and fleshing out fascinating characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband JC and her Pomeranian Scribbles who is also her writing buddy.
Books by Vashti Quiroz-Vega
One of the recent reviews for The Rise of Gadriel
Read the reviews and buy the books :Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Vashti : Goodreads – website:Vashti – WordPress – Twitter: @VashtiQV
Lovely reviews, Sally. I really enjoyed Geoff’s book about his mother and also Toni’s book for middle school children. Vashti’s series sounds very good and I have the first book in the series on my TBR.
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Thank you so much, Robbie – that means a lot from a wonderful children’s author like you. Toni x
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Thanks Robbie and for adding a boost for Geoff and Toni.. I am sure Vashti’s series is fantastic…hugsx
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Thank you Robbie!
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Thank you for these insights into some new authors. I know Geoff, but the others are new to me. Their books sound like good reads
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Thank you so much, Viv, for your lovely comments. Toni x
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Fantastic thanks Viv…hugsx
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Thanks Vivienne.
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Reblogged this on Toni Pike and commented:
I’m so delighted to be in Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore today alongside two wonderful authors, Geoff Le Pard and Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
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Thanks for boosting the post Toni..hugsxx
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Well deserved Toni!
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Thanks so much, Vivienne. Toni x
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Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing Michael..hugsx
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Always with a great pleasure, Sally! Sorry, i had a change in my daily workflow, so i am sometimes a little bit late with reading and sharing. Enjoy a beautiful evening! xx Michael
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I am amazed at how you keep up not with just my posts Michael but so many others too..hugsx
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Fantastic reviews, Sally! Thank you for remembering. Geoff’s book about his mother is very heart touching. I am just in “Son of the Serpent”. xx Michael
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Thank you so much, Michael, for the reblog and your kind remarks. Have a fabulous week. Toni x
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Thanks Michael.. and enjoy your read…hugsx
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Thank you Michael
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Thank you so much, Sally, for this lovely post and including me in such stellar company with Geoff and Vashti. What a wonderful surprise. Toni x
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A pleasure Toni hugs ♥
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Another great gathering of authors, books, and reviews. Somehow, I’ve missed Vashti’s book, “The Basement,” so will be picking it up today! Thanks, Sally!
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Thank you, Jan – it’s so nice to be in such lovely company. Toni x
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Wonderful thanks Jan…hugsx
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Great reviews. The comments make all of them sound interesting. I especially like Priscilla’s for Toni’s book. Laughing sounds perfect!
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Thanks very much Jacqui xxx
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Thank you so much, Jacqui – I was thrilled with Priscilla’s review. Toni x
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Fabulous lineup of talent here. Happy to say I have almost all books from Toni, Geoff and Vashti. Just have to get to them all. I will! Congrats on fab reviews my friends! ❤
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Thank you for all your amazing support and friendship, Debby. You’re the best. Toni x
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Aw shucks Toni. My absolute pleasure. ❤ xx
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xx
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Thank you Debby
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🙂
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Thanks Debby… all brilliant writers..♥
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Terrific authors and reviewers, Sally. Thank you.
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Thanks for your support, John – I’m in great company today. Toni x
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😊
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Flattered… but thanks!!
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😊
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Thanks very much John…hugsx
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Sally, you continue to surprise and delight. And what splendid company within which you include me!!
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Pleasure Geoff.. terrific review..x
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Good to see, Geoff, Toni, and Vashti being featured today. Thank you, Sally.
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Thanks Miriam..hugs xx
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You’re welcome, Sally; ❤
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Thank you
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You’re welcome,
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Thanks so much, Miriam – lovely to see you here. Toni x
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You’re welcome, Toni. ❤
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I love all of Vashti’s stories! Her Fallen Angels series is fantastic! And Memoir if a Mad Woman is crazy in a good way. 😊
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Thanks Yvette..great boost for Vashti’s books always great reviews xx
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Three excellent authors, Sally. I’ve read books from each of them and there’s lots to enjoy here. Thanks for capturing my review of Geoff’s book. I was wonderful. Congrats to Geoff, Toni, and Vashti. 🙂
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Thanks Diana and delighted to share your review. ♥
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Thanks so much, Diana – your reviews are always wonderful, so lovely to highlight another one here. Toni x
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Thanks, Toni. I like it when I stop by Sally’s and see authors that I’ve enjoyed being featured, like you!
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♥
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So many great authors to choose from. Thanks for featuring three more, Sally.
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Thanks very much Pete xx
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Thanks for all your support, Pete. Toni
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Thanks for sharing Karen’s wonderful review of my new release, Sally❣️I’m happy to be in such great company.😀
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Pleasure Vashti…hugs ♥
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