Book Bloggers and Reviewers: Rachel Gilbey – Rachel’s Random Reads

 We welcome Ellie Holmes to the RNA blog with the latest in her series Book Bloggers and Reviewers. Today Ellie is talking with well known Rachel Gilbey.

Rachel Gilbey is a proud Londoner and lifelong reader who admits she feels naked without a book. 

Rachel with Helen J Rolfe

Since dropping out of university Rachel has followed a varied career path, working in IT and Brochure design for a travel company, qualifying as a Playworker, and working in after school clubs. She has also spent a few summers working abroad as a Children's rep.

When she returned to the UK her love of books grew to the next level and she started a book blog - Rachel's Random Reads, and has now launched Rachel's Random Resources too.

Welcome to the RNA blog, Rachel.

What made you start to review/blog?

I was always a prolific reader from an early age, leading Mum to have to take me to three local libraries on a regular basis to keep me in books. A few years ago, I was entering a large number of competitions, and discovered many fabulous book bloggers which I still follow to this day, and also Goodreads.

With any book I won from Goodreads, I went on to write a review, as it sounded like a condition on entry, and from there I discovered a few reading challenges some friends were running. At which point, I ended up reviewing almost everything I was reading.

Ultimately after a few others had suggested it, it was Laura Bambrey from Laura Bambrey Books that persuaded me I should blog, as I was doing 90% of the basics anyway.

Two and a half years on, I can barely remember how I filled my time without blogging, and adore being able to share my love of books to what I hope is an appreciative audience.

Are there certain genres you prefer to cover? Could you give us a link to your review guidelines?

Despite being a prolific reader, I'm rather narrow and set in my ways when it comes to the sorts of genres I tend to read, and thus cover on my blog.

I predominately read romance, women's fiction, chick lit with regular forrays over to the dark side of crime/mystery/thrillers and psychological suspense/thrillers.

My full review policy is available here.

Do you meet up with other bloggers and reviewers?

Given how solitary a hobby reading is, you may be surprised to hear that since starting my blog I have a far more active social life than I did before. I often attend the Blogger/Author Shenanigans events that the lovely Kim Nash organises, where I get to chat books with authors and bloggers.

I also attend book launches and panel discussions where there are authors or subjects of interest to me, and often bump into and other bloggers at these too. 

I have met so many bloggers and I love them all, it’s just that there are far too many to name!

What do you expect from the writer when they appear on your blog?

I'm not sure expect is the correct word. In an ideal world I would love an author to supply everything in a timely manner that has been asked for, which includes author bio, social media and purchase links, cover image and author photo, in addition to the guest post or interview.

The other thing in an ideal world would be some acknowledgement when the post is live, be it a thank you, a retweet, share just something.

What’s the best thing about being a book blogger?

Definitely the book events that I get invited too, some of them which appear to be completely star studded where I come over all fan girly and unable to string a sentence together, as I have met authors that I have been reading for 15-20 years in some cases. 

My other favourite thing about book blogging is definitely the direction my life is changing in, which I can answer best in the next question.

You have just launched an exciting new venture Rachel’s Random Resources. Can you tell us about it?

Rachel's Random Resources is my brand new business offering assorted services to authors to make their lives easier when it comes to publicity of their books, old and new.

I organise blog tours, shorter blog blitzes, 1 day publication day pushes, or Book Birthday Blitzes , to get a real buzz going on your special day, as well as cover reveals, which my growing family of bloggers will be eager to help out with.

I've got my Review Vault, which is where I will gain you potential reviewers without them having the pressure of a blog tour. This is open for reviewers that just review on Goodreads and Amazon too, to increase the exposure of the book on all the major outlets.

I'm also doing assorted graphic design for social media. This include header graphics for Twitter and Facebook, blog tour banners if you have organised your own, special offer graphics, images with quotes from the book or from your favourite reviews, all to enhance your social media, with a some variety.

Essentially, I am aiming to connect authors with bloggers, do the asking on your behalf, do the organising or graphic design on your behalf, freeing your time up to write the next book!

I saw on your blog that you are big West End musicals fan (a woman after my own heart). How else do you spend your free time when not reading?

Rachel with Sheryl Browne

I'm supposed to have free time when I'm not reading? Not sure I was ever told that!  As you spotted, I am a huge fan of musicals and will try to visit the theatre as much as I can in a year, although it’s a rather expensive habit to have. That does remind me I don't have any more shows lined up yet to see, I must go and buy some more tickets!

Cheaper than my other main love which is going on holiday, I love spending time abroad, sitting, relaxing soaking up the heat, and oddly reading at the same time!

I'm also a huge fan of sports, watching not participating, and events such as The Olympics or the Football World Cup will see me stuck to the TV no matter the time difference to soak up as much as I can.  I try to get to some live events each year.  I'm lucky enough to live near Wembley, and also within an easy enough journey of The Olympic Stadium (or The London Stadium, or The Queen Elizabeth Park, or whatever it is currently being referred to as). I was lucky enough to attend the World Athletics Championships recently, and had a wonderful time cheering on Team GB!.

We often ask agents and publishers what they consider to be the next 'big thing' - what do you hope to see more of in 2018?

That has to be the hardest question on the whole interview, especially tricky as let’s face it most of the lists for at least the first half to the year from traditional publishers are likely to be finalised already! 

So how to answer this question?

At the start of 2017, two other bloggers and myself embarked on a massive challenge, to between us see if we could read around the UK in 144 books, and see just how much of the UK we read about in books. Although we seem to have stalled, what I have discovered is a large amount of the UK just doesn't necessarily get featured in books often if at all.

I would love to see more variety of location in the books that I read. So often I spend most of my time virtually in Cornwall and Devon, despite there being pretty coastline all around the UK.

Thank you so much for inviting me to be interviewed today. It is a great honour and I really appreciate the opportunity.

It was a pleasure to talk with you Rachel. Thank you for giving us an insight into your world and good luck with your new venture Rachel’s Random Resources.  I’m sure you’ll have lots of RNA members beating a path to your door.

Links to Rachel’s Random Reads:

Website

Twitter

Links to Rachel's Random Resources:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

About Ellie:

Ellie Holmes writes commercial women’s fiction with her heart in the town and her soul in the

country. Ellie’s debut release was The Flower Seller. A member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Alliance of Independent Authors, Ellie’s latest book, White Lies is out now.

Links:

Twitter

Website

Facebook

Thank you Ellie and Rachel for a most enjoyable interview. Good luck with your new venture, Rachel!

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

Meet the news RNA committee!

Meet your new RNA Committee!

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of The Romantic Novelists' Association and who it is that keeps the cogs ticking over of our fabulous organisation? We take the opportunty to meet committee members and our valued helpers.

Nicola Cornick – Chairman

Historical novelist Nicola is also a historian, guide and speaker for the National Trust, and a consultant specialising in history for TV and radio. She and her husband train Guide Dog puppies too, much to the annoyance of their wonderfully patient, elderly Labrador.

”I’ve been a member of the RNA for almost 20 years and am very proud to be taking on the role of Chair. I’m aiming to increase the RNA’s visibility within the publishing industry and the wider world!”

Alison May – Vice Chairman

Alison lives in Worcester with her husband. No kids, no pets, one still un-dead cactus! She writes romantic comedy and commercial women’s fiction, and has been shortlisted in the RoNAs and Love Stories Awards. Aside from writing, Alison is a teacher and freelance trainer.

“As Vice-Chair of the RNA I want to meet as many members as possible and find out what they want from the association, and also develop links with publishers, booksellers and other writing organisations.”

Sally Calder – Hon Treasurer

Relatively new to the RNA, Sally writes gritty historical romances when she is not being an accountant in real life.

“As treasurer I’ll be overseeing how/where your money is spent. We aim to break even each year and I’d like that to continue! However, we have a healthy bank balance, giving the organisation the opportunity to consider one-off events or activities for our members and to continue to promote romantic fiction.”

Anna Scamans – Hon Deputy Treasurer

Anna Scamans writes romantic suspense as Anna Louise Lucia and her first book was published in 2008 by Medallion Press. She joined the RNA in 2002 as an NWS member and joined the Committee in 2011. She has been the Hon. Deputy Treasurer since 2012 and in between balancing writing and life with her two very young sons, she keeps an eye on the pennies at all times!

Julie Vince – Hon Secretary

Julie Vince writes as Julia Wild and joined the RNA NWS in 1993. She was first published in 1997 by Scarlet, has numerous books published and most recently has been concentrating on bringing out her backlist as eBooks. In the past Julie has worked as a legal secretary, library assistant and night club waitress, but plans to remain a full-time writer from now on. She lives with her husband in Bedfordshire and has three adult children living close by.

“I love working with this enthusiastic committee in my role as the RNA’s Hon Secretary. I deal with daily admin, meeting minutes and update documents amongst other duties. Whilst in this role I would like to complete updating the Hon-Sec Handbook!” says Julie.

Jules Wake – RNA Press Officer

Jules writes contemporary romantic fiction and to date has published seven novels. A writer and a School Business Manager, she is also a former PR Consultant and writes dazzling press releases whilst communicating effectively with the media.

“Recently we set up twelve ‘down the line’ BBC radio interviews and I spent the morning in a broom cupboard-sized studio with president Katie Fforde, who gallantly flew the flag telling listeners from Jersey to Stoke, Southampton to Carlisle all about the RNA.

“I co-ordinate the publicity for the RNA Industry Award, the RoNAs and the Joan Hessayon, working with super-organised external PR, Katrina Power. Like other committee members I’m also busy writing and juggling the day job, so life is very hectic. However, the crazy workload is worth it, I’m passionate about the RNA and particularly the NWS. Since I joined I’ve made some amazing friends, learned so much about the industry and had incredible support. It’s this generosity of spirit that makes me want to be part of the committee and ensure I play my part to do the very best for the organisation.

Gill Stewart – Hon Membership Secretary

Gill Stewart, who writes as Gilly Stewart, Gill-Marie Stewart and Gillian Villiers, has been a member of the RNA since 2003. She has had two novels published by Accent Press and a number of novellas published by D C Thomson and Linford Romance Library. She lives on the west coast of Scotland with her husband and assorted cats, dogs and hens. She was Hon Treasurer of the RNA from 2013 to 2017 and has taken up this new role to help continue to support the committee and the overall organisation, which she feels gives so much to its members.

Elaine Everest – RNA Social Media Co-ordinator

Award-winning non-fiction and fiction writer, novelist, journalist and writing tutor and NWS graduate, Elaine runs Social Media for the RNA, including Twitter and Facebook accounts and the popular RNA blog. She also works with Jan Jones organising the highly prized and sought-after 1-2-1 conference appointments for delegates with industry professionals.

“During the next year I hope to increase awareness of the RNA on social media and encourage members, young and old, to make use of our busy and extremely supportive Facebook group. I also enjoy helping members with industry appointments leading up to our annual conference and that includes holding hands with the nervous first-timers and celebrating when they have good news – which happens often!” says Elaine.

Alison Knight – RoNA Scorekeeper

Alison is a professional fundraiser. She went to university aged 45 gaining a first class degree in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and an MA at Oxford Brookes University while working full-time for Christian Aid. She writes contemporary women’s fiction as Alison Rose, and young adult time-slip adventures as Alison Knight. She is scorekeeper for the RoNA Awards.

“My role on the committee is Awards Moderator for the RoNAs – checking the scores given by the readers, making sure they’re all received and recorded properly before we check everything and announce the short lists,” explains Alison.

Immi Howson – New Writers’ Scheme Organiser

The New Writers’ Scheme (NWS) is one of the most valuable services the RNA provides, giving all NWS members the opportunity for a full manuscript critique each year. Here’s organiser Immi’s take on her role.

“My role is to administer the scheme, assigning manuscripts to the most appropriate readers, forwarding reports to members, resolving any problems and giving advice to those members whose manuscripts have been judged ‘submission ready’.

”My overall aim is for the NWS to keep pace with the changing world of the publishing industry, and that every report is as useful and constructive as possible. Future plans include introducing more support for readers to access, such as the option for further training and a ‘buddy scheme’ for ongoing support.

“I also plan to include a self-editing guide in the information given to NWS members, and full instructions on how to ‘anonymize’ a Word document, for those readers who would like to include comments in the manuscript itself. This is something that was commonly done when we ran a paper-based scheme and is less easy, but still achievable, with the new online system.

“I’m open to all feedback, good and bad, so please contact me if you have any comments on the scheme!”

Anne Graham – Party Organiser

Anne Graham writes dialogue-rich historical romance as Anne Stenhouse and is published by MuseItUp, Linford Romance Library and Endeavour Press. She has worked as a civil servant and rehabilitation care worker and hopes that these roles should help create a mix of both organisational and observational skills.

Anne has the superb title of Party Organiser and explains a bit of what that involves.

“Although my email address is events@romanticnovelistsassociation.org being the RNA Party Organiser is what I actually do. This role encompasses the Awards, and ticketing some meetings, plus guest lists, name badges and general liaison with venues about facilities, refreshments and all the other little details that go into making our parties so popular.”

Adrienne Vaughan – Hon News Editor, Romance Matters

Editor of RM and RNA Industry Awards co-ordinator, Adrienne is a founder member of the indie publishing group New Romantics Press and since joining the RNA in 2011 has published three novels and a collection of short stories and poems. Her agent Lisa Eveleigh is currently marketing her latest book.

“I feel we are poised to take the RNA to the next level and have made great progress improving our industry-facing profile and communications in general. I love working with this group of talented, enthusiastic individuals who come together, not only as a cohesive team, but a force to be reckoned with!”

Jean Fullerton – Chapter Liaison

Jean joined in 2002, graduating from the NWS four years later. A member of the London & Southeast chapter, she says their support and encouragement was invaluable during that long and sometimes heart-breaking road to publication.

“I believe the local RNA chapters are the backbone of the organisation and took on the role of Chapter Liaison in 2009. Since then I’ve travelled the country meeting up with local chapters and a great number of members.

“Because I’ve gained so much from the RNA I always promised myself that I would stand for the committee when I waved goodbye to the day-job and last year I did. I hope to encourage more local chapter-led events such as study days, writing retreats, regional socials.” Since Jean took over the role new chapters have launched in new areas and even two new countries – Scotland and Ireland – she’s happy to report.

Katherine (Kathy) Garbera – Libraries Liaison

Kathy is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than 90 books, her publishers include Harlequin (Mills&Boon), HarperImpulse, and Tule Publishing. She’s a veteran author with a career spanning more than 20 years.

Being Libraries Liaison is a natural fit for Kathy, who is passionate about reading. She hopes to get localised lists of members matched to libraries in their area creating a synergy between authors, libraries and readers. She also is working – with Elaine Everest and Nicola Cornick – on an initiative to recognise librarians who are romantic fiction friendly and help support our genre, sub-genres and our members, possibly creating a Librarian/Library of the Year Award.

Celia Anderson – RoNA Organiser

Celia is a recently retired and much missed schoolteacher and the award-winning author of four novels plus numerous short stories. She is a founder member of a wonderfully supportive group of writers, The Romaniacs.

“During my time on the committee, I’ll be working towards further developing the existing – and excellent – RoNA awards scheme and promoting the RNA through its flagship awards event each March. Which will all help to raise our profile as we head towards our magnificent sixty year Diamond Anniversary celebrations in 2020,” says Celia.

Non-Committee roles:

Jan Jones, Conference Organiser

Kate Johnson, ROMNA Moderator

Janet Gover, Webmistress/Presentations

Janice Preston, NWS Admin

Evelyn Ryle, Sub-Committee (Membership & Constitution advice)

Melanie Hilton, Sub-Committee (Membership & Constitution advice)

Julie Stock, Deputy Editor Romance Matters

AUGUST PUBLICATIONS

Another month and another batch of wonderful books from members of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Thank you to Sheila Riley for her diligence in collecting and compiling the list and cover images.

TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED BOOKS:

LOUISE ALLEN

Marrying His Cinderella Countess

Historical Romance

Ebook, paperback and large print

Harlequin Mills & Boon

August 2017

Ellie Lytton is resigned to her life as the very ordinary, lame housekeeper to her half-brother and an author of children’s books. But when the high-handed Earl of Lytton arrives on her doorstep with shocking news she blames him, the man who has been haunting her dreams and fantasies, for the sudden change in her circumstances. He can escort her to her new home, she declares, and he reluctantly does so. His honour tells him he has to look after her – even if she fights him every inch of the way, especially when he declares that she must become his countess. Ellie knows it is only his sense of duty and her pride is not going to allow her emotions to dictate her answer, to allow herself a dream of Cinderella marrying her prince. Can two stubborn people finally admit to what is in their hearts? 

JO THOMAS

The Honey Farm on the Hill

Contemporary women's fiction.

Paperback and Ebook

Headline

24th August

We never forget the one who got away.

Eighteen years ago Nell fell in love in the mountains of Crete and life changed for ever.

Nell's daughter, Demi, has never met her dad. Nell never saw him again. When she gets the chance to return to the hilltop town of Vounoplagia - where everything began - Nell can't resist the urge to go back and find him. Working on a honey farm perched high up in the hills, there's plenty to keep her busy. And she will quickly realise the town harbours just as many secrets as she does. But if Nell's favourite romantic films are right, there's a happy ending in store for each of us. All she has to do is seek out the magic of the mountains...  Jo Thomas takes you there.

BELLA OSBORNE

Escape to Willow Cottage

Ebook and paperback

Avon, HarperCollins

RomCom

10th August 2017

Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a warm, caring and safe place for little Leo. When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage. Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under

your nose…

JEAN FULLERTON

Pocketful of Dreams

Paperback and Ebook

Atlantic

WW2 Saga

3rd August 2017

It's 1939, and the Brogan family of London's East End are ready to show Hitler what for. But things don't seem so rosy when rationing, evacuation and air-raids start to put this larger-than-life family to the test. When a mysterious young man arrives at the Brogans' local parish church, he provides just the dazzling distraction they need - and for eldest daughter Mattie, the promise of more than she'd ever wished for. But as the pair fall deeper in love, they are drawn into secret dangers, rife on the very London streets they call home. As the young couple race to protect the East End as they know it, can their dreams survive the darkening backdrop of war-time...?

ANNIE O'NEIL

Tempted by the Bridesmaid

Medical Romance

Traditional and Ebook

Mills & Boon

1 August 2017

A woman to unlock his heart?

The last time brooding Italian surgeon Luca Montovano saw bubbly heiress Francesca Martinelli was at his best friend's failed wedding. Sparks flew then, and now she's made a surprise appearance at his mountaintop clinic, bringing a much-needed whirlwind of laughter! Aristocratic Luca just wants to be left alone to care for his orphaned niece. The scars on his face reach right to his heart, and he's learned to push people away. Until Fran forces him to see the world through her eyes!

ANNIE O'NEIL

Taming His Pregnant Princess

Medical Romance

Traditional and Ebook

Mills & Boon

1 August 2017

"Hello, Beatrice." Face-to-face with the man she'd loved and lost two years ago, Dr. (and Princess) Bea di Jesolo knows she has no right to forgiveness, but she hopes they can call a truce for the sake of their patients. Pediatrician Dominic Coutts had always seen the woman beneath the royal fanfare that surrounded Bea: at heart, she was more surgical gown than ball gown. But loving her had cost him once. Could he risk his heart again—especially when he discovers her secret? 

RACHEL BRIMBLE

Ethan's Daughter

Romantic Suspense

Paperback and Ebook

Harlequin Super Romance

There's safety in solitude…isn't there? Single dad and best-selling thriller writer Ethan James has no problem being Templeton Cove's most famous recluse…until a surprise visit from the past plunges him into a real-life crime drama just as feisty nurse Leah Dixon barges her way into his world. Ethan's first priority is to protect his daughter. His second priority is to keep Leah out of this dark web—and that means out of his bed. Except Leah isn't going anywhere; she's afraid little Daisy is in danger. Ethan couldn't live with himself if anything happened to Leah…but pushing her away may be even harder!

KATE FIELD

The Truth About You, Me and Us

Contemporary women's fiction

Paperback and Ebook

Accent Press

25 August 2017

Sometimes the hardest person to be honest with is yourself…

Five years ago Helen Walters walked out on her ‘perfect’ life with the ‘perfect’ man.

Wealthy, glamorous and bored, she longed for something more. Now a talented artist with a small business, Helen creates crazy patchwork crafts to support her young daughter, Megan. Penniless, content and single, she is almost unrecognisable. But when her past unexpectedly collides with her new life, Helen finds herself torn. She knows what the easiest choice is, but is it what she wants?

TRACY CORBETT

The Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop

Contemporary romantic fiction

Ebook

Avon/HarperCollins

Evie is busy running the Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop and praying for an uplift in sales as soon as possible. She might be in the market of selling romance, but for Evie a new man is the last thing she needs! That is until plumber Scott Castillo turns up to fix her boiler. She’s definitely not interested. But then, why does she keep ogling his rather attractive forearms? She’s been fooled before - she isn’t about to fall head-over-heels for some smooth-talker, right? When he isn’t trying to balance paying the bills with caring for his sick mother, Scott has stepped in to help parent his 18-year-old nephew, Ben. Between that and working full time Scott doesn’t have time for romance. Until he meets Evie…

Love doesn’t always bloom the way you expect but for the customers of the Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop it might just be the perfect time for romance…

MOLLIE BLAKE

Guiltless - A Cheshire Love Story

Adult Romance Suspense

Paperback and Ebook

Black Opal Books

Date of Release  26th August

Managing Director of her own successful fashion house, Lauren Chandler should have everything going for her. But at twenty-nine, she finds herself single again, and bored.

Seeking a new challenge in her life, under the guise of saving her company money, Lauren embarks on a mission to model their latest range of lingerie herself. She just needs a photographer. When Byron Lord makes an unusual proposal, Lauren is adamant he won’t win the contract. Riddled with guilt, photographer, Byron Lord, embarks on a path he never wanted. OCD is only one of his unusual traits. As co-owner of Broadway Studios he is determined to provide job security to his off-beat workforce and he needs Lauren Chandler’s help to do so. Byron may have underestimated how far Lauren would be prepared to go. He had definitely underestimated how much she would demand of him. With an ultimatum of her own, Lauren gets far more than she bargained for.

But things rarely go to plan. Something isn’t right at the studio and Byron needs all his wits and courage to protect those around him and fight his own demons. To top it all, the question “what to do about Lauren Chandler” just won’t go away.

ELLIE HOLMES

The Tregelian Hoard

1st August 2017

Paperback large print

Romance

Linford Romance

With her engagement in tatters, Jonquil Jones, a Portable Antiquities specialist,

moves to Cornwall for a fresh start.  When a golden torc that has lain hidden underground for centuries is unearthed, she can feel her soul stirring with excitement. Is it a single find or part of an extraordinary treasure trove? It's Jonquil's job to find out.  But there is one problem: Sebastian Ableyard, who reported the find, is the man Jonquil holds responsible for the break-up of her engagement...

CAROL MCGRATH

The Woman in the Shadows

Paperback and Ebook

Accent Press

Historical Fiction/Romance

4th August

When cloth merchant’s daughter, Elizabeth Williams, is widowed at age of two and twenty, she is determined to make a success of her husband’s cloth business, but she has powerful enemies. When she meets Thomas Cromwell, ambitious merchant turned lawyer, Elizabeth finds a protector and is determined to marry for love this time round but it isn’t easy being married to the wife of an influential, headstrong man in Henry VIII’s London. Can love and respect survive in a city filled with ruthless people. Will a long concealed secret be their undoing?

LYNNE CONNOLLY

Fearless - The Shaws, Book One

Georgian historical romance

Ebook and paperback

Kensington

22nd August

When Lady Charlotte Engles receives an offer of marriage from an eligible suitor, she’s finally ready to let go of her long-held hope that her engagement to Lord Valentinian Shaw will result in marriage. For despite the betrothal their families made between them, Val shows no interest in leaving his reckless life behind in favor of one with Charlotte. But when her plea to end their arrangement ends in a heated embrace, suddenly Val seems reluctant to let her go… The last thing Val wants is a wife, despite how desirous his lovely bride-to-be has become. But when he discovers sweet Charlotte is planning to marry a dastardly man, he feels duty bound to keep her safe, even if that means making good on his marriage pledge. Then Charlotte is taken hostage by her dangerous suitor and suddenly Val is ready to risk everything for the woman who has won his heart.

JUDITH BARROW

A Hundred Tiny Threads

Ebook Paperback

Historical family saga

Publisher: Honno Press (17 Aug. 2017)

The prequel to the Haworth trilogy, this is the story of the parents of the protagonist, Mary Haworth in  in Pattern of Shadows, Changing Patterns, and Living in the Shadows.

It’s 1911 and Winifred Duffy is a determined young woman eager for new experiences; for a life beyond her well-off family and their prosperous grocer’s shop, a family ruled over by her domineering mother. On the opposite end of the social scale is Bill Howarth. His scars from a troubled childhood linger; he is an angry young man.. The only light in his life comes from a chance encounter with Winifred, the girl he dreams about and is determines to make his wife. But meeting her friend Honora’s silver-tongued brother turns Winifred’s heart upside down and they begin a love affair that Bill can only watch from a distance. But after a suffrage rally turns into a riot, Honora and Conal disappear. Abandoned Winifred has nowhere to turn but home. The Great War intervenes, sending Bill abroad to be hardened in a furnace of carnage and loss. When he returns he is unemployed and, desperate for money, joins the Black and Tans to quell the riots for Independence in Dublin. But all is not what it seems there and Bill deserts, still dreaming  of Winifred and the life they might have had… Back in Lancashire, worn down by work and the barbed comments of the narrow-minded townsfolk, Winifred faces difficult choices in love and life.

EBOOKS:

SHARON BOOTH

New Doctor at Chestnut House

Contemporary Romance

Ebook

Fabrian Books

12th August 2017

Is home a place—or a person?  

Anna's about to leave Bramblewick behind. She's due to marry her childhood sweetheart in a few weeks, and then she'll be heading to Kent and a whole new life. Connor's a new arrival in Bramblewick. He's bringing with him a whole lot of baggage, and he's doubtful that this small village on the Yorkshire Moors is the ideal place for him and his daughter, Gracie. It's not easy for Anna, watching Connor move into her family home and take over from her beloved father at the local surgery, but she's determined to help him settle in and adjust to rural life, so that the villagers get the doctor they deserve. Connor's not convinced. This country practice is very different to what he's used to, and the locals have some strange expectations of their GP. Protective of Gracie and hiding behind self-constructed barriers, Connor struggles to adapt to life in Bramblewick. Can Anna convince him that this is the place where he and Gracie can finally find happiness? And can she convince herself that leaving Bramblewick is the right move for her?

ABBEY MACMUNN

One Night in Kuala Lumpur

Erotic Romance

Ebook

Tirgearr Publishing

In search of inspiration, successful artist Ziva Clarke takes a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her exhibitions in the UK have left her exhausted and she's had no fun in ages  - the exotic Far East could be just what she needs. Charmer Sam Tempest is visiting KL on business, but behind the impeccable suit and the wicked smile, he’s not a happy man. Duty bound to join his family’s international business, Sam longs to follow his

true passion—to carve wood sculptures. The two lonely souls meet by chance on a crowded street, and when it turns out they might not be the strangers they first thought, so begins a night of confessions, shared dreams and hot sex. Can one steamy night in Kuala Lumpur be the answer to both their dreams?

DEIRDRE PALMER, writing as ZARA THORNE

Escape to Sunrise Cottage

Contemporary romance

Ebook

Fabrian Books

1st August

When artist Violet Brooke leaves her engagement ring on top of a Chinese wedding cabinet and runs away from the trendy apartment in London’s Brick Lane, there’s only one place to go – Sunrise Cottage. All she wants is to cosy up in her rural retreat, get on with her painting, and forget about Jayden Fox, bad boy of the East End art scene – he’s certainly forgotten about her. The last thing she needs is romance. But then handsome antique dealer Max Finch shows up in the middle of a field and the problem is, he’s impossible to resist. As much as Max wants Violet to stay in the village, somebody else wants her gone, and they’re making sure she knows about it. But who? And why? Is this Violet’s cue to head back to London and pick up her real life? Or is Sunrise Cottage – and Max Finch – as real as it gets? 

NELL DIXON

Looking For Juliet

Medical Romantic suspense

Ebook

Clean Reads

18.7.17

‘More than her heart is in danger’

Looking for Juliet is the latest release from multi-award winning, best-selling novelist Nell Dixon. Dr. Neil Forrest’s introduction to Juliet, his new practice nurse got off to a fiery start in more ways than one. Juliet, and her small son, Charlie are hiding out from something or someone, but who and why? Neil quickly realizes that he has to leave his own past behind if he is to be there when it counts for Juliet, and for Charlie.

EVONNE WAREHAM

Summer in San Remo

Ebook

Choc-lit

Romantic Comedy.

18th July.

Anything could happen when you spend summer in San Remo …

Running her busy concierge service usually keeps Cassie Travers fully occupied. But when a new client offers her the strangest commission she's ever handled she suddenly finds herself on the cusp of an Italian adventure, with a man she thought she would never see again. Jake McQuire has returned from the States to his family-run detective agency.

When old flame Cassie appears in need of help with her mysterious client, who better than Jake to step in? Events take the pair across Europe to a luxurious villa on the Italian Riviera. There, Cassie finds that the mystery she pursues pales into insignificance, when compared to another discovery made along the way … 

GABRIELLE MULLARKEY

Four Riddles for Jane Austen (and her artful maid Tilly)

Regency historical

Ebook

Corazon Books

12 July 2017

At 31, impoverished spinster and keen observer of life Jane Austen uses her marginal place in society to team up with her loyal maid, Tilly Marshall, and unmask the malicious, vengeful and desperate in a world where money and status are all, not everyone is who they seem and secrets are worth killing – and dying – for. Along the way, Jane loses her heart, as well as coming close to losing her life. Full of witty dialogue, pacy action and memorable characters (above and below stairs), Jane and Tilly’s encounters cement their lasting bond and provide inspiration for Jane’s best-known works. Seasoned Janeites will enjoy references to some of her most beloved characters, but if you haven't read a word of Jane Austen before, it won't spoil your enjoyment of a devilishly twisty plot!

INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED:

LISA HOBMAN

In His Place - Sonic Idols Book 2

Ebook and paperback

Amazon

7th July

Four years after the tragic death of his brother Joe, Sonic Idols drummer Si Delaney still struggles to cope with what happened to the man whose shoes he subsequently filled. A forced hiatus from touring unleashes feelings he's tried hard to push aside, and Si knows he needs to seek forgiveness before he can ever truly move on. Determined to make amends he sets off in search of Joe’s fiancée, Allie. Can Allie help Si to realise he wasn’t to blame for the tragedy, or will he forever feel like an imposter in Joe’s place?