Category Archives: Feel Good Friday

A New Feel Good Friday Read from Kirsty Ferry.

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It Started with a Wedding: An uplifting and fun romance for the new year from Kirsty Ferry.

I am always in awe of fellow Choc Lit author Kirsty Ferry as, as well as being a talented artist, she is also a prolific writer; And neither of these things are her day job! Her latest novel, the fifth in her Schubert series is released later this month (22/2/22 – what a memorable date). As she prepares for the launch, I thought I would share a little about her latest fabulous, feel good read.

The blurb:

It’s one thing to be asked to plan your sister’s wedding; it’s quite another when your sister is Nessa McCreadie …

Alfie McCreadie wants his twin sister Nessa to have the best wedding ever, but he’s not happy at being roped in as wedding planner – especially as, unbelievably, his main assistant seems to be Nessa’s cat, Schubert. Anyway, Alfie is a scientist. He might know his protons from his neutrons, but what does he know about weddings?

It’s Nessa who points him in the direction of Bea’s Garden, just outside Edinburgh, where he’s tasked with picking a “very-relevant-bouquet”. It’s there he meets Fae Brimham, who might be prettier than any bouquet bloom but doesn’t seem impressed by Alfie’s sensible, scientific side.

But when Nessa and Schubert are involved, surprises are bound to happen and, despite less-than-perfect first impressions, perhaps something new and beautiful can still blossom for Alfie and Fae …

This is Alfie’s story in the Schubert series. They can all be read as standalone stories.

Currently available for preorder, release date 22nd February 2022.

What folks are saying about It Started with a Wedding:

  • “Entertaining fun.”
  • Great for fans of magical powers, mythical spirits and the belief that cats are minds readers (of course they are)!”
  • “A quirky light-hearted romance.”
  • “I was very happy when this book was announced, and even more while reading it.”

Best of luck with the new book Kirsty. I hope it will be a huge hit. xx

About the author:

Kirsty Ferry is from the North East of England and lives there with her husband and son. She won the English Heritage/Belsay Hall National Creative Writing competition in 2009 and has had articles and short stories published in various magazines. Her work also appears in several anthologies, incorporating such diverse themes as vampires, crime, angels and more.

Kirsty loves writing ghostly mysteries and interweaving fact and fiction. The research is almost as much fun as writing the book itself, and if she can add a wonderful setting and a dollop of history, that’s even better.

Her day job involves sharing a building with an eclectic collection of ghosts, which can often prove rather interesting.

You can follow Kirsty, and find out more about her work here: Facebook | Twitter | website | blog

Feel Good Friday with Eva Glyn.

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Today, fellow Apricot Plotter and long time author friend Eva Glyn joins me to celebrate the release of the paperback version of her novel, The Missing Pieces of Us.

 

Tell us about the feel-good moments in The Missing Pieces of Us:

In many ways, it is the ultimate feel-good book because it shows that whatever the depths of grief, loss and mental illness human beings have to suffer, there can be a rewarding and fulfilling life at the end of the tunnel. Robin has his breakdown at a relatively young age when the mother whose carer he is dies and he doesn’t cope at all, but by the time Izzie meets him again twenty years later, although he’s going through another blip, he is a far stronger man with a huge capacity for happiness, laughter and love.

There are plenty of small feel-good moments as the book moves along; memories of munching Jaffa Cakes after spending hours in the sea, fish and chip suppers at the kitchen table, and of course, the wonderful tree in the woods where the children write to the fairies and they actually reply.

Share a review that has made you smile:

I’ve been so lucky and had some wonderful reviews of the book and many of them made me smile, but none more so than this one from book blogger Being Anne:

The story is quite beautifully written and perfectly paced. This is a book that you feel and experience rather than read – the whole emotional content is quite perfectly handled, and there were times when I physically ached for the two central characters. The author really takes the reader under their skin – you might not understand what happened any more than they do, but you feel their hurt and loss with the same intensity.

The characters are wonderfully handled, but so is the setting. A faerie tree is the perfect central focus to the story – much of the key action in the story takes place around it, near it or focused on it. It’s vividly described – with its decoration and trinkets left by people hoping for a little magic – and I love the box where children leave personal messages for the faeries. There are pagan themes, but nothing that would put anyone off for an instant – none of us can be averse to a little magic at times, and the story itself is very much of the modern world.

This is essentially a story about two people – two people that you grow to deeply care about – and how they deal and cope with trauma and loss, its impact on memory, and the possibility of second chances when hope seems to be gone.

The Missing Pieces of Us, the blurb:

When Robin and Izzie meet again twenty years after their brief affair they realise their memories of it completely different. But who is right? And how can they build a future without knowing what happened in the past? Links to purchase can be found here.

That is a wonderful review. Do you have much time to read, if so, where is your favourite place to enjoy a good book?

I find it hard to read when I am writing a new book because my characters tend to inhabit my mind, but I have spotted a natural down time when they seem to go to get their lunch, so if they do I creep away with a cup of tea and put my feet up on my bed with my Kindle for half an hour.

Fabulous, finally here are five quick-fire questions for fun:

Favourite biscuit?
Not easy as I’m gluten intolerant, but M&S’s GF millionaire shortbread is pretty special.

Swimming pool or sea?
Sea, every time, now I live in Cornwall. I just haven’t been in often enough this summer but the beaches have been so crowded.

Laptop or notepad?
I write using software so it’s my laptop every time. I use notebooks for collecting my thoughts, jotting down ideas, and exploring characters off the page.

Early morning or late at night?
Early morning. I start writing before six most days so I’m good for nothing by about four o’clock.

Trainers or heels?
Trainers. I’ve never been able to wear heels – I just can’t balance on them.

About the author:

Eva Glyn writes emotional women’s fiction inspired by beautiful places and the secrets they hide. She loves to travel, but finds inspiration can strike just as well at home as abroad. Her books are published by One More Chapter, an imprint of Harper Collins.

Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with her husband of twenty-six years. She also writes romance with a twist of mystery as Jane Cable.

Discover more about Eva Glyn: Facbook | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter sign up 

 

Blog tour, author interview with Carla Luna.

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Today, I am delighted to interview Carla Luna as she celebrates the release of Blue Hawaiian, the first in the Blackwood Cellars series of books.

The blurb:

The first rule of serving as the maid of honor at your perfect sister’s destination wedding?

No mistakes. The second rule? No drama.

For Jess Chavez, a week in Maui is hardly a dream vacation—not when her sister expects her to be the perfect maid of honor. Not only does Jess have to fake perfection, but she can’t let anyone know she’s unemployed and barely scraping by. Above all, she needs to steer clear of Connor Blackwood, the sexy groomsman who broke her heart five years ago.

A family wedding offers Connor the ideal opportunity to convince everyone he’s no longer an irresponsible playboy. If they see he’s changed, they might support his decision to leave the family winery and strike out on his own. With so much at stake, the last thing he needs is an alluring distraction like Jess.

When Jess and Connor end up together, exploring the island’s lush, tropical beauty, the sparks between them become impossible to ignore. Throwing caution to the wind, they decide to make their ownrules.

Five days of passion. No strings. No tears. No promises.

What could possibly go wrong?

Purchase Links: Amazon.UK | Amazon.com

A story set in Maui sounds like the ideal way to escape right now; what made you choose this setting?

I wanted to write a series of books set at three different destination weddings, and Maui was the first location that came to mind. I spent my honeymoon there, and I still consider it a wonderfully romantic place, plus there’s loads to do.

I like to share feel-good reads. What do you consider to be the top three feel-good things about your novel, Blue Hawaiian?

  1. The joy of reconnecting with an old flame and realising the spark is still there.
  2. Spending time outdoors in a beautiful tropical setting.
  3. Delicious food!

I love the sound of your lead characters; if you were casting for the film of Blue Hawaiian (we can all dream), who would you like to play Jess and Connor, and why?

Jess – Gina Rodriguez (from the TV show “Jane the Virgin”) because she’s Latina and I like the humour she infuses into her character.

Connor – Colin O’Donoghue (best known as Hook from the TV series “Once Upon a Time”), who’s got the looks and the smolder.

OO great choices! Finally, before you go what is your favourite place or way to enjoy a good read and please could you answer my five for fun, quick questions?

I love going outside on a gorgeous sunny day and sitting at my patio table with a good paperback.

Coffee or tea? Coffee, preferably Fresh Roast.
Dog of cat? I’m a cat person.
Theatre or concert? Theatre, I’m a big fan of musicals.
Favourite film? Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Swimming pool or the sea? The sea because I love wave jumping.

About the author:

Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her spoiled Siberian cat.

 Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Carla. I wish you every success with Blue Hawaiian and the rest of your blog tour. For those who would like to follow along, check out Rachel’s Random Resources and these great blogs:

Feel Good Friday with A Summer of Second Chances.

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What a week! A Summer of Second Chances is out in the world, as an ebook, and early reviews are making me smile.


Publication day was a lot of fun, with support from my family and writing friends as well as my work colleagues. I was thoroughly spoilt and LOVED my book cover cake, gorgeous flowers and other (mostly edible) goodies!

It is always nerve-wracking waiting for reviews to begin to appear, but I can confirm, A Summer of Second Chances has ten lovely reviews, at the time of writing, on Amazon UK. Reading them has left me with a big smile. Here’s a little taster; you can check out more here: Amazon reviews.

I am so pleased that readers are enjoying my characters and the beautiful setting of Dapplebury – based on Arundel, for those who know or have visited the historic town in the South of England.

I have a blog tour coming up soon so no doubt I’ll be nervous again then too, as my book will be reviewed by thirty wonderful book bloggers via Rachel’s Random Resources. I’ll be sure to share what they have to say.

And if you have some how missed me shouting about A Summer of Second Chances this week, here’s the blurb:

Does first love deserve a second chance?
Ava Flynn sometimes feels like the clothes donated to her charity shop have seen more life than her, but ‘maximum dedication for a minimal wage’ is what it takes to keep her mother’s beloved wildlife charity, All Critters Great and Small, running – especially in the village of Dapplebury, where business is certainly not booming.

But when Ava’s first love, Henry Bramlington, returns to the village, suddenly life becomes a little too eventful. Henry escaped Dapplebury many years before, but now he has the power to make or break the village he left behind – All Critters Great and Small included. Can Ava trust the boy who ran away to give both her and her charity a second chance?

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Available as an ebook: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | GooglePlay | Nook |
Coming soon in paperback and audio (sorry I don’t have exact dates for this yet, but await news from my publisher).

If you read A Summer of Second Chances, I would love to know what you think. Reviews, on the site from which you purchase the book, mean an awful lot to authors and help them and their work get noticed.

In other book news, the paperback of Maybe Baby is currently in The Works. It has been spotted and purchased from various stores, including Rustington, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Bournemouth and in Wales (sorry, I am not quite sure which town that was in). It is so lovely to hear from readers who have seen it on the high street. It is not currently on their website, but if it is not in your local store, they should be able to order it in for you.

Finally, don’t forget to join my newsletter for more book news, competitions, giveaways and more. Sign up before May 1st for a chance to win a copy of The Purrfect Pet Sitter. The first newsletter will be landing in inboxes this week!

Feel Good Friday with Caroline James.

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A very warm welcome to fellow Apricot Plots author Caroline James, who joins me on this Feel Good Friday!

What do you consider to be the top three feel-good things about Boomerville at Ballymegille?

Beautiful Southern Ireland is the backdrop for the book and readers will feel welcoming Irish arms wrap around them as soon as they begin reading and are invited to join in with the craic. The guests at Boomerville Manor arrive with emotional baggage and leave it all behind as they discover new experiences at this retreat for those of a ‘certain age’. Hattie & Jo, the manager and owner, are caring and warm and with Hattie’s effervescent personality, that creates mayhem wherever she goes, there are plenty of shenanigans along the way.

Please share a review that made you smile. What about it did you like?

 The following review for Boomerville at Ballymegille made me smile from ear to ear because the reader completely ‘got’ the book. It is written by Being Anne Reviews, who is an award-winning reviewer, which made me smile even more with pride.

“A wonderful story of friendship, support and pulling together. The very definition of heart-warming and feelgood, and I loved every single moment. And I must – without any detail, of course – say that I thought the ending was absolutely perfect, and entirely what I’d rather been hoping for. Without question, this was one of my books of the year.”

What is your favourite place to enjoy a good read?

I love to snuggle in bed on a Sunday morning with a good book. My biggest treat is to have breakfast in bed and my lovely hubby makes a mean scrambled egg and smoked salmon on toast. With a mug of tea and Fred our Westie snuggled in too, I am in reading heaven.

Five quick questions for fun:

Favourite biscuit? Marks & Spencer sort of thick hobnob with chocolate on one side. Crisp, firm and perfect for dunking.

Swimming pool or the sea? I’ll swim anywhere, wild-water in a lake, and especially in the sea. This photo was taken on New Year’s Day, before lockdown, shortly before we plunged into a wild and freezing cold Irish Sea.

Paperback, ebook or audio? I love audio books. I can listen as I do the housework or, a real pleasure is when I’m cycling in the countryside. A bit of ‘me time’ and a good audio book on my headphones – perfect.

Netflix or cinema? We have a gorgeous cinema not far away that has an forty or so seater screening area. There are rows of double velvet sofas with tables in between, cushions and stacks of leg room. It is such a treat to go there, a lovely night out.

Boomerville at Ballymegille

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.

Purchase here.

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 her two Westie dogs, sipping raspberry gin or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

Books by Caroline James:


Boomerville at Ballymegille | The Best Boomerville Hotel | Hattie Goes to Hollywood | Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me | Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me | Coffee Tea the Chef & Me | Jungle Rock

Discover more about her novels or contact Caroline here: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon

Thank you for the great post, Caroline. It is always a pleasure to have you on my blog. Rather you than me with swimming in wild water 🙂 but the cinema looks lovely! xx