Morton S. Gray – Author

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

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.

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:

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. 😄😄😄😄😄

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.

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

1. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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 😱 Thank you for answering my questions. Mx)

About Where the Snow Bleeds

Where the Snow Bleeds

“You want to know what I’ve learnt after living in Lone Creek all my life? I know the snow bleeds here …”

Former police officer Dean Matheson has been playing it safe since the case that cost him almost everything. But working as a PI doesn’t quite cut it, that is until a British woman walks into his office with a job that Dean can’t resist. 

The woman’s daughter, Hannah Walker, and her friend Jodie have gone missing whilst working at a ski resort in Colorado. It’s clear there’s something sinister about the girls’ disappearance, but then why are the local police department being so unhelpful?

So begins Dean’s journey to Lone Creek on the trail of the missing girls – and he’ll soon find out that in Lone Creek, everyone has something to hide …

To buy the book use the following links

Where the Snow Bleeds amazon link: http://viewbook.at/WhereTheSnowBleeds

and for Wendy‘s first book with Ruby Fiction

Who Cares If They Die amazon link: http://viewbook.at/WhoCaresIfTheyDie

About the Author -Wendy Dranfield

Wendy is a former Coroner’s Assistant turned crime writer who lives in the UK with her husband.

Who Cares If They Die and Where the Snow Bleeds are the first two books in the Dean Matheson series, with more on the way. As well as her crime thriller series, Wendy has written a YA crime novel – The Girl Who Died – and she has several short stories published in UK and US anthologies. She has also been shortlisted and longlisted for various competitions, including the Mslexia Novel Competition.

For behind the scenes gossip and updates on Wendy‘s books (or photos of her cats), follow her on social media!

Website: https://wendydranfield.co.uk/

Twitter: @WendyDranfield

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyDranfield1/

YouTube: Wendy Dranfield Author

Lovely to have you on my blog, Wendy 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. 😄😄😄😄😄

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.

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 23^rdJuly!

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)

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

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 23^rdand 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.

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

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

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:-

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 😄

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.

Kate Field first appeared on my blog two years ago after she had won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award with her debut novel The Magic of Ramblings. You can read that interview here. Now, she is back to answer some more questions.

What’s been happening to you writing wise since you won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon award in 2017?

It’s been a busy time! I’ve had three further novels published since my debut, The Magic of Ramblings, won the Joan Hessayon award, and I’ve also contributed a short story to an anthology, Miss Moonshine’s Emporium of Happy Endings published with some author friends.

My first three novels were published by Accent Press, and one of them, The Winter That Made Us, is also set at Ramblings as I couldn’t resist going back. Although it’s a standalone book, with a new leading couple, it was fun to revisit the familiar setting and to catch up with some favourite characters.

Last year I moved publisher and signed with Avon (an imprint of Harper Collins) for two more books. The Man I Fell in Love With is the first of those.

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

 I think my main tip would be to keep an open mind about how to get published; there’s no ‘right’ way to go about it. In the past, the usual method might have been to find an agent who would then submit to traditional publishers, and that will still be the preferred route for many writers, but it isn’t the only one. I don’t have an agent and submitted directly to both my publishers. Many publishers now accept direct submissions, and even the larger companies have ‘open submission’ windows – look out for them on social media.

Self-publishing is another option to consider and there are many successful indie published writers, who enjoy having total control over the process and receiving all of the profits! So I’d advise a new writer to consider all the options and work out what would suit them best, without worrying that one route is better than another.

I’ve recently read and thoroughly enjoyed your novel The Man I Fell in Love With. If you had to cast the book for a film, who would play the lead roles?

I’m glad you enjoyed it! It was one of my favourite books to write. I always make up a Pinterest board for each novel, with pictures that inspire the characters. The two male leads were easy. Ethan was inspired by Rupert Penry Jones and he was in my mind through every scene – especially the one where Ethan wades out of the sea in his swimming shorts…! I found a picture of the actor Paul Bettany wearing tortoiseshell glasses and with fluffy hair, and it suited my image of Leo perfectly so he could play that part.

My female lead, Mary Black, is much harder to cast, partly because she seems so real to me that no one else can match her. I’ve toyed with various actresses, but my original idea was Caitriona Balfe from Outlander, so I will stick with her!

Where is your favourite place to write and why?

I write every first draft by hand, so I can be flexible where I do it. I have two favourite places at home. The first is in the kitchen, because there’s something about the hum of the white goods that helps me concentrate. My other favourite place is on the sofa in front of the log burner, although I often find that the cat then curls up on my knee and stops me writing. She mustn’t be a fan!

What can we look forward to from you next?

I have a couple more publications this year. I’m contributing a story to another anthology with my writing group, Authors on the Edge. This is a follow on to Miss Moonshine’s Emporium of Happy Endings, but this time the stories will have a Christmas theme. More details to follow – I’m still working on my story!

I also have a full-length novel coming out on 16^thSeptember, which is called A Dozen Second Chances. It’s the story of Eve, whose daughter leaves home and gives her a set of twelve ‘Be Kind to Yourself’ vouchers that she must complete every time she does something to treat herself. As she uses her vouchers, Eve’s life changes in ways that she never expected. There’s no question about the casting for my leading man in this book – it has to be Aidan Turner!

About Kate Field

Kate Field lives in Lancashire with her husband, daughter and cat. Her debut novel, The Magic of Ramblings, won the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award for new writers.

Kate can be contacted on

Twitter: @katehaswords

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

About The Man I Fell in Love With

Sometimes we find happiness where we least expect it…

After twenty years of contented marriage, no one is more surprised than Mary Black when her husband announces he’s leaving her… for another man.

For the sake of the children, Mary has no choice but to pick herself up and start again. She hosts family meals that include Leo and his new partner. She copes with the kids wanting to spend less time with her and more time with their ‘fun’ dads. But one thing she can’t quite ignore is Leo’s gorgeous brother, who has just come back to town…

After living a life of sliding doors and missed opportunities, can Mary finally put herself first and take a chance that could change everything?

Buying link: https://amzn.to/2DEIgGX

Thank you for appearing on my blog, Kate and answering my questions. I have read The Magic of Ramblings and The Man I Fell in Love With and thoroughly enjoyed both novels.

The Magic of Ramblings captivated me from the very first chapter and I lived the story alongside the characters rather than just reading about them. I always rate novels that can move me to tears and this one made me cry no less than three times. In fact, I sobbed pretty much all the way through the last chapter. No wonder Kate Field won the coveted Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award with this book.

I rated The Man I Fell in Love With as a five star read. I loved the modern day life scenario, which rang so true with mothers making sacrifices for their children, relationships changing over time and the heroine having to rethink her way of being in the world. Kate has a lovely way of writing and at least one description of an awkward situation had me laughing out loud. Thoroughly recommended.

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.