I have received a free e-copy of the book “Champagne & Lemonade” by John Hickling to review. This is a collection of short stories, which is published today.
Here is the book blurb.
Champagne & Lemonade is a delightful collection of eclectic short stories, taking readers on a journey to different times and places, meeting a sparkling cast of well-drawn characters.
Nibble the fish is desperate to escape his boring old pond.
A new breed of super hero has been born and his name is Bob Cheesecake.
Dumpton Hospital’s staff have a somewhat unconventional approach to looking after their patients.
Robert Hood is on a mission to save modern England.
And just who is the vampire terrorising the neighbourhood from his home at 113A Greenstone Street?
From the quixotic to the poignant, John A. D. Hickling’s wild and whimsical tales fizz with fun and are sure to entertain almost everyone!
I’ve read the other stories but my review focuses on the story of Robert Hood. I’m going to start by naming some of the other characters – John Prince the Prime Minister, Ian Sheriff the MP of Nottingham and his niece Marion, Robert’s mates Adam Dale and Bill Scarlett, big guy Donald Little and vicar Frank Tuck. Have you guessed yet? Yes it is a modern story set in 2015 based on the classic Robin Hood.
John Prince has abolished the benefits system and locked up the Royal Family. No one could stand up to Prince and those that tried quickly disappeared. If you didn’t join his army, you soon became homeless, while the rich got richer. You know what’s coming don’t you? Yes, Robert Hood, an ex-Marine living in Nottingham, who cared about his fellow men.
I found this a refreshing take on a classic and really enjoyed it. Even though a short story, all the characters were well developed.
Here’s a very short extract from Robert Hood to tempt you.
Modern life was in danger of being cast back to the dark ages under the corrupt leadership of the Prime Minister John Prince.
With his job gone and the dire situation England was in he found himself wondering where his destiny would now lie. He didn’t realize that soon England’s destiny would be in his hands. This man was Robert Hood.
About John Hickling
Proud father and grandfather, and jack of all trades John A.D. Hickling currently lives with his family in Nottingham. A lover of music, especially 60’s rock, John has previously recorded two independent albums, appeared in comedy band Space Cadets on Britain’s Got Talent and is an active member of Masque Productions amateur theatre group. His debut book, Champagne & Lemonade (published by Clink Street Publishing July 5th 2016 RRP £6.99 paperback, RRP £3.99 ebook) is available to purchase from online retailers including amazon.co.uk and to order from all good bookstores. For more information please visit www.johnchewyhickling.com or find John on Facebook.
I’m participating in the book tour and you may like to check out some of the other blog stops on the tour.
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Disclosure. This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
Yet another blogging mummy!!! 
This sounds like an interesting read.
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A modern take on the traditional tale
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That sounds like a lot of fun! I do like short stories, and the blurb makes all of these sound very appealing.
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Yes there is a varied selection and I don’t know if you read Red Scarf last month, but that was also written by John Hickling
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Sounds great, I like short stories. Much easier to read these days as it seems to take me 6 months to get through a book
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and it is a varied collection, so something for everyone
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