FEBRUARY PUBLICATIONS!

Thank you to Sheila Riley for compiling this month's new book releases.

TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED

ANNA JACOBS                

A Stranger in Honeyfield

Hardback, ebook

Allison & Busby

16 February  2017

1916: Bella is working as a Voluntary Aid driving ambulances in England when she gets engaged to Philip, on leave from fighting in France. His family strongly disapprove of her but the two of them are happy together. Philip’s sister is in trouble, has broken her engagement and fled from her bullying family. When the worst happens, Bella must manage on her own. A month later Philip’s lawyer contacts her and she gets a further shock that he’s left her something. Philip’s family are not happy about her new situation and someone tries to kill her.

She can only think it’s one of his family. His best friend, Tez, injured in France, steps in to help her hide from them.

Can he also help Bella build a new life?

LIZ FIELDING

The Sheikh's Convenient Princess

Harlequin Mills and Boon

Paperback and e-book (UK/US/Australia)

1st February

Ruby Dance gets an unexpected job upgrade, from temporary PA to temporary Princess.

MARGARET MOUNSDON

Love in a Mist

Paperback and Large Print

Thorpe

1 February 2017

A ghost, a pet grooming parlour, a missing will, an Australian hippy, a stuffy grandson, an aging theatrical grand dame as a neighbour and single parent Penny Graham - put them all together and you have Love In A Mist, a tale of past loves, revenge and boundary issues. Roger Oakes needs the stuffing taken out of him and Penny Graham is just the girl to do it.

EMMA DAVIES

Turn Towards The Sun

Trad and e-book

Lake Union

9th February

Lizzie wants nothing more than to start over and put the past behind her.

So when she is offered the chance to live and work at Rowan Hill, a beautiful country estate and bustling community of artists, it feels like a dream come true. But soon after her arrival a series of accidents and misunderstandings begins to threaten the happiness and livelihoods of everyone at Rowan Hill. And when suspicion quickly falls on Lizzie, she discovers that the past is not so easily forgotten. To keep the life she has just begun to build, Lizzie will have to race to uncover the truth before there are disastrous repercussions for everyone involved. In this heart-warming story of friendship, loss and love, the stakes are high but so are the rewards. If Lizzie can find a way to stay true to herself, she might have a chance at something she has always wanted: a place to call home.

SUE BARNARD

Never on Saturday

Crooked Cat Books

Traditionally published, e-book and paperback

9 February 2017

Two stories, two heartbreaks: one past, one present…

Leaving her native France and arriving in North Wales as a postgraduate student of History and Folklore, Mel is cautiously optimistic that she can escape from her troubled past and begin a new and happier life. She settles into her student accommodation and begins work on her thesis, concentrating particularly on one fascinating manuscript: a compelling and tragic tale of a cursed medieval princess. Then she meets Ray – charming, down-to-earth and devastatingly handsome. Within days, Mel’s entire world has transformed from lonely and frustrated to loving and fulfilled. Despite her failure with previous relationships, she allows herself to hope that this time, at last, she can make it work. But Mel’s dreams of happiness are under constant threat. She is hiding a dark and terrible secret, which Ray – or indeed anybody else – must never ever discover…

CLARE CHASE

A Stranger’s House

Paperback

Choc Lit Ltd

7th February 2017

A crime solving couple battle mutual attraction, murder and their own demons

When Ruby discovers that her partner has done the unforgivable, she has no option but to move out of their home. With nowhere else to go, the house-sitting job she’s offered in Cambridge seems like the perfect solution. She’ll have a bolt hole away from her gossiping neighbours, as well as a roof over her head.

But River House is nothing like the haven she’d hoped for. It’s soon clear the absent owner likes to play games with women and Ruby finds she’s being manipulated by a man she’s never met. As she explores his home she sees signs of a talent for cruelty that’s been given free rein. But now he’s crossed the wrong person, and Ruby’s about to get caught up in a chain of deadly consequences. As events unfold she’s determined to investigate; it’s a matter of self-preservation and she’s involved, whether she likes it or not. But Ruby’s new boss, Nate Bastable, has his eye on her and seems determined to put a stop to her sleuthing. Is he simply worried for the welfare of a member of staff, or is there something altogether more complicated – and potentially dangerous – at play? From Death by Choc Lit - gripping edge of your seat reads.

CAROL TOWNEND

Mistaken for a Lady

Hardback (large print)

Harlequin Mills & Boon

1st February 2017

Wearing his ring again…When a shocking revelation reveals Francesca’s illegitimacy, she worries that her marriage to Tristan, Comte des Iles, will crumble.

Her heart in tatters, she awaits her husband’s return… Will he request an annulment or give their union a second chance? Duty has kept Tristan from his beautiful wife’s side for far too long, but the memory of her touch is seared into his soul. Now, with malevolent forces working against them, it’s more important than ever for Tristan to show Francesca that he’ll never let her go!

SARAH MALLORY

The Duke’s Secret Heir

Trad. paperback & E-book     

Mills & Boon

17 Jan 2017

Ellen Tatham is determined to forget her sham marriage and make a new life for herself. Then she meets Max again. He informs her that the marriage is legal and he has no intention of divorcing his duchess!

JENNIFER BOHNET

Rosie’s Little Cafe on the Riviera

Paperback and e-book

HQ Digital/Harper Collins

23rd February

It's a summer of taking chances for three different women down on the exotic French Riviera.

E-PUBLISHED

SHEILA NORTON

The Vets of Hope Green, Part 2, Follow Your Heart

Ebury (Penguin Random House)

Ebook

February

Spending time in the country with Nana and her lovely elderly dog Rufus has sparked something within Sam, but her boyfriend Adam is in London. Then a little stray cat called Ebony steals her heart. Faced with a dilemma, she must choose between her heart’s desire and this little ball of fluff who needs her. Is it possible to have it all?

GEORGIA HILL

Millie Vanilla's Cupcake Cafe: Spring Beginnings

E-pub

3rd February 2017

Harper Impulse/Harper Collins

Millie’s cafe is at the heart of her seaside community and it’s just how she likes it.

However, when a gorgeous stranger comes into town, it’s Millie’s own heart which is in danger. Just who is Jed Henville and why has he come to the sleepy Devon town of Berecombe? Over the lemon drizzle cake and homemade scones, all will be revealed!

SHERYL BROWNE

After She's Gone – (Book 1 in the DI Matthew Adams thriller series)

e-book

Choc Lit (Death by Choc Lit imprint)

21st February 2017

He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?

There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer,

there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable. When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did. But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.

SHERYL BROWNE

Sins of the Father (Book 2 in the DI Matthew Adams thriller series)

e-book

Choc Lit (Death by Choc Lit imprint)

28th February 2017

What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget – and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come. But the past is the past – or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible. When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?

 

SELF PUBLISHED

JAN JONES

Only Dancing

self-published

Kindle

1st February 2017

"What was the worst that could happen?"

Coloured by music, vibrant with Bowie, alive with the 1970s, Only Dancing journeys through Caro’s flashbacks, gradually revealing a chilling mystery - and its resolution.

JUNE MOONBRIDGE

Caught Between Two Worlds

e-book & paperback

self published

1st February 2017

A vacation on the shores of the Egyptian Red Sea was Veronica Blake’s long lasting dream. But dreams turn into nightmares. Controlling boyfriend Peter complains and embarrasses her frequently in front of everybody from the start. A trip to the ancient sites turns into a disaster. But the salvation comes in the form of the mysterious Nicholas, a blue-eyed man she remembers from the hotel. Deep in the Sahara desert Veronica encounters a totally different way of life. She desperately seeks the truth about everything that happened. Alone and afraid of her new written future she finds consolation with Nicholas, the only man she’s left to trust. Will she ever accept the truth she seeks, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Will she be able to find a way back to the life she was forced to leave behind?

Good luck to this month's authors!

If you would like to write for the RNS blog please contact us in elaineeverest@aol.com

From Indie to Traditionally Pulished: Sheryl Browne's Learning to Love

Today on the RNA Blog we are delighted to welcome Sheryl Browne, whose book 'Learning to Love' was released on 14th June to great critical acclaim.

Learning to Love has had an interesting life previously indie published and now published by Choc Lit. Can you tell us a little bit about how that came about?

The book was recommended to Choc Lit by the WHSmith Travel Fiction Buyer, who loved it so much he took a quote from it. The quote in question is Andrea’s response when Doctor Adams, trying to reassure Andrea, suggests she can’t keep them safe twenty-four hours a day. Andrea’s reply to which is, ‘I can! It’s my job! It’s what parents are supposed to do. Make sure they’re safe, never scared or lonely or hurting.’ Needless to say, I am tremendously grateful and very relieved the book now has a safe home.

You deal with some difficult themes in Learning to Love (the loss of Jake’s mother for instance).  Can you tell us how you decided which themes to pursue in the book?

Bereavement in childhood is a subject I’m familiar with and I wrote a short around it, entitled The Memory Box, now published in a Birmingham City University Anthology. The characters, though, called to me and I knew I had to write their whole story. Learning to Love does look at some difficult themes. Fundamentally, though, it’s a story – poignant at times, but also uplifting – about trusting yourself and opening yourself up to the possibility of loving again, even though life might be complicated. With kind permission, I’d like to quote a snippet from a review, which sums it up perfectly: “It’s also about family as beautifully chaotic as they can be.” Thank you so much Reviewed the Book!

Which character in Learning to Love was the most fun to write and why?

Oh David, definitely. David’s euphoria and underlying heartbreak when he finally makes a connection with his son was my most enjoyable chapter. David knows his son’s anger towards him is justified. Writing aspects of his character that showed him to be a man worthy of forgiveness was a huge challenge, but hugely satisfying.

You write books in different genres (crime and contemporary romance). How do you plan your writing schedule to produce books in both genres?

The characters tend to dictate the writing. Most writers will agree their characters will have animated conversation at the most inconvenient of times. The voice that’s the most urgent tends to win the day. Once a book is well underway, I tend to stick with one story, often pausing to scribble notes in regard to any other story that might be calling.

When planning a new book, what comes first for you – the characters, the plot or the theme?

I usually start with a man (which is no bad place to start). The male lead tends to appear fully formed, his mannerisms, his appearance and, importantly, his conflicts, inner and outer. I already have a kernel of the story therefore, and an idea of the kind of woman who might challenge or be attracted to him (cue fireworks!).

I noticed on your Amazon author page you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie who enjoys skydiving and abseiling. What have you got planned next?

I’m a keen boater (in fact, I have an article appearing in July’s Waterways World Magazine). My next challenge is therefore getting my little narrowboat waterways-worthy. Trust me, blacking her bottom and signwriting in the rain is definitely a challenge.

Facebook or Twitter? Which is your preferred promotional tool?

I think Facebook, as it’s slightly more personal. However, the support I’ve had on Twitter, particularly from RNA members sharing #TuesNews and readers and book bloggers, has been amazing – and humbling. Can I just take this opportunity to say a huge thank you. I would have been lost without you.

What can we expect next from Sheryl Browne?

Currently, I have another book contracted with Choc Lit and four in the pipeline, one of which, my latest thriller Sins of the Fathers, has been passed by the wonderful Tasting Panel. I also have two more for submission and another contemporary romance underway, Ripples on the Water, a story about childhood sweethearts forced apart by ghosts past. There’s also a sequel to Sins of the Fathers itching to be told. I may faint!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Sheryl. We wish you every success with the new book and wait with great anticipation for your other varied writing projects in the future.

Learning to Love

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs …

Previously released by the author. Revised, edited and republished by Choc Lit in June 2016.

About Sheryl:

Heartache, humour, love, loss & betrayal, Sheryl Browne brings you edgy, sexy, heart-wrenching fiction. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association, Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for the Best Romantic e-book Love Stories Award 2015, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where she completed her MA in Creative Writing.

Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Amazon

If you wish to write for the blog or be interviewed please contact elaineeverest@aol.com

BOOK TOURS: Do you or don’t you?

We welcome Sheryl Browne to the blog today to tell us about her experiences of blog tours.

Have you ever tried to organise your own online Book Tour? I have – and I feel faint at the idea. I lie not. Panic clutches at my insides at the thought of the work involved, let alone how to word those dreaded emails asking overworked – and unpaid – bloggers to read your book when their TBR piles are teetering to the point of plain dangerous. What are the benefits anyway you may ask. Well, apart from the reviews – cue more panic-filled moments – there’s the exposure: getting you and your book noticed where you couldn’t hope to get attention if you exposed yourself naked.

A good book tour, with a mixture of reviews and interviews, allows you to flaunt yourself in your best light, your gorgeous book cover, as opposed to your not-so-gorgeous bod. And in tweeting, retweeting and sharing the posts that bloggers have worked so hard to put together, friendships are forged. You don’t just hit RT and toddle off to the next tweet. Mostly, you are so astounded by the thought and effort that has gone into creating those blogs, the content all about you and your book, including links, Rafflecopter giveways and videos if you have them, you just want to kiss the bloggers concerned. Naturally, you thank people, you chat and you begin to realise that bloggers are batting firmly in your corner. They’re shouting about you because they’ve read your book and they believe in you: the author. That’s one hell of a confidence boost.

So, do I think Book Tours are beneficial? Yes, absolutely. Would I organise one myself? Having tried it once, I think I’d rather flaunt myself naked (or possibly not). My advice would be to hand it over to a book tour organiser. I’ve just toured with Brook Cottage Books and I couldn’t have placed my baby in safer hands. Without going into detail and boring you to tears, I have definitely had one of those years. In short, on the major life events front it’s been not so great, and it left me not knowing whether I was on my derrière or my elbow (a quick thank you here to all those lovely RNA members who picked me up, almost carried me to the conference, and proceeded to feed me chocolate and wine and generally buoy me up). Despite my befuddlement and complete disorganisation, Debbie Johnston took over the reins and organised my tour smoothly and totally professionally. I owe a HUGE thank you to her.

The book on tour was for my new release from Choc Lit, appropriately titled The Rest of My Life (here’s to a slightly less frenetic start to the rest of it!). Did I mention the cover? I think I might have a few bazillion times, but just in case you ran screaming when you saw me coming and missed it, here it is:

Isn’t it just divine? *Sigh*

And here’s a snippet from one of the reviews I picked up on the tour, which had me hooting out loud:

“THIS Choc Lit book will have you giggling a bit, crying a LOT (I love books that spot up my glasses with projectile tears. This book is brilliant and was very hard to put down. It’s one that made me want to forget about necessary real-life things like peeing and sleep.” Thank you so much: Double-Edged Words

While I’m here, I do have a bit of good news to share: a second contract with Choc Lit for my contemporary romance, Learning to Love. Yay!

The book has a temporary cover at the moment, created by yours truly, which couldn’t hope to live up to Choc Lit’s to-drool-over covers, but it’s not bad, if I do say so myself. All of my romance novels are now sporting new covers and I must say I do think they look rather smart.

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share.

Keep safe all.

Heartache, humour, love, loss & betrayal, Sheryl Browne brings you edgy, sexy, poignant fiction. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association, Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for Innovation in Romantic Fiction, Sheryl has seven books published to date.

LINKS:

Website | 

Twitter | 

Facebook |

Buy 

Thank you for such a bright and cheerful blog post Sheryl and good luck with your next blog tour!

The RNA blog is brought to you by,

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write for the blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com  

Sheryl Browne: It's Been Quite a Year!

We are delighted to welcome Sheryl Browne to the blog today.

Thank you so much for helping me to share the latest news in my up and down writing journey. After a trying year, which saw my partner diagnosed with prostate cancer (I mention this, because I ended up having to apologise all over the place for my constant state of befuddlement. I should also mention that his prognosis is extremely good after early diagnosis - and that he is now very positive, agreeing to share his progress with Prostate Cancer UK in hopes of encouraging other men to seek help early), I finally DO have some lovely news to share.

Having written seriously for fifteen years, mystified agents, and achieved several near misses, I am also super-pleased to announce that I have recently signed with Choc Lit for my upcoming novel, currently titled The Rest of My Life. This development is all the more special because Choc Lit read the book on recommendation of someone who restored my faith in my writing. Excitingly, the news was announced first in The Bookseller! Wow! Little me rubbing shoulders with Burt Reynolds and Julian Clary (form an orderly queue, guys). I owe this person a huge debt of gratitude for picking up my book, loving it, and being prepared to say so in the right ears.

As mentioned, I have been ‘at it’ for some time. Although I’ve been a little bit shy, I have been a member of the RNA for some years. I was originally a member of the New Writers’ Scheme, which offers invaluable advice on where your manuscript might be flagging (or shining!) and generally encourages and supports new writers. My manuscript was sadly flagging, something I was aware of. However, writing definitely being a journey in my mind, I listened and learned, redrafted and rested that manuscript, and I couldn’t be happier that that book, Warrant for Love, is finally published and currently “touring”.

I therefore also owe huge thanks to the NWS, an editor recommended to me by the RNA, and to Safkhet Publishing. I have six books published with Safkhet, who not only commissioned me to write my first book for them, having read and loved my writing, but opened an imprint for three further novels. Despite my determination, I was at a point then where I wondered whether continuing to pursue my dream was sheer self-indulgent, and rather exhausting, madness. Safkhet believed in me.  Bloggers, readers and reviewers believed in me, cheering me every step of the way. I really can’t say thank you enough to those wonderful people, who give of their time and work so hard for authors.

For me, being published with Choc Lit is a dream come true. The best part of that dream is that it allows me to do what helps me through, during good times and bad – and we ALL have the latter, the one thing that keeps me sane (though some would question that!). It gives me the impetus to keep writing. Maybe I would have kept going anyway. It is my passion (can you tell?). I do know, though, that having a support network counts for an awful lot. Published or self-published, there are some extremely talented authors out there. I’m proud to know many of them and share in their publishing journeys.

COMING SOON from Choc Lit

The Rest of My Life - Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together? 

Heartache, humour, love, loss & betrayal - and a little Ohhhh la la! Sheryl Browne brings you edgy, sexy, poignant fiction. A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for Innovation in Romantic Fiction, Sheryl has six books published with Safkhet Publishing and has now been signed with Award winning Choc Lit Publishing.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Buy | Buy US 

Thank you, Sheryl, and good luck with The Rest of My Life. 

The RNA blog is brought to you by Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to contribute during 2015 please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com