Welcome to my Cherry Blossom Stories Blog!
Thanks for dropping by! In this blog post, I’d like to share a little bit about me and my books.
TOKYO HEARTS: A JAPANESE LOVE STORY
Tokyo Hearts is a poignant love story that will catapult you directly onto the fashionable streets of Japan’s capital and into the hearts of Takashi and Haruka.
Takashi is a young and popular university student who has fallen in love with his stylish and sophisticated friend Haruka. She is sweet and kind and adores shopping for high-end Japanese and Western brands.
Every week, they meet up in the heart of Tokyo, enjoying each other’s company, and for Takashi, life is perfect. But the path to true love is never easy. When Takashi discovers that Haruka is seeing her wealthy ex-boyfriend from Kyoto, his life begins to turn upside down.
This coming of age story traces the lives of Takashi and Haruka and their friends as they deal with young love and the ups and downs of growing up in Tokyo – truly one of the most stylish, energetic and exhilarating cities in the world.
Tokyo Hearts is available in paperback, ebook & audiobook from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, Audible, and from more that sixty other retailers worldwide.
BUY TOKYO HEARTS IN PAPERBACK, EBOOK OR AUDIOBOOK.
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TOKYO TALES: A COLLECTION OF JAPANESE SHORT STORIES
Tokyo Tales is an enchanting, life-affirming and inspiring world of Japanese short stories. You’ll love the way the boundaries of each story are stretched to embrace the charm and allure of the Japanese people and you’ll enjoy these tales even if you have a limited knowledge of Japan.
These fifteen magical stories include a hellish homestay, ghosts, school bullying, a marriage arrangement and the kawaii culture. These stories will deepen your appreciation of the Japanese culture and provide you with a glimpse into the Japanese mind-set which will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
Prepare to be enthralled by the illuminating images throughout Tokyo Tales by the renowned Japanese illustrator Yoshimi Ohtani. These charming illustrations will harness your imagination and leave you spellbound.
Tokyo Tales is available in paperback & eBook from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, iBooks, and from more that sixty other retailers worldwide.
BUY TOKYO TALES IN PAPERBACK OR EBOOK.
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TOKYO 2060: WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
In the year 2060, Poppy and her husband Oliver Montgomery travel to Japan for a six-month stint in Tokyo. Oliver, a recent Cambridge University graduate, can’t wait to start working as an executive managing director for a prestigious company specializing in the production of androids. His devoted wife Poppy is looking forward to shopping in the space-age department stores and finding out more about the Japanese culture.
When this British couple begin their new life in Tokyo, they are fascinated by all the cutting-edge technology in Japan and thrilled with the ultra-modern features and appliances in their luxurious new home. Poppy is even more delighted when her husband’s new company lends her a personal android for three days. Little do Poppy and Oliver know, this state-of-the-art android hides a sinister secret that is about to turn their dreams of a wonderful life in Tokyo into a disaster.
Tokyo 2060 is a riveting sci-fi novelette. This story will fascinate anyone interested in Japan or futuristic technology.
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TOKYO DREAMS
THE SEQUEL TO TOKYO HEARTS
RELEASE DATE: 2017
I’m currently working on the sequel to TOKYO HEARTS. It’s called TOKYO DREAMS and as everyone would expect, it begins in the middle of the cherry blossom season in Japan.
Takashi and his charming wife Haruka are living together in their new luxurious home in Shirogane but they are finding it difficult to adjust to their newfound wealth. Yuriko is blissfully in love with Kenji but her happiness is thwarted by her violent brother. Masaya asks his girlfriend Momo-chan to marry him but he doesn’t get the reaction he anticipated and Akira has returned from the United States with a beautiful blonde who stirs up trouble for the whole group.
I’m really enjoying the writing process for this book and I can’t wait to share TOKYO DREAMS with you.
THE RELEASE DATE FOR TOKYO DREAMS IS 2017.
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AUTHOR BIO
I’m an Australian-born British novelist and writer and I’ve always loved learning about different cultures. I spent six years studying French and Italian and I’ve spent over twenty years studying the Japanese language and the Japanese culture.
After completing a bachelor’s degree at Monash University in Australia, I worked as an English teacher in Japan and Australia for over ten years. I have continued to work with the Japanese for many years as an interpreter, a tour guide, and a business consultant. Over the past twenty years, I have enjoyed visiting Japan six times for work or as a tourist. Several years ago, I can proudly say I also completed an Advanced Diploma of Business Marketing at RMIT University in Australia and at the University of Gloucestershire in the UK. These days, I continue to love reading and writing about Japan but I also like to write about many other subjects. I now live in Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom with my husband and our adorable Siberian husky called Benson.
Below is a photo of Benson when he was eight weeks old and next to it is a more recent photo of him at nine years old. I will completely understand if you feel the urge to leave comments about Benson instead of my books! He’s such a gorgeous furry friend!!
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I hope you’re enjoying my new website designed by IF Consultancy! Please take a look at my new HOMEPAGE and my GUIDE TO TOKYO. I highly recommend IF Consultancy if you’re thinking about updating your website, building a new website, or if you’d like to switch your website from HTML to WordPress. Mention my name and get a 10% discount!
My book covers are designed by Cathy at Avalon Graphics. Please contact Cathy if you’re looking for an experienced and very creative graphic designer for your next book cover.
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Finally, please like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.
THANKS FOR VISITNG MY CHERRY BLOSSOM STORIES BLOG!
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84 Comments
I am such a big fan of Japan!! I would love to visit the country +.+
I read some reviews about your books and also I’ve been following your website for quite some time now and I love it!! You’ re such an inspiration!! Thank you thank you thank you!!
Please never stop writing!
Unfortunately as I live in Portugal, I can’t find your books anywhere 🙁 I would love to get a chance to win one of your autographed books. I would be so so happy.
Thanks again for the opportunity and good luck to everyone entering.
=D
Thank you for your kind words Bruna. You can buy my books from Amazon.co.uk if you live in Portugal!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/forum/deals?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx1DEIHNWYF5SA9&cdThread=Tx1APSBOK991HY4
OMG I can’t believe you replied!!! Thank you so much!! You’re so nice 🙂
I totally forgot about amazon, we don’t use it that much in Portugal but I will give it a try because I need your books in my life 🙂 I’m sure that I’m gonna love all of the them.
By the way! Just like Cassidy said, the book covers are amazing!! The designer did an awesome job!!
So I admit, the dog immediately caught my eye. That’s the way it is with us dog lovers:)
But your gorgeous book covers are just as eye-catching! And they sound like interesting reads as well.
Thanks Cassidy! My graphic designer at Avalon Graphics will be so pleased you love the book covers!
How timely for me. I’ve been enjoying watching NHK Television Network and enjoying the shows about Japan, it’s people and culture. I’m going to check out your books, now.
Hi Larry, I’m a big fan of NHK as well! It’s part of our Sky TV package here in the UK. I think you’ll enjoy my books set in Japan and I hope you read my new novelette Tokyo 2060 – there’s a lot of futuristic technology in the story for you to enjoy!
My son’s favorite dog is a Siberian husky, so – yep – the dog caught my attention. 😉
So, did your book covers. Beautiful!
What an interesting life you’ve led! I’m sure that your experiences have helped to make your books very rich in the Japanese culture. 🙂
Hi Yvette, it made me smile when I read your son is a big fan of Siberian huskies! Maybe you could buy him a puppy for Christmas! Thanks for visiting my blog and I’m so pleased you like the book covers.
My eldest has been studying Japanese language for the last 3 years and has just returned from a year studying in Japan. They loved the country and the culture and they’ve made me fall in love with Japan even though I haven’t had chance to visit there yet.
Your book covers are beautiful. I love the design of your blog. And of course Benson, I can’t leave him out 🙂 He looks adorable. It would make my day to win any of your prizes!
Hi Michelle, I’m not surprised your eldest enjoyed their time in Japan – it’s an amazing country. I’m sure this interest will continue to grow and you’ll get the chance to accompany them to Japan in the future. I’m so pleased you want to read my books. I’m sure you and your eldest would enjoy my stories.
Hi Renae, I am happy to let you know that I am reading your book, “Tokyo Hearts” and enjoying it. Have a wonderful party today and have fun. 🙂
Hi Joy, thank you for all your support and it’s nice to see you’re enjoying Tokyo Hearts!
“Never judge a book by its cover – or a dog by its picture.” (I may have mangled that saying). Yet, everyone does both. Yours, the books and the dog, look great.
I love the mangled quote! It’s very clever. Thanks for visiting my blog Bruce!
Interesting post and lovely books. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your tour!
Thanks Stevie! I’m enjoying the party!
Renae, I love your website and your book covers! And being about Japan, I am definitely going to have to read them. I am waiting for October to roll around now as the futuristic Japan setting has really caught my attention! Not as much as Benson, though! He is too cute 🙂 Very best of luck with everything! 🙂
Hi Harmony, I’d like to thank you for all your support here and on social media. You’re a star! I hope you’ll read my futuristic novelette Tokyo 2060 – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and you’re right – our husky Benson is so adorable!
Would love to go back to Japan. Spent a two day stopover in Tokyo a few years back, but thanks to Qantas’ bizarre air conditioning I came down with a head cold. In the meantime I’ll check out Tokyo Hearts.
Hi Kathy, a two-day stopover is definitely not enough time to enjoy Tokyo! I really hope you get the chance to spend at least a week in Japan in the future. Also, I hope my book Tokyo Hearts appeals to you!
Hi Renae! The new website looks fab, and makes the perfect showcase for your work and Benson of course! I have two furry babes who’d love to be friends with him 😀
I have to make special mention for the Tokyo Dreams cover – I ADORE Hokusai’s imagery and that wave is so iconic it’s wonderful to see it themed to your romance series 🙂
Have a great party today ‘cos I’m sure you’re being added to tons of people’s TBRs as I write! 😉
Hi Jan, I’m sure Benson would love your furry babes! He gets along with most dogs. Katsushika Hokusai’s wave image is truly iconic!
Hi Renae – love the dog, and the book covers but most of all the fact that we’ve both moved halfway around the world … You FROM Australia, and me TO Australia – I’ve been here 30+ years and love it – and hope you love the UK as much
I absolutely love living in the UK. I went to primary school in Hertfordshire when I was very young but now I live in the Cotswolds with my husband and our very popular dog! I’m sure you love living in Australia if you’ve been there for thirty years.
Such a well organized and engaging post (and blog), Renae. Your passion for Japan as story subject is clear and fascinating! Best of luck today on the RRBC blog block party!
Thank you Lisa! It was nice of you to stop by!
These sound like interesting reads. Other than “Memoirs Of A Geisha”, I can’t think off-hand of many stories written in English that are set in Japan with Japanese main characters. It seems to me that these books might be educational as well as entertaining. 🙂
Hi Mistral, you’re right – readers can learn a lot about Japan and the Japanese culture from my books but they are essentially works of fiction. Memoirs of a Geisha is a very popular book but unfortunately the Geisha in Japan say this story is an inaccurate portrayal of their lives.
I am always amazed when a person who is not indigenous to a culture writes so knowingly about the culture. Your study and experience have come out well in your writing. Very lovely post and beautiful expression of your interest.
Hi John, thank you for your support and your lovely words. I’m so pleased you visited my Cherry Blossom Stories Blog.
I’ve always wanted to go to Japan and enjoyed hearing your story! Love you book covers!
Thanks Tara, Avalon Graphics created the book covers and I’m very pleased with them.
Enjoyed your blog and the Japanese context. Japan is some place I would like to visit some day (on the Bucket list). And your covers are beautiful!
Hi Christa, I hope you get the chance to visit Japan in the future. It’s a fascinating country.
Great-looking website, Renae, and I enjoyed watching your book trailer. You’ve had a fascinating life so far, and I’m sure your books reflect that! Have a great day today on the RRBC Block Party!
Hi John, thanks for visiting my Cherry Blossom Stories Blog. I’m pleased you enjoyed the book trailer. I’m really having a great day. It’s so nice to get so many lovely comments.
Those covers are great. I like the idea of setting them in Japan too. The futuristic one sounds like it might be right up my alley.
Hi Craig! Thanks for visiting my blog! Tokyo 2060 will be available in October.
Renae, I loved hearing about your fascinating life. Thank you for immersing yourself in other cultures and sharing your perspective in your writing with those of us who travel only in books! Have a great party!
Hi Rebecca, I hope my Japan-related books open up a whole new world for my readers, especially those who only have the chance to travel in books!
Lovely website, Renae. Such a peaceful vibe and your books are presented so well.
Best wishes for a wonderful blog party day.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m having a great day and I’m really enjoying the party.
Internet is giving me fits today, but I’m trying to comment. Those covers are great, and that futuristic one sounds like something I’d like.
Renae…nice job, and your book trailer is a winner.
Thanks Richie! I’m glad you liked the book trailer.
Interesting post and nice way to showcase your work! Best of luck!
Thanks Marc
Great post! Love the husky!!
You covers are beautiful. I’d love to see Japan sometime.
It all looks so professional (including the cake.) I wish I was like Joy (who seems to have read everything) and talk about your books. I am intrigued though: definitely on my radar now.
Hi Steve, thank you for visiting my page! My husband bought the cake you saw on Twitter from Sainsbury’s. It’s their Sainsbury’s Seriously White Chocolate Pearl Cake. You’re in the UK so you have to try this – it’s delicious!!
Thanks for sharing, your books look very interesting!
Thank you Rochelle!
Thank you for hosting today’s blog party Renae. Your website is really bright and easy to navigate. It showcases your work beautifully. Wishing you great success with your writing.
I’m so pleased you like the website. IF Consultancy have done a great job. If anyone wants to update their website I’m sure Stuart and Thomas would be more than happy to help them and they are offering RRBC members a 10% discount!
Hi Renae. I greatly enjoyed your post. I am a fan of books set in Asia, and have put yours on my TBR list. I’m glad that you are a participant in this blog tour because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about your books.
Hi Rhani, I’m sure you’ll enjoy my books if you like stories set in Asia. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I really appreciate your support.
I have so enjoyed myself here! Your site is very appealing! I agree that Benson is handsome, but your storylines are irresistible! I hope I win “A Japanese Love Story”, If not… LOL!
Thank you for your lovely comments Linda! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the website.
Great site Renae. Neighbour has a husky – it is a beautiful dog. All the best for your day on the tour. Brilliant guide to Tokyo.
Thanks Gordon!It took me a while to write the guide to Tokyo so I’m always pleased when someone reads the guide and enjoys it.
Hi Renae – I agree with you – Japan has a fascinating culture and it is a great setting for many types of stories.
I very much liked your sequel cover with the classic ‘The Wave’ print from Hokusai’s famous series of prints “Thirty Six Views of Mt Fuji” – it is an iconic print and one of my favorites.
Good luck with your books and thanks for hosting the latest RRBC BTSBBP! – ML
Hi Michael, thanks for your wonderful comments. I’m so impressed you know the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. I hope you read my books – I would really like to get your feedback.
Wow! What beautiful book covers! Excellent post. (And Benson is the cutest!) I hope today has been a hugely successful day for you.
Thanks Bethany, I’ve had a wonderful day! I appreciate your comments and yes our husky Benson is very cute – he’s beside me right now, sleeping peacefully.
Lovely pooch, that dog. And the subject of your books has long fascinated me. Japan has such a wonderfully different culture compared to the west. Best wishes on your blog party, Renae!
Thanks Beem! I really appreciate your comments and you’re right Benson is lovely! I hope you’ll read my books in the future.
Wow this sure is bringing some old memories… to a time when I start to get interested in japanese culture by watching anime, leading to all sorts of media, from movies, to documentaries, even some short books, resulting in a very time consuming obsession. However the romance genre isn’t something I’ve taped with frequency, after hearing some positive comments from a friend regarding the writing and storytelling of Tokyo Tales I got quite interested; I didn’t even know there were more books from the series, but luckily the website was easy to navigate through and I even discovered that a new book was coming out in October! Honestly I don’t even know which book would be better fitting for a “newcommer” in the genre, I might ask that same friend (I could just borrow it but the covers look so nice that I need them on my shelf).
Good luck for everyone entering it!
Hi Filipe, thanks for your comments. I can see you’re already familiar with the Japanese culture. I think the best introduction for you would be my novelette Tokyo 2060: Welcome to the Future. This will be available as an eBook in just a few weeks. There’s lots of futuristic technology in the story and I think you’ll find that interesting. If you would like a nice cover on your shelf then I recommend Tokyo Tales. The illustrations by Yoshimi Ohtani are just incredible.
Thanks for the reply, I honestly didn’t expect it this soon. I accept the suggestion and I’ll highly consider it, the only thing stepping me back is the fact that I have no means to read it on the go with an eBook, but I’m sure a physical copy will be worth the wait.
Hi Renae,
It’s an absolute joy visiting your website and learning more about your work! Bravo. 🙂
Thank you Natalie! I appreciate your support. I’ve just liked your Facebook page.
Love your Web design, love your blurbs, loved Benson, and your trailer. I will be back to check out all the information on Japan.
Thanks for visiting my blog Kim! I hope you read my books set in Japan in the future.
Hi, Renae. Beautiful book covers and trailer! Your books sound very interesting and I do love short stories. Great party post, my #RRBC friend! 🙂
Hi Bette, you would enjoy Tokyo Tales if you like short stories. Tokyo Hearts is a novel and I’m currently working on the sequel called Tokyo Dreams. Thanks for stopping by!
This was a beautiful website!I loved your book covers! It all makes me want to go to Japan! I hope you enjoyed your blog tour day! I’ll be checking out your stories!
Hi Ernestine, I’m so pleased you like the website. I hope you get the chance to visit Japan in the future.
Lovely books and great website! I’m a grandma to a husky! Best of luck with your writing!
Thanks for your comment Amy. I really appreciate it.
Great book covers, Renae, and a super website.Very impressive. Everybody seems to be on top of the technology nowadays. I feel I’m falling seriously behind.
Thanks for your message Brian! I hope you read my books in the future. I really enjoyed hosting this RRBC Book & Blog Party.
Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
Any suggestions? Kudos!
Hi Shad, you definitely need a website if you’re serious about becoming a writer and I highly recommend a paid option. I’m sure Stuart at IF Consultancy will be able to build a fantastic website for you. Visit: http://www.ifweb.co.uk/