The ‘gold’ postbox is in the village of Hamble in Hampshire, very close to where Rosie currently lives. It was painted gold after the 2012 Olympics for the cyclist Dani King who grew up in the village.
Author of Theatre of Dreams, Rosie Travers, knocked at the Handbag Gallery door with news of a new novel. The local landscape of Hampshire inspired Rosie Travers to write Your Secret’s Safe With Me. During walks along the riverside, her imagination became caught up in possible stories and intrigue. It is always a pleasure when a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association contacts me to help celebrate a new release, so I invited Rosie to tell me more. She posted a wonderful letter from her golden postbox.
My new novel Your Secret’s Safe With Me explores the intricacies of family relationships and the consequences of keeping secrets. Pearl and Becca are a mother and daughter who have a successful professional working partnership. The family dynamic changes when romantic novelist Pearl announces her surprise engagement to Jack, a man she has only just met, and uproots Becca and her brother Freddy from their busy lives in London to her new fiancé’s home on the south coast.
It makes perfect sense to set my stories in familiar locations. I currently live in Hampshire, close to the River Hamble, a renowned sailing centre. The River Hamble is a busy, bustling place, but a little further along the coast at Beaulieu in the New Forest is another river, quieter and more isolated. Both rivers have historic boat-building pasts but are now bordered by luxury homes and frequented by leisure seekers, on and off the water, with picturesque riverside walks.
River Hamble inspired Rosie’s second novel: Your Secret’s Safe With Me.
My fictional village of Kerridge encompasses a tight-knit rural riverside community, a little light nautical industry – fiancé Jack’s family-owned marina business, and a salt-marshy wilderness and nature reserve. It is an amalgamation of these two locations together with others nearby, and although the story centres on the changing relationship between mother and daughter, I obviously needed sub-plots and additional situations to test my characters’ resolve. This is where the natural habitat came into play.
Smuggling isn’t confined to Poldark country, and sadly modern day smugglers trade in far more dangerous goods than illicit contraband and kegs of rum. As I observed sleek shiny white motor cruisers and yachts gliding upstream on my regular riverside walks, my writer’s enquiring mind kicked in. I began to speculate who or what might be onboard and wondered how easy it would be, with a few more isolated creeks and remote hiding places, for some unscrupulous ‘sailors’ to conduct some illegal activities. My over-fertile imagination quickly envisaged a situation where unsuspecting newcomers to the local community could unwittingly become caught up in some treacherous intrigue. Throw in a former lover and past heartache for Becca, a wedding and a baby, and the story started telling itself.
The overriding tone of the novel is light-hearted, but the river winding through Pearl and Becca’s new surroundings became symbolic of their evolving relationship. Everything seems calm at first, but as the river reveals its hidden dangers, family secrets submerged for many years threaten to bubble to the surface.
Presenting Rosie’s latest novel in the Handbag Gallery
As a writer, I am always interested in how authors seek inspiration. I like the sound of this novel and the hidden secrets. I wonder if all will end well. More about Rosie Travers:
Rosie grew up on the south coast of England and after initially training as a secretary she juggled a career in local government with raising her family. She moved to Southern California with her husband in 2009 and began a blog about life as an ex-pat wife which re-kindled a teenage desire to become a writer. On her return to the UK she took a part-time course in creative writing and following some success in short story competitions she joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme. Her debut novel, The Theatre of Dreams, was accepted for publication by Crooked Cat Books and officially launched on in August 2018. Her second book, Your Secret’s Safe With Me, is published on 18 February 2019.
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children.
Claire Huston has been a friend of Books in Handbag for many years. I have enjoyed following her blog Art and Soul because she presents some lovely, simple recipes and she is always so positive. I was delighted to learn she has written a romance and wanted to discover more. I invited Claire to talk about her novel.
Claire: My debut novel, Art and Soul, is a cheerful modern love story.
There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life…
An expert in solving other people’s problems, single mum Becky is hired to help artist Charlie get out of his creative slump. But when she starts falling for her client, she’s forced to wonder: will she be able to fix her own love life?
To add some extra sweetness to the slow burn romance, the story features several delicious cakes. As part of my ongoing baking adventures, I set myself the challenge of making all the cakes which appear in the book. Here are a few of them…
Old school sponge cake with white icing and multi-coloured sprinkles
A classic and the favourite cake of Charlie, the hero of the story. A generous slice of this light, fluffy sponge brings back fond memories of his school days.
Favourite cake of Charlie, the hero of the story.
Chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream
This is Becky’s favourite cake. She enjoys scoffing a restorative slice while having a good gossip with her best friend, Ronnie, who owns a cake shop.
This is Becky’s favourite cake.
Cappuccino cake with caramel buttercream
With life-fixer work being thin on the ground, Becky has been making ends meet by working behind the scenes at upmarket weddings to prevent problems and make sure the bride and groom’s big day goes off without a hitch. This deliciously sweet coffee confection is the cake chosen by one of the happy couples Becky is hired to help.
This deliciously sweet coffee confection is the cake chosen by one of the happy couples Becky is hired to help
Make these cakes!
If you fancy making any of these cakes, you can find all the recipes and over a hundred more on my website: www.clairehuston.co.uk
Introducing Claire Huston
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. Art and Soul is her first novel. A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul at
Claire Huston has been a friend of Books in Handbag for many years. I have enjoyed following her blog Art and Soul because she presents some lovely, simple recipes and she is always so positive. I was delighted to learn she has written a romance and wanted to discover more. I invited Claire to talk about her novel.
Claire: My debut novel, Art and Soul, is a cheerful modern love story.
An expert in solving other people’s problems, single mum Becky is hired to help artist Charlie get out of his creative slump. But when she starts falling for her client, she’s forced to wonder: will she be able to fix her own love life?
To add some extra sweetness to the slow burn romance, the story features several delicious cakes. As part of my ongoing baking adventures, I set myself the challenge of making all the cakes which appear in the book. Here are a few of them…
Old school sponge cake with white icing and multi-coloured sprinkles
A classic and the favourite cake of Charlie, the hero of the story. A generous slice of this light, fluffy sponge brings back fond memories of his school days.
Chocolate fudge cake with chocolate buttercream
This is Becky’s favourite cake. She enjoys scoffing a restorative slice while having a good gossip with her best friend, Ronnie, who owns a cake shop.
Cappuccino cake with caramel buttercream
With life-fixer work being thin on the ground, Becky has been making ends meet by working behind the scenes at upmarket weddings to prevent problems and make sure the bride and groom’s big day goes off without a hitch. This deliciously sweet coffee confection is the cake chosen by one of the happy couples Becky is hired to help.
Make these cakes!
If you fancy making any of these cakes, you can find all the recipes and over a hundred more on my website: www.clairehuston.co.uk
Introducing Claire Huston
Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. Art and Soul is her first novel.
A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for all the cakes mentioned in Art and Soul at www.clairehuston.co.uk along with over 100 other recipes. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
You can also follow Claire’s baking and writing endeavours on social media: linktr.ee/clairehuston_author
Get the book
And if you’d like a copy of Art and Soul, you can get one here. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.
You can also follow Claire’s baking and writing endeavours on social media: linktr.ee/clairehuston_author
Jan Brigden writes in a lively, witty style and captures her characters beautifully.
Jan Brigden’s ‘As Weekends Go’ is a great escape. Visiting a hotel described as ‘a vast stretch of grandeur’ is a perfect destination. I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca whose life is turned upside down when she receives an invitation from her friend.
I had a great time with cast of characters during a visit to Hawsley Manor, York. Brigden writes in a lively, witty style and captures her characters beautifully. She skilfully incorporates four perspectives in order to build the tension to fever pitch. I wanted to join Abi and Rebecca on their weekend retreat. I loved the way Bridgen draws these characters and represents the heart of their friendship. The lively exchanges between these Rebecca and Abi makes you feel as if you are sitting there joining in the conversation. Similarly, the dialogue during scenes of smouldering tension or conflict is outstanding. This novel would make a great film. I have just discovered it is an audio book and would be ideal for this medium.
Could this be an inspiration for Hawsley Manor?
I must also praise Jan Brigden for the way she presents the male characters and explores their perspective. The contrast between the arrogant, ambitious Greg and calm, considerate Alex is perfect. The book had me shouting at the horrible characters and racing towards the outcome. Challenging the stereotype of the celebrity footballer is a clever idea.
I laughed at portrayal of characters. You will meet ‘the suited gorilla’, ‘Doberman’, the woman ‘with a face you could chop wood on’. An there’s Martina who ‘hijacked’ Alex, then ‘cross examined him resting her boobs on a side plate’ in the restaurant. The thread of comic observation adds to the fast pace of the novel.
Rebecca and Abbi escape to York for the weekend
I enjoy a positive, upbeat message in a novel: love, friendship and honesty are key qualities throughout the novel. As a reader, one is loyal and supportive of Rebecca until the very end. And ‘if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be’ and will happen. Brigden shows that we gain strength and warmth from friends and families and hungry ambition needs to be fed to the wolves.
Reading ‘As Weekends Go’ is like indulging in a luxurious bar of chocolate without the calories. ‘As Weekends Go’ is a perfect must read for the weekend.
Jan lives in South East London with her husband and motley crew of cuddly toys. Jan’s written for pleasure from a young age; short stories for classmates, odes for workmates, fun quizzes for family and friends, progressing to her first novel, the idea for which sprang from a script she composed as part of a creative writing course assignment via The Writers Bureau. Following much secret plotting, research and feigning of passion for the customer accounts she was supposed to be reconciling during the day job, the chance finally arose to put pen to paper.
After attending many author talks, literary events, and connecting with writers and readers on Facebook and Twitter, Jan learned of and joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme.
Jan’s debut novel As Weekends Go subsequently won the 2014/2015 Choc Lit and Whole Story Audiobooks Search for a Star Competition , which led to a publishing contract with Choc Lit.
An avid reader and all round book devotee, Jan is also one eighth of online group blog The Romaniacs who proudly received the RNA Industry Media Star Award and even got a mention in The Bookseller.
Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill. Well done, Lizzie Lamb! DANGER FIREWORKS!
Escape to this glorious setting
Like the Capulets and Montagues, there is a family feud between the Macfarlanes and Buchanans.
Visit a penthouse in Chicago. I am in awe of Lizzie’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict.
This is a book with a strong female and male heroine and I loved it. I am in awe of the author’s ability to bring the characters to life while carrying the reader into the heart of the conflict. How wonderful to escape to a condominium and boutique B&B with such sparky characters.
As I speeded along with the narrative, I laughed throughout.
Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.
Besides the humour and fast-past exchanges, there are also tender moments between the characters.
This is a thoroughly modern romance populated with independent, strong characters. Logan has got ‘chutzpah’ but has been warned about Buchanan women. Call the fire brigade! Reading Lizzie Lamb’s novel is akin to battling with a stubborn, smouldering fire. But, oh- the sparks, the danger and the thrill.
India Buchanan plans to set up an English-Style bed and breakfast establishment in her great-aunt’s home, MacFarlane Landing, Wisconsin. But she’s reckoned without opposition from Logan MacFarlane whose family once owned her aunt’s house and now want it back. MacFarlane is in no mood to be denied. His grandfather’s living on borrowed time and Logan has vowed to ensure the old man sees out his days in their former home. India’s great-aunt has other ideas and has threatened to burn the house to the ground before she lets a MacFarlane set foot in it. There’s a story here. One the family elders aren’t prepared to share. When India finds herself in Logan’s debt, her feelings towards him change. However, the past casts a long shadow and events conspire to deny them the love and happiness they both deserve. Can India and Logan’s love overcome all odds? Or is history about to repeat itself?
After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. Although much of her time is taken promoting her novels she published Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon. Her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has co-hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about writing and the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie’s latest romance Take Me, I’m Yours is set in Wisconsin, a part of the USA which she adores. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and this summer will tour the Scottish Highlands in her caravan researching men in kilts. What’s not to like? As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building up a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish a debut novel. Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.
Lizzie Lamb is a bestselling author with six novels under her belt. She is a wonderful friend and author.
Lizzie Lamb is one of my writing fairy godmothers and it was a dream come true to meet her at the Romantic Novelists’ Association Tea in York. We chatted about her latest novel – Harper’s Highland Fling. I am thrilled to share this exclusive interview on Burns Night. Let’s raise our glasses to Scottish story telling.
How would your friends describe Lizzie Lamb, the author?
Friends would describe me as enthusiastic, loyal, funny, highly motivated (if slightly driven!) I hope they also see me as someone who likes to help others, especially rookie authors.
You have soared to the top of the charts with your novels for over ten years. How have you achieved this success?
As the song goes: I get by with a little help from my friends.’ Put yourself out there, make friends with readers and other writers; be generous, buy, read and review their novels. Embrace social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and start a blog. When I published Tall, Dark and Kilted (2008) indie publishing was a new phenomenon and it was easy to stand out from the crowd but it’s become much harder. Luckily, I’d built up a following on Facebook and Twitter before becoming a published author and my friends/followers are usually the first to buy my novels. It’s important to interact with your followers on a daily basis and not bombard them with ‘buy my books’ posts. If you get this right, they will become friends who interact with you and generously spread word of your novels.
My mantra is: RESPOND. RECIPROCATE. RESPECT.
Do you fall in love with your heroes and is your husband jealous of them?I know it sounds cheesy but my husband is all my heroes wrapped up in one. My love of dialogue/banter stems from our interchanges and, even after these years, we still have the ability to make each other laugh. When he read Harper’s Highland Fling he recognised some of the things Harper said to Rocco regarding his collection of ‘classic’ vehicles (code for: rusting old hulks) because I’ve had similar conversations with him over his ‘fleet’ of motors.
I have a couple of signs which sums up our relationship and, besides, he is too much of a grown up to feel jealous of my fictional heroes.
Lizzie knows the art of planning a gripping novel and is always willing to share writing tips.
Tell us about the essential ingredients of a great romance?
I believe it is vital that I fall in love with your hero from the get-go. That enables me to see him through the heroine’s eyes and respond accordingly. In Harper’s Highland Fling I’ve used Male Point of View for the first time, perhaps this is why readers have declared the novel my ‘best one yet’. It is essential to establish the ‘spark’ between hero/heroine from the beginning, light the blue touch paper, stand back and wait for the fireworks happen. The author has place obstacles in the way of the h/h which prevent the romance developing, then half way through the novel drop ‘something new’ into the mix which makes the protagonists see each other in a different light/revise their opinions of each other. Then they can start to fall in love. But keep something back so that in the last quarter of the novel you can turn everything on its head and make the reader wonder how it’s all going to work out. That is the Page Turning Quality an author needs to evoke in order to carry the reader through to the end of the novel when, hopefully, she will close the book with a satisfied sigh.
Don’t cheat your reader by not delivering that happy ever after/happy for now ending. They won’t forgive you for it because that’s what you’re genre promises them. Remember Sanditon – what a let-down.
How has your writing changed since your first novel?
I think I’m prepared to take chances because I have learned what readers like/dislike. Readers enjoy sparky dialogue and some description of time and place, but don’t overwhelm them with it. An author should edit her finished novel as though she was a reader, cutting out those scenes which don’t work or slow the action down. Oh, and, I’ve learned to keep my hero/heroine together on the page as much as possible because that’s what I like in a good romance.
What are the benefits of indie publishing and how is it changing the world?
The main benefit of being an indie author is that you can write to your own schedule. I aim to publish a novel am every 18 months. Indie publishing suits my lifestyle and I suspect that, if I wanted to become a contracted author, I’d have to stop writing Scottish-themed romance and write WWII, Cornish Cottage romances, sagas, dark psychological crime instead. So not my bag. I’ll stay an indie for now, but who knows what the future holds?
Explain the classic mistakes of rookie indie publishers?
Looking back, here are the classic mistakes I made as a rookie author. Didn’t work out a plan for the novel before I started it. Spent far too long polishing the first three chapters without seeing the novel as a whole and plotting out where the high and lows. I also spent too much time listening to contradictory advice, not understanding the importance of developing my own ‘voice’ (that comes with experience. I believe). Believing that what works for other authors will also work for me; one size does not fit all.
Let Lizzie take you to Scotland with Harper’s Highland Fling. You are invited to celebrate Burns Night with Rocco and Harper. Cheers!
I love, love, love the dynamic dialogue in your books. Can you give us a peek into a moment in Harper’s Highland Fling?
My favourite bit of dialogue in HHF.
‘Wh-where did you learn to kiss like that?’ Rocco asked.
‘Well, not at Sunday School, that’s for certain,’ Harper quipped.
‘Behind the bike sheds?’
‘I couldn’t possibly comment. More evidence is needed before I can reach a proper conclusion.’
‘Of?’
‘You as a great kisser.’
‘Indeed?’
‘There is a precedence, I believe. The accepted rule that scientific fact should always be subjected to further experimentation, to eliminate the chance of a fluke occurrence.’
A thrilling, entrancing, full on romantic adventure. Hang onto your hat, it’s a 5 Star trip all the way! – Adrienne Vaughan
Written with Lizzie’s customary blend of warmth, wit and ‘will they, won’t they’ drama. Her best romance yet. I loved it! – Janet Brigden
Another smart, funny, romantic read from Lizzie Lamb. – June Kearns
An exciting armchair road trip to Bonnie Scotland, a gripping romance and a set of characters you’re not going to let go. Lizzie Lamb is back! – Isabella Tartaruga
So – get your motor running and fasten your seatbelt, you’re in for a bumpy ride
Feast your eyes on Lizzie’s beautiful novels.
I love Lizzie Lamb’s books and always know I’m in for a great read. Harper’s Highland Fling is not just any romance, it’s a scorching hot romance, full of surprises and glorious page turning tension. It is great getting to know the two characters and Lizzie Lamb’s lovely turn of phrase sparkles throughout the novel. She is currently writing her seventh novel: Dark Highland Skies.
Lizzie Lamb is a bestselling author with six novels under her belt. She runs the Leicester RNA Chapter, Belmont Belles, with June Kearns and is regularly invited to give presentations and workshops around the UK.
I dare you not to fall in love with Lizzie’s books.
About Lizzie:
After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. She went on to publish Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon and her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie romance Take Me, I’m Yours, set in Wisconsin, also achieved BEST SELLER status >travel>USA. Her latest novel – Harper’s Highland Fling – has been declared her ‘best one yet’ by readers and reviewers. In it, two warring guardians are forced to join forces and set off in hot pursuit of a runaway niece and son. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and spends most of the summer touring the Scottish Highlands researching men in kilts. As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste as she is building a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish your debut novel.
Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.
She loves to hear from readers, so do get in touch . . .
‘Fly or Fall’ took me to the edge of the woman’s world
The front cover of Gilli Allan’s ‘Fly or Fall’ took me to the edge of a woman’s world and made me curious about her dilemma. I adore compelling characters who need the supportive shoulder of the reader. Before jumping into the woman’s dilemma, I needed to find out more. I asked Gilli, the author, to introduce the woman and present readers with an extract.
Dear Readers,
Wife and mother, Nell, fears change, but it is forced upon her by her manipulative husband, Trevor
I am delighted to present Fly or Fall. Nell has been coerced by her husband into moving and she feels displaced, isolated and out-of-tune with the society she finds herself in. But despite herself, she is gradually drawn into this frivolous world where her principles are threatened.
The extract I’ve chose is quite near the end, where Nell’s belief in her family life and her marriage have been completely undermined, and the pressure to strike out on her own has become irresistible. It shows both her misgivings, even at this late stage, but also her powerful attraction to sample the forbidden fruit that is within her grasp.
I believe that readers would like to have Fly or Fall in their handbags because most will be able to identify with the story on some level. Most women have been tempted at one time or another, even those with a strong moral code, but this is not a “how to” book on cheating; it’s just the story of one woman – how she dealt with a turbulent time in her life, and the decisions she eventually made.
All best wishes,
Gilli Allan
Extract
After taking a part-time bar job at the sports club she is gradually drawn in to the social scene of the area.
‘You’re not here on the pull, are you?’ He grinned. ‘Now that would keep you out of the house.’
My earlier confidence was becoming ever shakier. ‘Why do you think that?’
‘The challenging way you’re sitting there … on your own. The moment I walked into the bar I thought, now there’s a woman who means business.’
‘Are you saying I look like a tart?’
He laughed. [….] ‘Never. Far from it. Get you another drink?’
I held the new glass of Cabernet, its bowl in my palm, the stem between my fingers. The downlighter shone through the wine, throwing a reflection, like a pool of blood, into my cupped hand. As I took my first sip, he leant towards me.
‘Tell me, would anyone do or have you set your sights on a particular target? I don’t always turn down a proposition.’
The glass rattled against my teeth; my throat narrowed to a dry, choking, pinhole and I could barely swallow. I coughed, put the glass down clumsily, and the wine slopped onto the wooden counter. I clasped my hands together.
‘I’m sorry.’ He laid his hand over mine. ‘You’re trembling. I didn’t mean anything … you shouldn’t take me seriously.’
My fingers curled tightly around his. ‘Sometimes I wish I could.’
The smile died away from his face.
‘Come on, let’s get out of here.’ His hand was under my elbow as I stood, but other than that brief contact, we walked out of the bar apart, abandoning our drinks.
Blurb
Finding herself in a new world of flirtation and casual infidelity, she is torn (book cover) Gilli Allan
Wife and mother, Nell, fears change, but it is forced upon her by her manipulative husband, Trevor. Moving to a house she dislikes, in a town she has no connection to, she feels lost, cast adrift from all her previous certainties. Her life is further disrupted by the renovations Trevor deems essential. She finds herself almost living with a firm of builders, one of whom – Patrick – exasperates and intrigues by turns.
After taking a part-time bar job at the sports club she is gradually drawn in to the social scene of the area. Finding herself in a new world of flirtation and casual infidelity, she is torn. Should she emulate the behaviour of new friends or stick with the safe and familiar? A man she only knows as Angel holds a powerful allure.
But everything Nell has accepted at face value has a dark side. Everyone – even her nearest and dearest – has been lying. She’s even deceived herself. The presentiment of disaster, first felt as a tremor at the story’s beginning, rumbles into a full-blown earthquake. After the dust settles, nothing is as it previously seemed. When an unlikely love blossoms from the wreckage of her life, she believes it is doomed.
The future, for the woman who feared change, is irrevocably altered. But has she been broken, or has she transformed herself?
The Reviews
‘I found it deeply engrossing and sat up late into the night more than once, unable to put it down; it gathers momentum, like a snowball rolling downhill, hurtling towards its dramatic conclusion.’
‘Gilli Allan always delivers the best in realistic women’s fiction and FLY OR FALL soars; it’s an emotional tale encompassing motherhood, marriage, sexuality, painful pasts, rugged relationships and uncertain futures.’
‘The narrative is compelling, the characters are real and I believed every single word.’
Gilli Allan
Gilli writes ‘challenging and honest stories about women’s lives, documenting the downs as well as the ups.’ This commitment to real stories about real women is powerful. ‘Fly or Fall’ has been praised by the reviewers for gripping the reader until the end. Who doesn’t love a book where you must, must answer the questions before you can rest?
Jessie: Was it difficult to leave your characters?
Gilli:It was a wrench. Fly or Fall was complex and challenging and took me far longer to write than most books. I was sad to say goodbye to my main characters. Nell, who I’d put through such extremes of emotion, her close friend Elizabeth (the new-ager), whose close connections to the other players in the story are disguised, and David the beautiful young man who appears to have so much, yet is so embittered. And last but not least, Patrick – Jack-the-lad, chameleon, lothario, exasperating, attractive and unashamed liar.
Jessie: Leave me with one sentence to hook your reader.
Gilli: Will the allure of the unknown ever overcome the fear of stepping away from solid ground?
About Gilli
Always an obsessive writer, Gilli side-lined the hobby when she began work as a commercial artist. With motherhood Gilli resumed writing “seriously”. After the main-stream publication of her first two novels, Gilli went independent. Still a keen artist, Gilli has begun book illustration. She is now published by Accent Press.
