I am so excited to hear that two of my good blogging friends and one who is a dear sister to me, Dan Antion and Willow Willers, have been collaborating and have co-authored a book! How exceptional is that? I had a quick catch-up with them both to find out how the process worked!
How was it, coauthoring? Wasn’t it hard?
Dan: The co-authoring experience is something I hoped would be an interesting topic to discuss. It was a first for me for anything longer than a short story. Willow’s role turned out to be quite different from what I imagined it would be, but I couldn’t be happier with how it worked out. At first, I thought I would write the poems, and I thought I knew what I wanted them to say. When I realised I wasn’t capable of doing that, I reached out to Willow. I expected she would provide poems-on-demand, for lack of a better term. In the very first poem, Willson Barcroft’s prayer card, Willow’s effort changed my mind. She gave the Poet an edge that I didn’t expect, and that changed the way I thought about the character, and it changed the book.
Willow: Well, I found it easy… I found I easily got what needed to be expressed in the poetry. I discovered we could easily discuss things and that the miles between us didn’t create barriers. Dan was clear and concise in what he wanted the poet to say. In fact, he made me feel involved in the running of the plot… and of course it helped that I loved the plot, which was so different from Dan’s previous books. I love all his books, and through reading them, I really felt I could suss out where Dan’s story was going. Plus, all the familiar characters were a great comfort. Then, after a short while, I felt I had become the poet… He got inside my head. I was worried that Dan might not like some of my poetry but to my surprise he did as much as I liked the plot …being able to be open and discuss everything was a great help.
Dan, why Willow?
Dan : “Why Willow?” At the point where I realised I needed the help of a poet, Willow had just completed her series on child abuse. I knew the poet I would work with had to be comfortable with dark topics. I wasn’t sure she’d be interested when I first asked her. Her reply made me so happy; I knew at that moment that this was going to work. I also knew that I wouldn’t complicate the process by trying to box Willow into any arrangement.
Willow, how long did it take you to decide to accept the co-authorship of the Book?
Willow : Aha! Well, Ritu it took me … 5 minutes!
Did either of you find this process difficult?
Dan : Not at all, not in the least.
Willow: Absolutely not.
Well, this all sounds amazing, and the book is due out on June 11th! Keep your eyes peeled for a review!
The Blurb
Trevor Barcroft is convinced that mystery/true crime author Brody Thompson wrote the scene in which Trevor’s father Wilson Barcroft was murdered. What should be a simple answer to this five-yer-old crime is one that neither the police nor the FBI want to uncover; and one Bernie Bouchard doesn’t want his young investigative reporter, Rascal Todd, digging into. Warned to stay away from the investigation.. Brody and Trevor begin a dangerous quest, led by the musings of a mysterious poet who has been hiding in plain sight for decades. What does the Poet know that keeps him in hiding? What did Wilson Barcroft know that got him killed? Why can’t Brody walk away from a meaningless and dangerous pursuit?
Author Bios
Dan Antion’s Bio
Dan is retired from a 42-year-long career in systems development and other technology and began writing his first book the next day. He’s married, the father of one child, and although there are no pets around today, he and his wife have had four Irish Setters and a handful of Tuxedo cats over time. Dan is the author of the Dreamer’s Alliance Series and the Rascal Todd Mysteries. When Dan isn’t writing, you might find him in his woodshop, working around the house, or walking around with a camera. He also might be having a beer with friends and some of those encounters have inspired the fictional bar stories on his popular blog—NoFacilities.com
London born Willow Willers is retired and lives in Berkshire, Southern England. Along with her husband and a steady stream of foster dogs mainly Guide Dogs for the Blind. Willow is mother to three sons all grown and flown and two fast growing grandsons.Writing, poetry and prose have always been her passion in fact she wrote her first pieces before she was eight. After two life changing accidents Willow started writing in earnest and has found it a life saver. You can find willow at willowdot21.wordpress.com
Today, I am so happy to have a returning writer friend, Nina Kaye, visit my blog, to talk about writing and her newest release, Lucky Number.
Hello, and welcome to But I Smile Anyway again, Nina! Let’s get you set with a drink, first. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or maybe a masala chai? I know there was planty of champagne in the book, so have some bubbles chilling in case you wanted to indulge!
If we’re going masala tea, I can offer you some homemade pakoras as I have recently mastered the art of frying the softest, yet crispiest ones, or a slice of Victoria sponge.
Hi Ritu, thanks so much for having me on your blog again. As it’s on offer, I’d love a glass of fizz. And maybe some freshly made pakoras too. I think that will make a delicious combination!
Savoury is definitely a good bet!
We spoke about how you became a published author the last time you visited, and that was very much all about your traditionally published route. This book, Lucky Number, and the sequel are being self-published. What made you go this route instead of submitting to other publishers? (I went in the opposite direction, going from self-published to a small, women-run indie press!)
Great question! It might seem like an odd move but it’s actually been a very deliberate one and I am by no means walking away from the traditionally published route. I guess if I were to put label on my situation, I’ve gone ‘hybrid’. Lucky Number was the first book I ever wrote. It’s also what I call ‘my rehab book’ because I started writing it as a way of rebuilding my cognitive capabilities after a significant health event in my life (it was basically ‘physio’ for my brain). So, it has great personal meaning to me and I always wanted it out in the world. I actually self-published it back in 2016 (or thereabouts) and then took it down from Amazon six weeks later because I was offered representation by a literary agent (I was also querying at the time). However, despite it being the book that got me an agent, it was never bought by a publisher because it didn’t sit cleanly within any genre. I did get great feedback on it though, and that spurred me on to write more books and eventually become successful in getting traditionally published. Anyway, what started out as one book – originally called As Luck Would Have it – has turned into a two-book series (Lucky Number and Another Lucky Number), and as these stories still don’t sit cleanly within a genre, I decided that I wanted to put them out there myself and have a proper stab at the indie publishing route this time. Though I love being traditionally published author and all the opportunities and learning that comes with that, I’m someone who enjoys being creative without boundaries and this independent approach allows me more of that. I’m also a doer and being in control of my own destiny quite suits me. I’ve enjoyed taking these stories in the direction I wanted them to go, managing the design of my covers and creating my promotional posts such as the one for my cover reveal. In fact,
I’m currently doing the same with a children’s book I’ve written, the main characters of which are based on a couple of clay models I also made during my ‘rehab’ period. I will self- publish that too, hopefully this spring. Ooh, that sounds interesting! I’ve got a couple of texts that I have written which Id love to be picture books, but am floundering with, as I am so not an illustrator!
Reading the acknowledgements and seeing when you wrote this book made me pause to think. Writing is so healing, and you call this your rehab book. Did you feel the positive effects on your mental health as you wrote? (Again, I have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is nothing compared to what you went through, but I really get the cathartic feeling you get from writing.)
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Ritu. Living with chronic illness is tough and it can be quite isolating. I hope you are getting enough support. I’ll answer your question more generally rather than just honing in on that period in my life. Writing definitely helps with my mental wellbeing. I’m a pretty content person actually, despite my health challenges, and I think part of the reason for that is because I’ve found that creative outlet. I’ve spent a lot of time on understanding myself and what matters to me and I think it really helps that I’m living my life in alignment with that. Also, writing works as a distraction from the constant pain and unpleasant sensations in my body. Being totally honest – and I know I don’t just speak for myself when I say this – some aspects of being an author are actually detrimental to mental wellbeing, and I know there are a lot of writers out there who struggle. I think it’s important to acknowledge this. I found myself struggling at a point as well and wondering whether it was worth continuing. With my health situation, I need to be very careful about how much stress and other negative feelings/experiences I subject my already challenged body to. But I’ve managed to get on top of that (for now anyway) so at the moment,t ‘authoring’ is very much a positive and therapeutic process that I can lean into and gain the therapeutic benefits from. It’s about making sure the positive outweighs the negative.
And how is your health now?
It’s an ongoing battle, I won’t lie. Day to day, I live with chronic pain and fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, an overreactive central nervous system… and lots more symptoms! There are still too many days when I have difficulty walking, I fall down or where I lose control of my body entirely and my muscles spasm so badly that I’m wailing in agony. But I’m in a much better place than I was ten years ago and I appreciate that every single day. I know it could be a lot worse because I’ve been there.
Right now, we need to talk about Lucky Number! Where did you come up with this idea of an unexpected win?
Gosh, I can’t remember now! It’s so long ago. I think it was just an idea that came to me and I ran with it. It’s not based on a personal experience sadly. Sorry to disappoint you. I think we all wish that could be something we were able to experience personally, lol!
Emma really had a run of bad luck at the beginning, and there were several mishaps throughout the book. Do you think your life’s ups and downs were reflected in that part of the story?
That’s an interesting question. No, I don’t think so. There wasn’t any clear inspiration from my own life in the way that there was with my chronic illness-themed book, Take A Moment. I was really just working with the age-old question of ‘can money buy happiness?’ and trying to portray that it obviously helps, but it doesn’t solve the difficult stuff. Basically, the things that you can’t use a bank card to fix. Emma, my main character, had to go through some lows initially for her win to be seen as the answer to her problems and then again later for that age-old question to be properly explored and answered with my interpretation of it.
Emma has a wonderful group of friends around her, from the calm and careful Cat to the firebrand Amber. Every girl needs friends like them! But my favourite had to be Lottie. I love the idea of having an older friend, and I have had several myself, whose wisdom was invaluable. Was Lottie based on anyone you know?
Oh, that’s a surprise! I adore Lottie, but I hadn’t expected her to be your favourite character. It’s a really nice surprise. What’s particularly interesting about it too is that Lottie wasn’t in the first iteration of the book. I introduced her during a structural edit after it was suggested to me that I could add some emotional depth to the story. She’s not based on anyone I know but I liked the idea of bringing in an elderly character because older people can too easily be overlooked and dismissed when they have so much to offer the world, in particular their wisdom. I wanted to show how a relationship like that – between an older and younger person – can be mutually beneficial. I think those people from the older generations have so much to give, and it’s up to us to spend time with them, chatting, and to encourage the younger generations to realise the value of their older relatives. 🙂
Even though romance wasn’t the only premise in the book, it was a thread that ran through in the form of James. I LOVED the little twist revealed at the end, regarding her lottery numbers! Who is the inspiration for James?
Ah, James. Yes, he’s quite the catch. I have my own James (my husband) and in the Acknowledgements I’ve made it clear that he’s not the inspiration for the love interest in Lucky Number who shares his name (not entirely anyway!). I got lucky in love not long before I became unwell and I’m grateful every day that the universe brought my James to me before all that happened. Otherwise, we might never have had the chance to meet and my life might be very different now (in a bad way). I think some of my husband’s positive qualities have come through in the character of James, but he’s definitely not a carbon copy. The reason they share a name is because my James was there for me through the most difficult time of my life. He was basically my hero. So I named my male main character in Lucky Number after him. I did wonder about changing the name at one point, especially as the male main character in One Night in Edinburgh is called Jamie, but the book has so much meaning for me that I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
And, I have to say that I am so looking forward to the second installment! You’ve left me truly wanting more! Can you let us know when to expect the next book, Another Lucky Number?
That I am so pleased to hear! And the good news is you don’t have long to wait. Another Lucky Number will be out in the summer, though I’m still to nail down the exact date.
I am ridiculously excited to read it, so I’ll try not to wish the time away too quickly, lol! But, Peeps it is a fantastic read, and I hope you do get clicking on the buy link down below!
Thank you so much for coming to visit, again, Nina!
Thanks, Ritu, I enjoyed answering these questions!
And so to the Blurb!
Her numbers have come up, but can money really buy her happiness?
Emma is stuck in a rut. Her boss is a bully, she’s missed out on a promotion at work and her partner is a sanctimonious git – not that she knows it until he heartlessly dumps her, leaving her homeless. In an unexpected twist of fate, Emma finds herself with a winning lottery ticket. She thinks a bulging bank balance will make all her problems disappear, and the first thing she’s going to do is have some fun by living like a millionaire for a week.
With romance off the agenda for the foreseeable future, a newly carefree Emma embarks on the experience of a lifetime. But between a series of run ins with a handsome yet irritating stranger and finding herself involved in one disaster after another, her life is soon unravelling again.
Will Emma realise that money doesn’t solve everything? And can she untangle herself enough from the mess she’s in to take a chance at real love?
Nina Kaye writes warm, witty and uplifting reads with a deeper edge. She has previously published Stand Up Guy, Just Like That, One Night in Edinburgh, Take A Moment and The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating. Nina lives in Edinburgh with her husband and much adored side-kick, James. In addition to writing, she enjoys swimming, gin and karaoke (preferably all together in a sunny, seaside destination).
Today, I am thrilled to welcome amazing author Susan Buchanan to my blog for a cuppa and a chat about all things writerly, especially her latest release, Leap Year Proposal.
Thank you so much for having me Ritu.
Hello, and welcome to But I Smile Anyway, Susan! Let’s get you set with a drink first. Would you prefer a coffee, a cup of tea, or, to be brave, traditional homemade Indian masala tea?
Thanks for having me, Ritu. Lovely to be here. Normally, I’d go for a latte or even a hot chocolate (loaded, of course!), but I like to embrace my inner adventurer, so let’s have some of that homemade masala tea, please.
If we’re having masala tea, I can make samosas and pakoras (fried potato and vegetable fritters), but I also have homemade shortbread cookies!
You may have to win me over on having those with tea, to be honest, but I do like them – usually with a glass of milk on the side actually! And, c’mon, I’m Scottish. Of course, I like Shortbread! If I’m superb, can I have both?!
Absolutely!
Now, it’s so lovely to have you on my blog, Susan! And this visit hits a bit differently since we met in person at the 2024 RNA Conference last year. I don’t often get to say that I have sat alongside many of my Book and a Brew friends! How has writing life been treating you since August?
Yes, it was lovely to meet you and what a gorgeous location for the conference at Royal Holloway. Writing life has calmed down a little now as I switch my focus to the business side of writing given the launch of The Leap Year Proposal and the launch in a few months’ time of You Can’t Hurry Love. But when we last met, I hadn’t even decided to write A Little Christmas Spirit yet so September onwards was pretty intense, although mostly in a good way. I’m actually trying to carve out some time between launches to work on the next two books. I live in hope!
Where do you like to write? Do you have a writing room at home, or are you a nomadic writer, taking your notebook and pen or laptop to different places?
I think where I like to write and where I do write are not actually necessarily the same place! If I could, I’d be in a café (which I have done in the past) being supplied with copious amounts of hot chocolate and cheese toasties when needed, so I could simply focus on writing. (Idyllic!) However, when the kids are at school, I tend to write on my laptop on a lapdesk in my living room, on my recliner sofa, with my Labrador, Benji, taking up 90% of the sofa. When the kids are home, I either do the same and put headphones on (!) or I retire to my office. I don’t like writing in bed. I have to say I have, in the past done a lot of my writing in bed!
Are there any of your books with a special place in your heart? I know that is a toughie, as they are all our book babies, aren’t they?
Prior to this year, I’d have said no, as, as you rightly say, they are all our book babies. However, given the impact The Christmas Spirit and indeed the Christmas Spirit series has had on so many readers, and the amount of positive feedback I’ve had from readers about that book, telling me how it made them find their Christmas spirit when they weren’t feeling it, how they’d wanted to ignore Christmas this year, or how it just gave them a lift, I’d have to say The Christmas Spirit. What wonderful feedback to have had!
Correct me if I am wrong, but is this your tenth book now?
Yep, book 10. Kinda exciting, actually. It’s also funny how it wasn’t the tenth book I wrote. For various reasons, books aren’t always released in the order you write them! Apart from The Leap Year Proposal, I have two series and two other stand alones.
Let’s return to your latest release, Leap Year Proposal. I love romance, and you had three very different relationships within this book. How easy was it to weave the three stories together to make one book?
Well, to be honest, that’s what I love the most. And for anyone who has read my Christmas Spirit books, they’ll know that having multiple points of view is something I enjoy writing. However, this book has had so many permutations – a couple of publishers asked for quite major changes. Some I made, some I didn’t. But the one thing I would not back down on was the three female protagonists. To do otherwise would have been a different book.
I have to admit that I am one who loves to both read and write multi-POV stories. My series all have at least three POVs, and it really helped me create the characters which my readers then develop feelings for, and they want to know more. I think it’s why the first book became a series, because I had so many people asking me about the other characters!
I may well release chapters of the original to my subscribers at some point as I cut/changed a lot of the original book. Secondary characters were cut, locations were changed and even occupations. I loved the original book too, but I do love this version.
What was the inspiration for the whole leap-year proposal idea? It seems archaic, now, for women to wait for 4 years before they can officially propose to a man!
Ha! Now there’s a story, so I’ll give you the short version. Years ago, I remember hearing of it and thinking it was romantic. Nine years ago, I remember hearing it on the radio and thinking, ‘Aw, that’s nice.’ Fast-forward 4 hours and I’d proposed! My proposal and our story has nothing to do with the book, but it gave me the germ of the idea for the story. And of course, women can propose whenever they like, but I think 29 February is a special day, simply because that day only exists once every four years!
What a brilliant story! I love it! You old romantic, you!
Jess being a dog walker, I also got my fair share of furry buddies being mentioned! Do you have a pet, at all? I love animals, and we have two cats here who are equal parts love and mischief!
Yes, the crazy Labrador, Benji. He’s actually part polar bear. He’s enormous. But a big teddy! And greedy as heck!
Gorgeous! We have big cat and little cat, Sonu Singh, who is 11 and Minnie Kaur aka The Minx, who is one next month!
I must tell you I devoured your latest offering in pretty much a day, because I really enjoyed the premise of the story. Plus it was based in Scotland! I’ve never been before. Are all your stories set there?
Aw, thank you. I’m so glad you liked it. I can’t believe you’ve never been to Scotland. Get up here! No, in actual fact, my first book, Sign of the Times, is set in Scotland, Switzerland and Italy; my second book, The Dating Game, is set in Scotland and Spain (Barcelona, where I used to live); two of my Just One Day series books are set in Scotland, and Italy and Spain (Bergamo and Madrid) and the other two are set solely in Scotland, and two of my Christmas Spirit series are set in Scotland. The Leap Year Proposal has a section in Italy, and my next book is set in Costa Rica, and the one after that in France. Did I mention I love travelling?! Readers can also expect many more books set in European and faraway locations!
Well, I’m going to have to get up there, somehow, aren’t I? And yes, I can definitely tell you love your travel!
And what is next for Susan Buchanan?
Ah, that’s what I get for jumping the gun – see above! My next book will be out on 6th May, the one in Costa Rica. It’s set in a sloth sanctuary – which I visited and loved, many years ago. The title is You Can’t Hurry Love, which appealed to my sense of humour since sloths are not known for their speed on land! There will be another Christmas Spirit book in 2025 and possibly A N Other book, but I haven’t decided which yet, or indeed if I can manage the timescales. Suffice to say, there will be at least 3 books from me in 2025!
That sounds amazing! You are one busy lady!
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful writing world with us, Susan!
Thank you so much for having me today. 😊
Good luck with your latest release!
The Blurb
Three women. One crazy hen weekend. A life-changing decision.
When three women meet on a mutual friend’s hen weekend on the Scottish island of Arran, they get more than they bargained for when one of them has the genius idea of proposing on 29 February, like the age-old Irish tradition.
High-flying businesswoman Anouska and boyfriend Zach are deliriously happy and madly in love. If only they had more time together. But now she’s pregnant and doesn’t know how to tell him since having kids hadn’t featured in their plans.
Dog walker Jess lives with her childhood sweetheart, but they’re already like an old married couple, without the romance, or the wedding, or the ring. When Mark doesn’t propose on New Year’s Eve, Jess is gutted and decides to take matters into her own hands.
Ellie and Scott still live apart after six years, and his lack of commitment is a sore point. She’s up for a huge promotion which involves moving country. It’s make-or-break time. She needs to know he’s worth turning down the job for.
The women meet weekly, helping each other with decisions big and small, becoming each other’s support system in the run-up to ‘the big ask’.
Will love conquer all or will their hopes and dreams come crashing down around them?
I love romance, and it’s a treat to have three tied into one book, along with a little tradition that they decide to see through. Three women, strangers to one another, all in relationships but very different situations, meet at a mutual friend’s hen weekend and, for whatever reason, decide that they will all propose to their partners on February 29th, as it is a Leap Year, and the woman proposing on that day is an age-old tradition. Split into three POVs, the story follows Anouska, Jess, and Ellie over a couple of months as they build their friendship and experience the trials of planning secret proposals. The thing is, nothing is going to go smoothly, is it? Especially when there are little secrets, doubts and confusion in the mix! I read this story in about one day, thoroughly enjoying each woman’s story. I also loved the blossoming friendships that developed throughout the book. Another Scottish-based book makes me want to visit all the more! Many thanks to the Author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC
About the Author
Susan Buchanan writes romantic comedy, contemporary romance and women’s fiction, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!
Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.
When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.
Giveaway to Win a signed paperback of The Leap Year Proposal (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
Is she a glutton for punishment, or does she just like my nibbles? Kiley is back for a fourth visit!
Today, I am thrilled to welcome amazing romance author Kiley Dunbar to my blog for a cuppa and a bit of a chat about all things writerly, especially her newest release,A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop. It’s out, TODAY!
Welcome back, Kiley, for your fourth Book and A Brew with Ritu! Something of a record, there!What drink would you like? I’ve got all the usual, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, masala tea?
Hi! It’s so nice to be back round at yours! Thanks for having me back. I’ve been reading your lovely characters in In God’s Hands. (I’m hiding behind my hands -eek!) and getting FOMO – so please can I have some, with sugar!
Absolutely! And, today there are fairy cakes! ��
Ooh, nice! I brought some Scottish tablet, which I make every new year. Hope you love it, it is ridiculously sweet. Why, thank you! The last time I had tablet was when we went camping for my Duke of Edinburgh Award nearly 35 years ago! (Jez, that makes me sound old!)
I love that you are back here for another cuppa with me, Kiley! How have you been? What is new in Kiley Dunbar land?
Cheers! It’s so nice to be back. I feel like I’ve spent the last couple of weeks with you as I’ve been reading In God’s Hands every night before bed and loving it!
Sheesh! Thank you!
What’s new with me? Well, I have lots of happy news this new year! A new book just released called A New Chapter at the Borrow a Bookshop, as well as a new book series coming up later in the year! Phew! It’s all go in Kiley Dunbar land!
And any new vintage bits you’ve acquired recently to tell me about?
Sooo many! From my vintage 1980’s Stead and Simpson (remember them?) ankle boots (somehow never been worn and on eBay) and lots of little vintage trinkets for the house. I can’t resist glassware or plant pots from the charity shops! I’d rather find and fix than buy new. It’s all about the fun of the search for me!
I love seeing your posts with your finds!
I’m going to the Meet Cute festival this year. Will you be there? Is there anywhere else that your reader fans may meet you this year?
Sadly no, I’m going to be laying low in 2025 (as far as events go) as I have two books to write for my new series. It’s going to be a busy year. I’ll miss seeing you there, though; the Meet Cute Festival always sounds amazing! Make sure you tell us all about it on your blog!
Oh, I will do that! I have somehow managed to volunteer for one or two talks there, too!
Have you joined the Bluesky revolution? I have, but I don’t know if I am giving myself more work, lol!
I’ve only just got on Threads, haha. Not sure I can cope with another new socials! I think I’ll stick to enjoying my Instagram for now, I feel like I have most fun on there. I’m full of admiration for folks branching out with Bluesky. Maybe I’ll see you over there one day!
I’ll be honest; I’m there, but not really active… I think Insta/FB are my main platforms and Tiktok/Threads come second!
Let’s return to the book of the moment, A New Chapter at The Borrow a Bookshop. Book 5 in one of my favourite series! I did love this kind of second chance/friend-to- lovers theme! Did you enjoy writing Annie and Harri’s story?
I enjoyed it more than any other book I’ve written. It’s my first ever attempt at my favourite ever trope ‘friends to lovers’ and every page was fun! Harri and Annie were made for each other, but of course they take a while to realise and there’s a lovely ‘will they/won’t they’ slow burn with a tiny bit of spice along the way.
And the mystery of the Clove Lore Castle… that was entertaining! Inspired by anything real that you may have read or a total figment of your imagination?
I wanted to explore a bit of the countryside around Clove Lore in this one and so the creepy old castle and its mysterious hermit owner came into being. I also really wanted Harri and Annie to spend the night accidentally locked-in somewhere away from the bookshop, hence the castle’s old gothic library with the roaring fireplace where they, ahem, realise they might be more than just friends. That was perfect!
Please tell me this isn’t the end of my dream holiday spot!
Well… I never say never. I hope one day I can go back to Clove Lore and make more book nerds fall in love, but for now there’ll be a break in the series. I’m going to miss everyone sooo much! I know that feeling. Right now, I am toying with the idea of a series book 4 or something totally different, but those Rishtay characters are so compelling!.
Now, what do we have in store for you, book-wise, next?
I have a brand new series launching in summer 2025 (with publisher Boldwood Books) called The Highland Repair Shop. It’s set in my version of the Scottish Cairngorm mountains and centres round a community of expert fixers. It’s all about people who love their planet and will not take broken for an answer. That goes for broken hearts too. I promise it will be very, very romantic as well as community and sustainability-minded. Are you a make-do-and-mender, Ritu? It suits my thrifty (read ‘tight with money’ haha) disposition.
This sounds like another corker, Kiley! I cannae wait! And, while I’m not much of a mender, I totally agree with the thrifty mentality!
Thanks so much for a lovely cuppa and chat! You really know how to help a girl celebrate a book launch, Ritu! I’ve had a blast.
I am thrilled to have been able to host you again, Kiley. I know it won’t be long before you are back!
Now, as I mentioned before, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of A New Chapter At The Borrow A Bookshop, so let me share the blurb and my review.
The Blurb
A decade after they said goodbye after graduation, old friends Harri and Annie reunite in the beautiful village of Clove Lore in Devon – what more could these bookworms want than a holiday running the tumbledown bookshop?
Unbeknownst to Annie, Harri is arriving with a bruised heart after the end of his long-term relationship, while Annie is running away from painful memories in Texas.
Elsewhere in Clove Lore, the mysterious owner of Castle Lore has died, causing much gossip in the village. When Harri and Annie are sent to investigate the huge Gothic library, they find themselves locked in overnight and soon, are discovering their connection might be more than just good friends…
I make no secret of the fact that I am a total Kiley Dubar Fan. I have read every one of her books and love the worlds she builds. They are relatable and visitable all in one! Clovelore is somewhere I want to go, and I’ve already said in previous reviews that if there were a Borrow A Bookshop holiday scheme, I would 100% be up for it! This time, we meet the new borrowers, Harri and Annie, old friends who were Uni pals and flatmates, then separated after graduation. Harri stayed in Wales with his girlfriend, and Annie flew back to The States. The simmering chemistry between these two friends is obvious, and Kiley turns the heat up in teeny notches. You can feel the attraction slowly reaching the boiling point, and I love how she does that! Of course,, we get to catch up with all the other Clovelore locals and some of the previous borrowers, as well as meet a wonderful new character, William Sabine, who has a heartbreaking story of his own. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful read. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend the rest of the series, too, simply because it is such a brilliant concept! May thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
And here’s a little about Kiley and her other books.
Kiley Dunbar is Scottish and lives in England with her husband, two kids and Amos the Bedlington Terrier. She writes around her work at a university in the North of England where she lectures in English Literature and Creative Writing.
Today, I am incredibly excited to have a fantastic author and interweb friend of mine, Gillian Harvey, over for the second time, this time to talk about her latest release, Midnight in Paris
Hello, and welcome to But I Smile Anyway, Gillian! Let’s get you set with a drink, first.
What would you like to drink? All the hot beverages are available to you, as well as my trusty masala tea!
A coffee please, Ritu.
And what would you like to eat? I’ve been making fairy cakes and cookies, but also fried up some fresh pakoras, too!
I’ll try a bit of everything!‘Midnight in Paris’ has one foot in France and the other in the UK (Cambridge), which has created a nice balance. My next is set in a small French village, but I’m working on something set firmly in the UK as well! So a bit of both.
So lovely to have you back here, Gillian! And a change for you since we last spoke. You’ve moved back to the UK – How is that going for you with your writing?
We loved our time in France, but it felt like the right time to move back to the UK. We’ve landed in a lovely seaside town in Norfolk, and it’s been a great experience so far (albeit exhausting)! The writing is going great – I’m feeling really creative and the words are flowing! Sounds lovely, and yay for the words!
Last time, we spoke about how much France had inspired your writing recently. Will that country always feature in your novels, or will we get more UK-based stories, or even based in far-flung destinations?
Midnight in Paris’ has one foot in France and the other in the UK (Cambridge), which has created a nice balance. My next is set in a small French village, but I’m working on something set firmly in the UK as well! So a bit of both.Exciting for us readers!
I know I asked this last time, but obviously, you have uprooted yourself since then, so do you now have your writing room/area in your new place? Or are you visiting cafes, perching for hours, consuming coffee, and typing away?
Right now, we’re in rented accommodation while we look for a forever home. It’s a lovely house, but a little on the small side – especially as my kids keep insisting on growing at an alarming rate! This means, right now, my desk is in my bedroom which isn’t ideal. Especially as I seem to create chaos around my work area. But I’m hoping within the next year I’ll have my own office to work in, fingers crossed. As for cafes, no. I love going to them, but I’d be too shy to work in one! Too many people asking me what I’m up to (at least, in my imagination)!Oh, I do hope so, for your sake, and you are right. These kids don’t half grow fast!
Are you planning to go to any author/book-related events this year? I am attending the MeetCute festival in June!
One of the things I really looked forward to about moving to the UK is the fact that I’ll be more able to travel to book festivals – I had serious FOMO looking at author pics on Instagram after some of the bigger events. But right now, I haven’t got anything in the diary. I think that moving has been so tumultuous I’m still catching my breath. But I’m determined to get out and about more this year – and may well see you in June.Oh, I do hope so, it would be awesome to see you!
It’s time to talk about the book in question, Midnight In Paris. Oh my goodness, this was an emotional read! Where did the inspiration for this story come from?
Often my stories come to me as a ‘snapshot’ of a moment. This story built from the idea of the bridge and all it signifies in the story and went from there. Paris is also quite special to me – my husband and I went to Paris for a trip away when we were first seeing each other. It was a real budget event, using coupons from the paper! We went again for our honeymoon in rather more lavish style. Although our room had room service, we actually kept ordering tea and biscuits – so I suppose you can take the Brit out of Britain… but some things are hardwired.I have to agree, my tea is so important, too, but then again, I am Indian, living in Britain, with Kenyan influence, so Tea was always going to be a thing, lol!
Were you intending to write a tear-jerker?
I knew that there would be an emotional element in the book due to the bridge scene, but I think the eventual book went a little deeper than expected. I wanted to write really meaningful characters that the reader connected with, so I hope that’s been the case! I haven’t been through anything like the characters in this book, but I have had an emotional year with the move and other ups and downs, and I think sometimes that channels into a book. Basically, it was a therapy session! I’m really proud of this story.And so you should be! It was beautifully written!
The story touches on trying to start a family. Is this something you wrote with any personal experience? I know how hard that can be, having done the same with my latest novel.
Yes, my husband and I were told we’d never be able to conceive naturally. It took two rounds of IVF before I had my daughter, then another for my sons. Then we had two unexpected pregnancies afterwards – I guess doctors don’t always get it right. That’s a whole novel in itself…Tell me about it! I have PCOS and spoke to a friend who was diagnosed as a young girl. She was told she would never have children, and when it came to marriage, she stated this fact to whoever her suitor was, as she didn’t want any comeback, then she she was happily married, settled and devoid of any inclination to have a family, she ended up with four kids! It gave me some hope!
And, finally, please let us know what we can expect from you next!
I’m just working on a novel right now. It’s set in France and really focuses on the importance of friendship. I’m hoping to create an emotive experience for the reader, while injecting some upbeat, humorous moments too. I’m also working on a side-project that I’m really excited about. But it’s all very hush-hush for now. 😊 oo
Ooohhh! Secret side project! Now I am even more intrigued, lol!
Thank you so much for popping over for a visit, Gillian!
Thanks for having me, Ritu!
The Blurb
Ten years. Two people. One last visit…
Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.
They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.
Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.
Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…
The most heartbreaking, uplifting and powerful novel you’ll read all year. Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Kristin Hannah and The Notebook.
Oh my goodness, Gillian Havey! What are you doing to me? I’ve always loved the author’s books, especially the stories set in France, but this was something else. Not as light hearted, but as much of a good read as the others, if not more. The emotional rollercoaster I went on as I read was unbelievable. Tom and Sophie have a place in Paris that has become their place, and they have visited it over the years. This last visit is so poignant, and its reason is heart-wrenching. I shall give nothing away, but I was in bits. It is a more serious tale, detailing hard-hitting issues, but in a nuanced, sensitive way. A true page-turner of a book, I loved it. I think it’s my favourite so far!
Freelance writer and author Gillian Harvey lives in France with husband, Ray and their five children. She regularly pens articles and short stories for UK magazines including Woman’s Weekly and People’s Friend. She also writes opinion pieces and has been published in Independent, Guardian, Metro.
Gillian started her career in the teaching profession working at secondary school level. After moving to France in 2009, she started freelance writing for publications in the UK, France and the US.
Gillian has written a monthly column in Writing Magazine since 2020. She has previously been columnist for Prima Baby and Living France magazines.
Gillian’s first novel ‘Everything is Fine’ was published worldwide with Orion in May 2020. Her second, ‘Perfect on Paper’ was published in UK May 2021. She has since moved to Boldwood Books where she published the best-selling ‘A Year at the French Farmhouse’ and, most recently ‘One French Summer.’
But I Smile Anyway... 