UNCOVERED INTERVIEWS: Zara Stoneley

 The Holiday Swap is the new novel by Zara Stoneley, in which two women are led to spend the festive season away from their very different lives. Zara joins us for the weekly Q&A to share more about her writing.

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
Buzzy Barcelona or cosy Cheshire? Plan your perfect escape this Christmas!

What inspired you to write The Holiday Swap? 
I was initially inspired by one of my favourite Christmas films - 'The Holiday'. I love the idea of swapping homes (and lives) with somebody. There are two places that are very special to me - the UK countryside, and glamorous Barcelona - they're very different places at Christmas, both magical in their own way, and so I couldn't resist the idea of writing a book set in both locations.

Where do you do most of your writing? 
If I'm in the UK I love to sit at my kitchen table (unless it's nice enough to sit outside) as it's lovely and light and I can gaze at the garden when I need inspiration. If I'm in Barcelona I do lots of scribbling ideas down on the beach, but I do the actual writing in the apartment with the doors open - I can hear the gentle buzz of chatter outside, and quite often there are buskers to listen to which I love.

What is your favourite book? 
There are so many brilliant books it's hard to name a favourite. The best book I've read recently has to be 'Me Before You' - it's quite different to the type of book I normally read these days, because I like something light and funny, but I really enjoyed it. It's impossible to name an all time favourite though - I'd need to give you a top ten!

Which part of The Holiday Swap did you enjoy writing the most?
Now that is a really difficult question to answer! I loved writing about the really cosy side of Christmas in the UK, snow and roaring fires, but I also really enjoyed writing about buzzy Barcelona! I suppose if I really had to single one bit out, it has to be the very last chapter, in Barcelona on New Year's eve... and a very special ending that caught even me by surprise!

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Bridget Jones. Does she qualify as 'literary'? She might not be a role model in the way somebody like Elizabeth Bennet might be (is she the modern day equivalent?), but I can relate to her, and she makes me laugh, cry and hope that things will work out.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
Find your voice - once you find your writing style, and the stories you really love writing then things will start to fall into place. I think the hardest part of writing is patience, and not expecting too much too soon - take your time, read lots of different authors and keep writing until you hit your stride. And write the story that you want to tell, in your own way - publishers aren't looking for copycats, they want unique voices that can put a new spin on old themes.

Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
I can't say much at the moment, but it does involve an absolutely gorgeous little village (even more lovely than Tippermere - I never, ever thought I'd say that!), a hunky vet, and a school teacher who thinks she's a city girl at heart but might be about to find out she's wrong!

Thanks, Zara!

You can find out more about Zara at her website, Twitter, Facebook and Amazon.

The Holiday Swap by Zara Stoneley

Two women, two very different lives – one perfect solution to a Christmas holiday fraught with potential pitfalls.

Florence Cortes has the perfect life – an apartment in the trendiest district of Barcelona, a job she loves and a boyfriend who’s whisking her away on a romantic break to Paris to no doubt propose.
Only, he’s planning something far different, and Flo soon realises her life isn’t so perfect after all.
Home loving Daisy Fischer is perfectly happy in her idyllic home in the Cheshire countryside, with an on-off boyfriend who might be slightly dull but is totally dependable. Until he issues an ultimatum, and Daisy suddenly realises that there might be a whole different world out there that she’s missing out on.

Have Flo and Daisy come up with the perfect solution to escape festive heartbreak?

Can a snowbound Christmas in Cheshire – with aristocratic, handsome Hugo as her neighbour, a house full of animals and a leaking roof – help Flo mend her broken heart, and remind her of what she really wants in life?

Can a sunny break in beautiful Barcelona – with the dishy but brooding Javier, a never ending supply of cava, and a sea view to die for – prove to Daisy that playing safe isn’t always the answer?
Love actually does seem to be all around this Christmas – and in the places Flo and Daisy least expect to find it, but where will they be for New Year?

BOOK NEWS: The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker

The Weekends of You and Me is the new novel by Fiona Walker (author of The Summer Wedding and The Woman Who Fell in Love for a Week). Released in September, the novel follows newly-single thirty-something Jo and divorcee Harry, who meet up every year for one weekend only...

Can your final fling become your Happy Ever After?

When Jo Coulson finds herself single again in her late thirties, she finally resigns her membership to Last of the Hopeless Romantics, fully intending to tackle midlife and motherhood alone. First, she plans one legendary last fling...

In walks Harry Inchbold, and the connection is electric. Passionate, unpredictable and messily divorced, Harry is the perfect antidote to cosy coupledom. Known as The Sinner, drama follows him around with a clapper board.

Harry's favourite holiday hideaway in the wilds of South Shropshire puts the mud and fun into the perfect dirty weekend. But at the cottage Harry reveals a very different side, melting Jo's resolve. What better combination to face an uncertain future than two cynics who have learned from their mistakes?Together they make a pact; 'same time next year'; they can promise no more than that.

Through life's most stressful decade, Harry and Jo return to the Shropshire hills for one weekend each year to rediscover passion and make peace. As career, family and home crises all threaten to bring them unstuck, the cottage is their glue. Here, different rules apply: the day to day world is not allowed to intrude.With Harry and Jo, however, it's only a matter of time before rules get broken. As real life gets increasingly complicated, can they keep renewing their promise?

BLOG TOUR: The House in Quill Court by Charlotte Betts (Review)

1813. Venetia Lovell lives by the sea in Kent with her pretty, frivolous mother and idle younger brother. Venetia's father, Theo, is an interior decorator to the rich and frequently travels away from home, leaving his sensible and artistic daughter to look after the family. Venetia designs paper hangings and she and her father often daydream about having an imaginary shop where they would display the highest quality furniture, fabrics and art to his clients.

When a handsome but antagonistic stranger, Jack Chamberlaine, arrives at the Lovell's cottage just before Christmas bringing terrible news, Venetia's world is turned upside-down and the family have no option but to move to London, to the House in Quill Court and begin a new life. Here, Venetia's courage and creativity are tested to breaking point, and she discovers a love far greater than she could have ever imagined...

Fans of historical romance may already be familiar with Charlotte Betts, author of The Chateau on the Lake, The Spice Merchant's Wife and The Apothecary's Daughter. Her latest novel, The House in Quill Court, is officially released tomorrow. Having enjoyed The Chateau on the Lake, I was delighted to receive a copy of Charlotte's latest offering.

Creative, young Venetia lives with her family in Kent, with her father Theo, an interior decorator for the wealthy who often travels out of town. Life is good for the family - until they are brought some news by a handsome stranger known as Jack Chamberlain. It's revealed that Theo had been leading two lives, with a secret family in London. The family are forced to move out of their seaside home and relocate to London to live in Quill Court, along with Theo's other family.

I don't want to delve too far into the plot as I don't wish to reveal any spoilers, but I will say this - The House in Quill Court is a beautiful novel, wonderfully written and full of intrigue in every chapter. The book doesn't simply focus on Venetia's family and their lives, but also that of Kitty the maid. At first I had envisioned this novel to have more of a romantic tone going by its cover (which I love, in fact), but it is much more; an incredibly written historical tale with a plot that makes it very hard to put down.

Rating: 5/5

UNCOVERED PICKS: Ready for Christmas!

It may seem as though Christmas is quite some time away, but news of festive novels is already starting to make its way to readers. Which means that my Christmas to-be-read pile is becoming even longer - not that I'm complaining! I always love a good winter tale to snuggle up with on a cold evening, and so here are five upcoming festive treats from authors such as Chrissie Manby, Aimee Duffy and more.

A Winter Affair by Minna Howard
With a recent divorce and empty nest Eloise Brandon is facing Christmas alone until a harried phone call from her godfather changes everything.

Accepting his challenge, Eloise finds herself en-route to Verbier and to her godfathers chalet in the beautiful Swiss Alps to help cater for some seriously rich, high rolling guests.

What ensues makes it a Christmas to remember. A heady alpine mixture of old friends, ex-husbands, mega-rich, super demanding guests, a dishevelled proprietor and Bert the dog.

A Fairy Tale for Christmas by Chrissie Manby
What could be more magical at Christmas than a fairy tale come true?

It's the festive season and the members of the Newbay Theatre Society, more commonly known as the NEWTS, are preparing to put on a show. Being cast as Cinderella is the realization of a dream for newcomer Kirsty, not least because she hopes starring in a panto under the direction of her boyfriend Jon will bring them closer together.

But Kirsty soon learns that it's not all glitter and good cheer behind the scenes at the amateur theatre as bitter rivalries nurtured through decades, wardrobe mishaps and suspicious near-fatal accidents threaten to derail the production. And then there's Prince Charming himself. Will working together with Jon bring Kirsty her happy ever after... or reveal their love to be nothing but a 'showmance'?
With Christmas just around the corner, it's going to take more than a Fairy Godmother to get Kirsty and her cast-mates to the ball.

The Office Christmas Party by Aimee Duffy
Natalie Taylor and Dean Fletcher are serial Christmas party crashers. But when they start crashing the same parties, the mittens are off!

As much as she loves Christmas, after her mother’s death, events planner Nat can’t face the jolly season anymore. So to get her festive hit she crashes everyone else’s party. It’s a sweet gig, until she meets her competition, tech empire millionaire, Dean, under the mistletoe…!

When it comes to relationships, Dean doesn’t do serious―being left at the altar will do that to a guy. So when he meets feisty Nat, the first woman in ten years to pique his interest, he’s tempted to break his one-night rule…just for the holidays!

Nat and Dean might get more than they bargained for in their stockings this Christmas!

Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes
Isabel Lawson is standing on the balcony of her suite at the Hotel de Crillon as she gazes at the twinkling lights of the Champs-Élysées and wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. She was supposed to be visiting the Christmas tree in the Place de la Concorde, and eating escargots and macaroons with her new husband on their honeymoon. But a week before the wedding, she called it off. Isabel is an ambitious Philadelphia finance woman, and Neil suddenly decided to take over his grandparents' farm. Isabel wasn't ready to trade her briefcase for a pair of rubber boots and a saddle.

When Neil suggested she use their honeymoon tickets for herself, she thought it would give her a chance to clear her head. That is until she locks herself out on the balcony in the middle of winter. 

Thankfully her neighbor Alec, a French children’s illustrator, comes to her rescue. He too is nursing a broken heart at the Crillon for the holidays. With a new friend by her side, Isabel is determined to use her time in the "city of lights" wisely. After a chance encounter with a fortune teller, and a close call with a taxi, she starts to question everything she thought was important.

Anita Hughes's Christmas in Paris is a moving and heartwarming story about love, trust, and self-discovery. Set during the most magical week of the year, the glorious foods and fashions of the most romantic city in the world are sure to take your breath away.

Lizzie's Christmas Escape by Christie Barlow
A gorgeous country house hotel, a liberal dusting of snow, a cosy weekend away…what more could Lizzie ask for at Christmas? 

Every Christmas Lizzie promises herself that things will change and she will leap into the new year a new woman. And yet here she is again, at the beginning of December and nothing is different. Her girls have grown up and left home, her husband Henry is slumped in front of the TV and she is alone in the kitchen, seeking refuge in the cooking sherry and talking to her Gary Barlow calendar. She’s also been very diverted by handsome new neighbour Marcus and she knows she shouldn’t be … 
So when best friend Ann suggests a weekend away in the country, Lizzie jumps at the chance. Will this Christmas escape give Lizzie some much needed perspective and allow her to mend her marriage? Or will Marcus prove to be too much of a distraction? 

UNCOVERED INTERVIEWS: Allison Morgan

Allison Morgan, author of The Someday Jar, joins us this week for a Q&A about her new novel Can I See You Again, in which successful matchmaker Bree finds her own love life in trouble...

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
A matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own...

What inspired you to write Can I See You Again?
I thought it'd be fun to write about a secure, confident character who's thrown into a situation where's she's anything but confident or secure. I find as I grow older, my comfort zone is shrinking. So, I wanted to write about a woman who steps out (or is forced out) of her comfort zone. Sometimes we need to get out of our own way and enjoy life.

Where do you do most of your writing?
Hmmm...wherever and whenever. I'd be much more organized and efficient if I had a specific time and place for writing. But, life gets in the way. So, I write at the kitchen counter, on the couch, in bed...whenever and wherever I have the chance. The only thing consistent about my writing is there's always a cup of green tea nearby. And, Chips Ahoy (obviously).

What is your favourite book?
I have two: This I Believe. It's a lovely compilation from eighty people writing about their beliefs - political, religious, moral, family, you name it. The book made me think about my own beliefs and how I've come to them. I also enjoyed Humans of New York. Not only are the author's photographs captivating, but his subjects share their stories. It's inspiring to know we live among such truly remarkable individuals.

Which part of Can I See You Again did you enjoy writing the most?
The Tough Mudder scene was my favorite. A few years ago, I foolishly agreed to attempt a similar 12-mile obstacle course/run with a group of friends. It was torture. But, I have to admit, it was one of the funnest (and muddiest) things I've ever done. Not to mention, the well-deserved beer at the end tasted like heaven-in-a-cup. I enjoyed reliving that day when writing that particular chapter.

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Honestly, I don't have a specific favorite, except to say I enjoy fun-loving, self-deprecating characters that don't take themselves or life too seriously. If a character can justify their actions, regardless how outlandish, then I'm hooked.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers? 
I know this is such a cliché, but do not give up. DO. NOT. GIVE. UP. Also, I found entering writing contests (listed toward the back of writer's magazines) very beneficial because the nominal entry fee typically includes first-impression feedback on the submission. So, for $10 or $20, an author can receive candid (and, sometimes harsh) comments. This objectivity helped clarify my weaknesses in my opening pages.

Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
I'm tossing a few ideas around with my agent. Nothing decided yet. Hopefully soon.

Thanks, Allison!

To find out more about Allison Morgan, you can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Can I See You Again? by Allison Morgan
Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship.
Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a woman whose love life is a mess, Bree begs her one matchmaking failure, Nixon Voss, to pose as her boyfriend. But when they become a hit with readers, they must carry on their charade just a little longer. Fortunately, they’re both having fun...

But then Bree’s ex decides he wants her back and a newspaper presents a challenge that could expose the truth about her rocky love life. Now she must find the courage to embrace what is, or risk losing something much bigger than her reputation: her heart... 

BOOK REVIEW: You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson

It's always a treat when a book from a much-loved author arrives at your door, so I was excited to receive a gorgeous paperback copy of Lisa Dickenson's latest novel, You Had Me At Merlot. I loved her previous summer novel Catch Me If You Cannes, and festive read The Twelve Dates of Christmas, so I already had high hopes for this one!

Like Catch Me if You Cannes, You Had Me at Merlot was released in four parts, but the full novel is now available in paperback and ebook formats.

Elle is single, and perfectly fine with that fact. Unlike best pal Laurie who is determined to find Mr Right, Elle is happy just the way she is, with her friends and advertising job in the city that she plans to work her way up in. So when Laurie proposes a much-needed break abroad, she's fond of the idea...until Laurie reveals that it's a singles' holiday that she had in mind!

Fearing the worst, Elle's reluctant to go, but after chatting to her married and mothering friends, Elle realises she should make the most of her freedom, so agrees to the holiday  -a wine-tasting break at a vineyard in Tuscany called You Had Me at Merlot.

The pair set off, and after an amusing flight, they touch down in Tuscany ready to begin their wine-inspired adventure. After the initial round of introductions, including George, an older American man who takes an instant liking to Elle, and Jamie, the gorgeous son of the Bella Notte vineyard owners.

But there's trouble when a new guest arrives - a very angry one at that - and Elle is horrified to discover that it's none other than her boss, Donna.

With work, the one thing that Elle wanted to escape, turning up in Tuscany, can Elle and Laurie truly enjoy themselves? And will Elle experience more than just wine and sun at Bella Notte?

You Had Me at Merlot is a fabulous read. Lisa's characters are always charming and funny (in this case, Laurie especially!) Her wonderful writing will take you straight to the vineyard, set beautifully in the Italian sun. I expected this to be a romantic read, but there's a whole lot more - especially with the arrival of Donna (and Elle's attempts to fend off the annoying George!). I'd love to go into more detail, but don't want to spoil this book - however,if you are looking for a fun, romantic read, especially on a gorgeous sunny day, then this is perfect.

Especially with some Merlot!

Rating: 5/5

BOOK NEWS: Who We Were Before by Leah Mercer

Talli Roland, author of many romantic comedies including Build a Man, The Hating Game and The Pollyanna Plan, will return with a new offering, though this time writing as Leah Mercer. Who We Were Before will be released in October.

Zoe knows that it wasn’t really her fault. Of course it wasn’t. But if she’d just grasped harder, run faster, lunged quicker, she might have saved him. And Edward doesn’t really blame her, though his bitter words at the time still haunt her, and he can no more take them back than she can halt the car that killed their son.

Two years on, every day is a tragedy. Edward knows they should take healing steps together, but he’s tired of being shut out. For Zoe, it just seems easier to let grief lead the way.

A weekend in Paris might be their last hope for reconciliation, but mischance sees them separated before they’ve even left Gare du Nord. Lost and alone, Edward and Zoe must try to find their way back to each other—and find their way back to the people they were before. But is that even possible?