I am very excited to see that Boomerville is back. Please tell us a little about your latest novel Boomerville at Ballymegille:
Boomerville at Ballymegille is a standalone read following the success of my novel, “The Best Boomerville Hotel.” Newly opened Boomerville Manor is a retreat for ‘guests of a certain age’ and an eclectic mix gather for the opening weekend to enjoy a celebratory party together with some interesting, off-the-wall courses.
It is set in Ireland, what drew you to this location?
I’ve spent some time in Southern Ireland and love the friendly people and their sense of humour and ‘craic.’ What’s not to love about the beautiful countryside, fabulous coast line, wonderful food and drink? It’s a perfect location for a story. Ballymegille is a fictitious village, south of Cork, close to a fishing port which was based on my memories of glorious Kinsale (pictured below), a town that is a must for any tourist visiting the area.
That looks great, I’ve been to Dublin but would love to explore more of Ireland. Hattie was a beloved character in your previous novels, does she, or any other returning characters make an appearance in this book?
Ah…. Hattie! Larger than life and full of fun, she is a character that haunts me. Yes, Hattie is along for the Irish ride, so to speak, and as ever, up to her usual mischief, causing mayhem wherever she goes. I sometimes think that Hattie should pop her clogs but that may upset too many fans of the character. Jo is back too, the owner of Boomerville, but there is a new guest list that includes 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. The Boomerville Babes are an ageing female aquatic team and if they were to ever set up classes near me, I would join them in a heartbeat. Great fun with plenty of female loyalty as the story unfolds.
I can’t resist a dog, and I’ve spotted one on your promotional posts, who is the four-legged star of this novel and how much was his character influenced by your gorgeous Fred Westie?
Great question. I can’t write a book without a woofer appearing in the story. The puppy in the promotional posts is Teddy, a dog that Hattie reluctantly adopts. His history is chequered but he endears himself to everyone. He is completely ficticious and nothing like the rascal that lives with me. Fred Westie, our three-year-old, who is a little devil and always in trouble, but I love the bones of him.
If you can say without revealing too much of the story, what was your favourite scene to write?
I always like the build-up to a tense scene. On the surface all is going well at Boomerville’s opening party but there is an underlying event, created by a despicable character, that changes the course of the book. I love taking the reader on a roller coaster of emotions and hope that this part of the story does exactly that, creating a page-turning experience right through to the end.
Finally, what can we expect from you next?
Boomerville is going Greek. I am taking Jo and Hattie to Bassaloniki, a fictitious island in the Ionian Sea, where they will open a temporary retreat for the summer months. With a new cast of guests and curious locals, I am loving the writing process and yearning to return to the beautiful islands, for further research, when it is safe to travel again.
Thanks so much for hosting me on your lovely blog Carol and happy reading everyone xx
You’re most welcome, thanks so much for stopping by. I can’t wait to read your fab new book!
Discover more about Boomerville at Ballymegille:
Here’s 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.
Click to buy: Boomerville at Ballymegille
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 Fred, her Westie, sipping raspberry gin and relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.
Books by Caroline James: Hattie Goes to Hollywood | Boomerville at Balymegille | The Best Boomerville Hotel Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me | Coffee Tea the Chef & Me | Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me | Jungle Rock
Find out more about Caroline James and her novels here: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Amazon Author Page
