Sunday, 30 September 2012

A Shadow in the Past by Melanie Robertson-King

Sarah Shand had always some how known that she would someday she would live in Weetshill Mansion. Sarah didn’t know how or why, she just knew she would. The mansion was now an old abandoned ruin so how could she possibly ever live there?

When Sarah has an accident she finds herself at the mansion. The mansion is now fully restored to its full former glory. Sarah is injured and taken in by the aristocratic family that are living there now. Sarah gets on really well with the Laird’s grandson Robert. Sarah is even more dazed and confused when it would appear that she had travelled back in time to the year 1886. Can that be right or are all the people she has now found herself with completely mad? Could this be anything to do with the mysterious stone circle? A group of ancient stones that no one knows why are what their purpose is.

This is the debut novel from new author Melanie Robertson-King. The story is a nice light read, with a good storyline. I like a story set back in history, a period drama and I also like time travel stories and there is a touch of romance too. So I really enjoyed reading this book.  A great first novel and I will look forward to reading more books by Melanie Robertson-King in the future.

To buy this book from Amazon.co.uk click here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0983801886

To buy this book from Amazon.com click here http://amzn.com/0983801886



And now a word from the author Melanie Robertson-King.

How I went from working title to release title.


From the time I wrote the short story that later became my novel, it was always known as Sarah’ Gift. It wasn’t until I pitched the novel to an agent that I even thought of changing it. She told me, the title didn’t do the book justice. And even though she thought it sounded like a fun read, it wasn’t for her. But I digress.



So, I put a call out to members in my local writers’ group asking for input into a different title as well as the gal at the Ottawa Romance Writers who had been critiquing my early chapters. I got loads of suggestions back – some better than others – and that made the decision even harder.

I googled the title suggestions and searched them on amazon before eventually deciding that A Shadow in the Past was the best choice.

What title would you choose?

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29 comments:

  1. Linn B Halton and Lucy Coleman1 October 2012 at 09:10

    Lovely review Nikki!Congrats to author Melanie.

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  2. Sheryl Browne1 October 2012 at 11:20

    FAB! Well done, Melanie! I have to say I love the title, A Shadow in the Past. Perfect for the book! :)

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    1. Melanie1 October 2012 at 11:51

      Thanks Sheryl! I think coming up with a title is the hardest thing about writing any piece - long or short, fact or fiction.

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    2. Sheryl Browne1 October 2012 at 12:21

      I agree! Drives me mad. You write a whole book and agonise over a teeny title. Frustrating! :) xx

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  3. Melanie1 October 2012 at 11:48

    Thanks for hosting me here today, Nikki, and for such a fab review!

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  4. Janice1 October 2012 at 14:12

    I think this title really suits the premise of the novel. A Shadow in the Past gives a really good feel for what the book will be about. Congratulations Melanie!

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    1. Melanie1 October 2012 at 14:25

      Thanks Janice! There were a number of good suggestions but this one spoke to me more than the others.

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  5. Nikki1 October 2012 at 14:17

    Hi all, great book, great title :)

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  6. Nicky Wells1 October 2012 at 15:42

    Mel, A Shadow in the Past would have been my choice, too. Intriguing and mysterious! Congratulations again on your launch and hope it's going really well.xx

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    1. Melanie1 October 2012 at 15:53

      Certainly more telling than the original "Sarah's Gift". Thanks!

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  7. Karen Cioffi1 October 2012 at 18:04

    Melanie, your book sounds wonderful. I like the new title also.

    Best wishes for its success!

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  8. Nikki1 October 2012 at 18:37

    Thanks Linn. I really enjoyed reading and reviewing this book.

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  9. Nikki1 October 2012 at 18:43

    Thank you Melanie for joining me on my blog today and giving us readers a behind the scenes look at what it is like working on a title. I can see why it would be really difficult, because the title in lots of ways has to sum up all of what the book is about. I think you went with the right choice. It really goes with the book well and is very cleverly done.

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    1. Melanie1 October 2012 at 22:25

      It's been my pleasure to be here today, Nikki. I think of the whole writing process - even all the edits, finding the perfect title is the most difficult task.

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  10. Nikki1 October 2012 at 18:46

    You will enjoy this book Karen it is well worth the read.

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  11. Nikki1 October 2012 at 18:47

    Thank you all for stopping by today and leaving comments much appreciated :)

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  12. Melanie1 October 2012 at 19:11

    I echo Nikki's sentiments. Appreciate everyone for stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  13. Anonymous1 October 2012 at 22:03

    Thanks for the review Nikki! This looks like a great book and I have definitely made plans to read this one. Thanks Melanie!

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    1. Melanie1 October 2012 at 22:27

      I think you'll enjoy it, Steph. The Star Child is on my TBR list... but I must get the updated Inkspell Publishing version.

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  14. Kit Domino2 October 2012 at 08:43

    Ooh, a timeslip - right up my street. Looking forward to reading this one. Well done, ladies, and good luck with the book Melanie. X

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    1. Melanie2 October 2012 at 15:37

      I think you'll enjoy it, Kit. Nothing like a timeslip to make you sit back and think "what if?"

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  15. Nikki2 October 2012 at 11:33

    Thank you Stephanie.

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  16. Nikki2 October 2012 at 11:34

    Thank you Kit :)

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  17. Patricia2 October 2012 at 15:27

    This is a lovely read, well-written and fast-paced. It made me want to time travel!

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    1. Melanie2 October 2012 at 15:38

      Thank you, Patricia. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  18. Nikki2 October 2012 at 16:04

    Time travel would be great wouldn't it Patricia? Just think of all the good advice we could give ourselves!

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