Review - Undertaking Love by Kat French

About the book

 

When Marla Jacobs discovers that the shop next to her Little White Wedding Chapel is to become a funeral parlour, she declares all-out war.

 

Marla’s chapel in the sleepy Shropshire countryside has become a nation-wide sensation, but the arrival of Funeral Director Gabriel Ryan threatens everything Marla has worked for. She can picture the scene: wedding limos fighting for space in the street with hearses; brides bumping into widows; bouquets being swapped for wreaths.

 

Marla’s not going down without a fight. She enlists a motley crew of weird and wonderful local supporters, and battle lines are drawn. But, as soon as Marla meets h er nemesis, she realises just how much trouble she’s in. His rugged good looks and Irish lilt make her stomach fizz – how is she supposed to concentrate on destroying him, when half the time she’s struggling not to rip the shirt off his back?

 

 

What did I think?

 

I read it in one day, I think that tells you something.  I fell in love with an undertaker.  I think that tells you another.   I fell in love with a gay wedding celebrant, a wedding chapel and a funeral parlour too! I think that tells you quite enough!   It was just fantastic!  Such a feel-good, will-they won't-they, easy-to-read book, which was completely adorable.

 

Loved the characters, loved the storyline and loved the way this book made me feel.  I read the whole book with a dirty great grin on my face.  An original plot, with lots of laugh out loud moments and a few very special moments that made me have a really big cry made this an extremely entertaining read from the moment I opened the first page right through to the last one! I would love it if this were the first in a series.  Errr Kat French ........ I said ............   

 
It was one of those books that pick you up and transport you into another world.  A world where nothing else matters except the book.  I'm sure that this book will be a massive success and I think this lady is one to look out for because her writing in this genre is really rather spesh.

 

About the author

 

Kat was born and raised in the heart of the Black Country, where she still lives with her husband, two little boys and the oldest cat in the world.

 

She grew up with a healthy obsession for books, and several years ago she promised her husband she would write novels if Santa gave her a MacBook for Christmas.  It's a promise she is very glad to have kept as it has literally transformed the lives of her family.

 

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Buy the e-book on Amazon UK

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After The Honeymoon by Janey Fraser

Janey Fraser joins me today as she launches her ninth published novel After The Honeymoon which is being published by Arrow, Random House today (May 22nd).   I asked Janey to tell me about some of the incredible true life stories she came across while researching the novel.   Here's what she said:

Just on my way back from appearing on the Vanessa Feltz radio show at the BBC! Vanessa asked me in to talk about honeymoons – the subject of my new novel.

AFTER THE HONEYMOON is about one honeymoon destination; three couples; and six secrets. As part of my research, I interviewed lots of different women about their honeymoons and – wow – did I come up with some howlers.

For a start, there was the woman who bumped into a previous boss  at the airport.  When she introduced him to her new husband, she decided not to mention that they used to date. But when they returned from their honeymoon, one of their friends let the cat out of the bag – and there was a huge row. Luckily they made up and are now expecting their second child.

Then there was the bride who rather rashly, indulged in high jinks with her new husband, without drawing the curtains. Did I mention they were on the ground floor? At some point during the ‘performance’, she realised she was being watched by a group of teenage boys. I can only presume that it added to their education in a way that the National Curriculum hadn’t intended…..

Another of my interviewees, confessed that she had to get married in order to find out that she wasn’t the marrying kind. Personally, I think she might change her mind when she finds someone who doesn’t mind her obsession with tidying cupboards every five minutes.

It’s not the first time I’ve been interviewed at the BBC but I always find it every exciting. The building is vast – in fact there are lots of them – but the studio itself is usually quite small. You find yourself sitting opposite someone who’s really rather famous and then chatting away as if you were having a coffee. The danger is that you might come out with something you shouldn’t! The Vanessa show goes out  live, rather than being pre-recorded -  so what comes out, can’t go back!

Hopefully, I don’t think I said anything I shouldn’t have, although I’m not brave enough to play myself back on the iPlayer. After all, there’s nothing I can do now, is there? Meanwhile, I’m still interested in honeymoon stories. So if something dramatic happened on yours, please email and let me know. You could win a Champneys goodies bag or a copy of my new novel. Happy reading!

Love Janey

Thanks so much for joining me Janey.  I wish you tons of success with the book.  Can't wait to read it!


AFTER THE HONEYMOON by JANEY FRASER. ARROW. RANDOM HOUSE. £6.99

http://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Honeymoon-Janey-Fraser/dp/0099580845/

 

 

 

Review - Closing In by Sue Fortin

Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn?

Helen has had to leave everything she’s ever known behind; her home, her family, even her own name.

Now, returning to the UK as Ellen Newman, she moves to a small coastal village, working as a nanny for Donovan, a criminal psychologist. Attractive, caring and protective, this single
father and his sweet daughter are a world away from Ellen’s past.

She thinks she’s escaped. She thinks she’s safe.

But something is wrong. Strange incidents begin to plague her new family, and their house of calm is about to become one of suspicion and fear. Who can be trusted? Who is the target? Who is closing in?

For fans of Emily Barr & Rosamund Lupton


What did I think?

Thoroughly gripping throughout with a fabulous prologue (which you can read below).  There were lots of OMG! and heart-pounding moments which I'm sure weren't good for my blood pressure! Reminded me a lot of the films Sleeping With The Enemy and Fatal Attraction, full of suspense.  You really had no idea what was going to happen next and had your heart in your mouth in parts wanting to shout "Noooooo!" at the book!

I really warmed to the character of Helen/Ellen and just wanted her to be safe although she did put herself in danger a lot of the time.  The character of Toby creeped me out right from the start and became one of many people who were under suspicion. 

I so enjoyed reading this book and really liked how Sue has written in a different genre this time.  She definitely has a future in this genre if she wanted to continue and I for one, hope to be seeing some more cracking thrillers from her. 

A brilliant read!


Excerpt

Prologue

The bag had been hidden at the back of the loft for several weeks now. Packed and ready to go. Helen checked the contents. The all-important papers were there. Deed poll, change of name. New bank account. New bank card. New passport. She ran her finger over the gold embossed coat of arms of the little red book before flicking through the green pages, pausing at the photograph. The face that had stared back at her all these years was the same; shoulder length blonde hair, hazel eyes and fair complexion but the name betrayed the picture. Helen Matthews was no more.

‘Hello, Ellen Newman.’ It was a whisper. Helen barely dared to say her new name out loud. The past twelve months had taught her caution at all times. She had been waiting for this opportunity for what seemed like forever; like a sleeper cell, her escape plan could finally be activated. Her hand shook at the thought of what lay ahead. A mixture of anticipation and fear. She took a moment to calm her breathing and bring the rush of adrenalin under control. She needed to keep a clear head and not panic. She had rehearsed this over and over again in her mind for several months. The anxiety passed, allowing the control to take its place. She closed the passport and stuffed it back into the holdall. ‘Come on, Ellen, let’s get you out of here.’ 

‘What do you mean, you don’t know where she is, Kate?’ He squeezed his mobile phone tightly, feeling the frustration rise but fought to keep it in check. ‘You’re her best friend. Surely she told you where she was going?’

‘Look, Toby, I honestly don’t know where she is.’

Toby didn’t miss the guarded note in Kate’s voice. She wasn’t going to tell him anything. He took a deep breath and forced a conciliatory tone. ‘I don’t even know why she took off. I got back from a weekend away clay pigeon shooting and found a note. I’m worried about her. That’s all. Please, Kate?’ Jesus, was he going to have to beg?

‘Okay,’ Kate relented. ‘If I hear from her, I’ll tell her to ring you or something.’

‘Thanks. I really appreciate it. I feel lost without her.’ Finishing the call he dropped his phone on to the sofa and picked up the note Helen had left.

Toby, by the time you read this, I will be gone. I am leaving you for good and not coming back. Things between us have become too bad. Please don’t try to find me. It’s over between us. Helen
P.S. Please remember to feed Scruffs. I’ve stocked the cupboard up with cat food so you don’t need to buy any more for at least a week.

He looked at Scruffs stretched out on the sofa next to him. Toby reached over and ran his fingers up and down the cat’s neck. He could feel all the tiny bones of its skeleton beneath the fur and skin. Scrawny little thing. Helen adored that cat and, yet, she had left it. This was all so out of character for her. Running out on him, on the cat, on their life together. It was the last thing he thought she would do. How had he not seen this coming and where in God’s name could she have gone? He was sure Kate knew. In fact, he’d stake his Square Mile bankers’ salary on it. Scooping the cat up, Toby continued to stroke the tortoiseshell fur as he walked over to the full length window. He stood looking out over the Islington skyline.
His finger and thumb massaged the back of the cat’s neck, before sliding all the way around, meeting under its chin. 

‘You’re out there somewhere, Helen.’ He dropped Scruffs to the floor, ignoring the squeak of protest at the rather unceremonious dismissal. Toby pressed his forehead against the glass, the palms of his hands following suit. ‘I’m not letting you go without a fight, that’s for sure, sweetheart.’ 


About the Author

Lover of cake, Dragonflies and France. Hater of calories, maths and snakes. Sue was born in Hertfordshire but had a nomadic childhood, moving often with her family, before eventually settling in West Sussex.

Sue is married with four children, all of whom patiently give her time to write but, when not behind the keyboard, she likes to spend her time with them, enjoying both the coast and the South Downs, between which they are nestled.

To find out more about Sue visit her blogs www.suefortin.wordpress.com  and www.theromaniacs.co.uk

Follow Sue on Twitter: suefortin1

Like Sue on Facebook : Sue Fortin Writer's Page

Click here for the Rafflecopter giveaway




 

Cover reveal - Fallen For Rock by Nicky Wells

Woohoo! Today's the day that my good friend and fabulous author Nicky Wells reveals the cover for her latest book Fallen For Rock.

LAUNCH DAY is 30 JUNE 2014. Fallen For Rock will be available in ebook and paperback editions from Amazon!

‘A thrilling and delicious story of love and self-discovery woven around a broken romance that will make you turn page after page and cheer to the end.’

Love, life, loyalties. Nothing stays the same when Emily gets drawn into the world of rock.

Glossy and sophisticated professional high-flyer Emily has no time for nonsense such as the rock music her ex-boyfriend Nate adored so much. Yet when she unexpectedly comes into possession of VIP tickets—access all areas—for new rock band phenomenon, MonX, she can’t resist the temptation. 

The fateful gig turns into more than one night, and Emily finds herself strangely drawn to this new and unfamiliar glittery world. However, only weeks later, MonX and her own universe fall apart with devastating consequences for all. When MonX lead singer Mike appeals for her help, she reluctantly embraces a new opportunity. But she soon discovers that while she may be a rock chick after all, a groupie she is not… Or is she?

Just exactly where do her loyalties lie? And what direction will her life take now that she’s left behind everything she treasured?

Warning! Fallen For Rock contains some explicit content and strong language that may not be suitable for readers under eighteen years of age.

About Nicky Wells: Romance that Rocks Your World!

Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick author. Signed to US Publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing, she writes Romance That Rocks Your World, featuring the rock star and the girl next door… because there's no better romantic hero than a golden-voiced bad boy with a secret soft heart and a magical stage presence!

Nicky’s books offer glitzy, glamorous romance with rock stars—imagine Bridget Jones ROCKS Notting Hill! If you’ve ever had a crush on any kind of celebrity, you’ll connect with Nicky’s heroes and their leading ladies.

Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor at Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!

Nicky's books: Sophie’s Turn | Sophie’s Run | Sophie’s Encore | Spirits of Christmas

***Fallen for Rock—Coming 30 June 2014!***

Join Nicky:Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Romantic Novelists’ Association |Sapphire Star Publishing | Amazon | Goodreads| Pinterest

Did you know? There’s a single out now by Nicky’s fictional rock band Tuscq come to life! “Love Me Better” is available for download fromAmazon, iTunes and many other places.

 

 

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Think I'm "Addicted" to Nigel May's writing!

Today I am delighted to be joined by author Nigel May whose book Trinity blew me away! It could quite easily have been written by Jackie Collins and was a really fabulous read.

I caught up with Nigel this week, as he has launched his second book called Addicted about his writing journey, his inspiration and the future.  I cannot wait to read it and here's our chat. Enjoy!

Trinity was your debut book and a fabulous book it was too! What made you decide to write a book?

I have always been somebody who loves to write. When I was at school I remember writing a short story in my exercise book about being stranded on a desert island and reading it to the class. They seemed to like it so I guess it started there. I was a journalist and showbiz writer for many years working for a lot of young women's magazines like the late, great more! magazine, Inside Soap, New Woman and loads of other poppy ones like Live & Kicking, Top Of The Pops and the official East 17 magazine so I used to write for a living. I was the Showbiz Editor on more! magazine which I absolutely loved. I'd be interviewing the stars all the time, everyone from Britney through to Richard & Judy - I grilled them all. I've always had the urge to write a book and a few years ago I just sat at my computer and started weaving a storyline for Trinity. About six months later it was finished. I was thrilled when people said they liked it.


So tell us about your new novel Addicted

Addicted is another glam-fiction tale about four women who are all facing demons in their otherwise seemingly perfect lives. They're all different but they all have their addictions. There's Nancy the faded pop-star who's now forced to make low-budget straight-to-DVD movies to try and make ends meet. Portia, the diva opera star who longs to meet the right man but her love life is seriously out of tune. Lauren is a politician's wife and former model whose life is boring her senseless and finally there's Martha, the wine-heiress from South Africa who hates the expectations put upon by her father. The four women's lives end up intertwined and they all have serious addictions they have to face. The story starts with one of their funerals, but you don't know who's been killed and who the killer is until the end. It's a gritty but glamorous romp! A real whodunit.


How do you fit your writing in around your telly presenting job?

I love my TV job but my life as a shopping telly host and my life as a self-published author are completely separate. I love them both. My shift pattern allows me to work on the books on my days off from the TV. Although occasionally I will be sat in my dressing room and ideas for plotlines start bouncing around my brain.


Where do you write?

At home in front of the computer, normally with my dog or my cat or both curled up at my feet. I am at my most creative in the morning so I tend to write first thing. As soon as my partner gets home from work I become too distracted and end up talking about something else. I have a notebook (as in a paper one, not the technological one!) which I take everywhere with me too and I jot down ideas if something springs to mind. 

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere really. I love to travel and most of places I have been pop up in my stories somewhere. I love soaking up all of the surroundings when I'm on holiday. I am just back from India so I suspect that a forthcoming story might have a brightly-coloured taste of Bollywood somewhere in it. I went to South Africa on holiday and fell in love with the winelands so that's why one of the Addicted ladies, Martha, is from there. On the same trip I stopped off in Dubai so again that features in Addicted when Portia performs a concert there. As for the characters, I am fascinated by celebrity so I always have an idea of who a character might resemble in the 'real world' when I write them. It helps me visualise their story.


Are you a reader too? If so, what sort of books/authors do you like to read?

I read every day. I always have. I love books, which is why I dream of being a published author on the bookshelves of my local supermarket I suppose. My bookcase is rammed! Ever since I've had my Kindle I seem to buy even more than ever as I just line them up ready to read. I love glam fiction and strong female characters so I could read Jackie Collins all day. My favourite novel growing up was Lace by Shirley Conran. Such incredibly skilled storytelling. I am lucky that quite of few of friends are authors too - Belinda Jones, Victoria Fox, Tasmina Perry, Jo Carnegie - so I love their books too. I also love Armistead Maupin and the Tales Of The City series.


You were the only male author to feature in the Sunlounger anthology.  Why do you think you were chosen and how did it make you feel?

I was honoured to be the only man in such a huge pool of female writing talent. Who wouldn't be? I was tickled pink! I guess I was asked initially because Belinda Jones, the brains behind Sunlounger 1 and 2, has been a friend of mine for about two decades and she likes my writing too, which helps. In fact she's championed me all the way which I adore her for. But having said that, if my stories didn't fit into the Sunlounger 'perfect-beach-read' genre then I guess I wouldn't be in them! But thankfully the Sunlounger readers seemed to like my first story, set in Brazil, and I have everything crossed that they'll like the next one too, which is set in New Orleans at Mardi Gras. I love being a Sunlounger Guy! It's a brilliant concept - like a bite-size selection box of great stories.


Did you find it difficult to write a short story compared to a novel?

It's harder in some ways to get going as I have to make sure every bit of it is waffle-free so that I fit the word count given to me. Starting is the hardest thing. With Waterfalling In Love in Sunlounger I knew exactly what I wanted to write about from the moment Belinda mentioned the book to me. With A Lost Night In Louisiana in Sunlounger 2 I had to think for a few weeks before deciding on my storyline. I'll be watching TV or in the shower at the gym and suddenly the right idea will hit me from out of nowhere. With the novels, I can chop and change a bit as I write but with a short story I have to be a bit stricter I think.


What tips would you give to an aspiring novelist?

Just keep at it. Never ever give up. I've had two agents (right now I'm without one, but fingers crossed!), nearly been signed to a major publishing house and have had more knock-backs than I care to mention but I love writing and the joy of reading reviews from people who love your stories is incredible. I never planned to self-publish my novels but doing so has been great for me. If somebody had said to me that Trinity would have been new! magazine's Book Of the Week, been given a glowing review in The Sun, seen me hailed as the 'male Jackie Collins' and would receive hundreds of five star reviews a few years back I would have laughed them into next week. Plus I know so many fabulous booky people now as well which is amazing. It doesn't matter how you reach the destination, just make sure you enjoy the journey you take to get there. No matter what happens!


What’s next for Nigel May? Do you have more books up your sleeve?

I'm in the process of trying to secure an agent again and I have already written another book which will be, in principal, coming out online next year. It's another glam fiction story but a bit more of a psychological thriller. It's set in the UK and back in the 1980s so it's a bit different to Addicted and Trinity yet still in the same bracket of featuring strong female leads, if that makes sense! Plus, I've been writing something completely different which may surface at some point too. Next up is making sure that everyone knows that Addicted is out there for everyone to enjoy on their eReaders and also plotting with the Sunlounger 2 ladies for the launch of this year's collection. As long as people like my stories I will keep writing.

You can buy Addicted by clicking here.   

You can buy Trinity by clicking here.

You can find Nigel on his Facebook page and also tweeting away on Twitter and you can find out lots more about him at www.nigelmay.net.