15 May 2011

Trip Around the World: Mega Author Blog Hop: Ticket to Paradise!



Trip Around the World: Mega Author Blog Hop: Ticket to Paradise!
~May 16th - 23rd~
particpation details below - at the end of the blog 

Let me introduce myself before I take you round Norwich and the surrounding countryside of Norfolk England. I am Sherry Gloag’s heroine, Trudi Delaney, in her latest novel, Duty Calls, published in February by Black Opal Books.

I'll start by showing you where the inspiration for some of the scenes in Duty Calls come from. The novel opens with the arrival of Gloag’s hero, Rafe Hawk, at Kinsale Hall. The large house in Duty Calls is set in expansive grounds all of which are very roughly based on Holkham Hall on the North Norfolk coast in England.
Holkham Hall

Ms Gloag makes no apologies for rearranging the settings and transplanting them in an unspecified country location. The original setting is close to the county town of Norwich which is regarded as the most complete medieval city in Britain and its amazing history will delight and enthral as you discover how the past has shaped the city. 

Norwich was one of the most important towns in Anglo Saxon Britain developed from a collection of small settlements along one of Norfolk's rivers, the Wensum. From these relatively humble beginnings Norwich was to experience dramatic changes with the Norman invasion and settlement in 1066.

The cathedral, was founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped over from Caen. Only Salisbury Cathedral’s spire is taller than the one in Norwich.

Ethelbert Gate

Providing access from the southern end of Tombland, the Ethelbert Gate is unique example of Norwich preserving evidence of the 12th-century gatehouse, but is essentially a rebuild of c.1320. The upper storey originally housed a chapel, and the gate is remarkable for its early and sophisticated use of flint flushwork.

When you take an official city tour, you will hear about what is called, locally, Kett’s rebellion. Not content with one peasant rebellion, Norwich in 1549 saw Robert Kett’s three week uprising against the enclosure of commons and the dissolution of the monasteries. Kett, a tanner seized the city and led his army to victory over one government army before falling to a far larger one: Kett was hanged from Norwich Keep. The tour iformation maintains that there are links with Ethelbert’s Gate and Kett’s followers.

Norwich with its trading centre was soon the fourth city in the land. More medieval churches remain in Norwich than even London or Paris and were built with the fortunes from the wool trade. 



 Once thought to be a natural phenomenom, research in the 1950'sproved The Norfolk Broads were man-made, showing the sides of the deep lakes were vertical and not gently sloping as would be expected of a naturally formed lake, coupled with the historical evidence of peat demand.

In other words, through the need to dig peat for fuel to cook and keep warm, over the centuries past generations gifted a vast area that became a natural habitat to many species for birds, butterflies and other creatures, as a well as an ideal location for boating holidays for the present generation.

When, in Duty Calls, the children’s safety is in question, I envisaged taking the girls to places based on those mentioned above.

Because of its position off the main south-north motorways and modern-day-rat-race, Norfolk still maintains much of its old-world charm and historical roots. Snettishan and Holme host a couple of the best known bird sanctuaries in Britain. And the beaches offer a wonderful opportunity for family entertainment.

Norfolk is siuated in the south east of England, and in one medium-sized county offers a wide variety of visitor delights that has something for everyone.


BLURB:
She’d saved his life…
Rafe Hawk refuses to accept the inheritance, of a large English estate, and the title that goes with it, after his birth father’s death because the man chose duty over the woman he loved and their son.
So when he finds himself temporarily living at Kinsale Hall, he’s not prepared to trust anyone associated with the place, including Trudi Delaney and her daughter.
So why, when he looks into their eyes, does he suddenly remember a woman who may have lost her life after a storm while saving his over a decade ago?
Now he could destroy hers.

Instinct warns Trudi Delaney the arrival of the contemptuous American architect at Kinsale Hall will change her life forever. Especially when she discovers he spends so much of his time in areas of Kinsale Hall off-limits to visitors.
Eleven years after escaping from her psychotic husband with a stranger, she’s still plagued by nightmares of events she can’t remember. Events such as, who fathered her beautiful daughter?
Now more than a decade later, she is confronted by another stranger. Will this one destroy everything she holds dear?

EXCERPT:
“Stop the car!” Rafe Hawk swung round to face the driver. “I recognise this road. You never said the commission to build those retirement units was at Kinsale Hall. You know damn well I swore never set foot in the place again, eleven years ago.”
Rage hazed his vision. “You knew I’d refuse the commission if you’d revealed the location, and because you withheld that vital information, Arthur, this contract is null and void.” He shot forward in his seat when Arthur tramped on the brakes.
His friend from their Uni days skewed round in his seat. “How long have we known each other?”
Startled by Arthur Clifton’s question, Rafe hesitated. “What’s the length of our friendship got to do with anything? Other than the fact you’re stretching it very thin, if you think I’ll set foot on Kinsale territory again.” He swung open the car door and leaped out, his fingers tunnelling through his windswept hair.
Brilliant blue skies overhead offered a large playground for the early summer sunshine, and the fluffy white clouds sailing by. He saw the high chimney-tops through the trees.
“Do you really think I’d bring you here without a very good reason?” Arthur remained in his seat, his hands on the steering wheel, watching Rafe pace up and down the soft verge beside the open-topped car.
"I can't think of a single reason good enough that justifies you resurrecting events that nearly cost me my life, and possibly cost the life on an unknown woman."

REVIEWS for Duty Calls


My Blog-hop Prize
To win a free pdf copy of my current novel, Duty Calls
Describe what or where in Norfolk you would like to visit and why.
Click "Follow" on this blog
Please also leave your email address (in case you are a winner!) 


TO ENJOY YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY TRIP
THIS TIME IN GREECE
VISIT Kristine Cheney's BLOG
AND LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
MORE FABULOUS PRIZES   
* * * * *

TOUR RULES:
1) HAVE FUN!!!
2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!
3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, May 16, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, May 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!
5) PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED. BUT REMEMBER: THE MORE YOU HOP, THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN. EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!
6) OH! AND DON'T FORGET!!" HAVE FUN!! :-)

Simple!! LOL

Remember ~ rule #5~
PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED. BUT REMEMBER: THE MORE YOU HOP, THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN. EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!


51 comments:

Sandra Cox said...

Great blog, Trudi:) Tell Sherry, I'm fascinated with the story line.
Sandra

Cate Masters said...

Congrats on your release! Sounds like a great story.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing what stonemasons can do with flint. Wonderful post, Sherry.
Gunnar

Theresa said...

I would love to see the churches! I love history and the mysteriousness of old churches is just too much fun. Thanks for the giveaway!

fadeintofantasy@live.com

JoAnne Kenrick said...

Lovely blog about Norwich! Can't say I ever visited, too far South for where ever I've lived in the UK -- but now I wish we had!

Kim Bowman Author said...

Awesome, Lady! Thanks:)

IandSsmom said...

I'd like to see Ethelberg Gate. It looks just beautiful!!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!
GFC Shannon Johnson
shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

rhonda said...

hi. I can`t say I have ever visited but would love to one day. I love to look at beautiful views of God`s country. I bet it is amazing! the book sounds great.
heltondexter@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I would visit any & all historical builings. I had a chance to visit London many years ago and couldn't get enough of the history!! I am a history addict! Thanks for sharing.
Kleah921(at)gmail(dot)com

dawnmomoffour said...

It's not really a particular place..just Norwich at all. I would love to check out the scenery. Like Canada, seems like a beautiful sight to see.
longlegs_browneyes@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

GFC follower

I'd like to visit all the medieval churches, they seem to beautiful and they scream ideas for books lol

leanne_gag[at]hotmail{DOT}com

merriedth said...

the cathedral is beauitful but so is holikam hall...i would love to visit both of these places...

velvetbear72@yahoo.com

Sherry Gloag said...

My first attempt to respond got kicked out into the ether, so hopefully this time, I'll have more success. ~~

Sandra :-)
On behalf of trudi and myself, LOL, thanks for coming by, and we're both delighted you like the sound of trudi's story.

Cate,
Thanks for coming by and your good wishes. isn't this an awesome blog-hop? :-)

Gunner,
The size of those xtone blocks in the cathedral are mind boggling when you realise how small the boats were they used to carry them across the English Channel.
Thanks for coming by. :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

JOAnne,
Norwich has managed, to a large extent, to avoid the planners' 'updating'. What they have done, they've managed to blend in quite well.
Thansk for coming by :-)

Kim,
Thanks to you and Kristine for providing this wonderful opportunity to participate in this blog-hop. I'm loving it.
Thanks for coming by. :-)

Sharron,
My last attempt to respond got gobbled up by the 'ether-monster' but I'll try to find the links to other pics I searched out for you, tomorrow as time here in the UK is marching towards lullaby-time :-)
Thanks for coming by.

Sherry Gloag said...

Nell,
Thanks for coming by. I'm delighted you enjoyed the post. :-)

Rhonda,
Norfolk is a beautiful county, with plenty of variety, so is a very popular holiday destination. Thanks for your visit. :-)

Kerry,
You'd have a ball in Norwich. My sister is a history buff and thought she'd gone to heaven when she joined a U3A trip there a few years ago.

Sherry Gloag said...

dawnmomoffour :-0
Like you, there are so many place I dream of visiting, and touring this blog-hop has simply lengthened my wish-list. All of the sound so enticing. :-)

Leanne,
You'd fill books aplenty if you visited all the churches in Norwich. There were 57 of them, and plenty of them still remain.
Thanks for popping in :-)

Theresa,
It's the glass when the sunshines through they has the hairs on the back of my neck prickling. I've watched modern-day artists work with glass, using all their modern tools, and Iget to wondering how the artists all those centuries ago managed to create such beauty. and then the wieght they had to lift to get the finished window into place.
Thanks for coming by :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

Merrideth,
Last month I blogged in more detail about Holkham as the inspiration for thebackground of Duty Calls and included several pics.
Here's the link if you are interested.
Thanks for coming by:-)
http://sherrygloagtheheartofromance.blogspot.com/2011/04/influencial-settings-in-duty-calls.html

AllureVanSanz said...

This looks so beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to visit through your pictures.

All my best,
Allure Van Sanz

Toni said...

I would want to visit as many castles or historical locations as possible. I love old buildings!

I'm a GFC - Toni Steiner

tsteinerid (gmail.com)

Stacey said...

Wow I'd love to visit the Holkham Hall it just looks gorgeous! I've never been out of Australia. Thanks for taking us through Norwich the pictures are beautiful. :)

Stacey
s_l_a_s_c69@hotmail.com

Sandy Nachlinger said...

I enjoyed the excerpt from Duty Calls, as well as the visit to Norwich. This tour around the world is so much fun!

BrittanyGale said...

I'm not too familiar with Norfolk but the Holkham Hall looks gorgeous.
I follow via GFC
quixoticdreamer

quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

June M. said...

I would love to see all the old buildings including the ones you pictured (Holkham Hall, the cathedrals, and Ethelbert's Gate). I love old buildings and the history related to them. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.

GFC follower: June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I love all the old historical buildings castles and catherdrals !! Old buildings and history is always interesting and it sounds like an ideal place to visit !! ;) Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway !! ;)

kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com

Tricia Schneider said...

I'd love to visit because its in England! I love the history, culture and landscape! Definitely on my list of places to see! Beautiful pics!

tricia(at)triciaschneider(dot)com

therese gilardi said...

sherry, you make me want to hop the next flight to merry olde england! great post. best, therese

Sharon said...

Wonderful post and your book sounds just as good! Will have to add to my growing TBR list.... =) I think the chuches an cemeteries.
Followed your blog sharonramos2(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks

Anonymous said...

I want to visit Norfolk due to its history!

shadowestr @ aol . com

Sherry Gloag said...

Allure Van Sanz,
Thanks you for coming by. I'm enjoying the visits to everyone's destination, and happy you enjoyed your visit here, too. Thanks for coming by :-)

Toni,
Have a gander at this site http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
There are some awe-inspiring places to visit.
Thanks for coming by :-)

Sassy, thanks for coming by, there are places and firends I'd love to visit in your country :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

Sandy, I'm chuffed you enjoyed the excerpt from Duty Calls.
Norwich is stuffed with history,and there's something to discover round almost every corner!
I have to ask what is GFC?
Thanks for coming by.

June, thanks for visiting. :-) I admit, Ethelbert Gate takes your breath away, especially when the light is in the right position.

Katrina, because Norfolk is off the main thoroughfare it has retained a lot of its idententity, but sadly the developers are catching up. Thanks for your visit. :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

Tricia, Because so many different people/cultures have invaded/taken over Britain down the ages, we have a huge variation of differing histories to discover around the country. Norfolk's is intriguing.
Thanks for your visit. :-)

Therese, It's a visit well worth making. There are so many places I'd like to visit on your side of the pond too. :-) Thanks for coming by.

Sharon, thank you for your kind words. I know what you mean about cemeteries, they can be very soothing as well as fascinating. :-)

Sherry Gloag said...

LOL shadowestr :-) It's a trip worth making. Enjoy yourself when you arrive! Thanks for coming by.

Michelle Bledsoe said...

I would like to visit everywhere. I don't get to travel. So when I every do I will be a glutton.

koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

IngaSilberg said...

I love the pictures. The architecture and building look beautiful! I've been not so far from there, but never inside the city. Looks like a very lovely place!

Thanks for the giveaway!
inga(dot)kupp(at)gmail(dot)com

inga from http://www.ingasilbergbooks.com/

Sherry Gloag said...

Michelle, like you I don't travel widely, so visiting so many places-through this wonderful blog-hop- has been terrific for me. Some places I'd heard of some not. I have enjoyed reading every blog posted in this hop.

Sherry Gloag said...

Inga, thank you for your kind words. Holkham is built from a 'golden' stone that 'illuminates' in the sunshine. Add all the space around it to the overall picture and it has a wonderful "please come back" atmosphere about it.

MichelleMB said...

I saw the picture of Holkham Hall, and immediately thought "I want to go there". I've always wanted to visit one of the large halls. And just to visit Norwich would be fantastic, very interested in Medieval English history.
mmbourassa(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sherry Gloag said...

You won't be disappointed. It's nothing like the inside of my Kinsale Hall in Duty Calls, but it is awesome.

Lisa Kumar said...

Great pics. I'd love to visit Holkham Hall. The history is sure to be fascinating.

lisankumar(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to visit the churches and maybe the beaches, hmm also the fens.

Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

Gale Minchew said...

I would have to say Holkham Hall! What a spectacular place...to roam through the rooms of this magnificent structure would be amazing!

~Gale

galeminchew (at) yahoo (dot) com

Unknown said...

The cathedral would be a must in my list, I just love to visit old places with so much history, you know? Gives you and idea of how was the life before internet and modern things. And churchs are always so peaceful...

Thanks for this amazing trip and your pics, I had a lovely time! Following you right away! Looking forward to reading your books.

sontrei2000@yahoo.com.br

Hugs from Switzerland^^

Alexandra

Sherry Gloag said...

Lisa, Thanks for coming by, Holkham Hall has an unusual air of serenity about it thats keeps drawing you back.

galeminchew, Thanks for your company on this world blog-hop. You are so right, HH is spectacular.

Sherry Gloag said...

Kryskat,
Holkham Hall has it's own church, it's lovely, and has a great view over the lake. :-)

Alexandra, Thanks for dropping in from Switserland. There used to be one church for every week of the year in Norwich. But theystill had even more pubs!! LOL

Unknown said...

Hi from the sunny Spain (and now I sound like one of those people in Eurovision...)
I would love to visit the cathedral as I love visiting monuments^^ And I don't think I've ever been there... I'll have to ask my mum, but right now she's asleep as it's two am.... thanks for the giveaway^^
melissasanchezdempsey@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Oh you are making me want to hop in the car and DRIVE! I want to travel to so many places. Thi is so much fun!

Thank you for the chance to win!

Your book looks AMAZING!!!

boo2bosh(at)gmail(dot)com

Sherry Gloag said...

Two a.m. Melissa? Wow, I hope you get some decent sleep, and thanks for visiting this blog hop. You're right, there have been some wonderful/magical destinations to enjooy.

Sherry Gloag said...

Mindy, I so agree with you. When I visited each stop on this blog, I just kept adding to my travelling wish-list :-)
Thanks for dropping by.

Sherry Gloag said...

THE WINNER IS:-

Michelle Bledsoe

Conratulations Michelle, a pdf copy of Duty Calls will be winging its way to you shortly.

And thank you to everyone who 'hopped' by this time. I hope you will join us again for our next blog hop.

Michelle Bledsoe said...

Thanks Sherry. I look forward to reading DUTY CALLS.I had a lot of fun on this blog hop.

Sherry Gloag said...

:-) Michelle. Duty Calls is on its way to you.