Category Archives: Author Interview

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

An Author Interview with Morton S Gray

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

Today I am delighted to welcome Morton S Gray to my blog as she celebrates the paperback and audio publication of The Truth Lies Buried.

For those who haven’t read The Truth Lies Buried, what can readers expect from the story?

My tag line is “romance with a mystery to solve” and I guess that sums up The Truth Lies Buried. The book is about the developing relationship between Carver Rodgers and Jenny Simpson, who discover they were both involved in an unsolved mystery from the past. They begin to work together to try to uncover the truth and get closer to each other in the process. Of course, it isn’t all plain sailing for them as a couple, there are a few minefields along the way.

Your novels are set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen Bay. If you wrote me a postcard from Borteen how would you describe the setting?

Dear Carol (and readers),

I’m having a fantastic time in Borteen. I love walking along the promenade to Owl Corner Crafts and having a mooch inside at all the art, woodcarvings and cards. The beach is amazing, wide and sandy. I wish you were here too, we would spend hours exploring the alleyways off the high street with their galleries, gift and food shops. I am drinking coffee in each café in turn to decide which is my favourite and for the evenings there are several lively pubs and even a wine bar. It is a perfect holiday destination and I’ve met some really interesting local people.

Love Mx

As a romantic suspense novel, The Truth Lies Buried has a great hook early on and twists and turns along the way; what comes to you first and how much of the story do you have in mind before you write?

It might surprise you to know how little I have in my mind about a book before I begin to write. All I need is a spark of an idea, in the case of The Truth Lies Buried this was a postcard of a wooden castle amongst trees that became Carver Rodgers’ home, Tree Tops in the book. As I work in this exploratory way, the story unfolds slowly and is as much of a mystery to me as to my readers and that’s just how I like it. I love the feeling as I get to know my characters and the story takes shape – it’s like magic!

Carver Rodgers is a great male lead, if I was meeting him on a date how would I recognise him and where would he take me?

 He is tall, with slate grey eyes, long curly hair and an intriguing scar on one side of his face, which runs over his jawline and down his neck.

Carver would more than likely take you to the Old Ship Inn on the promenade, because he is familiar with the pub and knows that the food is good. He also knows that there will probably be live music later in the evening played by a band he has drummed with in the past. He might even ask you for a dance.

OO You he had me at slate grey eyes! 😉

The Truth Lies Buried is released in paperback and audio today, how will you be celebrating?

Hopefully, I will be meeting up with some writing friends for coffee and cake.

What can we expect from you next?

Mandy Vanes is a character who has appeared in all three of my novels to date. She is a fun character who runs Owl Corner Crafts at the end of the promenade near to the church. I have hinted several times that there is far more to her than meets the eye and I’m currently finishing writing her story, which I hope Choc Lit will want to publish.

Five for fun:

1) CD or record? CD
2) Sweet or savoury? Sweet – I’m a chocoholic.
3) Letter or email? These days email.
4) Early morning or late night? I am definitely at my best in the early morning.
5) Bubble bath or power shower? There is nothing better than a soak in a hot bubble bath ;-).

 Thank you for having me on your blog!

You’re most welcome, I really enjoyed The Truth Lies Buried and wish you every success with the audio and paperback versions. xx

About The Truth Lies Buried

The Truth Lies Buried is already published as an eBook, but is out in paperback and audiobook on 12 March 2019 – today, YIPPEE!

Two children in a police waiting room, two distressed mothers, a memory only half remembered …

When Jenny Simpson returns to the seaside town of Borteen, her childhood home, it’s for a less than happy reason. But it’s also a chance for her to start again.

A new job leads to her working for Carver Rodgers, a man who lives alone in a house that looks like it comes from the pages of a fairy tale – until you see the disaster zone inside …

As Jenny gets to know Carver she begins to unravel the sadness that has led to his chaotic existence. Gradually they realise they have something in common that is impossible to ignore – and it all links back to a meeting at a police station many years before.

Could the truth lie just beneath their feet?

Published by Choc Lit
Buy the book here.

You can read my reviews of Morton’s The Girl on the Beach and The Truth Lies Buried here.

About Morton S Gray

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors.

Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was published after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Starcompetition. The story follows a woman with a troubled past as she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding her son’s headteacher, Harry Dixon. This book is available as a paperback and e-book.

Morton’s second book for Choc Lit The Truth Lies Buried is another romantic suspense novel, the book tells the story of Jenny Simpson and Carver Rodgers as they uncover secrets from their past. This book is available as an e-book and will be issued as a paperback in 2019.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is published on 13 November 2018 and is Morton’s first Christmas novella. It is set in her fictional seaside town of Borteen and follows the story of Pippa Freeman who runs the Rose Court Guesthouse with her mother and local policeman Ethan Gibson as they unravel a family secret as Christmas approaches.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can catch up with Morton on her website, on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Thank you for stopping by Morton, enjoy your special day and have a slice of cake for me. xx

Celebrating the publication of Magnolia House with Angela Barton!

Author Interview, Book Review, , , , , , , , ,

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to fellow Choc Lit  author, and Apricot Plots buddy, Angela Barton on the publication of her latest novel, Magnolia House.

What a gorgeous cover!

To celebrate the release of Angela’s new book, we had a virtual catch up and a chat about all things Magnolia House …

1) What can readers expect from Magnolia House?

I’ve been told by people who have read Magnolia House that they’ve laughed and cried over the story. It’s about ordinary people, their flaws, their hang-ups and their innermost private thoughts. Sometimes life’s good; time spent with family and friends, long walks with your dog, excitement of a new friendship or relationship. Sometimes however, nothing seems to go right and we need to search for what, or who, is stopping us from moving on.

2) What was the inspiration behind the story?

It was simply spotting a house on the way from my hotel to The London Book Fair. It was a tall terraced Edwardian townhouse in Hammersmith with a small neat garden at the front. But what drew me to it was a large magnolia tree bursting with fat pink blossoms by the front door. It was about five years ago and I took a photograph of it, but I’ve searched and can’t find it anywhere. I just began wondering who lived there, what they did for a living and who they loved … and a story emerged. I chose to set Magnolia House in Clapham because I was born there.

3) Magnolia House remains a heartwarming, entertaining read, despite the fact Rowan, your main character, faces some tough situations, how did you get that balance?

Thank you. I’m thrilled you found it heart warming and entertaining, Carol. I think a fictional character’s personality is very important to a storyline. They need to be emotionally strong enough to cope with the situations an author will put them through; or if not initially strong enough, they need to be able to grow throughout the book. Rowan is tougher than she believes, but it’s her friends that gently awaken her to that fact. The other characters in a book should be diverse in order to keep the storyline interesting – and a sense of humour really helps. A one-dimensional set of friends wouldn’t be an entertaining read. A love interest always helps too!

4) I loved Rowan’s dog, Jet, and the comfort he provides her, did you base him on one of your own four legged friends?

Yes. I have two spaniels and they are a great source of happiness and comfort to me. They love unconditionally and even when we’re grieving or stressed, we walk, feed and love our pets so they give us purpose to keep putting one foot in front of the other during hard times. I based Klara in Arlette’s Story on Harlyn, my Brittany spaniel. I based Jet in Magnolia House, on Brook, my Springer spaniel.

Angela’s adorable dogs, Brook and Harlyn.

5) If your male lead, James, was on a dating website, what would he list as his main attributes?

Oooh, what a great question! Bit of a cliché, but he’s tall, dark and very handsome. He’s caring and sensitive and has a strong sense of moral integrity. He’s kind, dependable and very importantly, he has a sense of humour. Did I mention his toned obliques?

6) I have also read and enjoyed your historical fiction novel, Arlette’s Story, what can we expect from you next?

I’m writing book four, which is another historical story, but my third book that will be published later this year, is another contemporary women’s fiction novel. I’m intrigued by obsessive compulsions so my hero is struggling with one, brought on by trauma from his past. I also tackle breast cancer, betrayal and infidelity. I certainly don’t give my protagonists an easy ride!

Five for fun:

1) Red or white wine? Sorry, neither. I never developed a taste for alcohol!
2) Mountains or beach? Beach
3) Full English or continental breakfast? Full English with scrambled eggs.
4) Laptop or notebook? Laptop.
5) Walking boots or sandals? Sandals

Because I have already been lucky enough to read Magnolia House, here’s my review:

Magnolia House is a heartwarming and entertaining read that doesn’t shy away from exploring the highs and lows faced by the main character, Rowan. Throughout the story, there are dark and light moments that the author has balanced well. While it incorporates loss, grief and deception, it is undoubtedly also a story of carrying on, and of finding the positives when all around you seems to be falling apart.

Rowan is a strong, likeable character, who doesn’t sit back and let her problems define her. She takes steps toward building a new life drawing the reader into her world, as they gain an understanding of her hopes and fears for the future.

I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially Mason, who brings energy and enthusiasm to all he does, and Jet – Rowan’s adorable dog. James is a likeable male lead, whose role is at first subtle but develops well as the story progresses.

As you’d expect from Angela Barton, the text is descriptive, making it picturesque in its depiction as images are brought to life from the page.

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Women’s Fiction

Links to buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.Com | Kobo |

About the author:

Angela Barton was born in London and grew up in Nottingham. She is married with three grown up children. Passionate about writing both contemporary and historical fiction, Angela loves researching for her books and is an avid reader. Having signed publishing contracts for three of her completed novels with Ruby Fiction, Angela is excited to be working alongside such a friendly and supportive publishing team. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and Nottingham Writers’ Studio.

Having recently moved to France, Angela (alongside her husband, Paul) is now a lavender farmer, creating products from the oil that’s distilled. Angela says she’s looking forward to spending more time writing in the company of her two spaniels while sitting on her veranda overlooking the breath-taking countryside of Charente.

Discover more about Angela Barton here: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Ruby Fiction

Thank you for the catch up and great read, Angela. I hope you are celebrating your latest release in style!

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x