One Day Blog Blitz and Author Guest Post: A Little Hotel in Cornwall by Laura Briggs

Re-booting Maisie’s Cornish Adventures

Thanks so much to Ellesea for letting me share with her readers about my series A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL. Its books have been among my favorites to work on, with its breathtaking setting, plucky heroine, and a parade of exciting events ranging from a glitzy summer ball, to a daring jewelry heist, and even a whirlwind trip to Paris at one point. Luckily for me, readers were eager to see more of Maisie Clark and the staff at the quirky hotel Penmarrow, even when the eighth installment had wrapped with a seeming happy-ever-after.

Now that I’ve launched plans to reboot the series with a brand new set of stories about Maisie’s life, I thought it might be fun to share a few details on how these up-coming adventures will be different from the original set of eight novellas...without giving away too many spoilers for either series, of course! So let’s dive in, starting with the biggest change readers can expect when it comes to Maisie’s continuing stories.

More tearjerker moments will pop up

Up to this point, Maisie’s experience has been pretty idyllic, after all. She chased her writing dreams to Cornish shores, found her home away from home at a cosy seaside hotel, and fell madly in love. It had the spirit of adventure found in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s works, with a dash of Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier when it came to intrigue and drama. And even though her new stories will have similar escapist elements, there will also be dilemmas of the heart more profound than Maisie has encountered in the past.

Readers will notice a bit more influence from Me Before You than episodes of Road to Avonlea this time around. There are nods to classic romance tropes found in other stories like The Way We Were, Dying Young, and Love Story, for instance. Bigger obstacles and higher stakes await Maisie in the next phase of her journey—one that involves less Cornish sunshine and more drizzly London days as she forges a new path to happy-ever-after. Which brings us to the next big change, one involving the reason Maisie came to Cornwall in the first place.

Maisie’s writing dreams take a new turn

From the start, Maisie’s passion for books and writing has played a huge role in the series. It was the catalyst for her journey to Cornwall in the first place, on the trail of the elusive but brilliant novelist Alistair Davies for some much needed advice. And even though her literary hero wasn’t quite how she pictured, Maisie still found the key to her dreams on Cornish shores (in more ways than one, as it turned out).

Her literary aspirations will play an even bigger role in this new set of books, but with a different set of challenges. Maisie will find herself on the fringes of the London writing scene and part of a publishing circle that boasts colorful characters, petty rivalries, and at least one snobby editor who would like to take a match to her work. It’s a quirky and whirlwind journey that I hope readers will enjoy being part of almost as much as the antics at the Penmarrow, where Maisie will still be on hand as part-time chambermaid for all the drama unfolding in its stately halls. There will be a few other grand backdrops for her new adventures too, which brings us to the final big difference readers can expect from the series reboot.

Get ready for more location hopping

In addition to the Penmarrow and her life in London, Maisie will spend more time at a certain Gothic manor house that readers encountered in the original series’ eighth novella, The Cornish Key to Happiness. Whirlwind holidays to exotic places and a memorable trip to Oxford are also in Maisie’s near future. So definitely more scenery changes than previous adventures, but with all roads leading back to the atmospheric Penmarrow, as Maisie’s home away from home, and the place her heart most wants to be.

So if you read and loved the original series, I hope you’ll be sure to check out the new spin on a familiar world. And if you’ve never tried it but think it sounds like your cup of tea—well, now is the perfect time to join the fun! The eight novellas in A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL are available as both individual titles, as well as a book bundle (which also comes in two handy paperback volumes). The first installment in Maisie’s new set of books, The Girl of Lost Petals and Possibilities, is already available at major eBook retailers, with three more titles on pre-order.

A Little Hotel in Cornwall: Books 1-8 by Laura Briggs

All eight novellas in the UK bestselling series A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL are now available in one collection! Follow aspiring young author Maisie Clark as she stumbles into a role as a maid in the idyllic hotel by the sea, where there’s never a dull moment, from her quest to track down a reclusive English novelist, to her brush with jewel thieves and a whirlwind trip through Paris and London to name a few. All the while, she finds herself falling for the handsome and enigmatic groundskeeper Sidney Daniels. Could the key to unlocking her dreams be right in front of her?

This collection contains A Little Hotel in Cornwall, A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores, Sea Holly and Mistletoe Kisses, The Cornish Secret of Summer’s Promise, A Train from Penzance to Paris, A Cornish Daisy’s Kiss, A Stargazy Night Sky, and The Cornish Key to Happiness.

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Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Author Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

Twitter page: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of A Little Hotel in Cornwall: Books 1-8 and a scarf with cover art from the series printed on it (Open to UK and US Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK & US 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.

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New Publication Spotlight & Review: Daisy's French Farmhouse by Lorraine Wilson

 Daisy’s French Farmhouse by Lorraine Wilson

Fly to France for the perfect summer getaway –without leaving your house! This a heartwarming, feel good read perfect for fans of Lucy Coleman and Jo Thomas.

Escape to heaven…

Daisy has never been lucky in love, and when her love life implodes—again—she flees to France. A summer in the sun helping out at her friend Poppy’s guesthouse is the perfect way to put unsuitable men behind her!

When Daisy finds herself dog sitting for two loveable rescues they quickly wind their way into Daisy’s heart. The trouble is so does their owner – enigmatic widower and bookseller Anton! But she didn’t come to France fall for another unattainable man…

Can they honour the past and take a chance on the future?

When Daisy finds out the man she’s been seeing is married, her reaction is to contact her friend, Poppy and asks if she can stay with her for a while. She’s embarrassed about her lack of judgement, so hopes a summer getaway will help her decide what she wants to do with her life. On arrival in Southern France, she’s instantly drawn to the area and wonders whether she can make her life here too?

I like Daisy and found her psychometric “gift” intriguing and enjoyed how the author works this into the narrative. It is interesting to understand how others view Daisy when they discover this about her and therefore, how Anton reacts himself. Equally, his charm is addictive as we discover his passionate interest in local folklore and dedication to keeping his old family bookshop open. His openness to sharing these things with Daisy, as he showed her around local places of interest is addictive. Emotions and feelings are constant, as Daisy begins looking to create a new life for herself as Anton slowly opens up to taking a chance on love again.

The ending is poignant and touching in what is a truly evocative novel. The overall feel is joyful as were entertained on this emotional journey of discovery for the two protagonists. It’s light-hearted yet tinged with small pockets of sadness… with a happy ending, full of promise.

All the dogs play a large part in the narrative and, for me, steal rather a lot of attention away from the humans. I’m sure there are many fans of the series who disagree with me. It’s just, that I’d rather have read more about Daisy and Anton than the canine cuties.

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

Amazon UK                Amazon US 

Lorraine Wilson writes flirty, feel-good fiction for One More Chapter – a division of HarperCollins – and is unashamedly fond of happy endings.
She splits her time between the South of France and is usually either writing or reading while being sat on, walked over or barked at by one of her growing band of rescue dogs.

Amazon author page: http://bit.ly/lorrainewilsonamazon

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

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Website: www.lorraine-wilson.com

Giveaway to Win a L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Collection travel set (Open UK)

L’OCCITANE Clary Sage Collection travel set containing:

• 50ml Herbae par L'OCCITANE Clary Sage Shower Gel

• 50ml Herbae par L'OCCITANE Clary Sage Body Milk

• 100g Herbae par L'OCCITANE Clary Sage Scented Soap

• 30ml Herbae par L'OCCITANE Clary Sage Hand Cream

• in a L’OCCITANE cosmetic bag

*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.

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New Publication Spotlight & Extract: The Viking She Would Have Married by Lucy Morris

The Viking She Would Have Married by Lucy Morris

In close quarters… With the Viking she’d loved and lost

A Shieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!

Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited!

A chance meeting between Halfdan Ulfsson and his old flame Valda Porunndottir leads to a voyage that will lead to great rewards for both of them…if they can just keep their hands of each other…

He gestured her towards the only stool in the tent. ‘Please, take a seat. I’m afraid what I lack in furniture and home comforts, I make up for in excitement and pleasure.’

She sat down with a huff which changed to a laugh—he really was a terrible flirt. ‘I do not need or want excitement or pleasure. I only need enough silver for my mother’s farm.’

‘How much?’

She said an amount, one that she and her family had decided on the previous night. Valda hoped to earn enough for the bribe, while her mother and sisters would try to earn enough in her absence for the seeds, tools and animals.

Halfdan barely blinked at the huge sum. ‘You will earn that easily from this voyage. All going well, of course.’

Valda sighed with relief; her plans no longer seemed impossible. She couldn’t wait to reassure her family later. ‘When will we sail?’

With a disapproving click of his tongue, he filled two silver chalices from a cask and passed one to her. ‘Is silver all you care about? You sadden my heart, Valda. We all need some pleasure in our lives. Otherwise, what is the point of living? Here, drink this and have your first taste.’

She took the chalice from his hands, their calloused fingers brushing against each other and igniting the air between them. Her breath caught in her throat and to cover the sudden flush of her cheeks she raised the chalice to her lips and took a long drink. Smooth wine coated and seduced her tongue, delivering a rich and sharp taste, with the added fragrance of oak and blackberries. She sighed with pleasure.

‘Delicious,’ she murmured.

When she raised her eyes Halfdan was looking at her with a knowing smile, as if he remembered her sounds of pleasure from long ago. She remembered, too. Those memories had kept her warm on many a lonely night. Heat pool between her thighs and she tried her best to ignore the intoxication of the wine and the man.

‘Exquisite, isn’t it? The best wine from the south. And if you eat it with fruit and cheese, it brings out the flavour even more.’ He opened a nearby chest and began assembling a plate. His hands were quick and nimble despite their weathered roughness. She stared at them as they worked, remembering how those same hands had touched her so intimately in the past.

In no time, he was presenting her with a large platter of exotic dried fruits, bread and cheeses. His body curved over hers in the small space of his tented chamber. Awkwardly, she put the platter on the table behind her, becoming more suspicious with every passing moment. Things were going too well and she always grew nervous when that happened, as if she were waiting for Thor’s hammer to fall. ‘So, when do we sail?’ she asked again.

Halfdan sat back down on his bed, his knees pressing against her thigh. She shifted slightly so they were no longer touching. A small glimmer of amusement flashed on Halfdan’s face before he spoke. ‘Tomorrow, when the rest of my crew return from the markets.’

She felt the tension in her shoulders slide away. ‘Good.’ She cut some cheese and laid it on a chunk of bread with the blade of her dagger. Then she stifled a groan as she popped the creamy delight in her mouth. She hadn’t eaten so finely in months—and never anything as luxurious or rare as these delights.

Had Halfdan hoarded every delectable food and beverage from across the known world?

And if so, why was he offering them to her now?

Was it to remind her of what she’d missed by rejecting him? But then, his faithlessness had proved that they could never have been happy.

No, it was just posturing and crowing.

Then another thought occurred to her.

Had he noticed how thin her body had become?

He’d never liked to see people go hungry. Ulf sometimes starved people as a form of punishment. She knew that because once, during that summer, they’d crept out in the middle of the night to give grain to a nearby blacksmith’s family that had displeased Ulf in some way. She’d never forgotten the look of gratitude on the children’s faces, or the tears in the burly smith’s eyes as he’d embraced Halfdan before he’d left.

Not that her family were starving. It hadn’t got that bad—not yet at least.

As if to confirm her suspicions, he casually nudged a large, linen-covered basket with his foot. ‘A few samples for your mother and sisters to try.’

‘Thank you,’ she said quietly, hating the mixture of shame and admiration she felt at his generous offer. She focused on the plans ahead and tried to ignore the memories that disturbed her sense of conviction. ‘And which markets are we going to? Hedeby, Birka, Kaupang?’

‘Ahh…not quite,’ he answered, with a slight hesitation that he quickly covered with a smile.

An uneasy feeling washed over Valda. With regret she stopped chewing and swallowed the tasty morsel so that she could speak. ‘What do you mean?’

Halfdan waved his hand as if he were swatting away a fly rather than her obvious concerns. ‘This will be a long voyage—my last adventure before I marry. Full of great riches and reward! Firstly, we will travel to our old trading post in Gotland, then to…’ He paused, catching her eye and holding it, the blue of his eyes like precious sapphires winking at her across the gloom. ‘Miklagard.’

‘Miklagard!’ Valda choked on her wine and sprayed half of it on her tunic. ‘What?’ She gasped. ‘But…that’s…that’s…at the very edge of the world!’

He laughed, a low rumble—it sounded like distant thunder, a promise of wicked pleasures to come. ‘Surprisingly, the world is much larger than you think. When you reach the end…you discover it’s not the end after all. There’s always some other place further still…just beyond the horizon.’

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https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-viking-she-would-have-married-mills-boon-historical-shieldmaiden-sisters-book-1-lucy-morris?variant=39570861129806

Lucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama and vibrant characters.

Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's Chocolate Oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.

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