Lovely to have Caroline James visiting my blog with an extract from her latest fun read The Nile Cruise. I was lucky to read an advance copy of this book and I have included my review at the end of the blog post. Over to Caroline …
My thanks as always, go to ever generous Morton, for hosting me on her wonderful blog.
In this extract Hattie Mulberry follows in the footsteps of her idol, Agatha Christie, and sets off for the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan …
Where this world meets the old and new dreams unfold . . .
Hattie sat rigidly in the back of a taxicab, gripping the edge of the seat. The Egyptian driver who’d bartered hard for the fare seemed to have a lead foot, and if he went any faster, she thought they might become airborne. This was worse than a ride with Alf, she thought, as the streets of Aswan screeched by in a blur. Unlike the smell of shaggy animals in Alf’s old vehicle, the cab oozed cigarette smoke, thick and stale, but with something else.
Dried oregano? Or perhaps it was liquorice-tinged anise from the limp air freshener swaying in the rear-view mirror. Whatever it was, layered with petrol and exhaust fumes, Hattie couldn’t wait to get out and breathe fresher air.
The cab suddenly slowed, turned off the road, then stopped, and as Hattie gazed out, she saw huge iron gates opening to the gardens of the Old Cataract Hotel. A valet, in an immaculate cream uniform with gold buttons gleaming, and a red felt fez, stepped forward and opened the door.
Free from the heat of the vehicle, Hattie felt as though she was moving into another era as she straightened her dress and settled her bag on her arm.
‘Welcome to the Old Cataract Hotel,’ the man said, and with the sweep of his arm invited her to step into the garden.
Wearing a pale blue crepe tea dress that she’d treated herself to for the occasion, Hattie adjusted her shallow-brimmed straw hat and touched the pearls roped at her neck. Placing her best foot forward, in low-heeled soft blue suede court shoes, she moved into her dream.
The perfectly sculptured garden was surrounded by a palm-tree-lined pathway, and Hattie paused to admire a classic vintage car before passing a waterfall and making her way to the hotel entrance.
‘Oh my,’ she gasped, as she crossed the threshold and into the cool lobby, and the outside world suddenly receded. Her heels clicked as she stepped across the gleaming floor. A chandelier caught her eye, beneath which sat a circular table and the largest arrangement of fresh flowers that Hattie had ever seen.
A staff member stepped forward, introducing himself as Youssef and asked if he might assist. Escorting Hattie, he guided her past a bar with dark polished wood, deep leather chairs, and high curved arches. The hotel slowly unfolded, with glimpses of staircases curving to the upper floors before widening into a covered wrought-iron terrace of rattan tables and deeply cushioned chairs.
‘You will enjoy our lower terrace.’ Youssef smiled.
He led Hattie down a set of steps through more manicured gardens, and she paused to admire an open-air infinity pool, where bodies lazed on old-fashioned steamer beds, under the blazing afternoon sun.
The Nile came into view, and Hattie stopped. She stared at the breathtaking sight of feluccas catching the wind, as they had for centuries, their sails billowing against the blue sky. On the island in the river, date palms lined the banks, and she could see the ruins of ancient buildings before sand dunes gave way to sun-bleached hills. The spectacular scene was everything she’d imagined it to be.
Under a wide shady awning, a corner table beckoned, laid for afternoon tea. ‘Please,’ Youssef said, ‘for you.’
‘Thank you, Youssef.’ Hattie beamed. ‘This is like a wonderful dream.’
‘I am at your service, madame, to make your time at the Old Cataract Hotel, like a dream come true.’
Seconds later, Hattie raised her glass to the Nile. ‘Perfect,’ she purred, sipping ice-cold champagne with a satisfied smile.
More About Caroline James
Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties!
Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.
More About The Nile Cruise
Will an adventure sailing The River Nile turn the tide for Hattie?
Hattie Mulberry is exhausted. Worn out from the demands of everyone around her, she’s long overdue a break. So, she decides to take a holiday – the adventure of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of her literary hero, Agatha Christie.
Before Hattie knows it, she’s embarking on a glamorous Nile cruise. Not only a voyage steeped in history and world-famous sights, but one where the passengers are almost as fascinating as the views from her luxurious cabin…
As the eclectic band of travellers journey between ancient temples and legendary tombs, guided by handsome Egyptologist Sam, secrets surface, desires awaken, and tensions simmer beneath the Egyptian sun.
Will the magic of moonlit nights on the Nile bring romance and renewal? Or will the infamous curse of Tutankhamun cast a shadow when least expected?
Buying link here
Morton’s Review of The Nile Cruise
“I enjoyed my view of a Nile cruise through the eyes of Caroline James’ characters. It is something I’ve often thought I might like to do. Some of the tombs do sound a little spooky though.
Hattie has been one of my favourite of Caroline’s characters since I read The Boomerville Hotel novels and Hattie Goes To Hollywood, so I was thrilled to find her starring in this book.
Caroline has a way of taking you on a journey alongside her characters and has some great one liners to make you giggle. Mystery, intrigue and a few sad moments too.
A great read as always, looking forward to the next …”
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Website: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk
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This is the blog for Morton S. Gray, writer of romance with a mystery to solve The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen for Choc Lit Publishing an imprint of Joffe Books.
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