Book Review: Marry Me in Seahaven Bay By Nicola May
I am pleased to be welcoming Nicola May to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Marry Me in Seahaven Bay.
The emotional and uplifting new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling Cockleberry Bay series.
Life at the Seahaven Bay Retreat is flourishing, but Rita Jory’s second chance at happiness is about to face its biggest test yet. When Jago’s glamorous French ex-wife appears on the doorstep with a five-year-old daughter in tow, their blossoming relationship hangs by a thread.
Between juggling retreat guests seeking healing, her daughter Sennen’s desperate need for a last-minute wedding venue, and dealing with Elodie’s impossible demands, Rita’s already stretched to breaking point.
Then some very unexpected news forces her to reconsider everything she thought she wanted. But can she trust Jago with her secret, and embrace the new life ahead?
Rita must decide whether to protect her heart or fight for her future.
A joyful, tender and laugh-out-loud tale of family, forgiveness and finding the courage to say yes to life’s beautiful surprises. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.
*****
A warm welcome back to Seahaven Bay! If this is your first novel by Nicola May, then you are in for a reading treat (and a very nice back catalogue to begin with) but, if like me, you’ve been a fan of this author for a while, you’re in for an even bigger treat!
by 
Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: The Piano
Welcome to Fiction Friday, our weekly flash fiction challenge.
Here’s how it works:
Set a timer for five minutes and start writing
Keep going for as long as you can once the timer goes off
No editing allowed—raw writing only
When you’re finished, feel free to share in the comments (but there’s no pressure)
Today’s Prompt – The Piano –
You inherit your mother’s grand piano along with a cryptic instruction: “Play only what you remember. Never learn anything new.”
by Novel Kicks Writing Room: Analysis
Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room and the Plot Challenge.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been focusing on plotting a piece of fiction, one task at a time.
These will potentially help you master plot structure by writing all major plot points, then analysing how each element builds toward a cohesive story.
Task 8: Analysis.
Following on from last week where we put all the pieces together, we’re now going to be asking the following questions. Write about 500 words per questions if you can.
Plot Structure –
- Cause and Effect: Does each section logically lead to the next, or do things feel coincidental?
- Stakes: Do they rise progressively? Or do they spike, then drop?
- Character Motivation: Can you trace why your protagonist makes each decision?
- Turning Points: Can you identify exactly 3-5 moments where the story shifts direction?
- Subplots: Are there secondary conflicts that mirror or complicate the main plot.
Specific Plot Diagnoses:
For your Inciting Incident:
- Does it force your protagonist into the story, or do they choose it? (Both can work, but which did you do?)
- Is it big enough to sustain a story?
by NK Chats To… Leon Mitchell
Hi Leon. It’s wonderful to be welcoming you back to Novel Kicks. Can you tell us about your latest book, The One True Empress and what inspired it?
It is brilliant to be back on Novel Kicks, thank you for having me. The One True Empress is a project that bridges my dual passions for historical narrative and cinematic documentary. It focuses on the life of Empress Matilda, a 12th-century leader whose profound impact has frequently been overlooked. I was inspired by the sheer gravity of her lived experience. I have been fortunate to collaborate closely with the brilliant historian Sharon Bennett Connolly on the research for this. Together, we are ensuring the project captures not only the historical truth, but the deeply complex psychological architecture of a woman fighting for her rightful place.
What attracted you to this genre?
As a director too, I am naturally drawn to stories that play out vividly in the mind—what I call the “Internal Cinema.” Historical fiction provides a masterclass in exploring narrative identity, and I love my psychological depth. You are taking real, breathing people and examining the psychological weight of their choices. Coming from writing science fiction like Lords and mysteries for younger readers, tackling the 12th century offered a fascinating journey to ground my cinematic style in absolute, gritty reality.
In your opinion, what elements make up a good story?
For me, and especially when writing a book like “The One True Empress” a truly resonant story needs a relatable psychological foundation, it needs connection. It is never just about the plot mechanics, but how the protagonist’s internal compass aligns or clashes with the external world. When an author successfully projects their ‘internal cinema’ onto the page, the reader feels it viscerally. There are no cheap tricks required—just an honest reflection of the human condition.
How long does it take you to write a novel?
by Book Extract: Then There’s Trust By Susan Gray
I am excited to be welcoming Susan Gray to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Then There’s Trust.
A forbidden love…a relationship in jeopardy…a tested trust
Darcy Dukas is fearless and feisty – but can she be trusted? Left bereft after a personal disappointment, her vulnerable mindset causes her to seize an opportunity to pursue her dream career. When Marcel Duval arrives in Durham to establish his detective agency, she agrees to work with him. But is she prepared for the risks she will encounter? Risks for her safety…risks for her young marriage…and risks affecting her family’s trust?
In 1952 Josh Smallwood, Darcy’s brother, returns home after completing his national service. Trying to sort his future, he begins working on the family farm and befriends Judy, a young nurse. He is baffled to discover any liaison with her is forbidden by her family. This mystery fuels an intense, secret relationship…can they overcome obstacles to be together?
A shroud of guilt clings to Chantal Martin – will she ever be free from its taint? As an unmarried mother, her once tenacious trait seems to have deserted her. Striving towards the final hurdle, an unexpected decision and an untimely event threaten to blight her resilience…can her trust be rewarded?
Then There’s Trust is a gripping, emotional story of love, fidelity and trust set in 1950’s northeast England.
Susan has shared an extract from Then There’s Trust with us today. We hope you enjoy.
*****beginning of extract*****
Tom and Rachel Smallwood and their extended family are hosting a Frenchman, Marcel Duval for lunch. He is a friend of Tom’s nephew, Jonty, who lives in Lyon. Marcel is relocating from France to Durham to open a Detective Agency. The family, including Darcy, their married daughter, are keen to learn more – Darcy longs to be an investigative journalist.
Northeast England 1952.
How is Jonty?” asked Josh, immediately warming to the French visitor.
“He is well and sends his love. He’s hoping to visit next summer. He has praised you all. He talks frequently about his English family. I am excited to get to know each of you.”
“I’m surprised he hasn’t found himself a bride yet.” Josh smirked, knowing his cousin possessed a ‘roving eye’.
“No, he is still a free man and dare I say it ‘enjoying himself’!” Marcel grinned.
by Book Club
