Title: The Truth About Ellen
Author: Sarah Louise Smith
Publication: Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd. (19 May 2015)
Summary: When Ellen starts dating Tom, a member of the band she adored as a teenager, she can’t believe how lucky she is. She neglects to mention that she's a huge fan because that just wouldn’t be cool, would it? Ellen also keeps quiet about how she once spent an evening with Tom’s ex-bandmate/ex-best friend Jasper, her long-term celebrity crush. Tom doesn’t need to know about that, it’s all in the past. That is until Tom and Jasper get back in touch… and the truth threatens to ruin everything Ellen has ever dreamed of...
What I Think
Most of us have, at some point in our lives, had a celebrity crush. I was not really a boy band fan, but my celebrity crushes were/are Colin Firth and Richard Armitage. Therefore I can, to an extent, relate to how Ellen feels when she meets Tom Green, "who wrote the lyrics and played the bass in Four Ape"; a mixture of awe and feeling lucky, but also wanting to hide how big a fan she was and play it cool. Unfortunately for Ellen, playing it cool isn't really her thing.
Ellen is an extremely likable character and the thing that I possibly liked the most about her was her sense of independence. In a lot of chick lit novels the main characters can get so caught up in the moment that they lose their sense of self. This is not the case in The Truth About Ellen.
I've read all of Sarah Louise Smith's previous novels and didn't hesitate when I noticed that a new one was being released. I even started reading it without reading the back cover. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I sped through it and was surprised - but in a good way - at the ending. How does it end? You'll just have to read it to find out!
About the Author
Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes, UK, with her husband, two cute cats and a loopy golden retriever. She has an extremely lovely step-daughter and spends most of her free time writing, reading, cooking, and taking long walks.
She’s the author of four chick-lit novels: Amy & Zach, Izzy’s Cold Feet, Independent Jenny and The Truth About Ellen, all published by Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd.
About the Book
Title: Independent Jenny
Author: Sarah Louise Smith
Publication: Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd (12 Sep 2014)
Summary: "I slept with someone else". Those five words changed everything.
After her husband Ross drops a bombshell, Jenny's emotions go hay-wire. Things are made even more complex when his brother Aiden makes a confession of his own... A holiday escape with her friend Hayley seems the perfect way to figure out what - and who - she wants. But Hayley has a hidden motive that results in Jenny spending time with her ex-boyfriend Will, who is now married. Should Jenny forgive Ross? Can she ignore her feelings for romantic Aiden? And why can't she get Will out of her head? One thing is for sure: Jenny doesn't want to be alone. Surely any man is better than no man, right?
What I Think
Sarah Louise Smith can create plausible and likable characters with ease. When we meet Jenny she is at the beginning of a journey - mentally, physically and emotionally - to discover where she wants to be and with whom.
The thing I love most about Sarah Louise Smith's books is that the relationships in them are real. These are not fairy stories. Often in chick lit books, or the screen version: Hollywood rom coms, the characters spend no real time together and only become a couple at the end. This doesn't allow for a true exploration of their relationship. On the contrary the relationships explored in Smith's books are longstanding and the problems which arise from these are explored fully.
This book looks at the choices we are sometimes faced with. The ending, as with the previous books I've read by this author, didn't disappoint!
About the Author
Sarah Louise Smith is the author of three chick lit novels: Amy & Zach, Izzy's Cold Feet, and Independent Jenny.
Sarah lives in Milton Keynes with her husband, lovely step-daughter, cute cat, and loopy golden retriever.
She has been working in marketing communications for several years and has a passion for reading, her favourite genre being "chick-lit".
Sarah has been writing stories ever since she can remember. A few years ago her husband bought her a laptop out of the blue, telling her she could accept it only on the condition that she used it to write a novel, something she'd been saying she wanted to do since she left high school.
You can find out more by visiting her website www.sarahlouisesmith.com.
1. Congratulations on the release of your third book, Independent Jenny. How does it feel?
Thank you! It’s a bit surreal, actually. I never get used to receiving a paperback in the post… it might be the third book but I never get used to it.
2. Can you give us a brief description of Independent Jenny?
In chapter one, Jenny discovers her husband has cheated on her. He wants forgiveness, but while she contemplates this, she discovers her brother-in-law has feelings for her and she starts to develop a crush on him, too. Unsure what to do, Jenny goes on holiday and meets yet another man she has a crush on. Her feelings go hay-wire and she isn’t sure who or what she wants; just that she doesn’t want to be alone.
3. When you were promoting your second book, Izzy’s Cold Feet, you said that you had already started your third book (which presumably is this one). Did the story of Independent Jenny form easily?
It took me a while to really develop the story, partly because I had the fourth novel swirling in my head and I was keen to start it, but wanted to finish Jenny’s story first. I went away to the Isle of Skye for a break last year and developed most of the plot while I was there. It’s such an inspiring and beautiful place that I ended up setting a large part of the story there.
4. This post is part of a ‘blog hop’. Do you feel as a 21st century author that you are very involved in the process of promoting your book? Is this something you enjoy?
Yes, promotion is essential if you want to sell books … luckily for me, I’ve been working in marketing communications for many years so that part comes quite easily to me – I just need more hours in the day to work, write and promote!
5. Can you see yourself in Jenny, or any of your other (main) characters? If so, is this intentional or something you don’t realise until you take a step back from your work?
Definitely. Some people I know say they picture me when reading as the voice of my characters sounds like me, and the way I talk… I guess that’s natural in a way when writing in the first person. It’s not intentional, though – just something I realize later.
6. Independent Jenny is set in two locations. Do you do research for your books, or do you choose places you know already?
I choose places I know, I’d find it hard to write about a place I’d never been to. I love to travel and find a lot of inspiration from the places I visit; and I write a lot of notes to help me remember them accurately. I’m traveling to New York City, Niagara Falls, and Washington DC in the coming weeks so expect my next novel to have a setting in one of more of those locations!
7. Would you ever consider having any of your books converted to the big screen? If so, would you like to write the screenplay? Who would you like to play Jenny, Izzy (Izzy’s Cold Feet) or Amy (Amy & Zach)?
Yes, I’d love to see my books on the big screen, although I’d probably get upset if they changed too much. I’ve never written a screenplay but that might be fun challenge.
Re actresses, I’d pick someone British (or who could do a very good British accent!) – so I guess someone like Keira Knightly, or Emily Blunt. They’re both fab actors.
8. Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future? Have you started book number four yet?
Yes, I’m over half way through book four. Like I said, it was on my mind for a while before I had the chance to start it so it’s coming along quite quickly. It’s a similar genre and theme, about a girl who tells a small lie to a man she has a weekend fling with … but when the fling turns into something more serious, the lie doesn’t seem so small anymore.
Thank you very much to Sarah! For more about this author and her books, please check out the links below.
Website - Sarah Louise Smith
Or you can follow her on twitter
Publisher - Crooked Cat Ltd.
About the Book
Title: Izzy's Cold Feet
Author: Sarah Louise Smith
Publication: Crooked Cat Ltd. ( 2013)
Summary: One bride to be. Three ex-boyfriends. Izzy is engaged to Greg, who is everything a girl could want. The trouble is – all she can think about is the men she loved before she met him: sexy Ewan, the first love of her life; dependable Jason, who loved her more than she deserved; and irresistible Dexter, who broke her heart… Then there’s the fact that her sister has been missing since Izzy was twelve. After such a traumatic childhood all Izzy wants is a normal, happy, settled life, but love is never simple. In the week leading up to her wedding day, Izzy is forced to ask herself who she loves the most. And, given the choice, who would she want to spend her life with?
What I Think
Having previously read Amy & Zack, Smith's first novel, my expectations of Izzy's Cold Feet were fairly high. It didn't disappoint. The main character, Izzy, is a lovable character and I really enjoyed the entire book because of her. She definitely has her flaws (who doesn't?) but this makes her a far more rounded character. As the reader, you can see where she has made mistakes, but those mistakes make her more human, more real, more like every day modern women who do unfortunately make mistakes.
In Izzy's Cold Feet Smith has explored the meaning of love. Through the four men in Izzy's life, we look at four very different relationships and how love can be different with different people. Izzy doesn't know what, or more importantly who, she wants. As the book progresses she draws some very important conclusions about these different relationships and what she wants from a long-term relationship.
Along with love another theme is loss, predominantly that of Izzy's missing sister. Not only does Izzy lose her sister, which leaves a hole in her soul she struggles to fill, but she loses the carefree love of her family, her security in the world and her confidence that everything is going to be okay. This, naturally, has a massive impact on the decisions she makes in life as she is looking for a relationship to make her feel whole again.
Ultimately I think she makes the right decision and chooses the right man, but who will it be? You'll have to read the book to find out!
About the Author
Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes, UK, with her husband, two cute cats and a loopy golden retriever. She has an extremely lovely step-daughter and spends most of her free time writing, reading, cooking, and taking long walks.
She’s the author of two chick-lit novels: Amy & Zach and Izzy’s Cold Feet, both published by Crooked Cat.
You can find Sarah and her books at the following places:
Blog: Sarah Louise Smith
Twitter: SarahSmith16
Facebook: Sarah Louise Smith Author
Izzy's Cold Feet: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Crooked Cat Publishing
Today I'm very excited to welcome Sarah Louise Smith! She very kindly agreed to answer some questions on her latest release, Izzy's Cold Feet, her writing and writing in general. I have read both of her novels and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I urge to take a look at this interview and then go and buy a new book or two!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m in my early thirties, and I live with my husband and our three very spoilt but very cute pets. I also have a twelve year old step-daughter who partakes in ‘book club’ with me; we both love to read. When not reading, or writing, I love to cook and go for long walks, and either plan, dream about, or go on my next holiday. I’ve been writing stories since before I can remember and becoming published really is a dream come true...
2. You have recently released your second novel, Izzy’s Cold Feet. Congratulations! Can you tell us a little about it? Did you find that there was more expectation on the second novel?
Thank you so much! Izzy is a girl who’s been through a lot; her sister went missing when Izzy was just twelve. Now, as an adult, she’s about to get married to Greg – a guy who any girl would love to have as a husband, but she’s not sure. In the week leading up to her wedding day, she bumps into three of her ex-boyfriends and starts to question herself and her feelings for each. Is Greg really the one she wants to be with?
Yes, definitely more expectation. I was more nervous about this release than I was with Amy & Zach because I’d received so many nice comments and reviews and I was concerned readers wouldn’t enjoy this one or could be disappointed. But, in other ways, I knew what I was doing with this one. I knew I could write a whole novel, I knew at least a few people liked my writing style. So mixed emotions really!
3. You write on your blog that you had the idea for Izzy’s Cold Feet back in 2009 and it took you a few years to “put those ideas into action!” Was it harder, or easier, to write than your first novel, Amy & Zach?
Yes, I was daydreaming and something sparked the idea. I think it was actually easier to write, once I got started. My main issue is usually time management. I get very easily distracted with social media, the book I’m reading, something on television, etc. So although the idea was there, scribbled in note form, it didn’t get written until I pushed myself to sit down and do it. Because I’d already written Amy & Zach, I knew I could at least form a novel, write enough chapters to complete a whole story, and that gave me a little more faith. Before I finished Amy & Zach, I’d only ever written a third or a half a story so just typing ‘The End’ was an achievement.
4. Interestingly you say that you originally had a different ending planned for Izzy, but she took you in a different direction. Do you meticulously plan ahead? Or do you prefer to see where the characters take you?
I only start off with a rough idea and then just start writing and the story takes shape from there. But about a third way in, I find I need to know where it’s headed so I then start planning using an Excel spreadsheet which details the events of each chapter and a target word count! With this book, as the story took shape, I realised that Izzy wanted a different ending that I had originally intended.
5. Without giving too much away, do you think that through Izzy’s choices and her ultimate choice, that you are sending a message to young women looking for the right partner?
Interesting question! Yes, I suppose I am although I hadn’t thought of it like that. I think the book explores the differences between real love and passion/lust. But when you’re there, in the moment, it can be very difficult to tell the difference.
6. In the changing world of books self-publishing is becoming more and more acceptable and sometimes a chosen route for authors. Did you ever consider self-publishing?
No... maybe if I’d failed to find a publisher for several years then I might have done. I felt I needed the endorsement of a publisher to confirm my writing was good enough to be out there. Crooked Cat not only provided that endorsement but opened me up to a wider market, and gave me all the help and advice I needed as a rookie.
7. Moving on from Izzy’s Cold Feet. What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve started a third novel but only written a few chapters... I’m not sure where it’s going but I’m enjoying writing it so far!
8. How do you write?
I tend to write in big chunks. I won’t write anything for a week or two and then I’ll write 10,000 words in one go. I have to be in the right mood, have pretty much silence, and then when I get into it, I don’t eat or drink or respond to others or anything! My husband threatens to close my laptop lid if I don’t drink the water he very kindly provides me with! :)
9. What or who influences your writing or inspires you to write?
Lots of things. Daydreams that get carried away, books that spark an idea from just one line or moment, my husband who is always encouraging me. I always feel inspired to write after watching a really great film or theatre play; I guess if I really enjoyed something then it makes me want to write something that others might enjoy, too.
10. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Write, write, write! Stop thinking about it and just write. As for things like structure, grammar, plot, dialogue – consider a writing course. I have done two, one was a six month diploma in writing, and another was just for ten weeks online, but both helped me a lot.
Thanks for having me Laura!! :)
You can find Sarah and her books at the following places:
Blog: Sarah Louise Smith
Twitter: SarahSmith16
Facebook: Sarah Louise Smith Author
Izzy's Cold Feet: Amazon UK, Amazon US, Crooked Cat Publishing
About the Book
Title: Expected
Author: Sarah England
Publication: Crooked Cat Ltd. (18 June 2013)
Summary: Samantha Sweet is busy juggling all the disasters in her life - boyfriend, mother, job - and just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, they did.
What I Think
If you love Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones' Diary, Helen Fielding) or can relate to the problems of Becky Bloomwood (Shopaholic series, Sophie Kinsella) then you'll love Samantha Sweet, the main character in Sarah England's debut novel, Expected. In the book Sam describes herself as "a plump, debt-ridden spinster, shackled to a peevish psychopath, and about to lose [her] job." Essentially a modern-day love story, England's characters take us on a journey of discovery: one of friendships, family ties, job satisfaction and ultimately love.
If I'm completely honest, I couldn't totally empathise with Samantha Sweet. I don't find her a strong 21st century female character and am not sure she's setting a good example for young women of today. She seemed utterly clueless as to how to run her life (without the help of one man or another). The mildly amusing situations she often found herself in sometimes bordered on the ridiculous.
Having said this, the book was well-written and compelling. I found the relationship between her and her mother to be touching in places, as she struggled with her mother's declining health. I read the book from cover to cover in only a couple of days as I did want to find out what happened and whether Samantha would pull herself together enough to steer her life in the right direction. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light & easy read (but make sure you take your feminist hat off before you start it!).
About the Author
Sarah originally trained as a nurse in Sheffield. She then worked as a medical rep for nearly 20 years, specializing in mental health - a theme which carries into many of her stories. Now living in Dorset with her husband, Don, and a spaniel, Harry, she has been working as a freelance fiction writer -a dream she has long wished to pursue - for around 8 years.
To date, Sarah has over 140 short stories published in magazine, newspapers and anthologies all over the world - the most recent being a 3 part detective serial in Woman's Weekly. Her collection of thrillers, 3am and Wide Awake, is available in digital form, and Expected, is her first novel. (Crooked Cat Ltd.)
About the Book
Title: Painting By Numbers
Author: Tom Gillespie
Publication: Crooked Cat Publishing (September 2012)
Summary: A dark, surreal thriller that follows one man’s relentless pursuit into an old truth buried deep within.
What I Think
Jacob Boyce visits a 17th century allegorical painting every single day in a Glaswegian gallery hoping, with meticulous measurements and careful observation, to unlock its secrets. One day he is convinced that an object in the painting has moved. Giving up his career and neglecting his wife, he is determined to get to the bottom of this ancient mystery.
"You can live in denial as long as you please, Monsieur Boyce, but the truth is that fakery and lies are at the heart of all things."
Gillespie weaves a complicated plot of lies, deceit, art and intrigue which takes us on a mad pursuit from Glasgow to Spain. We follow Jacob on this hunt for answers: what is the secret behind the painting? where is his wife Ella? who is the mysterious Jude? And all the time never quite knowing if he is sane, starting to lose the plot or a complete idiot.
Detailed, clever and clearly well-researched, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. And whatever you do, don't think you know what's coming next, because you'll never guess!
About the Author
Tom Gillespie grew up in a small town just outside Glasgow. After completing a Masters in English at Glasgow University, he spent the next ten years pursuing a musical career as a singer/songwriter, playing, recording and touring the UK and Europe with his band. He now lives in Bath with his wife, daughter and hyper-neurotic cat, where he works at the University as an academic English lecturer.
Tom writes long and short fiction. A number of his stories are published by www.eastoftheweb.com. He is also a regular contributor to fridayflash.org.
He is currently working on a second novel and a collection of short stories.
His critically acclaimed, debut novel Painting by Numbers, a dark, psychological drama that explores the surreal complexities of the human mind, has been selected as FINALIST for The People’s Book Prize.
About the Book
Title: I Know You Know
Author: Helen A. Howell
Publication: Crooked Cat Publishing (16 Feb 2013)/Amazon Kindle
Summary: (Amazon) The darkest cards in the tarot deck reveal the darkest side of the man sitting opposite Janice—Mr. Edgar Kipp. She feigns an inability to read for him, but will he believe her? His parting words indicate that he knows she knows he's a serial killer. And he plans to return. The voice of her dead grandmother urges her to be careful, warning Janice she might be seeing her own future in those foreboding cards. But Janice doesn't want to listen. Gran's dead. How can she possibly help her?
What I Think
'"Well, tell me my fortune then. What do you see?" he asked in a sharp nasally voice.' From the first paragraph of the first chapter you know that Helen A Howell's second novella, I Know You Know, is going to be the bone-chilling horror story it sets out to be. There is no preamble; this novella starts in the middle of an important scene between the two main characters, Janice and Edgar Kipp. Janice is reading tarot cards for Kipp and sees something she shouldn't: that he is a serial killer. Her attempts at covering up her new-found knowledge are transparent and from chapter one we fear for her life.
Using the technique of multiple points of view has enabled Howell to create rounded and believable characters. Edgar Kipp is a dark and despicable man who everyone seems to abhor, and through flashbacks of his life we learn (to an extent) why he is the way that he is. That doesn't stop you shuddering involuntarily when you read about him though. Janice, a tarot card reader, is a gentle and ever-so-slightly naive character, who thinks that this man will leave her alone. It's only through the pleading voice of her dead Gran that she seems to take action of any sort.
Switching between the two main characters, and later Detective Inspector Tate as well, allows for greater suspense. Howell is an excellent storyteller and knows how to tell the tale slowly but surely, constantly building suspense, which leads to a crescendo at the end. A highly recommended read, but not for the fainthearted!
About the Author
Helen was born in England and moved to Australia at the age of 31. Australia is now her permanent home.
She is a fiction writer, who writes in several genres which include fantasy, noir, horror and humour. Her work has appeared in both e-zines and printed publications.
In 2012 she published her first novella, a children's fantasy fiction called Jumping At Shadows. Her second novella called I Know You Know, a psychic thriller for adults, was released in February 2013 and published by Crooked Cat Publishing.
About the Book
Title: Amy & Zach
Author: Sarah Louise Smith
Publication: Crooked Cat Publishing Ltd. (3 Jan 2013)/Amazon Kindle
Summary: Flying home to the UK from the US for her sister Libby’s wedding, Amy has some major issues with her homecoming. She is furious with Zach, who should have been travelling with her, but after he dropped a bombshell the day before she left, she hid his passport and flew alone. Now, can she act normal when she meets Libby’s fiance Tim? After he finds his passport, Zach heads for the UK to surprise Amy. He wants to apologise to her and finally meet her family. He has kept his secret for way too long and knows he has a lot of explaining to do.
What I Think
This is a very sweet story about how two people get together. One of the things I liked best about this book is that it is about a relationship. My biggest annoyance with many chick lit books (and rom coms alike) is that they end when the couple finally get together after months, or sometimes years of struggle, and we as readers (and viewers) have to assume that they just live happily ever after.
Amy moves to the US to 'start over' as life back home is not working out as planned. It may have been intentional, to set up the contrast with her life in the UK, but I think everything was slightly too easy for Amy in America; she found a loving boyfriend within weeks; she connected with her new family and they all welcomed her with open arms; she loved her job and one of her colleagues became her new best friend. Being an expat myself, I know that even if life is great, it's not always easy living abroad.
That said, this was a fun and pacy read. I was drawn in immediately when within the first chapter it was apparent that not all was well in the world of Amy & Zach.
About the Author
Sarah Louise Smith lives in Milton Keynes with her husband, two cute cats and a loopy golden retriever. She also has a twelve year old step-daughter and a large extended family. She has been working in marketing communications for several years and has a passion for reading, her favourite genre being "chick-lit".
Sarah has been writing stories ever since she can remember. A few years ago her husband bought her a laptop out of the blue, telling her she could accept it only on the condition that she used it to write a novel, something she'd been saying she wanted to do since she left high school. In 2012, she completed her first novel, Amy & Zach.
You can find out more by visiting her website.
Amy & Zach is available at Crooked Cat Publishing/Amazon UK/Amazon US.
