Today, I am delighted to share my review of Dr Amir Khan’s new educational book for 6-9 year olds, How Families Are Made.
Come on a journey with award-winning GP DR AMIR KHAN to discover how families begin and how you became part of your family.
Our EXPERTS are famous for their incredible know-how and passion for their subjects, and now they have made it their mission to share that knowledge with you in LITTLE EXPERTS: the inspirational non-fiction series for six- to nine-year-olds.
This incredible non-fiction journey has bold, colourful artwork throughout by Donough O’Malley.
Dr Amir Khan is a full-time GP who has appeared on shows such as GPs Behind Closed Doors and is a regular on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. His adult book The Doctor Will See You Now was a Sunday Times Bestseller.
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this book to peruse at my leisure and to take into school, and it was a delight to leaf through. Dr Khan details different types of families at the beginning of the book, and then it goes on to a more scientific, child-friendly form of how male and female anatomies work to create babies. A brief section talks about how the baby develops, ending with how it enters the world. Then there is information about how families can be made when there isn’t a more traditional parental background, e.g. adoption.
The illustrations are gorgeously diverse, eye-catching and full of colour.
Having been through the rigmarole of finding a curriculum and way of teaching Relationship and Sex Education within schools that all parents are comfortable with, I feel this is a lovely book, something I would recommend parents to look at with their children if they choose to help to educate their children about the topic additionally, and could be further education for adults, as they share the book, too.
I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour for this translated text, The Faberge Girl, by Ina Christova.
1909, St Petersburg. Seventeen-year-old Alma longs to work at the legendary House of Fabergé, with its talented artisans, winding staircases, secret golden elevator, and glasshouse of tropical plants. But instead, Alma must sketch quietly in her room, inspired by magical visions that could have her accused of witchcraft, whilst her domineering brother presents her designs as his own.
But then comes an opportunity. With the help of a Finnish artisan Knut, she attracts the attention of Carl Fabergéhimself and is given a job at the House of Fabergé. Alma’s creations attract widespread acclaim, and her star is on the rise. But the world around her is increasingly divided, as the Revolution creeps ever nearer. Alma will be forced to decide what matters most to her. Can love, art and beauty survive such hatred and violence?
At once a poignant love story, a magical coming of age tale and a haunting and evocative account of one of Russia’s darkest periods of history, Ina Christova’s transporting debut is based on the incredible true story of Alma Pihl, the only female jewellery designer at the House of Fabergé and her journey during the age of silver culture in St Petersburg.
My review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It is a beautiful story based on the real life of Faberge’s only female artisan. Alma is only 17 and dreams of joining her brother, working as an artisan in the House of Faberge, where her father also worked. But this is not a time when women would have been accepted in this light. Alma has a talent for her sketches that she cannot realise; instead, she sends ideas via her brother. There is a worry that Alma is ‘inflicted’ with some power that others will think is witchcraft, where her imagination takes flight, and she finds herself immersed in strange scenarios and situations. While this happens, she goes into trances, which her family goes to great lengths to hide, for fear of her being locked up in a monastery to be ‘cured’. However, her dream becomes a reality when Knut, another artisan, helps her meet Carl Faberge himself to present her sketches. As the revolution begins to take hold of the country and St. Petersburg, where they live, Alma gets sucked into different perils after befriending a young man who becomes one of the leaders of the resistance groups. There is a lot to unpick in this story, but I really did enjoy reading it. Having visited St Petersburg, I could imagine certain places, and with a connection to Finland, too, I was more than enamoured of this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ina Christova is a Bulgarian writer. When not travelling around the world, she splits her time between London and Oxford. She completed an MA in English and German Literature where she was the recipient of the Eleanor Boyle and Kathleen Major prizes for her writing. Ina’s work has been longlisted for the Blue Pencil First Novel Awards and it won this year’s Novel London Literary Competition. The first draft of The Fabergé Girl was completed on the selective Curtis Brown Creative Course in London.
Lily Harper is a bit of a workaholic. She’s built up her business to a successful level and acquired a rather formidable reputation, thanks to some past unsavoury editing from the media. But she has her reasons. Then, one day, it all comes to a head, and she finds herself railroaded into taking a much-needed, relaxing break for her physical as well as mental health. Where she ends up is a bit more rustic than relaxing, shall we say. Clashes with the weather, the locals, and her ‘host’, Sam, create a rocky start to the holiday, and then a near catastrophic incident leaves her questioning many decisions in her life. Lily feels like a female Alan Sugar: no qualifications, but she’s built a business with sheer grit and determination, just not to the multi-millionaire of the aforementioned Sugar! She has succumbed to loss and hurt but has hidden it as she strives to prove herself to all those who weren’t sure she would make it. Sam has also experienced his own form of loss. And this retreat he’s built is meant to channel his attention into something else. It’s just that he didn’t expect to find himself falling for the first guest. I’ve never considered visiting the Scilly Isles, but the breathtaking landscapes described made me put it on my list. Though the situation may be a bit far-fetched, why not indulge in a second chance romance, where rugged is not just the romantic interest but the landscape, too? I enjoyed this story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for an ARC.
I love slipping back into a community where I feel like I’m visiting old friends, and Second Chances at the Board Game Cafe was just that. This time, we meet a single mum, Taylor, a sewist/seamstress. She is not entirely living her dream of being a fashion designer but struggles to keep her head above water. She also has a steady life for her son, Max, who finds certain situations difficult to handle. And then we have train enthusiast and accountant, Harry. He’s a bit socially awkward and not very experienced with women, but he finds himself strangely attracted to this young woman he keeps seeing in places. The Board Game Cafe is integral to finally getting them to know one another, albeit under circumstances that have nothing to do with romance! (Don’t worry; that follows!) Taylor is a complex character. Because of falling pregnant, she has not been able to realise her childhood dream, but rather than feel upset, she tries her hardest to give her son the best life she can. Harry is such a sweetheart, and he really doesn’t know it! I love the way their relationship develops, but Harry’s connection with little Max is possibly one of the cutest! Though it isn’t made much of, seeing two people with similar social anxieties and interests come together is wonderful. I only wish they had met sooner! Hearing updates on the other characters, such as Mr B, his wonderful ladyfriend, and even Jo from the last book, was lovely. As I mentioned earlier, it’s like visiting friends. It is a remarkable story with the community at the heart and a great message about upcycling, along with raising awareness of the difficulties some children have at school when they are neurodiverse. Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an ARC.
What a brilliant debut by Iqbal Hussain! I love finding a voice where I can relate to the characters and the situations, and the story is compelling, too. This had all that in spades. Northern Boy uses a dual timeline to tell the story of Rafi Aziz. It follows his childhood in Blackburn from the 1970s to the early 2000s as he returns home, ending with an ending in the present era. Rafi Aziz is not your usual young Pakistani Muslim boy living in North England. He’d rather be dressing up with his best mate, Shazia, and dancing around her room, singing pop songs and Bollywood hits, than playing football with the rest of the lads. Music has been a part of his growing up since he can remember, with a mother who sings with a beautiful voice around the house and dotes on her youngest son, encouraging her to join in with her all the time. Things come to a head when the family realises that his talent is a passion, and he wants to pursue his love of music, singing, and dancing rather than become a doctor or an accountant. Then, negativity starts, and “What would the neighbours/community say?” becomes more important than allowing Rafi to realise his dreams. When we jolt forward, Rafi is older and more established as a well-known stage actor/performer, living a life he’s sure his family would disapprove of in Australia. He heads back to his hometown for Shazia’s wedding, where he has to deal with the fireworks and many concealed parts of his life are uncovered. There were so many things I loved about this book. Rafi is a boy I could have met growing up. I knew of many who suppressed their interests because it wasn’t the done thing. I also really related to Maam, his mother, who was battling her cultural demons, missing her homeland, and wanting what was best for her children. This is Billy Elliot, the British Pakistani Edit! An incredible immersion into the life of a boy who just wanted to follow his dreams. Many thanks to Netgalley and Unbound for an ARC.
I couldn’t wait to get back to the thrill of the lives of the St Kildans and their epic move. I’ve been hooked on this series since the first book. Each book is the story of a different resident on the isle, told in their point of view. This means in many ways, each book can be read as a standalone, but, if you have read the other two, there is a deeper understanding of the relationships of the characters and their emotions. This time, the story is told from Flora’s perspective. Flora is the eye-candy on the isle but pretty much unaffected by it, unless outsiders come to visit, and are stunned by her natural beauty. A visit from another rich family, spurs on an unlikely romance between her and one of holiday makers, with a promise to return, and make her his own. But an unexpected surprise, followed by tragedy, and a huge move from the isle to the mainland means that Flora’s beautiful future has been snatched from her. Her looks continue to catch the eyes of all and sundry, leading her to end up in Paris as a star performer in a theatre show, where more secrets are uncovered. There were highs, then lows, then highs, followed by another cliffhanger, with excitement and frustration in equal parts! I wanted a happy ending, but equally I am now sure there will be another story to follow, because (please, Karen Swan!) we can’t be left not knowing! I loved this next book. Even though we hear the same story, at the beginning, it is both a refresher for those who have read the first two, and another dimension to add to what we already know.Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC.
Book 9 in the Hart’s Ridge series, and I couldn’t be happier to be diving right back to the residents of Hart’s Ridge, more atrocities committed, and a brief update on Taylor and the Gray family. Alongside settling into married life with Sam and his daughter, Alice, Taylor is still busy with her job as a deputy at the police station. This time round, Taylor spends time with her colleague Caleb, who tragically lost his wife the year before, as detailed in the previous book. However, there are signs that the conclusion reached may not be the correct one. Alongside this, we meet Allison, another person Taylor has helped in the past. She is struggling to run from an abusive relationship and needs all the help she can get. What can I say, apart from LOVED IT! Though this story didn’t include as much about the Gray family, we still get a good roundup of what they are all doing and the indication that Taylor is working herself to the bone and isn’t leaving much of herself to her own family. As they unfolded, the two cases were sensitively handled, mainly since one is based upon the author’s personal experiences and the other bears some resemblance to another true crime story. Again, we end on a cliffhanger, and though they can be a little annoying, this time, it filled me with excitement that there is at least another book in the series, especially as Kay initially started with this being an eight-book series and we are now on number nine! I foresee some significant changes in Taylor Gray’s life, too. Cannot wait for book 10!
Released 30th April, 2024
Five stars from me! What a powerful book! Danielle will be joining me for a Book and a Brew near release date, so look out for the full review then!
Another wonderful holiday romance by fantastic author Heidi Swain! Ally lives in the idyllic coastal village of Kittiwake with her father, helping him to run a retreat that was the dream of both him and her mother. She loves her dad, but this was never the life she envisioned for herself. Instead, a promise to her mother, before she died, ties Ally to a place filled with memories that aren’t all pleasant. On a much needed break away, Ally reinvents herself and meets a young man, Logan, who she begins to develop[p feelings for, and not wanting him to know the extent of her pitiful real life, she ghosts him. Coming back home, she makes plans to finally admit to her father that running the retreat with him is not what she wants to do, forever, but then several spanners get thrown in the works, with the reappearance of an old school ‘friend’, Tara, and, then, ironically, Logan. Nothing is ever as straightforward as that, so I’ll leave you to the book to find out what happens! I thoroughly enjoyed the book, immersing myself in the life of Ally and the Kittiwake residents. Ally, herself is a mixed up character, trying to fulfil a vow while forsaking all she really wants. Her best friend, Flora, is a real rock, and you see the ups and downs they both travel, as various events unfold. And the strength of friendship. Logan – I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with, as I could see how good they were for one another, but as I came to realise certain things, I doubted his character, but he redeemed himself! I LOVED Kasuku, the foul-mouthed parrot who was inherited along with the cottage by Ally’s parents was a fabulous addition to the cast of colourful characters, too. Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC.
Released 25th April 2024
Review coming soon as we are on the blog tour for this particular translated fiction story! \
What a rollicking fun read! It shows you don’t have to lose your adventurous side just because you are on the other side of 70! Gina is reeling from the news that her husband of 43 years is leaving her to find himself and wishes to end their marriage. She’s given her all to the marriage and her family, losing sight of herself in the process. A chance response to an advert in a magazine requesting a companion for an elderly lady spurs Gina on to apply. Widowed Dorothy may be nearing the end of her eighties, but a silly fall will not stop her, even if her family feels she needs more support. Luckily for them both, Dorothy meets Gina and decides if anyone is worth the job she is. But it ends up being more of a private detective job than a companion/carer, as Dorothy finds out that Gina’s knowledge of art history may be precisely what she is looking for in solving the mystery of a theft and the subsequent death of her husband. They are to attend a wedding with an ulterior motive at the beautiful home of eccentric and rather unlikeable Leonard. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I loved spirited octogenarian Dorothy, with her ideas, and her granddaughter, Juliet, who joined their band of investigators and made what would be a boring week of wedding stuff into something far more exciting for a young teenager. Gina’s character develops and strengthens through the story, and it is a joy to see her find herself again and learn to believe in her own abilities. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Releasing 13th May, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love GAME by Emma Rae
A contemporary romance set around Wimbledon with a woman searching for an out from an awful relationship, and an opportunity to be the personal live in chef for a tennis pro.
It was… okay….
Releasing 16th May, 2024
So, tell me what you have been reading, and what caught your eye from the above!
Is she a glutton for punishment, or does she just like my nibbles? Kiley is back for a third visit!
Today, I am thrilled to welcome amazing romance author Kiley Dunbar to my blog for a cuppa and a bit of a chat about all things writerly, especially her newest release,Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop. It’s out, TODAY!
And, before you read any further, there is a fabulous giveaway! Kiley has kindly offered a copy of her beautiful book and some other treats for one of the commenters. (UK and Ireland only, though, unfortunately!)
Credit to Tea Leaves and Reads for the beautiful bookmark that will accompany the book.
A third time back here for a cuppa and a chat, Kiley. Is it the scintillating company, or the snacks? (Hee hee!)
Hi, Ritu! You know I’ll always turn up for tea any time you ask me! Thanks so much for having me back.
What drink would you like? I’ve got all the usual, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or that masala tea if you are brave enough to try some?
You know I’m going to say masala tea please, lots of sugar, thanks.
Good choice. Masala tea always tasted better with plenty of sugar!And, today my daughter baked some chocolate chip cookies for our nibbles. 😊
You know I’m going to say masala tea please, lots of sugar, thanks.
How lovely to have you back here, Kiley! You were my first ever Book and a Brew guest, you know. 😊 Could you update me on what’s been going on in your writing life since we last chatted?
Where does the time go, Ritu! Well, since we last had a brew, I’ve been making over my garden, turning it into a writing garden with lots of cosy little nooks. And it must have helped as I’ve another book out and another almost finished! I do love your garden writing spots!
I’ve seen the online writing course/coaching you have been doing on Patreon. Have any of your students finished a first draft level yet? Do you enjoy the coaching side of this?
That’s right! I taught a ‘write your romance novel’ course in 2023 and the participants made such amazing drafts I just know I’ll be seeing those on sale one day soon. For 2024, I thought I’d try something different, a series of recorded webinars on Patreon. Romance authors can download as many as they like and watch them whenever they want. So far, I have one webinar posted and there’s a second on the way. Sounds awesome! You are pretty inspirational, you know!
As you know, I’m off to the Romantic Novelists Association Conference this summer, and I am a bit gutted I won’t be meeting you! I am looking forward to meeting many other lovely writer friends in person who I have only encountered online.What do you enjoy the most about these in-person author events and conferences?
I love an author event. Writing is such a solitary business, and it’s not the best industry for well-being and mental health, so regularly meeting up with other writers who understand the strains (and the triumphs) really helps. True. Though I don’t feel much solitude, as most of my time is spent with a class of 30 4-5 year olds, the solitude when I do write is quite welcomed!
You posted on Instagram about a poem you got AI-operated CoPilot to write… It was very funny and pretty accurate in many ways. (I had a go; it poetically regurgitated my author bio, lol!) What is your feeling about AI and creative writing? I know it is a bit of a hornet’s nest right now.
I did, and it was a great way to show how these things can only scrape the available online material, and it might well come out in a garbled mess. It really made me laugh.
In 2023 I had my first AI review of one of my books, which I really didn’t understand. It had the right book title but the setting and character names were wrong and the AI had cobbled together a plot which didn’t have a thing to do with my book! All very odd. Why would someone even do that? SMH!
Genuine human connectedness and creativity cannot be replaced but still, I worry. In an industry where on average most authors already make way below a living wage, there will be people and groups calling themselves ‘publishers’ who will sell AI generated stories, bypassing the need to pay writers altogether, all while exploiting real writers’ books for content and ideas. It really is a worry, especially if work like that sells. Makes the years and tears we put into our book babies feel worthless… Dont’ worry, Kiley; I’ll always be there to read yours!
So, back to the main event! The fourth Borrow a Bookshop book is out today! Love Letters at the Borrow A Book Shop. I LOVE this series, something special! I am still waiting for us to do this for real, Kiley! Honestly, I think this series could go on, and on. There is so much potential. What do you think?
Aww, thank you, Ritu! That means a lot coming from you especially. Well, I’m writing book 5 in the series at the moment and am wondering if this is going to be the last one. Who knows? I’d never say never. I do know I’d miss these adorable book nerds and the Clove Lore locals and little Aldous the dog! (No!! Say it isn’t so! 😭😭)
This time, your new bookshop renter was Austen, a young writer and book enthusiast who is riddled with anxiety. And I think she is your first LGBTQ+ main character, right? How did you find writing an FF romance rather than an FM one? I know it was a strange experience when I wrote my first MM one in Straight as a Jalebi!
You did such a lovely job in Straight as a Jalebi! I loved that book. Aw, thank you! All my books have featured Queer characters and love stories, but you’re right, this is the first with a Sapphic couple front and centre, and I adored seeing them find each other.
I think Austen is more like me than any of my other characters. I let out all her anxieties and insecurities in this story, and I wanted her to be rewarded for her struggles with a really enormous, joyful love story. She just has to be brave and go for it. You did a grand job of that!
I always love dipping back into the lives of the rest of the inhabitants in the village, and this time, you treated us to a second blossoming romance, too, with an existing Clove Lore resident and another newcomer. Do you know how the characters will get interwoven in follow-up books? Is that something in your long-term series plan? Or, like my characters, do yours keep talking to you, telling you they want a meatier role in the next book, and keep popping up in scenes, forcing your hand?
I don’t really plan for future books as I’m writing. But I do know now (writing book 5) that only three single Clove Lore residents haven’t found love yet. Everyone else had been paired up over the series. I’d like Esteé Gold – the ex-TV star fallen on hard times in Love Letters at the Borrow a Bookshop – to get a love story of her own one day. Maybe that could be a little spin-off, or a novella!
And, I already know a fifth book in the series is coming (Yippie! Dies a happy dance!) next year. Will there be more? And what else do we have coming from the wonderful Kiley Dunbar?
You can expect book five (a Valentine’s Borrow a Bookshop special) in January 2025. After that, I have something special up my sleeve for you all! I’ve only written a little bit of it and have no idea if it will ever see the light of day but it is very romantic. Oh, now I am all excited again!!!!
What are you up to at the moment, Ritu? I want to hear all your writing gossip. You can whisper it if it’s still top secret…
Ah, thank you for asking! So, I am in the throes of getting the first draft of book three in the Rishtay Series written. I have utilised the school Easter break extremely productively! Not sure of a publication date, yet, but it won’t be long, hopefully, edits pending. After that, well, I have a few ideas for further spin-off stories, possibly another full-length novel set more in the present, with some of the younger characters from the stories at the forefront. Yes, there are a couple of other plans a-brewing, but nothing set in stone, just yet!
Aah, my cup is empty. I think I need to get back to my characters, but than you for having me, Ritu 🙂
Right now, I am just happy you came over! And, thank you so much for arranging for a giveaway for one of my readers!
Peeps, remember to comment if you are from the UK/Ireland to be in with a chance of winning! I will contact you, no one else, for address details to send to Kiley. You should not receive any unsolicited requests for any details!
Now, as I mentioned before, I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Love Letters At The Borrow A Bookshop, so let me share the blurb and my review.
The Blurb
Can she write her perfect love story?
Austen Archer is on her dream solo bookselling holiday, the new ‘borrower’ at the Borrow-A-Bookshop in Devon’s Clove Lore. While she has always loved poetry, her words have dried up since being fired by her last boss, bestselling author, Callista Flyte, a year ago.
Austen distracts herself with the Borrow-A-Bookshop, as well as her flirty online exchanges with an anonymous Parisian bookseller. Hiding from the world, Austen doesn’t notice that wedding planner, Patti, is falling for her – and is too afraid to admit that she feels the chemistry, too.
But as Patti and Austen grow closer, culminating in a magical day at the wildflower meadow, can Clove Lore work its customary magic and bring the two together? And will Austen find the confidence to risk her heart and write again?
Well, if you’ve read my reviews, you already know I love Kiley Dunbar, and visiting one of her favourite made-up places, Clove Lore, again is a joy. The Borrow a Bookshop series has become one of my favourites. I mean, which self-respecting book lover would turn their nose at a holiday where you get to pretend you own a bookshop (and run a lovely little cafe) and surround yourself with the smell of books for two weeks? So, what fun to hear that there was a fourth installment! I couldn’t wait to catch up with old characters and meet the new temporary owner(s). This time, we meet Austen. Once bitten, twice shy, Austen is a character who riddles with self-doubt. This holiday was booked for her and another, who, given certain circumstances, was no longer coming. Still, books and words are Austen’s lifeblood, so this break was not one for cancelling. Through her trip, a change occurs as she gains her confidence, and then she finds herself in a bit of a confusing situation regarding admirers from two very different places. Both have their place in helping her find herself once more, but where things end was always the route I had hoped for. We were given a treat in that there was not one but two blossoming romances this time, and both storylines kept me turning the pages on my Kindle as fast as I could. Another new character, a new resident of Clove Lore, and one of the villagers have a hate-to-love situation that is great to read. Honestly, another favourite of mine, and I cannot wait to read the next one… (April 2025 needs to hurry up!) Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
Here is the buy link for #lovelettersattheborrowabookshop
And here’s a little about Kiley and her other books.
Kiley Dunbar is Scottish and lives in England with her husband, two kids and Amos the Bedlington Terrier. She writes around her work at a university in the North of England where she lectures in English Literature and Creative Writing.
Today, I am thrilled to welcome back my dear friend and romance author, Lucy Mitchell, to my blog for a cuppa and a bit of a chat and update about all things writerly, especially her newest release, The Car Share.
Hello, and welcome back to But I Smile Anyway, Lucy!
Let’s get you set with a drink first. Tea, hot chocolate, or maybe a masala chai? I’m hesitating with the coffee, as I have seen the recent Insta storis with your daughter’s fantastic barista-style art and alas, I cannot offer that, however, the Tassimo does a mean Cappuccino or Latte if you want. 😊
I’ll have a cappuccino, thank you. ☕️
I’ve got all sorts of nibbles here. I know you’ve sampled the cakes before, but I also have some fresh pakoras here. A recently perfected recipe, if you fancy 😉
Maybe some pakoras, then cake? 🧁
I think we should start with a little update. The last time you were here with me, you were celebrating the release of I’ll Miss You This Christmas, your first book with your publisher, Bloodhound Books. I know your second with them, Instructions For Falling In Love, was also rereleased a few months ago. How’s it all been going?
It’s been a busy time. I am getting ready to launch The Car Share (23 April 2024), editing Book 4 – Second Chances at the Little Love Café (August 2024), and finishing writing a Christmas romance (possibly book 5). I also have new book ideas queuing in my mind. I love being an author, so I am very happy. Lots of lovely Lucy Mitchell books to look forward to!
And I must mention that great podcast you, Lucy K and Bettina had recorded. I listened to each of those episodes and loved them! When are the plans for the second series to come out?
We are starting to record a second podcast series of Love at First Write in May so watch this space. I’m already watching!
I know you have become a bit of a TikToker, too. I try my hand, but I can’t get in the swing of the regular posts! I love your little videos. What do you think gets the most attention – the review posts or the writer situation/advice type ones?
Notebook obsessions are my top-performing posts. I have tried all sorts but for some reason everyone likes a notebook addict type of TikTok. Well, are you even a writer if you don’t have a notebook obsession?
Any recommendations from your recent reads?
I have loved Bettina Hunt’s ‘Sing For Me’, Kim Nash’s ‘Finding Family at the Cornish Cove’ and ‘Knowing Me Knowing You’ by Jeevani Charika. Oh, I have read them all, and they are definitely worth a read. I just finished an arc of Jeevani’s The Winner Bakes it all which is also brilliant!
And how many stories have you got on the go, right now? I know you, it’s hard for you to concentrate on just one project!
I have multiple projects on the go, plus a secret project. Everyone should have a secret project on the go 😀 I find it hard to write more than one at a time, but a secret project? That sounds intriguing… 🤫🤔😉
I think we need to come round to the book of the moment. The Car Share. Lucy, I loved it! I feel honoured to have been an early reader, before lots of editing, and I was enamoured of the story from the off. Reading the polished version was fantastic. Where did you come up with the idea of romance during a car share? A bit of close proximity, there…
I have spent years commuting to and from work. I have done buses, trains, and cars in my time. Commuter friendships and conversations have always stuck in my mind. I love how much is overshared in a car on the way to and from work.
I have also spent the last two years taking my youngest teenager and her mates to college. Those car-share journeys have given me so much novel fodder. Teenagers keep things real; their love lives are chaotic, and their feedback on my music tastes and driving skills was brutal – haha! I’m at the beginning of this experience, as I often ferry my 16-year-old daughter and her friends around. The conversations can be enlightening, and yes, definitely plenty of fodder!
And football? I’m not a footy fan, but I think you weaved women’s enjoyment of the sport into the story well. Were you a wannabe Lioness growing up?
I was a tomboy growing up in the 80’s. I used to play football in the street with the boys, and I would have loved to play for a team. The lads would let me play as I looked like a boy, and I was fast up the wing. I was 11/12, and up until this point in my life, I had never heard of ‘deodorant.’ All I will say is that after I came in from a street football match, my mother took me aside and said, ‘I think it’s time for me to buy you some deodorant’ – lol! He he!
Sadly, I was encouraged to get into cross-country running instead in the 80’s. Bleurgh!
It did not have the same appeal, as back in the 80s, we had to do it in tiny gym knickers (not shorts), we wore spikes (weird-looking running shoes with screw-in spikes) and not nice-looking football boots, and there was not a ball or a net in sight.
The only similarities were the weather and mud! I remember those days… hiding in bushes so we could skip a lap or two. My gym knickers were a fetching maroon with a pink Airtex top – thanks, St M’s for the wonderful uniform! – and running and I did not gel well, at all!
I love women’s football and I love the Lionesses – so inspiring!
One element I related to, was the fact that both your characters, Leah, and Mateo, had parents in a residential home. It can be a tireless, sometimes thankless, task ensuring your loved one is always visited, looked after, and happy, even though they may not always remember you. We have been through this with my grandma-in-law. Have you experienced this situation, yourself?
My husband’s grandparents were in residential homes, and we spent many years with our kids going to visit them. They were lovely places. Sad at times but nice residential homes with angel-like staff. I agree. It would be bittersweet visiting Grandma-in-law. The other residents loved when we took my kids, as it was a dementia and Alzhimers ward. Some thought they were their childhood friends were coming to play. I often remember my son getting the foam football out and there was a footy match in the lounge with half the players using Zimmer frames! Then, there were those lonely souls who were upset or crying. It tugged at my heartstrings.
And I’m sure my readers would love to know… is there an update on the cafe story, or is there something else you are working on?
Book 4 – Second Chances at the Little Love Café – August 2024. Oh, my goodness – you and your readers are going to love it! I have packed a lot of emotions and feelings into one tiny seaside café. I CANNOT wait!
The cups have run dry, time for more writing… Thanks for the chat and nibbles, Ritu 😊
You’re welcome, Lucy. It was a pleasure having you visit! And, I can’t wait for the other books, now, too! 😊
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Car Share, as well as an unedited version, so I have seen how this story has blossomed. Please find my review below, as well as the buy links and some more information about my fabulous guest, Lucy!
The Blurb
Embark on a heart warming romantic journey in this delightful comedy that proves it doesn’t matter where you’re going — it’s who you have beside you on the way…
After Lia’s old car breathes its last, the single mum must reluctantly take the bus to work… and face unwarranted attention from a troublesome teenager.
It’s all too much to take — she’s been depressed since her fiancé’s death and even quit her beloved women’s football team. But it’s Happy Car Sharers to the rescue after her friends get her set up on the app. Mateo, meanwhile, has recently moved to town, and his long walk to the train station is a literal pain due to an ankle injury.
Soon he and Lia are riding each morning with a charmingly bossy driver and a rotation of colorful fellow passengers. It’s not love at first sight. Technically it’s not even first they’ve seen each other before at the nursing home where both their fathers live and Mateo plays piano for the residents. But with each trip they get to know each other better . . . and the more they know, the more they find to like.
With both of them consumed by personal losses and pressing family responsibilities — and another man getting in the way — can romance lie on the road ahead for these commuting companions?
The Car Share is a humorous exploration of love, loss, and the unexpected detours that lead us to where we truly belong.
I am a massive fan of Lucy Mitchell’s writing and was thrilled to be asked to read an ARC of this beautiful story, essentially about two broken souls who have lost the meaning of their lives after traumatic events. An extremely random meeting, forcing them together as co-passengers in a car share scheme, creates tension and misunderstanding, but ultimately, it results in a level of understanding, compassion, and support for both of them. Lia is a character I had a lot of time for. She’s a single mum who tragically loses the love of her life. She loses track of her past passions, choosing to live her life through her memories and for her little daughter, Daisy. Having to say goodbye to one of her most precious possessions and links to her boyfriend, Lia joins a car-sharing app and finds herself sharing the vehicle with someone she already knows, kind of. I loved Mateo, too. He’s a sensitive soul who has been taken advantage of. Battling with his own upset, alongside seeing his father deteriorate in front of his eyes, makes for a sad man who has forgotten all the unique talents he had that made him stand out. This car share, driven by the unforgettable Stella, catalyses much change. Stella is brilliant! Her interactions with her troublesome teens bring much-needed laughter into the car, as those in the passenger seats need something to draw them out of their funks. Both main characters have passions that have been forgotten, but somehow, they are what brings them together. Lucy has dealt with the sensitive issues of ageing and loss extremely sensitively and cultivated a beautiful romance that stems from forced proximity. Still, ultimately, that closeness is needed for them to understand one another and themselves truly. Beautiful!!!
I live in a house with two teenagers, an over-excited Labrador, a gang of unruly cats and a rugby-mad Welsh husband. On the morning of my 40th birthday, I decided to follow my dream of writing books. I’ve always enjoyed writing funny stuff and my mum still has the letters I used to write to her when I was at university and turned aspects of my student life into a comedy. When I am not writing, I am eating scampi & chips at my local pub, reading romance books or co-hosting the podcast – Love At First Write.
But I Smile Anyway... 