Today's the day! What day exactly? The day we take a moment to slow things down and get to know a little more about the author behind a chosen work. Okay, so it's not specific to today, but, you know, it sounded better. Anywho, today's guest joins us via Rachel's Random Resources and is currently making the blogosphere rounds with their latest release featuring the jolliest of holidays, and two leads at opposite ends of appreciation for same said time of year. Curious? So was I, and so, today's post is born! Ladies and gents, take a closer look at today's title in the spotlight...
A Festive Surprise
by
Margaret Amatt
She can’t abide Christmas. He’s not sure what it’s all about. Together they’re in for a festive surprise.
Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.
Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but he’s lonely. Understanding Nessie and Irn Bru is one thing, but when glittery reindeer and tinsel hit the shelves, he’s completely bemused. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.
When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there’s more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys’ life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.
As their attraction sparkles, can Christmas work its magic on Holly and Farid, or will their spark fizzle out with the end of December?
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~~~ Q&A with Author Margaret Amatt ~~~
Describe your book in ten words or less.
A fun festive romcom on a Scottish island
Your characters seem to have a few issues with Christmas, either having their belief shattered, or not quite understanding it entirely. Where do you stand? Are you more of a "we need a little Christmas now" person, or more on the Grinch side of things before his heart grew three sizes?
I enjoy the festive season but not too early! I don’t mind if it creeps into November but I like to enjoy September and October as part of Autumn before Christmas hits! That doesn’t stop me preparing and I have been known to buy Christmas gifts very early in the year but I’d rather the shops weren’t decorated for Christmas as soon as the schools go back. That takes away some of the magic for me.
What's the one message above all that you hope readers walk away with?
Sometimes home is with people rather than a place.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what was your other career path of interest?
I’ve always enjoyed storytelling but only in the last few years have I taken the idea of writing seriously. If I’d followed my childhood dream, I would be a wedding dress designer! That didn’t materialise but I have done wedding photography which combines my love of weddings with my love of photography. I’m not sure I’d want to do that as a fulltime career though – I still panic that all the pictures will turn out green or I’ll forget to snap some important moment, so it’s too stressful! I have a day job as well, teaching young children, which can also be stressful at times – though also loads of fun – but writing is definitely more of an escape than a job!
Any pearls of wisdom to share with the next generation of writers out there?
If you’re serious about writing to be published, then get feedback and take it on board. It may seem daunting but it’s the best way to improve your writing and start to understand where your strengths and areas for growth are.
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About the author...
Margaret is a writer, mummy, wife and chocolate eater (in any order you care to choose). She lives in highland Perthshire in a little house close to the woods where she often sees red squirrels, deer and other such tremendously Scottish wildlife… Though not normally haggises or even men in kilts!
She has published nine books and written many more. Margaret won a short story writing competition in 2012 and her winning entry was performed live to an audience at Pitlochry Festival Theatre as part of their Winter Words Event. This spring boarded Margaret’s journey from writing for fun to novel writing – though she still enjoys every minute of it.
Margaret is also a keen amateur photographer, who enjoys drawing, reading, and talking about books.
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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the great Q&A session. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today! Be sure to check out the rest of the sites participating for more bookish fun...
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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