Portobello Book Blog

I’m pleased to welcome Kelly Florentia to the blog today. Her latest novel Her Secret, sequel to No Way Back, is available now. More about that below. As you will see, she has a very comprehensive cast list for the book she would like to see made into a film!

Welcome to the blog Kelly. First of all, would you tell my readers a little about yourself?

I was born and bred in north London, where I continue to live with my husband Joe, and where my novels are set. I’ve worked in travel and in catering but my love of words led me to where I am now. I love reading, running, watching T.V. dramas, and spending way, WAY too much time on social media.

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing and was a bit of a poet when I was younger. I used to love reading short stories in magazines and I think that’s when it all started for me. I thought I’d have a go, got my first story published in Best magazine…and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tell me about your journey to publication

As mentioned above, I started off as a short story writer, which I loved. I got some excellent feedback for my stories from readers, many of whom said they didn’t want them to end. So, I got cracking with my debut and here I am 3 books later. A dream come true.

In a nutshell, what is your latest book about?

It’s about the consequences of rushing into marriage. It’s about secrets and lies and obsessions. It’s about friendship and love and forgiveness and…..shoes!

How did you come up with the title for your book?

Actually, it was a bit tricky. It started off with a completely different title, but when I discussed it with my publisher we agreed that the original title would give away who Audrey Fox ends up with, something that was left as a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of No Way Back. So, I played around with a few titles, tried them out on family and friends, and then Urbane and I agreed on Her Secret, which I absolutely love!

How did you celebrate publication day?

Pretty low-key. I had pre-launch cocktails in central London with a few friends the night before, a few drinks with other friends on launch day, and a lovely meal on Saturday with my husband Joe.

Do you have a work in progress just now?

Yes! I’m in the very early stages of book four and am a little bit excited about it. However, a few readers are already asking for a third Audrey Fox book, but I’m saying nothing!

What’s your favourite book you’ve read in the past few months? Or favourite three if you really can’t choose!

I’m a slow reader, so I’ll list my favourite three in the last 12 months:

Seeking Eden by Beverley Harper

My Sweet Revenge by Jane Fallon

The Gift Maker by Mark Mayes

What are you reading just now?

Another Mother by Amanda James. (Loving it!)

 

If you were on Desert Island Discs, what one book would you take with you?

Um..not sure. It’d have to be something long and complex and thought provoking, or something inspirational.

Is there a book you’d like to see made into a film? Who would be in your dream cast?

Yes, Her Secret!

Cast:

Audrey Fox: Anna Wilson-Jones

Nick Byrne: Edward McLiam

Daniel Taylor: Clive Owen

Connie Taylor: Scarlett Johansson

Katrina Rickman: Helen Mirren

Louise: Maxine Peake

Fearne:  Pippa Hayward

Tina: Christina Hendricks

Ronan: Kevin McKidd

Vicky Fox: Emily Blunt

George Fox: Simon Gregson (he’ll have to dye his hair, though)

And finally, if you could be a character in any book you have read, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough one. I’ll have to take a raincheck, but it will be a character who time travels because I’m absolutely fascinated by the concept.

My thanks to Kelly from Love Books Groups Tours for inviting me to take part in the blogtour. Her Secret is available now and you can order a copy from Amazon here: Her Secret

From the back of the book

When one door closes, another opens, or so the saying goes.

After being in a long-term relationship for eight years, Audrey Fox never thought she’d tie the knot. But at the age of forty-two, fate throws her a lifeline and she finally has it all – a loving husband, successful career, beautiful family and loyal friends. Life couldn’t be better for Audrey … until a family member entrusts her with a secret that threatens trouble in paradise.

Lying to her new husband definitely wasn’t on the cards when Audrey took her vows, but now she feels there’s no other choice. She either keeps the secret or risks hurting the people that she loves. And then just when the dust seems to settle, an old flame turns up and creates a storm that could bring her world crashing down …

Unable to discuss her dilemma with her significant friends Louise and Tina, or sister-in-law Vicky, the cracks begin to show. Torn between her husband and the people she’s known and loved for years, Audrey’s perfect life begins to spiral out of control. Where do her loyalties lie and whom can she trust? Because there’s no smoke without fire and everyone has secrets … don’t they?

Kelly Florentia was born and bred in north London, where she continues to live with her husband Joe. HER SECRET (2018) is her third novel and the sequel to NO WAY BACK (2017). 

Kelly has always enjoyed writing and was a bit of a poet when she was younger. Before penning her debut The Magic Touch (2016), she wrote short stories for women’s magazines. To Tell a Tale or Two… is a collection of her short tales. In January 2017, her keen interest in health and fitness led to the release of Smooth Operator – a collection of twenty of her favourite smoothie recipes.

As well as writing, Kelly enjoys reading, running, drinking coffee, scoffing cakes, watching TV dramas, and spending way too much time on social media. 

Website: http://www.kellyflorentia.com
Twitter @kellyflorentia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyFlorentiaAuthor

Don’t miss the rest of the blogtour