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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE--GUEST AUTHOR LYNETTE SOFRAS

A former English teacher, Lynette Sofras gave up a high level career in education to focus on her writing a few years ago, thus fulfilling her lifelong dream. She mainly writes women fiction, often with suspense and/or a supernatural twist. Learn more about her and her books at her website and blog.

Increased life expectancy is something we ought to be able to celebrate, but with advancing years come many challenges and problems. Health issues apart, perhaps the most significant challenge facing many elderly people is that of loneliness. With the fragmentation of society, loss of partners or other family members, many old people lead isolated and often miserable existences, rarely seeing a friendly face from one day to the next. But what a difference a cheerful smile and a few kind words can make to the vulnerable in our society.

According to recent studies, within the next 30 years, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is set to more than double, reaching 88.5 million. This means that future generations will need to be prepared to care for a larger populace of elderly loved ones with ever-increasing needs.

There are many practical ways we can help and perhaps the most important is to ensure they eat healthily and of the foods they particularly enjoy, as well as having ready supplies of goods that meet their essential needs and allow them some independence and dignity.

My second contemporary romance, Shopping for Love was inspired by a lonely, elderly neighbour for whom I became a friend and carer. I used to take her to do her banking and weekly shopping, but when she moved into sheltered accommodation, she lost her confidence and became too unsteady on her feet to venture out, so asked me to take care of everything for her. On one occasion, while shopping for her, a rather delightful elderly gentleman struck up a brief conversation over the baffling choice and variety of tomatoes in the supermarket. And from little acorns (or should I say tomato seeds?) my novel was born.

Primary school teacher Emma does a weekly shop for her elderly neighbour Joan, while computer scientist Greg performs the same task for his aging grandfather. Needless to say the two meet while buying tomatoes and soon fall in love.

Shopping for Love
Love can find you in the strangest places - but it's never for sale!

They meet - of all places - buying tomatoes in the supermarket and there’s no denying the attraction is mutual. But Greg, a software developer, is still raw from his painful divorce and Emma, his children’s teacher, is recovering from her own heartache. Then the reappearance of Emma's career-obsessed ex-boyfriend and Greg's spiteful ex-wife threatens to kill their new love before it has even begun.

Is Emma’s love strong enough to survive Greg’s demanding past and the threats to both their careers? What will be the cost of falling in love in a world where everything comes with a high price tag?

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11 comments:

ManicScribbler said...

Thanks so much for featuring me on your lovely blog.
Lynette xxx

E. Ayers said...

Hi, Lynette, I haven't read this and now I must go get it! I love your novels. And that is an adorable cover!

Unknown said...

I love the cover too! And now I'm off to Amazon myself!

Melissa Keir said...

It's hard to see the people at the nursing homes. They are so lonely and lost. I'm glad you were able to share this with people! I wish your book all the best!

ManicScribbler said...

Lol, I've done that, E - which is probably why my to read pile has turned into a mountain, making finding books you downloaded to read more and more difficult. Thanks for your kind comments.
Lynette xxx

ManicScribbler said...

Thank you, Red. I can't take any credit for the cover, by the way. That was the artistic brainwave of Hotdamndesigns.com. If you do read it, I'd love to hear what you think of it. Thank you for stopping by.

ManicScribbler said...

Lovely to hear from you, Melissa and many thanks for stopping by and commenting. I do agree that old age can be heartbreaking for so many, and I'm just glad I could do a little bit to help my elderly neighbour maintain some dignity and independence. Thanks for your kind wishes.

Angela Adams said...

Interesting novel premise on a topic that needs much attention. Enjoyed your post, Lynette.

Carly Carson said...

I love your premise. I used to take my elderly neighbor shopping, and then we visited her frequently when she moved to senior living. I'm so glad I made the time because I know she loved seeing my young children. She had no family at all, having never had children herself. I could write reams about her so I can see how it would make a good basis for a book.

ManicScribbler said...

Thank you Angela,
I couldn't agree more. And thanks for stopping by.

ManicScribbler said...

Hi Carly,
My elderly neighbour was the same, though my son wasn't so young by that time. However, I often think (because she was a great cat lover) that she preferred hearing about our pet moggy. I used to take photos just for her - the cat not being sociable enough to visit ;)
Nice to hear from you. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Lyn