Interview with Pippa Croft

Publishing 22nd May 2014 Penguin

It's the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.

Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.

Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .

Interview

Hi Pippa

Thank you for agreeing to an interview with me at Cometbabesbooks.

It’s a pleasure – thank you for letting me rattle on!

Can you please tell us about your Oxford Blues Series of Books?

The series charts the passionate, emotional journey between bright, sassy US senators’ daughter, Lauren Cusack and the ‘emotionally unattainable’ British aristocrat, Alexander. Alexander is in special forces and boy, does he have a LOT of baggage – and he’d dealing with a terrible tragedy at the start of Book 2. In the first book, Lauren’s nursing a broken heart from a previous fling and is determined not to succumb to Alexander but as the series goes on, she finds herself being sucked deeper and deeper into his world of drama, secrets and privilege – not to mention his bed!

Can you tell us if any if the characters are based on people you know?

Categorically not, and that’s not just so I don’t get sued, lol. But many of the Oxford places such as pubs, bars, museums etc *are* real and Wyckham does have some ‘physical’  similarities with my old college,Wadham which is beautiful... but that’s the end of any resemblance, of course. ;)

Can you tell us who designed the lovely covers?

You know, no one has ever asked me that I’m ashamed to say I don’t know the name of the talented designer but yes, I was thrilled when I saw them. I hope they have the perfect blend of sexy and classy. In my dreams...

If the series was made into a film/TV series who would you choose to play Lauren/Alexander?

Oh, well I think Blake Lively for Lauren while Alexander would be a mix of Max Irons (from The White Queen &Posh ) and Tom Mison (from Sleepy Hollow and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.)

What kinds of books do you like to read?

Erotic and sweet romance, chick lit, crime – I love Ian Rankin and Ruth Rendell – and autobiographies and non-fiction. Also I read every magazine and catalogue that comes into the house...

What advice would you give to someone planning their first book?

Don’t over think it or over plan. Just get the words done. I went to a library talk yesterday and at least 4 people told me they wanted to write a book/planned to write one/could write one if they tried – but none of them had actually got beyond a few pages!You just need to put the words down, and not worry if you think it’srubbish. You can learn to edit and fix it later.

What items are on your desk/writing space?

I’m on the sofa at the moment so myipad, laptop, a glass of juice – it’shot today so I may move outside shortly to finish Third Time Lucky, book 3 in the Oxford Blue trilogy.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Thank you. x

Jo xx

About the Author

Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

Author Links

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

The First Time We Met

The First Time We Met is the first novel in the sizzling new Oxford Blue romance series from Pippa Croft.

When US Senator’s daughter Lauren Cusack arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University, she hopes to mend her broken heart by throwing herself into her studies.

But then English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks into her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding, and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him.

Both Alexander and Lauren know that they should stay away from each other . . . but sometimes desire is so powerful that it conquers all else.

Cover Reveal - The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin

I'm so happy to have been asked by Rebecca to share the cover for The Bookshop on the Corner, I'm so excited about this book. 

The Bookshop on the Corner

By Rebecca Raisin

Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?

Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.

Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…

Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!

From the brilliant author of The Gingerbread Café trilogy don't miss this linked novella to get a sneak-peek at how Damon and Lil are getting on before the next book in the series - Coming October 2014!

Find The Bookshop on the Corner here:

US Amazon http://amzn.to/1jMmIWA
UK Amazon http://amzn.to/1lGBvED
AUST Amazon http://bit.ly/1fTDwWW

Kobo http://goo.gl/PjVtr1

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/rebeccaraisin/the-bookshop-on-the-corner-by-rebecca-raisin/

Find Rebecca here:

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

http://rebeccaraisin.wordpress.com

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

And Coming soon: The Bookshop on The Corner blog: http://thecornerbookshop.wordpress.com/

The Second Time I Saw You by Pippa Croft

Publishing 22nd May 2014 Penguin

What They Say:

It's  the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle - and now she's determined to keep her distance.

Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep - he's been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander's arms.

Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she's ever known . . .

What I Say:

I would like to thank Shaz @Fictionaddictionbooktours and Pippa Croft for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lauren is back at University in Oxford after the Summer and then end of her tempestuous affair with Alexander, determined to get on with her life things don’t go to plan.  Alexander enters her life again.

Boy this is a steamy book and I so wished I’d been more organized (a big kick from someone to get myself in to gear would have been most helpful) I wish I had had time to read book 1 first, my mistake, but you can still read this book as a standalone and at first opportunity I will be reading The First Time We Met and this one again.

You can see Lauren grow in this book and insomeway change, she went through so much, with her relationship with Alexander and it can’t help but change you.

I loved the relationship between Alexander and his sister, having a brother myself, we don’t quite have that explosive of a relationship but have had in the past.

Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to book 3 later in the year.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Jo xx

About the Author

Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA's New Writers' award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.

Author Links

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

The First Time We Met

The First Time We Met is the first novel in the sizzling new Oxford Blue romance series from Pippa Croft.

When US Senator’s daughter Lauren Cusack arrives at the enchanting Wyckham College of Oxford University, she hopes to mend her broken heart by throwing herself into her studies.

But then English aristocrat Alexander Hunt walks into her life and everything changes. Handsome, brooding, and with his own dark past to escape, Alexander is exactly what Lauren doesn’t need – but she finds herself helplessly drawn towards him.

Both Alexander and Lauren know that they should stay away from each other . . . but sometimes desire is so powerful that it conquers all else.

Giveaway on tour Overall giveaway on tour will be 1 x Kindle Voucher for The Second Time I Saw You plus signed postcards.

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The Vineyard by Karen Aldous

What They Say:

It’s been five years, and Lizzie Lambert has decided it’s time to try to make things right with her estranged mother. She’s made a success of things in Cannes, she’s bringing up a lovely little boy on her own, and she’s ready to put the past behind her.

But it seems Lizzie’s mother has moved on as well. She’s moved her toyboy – a muscle-bound vintner named Cal – into the family home, and given him the run of the land that was meant to be Lizzie’s inheritance!

Cal’s wine business frequently takes him to France, and suddenly wherever Lizzie goes, he’s already there – meddling, giving unsolicited advice, saving her little boy’s life and stealing her heart. But none of this changes the fact that he’s her mother’s lover…

What I Say:

 

I would like to thank Carina and Karen Aldous for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

Another cover I absolutely adore fits perfect with the book.

 

We first meet Lizzie when she returns to England to see her mum after disappearing 5 years earlier, this doesn’t turn out well and they end up arguing.  She meets Cal who she presumes is her mum’s partner and despite their obvious attraction is determined that nothing will happen.

 

Back in France, Lizzie seeks refuge with her friend Sophie for a couple of days, on returning to Cannes, she is confronted with her ex Anton who is determined to see their son Thierry, especially when he sees Lizzie speaking to Cal, he assumes they are an item.  Anton is intent on causing trouble for Lizzie.  Add this to Lizzie finding out her mum has cancer and the book is a roller coaster of emtions for both Lizzie and us as a reader.

 

Lizzie I liked, if at times I wanted to shake her and get her to see what a really lovely, gorgeous man Cal was.  Karen wrote a load of great characters in this book, Caroline and Michael, Sophie and Charles, all these characters could easily have a book of their own.

 

To find out all the ups and downs of Lizzie’s life you must read this wonderful debut from Karen, absolutely great.  It also tackles cancer with Caroline and how both she and Lizzie come to terms with it.

 

Great debut.

 

5 out of 5 stars

Interview with Karen Aldous

Hi Karen and welcome, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed by Cometbabesbooks.

Can you tell us about your book?
Hi Jo, thank you for inviting me. Yes of course. The Vineyard is a contemporary romance set in Kent and Cannes in the south of France. My main character Lizzie has made a new life for herself in Cannes after running away from an unhappy life in England but when she makes a return visit to build bridges, she is surprised by the turn of events and, a certain, gorgeous man who starts to influence her. Lizzie has a lot to deal with and her story is a journey of despair and drama but one from which you will watch her grow.

What are your future book plans?
I’m on a digital first, two-book contract with CarinaUK – who are a year old this week – Congratulations CarinaUK!! So, I am writing my next novel with them which has another stunning setting on the Swiss Riviera but is a bit more sinister, or paranormal but, I love writing about strong independently minded women who have pretty difficult challenges to face and, so, I want to keep writing them – forever!

Can you tell us your inspiration to become a writer?
That’s a good question! You know when you read something and think, I could write better than that – and then you try, and you discover, actually you can’t! That was the moment I think, as a teenager. I’ve always loved reading so, from then, I began reading with questions in mind about how I would write my own and it developed from there. Many authors have inspired me like Jilly Cooper, Barbara Taylor-Bradford, Jill Mansell, Freya North, Fiona Walker, Leah Flemming, Victoria Hislop - the list could go on.

What books do you like to read?
Mainly contemporary romance from such talented authors mentioned above. I loved Pride and Prejudice too, it’s just got everything. So a pacey read with a good sense of place or relationship with the past to present like The Ghost House, Helen Phifer, The Silver Locket, Margaret James, The Glass Painter’s Daughter, Rachel Hore. I’ve just read Call Nurse Millie, and Jean Fullerton has captured the East End post-war era beautifully. There are probably hundreds of books/authors I would like to read still though.

What does your daily routine involve?
When I’m not looking after my grandchildren or my website business, I get down to the business of writing, I’m learning social media is distracting and trying to limit the time. So my writing time is usually a few hours in the ‘quieter days’ and in the evenings and weekends.

Are any of your characters based on people you know?
No. I might extrapolate characteristics, traits or mannerisms but no, the characters take on a life of their own. Once they’re in my head, I imagine how they react to something or what they might choose or how they say something. I suppose each character has a role to play and if it was based on someone you knew, you’d be tempted to take their reaction rather than your characters.

Do you like it quiet when you're writing or do you need background noise? (Music or TV)
I don’t need background noise but I often like to listen to music when I’m working. I find it can help with the mood of a scene and provides inspiration.

If one of your books was made into a film/TV series, who would you like as the leading lady/man?
Jessica-Brown Findlay or Emily Blunt for Lizzie and Jude Law for Cal.

Do you have a process for planning your books? Ie do you talk over an idea with a friend or a partner.
As a process, I make an outline or synopsis and then break it down several times until it’s in a sort of time-line of scenes. Yes, I find it useful as I’m forming ideas to bounce certain bits off say to my husband, daughter or friend or if something isn’t working, I ask for their perspective and it can be quite helpful to get a fresh eye on a situation.

Thank you for coming on cometbabesbooks today!

Jo xx

About The Author

I like to read about an individual’s journey or path they have ventured. I’m often inspired though humbled, by people’s stories and achievements. That’s why I’ve written my own writing journey. It’s interesting how others have followed their hearts and overcome obstacles, just like the characters I enjoy reading and writing about. My story whilst unique, is not particularly significant but, some may be inspired which, for me is reason enough to give it.

There was never much reading material around when I was younger, apart from school reading books and a few Enid Blyton, which were soon devoured, so in my junior school I would wander off to a library near my school and find a different world. Just the smell of paper and books was inviting but the covers, the colours, the options; story books, picture books, poetry books, dictionaries and, in later years, biographies. However, I then joined the book club initiated by schools and bought my very own books; Stig of the Dump, Silly Verse for Kids – they’re fond memories of my new-found autonomy.

My first attempt at writing was for ‘girls’ magazines such as Jackie andJudy; letters mainly. Then I sent off a story to Loving and, a few years later toPeoples Friend. I remember the rejection coming through from Peoples Friend but not the exact reason. All I know was I was a much more sensitive little soul then and hadn’t quite grasped the concept of rejection nor, keep trying!

The writing bug was not going to go away though and, in my early twenties, inspired by reading Jilly Cooper and BC (before children), I began a novel. God knows what happened to that! AC (after children), whilst in hospital after an operation, my mum bought me Cosmopolitan Magazine and the writing articles re-ignited further attempts with writing but busy with the three children and working, there was little energy left. To help my writing, I graduated with the OU achieving BSc (Hons), majoring in Psychology but included literature.

Both disciplines gave me an insight and confidence to help my writing but children were becoming adults and in supporting them to build their futures it gave me more strength and belief that I could build my own. I began writing my novel but, it wasn’t until 2011, when my mother had been going through treatment for Breast Cancer that it made me realise that you never know what’s around the corner. Yes, a cliché I know but, it drove me to get my arse into gear!

In January 2012, I went on-line and joined the Romantic Novelist Associations New Writers Scheme, which I’d thoroughly recommend and, a day later, joined a lovely local writing class called ‘The Write Place.’ Both these groups provided me not only with encouragement and support, and, of course their expertise, but the social network writers need. The New Writer’s Scheme offers a critique service for its members, which is invaluable because an expert is reading your work and guiding you through ways to improve your novel. What more could a novel writer want?

Later that year, I attended the Festival of Romance in Bedford where I had a meeting with an editor who had previously read my first chapters. She asked me to send in more which I did and in 2013, CarinaUk offered me a two-book contract.

As for the friends and support I’ve gained along the way, we meet weekly and have guest authors, agents and attend RNA events in London and around the country meeting lots of published authors, publishers and agents as well as those waiting to be published. We also stay in touch daily through social networking online. So I hope those who like to write have gained some insight into my real world and those who love to read will engage in my fiction world knowing more about me. Now what about you. I’d love to hear your stories whether writing or reading. 

Tell me about you on my blog or visit my facebook page 

 https://www.facebook.com/KarenAldousNovelist?ref=hl

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/B00JMGU1X4/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link

 http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/the-vineyard-by-karen-aldous/9781472096265

 http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Vineyard/book-5DT2ooVZJ0eth7tciEYbxA/page1.html?utm_source=whsmith&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=detailpage

 http://ibookstore.com/products.php?i=B00JMGU1X4

 Sainsburysbooks" http://www.sainsburysebooks.co.uk/book/The-Vineyard-Karen-Aldous/7868600

Website" http://www.karenaldous.co.uk/

Twitter"https://twitter.com/KarenAldous_

Promo and Giveaway In Starlight by February Grace

What They Say:

"In Starlight--the eagerly anticipated sequel to OF STARDUST!"

Their wish was sealed…was their fate?

Young Fairy Godfather Gus Duncan is living his clan’s unfortunate family motto— Learn to Suffer — to a greater degree than he ever dreamed.
The woman he loves is withering away beneath the burden of memory, of one perfect night with him she was supposed to forget.
Facing a reality he never imagined, he must make the decision of his life: shatter the most sacred rule in the fairy code, or lose his beloved Till forever.
Can true love save her when even magic fails?

Author Bio:

February Grace is a writer, artist, and poet who lives in Southeastern Michigan.  She sings on key, plays by ear, and is more than mildly obsessed with colors, clocks, and meteor showers.

Social Links:

Website/Blog: http://februarywriter.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FebruaryGrace

Twitter: @FebruaryGrace

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/httpwwwgoodreadscomFebruaryGrace

Buying Links:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-starlight-february-grace/1119364951

http://www.amazon.com/Starlight-February-Grace-ebook/dp/B00K08T30U

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/in-starlight/id869618297

Excerpt 

Chapter Two

Hide and Seek

April 2, 2013

“Catch me if ye can, little girl…” Gus taunted under his breath. He watched as Till wandered aimlessly about twenty feet from his current position.

Their strength as a team continued to grow steadily day by day, but Gus saw no reason why they shouldn’t have a bit of fun tonight, and hone her skills while they were at it. They had no other pressing business to attend to, so he’d suggested a round of the Fairy Godparent equivalent of an old children’s game: he’d hide and she’d seek.

Only to complicate things, he wasn’t just hiding in the house, or even in the same state. The options for where to go this time were open world-wide, and he planned to make it a very interesting exercise.

Till was beginning to get frustrated, and he found it absolutely adorable though he’d never admit it to her. Even if he were allowed to share such feelings with her, he knew her well enough by now to understand that the idea of being cute when annoyed would only make her more upset.

“Where are you…?” she mumbled. He read her lips through the glass and fought the urge to laugh. She was so close now, but he’d shielded himself from her thoughts just enough that she couldn’t easily see him mixed in among the mannequins in the display. Or so he thought.

A second later she was standing next to him, tapping a pink-shoed foot. “Window at Harrods? Really? This is the beginner level of the game?”

Gus did laugh now; a low, soft rumble.

“Mum, look!” a child cried, knocking on the glass and pointing wildly at Till and Gus as his mother focused on her phone. “The mannequins are alive! They’re moving!”

“That’s lovely, darling,” the mother said, totally oblivious.

Gus gave the boy a small wave and winked at Till. “Level two…” he said, and then he was gone; leaving the child with his mouth hanging open and a mind full of questions.

Gus next popped up inside the Louvre; followed by a quick stop at the Arc de Triomphe after deciding the Eiffel Tower would be entirely too obvious a choice.

“Ah, Paris in springtime,” Till grinned as she touched him on the shoulder. “How about it’s my turn now?”

Gus raised an eyebrow. “Go on, then, Tilda Mae. Show me what ye’ve got.”

Till giggled as she vanished, and Gus took a moment to catch his breath and refocus his energy on shielding parts of his mind from her that would be dangerous for her to go near. “I shouldn’t have brought her here,” he whispered to himself, leaning back against the nearest wall. “She outshines the City of Light.”

As beautiful as his surroundings were, their impact was lost on him.Winter had felt eternal, now spring was hollow — a grayed-out shadow of expected splendor. How else could it seem without her love?

He closed his eyes a moment and tuned in as best he could on the signature trail that Till had left. She was good, but not so good yet that he couldn’t find her with relative speed.

He strode up to her, grinning, as she stood on an Old Town Edinburgh street, trying to catch her breath.

“Drat it, you found me.”

“Maybe ye should’ve taken the low road.”

Till scoffed. “Brat. Okay, here we go. I hope you’re in the mood for a walk.” She made sure the coast was clear and then, she vanished.

He next found her behind a stand of poplar trees on a rolling Irish hill. For a moment the sight caught Gus off guard. He had not been back to Ireland since New Year’s Day.

“All right, ye have proved y’er learnin’,” he said, also starting to tire. “Enough for tonight.”

“Awww, c’mon,” Till nudged him gently with her elbow. “Just a couple more?”

He sighed. He couldn’t say no to her, at least not when it wasn’t absolutely necessary. “Very well. One more, then the last one is mine.”

Till squealed and then disappeared.

Gus followed the breadcrumb trail through her thoughts, and the next time he looked up, he was amazed by what he saw.

He was standing in a theme park before a life-sized castle, with fireworks soaring overhead. Families with small children were everywhere. He turned around and gazed upon Till, her face alight in the glow of the nighttime spectacular with the same wonder he saw in the faces of the children.

He approached her and shook his head. Only she would bring them here.

“A magical place, indeed,” Gus said, the edge of his lip curling slightly as he considered how little the Hollywood version of Fairy Godparents matched the reality. Till surprised him by reaching over and looping her arm around his.

“It is so beautiful.”

She was standing closer to him than he was comfortable with now, and memories he had to hide from her flooded his mind. He was overwhelmed by the thought of her hands moving over his shoulders…her arms wrapped around him. Her passionate kiss, her gentle caress. Everything that made his One Wish so perfect, and would keep it as fresh in his memory in a hundred years as it was the night it had all taken place.

“We… better go,” Gus said, gently withdrawing his arm. “Last one’s mine.” Then he was gone.

Till obediently followed, though when she located him again she didn’t look happy, she looked unsettled.

He’d decided to hide last of all in a secluded place behind the Music building at Dreams Come True University; a lovely little spot skirted by trees and flowers.

“What’s the matter then?” he asked, concerned as all the color drained from her face.

               “Game over…” Till’s voice faded along with the blush in her cheek, and her thoughts grew faint as well.

He was alarmed; he could not recall her mind ever becoming so unreadable, so quickly, in the

past. Sure, a deeper thought might be replaced by one a bit more trivial and he’d know that she wished to change the subject, but never all of her thoughts completely dying away as they just had. He stopped short of placing a hand on her shoulder. “Are ye all right, Till?”

“Yeah.” She ran her hands up and down her arms as if to warm them, though it was as comfortable a temperature as ever on campus. “Can we just call it a night?”

“Sure thing.” Gus wondered at the change in her mood. He had no idea why being in this particular place should cause her to shut down so completely. “Let’s go on home.”

An instant later they were standing in the driveway of the house on Finch Street.

“Good night,” she said, hurrying up the steps and through the doorway before he had a chance to say — or ask — anything more.

*** 

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Swimming Upstream by Ruth Mancini

What They Say:

'I once read that the end of a relationship is like being involved in a road traffic accident. Which is quite fitting really, given what happened.’

After seven years, Lizzie wonders whether she’s truly happy with her long-term boyfriend. When one wrong step and a chance meeting set off an unexpected chain of events, her life begins to unravel. On the same day that she meets Martin, an attractive lifeguard, her old friend, Catherine, re-appears. But is Martin really all he seems? And what is the secret that Catherine is hiding? As Lizzie struggles to confront the ghosts of her past, can she survive the shocking twist that will change the course of her future?

Swimming Upstream is a life-affirming and often humorous story about a young woman's pursuit of happiness. It is also a story of female friendship, love, and divided loyalties - and the moral choices that we find ourselves making when the chips are down.

What I Say:

I would like to that GGBooktours and Ruth Mancini for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

We first meet Lizzie when she going to the local swimming pool for a swim, although she loves the man she lives with Larson she can’t help feeling that something is missing from her life.  At the pool she bumps into Lifeguard Martin, he flirts with Lizzie, but Lizzie is unaware that Martin is engaged to her friend Catherine.

 

A series of events set off by Lizzie being involved in a car accident, here she bumps into Catherine and they hit it off straight away, the only spanner in the works is Martin.

 

We follow Lizzie’s journey to find happiness and inner peace, this is all set to the back drop of the early nineties, Ruth also includes in the story some of the main news events of this time as Lizzie works in a radio station, preparing the news.  I found this interesting as I was around in the early nineties and had forgotten so much had happened.

 

I loved Lizzies friends and how she would stand by them, even when she knew that things with them were wrong.  I liked Zara and felt really sorry for her with the issues she had.  Catherine was very naive but then again where domestic abuse is concerned a lot of woman are and blame them selves.  I really wanted Martin to get his comeuppance …..

 

Once I started reading I found I couldn’t put it down and I am glad the book didn’t have a central romance for Lizzie but showed her to be a strong compassionate person, who was also had her own demons to exorcise.

 

I wonderful book that raises awareness of sensitive issues in domestic abuse and mental health.

 

5 out of 5 stars

 

Jo xx

About The Author

I was born in South-West London and educated in Cambridge and London where I gained a bachelors degree in French and Spanish and a post-graduate diploma in Law. For several years I worked in the publishing industry before leaving my job, my relationship with my long-term partner and my home to travel and also to write the first draft of Swimming Upstream. I then put my writing career on hold for several years while I retrained as a lawyer. I have always had an interest in civil liberties and I care strongly about social justice as well as loving books and wanting to write.

I now live in Oxfordshire with my husband and our two children. I still practice as a lawyer and juggle that with writing and raising the children. My first child was born in 2002 with a severe learning disability, which means that he is also physically disabled (the two often go hand in hand) so it’s been tough! I’ve written about this - and about friendships, relationships and surviving life’s challenges generally - on my blog page if you’d like to know more.

I am an avid reader as well as a writer and author. My favourite books are women's fiction novels and psychological thrillers and I write in a similar style to the authors I enjoy: Elizabeth Gilbert ("Eat, Pray, Love"), Nick Hornby ("High Fidelity" and "How to Be Good"), Blake Morrison ("The Last Weekend") and David Nicholls ("One Day"). I also loved "I Don't know How She Does it" by Allison Pearson and "A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley (two very different books!). My favourite book of all time is "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Swimming Upstream is my debut novel. It has just been released with Booktrope Publishing and currently has 4.6 out of 5 stars over 55 reviews on Amazon UK and 4.1 over 83 reviews on Amazon.com.

I am now writing a sequel to Swimming Upstream.