Thursday 31 October 2019

New Release Spotlight with Author Q&A: The House That Alice Built by Chris Penhall



The House That Alice Built by Chris Penhall

Home is where the heart is …
Alice Dorothy Matthews is sensible. Whilst her best friend Kathy is living it up in Portugal and her insufferable ex Adam is travelling the world, Alice is working hard to pay for the beloved London house she has put her heart and soul into renovating.
But then a postcard from Buenos Aires turns Alice’s life upside down. One very unsensible decision later and she is in Cascais, Portugal, and so begins her lesson in ‘going with the flow’; a lesson that sees her cat-sitting, paddle boarding, dancing on top of bars and rediscovering her artistic talents.
But perhaps the most important part of the lesson for Alice is that you don’t always need a house to be at home.

Thank you for inviting me on your blog to talk about my debut novel, The House That Alice Built.
Why did you choose Portugal as the setting for The House That Alice Built?
I lived in Cascais near Lisbon in the mid-1990’s when my daughters were very small, and it made a huge impression on me. I loved the lifestyle, its beauty, the vibrancy, the food (of course) and the whole experience of living somewhere different to what I was used to. When I was there I knew it would only be for three years, so it made it all very intense – I remember imprinting a lot of it in my memory so I could call it up in my minds eye whenever I wanted, not knowing then I would use all of that to write a novel set there one day.
If there is a song that sums up Alice and the book, what would it be?
I listen to music all of the time, and there are references to quite a few songs in the book itself. However, if there is one song that would sum up how Alice feels right at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the novel, its Breakout by Swing out Sister. Released in 1986, it’s a really upbeat, positive song and somewhere in the lyrics it says its time to make a break. It is, indeed, Alice.
What is your writing routine?
I wrote The House That Alice Built over about 8 years, so I was able to pick it up and put it down whenever I wanted. I didn’t have a deadline, but I’m now working on book 2, and I am much more disciplined, as I have to be! I freelance, so if I’m working, I will make sure I do a certain number of words every day before or after work. If I have writing day, then I power on – some days are better than others!
If you get stuck with a particular part of the book when you are writing, how do you get going again?
Actually, I’ve just got a bit stuck with something, so I’m taking my mind off it for a while and doing this. Sometimes I’ll go out for a walk, nip out for a coffee, or resort to the old favourite – hoovering. I find once I’ve stopped thinking I’ve got stuck, I relax and start again.
When did you start to write fiction?
I wrote stories when I was a child but didn’t really start to write fiction until I lived in Portugal. My daughters were at school and nursery, and I finally had a bit of time and space in my imagination to do it. I wrote sporadically after that, and started The House That Alice Built about 8 years ago. I have worked on it off and on over that time, until I finally finished the second version of it in the middle of 2018.
How does writing make you feel?
I find I escape and relax when I’m writing – I go into my own little world for a while and nothing else matters. That could be for a few hours, or 15 minutes, depending on the day. Sometimes I get a bit stressed when I’m stuck with something, and I occasionally get frustrated. But I love creating worlds and finding characters so even when I find it’s difficult, I still get a lot out of it.
What’s in store for you next?
I wrote The House That Alice Built as a stand-alone novel, but I’m still interested in what Alice does next, so I’m working on the sequel. It’s still set in Portugal, and there’ll be some familiar characters, a few new ones, challenges, fun, and some ups and downs along the way to happiness.


Chris Penhall is a freelance writer and radio producer.
Her book, The House That Alice Built, won the Choc-Lit Search for a Star Competition 2019.
Born in South Wales, she has also lived near London and in Portugal, which is where The House That Alice Built is set. It was whilst living in Cascais near Lisbon that she began to dabble in writing fiction, but it was many years later that she was confident enough to start writing her first novel, and many years after that she finally finished it! She is now working on her second.
A lover of books, music and cats, she is also an enthusiastic salsa dancer, a keen cook, and loves to travel. She is never happier than when she is gazing at the sea.
Chris has two grown up daughters and lives in the Essex countryside.
Chris is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association.



New Release Spotlight: Star in the Shadows by Helen Buckley


Star in the Shadows by Helen Buckley

The world thinks that pop superstar Kiara Anderson has it all, but she spends her nights drinking away memories of her childhood and life as a teen runaway.
The Jacobs family are desperate to see the girl next door again and discover why she ran away, especially their son Shane, who blames himself for her disappearance.
When Kiara’s manager forces her into a reveal-all TV interview she knows the family she loved more than her own will finally discover the truth.
Can she overcome her demons or will the shadows of the past rob her of fame, fortune, and a chance to finally fall in love?

In this extract the main character, Kiara, is in the apartment she shares with the rest of the girls in the girlband, before they’ve become famous. Kiara has fled from their performance that evening and her manager, Marco, comes to find her.
Marco found her in the apartment later that night, face down on the table, her hands clutching a mugful of vodka, tears pooling on the cheap wooden table. Her corset was still cutting into her breathing, her head dizzy.
Right Kiara, I need an explanation.” Marco sat next to her and tapped her on the shoulder. “You’re not sick and I’m not stupid. Something’s up.”
She raised her head slightly from the table. “I’m not feeling well Marco.”
He pulled her head back by her hair. “Ow!” she yelled, sitting up and glaring at him. She wiped a hand across her cheeks, smearing black trails of mascara across her blusher.
Marco frowned at her and threw her a Kleenex. “You’re a mess. Wipe your face.”
He sniffed at her mug and raised an eyebrow. “No wonder you feel ill. What is this?”
She wiped her cheeks with the Kleenex and looked at him incredulously. “Vodka.”
Cheap shit.” Marco shook his head. “Where’s the bottle?”
She tottered to the cupboard and reached behind several cereal boxes to where she kept her stash in a paper bag and plonked it down unceremoniously on the table. Marco grabbed a mug and poured himself some, wrinkling his nose as he sipped.
So, what happened?” He leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his torso.
Kiara shrugged. “I saw someone in the club that I knew, and it kinda freaked me out.”
Marco raised an eyebrow. “Ex-boyfriend?”
Kiara laughed at the thought, given she had never dated anyone. “Nope, just someone I used to know. It brought back too many memories, and I, I couldn’t handle it.”
Hmmm.” Marco sipped his vodka, grimacing. “I don’t know how you can drink this neat.”
They sat in silence and Marco leaned forward, placing his mug on the table.
Kiara.”
She looked at him, eyes bleary from tears and alcohol. “Are you going to fire me from the group?” she asked.
He pressed his lips together. “I won’t but I need you to be honest with me.”
About what?” she asked.
About everything. You’ve barely told us anything about who you are or where you come from. You drink yourself to sleep every night, you have terrible nightmares.” He held up a hand as she tried to interrupt. “Did you think we wouldn’t notice? You share a room with two other women!”
Listen,” he said, rubbing his temples and lowering his voice. “I advocated for you to be in this group. Anna didn’t want you, but ever since I saw you singing at that hotel bar I’ve believed in you. I need you to trust me and tell me everything so I can help you and protect you.”
From what?”
I think Femme Fatale could be really big. But if that happens, then the press will start to ask questions, people will want to know about who you are and where you come from. You’ll need help to handle that, but I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.”
She looked at him quietly.
Didn’t you ever think that this would happen? That at some point that voice of yours might get you noticed?” he asked her, surprised.
She looked down at the table and traced a finger round a spill, her sharp red nails gleaming, blood-like.
I guess I never really thought it was a possibility,” she muttered.
Well, it is,” Marco smiled at her. “And as my most talented singer, I demand you tell me everything.”
How long have you got?” she replied.

Helen has spent over thirteen years working and volunteering for charities in the UK and abroad, including four years in Honduras. She currently works as a charity communications manager and lives in Bedfordshire with her husband and son.

 – Twitter – HelenCBuckley/ Insta – helencatherinebuckley / website: buckleybooks.org

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Star in the Shadows, a beautiful dreams and goal planning journal, a star print scarf, and three yummy chocolate bars from Creighton's Chocolaterie. (UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Wednesday 30 October 2019

Book Blog Tour Stop & Review: After Whorl:Bran Reborn by Nancy Jardine



After Whorl: Bran Reborn by Nancy Jardine

AD 71 Northern Roman Britain
Ravaged at the Battle of Whorl, Brennus of Garrigill is irrevocably changed. He embraces a new identity as Bran, vowing to avert Roman domination of Brigantia. Though how, when he and Ineda – his healer’s granddaughter – are forced to labour for the Roman IX Legion? Trading with the usurpers provides opportunities for gathering information, but after they are attacked by a Roman patrol, Ineda cannot be found.

Distraught with her loss, can Bran find a new occupation?

The adventures of the Garrigill Clan continue…

This second book picks up after the battle of Whorl. Brannus of Garrigill is a long way from home and presumed dead. Badly injured he's nursed back to health by an old woman called Meaghan. Meanwhile, Nara is now free from her betrothal to follow her heart and into the arms of his brother, Lorcan. 

With the focus of this book on Brannus, I was a little sad because I really enjoyed getting to know Lorcan and Nara in The Beltane Choice. However, Bran is such a lovely gentle giant of a man so I quickly warmed to his personality and enjoyed his interactions with Meaghan's teenage granddaughter, Ineda. 

After regaining his strength and learning to live with his disabilities, it's only fitting this warrior takes on a new name, it's a rebirth to allow him to blend in with his new surroundings as he attempts to continue helping his people from a distance by collecting information about the Romans and their plans. Aided by Ineda, she proves to be a strong, feisty, and resourceful companion as well as a distraction. 

The narrative is bursting with facts and the author's attention to detail is admirable. All this, wrapped around an intriguing narrative with fascinating characters. Still, in 71AD, I absorbed the lifestyle of these resilient people with respect and admire how they managed to survive in such hostile surroundings. Now I need to find out the fate of Bran and Ineda in Donning Double Cloaks. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Ocelot Press***

Nancy Jardine writes historical fiction; time-travel historical adventure; contemporary mystery thrillers; and romantic comedy. She lives in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where life is never quiet or boring since she regularly child minds her young grandchildren who happen to be her next-door neighbours. Her garden is often creatively managed by them, though she does all the work! Her husband is a fantastic purveyor of coffee and tea…excellent food and wine! (Restorative, of course)
A member of the Historical Novel Society; Scottish Association of Writers; Federation of Writers Scotland; Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Independent Alliance of Authors, her work has achieved finalist status in UK competitions.

Giveaway to Win x1 signed paperback of After Whorl: Bran Reborn to one UK winner; X1 kindle copy worldwide
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Tuesday 29 October 2019

New Release Spotlight and Review: Christmas at Wynter House by Emily Harvale



Christmas at Wynter House by Emily Harvale


After a frosty welcome, things soon heat up at Wynter House.

Neva Grey is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with her family in the cosy cottage they’ve rented in the picture-postcard village of Wyntersleap. Nestled between rolling hills and a gently burbling river, it’s going to be idyllic.

Except it’s not. Torrential rain causes the river to burst its banks and the quaint little village isn’t quite so cosy with water lapping at the doors. Add to that a power cut and a sudden blizzard and Christmas is looking bleak ... until gorgeous Adam Wynter invites them all to Wynter House.

Although not everyone is happy to share the ancestral home. Adam’s elder brother, Rafe is less than pleased. Their grandmother, Olivia extends a grudging welcome. And for Carruthers, the oddly arrogant butler, unexpected guests are a Christmas surprise he could do without. Especially one as troublesome as Neva’s eight-year-old niece.

But something’s not quite right at Wynter House. What is Rafe intent on hiding behind the locked doors of the old barn? And what really happened to his first wife? It’s a good thing Neva has a sense of humour. She’s going to need it this Christmas at Wynter House.

This is book one in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.

A chaotic Christmas including sexy brothers, an eight-year-old obsessed with zombies and a fluffy puppy which looks like a wolf cub … What could possibly go wrong? 

It's the end of an era for Neva Grey as she and her best friend Jo sell their joint-owned home as life takes them in new directions. Therefore, she's happily looking forward to a low-key festive family retreat in the pretty village of Wyntersleap and opportunity to make decisions for her future in a peaceful part of the world. However, the mini-break turns out to be far more eventful than she could ever imagine possible. 

Action packed, there isn't a dull moment as the expected quiet family Christmas quickly turns into a drama-fest! Set against an idyllic Wynter House backdrop, with a cast of easy identifiable down-to-earth and quirky characters, it's a narrative full of laughter and humorous mishaps. However, this is more than a Christmassy catalogue of disasters, as there's a mystery and plenty of gossip surrounding the happenings in the old barn, and not forgetting a little romance is present too. 

"She could hardly tell him she had just been daydreaming about marrying his brother, could she?" 

So, who is Neva's romantic hero?.. I'm not telling and you'll just have to read this book to find out. 

The author has written a fast and furious page-turner which will delight her fans. This is the first instalment in the Wyntersleap series and can be read as standalone. Also, look out for cross-over characters in the author's Merriment Bay series too. 

***review copy received courtesy of Crescent Gate Publishing via Rachel's Random Resources***
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Giveaway to Win Christmas at Wynter House themed cushion (size 18 x 18 inches) a Wrendale Designs Christmas shopping pad and a Yankee Candle tealight holder and Winter Glow tealight (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Monday 28 October 2019

New Release Spotlight & Review: Notting Hill in the Snow by Jules Wake



Notting Hill in the Snow by Jules Wake
It's mayhem in Bethlehem…unless they can work together!
Viola Smith plays the viola in an orchestra (yes really!), but this year she's been asked to stretch her musical talents to organising Notting Hill's local nativity.
Nate Williams isn't looking forward to Christmas but as his small daughter, Grace, has the starring role in the show, he's forced to stop being a Grinch and volunteer with Viola.
With the sparks between them hotter than the chestnuts roasting in Portobello market, Nate and Viola can't deny their feelings. And as the snow starts to fall over London, they find themselves trapped together in more ways than one…

Amazon UK      Amazon US  

First off, this book made me cry...there, I've said it. Have tissues ready and you're fully prepared for when your emotions are toiled with!

Viola playing Viola Smith is commuting to her job at The London Metropolitan Opera Company when a stranger asks if she is okay, after an incident on the Tube. Coincidentally this rather good looking guy is also heading in the same direction. After going their separate ways, they meet again, triggering an attraction neither can ignore despite his complicated personal circumstances.

I liked both Viola and Nate. Viola has an abundance of enthusiasm and a general love of life. Additionally, she empathetic to those she's close to. Nate is an estranged husband trying his best to juggle a demanding career and care for his daughter. With familial pressure, he's pulled into voluntary work he has little time for. He's not perfect and he knows it, which made him more attractive and relatable. Together, they complement each other but it's arguable whether the pair should have got involved romantically. However, I believe Viola's presence in Grace's life helped Nate to face up to his marital crisis and finally put his and his daughter's well-being back on track, even though it's heartbreaking for everyone involved.

I've mentioned before about not liking children in romance novels but I admit, the little people really stole the show, not only in the nativity play they performed in but throughout the narrative. Grace is the stand-out child as Nate's daughter but some of her school friends equally tugged at my heartstrings even though their contribution is small.

This is a Christmas story which will stay long beyond the festive season. Wonderful warm fuzzy moments within the story are interlaced with difficulties many are living with daily. Such as dealing with family disputes and finding solutions as a compromise. Viola and Nate's story highlights how this time of year accentuates issues and problems in the same way kind gestures and seasonal activities are amplified. Yet the overall effect is one of hope, compassion and sacrifice.

Snuggle up with cocoa and a warm blanket and be prepared to sample a charming insight into a Notting Hill Christmas in the snow. You won't regret it.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her writing and creative skills penning copy on a vast range of subjects from pig farming and watches, sunglasses and skincare through to beer and stationery.
She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and under her pen name Julie Caplin, she writes the Romantic Escapes series.
Between them, the two Js have written twelve novels, Notting Hill in the Snow being the latest.

Twitter: @Juleswake
Instagram: juleswakeauthor