Tag Archives: Choc Lit

Author Sue McDonagh is #SharingTheLove

Guest Post, , , , , , , , ,
As February is the month of love, I have a host of wonderful romance authors stopping by my blog to share flirty extracts and magic moments from their novels! Well you know, any excuse 😉 

Today, I am excited to welcome Sue McDonagh, who is #SharingTheLove with an extract from her novel Summer at the Art Cafe, and a preview extract from her new book,  Meet Me at the Art Cafe … over to you Sue!

 

Summer at the Art Cafe

“Counting to 40, she walked purposefully out of the building, turning a sharp left towards the test compound, and walked straight into Ash peering round the corner of the building.

‘Oof, sorry!’ she spluttered, clutching his arm to save herself from falling. ‘I just wanted to see how he got on.’

‘Me too,’ muttered Ash, his eyes on the compound. ‘I don’t want him to see us in case it puts him off.’

He pulled her in front of him so they could both see, and it was several moments before Lucy realised he was still holding her arm. For a heart-stopping moment, she wondered what it would be like to lean back into his comforting presence, feel his arms encircle her and gather her into an embrace.

She shook herself. Get a grip, woman!

‘Cold?’ he asked, releasing her arm as if he’d only just noticed it there.

She shook her head.

‘No. Nerves.’ It wasn’t really a lie, she thought.”

OO I loved this, thank you, Sue!

Discover more about Summer at the Art Cafe:

From watercolours and cupcakes to leather jackets and freedom …

If you won a gorgeous purple motorbike, and your domineering husband said you were too fat for leathers and should sell it, would you do as you were told – or learn to ride it in secret?

Artist and café owner Lucy Daumier intends to do just that – but learning to ride is far from easy, especially under the critical eye of prickly motorcycle instructor, Ash Connor.
But gradually Lucy gets the hang of it, and in the process re-discovers the girl she used to be. So starts an exciting summer of new friendships and fun – as well as a realisation that there is more to Ash than meets the eye when she is introduced to his seven-year-old daughter, Daisy.

But can Lucy’s new-found happiness last when a spiteful family member wants to see her fail?

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Romance
Buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.com

As an extra treat Sue is also #SharingTheLove with an extract from her novel, Meet Me at the Art Cafe:

“As they reached the sea where it lapped untidily against the shoreline, she handed Liam an apple and tucked him into her side on the grassy bank.

‘Once upon a time,’ she began, looking across the calm turquoise water, ‘there was a little girl with sticky up black hair that never went where it was supposed to, no matter how many times it was brushed, or how many clips and bows her mummy put in it. But her daddy loved her just exactly as she was, and never tried to change her.’

‘Are there dragons in this story, Mummy?’

‘Do you want there to be dragons?’

‘Not really.’ Liam leaned against her, and nibbled at his apple. ‘Sometimes I do. But not today. Who is the little girl?’

‘Well, it was me. This is a story about me. Is that okay?’

Liam nodded. ‘Okay. I prefer proper stories, really. Out of a book. But it’s okay.’ He patted her thigh with a sticky hand and she chuckled.

‘My daddy used to find things, and then fix them.’

‘Like you!’ Liam fixed her with his wide eyes.

‘Yes, a bit like me, only my daddy fixed things with engines. He was ever so clever. But he did make a bit of a mess.’

‘You’re messy too.’ Liam nodded sagely, and Jo rolled her eyes. How had she ended up with such a tidy child?

‘It’s called “creativity”, actually,’ she responded. ‘Anyway. I used to help my daddy to fix things in his garage, but Mummy always wanted to take me out. In little dresses. And white socks. Yuk!’

‘Yuk,’ agreed Liam, through a mouthful of apple. ‘Where is he now, your daddy? Is he in space?’

‘Erm, well, he sort of is, darling, because he’s in heaven now.’”

Thanks, Sue. I could feel the love between the characters!

Discover more about Meet Me at the Art Cafe:

Would you take a chance on a bad boy with a leather jacket and a vintage motorbike?

That’s the question single mum Jo Morris has to ask herself when she collides with local bike mechanic Ed Griffiths on a rainy Welsh hillside. Working at the Art Café, Jo hears the gossip and is all too aware of Ed’s reputation.

But whilst he’s certainly no angel, there is something about Ed’s daredevil antics that Jo can’t ignore. And as she gets to know him better and watches the kind way he deals with her young son Liam, she begins to wonder – is there more to this ‘bad boy’ than meets the eye?

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Romance
Preorder the book Amazon UK | Amazon.com

About the author:

Sue McDonagh says, “Arty, biking, writing granny, that’s me! Living on the Welsh coast, right at the bottom before it plops into the sea, I was a policewoman in Essex before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a very early age.

“Thanks to my amazing family and friends, I made a full recovery, left the police, met the man I then married and went to live in semi-rural Wales – okay, I thought it was semi-rural after living in Essex. I mean, you had to drive fifteen miles to get to a Marks and Sparks. Where on earth did people buy their knickers? All right, it was a small town that thought it was a village. And it had a beach.

“I fell in love with it, along with the two adorable little boys I inherited. They inspired my passion for painting children, and subsequent career change as portrait painter. I’ve even been on the tv!

“The beach formed a huge part of my life, and I trained as a beach lifeguard, patrolling the beach and competing on the single ski. That all stopped when I needed a hip replacement and found carrying equipment too painful. Not to be outdone, I and three pals did a 45 mile walk and raised over £10,000 for Cancer Research, and not long after that, I decided I’d learn to ride a motorbike.

“That was a huge and entertaining learning curve, and has inspired my debut novel, Summer at the Art Cafe. I’m on my second hip now, still riding my 1000cc red Honda, and I’ve made some of my most enduring friendships through biking.

“I hope you enjoy reading about my characters and their stories. Some of my life has inevitably given birth to some of theirs, but their personalities are all their own, and I keep expecting to see them in the local supermarket or on the beach! Please leave me a nice review if you did enjoy it – it helps other readers to decide whether they might like to read it too 🙂 xx”

Discover more about Sue McDonagh here: Twitter |  Facebook | blog

Don’t miss author Kirsty Ferry #SharingTheLove with an extract from Spring at Taigh Fallon, on my blog tomorrow. xx


Carol Thomas writes contemporary romance novels, with relatable heroines whose stories are layered with emotion, sprinkled with laughter and topped with irresistible male leads. Discover more here.

Author Berni Stevens is #SharingTheLove

Book Review, Guest Post, , , , , , , , ,
As February is the month of love, I have a host of wonderful romance authors stopping by my blog to share flirty extracts from their novels! Well you know, any excuse 😉 

Today, I am pleased to welcome Berni Stevens, with an extract from her novel,  Revenge is Sweet. Berni kindly sent over two extracts for this post, allowing my YA daughter, who is a HUGE fan, to choose which was posted. Amelia delighted in selecting this one, saying, “I love this bit!” And I can see why …

Revenge is Sweet

“Will

Elinor came towards me like an exquisite dream. Tonight she is absolutely breath-taking, not that vampires have breath to take, although the sentiment remains the same.

The ivory dress clung to her tiny frame, only to flare out near her ankles in tiers of flimsy material. Her slim shoulders were bare, and the diamond pendant I had given her for a wedding present sparkled with cold blue fire against her creamy skin.

Someone had curled her glorious waist-length hair, and twined dark red rosebuds amongst the bright copper curls, to match the roses she carried. Tonight she even wore make-up, and her eyes shone like sapphire stars when she looked up at me from beneath darkened eyelashes. Truly, I have never seen her look more beautiful, or more enchanting. She could ask me for anything in the world at this moment and I would do everything in my power to get it.

Luke took Elinor’s left hand from his arm, and placed it in mine. Her hand felt so tiny, so fragile, and it trembled a little. She is so precious to me, I am forever thankful the fates made our paths cross.”

Ellie

Leaning down to whisper in my ear, Will said, ‘I think Vivienne is safe from the refund demand.’

I smiled, and he continued, ‘You look so enchantingly beautiful, I am speechless.

‘Doesn’t sound like it, Mr Spooky,’ I whispered back.

‘Still being cheeky, soon-to-be Mrs Spooky.’

A small laugh burst from me, and the tension immediately left my body. The registrar peered at me over the top of his half-moon glasses with a surprised look.

Anyone who has ever attended a civil ceremony as opposed to a more formal ceremony in church, will know how short the civil one is. One moment you’re single, the next you’re married. It all seemed a bit of a blur actually. I could only think about Will, and how incredibly handsome he looked.

He always looked good enough to eat, no matter what he wore, but tonight he had dressed in a black tux, dazzling white wing-collared shirt, and black silk bow-tie. The only colour about him was the vivid green of his amazing eyes.

When we came to the moment where we had to exchange rings, Stevie handed my ring to Will, who slipped it on my finger, and then raised my hand to his lips.

‘Ti amerò per l’éternità,’ he said softly. ‘I will love you for eternity.’”

Thank you for #SharingTheLove Berni, and for the fact my mum kudos goes up just by knowing you! Amelia’s guest review of Berni’s Immortals of London series can be found here.

Discover more about Revenge is Sweet (Book 2 in the Immortals of London Series): 

Hell hath no fury like a vampire seeking revenge …

Life hasn’t been exactly normal for Ellie since she became a vampire. Although joining the legion of the undead was always going to take some getting used to, even if you are the partner of Will Austen, the Elder of London.

But when Daniel, a fifteen-year-old fledgling vampire, unexpectedly turns up at Ellie’s and Will’s Highgate home, things start getting very strange – and more than a little scary.

Events take a devastating turn as a mystery troublemaker leaves behind a trail of carnage – and it soon becomes clear they will stop at nothing to get the Elder’s attention, even if it involves hurting the person he cherishes the most …

But when it comes to Ellie, Will Austen is the wrong vampire to mess with.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit
Buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.com

About the author:

Berni Stevens lives in a 400-year-old cottage with her husband, black cat, four goldfish who think they’re piranha, and occasionally her son when he comes back for some TLC. She trained in graphic design, and has worked as a book cover designer for over twenty years.

Her love of paranormal fiction began at school when she first read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and she’s been a fan of the fanged ever since. She is on the committee and the book panel of The Dracula Society – a literary society for fans of gothic literature and film.

Dance Until Dawn, a paranormal romance, was Berni’s UK debut with Choc Lit, published 7th April 2014. Revenge is Sweet, the sequel, was published in eBook format on 12th July 2016. Now the third novel in the trilogy is well under way, with a story that centres on a lovelorn werewolf!

Berni has several short stories published in various anthologies; romantic, gothic and sometimes just plain fantasy!

Follow Berni Stevens and discover more about her work here: Twitter | Facebook

Don’t miss author Sue McDonagh #SharingTheLove on my blog tomorrow. xx


Carol Thomas writes contemporary romance novels, with relatable heroines whose stories are layered with emotion, sprinkled with laughter and topped with irresistible male leads. Discover more here.

Author Angela Britnell is #SharingTheLove

Guest Post, , , , , , , , ,
As February is the month of love, I have a host of wonderful romance authors stopping by my blog to share flirty extracts from their novels! Well you know, any excuse 😉 

Today, I am delighted to welcome Angela Britnell, who is #SharingTheLove with an extract from her novel, Here Comes the Best Man  … over to you Angela!

Here Comes the Best Man

“‘Sorry the transport’s not fancy.’ Josh opened the truck door. ‘I didn’t expect to be ferrying any ladies around on this trip.’

‘You mean you’ve managed to entice other women into your luxurious vehicle?’ Louise joked in an effort to allay her nervousness. Lingering memories of last night’s rendezvous in the park made her body hum. ‘It suits you.’

‘Battered around the edges, in need of a paint job and a little rusty around the undercarriage?’

‘You said it, not me. My thoughts ran more on the lines of unpretentious and hard-working.’

A wide grin creased his face. ‘Hop in and we’ll see if she’ll start.’

‘I hope we’re still talking about the truck?’

‘You are trouble.’

‘Have you only now worked that one out, Mr Robertson?’

‘Sweetheart, I knew you were a threat to my sanity the day I set eyes on you.’ His delicious, low drawl made her skin suddenly too tight for her body.”

OO I loved this extract, Angela. Thank you for sharing, I have Here Comes the Best Man on my kindle and look forward to reading it, soon. 

Discover more about Here Comes the Best Man:

Being the best man is a lot to live up to …

When troubled army veteran and musician Josh Robertson returns home to Nashville to be the best man at his younger brother Chad’s wedding he’s just sure that he’s going to mess it all up somehow. But when it becomes clear that the wedding might not be going to plan, it’s up to Josh and fellow guest Louise Giles to make sure that Chad and his wife-to-be Maggie get their perfect day. Can Josh be the best man his brother needs? And is there somebody else who is beginning to realise that Josh could be her ‘best man’ too?

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Romance
Buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.com

About the author:

Angela Britnell grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee. A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she’s visited or lived on her extensive travels. After more than three decades of marriage to her American husband she’s a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after. Over the last twelve years she’s been multi-published and sold over 25 novels. She also writes short stories for women’s magazines. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers.

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

Don’t miss author Berni Stevens #SharingTheLove with an extract from Revenge is Sweet, on my blog tomorrow. xx


Carol Thomas writes contemporary romance novels, with relatable heroines whose stories are layered with emotion, sprinkled with laughter and topped with irresistible male leads. Discover more here.

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

Three Fabulous Festive Reads

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With one week to go until Christmas, I am sharing some of my recent Christmas reads. They have left me feeling thoroughly festive, so if you’re looking for a fabulous Christmas read, here’s some recommendations:

One Magical Christmas by Berni Stevens

The Blurb:

When Annie Berry collides with Nik Knoll in a car park on the day of her sister’s wedding, it feels like all of Nik’s Christmases have come at once. Annie seems like just the sort of woman he’d like to get to know, and the chance nature of their encounter is almost like, well … Christmas magic.

My Review:

I love Christmas and read this book with a big smile. The story takes you by the hand, wraps you in Christmas magic and leaves you with a warm, cosy feeling. As a novella, it was a speedy read, which was ideal for me, as a busy mum during the festive period. Berni Stevens’ gorgeous story enabled me to escape for a few hours and to claim a little Christmas magic for myself; a great read with very likeable characters. Recommended for all those who wish they could still believe!

Buy Christmas One Magical Christmas.

Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat by Angela Britnell

The Blurb:

What if you had nowhere to call home for Christmas? 
When Fee Winter books a winter break at the remote Black Cherry Retreat in the small town of Pine Ridge, Tennessee, it’s with the idea that the peace and quiet will help her recuperate from her hectic life as a photographer.

But what she didn’t bank on was meeting Tom Chambers and his huge, interfering yet lovable family. With them, could Fee finally experience the warmth and support that’s been missing from her own life – and maybe even find a place to call home in time for Christmas?

My Review:

This story begins in late fall and moves towards Christmas set in the Tennessee mountains. Told from the point of view of both Fee and Tom, it soon becomes apparent that each of the main characters has issues from their past to overcome.

As the two discover more about each other, the reader is drawn into their story and to understand their motivations. Tom is lovely – a mountain man with a big family and a heart to match. I found I liked the character of Fee more as the story progressed and willed her to allow herself to find happiness.

I loved Tom’s family and the community they inhabited around the Black Cherry Retreat. They provided levity and offered support and guidance to both Tom and Fee. With a touch of intrigue, suspense, a blossoming romance, and some emotional moments this book packs plenty in for an enjoyable Christmas read.

Buy Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat.

Christmas at Borteen Bay by Morton S Gray

The Blurb:

Christmas is a bittersweet time for Pippa Freeman. There are good memories, of course – but some painful ones too. Then her mother is implicated in a mysterious occurrence in their home town of Borteen, and Pippa wonders if she’ll ever experience a happy Christmas again – especially when a family secret is revealed.
But when police officer and old school friend Ethan Gibson offers his support, Pippa begins to realise that even though her life has been turned upside down, a happy and hopeful Christmas isn’t impossible …

(Set in the same fictional village as Morton’s other books but can be read as a standalone.)

My Review:

I greatly enjoyed my third visit to Borteen Bay. The small mentions given to characters from previous books made me smile. Having said that this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novella. With a shocking discovery on the beach early on and a touch of intrigue created by family secrets, it hooks you from the start – as you’d expect from Morton S Gray.

The story is told from the point of view of the main characters, Ethan and Pippa, who are both still touched by occurrences from their past, that have divided them. So when Pippa has to turn to Ethan for help, it is more than a body on the beach that is brought to the surface. As the two are thrown together it becomes apparent that Ethan is a different type of romantic hero; he is more measured in his responses and passions, he is flawed and yet thoroughly likeable.

As a novella, it is great to escape into for a few hours over the busy Christmas period. I enjoy Morton’s writing style and the world she has created in her Borteen Bay series. I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Buy Christmas at Borteen Bay.

With three great books to choose from, why not get a hot chocolate, put your feet up and indulge in a Christmas read? And if you haven’t read it yet (shock, horror, what have you been doing with your time?), don’t forget you could also read The Purrfect Pet Sitter, to join Lisa Blake in the French Alps for a Christmas she’ll never forget.

My reviews are posted on Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx