Chatting With a Friend. Deborah Smith, Founder of an Online Fiction Group, Talks About What She Likes to Read.

This week I am delighted to welcome Deborah Smith to my blog.

Deborah is a keen reader who took her love of books to the next level by starting an online group for readers of sagas and other women's fiction. It is now a thriving and ever-growing community.

Debs is personally responsible for the tottering piles of to-be-read books in her members' homes all over the world!

Debs, welcome to my blog. It's the first time I have been joined here by a reader rather than a writer, so I hope you're going to enjoy answering my questions.

 
Fire away, Sue.

What are you reading at the moment. Why are you enjoying it?

 
I'm reading my first Lyn Andrews book, From Liverpool with Love. The story is set in the early 1900s where poverty is inescapable for this family. After trying very hard to manage after the death of the husband/father, who was the main breadwinner, they now have no choice but to enter the workhouse. This book follows their lives, loves and determination to free themselves from this godforsaken place called the workhouse.

 
I just love stories written around this era.

 
I know your TBR pile is about a hundred books high. Tell us about a couple of them that you're specially looking forward to reading.

h
LOL, Sue, more like 500 high and growing almost daily 😂.

 
I'm very much looking forward to reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I am fascinated with this historic subject and read both fiction and nonfiction regarding the lives of the Jews during WW11 and what horrific injustices they had to endure: certainly a piece of history we should never forget. Such an emotional subject, Sue.

I also can't wait to read Secrets of a Whitby Girl by Jessica Blair, as Whitby is close to my heart, having spent a great deal of time there throughout my life and know the place very well so hopefully I will be able to picture the places mentioned. My husband and I actually got engaged in the Abbey grounds - what a wonderful day that was.

I know that Anna Jacobs is a favourite author of yours. Is there one of her books or series that stands out in particular for you?

Oh yes, Anna is such a wonderful and talented writer. Her books imprison you from the first page to the last. I have to say that Anna's stand-alone book Freedom's Land and the 5 book series, The Gibson Family Saga, will be forever entwined in my heart, although I haven't read The Traders series yet 🤔 LOL.

You’ve got a treat in store with The Traders books. Once you start reading The Trader’s Wife, you’ll race through the whole series. Guaranteed!

Tell us about a book that made you cry.

 
A few books have brought a tear to my eye, but I'm guessing The Tattooist of Auschwitz will take me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
 

 
What were your favourite books as a child?

 
I have to confess I didn't read much as a child, apart from the Ladybird books, i probably wasn't interested in books back then, which is quite a while ago LOL, but I think I've certainly made up for it since. Children should read - you learn so so much from someone else's mind.
 

 
As an adult reader, do you have an all-time favourite book? Who are your favourite writers?

Good question Sue. I have quite a few favourite books and I guess Miss Applesby's Academy by Elizabeth Gill is up there with best. Such a wonderful read.

 
At the moment my all time favourite authors are:
Anna Jacobs (obviously)
Dilly Court
Kitty Neale
Rosie Goodwin
Kathleen Morgan

And a few authors I found after starting up my wonderful book group:
Susanna Bavin ( LOL )
Emma Hornby
AnneMarie Brear
Lynda Stacey
Elaine Everest, to name but a few.
Oh, and did I mention Susanna Bavin! 😉

**blushes and tried to look modest**
 

 
Do you re-read books you enjoy? If so, what have you re-read recently?

 
Oh Sue, that's funny. I have a hard enough time reading the ones I haven't read, the TBR pile grows by the day, so my answer is, no, I don't re-read a book, I may however re-read a page, ha ha.
 

 
Physical books or e-books?
Well, either to be honest, my kindle is great for taking on holiday etc. and there's some excellent bargains to be had too, but a physical book feels much more tactile and personal and I love looking at all the wonderful colour cover photos which you don't get with an ebook.
 

Where do you like to read?

Well, actually I like to read anywhere, but my favourite places are in my rocking chair in the living room, the garden (only when the weather is nice though) and in bed where's it relaxing and peaceful.

Debs, it has been a real pleasure to have you here on my blog. Thanks for telling us about your reading.

 
Oh Sue, I've enjoyed my first blog and it's been a real pleasure talking to you today. I've loved every minute. Thank you so much xx ❤️

Happy birthday for Monday, Debs. Enjoy all those books you will undoubtedly get as birthday presents!