Today I am interviewing Emily for my stop on the Christmas Secrets In Snowflake Cove Blog Tour
So Emily, Can you summarise Christmas Secrets In Snowflake Cove for us?
Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove is set in the family-run, Snowflake Inn during the week leading up to Christmas Day. The Starrs are struggling financially and Evie Starr is hoping to persuade TV show host, Zachary Thorn to give the inn a plug during his live, Christmas Special which is being filmed nearby. What Evie doesn’t know is that her gran, Jessie has a secret and when Jessie makes a phone call, it changes everyone’s plans. But Jessie’s not the only one with a secret, in Snowflake Cove. With snow blanketing the village, the filming of Zachary’s TV show in full swing, and secrets being revealed one after another, it’s not going to be the quiet, family Christmas the Starrs were expecting.
Can you tell us about the characters in this book?
There’s Evie Starr, (34) her parents, Molly and John (in their 50s) her gran, Jessie (88) and her niece, Raven (15.) There’s also an absent sister, Severine who is Raven’s mum. Then there’s Zachary Thorn (36, ex-SAS turned TV show host; he’s a bit of an Adonis) and his family. Plus Evie’s best friend, Juniper and a whole host of other characters who live in Snowflake Cove and nearby Michaelmas Bay. There’s a lot going on.
Who is your favourite?
I love them all. I would happily spend Christmas in Snowflake Cove and have a room in Snowflake Inn.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Writing about Christmas and snow during the hottest days of this year. I absolutely adore Christmas so it doesn’t take much to get me in the festive spirit, but sitting at my desk in searing, Sahara-like temperatures made it difficult even for me. Drinking coffee from a Christmas-themed mug and playing carols before writing each day, helped a little. I think I may write the book for next Christmas, in January. Or treat myself to a fortnight in the Alps this season.
What is your favourite place to write?
I’m lucky enough to have a dedicated office, so I do most of my writing in there. I sometimes take a laptop outside and sit on my deck, with my two cats, Beatrix and Portia purring contentedly either side of me. I rarely write away from home. When I go out, it’s to meet my friends and chat … although I do tend to make a few brief notes on my phone, if I overhear an interesting conversation or see someone and think: Oh. They would be perfect for my book.
What is your favourite place to read?
Curled up on the sofa in front of the window. I can read and keep an eye on nature at the same time.
What is your favourite book and why?
Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer. I simply adore Vidal and his father, the Duke of Avon. Vidal’s behaviour and the way Mary handles him, always has me in stitches even though I know exactly what’s going to happen because I must have read the book at least fifty times. That’s not an exaggeration. I love that book!
You have a free flight and accommodation to anywhere in the world where would you go?
Alaska. I’ve wanted to go there for years. I love bears, whales and wild terrain. It’s on my ‘hit list’.
What is your favourite season?
I love all four seasons but I think winter is possibly my favourite
What do you love about writing?
I love ‘meeting’ new characters, getting to know them and feeling as if I’ve made life-long friends. Getting lost in their worlds and completely switching off from reality is wonderful. I’ve had several health issues over the last few years and have often been in considerable pain. Writing has helped me to focus on other things and not simply curl up in a ball and cry. It’s also brought me into contact with several other, lovely authors, and lots of fabulous fans, some of whom have become friends, along with some lovely, book bloggers. I love writing!
Is there anything you hate about writing?
Nothing at all … oh, except perhaps, that it can become all-consuming. I’m usually at my desk by 5.30 a.m. and have often been known to write until midnight – or later. There are days when I am absolutely shattered. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. The thing I do hate, (well, not hate exactly, more like, dislike) is marketing/book promotion. I’m not a natural, sales person and I haven’t done any marketing/promotion until a few months ago. The world is changing though and every author now has to spend far more time than they would like, ‘selling’ their books. I have yet to meet an author who actually loves doing that. We’d all rather be writing.
Thank you so much for having me here. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. I know it’s only November, but I’d like to wish you and your readers a very Merry Christmas, or Happy Time, if they don’t celebrate the festive season. I can’t wait. My Christmas tree is up and the lights have been switched on. I absolutely adore Christmas.
Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove (Michaelmas Bay Book 1) by Emily Harvale Series: Michaelmas Bay #1
on 26th October 2017
Pages: 256
Goodreads
Amazon Kindle, Audible
Christmas is a time for family and friends, miracles and magic, falling snow and roaring fires, fun, laughter and festive feasts. In Snowflake Cove, it’s also a time for secrets to be revealed…
Evie Starr is hoping for more than a sprinkling of magic this Christmas. The family-run Snowflake Inn is virtually empty and the Starr’s financial future isn’t looking bright. But Evie’s gran, Jessie has a secret that might help.Enigmatic, Zachary Thorn is every woman’s dream. He’s also ex-SAS, so his secrets are classified. The Christmas Special of his feel-good, TV show is set in Michaelmas Bay – until a phone call means he’s spending Christmas in nearby Snowflake Cove.
Evie’s best friend, Juniper thinks boyfriend Darren has a secret. Evie knows he does. And Evie’s niece, Raven is hiding feelings for Juniper’s brother – who has a secret crush of his own. But the biggest secret in Snowflake Cove is the identity of Raven’s dad.
With snow falling thick and fast and secrets being revealed one after another, will everyone be snuggling up by the fire on Christmas Eve, or are some secrets best kept hidden…?
About Emily Harvale
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing… and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She’s an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily says, “I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings.” When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both.
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