Book Review: Finding Love At Sunset Shore by Bella Osborne
I am beyond excited to be welcoming Bella Osborne back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Finding Love At Sunset Shore.
Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it…
Ros is too busy for a boyfriend; between work and looking after her poorly father, there’s no time left for a relationship. But when she overhears her dad’s dying wish is for her to find love, Ros is determined to make it happen – or at least, make it look like it has.
Enter Cameron, a struggling mature student with a mountain of debt but a zest for life.
Ros, driven by love for her ailing dad, reluctantly agrees to the simple business transaction: paying Cameron to play the role of her boyfriend. Ros meticulously plans their fake relationship – but when Cameron decides to go off-script, chaos ensues.
As Ros and Cameron navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, their differences drive each other crazy. But they may just need each other more than they think…
*****
Ros likes order and structure. She is also so busy going between work and looking after her father that she doesn’t have time for love. However, when her father wishes to see her happy, she wants to make it so, or at least give that impression. Enter Cameron.
Darla’s parents think she’s off on adventures around the world, not living in Southampton working multiple jobs to pay off debts that had nothing to do with her. When a new job puts her in Elliott’s path, it’s annoyance at first sight but will it stay that way?
A new Bella Osborne novel. Ah, all is right with the world. First, this cover… hello. It’s georgous.
As you know, Bella is a previous contributor to Novel Kicks and so it’s a pleasure to welcome her back. I jumped at the chance to be part of the blog tour for her latest book, Finding Love at Sunset Shore.
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NK Chats To… P. A. Sheldon
Hi Paul, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell us a little about your book, Fireside Horror and what inspired it?
Hi Laura, thank you for inviting me to talk about my new book. Fireside Horror is a collection of 10 interconnected tales set in the fictional Edwardian town of Wendlelow. Each story is designed to be read individually, but when combined together gives a larger narrative which draws to a conclusion in the 10th and final tale. I was inspired by the works of M. R. James, the classic ghost story writer of the Victorian/Edwardian era, and by the Folklore of the British Isles, which I have always had a great interest in.
What were the challenges of writing 10 interconnecting stories and what was the hardest part of the writing process?
There were a great many challenges, firstly ensuring that each story was self-contained enough that it could be picked up and read without any prior knowledge of the other tales.
I always envisioned someone reading the book, and then being able to re-read it a second time and pick up little hints and clues that connect to the final tale, dropping these little biscuit crumbs, without giving away too much, was a challenge.
I suppose the hardest part of the writing process, at least for me, was coming up with the stories themselves, the threats and problems the characters face, the ways they attempt to resolve them.
What’s your typical writing day like – do you have any rituals and a particular place you like to write?
Being a working father with two boys, I really had to set aside time to write, I aimed to try to write for at least 3 hours a week, this would usually be when my family were in bed, I would write at the dining room table, though now my eldest son has gone to university I finally have a spare room to work in. As for rituals I don’t personally have any, but my little dog Lily does, she likes to lie on my feet while I’m writing. This is perfect in the winter months as it keeps my toes warm.
What’s your favourite word and why?
by Book Extract: The Song Of Youth by Effrosyni Moschoudi
I’m very excited to be welcoming Effrosyni Moschoudi back to Novel Kicks and to wish her a happy publication day for her latest novel, The Song of Youth.
Emilia wished to be young again… and then, it happened.
Emilia Paschos is feeling distraught on her 45th birthday. Believing that she’s lost out on life, she makes a wish to be young again. Next, a mysterious gypsy called Esmera offers her the chance to become younger at will, simply by singing a song. Soon, unexpected news sweeps Emilia off to the island of Milos with an opportunity to start her life anew.
A nosy neighbor, a flirtatious ex, and an obnoxious cousin cause trouble, but then two strange girls, Elise and Chloe, turn up and begin to help in miraculous ways, being just as magical as Esmera. They are all angels, except Emilia has no idea…
Being young again whenever she wishes it makes Emilia feel exuberant, but it pales in comparison to the way Andreas, a handsome widower and newly established restauranteur on the island, makes her feel. Together, they rescue a puppy, and now she feels like she is being rescued too.
Because Andreas, who is in his 50s, has eyes only for the real her, not for her younger self. The only problem is, her angelic gift keeps expiring in the most awkward moments!
How much longer can she keep her secret? And, what will she choose? The exhilarating gift of youth… or the sweetness of love?
Effrosyni has shared an extract with us today. We hope that you enjoy.
*****beginning of extract*****
Emilia wobbled her arms in front of the mirror. No chicken wings. Tight and perfect. Oh, I had missed you so much!’ Grinning with elation, she lifted her arms to kiss them both successively. She leaned closer to the mirror, her fingertips on every nook and cranny of her face and neck and all over her features. Spotless. Perfect. Wrinkle-free. This is a miracle! She was so excited now that she had to bite her lips to keep from screaming or thinking out loud. She couldn’t say too much. The guy could hear.
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I’m so pleased to be welcoming Jane Linfoot to Novel Kicks. Today, we are shining a light on her latest novel, The Cornish Beach Hut Café.
A fresh start among old friends…
Florence May never expected to trade the high life of London for the cosy comfort of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown, but the moment she steps inside she knows it was the best choice she ever made. The fact that it comes with a requirement that she sets up a business on site? A minor setback that’s easily fixed by opening up a surfside outpost of her friend Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen … where Floss finds herself unexpectedly flourishing.
And when the hotel owner next door sets out to buy the land out from under her? Floss calls on her loyal friends to help her save her little slice of heaven. Because if there’s one thing the community of St Aidan does well, it’s banding together to make the most of every second, whatever life throws at you.
by Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: The Family Secret
It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.
Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.
The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.
Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.
Today’s prompt: The Family Secret
You are part of a powerful royal family who rule over most of the world. They have kept their power with the help of the dragons by their side.
The family is on the verge of war with another ruling power.
You are due to turn eighteen. This is when you find out the family secret… you find out where the dragons come from along with the plan to come out the winner in the upcoming conflict.
by Book Club
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