Karen Aldous: Author of The Vineyard - A Contemporary Romance Novel. » Uncategorized

Authors at The Grand – Book signing event in Folkestone

Karen — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 21:53:23 +0000

Authors at The Grand

#AuthorsAtTheGrand

25th Oct – 7pm

Meet the Authors:

Karen Aldous, Kerry Barnes, Tony Barnes, Tony Basset, Michelle Birkby, Roger Nolan, Lizzie Chantree, Elaine Everest, Elaine Roberts, Lindsay Fairgrieve, Jean Fullerton, Katie Ginger, Colette Kebell, Natalie Kleinman, Joy M Lilley, Sue Moorcroft, Emma Pullar, Sarah Stephenson, Greta Sykes, Denis Pepper, Philip Hadland and DA Kent – Joint Authors

The Grand front (Photo courtesy of The Grand)

Apart from meeting 25 fabulous authors at The Grand and the opportunity to WIN 25 BOOKS – what else can you see and do in Folkestone?

As a frequent visitor to Folkestone and Hythe for many years staying with friends who live in the area, I’ve had the privilege of getting out and about and exploring this amazing coastal resort first-hand and still enjoy this pleasure immensely. One reason in particular is that access has improved enormously. For example, from London St. Pancras the journey time is just 53 minutes. From Ebbsfleet International which is closer for me, it’s just 36 minutes, and Ashford International, only 15 minutes. Travelling by car may not be as quick but is also easy as Folkestone is only a few minutes from the M20 making it just an hour and forty-five-minute drive from central London. And naturally, should you need somewhere to stay, The Grand is a beautiful aparthotel on The Leas of Folkestone which overlooks the vast English Channel, walkable from either Folkestone Central or Folkestone West as The Grand is in a striking position on The Leas. Parking is also easy and it’s a great spot from which to start exploring.

A graceful majestic character, The Grand dates back to 1899 when it was completed by builder Daniel Baker and opened not only to the public, but to British royalty. King Edward VII was a frequent visitor and who, by his regal presence, enticed many people to the Leas and The Grand and its elegant dining rooms and iconic Palm Court. It was the place to see and be seen and remains a hub of activities. Keppels wine bar and award-winning bistro continues with period functions offering jazz nights and vintage dances. The Grand’s amazing history and versatility will astound you. It’s a wonderful place to stay as well as an icon of the Folkestone skyline. Photo provided by The Grand.
The Leas (The Grand) last Century black and White
Situated high on The Leas just in front of the Grand is a great spot for whiling away the hours by the bandstand imagining long gone eras and bands playing those nostalgic tunes whilst enjoying the superb views across the English Channel and on finer days, a glimpse of the French coast. It’s like travelling back in time. But before you get too comfortable take a stroll along the esplanade along the cliff and gardens feeling the soft breeze on your skin whilst contemplating your evening entertainment at the Leas Cliff Hall, a nearby entertainment venue advisable to book in advance. Acts are varied, whether touring bands, comedians, musicals or theatre productions, there’s something for every taste.
From the Leas, the zig-zag path leads to the lower promenade and a stretch of a beautiful sandy beach. It’s useful to know all this is achievable by bicycle too. In fact, it’s possible to cycle most of the coast on the wide, flat esplanades. You have the luxury to choose to walk or cycle down the zig-zag path to the beach and Mermaid Cafe through the lower coastal park. This takes you via a grass amphitheatre and adventure play area, where many free activities take place in summer before heading for the beach. Explore further too walking along the lower promenade towards Sandgate or the bustling harbour central Folkestone.
Folkestone Warren

Folkestone toward harbour
After that delightful stroll or ride taking in the beach and sea air, your appetite will soon be grumbling so will appreciate what’s in store. The harbour area and Harbour Arm have recently become a highlight of any visit to Folkestone due to fine dining options around the harbour and the numerous pop-up bars, music and restaurants on the harbour arm. You’ll hear the buzz feel the vibrancy as you approach, especially at the weekends. Breweries and bakeries fight with Champagne and cocktail bars, tasty plant-based cuisine complete with Greek delights, Indian street food, hog roasts and a whole host of artisan treats, not to mention fluffy pancakes. It’s an experience you’ll not want to miss before heading for the Creative Quarter and art galleries of the High Street.
If its wet and blowy however and you’d rather find shelter, head back up again to the Leas and The Grand for their traditional ‘Afternoon Tea’ at their Salon de The via the Leas lift. A funicular railway which is around 135 years old, Grade II listed, and one of the oldest water lifts in the country but it will carry you up and back to another time – towards the Grand or another option is the Folkestone Museum exploring even more of the town’s people and history. In the Town Hall, Guildhall Street, explore ancient, military, maritime and natural artefacts as well as fashion and social. Adults as well as small adults will enjoy the displays and interactive activities this little gem offers. If it’s more of the military history that appeals, you’ll need to travel to RAF Hawkinge, a bus from the harbour every 30 mins or a 10 minute car journey north, to visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. A must see. Owned by a devoted enthusiast and helped by equally enthused volunteers, it claims to be the largest private museum dedicated to the heroes of 1940.
author even prize drawer poster
So, I hope you’ve been tempted to make a weekend trip to Folkestone on Friday 25^th Oct beginning with the #AuthorsAtTheGrand event at The Grand meeting many authors who are on standby to say hello, have a chat about their books, their genre, sign books you can purchase from them on the night at discounted prices and of course, meet other readers and discuss books with them too. Like the other authors, I hope to see you there.
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Five Ladies Go Skiing

Karen — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:27:35 +0000

My latest novel is now out there but I’m not sure how my lovely loyal readers will receive it! You see, I’ve gone off piste with this one. Excuse the pun. But rather than the story focusing on a young romance, my main character is older. In fact all five characters are older women. They are a group of friends who have been close for years, and although romance is still at its heart, I wanted to celebrate the other side of that happy ever after; the issues of later life, after the children have flown the nest and when two people return to being a couple. There’s much I haven’t covered, like coping with aging parents, but I’ve tried to explore an array of issues modern women encounter, particularly the fact that they can still be fit and healthy and unlike their mothers and grandmothers, less accepting of their lot. The main focus of the novel therefore is how crucial their friends become in later life to enrich their lives and add love and support. It’s an uplifting read.

La Tzoumaz

Inspired not only by my love of the snow-covered Alps and skiing but of course my beautiful, loving friends. Like I said, all my novels so far have evolved around romance and family dynamics so I thought it was time to experiment with some of the other relationships that are a major part of our lives – friendships. Naturally, I’ve steered away from divulging anything about my real friends’ personal lives, but I’m sure they will recognise snippets of themselves on the ski-slopes and the après ski scene we’ve enjoyed. We’ve had so much fun over the years on and off the piste!

Five Ladies Go Skiing

None of us started skiing from an early age, but we’ve had a wonderful time learning as adults and found its something all our children have taken to and created some of the best family holidays as well friends. Pushing ourselves to learn a new skill has been one of the most challenging, but also one of the best experiences. I can’t pretend it wasn’t hard work and it helps to get your fitness up before you go, but along the way, there are so many things you learn about each other as friends too. In one of my friends, one that had been skiing a few years more, I found a new realm of faith and trust. Just one example is when she offered me her time and patience when I was gaining confidence not only as a first-time skier, but, since - safely taking me and showing me around some of the most challenging slopes in Europe and of course, some of the most amazing mountain restaurants and après ski Europe has to offer.

Her generosity and skill took my own skiing to level to do the something similar for others including our other friends and wider family. And I can say, hand on heart, skiing has enriched my life so much, that even now at a ripe age of 21 and a bit (ha ha) I still love and enjoy skiing with my children and small grandchildren, who even at the age of five, whizz ahead of me! One of the many joys of being an older woman is being a gran.

So this story in particular may appeal to older readers who can identify with the characters more. It’s a risk for me as an author with a younger, wider readership, but I believe friends are a subject worth celebrating and I hope it’s still a fun read for any age.

Five Ladies Go Skiing

In ebook and paperback

Five ladies, one unforgettable trip…

Escape to gorgeous Switzerland this winter with the brand new, uplifting read from Karen Aldous.

When Ginny Watts’ husband passes away, she is left grief-stricken, not only over her husband’s death but the secrets he has left behind…

Luckily for Ginny, she has four wonderful friends – Lou, Cathy, Angie and Kim – poised to whisk her away on a ladies’ skiing holiday to beautiful La Tzoumaz, Switzerland.

While all of them appear to have their lives together from the outside, little do the ladies know that every single one of them is fighting a secret battle.

As the trip unfolds, they realise that fears of tumbling down the slopes after too much après-ski fun is the least of their worries and all is not what it seems…

A novel of love, loss and friendship, perfect for fans of Jules Wake, Erica James and Cathy Kelly.

Available in ebook 5th Nov 2018 – Paperback 13th Dec 2018: