Portobello Book Blog

I’m pleased to be joined by author Rachel Brimble today. A prolific writer, her 22nd novel A Rebel at Pennington’s was published earlier this year. It’s the second in her series set in a prestigious department store in Edwardian Bath. Let’s find out more about her and her books.

First of all, would you tell my blog readers a little about yourself?

Of course! I have been married to my fabulous husband for twenty-one years and we have two daughters who are both away studying at the moment. We live near the famous city of Bath, England. When I’m not working (which isn’t often!), I like to read, knit and walk the countryside with our lovely chocolate Labrador, Tyler.

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve wanted to write since I discovered Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven series when I was around age eight or nine. I wrote short stories throughout my childhood and early teens but, when I started working, my writing fell to the wayside. It wasn’t until our youngest daughter started school full-time that I decided it was now or never. That was in 2005.

My first novel, Searching For Sophie, was published in 2007 and I’ve had at least one book a year published ever since.

In a nutshell, what is your latest book about?

A Rebel At Pennington’s is the second book in new Edwardian series (both books can be read stand alone) set in Bath’s finest department store. The theme of the series is female empowerment and I wanted to explore a particular woman’s issue in each book. In A Rebel At Pennington’s, I write about women’s suffrage and the struggles and sacrifices that were made by women doing everything they could to obtain the vote.

The Pennington’s series is a romantic saga so, as well as lots of scenes taking place in the Pennington’s department store, the series explores the characters’ home and family lives as well as the romantic journey of the hero and heroine.

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

I didn’t! I hate coming up with titles and leave that to my publishers as much as possible – A Rebel At Pennington’s was the result.

How did you celebrate publication day?

I celebrate every publication day! A Rebel At Pennington’s is my twenty-second book and I celebrated with a meal out with my family, lots of wine and fun.

Do you have a work in progress just now?

I have just returned the copy edits for Pennington’s book 3 (coming in September), Christmas At Pennington’s and now writing book 4. I am so excited for this book as part of it will take place on the Titanic – I’ve always wanted to write a Titanic book!

What are you reading just now?

I always have more than one book on the go at any one time and I’m currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama and Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter.

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

Gone With The Wind – I love everything about this book and it’s the only book I’ve read three times…and I intend reading it again this year. I read it at ages 15, 25, 35 and this year I turned 45 – I can’t break the tradition!

[One of my favourite books too and so different in many ways from the film.]

How can people follow you or connect with you on social media?

I’m very active on social media and LOVE talking to any and all readers! Here are my links:

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram: Rachel Brimble Author

Amazon Author Page: Rachel Brimble

Goodreads: Rachel Brimble

Bookbub: Rachel Brimble

From the back of the book

1911 Bath. Banished from her ancestral home, passionate suffrage campaigner Esther Stanbury works as a window dresser in Pennington’s Department Store. She has hopes and dreams for women’s progression and will do anything to help secure the vote. 

Owner of the prestigious Phoenix Hotel, Lawrence Culford has what most would view as a successful life. But Lawrence is harbouring shame, resentment and an anger that threatens his future happiness.

When Esther and Lawrence meet, their mutual understanding of life’s challenges unites them and they are drawn to the possibility of a life of love that neither thought existed. 

With the Coronation of King-Emperor George V looming, the atmosphere in Bath is building to fever pitch, as is the suffragists’ determination to secure the vote.

Will Esther’s rebellious nature lead her to ruin or can they overcome their pasts and look to build a future together?

A Rebel at Pennington’s is published by Aria Fiction in paperback and ebook formats. You can order a copy online here: A Rebel at Pennington’s