Turquoise Morning Press has now taken over four of my novels

Turquoise Morning Press has now taken over four of my novels (see latest releases)
Awakening Love
Seduction
Checkmate
Smouldering Embers
All by G B Hobson
They can be bought directly from the publishing site
Or from Amazon and other bookstores.
So far they are in digital form but print is on the way. Visit my author site for reviews etc.

Post-War (Late 1940’s) Fashion — Dress Designs for Awakening Love

A new video for my novel, Awakening Love

These are drawings I did when I had just turned sixteen in the late 1940’s. I found them in an old folder up in the attic. The pictures are elsewhere on this web site but not put together to form a video. Nice to have music background too. (Click on ‘A new video‘‚ if this video does not work for you.

Awakening Love is the first book of my Love by Design trilogy. (PLEASE NOTE, THE WHOLE TRILOGY PLUS SMOULDERING EMBERS, WILL NOW BE PUBLISHED BY TURQUOISE MORNING PRESS. THE CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE LATER THIS MONTH (SEPT) OR SOON AFTER. VISIT THE SITE TO SEE THE BOOKS THEY PUBLISH

The video is designed and produced by Dare Empire Media

Love, Honour and Obey… And the bride said, “I do.”

Love, Honour and Obey… And the bride said, “I do.”

Love in their eyes

Couple with Bride's parents

Happy couple with groom's parents

Happy bride with her joyful mother!

Yes, that's me — grandmother of the groom.

Laughter (and tears) at the Wedding breakfast

Family shot of the wedding Matt, Lisa, Joni (Best man), Dad and Mum.

Lisa’s choice, her own thought-out decision.
Antiquated? Not relevant in today’s society?
Taking the form of a chattel?
Romantic idealism far removed from reality?
Others will think what they will, but the vows have to be seen in context of the wedding ceremony of EACH receiving a ring and the groom making his promises to love and to cherish. A sharing in all that they are and all that they have. A joining of body, soul and possessions. The groom accepting his responsibility, not as a lord and master but as a loving responsible companion along a road of self discovery for them both. A lifetime commitment. Not a form of musical chairs — changing partners when the romantic music stops.
Two people who saved themselves until the right person came along. Two people in love and desiring the good of each other. A true Christian marriage, with Christian values.
It is over 57 years since I made the same promises. We have lived through some difficult times, things have not always gone smoothly, but we have worked through our problems and those years have been growth. That is what marriage is all about. To love and to cherish… to give and to receive…
We each bring different gifts into a marriage, the blending of masculine and feminine, the gifts with which we are endowed, the skills we have learned, all these form a whole, bound and strengthened by love. To love and honour the man you marry, to be obedient to the demands that love makes on all of us, is not a hard task but one that leads to joy and happiness, a foundation for bringing up a family with which we hope to be blessed.

(Photographs are quick snaps with digital camera. They are not the official ones. My hubby not on any because he had the camera)

View chapters from my novels at Magpies Nest Publishing
View all books (USA and UK) at my AUTHOR site
See my other sites — Writing For Joy, Diary of an English Lady, Ask Gran Hobson (ask questions about yesteryear or managing on little)

Never mind the title, feel the heat!

Reviews for the three books in my Love By Design trilogy — Awakening Love, Seduction, Checkmate are hotting up. Visit Fools Paradise to see Payton L Inkletter’s last review — of my Seduction! (a previous publication was known as Seduction By Design)
You can read it here but you miss the animation — you’ll laugh your socks off!

Also posted here is a review by Andrew O’Hara (Andy is deeply involved with the Badge Of Life. Visit the BOL site, for eye opening revelations about their work.)

Go to my author site Hobsons Books for more reviews

SEDUCTION BY DESIGN

Seduced by design. Designed for seduction!

“Seduction by Design” is a triumph. Entertaining, wild, erotic (sheesh :), and full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. A great piece of reading, written with Gladys Hobson’s very typical skill! (Longer one below)
Andy O’Hara

Seduction By Design

I was keen to sink my teeth into this novel, ‘Seduction by Design’, Gladys Hobson’s second in her ‘Designed For Love’ series, because she had me hooked with her first, ‘Desire’ (known in the UK as Awakening Love).

These are no ordinary romance novels. They are written by a mature age author, whose abundance of wisdom invests the chapters with a fragrance rare. A young person simply could not achieve this, and the gems of insight Ms Hobson scatters throughout her story delighted me.

As for the characters, my dislike of the arch bastard Robert Watson magnified in this instalment, while my love for the beautiful June Rogers nee Armstrong was tempered – Ms Hobson portrays just what a flawed woman she is despite her enormous and rare talent for couture design; and to make matters more arresting for me, I am tarred with many of the same brushstrokes as June, if I want to be honest.

Thus I was not only entertained by this engrossing tale, I was a tad convicted.

It is the early seventies, the setting having jumped a couple of decades from that of ‘Desire’, and my word how well Ms Hobson has integrated the plot from that instalment!

The thermostat regarding eroticism has been turned up a few notches in ‘Seduction…’, and that’s saying something, and yet, as with her first, there is nothing dirty or obscene in her explicit portrayals, and I tip my hat to her for this achievement: sexually charged encounters aplenty, without impurity – trashy romance writers take notice!

Something rare for me: I was actually mesmerised in places as I consumed this believable story involving an assortment of characters that would exist in any big town and city. And as in my previous review, let me reiterate that, as a writer, I continued to be informed and educated regarding effective technique to convey and captivate.

Well done Ms Hobson, and when is the final novel, ‘Checkmate’, going to be finished for me to learn what happens to these characters, who have become such a part of my imagination?
Payton L. Inkletter (writer, thinker, humorist)

SEE INKLETTER’S ANIMATED REVIEWS AT Fools Paradise!

Seduction by Design (about to be published by Turquoise Morning Press as ‘Seduction’ by G B Hobson)

Here’s a book that carries the reader right along in a smooth, continuous delight of romance, erotic adventure and well woven suspense. Author Gladys Hobson kicks right off with a bang, introducing us to the sensual June Rogers. A fashion designer by trade, June is grieving the death of her husband, Arthur, and begins to take readers on a tangled journey of love and hate with the attractive Charles and the ever despicable Robert–and is he ever!

Trite as that might sound, Hobson truly brings these three main characters (and a surrounding cast of delightful cast members) to vivid life in her “Seduction by Design.” This book keeps the reader on one’s toes as misfortunes lead to twisted plots and motives, and then to one misunderstanding after another that almost lead to tragedy and final heartbreak and yet, in the end — well, the writer sums it up best as, “Deja vu,” which you will have to find out by reading this delightful piece of work!

Gladys Hobson is a well practiced writer, spinning a tale smoothly and naturally. She is economical and yet she is capable of painting entire scenes and montages with dialogue, a quick glance, the sparkle of an eye or the dart of a smile so quickly that a reader doesn’t even know it’s happening. This is a rare talent and a delight.

“Seduction by Design” is good reading. It’s flat-out entertaining, suspenseful, erotic, fun, and heartwarming!

Andrew O’Hara (editor of The Jimston Journal, author of prize-winning The Swan, Tales of the Sacramento Valley) lives in the USA and now runs the Badge Of Life.

Please note: My trilogy and Smouldering Embers will now be published by Turquoise Morning Press and my The Dark Mirror (previously published as When Angels Lie) is being published by Storm Moon Press

CHECKMATE — G B Hobson

CHECKMATE is the third book of the Love By Design  series. The first book is called Awakening Love, The second book is SEDUCTION  and finally(?) CHECKMATE

A heated game of lust and envy v love and integrity

A pre-published review of Checkmate by Gladys Hobson
Reviewed by Geoff Nelder: award-winning author and co-editor of Escape Velocity magazine.

Gladys Hobson’s Checkmate is much more than a romance novel. It is a tour de force of the strengths and weaknesses between members of two powerful families. It is the English Lake District’s own Dallas only with more three-dimensional characters. The plot rotates around the conflict generated by Robert, whose sexual magnetism lures women and steers his business to the detriment of his arch-enemy. This reader felt an overwhelming desire to travel to Cumbria, find Robert and smash his face in. However, Gladys is too subtle to allow simple revenge. Instead the rogue is given a long leash… but suffer he does.
Although I mainly read and review science fiction and fantasy novels, the characters in Checkmate are so engaging you get to experience what each character thinks of each other: scheming men and women, the devoted and the deluded. Compelling reading.
As a romance novel, you’ll need asbestos gloves to read these fiery pages. It is far more than eroticism: it is a perceptive and insightful exploration of a family’s relationships, lusts and passions. In amongst the wily machinations there is humour. For example you’ll not keep a straight face reading a hilarious sex-in-a-car attempt.
Gladys Hobson is an experienced novelist and it shows in her masterful writing. Any reader of romance will be enriched by reading Checkmate, a must-read addition to their bookshelves.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS BOOK AND THE OTHER TWO OF THE TRILOGY IS NOW BEING PUBLISHED BY TURQUOISE MORNING PRESS (USA) AND WILL BE AVAILABLE VERY SOON (BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND THE END OF 2012)

Writing For Joy, my author and books site.
Magpies Nest Publishing

1949 Dress Designs and Awakening Love

A previous post ‘1949 fashion sketches for Awakening Love trailer video — maybe‘ (my highest scoring post) has been updated with more 1949-1950 designs. The video is now done but the designs are not used.

Here is the Apex video, (click on Apex video) and below are the review and interview for my book — Awakening Love .

http://www.apexreviews.net
info@apexreviews.net
Awakening Love
Gladys Hobson
ISBN: 9781602760363
Stonehedge Publishing
Reviewed By Tracy Moore
Official Apex Reviews Rating: *****
Young, attractive, and with a limitless future ahead of her, June has the world at her fingertips – and the chief subjects of her domain are the doting Arthur and his handsome younger brother, Charles. Both men desire to keep June for their own, and each has resolved within himself to woo her to the fullest extent possible in order to win her lasting affections. With such strapping, devoted men at her beckon call, how could life get any better for June?
Enter Robert, June’s crafty boss and mentor. Ruthless and relentless when he sets his mind on something, his sights are set squarely on his delectable protégée, and he’ll allow nothing – and no one – to come in-between him and the desires of his heart. As a result, Robert launches an all-out stealth attack in an effort to thwart Arthur and Charles’ advances, and he has just the moxie and resourcefulness to pull it off.
In the complicated love quadrangle that ensues, June is forced to make some of the toughest decisions of her life – including whether or not to follow the equally compelling leanings of her heart or her mind.
Awakening Love is a tantalizing tale of love, desire, and self-discovery.
Through a vivid cast of characters who find themselves in all-too-real situations, Gladys Hobson treats the reader to a vicarious journey deep into the wistful logistics of the heart. With so much being thrown at her at once, June acts (and reacts) much like anyone else who may find him or herself in the same position.
You may be initially inclined to blame her or find fault in her ostensibly fickle tendencies; but you ultimately come to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that the playing out of June’s indecisiveness – however painful it may be – fosters her much-needed individual growth and development, which is ultimately to her benefit.
An engaging coming-of-age story of the thrilling highs – and crushing lows – of love, Awakening Love is a rewarding literary treat, and a welcome addition to the world of romance. Highly recommended for its inherent enlightening value and its boundless, timeless themes.

Official Apex Reviews Interview: Gladys Hobson (Awakening Love)

Thanks for joining us for this interview, Gladys. We’re looking forward to learning more about your book.

What inspired you to set the book in the late 1940’s?
ANS: Some years ago, I began to write my autobiography for the benefit of my children and grandchildren. I recalled an incident when my friend’s much older brother took me by surprise by kissing me with a man’s passion — hard against my lips, actually bruising them. I was fifteen, he in his thirties and not long demobbed from the army. I was utterly shocked. He was a man and I had no idea that he thought of me in that way. So began a secret ‘kissing only’ affair. When I was a little older and it looked like he wanted more I froze and it came to an end. Thinking about it, I thought what if…? So began Awakening Love and brought to life as we lived it in that special era of change.

What is it about June that makes her so irresistible to her determined potential suitors?
ANS: June is beautiful and creative. But also men are drawn to her youthful innocence and vitality. A girl determined to get somewhere in life and on her OWN merits — spunk!

How is June unable to see the manipulative motives behind Robert’s efforts?
ANS: Like most of us, she sees what she wants to see. As the lynch pin to his new fashion venture, she knows he is the key to realising her own ambitions. He also has a sexual charm that draws her like a magnet. Robert senses this and exploits it to the full.

As our reviewer mentioned, June’s character, for a variety of reasons, is one to which many readers will be able to relate. How were you able to depict her in such a vivid and realistic fashion?
ANS: There is a lot of me in June. This is the era of my youth. I was naïve and innocent — totally inexperienced in matters of sex and of the heart. We all start out that way even if innocence may be lost sooner now. I wanted to be a designer and trained in that actual factory where June worked. You learn a lot in factories. The setting is completely authentic. But no sexy entrepreneur to help me up a ladder to fame. Even so, I was designing at her age. An office girl, like June, had a boyfriend much older than herself. Workers smirked and talked about the romance, thinking she was being taken advantage of. I could see June in the same position with Arthur.

The other characters in the story are no less unique and lifelike. Are they based on people that you know?
ANS: This is quite possible, but not consciously. They just came into my mind in complete form, to the extent that I have to remind myself to ‘show’ them as I hear and see them. No doubt some are like people I have known over the years. But, when I was writing, I fell in love with both Arthur and Charlie and even I did not know who would end up with June. But the shadow side of me is drawn to Robert — a man with rugged good looks, who knows what he wants and is determined to get it. You know — a hate-love thing. I found myself driven by the characters. At times, I would be caught weeping at my computer. When I read the end of the story, I still do.

What advice would you give to anyone who finds him or herself in June’s position?
ANS: Always keep your integrity. If the question refers to a certain incident pivotal in Awakening Love that could have destroyed June’s happiness, I would advise to see yourself as others see you, and don’t get trapped by sending out confusing messages. Follow the desires of your heart, but be true to the one who loves you and try to avoid hurting others in the process.

You initially published Awakening Love as a print book. What inspired you to release it in eBook format?
ANS: The print copy is available, (as are all MNP books) if ordered from Waterstones or any other good bookshop in the UK, or directly from Magpies Nest Publishing. But the eBook makes it available world-wide directly, and at a much cheaper cost. And I don’t have any handling to do. When Stonehedge Publishing offered a contract I was over the moon. It was a validation of my writing. As you may know, they have a reputation for good sellers. Stonehedge will also be publishing the sequel: Seduction By Design. That book reflects a change to the more permissive society of the late 60’s-70’s and the change in fashion — miniskirts are in.

The book has received rave reviews thus far. Do you plan to tour in order to garner more widespread attention for it?
ANS: Now that would be a wonderful thing, but I am no good at organising such events and I do not live in an area of easy travel.

Please share more with our readers about your other writings.
ANS: A print version of Awakening Love under a different title — Desire — is likely to be published by AGPress in the USA shortly, and will be available at Amazon.com and other top sellers. I am presently working on a stunning cover with the artist Charles Davis. Sequels already in Manuscript form to follow. Mythica Publishing has released When Angels Lie in eBook form and will be doing the same with Blazing Embers. An Illustrated book of childhood memories 1939-53, called ‘When Phones Were Immobile and Lived in Red Boxes,’ published by Magpies Nest Publishing, I wrote to raise money for a children’s charity. The book sold well and may be getting a second edition. Magpies Nest published two of my novels under pen names. (These two, When Angels Lie and Blazing Embers are now published by AGPress under my own name.) Awakening Love followed next, plus an anthology by nine authors, called Northern Lights which I co-edited and illustrated. I illustrated a book of poetry by Bob Taylor and published it through MNP. My latest anthology is Still Waters Run Deep, Stories Of Hidden depths. I have short stories in The Jimston Journal and Esdras Scroll Magazine.

Also, please share more with us about your publishers, Magpies Nest Publishing and Stonehedge Publishing.
ANS: My son set up Magpies Nest Publishing to publish the memoirs book and it seemed natural to go on to my novels. Publishing is a big hassle if you do it properly and we only publish my books and those of my friends. Magpies Nest may publish the sequels to Awakening Love as my readers are keen to read more.
Stonehedge Publishing has a number of award-winning authors with great books in all genres.
Mythica Publishing is a new eBook publisher with interesting titles.

What are your future writing/publishing plans?
ANS: To get the sequels published. Maybe start a new novel but only if truly inspired to do so — something quite different. Develop my blogs, especially a new one called Ask Gran Hobson. I already have a young man asking me some very deep questions. I’ll be posting them shortly.

Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your ongoing efforts?
ANS:
http://www.myspace.com/gladyswrites
http://www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
http://writingforjoy.blogspot.com
http://hobsonsbooks.blogspot.com
http://askgranhobson.blogspot.com
The latter two are still being developed as is the publishing site. I am on facebook and a number of ning web sites.

Also, how can they contact you directly?
All the sites have means of direct contact.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Writing is jolly hard, but enjoyable work. Getting published is another matter altogether and requires dedication and stamina. A thick skin comes in handy and always be ready to learn. If anyone thinks they are god’s gift to readers, take a more humble approach. And if you are looking for good returns in money, you’d do better on the lottery. But when you hold that first book in your hand, the feeling is indescribable. This is your baby and YOU have brought it into the world!

Thanks again, Gladys, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!

PLEASE NOTE: Awakening Love is no longer available as an Ebook by Stonehedge Publishing. The whole trilogy will soon be available through a different E-publisher. Awakening Love is still available in paperback in the UK £8.99 from Amazon, or post free direct from Magpies Nest Publishing. It is also available in the USA under the title of DESIRE – publisher AG Press
Or go to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

1949 fashion sketches for Awakening Love

June goes dancing

I made this dress in 1949 for the Nottingham Arts Ball. The year before I had to borrow a dress — a horrid green bridesmaid dress. My red sandals were painted red by my dad — a tack was sticking out and laddered my stockings! No one asked me to dance and I had a lousy time! But the year after when I wore this pink dress (I had just enough money to buy some material by then) I had a great evening. I had a partner for every dance and one of them became my boyfriend for about six months. he was in  the air force and his home was in Glasgow. He was a heavy drinker and only wanted one thing (which he didn’t get!) so I was not unhappy to end the relationship

Young June in her home-made ballet dress

Evening-dress 1949 June Armstrong design!

1949 Outfit by June Armstrong — Awakening Love

Awakening Love – June Armstrong nightdress design 1949

Thinking of getting a trailer video for Awakening Love. I found some designs I did in 1949 — exactly right (to the year) for my book. I found an old photo about right for June (lead character) and tried my hand at sketching June in her home-made ballet dress (witnessing her trying it on sparks off Arthur’s desire for her).

These designs were done on black paper with a fine brush and paint. In those days it was the fashion to have a nippy waist (my waist refused to be nippy!) This dress is the one I made for myself.

Dressing gown

Slip

The whole trilogy — Awakening Love,

Seduction, and Checkmate —

now to be published by Turquoise Morning Press

What a Difference Promotion Can Make!

Today I had my book Awakening Love (Stonehedge Publishing Ebook version) showcased at http://authorsandtheirbooks.blogspot.com by author Ernie Johnson.
There is a picture of the book cover and another of the author, plus a good snappy synopsis and one of the places to buy. 
The synopsis reveals why the locket on the cover picture is highly relevant. 
Visit http://www.ernierjohnson.net to find out more about this remarkable Ernie Johnson with his vast range of activities.

Not only that, but When Angels Lie (AG Press) is featured on http://bookeventcenter.ning.com. Carol, Author 101, is another remarkable author. She has showcased a great assortment of books by lesser known authors which are available on Amazon. It is worth taking a look. if you are an author in need of a good bit of publicity how about joining us?

Here is the synopsis for Awakening Love:
A tale of love, lust and passionate desire, authentically set in late 1940’s class-conscious Britain. Innocent, naive teenager, June Armstrong is determined to rise above her working class roots and succeed as a top dress designer. Her sexuality is dramatically awakened by war hero, and socially advantaged, Major Arthur Rogers (retired), twenty years her senior. The relationship, sealed by a gift of a locket containing a diamond for an engagement ring, is to be kept secret until June is eighteen. Various events, involving his family, job prospects and unforeseen factors to do with affairs of the heart, prove to be a challenge to their relationship.
Arthur’s ‘ladies man’ brother, Charles, is also in love with June but ruins his chances when he sexually assaults her. June becomes the catalyst for his remarkable redemption. She finds herself falling in love with the “new Charlie” when Arthur is abroad on business. Out of love for his brother and June, Charles withdraws from the blossoming relationship and returns to the Royal Navy.
But first Charles helps June gain employment as a trainee designer. Her boss and mentor — dynamic, sexy entrepreneur, Robert Watson — realises June’s potential and sweeps her along on a tidal wave of ambition. He has plans for a totally new business and she is to be his lynch pin. June is mesmerised by both Watson’s charisma and his renowned erotic sexuality (which she inadvertently witnesses in the stock room). 
Robert Watson’s ability to draw out June’s creative genius eventually creates a bond, dangerous but thrilling, which he ruthlessly exploits — to the full!

Awakening Love is twice award winner!

SEX? Had Enough Of It?

SEX Had enough of it? Let’s face it, the TV screen is seldom lacking in scenes or language with sexual connotations.

Of course, when I was young there were no television screens to inform us about such matters or to stir our imaginations (or hormones when we approached puberty). Radio did not broadcast such things either. But we had the silver screen to teaching us romantic notions, if little else. Oh the queues outside the cinema when the Outlaw was released! Buxom Jane Russell in a low cut blouse, and with a sultry look to go with it. Evidently her being tied up is now considered as a bondage scene. We had never heard of such things as bondage in relation to sex. In fact we had heard and seen hardly anything in relation to sex other than simple kissing and lusty looks.

When I heard Alfred Hitchcock talking, a few years ago, of his scenes that were symbolic of the sex act, I have to admit it never occurred to us (me anyway) that the end scene with a train entering a tunnel, or a sudden burst of fireworks, could be anything other than what they appeared to be. Only education or experience would have given us a hint and we (that is my friend and I) had neither.

No education? Well, some. We did learn about single celled animal life that reproduced by division.

But surely graffiti on toilet walls told us SOMETHING? No. I don’t even recall graffiti until I was much older.

What about the F word? No, I had not heard of it (that I recall) but I would not have known what it meant until “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” became a court case and then was released for general reading.

We were naïve and ignorant (as mentioned in my When Phones Were Immobile and Lived in Red Boxes

Funny thing about words. How do some words become used for swearing? That is, in the first place?

When I was teaching one morning a pupil suddenly ruined the picture he was painting. He yelled the F word. (Such swearing unheard of in my classes – I only heard swearing in the staff room!))

I could see he was shocked by his own sudden outburst so I decided not to make an issue out of it. But the class had stopped work and each pupil was looking at me. “Keith swore, Miss. He said the F word.”

So I looked at Keith and asked him if he would explain to me what the F word meant. “It is not in my vocabulary,” I said.

The class giggled. “Oh Miss, it is a rude word.”

 “Ah, so you know, You explain then.”

The class went silent.

“Don’t say words that you are ashamed to explain,” I told them all, and they got on with their work.

Why this little story? Because I believe you can write romantic, yes, and erotic, stories in language that expresses feelings and sensations that are in harmony with the soul and with nature, without the need for coarseness. Those looking for kitchen sink drama with nothing but swearing must look elsewhere. Personally, I hear enough of it on the TV!