Tag Archives: Choc Lit

Remember, Remember … Bonfire Night Memories with Morton S Gray

Continuing the celebration of a special bonfire night in my novel The Purrfect Pet Sitter, I am delighted to welcome fellow Choc Lit and Apricot Plots author, Morton S Gray to my blog to share her bonfire night memories. 

Morton S Gray shares her bonfire night memories:

I have lots of fragments of memories from bonfire nights past:

  • my dad and uncle throwing ‘bangers’ under my aunt and mom’s feet – we wouldn’t dream of doing this now!!!!
  • using my childhood huge rag doll as a guy on a bonfire in our garden and the bonfire stopping the traffic in the road when the wind changed.

  • squashing into my sister’s pushchair at the first big firework display I went to, as I didn’t like the explosions.

I’ve always loved sparklers, writing names and drawing pictures with the light.

These days I’m not keen on fireworks, as my little dog gets so upset by them. We live near a Safari Park and they seem to delight in putting on huge firework displays that sound as if cannons are being fired over the house.

Thank you so much for sharing your memories Morton. I am pleased it wasn’t only my dad who seemed to have a blatant disregard for the Firework Safety Code; he always kept the fireworks in a cardboard box and read the instructions with a match! (Haha, it’s amazing we’ve all survived this long!)

I hope you and your gorgeous dog have a peaceful November 5th this year. It can be a stressful time for our pets can’t it. The display in the Purrfect Pet Sitter is an organised event on a set night, that is advertised well in advance – which I know is preferable to ad hoc firework displays. And  I should point out is the main characters who go along to enjoy the night. The pets Lisa Blake looks after are safely at home with their owners.

I am lucky that my own dogs have all been fine with fireworks, but I know there are many who find this time of year stressful.

For those seeking advice for keeping their pets safe and comfortable, I hope the following links are useful:

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 e-published in January 2017, after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition.

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 TwitterFacebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Books by Morton S Gray

The Girl on the Beach

Who is Harry Dixon?

When Ellie Golden meets Harry Dixon, she can’t help but feel she recognises him from somewhere. But when she finally realises who he is, she can’t believe it – because the man she met on the beach all those years before wasn’t called Harry Dixon. And, what’s more, that man is dead.

For a woman trying to outrun her troubled past and protect her son, Harry’s presence is deeply unsettling – and even more disconcerting than coming face to face with a dead man, is the fact that Harry seems to have no recollection of ever having met Ellie before. At least that’s what he says …

But perhaps Harry isn’t the person Ellie should be worried about. Because there’s a far more dangerous figure from the past lurking just outside of the new life she has built for herself, biding his time, just waiting to strike.

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Read my review | Buy the book 

The Truth Lies Buried

 

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?

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Read my review | Buy the book

Christmas at Borteen Bay

Christmas has a way of bringing family secrets to the surface …

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 …

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Buy the book here.

 

Littlehampton Bonfire Night in The Purrfect Pet Sitter

My novel, The Purrfect Pet Sitter, is set in my hometown of Littlehampton. One of the major celebrations in the town each year is the bonfire parade, which culminates in fireworks on the beach. In my novel, Lisa and Nathan, who are newly reunited after eleven years, go along to the parade. Old memories are sparked and the evening becomes significant in their developing relationship.

Research at the Littlehampton Bonfire Parade.

I had so much fun researching it. I hadn’t been to the parade for many years and going along brought back very happy memories, which are threaded into the book.

To get into the bonfire night mood, I am going to share an extract from The Purrfect Pet Sitter, which I hope you’ll enjoy. Nathan is a firefighter and this scene takes place after some shenanigans during the parade involving a float of fellow firefighters, and the bonfire is getting underway.

“Together they watched as the flames from the torches, that had been thrown on to start the bonfire, grew in strength, devouring the offerings left over the passing weeks with an intense greed. The heat spread into the crowd, causing them to edge further back. Lisa looked up at Nathan’s flushed cheeks and knew they mirrored her own. Her toes felt the cold ground biting at them while the rest of her felt warm, her senses enlivened from the heat and Nathan’s proximity. The crowd spread across the green and the seafront just beyond, lost to darkness. Some children in pushchairs had succumbed to sleep despite the spectacle and noise, while others, still fuelled by enthusiasm, sat on their parent’s shoulders keenly waving glow sticks. Families further back, taking better positions to see the fireworks, huddled together against the cold, not feeling the benefit of the bonfire.

“Everyone seemed to move in shadows, silhouetted by the flames. Lisa saw young lovers, holding hands and kissing, reminding her of herself and Nathan in the past. What decisions lay ahead for them? What would shape their futures? The figures moved before them like the ghosts of their past.

“Returning her attention to the fire, Lisa watched mesmerised as the bright orange flames leapt and danced triumphantly from the top of the pyre, roaring in the wake of their victory. She remembered again the words on the back of the float, ‘Supporting those who run in when others are running to safety’, and drew Nathan’s arms a little closer around her; a move that made him lean down and ask if she was OK. Lisa felt the brush of his stubble against her cheek and felt goosebumps ripple down her side, despite the increasing heat.”

The fireworks don’t stop there! Discover where the evening takes Lisa and Nathan in The Purrfect Pet Sitter

“A fun, feel good read that you will not want to put down. Highly recommended!”

The Purrfect Pet Sitter

When Lisa Blake’s life in London falls apart, she returns to her hometown rebranding herself as ‘the purrfect pet sitter’ – which may or may not be false advertising as she has a rather unfortunate habit of (temporarily) losing dogs!

But being back where she grew up, Lisa can’t escape her past. There’s her estranged best friend Flick who she bumps into in an embarrassing encounter in a local supermarket. And her first love, Nathan Baker, who, considering their history, is sure to be even more surprised by her drunken Facebook friend request than Lisa is.

As she becomes involved in the lives of her old friends Lisa must confront the hurt she has caused, discover the truth about her mysterious leather-clad admirer, and learn how to move forward when the things she wants most are affected by the decisions of her past.

Praise for The Purrfect Pet Sitter:

‘A purrfectly fabulous read.’ ~Bookkaz Blogspot.

‘All I can say is that this ticked every single box.’ ~Jo Lambert, Author.

‘As an avid reader and a professional Petsitter, this book ticked all the boxes! It’s a purrfect combination of village life, chaotic animals and will she/won’t she romance!’ ~Annie’s Book Corner.

Buy the book here.

Coming soon to my blog … don’t miss the fabulous firework memories of fellow authors between now and November 5th, and as always, do get in touch. I’d love to hear your firework memories too. x

Review of Morton S Gray’s Borteen Bay Series

As I am sure you know, I am an avid romance reader. I generally read contemporary romance or romantic comedy, but occasionally dip into other sub-genres too. So this week I am sharing my review of Morton S Gray’s romantic suspense novels, set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen Bay.

The Girl on the Beach

The Blurb:

Who is Harry Dixon?
When Ellie Golden meets Harry Dixon, she can’t help but feel she recognises him from somewhere. But when she finally realises who he is, she can’t believe it – because the man she met on the beach all those years before wasn’t called Harry Dixon. And, what’s more, that man is dead.

For a woman trying to outrun her troubled past and protect her son, Harry’s presence is deeply unsettling – and even more disconcerting than coming face to face with a dead man, is the fact that Harry seems to have no recollection of ever having met Ellie before. At least that’s what he says …

But perhaps Harry isn’t the person Ellie should be worried about. Because there’s a far more dangerous figure from the past lurking just outside of the new life she has built for herself, biding his time, just waiting to strike.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I don’t often read romantic suspense but I am so pleased I picked this book up; it had me hooked right from the start. It is well paced, the characters were likeable – I’m a little in love with Harry Dixon – and the story gripping. I read it over a couple of days. From the early revelations in the book to the action packed ending the story holds you, transporting you to Borteen Bay and into the complex lives of Ellie and Harry. Having said I don’t often read romantic suspense, I now can’t wait to read Morton’s second novel.

Buy the book here.

The Truth Lies Buried

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?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I really enjoyed my first visit to Borteen Bay in The Girl on the Beach, and so I was greatly looking forward to reading The Truth Lies Buried. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The two main characters grow as the story progresses, as does your empathy for them as you read. Carver was a good male lead, strong and yet sensitive, with a backstory that explains his state of mind and the manner to which he has become accustomed to living, before Jenny enters (or re-enters his life). He also has a dog, which in my opinion, is a bonus in any book.

The story and action unfold at a steady pace, with some lovely tender moments along the way. With likeable characters, a wonderful setting (I’d quite like to live in Borteen Bay) and a good amount of intrigue to hold you to the end, it’s an absorbing read.

Buy the book here.

I am loving life in Borteen Bay and can’t wait to return to see what mysteries the Morton S Gray will serve up in her next book Christmas at Borteen Bay.

About the Author, 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 e-published in January 2017, after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition.

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 TwitterFacebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Oh and before I go my cinema tip, if you enjoy suspense, is A Simple Favour, based on the novel by Darcey Bell. Described as a stylish, post-modern film noir it is well acted, entertaining and kept me guessing.

Thank you so much for the great reads, Morton. My reviews are posted on Amazon and Goodreads. xx

Book news, Apricot Plots and more!

Wow, I can’t believe it is September and the summer holidays are over already. I love having my children home from school and for our days to be free to indulge in whatever we fancy. It does, however, mean that less writing gets done. So, now the new term is upon us, it is time to get down to it!

To encourage me on, I have some exciting things to focus on.

Firstly, I am working on a sequel to The Purrfect Pet Sitter, which I have said will be ready by the end of October, not published then, but off to the publisher by then. I am really enjoying writing it, and as I am now towards the end, I am excitedly typing towards that end scene I’ve had in my head all along. While it is a sequel, I have written it so it could also be read as a stand-alone novella (shorter than my other books), which I hope even those who haven’t read The Purrfect Pet Sitter will enjoy.

Having said that, if you haven’t read The Purrfect Pet Sitter (shock horror, what have you been waiting for) the good news is you can currently get it for 99p in the Choc Lit / Ruby Fiction autumn sale:

Amazon | Kobo

As it is set between September and New Year’s Eve, now is the purrfect time to read it, too!

Secondly, I am preparing, with fellow authors Angela Barton, Jane Cable, Caroline James, Morton S Gray, Mariam Kobras, and Tora Williams, for the official launch of @ApricotPlots. Inspired by a talk at the Romantic Novelist’s Association conference, this is a romance cross promotion group, which we hope will be a lot of fun for readers and writers alike. We intend to offer competitions and giveaways, there will also be exciting book launches and more, so why not give us a follow on Twitter or Facebook.

Finally, I am intending to launch an audio version of my first novel, Crazy Over You, and to give it a boost with a new cover. I love my original cover for the book and it won Cover Wars with a fantastic 611 votes when it was first released. But as I write and release more books, I need to ensure it represents my current brand (oo get me!). So watch this space.

Thank you as ever for reading my ramblings. Right, back to that writing business.

Oh and before I really do go, if you haven’t seen the new Christopher Robin movie, you should. It is such a sweet, lovely film that made me laugh and cry. It was another of those fab films we could go and see as a whole family. I have always had a soft spot for Winnie the Pooh (my husband thinks I get my attitude to life from the bear, but that’s another story) and I loved it!

Best wishes and remember as Christopher Robin said to Winnie the Pooh: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!” xx

Review of Arlette’s Story by Angela Barton

Arlette’s Story by Angela Barton

The Blurb:

An emotional and beautifully written debut you will not want to put down.

One woman’s struggle to fight back against the enemy in order to protect the ones she loves.

When Arlette Blaise sees a German plane fly over the family farm in 1940, she’s comforted by the fact that the occupying forces are far away in the north of the country. Surely the war will not reach her family in the idyllic French countryside near to the small town of Oradour-sur-Glane?

But then Saul Epstein, a young Jewish man driven from his home by the Nazis, arrives at the farm and Arlette begins to realise that her peaceful existence might be gone for good …

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Ruby Fiction an imprint of Choc Lit

My review:

This story of love set in occupied France during WW2 gripped me from the start. It is very well researched and a thoroughly absorbing read.

The landscape is exquisitely brought to life. I fell in love with the characters, cried at their plight and willed them to achieve their hard fought victories. Being partly based on real events, I know Arlette’s Story will always stay with me.

While the author doesn’t shy away from the atrocities of war upon the ordinary people of occupied France, she also crafts a heart-warming love story. There are lighter moments and the real affection portrayed between Arlette and Saul draws you in. They are perfectly matched.

Overall this is a tale of hope and resilience against the worst of odds. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction and WW2 love stories.

Click to buy the book.

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 a great read, Angela.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x