Morton S. Gray – Author

This week I’m joined by fellow Choc Lit author Lucy Keeling. As she is a new recruit to Choc Lit, her debut Make It Up To You was published on 17 September 2019, I asked her some questions to get to know her a little better. Over to Lucy …

1. Make It Up To You sounds like a fun read, what inspired it?

Originally, I wanted to try and capture that feeling you get when a relationship turns and you feel that sense of mutual attraction. That feeling that someone fancies you and you fancy them and how it affects your behaviour especially when in close proximity. Then the characters and the setting sort of built up from there.

2. Have you always written?

Recently, I needed to look back for a short story I had written years ago, and I discovered that I had actually been writing since I was a teenager. I used to write something, anything and then that would satisfy the urge, but that would only be temporary before a new thought, a new idea needed to be explored.

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

So, in my mind Marcus was always a bit of a Jake Gyllenhaal and Sophie was like Sarah Hyland (from Modern Family). I have actors picked out for all the rest of the characters in the series too but I don’t want to give too much away.

4. Some fun questions – Which would you choose?

• Coffee or tea? I have to have coffee first thing then I drink brews like they’re going out of fashion.
• Seaside or countryside? Erm, well I happen to live near to some gorgeous countryside, but I do really love the seaside too. That’s not really answered that question has is it haha. I guess I need both, I find both settings very restorative and brilliant for mapping out new ideas. (See pic)

• Shopping or a walk? Definitely a walk. I do enjoy the odd shop but I find it much easier to get frustrated when shopping then I do walking.
• Sweet or savoury food? I have the worst sweet tooth.
• Fashionable or comfortable shoes? Converse or flip flops. So I guess comfortable? Check out these I’m wearing now (See pic).

• Morning or evening person? I have two young kids that have forced me to become a morning person, but I do most of my writing in the evening. Basically I’m fine until I get too tired then I’ll find any excuse for a nap because I love and miss my sleep desperately.

5. What can we expect from you next?

I am currently finishing my revisions for book 2 in the series, this one focuses on the story of Polly and Bailey. Then I will be sending that in, and I can’t wait because I am desperate to get started on Mya’s book which is book 3.

About Lucy Keeling

Lucy Keeling is an author writing fun, sexy, stories with all of the happily ever afters. When she’s not typing at the kitchen table, she’s arranging and then re-arranging to see her friends for the occasional spot of day drinking. Lucy is currently writing the third book in a contemporary romance series, the first of which was runner-up in Choc Lit’s ‘Search for a Star’ competition which was sponsored by Your Cat magazine.

Lucy lives in Greater Manchester with her family.

To keep in touch with Lucy you can use the following links:-

What do mascara wands and gardening shears have in common? Absolutely nothing! At least that’s what wannabe beauty influencer Sophie Timney thinks when her friend Polly suggests involving her brother Marcus in Sophie’s make-up tutorials. She needs more views, Marcus needs promotion for his gardening business – in Polly’s mind joining forces will help them both. Sophie isn’t so sure.

Because Marcus Bowman has a habit of getting under her skin in a way that no exfoliating face scrub ever could. But, as the views and comments on her videos begin creeping up, it becomes increasingly obvious that Sophie’s subscribers like Marcus, and what’s even worse is that Sophie might be starting to feel the same way …

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 can’t believe that fellow Choc Lit author, Kirsty Ferry has been on my blog several times, but I haven’t yet asked her to take part in my “Five Things You Would Never Guess” feature. Her latest novel, Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea was published on 10 September 2019. Over to Kirsty for her five things …

Number One

I have a City and Guilds qualification in Cake Decorating. My overwhelming memory of that course is that I chose to decorate a cake with a Peter Rabbit sugarpaste plaque whilst kneeling on the floor at home. The phone rang, I jumped up – and there was an enormous crack. I’d broken a bone in my foot and ended up on crutches!

When I went back to work (I no longer work there, I hasten to add), they told me to cover a department on the fourth floor: ‘but good luck with the eight flights of stairs, because the lifts are broken’. I do think my supervisor hated me for some reason!

Number Two

I failed my Art ‘O’ level. I was too lazy to go in an prepare the watercolour paper on my lunchbreak, so used coloured pencils instead. I think I knew I’d failed when I went back to the classroom to see my teacher holding up an absolutely appalling drawing and shaking her head defeatedly; and it was my drawing.

My teacher and I had a weird relationship. She used to pick on me the whole time which is the best way to get my back up. As an adult, I’ve come to realise that she picked on me because I could have done so much better and she knew that. If only she’d approached it differently. The art thing is a big regret of mine, and I’d love to resit the course and pass at some point!

Number Three

You might know this if you’ve read the acknowledgements in A Secret Rose, but it is a story I started writing over twenty years ago. I stapled it together and made a pretendy book out of it. I kept trying to revisit it and kept failing to get into it. It wasn’t even very long, being only about 10 or 15k words, but eventually it’s become a ‘proper’ book and I’m so proud of it…and myself!

Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea, by contrast, only took a month or so to write as I was so into the characters from doing the other Tempest Sisters books. It was much, much easier, which is possibly something to do with it being contemporary and not dual timeline, so I didn’t have to worry too much about doing thorough historical research. I’m not sure, really. But I loved writing it, regardless!

Number Four

My old house was haunted. I know there was an old lady there, but I never saw her. I often sensed her coming into my bedroom and she was heralded by a proper chill, even on the warmest of nights. I’d bury my head under the covers until she’d gone. It was all fine, and we co-existed quite happily until the day she decided to stomp up my staircase very loudly and not just enter gracefully and quietly. I must confess, I did tell her to be quiet and that I didn’t appreciate the noise as my toddler was sleeping. She never stomped again, but went back to being nice and quiet – which suited me quite well.

Number Five

I have a ridiculously large collection of empty notebooks. I am completely obsessed and even if I hand wrote every novel and story I produce, I’d never ever fill them. I have at least sixty on the shelves, plus probably the same amount again in boxes in the garage, in the desk in the summerhouse and scattered around the house in various rooms. They’re even creeping into my locker at day job work, but at least I do use those ones. (But you know, the covers are sooooooo very very pretty…)

Fascinating, Kirsty thank you.

About Kirsty Ferry

Kirsty Ferry is from the North East of England and lives there with her husband and son. She won the English Heritage/Belsay Hall National Creative Writing competition in 2009 and has had articles and short stories published in various magazines. Her work also appears in several anthologies, incorporating such diverse themes as vampires, crime, angels and more.

Kirsty loves writing ghostly mysteries and interweaving fact and fiction. The research is almost as much fun as writing the book itself, and if she can add a wonderful setting and a dollop of history, that’s even better.

Her day job involves sharing a building with an eclectic collection of ghosts, which can often prove rather interesting.

For more information on Kirsty visit:

www.twitter.com/kirsty_ferry
https://www.facebook.com/kirsty.ferry.author/

About Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea

Take a trip to the little bookshop by the sea …

Jessie Tempest has two main interests: reading books and selling books. Her little bookshop in the seaside town of Staithes is a cosy hideaway from the chilly Yorkshire wind, but it’s also Jessie’s sanctuary from the outside world.

When writer Miles Fareham and his son Elijah arrive to stay in the holiday apartment above the shop, it’s a test for Jessie who has always felt clueless when it comes to kids. But as she learns the story of the single father and the inquisitive eight-year-old, Jessie realises that first impressions aren’t always the right ones – and, of course, you can never judge a book by its cover!

Buy link for Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea is https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07V9Y5RKQ

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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…

5. 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!

6. 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!

7. 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

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

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.

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 😄. While we were away the painted lady butterflies had a hatching day and the garden of the holiday home was full of them.

Back to reality this week with a daily morning alarm, as my youngest son started sixth form today. Where did all of those school years go? He looked very smart this morning in his suit and sixth form tie.

I was always the oldest in my class at school as my birthday falls in the first week of September. This year I’m celebrating with a giveaway over on the Apricot Plots Facebook page here. Just like the page and answer the question on my birthday post to have a chance to win.

I’ll be back next week with the beginning of my autumn/winter series of blog posts. Watch out for featured authors Marie Laval, Kirsty Ferry, Angela Barton, Christine Penhall, Margaret James, Lynda Stacey, Berni Stevens and Angela Britnell.

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.

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:-

1. 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!

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

Actress Stefanie Martini photographed in London 2017 – By Will Bremridge

5. 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!

6. 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

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

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 😄

**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.

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

1. 

   

   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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

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

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

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

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

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. 😄😄😄😄😄

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.

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.