Reviews

'Anna Cheska has a charming writing style and creates warm, believable characters' - Katie Fforde

'a delightful read....warm and witty' - Woman's Weekly

'a witty, humorous, romantic read' - Family Circle

'a delightful novel written with warmth, wit and intelligence' - Publishing News

 was drawn into the story by the dramatic beginning... Her dialogue is utterly convincing and the main characters deftly drawn.' - Pamela Oldfield

'A strong plot makes this a real page turner' Bradford Telegraph

'A tale of jealousy, passion and betrayal, this is a compelling story' - Hartlepool Mail

'A really good read... a perceptive novel' - Kingston Informer
 
 

 

Short story anthology by the West Sussex Writers Club

Its an 'Ology is a result of the hard work and inspiration of Nina Tucknot, chair of the WSWC (see link). The anthology contains winning short stories and poetry by club members as judged by Simon Brett (the club's patron) and Geoff Alnutt (the Speech Painter). It is available to buy through the WSWC web site.

 

 
 

Signing books at the launch party for
Drop Dead Gorgeous
 
Jan and Anna with author and friend June Tate at the launch party for Drop Dead Gorgeous
 

Juliet Hall Novels
 

   

The Italian Maze

Cari Banks, a young dress designer living in Brighton, is grieving for the death of her mother and searching for clues regarding the identity of the rest of her family, when she finds an extraordinary piece of jewellery amongst her mother’s possessions. Its amber stone contains a damsel fly, trapped by the resin and frozen in time, the amber set into a thin slab of ancient silver engraved with a Celtic triple spiral. Cari resolves to discover its history.

Her quest takes her to Liguria, Italy – to the Bay of Poets on the Italian Riviera - where she finds her grandmother Aurelia and Aurelia’s triple spiral maze, planted with scented jasmine and oleander, in memory of her husband’s dead wife Catarina.
 

 

Cari learns that the Amber Spiral dates back to Ancient Rome when amber – said to be the petrified tears of Heliad nymphs, the daughters of the sun, because of its transparency, warmth, and heavenly scent when burnt - was highly valued for its medicinal and spiritual qualities.

But how did it come into her mother’s possession, how did Catarina die, who is Cari’s father, and what does the enigmatic Marco have to hide? Cari is still desperately looking for answers.

When she becomes involved with two Italian families who have been joined and separated by love, loss and a bitter power struggle, she begins to learn the truth. She can now understand the significance of the Celtic triple spiral, which represents the three journeys for womankind – of life, of art and of love.

In Italy Cari discovers the secrets of the past and the meaning of her journey. And she finally finds what she is looking for – in the heart of the Italian maze.

 

The Disappearance

A contemporary emotional mystery.

How can you go on loving someone who has disappeared? But how can you stop?

Whilst they are visiting Rome, Marianne’s artist husband Rupert disappears in the Piazza di Trevi leaving Marianne pregnant and alone.

Seven years later his best friend Sam proposes to Marianne. Rupert is still a missing person and can now be ‘presumed dead’. But could he still be alive? Was he abducted or did he want to leave her?

 

 

Marianne’s mother Penelope, an archaeologist, has also experienced love and loss. She lost Josh, the love of her life, almost thirty years ago, but although this was her decision, she still can’t forget him.

When her work brings her to a dig in West Dorset, Penelope is resistant at first. Dorset is home to Josh and to Penelope’s estranged father, but it may also provide the key to unlocking some dark family secrets that need to be revealed. She wants to see Josh as a brother – but her feelings for him remain as strong as ever.

Meanwhile, Marianne returns to Rome to find out more about the art world Rupert was part of. She needs to find out what happened to Rupert and why he left her, before she can make any decision about marrying Sam. The trail is cold at first but when she discovers that Sam knows more than he has told her, Marianne is more determined than ever to find out the truth about her missing husband.

She intercepts a message to Sam and discovers Rupert living a new life in Umbria under an assumed name. Can she bring herself to take him back after everything he has done to her family? And can she forgive Sam for deceiving her? Sam follows her to Umbria and it is time to decide.

 
Anna Cheska Novels
 
  Moving To The Country

'The book is full of chatty, witty dialogue, and deliciously readable.' Ipswich Evening Star

'A highly readable and engaging novel with a strong emotional thrust.' South Wales Argus

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£7 paperback, incs p&p)

 

  Drop Dead Gorgeous

A contemporary romantic comedy with a dark edge. Drop Dead Gorgeous Looks at the beauty business and the singles scene for women of 35+ with attitude!

Can Jude find a single man who isn't bitter and twisted or still living with his mother? Can Imogen come to terms with her late husband's secret past?

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£7 paperback, incs p&p)

 

  'Love-40'

Game, set and mismatched?

As they get to grips with turning 40, Suzi and Estelle might have expected to be settled by now. But Suzi prefers a part-time arrangement with would-be musician Michael. While Estelle and Liam are stuck in the relationship tramlines.

The only thing they all agree on, is that they have to stop their local tennis club from being turned into an elitist establishment, complete with sushi restaurant.

The odds are against them. But all's fair in love, war and tennis!

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£7 hardback, or paperback, incs p&p)

 

Jan Henley Novels
 
  Other Summers

A story of love and betrayal between 2 sisters drawn to the same man

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

 

  Living Lies

One generation's lies can be fatal for those who follow...

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

 

  Separate Lives

A story of friendship, love and courage. Three women fight for strength and independence

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

  Somebody's Lover

A story of  young love and intrigue set in Cornwall and London. Rowan must confront her past in order to take charge of her future.

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

  Stepping Aside

Jenna falls in love, takes on a ready made family and finds herself fighting for her marriage, her daughter and a sense of identity.

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

 

  Family Ties

When Claire's son Ben leaves home, she is forced to re-examine her life and marriage. But family ties can't be broken so easily.

Signed copies available from JanHenley (£4 hardback, £3 paperback, incs p&p)

 

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