Morton S. Gray's Blog, page 10
November 13, 2023
How Has Writing Changed Me? by Victoria Cornwall
Pleased to welcome my good friend, Victoria Cornwall back to my blog this week. Victoria has recently published book number eight, The Paris Affair for Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books. For this visit to my blog she is going to tell my readers how writing has changed her.
Thank you for having me on your blog this week, Morton. For those who don’t know, Morton and I have been writing buddies for years so it really does feel like I’m visiting a friend for a coffee and a chat when I pop on here. How has writing changed me? It’s a great question! It’s changed me in many ways; however, I’ve chosen the two biggest changes to chat about here…. the first relates to how it has changed how I see myself, the second relates to a specific change in my behaviour. Intrigued? Then read on…
Morton and Victoria on their last meet up in Summer 2023So, how has writing changed me?
I started writing in my late 40s and was lucky enough to have my first manuscript published. The achievement surprised everyone who knew me as I’d kept my writing a secret. At the time I saw myself as middle-aged, going grey and past my “prime” so I think I just felt a little embarrassed I was indulging in my dream to write a book. The day I finally held the published book in my hands was a turning point as I had written a complete novel… and I’d achieved it all by myself! Yes… little ‘middle-aged, going grey and past my prime’ me.
It made me question if middle-age was all that bad after all and that perhaps I was still firmly in my “prime” phase! I now see each decade of life as the next gateway to an exciting new chapter in my life. I’ve had eight books published now. No one can take that achievement away from me. To achieve something, whether it’s small or big, alone or with someone, is good for one’s confidence, can help change how others see you and… most importantly how you see yourself… which is probably why it was around the same time of my first few releases I stopped hiding my grey hair under dye and now proudly show off my silver locks!
The second way writing has changed me is increasing my interest in history. I write historical fiction, which requires a lot of research that can lead you down numerous rabbit holes! I’ve lost count of the number of interesting facts I’ve discovered, but never end up in the book I’m writing! Needless to say, I’m now hooked on researching any question that arises in conversations, any additional details gleaned from listening to history podcasts or issues raised in documentaries. The research for my latest release, The Paris Affair, took me to the Special Operations Executive Museum on the Beaulieu Estate.
There are so many colourful characters, courageous moments and unbelievable surprises to discover in our history. It was a crazy place to live, yet everything we do now becomes history in a blink of an eye. We can learn so much from what has gone before. If people were more willing to learn from our past mistakes and successes, I think that we would have a less turbulent world now.
About Victoria Cornwall
Following a career in nursing, a change in profession finally provided Victoria Cornwall the time to write. Her books have subsequently reached the finals of the NEW TALENT AWARD at the Festival of Romantic Fiction, the RNA’s JOAN HESSAYON AWARD and the 2021 RNA’s Goldsboro Books HISTORICAL ROMANTIC NOVEL AWARD. Her books have also been twice nominated for the RONE Best Indie or Small Published Book Award by InD’tale magazine.
Victoria grew up on a farm in Cornwall and can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. It is this background and heritage which is the inspiration for her Cornish Tales series, but it is her strong belief that we should learn from our past that is the inspiration for her Love in War series. Her latest novel, The Paris Affair, will be released on the 14th November, 2023. She likes to read and write historical romances with a strong background story, but at its heart is the unmistakable emotion, even pain, of loving someone.
To keep in touch with Victoria, you can use the following links:-
Newsletter http://eepurl.com/cFrw0D
Website https://victoriacornwall.com/
X (Twitter) @VickieCornwall https://twitter.com/VickieCornwall
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/victoriacornwall.author/
Instagram @victoria_cornwallx https://www.instagram.com/victoria_cornwallx/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@victoriacornwall8361
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victoria-Cornwall/e/B01N1YETJ4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1627128668&sr=1-1
About The Paris Affair
The Paris Affair
Born to a French mother and an English father, Charlotte Bray has always felt like an outsider in her small Cornish fishing village. She spends her days on her father’s fishing boat, helping to feed a nation at war.
But the war brings devastation, and it’s not long until it reaches Charlotte’s front door. Her world is rocked and forever changed by tragedy.
With nothing left to lose, she accepts a mysterious invitation to work for the War Office as a spy. Nothing is as it seems, and she finds herself in Nazi-occupied Paris with a new identity.
Charlotte begins working under the sombre but handsome Frenchman Pierre Lesieur. But do his allegiances lie elsewhere?
With the Gestapo at every corner and networks falling all around her, Charlotte feels danger closing in on her.
And nothing is more dangerous than her growing feelings for Pierre.
Charlotte has been taught how to defend herself from the enemy. But not how to protect her heart . . .
To Buy The Paris Affair you can use the following links
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CHFMV9ZW
Amazon USA https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CHFMV9ZW
Other books by Victoria Cornwall
The Cornish Tales Series
The Love in War Series
Morton’s Review of The Paris Affair – Five Stars
I really enjoyed this book and felt as if I was actually Charlotte, the heroine as she negotiated the sadness, excitements and uncertainties of her life and relationship with Pierre.
The Parisian scenes, particularly the characters’ visit to The Sacre Coeur took me right back to a long ago visit to Paris.
Victoria Cornwall is a skilled storyteller who makes you care about her characters and root for them as they tackle dangers and challenges.
I have always wondered how I would have coped in times of war and hope that I would step up to the challenge of helping with the war effort just as Charlotte, Pierre and their colleagues did in the book.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that made me reflect on the war experiences of members of my family.
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, X Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
November 6, 2023
Walking in the Footsteps of My Heroine by Marie Laval
Marie Laval returns to my blog this week to tell readers about her recent visit to Paris to walk in the footsteps of the heroine from her novel A PARIS FAIRY TALE published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books. Over to Marie …
A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to enjoy three days in Paris with my daughter. It was her first time there, and I was hoping to show her some of the most beautiful sights of the French capital and revisit a few of the places where I used to hang out as an eighteen year old student.
At the time I had left my family and my hometown Lyon, and lived in a hall of residence managed by Mexican nuns in the lovely rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs near the Saint Germain district – yes, that’s right…Mexican nuns! My father was anxious for my safety and keen for me to focus on my studies, but I am ashamed to confess that I did find ways of escape the good nuns’ watchful eyes, stay out late and enjoy myself a little too much…
It was of course nostalgic to retrace my steps some forty years later, all the more than not very much had changed, at least not in the city centre, except from Notre Dame being rebuilt of course, and the many bike lanes all over the place which are great, even if I would never be brave enough to venture on a ‘velib’ – a bike you hire for a short ride.
As for the cafés I used to spend so much time in, most of them looked just the same. However I did find the waiters a touch more friendly.
What was lovely was to walk in the footsteps of historian Aurora Black, the heroine of my romantic novel A PARIS FAIRY TALE. I have always wanted to visit the Opera Garnier where Aurora attends a ballet and a champagne reception, and it was wonderful to finally be able to do so, walk up and down the incredible main staircase and sit in the theatre.
It may appear silly but the place was so beautiful I felt quite emotional. Our guide Stephanie was fun and knowledgeable and made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
On my ‘to-see’ list was also the tiny and charming square du Vert Galant at the very end of the Ile de la Cité near Notre Dame, where Aurora meets up with intrepid reporter Cédric Castel, and the Pont des Arts – the stunning footbridge between Le Louvre and the Bibliothèque Mazarine where Aurora studies illuminated manuscripts. This is the bridge where people used to attach love locks to the railings until a few years ago when all the locks were removed for safety reasons as they made the railings too heavy and in danger of collapsing into the river.
Of course one cannot go to Paris and not enjoy the food. Just like me my heroine loves patisseries and has a predilection for lemon tarts, so I just had to have one in her honour!
It was such a lovely trip I can’t wait to return. There are so many more places I would like to see, museums I want to visit, and so many cakes I cannot wait to sample!
How lovely to be able to share these memories with your daughter. Mx
About Marie Laval
Originally from Lyon in France, Marie has lived in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire for the past few years. She writes both historical and contemporary romance.
Her contemporary romance novels include best selling contemporary romantic suspense novels LITTLE PINK TAXI and ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU, which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Awards, as well as A PARIS FAIRY TALE, BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC and HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE.
Marie also contributes to the best selling MISS MOONSHINE anthologies together with eight author friends from Authors on the Edge.
You can get in touch with Marie on Facebook or Twitter
About A PARIS FAIRY TALE
Does Prince Charming exist only in her dreams . . . or maybe Paris, too?
Workaholic and socially awkward art historian Aurora Black has been hired by a Parisian auction house. They want her to authenticate a legendary medieval manuscript lost over a century ago. She meets journalist Cédric Castel, who is nearly hot enough to melt her seemingly icy exterior . . . Aurora clashes with him immediately. But even though she’d never admit it, Aurora is a romantic at heart. She secretly dreams of Prince Charming and the knights’ missions in her medieval manuscripts.
Cédric is on a mission to uncover art thieves in the city. But what does this have to do with Aurora? And the closer Aurora gets to Cédric, the more they struggle to hide their increasing attraction to each other.
Life for Aurora isn’t about fairy tales and happily ever afters. But maybe just this once, it can be?
To buy A PARIS FAIRY TALE click here
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
October 30, 2023
Novel Research by Anni Rose
This week’s blog post by Anni Rose, author of Recipe for Mr Christmas published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books on 31 October 2023 took my breath away! I am in awe of the numerous things Anni is trying for the research for her books – see what you think …
Hi Morton, thank you for inviting me on your blog today. Seeing as we’re talking about Recipe for Mr Christmas I’ve brought some cinnamon bun twists with me for you to try. In this book, which is out on 31 October 2023, so I’m very excited – my main character Susie goes on a viennoisserie course to learn how to make croissants and the like. Obviously for research purposes I had to do the same and I have to say cinnamon twists were my particular favourites from that day – well those and the doughnuts. Enjoy.
I love writing, I’ve always said it is my happy place but Recipe for Mr Christmas was super fun to write. I like to think of this book as a tribute to my mother’s cousin Mary whose Christmas letters and cards were always a joy to receive. She and her husband travelled all over the world, and as they were both painters and sculptors, they didn’t so much photograph places as paint them. They always used to fill their Christmas letters, always written in the third person, with amazing pictures and stories from places they had visited. All about things they had done and people they had met.
On various occasions I’ve attempted similar letters, but never managed to make them nearly as interesting. However, their letters did give me an idea for a character I thought would be fun to write and she was. Cue Susie Keane. In Recipe for Mr Christmas, Susie actively goes out and tries new things, just so that she can send a breath-takingly exciting letter that year, but in doing so rediscovers a side of herself that she’d forgotten and of course a new relationship – well, it is a modern-day love story after all.
Me, I never tried pole dancing. No point, I had enough problems trying to climb a rope at school, but this year I have been all over the place in the name of research.
The only trouble is my list for next year is just as long. Quite often, someone will say, ‘And have you tried …’ And I think that sounds great, so I add it to my list. But this year, I have to say, I have become pretty ace at making samosas. And I’ve booked an introductory session for Open Water swimming next week.
I was part of an audience for a radio show being recorded in London. Oh, and then there was the Wuthering Heights experience. That was at the back end of June, celebrating Kate Bush’s 65th birthday, dancing with about 500 others on Folkestone harbour arm in a red dress to Wuthering Heights. Quite ridiculous, but great fun. And interestingly as we danced and sang our hearts out, we managed to attract a pod of dolphins, I think that’s the right word. They surrounded the harbour arm, I guess they must have thought one of their number must be in distress if they were making that much noise.
October saw us taking the dogs to the local lido for their swim with your dog weekend. Manic but tremendous fun.
I haven’t yet learned to ride a motor bike although I did the practice theory and hazard perception tests though – very tricky. And an electric bicycle is on the cards!
December’s looking interesting too, with tickets for Crossness pumping station and Donny Osmond, not on the same day I should add.
I suppose my sign off now should include the whole team Rose including the dogs. Perhaps not, but thank you for having me on your blog today, Morton. I’ve really enjoyed myself, but must go – have to register for Glastonbury (research for the next book you understand). Anni xxx
About Anni Rose
Anni was born and raised in Berkshire, she emigrated to Wiltshire eight years ago, where she now lives with her husband, sister and two dogs.
As a child, she loved writing fiction, producing reams of stories, most thankfully lost over the years.
On leaving school, the need to earn a living sort of got in the way of any creative ambitions and she became an accountant where her only published work apart from regular financial reports was the employees’ handbook.
A local writing course and an encouraging group of writing friends re-ignited the fiction flame many years later and she went on to win or be short listed in a number of writing competitions and had short stories published in Writers Forum, My Weekly and Sophie King’s ‘How to Write your Life Story’.
These days she would describe her writing as contemporary romances with a healthy dollop of humour thrown in. She’s a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and was delighted to have been signed by Choc Lit. in 2020.
Away from writing she can usually be found either walking the dogs, on horseback, behind a camera, or enjoying one of her husband’s curries or sister’s bakery treats.
Social Media Links
Twitter: @AnniRoseAuthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnniRoseAuthor
Website: https://anniroseauthor.co.uk
Instagram: anniroseauthor
About Recipe for Mr Christmas
Sometimes second chances take a little time . . .
Susie Keane is mourning the death of her husband. They had a wonderful forty years of marriage, but now she’s unsure of what to do with her life.
Then the arrival of the annual Christmas card from the oh-so-perfect Bailey family gives Susie the push she so desperately needs. Next year, she’ll be the one with the exciting stories to gloat about.
Hello cooking courses, motorbike-riding lessons and pole-dancing classes. Goodbye moping about and feeling sorry for herself.
But then something happens that Susie isn’t prepared for. A school reunion.
And she definitely isn’t prepared to meet a man who does the impossible. Bob Diamond is the first person to put a smile on Susie’s face.
Bob lost his wife eighteen months ago and knows exactly what Susie’s going through. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a singer and guitar player in a band. Together, perhaps they can fall back in love with life?
With Bob by her side, Susie discovers that, sometimes, the most unexpected gifts of all are the ones that bring two lonely hearts together . . .
To buy Recipe for Mr Christmas click here
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
October 23, 2023
Which Of My Characters Would I Like To Be By Rose Amberly
This week Rose Amberly author of Secret Christmas in Darling Wood returns to my blog to tell us about one of her characters she would like to be and to share a recipe …
Dear Reader,
I’m delighted to visit Morton Gray’s fabulous blog. She asked me: Which of your own characters would you like to be and why?
Believe it or not, in twenty years as a writer, I’ve never been asked this question. Thank you Morton for making me think about it.
There is a little of me in every character I write, even the crusty old men. But if I had to choose then it’s Haneen Hemingway because she can create miracles out of nothing. In my recent novel, Secret Christmas in Darling Wood, we meet her when she’s planning to take her 3 year-old daughter and escape from her abusive husband.
An almost impossible dream because he has her credit cards and phone locked so she has no money. Even worse, he’s a policeman and can access traffic cameras to find trace her movements. But Haneen is a believer that ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ so she thinks of an ingenious escape plan without him being able to find her.
But having very little money, how can she create a good Christmas celebration for her little girl. And as if this were not enough, she rescues an injured man. So here we are in a hut in the middle of the forest, no furniture, an old fashioned wood burner for heating, boiling water and cooking.
I like the fact that with no money, she gives everyone the best Christmas they’ve ever had. It’s that creative thinking that I really admire.
So here is a favourite recipe from the book and a few hacks for cheap solutions with yummy results.
Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
Place the butternut squash whole on a baking sheet and into an oven on a medium heat for 45 minutes until the squash can be squeezed and feels soft.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly then pull the skin off – it comes off very easily. Cut into cubes and drop into the simmering stock. (boiled water, stock, a pinch of chili flakes, a pinch of all spice, a teaspoon of fennel seeds)
Allow the whole to come to a boil the take of the heat, blend until smooth then add a little cream and adjust salt to taste.
Kitchen hacks for low budget yummy foods.
Gravy: Slice onions, add a little salt, oil, and place all in a deep backing tray and place in the oven on medium heat for an hour until onions caramelized. This will make your gravy sweeter and richer.Don’t know what to do with left over mash or left over porridge? Add to soup then blend, it’s a wonderful way to thicken sauces and soups.If you don’t want to use wine in sauces, tea works very well.A little about me and my work
My name is Rose Amberly and I started writing as a hobby while working as a therapist. But my love of a good story took over and I’m now a full time writer. I live in London and enjoy cultivating geraniums with unusual colours. My first five books were set in the English Channel but my latest book is set in Wales which is the start of a new series.
To connect with Rose you can use the following links:-
Facebook: La Canette Stories
Website: www.roseamberly.com
Five heart warming novels set in an exquisitely beautiful island full of wild flowers, stary nights and a generous but sometimes crazy small community. (click on each title to learn more)
Plain Jane Wanted The Unwanted BrideDream CatcherThe Secret House of Honey and Hope: A Wishlist of Impossible things.And the latest book is set in Wales but links to the previous series
About Secret Christmas in Darling Wood
This has to be the best Christmas ever but how when they have no money or a place to live?
Running away from her violent husband, Haneen and her daughter must stay hidden. But when the little girl asks how will Father Christmas find them to deliver their presents, it breaks her heart and she promises to make it a wonderful Christmas no matter what.
Twenty years ago, Evan Kendric promised his dying grandfather to make enough money to restore the once beautiful family manor house in Darling Wood. Keeping that promise and refusing to sell the property has cost Evan his business, his swanky London home and his marriage. How can he even begin to renovate his grandfather’s house when all he has left is £50? It’s not even enough to last him through the loneliest Christmas ever.
Buying link : Secret Christmas in Darling Wood
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
October 16, 2023
My Favourite Recipe by Angela Sims
My guest this week is Angela Sims the author of The Rose of Florence published by Romaunce Books. In a refreshingly different blog post, Angela is going to tell us about her recipe research for her books and share a recipe for zuccotto.
Hello Morton, and thank you for hosting me on your blog. One of the great aspects of your blog is the variety of topics your guests discuss, and I was delighted when I spotted one of your suggested themes was our favourite recipes.
A strange topic to choose, you may think, for someone who writes historical fiction, including romance, murder and treachery. Not so strange when you realise the variety of research rabbit holes that authors find themselves in when trying to create an authentic environment for their characters. What would they wear? How did they live? And of course, what did they eat?
One of my favourite characters in my debut novel, The Rose of Florence, is Eleonora, the cook. She was in charge of the kitchen at a grand palazzo, and the family frequently entertained the rich and powerful men of the time, including members of the ruling Medici family. While Eleonora spent her days cooking up a storm, I spent many hours researching the kinds of food that would have found their way to her banqueting table. Don’t misunderstand me. This was no hardship that I had to suffer in the name of my work. I love to cook, and so I probably spent far too long on research when I should have been writing. I only wrote about a very small percentage of the dishes I read about.
There was one dish, however, that captured my imagination – the zuccotto, a traditional Italian dessert, which would have been around at the time of my story and is still made today. Now, I’m no stranger to a good Italian dessert, but I hadn’t come across this before. What is it? What is the original recipe? What does it look like? What does it taste like? (This research rabbit hole cost me a good few days!)
Trying to find an original recipe, however, is like trying to find THE recipe for meat ragu, the sauce that most people know as Bolognese. (By the way, never serve spaghetti with a meat ragu…but that’s another story.) I digress! The zuccotto recipes I found varied widely but with the same basic principles. It’s a chilled, dome-shaped dessert, with an alcohol-soaked sponge outer layer, filled with cream, fruit, chocolate, spices, nuts. The actual ingredients and quantities were different in every recipe. So, what should every self-respecting researcher, writer, cook do? I made it myself. The oldest recipes called for a liqueur called alchermes to soak the sponge. While I was in Florence, I hunted out a bottle and brought it home. (Rookie tourist error: I bought it from the main market, then found it at a fraction of the cost in the supermarket. I really should have known better.) Alchermes is a red liqueur, spiced with clove and cinnamon, so perfect for this dessert, especially at Christmas.
I loved it! It’s rich, but it’s not too sweet, although, as you’ll see from the recipe below, you can adjust everything to your taste. I’m sorry that the recipe doesn’t have any quantities, but it really is a recipe that you can make your own.
Line a dome-shaped pudding bowl with plain sponge. (I made my own, but you could use sponge fingers.)Warm some water in a saucepan and dissolve some sugar to make a syrup. Then add a generous amount of alchermes liqueur.Soak the sponge in the bowl with the liqueur mixture.In a separate bowl, whip some double cream with caster sugar and mixed spice.To the whipped cream, add chopped walnuts, pecans and chocolate (70% cocoa), dried cranberries, grated orange rind and raisins and sultanas that have been soaked in rum for a day.Fill the sponge-lined bowl with the cream mixture.Top with a circle of sponge and soak with more liqueur mixture.Weigh it down with a plate and chill for a couple of hours.When you are ready to serve, turn the dome out onto a plate.Slice and serve.
Interestingly, although I do have recipes running through The Rose of Florence, zuccotto isn’t one of them, but we do spend some time with Eleonora as she’s making it. It always goes down a treat, so I hope you’ll give it go and enjoy it too.
I’d love to hear about your versions of this recipe.
Yummy! I’d like to hear if any of you have a go at this recipe too. Mx
About Angela Sims
The Rose of Florence was borne of a love for the history, art and city of Florence, which grew over many years and frequent visits to this beautiful city. It’s what inspired me to start writing.
My background is in healthcare, having worked in the field of cardiology for many years. I have been a university lecturer since 2010, and I still have a clinical role. I live in Cardiff, South Wales, with my husband. I have two grown-up daughters and a gorgeous granddaughter. At every opportunity, I travel to Italy to eat, drink and absorb the wonderful atmosphere. I like to call that research!
To keep in touch with Angela, you can use the following links
Facebook: Angela M Sims – Author (@angelamsimsauthor)
Twitter/X: @AngelaMSims1
Instagram: angelamsims1
Website: https://angelamsims.co.uk
About The Rose of Florence
1478: Gianetta and Matteo have a happy life, working in service to the wealthy Rosini family. They are used to entertaining rich and powerful members of Florentine society in Palazzo Rosini, where Lorenzo and Giuliano de’ Medici and Botticelli are regular visitors. Even when the Medici brothers narrowly escape the Palazzo with their lives (an accident, surely?), Gianetta and Matteo can’t imagine that the growing unrest in the streets of Florence would ever spoil their happiness.
When a bloody conspiracy erupts in the heart of Florence, in the city’s beloved Duomo, nobody is left unaffected by the aftermath. When the family hear that Matteo is among the conspirators, Gianetta knows that her life will never be the same…
You can get your copy of The Rose of Florence with the link below:
Buying Link – https://angelamsims.co.uk/order-here/
You can now get The Rose of Florence in Kindle, Hardback or Paperback (with a different cover shown below).
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
October 9, 2023
My Favourite Thing About Being An Author by Kim Nash
My guest this week is Kim Nash, whose latest book Finding Family at the Cornish Cove was published by Boldwood Books on 3 October 2023. Kim writes uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and this is her seventh book, and the second book in a four-book series set in the fictional seaside town of Driftwood Bay in Cornwall. Kim is going to tell us about her favourite thing about being an author …
What’s my favourite thing about being an author?
Simply put, it’s when I get messages like this from people who have read my books and taken the time to reach out to me and share their thoughts about the book. Some of these are from lockdown and to know that I have brought a smile to someone, means the absolute world to me. That’s – to me – what being a successful author is all about.
“I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I (a 65 Year old male) am enjoying your novel Escape to Giddywell Grange. It’s such a feel good read, I can’t put it down!! I’m halfway through and I’m sure I’ll finish today! Thank you, thank you for writing such an uplifting story. I’ll definitely read more of your books. Wonderful!”
“I felt l had to send you a message. I have just finished Moonlight over Muddleford cove, I’ve read all your books now and cannot wait for your new one. I want to thank you for getting me back into reading again I love love love your books you are a great Author, I so enjoyed every single one I’m glad my sister Dawn Lewis told me about you. Can’t wait for the next one. Thank you.”
“Just finished Escape to Giddywell Grange. Absolutely loved it, loved it. Just the kind of book needed in the midst of this real life chaos we are going through. Thank you so much for giving me such pleasure.”
“Just discovered your books and finished reading Moonlight over Muddleford Cove. I am hooked, it was a fantastic could not put down read with twists I did not see coming. I live in Dorset so it was even more special. Thanks so much Kim, look forward to reading your other books now.”
“Just finished Moonlight over Muddleford Cove. Thank you so much for a wonderful book. Lovely characters, storyline and a beautiful setting (I know the area very well, as spent many a happy holiday over the past 50 years with my parents and then as parents ourselves with our two boys). Wishing you every success with this book.”
“Just to let you know I have just finished reading Amazing Grace and that’s just what it was AMAZING…I was awake at 5.30 this morning to read couldn’t wait and it finished exactly how I wanted it too…thank you.”
“Well Sunshine and Second Chances did not disappoint…loved it. I have visited Albufeira and Vilamoura and I have walked under the arch near the square …took me right back to happy days on holiday…thank goodness for great books to read during these insane times.”
“I have just finished reading “Amazing Grace” it’s such a brilliant book! I’m a single mum and lost my mum 7 years ago and my daughters dad is also like Mark! So being able to relate to such a brilliant book like this is amazing. I couldn’t just read one chapter at a time. Thank you.”
It certainly sounds as if you’ve found your readers, Kim. How lovely. Mx
About Kim Nash
Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. The Cornish Cove series is set in the fictional seaside village of Driftwood Bay in Cornwall and is published by Boldwood Books.
She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger at http://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.
When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV. She’s also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.
To keep in touch with Kim you can use the following social media and website links –
Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/KimtheBookworm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimtheBookworm
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Kim_the_bookworm
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kimthebookworm
To keep up with all her new releases and bookish gossip, you can join her monthly newsletter here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk
About Finding Family at the Cornish Cove
Family is everything…
For years, Gemma has been running her late mother’s café with devotion, and when an opportunity comes to buy out her next-door neighbour and expand, she jumps at the chance.
She knows she will do her mother proud – keep her legacy going strong – but deep down she knows there’s still something missing.
But sometimes family are those you choose, or those who choose you! With a growing community of supporters cheering Gemma on, will she really spend the rest of her life alone?
And with some new faces at her blossoming bistro, perhaps romance may also be on the cards?
Kim Nash said about Finding Family at the Cornish Cove – In this book we meet Gemma, who is divorced, grieving the loss of her mum and happily running her mum’s café, trying to do her proud. However, she feels like there’s something missing from her life but can’t quite work out what. When offered the opportunity to expand the business, she takes a leap of faith and realises during that journey that sometimes family are those you choose, or even those who choose you. It’s about Gemma’s journey and how she found something she didn’t even know she was looking for.
Buying Link – https://mybook.to/familycovesocial
Other Kim Nash Books
Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove: https://mybook.to/hopefulheartssocial
Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove: http://amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BP2V45VG/
Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove: http://amzn.to/2NXKaJ7
Sunshine and Second Chances: http://amzn.to/3n70CDQ
Escape to Giddywell Grange: http://amzn.to/3cKUWdM
Amazing Grace: http://amzn.to/30hjIjQ
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p as eBooks or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
October 2, 2023
Jill Barry Talks About Love At War
This week my blog guest is Jill Barry author of Love at War for Romaunce Books. Jill is explaining the background to writing Love at War and sharing an extract …
Firstly, I’d like to thank you, Morton, for giving me this opportunity to share a few secrets about Love At War, ‘the book of my heart.’
Why did I choose to write a novel set in the time of World War Two? During my childhood in the fifties, I became used to hearing reminiscences about those dark times. Some of my family members had lived through two wars, so it wasn’t surprising that the second conflict caused so much anguish.
Yet, amongst the air raid warnings, the challenges of food rationing, plus the absence of so many men and women called up to serve their country, it became extra important to keep smiling, watch out for family members and neighbours, and importantly, pray for peace. My big sister was 22 years old when I was born, and had been running our father’s garage business while he was away, training young soldiers to be mechanics. Our mother looked after the book-keeping and household chores. And they still managed to have some fun!
I decided to use an older family member for inspiration when writing my heroine, Anna, who is, like my late cousin, the daughter of a Norwegian sea captain. Anna reminisces about a trip on a pleasure boat, hence the picture of an old Campbell’s Steamer.
My late cousin was a very glamorous woman who didn’t lack for boyfriends. She too worked as a shorthand typist, but sadly, her marriage to a handsome Army officer had no happy ending. Her husband, as was probably whispered about back then, had an eye for the ladies.
I wanted to write about how women coped while their menfolk were away. Also, how Anna’s protestations that she wasn’t bothered about finding a husband, dissolved on discovering her pregnancy. During that era, and for later decades, an unmarried mother had a hard time, struggling with her emotions, plus the fear of what would become of her and her baby.
The following extract from Love At War shows Anna on the first day she stands in for the Commanding Officer’s secretary. She is plucked from the typing pool and determined to make a good job of this opportunity. Her position brings her into contact with senior military personnel and her good looks attract two Army officers.
She picked up the receiver. ‘Good morning. Colonel Gresham’s office.’
‘Is the CO there, Miss Morgan?’
‘I’m standing in for Miss Morgan and I’m afraid the colonel’s in a meeting. Who’s calling, please?’
‘Please tell him the bearded man wishes to speak to him. Urgently.’
Anna’s stomach lurched. ‘I’m afraid my instructions are to take messages this morning, sir.’
‘Are they indeed? But those instructions don’t apply to me, my dear. Now run along the corridor and fetch the colonel, please. I take full responsibility for requiring you to disobey orders, so don’t worry. And on no account mention my codename to anyone else but Colonel Gresham.’
Anna thought quickly. A codename? If the bearded man was as eminent as he seemed and she refused to do his bidding, she could lose her job.
* * * *
Every romantic novel needs a happy ever after. But towards that end, I’ve tried to show how Anna’s passionate nature leads her into a difficult situation, also to emphasise the importance of friendship and support from her female friends.
Which of my characters would I choose to be?
Anna meets a young woman called Biddy when both attend for interview at the dockyard offices where military personnel work alongside civilians. Biddy is often puzzled and shocked by Anna’s confidence and exploits, but offers advice and is always supportive and kind to her new friend, even when Anna receives an unexpected promotion.
About Jill Barry
My mother loved books and I needed no encouraging to read. She also told me stories about adventurous little girls who gained access to fabulous underground worlds filled with fascinating characters. Later, she enrolled me into our town’s public library and I’m delighted to say that as a romantic novelist, I’ve carried out several author events in Barry Library.
It’s probably no wonder that when heroine Anna meets Second Lieutenant Geoff Chandler for a walk followed by afternoon tea, I choose the town’s square for a rendezvous!
I began writing for publication in the ‘noughties,’ encouraged by an invitation to read two of my short stories for BBC Wiltshire Radio. I enjoyed success with stories published by women’s magazines, and a writing course plus a friend’s suggestion, prompted me to study for my Masters in Creative Writing at Trinity St David’s, Carmarthen. I won The Lady Magazine Fiction Prize and things snowballed as I was recommended to teach Creative Writing to students at an international on-line high school.
Suddenly You Know was my first mainstream romantic novel after writing numerous erotic romantic stories and novellas. I made a dramatic change of direction by following an online course in Pocket Novel writing for D C Thomson, and now have nineteen Linford Romances published, with another due out this November.
I can’t not mention my delightful fellow-authors who make up the RNA Cariad Chapter which meets regularly in Cardiff and via Zoom. We support one another on social media and apart from enjoying coffee and cake together, we share experiences and offer and accept advice: something invaluable and to be cherished.
My fondness for listening to the radio has led to several interviews, most notably with Roy Noble, popular BBC Radio Wales presenter. (Photographs courtesy of my talented author friend, Jan Baynham).
To keep in touch with Jill you can use the following links:-
Facebook Twitter Instagram Website
About Love at War
In the quiet Welsh town of Barry, at the height of World War 2, Anna begins her career in a governmental department. Her striking looks cause two Army officers to vie for her attention. Will Anna choose the right man?
Reviews:
“I adored this book and everyone in it. It’s the best kind of story, where you don’t want it to end.”
“This lovely and emotional story is so full of the realism in wartime relationships.”
“This story, rooted in fact will entrance readers of wartime fiction with its authenticity. Jill Barry has not only recreated a romance but
Jill Barry Linford Romance novels are widely available from public libraries. Please ask your librarian for more details.
To Buy Links: https://www.jillbarry.com/books and Amazon
Thank you for visiting Morton S. Gray’s blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Recently, I was featured on the Choc Lit / Joffe Books blog. You can read my question and answer session here.
Sign up to my blog to receive weekly updates below:
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
September 25, 2023
Did My Childhood Reading Influence My Writing? by Georgia Hill
Georgia Hill returns to my blog this week to talk about whether her childhood reading influenced her writing. Georgia is about to publish New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage on 29 September 2023 with Bloodhound Books. Over to Georgia …
Huge thanks to Morton for once again hosting me on her blog. Morton’s support for other writers is unstinting and how she keeps up with a weekly blog is a source of wonder!
I was recently asked what books I enjoyed reading as a child and how they may have influenced me as a writer so thought I’d expand on the theme for this blog. I confess I hadn’t given it much conscious thought before, but it turns out the books I loved as an early reader have really influenced what I’ve gone on to write as an adult.
As a child I was an absolute book hound. Always had my nose stuck in one. I can remember dawdling home from school reading while I walked. Luckily, I was a child of the sixties, lived semi-rurally and there was little traffic! I was also lucky enough to come from a home filled with books. Dad’s choice steered towards history and biography, Mum loved her Mills and Boon. The weekly family trip to the public library was a highlight. Dad also belonged to the Folio Society and there would be regular deliveries of stunningly produced books, some of which I have now. Love for a good book has never left me.
The author I read most as a small child was Enid Blyton. Starting off with Noddy and moving on to Malory Towers, St Clare’s, and the Adventure series. I liked the Secret Seven, but it was to her Famous Five books that I returned time and time again. I had the whole series. I simply adored their adventures. I was in love with Dick, wanted desperately to be George and pestered my parents endlessly for a dog I could call Timmy! Unfortunately, my pristine collection of 1960’s editions (one bought each week for 12/6 old money – that dates me) went astray when I left home. I’m still in mourning for their loss!
When older, I developed a fascination for historical stories and loved a bit of time travel, especially if it came with the hint of a ghost story. I read Tom’s Midnight Garden, gobbled down Moondial and The Amazing Mr Blunden, read Susan Cooper and her The Dark is Rising series, Alan Garner and Rosemary Sutcliff too. I went through a brief theatrical phase when I read Noel Streatfeild and graduated to KM Peyton and her wonderful books which would probably now be categorised as YA. Most memorable: A Pattern of Roses(more timeslippy spooky stuff) and The Flambards books (set in my favourite historical period just before World War One). Aged thirteen I discovered Mary Stewart who gave me a fascination for Greece, taciturn heroes, poetry, and the classics. Mary Stewart has been with me ever since and I still reread her early novels every now and again. And, of course, I borrowed Mum’s Mills and Boon. How I loved those tales set in faraway, exotic (to me) places like South Africa and Madeira, featuring at their heart the will they, won’t they relationship between the two main characters. My favourite trope, the enforced proximity novels where the hero and heroine are stuck somewhere like a snowbound log cabin. Sigh. The romance of it all!
As an older teen, along with consuming Jane Austen, Dickens, and Emily Bronte, I also devoured the Gothic romances of Victoria Holt. I also read her as Jean Plaidy and have only latterly discovered she’s the same person! My introduction to pseudonyms and branding.
Reminiscing about my reading history it’s no surprise to see its impact on my own writing. Most writers are avid readers and I’m no exception; I think I absorbed all the influences by osmosis. From Enid Blyton I learned pace and storytelling. All the ghostly timeslips found their way into my dual narratives; my novel While I was Waiting owes a debt to Flambards and Victoria Holt’s intense Gothicism influenced my timeslip On a Falling Tide. I’m a romance writer, first and foremost, and putting a romantic relationship at the heart of the novel stems from my love of 1970’s Mills and Boon.
My main influence, though, must be Mary Stewart. Her skill in setting the reader right down in the middle of a Greek village or on a wind-swept Scottish island is second to none. Read any of her opening chapters and you’ll see what I mean. Eloquent, descriptive, precise. All the things I’m not being here! She’s also a master at blending romance and suspense. Oh – and her heroes are wonderful: capable, unshowy, caring and highly intelligent. I definitely aim to write similar male characters.
I still like to read a slightly scary book with a goodly dollop of history, classic myth and folklore thrown in. I still value having books around me, to escape into, for research and sometimes to appreciate as a thing of beauty. What’s certain is my To Be Read Pile will outlive me!
About Georgia Hill
Georgia Hill writes warm-hearted and up-lifting contemporary and dual narrative romances about love, the power and joy in being an eccentric oldie and finding yourself and your community. There’s always a dog. It’s usually a naughty spaniel of which, unfortunately, she has had much experience. She lives near the sea with her beloved dogs and husband (also beloved) and loves the books of Jane Austen, collecting elephants, and Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also a complete museum geek and finds inspiration for her books in the folklore and history of the many places in which she’s lived. She’s worked in the theatre, for a charity and as a teacher and educational consultant before finally acknowledging that making things up was what she really wanted to do. She’s been happily creating believable heroines, intriguing men, and page-turning stories ever since.
You can find her here:
Twitter/X @georgiawrites
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/georgiahill
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/georgiahill5681
Website www.georgiahill.co.uk
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/georgiawrites
About New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage
Here’s some info about New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage, the latest book in my life. It’s a contemporary Christmassy romance, full of cheesy Christmas music and mince pies and is out on 29thSeptember 2023.
The little town of Lullbury Bay goes all out for Christmas and teacher Honor Martin loves it. After a bad break up she’s settled into the simple pleasures of seaside life and Christmas is the high point of her year. Glass artist Jago Pengethley, however, doesn’t share her enthusiasm. A new arrival in town, he’s here with his mother and sister to start anew after a devastating family tragedy. He doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas ever again. But, to help his sister replace bad memories with good ones, he accompanies her to all the various wild and wacky festivities Lullbury Bay offers. They keep bumping into Honor and, as Jago gets to know her better, might she be the one to teach him how to love Christmas again?
Buying links for New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage:
Thank you, Georgia. I have been fortunate enough to be given an advance copy of New Beginnings at Christmas Tree Cottage and am now 80% through the book and don’t want it to end! Absolutely loving Jago and Honor’s story and already know it will be a five star review! Mx
Thank you for visiting my blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Recently, I was featured on the Choc Lit / Joffe Books blog. You can read my question and answer session here.
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
September 18, 2023
Why I Wrote Under A Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin
It is always lovely to feature a writer’s debut novel. This week, Imogen Martin is going to share a very personal story with my blog readers. Her debut novel, Under a Gilded Sky, published by Storm Publishing on 15 September 2023 is dedicated to her daughter.
Why I wrote Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin
Thank you, Morton, for inviting me onto your blog to talk about my debut novel, Under a Gilded Sky which will be published by Storm Publishing on Friday 15 September 2023.
The story that became Under a Gilded Sky had sat with me for several years. Since getting to know other writers, I have discovered my writing method is different from most. The characters and crucial scenes come to me – for this book it was the opening and a scene at a ball. I then work through the story in my head, time and again, getting to know my characters, adding details to the story.
The challenge was making the time to write it down. I prioritised other things: work, family, reading, voluntary work. I knew that writing brings me joy like nothing else. So why wasn’t I doing it?
In March 2018 my beloved elder daughter Becky became ill and went into Intensive Care. She had underlying conditions and this wasn’t the first time it had happened. Seven years previously she had nearly died with the same thing: kidney infection, sepsis, struggling to recover. But this time there was no happy ending. She was on life support machines for five months before dying in August.
Those five months were extraordinarily painful and extraordinarily blessed. Becky exuded love, compassion and peace. There was a profound beauty I cannot describe and it touched everyone: family, friends, nurses and doctors.
My daughter was passionate about making the world a better place. She went to peace conferences and campaigned for causes. Maybe it was because she had almost died: perhaps she sensed she would not be here long so she made the most of every day.
After she died, I knew I had to get on with doing the things that were meaningful to me. I felt rather sheepish that it meant writing – nothing that would improve the world as she had. Nevertheless, a month after Becky died, I sat down and wrote the lengthy synopsis. It didn’t take long because it was already there in my head. Then, for the next twelve months, I wrote the story, pencil on paper. It became the place I could retreat to, away from the shock of those five months. I think some of my daughter’s determination spread into my heroine, Ginny.
After completing the first draft there were of course many other hurdles to cross: draft after draft to improve it, deep research to make the time and setting authentic. My agent sent it to publishers but it wasn’t picked up. I was saddened that what I thought of as “Becky’s Book” might never see the light of day. Then I submitted it to Storm Publishing and was over the moon that my editor Vicky Blunden loved it and wanted to publish it. The last 6 months getting it to publication have been an absolute joy and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
About Imogen Martin
Imogen writes sweeping, historical fiction. Her first two novels are set in nineteenth century America.
As a teenager, she took the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to New York. Over those three days of staring out of the window at the majestic mountains and endless flat plains, stories wound themselves into her head: tales of brooding, charismatic men captivated by independent women.
Since then, she has worked in a coffee-shop in Piccadilly, a famous bookstore, and a children’s home. She has run festivals, and turned a derelict housing block on one of the poorest estates in the UK into an award-winning arts centre.
During 2020 Imogen was selected by Kate Nash Literary Agency as one of their BookCamp mentees, a mentorship programme designed to accelerate the careers of promising new writers.
Married with two children, Imogen divides her time between Wales and Sardinia.
Keep in touch with Imogen through her website and join her monthly newsletter: https://imogenmartinauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImogenMartin9
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImogenMartin.Author/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imogenmartinauthor/?hl=en-gb
About Under a Gilded Sky
In this epic and unforgettable love story, set in the wilds of Missouri and the glamour of high society Boston at the dawn of the Gilded Age, one woman’s life changes forever the day that a stranger turns up on her doorstep.
Missouri, February 1874: The last thing struggling homesteader Ginny needs is a scandal on her hands. But when a badly injured drifter arrives at Snow Farm in desperate need of medical attention, Ginny’s kind nature and good upbringing means she has no choice but to treat his wounds and care for him until he’s back on his feet, no matter the danger he might pose.
“Captivating…will leave an indelible mark on your heart.” Rachel Wesson
Ideal for readers of Amy Harmon, Olivia Hawker and Kristin Hannah.
Buying links for Under a Gilded Sky can be found here
Thank you for visiting my blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Recently, I was featured on the Choc Lit / Joffe Books blog. You can read my question and answer session here.
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post.
You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
September 11, 2023
Getting to Know Selwyn by Caroline James
My guest this week is Caroline James. Caroline has been enjoying amazing success with her latest novel The Cruise, published by One More Chapter, firmly in the top 100 Kindle chart for many weeks now. I loved this book and will include my review at the bottom of the post.
I would also like to add my congratulations to Caroline as a new deal with One More Chapter was announced yesterday for her novel The French Cookery School and I look forward to reading this new romcom too.
Caroline is going to talk about one of the main characters in The Cruise, Selwyn …
Getting to know Selwyn
‘Don’t worry, ’bout a thing, because every little thing gonna be all right.’
Caroline James introduces us to one of her favourite characters from The Cruise and explains why she enjoyed writing about him.
Very many thanks to you, Morton, for inviting me to your lovely blog.
When I begin planning a new novel, it takes a good amount of time to write the outline and develop the characters. One of my favourite characters in my novel The Cruise is a gentleman by the name of Selwyn Alleyne. I call him a ‘gentleman’ because to me, he is, in every sense of the word. Old school, courteous and kind.
Selwyn came to me in a song. I was listening to Bob Marley sing Three Little Birds and found myself, eyes closed, dancing around my kitchen and singing the chorus, ‘Don’t worry, ’bout a thing, because every little thing gonna be all right.’
Suddenly, I was walking along a Caribbean beach at sunset and a man was walking towards me. Arms outstretched and smile wide, he was singing the song too. I heard the name ‘Selwyn’ whisper in my ear and instantly, my character was born.
I had been worrying about my story line but here was a man with roots in a place I knew well that would form the setting of the novel. I had to include him and as the song ended, I sat down and began to write.
I have always been interested in the social history of the Windrush Generation and this was an opportunity to write about it. Fictionally, Selwyn’s parents came from Jamaica, arriving on the Empire Windrush, in 1948. They arrived at Tilbury docks and settled in Lambeth to make a new life in Britain. Selwyn was born in Lambeth in the 1950s, making him the perfect age for of mid-sixties at the time that my novel, The Cruise, set sail.
I visualised Selwyn growing up in a cramped two-up and two-down terraced house, and despite lack of space, enjoying a very happy family life. His father became a bus driver and his mother a nurse and Selwyn is immensely proud of his parents courage to move to a strange and often, at that time, a not so welcoming country. His father had been a gunner in the RAF and thought that Britain would be the promised land.
Selwyn has recently lost his wife, Flo and in this short extract, inspired by Bob Marley’s song, Sewlyn is leaving home to head off on The Cruise.
Extract From The Cruise
Selwyn hadn’t told the congregation at Lambeth Baptist Church about his holiday but had mentioned it to Pastor Gregory after the previous Sunday service. The pastor appeared anxious when he learnt that Selwyn intended to overcome his grief by going on a cruise.
‘It may be too early for you to follow this path,’ Pastor Gregory said, frowning. ‘I’d recommend a more religious retreat.’
But Selwyn had no intention of changing his mind. He knew that Florence, or Flo as he’d liked to call her, would be frowning from above, her bulky body braced, arms folded, lips pursed, and eyebrows raised beneath her Sunday-best bonnet. Silent in words but deadly in meaning.
‘May the Lord go with you,’ Pastor Gregory said when he realised that Selwyn was determined, ‘and as you trust in Jesus in your hours of need, may the memory of your wife never dim, through your thoughts and actions, prayers and meditation.’
Sitting in the back of the cab as the driver turned off the motorway and headed to the airport, Selwyn tapped his fingers on the side of his hand luggage. Pastor Gregory had no need to worry about the memory of Flo ever dimming. Concealed in an old Typhoo Tea tin, Flo’s ashes were packed securely in Selwyn’s case and would accompany him on his journey.
Music played on the cab’s radio, and Selwyn leaned forward to look out the window and watch flights overhead. ‘Every little thing, gonna be all right,’ The cheerful voice of Bob Marley sang out.
‘Isn’t that the truth.’ Selwyn smiled and began to sing along too.
* * *
About The Cruise
Three women.
One widowed.
One unmarried.
One almost divorced.
All aged 63, but not ready to give up on life!
Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves!
Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean.
Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star?
Huge thanks again to Morton, for hosting, and happy reading everyone.
Warmest wishes,
Caroline xx
Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.
Her latest Amazon Top Ten bestseller, The Cruise, is described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.
She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.
Books by Caroline James:
Contact Caroline on the following links:
Twitter: @CarolineJames12
Insta: Caroline James Author
Thank you Caroline! Below is my review of The Cruise:-
Facebook: Caroline James Author
Morton’s Review – Five Stars
What a fun read!
I got attached to all of the characters in this book, well maybe not Dickie, but particularly Selwyn and Jane. Each character has their own story to tell and this carried me along through the book. I have not been on a cruise, but would like to at some point in the future.
With amusement, intrigue and sadness too, this book has something for everyone. I love Caroline James’ way of storytelling and the fact she uses older characters.
Thank you for visiting my blog. For those of you who haven’t yet read any of my books yet, the good news is that all of the six published titles are currently only 99p or available free on Kindle Unlimited.
I also hope to have news of a new addition to The Secrets of Borteen Bay series shortly.
Last week I was featured on the Choc Lit / Joffe Books blog. You can read my question and answer session here.
About The Secrets of Borteen Bay Series
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe
Tha nk you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Published by Choc Lit an imprint of Joffe Books
