Q & A: Katie Fforde

September 14, 20166 Comments

I’m ecstatic to have the lovely Katie Fforde here today for a Q & A! Her latest book, Recipe For Love is out TODAY!

You can find it on Amazon.

Look at this gorgeous cover! I swear all of her book covers are just beautiful.

Q & A

1. What’s a typical writing day for you look like? Describe your perfect writing environment.

A typical writing day for me starts early, but with a lot of procrastination. I look at my emails, twitter, and play several games of Spider patience. When I’m up against a deadline, I try to avoid twitter until after I’ve done my work – about 1000 words a day. I really like writing when away from home. There are far fewer distractions then. I love going on writing retreats and always get lots done. When all your friends are writing away like mad, you have to as well. I aim to get 2 thousand words a day done then.

2. How did you get started writing? Was it something that you’ve always loved?

I was given a prod by my mother. I’d talked about wanting to write (expecting to wait until my children were a bit bigger, my daughter was only two) but she obviously felt now was the time and gave me a writing kit for Christmas. She made it up herself and gathered pens, correction paper (Tippex) a dictionary, a thesaurus, a ream of paper and other bits and pieces and put them in a box file. I made it my New Year’s resolution for that year to get started. I could only write when my husband was home from the sea and I gave myself an hour a day. I loved it! The hour would stretch as long as it was allowed to. But it took me eight years to get published.

3. Who are your favorite writers/inspirations?

Georgette Heyer was a great inspiration but I didn’t realise that until someone said they saw her influence in my writing. She is one of our greatest historical novelists and I write contemporary fiction so I assumed there was no connection.

4. Anything you can tell us about upcoming projects?

I am just about to start writing a Christmas novella which will come out as an e book. It’s set in Somerby, which is the big house that appears in Wedding Season, Love Letters and Recipe for Love. Several of the characters that appear in those books will be there as well as a new romantic story. I think it will be fun. Then I’ll start my next novel (number 24) which is going to have a farming background.

5. Normally how do you develop plots/characters? Brief us on your process.

Characters come easily to me but plots are harder. There are rare but lovely times when the story bubbles out and I think, this happens and then happens but more often, the story reveals itself to me bit by bit. The characters are more fun. I start with a theme and then think, what sort of woman would be in this situation? Why is she in that situation? That process is fun. Then I have to think about her man. Men are harder because, as we women know, there are very few eligible bachelors about so if a man is to be single, he has to have a good reason for it.

6. Favorite character from one of your own novels?

I think Polly, from Living Dangerously, my first novel, is my favourite. She had my job, my keep fit class, my fondness for jumble sales and is very like me. She is/was younger and much more attractive than I am but we do have the same sort of hair.

7. Preferred method for readers to contact you?

Twitter is probably the best way for readers to contact me. They can email me via my website but they don’t always get through. Twitter always works, I think.

8. On average, how long does it take you to write a book?

It takes about 6-8 months to write the first draft but then there is editing, (which would be things like, we need another character, or something, fortunately that doesn’t happen so often these days) and then copy editing, which is the little details like, I have given February 5 weeks in it! Then after that, proof reading. After all that is done, copies will go out to magazines and things for reviews. The whole process takes about a year.

9. Which one of your characters do you relate to the most?

I always relate most to the character I am writing. When I’m in her head so much, I almost feel I am her. I loved being a midwife in Summer at Sea but then I loved being a gardner in A Secret Garden which won’t be out until February in the UK.

11. If writing wasn’t your career what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t a writer I probably would have been a counsellor or something like that. I love listening to people.

12. What’s the best compliment that you’ve received about your work?

I had a lovely email recently from a woman who’d gone through treatment for breast cancer. She said she couldn’t sleep and so every night would read my books and feel she was with a friend. It was a very moving email to receive.

Thanks so much to Katie for answering my questions, it was truly a pleasure!

About the Author:

I am a writer, mother, wife and for those who don’t know, a struggling flamenco dancer. I’m not quite sure how I juggle it all!? Here you can get to know more about me, my hobbies, favourite recipes, my writing tips, general ponderings, the lengths I will go to in the name of research and more…

You can find Katie on social media:

Website/Twitter/Facebook

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

September 12, 201628 Comments

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Is a weekly post to share what you recently finished reading, what you’re currently reading, and what you plan on reading this week. It’s hosted by Kathryn at Bookdate.

What I Read Last Week:

I was a fan of this one.

I was totally blown away by how much I liked this.

I loved this dark and edgy thriller.

This is the first one in a series and I was so excited to learn that in the UK Wilkinson has already released book ten!

And my one flop for the week. Sigh.

What I’m Currently Reading:

This is so good you guys. The wait has been worth it. I haven’t wanted to put it down! My review won’t be up until closer to pub date, but I couldn’t wait any longer to read it, I swear my Kindle was taunting me.

Up Next:

This has been on my past few weeks list, I’m vowing to get to it this week!

And because I started Christmas shopping already and am totally looking forward to cooler weather, I’m adding this one as well!

What are you guys reading? How was your week last week?

Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt: Margaritas and Murder by CeCe Osgood

September 12, 2016September 10, 20163 Comments

Margaritas & Murder
September 10th – 17th, 2016

Margaritas & Murder.newcover brighter (2)
Margaritas & Murder
By author CeCe Osgood
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: September 9th 2016

Blurb:

Stephanie Plum meets Bridget Jones in this hilarious yet suspenseful cozy mystery featuring Sunny Truly, a brand-new apprentice private investigator in Austin, Texas.

When a long ago childhood friend is found dangling in a tree—with a dead man in her apartment—Sunny is hired to prove the friend innocent of murder. Frumpy, earnest and stubborn, Sunny goes undercover as a glam-girl to ferret out suspects at the club where her friend worked. With the aid of her wise-cracking boss, Cleve Haylock, and swoon-worthy police detective John Rock, Sunny uncovers an ugly secret with deadly consequences. Will Sunny be the next victim?

Buy the Book:

AmazonUS
AmazonUK

About the Author:

CeCe Osgood

Bio:

CeCe Osgood lives in Texas after many years in LA working in the film industry. Her writing career includes magazine articles and screenplays as well as being a freelance story analyst (main client HBO). She also has had two screenplays optioned.
Being a novelist has been her lifelong dream, and now it’s becoming her reality. She loves red wine and hates pretzels.

CeCe’s first novel, THE DIVORCED NOT DEAD WORKSHOP, a chick-lit romantic comedy was awarded a Crowned Heart by InD’tale magazine.

Find her here:

www.ceceosgood.weebly.com
Facebook
Twitter
GoodReads
Amazon Author Page

Check out all the stops on the Tour:

Sept 10th

Enrayn – Book Review
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Promo Post

Sept 11th

Cafinated Reads – Book Excerpt
Gin, books and blankets… – Book Reivew/Author Q&A

Sept 12th

Steamy Book Momma – Book Promo Post
Writing Pearls – Book Review
Novelgossip – Book Review/Excerpt

Sept 13th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Sylv all about books and films – Book Promo Post
Christa Reads and Writes – Book Review/Guest Post

Sept 14th

Cynful Books To Read – Author Guest Post/Promo Post
He Said Books or Me – Book Review/Excerpt

Sept 15th

Grass Monster – Amazon/GoodReads Book Review
One More Chapter – Book Review

Sept 16th

BookLoverWormBlog – Book Review
Turning Another Page – Book Review/Author Q&A

Sept 17th

JenaBooks – Book Review/Excerpt
Book Lover in Florida – Book Review/Excerpt

Tour arranged by:

Excerpt

MARGARITAS & MURDER: The Sunny Truly Mystery Series – Book 1

The first thing I did when I entered the store was quell my hunger with a Kit Kat bar, then I located what I needed to jazz up my look. I didn’t need to worry about my eyes. I had naturally thick eyelashes and wore eyeliner too, but I normally only used a light balm for my lips. That wouldn’t do.

I bought a cherry red lipstick, nail polish, safety pins, a dozen silver glitter pens and three small silver bows. When I climbed back into my car, I peeled out of my blouse, unhooked my black bra and went to work

Thirty minutes later, as I stood in line waiting to get into The Celestial, I unbutton my gray blouse to reveal my black bra, now covered with silver swirls and the three bows, which I pinned into the v-shaped front.

I got a glimpse of myself in a store window. Red lips, red nails, and Cleopatra eyes. Not bad. Not me, but not bad, except, of course, I’d forgotten about my ponytail. I was undoing it when a stranger behind me oozed, “Leave it, babe. It’s got that sex-kitten girl-next-door vibe.”

Cringing at his creepy voice, I popped my blonde hair out of the ponytail.

“Aw, you ruined it, girlie,” Creepy griped and leaned in closer. “Tell you what. You put your hair back up, and I’ll buy ya a drink inside.”

I frowned at him. “No, thanks.”

“You got your nerve,” he sneered. “Why? You think you look hot? You don’t. Not in that turd ugly blouse.”

I skittered forward a few steps, trying to cut off any further attempts at conversation. Luckily, his cell beeped and he stepped out of the line to have a private conversation.

I glanced down at my blouse. Maybe Creepy had a point.

When I got closer to the door, I whipped off the blouse entirely and stood there in my black and silver bra, waiting for the bouncer’s approval.

If I thought too long about what I was doing, I’d blush from head to toe. The bouncer eyed me. I hefted the twins (modest Bs) with a grin to the bouncer. He grinned back, and I was in.

Inside, I slipped the gray blouse back on, but left it unbuttoned as I threaded my way through the crowd of dancing bodies.

The cavernous interior was dark, except for the star-shaped maroon, green and blue neon lights flashing on the ceiling and walls. Occasional spotlights skimmed the crowd. House music vibrated fast and furious from the speakers.

I remembered Sam telling me that the best thing to do in a new place was to first get your bearings. I scanned the space to see what was what. The dance floor ran the length of the building, starting near the entrance and ending by the stage, which was set up close to the back wall.

Not far from the stage, I spied an ornate, highly polished mahogany spiral staircase leading up to a rooftop lounge. It looking like it belonged to a different century. I figured that was the point. Ultra-modern mixed with the historic for an eclectic blend, echoing the city’s view of itself.

Several couples were standing near the top of the landing looking down on the stage where a five-piece band was covering an old hit by Justin Timberlake. On the dance floor, men and women, most of whom were young and gorgeous, rocked out.

On the right side of the club, I noticed a lounge area dotted with loveseats, club chairs and coffee tables. It was populated by men of various ages and young women with big hair and bigger boobs.

On the left side was an impressive brass and mahogany bar with five bartenders in attendance: four handsome young men clad in silver and black uniforms and a lone woman, her sleek dark ponytail perched high up on her head. She had on a long-sleeved black blouse and black trousers.

I decided to approach her.

Bad choice. She was all business, no time or inclination to chat.

I moved down the bar to one of the male barkeeps. His gaze swept over my glittery bra as he bustled over to me.

I was about to order a drink when I noticed Creepy coming my way, his lusty expression sending a chill from my crown to my toes. I had to do something fast.

Moving away from the bar to get out of his radar, I ran smack dab into a big man in a shiny, expensive three-piece suit.

“Whoa there,” he cooed to me, his hands looping around my waist. His florid face moved closer to mine like he was going to French me. I quickly turned away and his tongue licked my cheek. Yuck.

Cringing, I pulled out of his grasp. Then I recognized him. It was Conrad Hollister, aka Big Tex. He wasn’t wearing the white Stetson or the cowboy boots, but it was him.

Another face appeared over Hollister’s shoulder. Cool blue eyes pinned me, and a zing of surprise, and panic, prickled up my spine. Detective John Rock.

I almost called out to him, but stopped myself when I realized he might be here undercover.

Another thought countered the first one. Maybe this was a regular hangout for him. Yet how was that possible on a detective’s salary? The Celestial was one of the most upscale nightclubs in Austin.

Hollister squeezed my arm, bringing my attention back to the big man. “I’ve got business right now, little filly, but you stay put and I’ll come back around for you.” His lips curled into a smug smile and then he darted away, disappearing into the crowd.

I sighed, glad not to have to deal with Hollister when the detective was so nearby. I gave Rock a sidelong glance. He said nothing, nothing at all and turned to walk off. Hmm. Maybe he didn’t recognize me.

I watched him go over to the bar, passing by several empty stools until he reached the section where the female bartender with the sleek ponytail was busily mixing drinks. He slid onto a stool and waited.

Seconds later, she came over to him. They spoke. I was too far away to hear what was said. I gathered that he had ordered a drink because she stepped away and returned quickly to pour him a double.

Rock swiveled around on the barstool and scanned the club. Our eyes met momentarily. His expression remained neutral. Maybe I was right. He hadn’t recognized me.

I did look a lot different than when he saw me at my apartment with my bed head hair, broken glasses and Shrek pajamas. And later, at the hospital when I was there with Lila, I had on my usual “get thee to a nunnery” garb—black pants and a matching blazer.

Just then a cool brunette in a crotch-high mini-skirt sashayed by and Rock’s gaze shifted to her. I was certain then that he hadn’t recognized me.

The band segued into a pop tune, which drew more people to the dance floor. I wandered around and, after a few minutes, I spied Hollister leading two couples up the spiral staircase. I considered following him up to the rooftop lounge. I wasn’t sure if it was the smartest move to make, but the opportunity was there, so why not take it?

I had made it midway up the staircase when my attention was drawn to the lounge area where glamorous young women in strapless or backless cocktail dresses were chatting with men in suits.

One dark-haired beauty, perched on the edge of a sofa, threw her head back laughing, while her companion, a distinguished, silver-haired older man, signaled the waiter for more drinks.

A gasp seeped out of me. “Lila?”

What the…? What was she doing here? Too stunned to move, I watched my sister in full flirtation mode with a man who, I speculated, could be older than our father.

Once the shock lessened, I forced my body to move and hurried back down the staircase. I tried to cut across the dance floor, but the crowd was quickly expanding like fungus and barred my path.

Raging like a diva whose latte had grown cold, I elbowed my way through. By the time I got to the lounge, bad had gone to worse.

Lila, in a strapless purple cocktail dress, was still perched on the sofa, but now she was talking to Detective Rock.

I stalked up to them. “Lila!”

Her face blew up in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Me?” I snapped. “What are you doing here?”

Review:

Sometimes I need a break from reading dark and twisted thrillers and when I picked up Margaritas and Murder I was definitely in the mood for something on the lighter side. This book perfectly satisfied my need to settle down with a comfortable and cozy book and made for a delightfully fun read.

Sunny is the heroine and she reminded me a bit of Bridget Jones as she’s just a normal woman with some spunk. I loved that she had a real appetite and love of food and wasn’t afraid to show it. All to often romantic heroines are portrayed as flawlessly beautiful and stick thin, but she is a real woman, one who I would hang out with if given the chance. She continuously finds herself in comical situations and Osgood painted a picture of hilarity. The whole time I was reading this book I felt like I was watching a beloved romantic comedy.

Though this book isn’t scary or creepy, make no mistake, there is still a mystery that needs to be solved. One of my favorite things about this book is that almost every chapter ended on some sort of cliffhanger that urged me to keep on reading. Added to the mystery there was a colorful cast of characters that brought warmth and flirtatiousness to the table. From the sexy detective John Rock to Sunny’s boss Cleve to her sister Lila, and many more, there is something for everyone.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the author and Aimee at Hello Chick Lit for providing me with a review copy!

Blog Tour/Q & A/Giveaway: Show Me How by Molly McAdams

September 9, 2016September 9, 20163 Comments

I’m delighted to be the last stop for the blog tour for Show Me How by Molly McAdams.

Synopsis:

After her first love was ripped from her grasp four years earlier, Charlie Easton was sure she would never be able to trust anyone with the shattered pieces of her heart again. That is, until Deacon Carver forces himself into her life, and makes those pieces swirl in chaos. But Charlie doesn’t know how to let him in… until a stranger stumbles upon a notebook filled with her innermost secrets, and shows her how.

Deacon Carver is known for sleeping his way through the town of Thatch, as well as the surrounding cities—something he used to take pride in. But that persona has haunted Deacon ever since he decided to leave that life behind for the girl he wants more than anything: Charlie Easton.

But when another girl falls into Deacon’s life, allowing him to be himself without judgment for his past, will their conversations hinder his relationship with Charlie … even if he’s never seen her?

Show Me How is available now at the following retailers:

Amazon/Barnes & Noble/iBooks
Q & A

1. How did you get started writing? Was it something that you’ve always loved?

I actually just started writing out this dream that I’d had, because it was driving me crazy and taking up so much of my time. And then I kept thinking about what happened before the dream ever began, and what would’ve happened had I not woken up when I did. Next thing I knew, it was a full-length novel. But writing was definitely not something I had ever wanted to do, growing up. I actually hated reading, and had failed out of a creative writing course in college!

2. Who are your favorite writers/inspirations?

Oh my goodness, there are so many writers I absolutely love! A.L. Jackson is one of my all-time favorites, and biggest inspiration! Other favorites include Stephenie Meyer, Sarah J Maas, Mary E. Pearson, & Renee Ahdieh.

3. What’s the best compliment that you’ve received about your work?

When someone who has gone through that situation exactly—i.e. Taking Chances, From Ashes, Letting Go, To The Stars—has e-mailed me to let me know that they went through an identical situation, and my story helped them feel like they could move past it when they felt trapped in the past by what had happened.

4. Favorite character from one of your own novels?

It changes all the time. But over the last week, my readers and I have been talking about Trent Cruz from Deceiving Lies over, and over, and over again. It doesn’t help that his clone was in my house delivering furniture the other day. So for this week, we’ll say Trent Cruz.

5. Preferred method for readers to contact you?

Social media or e-mail! @mollysmcadams | facebook.com/mollymcadams | molly.mcadams@hotmail.com

About the Author:

ABOUT MOLLY MCADAMS:

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur babies. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and fried pickles, and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm … or under one in a bathtub if there are tornadoes. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

Molly’s social media:

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads/Google+/Tumblr

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour hosted by Irish Banana Tours

Week 1:

8/29: Bookish Lifestyle – Review

8/30: Addicted 2 Novels – Review

8/31: Stuck In Books – Review

9/1: What Sarah Read – Review

9/2: Who RU Blog – Q&A

Week 2:

9/5: Books, TV and More!– Q&A

9/6: BCS Reviews – Review

9/7: Rebel Mommy Book Blog – Review

9/8: Chapter By Chapter – Review

9/9: Novelgossip – Q&A

Top 5 Wednesday

September 7, 201619 Comments

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly post that is hosted by Sam from Thoughts On Tomes and there is also a Goodreads group where you can find more information.

This weeks topic is Characters You Would Want As Family.

The Weasley family is kind of a no brainer, because magic! I’m sure they’ll be on many lists today. But they’re also so fun and warm, who wouldn’t want to have them as a surrogate family?!

I’ve raved before about how much I love the Blue Heron series by Kristan Higgins and part of the reason I love them so much is because of the Holland family. First of all, they own a vineyard! What’s better than wine?! Nothing except wine and a book of course. They’re a little bit dysfunctional but in an endearing way. Maybe I have a thing for large, crazy, loud families?

I just think the entire Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella is adorable and the entire Bloomwood family is a big part of why I love these books! Becky is such a love able goof ball with all of her wacky schemes and her parents are so sweet and dear!

I’m a sucker for a James Patterson series and one of my favorites is the Michael Bennett series. He’s a widower police detective with ten kids and his family is just as crazy as you would imagine. But they are love each other fiercely and all of the Bennett kids are just adorable and amazing.

I’m feeling nostalgic mainly because my oldest daughter just started reading Ramona and Beezus. This is one of the first books that I remember reading on my own as well of one of the books from my childhood that has always stuck with me. It really made me into the readaholic that I am today. The Quimby family is quirky, funny and Ramona is a riot, I would love to have them as family!

What fictional families who you like to be a part of?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

September 5, 2016September 5, 201627 Comments

What I Read Last Week:

This was my first Angela Marsons novel and I really enjoyed it!

I was a little disappointed in Moriarty’s latest book.

I was very impressed with this book!

Layne’s newest book in the Wedding Belles series was great.

I had some issues with this book despite my high hopes.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one!

What I’m Currently Reading:

Up Next:

I’ve been really wanting to start this for the past two weeks and I’m making time for it this week!

How was your reading week? What are you reading now?

August Wrap Up

September 1, 2016September 1, 201630 Comments

First up was the Assassin Game by Kirsty McKay. Unfortunately, I was not impressed by this book even though I had really hoped to enjoy it.

Next, I read You Before Anyone Else by Julie Cross & Mark Perini. I enjoyed this cute love story and it’s refreshing take on a healthy young relationship.

Here’s To Us by Elin Hilderbrand was next and I just love her novels! Such fun beach reads.

Next I did a mini review of the audiobook for Baby Doll and I liked it even better as an audiobook than I did as a regular book!

I really liked Results May Vary, it was a heartfelt story of a woman finding herself that was totally relatable.

Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner was next and I was hooked on this character driven story surrounding a missing young woman.

This one was hysterical and a quick, enjoyable read.

Next was A Summer at Sea. It’s a delightfully cozy and fun read!

This book use everything. One of my top books of 2016 hands down.

Being a big Giffin fan I was slightly disappointed in First Comes Love.

This was a solid thriller that I enjoyed!

This one was meh for me, it was my first Evanovich book and I was let down.

I wasn’t too impressed by this one, but I can see the appeal for some.

Next was The Couple Next Door, loved this one!

Cut was a romantic suspense that kept me entertained!

New World Rising was a fantastic YA dystopian.

I was part of the blog tour for this one and had so much fun!

I loved this one! NYC in the 50’s sounds so fabulous!

I love this contemporary romance series!

I wasn’t a fan of this one.

I loved this one.

My first Angela Marsons book was great!

This one was ok for me, I had some issues.

Phew! August was a fantastic reading month for me and I have so many exciting books planned for this month, I can’t wait! I have a few blog tours I’m participating in, which is one of my favorites, some great Q & A with some authors I adore, and a new feature in the works that I’m excited about.

How was August for you guys?

Top 5 Wednesday

August 31, 201628 Comments

Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly post that is hosted by Sam from Thoughts On Tomes and there is also a Goodreads group where you can find more information.

This weeks topic is Books You Will Never Read. It can be a book series that you’ve outgrown or maybe just a popular book that you have no interest in.

I think this is a pretty unpopular choice, but I’m pretty confident in this pick. I see this everywhere, especially on social media. This series is so hyped up and I’m so sick of hearing about it and seeing it everywhere that I just refuse to read it. I’m sure it’s a great book, but the fact that I’m sick of it before I’ve even read one word means I should just stay away.

Yes, I bought into the hype surrounding this one and I’m ashamed to admit I read it! I do not have any desire to continue on reading more about Ana and Christian though. It’s so bad. For some people I guess it’s so bad that it’s good?

Anything by John Green. I’m just over him and his books. There is so much fantastic YA stuff out there that I would rather spend my precious reading time with a different author.

Anything by Janet Evanovich. I had high hopes for Curious Minds as Evanovich is an author who I’ve been hearing about for years. It was a huge disappointment for me so I’ll be steering clear of her from now on.

I’ve had this sitting on my bookshelf for years and I’ve tried to start it before and I just can’t. I think it’s time to face the facts that I most likely will never read it.

What books will you never read?

Book Tour/Guest Post:All Shook Up by Chelsey Krause

August 30, 2016August 26, 2016Leave a comment

All Shook Up
By Chelsey Krause

I am so excited to be hosting the blog tour for Chelsey Krause today! Read on for more information about her book and a hilarious guest post.

August 29th – September 2nd 2016

Blurb:

Natalie’s world is shaken to its core when she discovers an old photo of a woman who looks like her. Could this woman be related to her birth mother, who put Natalie up for adoption as a baby? When she tracks down the person who dumped the photo album at her thrift shop, she’s shaken again. Especially when the gorgeous fire-fighting guitarist offers to help her find the owner. They quickly become friends – which is all they’ll be, as far as Natalie’s concerned. Her rebellious youth turned her off cheating men, and the new Natalie is looking for true love and a family of her own – something Casey isn’t willing to provide. But how long can Natalie ignore her undeniable attraction to the man with the Irish accent and the broken-down ’57 Chevy?

In Chelsey Krause’s second novel, friends become lovers over a whirlwind summer of rockabilly rhythms, twirling skirts, and a mystery that takes them hilariously far out of their element.

Buy the Book:
Amazon | iTunes | Google Play

Real events from my life that made it into “All Shook Up”

As an author, I often wonder whether other writers use events from their real life as inspiration for their novels. Old jobs, bad dates, embarrassing moments, overheard conversations; these all make great scenes.

So, I’ll do this sometimes. I’ll take things that have actually happened either to me, or things I’ve heard about, and use them as a springboard for my book. I’ll change details, names, try to make it original. But, still, at the root of the scene, there is a kernel of real life to it.

I used to feel bad about doing this. I worried that perhaps I wasn’t a “real” writer because I didn’t invent everything out of thin air. I borrowed from my life and others, I borrowed from the jobs I’ve had, the movies I’ve watched, and so on.

That is, until I learned that every other writer does this. Even if you invent pure fantasy, your ideas come from somewhere.

So, I thought it would be fun to talk about 4 scenes from “All Shook Up” that were taken from my own life. (And it’s pretty hilarious.) Read on.

1) Guy with Snake Around His Neck

Natalie, the heroine of “All Shook Up” manages a thrift store. And though I LOVE buying second hand, I didn’t know a thing about how thrift stores are managed. So, I arranged a meeting with a local store. The manager gave me the grand tour, showed me the basement store rooms (I wish I could arrange private shopping tours down there), explained the day to day operations, etc.

And at some point during our visit, I asked her if she’d ever had any customers of note. And she told me about this guy who came in with a snake around his neck. He was young, maybe 17. Homeless. And looking for a fish tank for his snake. He had been keeping it in a cardboard box, but someone stole the box. She said they found him tank for his snake. She said he lit up, and seemed incredibly happy to finally have a space for his pet.

It was a bittersweet story that captured my imagination. I HAD to include it in this story, and you’ll find it in chapter 1.

2) Guy Stripping off His Shirt in the Middle of the Store

This really, truly did happen. I wouldn’t joke about half-naked men. Ok. I was walking through the mall one day, pushing my enormous double stroller along. And just as I passed one store (American Apparel, if you’re interested), out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy at the cash register whip his shirt off. It took me off guard (I mean, come on! You don’t normally see people stripping at the mall). It seemed that he wanted to try a shirt on before he bought it, and figured that the cashier would appreciate it more than the private change room.

This seemed pretty funny to me, and thus, Casey, the hero of “All Shook Up” tries a shirt on in the middle of a store (see chapter 21). I make a small cameo in this scene too. The mom who was briskly walking by with her stroller in the background and pauses to watch the ripped guy take his shirt off in the mall is TOTALLY me, lol

3) The Beet Massacre

OOH! This was a fun chapter to write. It’s from chapter 22, where Natalie is hosting a dinner party to celebrate her best friend’s 30th birthday. Natalie wants to impress her friend (who is a bit of a foodie), and decides to make all these complicated, Martha-Stewart type dishes. For the first course, she wants to make a beet-carrot soup. And it goes disastrously wrong.

I got the idea for this scene from my own baking disaster. I wanted to make red-velvet cupcakes, but didn’t want to use so much red food dye. And I knew that beets were a dark red/purple color. I figured that if I added beet puree to my cake mix, I’d have healthy cupcakes that were delicious and healthy and natural and everyone would love me and compliment me on my genius. Well, that was the theory, anyway.

I cooked an enormous quantity of beets. I pureed them. The color was intense, and beautiful, and I felt pretty good about this little creative project. And then, it all went to shite.

I (for reasons still unknown to me) walked the bowl of beet puree across the kitchen. And I dropped it.

Beet. Puree. Everywhere. It was on me. On my fridge. On my cupboards. On my floor. On my table and chairs. Up the wall. And spattered all across my kitchen ceiling. It looked like I had a vendetta against root vegetables, and had taken my revenge.

And beet puree (especially steaming hot beet puree) doesn’t clean up easily. No, it mostly smears around and elicits a lot of “f” bombs.

But after a while, things did start to look normal. Everything except my kitchen ceiling. It has a popcorn style finish, and when I tried to clean the beets off, it just smeared around, making everything a striking shade of pink. After much debate (and wondering how the hell I was going to explain this to my husband), I decided to let it dry a bit, and then touch it up with white paint.

I didn’t tell him about it until years later. He had NO idea! Of course, in this version of the story, Casey comes up with the idea to paint the ceiling, and they’re in cahoots with each other. Though I don’t really like getting into awkward situations like that, in some ways, I look forward to it. It makes great books.

And as a side note, the cupcakes were horrible. They had an earthy taste to them, exactly what I figure eating dirt would taste like.

4) Dirty Song Lyrics

In chapter 8, I briefly allude to Casey changing song lyrics to make them funnier (usually by adding dirty words). This is 100% my husband. I love driving with him, because I never know what he’s going to come up with.

So there you have it! I could list more examples of where my own life inspired the events in “All Shook Up” but these are the most fun ones.

I hope you enjoy reading my book! And if you have an award / embarrassing / hilarious story that you’d like to share, please message me!

Email: chelsey@chelseykrause.com

About the Author:

Chelsey Krause

Chelsey Krause has a thing for thrift stores and used bookshops. A nurse, wife, Starbucks addict, and mom to two children, she can often be found repurposing other people’s junk or considering whether the library would let her move in. The rest of the time, she’s reviewing for Chicklit Club or writing. All Shook Up is her second novel.

Find her here:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Book Tour Schedule:

August 29th

The Belgian Reviewer – Excerpt/Promo Post
Lady with a Quill – Book Review/Guest Post

August 30th

Judging More Than Just The Cover – Author Q&A
Novelgossip – Promo Post/Guest Post
Hello…Chick Lit – Book Review

August 31st

He Said Books or Me – Excerpt/Guest Post
Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt/Promo Post
Yellow Brick Living – Book Review

September 1st

Read My Mind – Excerpt/Promo Post
Books and Warpaint – Book Review/Promo Post
Mystery Date With a Book – Book Review/Author Q&A
Between the Pages – Book Review/Promo Post

September 2nd

Serve Me Reviews – Book Review
Sylv all about books and films – Excerpt/Promo Post
HEA Romance With A Little Kick – Excerpt/Book Review

Tour Arranged By:

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

August 29, 201612 Comments

I had an awesome reading week! Not much reading done this weekend as my husband and I were out of town for a wedding, but still pretty productive overall!

What I Read Last Week:

I started off the week on a high note with New World Rising.

I was part of the blog tour for this one which is always fun!

The Dollhouse was next and was another winner!

I am such a huge Kristan Higgings fan and this one was so good! I’m still fangirling over Kristan tweeting me AND following me after I posted this review! 😀😳❤️