All posts by carol

Stories that will make you smile: Jan Baynham

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

Welcoming Jan Baynham as she shares an uplifting extract from her debut novel, Her Mother’s Secret.

Congratulations on the release of your novel, Jan. It is on my kindle and I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you, I hope you enjoy it.

How are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?

We are now three weeks into this ‘strange new world’ and it still seems surreal, doesn’t it? At first, I was obsessed with watching every news programme and revolving my afternoons around COVID-19 briefings, not being able to believe what was happening. That has settled down now and I realise that being out in the garden in the sunshine, for example, is more important than watching every update. They will be repeated later on in the evening. One thing I’ve noticed is that I’m not able to concentrate very well. I’m grateful to have had blog posts to write about my debut novel that was published by Ruby Fiction on 21stApril. I attend a weekly Pilates class normally but during the lock down the instructor has provided a variety of online classes on most days.

My top tip is to get outside every day. I’m fortunate to have a garden where I can sit, read or take meals when it’s been warm enough. I’ve also taken advantage of the daily permitted walk with my husband. Being out in the fresh air, making ourselves go out every day and putting steps on our FitBits, has definitely improved our well-being.

Tell us a little about your debut novel:

‘Her Mother’s Secret’ is mainly set on Péfka, a fictional island in southern Greece. In 1969, Elin Morgan leaves Wales after finishing art college to spend the summer months studying at a painting school in Greece. She records everything in a diary but, while there, something happens that causes her to never paint again.  The secrets of that summer remain with her until she dies twenty-two years later. Elin leaves the diary to her daughter, Alexandra. Through reading it, Alexandra discovers she didn’t fully know her mother as well as she thought and is shocked as the secrets from her past are revealed. Following in her mother’s footsteps, in 1991 Alexandra travels to Greece to find out the truth and what really happened in that summer of ‘69. I wanted to explore the relationship between a mother and her daughter and why she couldn’t reveal her secret to her even on her deathbed. By leaving the diary for Alexandra to read with her blessing, perhaps Elin had wanted to clear her conscience.

I love the cover and the premise. Could you share an uplifting extract?

Alexandra

1991, Péfka, a small island off the Peloponnese, Southern Greece

The journey from Piraeus on the Flying Dolphin passed quickly. In no time, I arrived at the island of Péfka and took in the view of the harbour and the town behind it. Lemon, pink and white-painted buildings with terracotta ridged tiled roofs glistened in the strong sun. They formed a guard around a pretty stone quayside, filled with every kind of sea-going vessel from luxury yachts to humble fishing boats. A large flag-pole dominated the jetty that jutted out into the water and sported the distinctive blue and white Greek flag. The view was not a complete surprise. I’d read my mam’s diary many times, and I knew exactly how Péfka harbour and its quayside would look.

June 21st 1969 

Péfka harbour is very picturesque. A mix of marshmallow coloured town houses with balconies and fishermen’s stone cottages. Gleaming white motor launches bob on the deep aquamarine water alongside schooners, exuding affluence. Yellow canvas parasols shading the diners at Xante’s taverna look like a field of sunflowers. I’ve arrived in paradise!

When I’d first read the diary entry about arriving on the island, I had been sceptical about the flowery language she’d used but as I stepped onto the quayside, I took a deep breath. Mam had not exaggerated. The parasols were now a bright blue but the taverna was still Xante’s. Flowers tumbling in abundant tresses from terracotta pots and urns adorned the fronts of houses and shops, balconies and steps. I spotted the Parthenis boutique where Mam had bought the dress she’d worn to the painting school party. It was as if time had stood still here and through the diary, I felt I was returning not visiting for the first time. One thing had changed though. The horse and carriage taxis were still lined up along the quayside as Mam had described but now there was a motor taxi rank on the other side of the marina. Taxi drivers, chatting and smoking, leaned on the blue-striped bonnets of their gleaming white vehicles waiting for their fares.

The sun beat down on my bare arms and legs. I pulled my straw hat further over my forehead. No wonder you loved it here, Mam. The colours alone make it an artist’s heaven. I stifled a sob and tried to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat. If only Mam had shared her love of painting with me instead of denying this part of her life had ever existed. I didn’t know what I was going to find out by coming to Greece, to this island, but I was sure my mother wanted me to come. 

Available in ebook, and coming soon in audio: Google Play | Kobo | Amazon UK | Amazon.com | iBooks | Nook

What can we expect from you next?

My next novel is already with my publisher. It is another mother/daughter story involving secrets. It’s set in 1946 and 1965, in rural mid -Wales. In this novel, the daughter, Jen, is reeling from a secret that is exposed as she is on the brink of going to training college. Her quest for the truth takes her to Sicily. Her family has been fractured by things that happened before she was born and she is determined to bring the family back together.

About the author:

After retiring from a career in teaching and advisory education, Jan Baynham joined a small writing group in a local library where she wrote her first piece of fiction.  From then on, she was hooked! She soon went on to take a writing class at the local university and began to submit short stories for publication to a wider audience. Her stories and flash fiction pieces have been longlisted and shortlisted in competitions and several appear in anthologies both online and in print. In October 2019, her first collection of stories was published. Her stories started getting longer and longer so that, following a novel writing course, she began to write her first full-length novel. She loves being able to explore her characters in further depth and delve into their stories.

Originally from mid-Wales, Jan lives in Cardiff with her husband. Having joined the Romantic Novelists Association in 2016, she values the friendship and support from other members and regularly attends conferences, workshops, talks and get togethers. She is co-organiser of her local RNA Chapter and a member of the Society of Authors.

Find out more about Jan Baynham and her novels here: Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook |

 Thanks so much for stopping by Jan, and I wish you every success with the book. Don’t miss Jane Cable on May 1st, sharing an extract from her latest novel, Endless Skies. xx

Stories that will make you smile: Caroline James

Author Interview, Book Review, Guest Post, Writing & Reading, , , , , , , , ,

Welcoming Caroline James as she shares an uplifting extract from her latest novel, Hattie Goes to Hollywood.

How are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?

I work from home, so in many ways nothing has changed on the work front other than not being able to undertake any public speaking events or host workshops, but I’ve really struggled not seeing my family and friends. We live quite rurally so are lucky that there is space around us and my daily exercise has been to go out on my bike. But this has been different. To experience the countryside with no cars, trains or planes and to hear nature in its pure form is wonderful. Exercise is a great source of wellbeing for me, as is baking and we’ve been having the odd treat with comfort foods such as cakes and scones (and my favourite tipple of raspberry gin). I think we all need a treat in these uncertain times as we find our individual route through this difficult journey.

Tell us a little about your latest novel:

My novel, Hattie Goes to Hollywood was published recently and it is the first in a new series of mysteries. The main character is retired hotelier, Hattie Mulberry who has inherited her aunt’s dilapidated cottage in the village of Holllywood in Cumbria. She envisages a quiet life but when her neighbour asks her to investigate a suspicious suicide, Hattie’s career takes a new direction and her private sleuthing business is born. During the hottest summer in years, Hattie discovers there have been three recent suicides in Hollywood and she determines to find out why. There are plenty of shenanigans, mischief and even romance as temperatures and tempers rise and Hattie has her work cut out to discover the truth. The book is available in all formats including audible and has received some great reviews, which makes all the hard work of writing so rewarding and I hope that readers enjoy Hattie and her further escapades.

Could you share an uplifting extract?

Having been called away, Hattie returns to her run-down cottage to discover that her handyman has been busy…

Hattie parked in Lovers Lane and climbed out of her car. She left her luggage on the back seat but picked up her handbag and deposited various bits and pieces accumulated during her journey. A half-eaten sandwich and a glossy magazine joined the remains of a packet of sweets.

 She stood at the gate and looked at her cottage. After a three-week absence, everything looked the same. The front garden was neat, the lawn trimmed, and the last trailing fronds of wisteria hung heavily around the front door. But as she stepped onto the path, she peered curiously around the side of the cottage and, doing a double take, she stopped in mid-stride.

 Gone were the many piles of bricks and Alf’s debris and, as if by magic, a building had emerged. It adjoined the kitchen, overlooking the back garden.

 Hattie gasped. How on earth had they finished it so quickly?

 A neat little conservatory with a brick base, pretty windows and a roof made of attractively wrought iron and glass, stood proudly with views of the pond and fields beyond.

 She moved cautiously forward. There was no sign of Alf but there was every indication that while she’d been away, he’d worked tirelessly with his team. Hattie ran her fingers over the smooth sill of the conservatory and slowly guided herself to the entrance. The door was unlocked, and she turned the handle and gently pushed. The interior was bright and inviting and Hattie’s eyes were wide as she took in her new surroundings. A two-seater sofa lay along the furthest wall. Covered in cushions, it matched a colourful rug, that lay on polished stone flags. In the centre was a low circular table with a mosaic patterned top, was home to a collection of scented candles and various succulent plants, arranged attractively in a stone tray. A comfortable looking armchair was tucked beneath the window and Hattie crossed the tiled floor to sit down. Her fingers fumbled beneath the arms of the chair until she found a small control panel. As she pressed a button, her feet began to rise, and the back of the chair lowered.

Hattie sighed with pleasure and couldn’t contain the wide grin that spread across her face. It was heaven! She nestled a soft cushion into position behind her head and closed her eyes. After a few moments, she reached out to pull a cord on a window blind and watched as the view on the other side was magically revealed.

 Beyond the garden and fields, the setting sun hovered above the trees that surrounded the holly wood, the fading rays shimmied across the surface of the pond and, as the day began to diminish and darkness descended, the garden suddenly came to life. Hattie was enchanted as she watched hundreds of tiny twinkling lights dance along the boundary walls, their rays reflected on the inky pool. A movement on the water caught her eye and she leaned forward to see the shadowy shape of a duck creating tiny waves as it paddled along. Hattie watched Drake commandeer his pond and when she realised that a smaller figure was paddling in his wake, tears came to her eyes and she smiled.

 Her duck had company and, by the look of things, the hen was making herself at home.

Such a lovely moment in the book, for Hattie and Drake (who I loved). I think we could all do with a lovely conservatory like Hattie’s to relax in right now – do you think she’d send Alf round for me?

My review and links to buy:

Having read previous books by Caroline James, I was delighted to see that Hattie, a larger than life character of earlier novels, returns in this, the first of what promises to be an entertaining, cosy crime series.

Hattie is as wonderful and feisty as ever, as she moves to the Cumbrian village of Hollywood, where some suspicious deaths pique her curiosity. Being naturally nosy, she soon finds herself taking on the role of private investigator.

I love Hattie’s no-nonsense approach to life. She certainly says it how she sees it when it comes to dealing with those around her. Though, I did feel for her love interest and hope we see more of their relationship in future books. I also enjoyed her friendship and banter with Harry the Helmet, the local policeman.

The characters are all well-drawn, with individual personalities and their own secrets to come to light – some I loved and some I deplored for their actions (as is the author’s intention). I adored Drake, a duck that adopts Hattie and her home, soon after her arrival. For me, his presence even overshadowed the dog in this book, and that’s saying something coming from me!

While there are some references to previous stories, this can definitely be read as a standalone book, and I look forward to the rest of this new series.

Available in ebook, paperback and audio, click to buy, here. Also available nationwide from all good book shops.

What can we expect from you next?

I am currently finishing the follow up to my novel The Best Boomerville Hotel. The manuscript has been on my desk for some time and during Lockdown, I have had an urge to finish it. I have also got the outline ready for Hattie & the Heirloomwhich will be the next novel is the sleuthing series.

About the author:

Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that 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, consultant and food writer, Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association and writes articles and short stories and contributes to many publications. In her spare time, Caroline can be found trekking up a mountain or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

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

 Thanks so much for stopping by Caroline. My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. Don’t miss Jan Baynham up next on my blog, sharing an extract from her debut novel. xx

 

Stories that will make you smile: Angela Barton

Author Interview, Book Review, Guest Post, Writing & Reading, , , , , , , ,
Today, I am pleased to welcome author Angela Barton to my blog, as she shares an uplifting extract from her latest novel, You’ve Got My Number.

Welcome to my blog, Angela. How are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?

For me, the key to keeping sane in these unprecedented times is to stay occupied. I’m lucky that I enjoy being creative, so I write and sew. I’ve also started making clay earrings that I paint and seal when dry, so I have plenty to do throughout these long days in isolation. Now the weather’s improving I’m getting outside in the fresh air of the garden to read and weed! In the evenings I’m usually curled on the sofa with tea and chocolate while watching a Netflix series, a documentary or a movie.

Tell us a little about your latest novel:

My latest novel is called You’ve Got My Number. It’s a story about how different people react when they can’t be with the person they desire. One of my characters fights dirty! He tells a dreadful lie to try and get his own way. Another of my characters puts others before herself, to the detriment of her own wishes. It’s a story full of drama, unrequited love, deceit, romance, betrayal, crime and of course, that heinous lie.

I’m also very happy that my two dogs play a part in You’ve Got My Number and will be immortalized in a book. Harlyn, my Brittany spaniel died last November and Brook, my Springer, died suddenly this April. She has a starring role on the book cover, which is befitting for the diva that she was! Both were fifteen years old and had wonderful lives, which helps with the grieving process.

I am so very sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to lose your beloved dogs. How wonderful and befitting that the memory of your girls will live on through your writing.

Could you share an uplifting extract from your book?

“‘Come on, slow coach. We’re nearly there.’ Denise was panting as she spoke.

Sam was lagging behind. With his head bowed, he pushed his chubby hands onto his bare scuffed knees with each laborious step he had taken up Parliament Hill. Simon was a little way ahead with their elder son, Peter. It was a Sunday afternoon on a warm sunny blue-skied day and the melody of an ice cream van tinkled up the hill.

Denise was always happiest when surrounded by her family. That day, they’d been exploring Hampstead Heath. Living close by meant that over the years they’d already discovered most of its wonderful secrets. Hidden glens, ponds obscured by leafy willows, crooked trees for small boys to climb and, best of all, the stunning expansive views from the top of Parliament Hill. The boys loved visiting the adventure playground and watching the entertainers, clowns, puppets and magicians. Fairs visited on summer bank holidays and Simon took them fishing on the calm lakes. When each summer was almost over and the hint of autumn floated in the breeze, they’d pick a basket of blackberries to freeze and cook throughout the winter months. It was a wonderful place to people-watch, fly kites, share picnics or just to wander and talk.

An excited yell from the top of the hill drew Denise’s attention upwards. She shielded her eyes and laughed when she saw Simon and Peter waving their arms above their heads, having reached the summit. She stopped and waited until Sam caught up.

‘Mummy, can we have an ice cream when we go back down?’

‘Of course, but let’s play king of the castle and sit on the top of the hill first.’

‘Can we sit on our favourite bench?’

‘If it’s free we can.’

Denise had held out her hand to her youngest son, which he grasped.

‘Mummy?’

‘Yes, darling?’

‘Can I have a piggyback?’

She chuckled. ‘Mummy is very old and doesn’t have your young legs. I can’t carry a little boy as well.’

‘I’m not little. I’m four.’

‘Compared to Mummy and Daddy, you’re little.’

‘And Peter?’

‘Yes, and Peter.’

‘Mummy?’

Denise was panting. ‘Yes’

‘How old are you?’

‘Hmm, well you shouldn’t really ask a lady how old she is, but because I know you can keep a secret, I’m thirty-two.’

‘Mummy?’

‘Yes, Sam.’

‘If you’re thirty-two and Uncle Daniel is your twin, then he is thirty-two too!’ Sam giggled and repeated, ‘Thirty-two too, two too.’

‘That’s right. There are no flies on you, are there?’

Sam had looked at his arms and bent double to survey his legs. ‘No.’

‘No, it means… never mind. Look, we’ve made it.’

Simon had an arm draped around his elder son’s shoulders.

‘Hello, you two,’ said Denise.

‘Beat you,’ Peter teased.

‘Mum is very old and has thirty-two legs,’ said Sam. ‘No, I mean her legs are thirty-two and old, so I had to stay with her.’

Simon laughed and kissed her cheek. ‘Sexiest old legs I’ve ever seen,’ he’d whispered, tapping her bottom.””

Thanks so much for that. I have read You’ve Got My Number and so I am delighted to be able to share my review.

I loved this book; it hooked me right from the start and held me all the way to the end. Likeable characters you’ll be happy to spend time with, a wonderful setting and two adorable dogs! The plot unfolds with shock, intrigue and, of course, a growing romance. I always enjoy Angela Barton’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. A great read for a little escapism, just what everybody needs right now.

Links to buy: Amazon | Goodreads | Kobo

I’m sure you can tell I am a fan of your books. What can we expect from you next?

I’ve had a difficult year, so my writing has taken a back seat. If I could find something positive from self-isolation, it would be that I’m writing again. We all wished we had more free time to do what we wanted, and now the government is ordering us to do just that! Such bizarre times – we’re actually living through something that will be documented in history.

I loved writing Arlette’s Story and all the research that went in to the book. World War 2 in France has become a bit of a passion for me, so I have ideas for a couple of new novels. History mixed with fiction needs to be accurate. Not only for our readers, but also to respect and acknowledge the sacrifices people have made, that enable us to be free today.

About the Author:

Angela Barton was born in London and grew up in Nottingham. She is married with three grown up children and adorable five-year-old twin granddaughters. She is passionate about writing both contemporary and historical fiction and loves time spent researching for her novels. In 2018 Angela signed publishing contracts for three of her completed novels with Choc Lit’s new imprint, Ruby Fiction.

In addition to writing, Angela also relaxes by making landscapes using free motion sewing on a machine. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a reader for their New Writers’ Scheme. Angela is also a member of Nottingham Writers’ Studio, the Society of Authors and Ellipses and Ampersands’, a fiction critique group in Nottingham.

Discover more about Angela Barton here: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Ruby Fiction | Angela is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Don’t miss author, Caroline James, up next sharing an uplifting extract from her novel, Hattie Goes To Hollywood. xx

 

 

 

 

 

Julia Firlotte Author Interview.

Author Interview, Book Review, , , , ,

Today, I am welcoming author, Julia Firlotte to my blog, and sharing my review of her debut novel, Trust in You.

Thank you for stopping by, Julia. I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of your book, but for those who haven’t read it, tell us a little about Trust in You.

Trust In You is a first love summer romance that falls into the romantic suspense genre. There are many clues throughout Trust In You which elude to the plot for the next novel, but the main point to take away is that it’s a love story which will keep you wanting to know what happens next and is the first in a series.

During the writing process, who became your favourite character and why?

My hero, Adam, is my favourite character because he possesses all of the characteristics I would find attractive, oozing confidence and charm but underneath there’s unshakable qualities of fidelity, bravery and integrity, despite what the reader might be deliberately lead to think. He always puts my heroine Ella first, and that’s always important in a relationship.

 As well as the developing romance, your novel explores some dark themes. How, as a writer, have you balanced those across the story?

The novel started out quite differently; in the first draft, it was a much darker story where I wanted my hero Adam to be a genuine bad-boy you loved to hate. It was originally a bully romance (as opposed to dark romance), which centred around a land dispute; As the characters developed though, I listened to them and also to the feedback from my wonderfully supportive beta readers and found that Adam was simply too bad for the reader to like and so I adapted the story accordingly.

It’s made it a far better novel, although I would still like to write a bully-romance in the future and respect the finesse authors such as Cara McKenna are able to bring to storylines which could otherwise easily tip that delicate balance. I’ve weighed the darker themes in the novel by my heroine’s very human and normal reactions to them, also underpinning the story with integral qualities such as respect and consent.

Which authors or novels have influenced you?

Oh, where to start! I read all genres of romance but also enjoy other genres such as Charlaine Harris, Phillipa Gregory, Catherine Cookson and Colleen McCullough, but if I had to choose certain influencers for Trust In You, it would be these: Jaine Diamond, I’d choose any day of the week, because of the powerful chemistry, humour and perceptive insight she never fails to deliver, particularly of her male characters’ reactions to situations displayed through body language. Ryan Kendall and Chystal Kaswell also do this extremely well. I’d choose Silvia Day for the dark charisma of Gideon Cross and also Jamie McGuire and for the tension and ‘bad-boy you’ve just got to love’ in Beautiful Disaster and EL James for the innocence and inner strength of Anastasia Steel.

How will you be celebrating the release of Trust in You?

I’m extremely grateful to The Glorious Spa for hosting my Valentines Themed pre-launch event titled A Glorious Love Story where journalists and new readers will receive an advance copy of my novel in order to raise awareness prior to it going on public sale via Amazon on April 6th 2020. That’s my main launch event and what better way to learn about a wonderful new book than over a glass of bubbles while receiving an exceptional treatment. I am also collaborating with Chichester Music Academy who are producing the song my heroine Ella has written for post-launch promotions, something I’m very excited to share with my readers via my website in the months to come.

 What is the top tip you’ve learnt, in bringing your book to publication?

Firstly, if you find yourself skim-reading sections while reading through your manuscript, it’s not going to grab your reader’s attention. Secondly, always plan your book project with additional time and budget, you’ll likely often need more of both.

 Finally, here’s five quickfire questions for fun.

  • Beach or mountains? Beach
  • Ebook or paperback? Both! I’m a bookworm!
  • High heels or trainers? Heels if there’s no walking involved, otherwise trainers!
  • Cake or crisps? Cake, it’s one of my five a day!
  • Cinema or Netflix? Cinema, because there’s more access to popcorn!

About the book:

The blurb:

A first love summer romance full of intrigue, lust and lies.

From the moment she met him, Ella Peterson had questions. As always, though, she’s too shy to ask.

Older and sexy as hell, mysterious Adam Brook soon sweeps sheltered Ella off her feet; but is he as perfect as he appears to be, or is there more to him than he’s telling her?

Ella’s world has already turned upside down after moving from England to rural Kansas. She and her sisters were hoping for a more secure future, but instead find that life can be tough when jobs are scarce and the stakes often higher than anticipated.

When events spiral out of Ella’s control, she learns the person she needs to rely on most is herself and her instincts on who to trust in the future.

It’s just that her instincts are screaming at her to trust Adam; it’s what he tells her that makes that a problem.

This is the first book in the Falling for You series and ends with a ‘happy for now’ conclusion.

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dark Romance

My review:

While I read erotic fiction and lots of romance novels of all kinds, I don’t generally read dark romance, and so this was an interesting first for me.

The characters are well-drawn, and the settings are described with detail, enabling you to clearly visualise them. The romance starts slowly, but becomes more dramatic and intense as the book progresses. The story contains some darker, threatening situations that took a moment of adjustment in my mind – especially as the female lead is young and inexperienced (I can’t help myself, I am the mum of three girls). Nevertheless, the author achieves balance with lighter moments and plenty of likeable characters too.

In a manner reminiscent of Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series, I read to the end, with impending awareness that all was not going to be resolved by the close of the novel. And while I stomped my feet, I am aware there’s more to come; Trust in You is the first in a trilogy and is not intended as a standalone story! I’ll just have to wait for the next 🙂

Buy the book here | Also available at Barnes and Noble and coming soon to iBooks.

You can discover more about Julia and her work here: Website complete with mailing list and blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Chindi Authors | Julia Firlotte Author Advance Information PDF

My reviews are added to Amazon and Goodreads. xx

Patricia Osborne on connecting with her characters and writing a family saga.

Guest Post, Writing & Reading, , , , , ,
Today, I am welcoming family saga writer Patricia M Osborne, to my blog, as she celebrates being the Chindi Authors’ Author of the Week.

In her post Patricia elaborates on writing a family saga and shares the bond she makes with her characters. Over to you, Patricia…

“Firstly, thank you to Carol for inviting me over to her blog during my ‘Chindi Author of the Week’ which happens to coincide with publication of my second novel, The Coal Miner’s Son.

“As a writer, I’m sure I’m not unique in falling in love with my characters. This is why I love writing a family saga series. It means I can stay with my characters for longer. However sometimes it is necessary to lose a character and bring in new ones.

“A family saga is about life and you can’t have life without uncertainties and losing people we love. That can be no exception in a family saga and sometimes a character needs to die. When this happens I grieve and you will find me sitting over my PC crying as I mourn for my lost character.

“On the other side of the coin I get to keep some characters and create an even stronger bond with them. In The Coal Miner’s Son, two new characters join the saga that aren’t in fact human but animals. One, Millie, who is a young jet-black horse, and the second, Tassles  a beautiful red setter. Tassles stays with me for longer as she’s featured in Book 3, ‘The Granville Legacy’ too.

“Creating a character takes a lot of thought and as writers we need all the help we can get. I find ‘Character Creation’ by Linda Anderson in Creative Writing, A Workbook of Reading, Edited by Linda Anderson a great asset, along with K M Welland’s Creating Character Arcs.

“My debut novel, House of Grace, is written in the first point of view of Grace Granville but in The Coal Miner’s Son, Grace has less of a voice and the narratorship is taken over by two narrators, nine-year-old George Gilmore, and his estranged Aunt Elizabeth, both telling their stories in first point of view. In Book 3, ‘The Granville Legacy’, Grace returns along with George, but George as a man.

“I love my characters and my characters become more than friends but family.”

About the Books:

Blurb for The Coal Miner’s Son

After tragedy hits the small coal mining village of Wintermore, nine-year-old miner’s son, George, is sent to Granville Hall to live with his titled grandparents.

Caught up in a web of treachery and deceit, George grows up believing his mother sold him. He’s determined to make her pay, but at what cost? Is he strong enough to rebel?

Will George ever learn to forgive?

Step back into the 60s and follow George as he struggles with bereavement, rejection and a kidnapping that changes his life forever. Resistance is George’s only hope.

Available via Amazon and all good bookstores: The Coal Miner’s Son

Blurb for House of Grace:

All sixteen-year-old Grace Granville has ever wanted is to become a successful dress designer. She dreams of owning her own fashion house and spends her spare time sketching outfits. Her father, Lord Granville, sees this as a frivolous activity and arranges suitors for a marriage of his choosing.

Grace is about to leave Greenemere, a boarding school in Brighton. Blissfully unaware of her father’s plans, she embarks on a new adventure. The quest includes a trip to Bolton’s Palais where she meets coal miner, Jack Gilmore. Grace’s life is never the same again.

Is Grace strong enough to defy Lord Granville’s wishes and find true love? Will she become a successful fashion designer? Where will she turn for help? House of Grace is the first book in the historical fiction family saga trilogy.

If you like Mr Selfridge and House of Eliott then you’ll love this riches to rags 1950s/60s saga. Delve into House of Grace and follow Grace Granville as she struggles with family conflict, poverty and tragedy.

Available via Amazon and all good book stores: House of Grace

About the author:

Patricia M Osborne is married with grown-up children and grandchildren. She was born in Liverpool but now lives in West Sussex. In 2019 she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing (University of Brighton).

Patricia writes novels, poetry and short fiction, and has been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her first poetry pamphlet ‘Taxus Baccata’ is to be published by Hedgehog Poetry Press during 2020.

She has a successful blog  where she features other writers and poets. When Patricia isn’t working on her own writing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, acting as a mentor to fellow writers and as an online poetry tutor with Writers’ Bureau.

 The Coal Miner’s Son is the second book in the House of Grace trilogy.

Discover more about Patricia M Osborne and her work via: Twitter | Facebook | Patricia’s Pen

Thank you so much for sharing a little insight into writing sagas and your relationships with your characters, Patricia. I love Tassles!
Congratulations on the publication of The Coal Miner’s Son and enjoy the rest of your Author of the Week! xx