GuestPost CAPTURED BY A SCOTTISH LORD by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay @ChocLituk @MarieLaval1

Hello and welcome along to my Blog!! A real pleasure today to have Marie Laval here to help celebrate Publication Day for the fabulous CAPTURED BY A SCOTTISH LORD! She’ll let you know where she gets the inspiration from for the story!Links to go grab your copy are down below so treat yourself!! You will not be disappointed!
Over to you Marie…..

Publication Day Post: Captured by a Scottish Lord by Marie Laval

People often ask me where I get my ideas from. Well, all I had to do for Captured by a Scottish Lord, my latest historical romance published by Choc Lit, was to look at a beautiful book about the Highlands of Scotland my children had given me for Christmas. Not only was it filled with photos of incredible castles and dreamy landscapes, but there was also a detailed map of the area and the moment I saw the name ‘Wrath’ right at the top, I knew this would be the setting of my story.

Like by magic I started to write and the characters took a life of their own – Rose Saintclair, the Desert Rose sailing from her hot, sunny Algeria and shipwrecked in a winter storm, and Bruce McGunn, Laird of Wrath, haunted by the fear of madness and dark memories of his time in the Punjab wars…

Captured by a Scottish Lord is the third novel featuring a member of the Saintclair family. Rose is a wonderful, warm and fun character, and she comes up with the most outrageous and inappropriate comments – some of them I borrowed from my own mother, who, like Rose, grew up in Algeria. I must say that Rose made me laugh a lot when I was writing! The first time he sees her Bruce compares her to a ray of sunshine and a summer morning filled with light and life, with the scent of wild flowers, and the promise of sweetness, life and love. And the man really does need love and sunshine…

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a Desert Rose survive a Scottish winter?

 The wild Scottish landscape is a far cry from Rose Saintclair’s Saharan oasis, although she’ll endure it for Lord Cameron McRae, the man she married after a whirlwind romance in Algiers. But when stormy weather leads to Rose’s Scotland-bound ship docking on Cape Wrath – the land of Cameron’s enemy, Bruce McGunn – could her new life already be in jeopardy? 

Lord McGunn was a fearless soldier, but his experiences have made him as unforgiving as the land he presides over. He knows McRae won’t rest until he owns Wrath, and the man is willing to use brutal tactics. Bruce decides that he’ll play McRae at his own game, take the ship and its precious occupant, and hold them hostage. Rose is determined to escape, but whilst captured she learns that there’s another side to her new husband – and could her supposedly cold and ruthless kidnapper also be concealing hidden depths?

Captured by a Scottish Lord is available on Amazon and Kobo and other platforms.

About the author

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire and writes historical and contemporary romance. Best-selling Little Pink Taxi was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit. A Paris Fairy Tale was published in July 2019, followed by Bluebell’s Christmas Magic in November 2019 and bestselling romantic suspense Escape to the Little Chateau which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Award. Marie’s historical romances, Angel of the Lost Treasure, Queen of the Desert and Captured by a Scottish Lord, all feature members of the Saintclair family and her short stories are published in the bestselling Miss Moonshine anthologies. Marie is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors, and her novels are available as paperbacks, ebooks and audiobooks on AMAZON and various other platforms.

Follow Marie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieLaval1 

Like Marie’s page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marielavalauthor

Advertisement

#GuestPost QUEEN OF THE DESERT by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay @ChocLituk @MarieLaval1

Thank you for joining me today to help celebrate publication day for the fabulous QUEEN OF THE DESERT by MARIE LAVAL!  And I’m very happy to hand over the blog to Marie today so that she can share a few thoughts about the release of her new book – there’s a purchase link further down too, so get clicking and grab your copy!!

Over to you Marie…..

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QUEEN OF THE DESERT by Marie Laval

I am so happy to see my historical romance QUEEN OF THE DESERT published by Choc Lit UK this February, and just can’t stop admiring the book’s gorgeous cover! This novel is very dear to me, and not the least because of the love story between the brave and unconventional heroine Harriet Montague and the seemingly harsh and mercenary hero Lucas Saintclair, but because of its setting – North Africa – which has always fascinated me.

My mother grew up in Algeria and she told me and my sisters so many stories of her childhood there that ever since I was little I have dreamt of going there for myself. Algeria is a vast country, stretching from a beautiful coastline to the Sahara desert in the far South.

Visiting Algiers’ Kasbah with its ancient mosques and ottoman palaces, seeing the stunning Roman ruins of Timgad or Tipaza, the fortified villages – the ksars and beautiful oases of the Sahara, and the peaks of the Hoggar mountains (or Ahaggar as it is sometimes called) and stunning rock art paintings is an ambition I may probably never fulfil, but at least I had the joy to travel there by using my imagination as I wrote QUEEN OF THE DESERT.

I loved every minute of writing Harriet’s and Lucas’s story and of researching some of the history, myths and legends of the Tuareg people, as well as their culture and traditions, and finding out about their mystical queen, Tin Hinan. Whilst writing QUEEN OF THE DESERT I discovered a fascinating culture, read beautiful poetry and listened to some wonderful musicians who accompanied me in my imaginary journey, among which Bombino, Imzad-Ténéré or again Tinariwen. Music really does bring people and hearts together.

About the book:

Sometimes the most precious treasures exist in the most barren and inhospitable of places … Harriet Montague is definitely too much of a gentlewoman to be frequenting the backstreet taverns of Algiers. But her father has been kidnapped whilst on an expedition to the tomb of an ancient desert queen, and she’s on a mission to find

the only person who could save him. It’s just unfortunate that Lucas Saintclair, the man Harriet hopes will rescue her father from scoundrels, is the biggest scoundrel of the lot. With a bribe in the form of a legendary pirate treasure map, securing his services is the easiest part – now Harriet must endure a treacherous journey through the desert accompanied by Saintclair’s band of ruffians. But on the long, hot Saharan nights, is it any wonder that her heart begins to thaw towards her guide – especially when she realises Lucas’s roguish façade conceals something she could never have expected?

Buying links for Queen of the Desert: 

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3rHKNYr 

Kobo: https://bit.ly/34PGktE 

Apple Books: https://apple.co/33C9nk2 

Nook: https://bit.ly/33q8HOr

About the Author:

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire and writes historical and contemporary romance. Best-selling LITTLE PINK TAXI was her debut contemporary romantic novel with Choc Lit. A PARIS FAIRY TALE was published in July 2019, followed by BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC in November 2019 and bestselling romantic suspense ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Award. HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE is her latest contemporary romance. QUEEN OF THE DESERT is Marie’s second historical romance, following on from ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE which features another member of the Saintclair family.

She also writes short stories for the bestselling Miss Moonshine anthologies, and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her novels are available as ebooks and audiobooks on Amazon and various other platforms.

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#BLOGTOUR HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay #BookReview @ChocLituk @MarieLaval1 @rararesources

Hello and thanks for joining me today as I’m taking part in the wonderful Publication Day Blogger Blitz for the fabulous HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE by MARIE LAVAL. 
And not only will I be sharing my review, but there is also a great giveaway for you to take part in!!

Happy Dreams At Mermaid Cove

From the big city to a little yellow mobile library on the Isle of Skye …
When Jenna Palmer agrees to the new position of mobile librarian on the tiny Arrandale peninsular of the Isle of Skye, she knows she’s signing up for difficult working conditions and mediocre wages. But Jenna needs to get away, and a little yellow mobile library called Buttercup could be her escape to happier dreams …
However, whilst Jenna can get to grips with foggy island roads, local mermaid legends and even big purple monsters, she never expected to have to contend with a boss as grumpy as Daniel McGregor, or a young book lover as enthusiastic as his niece, Katrina.
Arrandale might represent Jenna’s safe port in a storm, but could she and Buttercup also become a beacon of hope to Daniel, Katrina and the entire island community?

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Dreams-Mermaid-Cove-uplifting-ebook/dp/B094RBWWCJ
US – https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Dreams-Mermaid-Cove-uplifting-ebook/dp/B094RBWWCJ

Author Bio –

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie has lived in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire for the past few years. She writes both contemporary and historical romance. Her novels include best selling contemporary romantic suspense novels LITTLE PINK TAXI and ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU, which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Awards, as well as A PARIS FAIRY TALE and BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC. Her latest novel, ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE, was released in February 2021. Marie also contributes to the best selling Miss Moonshine’s Emporium anthologies together with eight author friends from Authors on the Edge.

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/marie.laval.9/
https://twitter.com/MarieLaval1

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway to Win 2 bracelets with glass found on a Northumberland beach, a pack of pencils, a mystery gift and some chocolate. (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

CLICK THE LINK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!! GOOD LUCK!!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494428/?

MY REVIEW

Mermaids, mobile libraries and a swoonsome hero?!! Yes please!! I loved this book and am now extremely jealous of Jenna and buttercup – her fab little yellow mobile library – as they start life afresh on the Isle of Skye!

Her first impression isn’t too great though, as very bad weather makes her journey across the water to the Isle of Skye a rather treacherous and unforgettable journey. And it also makes her first meeting with her new boss, Daniel, rather unusual and leaves a lasting impression!

Jenna is looking for a simple, quiet life while she’s there and Mermaid Cottage is definitely the perfect place for getting away from it all. She soon finds herself fully immersed into local life as she travels around in Buttercup, and finds a big fan in Kat who is the niece of Daniel, and a massive bookworm. She’s full of stories of mermaids although Daniel is eager to squash those kind of stories. That sets off your intrigue as to more about his past and what he’s hiding.

I loved the setting, the characters and all the myths and legends we get to hear about as the past begins to reveal itself showing Daniel in a different light. He also finds himself with a rival for the attention of Jenna!

The time away gives Jenna a new lease of life and you can sense her confidence beginning to grow as she comes up with new ideas, and plans to renovate the cottage garden at her new home. It’s the kind of book that swallows you up, lets you escape and dream of pastures new and spending time with Jenna, Daniel and Kat was just pure joy!! More please!!

★★★★★

#GuestPost HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay @ChocLituk @MarieLaval1

Delighted to be handing over the blog today to the lovely Marie Laval to help celebrate publication day for HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE!!  🥳
Over to you Marie…….

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Release Day: Happy Dreams at Mermaid Cove by Marie Laval

My inspiration for writing Happy Dreams at Mermaid Cove was the photo of a yellow mobile library on a deserted Scottish road that author friend Melinda Hammond posted on Facebook at the beginning of 2020. It captured my imagination so much that I had to start writing a story about it straight away. I knew a little about mobile libraries already because a long time ago I actually worked in one in the Wigan area for a few weeks, and what fun it was! I remember driver Don’s smile and perpetual good humour, and mobile librarian Julie’s kindness and energy, and our chats during the tea breaks. I had always dreamt of spending time in England and didn’t hesitate for one minute when the chance came up to do a three month work placement in Wigan as part of my secretarial course.

Of course Wigan and its surroundings are very flat, unlike Arrandale – the made-up part of Skye where the novel is set, and of course there were no Highland cows crossing the road or fierce storms battering the countryside… and no mermaids.

I had a wonderful time in Wigan. People were so kind and welcoming, and I quickly got used to strangers calling me ‘love’, ‘pet’ or ‘flower’. I read Lord of the Rings for the first time, and discovered the pubs, baked beans and fish fingers, and Miss Selfridge!

More importantly, during my time in Wigan I met the man who was to be my love, my companion and my happy dream for the following thirty-one years, and this story is dedicated to him…

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About Marie Laval

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire. She writes both contemporary and historical romance. Her novels include best selling contemporary romantic suspense novels LITTLE PINK TAXI and ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU, which was shortlisted for the 2021 RNA Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Awards, as well as A PARIS FAIRY TALE and BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC. Her historical novel, ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE, was published in February 2021, and HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE is her latest contemporary romance. Marie also contributes to the best selling Miss Moonshine’s Emporium anthologies together with eight author friends from Authors on the Edge.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

From the big city to a little yellow mobile library on the Isle of Skye … 

When Jenna Palmer agrees to the new position of mobile librarian on the tiny Arrandale peninsular of the Isle of Skye, she knows she’s signing up for difficult working conditions and mediocre wages. But Jenna needs to get away, and a little yellow mobile library called Buttercup could be her escape to happier dreams … However, whilst Jenna can get to grips with foggy island roads, local mermaid legends and even big purple monsters, she never expected to have to contend with a boss as grumpy as Daniel McGregor, or a young book lover as enthusiastic as his niece, Katrina. Arrandale might represent Jenna’s safe port in a storm, but could she and Buttercup also become a beacon of hope to Daniel, Katrina and the entire island community?

 HAPPY DREAMS AT MERMAID COVE is available as an ebook on Amazon and Kobo.

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#BookReview ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE by MARIE LAVAL

ABOUT THE BOOK

An ancient secret hidden within a mother’s song …When young widow, Marie-Ange Norton is invited to Beauregard in France by the mysterious Monsieur Malleval to collect an inheritance, she has no choice but to accept.
But when she embarks on the voyage with her fiery-tempered travelling companion Capitaine Hugo Saintclair, little does she know what waits for her across the sea in turbulent nineteenth-century France on the eve of Napoleon’s return from exile. When she arrives, she is taken aback by Malleval’s fascination with her family – seemingly inspired by his belief they are connected to a sacred relic he’s read about in coded manuscripts by the Knights Templar.
As it becomes clear that Malleval’s obsession has driven him to madness, Marie-Ange is horrified to realise she is more the man’s prisoner than his guest. Not only that, but Hugo is the only person who might be able to help her, and he could represent a different kind of danger …
This was previously published as Angel Heart by Accent Press in 2015. This is a revised, edited and updated version. Published February 2021 by Choc Lit.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

MY REVIEW

This was a fascinating piece of historical fiction – full of intrigue, mystery and romance – that takes you on a thrilling adventure through France in the search of hidden treasure!
Marie-Ange is at the centre of the story, a widow for 6 years and now set to travel to France for a family inheritance that is much needed. It isn’t right for a woman to travel alone, so she is set to be accompanied by Capitaine Saintclair, a dashing escort to say the least, but with a bit of a brusque attitude so sparks fly almost instantly! And is there more to his role than he is letting on to Marie?!

I loved the setting of this whole story – the political landscape of France is changing fast over there, and there is seemingly danger round every corner! She sees a face from the past which really rocks her while she is travelling, and then meeting her long lost relative adds more intrigue as he is obsessed by a piece of treasure and seems set to go to extreme lengths to get his hands on it, no matter the consequences. Marie-Ange needs to keep her wits about her, and knowing who to trust is a minefield of its’ own!

This was such fun and quite tense too! You really get involved in the history and supernatural elements of the storyline, and the hold that the Templar Knights legend has over everyone is clear for all to see. Hugo is a pretty mysterious character as he escorts her around France, and you’re always second guessing his motives but the connection between them is pretty electric and you’re always willing them to find happiness – amongst the madness!!

★★★★★

#GuestPost ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay @ChocLituk @MarieLaval1

A huge delight to welcome Marie Laval to the Blog today to share some thoughts behind her book ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE which celebrates publication day TODAY!!!
Over to you Marie……

ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE – Fact or Fiction?

There can’t be anything more fascinating for me to write about than eternal life, secret societies and lost Knight Templar treasures… and of course romance between a brave heroine confronted to dark, sinister forces and a gorgeous hero torn between his heart and his ambition.

I loved every minute of writing and researching ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE, my historical romance published by Choc Lit on February 23rd, and I hope readers will love the story too.

The novel is set in early nineteenth century France, mostly in and around Lyon and the Beaujolais region, and some readers may be surprised to learn that most of the story is actually based on facts.

For example the ‘Société Angélique’, which existed in Lyon from the Middle Ages onwards, included well-known members such as artist Poussin and writers Rabelais and George Sand who genuinely believed that they could work out a way of communicating with angels, incredible as this may seem.

The elusive and very mysterious Count Saint-Germain is the heroine’s godfather and a central figure in the novel although he never actually puts in an appearance. He is a man who has puzzled and fascinated many over the centuries. Some claimed he was the illegitimate son of European royals, others that he was a spy and a conman; some believed that he was an alchemist and a Rosicrucian who had mastered the secrets of eternal life, others that he was only a charlatan. In his correspondence with Frederick the Great of Prussia, Voltaire called him ‘Der Wundermann’ and said that he was ‘a man who knows everything and who never dies’ (although the philosopher being known for his irony, we can presume that he was joking).

The story features locations such as the village of Malleval in the Pilat region near Lyon which is a wild place I would love to visit one day, now that it’s no longer the lair of the ruthless bandits who used to live there. And of course I would also love to explore the old chateau of Arginy, which has for centuries been linked to the lost Knight Templars treasure. As for Lyon, my hometown, it is a beautiful city with many secrets and links to the occult, and I cannot wait to return once it is safe to do so and travel restrictions are lifted.

ABOUT THE BOOK

An ancient secret hidden within a mother’s song … 

When young widow, Marie-Ange Norton is invited to Beauregard in France by the mysterious Monsieur Malleval to collect an inheritance, she has no choice but to accept. 

But when she embarks on the voyage with her fiery-tempered travelling companion Capitaine Hugo Saintclair, little does she know what waits for her across the sea in turbulent nineteenth-century France on the eve of Napoleon’s return from exile.

 When she arrives, she is taken aback by Malleval’s fascination with her family – seemingly inspired by his belief they are connected to a sacred relic he’s read about in coded manuscripts by the Knights Templar. 

As it becomes clear that Malleval’s obsession has driven him to madness, Marie-Ange is horrified to realise she is more the man’s prisoner than his guest. Not only that, but Hugo is the only person who might be able to help her, and he could represent a different kind of danger … 

PURCHASE LINKS

KINDLE UK

KINDLE US

KOBO

NOOK

APPLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie has lived in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire for the past few years. She writes both contemporary and historical romance. Her novels are published by Choc Lit and include best selling contemporary romantic suspense novels LITTLE PINK TAXI and ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU, shortlisted for the Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense category of the 2021 RNA Awards, as well as A PARIS FAIRY TALE and BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC. Her latest novel, ANGEL OF THE LOST TREASURE, will be released in February 2021.

Marie also contributes to the best selling Miss Moonshine’s Emporium anthologies together with eight author friends from Yorkshire and Lancashire.

You can get in touch with Marie on https://www.facebook.com/marie.laval.9/ and https://twitter.com/MarieLaval1

#BookReview ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will Amy’s dreams of a Provençal escape come true?

There are many reasons Amy Carter is determined to make Bellefontaine, her farmhouse hotel in the French countryside, a success. Of course, there’s the time and money she’s put in to making it beautiful, but she also has something to prove – particularly to people like Fabien Coste.

Fabien is the owner of the nearby château, and he might just be the most arrogant, patronising man Amy has ever met … unfortunately, he’s also the most handsome.
But as rumours circulate in the local community and secrets about the old farmhouse begin to reveal themselves, Amy quickly sees the less idyllic side of life at Bellefontaine. Could Fabien be the man to help prevent her Provençal dream from turning into a nightmare?

This was previously published as A Spell in Provence by Accent Press in 2015. This is a revised, edited and updated version. Published October 2020 by Choc Lit.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Little-Chateau-gorgeous-surprises-ebook/dp/B08HS82MS9/ 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/escape-to-the-little-chateau/id1531307036?itsct=books_toolbox&itscg=30200&at=11lNBs&ls=1 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/escape-to-the-little-chateau

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Marie_Laval_Escape_to_the_Little_Chateau?id=GIYAEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-to-the-little-chateau-marie-laval/1137618221?ean=2940163078813

MY REVIEW

This is one of those books that makes you want to pack up all your stuff and head for the French countryside in the hope that you’ll discover your own Fabien!! Swoon!!

But that’s not why Amy finds herself in France – she’s determined to make a big success of opening her own farmhouse hotel. No mean feat considering she’s new to the country and hoping to do everything herself! Her dreams and determination will have you on her side from the get go, and the gorgeous setting she finds herself in is just an added bonus!

Fabien is the owner of the swanky local chateau, and is a big name across the world for first class establishment so he’s well aware of the work needed to run a business so tries to offer some friendly advice to Amy, of which she isn’t too keen to take on board! You get the idea she doesn’t like being told how to do things, even if that makes her appear a little stubborn and ungrateful!

But this isn’t a straightforward romance story, as there is a much darker side to the goings on especially within the area and Amy finds herself in the middle of it.  It is clear someone doesn’t take too kindly to her being there and there are a number of threats that are very sinister.

There’s a lot for Amy to learn, both about running a business, and also the local folklore and history and with the help of Fabian she uncovers some disturbing details of the lady of the forest! You are just hoping that this dream move for Amy doesn’t turn into a nightmare!

I loved the dark and light of this story!  It added so much edge to it and it was often quite shocking to see how dark things got!  A bewitching tale!!

★★★★★

#GuestPost ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU by MARIE LAVAL #PublicationDay @ChocLituk

Thanks for joining me today as I’ve another wonderful Guest Post for you all to enjoy. And today we are celebrating Publication Day for ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU by MARIE LAVAL and Marie is sharing her recipe for writing the book!!!

Over to you Marie……..

Escape to the Little Chateau

My Recipe for a Romantic Suspense in Provence

I have always loved reading romantic suspense novels. They are a fascinating genre, having to combine action and romance, mystery and passion. They have to keep the reader guessing until the end, not only about the resolution of the romantic conflict between the hero and heroine, but also about the resolution of the mystery.

During a family holiday in Provence a few years ago, I decided that the region would make a brilliant setting for a romantic suspense novel. The more I researched the area of Lubéron where the story is set and learned about the Salyens – the Celtic tribes who lived in Provence before the Romans invaded the region, the more fascinated I became … Juggling the love story and the suspense element was exciting – a little like trying a new recipe!

So here was my recipe for writing ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE CHATEAU…

Take these essential ingredients:

A determined, English heroine who buys an old Provençal farmhouse to pursue a life-long dream of running a guesthouse.

A handsome, enigmatic French hero who owns Manoir Coste, a vast estate and luxury hotel.

An ancient spell…

Mix well and stir in a large spoonful of Provence’s ancient history, including tales of a long lost temple and cryptic Latin inscriptions on village fountains.

Add a sprinkle of hostility by locals and a drizzle of passion.

Whisk the mixture until the heroine has fallen head-over-heels in love with the hero.

Then add a few drops of doubt and a soupçon of fear, caused by tales of gruesome murders and eerie sightings in the nearby forest.

Simmer on slow heat until tension sizzles and bubbles.

Finally, pour the mixture into a heart-shaped tin and bake under the watchful eye of Bona Dea, Provence’s ancient Salyen goddess.

When ready, enjoy with a cup of black coffee or a glass of chilled rosé wine!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will Amy’s dreams of a Provençal escape come true? There are many reasons Amy Carter is determined to make Bellefontaine, her farmhouse hotel in the French countryside, a success.

 Of course, there’s the time and money she’s put in to making it beautiful, but she also has something to prove – particularly to people like Fabien Coste. Fabien is the owner of the nearby château, and he might just be the most arrogant, patronising man Amy has ever met … unfortunately, he’s also the most handsome. But as rumours circulate in the local community and secrets about the old farmhouse begin to reveal themselves, Amy quickly sees the less idyllic side of life at Bellefontaine. Could Fabien be the man to help prevent her Provençal dream from turning into a nightmare? 

This was previously published as A Spell in Provence by Accent Press in 2015. This is a revised, edited and updated version.

 Published October 2020 by Choc Lit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire and writes historical and contemporary romance. Best-selling LITTLE PINK TAXI was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit. A PARIS FAIRY TALE was published in July 2019, followed by BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC in November 2019. She also writes short stories for the bestselling Miss Moonshine anthologies, and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her novels are available as ebooks and audiobooks on Amazon and various other platforms.

You can find Marie on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marielavalauthor/ and Twitter (https://twitter.com/MarieLaval1

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Little-Chateau-gorgeous-surprises-ebook/dp/B08HS82MS9/ 

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/escape-to-the-little-chateau/id1531307036?itsct=books_toolbox&itscg=30200&at=11lNBs&ls=1 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/escape-to-the-little-chateau

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Marie_Laval_Escape_to_the_Little_Chateau?id=GIYAEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-to-the-little-chateau-marie-laval/1137618221?ean=2940163078813

#BlogTour #Giveaway #BookReview Bluebell’s Christmas Magic by Marie Laval @rararesources

Hugely excited to be on the Blog Tour today for the wonderful Marie Laval and Bluebell’s Christmas Magic! My thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for letting me be part of it all! As well as my review of this festive read, there’s also a giveaway with some fabulous prizes to be won!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A gorgeous new Christmas story from the author of best selling novel Little Pink Taxi

A flick of a feather duster and a sprinkle of Christmas magic …

Cassie Bell is used to mess. Her cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning, is well known in the Cumbrian village of Red Moss. However, now it’s almost Christmas and Cassie has a slightly messier situation to deal with than she’s used to.

She’s been hired to help Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot who’s staying at the local Belthorn Manor whilst he recovers. Stefan resents Cassie’s interference and is definitely not looking for Christmas cheer. But Cassie prides herself on sparkling surfaces – so, can she bring some festive sparkle to Stefan’s life too?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Lyon in France, Marie now lives in Lancashire with her family. She works full-time as a modern languages teacher and in her spare time she loves writing romance and dreaming about romantic heroes. She writes both historical and contemporary romance and best-selling Little Pink Taxi was her debut romantic comedy novel with Choc Lit. She belongs to Authors on the Edge and writes short stories for the best selling Miss Moonshine’s anthologies. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors. Her native France, as well as her passion for history and research, very much influences her writing, and all her novels have what she likes to call ‘a French twist’ Author on Twitter
Author on Facebook

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway to Win a small canvas purse and a thick notebook (Open to UK Only)

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MY REVIEW

A wonderful and magical story that had me swept about with the history and romance and left me just wanting more!  There was so much going on in this story and I found myself totally submerged in the lives of the characters – and in Cassie and Stefan you have 2 people who are polar opposites but just have that spark, that neither can explain!

Cassie runs a cleaning business and is one of life’s good guys. Always there to help out whoever needs it and a real delight to be around. So when she’s given the job of helping to look after a new inhabitant, Stefan,  at the local manor house, she expects to receive gratitude and thanks.  Stefan really just wants to be left alone so doesn’t take too kindly to being ‘cared’ for – he’s been injured abroad and isn’t up to socialising much so finds it easier to push people away.

Stefan is a wonderful character to explore – seemingly a loner, you know he’s got some history that has scarred him, not only physically, and you wonder if he’s ever going to let his guard down and let people in to help him get through the darker times he has.  In Cassie, he meets someone who is seemingly a people person! She loves to help and is an invaluable member of the local community.  She also has a wonderful bond with her grandfather and their ‘jokes’ are a real feature of daily life!

As Stefan explores the manor he uncovers some diaries of a soldier who was at the manor in 1917, and this was another intriguing twist on the story – I do love a historical theme in the stories I read, and it all makes more sense when Cassie starts reading letters her grandfather gives her and a new story evolves about about what happened in the past.

Add to the past storyline, there’s also a darker element in the present with a number of burglaries taking place which really puts a strain on the villagers as they can’t believe someone could take advantage of them in such a way.

I loved Cassie and Stefan and the way their particular storylines played out – they both had to deal with some harrowing situations but found support when needed, and especially with Cassie who had dreams of a different career and finding out that those she thought she could trust were not quite so honest towards her, you just wondered when she’d get her break.  It gives a good message throughout of being careful who you trust, with some startling things going on that really added shock value.

Loved it!

★★★★★

#CoverReveal BLUEBELL’S CHRISTMAS MAGIC by MARIE LAVAL @ChocLituk

cover reveal

 Guess what?!! It’s time for yet another Cover Reveal of the Christmas kind and you’re in for another treat with this one! My thanks again to Choc Lit for letting me share this festive stunner!  Think we’re in for a real treat this Christmas with all these wonderful books coming our way!

ABOUT THE  BOOK

A flick of a feather duster and a sprinkle of Christmas magic …

Cassie Bell is used to mess. Her cleaning business, Bluebell Cleaning, is well known in the Cumbrian village of Red Moss. However, now it’s almost Christmas and Cassie has a slightly messier situation to deal with than she’s used to.

She’s been hired to help Stefan Lambert, an injured army helicopter pilot who’s staying at the local Belthorn Manor whilst he recovers. Stefan resents Cassie’s interference and is definitely not looking for Christmas cheer. But Cassie prides herself on sparkling surfaces – so, can she bring some festive sparkle to Stefan’s life too?

Bluebell’s Christmas Magic will be published by Choc Lit on 19th November and will be available to purchase as an eBook on all platforms and also in audio.

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Time to start playing those festive tunes to get you in the mood…… here’s the cover……..

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Hope you agree that this one looks  like a bit of a christmas cracker! Super excited to read this come November!!