Monthly Archives: July 2020

Feel Good Friday with Angela Britnell.

Author Interview, Guest Post, , , , , , , ,

I am delighted to welcome Choc Lit author, Angela Britnell, as she celebrates the release of A Summer to Remember in Herring Bay.

Thank you so much for joining me, Angela, before we get chatting about your new book, I’d love to know if you have a top tip to promote wellbeing you’d like to share?

For me the key is balance – I love my writing but make sure to carve out space for my water aerobics classes, volunteering at my local library, travel and most importantly spending time with my family and friends. Being a Granny is my favourite job!

Great tip and I love being a Granny, too!

This is an exciting week for you. Please, tell us a little about your latest novel, A Summer to Remember at Herring Bay (I love the cover by the way):

When Essy Havers travels to Cornwall from her home in Nashville she hopes to find out why her mother is reluctant to talk about her childhood in Herring Bay, why she left for America and most important of all why she never went back. Ruan Pascow is back home in Herring Bay after years as an architect in London and unsure of where his life is headed next. When Essy’s persistent questions involve the secret behind his own father’s disappearance they come into conflict, a conflict made harder by their undeniable attraction to each other.

That sounds great. Please share a ‘feel good’ extract:

Ruan and Essy are enjoying a day out away from their problems and he’s taken her to the Jubilee Pool in Penzance…

‘Let’s get in the geothermal pool. It was all over the news when they opened it a couple of months ago and I’ve been wanting to come and test it out.’

‘You sure getting hotter is a good plan?’ A wicked smile tugged at her lush mouth. ‘We might need to get a room tonight at this rate.’

‘Might?’ When their eyes locked it sent his heart into overdrive. Beads of sweat glistened on Essy’s skin and the heat bloomed the scent of the tropical sun cream he’d slathered on her earlier.

‘Yeah, might.’ She trailed a finger down and teasingly rested it in the middle of his chest. ‘Keeping our options open raises the stakes.’

‘They aren’t high enough already?’

‘Play along, it’ll be more fun and that’s what we’re supposed to be having today.’ Her husky voice throbbed with the challenge.

‘Pool. Now.’ He tugged on her hand. ‘You’re dangerous.’ The only answer he received was a peal of rich laughter as he half-dragged her towards the pool.

Gosh! I love the steamy tension in that scene. Here are the links to buy: Amazon | Kobo | Choc Lit

I know you always have another writing project in mind, so what can we expect from you next?

I’ve just finished writing a Christmas novella titled Mistletoe and Moonshine and will be working on a spring book next.

Wow!

Finally, I like to get all of my feel-good Friday authors to answer five quick fire questions for fun: 

Tea or coffee? Tea – PG Tips or Earl Grey when I’m feeling reckless.

Trainers or heels? Trainers now, too many high heels when younger.

Hotel or hostel? The fanciest hotel I can afford.

Favourite season? Spring, I love all the flowers and the temperature usually suits me perfectly.

Who would you give your last Rolo to? They’re not my absolute favourites so probably anyone who asked for it but if we were talking about a Crunchie or Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Raspberry squares the answer would be different!

OO I had to look up what they were, they look very tasty 😉

Thank you so much for stopping by in your busy week. Best of luck with your new novel, Angela. I look forward to reading it. xx

About the author:

Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee to visit family and friends, drink tea and eat far too many Cornish pasties!

A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she’s visited or lived on her extensive travels. Thanks to over three decades of marriage to her wonderful American husband she’s a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers. Her first novel ‘Truth and Consequence’ was published in 2006 and she’s now had over 30 novels published internationally and several short stories in women’s magazines.

If you’d like to find out more of what Angela gets up to (Advance warning: this may include references to wine, chocolate, Poldark and the hunky Aidan Turner) check out: Twitter |  Facebook | website | Instagram |

Feel Good Friday with Gina Hollands.

Author Interview, Guest Post, , , , , , , , , ,

Welcoming Gina Hollands, as she shares her top tip for wellbeing and an extract from her feel good Friday read, Little Village of Second Chances.

Hello Gina, I’ve been gathering lots of good advice from fellow authors and would love to hear your top tip to promote wellbeing?

Treat yourself! Do whatever makes you happy with the time and money you have to do it. For me, an absolutely blissful day would be a day off work, head into town, have a coffee (on my own!) and buy myself something nice to wear. A bonus would be to go out for dinner that evening so I can show off my new purchase!  I’m sure to feel fantastic after all that, especially if there’s a glass of wine and a big nosh up involved!

That sounds great, I think we are all missing doing those things at the moment.

I love the cover of your new book, and the fact it is about a second chance romance. Tell us a little more about it:

Little Village of Second Chances is a modern day romance set in a Yorkshire village. It’s about two people who really don’t want to fall in love with each other because they’re on opposing sides. Both these people, Sarah and Shay, have had very challenging things happen to them in their pasts, to the point they’ve almost given up on finding happiness again. Despite their past heartaches, Sarah and Shay enjoy plenty of light and (I hope!) funny moments, which I’d like to think create a heart-warming read.

My aim was to create an accessible and enjoyable romance with characters readers can relate to. Shay and Sarah try their best to be good people but, like all of us, they have their flaws, and they have to work these out if they hope to have a bright future together. Although they’re both fiercely independent , they find a strength in each other that helps them thrive.

Accessible, enjoyable and relatable, some of my favourite words when it comes to picking a  feel good read.

And just for a bit more of a tease, please share an extract:

‘How about we go down here?’ Shay nodded towards The Shambles, the quaint old street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, all leaning forwards slightly as if whispering into each other’s roof eaves. ‘I know a great little wine bar about halfway down.’

The Shambles was Sarah’s favourite street in York – where she often used to treat herself to the odd purchase after she’d been paid or at least a coffee in one of the quintessentially English cafés. Tonight, however, she didn’t think venturing down the ancient street was such a good idea.

‘Um.’ She looked down at her heels. ‘I’m not sure I’m wearing the appropriate footwear to navigate those pavements and cobbles.’

‘That’s easily solved.’ Without warning, he swept her up into his arms.

She let out a yelp and flung her arms around his neck, where his hair was starting to curl up at his jacket collar.

‘I’m far too heavy for this,’ she yelped.

‘Trust me,’ he said. ‘You’re as light as a feather compared to Mrs Grey.’

‘What?’

‘Never mind.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about, you crazy man.’ She laughed, as he strode down the middle of the cobbled roads much to the amused glances of everyone they passed. She’d never seen him like this before – jolly and carefree. It was a version of him she liked. Very much. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, enjoying his warmth and the strength of him pressing against her. If only she could lose herself to the happiness of this moment. Instead, confusion whirled inside her. Since leaving hospital and moving in with Shay, he’d been distant – aloof with her even, but tonight something about him was different. Was it because she’d mentioned moving away? Was he in high spirits because he knew they wouldn’t have to dance around each other for much longer?

‘Here we go, my lady.’ He set her down outside a tiny, cosy-looking wine bar with fairy lights crisscrossed in its dark windows. The swirly silver writing on the door told her it was Romans. She’d never been inside before but had heard from her colleagues in the office it was the most romantic bar in the whole of the city.

Aw, that brought a smile to my face. Little Village of Second Chances was released on June 23rd and is available in ebook and audio: Amazon | Kobo | Audio

As writers are always thinking of their next project. What can we expect from you next?

I’ve just started my new novel, a romcom set in Worthing. I like to write characters who feel that they could be real and who are living through the mundanity of normal life when romance strikes! I write the books I’d like to read – humorous escapism but with a good healthy streak of real life. I’m hoping my new novel will be ready and published by 2021.

That sounds great. Good luck with it, as you know, Worthing is not far from where I live, too. 

Before you go, please indulge me by answering five quick fire questions inspired by my nosey nature:

Cinema or Netflix? Cinema! Preferably The Dome on Worthing’s seafront.
Sweet or savoury? Yes.
Tea or coffee? Yes again.
Starter or dessert? Triple yes.
Who would you give your last Rolo to? I’d eat it myself. In the bathroom. When nobody’s watching.

Ha, I think there was a theme to your answers there!

Very best of luck with Little Village of Second Chances and thank you so much for stopping by. xx

About the author:

Originally from Yorkshire, Gina Hollands now lives by the sea in West Sussex with her husband and son. When she’s not working in her job in marketing and PR, or writing her latest book, Gina can be found dancing everything from lindy hop to salsa, shopping (she loves clothes far too much for her own good), eating out (she hates cooking far too much for her own good), or relaxing, which generally involves reading a book someone else has written or indulging in her new hobby of learning to play the piano. She has a sneaky suspicion she may be a musical genius in the making, but isn’t about to give up the day job just yet.

Discover more about Gina and her work here: Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Don’t miss Angela Britnell sharing an extract from her latest novel, A Summer to Remember in Herring Bay, next week.

 

 

 

Chatting to Vicki Beeby on the release of The Ops Room Girls.

Author Interview, , , , , , , , , ,

Congratulations on your three book deal with Canelo and the release of The Ops Room Girls! I love the cover and as it has just landed on my kindle, I’m looking forward to reading it.

Thanks, Carol, and thanks for giving me a spot on your blog!

To get us started, please tell us a little about your novel:

When working class Evie Bishop must seek a new future for herself, she is inspired to contribute to the war effort and joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter. Posted to a fighter station, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. The three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies. But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined…

It sounds great. What was the inspiration behind the story?

I’ve always been a fan of old World War Two films, and often wondered what the women were doing in RAF films who could be seen in the background, placing blocks on a map. When I started researching for a novel about WAAFs, I remembered these women, and discovered that they were called ‘plotters’. Their role was to plot incoming enemy aircraft so that squadrons could be directed to intercept them. I immediately realised this was the perfect role for my maths-loving heroine, Evie, and so the story developed around Evie and her friends serving in an RAF fighter station during the Battle of Britain.

I do enjoy books about friendship and when I interviewed you previously, for VE Day, I was hooked when you mentioned the three women in your story. I’d love to know more about each of them:

I love books about friendship, too, and I’m having a great time writing about Evie, May and Jess who each have their own book in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force series.

Evie Bishop is a maths geek, quiet, serious and very independent. She’s also a rather driven character—she spent her childhood in pursuit of her dream of getting into Oxford and has never had any real friends. I really enjoyed writing about how she falls for a certain handsome pilot and blossoms under the friendships she makes in the WAAF. Which brings us to…

…May Lidford. She’s tall, awkward and shy. She joined the WAAF to escape her bullying father and was posted to the Motor Transport section. As a result of her downtrodden past, she suffers from a lack of backbone, and it’s going to take a lot of encouragement from Evie and Jess to get her to stand up for herself.

Finally, there’s Jess, who is very different from the other two. She was an actress before she joined the WAAF and is glamorous, confident and a complete flirt. While she says she joined up to meet pilots, she might have had other reasons, which will become apparent over the course of the series.

There’s a brief mention of romance in the blurb, how strong is the romance element? 

There’s romance for all three of my heroines, and I would say it’s a significant part of each book. However, your question has really made me think because I changed my mind about the prominence of the romance sub-plot during the progress of book one. I set out to focus far more on the romance, with May and Jess being only minor characters. However, I fell in love with the friendship as I wrote, and Jess and May took a more prominent role than originally intended. I would now say the friendship carries an equal weight with the romance storyline, if not stronger. I’d love to find out what readers think!

Writing about the past necessitates detailed research, have you discovered any surprises along the way?

It’s always the little details that I enjoy discovering. I was particularly amused to learn that the WAAFs were issued knickers as part of their uniform—enormous black (or navy—I’ve read conflicting reports) monstrosities with elastic at the legs as well as the waist. They were universally hated and called ‘blackouts’.

Oh goodness, they sound like my horrid high school PE shorts!

With the book out just yesterday (whoop whoop) I know it’s early days, but are there any early reviews you could share that have truly made you smile?

I’ve been blown away by the reviews on NetGalley and from other authors who were sent ARCs. One in particular that made me all emotional was from the author, Terri Nixon, this part in particular:

“I can’t say enough about the gorgeous writing – such a smooth, effortless style, allowing the reader to sink into the story of these girls and their frightening, but rewarding, new world. We live every moment with them, from the panic and uncertainty of a desperately important new job, to the crumbly, cinnamon-sweetness of a Chelsea bun, to the bone-trembling impact of an enemy shell.”

Wow, what a great review and here’s the blurb:

When Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times…

It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter.

Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies.

But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined…

And those all important links to buy: Amazon | Kobo | Google | Apple

Thank you so much for stopping by Vicki and I wish you every success with The Ops Room Girls and the rest in the series. xx

About the author:

Vicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.

Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.

In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.

Discover more about Vicki Beeby ( who also writes as Tora Williams) and her work here: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Apricot Plots

Join me next week when author Gina Hollands shares a Feel Good Friday read! xx

Feel Good Friday with Helen Bridgett.

Guest Post, Writing & Reading, , , , , , , , ,

 

It’s Feel Good Friday on my blog, and I am welcoming Helen Bridgett as she shares a wellbeing top tip and an extract from her new novel, Summer at Serenity Bay.

Welcome to my blog, Helen, please share your top tip to promote wellbeing:

Many of us spend a lot of time in front of computers and writing all day can cause so much back and shoulder ache. My top-tip is very simple – just get out and walk. Go for a walk in the fresh air every day for at least half an hour. As well as being good for the body, it will clear your mind. I often find that any niggles I’m having with my writing sort themselves out while I’m strolling along.

And apart from walking – laugh a lot! Find a TV show, read a romcom, go out with friends – anything that makes you smile. Who doesn’t feel better after a really good giggle?

I’m all for promoting a good giggle, especially inspired with by a romcom. With that in mind, tell us a little about your latest novel:

It’s the story of two friends who work together to create a rather unconventional Wellness Retreat in a village on the Northumberland coast. In order to promote the retreat the friends get involved in a reality show and as a result, a group of celebrities descend on the village bringing with them some fun and some scandal.

It sounds great, please share a ‘feel good’ extract:

They sat down on the sand looking out at the sea, saying nothing but listening to the hypnotic sound of the rolling waves over the sand. Chloe lay back and closed her eyes letting her entire being just drift, shortly afterwards she felt Roisin lying down beside her.

‘What are you thinking about now?’ asked Roisin.

Chloe considered the question but she hadn’t been thinking at all, she’d relaxed completely but an emotion had taken hold of her and was nudging the edges of her mouth upwards into a big smile. She pushed herself up onto her elbows and looked across at her friend,

‘I’ve got this feeling that anything could happen here, you’re going to make it Roisin.’

‘I feel that too,’ smiled her friend, ‘it’s a magical place.’

I love that extract and you inspired me to go in search of your blurb to find out more:

What happens when you send a group of celebrities to a tiny seaside village?

Advertising executive Chloe Walsh thought she was visiting her friend Roisin to get away from it all, but little does she know her kooky friend has a master plan to breathe some life into her sleepy seaside village through a new wellness retreat – and she needs Chloe’s skills.

So starts a community effort to put the retreat, Serenity Bay, on the map. Everyone from Andy at the Surf Shack to Tony at the chocolate shop is involved – even Roisin’s Gran has a few ideas!

But Chloe strikes gold almost too soon, attracting the attention of a major production company. Now a colourful group of celebrities are preparing to descend on Serenity Bay to film a reality TV show. Is the village ready for the fun and scandal that are bound to follow?

It sounds a great read, while I was on Amazon I preordered it! If others are tempted to do the same you can preorder Summer at Serenity Bay here: Amazon | Ruby Fiction And you won’t have long to wait as it’s due out on July 14th.

I know writers are always thinking about their next project, so what can we expect from you next?

In January Ruby Fiction will be publishing my second book which will be rather different. It’s a crime novel featuring an amateur sleuth – I’ll say no more for now!

Oh, goodness, very different. Best of luck with both novels.

Finally, before you go, please answer five quick fire questions for fun: 

Mountains or beach?  Ooh – hard one. I really do love both. A beach in front of mountains?

Sun or snow? Snow – especially when it’s freshly fallen.

Paperback, ebook or audio? I’m really getting into audio books at the moment.

Sweet or savoury? Savoury – crisps over sweets every time!

Dog or cat? Dog – I have a chocolate Labrador called Angus who ensures that I get out for that walk every day.

 Oh I have a big soft spot for chocolate Labradors!

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I look forward to reading Summer at Serenity Bay. xx

About the author:

Helen Bridgett lives in the North East of England. Outside of writing feel good fiction, Helen loves the great outdoors and having a good laugh with friends over a glass of wine. Helen lives with her husband and their chocolate Labrador, Angus; all three can often be found walking the Northumberland coastline that inspired Serenity Bay.

You can find out more about Helen and her work here: Twitter | Facebook

Don’t miss Vicki Beeby stopping by next week to chat about her latest novel, and another on my tbr list, The Ops Room Girls.

Lockdown for the family Thomas.

Events, Writing & Reading, , , , ,

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written a personal blog, just because life and other things have taken over.

In a house with three school-age children, the start of lockdown took a bit of adjusting to. There are five of us, a Labrador, a guinea pig and two hamsters in our three bedroomed house. Ordinarily, it’s not until late evening that we are all in together, with work, school, clubs and so forth pulling us all in different directions.

With the start of lockdown, it was like someone had hit pause. Suddenly we were all home, and we all had time together. The days stretched out long and empty before us, and we could establish our daily rhythms and routines. I’ll confess (except for not being able to see close family members, which was very hard) it was lovely to just be for a moment.

During this time we played together, ate dinner together at a reasonable time every day, and chatted about all sorts, as a family. We learnt new ways to keep my eighty-two-year-old mum company with online chats and talking to her through her window. My nine-year-old son started growing vegetables. My teenager made daisy chains, picked up knitting again and got creative, while my usually sporty daughter devoured books and had time to cook (something she really enjoys).  And I did scavenger hunts via Facetime with my two gorgeous grandchildren – who I still can’t wait to hug again. We also joined neighbours in clapping for the NHS.

Of course, I am aware that this time of hitting pause, isn’t the case for everyone and I know how fortunate we’ve been to have each other for company, and to have been together while others have been sick, lost loved ones, and been at the front line working in hospitals. My son has asthma and so until it was deemed safe, five weeks ago, I was unable to go into the school I work in. I’m hugely grateful to all teachers who have worked throughout, healthcare workers and those who have kept businesses going.

And I don’t want people to think we’ve taken lockdown as a holiday. Thomas Towers, as my eldest likes to call our house, has been busy.

Yes, I am a teacher, but writing is also a job. If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know it is not nearly as easy as it sounds to put eighty to a ninety thousand words down in the right order, so that by the end you have a story that will entertain and hold readers throughout. And so beavering away, often in our van, I am proud of the fact that in this time I have finished two books. A novel and a Christmas children’s book – both of which were started before lockdown, I hasten to add (I’m not superwoman, haha). 

Here’s a sneak peek at the Children’s book, coming in September. I have also illustrated this one which was quite therapeutic and an escape from thinking during lockdown, too.

As well as this, despite his school not sending work (they suggested daily reading and times tables), I’ve homeschooled my son with English, Maths, and another Curriculum subject every single school day since lockdown started, because I deemed it important. Nine-thirty until two-thirty has been ‘school’ time. He’s been the perfect pupil, keeping me on my toes and thoroughly entertained. And I’ve worked on things that always bugged me when I looked at his school books – the joys of having a teacher as a mum. 

At the start of lockdown, a love of paper aeroplanes inspired DT, Maths, English and Science. Excuse the lockdown hair, though this was back when it was short, you should see it now!

Supported by work sent by the school they attend, my girls have kept studying too. My teenager has worked incredibly hard as she’s in year ten and will be taking her GCSEs next year. And my twelve year old has done the same, completing school work with a great attitude, as well as entertaining her younger brother during breaks and after ‘school’. 

I’m immensely proud of them all. We haven’t had a single tantrum, or refusal to get up and get on, albeit that the girls have had the flexibility to work at times that suit them. The house has been calm and relaxed as everybody found the rhythm of what worked for them. Of course, the children have been affected by what’s gone on, they’ve missed their big sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew terribly. They miss seeing, and hugging, their nanny, auntie (who has delivered amazing food parcel treats to the door), and other grandparents. And they’ve missed their friends.

So now, things are changing again, my twelve-year-old is at football training once more; my teenager has school appointments with teachers, and is horse-riding again. I am back at work, leaving my husband as a supply teacher to our son, while I go in two days a week. He is doing OK delivering the work I have left, though I asked him to mark more neatly – this homeschool has standards 😉 And we can start seeing other family members and friends which is lovely, though still from a distance. 

Life is getting busier again, and I want to hang on to my babies, I want to hold on to our precious time together. It will be strange letting them go again. We still have family dinner together every night, I hope it lasts, but as September comes around and more time pressures are introduced we’ll have to see how that works. I hope as life gets fuller, we remember what is precious and continue to find the positives from what has been, and continues to be, an extraordinary time in history.