Today’s author in the spotlight is Rachel Dove whose novel The Chic Boutique on Baker Street is published by Mills & Boon today. You can order a copy here: Chic Boutique Happy publication day Rachel!
Thank for joining me on the blog Rachel. First of all, would you tell me a little about yourself?
I live in Yorkshire, born and bred and am a wife and mother to two human boys and two furbabies. I am a qualified adult ed teacher, and I am addicted to learning!
What inspired you to start writing?
I have always had a book in my hand, from when my parents read Ladybird books with me, and I have been telling stories since school. I feel compelled to write, as the characters in my head won’t leave me alone till I tell their tales.
Tell me about your journey to publication?
I have been reviewing books for a few years now, and writing short stories and books. I have self published several short stories and have a novella self published, which came out in 2013, called Crossing Life Lines. I have been submitting work for years, but never placed anywhere. I always got good feedback though, so I kept trying, and in January 2015, I saw the Flirty Fiction competition in Prima magazine, and I just knew I had to enter. I got an email some months later, telling me I made the final 10, and I was absolutely ecstatic. I never thought I would win, so when I heard the news that I had, I was overjoyed!
In a nutshell, what is your latest book about?
Amanda Perry is a lawyer in London, and she is good at her job, but feels as though she is not quite living the life she wants. When work events occur, she finds herself out on her own, so she flees to a small village called Westfield to start her life over. There she meets Ben, the hunky village vet, and a few other colourful characters, and she starts to see how life could be. The question is, will she stay there, or stick with what she knows?
Do you have a work in progress just now?
I am working on a new book, which I am very excited about writing, but is top secret for now.
What’s your favourite book you’ve read so far this year? Or favourite three if you really can’t choose!
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks, I loved the story, and who isn’t a sucker for a cowboy?
Something Only We Know by Kate Long – this story blew me away and I would recommend it to everyone
Wuthering Heights – my favourite book ever, and one I reread every year.
Tell me about your reading habits: book or kindle, bed or bath, morning or evening?
Yes, yes and yes! I have a kindle Fire HD, and a reading app on my phone, and always have a paperback or two on the go. I read whenever and wherever I can, so I always make sure I have access to a book. I prefer it to television.
How can people follow you or connect with you on social media?
I am on Twitter @writerdove
I also have a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rachel-Dove-Author
And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?
I would like to say Lizzie Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, but I am far too outspoken for those times. I would have to say Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games books, she is a fantastic female character – brave, fearless, but yet still vulnerable.
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