Welcome to the WordCrafter “A Ghost and His Gold” Book Blog Tour & My Review
Posted: April 19, 2021 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours | Tags: A Ghost and His Gold, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Paranormal Historical, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, South African History, WordCrafter Book Blog Tours 47 Comments
Today is Day #1 of the WordCrafter A Ghost and His Gold Book Blog Tour with an interesting guest post by author Roberta Eaton Cheadle explaining how she came to write this wonderful paranormal historical novel. I hope you will join us at each of the tour stops because this tour has a great giveaway! Each stop on this five-day book blog tour will offer the opportunity to win a $10 Amazon gift voucher. (*Winners must be able to retrieve Amazon US gift vouchers.) Author Roberta Eaton Cheadle will also give away 2 paperback copies of A Ghost and His Gold. All you have to do to enter is drop by each tour stop and leave a comment!
And now, please welcome Roberta Eaton Cheadle as she introduces us to A Ghost and His Gold.
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How A Ghost and His Gold came to be written
A Ghost and His Gold started as a simple short story idea. I was reading up on Ouma Smuts, the wife of Field Marshal Jan Christian Smuts who served as the Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa from 1919 to 1924 and from 1939 to 1948, when I came across an interesting ghost story involving their house.
Ouma Smuts lived with her husband and their children in a house in Irene near Pretoria, the capital of the previous Boer South African Republic (Transvaal). The house is now a museum which I have visited many times. The original tin roofed house is quite spooky with each room featuring a scene frozen in time. Jars of Ouma Smuts’ home-made preserves and pickles are still on the shelf in the pantry. There is an open book on the table in Jan Smut’s former library, a wonderful room which is lined with books from floor to ceiling.
Photo credit: https://showme.co.za/tourism/smuts-house-museum-irene-market-centurion/
It was during one of my tours of this museum that I first heard that the second-best bedroom, off the dining room, is purported to be haunted. The idea of a ghost interested me, and I decided to research it further.
The story goes that the farm ‘Doornkloof’ was originally owned by a Boer family. Their house was built on the same spot that Smuts eventually put up his house in 1909. The previous owner had fled one night during the 2nd Anglo Boer War when it became clear that the Bristish forces were marching on Pretoria and his farm was in the way. Not wanting his family to end up in a concentration camp, he buried his valuables including £30 000 worth of gold and left hurriedly, never to return. There is no word on what happened to the farmer, but it is said that his spirit still lingers in the house on his old farm.
The story of the ghostly farmer who is said to haunt the Smuts’ family home was so intriguing, I decided it needed to be told. Of course, any story about South African history is never going to stay short so it grew.
After a few months of research and writing, it was a novella of 30 000 words. At that point I sent it to my developmental editor, Esther Chilton for her review and feedback. Esther loved the story and came back with some wonderful comments that set me off on the road to further developing this story.
The history of South Africa is complex and involves more than one point of view, specifically that of the British, the Boers, and the native Africans. As I researched more about the time when the ghostly farmer lived, I discovered that the Boer and British perspectives on the Second Anglo Boer War conflict and vary. I also discovered that there is little recorded history about the involvement of the native Africans in this war.
To accommodate these different points of view and to provide a reader with a holistic overview of this war, its causes, circumstances, emotions, and the role it played in setting the stage for the future of South Africa, I decided to introduce three ghosts: Robert, the British soldier in Mafeking during the siege, Pieter, the Boer and my depiction of the “ghostly farmer”, and Estelle, Pieter’s daughter from a previous marriage to an Englishwoman.
The lack of recorded history made the inclusion of the native African perspective more difficult, but I introduced a few supporting characters who told their side of this story based on the information I managed to glean from hearsay, a thesis I discovered about the native African concentration camps, and other non-fiction and fictional works set in this period.
I hope I have done all three perspectives justice and achieved my goals of providing insight into the psychology of this terrible war.
The history is wrapped up in a paranormal tale which involves a modern couple and exposes their history and personal career mistakes which are, in many ways, a repeat of the past.
Relevant extracts from A Ghost and His Gold
The Blurb
After Tom and Michelle Cleveland move into their recently built, modern townhouse, their housewarming party is disrupted when a drunken game with an Ouija board goes wrong and summonses a sinister poltergeist, Estelle, who died in 1904.
Estelle makes her presence known in a series of terrifying events, culminating in her attacking Tom in his sleep with a knife. But, Estelle isn’t alone. Who are the shadows lurking in the background – one in an old-fashioned slouch hat and the other, a soldier, carrying a rifle?
After discovering their house has been built on the site of one of the original farms in Irene, Michelle becomes convinced that the answer to her horrifying visions lies in the past. She must unravel the stories of the three phantoms’ lives, and the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths during the Second Anglo Boer War, in order to understand how they are tied together and why they are trapped in the world of ghosts between life and death. As the reasons behind Estelle’s malevolent behaviour towards Tom unfold, Michelle’s marriage comes under severe pressure and both their lives are threatened.
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Purchase links:
TSL Publications (paperback)
https://tslbooks.uk/product/a-ghost-and-his-gold-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
Lulu.com (ebook and paperback)
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Gold-Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/dp/1913294943
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About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
I am a South African writer specialising in historical, paranormal and horror novels and short stories. I am an avid reader in these genres and my writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, the Bronte sisters, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
I was educated at the University of South Africa where I achieved a Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1996 and a Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1997. I was admitted as a member of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2000.
I have worked in corporate finance from 2001 until the present date and have written seven publications relating to investing in Africa. I have won several awards over my twenty year career in the category of Transactional Support Services.
I have been published a number of anthologies and have two published YA books, While the Bombs Fell and Through the Nethergate. I have recently published my first adult novel called A Ghost and His Gold which is partly set in South Africa during the Second Anglo Boer War.
Other books by Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Through the Nethergate
Margaret, a girl born with second sight, has the unique ability to bring ghosts trapped between Heaven and Hell back to life. When her parents die suddenly, she goes to live with her beloved grandfather, but the cellar of her grandfather’s ancient inn is haunted by an evil spirit of its own.
In the town of Bungay, a black dog wanders the streets, enslaving the ghosts of those who have died unnatural deaths. When Margaret arrives, these phantoms congregate at the inn, hoping she can free them from the clutches of Hugh Bigod, the 12th century ghost who has drawn them away from Heaven’s White Light in his canine guise.
With the help of her grandfather and the spirits she has befriended, Margaret sets out to defeat Hugh Bigod, only to discover he wants to use her for his own ends – to take over Hell itself.
Follow Roberta Eaton Cheadle at:
Website
https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
Blog
https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19631306.Roberta_Eaton_Cheadle
https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites/?modal=admin_todo_tour
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My Review of
A Ghost and His Gold
A Ghost and His Gold, by Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a cleverly crafted story that takes three lives from the past and converges their stories within the main story, which takes place in the present. Characters with depth drive this paranormal historical novel.
When Michelle and her husband, Tom, move into a new home, her future seems to be full of promise. But strange occurances soon lead Michelle to believe that her new home is haunted, and what’s more, Tom’s life may be in danger. In her efforts to unravel the mystery of what is going on in her new home, details in the lives of three ghosts, from the time of the second Anglo Boer War, are revealed: A British soldier named Robert, a Boer commando named Peiter, and a young girl named Estelle, who harbors anger and vengence against both Tom and Michelle.
As Michelle struggles to unravel the mystery of these ghosts and how they are connected to each other and to her new home, she uncovers a mystery in her own life, one that threatens to tear her marraige apart. Can she learn the truth and find a way to help them all before the vengeful poltergeist takes Tom’s life?
Cheadle has done her homework, and the South African history related within is quite educational as well as entertaining. Readers will be riveted to their seats as the tale of each ghost is revealed, with each of their stories being equally captivating. I give A Ghost and His Gold five quills.
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Writing to be Read 
Congrats on the review, Robbie! I always love to hear the origins of story ideas – they can be so interesting.
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Hi Teri, thank you for reading and commenting. I had actually forgotten about this original spark until I sat down and thought about ideas for this tour. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about it. I am thrilled with Kaye’s lovely review.
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What a fabulous review! Congratulations Robbie and the story behind the writing is quite interesting. Thanks for sharing it girls.
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Hi Balroop, thank you for visiting and cheering me on. I’m glad you enjoyed the origin of this book. Kaye’s review is fantastic and I am thrilled.
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Thanks for visiting us here, Balroop. Glad that you enjoyed the review. I hope you will read the book! 🙂
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Reblogged this on and commented:
Kaye Lynne Booth has kicked of Day 1 of the WordCrafter blog tour for A Ghost and His Gold with a post about where the original spark for this story came from and a wonderful review. Thank you, Kaye Lynne Booth for being a wonderful host.
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I am pleased to be hosting for your tour, Robbie. It is a fantastic story, well worth reading. 🙂
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Thank you, Kaye for this lovely post and for your marvelous review. I am so delighted you enjoyed this book.
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I did enjoy your book, Robbie. I was immersed in the story of each character, and enjoyed watching as the connections came together. Very well crafted. 🙂
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Thank you, Kaye. Your comment makes me very happy.
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It’s great to learn more about A Ghost and His Gold, Robbie, and how you researched it. Congratulations!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed this bit of back story.
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Great narration on YouTube too, Robbie.
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Thank you, Barbara
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I loved hearing you read the excerpt, Robbie. It is very intriguing!! A great review as well.
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Hi Darlene, thank you for listening. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I am trying the Youtube videos as a marketing tool on the advice of my sons. You have to be persistent and keep making new ones though. I finished Amanda in Malta last night and will write my review over the next couple of days. Bravo on another lovely book.
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I agree we need to do new things to market our books. I´ve only just started to do podcasts. So pleased you enjoyed the Malta adventure. xo
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This one’s on my TBR! I hope to get to it soon. I do love a ghost story, and the historical aspect is a bonus.
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Hi Priscilla, I am very interesting in hearing your opinion on this book. I think I have grown a lot as an author in the past few years and I hope that growth is demonstrated in this book. Thank you for your support.
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Fantastic review, Robbie! Thanks for sharing the history and your research. Great job!
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Thank you, Bette. I am pleased you enjoyed this post. It is amazing for me to consider that originating spark now that this book ended up being 116 000 words. All triggered by a short paragraph.
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clever use of ghosts as a way to explain the various perspectives on the war…
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Hi Jim. It is cleverly written. I have to admire the research that obviously went into this book, and although not a part of history I was familiar with, I’ve no doubt that it is historically accurate. Robbie chose her characters well.
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I have no doubt, knowing Robbie, that the research is impeccable…
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Hi Jim, the three ghost idea came about because of the different perspectives on this war. I couldn’t finding common ground and so I decided to express them both through the different characters.
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very creative!
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It’s quite interesting to see how Robbie’s book came about. Wishing her all the best with her tour and the release of A Ghost and His Gold.
Robbie, you have a wonderful reading voice 🙂
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Hi Mae, thank you for visiting me here, I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I’m glad you liked the reading.
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I love the reading! It’s a real grabber!! Robbie’s discussion of the origins of the book is very interesting. I’m so looking forward to reading it!
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Thank you, Liz, it is amazing how these few short paragraphs sparked the idea for this whole book. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the reading. I always feel like a bit of an exhibitionist when I make these videos.
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You’re welcome, Robbie. Think of video readings as another delivery medium for your words, like ebook or paperback. Not exhibitionist at all!
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That is what I try to do. I come from a very British and conservative background which isn’t always easy to overcome.
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Good advice, Liz. I’ve been struggling with the idea of video promotion, mainly because I don’t like to watch myself, I think. Robbie has done a wonderful job with her videos and I love hearing her wonderful accent.
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There are different ways to go about video production. I prefer using images and my voice rather than showing myself on camera. However, reading directly to the camera on video can establish a connection to the viewer (that can prompt them to become a reader). It’s good to have choices.
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That’s true, Liz. Maybe I could start with images and progress when I’m more comfortable with it. Thanks for the thought.
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You’re welcome!
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[…] Welcome to the WordCrafter “A Ghost and His Gold” Book Blog Tour & My Review → […]
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Congrats on this glowing review, Robbie!! I’m still waiting for a chance to purchase this book as an eBook for my Kindle. I look forward to reading it. I hope you have a wonderful tour!
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Thank you, Jan. Amazon are taking a terribly long time, but in the meantime I just keep trying to move forward with the marketing as best I can.
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The background story with regards to how you came to write this book is almost as intriguing as the synopsis. Congratulations on the review, Robbie! I’ve got this one on my list. 🙂
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Thank you, Mark. I’m still waiting for Amazon to publish the ebook. They do take a long time when its a UK publishing company. I’m pleased you enjoyed this bit of background.
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There is always more than one side to every story, and hopefully your careful research helps to enlarge the historical perspective for the book’s readers.. it is certainly history I was never taught in school. (K)
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Hi Kerfe, the different points of view about this war was initially a bit of challenge for me and then I hit on having more than one ghost to present the POV and that helped no end. Thanks for visiting.
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Thanks for sharing this terrific offering from Robbie. I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite from her work, but this one is at least tied for the lead.
Robbie, I enjoyed the tale of the tale. Hugs on the wing!
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HI Teagan, great to see you here. I am glad you enjoyed finding out about the spark for this book. I am going to be visiting Jan Smut’s museum on Tuesday, which is a public holiday.
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[…] Day 1 brought us a glimpse of the inspiration and history behind this fascinating story and my review of the book, here on Writing to be Read. […]
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[…] Day One: https://writingtoberead.com/2021/04/19/welcome-to-the-wordcrafter-a-ghost-and-his-gold-book… […]
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