Morton S. Gray's Blog, page 31

The Spotlight Returns to Guest Author Marie Laval

Marie Laval let me have an excerpt of A Paris Fairy Tale when it was published by Choc Lit on 23 July 2019. You can see that post here.

I’m eager to find out more about how my fellow authors get a book ready for publication, so this time I’ve asked Marie about how she came up with the story and the process it went through before A Paris Fairy Tale appeared on your Kindle/bookshelf/audio device.

Hello Morton, and thank you very much for welcoming me on your blog today to talk about A Paris Fairy Tale, my latest Choc Lit release.

How did you come up with the concept of A Paris Fairy Tale?

It was a stroke of luck… I was shopping in Manchester with my daughter when the heavens opened. As we were near John Rylands library on Deansgate, we decided to pop in to look at the exhibitions. The library is a wonderful and very atmospheric building, with fascinating collections of books and ancient manuscripts, including the oldest known piece of the New Testament – the St John Fragment. That particular day, there happened to be an interactive exhibition about illuminated manuscripts in medieval Paris… and inspiration struck! I spent the following hour making notes while my poor daughter patiently waited for me to finish.

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Is the heroine Aurora like you in any way?

Aurora Black is hard-working and a romantic at heart like me, but that’s where the similarities end. She had a lonely and traumatic childhood and was raised by strict grandparents, whereas I had the most wonderful and loving family. She hides her most secret dreams and longings under a cold exterior and comes across as unsympathetic, hence the nickname ‘Black Ice’ her colleagues have given her. It was very interesting for me to write about a character very different from me.

It is one thing to have the idea for a book, but quite another to get it ready to send to a publisher. Can you share with us a little about your writing process?

Writing takes me a long time, usually one year or longer. I work full-time and I have to fit in writing around my job and my family, but one of my biggest problems is that I don’t really plan. I just ‘go for it’! I do a lot of research and have a good feel for my main characters and their motivations, but apart from that, every day is an adventure – for them as well as for me! Therefore I often have to rewrite a story many times.

When your publisher Choc Lit said they would like to publish your book, what comes next (I know of course, but thought readers might find it interesting)?

A Paris Fairy Tale was my second novel published by Choc Lit (the first one was Little Pink Taxi), and the process has been the same in both cases. After the excitement of receiving the email telling me that the panel of readers loved the story, I waited for my editor to send her editorial report and the first batch of edits. There are two rounds of edits – the first one usually deals with quite big changes, including plot changes, and the second is more about style and grammar. In the case of A Paris Fairy Tale, I had a lot of material and sub plots to delete because I had got carried away and the book was far too long! One of the most wonderful stages of the process is when I see the final cover. The book then really exists…

Have you been in a Paris auction house? Did you buy anything?

Although I lived in Paris as a student, I didn’t go to any auction house there – probably because I would have been too poor to be able to afford anything! However one of my uncles was a very eccentric gentleman who used to buy and sell all kinds of weird and wonderful things at auctions and store them in his basement. It was a real Ali Baba’s cave and we used to love visiting him when my sisters and I were children. Once he even bought a dentist chair at an auction!

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What other research did you have to do for the book?

I read extensively and watched documentaries about illuminated manuscripts, the conservation process and the work of palaeographers. I also completed two online courses with Future Learn, one about art trafficking and the other about ancient manuscripts. Both were free and incredibly useful and informative. I love history and research, sometimes a little too much, and I often have to remind myself that I am not writing an academic book but a romantic novel!

What can we expect from you next?

I am delighted to announce that Choc Lit will be publishing my next novel – a Christmas romance called Bluebell’s Christmas Magic – in November. It is a contemporary romantic comedy set in the Lake District, and I hope the first of a series.

About A Paris Fairy Tale

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Is Paris the city of happily ever afters?

Workaholic art historian Aurora Black doesn’t have time for fairy tales or Prince Charmings, even in the most romantic city in the world. She has recently been hired by a Parisian auction house for a job that could make or break her career. Unfortunately, daredevil journalist Cédric Castel seems intent on disrupting Aurora’s routine.

As Aurora and Cédric embark on a journey across France, they get more than they bargained for as they find themselves battling rogue antiques dealers and personal demons, not to mention a growing attraction to each other.

But with the help of a fairy godmother or two, could they both find their happily ever afters?

About Marie Laval

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Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire with her family. She works full-time as a modern languages teacher and in her spare time she loves writing romance and dreaming about romantic heroes.

She writes both historical and contemporary romance. Her historical romance The Lion’s Embrace won the Gold Medal at the Global Ebook Awards 2015 (category Historical Romance), and best-selling Little Pink Taxi was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her native France, as well as her passion for history and research, very much influences her writing, and all her novels have what she likes to call ‘a French twist’!

Her latest romantic novel A PARIS FAIRY TALE is available as an ebook and audiobook on Amazon and various other platforms.

You can find out more about Marie on Facebook  or Twitter 

You can also find on Pinterest the many beautiful photos of Paris and illuminated manuscripts which inspired the writing of A Paris Fairy Tale.

Thank you for joining me this week, Marie x

 

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.

The Truth Lies Buried is available now from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks. It is also available as a paperback and audiobook.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available now as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.

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Holidays, Birthdays and Giveaways

Where did the summer go? We had a lovely holiday in North Wales and walked, literally, miles. I’d almost forgotten how much I love being on a beach – my ideal job would be a professional beachcomber! Of course I took lots of beach photographs and came home with a haul of interesting stones and sea glass

Spotlight on Guest Author Jo Lambert

This week I’m joined by Jo Lambert who writes for Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit. As Jo is new to my blog, I asked her some questions:-

Have you always written?

Yes, ever since I was a child. You can put the blame squarely on the shoulders of Enid Blyton! I absolutely devoured all the Famous Five and Secret Seven books. (Me too! Mx) From that moment I knew all I wanted to do was to create my own characters and write about their adventures.

In my teens writing got temporarily shelved. Instead it became all about music and bands. It wasn’t until my early twenties when I decided sign up for creative writing evening classes that the bug bit me once more. But life seemed to keep getting in the way when it came to my goal – setting time aside to write that all important first novel. I had to wait until 2009 before I eventually achieved my dream of getting a book published and since then I haven’t stopped writing!

What did it feel like when Ruby Fiction said they wanted to publish your novel?

I was on holiday in Menorca. We’d just arrived back from dinner and I opened my phone to check my messages. I simply sat there stunned. It was such amazing news. It happened the day before my birthday too so will probably stay in my memory as one of the most amazing presents I’ve ever received!

What was the inspiration behind your novel?

Living all my life in the West Country, when I began to write it was natural to base my books here. Having written a five book series based in Somerset, then two linked books set in South Devon, Cornwall became my next writing destination.

As for the inspiration well it tends to happens in some unexpected places. We’d been to a wedding reception in a local hotel and while we were there, I thought about all the work that went in to making this perfect day for someone. That’s where the idea of Cat’s character and job in her family’s hotel came from.

I imagined this striking building perched on the cliffs overlooking a fishing village. I was looking for something elegant, totally at odds with its surroundings. And found it in Richmond of all places. My first view of the Petersham Hotel told me I’d found Tarwin House, albeit a few miles inland! Once I had my setting and the main characters the rest just fell into place.

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If you had to cast a film of your novel, who would play the lead parts?

This is always a difficult one. What I tend to do now is to set up a Pinterest board. There I post pictures of clothes, music tracks relevant to the story and, of course, locations and cast.

Cat? Definitely Stefani Martini. Luke took a little more time but, I eventually settled on actor Ben Barnes.

Where is your favourite place to write?

I have an office in the house where I can isolate myself and concentrate on writing. When I first began I could settle down anywhere. In those days I wrote longhand and transferred my written notes onto the computer. These days I prefer to sit in front of my PC and type directly onto the screen. I would love a writing cave in the garden, but that’s still very much on my wish list at the moment!

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What can we look forward to from you next?

I’m currently working on another Cornish coastal romance. This time I’ve moved to the south coast. The fictitious town in the story is loosely based on Fowey with its two separate communities – Fowey and Polruan – on either side of the estuary. It’s one of my favourite Cornish holiday destinations so writing with it as a backdrop (under a fictitious name) has really enabled me to bring the story to life in my mind. Again it’s a modern saga. Not giving anything away at the moment. However I can guarantee there will definitely be drama…and lots of it.

 

About A Cornish Affair

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Even in your hometown, you can feel like an outsider …

In the close-knit community of Carrenporth in Cornwall everyone knows everyone else’s business. Luke Carrack is only too aware of this. He’s been away for two years but nothing has changed – from the town gossips who can’t see past the scandal of his childhood, to the cold way he is treated by some of his so-called family.

The only person who seems to understand is local hotelier’s daughter Cat Trevelyan, although even Luke’s new friendship with her could set tongues wagging.

But Carrenporth is about to experience far bigger scandals than the return of Luke Carrack – and the secrets unearthed in the process will shake the sleepy seaside town to its core …

Buying links

UK –  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cornish-Affair-Jo-Lambert-ebook/dp/B07S4M3JNC

US –  https://www.amazon.com/Cornish-Affair-Jo-Lambert-ebook/dp/B07S4M3JNC

 

About Jo Lambert

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Jo Lambert lives on the eastern edge of Bath. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.  She has been writing since 2008. Her first five books, a set of linked romantic sagas following the lives of several families in West Somerset, was followed in 2015 by Summer Moved On, a contemporary romance set in South Devon. A sequel, Watercolours in the Rain followed in 2017.

In June 2018 Jo signed to Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit and her debut A Cornish Affair, set in North Cornwall, has just been published. Jo is currently working on another coastal romance, this time set in South Cornwall.

When she isn’t writing she reads and reviews. She also has an active blog. Jo loves travel, red wine and rock music and she often takes the odd photograph or two.

Social Media Links –

Website: http://jolambertbooks.com

Blog: http://jolambertwriter.blog

Twitter: @jolambertwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolambert185

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jo-lambert-6 4644530

Instagram: jolambertwriter185

 

Thank you for joining me, Jo. Great to learn more about you

Spotlight on Guest Author Hannah Pearl

This week I’m joined by Ruby Fiction author, Hannah Pearl. I asked Hannah some questions:-

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi Morton and thank you for welcoming me on to your blog.

I live in Cambridge. I have two children. I work part time for a local charity and write whenever I have the time and feel well enough. I have ME so this isn’t as often as I’d like. My first book was published by Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit in August 2018, and it has been a lovely experience to see my stories out in the world and to get to work with such lovely and supportive people.

Have you always written?

I’ve always read voraciously, and then about five years ago I suddenly got very, very poorly. I had a viral infection of the inner ear and I could hardly hold my head up, let alone stand or walk properly. I read hundreds books in the first year that I was ill.

I had always wanted to write but never managed to carve out the time or energy to do so. I read my favourite old books again, I bought new books, then when that got expensive I started reading free books on kindle. This was a revelation to me. I read books that I loved, and they made me want to write. I found so many authors that I admire and after reading that first book I went and devoured whole back catalogues. I read some by people who were writing just for the sheer love of writing, some of these books weren’t quite as polished, and I loved them too, because these gave me the confidence to just try and see what happened.

I wrote and wrote and wrote. I didn’t have any contacts in the publishing industry and so I never dared to dream that my stories would live anywhere except on my laptop. I found that I loved writing and so I started to research publishers online just in case. I joined Twitter and started a blog.

Then suddenly at the end of 2017, I was lucky enough to be offered a three book contract with Ruby Fiction/Choc Lit and to win the Simon and Schuster’s Books and the City #heatseeker short story competition prize for a story called The Last Good Day. It all happened within just a few days.

So far you have published Evie’s Little Black Book – a romantic comedy, It’s My Birthday – a heartwarming romance and Burn – a gut-wrenching story for Ruby Fiction. Where did you get your inspiration for these stories?

I tried to write the kind of books I wanted to read. I wanted to capture elements of the things that draw me to books. I wanted really strong, dynamic female leads. I wanted humour, but I also wanted to read, and therefore write, about characters who had experienced the kind of difficulties women face in real life. I used to work with agencies and research into the needs of victims of crime and so these issues often find their way into my stories too.

Without giving too much away, have you had to conduct any interesting research for these books?

My research had to be mostly research I could do from home as my mobility and energy levels are so limited. I am grateful to a fellow person with ME who spent some of his own limited energy talking about the adoption process with me when I wrote It’s My Birthday. Otherwise I have tried to draw on everything I have learned about love and life over the past roughly forty years.

If you had to give one piece of advice to a novelist seeking publication what would it be?

You need a really, really thick skin, and this isn’t something that I have naturally. My husband was a key source of confidence for me when I was trying to find a publisher so it was lovely to know that he believed in me.

I think also understanding that some of those ‘nos’ that you will inevitably get will be because you need to find the right home for your book. Writing a decent book is only half of the story, the other half is finding the right home for it, and that can take time.

Where is your favourite place to write?

On my sofa. I need to spend most of the day resting and so I need to be in a seat that supports me and lets me rest my head a lot. I love the idea of having a writing den one day, but I’m pretty sure I’ll always write most on my sofa. I can’t write in coffee shops because I get dizzy when there is a lot of background noise, so for me, writing is quite solitary. Luckily I have a huge cast of characters having adventures in my head so I don’t get lonely.

What can we look forward to from you next?

Evie’s Little Black Book will be released in paperback soon and I can’t wait to hold a physical copy of my book in my hand.

I’ve got a Christmas theme book coming up too. This one is hopefully one of my funniest and faster paced adventures. I’ll be tweeting more about this nearer to the time, I’m sure!

About Hannah Pearl

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Hannah Pearl was born in East London. She is married with two children and now lives in Cambridge.

She has previously worked as a Criminology researcher, as a Development Worker with various charities and even pulled a few pints in her time.

In 2015 she was struck down by Labrynthitis, which left her feeling dizzy and virtually housebound. She has since been diagnosed with ME. Reading has allowed Hannah to escape from the reality of feeling ill. She read upwards of three hundred books during the first year of her illness. When her burgeoning eReader addiction grew to be too expensive, she decided to have a go at writing. In 2017 she won Simon and Schuster’s Books and the City #heatseeker short story competition, in partnership with Heat magazine, for her short story The Last Good Day.

Hannah is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association.

To keep in touch with Hannah Pearl use the following links:-

Twitter – @hannahpearl_1

Blog: www.dizzygirlwrites.wordpress.com

 

About Evie’s Little Black Book

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A fun heart-warming story that will make you smile from this award-winning author.
Is hunting down every man you’ve kissed the answer to finding Mr Right?

When Evie is invited to the wedding of the guy she’d fancied throughout her teens, it’s the final straw. What’s wrong with her and why can’t she keep a man?

In between consoling herself with ice cream and chocolate, and sobbing her heart out to her cousin Charmaine, Evie has a brainwave – and it all centres around her ‘little black book’ (well, more floral patterned notebook really) – which contains the details of every man she’s ever kissed or dated. Perhaps the cure for her disastrous love life has been nestled within its pages all along …

Does Evie’s little black book really hold the answers, or will she learn that exes are exes for a reason?

What folks are saying about Evie’s Little Black Book:

~”A heartwarming page-turner that will tickle the funny bone and tug at the heartstrings.”

~Ms Pearl has written a fabulously witty and romantic story that is fun and engaging to read, this is a wonderful story.”

~ All fans of romance, chic-lit and humour will race through this book, it’s so nice to find a story with a new twist. I loved every minute of Evie’s Little Black Book and have no hesitation in recommending it.”

Buying Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07F39FYSX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/evie-s-little-black-book

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F39FYSX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Paperback:

https://www.waterstones.com/book/evies-little-black-book/hannah-pearl/9781912550104

 

About It’s My Birthday

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Oh boy, another birthday …

Karen could be excused for crying on her birthday, especially as it’s the first one since her husband got on a plane to the States and never came back. Then there’s the fact that her workmates were practically bribed to attend her birthday meal. But when a restaurant double booking leads to her sharing a table with single dad Elliot and his daughter, things start looking up.

As Karen gets to know Elliot she experiences feelings she thought she’d never have again. But is it enough? Or will the thing that destroyed Karen’s previous relationship also ruin things with Elliot?

Buying Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07N5LXS93/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/it-s-my-birthday-2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N5LXS93/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

 

About Burn

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A gut-wrenching story not for the faint-hearted!

There’s no smoke without fire …

Jess has always held a candle for Dex – so when he comes back into her life after a school reunion, she couldn’t be happier.

But something happened to Dex before he mysteriously left the area all those years before – something that still gives him terrible nightmares and makes him seem cold and distant.

And then there are the rumours – rumours that Jess can’t bring herself to believe. But when the truth finally comes out, can Jess be the one to help Dex fight the demons from his past before they consume him completely?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QQT3XGN/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

 

About The Last Good Day

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A heart-warming and heartbreaking short story that celebrates life, love and the importance of friendship. WINNER of the Books and the City #heatseeker short story competition, in partnership with heat magazine.

‘A beautifully poignant tale of love, friendship and loss. I can’t wait to read whatever Hannah writes next!’ PAIGE TOON?

Belle knows she is going to die.

Her lifelong best friend Helen knows it too, which is why she decides to sneak Belle out of hospital and take her on one last adventure.

In a day filled with fun, laughter and tears, the pair face the prospect of saying goodbye, and raise the important question:

How would you want to spend your last good day?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CWZ64BY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3

 

Thank you so much for joining me this week, Hannah. I am full of admiration for you writing with such a debilitating health condition. I hope your paperback sells well. Mx

 

**News flash**

Watch out for a summer of competitions and giveaways over on Apricot Plots Facebook and @ApricotPlots Twitter. Make sure you have liked and followed to stand a chance for free books and goodies.

Celebrating the Paperback and Audio Release of The Purrfect Pet Sitter by Carol Thomas: A Character Post by Felicity Willis

To celebrate the paperback and audio release of Carol Thomas‘ novel The Purrfect Pet Sitter published by Ruby Fiction, Carol has given me a post written from the point of view of character, Felicity Willis.

Over to Felicity :-

I hadn’t seen her in over a decade. But there she was, right there, in front of me in Tesco. My once-best friend, Lisa Blake; back in our hometown. After the events of our prom, I had wondered if she would ever return.

The look on her face made it clear she hadn’t expected to see me, either. We both stood, staring as recognition dawned. And which of the many things I have wanted to say over the years, came out of my mouth? None! I said nothing. Instead, all I could think was, why do the pivotal moments in life happen when you least expect them? And when did the need for Calpol become more important in my life than checking my appearance before going to the supermarket?

After all these years, what was fate thinking, deciding that I should encounter Lisa, with the remnants of my son’s tea in my hair and my you’ve-still-got-it Flick underwear on, underneath my husband’s coat? What cruel timing! No wonder she turned and ran, leaving her basket abandoned in the aisle. I dread to think what she thought had become of me over the years.

Now, my poorly son asleep next to me in my bed, my hair damp from the shower, and my, let’s face it, too-small underwear replaced by my comfy knickers and pyjama top, all I can think is, she’s back. Lisa Blake is back! And as I close my eyes, another thought hits me – does Nathan know?

About The Purrfect Petsitter

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Introducing Lisa Blake, the purrfect pet sitter!

When Lisa Blake’s life in London falls apart, she returns to her hometown rebranding herself as ‘the purrfect pet sitter’ – which may or may not be false advertising!

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.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Petsitter. To read my previous post about the story including a review, click here Mx

 

Buying Links

Amazon: http://getbook.at/TPPSAmazon

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-purrfect-pet-sitter

Ruby Fiction: http://www.rubyfiction.com/dd-product/the-purrfect-pet-sitter/

View the book trailer: http://tinyurl.com/TPPS-booktrailer

 

The Purrfect Pet Sitter is the first book in the Lisa Blake series.

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Maybe Baby (Lisa Blake #book 2), is available in ebook and audio editions (http://getbook.at/MBAmazon). While each book can be read as a standalone story, Maybe Baby, described as “full of love, true friendship and humour”, revisits the characters from The Purrfect Pet Sitter as they move into the next phase of their lives.

Also by Carol Thomas:

Crazy Over You: Love can drive you crazy … in more ways than one! (http://getbook.at/COYAmazon) Described as, “a heartfelt story that will have you laughing out loud, and wiping away the tears, as love, loyalty and living happily every after are put to the test.”

About the author:

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Carol Thomas lives on the south coast of England with her husband, four children and lively young Labrador. She has been a playgroup supervisor and taught in primary schools for over fifteen years, before dedicating more of her time to writing. Carol is a regular volunteer at her local Cancer Research UK shop. She has a passion for reading, writing and people watching and can often be found loitering in local cafes working on her next book.

Carol writes contemporary romance novels, with relatable heroines whose stories are layered with emotion, sprinkled with laughter and topped with irresistible male leads.

Website and Social Media Links:

Website : http://carol-thomas.co.uk

Facebook : http://facebook.com/carolthomasauthor

Twitter : @carol_thomas2

Pinterest : Carol Thomas – Author

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/carol_thomas2/

Blog: http://carol-thomas.co.uk/blog

 

**News flash**

Watch out for a summer of competitions and giveaways over on Apricot Plots Facebook and @ApricotPlots Twitter. Make sure you have liked and followed to stand a chance for free books and goodies.

Spotlight on Guest Ruby Fiction Author Wendy Dranfield

I’m joined this week by Wendy Dranfield who writes for Ruby Fiction. I asked Wendy some questions …

I understand that your new book, Where the Snow Bleeds, is a sequel to your debut novel for Ruby Fiction, Who Cares if They Die, will we see any of the same characters?

Yes, book 2 is the second in my crime series, which follows Dean Matheson on his quest to become a homicide detective. In Who Cares If They Die, Dean is a police officer in small-town New Hampshire and we meet him during a major crisis in his life. Along the way he rescues Rocky, a lovable rottweiler and abused dog of a deceased drug-addict. He and Rocky become a duo to be reckoned with!

We follow their partnership further in the new sequel Where the Snow Bleeds which takes them to an isolated ski town – Lone Creek – in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Two teenage girls, who were working at a struggling ski lodge, have gone missing and Dean’s been asked to help find out what happened to them, but he’s not prepared for what he finds. As well as the characters from book 1 we meet some great new characters, both good and bad.

2. How important are locations to your novels?

Extremely important. Maple Valley is the fictional town where Dean’s journey begins and it’s set in New Hampshire which is notorious for its harsh winters. When I started writing book 2, I had Dean move to a hot climate – Nevada – but about 40k words into the book I realised it wasn’t working and the reason was the temperature of Nevada! For some reason, hot and sunny didn’t fit with the mood of my story, so I changed it to the desolate, isolated fictional town of Lone Creek, Colorado. I re-wrote the first 40k words and the story just took off. The weather plays a big part of the story in Where the Snow Bleeds, so I had to reference snow in the title!

3. If you had to give advice to a new writer trying to get published what would it be?

Write a lot and submit a lot. Getting published isn’t just about writing something worth reading, it’s about submitting stories widely to increase your chances of being picked up by someone who enjoys your work. I was offered two publishing contracts for Who Cares if They Die, by the first two publishers I sent it to, which isn’t really typical of my previous experience of querying with short stories! I had a feeling as I was writing it that it would be published. I think it’s because I enjoyed writing it so much, and I love the characters. It genuinely is something that I would love to read, so it’s not forced at all, or written for a particular market.

If you’re just starting out why not try submitting short stories to contests first? It’s a real confidence boost when you get shortlisted or win. I’ve had several stories published in various anthologies and websites, but many more were rejected! Don’t take the rejection process personally as it’s part of the job! There’s not one writer out there who hasn’t been rejected at least once in their careers.

Where is your favourite place to write and why?

I need a desk to write at usually. I have two desks at home – one in our office (a spare bedroom) and one looking out into the garden. That one can be a little distracting because of all the wildlife that walks/flies through the garden, which the cats and I get very excited about! If I need to concentrate or meet a deadline, I’ll write in the office. I’ve recently treated myself to a height-adjustable desk and it’s really helping me to avoid back-problems. Wherever I write, the cats will join me (usually to demand dinner) and they keep me warm in the winter.

If you had to cast the book for a film, who would play the lead roles?

The characters in my head don’t look like any famous actors, but I’ve had readers suggest who would be good to play Dean Matheson in a movie. He has thick black hair and blue eyes and is 36 in Where the Snow Bleeds. Suggestions from readers include: Henry Cavill, Kit Harrington, Chris Pine… I like the idea of Henry Cavill but he’s a little too clean-cut for Dean, who’s more rugged. Someone also suggested Matt Bomer but I’d never heard of him and had to Google him.

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Matt Bomer

I would agree and say he is the closest – looks wise – to how I picture Dean. For the female lead of Who Cares If They Die (Beth Smith), she’s British so Kate Winslet would be great. As for who could play Rocky… Well, any rottweiler who still has his tail, is a little overweight and has a liking for pancakes!

6. Where do you think your next book will take you and will you have to do any unusual research?

I’ve already written book 3 in the series, which continues Dean’s journey. I ended that book on a shocking cliff-hanger, so I’m really excited to start writing book 4 so I can see what happens next! I also have ideas brewing for a new psychological thriller series. I’m making notes every time something pops into my head. As for research, when you’re a crime writer everything you Google has the possibility to incriminate you should the police ever come knocking! I know way more about crime scenes and how to murder people than I want to…

(Wendy 

Excerpt from a Paris Fairy Tale by Marie Laval

This week I’m pleased to feature an excerpt from Marie Laval‘s latest release A PARIS FAIRY TALE. Over to Marie …

Thank you so much, Morton, for welcoming me on your blog today to talk about A PARIS FAIRY TALE, my new release with Choc Lit, out on 23rdJuly!

I got the idea for this story when I spent a very wet afternoon in Manchester city centre. To escape the rain, my daughter and I went into the beautiful John Ryland’s library on Deansgate… and magic happened.

Not only did I become fascinated with the world of ancient illuminated manuscripts, but my heroine Aurora Black ‘appeared’ in front of me too! Serious and lonely, seemingly cold and aloof, and totally committed to her work… I couldn’t wait to discover her world and start writing her story.

As for my hero Cédric Castel, I had already had a good idea about him, since he features in a few scenes of LITTLE PINK TAXI. Let’s say that I made him pretty much perfect, since he is brave and chivalrous, he plays the saxophone, which is one of my favourite instruments, and he rides a motorbike too!

(Sounds like my sort of hero, Marie. Yum! Mx)

About A PARIS FAIRY TALE

(Lovely cover so I’ve put in the big version. M)

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Is Paris the city of happily ever afters?

Workaholic art historian Aurora Black doesn’t have time for fairy tales or Prince Charmings, even in the most romantic city in the world. She has recently been hired by a Parisian auction house for a job that could make or break her career. Unfortunately, daredevil journalist Cédric Castel seems intent on disrupting Aurora’s routine.

As Aurora and Cédric embark on a journey across France, they get more than they bargained for as they find themselves battling rogue antiques dealers and personal demons, not to mention a growing attraction to each other.

But with the help of a fairy godmother or two, could they both find their happily ever afters?

Extract

I love Paris when it’s sunny and I love Paris when it rains… No, that wasn’t right. Aurora sighed as she pulled a tissue out of her handbag to wipe the lenses of her glasses. She had hummed the song ever since landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Why could she not remember the lyrics? She should know them by heart. Paris was one of her most favourite places, even if all she had seen of the French capital city that day were thundering grey skies, student protests and wicked motorists who derived great pleasure from driving into puddles as she limped by in her uncomfortable new shoes.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and dabbed the soggy tissue under her eyes where the mascara had run. Her mad dash from the metro station in the torrential rain had left her looking like a drowned racoon. What would Florent Maupas think? Not only was she late to his party, but she hardly looked like a respectable historian… or a stylish one, for that matter. Her cocktail dress was, like the rest of her clothes, plain and serviceable, her only concession to fashion being the silly new heels she couldn’t wait to take off.

She slipped her glasses back on, and pushed the tissue back into her bag. Never mind what she looked like. Florent Maupas had hired her for her brain, not her physique or dress sense.

To buy A PARIS FAIRY TALE use the link here

About the Author Marie Laval

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Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire with her family. She works full-time as a modern languages teacher and in her spare time she loves writing romance and dreaming about romantic heroes.

She writes both historical and contemporary romance. Her historical romance The Lion’s Embrace won the Gold Medal at the Global Ebook Awards 2015 (category Historical Romance), and best-selling Little Pink Taxi was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her native France, as well as her passion for history and research, very much influences her writing, and all her novels have what she likes to call ‘a French twist’!

Her latest romantic novel  A PARIS FAIRY TALE is released on July 23rdand is available as a ebook and audiobook on Amazon and various other platforms here.

You can find out more about Marie on

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/marielavalauthor/) or

Twitter (https://twitter.com/MarieLaval1).

You can also find on Pinterest the many beautiful photos of Paris and illuminated manuscripts which inspired the writing of A Paris Fairy Tale. (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/laval0232/)

Thank you for joining me, Marie and good luck with the book.

 

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available now as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.

The Truth Lies Buried is available now from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks. It is also available as a paperback and audiobook.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.

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Spotlight on Guest Author Jackie Ladbury

This week I’m pleased to welcome Jackie Ladbury, who writes both contemporary and historical novels and had The Potter’s Daughter published by Ruby Fiction earlier this year. I asked her to tell us a little about herself, over to Jackie …

I don’t remember wanting to be a writer when I was young, although I do have a dog-eared book of angsty poems that I wrote in my teens – so some kind of urge must have been in there. It wasn’t until I read the brilliant Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks that I finally had a lightbulb moment – I was going to write books like his!

So that night, I opened a bottle of wine (priorities!) set my glass down next to it, smoothed out my brand new note book and picked up my sparkly pink pen. I gazed around my little flat for inspiration, glanced down at the gleaming white blank page, poured my wine and stared some more. Hmm, inspiration nil, words written nil.

However, being an air-stewardess afforded me many long hours of thumb twiddling while hanging around waiting for passengers (mostly onboard a stationary aircraft, sadly, rather than basking in the exotic locations of my dreams) and I eventually started penning little love stories between pilots and ‘hosties.’ Okay, not quite up there with Seb, but you gotta start somewhere.

Once I’d begun writing in earnest I couldn’t seem to stop, but I also couldn’t seem to finish one story – from start to finish. Got bored – started another – and before I knew it, I had half a dozen ‘unready’ novels sitting on my hard drive. Next phase of knuckling down was to finish one of the blasted things.

Eventually, I paid an editor to look over one of them (for any aspiring writers, to my mind, it’s the best way forward). After much huffing, faffing and re-writing, Air Guitar and Caviar was shortlisted in Choc Lit’s Search for a Star competition. Validation. Finally.

Fast forwards to my fourth published book, a historical romance set in the Midlands where I grew up. The Potter’s Daughter was published by Ruby Fiction in February and I could not be more thrilled. One day I’ll have Liam Hemsworth as Daniel the doctor, and Dakota Blue Richards as Maddie, the Potter’s daughter playing the parts – Netflix here I come! Okay, the accents might need a little work, but Dakota will be up to the challenge.

Recently ‘life’ has unfortunately interrupted my writing flow, as life is wont to do, but I do have a book set in Sorrento on the back-burner, one of my many ‘stuck on the hard-drive’ books calling out to me, and a Christmas book which I loved writing, being a total sucker for Christmas is on track for a 2019 Christmas release. You can’t keep a good writer down, apparently, even when life tries to nuke the heart out of your words!

Thank you, Morton, for letting me waffle on – hope I’ve given your readers a taste of my writing life and haven’t sent them to sleep.

Very interesting. Thank you, Jackie.

About The Potter’s Daughter

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Is love powerful enough to cross the class divide?

When Daniel Davenport saves Maddie Lockett and her young brother Tom from drowning, an immediate bond is forged between them.

But Daniel is an aspiring doctor and son of a wealthy manufacturer, whilst Maddie is a potter’s daughter from a poverty-stricken area of the Potteries. Even a friendship between the two could be frowned upon, let alone anything more …

But Maddie and Daniel want more, and as they grow closer gossip and prejudice look set to spoil their blossoming romance. Do the young couple stand a chance when there are those who would stop at nothing to keep them apart?

Purchasing Link : The Potter’s Daughter

About the Author

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Jackie Ladbury writes heart-warming contemporary and historical women’s fiction that is always guaranteed a happy ever after. From spending many years as an air-stewardess and seeing that it really is love that makes the world go around, she determined to put the same sparkle and emotion into her stories. Her life is no longer as exotic (or chaotic) as it was in those heady days of flying around the world, as she lives a quiet life in Hertfordshire with her family and two cats.

To contact Jackie use the following links:-

Website : https://jackieladbury.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jackie.ladbury

 

 

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available now as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.

The Truth Lies Buried is available now from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks. This will be available as a paperback and audiobook.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.

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Excerpt from Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir by Janice Preston

I am delighted to feature an excerpt this week from Janice Preston‘s latest release Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir.

This scene takes place backstage at the Sans Pareil Theatre (now the Adephi Theatre), on the Strand in London –

Dominic entered the backstage area and immediately spied a cloaked and hooded figure lurking in a doorway up ahead. He adjusted his grip on his ebony cane, which handily concealed a sword, but the figure did not move as he passed. He’d taken two steps past before the scent of roses reached him, sending the hair on the back of his neck on end. He pivoted round to face…Miss Liberty Lovejoy.

Liberty gasped as a vice-like grip encircled her upper arm. The thick wool of the cloak she wore did little to disguise the strength in those fingers. Heart pumping with fear, she raised her eyes to her assailant and the breath whooshed from her lungs.

‘You scared me half to death. What are you doing here?’

Dominic did not answer. His fingers tightened, then he was dragging her with him, opening doors at random, muttering apologies, until he found an empty room. He whisked her inside and released her, pushing her to the far side of the small, cluttered space. A lamp illuminated the interior, revealing clothing strewn over a chair and brushes and pots of face powder and rouge scattered upon a table with a mirror fixed on the wall behind it—a mirror that reflected Dominic’s furious expression as he glared at the back of Liberty’s head. She squared her shoulders and pivoted to face him.

‘How dare you manhandle me?’

She strode for the door, but his hand covered hers on the handle before she could open it. She tugged her hand free and turned to face him, her back to the door. He was close. Too close. And his expression had, somehow, transformed from fury into… Stillness. Focus. Like a cat waiting to pounce. Heat shimmered in those silvery eyes. Liberty swallowed—hard—as her pulse hammered. His body was against hers, all unyielding muscle and spicy, musky masculinity. Her stomach fluttered and liquid heat pooled in her core. She could not tear her gaze from his as he propped his hands against the door, one either side of her shoulders, pinning her. His scent surrounded her, sending waves of pure longing crashing through her—a feeling she hadn’t experienced since Bernard had died.

And just like that, she broke free of his spell. She shoved at his chest, ducked beneath one of his arms and stalked to the furthest corner of the room. Her breathing steadied the more distance she put between them…he remained by the door and did not follow her.

‘What are you doing here?’ He growled the question out.

Liberty elevated her nose. ‘I asked you first.’

No doubt he is here to visit his amour. That’s what gentlemen do, is it not? Keep company with lightskirts and actresses and the like?

And that’s exactly what she feared her brother, Gideon, was doing here now—wasting his time and his money on an actress when he should be thinking about securing his new position as a peer. He would need an heir. He wouldn’t meet a suitable wife backstage at a theatre.

‘I am a man. I can do as I please. My reputation is not at stake.’

‘And my reputation matters not when it comes to my brother’s well-being.’

His narrowed gaze pierced her. ‘Your reputation might be of little consequence to you, but what about your sisters’ reputations?’

‘What of them?’

‘If you are seen, not only will you suffer, but your sisters will be irretrievably tainted. Is that really what you want?’

Her bravado was shrinking fast. To come to such a place unescorted was a scandalously improper way for a lady to behave, but she had persuaded herself she would not be noticed. Now, though, she was well and truly caught, and her disgrace would rebound on Hope and Verity if Lord Avon chose to reveal it.

‘Well, I have been seen now, so I have nothing left to lose, have I?’ She dipped a curtsy, intending the gesture to be ironic. ‘If it is your intention to expose my conduct, I cannot stop you. If it is not, then please allow me to leave so I can find Gideon.’

His lips firmed. ‘You asked why I am here. I shall tell you. I have come to see what your brother is up to and to ensure that his bad example does not corrupt my own brother.’

‘Oh! That is outrageous! It is yourbrother leading mineastray.’

He raised one brow, making her itch to slap him. Smug, superior know-it-all.

‘I hate to contradict a lady, but my observations thus far indicate the exact opposite.’

Their gazes remained locked for several fraught seconds until Dominic’s shoulders relaxed and one corner of his lips—beautifully shaped, mobile and enticing—twitched. They really were fascinating lips. What would it be like to kiss him? To feel his lips moving over hers? His tongue in her mouth, sliding against hers?

Oh, dear God. Forget scandalous. I am utterly depraved.

She moistened her dry lips. His eyes darkened. A pulse in her neck fluttered wildly and, without volition, she pressed shaking fingers to it. A vain attempt to suppress it? Then his gaze lowered and her nipples peaked in immediate response. She swallowed again and tugged at the edges of her cloak, pulling it across her chest in a defensive gesture. Dominic hauled in an audible breath, his broad chest swelling and then deflating again as he released his breath.

‘Let us begin again, Miss Lovejoy.’

His tone meant business. His very stance meant business. Despite herself, Liberty paid attention. This was not a man to defy, not in this mood.

Unconsciously, she raised her chin. ‘Continue.’

Drat him. There was that barely concealed smirk again.

Thank you for sharing this excerpt, Jan. I love Janice Preston‘s writing. If you haven’t tried one of her books please do, as they are real treats! Mx

About Janice Preston

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Janice Preston writes emotional, sensual and satisfying Regency romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon.

She grew up in Wembley with a love of reading, writing stories and animals and has worked as a dairy farmer, a police call-handler and a university administrator. She has two children, two step-children (all now adult) and a gorgeous, cheeky grandson. She now lives in the West Midlands with her husband and two cats and enjoys swimming, yoga and pottering about the garden when the sun is shining.

If you’d like to know more, please visit Janice‘s website at www.janicepreston.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @janicegpreston or on Facebook at Janice.preston.author.

About Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir

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She’s totally unsuitable…

…to be his Duchess!

Part of The Beauchamp Heirs: Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, is a powerful duke’s heir and it’s his duty to marry well. His bride must have impeccable breeding, manners and grace. But can anyone meet his exacting standards? Certainly not the irrepressible Liberty Lovejoy, who’s been thrust into society after years of being a provincial nobody. She’s too bold, too bubbly…so why is she the only lady he’s thinking about?

To buy this Regency treat use this link – here

 

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available now as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.

The Truth Lies Buried is available now from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks. This will be available as a paperback and audiobook.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.

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Five Things You Would Never Guess About Author Sharon Ibbotson

It’s Sharon Ibbotson‘s turn to share five things that you would never guess about her. Sharon writes Regency romances for Choc Lit. Over to Sharon …

One – I’ve had the same best friend for thirty-three years! Kim and I grew up in a small, out of the way town in Australia. We were in the same kindergarten class, we went to the same high school, played for the same hockey team, and now, we live within two train stations of each other in London. I adore her (in fact, I dedicated my newest book, A Game of Desire, to her) and she’s the first person I ever want to talk to when something- good or bad- happens. I’m fiercely loyal, and when I find someone I love, that’s it for me. Kim’s one of those forever people.

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Two – I write to music. I love music, from classical to jazz to contemporary pop, and whenever I sit down to write, I put my earphones in, turn up the volume and drown everything else out but the mood I’m setting for my story. Currently, I’m listening to the Broadway revival of West Side Story, Tchaikovsky, and The Cardigans, which should be a massive hint as to the subject of my next project!

Three – I collect vintage romance novels the way other people collect stamps. I have a thing for dusty, hidden bookshops selling cheap, battered copies of romance classics. I love their smell, I love the way they feel in my hands, and I love the thrill I get when I find an early edition by one of my favourite authors. A few years ago, I was devastated when someone maliciously destroyed my early edition (complete with dust cover) of Netta Muskett’s The Light from One Star. I actually cried with happiness when I found the same book for sale in a second hand bookshop in Rochester.

Four – I posed naked for an artist friend when I was twenty years old. I know this might seem like a shocking thing to do, but actually, it was a wonderful experience. He was a wonderful painter and was doing a project on ‘naked colours’. I was his choice for ‘gold’ and we spent a few days while I sat, still and quiet, on his bed while he sketched me. I’d just had my heart broken and used the time to reflect and just generally be sad. When the painting was finished, months later, my friend showed it to me. ‘This girl has everything she needs right here,’ he told me, indicating to me in the picture, and wow, I felt shivers go down my spine. I have low self-confidence and it takes a great deal of faith to sit back and realise that you are everything you need to be, even when presented or shown with nothing at all. I don’t regret doing this at all.

Five – I told Celia Imrie that it must be lovely to be Celia Imrie. So, I ran into the actress Celia Imrie in the Nespresso store on Regents Street in London while out shopping with my mother. It was my mother who recognised her, but she was too shy to ask if she really was Celia Imrie. I wasn’t so star-struck, so I walked up to her, and said, quite casually: ‘My mother thinks you look like Celia Imrie.’ Celia Imrie, without missing a beat, said: ‘Well, that’s because I am Celia Imrie.’ I paused, and then told her: ‘Oh, well that’s very nice for you, isn’t it? Being Celia Imrie?’ Poor Celia Imrie only nodded, at which point I pulled my mother over, left them to make small talk, while I went and picked up more decaf coffee pods. I’ve never forgiven myself for being so vague and idiotic in front of such a great actress! (Celia Imrie is lovely, by the way, and a complete lady).

Who is Sharon Ibbotson?

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Sharon is an Australian/Geordie writer who lives in London with her husband, son, daughter and two cats. She can be found child-wrangling by day, coffee in hand, or writing furiously by night, wine by her side. She is a voracious reader and a lover of anything romance.

About A Game of Desire

A Game of Desire is published by Choc Lit on 25 June 2019.

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The Queen of Diamonds never loses …

Felicity Fox is a rarity for a woman living in the early 1800s. Not only does she frequent the ‘gambling hells’ where most ladies would not dare to tread, she can also beat any man at his own game. It’s no wonder she’s gained notoriety as the ‘Queen of Diamonds’.

Edward, Earl of Addington, despises gambling and is not exactly enamoured of Felicity Fox either, especially after she tried to swindle his family. Except now the Earl requires assistance from the Queen of Diamonds – and there’s everything to play for. But with Edward will Felicity find she’s involved in a more dangerous game than she’s ever played before?

Buying Link: here

To contact Sharon use the following links –

Twitter: @seibbotson

Facebook: Sharon Ibbotson – author

Instagram: sharonibbotson 

Thank you for joining me Sharon and sharing your secrets. Good luck with your book release on 25 June