From an avid reader I loaned my first book to: Reading these books feels like settling down in front of the fire with a warm brew on a chilly day. In fact, much of the happenings in the story itself are accompanied by a cup of tea at some point. The reader is taken on a gentle ramble through the life of a good, ordinary man and the often comedic comings and goings of a simpler times. The characters are comfortingly likeable and the whole book leaves you with a warm glow at the end. A series for when you’re feeling nostalgic and need reminding of the good in the world. A very enjoyable read. Justine Sharples.
From another author: The Incredible Fortunes of Riley caught my attention because it brings together postwar life, romance, friendship, and unexpected fortune through the perspective of an ordinary working man. I was particularly drawn to the way Daniel’s circumstances gradually open the door to an extraordinary chapter in his life. Your choice to place the story in the late 1950s gives Daniel’s journey a strong historical foundation, while the relationships surrounding him add warmth and emotional depth. The combination of lighthearted storytelling, twists, and personal transformation makes the premise especially engaging.The house clearing discovery that unexpectedly changes Daniel’s financial circumstances stood out to me. It feels like a small, believable moment that creates the possibility for much larger changes in his life. Emylia Hall.
From our local chippy owner, another book loan… I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Incredible Fortunes of Riley”. This is not the type of book I read, I normally go murder mystery. I found the book easy to read, interesting with great hooks all the way through. At times I could not wait to read what the items sold for. The book had a good amount of light humour and often made me smile. I had no problem with the writing style, picked it up after a few pages. The story was good and flowed well. I’m sure my wife will enjoy reading the book as I believe it’s closer to her book choice than mine, and I enjoyed it. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read your book, you are very talented. Kind Regards, Pete Grafton.
From a friend and follower:
They are very busy books if you know what I mean. You don’t know what will happen next. They are fun to read. I am enjoying them. I’m ready for the next one. You could write another one in the series too, and do you have ideas for some other characters? Jen Smart.
From an email I received:
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I thought it might be a sort of history of farming, or similar. This is funny in places, and serious in others. I did enjoy the story much more than I expected to. Good book, thanks.
Jamie Price.
From a mail I received:
I came across “Riley’s Stunning Progress”, and the range of your storytelling really stood out to me exploring the tale of how a simple working man makes rapid progress to become the owner of his own store and a very wealthy man in the process; engaging with multiple twists and turns throughout, with sub-plots woven across the narrative; and covering themes of ambition, hard work, fortune, and the journey from humble beginnings to remarkable success. Most business-focused novels either get bogged down in technical detail or lose the human element; yours offers an entertaining, accessible story about determination and progress, perfect for light reading, which is rare and gives it real weight. Fredrick Backman. (Book marketer)
From a publishing house:
After reading Riley’s Startling Success, I was particularly impressed by the way you brought together a nostalgic rags-to-riches journey, romance, friendship, and a remarkable series of unexpected events that transform an ordinary working man’s life, crafting a story that feels both engaging and genuinely memorable. What stood out most was the strength of your storytelling and the way you developed Riley’s journey from an ordinary working life through an unexpected accident, a life-changing romance, marriage, and ultimately the discovery that leads to his extraordinary fortune. The balance you created between humour, romance, friendship, good fortune, and the twists and sub-plots that shape Riley’s remarkable journey demonstrates a level of creativity and craftsmanship that immediately captures your attention. Elizabeth May
I recently had the pleasure of discovering The Company of Rileys: The Tales of Daniel Riley, and I want to be completely candid with you, it stopped me. The way you transport readers to the late 1950s in the south of England, a far gentler age, and invite them to suspend their disbelief while sharing tales that may seem impossible but could just have happened as told, is a rare and utterly charming narrative. The themes you explore, a tale set in the late 1950s in the south of England. References to the way of life as it was back then provoke reminiscences, instances and occurrences that may seem impossible but could just have happened. Some of the narrative based on fact though loosely, and nearly all place names and people invented but some taken from memory and adapted to the story. These are the kind that linger with readers long after they turn the final page. Olay Moses.
