Tag Archives: Choc Lit

Stories that will make you smile: Jan Brigden

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

A very warm welcome to Jan Brigden as she celebrates the release of her novel, If I Ever Doubt You.

Hello Jan, how are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?

Well I’m a bit of an introvert so have found the peace and solitude quite comforting. I’m used to my own company as most writers are. My husband Dave can’t work at the moment so the two of us have been on some soul-soothing and very scenic walks. We live in a town but it’s amazing how many green and fairly secluded walks there are on our doorstep. I miss all my family and friends.  Mum and Dad are safely cocooned at home for their own protection. When I feel a dip in my mood, I console myself with knowing that when we’re liberated from this crazy, unnerving experience, we’ll all have the biggest hugs ever.

My top tip to promote wellbeing would be to not let those pesky negative or worrying thoughts spiral. Don’t dwell on the what ifs, let them pass and focus on the now/reality.

That sounds like a good idea to me!

I loved As Weekends Go, and so was super excited to hear you were releasing a sequel, tell us a little about your latest novel:

If I Ever Doubt You is the sequel to As Weekends Go but can be read as a standalone novel. It follows the ongoing relationship between small town divorcee Rebecca Dunning and big league professional footballer Alex Heath. How will Rebecca cope with the reality of living a life so different from her own; the pre-judgement, the jealousy, the doubts and fears? Alex may be unstereotypical given the reputation of some of his fellow footballers, but can their love survive the emotional turbulence of outside influences?

OO it sounds great, could you share an uplifting extract?

They resurfaced an hour later with Alex declaring that he was taking Rebecca for a late lunch at Hawksley Manor – a statement that set her off jumping around the bedroom partly with joy, her staple reaction to any potential revisit, especially alone with Alex – and partly to freshen up, dress and get out of the apartment in half an hour so they stood some chance of arriving there before lunchtime service ceased in the main restaurant. York’s outer ring road traffic could be monstrous.

The staff at Hawksley Manor would no doubt accommodate them even if they rocked up late, as had previously happened at a different establishment, much to Alex’s embarrassment; another thing Rebecca loved about him – his refusal to exploit taking advantage. She knew he was neither naïve nor hypocritical enough to think his name, position and profession couldn’t open doors and opportunities or that he hadn’t, on occasion, utilised and enjoyed those very privileges, but the less gushing and fawning he could maintain in his day-to-day life, the better.

Rebecca loved Hawksley Manor’s long, tree-lined drive, the sight of the fountain sparkling up ahead, the sound of it tinkling as they drove around it and into the car park, the majesty of the manor itself never failing to lift the hairs on her arms.

Our special place.

How often during the darkest moments of her divorce, the endless tears and doubts and fears, the brave faces, the ache in her belly for Alex whenever they’d parted, never really knowing for sure if the two of them could sustain their unity, had she taken comfort in the memories of that magical weekend they’d first set eyes upon each other, images of them together, every look, every conversation between them, the chemistry, how her mind, heart, and gut had screamed its significance. It made her shudder with horror to think that if she’d never accepted Abi’s original invitation to spend the weekend there, she and Alex would never have met.

‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Alex said to her now, cutting the engine and laying his hand over hers in the lap of her coral tie-dye sundress.

She smiled across at him from the passenger seat. ‘What do you think?’

He nodded, glanced ahead through the tinted windscreen at the manor, and squeezed her hand. ‘Great minds think alike.’

To buy: Amazon | Kobo | iBooks

If I Ever Doubt You is my current read, what can we expect from you next?

I am currently working on a Christmas novella which I hope to have submitted in time for this year’s festivities, fingers crossed. If not, next year’s. I’m also outlining a third contemporary novel.

That sounds great, best of luck with it, and every success with If I Ever Doubt You. Thank you for stopping by. xx

About the author:

Jan Brigden lives in South East London with her husband and motley crew of cuddly toys. Jan’s written for pleasure from a young age; short stories for classmates, odes for workmates, fun quizzes for family and friends, progressing to the contemporary uplifting dramas she writes today.

The idea for her debut novel, As Weekends Go, sprang from a script she composed as part of a creative writing course assignment via The Writers Bureau. The novel went on to be published by award winning UK independent publishers Choc-lit after winning their Search for a Star competition.

Jan’s latest novel, If I Ever Doubt You, also published by Choc Lit, is the sequel to her debut.

An avid reader, reviewer and all round book devotee, Jan is also one eighth of online writing group The Romaniacs who successfully self-published an anthology of short stories and flash fiction entitled ‘Romaniac Shorts: Fashionably Brief’.

Discover more about Jan Brigden and her work here: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Don’t miss Morton S Gray, when she stops by to share an uplifting extract on May 29th. xxx

Stories that will make you smile: Lucy Keeling

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

Today, I am welcoming, Choc Lit author, Lucy Keeling, as she shares an uplifting extract from her novel, Just Friends.

Hello Lucy, how are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?

Thank you for inviting me onto your blog Carol.

It’s very strange times, and I hope that you and yours and everyone reading is keeping as safe and as well as possible. I don’t know about you but I’m so thankful that we have books, now more than ever, to provide us with a little bit of escapism.

I’m still working, writing and trying to homeschool, and honestly finding the whole experience quite overwhelming at times. But I very quickly learnt that I needed to take the pressure off all of us as a family. Our priority is getting through the day as best we can. If that means I have an early night with a book and bar of chocolate then that’s fine. If it means that the children have a film on in the afternoon (like right now whilst I type this) then so be it. There’s no textbook for this, there’s no guidance on how we best mentally survive a pandemic, so really I just get through the day, anything else is icing on the cake.

That sounds like good advice to me!

Lucy was runner up in Choc Lit’s search for a star competition with her wonderful romantic comedy, Make It Up To You.

This was a book I greatly enjoyed, and as I haven’t shared it on my blog before, here’s my review:

This was a thoroughly modern rom-com with likeable characters. I especially liked the rather gorgeous, male lead, Marcus. I enjoyed spending time with the group of friends and finding out a little more about each of them (though not all is given away, as it is to come in future books). The central love story is sweet, believable and left me with a big smile.

Overall, it is a funny, warm and cosy read with tea and biscuits thrown in, what’s not to like?

As you can imagine from my review, when I heard I was going to get to revisit the characters from Make It Up To You in your new novel, Just Friends, I got more than a little excited about reading it. Can you tell us a little about the story?

Just Friends follows on from Make It Up To You, but believe me it can be read on its own. Just Friends has some of my favourite romantic tropes. There’s a fake relationship, a best friends sister thing, and not to mention a moment where there’s only one bed. Yikes. It follows a group of friends who are fiercely loyal to each other, and it’s how they navigate through their lives together.

Make It Up To You focussed on the relationship development of Sophie and Marcus. Just Friends focuses on Marcus’s sister Polly, and his best mate Bailey. Sophie and Marcus agree that Polly and Bailey should be their best man, and maid of honour, in the hope that it might bring them closer together. But of course it’s never that straight forward. So fans of the first one can enjoy seeing a little bit more of Sophie and Marcus, and fans of banter, cheekiness and endless flirting can enjoy Just Friends too.

That sounds great, I’d love it if you could share a sneak peek, with an uplifting extract?

Sophie and Marcus are moving in together and the friends are all ‘helping’ move their stuff into their new home.

‘You know what we should do?’ Bailey said, deliberately making his voice suggestive.

‘What?’ asked Polly cautiously.

‘We should get into the bed before it’s trashed and take a selfie to send to them later.’

‘Oh my God, that’s genius.’ With that agreement, Bailey quickly took off his shoes and gently got into the bed and watched as Polly did the same on the other side.

‘Oh man, this is one awesome bed.’ Polly stretched out at the same time she pulled the duvet up to her chin. Bailey grinned at her. He knew he shouldn’t but he couldn’t help but think of them in their own place, in their own bed. His heart warmed at the thought. Until Polly started wriggling around.

‘What’s the matter with you?’ Bailey asked.

Polly sighed. ‘I’m on the wrong side and I don’t like it. Hang on.’ Without warning, Bailey was suddenly transported into a place where his fantasies were quickly coming true. Polly had her hands on his shoulders and was swinging her leg over until she was on top of him. He had a moment of feeling her body heat on his chest before she swung the other leg back over.

‘Sorry about that. There we go, that’s better.’

Bailey blinked several times until he could gather the use of his body to move over to the side Polly had vacated. She was right this was better, but now he thought of a hundred ways it could be better still.

‘OK, it’s selfie time.’ Polly stretched her arm up but couldn’t quite get high enough to get the picture right.

‘Hang on, I’ll take it with mine.’ Bailey used his longer arms to try and aim the camera at them but as luck would have it they were too far apart, and before he could suggest it, she moved closer, the next thing he knew she had curled up next to him and moved his arm until it was behind her around her back, her head resting on his shoulder. Taking the picture a few times with them sticking their tongues out, laughing and pulling faces, he reluctantly pulled his arm down, but not before Polly twisted slightly, her body still leaning into his, close enough that he could smell the shampoo that she used, feel the heat of her against his side, feel her hair as it tickled his arm.

She grabbed his phone and looked at the picture. ‘Perfect.’ Polly grinned mischief making her shine. Turning round to look at him, their bodies warm under the duvet and surrounded by each other, Bailey was not able to move. He couldn’t, he wouldn’t, he didn’t want to ruin this tiny fragment in time that he doubted he would ever forget. Studying her eyes he was desperate for some kind of sign that she was interested, something that would tell him it wasn’t one-sided. But, more importantly, he was looking for a sign that he was worthy. Her brown eyes looked nearer gold, and Polly wasn’t looking away either. In fact, she was moving nearer, their faces getting closer, her breath on his cheek.

‘Helloooo. Bailey? Polly?’ Mya must have said something quietly to Paige as the pair of them burst out laughing. Polly jumped up fast enough to injure herself. So fast that he could almost believe the last few minutes had been another one of his intense dreams. He got out of bed and put his shoes back on.

‘We’re up here. We’ve nearly finished the bed. We’ll be down in a minute.’

Bailey watched stunned as Polly flawlessly carried on as if everything was normal, that she hadn’t been leaning forward to kiss him. Bailey shook his head, trying to re-group.

‘Here get going.’ Pulling the duvet completely off they covered the bed sheet with glitter and streamers and confetti and everything, the pair of them laughing quietly the worse they made it.

‘Right. That’s probably enough.’

Polly snorted. ‘It was enough three bags of confetti ago.’

Aww, that was fab! (I’ll confess that Lucy sent me two extracts of the novel to chose from and I loved them both.)

**Just Friends is available to preorder, here, and is released on May 26th.**

What can we expect from you next?

Well, I am now trying to write book three in this series. If you’ve read the first one then you will know that Mya’s occupation is a mystery, maybe by the end of Just Friends you will have an idea, but book three will be all about Mya and I can’t wait to get that written, and hopefully share it with you all in 2021.

Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog, Carol x

That all sounds very exciting, best of luck with it. Thank you so much, Lucy, for stopping by and I can’t wait to read Just Friends. xx

About the author:

Lucy Keeling writes fun, sexy, stories with all of the happily ever afters. When she’s not typing at the kitchen table, she’s arranging and then re-arranging to see her friends for the occasional spot of day drinking. Lucy is currently writing the third book in a Contemporary Romance series, the first of which was Runner-Up in ChocLit’s ‘Search for a Star’ competition. This story has become her romantic comedy debut ‘Make It Up To You’. The second book in the series ‘Just Friends’ is available to pre-order now.

Discover more about Lucy and her work, here: Facebook | Twitter | website

Don’t miss author Jan Brigden, sharing an extract from her novel, If I Ever Doubt You, on Friday 22nd May! xx

Best Friends – even the furry kind!

Writing & Reading, , , , , , , , ,

Today, I am joining the #ChocLitFestival with a focus on ‘Best Friends – even the furry kind!’ and I have news of TWO competitions.

If you’ve read any of my books, you’ll know that friendship plays an important role in my stories, both of the two and four-legged kind.

Like many people at the moment, I am missing catching up in person with friends. Aren’t we lucky to be able to text and video chat! But catching up virtually is not the same as a good old gossip and catch up over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Here’s a picture of me with two of my very besties, taken nine years ago. Having all met while working at the same school, twenty-years ago (yikes, that sounds a long time ago), we have gone through a lot together, including relationship ups and downs and bringing up seven children between us.

Like all good friends, we don’t have to speak or see each other all the time to know we are there for each other. My book, Maybe Baby, due out in paperback on August 4th, and now available for preorder, is dedicated to these lovely ladies.

In the Lisa Blake series, best friends Lisa and Felicity have lost touch. They have a lot of catching up to do. As they renegotiate their friendship, it becomes apparent they share a history, a close bond and a sense of humour. I love the fact that readers have enjoyed the friendship element of the story as much as the romance:

  • Beauty Addict: “A truly heart-warming story of love, romance and most importantly, friendship. An absolute must-read.” 
  • Stardust Book Reviews: “This was a delightful story of love and friendships that left me with a lovely warm feeling and a smile on my face!”
  • Against the Flow Press: “An enjoyable, happy-ending story of friendship and love.”

COMPETITION TIME:

In honour of the #CHOCLITFESTIVAL and the theme of friendship, over on my Facebook page, I am offering you the chance to nominate a friend to win a paperback copy of The Purrfect Pet Sitter. Enter here.

Due to the current situation, the book will be sent directly from Amazon.

But we all know that friends come in all shapes and sizes, some are even furry!


My life has been made so much richer for having my three adorable Labradors in it. Dogs always play an important part in my books (they’ve had stories dedicated to them too), and my current work in progress is no exception.

COMPETITION TIME!

Head over to my Facebook page to enter to win the opportunity to name a springador puppy in my next novel. The puppy is a girl and was the smallest in her litter. Find the post, and leave your name suggestion here.

Good luck everyone, and enjoy the rest of the #ChocLitFestival with different authors participating every day for the next two weeks, there’s bound to be more competitions, giveaways and fun to be had!

Follow the festival on Twitter and Facebook, using the hashtag #ChocLitFfestival.

Stories that will make you smile: Jan Baynham

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us a little about your debut novel:

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

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

Alexandra

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

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

June 21st 1969 

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

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

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

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

What can we expect from you next?

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

About the author:

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

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

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

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

Stories that will make you smile: 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