Blog Blitz: I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas
Today I am part of the blog blitz for I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas by CP Ward: I interviewed him!
Book Description:
I’m glad I found you this Christmas – an uplifting sweet romance set against the magical backdrop of Christmas.
Maggie Coates is frustrated. Her longterm boyfriend, Dirk, recently moved to London to take a job she fears puts him out of her league. Despite the assurances of her best friend Renee, Maggie is convinced Dirk is slowly drifting away. All Maggie wants is to get married and settle down, but maybe Dirk has other ideas.
Convinced by Renee to make one last throw of the dice, Maggie books a romantic holiday for two in the quaint Scottish village of Hollydell. But will Dirk show up?
And if he doesn’t, what if there is a perfect man waiting for her among the Christmas magic of Hollydell’s snow-laden streets? What if Henry, the humble reindeer farmer with the kind smile, turns out to be the man of Maggie’s dreams?
I’m glad I found you this Christmas is a glowing sweet romance which will leave you feeling warm inside and buzzing with Christmas spirit.
Buy I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas now:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
JRR (Jessica’s Reading Room): Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Chris Ward, I’m 39 years old (nearly 40!) and I’m from Cornwall in the UK. For the last 15 years I’ve been living in the mountains of Japan, where I work full time as an English teacher.
JRR: Japan: Nice! My hubby wants to visit there. Now, did you always want to become an author?
From as young as I can remember. I started writing little stories at the age of 5 or 6, then began dreaming of superstardom during my early teens while typing away on my dad’s battered old typewriter.
JRR: What inspires you to write?
I find myself constantly examining the world around me. It sounds like a cliché but I’m always thinking “what if this happened?”
JRR: That could be the best way to come up with a story( What if this happened?). What does your writing process consist of? Do you research, do you handwrite or type, do you have music or need silence?
I write in multiple genres and in a variety of different ways. In general, I write in the mornings, to as much silence as I can get, and on a battered old laptop with the internet connection deleted. Since my daughter was born two years ago, very early mornings – I generally start around 4.a.m, write until she gets up, then go to work and steal a little time on the clock if I’m not busy. If I’m awake after my daughter goes to sleep (rarely) I do a bit of marketing stuff.
My process depends on the type of book I’m writing. I prefer to make it up as I go along, but especially for series books I plan them more in advance. Some, like my mystery pen name (Jack Benton) I write them intentionally on the fly. That makes the plots more difficult to figure out.
As for research, I do it as I go along, usually by watching YouTube videos or using the Internet.
JRR: Who is your favorite author as an adult?
Currently, Gillian Flynn. Everything she writes is genius. Historically, Iain Banks. I’m also currently partial to a bit of Mark Edwards, although I pick books and authors at random and there’s no one I’ve read comprehensively.
JRR: Who was the most influential author you read when you were growing up? Did his/her writings influence you to want to become an author?
To be honest, there was no writer who inspired me to become one. I can’t even remember what I used to read when I was very young. Whatever was in the school library, I guess. In my teens I got big into Stephen King, but I was also a fantasy nut, reading loads of fat long books by people like Robert Jordan.
JRR: I read Stephen King as a teen as well. If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?
My grandparents, because I miss them, and my two-year-old daughter, because I’d like my grandparents to have met her.
JRR: Aww, good choice!
Which book have you always meant to get around to reading, but still not read?
The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje. I bought it about a week before I got my Kindle. It’s been sat around on my table ever since, and I’ve got to page 14 about fifteen times.
JRR: I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas is different from the books you usually write. What made you decide to write it?
Simply because I love Christmas. I always wanted to write a Christmas book, and I finally got around to it.
JRR: Women tend to write ‘sweet romance’ books. How did you feel about writing this type of novel?
It’s not the first romance I’ve written – I have three mystery novels which have a romantic subplot (although darker), and I’ve written some romantic short stories. In general, though, I can turn my hand to anything. I started publishing in 2012, and got pigeonholed into SF for commercial reasons, but in the years before that I only ever wrote standalone novels, and each in a different genre. I was strictly opposed to writing the same book twice, and even now I struggle to maintain my interest past three or four books. I generally don’t read series for the same reason, although I probably would if I had more time. I like to get a complete story when I buy a book.
JRR: Is Christmas your favorite holiday? What made you pick Christmas as the time of year for this novel?
It’s absolutely my favourite. I’m a teacher by profession, and a foreigner in Japan, so every year I end up getting the suit on and going round all the kids parties, churches, schools. It’s a lot of fun. Christmas in Japan is a poor imitation of Christmas in Western countries, so part of it is nostalgia because it’s over by midnight on Christmas Eve as everything turns to the New Year celebrations that we have out here.
JRR: Sounds like you have a lot of fun every year at this time! Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thanks to everyone who’s taken a chance on my book. I hope it will warm your heart. And if you like it, please let me know.
About the Author:
CP Ward is a writer from the UK who currently lives and works in Japan. This is his first Christmas book.
Contact CP Ward:
Website
Blog Tour: Strand of Faith by Rachel J Bonner
Today I am part of the blog tour for Strand of Faith by Rachel J Bonner: I interviewed her! There is also an INTERNATIONAL giveaway going on. Be sure to check that out!
Book Description:
When the choice is between love and life, how can anyone decide?
A girl and a monk, both with extraordinary mental powers, have compelling reasons not to fall in love. But those from whom they expect support are manipulating them both because their choices will have consequences for the rest of the world.
After a stormy youth, Brother Prospero has found comfort and fulfilment in the monastery. That is, until he discovers something that forces him to reconsider his whole vocation. To follow his heart, he’ll have to face his demons again, outside the security of the monastery. Is it worth the risk? Can he beat them this time? Or will they finally destroy him?
Orphaned and mistreated, Leonie has found sanctuary and safety at the abbey. All she wants is to learn how to manage her unusual abilities so that she is not a danger to those around her. When she comes into contact with Prospero everything threatens to spiral out of her control. Whether she leaves or whether she stays, how can she possibly avoid destroying – yet again – those she has come to care about?
Abbot Gabriel is faced with an impossible choice. He can do nothing and watch the world descend into war. Or he can manipulate events and ensure peace – at the cost of two lives that he is responsible for. He knows what he has to do but is he strong enough to sacrifice those he loves?
Buy Strand of Faith NOW:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Books2Read Universal link
JRR (Jessica’s Reading Room): Tell us a little about yourself.
I guess there’s no such thing as a typical author, but I’m certainly not typical. I have a degree in Civil Engineering although I’ve never worked in that area. I’ve mostly worked as an accountant and I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). I’ve run my own accountancy business for many years, where I provide financial management and financial modelling services to public sector organisations. How that led to becoming an author, I’ve no idea.
In my spare time I like to keep fit so I swim regularly and I’m also an archer, something I enjoy very much. I’m actively involved in my local church where I manage the sound system (the minister is my husband – so I have the power to turn his mic off if he preaches too long!). I also have a couple of voluntary roles, one as trustee with a local youth theatre and the other advising a genealogical organisation.
JRR: I also worked the sound system at one of my former churches for a while and it’s hard work! (Turning off that mic can be tempting…. 😉 ) Now, Did you always want to become an author?
No, it happened to me by chance. The story developed in my head and eventually I had to write it down to stop the characters taking over my life. That didn’t work, by the way. Once I got them out of my head and onto paper they started taking over even more of my life!
JRR: What inspires you to write?
Pretty much anything! I can hear something, or see a picture or read something and an idea just develops. I dreamt one of the scenes in Strand of Faith and the rest of the story grew from there. I’m definitely a pantser not a plotter and I find the story unfolds on the page. Sometimes I’m surprised by the direction it goes.
JRR: What does your writing process consist of? Do you research, do you hand-write or type, do you have a playlist or do you need silence?
I don’t have a playlist but I don’t need silence. I’m quite happy to be interrupted and I find it quite easy to get back to work again. I type because my handwriting doesn’t keep up with my thought process – I can type much faster. I research when necessary but once I start research something there’s always a danger it will be hours before I get back to writing!
JRR: Who was the most influential author you read when you were growing up? Did his/her writings influence you to want to become an author?
I don’t think there’s any one author that has influenced me more than another. I read extensively as a child and I still do today. I couldn’t pick any one author.
JRR: Oops… Who are some of your favorite authors as an adult?
I have quite a list – some of my favourites include Neil Gaiman, Terry Prachett (Discworld), Jodi Picoult, Annette Marie (urban fantasy), Jodi Taylor (Chronicles of St Mary’s), Sarah Woodbury (After Cilmeri time travel fiction), Trisha Ashley (romance), Diane Gabaldon (Outlander), Anne McCaffery (Dragonrider series). But there are many, many more.
JRR: If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?
My Dad would be one of them, definitely. He died five years ago which was before I started writing or had any idea about publishing so I’d really like to share all this with him. He influenced at least one of my male characters. I’d love to spend time with Neil Gaiman, because I’ve read so much of his work and it ranges over so many different areas. And that leads me on to my third choice, Terry Pratchett. I could (and have) read his Discworld series over and over again. Spending time with someone with that level of imagination would be fascinating.
JRR: Which book have you always meant to get around to reading, but still not read?
Umm…My TBR pile currently has 25 books in it and that’s just the physical pile. I don’t think there’s any one stand out book that I’ve always meant to read, just a whole lot that have tempted me. I started the Goodreads reading challenge to encourage me to work through the physical pile this year, but much of what I read is eBooks. Using an eReader means I can adjust the font size if I need to instead of having to hunt for my reading glasses.
JRR: Yes, too many books and never enough time! What made you choose the paranormal romance genre to write your first novel?
I didn’t choose it, not exactly. I just wrote Strand of Faith and its sequels and then tried to work out what genre it was. Paranormal romance seemed to be the closest fit for something that is really cross genre.
JRR: Where did you get the idea for Strand of Faith? Did you base any character off anyone you know?
The idea started when I dreamt one of the scenes in this book, and then developed in my mind and on paper. It felt like the characters were telling me their story and I was writing it down. Some were more reticent than others! No character is based directly on someone I know, but I can see some of my friends’ characteristics in some of my characters.
JRR: What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Finish it! It’s very easy to start something and not nearly so easy to plough on and finish it. It applies to everything, not just writing. I felt a tremendous sense of achievement when I finished the first draft of all four books in the Choices and Consequences series.
JRR: Is there anything else you would like to share?
I really hope you enjoy reading Strand of Faith as much as I have enjoyed writing it. My plan is to release the other three books in the series over the next fifteen months or so. I’d love it if, at the end of Strand of Faith, readers were eager to read the rest and impatient for the next release date. If you want to look out for them:
Book 2 – Thread of Hope, to be released spring 2019
Book 3 – Weave of Love, to be released autumn 2019
Book 4 – Cloth of Grace, to be released spring 2020
Or sign up for my newsletter at www.racheljbonner.co.uk to be sure you don’t miss out.
JRR: Thank you for your time with this interview Rachel! And now we know when to look out for the rest of the series!!
About the Author:
Rachel J Bonner is the author of the four book Choices and Consequences series, the first of which, Strand of Faith, is due out in November 2018.
Getting a degree in engineering, followed by a career in accountancy is probably not a conventional path to becoming an author, particularly in paranormal romance. Rachel says that, although accountancy isn’t anything like as boring as everyone thinks, writing is a lot more fun. When not writing, she can be found walking in the beautiful countryside near where she lives, which has influenced much of the scenery in her books, or shooting things with her local archery club. Target shooting only, honest. Nothing to worry about.
She also enjoys swimming, eating chocolate chip cookies and growing aromatic herbs, especially thyme and rosemary. It’s no coincidence that her heroine likes the same things.
You can find out more about her books and sign up for Rachel’s newsletters at www.racheljbonner.co.uk.
Contact Rachel:
Twitter @RachelJBonner1
**International Giveaway!**
Win a signed paperback copy of Strand of Faith, a set of bookmarks (3 styles plus a business card) featuring the cover art, and a canvas print (40cm by 30cm) of the original cover art. **Open Internationally**
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
Blog Tour: The Stepsister by Jenny O’Brien
Today I am part of the blog tour for The Stepsister by Jenny O’Brien: I interviewed her! There is also an INTERNATIONAL giveaway going on. Be sure to check that out!
Book Description:
When a stranger leaves step-sisters, Victoria and Ness, a half-share in a house in Holland, they think it must be a mistake.
But there’s no mistake when Ness goes missing.
Desperate for the truth, Victoria heads to Holland to find out what happened to her. Has she, as her texts show, embarked on a whirlwind romance? Has someone abducted her or even worse?
But there’s someone watching, and that person wants her dead.
Can Victoria find out the truth before it’s too late?
Buy The Stepsister Now:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
JRR (Jessica’s Reading Room): Tell us a little about yourself.
There’s not a lot to say. I come from Dublin, but my parents moved to Wales when I was in my teens. I currently live on Guernsey where I’m married with three teens and two cats. My day job is nursing.
JRR: Did you always want to become an author?
I’d always liked the idea of writing but, until I came up with the character Dai Monday, the MC in my first book, I thought it was just a pipe dream.
JRR: What inspires you to write?
I seem to have an abundance of ideas floating round my head and a need to find out what’s going to happen to my characters. I know the start, middle and end but not the finer plot points.
JRR: What does your writing process consist of? Do you research, do you handwrite or type, do you listen to music or prefer silence?
Like most authors who don’t write full-time my writing is squeezed in around the rest of my life. I write both in long hand and type. I think it’s important to try and produce something that’s as factual as possible even if it is fiction. I’m forever checking things like train timetables and travel distances, in addition to calling on the kindness of strangers for the answers to my random questions. I don’t listen to music. I don’t need silence and can often be found in a café, notebook to hand. But I never listen to music when I’m working. And even when I’m not working I’m a Radio 4 fan.
JRR: What kind of advice can you give to aspiring authors?
That a love of books and reading is the precursor to becoming a writer. Read as much as possible, both within and outside the genre you want to write in.
JRR: Who was your favorite author as a child and did his/her writings influence you to want to become an author?
I loved Enid Blyton but, at that age I had no thoughts of writing as being something I’d be able to do.
JRR: Who is your favorite author as an adult?
There are so many, I read romances and crime/thrillers and it depends on what mood I’m in as to which writer I reach for and, yes, I do re-read my favourite books. For Romances I love Betty Neels, Sarah Morgan, Sue Moorcroft, Jane Linfoot and Eloisa James. For crime/thrillers I love Valerie Keogh, Clare Chase, Martina Cole and Steig Larsson.
JRR: If you could have dinner with three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?
I enjoy talking about books, so it would have to be three writers:
Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier and Elizabeth Goudge.
As they all lived during the last century it’s likely they’d have at least known of each other’s work if not actually met. We’d meet on the south coast somewhere, there’d be fish and lots of nice wine followed by rich coffee and perhaps a smidgeon of cake. We’d talk late into the night…
JRR: Which book have you always meant to get around to reading, but still not read?
Anna Karenina. It’s considered to be one of the greatest works of fiction – I’m working up to it.
JRR: Thank you for your time with this interview Jenny!
About the Author:
Jenny O’Brien was born in Ireland and, after a brief sojourn in Wales, now resides in Guernsey.
She’s an avid reader and book reviewer for NetGalley in addition to being a RoNA judge.
She writes for both children and adults with a new book coming out every six months or so. She’s also an avid collector of cats, broken laptops, dust and happy endings – two of which you’ll always find in her books.
In her spare time she can be found frowning at her wonky cakes and even wonkier breads. You’ll be pleased to note she won’t be entering Bake-Off.
Contact Jenny:
Website/Blog
Twitter @ScribblerJB
**International Giveaway!**
1st Prize: Win an e copy of The Stepsister and crystal, tulip slider necklace ,
2 x 2nd Prize – an e-copy of The Stepsister
a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.