Rachel's Shoe

Guernsey released in USA

2011-12-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

A new volume has just been released in the USA that brings together Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway !

Guernsey - Rachel's Story is 434 pages and will also be available on Kindle very soon. The UK edition of the paperback will be published in 2012 but UK customers can still order it via Amazon for delivery here if they can't wait until next year! I hope you enjoy the complete story in one novel.

Kindle Sales Outstrip Paperbacks!

2011-07-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

In common with many other titles, sales of Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway on Kindle are now more than double those of traditional book versions. Even the Harry Potter books are due to be released on Kindle, with J K Rowling set to benefit from the upsurge in Kindle sales - justifiably so, in my opinion.

A potential movie of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society should boost sales of Rachel's Shoe and The Causeway further, as interest is re-kindled (if you'll forgive the pun!) in the occupation of the Channel Islands.

The industry is going through some seismic shifts but it's still great to be writing and enjoying the fact that everyday people somewhere are buying or borrowing my books and hopefully enjoying them!

The collaborative novel Passage to Redemption is also now available and I'm working on a very different story that should be published by the end of this year or early next.

Thank you again for your support in buying and recommending my books!
Pete

The Causeway is now Available!

2010-11-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

In both paperback and Kindle eBook formats, on both sides of the Atlantic, the sequel to Rachel's Shoe is finally available.

I very much hope you enjoy the story as it follows on from events at the shareholders' meeting in Munich, but soon returns to the Channel Islands. This time, there is more of the story set in the islands of Alderney, Sark, Jersey, and of course my namesake; Lihou, as well as Guernsey and Herm.

Without wanting to give too much away, there is an unexpected twist which I hope will surprise and delight you!

You can follow the links on this page to find the paperback or Kindle versions at both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Other outlets around the world will be stocking in due course.

The worldwide collaboration project also concluded with the release earlier this month on Kindle of Passage to Redemption. Although the UK side of Amazon is not ready yet, the paperback or Kindle version can be purchased from Amazon.com. These, and other Acclaimed Books titles, can be found at www.acclaimedbooks.com/best.

If you don't have a Kindle Reader, you can download some software to read Kindle books on your PC or Apple Mac. This should be on Amazon as well.

The next story now looms and I have already started working on it - watch this space for more details!

The sequel is now ready, just a few days to go!

2010-11-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

All the files are edited and ready for publication so the book will be available on Amazon in just a few days.

The Causeway really is a family affair. Not only is part of the story set on Lihou Island, but the editing was done by my wife; who now runs a small business, editing books professionally. Gill has done a fantastic job and I'm very grateful to her, especially as she didn't charge me; although I suspect I'll pay in kind!

To top it all, my son is studying Graphic Design in preparation for University and he provided the cover photograph and design. You can see Sam's work for yourself above - pretty good eh?

As for the story, I really hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

I will, of course, let you know as soon as it is actually available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk but as soon as it's listed, Amazon will be able to deliver. The other distribution channels around the world will follow shortly after.

I'm sixty this month so it's a great birthday treat to see the sequel to Rachel's Shoe finally released!

The Causeway nears release!

2010-10-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Several months after the release of Rachel's Shoe, the sequel has finally been written.

A novella, The Causeway takes an unexpected route from the conclusion in Rachel's Shoe but I won't spoil your enjoyment by saying any more about the story itself. Suffice to say it's set once more in the Channel Islands with more than a passing mention of the island that shares my name!

The first complete draft is now undergoing editing and the final product should be available during November from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Traditional book shops will also be able to order from the release date and a Kindle version will follow soon after the paperback release.

I very much hope you enjoy the follow up to my original story which, I'm pleased to say, has sold well and received positive feedback from all over the world.

The next project is now under way and promises to be quite a surprise for those of you who have enjoyed my books so far. It is a comedy with some rather unusual characters but again, I'll keep my powder dry about the story for now!

You can also follow me on Twitter if you wish, the address is http://twitter.com/#!/GuernseyPete and please feel free to drop me a line if you would like to know more about any of my projects or that all important release date!

That's about it for now

Pete

Now available on Kobo!

2010-09-09T02:04:00.000-07:00

Good news for fans of Kobo, the platform independent ebook seller. Rachel's Shoe is now available for download internationally at www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Rachels-Shoe .

The Causeway is progressing well and on target for release this autumn. The story is even taking me by surprise as it unfolds before me. I always work to a plan but sometimes the book takes a life of its own!

The writer's proof copy of Passage to Redemption will also be available imminently. As the authors are all around the world, we thought this would be a great way for them to carry out a final proof reading and the many fans of the project to get a limited circulation copy in advance of the main release. It will be on sale before the end of this month on Amazon.com.

Back to the keyboard now to find out what happens next in The Causeway!

Pete

Busy days!

2010-08-03T15:39:00.000-07:00


Thanks to launcestonparishwildlife.org.uk

July has been quite a month. Since my last post, we have sold our house in Guernsey and moved to the countryside in Cornwall, on the edge of Bodmin Moor.

Our house is in a very rural location just around the corner from the view on the left. Quite different from Guernsey but also close to the River Tamar where I plan to keep 'Sea Spray' and enjoy sailing on both the river and the sea beyond.

It was quite a decision to leave the ancestral home but lately we've found the tranquility of old Guernsey more and more elusive.

The end of July also saw my beautiful daughter's wedding! (You can see the photos on the following link). http://timlanglois.e-printphoto.co.uk/search/scu/p/u/151735/4/andy%20_%20natalie%20richards

With the excitement over, I'm now back at the keyboard working on the sequel!

Pete

Latest news on the sequel and progress on TV series

2010-06-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Guernsey is once again the main setting for the sequel to Rachel's Shoe although the other Channel Islands also get a look in! Without giving too much away, I can also reveal that my namesake 'Lihou Island' will feature in the story which takes it's name, The Causeway from the 'sometimes' island.

I'm currently working on Chapter 7 and making <p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=acclabooks-21&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;o=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;p=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;l=bpl&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;asins=1451548370&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;IS2=1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt1=_blank&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;m=amazon&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bc1=000000&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;f=ifr" style="padding-top: 5px; width: 131px; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" align="left" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>good progress now that I've given up the day job to focus on writing. The cover picture is still being worked on but should turn out quite similar to the image on the shown above. I had hoped to complete the sequel this summer and that may still be possible but I have a house move to deal with in the meantime so please bear with me, I will do my best!

This week script writer Ron Blicq is in Guernsey and we hope to finalise the first part of the TV screenplay for Rachel's Shoe before he returns to Canada. He has done a splendid job in bringing the characters to life in his interpretation of the novel.

Last week I was very pleased to meet two of my customers from Hungary, two from the USA and one from Scotland along with her husband. It is always a great pleasure to meet, share a coffee and converse with people who have enjoyed my novel and I would like to pass on my best wishes to them and say a big 'thank you' for looking me up.

Acclaimed Books Publishing has now taken over all the printing and distribution of Rachel's Shoe from Libros International (the former publisher) and will also publish The Causeway which will ensure the minimum delay once the manuscript is completed, in making it available through the usual outlets. Initially, this will be Amazon and by direct order from any book shop.

That's all for now, I'll keep you posted with the progress.
Pete

Change afoot in the Channel Islands!

2010-05-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was officially my last day in paid employment so now I can devote more time to finishing the sequel to Rachel's Shoe!

My plan is to release 'The Causeway' this summer through the new publishing imprint 'Acclaimed Books'. It will be available straight away internationally from Amazon and shorty after in Kindle version, although I have to say my paperback sales still out-sell the eBook version by a wide margin.

I will, of course, announce the release date here as soon as I can confirm it. So stay tuned!
Pete

Kindle version Available!

2010-03-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Latest News....

Amazon.com have now released the Kindle version of Rachel's Shoe which sells for just under $12! It can be downloaded from anywhere in the world at the following link;

Rachel's Shoe on Kindle

New Publisher!

2010-03-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Rachel's Shoe publishes on a brand new imprint!

The new publisher will not only provide extended distribution and availability across the world, but also a Kindle eBook version available by downloading from Amazon.com.

In addition, the sequel will be available earlier as it is already slated for publication as soon as it's completed.

This news coincides with the submission of Rachel's Shoe for the TV Book Club Summer Read list which should be broadcast on network TV in a few months time.

As ever, I'm grateful to those readers who have contacted me to say they've enjoyed reading my novel or written reviews on Amazon, they are greatly appreciated (even the one who didn't like it!).

Pete

Guernsey Sunshine!

2010-02-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Guernsey, which for February is a welcome change!

The challenge will be to get as much writing done as possible before the summer months when 'Sea Spray' will be back in the water and competing for my attention.

Three chapters of the sequel to Rachel's Shoe are now complete and the story is developing as I would wish. I'm very conscious of the need to provide a story which strongly appeals to those who enjoyed Rachel's Shoe but at the same time to move on and introduce new characters. I also hope to strike the right balance between excitement and character depth in the story.

Without wishing to give too much away, there will be an intersting personal touch as I use Lihou island for part of my setting. Not too many authors have an island of the same name to include in their stories!

If you wish to keep track of the progress to find an agent or publisher for our collaborative novel 'Passage to Redemption', a website has been started but is still 'under construction'. Nevertheless you can see some of the deatils at http://www.passagetoredemption.com/ and don't forget to call in to http://www.rachelsshoe.com/ every so often will you?

Bye for now

Pete

Happy New Year from Guernsey!

2010-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

2010 starts with a bang as the collaborative novel project concludes its creative phase and the sequel to Rachel's Shoe once more claims the lion's share of my writing time. I have been impatient to get back to the story and the many twists and turns I have in store.

However, there is still a great deal happening with the original as the award winning play writer Ron Blicq is working hard on the script at his home in Canada ready for submission as a TV serialisation. You can imagine, I'm sure, how I'm looking forward to reading the script.

I will, of course, keep you posted on the progress but in the meantime I thought you might like to know about one or two of the 'factional' threads in Rachel's Shoe. Did you know, for example, that the raid on the Casquets Lighthouse by British Commandos really did take place? Further, whilst authors often preface their story with a disclaimer about characters being fictional, Reiner was based upon a real person who worked in the kitchen of the Royal Hotel after the war and was believed to be ex-Gestapo.

Rachel's Shoe is full of accurate details but also includes a little artistic licence for the sake of the story - I'll leave you guessing what that might be!

Pete

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

It's now just a few days over one year since Rachel's Shoe was published and copies have gone out over the months to the far corners of the World (not that the World has corners!).

It's been highly rewarding to receive the positive feedback I have been given and this has encouraged me to work on the sequel as well as investigate a screen version of the novel. I hope to bring you news on both of those initiatives in the New Year.

So to everyone who has read my debut novel, a huge thank you and may I wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year!

Pete

Surprise in Somerset!

2009-10-09T03:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an interesting one for me.

Firstly, I was approached by the organisers of Guernsey's Liberation Day celebrations for next year, the 65th anniversary, and asked if I would be a guest speaker at one of the events as well as do a reading from Rachel's Shoe in the marquee on the Albert Pier in St Peter Port.

I was, of course, delighted to accept the invitation and honoured to be asked.

Later in the day, I received an email from an old friend (and formally a boss of mine!) who suggested I make a surprise telephone call to his wife last night. Intrigued?

The reason was that her book club, based in the beautiful English County of Somerset, were all gathered at his home to discuss Rachel's Shoe having read it over the previous weeks. They hadn't anticipated a call from the author during their discussions and I'm both pleased and relieved to say it was a pleasant surprise!

But it is I who should be grateful as it was lovely to catch up with old friends and especially rewarding to know how much the club enjoyed my book.

Needless to say, the question of a sequel came up and I was happy to confirm that plans are in place!

Pete

Rachel's Shoe - USA!

2009-10-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

It's now almost ten months since the release date of Rachel's Shoe. Amazing how the days go by!

The interest in Rachel's Shoe has been immense especially in the US and (of course) the local Channel Islands. Enquiries come in every day from all around the world and I've had the pleasure of posting hundreds of copies to many far away places - which is very satisfying.

Why so much interest ?

I guess an unknown author like me living on a small island in the English Channel would struggle to get noticed even if he possessed the literary skills of William Shakespeare! But fortunately the big guns of publishing were already telling the world about 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' and that has sparked international interest in the period and location of my 'little old' local story.

Appetite duly whetted and perhaps seeking a non-epistolary drama in the same period, Rachel's Shoe seems to have provided the perfect 'next read' for those many people who enjoyed the setting described by so eloquently by Mary Ann. But alas, despite the interest, it hasn't been easy to obtain a copy on Amazon since the release date.

Not until now, however! This weekend, my publishers are putting in place the arrangement to print and supply direct from Amazon.com. With 'in stock' availability the delivery lead time will be slashed along with postal charges for US customers.

Last week, the supply side through Amazon.co.uk was addressed so that UK, Channel Islands and worldwide customers could also buy for immediate delivery.

This blog is now also being posted directly onto my author's page on Amazon.com, but for those who have seen the earlier posts, the movie discussions about Rachel's Shoe have not yet been concluded but I will let you know if or as soon as there is news.

eBook, Audio book, Worldwide sales & more!

2009-09-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since my last post but plenty has been happening.

First of all, you may have noticed that an eBook version of Rachel's Shoe is now available for downloading. It's in PDF format which means although it can be read on almost anything, the file size is quite large at roughly 7 Megabytes.

In production at the moment is an Audio Book which will also be downloadable! Watch this space for news on when it will be available and details of the professional team behind it.

At long last, it has become possible to purchase Rachel's Shoe on Amazon for delivery anywhere in the world. This is currently through Amazon.co.uk but Amazon.com should follow soon which will mean more choice for customers and with lower postage costs, a little more profit for me!

On the subject of Amazon, would you like to help me promote Rachel's Shoe? Positive reviews on Amazon make a lot of difference to a book's success and are greatly appreciated but if you are tight for time, it also helps to just tick the 'Tags' on Amazon which tell other customers what Rachel's Shoe is about. The most relevant tags are 'Guernsey', 'Fiction' and 'Novel' but you can vote for any or all just by clicking on what is already there or add your own. Many thanks if you are able to help.

Last but not least, 'Passage to Redemption' to now nearing completion with just one more chapter to write. This is the collaborative novel I have been writing with twelve others who have never met each other and come from all around the world. Very soon we will be searching for a publisher and with that project completed, I can return to the long awaited sequel to Rachel's Shoe!

I wish you all well!
Pete

Rachel's Shoe interview on Channel TV

2009-06-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

The TV interview was screened tonight and a link is enclosed below so you can see it.

Channel Report at 6:00pm

I hope to get permission to include the clip here so it will be easier but in the meantime this link should stay live for a few weeks I believe.

Can you spot my 'deliberate' mistake!

Pete

All done and dusted!

2009-05-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from recording the TV interview at the 'Cup and Saucer' (Fort Grey) near the cottage where Rachel, Tom, David and Rebecca escaped early one morning in Flying Fish 2!

Included in the interview was a short reading which I took from the very beginning of Chapter One, not wishing to give too much away. Then I suspect I did just that in the interview!

I'm not sure when it will be broadcast, it could be tomorrow but also may be next week. Channel Television have said it's likely I will be able to add it to my site but I'm waiting for formal confirmation, if I can, I will try to add it this weekend or next.

Pete

Rain stopped play!

2009-05-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

Well the rainy weather yesterday, and probably for the rest of this week, has meant a reschedule for the Channel Tele interview. We are currently hoping for next week if it fails to improve later this week.

I'll keep you posted!

Pete

Channel Television Interview

2009-05-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning (12th May), Channel Television are filming both an interview and location shots from Rachel's Shoe. I will also be reading a passage from Rachel's Shoe, so deciding which one to read is a little tricky!

I don't know for sure what the edited version will contain or when it will go out, it might be tomorrow, it might be later but I believe I may be able to get a copy to post here. I'll certainly try!

This weekend we celebrated Liberation Day in Guernsey some 64 years after the Nazi's were finally evicted from our islands. It's a big deal here with flags and bunting everywhere and a carnival atmosphere on the piers in 'town'.

For me the most evocative experience of the day each year is the 9:00am air raid siren that can be heard across the island. The final 'all clear' never fails to bring a lump to my throat.

Pete

BBC Radio Guernsey

2009-03-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a lot going on recently with Newspaper and Magazine articles. Coming in a few weeks will be an 'in flight' magazine article for Blue Islands Airline - Blue Skies. Also a short feature on local TV.

If you would like to hear an interview I did today on Radio Guernsey today, below is the link. Apparantly BBC Radio 4 also gave a mention, but I missed that!

Radio Guernsey

The program is over an hour long so to get to my bit (and you may need BBC iPlayer or RealPlayer), start about 75% of the way through. It will be on for 5 days.

Pete

Rachel's Shoe - The Movie?

2009-03-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend an experienced play write from Canada has confirmed his interest in writing a Screen Play for a movie of Rachel's Shoe!

There is a lot of detail to be agreed and the publishers will need to be happy but it was facsinating to hear a professional view on how the film might come together. Some of my reviewers have also mentioned the potential for a film and I think the islands do lend themselves to becoming a splendid setting.

It isn't definate and may take a while but keep your eyes open at "a cinema near you" !

Actually, I might just mention it here :)

Pete

News of other projects

2009-02-26T01:46:00.000-08:00

Last night the final chapter plan was completed for the sequel to Rachel's Shoe! The follow-up novel promises more from the unique location of the Islands and I hope you will feel the sand between your toes and a glow in your heart as you read it. I don't wish to give too much away but will post occasionally on the progress here. It may be quite a while in coming though so I hope you will be patient with me!

In the meantime news of another project I've been involved in since last year. Whilst taking my main summer holidays, I decided to issue an invitation to writers around the world to take part in a collaborative novel project. Dozens of applications came in from people with a range of experience from novice to well published authors and literary professionals. A group of complete strangers of all ages with life experience from across our planet as far afield as Alaska to Australia, from Europe to the Far East and across the USA came forward to join in.

From over 50 applicants, a team of 20 was selected and the serious writing began in January this year after a few months of planning and preparation in 2008. We have just one year to complete our Novel!

The project is unique and the progress to date has been remarkable. There is little doubt the project process itself would make a fascinating read!

If you would like to keep track of this, please visit the writers' blog at the address below and register as a 'follower' - you can also subscribe to get notified when new posts are added.

http://thebooknews.blogspot.com/

Coming soon....

The press releases for Rachel's Shoe are due out in the coming weeks, I'll be adding them to the website when they are published.

That's all for now
Pete

Thank you!

2009-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

The stock situation now seems to be resolved so thank you for being so patient all of you who ordered from Amazon or AmazonClicks sites. Your books should finally be on the way to you. Not knowing the total number of orders, I'm hoping the initial stock will be sufficient to meet the demand. If not, replenishment should now take place within 5 days.

The quickest way to order is still through my www.RachelsShoe.com website.

Can I also please say a huge Thank You to those of you who have written the wonderful reviews on Amazon! These are really helpful in attracting new customers and giving them a good idea what kind of book Rachel's Shoe is. I even have one on the US Amazon although the book isn't showing as available on it yet!

So, many thanks - whether just a few warm words or a mini synopsis (!) all such comments are really welcome. They also give me a great feeling when I read them!

In a couple of weeks the media activity is due to commence with Newspaper, Magazine and local TV interviews. No doubt some radio as well. The reviews are great and I have interest in a possible film! I'll keep you posted on that!

Next time I will give an update on the sequel and the other big writing project I am involved in, the Worldwide Collaborative Novel.

That's all for now
Pete

HMS Victory found near the Casquetes!

2009-02-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

The forerunner of Nelson's Flagship sank off Alderney on 4th October 1744 with a loss of 1,100 lives.

After many years of searching the sea bed, most recently using advanced technologies, the wreck of Victory has now been found by a Florida based exploration company.

This important 175 ft naval warship is lying close to the Casquetes rock where our hero Tom fled from the Germans and the famous raid took place led by 'Apple'!

No sign yet of the 100,000 gold coins said to be on board when Victory was seperated from escorting vessels during a storm. Could this be what Tom was really doing there!

Amazon Message

2009-01-31T01:37:00.000-08:00

One of my ever patient customers told me today that Amazon had sent a notice saying they couldn't get hold of Rachel's Shoe so they canceled his order. This no doubt went out to many or all my other customers and I guess there may be similar issues with retailers who buy through big distributors like Gardners.

Of course, I am extremely disappointed especially as I understood they were supposed to receive stock any day now.

My initial stock has almost been depleted and I am ordering more so if any of you wish to purchase directly from my site you can do. Just go to the 'Contact' page on my Rachel's Shoe website for details - I will update this later today to make it easier to see.

This crazy situation happens at a time when several stores have now taken stocks, newspaper, magazine, TV & radio interviews are going out, and my customers have been wonderful with the feedback they have given me about Rachel's Shoe.

There is also supposed to be a UK National Newspaper 2 page article on the publishers this weekend in the Sunday People. However, there are no stocks in the online book stores for many of the titles including Rachel's Shoe.

I just hope I haven't lost too many customers for ever who have given up waiting.

So if you would like to buy direct, please go to my website www.RachelsShoe.com .

To close this on a more positive note, I'll leave you with a couple of quotes from satisfied customers!

"Just to update you. I love the book and look forward to anything you may write in the future. I am recommending your book to my friends.
A movie would be wonderful." Sylvia

"Well Peter, the book arrived Yesterday afternoon--January 12Th 2009.I got up early this morning to finish it. I had read half last evening but couldn't even eat breakfast until i finished it. I know I'm not really a book critic, but I loved it. It was filled with mystery, intrigue, a love affair and a war all set in a place I've never been I loved it. It was a wonderful story. Thank you Kate"

Keep the faith!
Pete

Amazon stock update

2009-01-23T04:58:00.000-08:00

The initial stock order for Amazon has finally been placed this week and should be with Amazon in a few days - hopefully the 26th but if not, soon thereafter.

February should be a busy month with a Newspaper, Magazine and Television interview already scheduled. Two hotels are stocking Rachel's Shoe, the Braye Beach Hotel in Alderney and the Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey. At least one more hotel is likely to take stock this summer.

Three local bookshops are taking stock and I am hoping to see copies on sale in Herm.

Interest in writing a screenplay has come from two independent sources and over the coming months we will be exploring this. As you can imagine, I would love to see a movie of the story!

Feedback from the customers who ordered last year directly from my website has come back and thankfully it has been very positive. As this is my first novel, it's especially reassuring to get this.

A sequel is already underway and I will keep you posted about the progress.

Also under way is a major collaborative writing project. This involves 18 people from around the world who have never met each other but are writing a novel together! For more go to www.AmazonClicks.com/portal and follow the link to the Blog.

Thanks to all of you who have purchased Rachel's Shoe directly from me or from the online shops.

Pete

Amazon orders

2009-01-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

Amazon have informed me they are due to receive their initial stock on 26th January so any online orders should be fulfilled shortly after that. Thanks for being so patient any of you who ordered via Amazon.

Pete

In Stock!

2008-12-30T06:45:00.000-08:00

Orders placed on this website

The parcel finally arrived this morning with my initial stock so all advance orders will be posted to you this week. Our local post office advice on how long it 'should' take to get to you is as follows;

UK - 3 days
Europe & USA - 1 week
Australia, New Zealand & rest of the world - 2 weeks

Please note these are only approximations as a lot will depend on the regional services at your end.

Each copy will be signed and will include a complimentary book mark.

Amazon & other online orders

As the initial print run has been completed these should be available soon although today they are still saying 'In stock soon'. Once they are showing as 'available', the turnaround on outstanding orders should be swift.

Thank you for your order and I hope you enjoy my debut Novel!

Pete

PS I will be posting other news on 'Rachel's Shoe' here so do keep visiting!

Purchase Here !

Stocks Arrive!

2008-12-19T03:38:00.000-08:00

The first stocks were dispatched today and should be with Amazon almost immediately. My own stocks will rely upon the logistics of getting a large parcel to Guernsey just before Christmas, but this is likely to be trouble free - our delivery services are very good.

I will turn around any orders for signed books as soon as these arrive.

Having said this, please don't rely upon receiving your copy in time to give it as a Christmas present, it is unlikely to get to you in time.

As you will want to read it yourself on these cold dark nights - no problem!

To order from Amazon please click here -> Amazon

Rachel's Shoe Available !

2008-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

Orders can now be placed on Amazon and stocks are being set up for distribution around the world 'by all good book stores'!

If they haven't got it in stock, they can get it!

The sequel is under way and without giving too much away, it will feature more danger as the story continues, in addition to beautiful local settings like the Gouliot Caves in Sark, more on Alderney and breathtaking scenes in most of the other islands.

It is a sequel though, so it is best to start with Rachel's Shoe.

Thanks for visiting!
Pete

Amazon listing

2008-12-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

Rachel's Shoe was officially published today (December 10th) and the full distribution and stocking arrangements are now under way.

The listing appeared on Amazon.co.uk yesterday without the cover image or their initial stocks but they are now taking advance orders and the full details are currently being loaded. It took less than a week for their listing which I think is pretty good considering the volumes they must deal with.

Full credit to my publishers 'Libros International' for their part in this.

Initial print runs are under way so all advance orders will be dispatched in the coming days. Thank you for your patience.

Whilst we wait for 'bricks and mortar' book stores to stock up, copies can be obtained from Rachel's Shoe at Amazon or if you would your copy personally signed, go to the 'Contact' page on the Rachel's Shoe website.

I hope you enjoy reading Rachel's Shoe and tell all your friends about it!

Pete

Publication Date - December 10th!

2008-12-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

The long wait is nearly over as my publishers have now given a publication date of December 10th.

I have asked what actually happens on that date and it appears that most things are already in motion so the lead time before Rachel's Shoe can be purchased online is already counting down.

As mentioned earlier, it can take up to a few weeks for all the distribution and outlets to be ready but we will start checking Amazon in around a week and I will post again here as soon as I see it available.

Had enough of waiting?

2008-11-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

I know I have! So I sympathise with you.

I have now been informed the Libros boss didn't in fact bring the first copy back with him so appears I have misinformed you. I am sorry, I only repeated what I had been told.

I hope you will understand that I am now extremely reluctant to 'guess' how long it is going to take. This is a new experience for me as I am used to working to deadlines so I feel a bit 'wrong footed'. I will know better next time!

It will come out eventually I'm sure.

You have been so patient but if you have had enough and would like a full refund, please just drop me a note and I will arrange this.

Pete

No problems - what is the delay!

2008-11-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

I wish I could tell you, my publisher has got the first book. They said it would take a couple of days before the first batch was despatched, I'm still waiting. No doubt they have their reasons for the delay but all I have been told (2 days ago) was that it would be "very, very soon"!

I'll keep you posted.
Pete

First copy printed - the rest on the way!

2008-11-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Given the change of printers, the Libros (my publishers)boss collected the first copy personally from the UK printers and flew back to Spain with it to check it was up to scratch.

The first proper run should now take place early next week and within a fortnight I should be posting copies to those of you who placed advanced orders. It may take a few weeks for the listing to appear on Amazon etc. but I will keep you posted.

Thanks for your patience!
Pete

This week!

2008-11-10T06:04:00.001-08:00

After months of waiting Rachel's Shoe is due for release this week!

Copies will go to the distributors with some going straight out to the online retailers Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc..

Initially these guys only buy a small quantity of newly published books then immediately re-stock so if you see an 'out of stock' message don't worry replenishments will be happening quite quickly in the background.

If you purchase from www.AmazonClicks.com you will get the same price and delivery as any Amazon store but ...and here's the important bit ... I get a little extra commission! Go on, you wouldn't begrudge me that would you? :)

For those of you kind enough (and patient enough) to place advance orders, your copies should be despatched to me this week from the printers. I will sign them and post them straight out to you with a complimentary book mark.

A big thank you for waiting!

Pete

Aaargh!

2008-10-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

The proof had one tiny error which means more delay - I'm sorry. I have tried to find out how long but as the printers are involved it's a bit unpredictable.

Libros have to correct the error (less than an hour), uplift the proof again to the printers (also less than an hour) and wait for a new proof to be printed. This last bit can take a few days and it then needs to be sent back to Libros for checking again. My guess is we are looking at one to two weeks delay. I will keep you posted as soon as I have more information. Thanks for being so patient - it will be worth the wait !

Pete

Final proof being checked!

2008-10-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

Carol is back now and started checking the proof today. If there are no problems Rachel's Shoe should be available in around a week. Thanks for your patience - especially those of you who have placed advanced orders - not long now!

Pete

Rachel's Shoe Blog

2008-10-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

On the left is the cover for Rachel's Shoe - now complete thanks to the design skills of Kelly Walsh at Libros International!

We are finally in the last stage of production as Rachel's Shoe has been 'uploaded' to the printers. They will now produce a full proof of the whole book and Libros senior editor Carol Cole will check this when she returns from vacation on the 16th of October. Hopefully all will be OK, in which case a few days later the first print run can be done and it will appear for sale on Amazon.

If you have placed an advanced order, your copy will be in the first print run and posted to me shortly after. So around the end of this month I will be signing and posting your copies out to you. Many thanks for your patience with the publishing process.

In the worst case, if the proof is not correct we may need to wait a little longer whilst it is corrected and a proof printed again. Let's hope that doesn't happen and copies are available in a few weeks (I seem to have been saying that for ages!).

If you haven't placed an advance order but would like to, you can do this on the www.rachelsshoe.com website on the 'Contact' page.

Looking for another book around the same era? Why not buy 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' from Amazon at the same time as 'Rachel's Shoe'? It is quite different in style but an excellent book if you are interested in the German Occupation of the Channel Islands, in particular Guernsey.

I will post the latest news here, thanks for your interest!

Pete

Peter Lihou
Author, Rachel's Shoe
peter@rachelsshoe.com