All posts by carol

An interview with Evonne Wareham.

Author Interview, , , , ,

Welcome to my blog, Evonne, and huge congratulations on your new release, A Wedding on the Riviera. Please tell us a little more about it:

Hello – thanks for inviting me onto the blog.It’s nice to pay visits to other members of the Choc-lit/Ruby family.

Where shall I start? Well, I write romantic suspense for Choc-lit. The romantic suspense genre, for those who have not met the term before, combines a thriller element and a fully fledged love story – more dead bodies than your average romance. As you can guess from the title, this one is at the lighter end of the spectrum, although I do write grittier ones as well. This is the second in what I hope will be a ‘Riviera’ Series. The first was Summer in San Remoand it had an enemies to lovers plot, with a mystery to solve, and of course my hero and heroine ended up in San Remo, on the Italian Riviera.

What prompted you to write this story?

When I finished writing the first book I’d enjoyed it so much that I knew I wanted to do it again.  Jake, the hero of that book, has just taken over a detective agency in Bath, and it was a good starting point for more stories. I’m planning that each book will be self contained, with a new heroine and hero, but also with the chance to catch up on characters from previous novels. Once I’d decided that, it was a matter of finding a story. I’d read a couple of ‘runaway bride’ books and started to think about turning that around, and making it a runaway groom. I thought it would be fun to make him a villain – I have to confess, I do like writing villains. That gave me the idea that he should be a con man, making off with the wedding expenses. I then needed a hero who could identify him, which led me to someone who would attend a lot of weddings, which gave me a professional escort – my hero, Ryan – who would, of course, be at this particular wedding with his favourite client, my heroine Nadine. The detective agency came in by way of a sting to try and catch the thief, and we were off and running.

I love the setting, what made you decide upon this location? (And I hope you got to visit for research.)

As it was going to be a Riviera book, that came with the package. I have a bit of a weakness for glamorous settings and I do like to write about places where the sun shines – I hate the cold – so I had no trouble with that. The plot of A Wedding on the Riviera is a little darker than Summer in San Remo, but still with plenty of glitz and glamour, this time in the South of France. I had a lot of fun planning the wedding to end all weddings at a villa outside Nice, which was the bait to lure the con man. I did have a holiday on the Riviera booked in May when I was going to soak up atmosphere and take lots of pictures to use for blogs and location tours… but of course, that didn’t happen. I’m hoping to make it next year.

Without giving too much away, who is your favourite character and why?

It is difficult to choose. I have a new hero and heroine, but we also see quite a bit of Cassie and Jake, the central couple from Summer in San Remo, and I did enjoy showing the reader how their lives had moved on. For a favourite, it’s hard to decide between Ryan and Nadine. I like writing male characters, as it is challenge to get into the hero’s head. One of the big plusses for writing for Choc-lit is that they expect authors to write both points of view, and I find developing the story from both sides fits me perfectly. I have a lot of respect for Nadine as a character, as she had to take on running her husband’s family business when he died unexpectedly, and she is quite brave being in the forefront of taking on the con man who, I am glad to say, is a very unpleasant individual, under a smooth exterior.

What can we expect from you next?

I have a box full of partial manuscripts, a lot of them of the darker kind, which I do want to get back to, but for the moment I’m staying on the Riviera. The next one will be set on the Italian side of the border, in Portofino, which is a very glitzy location indeed. I’m building a villa and creating a garden for that one. I’m also researching Riviera Four. For some reason the hero is an Egyptologist – yes, I know – so I have to find out about Egyptology. I’m trying to talk him into being an art historian instead, but I’m not having much luck so far. His heroine works for the detective agency, and has a cameo part in A Wedding on the Riviera, so it will be interesting to see her take centre stage and get her man, even if he is being stubborn at the moment. I have a feeling that there may be a significant character trait emerging here…

About the book:

A return to the Riviera on the trail of a runaway groom …
When out-of-work actor Ryan Calder attends a wedding as the plus-one of successful businesswoman, Nadine Wells, he doesn’t expect to get in a scuffle with the groom.
But Ryan has a good reason. He recognises the groom from another wedding where the same man made a quick getaway, taking the wedding money and leaving a heartbroken bride in his wake. It seems he’s struck again, and Nadine’s poor friend is the target.
Ryan and Nadine decide they can’t let it happen to another woman, so with a group of friends they hatch a plan that will take them to the French Riviera, hot on the heels of the crooked groom. But could their scheme to bring him to justice also succeed in bringing them closer together?

Links to buy: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Barnes and Noble

About the author:

Evonne is an award winning Welsh author of romantic suspense – more crime and dead bodies than your average romance. She likes to set her book in her native Wales, or for a touch of glamorous escapism, in favourite holiday destinations in Europe. She is a Doctor of Philosophy and an historian, and a member of both the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Crime Writers’ Association.

Social media links:  Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

All dogs deserve a happy Christmas!

Writing & Reading, , , , , , , , ,

Celebrating the release of Being a Friend at Christmas, my niece Kristy Carpenter – who the book is dedicated to – asked if I would be willing to offer a Christmas promotion that would also support a charity close to her heart. When you read about the charity, you’ll see why I couldn’t resist …  

Meet Siggy, Rolo and Patrick, Kristy’s three rescue dogs.  While all three are Greek rescues, Patrick (also pictured above as a puppy) came into Kristy’s life as a result of the wonderful work of Angel’s Garden.

Angel’s Garden is a dog shelter based in Xanthi, Greece, where the wonderful volunteers work tirelessly to ensure stray dogs, cats and other animals are kept safe, fed, watered and medicated, until they can find their forever homes.

The “friends of Angel’s Garden” from Greece, Holland, Germany, Austria and the UK, plan and co-ordinate several trips a year to ensure lucky pups, like Patrick, who have found love through the power of the shelter’s social media pages, reach their new forever homes. (All homes are carefully vetted, and continued support is offered as the dogs settle into their new homes and embark on their new lives).

Kristy says, “Run by volunteers, Angel’s Garden needs as much support as they can get because feeding, housing and treating the animals in their care is not a cheap. Every donation received helps them to continue the wonderful work they do, and continues to ensure that dogs like Patrick find their forever home.

“The good work they do is appreciated more than anyone could imagine. Without their help (and that of other organisations) dogs like Siggy, Rolo and Patrick would face a hungry and helpless life on the streets of Greece.”

Kristy’s adorable dogs are now very happily enjoying life here in the UK, and she has subsequently joined the “friends of Angel’s Garden”, recently completing a mission to deliver dogs to homes in the local area.

With books based on the life of a rescue puppy, of course I wanted to help. And so, I am more than happy to offer either of my Little Pup books for £6 and any two books for £10 with 20% of all sales made from this page going directly to Angel’s Garden. 

About the books:

For under 7s, my little pup series of books are written with young readers in mind. The words are rhyming and rhythmic, enabling young children to anticipate words and phrases, while the illustrations are bright and colourful. Each book can be read as a stand alone story and shared again and again. Being well received in schools, the books can inspire a conversation and encourage children to think about others.

Finding A Friend

When Little Pup finds himself at the shelter,
he doesn’t know quite what to do.
Big dogs all around, feeling lost and alone,
Little Pup needs a friend… but who?

ISBN 978-1916493704

Being a Friend at Christmas

Little Pup’s looking forward to Christmas,
and he knows just how lucky he’s been,
because some dogs are still in shelters,
a warm home and best friend still a dream.

Hoping a small gift of kindness,
will help them feel loved not alone.
Little Pup has a wish that might come true,
when Father Christmas visits his home!

ISBN: 978-1916493728

UK only: To purchase, please select from the options below and state at check out if you would like the book/s signed (p&p is £2.50).

For non UK purchases, or for other inquiries: Please get in touch for a quote via my contact form:

Multiple book deal:


Single book purchases (20% from each sale goes to Angel’s Garden):

Finding a Friend, single purchase £6.00 (+p&p):


Being a Friend, single purchase £6.00 (+p&p):


Angel’s Garden and their “friends” want to thank everyone who has supported them and who continue to support them in these difficult times. The love they give to the animals is priceless but they couldn’t do it without the generous donations and support from those who can help them. And Kristy’s dogs just have to agree!
xx Thank you xx 

Boomerville is Back! An interview with Caroline James.

Author Interview, , , , , , , ,

I am very excited to see that Boomerville is back. Please tell us a little about your latest novel Boomerville at Ballymegille:

Boomerville at Ballymegille is a standalone read following the success of my novel, “The Best Boomerville Hotel.” Newly opened Boomerville Manor is a retreat for ‘guests of a certain age’ and an eclectic mix gather for the opening weekend to enjoy a celebratory party together with some interesting, off-the-wall courses.

It is set in Ireland, what drew you to this location?

I’ve spent some time in Southern Ireland and love the friendly people and their sense of humour and ‘craic.’ What’s not to love about the beautiful countryside, fabulous coast line, wonderful food and drink? It’s a perfect location for a story. Ballymegille is a fictitious village, south of Cork, close to a fishing port which was based on my memories of glorious Kinsale (pictured below), a town that is a must for any tourist visiting the area.

That looks great, I’ve been to Dublin but would love to explore more of Ireland. Hattie was a beloved character in your previous novels, does she, or any other returning characters make an appearance in this book?

Ah…. Hattie! Larger than life and full of fun, she is a character that haunts me. Yes, Hattie is along for the Irish ride, so to speak, and as ever, up to her usual mischief, causing mayhem wherever she goes. I sometimes think that Hattie should pop her clogs but that may upset too many fans of the character. Jo is back too, the owner of Boomerville, but there is a new guest list that includes Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. The Boomerville Babes are an ageing female aquatic team and if they were to ever set up classes near me, I would join them in a heartbeat. Great fun with plenty of female loyalty as the story unfolds.

I can’t resist a dog, and I’ve spotted one on your promotional posts, who is the four-legged star of this novel and how much was his character influenced by your gorgeous Fred Westie?

Great question. I can’t write a book without a woofer appearing in the story. The puppy in the promotional posts is Teddy, a dog that Hattie reluctantly adopts. His history is chequered but he endears himself to everyone. He is completely ficticious and nothing like the rascal that lives with me. Fred Westie, our three-year-old, who is a little devil and always in trouble, but I love the bones of him.

If you can say without revealing too much of the story, what was your favourite scene to write?

I always like the build-up to a tense scene. On the surface all is going well at Boomerville’s opening party but there is an underlying event, created by a despicable character, that changes the course of the book. I love taking the reader on a roller coaster of emotions and hope that this part of the story does exactly that, creating a page-turning experience right through to the end.

Finally, what can we expect from you next?

Boomerville is going Greek. I am taking Jo and Hattie to Bassaloniki, a fictitious island in the Ionian Sea, where they will open a temporary retreat for the summer months. With a new cast of guests and curious locals, I am loving the writing process and yearning to return to the beautiful islands, for further research, when it is safe to travel again.

Thanks so much for hosting me on your lovely blog Carol and happy reading everyone xx

You’re most welcome, thanks so much for stopping by. I can’t wait to read your fab new book!

Discover more about Boomerville at Ballymegille:

Here’s the blurb:

Join Hattie and Jo as they head to Southern Ireland to open Boomerville Manor, a holiday retreat for guests of ‘a certain age’. There’s Irish craic and shenanigans aplenty for the colourful cast of characters as everyone gathers for the grand opening.

Meet Melissa, an ex-cabaret singer running from her abusive husband, and Bill, a bachelor bullied from beyond the grave by the ghostly voice of his mother. Along with local bobby Harry the Helmet, ageing aquatic team the Boomerville Babes, eccentric artist Lucinda Gray, and heartthrob Finbar Murphy, they gather in Ireland and the fun begins. But murder is in the air and there’s mischief afoot. Will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

Set in the beautiful Irish countryside, ‘Boomerville at Ballymegille’ is a heart-warming story of friendship, fears and new beginnings.

Click to buy: Boomerville at Ballymegille

About the author:

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can. A public speaker, which includes talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. She is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer’s & Journalists and the Society of Authors and writes articles and short stories, contributing to many publications. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking up a mountain with Fred, her Westie, sipping raspberry gin and relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Books by Caroline James: Hattie Goes to Hollywood | Boomerville at Balymegille | The Best Boomerville Hotel Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me | Coffee Tea the Chef & Me | Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me | Jungle Rock

Find out more about Caroline James and her novels here: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon Author Page

Feel Good Friday with Chris Penhall.

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

Rounding off my Feel Good Friday posts, I am delighted to welcome Chris Penhall, as she shares an extract from her new novel New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun.

Hello Christine, thank you so much for stopping by.

Thanks for allowing me to be part of your blog.

You’re very welcome, anytime. In light of the year we’ve all been experiencing, I am asking each of my guests to share a top tip to promote wellbeing.

Events in 2020 have certainly proved that looking after ourselves and taking care of our general wellbeing is hugely important when things around us seem overwhelming and out of our control.

My top tip to promote wellbeing is to do something that takes your mind away from the day to day routine. I am an enthusiastic salsa dancer and have recently taken up tap – when the music is playing, all I can think about is the melody and the beat, and the rest of the world disappears for a while. But it could be anything like that  – cooking, swimming, yoga, an uplifting film, or a long walk by the sea.  I do them all!

That’s great advice, and I love that you are doing salsa and tap! I know some exciting things have happened for you this year too, with the release of your latest novel. Please tell us a little about it.

New Beginnings in the Little House in the Sun is the sequel to my debut novel, The House That Alice Built. Set in Cascais near Lisbon in Portugal, it follows Alice after she has finally dealt with the issues she had with her bullying ex and her beloved house in London.  She heads back to Portugal full of plans for the future, but a few surprises along the way put her relationship, work, and the dream of owning a house in the sun into question. So, what does Alice do next?

I loved The House that Alice Built, it really transported me to Portugal at a time when I was in much need of a holiday, so I am looking forward to New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun. And I am delighted to say, you are sharing an extract:

This is the day after Alice arrives in Portugal having left London for good, excited to view a new house.

As Alice walked out into the morning sun the following day, she rummaged in her bag and made sure she still had the house details. The trees dappled patterns on the grass and swayed gently in the spring breeze. Everything smelt fresh and floral and alive. Her mind fizzed with excitement as she hurried through the back streets of the old town to the square. The birds sang happily, and the white, purple and pink of the spring flowers burst from verges and window boxes.

She heard the clink of china from a kitchen window as cups and plates were moved, a family chattering noisily over breakfast, and then she skirted around a workman painting a wall a bright, luscious yellow. As she walked closer to town, the cobbled streets widened slightly and she could see more people moving around, beginning their day. She loved Cascais first thing in the morning, when the cafés were just setting up and the shops were about to open.

Oh my goodness, you have such a wonderful way of depicting a sense of place. I love it. And for readers wanting to join Alice in her escape to Portugal, here are those all important purchase links:  The House that Alice Built | New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun

So where will you be taking us next? What are you currently working on?

I’m working on my third novel now, which is set in the UK this time. It’s about Miriam, a successful businesswoman who rents a house by the sea for a 6 month break away from everything. However, due to an administrative error, she finds that the solitude she is looking for is in short supply.

That sounds fun. Finally, before you go, I like to ask all of my guests five quick fire questions for fun:
Mountains or beach – Beach
Cinema or Netflix – Cinema
Trainers or heels – I wish I could say heels, but if I’m being honest, it’s trainers!
Favourite season – summer
Who would you give your last rolo to? – Keanu Reeves, of course. (Very good choice!)

Huge thanks for rounding off my Feel Good Friday posts with such a wonderful extract, Christine. And a very big thank you to all of the authors who have stopped by over the summer to share  their top tip for wellbeing and an extract from their novel. I really appreciate it! xx

About the author:

Chris Penhall won the 2019 Choc-Lit Search for a Star competition, sponsored by Your Cat Magazine, for her debut novel, The House That Alice Built. The sequel, New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun is published on 25th August 2020.

Chris is an author and freelance radio producer for BBC Local Radio.

Born in Neath in South Wales, she has also lived in London and in Portugal, which is where her two novels are set. It was whilst living in Cascais near Lisbon that she began to dabble in writing fiction, but it was many years later that she was confident enough to start writing her first novel, and many years after that she finally finished it!

A lover of books, music and cats, she is also an enthusiastic salsa dancer, a keen cook, and loves to travel. She is never happier than when she is gazing at the sea.

You can find out more about Chris and her work here: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook 

 

 

Review of T.A. Williams’ Under A Siena Sun.

Blog Tour Review, Book Review, , , , , , , , ,

I am delighted to share my review of T.A. Williams’ latest novel, Under A Siena Sun.

The blurb:

Lucy needed a change of scene. She didn’t expect the change of a lifetime.

Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young’s life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she’s making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.

Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she’s never felt less comfortable. She’s used to helping those in dire need – not those in need of a nip and tuck. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.

She’s soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Canelo

My review:

After the unusually dramatic and gripping opening comes the sunny escape to Siena. I always enjoy T.A. Williams’ books and this was no exception. I was transported to beautiful Siena through the sumptuous setting. I liked all the characters, though lead character Lucy’s wrangle with her conscience made me question the depth of her commitment and feelings for David at times. I adored Boris the Labrador – it wouldn’t be a T. A. Williams read without a gorgeous dog to make you smile!

Overall, it was a lovely, escapist read, that will transport you to Siena. Great for all those who like a female lead who will stand up for her beliefs, no matter what the stakes.

Buy the book: Amazon | Kobo

About the author:

T.A. Williams says, “I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

“The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…”

Discover more about T.A. Williams and his work here: Twitter | Website | Facebook

Thank you to T.A. Williams, for another great read – including a Labrador, of course! Thank you, also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and Canelo for the advance copy of Under a Siena Sun.

This review is posted on NetGalley, Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx