Tales’ Spring day out!

April 16, 2025April 16, 2025Leave a comment

Happy Spring guys! Sharing with you Tales from the Manor’s first day out! 🌸🥰 Do you often bring books out with you on adventures? Spring & summer are ideal for those floral, or beachy ☀️ holiday shots, the perfect opportunity to get out and soak in the sunshine ~ and who can tell these are in London 😲 🙌🏻 (Specifically round the Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens area which should be in bloom for the following few weeks.)

Once the roses hit, I’ll try to capture some more to share with you, fitting for ‘Tales’, which incidentally is set during a cool, June day!🌹😍 But for now, let’s appreciate these beautiful cherry blossoms…

What signs of Spring do you have in your area? Share down below! 👇

Until next time friends! ❤

‘Caskets of ice’ ~ vote for your favourite quote #1

March 6, 2025March 6, 2025Leave a comment

Happy Thursday! How are you spending the day? The sun has decided to make its appearance, so for that I’m grateful! 🌞 How’s the weather where you are?

Coming to you today with a selection of quotes across my series, predominantly from Book 1 ‘Caskets of Ice‘ to start the ball rolling. (Quotes from ‘Tales from the Manor‘ were uploaded recently, see above in tabs!) Pop over to my Instagram post & stories and you’ll be able to vote for your favourites there too ❤

Hopefully they are able to provide an unbiased range (from different characters, different settings) for you to get a feel of my creations! Ha!

Here we go!

Which was your favourite quote? If you’d like to see more of my writings let me know (especially in their poetry form and I can think about creating more art for them!) Stay tuned for more quotes coming soon 🙂

Stay safe friends! x

Reader reviews for “Tales from the Manor”

January 20, 2025Leave a comment

Hello friends, another Monday dawns! Hope you’re all staying warm and having a great start to the week 🥰 Today, I’ll be sharing some of the very lovely reviews I’ve received from those who have read “Tales from the Manor” ~ I cannot thank you enough! And if you would like to- please head on over to Goodreads/Amazon to give a review and share your thoughts, experiences, or anything you’d like future readers to know. The link is provided below as always 🤗

And so let’s begin with review number 1!

“Chills… goosebumps… get me out of the manor…

How Kate managed to tie in psychological trauma into manor terrors is phenomenal. Each short story shines on its own and I was on the edge of my seat reading each one. Not to mention, the stories are derived from true events (my personal fav when it comes to horror).

The characters each has a unique tale to tell. Though I have my favourites, each one is special. I don’t want to spoil anything but I’d go back to the psychological elements they entail. This book is more than just fictional horror stories (which is once again, my fav kind!). It makes you question your own fear and ask whether it has manifested in any way similar to the characters’ (I better stop now or I might spoil everything).

If you want a cosy yet thrilling read, I highly recommend Tales from the Manor! You’ll see what I mean!”

~ Lyn

“The book is split into 5 stories, all set in the grotesquely gothic Hartshaw Manor. At first I thought the stories were only connected by the location but as the book goes on it becomes clear that there is much more than that connecting these creepy tales.

Each story is told from a different characters point of view but they all have a dream-like quality. The narrative is split into little sections, the slight disconnect helps time move forward quickly and sporadically. It’s difficult to know if the events are truly happening or if they’re just a dream. I was questioning all the way to the end! It really messed with my head and I loved that!

I really enjoyed each story and each character, but it’s the ending that really blew me away. I’ll say nothing more because I don’t want to spoil it but it is so clever!

And the writing in this is so beautiful. The author truly captures what I mean when I say that I love the beauty in horror! The juxtaposition between the terrifying scene and the beautiful, lyrical words to describe it. It’s so well done!

I love the little afterword at the end from the author too. I was focused mostly on the horror of the situation so I appreciated the few notes at the end pointing out some of the nuances I wouldn’t have thought about.

There really is so much to this little book. It is gripping, gothic, horrifying, disgusting, disturbing and psychologically twisted. I loved every single page.

My only warning would be to proceed with caution, or you may find yourself waking in the night to little green flies crawling all over your skin.”

~ Samantha

“This is a perfect book to read on a rainy day at home (or any other weather, of course)!

Kate created a world that is spooky yet familiar to all of us because sometimes our fear is a projection from our internal world. I was very much immersed in the creepy manor when I read. I actually really enjoyed how it manifested in the manors through paintings, dolls etc.! It’s crazy, I know.

Particularly loved the Kary chapter. I was instantly hooked and wanted to know what actually happened in the past…I won’t spoil it for you.

5 out of 5, I definitely recommend it!”

~Wendy

Though I can only include a small selection here, I appreciate each and every one of you have taken the time to read, be immersed in the world, and are so eloquent in expressing your thoughts in your reviews!

I hope you enjoy this little collection of cosy, gothic short stories that conjure up the image of old manor houses and days snuggled by warm country fires; nestled deep in the English countryside. Lose yourself for a moment.

Follow me… for things are not as they seem. And the power of what you can’t see – can be truly wondrous indeed.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222142687-tales-from-the-manor

Synopsis:

Inspired by true events…

In these five stories, the gothic awaits. From eerie oil paintings that come alive, devilish dolls, and a sinister game of hide and seek; there are more than creepy crawlies that lurk in the crevices of Hartshaw Manor. The secrets the structure holds will keep anyone up at night. But is it the work of mischievous spirits, or are they merely horrors conjured from their own frenzied imaginations?
Join Dinah, Peter, Kary, Tony and Violet as they each spend an unforgettable night deep in the folds of the British countryside.

Read on if you dare, because we’ve saved the best till last….

Home of the Book Stack

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025Leave a comment

On this chilly, wintry Monday afternoon, what better way to celebrate all things cosy than with a book stack? If any of you follow my Instagram you’ll know I like to create (sometimes precariously tall!👀) leather bound stacks, and most recently, vintages (which, can also pose a risk as they’re all different sizes and weights!) 📚 Beware candles (and noses!) 🕯🐽

Here’s a selection that made it over the years. Which is your favourite? Vote below!

If you have any questions about any of the books above then feel free to drop a comment or use the contact me page, and I’ll be happy to answer them! And especially for you vintage lovers, some of the titles may also be up for grabs (tab above)!

Stay warm and safe friends, until next time 🙂

Kate ❤

Tapas.io- Read “Caskets of Ice” for free!

January 4, 2025Leave a comment

Hi friends! Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🥂

To kick start Jan, I have uploaded episodes (or chapters!) on tapas for free, link below:

https://tapas.io/episode/3400974

Press subscribe directly on the site to read the latest segment when I post a new chapter weekly!☺️ I’d love to hear your thoughts over the course of the trilogy ~ who are your favourite characters, what do you think of the setting of the dreamworld? Do you have vivid dreams?

Synopsis:

How far would you go, if you had the power to control your dreams?

“One thing is true for them all; and what a price to pay-
When they realise the ice caskets, which were once their tomb, are the only thing keeping them alive.”

Entering lands where things are eerily not what they seem, cannibalistic witches and glowing jade cicadas that bring nothing but misfortune. Where a dream devil wanders the dreamscape collecting souls, building his empire on nothing but fear and death. Beyond the caskets of ice, some doors should remain unopened….

Come closer and listen my dear…

Where do we really go when we fall asleep?

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If you’d like to own your very own copy to add to your shelves, the link on Amazon, including my latest gothic short story release “Tales from the Manor” can be found below. I have a collection of poetry too for you poetry lovers!

https://linktr.ee/Katewjwhite

Happy weekend friends! ❤

The Rag Dolls ~ Artwork & Happy 2025!

December 30, 2024Leave a comment

Hello guys! I’m alive again! (Kinda!) Being in dental pain over Xmas is no fun! 😖 Sending hugs to you friends, and be sure to look after yourself! Wishing you the best for 2025 🥳🥂😘

Have you managed to achieve your reading goal, or set up any for the coming year? I read around 56 this time, (58 last year) but to be honest, I’m just going with the flow! I do plan on branching out more with genres- thank you to those who recommended some historical retellings in my last post, I found copies & will be reading them soon!! 🥰

Aside from this, this year was definitely something- it really forced me to prioritise mental and physical HEALTH above all & and if there’s something you’ve been meaning to do, just do it! Really don’t put it off!

So the last post of the year is for the last batch of artwork created for ~ “Tales from the Manor” ~ The rag-dolls Violet finds in the dolls house of each of the friends. (For the rest, you’ll have to read for yourself… 👀)

Writing this collection of short stories was definitely a highlight for me, and I’ve loved sharing the (true!) stories that inspired them! Thank you for those who have shown so much kindness & support and if you’d like to read “Takes from the Manor” and experience this cosy, spooky journey, the link to order is below: ❤️

See you in 2025! 🤩🤗

~ Feathers fall in the forest ~

September 21, 2019Leave a comment

Feathers fall in the forest,

through the cracks of the early morning sun,

footprints buffered by waves that hit shore- they too fade,

for like seasons that flitter past the underbelly of a tomb, she weathers it all,

weighed down with armour, past the-

obscene feathers glistening with an acid curling of poisoned dreams

Those doors locked shut should never be opened,

the storms of sorrow that pull the corners,

like phantom strings of a ventriloquist’s muse,

marooned on the shipwreck of her youth,

it grows roots, flames that lick the skin of furnished walls,

Porcelain figures, shaken loose from oiled pages kept in shadows

For Hell is here.

Shrouded by grotesque wisps; eye sockets distorted; shattered,

don’t touch – don’t look,

through lantern flames she weaves through the deepest part of night,

whispering with strength beyond the raging of a tempest- ’follow me’,

and reflected beyond the seductive eyes of a devil- you do.

The Count of Monte Cristo ~

March 16, 20192 Comments

I always loved “The 3 Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo” is another by Alexandre Dumas. It’s a powerful book about loyalty, commitment, determination, strength of spirit, of seeking justice and yet not giving up hope. And along with that, if you like sword fights, revenge, disguises, deception, then it’s right up your alley!

“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.”

No truer words said! As the main character finds out, he finds his ‘truth’ in the most unexpected way, through the people he meets that come into his life only briefly and teaches him something at the moment he needs it the most.

Edmond Dantes is unjustly framed for treason and sent to a prison fortress for 14 long years. A fellow prisoner is able to teach him all he knows, to figure out his purpose and to plan his vengeance on his duplicitous ‘best friend’ who stole is life, and love. With the secrets to the treasure of Monte Cristo, he is able to re-instate himself in society as the mysterious Count, surrounded by wolves in disguise, he learns to keep his enemies close….

So, no matter what, we must endure. Nothing is perfect in life or happens as we expect, it’s about our mindset when we face disappointment and adversity, and how we act that counts.

“When you compare the sorrows of real life to the pleasures of the imaginary one, you will never want to live again, only to dream forever.”

~ The mystery of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ ~ 🖤🌹

February 28, 2019February 28, 20192 Comments

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is definitely a tale about escapism- Christine spends her whole life being coached by a ‘mysterious voice’ that mentors her to do better and achieve beyond what she thought possible, when she finally steps through the mirror and meets the man behind the voice, her illusion shatters and she is repulsed by his deformed face. 💀

Instead, she goes for her childhood sweetheart Raoul, and, the phantom realises that despite all he’s given her, she still turns away in horror. She pities him and yet still agrees to lay a trap, by going along with his grand plans for her on the stage, but in the end, his jealousy still destroys them (and the opera house which is also his home.) 🎼🎭

We see him as the villain of the story, but we also feel sorry for him, hiding away with no love and kindness- and perhaps it’s this forced solitude & space to develop his talents that turns him into a musical genius. There are many things to learn from it, that you can’t force love, that you can’t expect too much from anyone, yet also the power of forgiveness and also dedication throughout a lifetime. 🖤🖤

Another thing I love about the Phantom are the aesthetics, the opulent backdrop & historical references- after all it’s a theatre, the masquerade balls, the grandness, and of course, the amazing soundtrack!! Andrew Lloyd Webber really transformed it and made it his own- hence why it still stands the test of time. 👰🏻👻🎞⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

~ 𝔔𝔲𝔬𝔱𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔯~

“They played at hearts as other children might play at ball; only, as it was really their two hearts that they flung to and fro, they had to be very, very handy to catch them, each time, without hurting them.”

“And, despite the care which she took to look behind her at every moment, she failed to see a shadow which followed her like her own shadow, which stopped when she stopped, which started again when she did and which made no more noise than a well-conducted shadow should.”

The world of Beatrix Potter

February 10, 2019February 10, 2019Leave a comment

The tales of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle & Mr. Jeremy Fisher are probably two of my favourite (who am I kidding they’re all my favourite, ha)

🐸’s solitary life, talking to himself, his fear of being swallowed up by a giant creature of the deep when he’s innocently fishing upon a tranquil pond; and the motherly Mrs Tiggy Winkle, 🦔 her hospitality and helpfulness to do others washing in her little snug home in the hillside … but she still lets a visitor in.

I had the fortune of visiting Beatrix Potter’s home Hill Top Farm in Ambleside a few summers ago… it was cozy, with a quaint garden, cabbage/ carrot 🥕 patch and little lanes leading to the village that gave inspiration for her characters! Well what struck me was that the post box was miles away & she was very isolated (Back in the day when she wouldn’t be driving around or waiting for an hourly bus!) the map 🗺 inside this book shows an overview of all the areas around…

It was interesting to wander around the dark wooden panelled corridors of her house, see the little toy figurines in their cabinets, it all struck me as quite small and dark…. and tightly fitted, she would have to stoop down to cross the thresholds of many a doorway. But the solitude and tranquility suited her best, and that’s where I can relate!

Her ability to illustrate using watercolour her stories and antidotes of her woodland pets really are an inspiration and she never lost faith in the wonderful world she brought to life. Not only this but the stories showcase the best of the British countryside (I also started learning the theme song to the 90’s TV show on the piano- “Perfect Day” by Miriam Stockley) 🤓

In the end, she left her legacy to the National Trust after her death, including almost all the original illustrations of her books. Definitely a recommend to visit her home if you’re also a Potter fan like me! And since I owned most (but not quite all) her stories in their traditional white covered versions, this collection will definitely hold a special place in my heart! 🙂

My old and very faded portrait I’ve had since a young kid! ☝️