Five Things You Would Never Guess About Author Caroline James

This week I’m pleased to welcome fellow Apricot Plots author, Caroline James to share five things that you would never guess about her. My curiosity is aroused already, I don’t know about you? Over to Caroline …

Five things I love that readers may not guess…

At the start of a new year I sit down and ask myself if the previous year lived up to expectations. Like resolutions, expectations are personal and for me involve making sure that I fit in things that I like to do. Here are five things I love, that I did in 2018, and hope to continue in 2019.

Trekking. I enjoy getting out in the hills and dales and even trekking up the odd mountain or two. I’ve trekked in places such as Peru and China and adore the Scottish Highlands, including the daunting Ben Nevis. Last year began with plenty of walking and outdoor exercise but I broke my foot which has curtailed the more adventurous walks. I hope to be back on the fells soon.

(Wow! I’ve always fancied going to Peru! M)

Outdoor swimming. I’ve long had the urge to swim in open water and last year began with a New Year’s Day swim in the Irish Sea which was bracing but exhilarating. Grab your swim suit and join me in a tarn or lake in 2019.

Northern Soul Music.  As a young girl growing up in Northern England where Northern Soul was a cult, I collected singles and went to all-nighters to dance the night away to the heavy beat and fast tempo. I had a vast collection of singles, some by small regional American labels such as Ric-Tic that have a strong commercial value today. Sadly, my record collection was stolen. Now, I have only to hear the pulsating beat of the opening bars of any of my favourite artists and I’m immediately on my feet bopping around the kitchen to memories of the days when spins, flips and backdrops were the dance style that grew out of the underground rhythm and soul scene of that period.

Banana Toasted Sandwiches. My working life has been spent in the hospitality industry and food is a big part of my life. I’ve worked with many celebrity chefs and on occasion, spent time in commercial kitchens whipping up recipes. I’ve been lucky enough to dine out in some amazing restaurants too. But often, when snuggling down at home, my meal of choice would be a simple mashed banana sandwich – toasted with butter until golden brown.

Mindful Meditation. In 2018, I went to a class to learn a little about Mindful Meditation. Within minutes of practicing, I felt calm and relaxed. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we are doing and not over reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. I have continued to practice this and will endeavour to learn more in 2019.

Huge thanks to lovely Morton for hosting me on her blog

Wishing everyone a fabulous year ahead.

Caroline xx

Caroline‘s latest novel published by Ruby Fiction is The Best Boomerville Hotel.

Let the shenanigans begin at the Best Boomerville Hotel …

Jo Docherty and Hattie Contaldo have a vision – a holiday retreat in the heart of the Lake District exclusively for guests of ‘a certain age’ wishing to stimulate both mind and body with new creative experiences. One hotel refurbishment later and the Best Boomerville Hotel is open for business!

Perhaps not surprisingly Boomerville attracts more than its fair share of eccentric clientele: there’s fun-loving Sir Henry Mulberry and his brother Hugo; Lucinda Brown, an impoverished artist with more ego than talent; Andy Mack, a charming Porsche-driving James Bond lookalike, as well as Kate Simmons, a woman who made her fortune from an internet dating agency but still hasn’t found ‘the One’ herself.

With such an array of colourful individuals there’s bound to be laughs aplenty, but could there be tears and heartbreak too and will the residents get more than they bargained for at Boomerville?

What people are saying about The Best Boomerville Hotel:

This is a brilliant 5 star story. The writing is modern and fresh. I found the Boomerville Hotel a fantastic and memorable setting with many likeable characters. Each guest had their own story which had an ending in the book, always a big plus. Susan D, reader.

I need to go to a place like this! Quirky characters, right up my street, I really enjoyed the
story. Cal Sleath, Birmingham.

‘I really wish I could check into Boomerville and participate in the courses. I loved this book, it is a great read. Thanks to the author for bringing the crazy characters to life – I can’t wait for the next book. Ronnie Montgomory, London

The Best Boomerville Hotel Buying Links:

Amazon http://mybook.to/BVC

Kobo:  https://goo.gl/VRh2XT

 Ibooks/Google: https://goo.gl/2aq7sz

Itunes:  https://apple.co/2lZrl6F

Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can. A public speaker, which includes talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. She is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association and the Society of Women’s Writer’s & Journalists, she writes articles, short stories and contributes to many publications. Caroline also runs writing workshops.

In her spare time, Caroline can be found trekking up a mountain or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

To contact Caroline you can use the following links:

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter:@CarolineJames12

Facebook:Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

 

Thank you so much for an intriguing post, Caroline.

 

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 from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks

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.