In the Greek Midwinter - Mandy Baggot

 

It was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime…

But when Jen’s boyfriend David suddenly cancels their romantic Paris trip, needing to urgently travel to Athens for work, it’s best friend Bonnie who suggests they surprise him.

Having already booked the time off from her events company – Christmas Every Day – Jen decides an impromptu and romantic gesture might be just what their relationship needs?

Arriving in Greece and finding David is not there, Jen has a lot of questions. And when she gets her answers she has a choice – should she go home or should she stay a while?

With the help of Astro, the handsome yet Christmas-hating waiter from the local bar, she sets about a little Greek Christmas research. But what starts as a ‘business trip’ soon turns into something more…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/greekmidwintersocial

My Review:

Do I look forward to Mandy Baggot’s ‘festive’ books? You bet I do. Do I love when Mandy whisks us away to glorious locations? Always. Have I loved the combination of both? ABSOLUTELY!!

After some of my favourite festive reads over the years, In the Greek Midwinter is yet another gem that left me ready for the season ahead. It is heartwarming and romantic but at it’s core it’s about people allowing themselves to believe – whether that’s in other people or a little bit festive magic. It’s a story of two people who both had difficult starts in life, coming together and discovering they have so much more in common than they realised.

Jen is a festive fanatic, the season reminds her of the moments in life she can think of fondly. She doesn’t let people in, not easily and never completely. She can put hurt behind her – or so she thinks. When a romantic break doesn’t go as planned, a change of scene leads to some life changing discoveries.

Astro cannot stand the season and rallies against his uncles plans to decorate everything. The season intensifies a pain he cannot move on from. His hidden passion is a way for him to unleash his feelings, even if it risks getting in trouble.

When their worlds collide, can they find a way to get along with each feeling so strongly. I loved the dynamic between these two characters, seeing how their relationship developed over the course of the book.

A whole cast of supporting characters make this book so entertaining and really funny. I loved Natalia – Jen’s ‘colleague’ from the Ukraine who looks after her business whilst Jen is in Greece. She is very “gangster- esque” but in a humorous way, someone to keep onside. Achilles is a brilliant character, his enthusiasm for all things jumps off the page.

A great book to cosy up with this festive season, let the snow fall (no matter where you may be!) and enjoy the read. Another great story from Mandy Baggot, festive and in Greece; what a fab combination. 

Author Bio:

Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads, she's bringing gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.baggot

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mandybaggot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandybaggot/?hl=en

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MandyBaggotNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mandy-baggot

A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet - Eliza J. Scott

 

It’s the most magical time of the year! Will Brogan and Nick find the happiness they crave so they can celebrate the festive season?

Christmas has always been a special time for Brogan, especially since her move to her grandparents’ smallholding. Set near the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors, it’s an idyllic location. But with the loss of her beloved grandparents still raw, she’s struggling to find her festive spirit.

Talked into going to a wedding by her friends, Brogan finds herself sitting next to a rather handsome stranger. Thinking she’ll never seen him again, she dusts off her flirting skills and lets her fun-loving side loose.

Newly single Nick Heuston was dreading going to his friend’s wedding. But a chance encounter with a woman with captivating green and eyes makes him think otherwise. He’s gutted when she disappears without leaving any way for him to contact her.

Telling himself he needs a break from relationships, Nick intends to focus all his attention on his job as a vet at a new practice. It proves easier said than done; he just can’t get Brogan out of his mind.

Meanwhile, Brogan’s been looking forward to starting her new job as a vet nurse at the new local practice. On their first day at Danskelfe Veterinary Surgery, both are stunned when they come face-t0-face once more – something Nick seems very happy about, but Brogan’s not so sure.

Despite her reluctance, it would seem fate is keen to push them together, and Brogan finds her feelings for Nick growing. As for Nick, the more he gets to know Brogan, the more he finds himself falling for her.Just when their romance looks ready to bloom, something or someone seems to get in its way.

Will Christmas work its magic? Or are Brogan and Nick destined to be nothing more than a brief encounter?

Why not join Brogan and Nick, together with their canine companions Wilf and Maudie – and all the familiar Life on the Moors characters – for a heartwarming, festive trip to the moors?

Purchase Links:

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BLX7RK7L  

USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLX7RK7L

My Review:

Another smashing read from Eliza J Scott and her Life on the Moors series. As always it’s a story full of warmth, character and love.A feel good story that gives you a cosy warm feeling all the way through. 

 

Amongst characters we have already met and taken to heart, we have Brogan who is restarting her veterinary nurse career and new vet Nick. When they meet on their first days, both realise where they have met before and all can see the sparks flying. 

When situations, drama and moors life throw the pairing together, it’s easy to see their relationship is full of spark but can both allow themselves to follow their hearts. 

 

When the village comes under threat and loved ones are affected, Brogan and Nick become closer than ever. Fate plays it’s hand throughout this winter filled treat, a story of love, friendships and connections but also in allowing people close and taking a chance. 

 

Written as part of a series but easily read as a standalone book, the sense of community is what I love about these books. A gorgeous story in a brilliant setting. Highly recommended! 

Author Bio:

Eliza lives in the North Yorkshire countryside with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her kindle or working in her garden, fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. Her books will always have happy endings.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: @elizajscott

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Website: www.elizajscott.com/

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/elizaj-scott

Amazon author page UK: amazon.co.uk/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

Amazon author page US: amazon.com/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

A Cosy Countryside Christmas - Eliza J. Scott

 

Ella Welford’s done with love. After having her fingers burnt, she’s been resolutely single for the last year and has sworn to stay that way.
Joss Campion’s still reeling from a messy divorce and has vowed never to open his heart to love again.
Growing up in the picturesque village of Lytell Stangdale, with the North Yorkshire Moors as their playground, Joss and Ella were best friends. The pair were inseparable.
Until the day something happened to ruin their friendship and Joss moved away.
An urgent telephone call summons Joss back to the village. His father’s been rushed to hospital and he’s needed to run the farm. When he returns, with his loyal canine companion, Sid, in tow, it isn’t long before he realises things aren’t as they seem. Why is his brother, Rich, being so evasive? And why does he get the impression the farm’s in trouble?
Teaching Assistant, Ella, has just broken up for the Christmas holidays and is looking forward to spending more time on her parents’ farm, tending her variety of rescue animals and recharging her batteries.
It isn’t long before the pair run into one another and sparks of attraction begin to fly - not that either of them will admit to it. But, just before Christmas, they find themselves thrown together in an unexpected turn of events as a fierce snow blizzard rages around them.
Could this be the moment that changes everything? Or is their past too big to ignore?
One thing’s for certain, life’s never dull in this little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Join Ella and Joss – and all the usual Lytell Stangdale characters – for a heartwarming festive read.

My Review:

I’m such a big fan of this author and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book, and this is no exception. A Cosy Countryside Christmas is a festive delight, giving you the warm and fuzzies, with added drama. With heartfelt, poignant moments, with and charm, this will they/wont they romance will have you turning the page with anticipation.  

I loved this return visit Lytell Stangdale in the North Yorkshire Moors, especially at this festive time. It was brilliant to catch up with the characters we’ve read about before  in this Life on the Moors series– although I must point out it can be read as a standalone book that you can thoroughly enjoy without having read any others.

At the heart of this story, we have family and friendship and that those bonds can be tested to the point of breaking, but can remain firmly in time no matter the time or problems faced. Former best friends Ella and Joss were so very close until one day things changed dramatically and Joss left the village. Unresolved issues with his Dad make Joss’ return difficult but a chance reconciliation with Ella may just change his outlook at being back.

I love Ella and her family. They are so close, kind and caring and put other before themselves. Perfect support for Joss and key to helping repair his relationships with everyone.

When secrets from the past are uncovered and the truth is revealed, there are surprises for many.

This cost, cuddle of a book is perfect for snuggling up with. You will in love with Ella and Joss, a couple you will be behind from the start. I hope there is another visit and we get to look in on how Joss and Ella are doing.  

Highly recommended for a cosy read this winter. 

Purchase Links:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KWYN89M

US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KWYN89M

Author Bio: Eliza lives in the North Yorkshire countryside with her family. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her kindle or working in her garden , fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. Her books will always have happy endings.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: @elizajscott

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Website: www.elizajscott.com/

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/elizaj-scott

Amazon author page UK: amazon.co.uk/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

Amazon author page US: amazon.com/~/e/B07DMQWPMH

One Snowy Week in Springhollow by Lucy Knott

Tomboy Scarlett thought Devon would be her best friend forever. He was the only person in Springhollow who supported her ambitious artist dreams. But then one winter, Devon and his parents disappear without warning to start a new life in NYC and a devastated Scarlett is left alone to face her high-school bullies and overbearing mother.

Fast-forward ten years: Scarlett is playing it safe in her childhood village with a dull PA job and a wardrobe that passes her mother's old-fashioned standards. Meanwhile, Devon is a Hollywood heartthrob, starring in the latest superhero blockbuster. And he's finally coming home for Christmas...

Scarlett can't help blaming her former best friend for the way her life has turned out, but Devon's cheeky charm and gorgeous smile prove difficult to resist. Devon always did make her feel on top of the world, but Scarlett knows her heart isn't racing just because she has her friend back – is it mistletoe madness, or is she seeing Devon in a completely new light?

Scarlett hasn't taken a risk in years... but this Christmas of second chances could finally be her time to shine.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin.

My Review:

Looking for a cosy and heart warming read to snuggle up with this festive season? Then this could do the trick.

Scarlett and Devon are inseparable at 16, best friends bound by the united loves for all things seemingly geeky. Years of hi-jinks and antics are abruptly cut short when Devon moves to New York. After his departure Scarlett can no longer allow herself to find pleasure in the things that connected them – Marvel and superheroes. Years later Devon returns to the village having found fame as a Hollywood actor staring as, yes, you guessed it a new superhero.

Unwilling to forgive her former best friend for abandoning her, will Scar give Devon the chance to be back in her life or has too much time gone by?

Celebrating all things geek – I love it and a real refreshing change for the norm of main characters. I could really feel Scars sense of abandonment and coupled with Mother issues, I could understand her difficulty in moving past it and being able to have any connection to the friendship she felt she had lost.

Devon seems a great character both when he was younger, getting into mischief, and now as a superhero star. I loved the use of flashbacks to demonstrate some of the trouble the pair caused and a glimpse into the special relationship they had.

Of course, there is romance. It wouldn’t be complete without it really and as much as I wanted to see this former friendship restored, I was hoping they would realise what everyone else probably already expected – they were destined to be in love.

With a gorgeous village setting, it’s a great story that also highlights the importance of being true to yourself, owning who you are and never letting anyone or anything change that. Happiness comes in many ways but being yourself is the biggest part in that.

Lucy Knott writes brilliant books, with gorgeous characters and storylines. Check out her other books too, a real treat. 

Purchase links:

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/32sEaMQ 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3pf4Ry7 

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2Ikp84y 

iBooks: https://apple.co/35dyPdZ

About Lucy:
Lucy Knott is a former professional wrestler with a passion for storytelling. Now, instead of telling her stories in the ring, she's putting pen to paper, fulfilling another lifelong dream in becoming an Author.

Inspired by her Italian Grandparents, when she is not writing you will most likely find her cooking, baking and devouring Italian food, in addition to learning Italian and daydreaming of trips to Italy.

Along with her twin sister, Kelly, Lucy runs TheBlossomTwins.com, where she enthusiastically shares her love for books, baking and Italy, with daily posts, reviews and recipes.

Follow Lucy:

Twitter: @TheBlossomTwins

Facebook: @TheBlossomTwins 

Instagram: @theblossomtwins

Q&A with Maxine Morrey

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Maxine Morrey 

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten.

As time went by, she continued to write, but 'normal' work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a local history book on Brighton. However, novels are her first love.

In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK's 'Write Christmas' competition with her first romantic comedy, 'Winter's Fairytale'.

Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read, sew and listen to podcasts and audio books. Being a fan of tea and cake, she can (should!) also be found out walking (although preferably one without too many hills).

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

I absolutely loved the Enid Blyton books, especially ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ series and loved all the adventures they had. As I got a little older, I discovered The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew and went through a phase of reading all I could of those from the library each week. It was only a tiny little temporary building (that was still there the last time I checked!) but it felt like a TARDIS inside.

  

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 

I think just being a voracious reader from a very young age. I was writing little stories from the time I was able and just sort of carried on! I got my first fiction contract in 2015 so let’s just say it’s taken a while!

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 

Well, I don’t really have a space as such. I tend to move around, depending on how I’m feeling. Wherever I am though, I don’t do well in chaos! It really stresses me out, so a calm, tidy environment is far more conducive to creativity for me personally.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The easiest part is writing The End! And the hardest is all the rest! Ha Ha!

But seriously, some days it can feel like it’s going ok and some days you just feel like you’re writing through treacle, the word count creeps up so slowly and you feel like you’re probably going to end up deleting most of it anyway. It really does vary – for me anyway. Writing a synopsis is not one of my favourite tasks either, and I know a few of my fellow writer pals feel the same about that particular task.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I’m a complete Austenite and I first read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when I was about ten or so, I think, and absolutely fell in love. I love her wit and emotion. I’m a big fan of great dialogue and some of my favourite authors like Janet Evanovich and Jennifer Crusie are brilliant at this. Harlan Coben can be wonderfully, sarcastically funny which totally appeals to me and although I’m not a huge thriller reader, I always grab his new releases as soon as I can.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

Wow, that’s a really hard question. I think it can also be one of those things that the goalposts move on too. Firstly, you think, if I could just get published, then it’s a certain chart position, and then that number gets lower and so on, so it’s a really hard one to answer as I don’t think any of us are ever that easy on ourselves. Being able to earn a decent living from writing would be a real achievement. And, of course, there’s getting that golden Netflix deal…

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

I find naming characters really hard! I don’t know why. And then you think of a name and it just doesn’t feel right. As strange as it sounds it’s like the character is refusing to act as they should because they don’t like their name. And then the right one comes along and it’s like ‘Aaaah! That’s the one!’

 

I do listen out for names I like and have a couple od baby names books on my shelf that I turn to for inspiration.

 

8.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

Oh, that sounds interesting. I wish I did, ha ha! But no. The only thing I did for a couple of books was to pinch surnames from some characters in the series ‘Strike Back’ because, as above, I’m horrible at naming characters and surnames are even more hard! I loved that programmes (massive crush on the one of the main characters!) so if anyone was a big fan they might have picked up on that. Otherwise, no, the messages and themes in my books are all pretty much there for everyone to see.

  

9.      If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

Oh dear. I’m not terribly good at questions like this. I’m not very good with actors as I don’t watch a whole lot of telly or films and if I do, I have no idea who the actors are! The only book I could really ‘cast’ is #NoFilter because I think Armie Hammer would be absolutely perfect for Charlie.

  

10.   What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

When someone contacts me to say that they were having a rubbish day and reading my book cheered them up, it’s just the most wonderful feeling. I really just want people to be able to escape into the books and I think at the moment, we could all do with a bit of that. So, I’d say the main things I’d like them to come away with would be joy and comfort.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

Our local little garden centre used to do a toffee and caramel cake. Oh my goodness, it was the best! So that would have to be the one I’d recommend.

Winter at Wishington Bay 

Eighteen months ago, Sophia Jones finally walked out on her unhappy life.

With a tricky divorce ongoing, money is tight and so when friends offer her a housekeeping job while they're away travelling, she accepts.

Nate McKinley is hesitant when his brother, Gabe, offers him the use of their home in the picturesque village of Wishington Bay. But he has a book to a write and an imploded marriage to recover from, so maybe a change of scene is exactly what he needs.

As Wishington Bay works its magic, friendship blossoms between Sophia and Nate. For Nate, finally feeling able to be himself with someone who is honest and down to earth is a revelation.

But Sophia has a secret and a jealous colleague is determined to blow her cover. Can she really keep her old life in the past or is it destined to destroy this new, happy one too?

Take a trip back to Wishington Bay this winter and find out...

AVAILABLE HERE - OUT NOW!

Instagram        @scribbler_maxi  (This is where she is to be found most)

Twitter            @Scribbler_Maxi

Facebook        www.Facebook.com/MaxineMorreyAuthor

Pinterest          ScribblerMaxi

Website           www.scribblermaxi.co.uk

Email              scribblermaxi@outlook.com

Author’s Note:

If you have read and enjoyed this book, could I ask for a moment of your time to pop a review on Amazon. One line is plenty! Ever single one really does make a difference, helping books to have a greater chance of noticed by more readers. Thank you so much!  

Q&A with Victoria Walters

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Victoria Walters, author of 'Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall.' 

About Victoria:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. Her moving debut novel THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE was chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star. 

She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter). Victoria is not only obsessed with books but loves buying slogan tops, mugs and notebooks, and posting them all on Instagram.

1.     What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

This is tricky as I was such a bookworm and I read so many books – some of my favourites when I was young were the Famous Five books, Roald Dahl especially Matilda, Tracy Beaker… when I was a little bit older I was obsessed with the Sweet Valley High books and I also loved Point Horror. When I was about twelve, I discovered Jane Austen and she is still my favourite to this day.

 

2.    What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 
Just my love of books really. I was an only child and just loved reading. I think though the Twilight series gave me the real push to start – I was so hooked on that series and wanted to write a teen series myself. However, I couldn’t get my teen books published, and then I had the idea for what became my debut women’s fiction novel (The Second Love of My Life), and the rest as they say is history!

 

3.    Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
It’s neat to be honest and I’m not really a neat person but to be productive, I like my desk to just have my laptop and a notebook and a pile of the books I’ve written so far to inspire me. I also like to light a candle now the days are become darker earlier.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The best part for me is writing the first draft, I love just getting the story out on the page. I enjoy editing less and once you’ve read the book like five times, it can get a bit boring but I just try to focus on making it as best I can for readers.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I think I’ve been influenced by Jane Austen. With my Glendale Hall series, I like to include a letter in each book and that came from her books, often the male charters write a letter to explain themselves and I love that as a device. I also think she inspired my love of a romantic ending and happy ever afters.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

I would love to have a Sunday Times bestseller or a TV or film made from one of my books but that feels like winning the lottery really. I would like to see the Glendale series grow and grow and maybe hit the top ten on the Kindle charts, that would be amazing. We’ve managed the top 100 so far…

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

As Glendale is set in Scotland, I looked up popular names, and traditional Scottish names and picked ones that seemed to fit the characters really. It’s not easy though, male names are harder I think.

 

8.     Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

I definitely feed in titbits from previous books in my Glendale Hall series so if you read all the books you’ll get the little nods, I also use my favourite things in my books like movies or food or books that I’m sure you’ll notice, and of course there is that letter to look out for when you’re reading them!

9.     If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I find this so hard because I see them clearly in my head! I did kind of base the Minister of Glendale, Brodie, on James Norton who played Grantchester so that would be amazing if he took on the role.

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

Kindness, community, family, loyalty, believing in yourself, going after your dreams, that love comes in all different forms, and to try to always follow your heart. I hope that my books are uplifting and inspiring and leave you with a big smile on your face!

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 
I think a hot chocolate with lots of cream and sprinkles and some Scottish shortbread would work perfectly for the Glendale Hall books!

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope

OUT NOW - AVAILABLE HERE 

Find Victoria on Twitter or Facebook

Q&A with Eliza J. Scott

Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog.... Eliza J.Scott...

Hi Jenn, thank you so much for inviting me to take part in your author Q&A. So, without further ado, I’ll dive straight in…

 1.       WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD BOOK/AUTHOR?

I’d have to say Enid Blyton and her books about the Enchanted Wood and the Faraway Tree. It was while looking them as a small child, I first realised I could actually read; not just a couple of words, but lots of them put together to make a sentence, then a paragraph, then a page! I can still remember that feeling of utter happiness! I was also enthralled by Beatrix Potter and the exquisite drawings in her books; the perfect fuel for a young imagination! Happy memories.

2.       WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING AND HOW LONG HAS IT TAKEN YOU TO GET TO THIS POINT?

I’d say my love of books and reading is what inspired me. As a child, I always used to feel an overwhelming urge to write after I’d finished reading a book. I used to make my own – complete with drawings – out of pieces of paper folded together. I’d scribble little stories about mice who lived in tree trunks or a girl called Emily who was always getting into mischief. I wanted to be a writer from an early age, but those dreams got swallowed up by life, getting a job, getting married, having a family, buying a building renovation … all the usual things. I started writing seriously again when my youngest daughter started secondary school, but I kept it to myself and used to write in secret! I’ve got notebooks full of drafts for different stories – my Life on the Moors series came from these, as has the seaside series I’ll be starting next year. But it was a trip to the Festival of Writing at York that really spurred me on; I came away from that feeling very fired up. So, to sum up; it’s taken a heck of a long time to get to this point!

3.      DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING SPACE – NEAT AND ORDERLY OR CREATIVE CHAOS?

It’s a bit of a mixture actually – though the chaos isn’t creative! My writing space is a little room just off the living room – we call it ‘the snug’. It needs a total revamp, but I moved in to write during lockdown as my usual space (the kitchen table) was proving impossible to work from with everyone being at home full-time. It’s still home to a bit of junk (that’s yours, Mr S, if you’re reading this!) which is slowly disappearing, but I’ve been buying lots of lovely bits and bobs to decorate it with when it’s finally cleared. I have my desk in there, and I like everything on it to be neat and orderly; only papers, notebooks and files relating to my current WIP are allowed!

4.      WHAT IS THE EASIEST AND HARDEST PART OF THE WRITING PROCESS?

For me, the hardest part is definitely writing the blurb! Ughh! Just thinking about it puts my stomach in knots! The easiest part is when I’m describing scenery from the North Yorkshire Moors, which I can see from the windows of my home. I can’t help but feel totally inspired whenever I look out at them.

5.      WHICH OTHER AUTHORS ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY?

Ooh, this is a tricky one to narrow down as there are so many wonderful authors out there. I’d say my favourites would have to include Milly Johnson, Sarah Morgan, Heidi Swain (fully-fledged member of the Swainettes club here!), Cathy Bramley, Carole Matthews, Catherine Alliott, Santa Montefiore, Emma Davies, Jules Wake/Julie Caplin, Freya North, Karen Swan … oh, heck, I could go on forever!

6.      WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

When a reader takes the time to get in touch to tell you how much they enjoyed your books. It’s just the best feeling; heartwarming and humbling in equal measure – it still takes a bit to sink in! – and I appreciate it enormously.

7.      HOW DO YOU SELECT THE NAMES OF YOUR CHARACTERS?

I don’t have a process really, they just pop into my head when I’m drawing up their profile. They pretty much always stick too.

8.      DO YOU HIDE ANY SECRET ‘MESSAGES’ IN YOUR BOOK THAT ONLY A FEW PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND?

No, I’ve never done that. I’d love to find out who does, though! That’s very intriguing.

9.      IF YOUR BOOK WAS TO BE MADE INTO A FILM/TV PROGRAMME, WHICH ACTORS WOULD PLAY WHICH ROLE?

For A Christmas Kiss and A Christmas Wedding at the Castle, I’d have to say Henry Cavill for Zander and Holliday Grainger for Livvie, with a very cheeky black Labrador for Alf’s role!

10.  WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK?

The same as I hope for myself when reading a book: the opportunity to be transported to a fictional place where I can immerse myself amongst the pages and forget about what’s going on around me. That’s become increasingly important this year.

LASTLY, JENN (THE COMFY CHAIR) LIKES TO ENJOY A GOOD READ SNUGGLED UP WITH A CUP OF TEA AND A PIECE OF CAKE … WHAT CAKE OR SWEET TREAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO ACCOMPANY YOUR BOOK?

I can’t think of anything nicer than snuggling up with a book and a large mug of Yorkshire Tea (no sugar, just a splash of milk!) and a couple of ginger biscuits for dunking!

Thank you for your fabulous questions, Jenn, I had great fun answering them. And, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful members of the book community – whether they’re a reader, a blogger or an author – for all of their support and kind words. It’s such a warm, friendly and inclusive community to be part of. Thank you!

My latest release – A Christmas Wedding at the Castle – is my second festive romance novel and book #5 in the Life on the Moors series. It follows straight on from A Christmas Kiss and catches up with Livvie and Zander – and the very cheeky, but adorable black Labrador, Alfred. There are plenty of appearances by the usual cast of friends, and we get to know quite a bit more about the slightly reclusive Freda Easton; she’s their nearest neighbour on the moors. On top of that, a couple of secrets and a last-minute disaster threaten to scupper Livvie and Zander’s plans. It’s a romance story with a thread of friendship running through it and plenty of laughs along the way. As with all of my novels, there’s a happy ending, but the road to it has the odd bump and detour!

If you like the sound of it, you can grab a copy here:

ELIZA J SCOTT - AMAZON UK

ELIZA J SCOTT - AMAZON USA

                                                               

ABOUT ELIZA

Eliza is proud to be a member of the RNA. She lives in a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden, fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

When she's not reading or gardening, Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake. Her biggest weakness is ginger biscuits dunked in tea.
Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. She enjoys exploring the dynamics of female friendship, with a key feature of her books being how women pull together and support one another when things get tough.
Eliza's novels will always have happy endings.

 Social Media Links –

Twitter:  @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: @elizajscott

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Blog: www.elizajscott.com

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-j-scott

Amazon Author Page:

UK:  www.amazon.co.uk/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH

US: www.amazon.com/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH