Get your 80s vibe and take a ride on Joanna’s Journey, with all the fashion and music of the day!
Blurb
It’s the 1980s, and Joanna travels to London to visit her sister, the last person she expects to meet is Niko, an arrogant American who seems determined to get under her skin. But during the train journey, her first impression begins to crumble, and Joanna discovers a man whose charisma she can’t ignore.
Falling in love should be easy, except Niko is pursuing his dream of becoming a rock star on the other side of the world. How can a relationship survive when his career always comes first?
Back home, Joanna’s life becomes increasingly complicated. Her sister, Sandie, is swept off her feet by an older man whom Joanna instantly dislikes. Can their sisterly bond survive the friction he causes? Then there is Solly, whose magnetic personality hides a dangerous temper, and Mike, the carefree charmer living downstairs. He’s Joanna’s closest friend, but as their friendship deepens, she begins to question whether a man with a reputation for breaking hearts could ever change.
With love, loyalty and family pulling her in different directions, tragedy changes everything. The future Joanna imagined is torn apart.
Will the man who holds Joanna’s heart be the one left standing, or will she be forced to face a future she never wanted?
Author’s Note
Joanna’s Journey was the first book I ever wrote. It remains my only full-length novel, as all my other books are novellas.
Originally published under a different title in 2014, it was given a new lease of life in 2015 with this wonderful cover and the title Joanna’s Journey. In 2018, I took it down with the intention of rewriting it. Over the years, I returned to it whenever I could, fitting it in around my many other projects. During the past year, however, I gave it my full attention, and I’m thrilled to finally share Joanna’s story with you.
The inspiration for this story originally came from a young German singer called Nino who sang a song called Guardian Angel in 1984. I was mesmerised both by his looks and his stunning, voice. Over the years the story grew around that one image.
Learn more about that story and book here.
Excerpt
What an awful man! Joanna thought as she watched the young couple move into the next compartment along.
As there was no point in searching any further, Joanna slid open the next door she came to. Inside, a young, good-looking guy gazed up from the book he was reading. A look of surprise filled his face.
“I’m sorry,” she said demurely. “Everywhere seems full. Do you mind?”
The guy raised one shoulder. “Help yourself.”
His American accent took her by surprise.
She threw her suitcase into the rack above the seat and sat opposite him.
Although she had made this journey many times, she had never run into anyone like him: foreign and hot as hell.
Settled in, the train set off, and Joanna reminded herself how much she disliked travelling backwards. But as she couldn’t always seat herself next to him, she had little choice.
As there was nothing to be done about her direction of travel, Joanna pulled a magazine from her bag and attempted to read. His presence opposite made keeping her eyes on the words almost impossible. She sneaked a few quick glances towards him and wondered if he was of Italian or Spanish origin.
The man’s ebony-coloured hair swept over his head, with a curl that kissed the back of his neck from what she could see. Joanna swallowed and tugged at her collar. His olive complexion was smooth and flawless. He had deep-set brown eyes, a narrow nose that led to full lips, and a square jawline.
Definitely good-looking!
As if he sensed her gaze, he looked up.
Joanna’s eyes snapped back to the magazine. After that, the silence fizzled between them, and she could hear her own breath.
Outside, the blistering sun beat down. Joanna ran her finger along the collar of her blouse, feeling the stuffiness of the carriage.
She glanced at the closed window and thought about opening it, but didn’t want to draw attention to herself. Especially as the last time she travelled, the windows were all jammed, anyway.
Once the train pulled out of the station, Joanna found it impossible to concentrate on her magazine, as its steady rhythm eventually made her sleepy.
World of Stories 