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!”
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
