Sunday 22 October 2017

"Adventures in India" - A Review - "Pure Brilliance"

Cheers Robert!

 .0 out of 5 starsPure Brilliance
on 21 October 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Well researched, evocative story that takes the reader to another time and place through the skilled penmanship of the author. Clever plot and delightful characters...definitely an author to watch.

Robert Southworth author of the Spartacus Chronicles and Ripper Legacies.

Click here to purchase your own copy of "Charlie Smithers: Adventures in India."



"Interim - A Review - "A Riveting Read From Start to Finish!"

Thank you HC,UK!


on 19 October 2017
This is the second book in the Josiah Stubb series and in my opinion is even better than the first. C W Lovatt writes with such attention to historical detail and with an empathy and affection for his characters that it is a joy to read. Full of excitement, and building up momentum as it goes along, I did not want to put the book down on many occasions. He cleverly weaved threads from the first novel into the second and at times I'd nod to myself smiling whilst thinking "Oh now that is a clever touch". The book gathers pace so quickly, especially towards the end, that the chapters themselves become shorter as if to build up the suspense and excitement as he tells the story from the minds of the different characters as the fighting and story unfolds (and in the first person too, which is a stroke of literary genius.) I love how we see Josiah's achievements , but how he still doubts himself. I do not want to go into too much detail as it will give the story away (especially for those that have read the first book and want to find out for themselves) but to say I'm looking forward to the third book is an understatement.. Bravo Mr Lovatt. and thank you.

Click here to purchase your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



Saturday 14 October 2017

"The Adventures of Charlie Smithers - A Review - "A Brilliant and Sensitive Write"

Thank you very much, Mrs J. My debut nove, "The adventures of Charlie Smithers," continues to be one of my most best selling books....

 out of 5 starsA Brilliant and Sensitive write
on 8 October 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I started reading this book. I was quite impressed that an American author could so accurately write as if he were a ‘terribly English’ servant of an aristocrat, whose aim in life had always been to serve and protect his master. It reminded me of ‘Jeeves and Wooster’, for Charlie is obviously far more intelligent and resourceful than his master but still served him diligently. That is, until he finds himself in a situation in Africa that completely removes him from his master. Now, he discovers there is more to life than being a servant. He finds love and learns about the precarious life of the Maasi and other African tribes.

Although essentially a story about discovery of other cultures and the joy of love, the author skilfully displays the horrors of the slave trade. This is a story that will make you giggle but will also pull your heart strings and make you ache for all those unknown people who suffered so much.

A brilliantly written and sensitive write from an author who has researched thoroughly but can also touch the heart with his portrayal of a man who has never known such a woman existed and couldn’t help but become devoted to her.

 

 

Click here to purchase your own copy of my debut novel,"The Adventures of Charlie Smithers."



Wednesday 13 September 2017

An Editorial Review for "Downunder," by Diana Milne of The Review...

I'm so pleased that I'm even going to include the introduction that Diana wrote on her facebook page:

"A review of one of the most exciting books I have read this millennium, written by that master story teller, CW Lovatt.
Even the font used for the words CHARLIE SMITHERS is contemporaneous with the narrative. A clever and unusual touch!"

I couldn't agree with her more about the font, by the way; as well as being a talented writer in her own right, Poppet is an amazing cover designer.

Click here for the link, or just read on...

  Charlie Smithers, or should I say C W Lovatt? has done it again, bringing us the best adventure yet in the series about this remarkable and lovable character. Following a raid by pirates and a serious wound from the ever helpful, but sadly unskilled marksman, Lord Brampton, Smithers finds himself washed up and stranded in a place that he later knows to be Australia. The story follows his rescue and travels with a foul mouthed and enigmatic woman, who he comes to respect and love, and is held together by a tune that haunts him throughout the narrative.

Written in a friendly first person, the book grabs hold of its readers and lures them from page to page, tugging at the edges of the consciousness whilst one is not reading, urging one to go back. Lovatt’s skilled narrative and exceptional story telling ensure that no reader gets away without this book becoming a part of themselves. It is, to me, a mark of true genius, when a character becomes so important that the reader becomes slightly infatuated with them, and this is true of Charlie. I cared, and cared deeply, what happened to him.

The amount of research that the author has accomplished to ensure every facet of this story is accurate is phenomenal, ranging from the flora and fauna of the Antipodes, through Waler horses, to folk history, Aboriginal people and traditions and that most elusive of Australian native phenomenon, ‘Dream Time’.

Smithers is his usual very British, stiff upper lip self, where fair play rules, right is right and wrong is everything else. His sense of indignity when confronted by someone who did not play by the unwritten British rule book, is so funny, and yet not too out of the ordinary for a certain type of Englishman – (think Jacob Rees-Mogg or Boris Johnson!) :



“Well, something had to be done, and no error. This was really too bad, but there was nothing else for it. My defiant glare transformed into an indignant frown. 



Gasping, I managed to wheeze, “Hold on,” spluttering out a mouthful of the ocean, “this ain’t cricket!” 

When this failed to stop him, or indeed, slow him down one iota, my indignation became quite severe, let me tell you, and I declared, “You, sir, are not a gentleman!” 

No doubt your surprise is as great as mine, upon finding that this also produced no effect, and I could see that things were looking pretty grim. 

“But dammit, you’re British!” I cried. 
Then, with a final gasp, I took what little air that I could swallow into my poor starving lungs, and sank beneath the waves. I could hear his enraged fists pummelling the spot ...” 

In this adventure, Smithers, whether as a result of a greater maturity or as a result of a severe bang on the head, begins to experience the gift of ‘sight’, inherited from his mother, which has been touched on in previous works, but never thoroughly examined. In this place, where real time and dream time go hand in hand, he finds a perfect avenue to get to know this other side of his psyche and a lot of the book is about the metaphysical, within the context of Charlie’s own exploration and experience of the theme. This is a brave undertaking for any author and CW Lovatt accomplishes this with exceptional understanding and tact and manages to explain paranormal events in a way that the lay person can understand and which would also be recognisable to a practitioner.

Dream Time is an anomaly in the space time continuum that is experienced by Aboriginal people and it is a subject that I have tried to understand in greater depth since the 1970s. Although this quote comes from the previous book in the series, it more than sums up Charlie’s tentative grasping at the subject: "There was more to our existence than met the eye. Whether it was through some sort of deity, or something else, there was a force at work beyond our capabilities of reckoning, and it defied reason."

This book stretches Charlie as a character and stretches the CW Lovatt as an author, to new levels of greatness and storytelling, weaving a magic spell around Smithers and Mattie as they dance to their music of time, that maybe, just maybe, only they can hear. Charlie probably will never get better from the loss of his wife Loiyan, but he has become better at it and is now able to confidently move on and face his life in all its dimensions. 

With his exceptional use of words, Lovatt paints pictures of the mysterious and beautiful land that is Australia, getting under the skin of the country to its very soul and carrying the reader along in his wake.

And in an after word, the author posits a possible explanation for the lilting music that Charlie hears throughout the adventure tying the story together very cleverly, combining fact, folklore and fiction, a skill at which Lovatt excels.

And did Charlie learn to forgive? Read the book and find out! You won’t be disappointed.

Click here to purchase your own copy of "Charlie Smithers: Adventures Downunder."



Saturday 26 August 2017

"Adventures in India" - A Review - "Superb..."

Thank you HC,UK!


on 19 August 2017
Format: Paperback
What a brilliant second book in the Charlie Smithers series this is! Full of humour, charm, heroism, determination, courage, danger, cruelty, sadness, historical detail and shenanigans galore, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. At times this story was incredibly moving, and at others I found myself laughing out loud. I loved reading about the 'special tea' made by the beautiful Madam Pirali and the effects it had on the normally bombastic Lord Brampton! Absolutely hilarious ! Charlie Smithers is such a lovable and believable fellow. He is honourable and has a sense of fair play and common decency and he will always speak his mind, even if it gets him into trouble. The characters Mr Lovatt describes are all so easy to picture and his descriptions are so detailed I feel I'm actually watching a movie, it is so vivid in my mind. Thank you for this wonderfully written tale. I'm now reading about the wonderful Charlie Smithers' adventures in Oz......Please let there one day be a book Four Mr Lovatt.

Click here to purchase your own copy of "Charlie Smithers: Adventures in India."



Saturday 5 August 2017

Josiah Stubb

The Siege of Louisbourg: "... To me, that is the difference between a really good book you re-read when you’re in the mood and a fantastic book that impacts your life, forever.
Josiah Stubb is a fantastic book." ~ Katie Kofemug
http://mybook.to/josiahstubbl


Interim: "I consider this to be C W Lovatt’s finest full length work yet..." ~ d.arcadian
myBook.to/josiahstubb2


Sunday 23 July 2017

"Interim" Soon Available in Paperback

Don't forget, "Interim" will be available in paperback by the end of the week. Until then it's available only as an e-book, but the paperback can be pre-ordered now...

http://myBook.to/josiahstubb2


Friday 30 June 2017

"Josiah Stubb: Interim" - A Review

Alec Hawkes comes up with an outstanding review for my latest release, as he has done for all my books.


Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is yet another top quality offering from Mr. Lovatt. This story is enthralling, gripping, exciting and many other things, all of which are good. The thing with Lovatt is that his writing is so descriptive, never shirking an issue or skirting around it; never lazy and too brief. Something he always manages, with considerable aplomb, is to never leave out those who were mentioned earlier in the saga - in either a small or large way. The little details are so important, even vital, to the flow, enjoyment, and accuracy of a good book. This, methinks, Lovatt is an expert at. He has, I'm sure, spent many a year honing his technique. We are now seeing and reading the results of many years of hard work; bravo sir! Well done indeed. To the story itself. I never want to give away much of the plot; I'm quite sure others will, but I would just like to mention a couple of quite brilliant exchanges that had me smiling, nodding approval, and appreciating fully what a brilliant writer this man is. Firstly an exchange between the newly upgraded Lieutenant Stubb and Private Carstair. The 51st were retreating from a rejuvenated force of native Indians and French led by the cunning old fox La Lande. Stubb, despite being only a Lieutenant, was in total command of the entire company, the bastard rapist Captain Hume having met an ugly though thoroughly deserved grisly demise, and was struggling to come to grips with the entire situation. Unaccustomed, as he was, to being the one who didn't merely follow orders, but had the unenviable task of hatching a good plan and issuing his own orders, many things were forming doubts in his mind. Was he really officer material? Would the men who he had fought with, ate with, struggled with, laughed with and been good friends with now follow him, without complaint or hesitation? Would he be judged by fellow officers who were not his fellows at all? Would they say he was well above his station and way out of his depth? As well as so many nagging self doubts he knew that he WAS in command; he was there, and no other was by his side. The lives of his men, his mates; these were almost entirely dependant on Stubb making the correct decision at the right moment. Racked as he was with so much self doubt, unanswerable questions and memories both good and bad, he happened upon Private Carstair. He was a young soldier, and had something of the frightened rabbit about him. Having said that, his commanding officer was only young himself, though Stubb had been much hardened by his experiences in life. The foremost doubt that the Lieutenant could not dispel from his mind was the one about whether the men would follow him, carry out his orders without question, hesitation or complaint. What followed was a quite superbly written exchange between the young soldiers, culminating in Carstair's "the lads will do anything for you, follow you anywhere, sir." Stubb was rather shocked, surprised, but in a very pleasant way and in a way that would straighten his broad shoulders, pump his chest and fill him with pride. These were good lads in the 51st, as was their newly upgraded officer. Stubb was so emboldened by this that he brushed all doubt aside and was able to lead his men with renewed vigour, ultimately very successfully. Poor Carstair met his own grisly end, but such is war. Another brilliantly written exchanged occurred between La Lande and Stubb, at the point when Stubb nearly had his man, only for the slippery old fox to outwit him and slope off into the darkness of the forest. There are many more though, many graphic descriptions of scenes that are so well described as to be very real, almost as if the whole thing is on film in front of you. As ever with Lovatt, the characters are many and varied and all so utterly believable. I loved this story from start to finish and eagerly await the next instalment. Brilliant writing from the master!


Click here to purchase your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: Interim."


Saturday 10 June 2017

"Josiah Stubb: Interim" - A Review - "I Cannot Praise This Book Highly Enough"

Cheers Terry!

 0 out of 5 starsI cannot praise this book highly enough. By Terry on 9 Jun. 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I've just finished this book and I can honestly say I loved every page. It was one of those books where you are torn between wanting to know the ending and not wanting it to finish. I have read all of C W Lovatt's books and enjoyed them all but this is the best so far. The author seems to be getting better with age, like a fine wine. I really cannot wait for the next installment. If you like historical novels or just a great drama this if unmissable. I think someone needs to pick this series up as a film. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

Click here to purchase your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



Sunday 4 June 2017

"Interim" - A Review - "Great Read..."

"This is the second in the Josiah Stubb series and is probably even better than the first. Great read, a real page turner and the pace never lets up." ~ Andrew J Nicholas

myBook.to/josiahstubb2




Saturday 3 June 2017

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Interim - In the Top Ten!

"Interim," the second book of the Josiah Stubb trilogy, has been enjoying some success lately in the UK, for three consecutive days placing in the top 100 in all its categories as well as in the top 10 in Native American Literature.



Click here to purchase your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



Monday 24 April 2017

"Josiah Stubb: Interim" Enjoying a Good Day in the UK

It's been a good morning in the UK for my latest release, "Josiah Stubb: Interim," the sequel to "The Siege of Louisbourg," coming in the top 100 in all three of its categories - Just ahead of Mark Twain in one, and just behind Bernard Cornwell in another, and squeaking under the line in the 'United States' category, which is worth a bit of a giggle, as I keep trying to tell Amazon that Josiah Stubb has very little to do with the US. Not that I'm complaining, but really, it's like arguing with a wall.

#5 in Kindle Store > Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > United States > Native American 
#45 in Kindle Store > Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > French  
#97 in Kindle Store > Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > United States




  • Saturday 15 April 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" - A Review by...'The Review'!

    Continuing with a week of promotion for "Josiah Stubb: Interim," click here to read The Review's Rob Bayliss' thoughts on the book.

    Click here to purchase "Josiah Stubb: Interim."


    Interviewed by the Charming Diana Milne

    In keeping with a week of promotion for my latest release, "Josiah Stubb: Interim," comes what I consider a special feather in my cap - being interviewed on Diana Talks with the always charming Diana Milne of The Review.

    Click here to read the interview in its entirety. 

     




    Friday 14 April 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" - Now Released!

    "Interim," the second book of the Josiah Stubb trilogy, is now released. Not only that, it has its first review! Thanks very much, Monique.


    5.0 out of 5 stars I Found Josiah Stubb Very Endearing April 14 2017
    By Monique Lomino - Published on Amazon.com
    Josiah Stubb is a character that I found very endearing. He's far from perfect,as a matter of fact,most would not have succeeded in bettering themselves after having lived through his horrendous upbringing. This story picks up where "The Siege of Louisbourg" left off.
    Reading this book,I felt as if I was living the story along with the characters. On many occasions I found myself holding my breath while my heart beat erratically. You are transported to 1758 Canada,where the English are at war with the French,the English trying to take over Canada . Not only was reading this book exciting,it gives you a history lesson,one that I was fascinated to learn. The first book in the series is a spectacular read,so it is of no surprise that this carries on the tradition. C W Lovatt puts enough information about the first book into this one ,to allow you to understand the backstory if you choose to read it out of sequence.This tale is so very fascinating,with colorful characters,witty dialogue and the very best historical storyline I've read in ages.
    This is an outstanding book and I highly recommend it,and for those of you who haven't read the first book,I beseech you to read Josiah's first book " The Siege of Louisbourg".

    Click here to purchase "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



    Thursday 13 April 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" - Released Tomorrow

    The sequel, "Josiah Stubb: Interim," will be released tomorrow, April 14. "The siege of Louisbourg is over, but the war has just begun..."

    Click here to purchase or pre-order "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



    Tuesday 11 April 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" - A Week At 'The Review'


    With the release date for "Interim" drawing nearer (April 14), Diana Milne is seriously spoiling me over at The Review, with a week's worth of posts, starting with the re-posting of Rob Bayliss's excellent review of the first book of the trilogy, "The Siege of Louisbourg." Heartfelt thanks go out to Diana and the wonderful people at The Review for their help in getting the word out.

    1 hr ·
    Celebrating the release of the second book in C W Lovatt's outstanding Josiah Stubb trilogy on 14th April!
    Congratulation Mr Lovatt!!
    So that the readers can get the feel for the series and the characters, here is Rob Bayliss's excellent review of the first book.

    To read Rob's review of "Josiah Stubb: The Siege of Louisbourg," click here! 



     To pre-order "Josiah Stubb: Interim," click here.


     

     


    Saturday 8 April 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" Coming Soon!!

    Only six more sleeps to release date (squeeee!)

    Now available for pre-order. Release date April 14.

    Book 2 in the Josiah Stubb series.

    September, 1758: the fortress of Louisbourg lies beaten into the mud on the Cape Breton shore. To consolidate their victory, the British are mopping up pockets of resistance along The Gulf of Saint Lawrence. However, although gravely wounded, New France still has teeth, personified by a ruthless officer who will stop at nothing to prevent the hated anglais from advancing another step.

    To oppose him is the young, but untried, lieutenant, Josiah Stubb, born in the gutter and raised into the hostile environs of the officers’ mess by none other than General Wolfe himself. Deep in the forests of the Gaspé Peninsula, pitted against a fierce enemy who asks for, and gives no, quarter, Josiah is riven with doubts about his own abilities as an officer, with the lives of himself, and the men he commands, hanging in the balance.

    Click here to pre-order your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: Interim."



    Sunday 2 April 2017

    "Charlie Smithers: Adventures in India" - A Review - "A Great Followup..."

    With another book coming out in a few short weeks, my focus always tends to be on that one, like a child that has grown until it's ready to go out and take its place in the world. So yes, I do tend to fuss over those ones quite a bit more than the others. In that light, it's always a delight when one of my more established books is discovered by a new reader, and they are kind enough to write a review.

    Thank  you Sandra, you've quite made my day.

    on April 1, 2017
    Once again, C W Lovatt does not dissapoint with this second installement of the Charlie Smithers series. It is as much an action-adventure book as it is a recount of historical events that happened and were recorded in history. I always had a hard time to put one of C W Lovatt's books down and this one was no exception. As much as the subject matter of this book was complex, as much it was written in a way that I was able to understand it all and have a jolly old time while reading it. I also had a fond affection for some of the characters of the book and I do wish them well as they parted towards the end of the story. Still, remembering the feelings the first book of the series left a lasting imprint in me that will never go away, I felt that this book was an excellent followup to the first one. The powerful message and emotions from book one are well felt in book two and I do hope that they are and will continue to be throughout the whole series. A great work by C W Lovatt indeed.
     

     

     

    Wednesday 29 March 2017

    "JOSIAH STUBB: INTERIM" - AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!!

    The second book in the Josiah Stubb trilogy is now available for pre-order. Release date for the ebook is April 14th, paperback a month or two later.

    Click here to pre-order!!

     

    September, 1758: the fortress of Louisbourg lies beaten into the mud on the Cape Breton shore. To consolidate their victory, the British are mopping up pockets of resistance along The Gulf of Saint Lawrence. However, although gravely wounded, New France still has teeth, personified by a ruthless officer who will stop at nothing to prevent the hated anglais from advancing another step.
    To oppose him is the young, but untried, lieutenant, Josiah Stubb, born in the gutter and raised into the hostile environs of the officers’ mess by none other than General Wolfe himself. Deep in the forests of the Gaspé Peninsula, pitted against a fierce enemy who asks for, and gives no, quarter, Josiah is riven with doubts about his own abilities as an officer, with the lives of himself, and the men he commands, hanging in the balance.


    Saturday 25 March 2017

    "Josiah Stubb" - A Review - "This Book Will Stick With Me Forever!!!"

    Thanks Monique!

    on 8 March 2017
    Josiah,Stubb,Josiah Stubb,Josiah Stubb,over and over,that name echoed in my head ever since I opened a book with the title "JOSIAH STUBB
    THE SIEGE OF LOUISBOURG". I didn't read this book ,I absorbed every single page into my soul. There are books that stick with you throughout your life and this is such a book. This book has been on my tbr (to be read) list for ages,so when I finally had the opportunity to delve into it,I was blown away.The story of Josiah Stubb is a complicated,but compelling one,born in the gutter but also born with a need to better himself,no matter the cost. His ability to move forward despite all obstacles is commendable. Most would go through life bitter and vengeful because of the trials he had to endure ,but not dear Josiah,he trudged on,hoping that maybe one day his luck would turn. I came away wishing for happiness to finally find him and hold him in it's embrace forevermore.Rich with historical facts,it gives you insight into what life was like in those days,it also gives you a front row seat to view,up close and personal,what war was really like,no romance here folks,war is hell and it is evident in this tale.
    At this point,I must warn readers. Beware,this book is highly addictive. An absolutely splendid read ,put forth by the exceptional author C W Lovatt. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!

    Saturday 11 March 2017

    "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers - A Review - Edgar Rice Burroughs and Me

    I've been compared to a great many authors over the years - CS Forester, Bernard Cornwell, George MacDonald Fraser and even Kurt Vonnegut, just to name a few - but this one's a first.
    Thank you Sandra:

    on March 10, 2017
    If you love anything in the likes of Edgar Rice Burroughs, you will love this book. The action was non stop, the characters were unbelievable. I could not put this book down at all and I even cried a great deal towards the end. I will not give any spoilers, but wow, this book will leave you breathless and marked for life. Never will I forget the content of this book as I know I will forever be changed by it. Great job by C W in writing this masterpiece.

    Sunday 5 March 2017

    "Josiah Stubb: Interim" - Cover Reveal and Blurb

    Work has been proceeding steadily for the release of the next book in the Josiah Stubb Trilogy, expected to be out in a few more weeks. I can now proudly reveal the cover and offer the very talented Poppet my heartfelt thanks for its design and creation. Thanks also go out to Wild Wolf Publishing for agreeing to take this project on in the first place.

    I also thought that, while I'm at it, I might just as well include what's been hammered out for a blurb, so far. This part isn't written in stone, but it should give you a good idea what the book is about.

     
    September, 1758, the French fortress of Louisbourg lies beaten into the mud on the Cape Breton shore. To consolidate their victory, the British are left with what appears to be the easy task of clearing the enemy’s settlements from The Gulf of Saint Lawrence. However, although she may be gravely wounded, New France still has teeth, personified by a ruthless officer who will stop at nothing to prevent the hated anglais from advancing another step.
    To oppose him is the young, but untried, lieutenant, Josiah Stubb, born in the gutter and raised into the hostile environs of the officers’ mess by none other than General Wolfe himself. Deep in the Gaspé Peninsula, pitted against an enemy who is expert at fighting in its dense forests, Josiah is riven with doubts about his own abilities, with the lives of himself, and the men he commands, hanging in the balance.


    Saturday 11 February 2017

    Charlie Smithers: Adventures Downunder - "Great Story" - A Review

    Thank you Jerry!

    on February 7, 2017
    The continuing adventures of Charlie Smothers is very enjoyable and is well-written. It gives the reader some insight to the aboriginal people of Australia and their concepts of their world.
     
     
     

    Thursday 12 January 2017

    Josiah Stubb

    "It is a remarkably brave and confident author who can tackle the subjects in this book, subjects that should never be taboo but sadly often are..." ~ d.arcadian

    Click here to purchase your own copy of "Josiah Stubb: The Siege of Louisbourg"