I live in Cheshire with my husband, mother-in-law and two dogs and am an auntie to 16 nephews and nieces, all of whom I adore.  As well as writing I work part-time for a software company that provides ticketing software, predominantly for the sport industry.  When I tell people that I’m a trainer for football clubs, they do tend to give me a strange look – I don’t exactly have a sporting physique.  I let them think about it for a few minutes before telling them I actually train people how to use our software.
 
I have a large group of friends, some of which I’m proud to say are those from my childhood.  My friends, old and new, are all wonderful people who regularly provide me with storylines – whether they realise it or not.
​

.Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up.
I live in Wistaston, an area of Crewe and have lived in this particular house for fourteen years – half my married life.  I was brought up in various places; originally a little town in Stoke, called Goldenhill, then when my parents divorced and my mum remarried we moved to Alsager.  Eventually we moved to Crewe and then finally Nantwich.  When I married in 1988, I moved back to Crewe.
 
If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
There isn’t anywhere exotic that I’d like to live, my choice would always be no more than half an hour away from my family.  They are extremely important to me and I couldn’t function without seeing regularly.
 
Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
Nantwich is my inspiration for Rickeby, the town where all my books are based.  Like Nantwich, it’s a market town with a community of characters that know each other, even if it’s only by sight.  I did base a couple of chapters of one book in Florence.  It’s a beautiful place and once I’d visited it I knew I had to include it in a book somehow.
 
How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
It depends on the book, but for me the setting should be the backdrop to a good story.  While the reader needs to see it in their mind’s eye, I don’t think it should be the main character.  I like to think that my readers invest in my characters because I use the same town in every book, and characters pop up from other books, but it’s not an integral part of any plot. 
 
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A perfect writing day for me would be writing over 10 thousand words, without any distraction and then realising that what I’ve written is funny, interesting and entertaining.
 
A general perfect day would be, a lazy morning reading, followed by lunch with the girls and a good old giggle.  Finally ending with an evening with Mr A, and our dogs curled up on the sofa, either watching TV or listening to music.  Alternatively, an evening with our friends and a few drinks and laughs would be just as good.  I’m a simple soul.
​

Nikki Ashton’s latest release Cheese Tarts & Fluffy Socks is out now, and is available from - Amazon

To find out more about Nikki and her books visit - 
 Amazon Author Page
Facebook Nikki Ashton Books
Twitter: @nikkerash
Website: NikkiAshtonBook.co,uk

​Complex, Enthralling Romance Novel Proves Sex & Work is a Cocktail Best Left Unshaken

The most recent in a long line of celebrated romance novels from Nikki Ashton, ‘Cheese Tarts and Fluffy Socks’ zeroes in on a steamy one-night stand that, unknown to either party, is about to kick-off a working relationship that is far more than awkward. A hotel badly in need of investment, a young entrepreneur has been sent in to decide if it’s a good investment, but the daughter of the owner is…well…you get the picture.

Darrington Hall hotel is barely keeping afloat, and it's up to Holly Jenkins to save it. Jumping from one crisis to another, dealing with an errant father, irate guests and enduring some highly charged professional differences with the man that Holly can't get out of her head, and it looks certain that she will fail.

Against the backdrop of a crumbling hotel, Cheese Tarts and Fluffy socks is a great read with funny and witty dialogue. Interspersed with some dramatic moments is a complex, fun and sexy love story that will make you smile and give you a warm glow.

Q. Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up.
I live in the midst of Cheshire’s farming community, where pretty craft markets and food festivals are always a good reason to go out and enjoy the local history and amazing building.  Nantwich is a great location, you’re always only an hour away from something beautiful, be it hills, the coast or a fantastic city.  I was born in Staffordshire and raised in Cheshire, so I have lots of family local. 
 
Q. If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
I love the mountains!  We spend a lot of time visiting places of natural beauty and I adore the Europe mountain villages of France and Switzerland.  The pace and lifestyle seems to suit all, I think it would be an amazing place to raise kids too.  The fact that you get to experience all the seasons is just amazing and you get to really feel them as they change, they don’t bleed into one another, they somehow feel more dramatic.  It reminds you of how beautiful the world can be and how small we really are.  Next to a snow capped mountain, you realise your place in the world.  Taking my kindle, a pad and a pen to sit in the mountains is my idea of heaven.
 
Q. Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
Not so much a place, but the feeling you get when you visit somewhere.  My books are based on fictional ideals that I have about a small knit community.  I wanted to create the feeling that no matter where you are, there will always drama, but it’s the people around you that make it bearable.  It’s the place where you call home that makes you smile and feel lucky to be there.  Other than that, there is usually a mountain, a coffee shop and somewhere to get a beer!
 
Q. How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
Vital!  You need to connect with the reader, if it’s not somewhere real you have to give them enough to create that place in their imagination.  The fact that every person will imagine something slightly different is amazing.  It’s the ability to inspire someone to travel to somewhere you’ve created.
 
Q. Survivor is set in fictional Rockton, USA what made you choose this as the setting for your book?
There is a real Rockton, it sounds as idyllic as mine.  So essentially I created the setting, the shops and surroundings before giving it a name.
 
Q. What’s your idea of a perfect day?
It involves my kindle, a comfy chair to slouch in, a large bag of salt and vinegar crisps and a bottle of Prosecco.  I’d be in the same place as my family and they’d be having fun kicking a football around or cycling through a forest.  I love the idea that we can go somewhere together but enjoy our own ideas of bliss... then get fat and full on a lovely picnic!

Victoria Johns’ latest release Survivor is out now and is available from -
Amazon
​ 
To find out more about Victoria Johns and her books visit -
Author Page Facebook: Victoria Johns Author
Personal Page Facebook : Victoria Johns
Twitter: @victoriajohns75
Website: www.victoriajohnsbooks.com
Instagram : @victoriajohnsbooks

​When you're a woman on the run the last thing you need is a complication.
​
A complication that can unravel and expose your secrets, one that can undo the new life you're trying to build.
A complication in the form of an irresistible, tattooed guy, that brings out feelings and emotions that are as frightening as the things you're running from.

When you're a guy with a deadly job the last you thing you need is danger landing at your doorstep. Especially when that danger is a beautiful, sexy woman, begging to be protected, with a sack full of troubles hot on her heels.

He felt duty bound to protect her.
She felt obliged to resist.


Together they feel compelled to survive, but can they put it all on the line and expose themselves to have the one thing they want more than anything?
Each other.

​Anneli Purchase has more hobbies and projects than she can pursue in one lifetime, but of them all, writing takes priority. Traveling, camping, fishing, gardening, mushroom picking, and birdwatching are her preferred pastimes when she is not writing. Anneli has lived on Vancouver Island, Canada, for most of her life. The island provides everything she needs for the activities she enjoys.

Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up?
When I was six years old, my parents emigrated from Germany to live in northern British Columbia. It was cold up there in the winters and I was so happy when, after ten years of freezing, we moved to Vancouver Island where I have spent most of my adult life.
 
If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
I love living here on Vancouver Island and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. We have clean air, clean water, a temperate climate, and a good system of government that safeguards our rights and freedoms. Many other places are great for visiting, but for a place to live, the island is perfect. It has the ocean, as well as forests and mountains. Can’t wish for much more.
 
Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
Yes, all the settings in my novels are places I’ve become familiar with. I have spent time on the waters of the BC coast with my husband, a commercial fisherman, and this setting is used in my novels The Wind Weeps and Reckoning Tide. We have traveled to Mexico and camped on the mainland as well as on the Baja Peninsula. This is the setting for Orion’s Gift. My other novel, Julia’s Violinist, is based on stories inspired by my mother’s postwar experience in the part of Austria-Hungary that became Czechoslovakia, but I remember some of the places for the setting from having lived in the area as a child.
 
How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
The setting of a story has a huge influence on what events are able to take place in the story. My novels each have settings that are rather unique and so they add a certain flavour to the story. Readers will hopefully come away with new insights into what life would be like in settings that are probably quite different from what they are used to.
 
Orion’s Gift is set in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. What made you choose this as the setting for your book?
I saw a woman camping alone on a beach in Baja. She never left her van and didn’t seem to enjoy the beauty all around her. I wondered why she had bothered to come all that way and yet looked so sad. It was the nugget of inspiration for a book. Also, having spent many months living in this area, I felt I had an intimate knowledge of the places and customs of the people who live there. That gave me the tools needed to make the story authentic.
 
What is your idea of a perfect day?
Spending time in a small boat in the Bay of Conception, watching schools of dolphins go by, or exploring some of the secluded bays along the beaches, swimming in those bays, and enjoying the sun and the sea – those were perfect days in Baja.
​

​Anneli’s novel Orion’s Gift is out now and is available from -
Amazon.com       Amazon.co.uk       Smashwords.com

To find out more about Anneli and her books visit -

Twitter: @anneli33
Website: http://www.anneli-purchase.com

Can you tell us a bit about where you live now Jane, and where you were brought up?
 I live in a former mining village on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border, which I love. It backs onto a country park and is a great place to walk my dogs. Born and brought up in Nottinghamshire; we lived in a suburb, about four miles from the city centre, as a child I remember playing in the field behind our house. It’s a very different place now, full of houses and traffic.
 
If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
Although our village is semi-rural, I would love to live completely surrounded by countryside, no houses, just green fields, hills and trees.  I like my own space and would prefer not to have close neighbours. The Lake District or Northumberland are particularly appealing.
 
Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
Places I’ve visited inspired my first two books.
My love of the English Lake District inspired The Dragon Legacy
I visited Lake Garde a few years ago and loved the scenery and ethos of the place, so I set the second book in the series, The Revenge Masquerade in Italy’s northern lakes and Venice.
 
How important do you think the setting is when you write a story? 
When I write, the setting is often my starting point for the book. My stories are atmospheric and characterised by vivid imagery, the setting inspires this process.
 
‘The Dangerous Gift’ is set in Texas, what made you choose this as the setting for your book?
This was the first book setting that I hadn’t visited. I did research it extensively and was lucky to have some writing friends that live there. I also used Pinterest for inspiration.
I entered a pitch contest and the setting needed to be in North America. Texas and its open spaces and connections with the oil industry fitted with my ideas for the book.
 
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A clear, sunny day in the countryside, or by the coast walking and exploring with my dogs, is my ideal day.

Jane Hunt’s latest release 'The Dangerous Gift' is out now and is available from -
Amazon UK      Amazon
To find out more about Jane and her books visit -
Jane Hunt Writer Website       Blog       Jane Hunt Facebook
Jane Hunt Writer Facebook Page
Jane Hunt Writer-My Books Facebook Page
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Facebook Page     Twitter
Amazon UK Author Page    Amazon Author Page
Goodreads      Jane Hunt Pinterest     Jane Hunt Google+
My Books Google+ Page
Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews Google+ Page 
Jane Hunt Linked In     Jane Hunt Tumblr
Jane Hunt on Goodreads     Jane Hunt on Wattpad
​

Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up.
I live in West Sussex on the south coast and have lived in and around the area since I was fourteen years old. I’m very lucky to have the coast within a few miles one way and the South Downs a few miles the other way. I was originally born in Hertfordshire but have also lived in Cambridgeshire. Growing up we moved around a lot within those counties, but it always had to be within commuting distance of London where my dad worked. Three years seemed to be the average time we spent in one house and as the moves usually entailed a change of area and school, I spent most of the time as ‘the new girl’.
 
If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
Ideally, I’d love to be based in France – Southern Brittany to be exact. We have a second home there and have spent the last twelve years renovating the cottage. We love going over to visit as often as possible and, once there, we immediately relax into the quiet rural country life. I would, however, like to spend some months of the year in my favourite cities Paris, Rome and Barcelona. Don’t want much do I?!
 
Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
My first three length novels, United States of Love, Closing In and The Half Truth have all been set in my home county of West Sussex. There are some lovely towns in the area and, of course, the coastline – all make for a good setting. I think it adds to the realism too and local people like to be able to identify with the area and landmarks mentioned in the book.
 
How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
I think it plays a very subtle, yet important role in a story. It sits quietly in the background for most of the time and weaves its way in to help support the story. When it gives the reader a sense of being there without sounding like a tourist guide, it’s really doing its job well.
 
‘The French Retreat’ is set in France, what made you choose this as the setting for your book?
I’ve wanted to write a book set in the area for a long time and recently I had the opportunity to do so. Admittedly, I was spoiling myself, but I enjoyed every minute of it and intend to write some more in the Falling for France series.
 
Can you tell us anything about the book?
The French Retreat is a romance and mystery story. It’s a novella of approximately 40,000 words and set in Southern Brittany – I used our own cottage as inspiration.  It follows the story of two people who have both ended up in France to get away from it all – both for very different reasons. It’s an uplifting story of human compassion, hope and love, with a little bit of mystery and adventure thrown in.
 
If you weren’t a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
I’ve worked in various secretarial positions in the past but more recently worked in education, so it’s probably something in the latter I would be doing.
 
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Spending time with my family would come top of the list, followed by some time to work on a sewing project, read a book, bake a cake and go on a really long hike somewhere. Not sure there’s enough hours in one day for all that …

Sue Fortin’s latest release ‘The French Retreat’ is out now and is available from
Amazon.co.uk    Amazon.com
 
To find out more about Sue and her books visit –
Facebook     Facebook Author Page   Twitter      Website  
 

Excerpt
 Looking over, she spotted the MPV and a man striding towards her.
He had dark hair, just long enough to see the hint of unruly surfer type curls, his jaw was set in a firm line, as was his unsmiling mouth, and a pair of sunglasses covered his eyes. He wore a black tee-shirt, a pair of cargo trousers and desert boots on his feet.
‘Hi,’ said Marcie as he neared her. ‘Are you Will?’ She smiled at him.
‘Marcie Grainger?’ he said, not returning the smile.
‘That’s right, Ben’s sister.’ She held out her hand to him which, after a moment’s hesitation when she thought he was going to ignore it, he shook firmly.
‘Will Adams.’ He picked up her suitcase and began walking back to the car. ‘I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.
‘I didn’t know where to find you,’ said Marcie as she followed on behind. ‘Ben was a bit sparse with the details.’
‘Good job he told me to look out for a dizzy blonde carrying a suitcase, probably pink, and probably the same size as her.’ He opened the side door of the people carrier and slid the suitcase in.
‘He said that?’ said Marcie, not entirely sure she liked the description. Okay, she was blonde and her suitcase was pink and, yes, it was big, but she was staying for several weeks. It was the dizzy bit that bothered her most.
‘Yep,’ said Will, not expanding on the reasoning. ‘Front or back?’
‘What?’ said Marcie. She wished he would take his sunglasses off, at least then she would be able to see his eyes. It was good manners to at least make eye contact when you met someone for the first time. He wasn’t bloody CIA for God’s sake.

***

Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up.
Both parts of this question are very relevant to the setting of my novels. Firstly, I was born and brought up in the small Cotswolds town of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, place now quite famous for being close to Highgrove, home of Prince Charles – our future king! It has consequently gone upmarket and is brimful of antique shops, much to the dismay of  residents who struggle to find the basics of life. How different from when I was a child! Then I would go shopping with my Mum to the grocer, the baker, greengrocer, wool shop, toy shop (on a good day) and so on. The strong sense of a close-knit community in this picturesque, historic town of about 4,000 people is something that greatly influences my novels.
I left there to go to university in Leicester. About 37 years ago, having lived in various places, my husband and I moved to Surrey – Appley Green land! It is such fun to create your own English village – a blend of real ones such as Pirbright, Tilford Green, Frimley Green and others. Readers do seem to love the setting of my novels.

If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
As you get older the choice becomes complicated. Yes, my husband and I could in theory live anywhere – but weighing up the pros of cons of staying put and moving home is tricky. We have planted firm roots by now, but part of us would maybe like to move slightly east, perhaps Sussex, to be closer to our grandchildren (and ‘children’). Watch this space – and we’ll probably still be here in lovely, leafy Surrey.

Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
Just the local villages really, as explained.

How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
I think characters, story and theme are even more important, but certainly an appealing setting helps to form a picture in the reader’s mind. Really all these aspects go together, don’t they? It may be familiar or take someone away from their own surroundings.  

Secrets in Appley Green is set in the fictional place of the same name, what made you choose this as the setting for your book?  It is the fourth book all in the same place – I think the cross-references make it interesting for the reader and certainly this one looks at the lives of some of the older characters when they were young. They all standalone but are closely interconnected. Exciting to write and I hope read too!

Can you tell us anything about your next book?
I do not have a clear idea yet. Secrets in Appley Green was only launched two days ago – as I write this! My books seem to come in pairs – so maybe the next two will go together too. Will they be in Appley Green? I don’t know – but probably.

If you weren’t a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
I have had a huge variety of jobs in my life, most of them involving writing one way or another or ‘working with people’. Had I settled into a profession earlier I think it would’ve been some kind of journalism. At university I thought I’d like to be what was then called, I think, a ‘Child Adoption Officer’. Sounds very outmoded, doesn’t it? Now I am retired and want nothing more than what I am doing.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?
I am lucky. I have those – usually involving a mix of grandchildren, writerly activities, a lovely meal, family, friends, sunshine. As for the setting this could be at home or abroad.

Miriam Wakerly’s latest release Secrets in Appley Green is out now, and is available from 
Amazon.co.uk     Amazon.com


To find out more about Miriam and her books visit -
Facebook         Twitter        Website 'Miriam’s Ramblings'         Goodreads   

Excerpt – from Chapter 8
 He soon struck up a conversation of sorts with the landlord who consulted his watch and then swiftly served him, establishing that the weather had been wet, and surmising a possible improvement for folks going on their seaside summer holidays as, ‘Gawd knows, we could all do with some sun.’
‘So what do young people do for evening entertainment here?’ Walter asked, sipping the foamy head of his real ale.
‘What d’you mean by that, sir?’ he replied, looking offended, as if Walter had criticised the entertainment value of his hostelry.
Walter sighed, feeling beaten. ‘I mean the village. Sport, gaming, anything like that? Spot of dramatics? A band? I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking.’ He shrugged, past caring.

The man was now looking insulted and Walter smiled politely as some kind of peace offering as he turned away to sit down. This was too much like hard work. In London, people serving usually made a little effort since their livelihood rather depended on a good rapport with their customers, but such a concept did not seem to have reached this particular barman. Walter began to think that if he were to live here he would want to go around changing things, people and their ways; it could be a very frustrating exercise. Is that how he wanted to spend the rest of his life? The rest of his life …

Suddenly, rather reminiscent of the other day in The Duke’s Arms, there was a raised voice and a clattering sound; he swivelled to see what was going on. The man with the blonde had just slammed his chair into the table where she still sat and was storming out, leaving the young girl trembling and pink with embarrassment, staring down into her drink. She looked very vulnerable; he felt a compelling urge to save her from other men. Wipe that muck off her face and loosen that silly hairstyle, and there was a sweet little girl who needed help.

He ambled towards her, slightly unsteady on his feet. He imagined she might be in tears by now. As he came nearer, she looked up and stared at him, as if daring him to speak to her.
‘Are you …?’
‘Yes. Thank-you. I am.’
Walter wanted to laugh.
‘I mean, are you all right? I wondered …’
‘In what way ‘all right’? Why would you want to know?’ She narrowed her eyes and challenged him with a bold stare. ‘What’s it to you?’
Oh, this one had spirit! But she did not seem to want to talk, so perhaps he would leave her alone. Yet, he looked around; the other men were leering a little, as if waiting their chance.
‘Do you need someone to take you home?’
The girl stood up, grabbed her drink, whatever it was, threw it over him and stormed out of the pub with strides as long as her slender legs could muster.

***

Can you tell us a bit about where you live now, and where you were brought up.
I was born in a small town called Upington – on the one side is the Orange River and on the other side, the Kalahari Desert. I went away to go to college, met and married my college boyfriend and we now live in Betty’s Bay – a small sea-side village.

If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
Provence or Tuscany! And I know it’s probably much more romantic in my head than it actually is, but there is just something magical even in the names J

Have any places you’ve visited been the inspiration for a book?
We’ve just visited Paris and the small town of Epernay in France with our daughter and her husband. Epernay is well-known for making champagne. The voices in my head are already having endless conversations …

How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
Setting is part of the story. Most of my stories are set in South Africa and mostly in and around Cape Town, the part of the country where I live. I’ve found that readers love to read small details of the places the characters visited.

What made you choose Clifton as the setting for your book/story?
Real magic, my story in the Magical Weddings box-set is set in Clifton, a well-known coastal residential suburb of Cape Town.The wedding in the story had to be on a beach and Clifton’s setting is perfect for this.

Can you tell us anything about your next book?
My next book tells the story of another Cavallo bother, Dale. It’s called Touched to the soul and will be published by Etopia Press.

If you weren’t a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
I’d love to cook!

What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Having all our kids around the table, laughing and telling stories – nothing on earth beats that.



To find out more about Elsa and her books visit -
Website: www.elsawinckler.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elsa.winckler
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElsaWincklerRomanceAuthor?ref_
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As a sous chef in a busy restaurant, Carley’s days are full. Her free time is taken up by baking cakes for those less fortunate and spending time with friends and family – she is not looking for love.
And then on her way to her cousin’s wedding an angry, gorgeous man with one blue and one brown eye nearly runs her over in the street. And she remembers a previous wedding twenty-two years ago when the family psychic predicted that she would one day marry a man with one eye the colour of the sky and one the colour of chocolate.
When the man who almost ran her over turns out to be the best man the evening becomes surreal. Carley knows, though, that whatever she is feeling isn’t real. She has already lost her one shoe, by tomorrow her Prince Charming will be gone, she’ll be back in her kitchen and the magic will have disappeared.

Excerpt –
Stunned, he grabbed her hand. He didn’t think about what he was doing or why he was doing it, he just reacted on instinct. And once her hand was in his, he couldn’t let go. So he pulled her closer, his eyes on her long, slender fingers. Her nails were painted in a soft pink colour. Fascinated with this discovery and with the texture of her skin, he lifted her hand.

And that’s when he smelled it. Chocolate. Chocolate cake. That was what she’d been taking across the street just now. And there was some chocolate left on her middle finger. Well, that clinched it — he loved women and he loved chocolate. What was a mere man to do but have a taste of both?
****

Real magic, is part of the Magical Weddings box-set. There are fourteen more stories about weddings included in this collection - 
Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels - Celia's doomed to an arranged marriage—unless she can win the most important bet of her life!

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood - Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.

The Dress by Eve Devon - Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?

Second Chance Bride by Raine English - She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else...Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson - When Air Force pilot Luke Bryant finally confesses his feelings for her, Kelly Callahan knows there’s magic in the air the weekend of her sister’s wedding at Dragonfly Pointe. The promise of a future with Luke keeps Kelly patiently awaiting his return from Iraq. But will that one night of enchantment be strong enough magic for Luke to surrender his heart to Kelly, when he returns home a disheartened wounded warrior?

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland - Veronica has a wedding crash—but how far will Lucas, the best man, go to stop her!

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler - A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together…forever.

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark - How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride – Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!

Kiss This (Kisses and Carriages Book 2) by L.L. Muir - Floral designer Mallory's greatest distraction is the brother of the bride. She cannot guess what his motives might be, but one thing is for sure, she isn't foolish enough to believe in love at first sight.

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts - After two failed seasons, Juliana Stanley may finally have met her ideal husband, but, before she can be sure of anything, a family scandal means she may lose everything. What is she prepared to gamble to win a happy ending? And what is she not?  

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes - In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch—until real feelings get in the way.

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier - Jenna knew the weekend in Vegas, as maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding, wouldn’t be easy—especially since her ex-boyfriend Max was the best man. But does a simple kiss have enough magic to reunite lovers?

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde - Meredith Mulcahey has given up on love, but when she attends Akira and Zane’s wedding, unexpected guests might change her life forever. Will it be for better or for worse?

You can buy  Magical Weddings Box set from:

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And now meet Izzy from ‘The Vintage Cinema Club’-
Where do you live now, and where you were brought up?
Right now I live in a tall, four storey house on the hillside above Matlock, which belongs to my mum, and which I share with my three brothers. The guys do their best to turn it into slum dog central on a daily basis, but I fight back, because home is very important to me. When I was younger we lived nearby, in a lovely big Georgian house in the country, but that was before my dad went awol. Long story – read the book ;)

If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
Sometimes I think I’d like to be back in our lovely old family home, or one like it, but actually I think I’m better off where I am now, for so many reasons. #it’scomplicated

What’s your job, and if you weren’t doing this what would be your next choice of career?
I’m part of Vintage at the Cinema, a lovely reto shop which I share with my friends Dida and Luce, in a fab old building, which used to be The Palace Cinema in Matlock. My speciality is painted furniture, and anything pretty. This is my perfect job, and I can’t imagine doing anything else, but if I couldn’t do this, maybe having a flower shop might be the next best thing. Before my mum went away, she always wanted me to go into her interior design business, but that would be a career disaster, because I’d have zero patience with the customers.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?
In a perfect world I’d get up early, because I’d have a whole load of furniture to paint. I’d spend all  day painting, drifting off, dreaming, transforming, and at the end I’d have lots of beautiful stuff to sell. Then I’d head out for Happy Hour cocktails at Corks in Matlock, with my best friend Luc

And now to find out a bit more about the author, Jane Linfoot…
The Vintage Cinema Club is set in a lovely vintage shop in an old cinema in Matlock, what made you choose this as the setting?
I’ve always loved vintage style, but I was on a trip around The Lanes in Brighton when it hit me that a vintage shop, shared by friends, would make a great setting for a book. I used to go to furniture auctions in an old cinema building in Matlock, and that was the perfect inspiration for a space for the setting, especially since Matlock has unexpectedly become the vintage capital of the area lately. As the two ideas collided, The Vintage Cinema Club was born. There’s also a part of the book which takes place in sunny France too, just to up the holiday feel.

How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
For me the setting of the book is crucial for creating the whole atmosphere and feel of the book. I definitely don’t like to slow the pace of the action by overloading the book with long descriptions, but instead I set the scene with tiny details slipped in here and there. I love to draw the reader in, and immerse them in the place and the action. Ideally I want the reader to feel as if they’re living in the story.

Can you tell us anything about your next book?
A few words as clues: Vintage Wedding Christmas Short Perhaps ;)

‘The Vintage Cinema Club’ ebook is out now, with the paperback following on 30th July.  
You can buy from:
Amazon UK    Amazon US    iTunes    Sainsburys
Nook     Google play     HarperImpulse (all buy links)

And to find out more about Jane and her books visit - 
Author Page Facebook
Personal Page Facebook Happy to have new friends :)
Twitter @janelinfoot
Pinterest Lots of Vintage Cinema Club character pages on Pinterest!!!
Website: http://www.janelinfoot.co.uk

Excerpt –
Looking around the shop now, Izzy knew she’d personally excelled herself with the preparations for this birthday bash. Flowery bunting mingled with the twinkly chandeliers, soaring across the lofty space, above the gorgeous creams and greys of painted cupboards and dressing tables and dressers below. Artful piles of trunks and suitcases nestled against cascades of vintage fabric, and every shelf was decked out with an array of beautifully displayed objects, like a series of arty still life paintings. There wasn’t a corner of the shop that didn’t look as if it had come from the pages of a glossy up market country homes magazine.
Izzy and Luce had first met Dida at art college, when they were eighteen, and she was a thirty something, desperate to find some sanity after having her first baby. The friendship was cemented when Dida and Luce rocked up at the same ante-natal class, having Lolly and Ruby, who were sitting together on the counter now, fingers entwined, swinging their legs. Ruby caught Izzy’s eye as she gazed around, and her little wave made Izzy’s tummy turn over.
Ruby was so like Luce, all pale slender beauty, in her flowery shorts, snuggled in next to the vision of frills in pink fluo net that was Lolly, Dida’s daughter. Whereas Dida got the champagne flute, Lolly had exited the birth canal complete with diamanté tiara. Izzy knew without asking the battle that would have gone on at Alport Towers, Dida’s home, this morning, over Lolly’s insistence on day glow pink and orange glitter wellies.
Her friend Dida was in full flow with the speech now. ‘We were the first vintage shop, and as others followed, Matlock has become the retro shopping destination in Derbyshire.’
Izzy and Luce exchanged indulgent smiles. Dida was extending the short and punchy she’d agreed on for her speech, but they had pulled off something spectacular here, and just for once Izzy was enjoying a few minutes of basking in the glory. After the way her dad had treated her mum when he left, all Izzy had wanted was a means to make her way in life, without having to rely on a partnership with a guy who might up and leave at any moment. What seemed at the beginning like a happy accident of a retro shop, had gone a long way to giving her that independence, and she had her wonderful friends Luce and Dida to thank for that.
‘So thanks to Byron from Corks, for the wonderful cocktails we love so much, Gigi at Amandine’s Patisserie for keeping us supplied with delicious tarts especially the blue berry ones, to Evan at Majestic Wine, please don’t count the Moet bottles…’
Izzy gave a wry grin, and noted that Aidie’s name didn’t appear anywhere on Dida’s ever growing list.
Dida bashed on. ‘…and huge hugs to my mum and dad, I am so, so, so grateful…’
Talk about out of control at the Oscars. Izzy knew Dida’s mum was a total nightmare. Dida was doing a Gwynnie here. It was time to cut to the cake.
Izzy put on a five hundred watt beam, and chimed in. ‘So, shall we raise our glasses, and do confectionary?’ She gave Dida’s hip a large nudge, and nodded in the direction of the glorious tower of cupcakes, decorated with roses and lace, in sludgy blues and pinks and creams.
Luce had Izzy’s back. ‘Great idea.’ She added with her own wide grin.
‘Okay, so to sum up…’ Dida took a deep breath, her voice wavering now. ‘Vintage at the Cinema represents three women – Izzy, Luce and I – and we have worked our butts off to create something truly unique, that surpasses all our hopes and dreams.’ Dida wrapped her arms around Luce and Izzy, and pulled them against her.
Tears welled up in Izzy’s eyes at that last bit, and despite her best attempts to control it, her bottom lip began to wobble, as all the love she felt for Luce and Dida burst up in her chest. She was only saved from full blown howling by an overpowering blast of Dida’s Diorissimo, and the pain in her shoulder, as Dida squeezed her tight enough for the linen of Dida’s jacket to graze her skin.
 ‘So let’s raise our glasses, to the very awesome Vintage at the…’
Dida held her glass high, but before she could say the final word, a loud mechanical sound reverberated through the shop.
A shadow flickered across Dida’s beatific smile. ‘What the hell is going on out there…? Can someone please tell whoever that is, this is not the time for hammer drills.’
Izzy, peering past the crowd, could make out a ladder propped up on the pavement beyond the shop doorway.
As the crew moved towards the door and peered out, Luce got there first. ‘What are those two huge for sale signs propped against the window for?’ Her brow creased into a worried frown.
Dida staggered down from her trunk, and elbowed her way out onto the pavement. Then she grabbed an umbrella from a flower pot, rapped hard on the ladder with the handle, and shouted to the man above. ‘Excuse me, what exactly do you think you’re doing?’
‘98 Derwent Street, Commercial Freehold For Sale.’ The man said, glowering down from ten feet up and sounding casually confident Dida’s jaw dropped, but she squared her shoulders, ignored the collective gasp behind her, and shouted up. ‘I’m sorry, there must be some mistake.’
Izzy’s heart plummeted. She knew Dida’s husband, Aidie, was ruthless, but surely he wouldn’t do this to them. Although on second thoughts, this stunt had Aidie written all over it. From his snarky comments whenever he was around, which happily wasn’t that often, he clearly resented Dida’s growing independence. His wife’s success was a direct threat to a control freak husband like Aidie, and selling the building was a fast forward way to wrestle back his power, simultaneously wiping the floor with all of them. And if he was hell bent on bursting Dida’s bubble, in the most spectacular and public way possible, his timing was impeccable.
‘Definitely no mistake.’ The workman up the ladder sounded very sure of himself. ‘Don’t blame me, I’m only doing my job.’ His shrug and weary sigh suggested this happened a lot, then his tone became conciliatory. ‘Best ring the agents love, they’ll clear it up for you.’
Izzy, feet welded to the pavement, by a mixture of shock, and panic watched Dida bristle. She hated being called ‘love’. 
‘Eldon and Trellis. Right. I’ll do that now.’ Dida’s growl was ferocious. ‘I hope you realise you’re wasting your time up there, you’ll be back in half an hour to take it down.’
Fighting talk, and good on Dida for not taking it lying down, but Izzy, whose stomach was languishing somewhere at pavement level, wasn’t so sure. 
Dida bustled back through the shop waving her mobile. ‘So sorry about this, carry on with the cupcakes. One minute, I’ll sort this out.’
Nice try, but nothing flattened bubbly faster than bad news. Realistically, this party was over. 
Izzy, Luce and Dida threaded their way past the customers, as they discarded their plastic champagne flutes on the counter next to the untouched cupcake tower, and discretely began to disperse. Izzy’s heart was racing, and she wasn’t sure if her shaking knees were due to anger or pure fear. Dida might have pulled off an upbeat exit to the kitchen, but Izzy had caught the wild whites of her eyes as she passed. The gash of her red lipped grimace reminded Izzy of the face in Munch’s The Scream, and it was enough for Izzy to know that Vintage at the Cinema was in big trouble here. And that had to be awful news for all of them.

When did your love affair with Corfu start?
My very first holiday abroad with my husband, Mr Big was to another Greek island, Zante in 2001. We had an amazing time but were determined not to be one of these people who always go back to the same place. Our second holiday was to Corfu and well, we've never looked back! Out the window went our desire to go a different place every year, we fell in love with this island, hook, line and sinker. Corfu has a unique combination of great beaches, beautiful flora and fauna and mountainous terrain. And of course it has the great Greek food and the welcoming people too!

Have you ever thought of living there?
Every time we visit we dream of it and pay close attention to any 'for sale' signs on property! But the truth is we love the ambiance at the Mareblue Beach Hotel so much, I think we'd miss the interaction with other people if we bought a villa there... and the boules and volleyball. We would definitely consider spending a few months there at a time in the future if funds permit!

Was the hotel Blue Vue (in Truly, Madly, Greekly) inspired by a hotel you’ve visited?
Tee hee! Yes! It is very much inspired by the Mareblue Beach Hotel where Mr Big and I go twice a year. Every May/June we take our children for a family week and then at the end of September/beginning of October we head there as a couple. For us it's perfection. It's location is like no other – the scenery is breathtaking, the turquoise water and the mountains of Albania almost close enough to touch. Couple that with the gorgeous Greek cuisine and the brilliant entertainment (both day and evening) then you have an amazing holiday package! We are always so looked after by the Rokas family who own the hotel – it's like arriving at a second home.

And, I have to ask, what about Yan – was he inspired by an Adonis on your summer hols? (Or do you take your own with you?)
Ah, the lovely Yan! Yan is obviously completely fictional (more's the pity!) but the background to his story and his nationality was inspired by the lovely team of Bulgarian animators I met at the Mareblue Beach back in 2012. Tisho, Teo, Mary, Ginny and Nikolai all worked incredibly hard and in the two weeks we spent with them that year we became good friends. After that the first seeds of the story were born in my mind. I haven't worked on it for the entire three years, other books had to jump the queue, but it's a book that's very close to my heart for so many reasons. That fortnight was our first holiday at the Mareblue Beach and look what's happened since!

Top 5 Greek treats?
Only 5?!
1.    Metaxa brandy – the smoothest brandy in the world. A nectar from the gods!
2.    Olives – I LOVE olives! Black, green, purple, with everything and anything!
3.    Kumquat liqueur – a Corfiot speciality that must be tried
4.    Dolmades – cold or warm these rice stuffed vine leaves are delicious
5.    Feta cheese – breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between

What’s the one must-do thing for a first timer on the island?
That's a tough one! I think I'm going to have to say a boat trip. Getting out on the water in Corfu is something I do every time I go. It's the best way to see Corfu. Hidden coves, those huge mountains and that gorgeous sea!

What’s your idea of a perfect day (in Corfu of course!)?
It would start with an all-inclusive breakfast, followed by a boat trip up the East Coast including lunch at a local taverna and some time for sunbathing on the beach. Head back to freshen up for dinner and a Greek night including bouzouki music and plate smashing! Metaxa and coke to accompany it all!

And for those who have already devoured ‘Truly Madly Greekly’, what are you working on next?
I've just finished the first draft of my second book for Bookouture which should be coming out in the Autumn. It's a Christmas read set in New York! Snow and bagels!

Mandy Baggot’s latest release ‘Truly, Madly, Greekly’ is out now, and you can buy it from -
Amazon       Waterstones      Kobo       Barnes and Noble

To find out more about Mandy, and her books, visit -
Website   Twitter    Facebook   Goodreads   

Excerpt –
 ‘So, what do you think, so far? Is it the place? For my wedding?’ Lacey asked. She dragged her body into a sitting position.
‘It’s a beautiful spot. The mountains of Albania just across the water, the sea, the sand … not forgetting the water platform.’ She levelled a smile at her sister.
‘It’s pretty special,’ Lacey agreed, nodding.
‘But no matter how special the place, it has to be right. You and Mark have to be right.’ Ellen faltered on the last part of the sentence. This was so hard. How could she understand how Lacey was feeling? And what qualifications did she have for guiding her? Years trying to be the mother she really wasn’t. That was it. Nothing else. It was exhausting.
‘It feels like we’ve been engaged forever,’ Lacey admitted.
‘It feels like we’ve been planning the wedding forever.’
Lacey sighed. ‘I need to be sure that when the cake’s been cut and eaten … when the doves have been released and all the goody bags have been given out … when the disco’s playing “Run” by Leona Lewis … I need to be sure it  still feels special.’
‘Volleyball! We have volleyball in five minutes over on the sand court!’
Sergei’s voice had broken into the conversation, booming the next part of the animation program through the microphone.
‘Lace, if you need the thought of a big wedding … if organising the party of your life is the only thing making your relationship special, then …’ Ellen started.
‘It isn’t … I don’t think. I’m just not sure how to be sure.’ Lacey stopped talking and put a smile on her face at the sight of Sergei striding towards them.
‘Why are you smiling at him like that?’
‘Like what?’
‘Like a drunk celebrity on Alan Carr: Chatty Man.’
‘Drink your drink. Good morning,’ Lacey purred as Sergei arrived next to them.
‘Good morning. How are you?’ Sergei’s eyes were fixed firmly on Lacey’s bikini top, his dark hair perfectly gelled back, sunglasses on his face.
‘All the better for seeing you looking so energetic and ready for action.’
‘Don’t stand too close, Sergei. She’s been vomiting since seven.’ Ellen put her empty cocktail cup down.
‘You have too much last night?’ he inquired.
‘Too much what?’ Lacey batted her eyelids.
‘Please! Just tell us what you’d like us to sign up for before I start being sick.’
‘Volleyball. In five minutes.’
‘Lacey’ll play.’
Within a couple of minutes her sister’s mascara would be running down her face and her hair would resemble Seal in his dreadlock phase. Surely that would make her less attractive to Sergei.
‘I won’t. I can’t. I don’t know how to,’ Lacey protested.
‘I teach you,’ Sergei assured.
‘Great. That’s you occupied. I’m going to see if they have space left on the coach trip.’ Ellen got up from the lounger.
‘What coach trip?’ Lacey asked.
‘It was on the board outside the restaurant.’ She began to gather her things up together. ‘Some place beginning with “S”. I’m not sure. I don’t care. It looked nice and it isn’t volleyball,’ Ellen stated.
‘But we’ve only just sat down,’ Lacey protested.
‘And until you’re ready to make decisions one way or the other about this wedding I’ll be in the place beginning with “S”.’
‘Well, what am I going to do?’
‘I don’t know. Just try not to get pregnant.’

I am so pleased to welcome June here today - an author I've been lucky enough to meet in person. I was recently invited to speak at a library event (you can read more here), June was in the audience and during a chat afterwards I discovered she'd self published two books. After swapping emails I'm delighted that she agreed to answer a few more questions! So, over to June...

Q. Can you tell us a bit more about the setting for your book?
A. My first book - Seasons of Change - is set in England and the south of France.
I chose the south of France as one of the locations because it is one of my favourite holiday destinations and it was a good way to refresh my memory of some of the nice places I had visited.  

Q. If you had a choice where would you choose to live, and why?
A. Palm Springs, California. 
It’s a beautiful location surrounded by mountains with fantastic weather and lots of challenging golf courses. My husband would be permanently happy although  I’d have to transport all my remaining loved ones with me, as it’s just a bit too far away for family get-togethers. 

Q. Can you tell us a bit about where you live now.
A. I live and have grown up in Warrington.  Despite its industrial beginnings, Warrington is now a well-established, expanding town and well located for travelling to several of the nearby northwest cities including Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.
Many country walks are only a short drive away and some of the most beautiful areas of the Lake District are less than an hour away.

Q. Have any places inspired you to write, and why?
A. I’ve only recently started writing so find that, wherever I am, I begin to think “This would be a good setting for a storyline!!”  It’s becoming almost obsessive!!!
Realistically, I probably find holiday locations the most inspirational, because I’m more relaxed when on holiday and therefore more able to consider my writing.

Q. How important do you think the setting is when you write a story?
A. I think the setting is very important as in my mind it creates a framework within which the story can then develop.

Q. What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A. Enjoying a shared pursuit with one of the special people in my life – knowing that they were having as good a time as me.
Then returning home and sitting in the garden, on what would hopefully be a warm summer’s evening, watching the sun go down, reflecting on the day’s happy moments – possibly accompanied with a nice glass of wine.

Q. What inspired you to write your first book?
A. I was going through a difficult period in my life and found that writing enabled me to refocus and remain positive.

Q. Can you tell us anything about your next book?
A. I’ve already written my second book “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back” which is the sequel to “Seasons of Change” and follows the next phase in the group of friends’ lives. I’m currently toying with writing a third, maybe in a different genre.

Q. If you weren’t a writer, what would be your next choice of career?
A. I would have liked to be a successful sportswoman.

June Walker Smith's book 'Seasons of Change' is out now. To find out more about her and her books visit -
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