So, summer’s officially over, and the nights are drawing in again. I can’t believe how dark it was when I had to get up this morning! But even though it’s September, the sun’s still shining here, and the roses are still in bloom, so we’re not giving up on summer yet :) And I also have the lovely Angela Britnell visiting me today, so that’s a great excuse to get out some tea and shortbread and sit in the last of the sunshine.
Welcome to Yorkshire, Angela!
Whereabouts do you live, Angela? I’ve lived in Nashville, Tennessee now for 19 years but I grew up in a small village in Cornwall which is why I frequently write stories set in both locations. In between I’ve lived in a variety of other places including Denmark and Sicily so there’s always plenty of interesting memories to call on for inspiration.
That’s a complete variety of places. How interesting!
Where is your favourite place in the world? It has to be Cornwall, to me there is nowhere quite like it and I return as often as possible. As soon as I cross the Tamar Bridge I’m home.
Cornwall is my husband’s favourite place, too, and we’ll be spending part of Christmas there again. You’re right, there’s nowhere else quite like it. The coastline in winter can be wonderfully dramatic.
Being a writer is a great job. What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? I lasted one week as a chambermaid in a hotel in Cornwall before quitting. It wasn’t so much the job as the awful people I had to work with. Luckily a friend of mine worked in her family’s bakery in the same place and they needed extra help so I went there to work instead – much better!
What book do you wish you’d written? The Rector’s Wife by Joanna Trollope. It’s one of my favourite books and I reread it every so often for the characters, the setting, and her wonderful way with words. I dream of writing something one day that is half as good.
I love that book, too. I haven’t read it for a while, and must re-read it.
What’s your favourite song? That’s difficult but I’ll go for the hymn ‘Morning has Broken’ because it’s the one my husband chose to be sung at our wedding and every time I hear it again I’m reminded of a truly wonderful day.
What a lovely choice!
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them? The Queen – I’d love to find out what she would have chosen her life to be had she not inherited the throne. Plus it’d be fascinating to find out all the behind-the scenes gossip and juicy stories about the people she’s met all around the world.
Oh, I’d love to find out the behind-the-scenes gossip! That would be so fascinating.
What’s your happiest childhood memory? Singing with the Junior Choir at the old St. Austell Grammar School. Our teacher Mr. Holland was so enthusiastic and inspiring even when he shouted at us! We could raise the roof with our singing and the joy of that sticks with me to this day.
What a lovely memory.
If you had to marry a fictional character, from film, television, or books, who would it be? I suppose it’s very cliched to say Mr. Darcy or Ross Poldark? I can’t help being attracted to dark, brooding, honourable men!
Both fine choices! I’ve been much enjoying the Poldark TV series.
What’s the most important lesson life has taught you? Not to plan too far ahead and take each day as it comes. I’m not saying I always succeed but it’s better for my blood pressure and sanity if I at least try!
And finally, please tell us about your latest book, where we can find it, and where we can find your blog/website
My latest book is a fun contemporary romance novella called ‘The Wedding Reject Table’. It’s published by Choc Lit and is the 2nd in my ‘Nashville Connections’ series. The first was ‘What Happens in Nashville.’ The new one is set in Cornwall but the connection comes from my hero Chad, a lawyer from Nashville.
Here’s the blurb:
Once on the reject table, always on the reject table? When Maggie Taylor, a cake decorator, and Chad Robertson, a lawyer from Nashville Tennessee, meet at a wedding in Cornwall it’s not under the best circumstances. They have both been assigned to ‘the reject table’, alongside a toxic collection of grumpy great aunts, bitter divorcees and stuffy organists. Maggie has grown used to being the reject, although when Chad helps her out of a wedding cake disaster she begins to wonder whether the future could hold more for her. But will Chad be strong enough to deal with the other problems in Maggie’s life? Because a ruined cake isn’t the only issue she has – not by a long shot.
Here are the buy links for ‘The Wedding Reject Table.’
Here are all my contact details:
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Thanks so much for dropping in, Angela. It’s been lovely getting to know you. I love the expression “wedding reject table.” I’ll remember that next time I’m sitting at one :) Best of luck with your release!
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If you’ve enjoyed Angela’s interview, or have any questions or comments at all, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
Helena Fairfax 
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