1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE SHOPGIRL’S FORBIDDEN LOVE
.2—What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Shopgirl Nancy MacQueen has ignored her attraction to shop-owner Jem Redbourne for years, insecure about her appearance and believing they’re too far apart socially. At long last she can no longer deny her feelings, only to find out he’s engaged to somebody else!
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
It’s the fourth (and final) book in a series and they all start in the same place - Belle’s biscuit shop in Bath.
4--Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Absolutely! Although I’d probably be intimidated. She’s a lot feistier than I am.
5--What are three words that describe your hero?
Patient, loyal, kind. I like good guys.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
How severe the penal system was in the nineteenth century. The story starts with the attempted theft of an orange, which doesn’t sound like much, but the penalties were draconian.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
Both. I write, edit, write, edit, write, edit etc. Then I edit the whole thing all over again at least twice. I find it really hard to press Send to my editor, no matter how much I desperately want to.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I have so many! A perfect day would be almond croissants and coffee for breakfast, vegetarian pizza for lunch, then lasagna with red wine followed by chocolate torte with cream for dessert. Obviously, I can’t do this very often.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
Anywhere. Since the lockdowns my husband has been working from home 2-3 days a week, but he needs a phone-line and a gazillion different screens so on those days, I abandon our dining-room/library/office and use a fold-up garden table in the lounge. Actually, I quite like it because it’s the sunniest room. I do dream of having my own office one day though.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Marian Keyes. She’s an absolute genius.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Jane Eyre. I think I was 12-13 and I got obsessed with nineteenth century literature and Victoriana afterwards (I wasn’t the most rebellious teenager).
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
It was back in 2015. I was on my way to collect my daughter from playschool when I got an e-mail from an editor at Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical asking if she could call me that afternoon. I was beyond excited because I thought/hoped I knew what that meant! My husband got home early so he could keep the children from barging in and announcing they needed the toilet mid-call. It was just a wonderful feeling.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
Historical romance, although I’m reading more contemporary romance these days.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
That depends on my mood, but today I’ll say The Philadelphia Story.
15--What is your favorite season?
Autumn for coziness!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
At the seaside with fish & chips.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Sanditon 2/Top Gun Maverick/Anna K by Jenny Lee/Now You’re Asking by Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Italian. Preferably cooked by Stanley Tucci.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Hiking or cycling. The further I can get away from civilization, the better.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure, but I have another Regency and a Tudor story on the way.
Regency Belles of Bath # 4
Belles Biscuit Shop is more like a home than a place of work for Nancy MacQueen. The shared attraction between her and James Redbourne, the handsome owner of a nearby store, has been simmering for years, but she’s refused to trust his feelings for her. After all, they’re not remotely in the same social class. Until one day Nancy can no longer deny her love—only to find he’s become engaged to someone else!
Romance Historical [Harlequin Historical, On Sale: June 28, 2022, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781335723253 / eISBN: 9780369729576]
Jenni Fletcher was born on the north coast of Scotland and now lives in Yorkshire, where she writes Medieval and Victorian romance novels. She studied English at Cambridge University before doing an MA on Women and Literature in English and a PhD on Victorian & Edwardian literature at Hull University.
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