After what seems like a very long week it is finally Friday! Today I am joined by Mandy Baggott for a little probing.
Tell us a little about you
I’m Mandy Baggot and I’m addicted to white wine and mashed potato! I also write romantic comedies, currently for Bookouture and Those Summer Nights is my 12th novel.
Tell us about your new book
Well this summer, Greece is the word! My new book is called Those Summer Nights and it’s the story of Imogen and Greek property developer, Panos. Imogen’s brother has bought a run-down restaurant in Corfu and it’s up to Imogen to either get him to give up the idea or… help him open it. Panos in the meantime is set on tearing up the beachfront and installing a nightclub and go-karting track perfect for the 18-30 crowd. It’s a battle of wits, goats and plenty of Greek romance all coated in olive oil and served with a side of halloumi.
What is your favourite place to write?
I have my own office room at home now with a lovely view over my back garden and the fields of South Wiltshire. I actually live near to Sting so I look out over his vast acreage. Lucky me!
Where do you get your character inspiration from?
I think mostly my characters come from my imagination. I have been known to use first names of people I know but they aren’t meant to be them. I can get inspired looking at celebrities for the overall ‘look’ of the hero and heroine but other than that they’re made by me!
What is your favourite place to read?
In bed on my Kindle. I have a Paperwhite and I have two times of day I read. At night before I go to sleep and in the school car park where I wait for twenty minutes before I get my children. It’s the only time I get apart from holidays. Actually on a sun lounger in Corfu is my really favourite place!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love music so Mr Big (my husband) and I like to go to concerts. I’m a huge country music fan so we try and see as much as that as we can. It was my 40th birthday this year and we got to go to Nashville in April. It was better than I could ever have imagined.
Chocolate or sweets?
Chocolate. Although I am really a savoury girl so I’d rather have a bacon sandwich or some pork scratchings.
Is there a book you wished you wrote?
Milly Johnson’s Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Café – Milly beat me to the RoNA award for Romantic Comedy this year! Love you Milly!
You have a free flight and accommodation to anywhere in the world where would you go?
I’d have to go to Corfu. It is my favourite go-to place. I love the Greek people and have made so many friends there.
What is your favourite season?
Spring. It’s full of new beginnings and the weather is good here in England… usually!
Where can we find you?
Twitter @mandybaggot http://twitter.com/mandybaggot
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mandybaggotauthor/
Blog/Website http://www.mandybaggot.com/
Those Summer Nights by Mandy Baggot Also by this author: Made in Nashville, Truly, Madly, Greekly, One Wish in Manhattan
on 27th May 2016
Pages: 375
Goodreads
Sunshine, soft white sand and a sizzling hot millionaire – you don’t get trouble in paradise, right?
Imogen Charlton is sorted. Dead-beat husband? History. Dream job? Application sent. But then her impulsive brother, Harry, spends every last penny on a Greek restaurant in Corfu, and is determined to run it himself. It’s up to Imogen to bring him to his senses.
When sexy millionaire Panos Dimitriou offers to buy back his family taverna, Imogen wonders if all her prayers have been answered (and all her fantasies about to come true). But Harry won’t budge, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
Bright pink bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls, endless blue skies, the sparkling Mediterranean; it’s hard not to fall for Corfu. And that’s not all Imogen is falling for…
As the sparks of passion fly between Imogen and Panos, is Imogen having second thoughts on selling the restaurant? And will she have to choose between love and a new dream?
This summer, spend long sunny days on the beach, and balmy nights in Greek tavernas on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Miranda Dickinson and Lindsey Kelk.
Praise for Mandy Baggot: ‘Truly, Madly, Greekly has it all. The dreamy holiday romance, the scorching, sizzling heat of Corfu, the excitement of being away from home, the cocktails and shimmering sea. It was, quite simply, a heavenly concoction potent enough to make you feel like you, too, were sunning it up in Greece.. Like a very alcoholic cocktail, this novel went straight to my head!’ Becca’s Books
‘I absolutely loved this book! It is everything you could want from a sun lounger read and more. Perfect for taking on holiday with you or just for adding a little sunshine to your everyday life. It's a book to lose yourself in and one that is so descriptive you could practically be on the Greek Island yourself.’ Mum Reinvented
‘The perfect summer read, you can just imagine lying on those sunbeds, basking in the sun…I loved this heartwarming and funny tale of self discovery and new beginnings. I'm basking in a feel-good glow after reading this lovely story, Mandy Baggot has captured that holiday feeling so perfectly and has me chomping at the bit for my own Greek holiday later this year! OPA!!’ Have Book Will Read
‘This book is a great spring/summer read, with just the right amount of fun, romance and adventure…I truly, madly, loved this book. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author.’ A Wondrous Bookshelf
‘I truly, madly loved this book…It’s a perfect summer read for when you’re lying in the sun (preferably near your own Adonis!) or just dreaming of it, this book gave me everything I could ask for from a summery chick lit book. A must read for Summer 2015.’ Paris Baker’s Book Nook
‘Mandy Baggot's writing is brilliantly effervescent, and is a super read...I simply loved it. Truly madly Greekly is going to be the BIGGEST read of the summer and I urge you to jump in…the waters lovely.’ Postcard Reviews
‘The perfect summer holiday companion.
About Mandy Baggot
Mandy Baggot is a romantic fiction author. In 2012 she won the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance. Her self-published title, Strings Attached was also short-listed for the Best Author Published Read award.
Also in 2012 she signed with American publishing house, Sapphire Star Publishing, who produced her novels, Taking Charge and romantic suspense, Security.
In June 2013 she signed a two book deal with Harper Collins' digital first romance imprint, Harper Impulse.
She is a regular contributor to writing blogs and on-line magazine, Loveahappyending Lifestyle http://www.loveahappyending.com/.
Mandy loves mashed potato, white wine, country music, World’s Strongest Man, travel and handbags. She has appeared on ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and auditioned for The X-Factor.
Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband, two daughters and cats, Kravitz and Springsteen.
She is an advocate for women in business and belongs to the networking group Women on Wednesdays.
About Mandy Baggot
Mandy Baggot is a romantic fiction author. In 2012 she won the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance. Her self-published title, Strings Attached was also short-listed for the Best Author Published Read award.
Also in 2012 she signed with American publishing house, Sapphire Star Publishing, who produced her novels, Taking Charge and romantic suspense, Security.
In June 2013 she signed a two book deal with Harper Collins’ digital first romance imprint, Harper Impulse.
She is a regular contributor to writing blogs and on-line magazine, Loveahappyending Lifestyle http://www.loveahappyending.com/.
Mandy loves mashed potato, white wine, country music, World’s Strongest Man, travel and handbags. She has appeared on ITV1’s Who Dares Sings and auditioned for The X-Factor.
Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband, two daughters and cats, Kravitz and Springsteen.
She is an advocate for women in business and belongs to the networking group Women on Wednesdays.
Thank you so much for inviting me on your blog, Emma!
Mandy 🙂