Monday, 22 September 2025

GUEST POST WITH ANGELA PETCH

This week I'm thrilled to welcome back the lovely Angela Petch to
my blog. One of my favourite authors, Angela's most recent novel, The Lost Garden, was published by Bookouture on  September 11th.

Welcome, Angela!
Thank you so much, Jan, for inviting me to chat on your lovely blog. 

I think you're going to tell us why you wrote The Lost Garden so it's over to you.


Why did I write The Lost Garden?
I have to admit after seven historical novels set in Italy during World War Two, I felt stale, worried I was falling into a rut. I needed to write something different. Locations in my books are very important to me. I like to visit the places and winkle out stories. The little town of Sant'Agata near to where we live had always intrigued me. When we drive back to England in October, it is usually wreathed in Octobetr mists, perched on the rock above higgledy-piggledy cotto rooftops of the town
below. It has always seemed unearthly to me and for years it hasn't been possible to visit because of restoration work. To my delight, it opened up a handful of years ago, but I was so disappointed. The inside is now dedicated to a display of stories and fairytales. 
But I am an author. This shouldn’t disappoint me, surely? I met with a poster on entering which proclaimed that everything is a fairytale. (Tutto è  fiaba). Rather tatty cut-outs of classical characters: Cinderella, the Little Prince, babes in the wood and the talking tree replaced what I had hoped to find: the history of the castle itself. Surely such a prominent building must have seen activity in World War Two? Even the local tourist office was unable to supply me with information. There was a dog-eared book about local men transported to camps elsewhere in Europe, but nothing about what had happened in the town or castle during WW2.

But this castle needed another story…
As I leant against the low wall that lines the steps to the castle, a ginger cat (Tigressa in the book) rubbed against my legs and then jumped onto the wall. He disappeared and I was terrified he had come to harm. I peered over to see he was grooming himself on a ledge which ended in a copse. And then my imagination started to crank up its creaking wheels and I thought, what if it was an old path that led to a secret garden? I turned around and an elderly lady shuffled across the cobbles in her slippers below where I stood and entered a humble
house. She had to be one of my characters: a housemaid to the rich folk who lived in the castle. And then I pictured a sixteen-year-old in front of her easel, a bossy, slightly frumpy English governess hanging over her. That governess went at the structural edit stages but I was off...and almost one year later, my story was published by Bookouture. 
The Netgalley reviews are very favourable and I hope new readers will enjoy my new story that dips into history, the supernatural and mysterious, inspired by an ancient castle, perched on the Rock of the Wolves.It is such fun to magic up stories and I hope readers enjoy the latest.
Thank you, Angela. I'm sure they will. I haven't quite finished reading it but I'm loving it. To know that the story was inspired by a real town and castle, and especially by a real ginger cat, makes it all the more special.

BLURB
It hides a family secret that could change the course of the war.

Italy, 1930s. Tina lives in the crumbling castle of Montesecco with only her strict father and their maid, Allegra, for company. She's never allowed to ask questions about her mother who died in childbirth. But the day Tina discovers a hidden, crumbling door, everything changes.

Inside is an overgrown garden. Ivy and roses adorn the stone walls. Fresh water springs from a fountain and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. How did she never know this beautiful place existed? Excitedly begging Allegra for answers, the elderly woman's face turns pale. 'You must never mention this to your father. It's not safe. You've found your mamma's garden.'

The Count believes Tina's mother died because of the garden: but Allegra refuses to say more. Certain she can feel her mother watching over her, Tina secretly tends the garden herself. And when war breaks out, Tina's encounters with local resisitance fighters mean the garden becomes a place of refuge, a p[lace of hope - and a place of great danger when Tina must prove where her loyalties lie once and for all... 

Will Tina ever discover the truth about her mother? Or was the garden, with all its secrets, never meant to be disturbed?

An absolutely breathtaking and stunning historical novel about the incredible risks people took in wartime, family secrets, loss and love. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore. 

Read what everyone's saying about The Lost Garden:

'Oh blimey. absolutely stunning... Spellbinding and beautiful... A favourite, top tier, stick-with-me forever book... Gave me a day full of joy... So much courage and strength... A definite must-read.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Had me at secret garden!... Stunning... Gorgeous... Absolutely wonderful... A completely captivating  and emotional novel that I will never forget!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Something spell-like about this book... I found myself unexpectedly teary more than once... A novel that sneaks up on you... it gets under your skin. Five stars.' bookcoffeebrews. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Beautiful... I was swept away... it felt like stepping into another world...  I found myself eager to return to the book every chance I got...Full of heart... Immersive and moving.' Goodreads reviewer. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

BIO
Angela Petch is an award-winning and bestselling writer - plus the occasional poem. Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack, she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas. 
The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela's not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with friends. 

LINKS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @angela_maurice

BUYING LINKS

Add it to your TBR here: https://geni.us/B0FHBH86K4social

And more links here:
Audio:



Thank you for reading. I'm sure you enjoyed finding out more about Angela's fabulous new novel, The Lost Garden.
My Book News 

This afternoon, I submitted the structural edits for book six, The Stolen Sister, partially set in Crete, and due out on February 24th, 2026. 

A reminder for those of you who prefer to support independent bookshops, you can now order both The Secret Sister and The Silent Sister from Cover To Cover, a gem of a bookshop in beautiful Mumbles, Swansea. 

https://cover-to-cover-mumbles.myshopify.com/collections/fiction

You may also follow me on: 

X/Twitter - @JanBaynham.

FaceBook - Jan Baynham Writer

Instagram - janbaynham

Bluesky - Jan Baynham

For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.


Did you know that all my novels are available to read on KINDLE UNLIMITED for those of you who subscribe?

The launch price of The Silent Sister is 0.99p. and 0.99c. 


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Monday, 15 September 2025

Guest Post With Georgia Hill


This week, I'm delighted to welcome lovely author, Georgia Hill, back to the blog to talk about her writing and her latest novel, Magpie, published on September 9th by Bloodhound Books.

Georgia, welcome back. It's over to you.

Thank you so much for having me on again, Jan!

So, where do you get your ideas from? 

Writers are often asked this. Anywhere, everywhere and from anything is the short(ish) reply. The longer answer is that inspiration is a fleeting and ephemeral thing. Disparate strands float around and then crash into each other until impossible to ignore. While writing The Sea Glass Necklace, set in a sleepy Devon town called Flete, the nugget of another dualtime historical novel was playing constantly in the background …

It’s been impossible to ignore the popularity of witch-themed books. I read and enjoyed Weyward and Widdershins, loved Elena Collins’ The Witch’s Tree and devoured every witchy book Syd Moore has written. Witches and their persecution hold a fascination for me, which probably dates from visiting, as a small child, The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall. It left an indelible impression.

I love the research so began diving more deeply into the subject. It was engrossing but distressing. Then I happened upon the story of The Bideford Witches, three women who have the sad claim to be the last women in England to be hanged for witchcraft. They met their fate at Heavitree in Exeter. A Devon-born friend told me Heavitree means hanging tree … The Bideford Witches inspired Prudie Tenpenny, one of main characters in Magpie. Like many women who were accused of witchcraft, she is old, marginalised and her status is gradually stripped away.

When I decided Flete would have a cobbled street with half-timbered buildings, I knew I had my link. Tenpenny House is the place my heroines share – just at different times in history – in 1660 and 2018. It’s as much a character as the humans in the book. The other strand which began working its way in was the English Civil War. I find it an intriguing period; complex and confusing. It tore the country into pieces, families were riven apart, and brother was set against brother. But I was interested in the aftermath. How did you reconcile living with people who had once been your sworn enemies? Surely old resentments would bubble up? Things were beginning to come at me thick and fast!

I began to get that tingle, that sixth sense that I was onto something. I struggled with making the modern narrative as dramatic and emotional as the historic until I happened upon a Radio 4 programme about a woman who had suffered from deepfake porn. And there it was, my twenty-first century plot. 




I’m back to writing a contemporary romance at the moment, the fourth in my Lullbury Bay series. The next one is out in October.

 


I love writing dualtime historicals but they are involving and, quite frankly, exhausting. It’s good to mix it up and write something different. Have I finished with Flete, my sleepy seaside town in Devon? I don’t think so. It’s just a matter of which historical period to land in next!

Bio

Georgia Hill writes warm-hearted and up-lifting contemporary and dual narrative romances about love, the power and joy in being an eccentric oldie and finding yourself and your community. She lives near the sea with her beloved dogs and husband 9also beloved) and loves the books of Jane Austen and collecting elephants. She's also a complete museum geek and finds inspiration for her books in the folklore and history of the many places in which she's lived. She's worked in the theatre, for a charity and as a teacher and educational consultant before finally acknowledging that making things up was what she really wanted to do.

You can find her here:  

X @georgiawrites

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/georgiahillauthor

Website www.georgiahill.co.uk

Two women. Two centuries. One house full of secrets.

A spellbinding tale for fans of Weyward, where the past never truly dies…

When Beth Loveday retreats to a shadowed corner of the Devon coast, she hopes to rebuild her life in peace. But the old timbered shop she buys—Tenpenny House—has other plans. Strange objects hidden in the walls. A book of forgotten remedies. And dreams that feel like memories.

In 1660, Susanna Loveday walks the same worn floors. Apprentice to a healer, she's swept into a deadly game of suspicion and power when whispers of witchcraft begin to spread. As danger closes in, a single choice will echo through time.

Linked by blood and bound by secrets, Beth and Susanna are caught in a web that spans centuries. The truth lies buried—but Tenpenny House remembers everything…

BUY LINKS

geni.us/-Magpie

Thank you, Georgia. Your new book looks and sounds wonderful. It's on my TBR pile and I can't wait to read it. 

My Book News 

Thank you, too, if you have already read The Silent Sister. The fantastic reviews are still coming in and, to date, the number of ratings and reviews now totals 503!

I've almost completed the structural edits for book six, The Stolen Sister, partially set in Crete, and due out on February 24th, 2026. 

For those of you who prefer to support independent bookshops, I'm delighted to let you know that you can now order both The Secret Sister and The Silent Sister from Cover To Cover, a gem of a bookshop in beautiful Mumbles, Swansea. 

https://cover-to-cover-mumbles.myshopify.com/collections/fiction

You may also follow me on: 

X/Twitter - @JanBaynham.

FaceBook - Jan Baynham Writer

Instagram - janbaynham

Bluesky - Jan Baynham

For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.


Did you know that all my novels are available to read on KINDLE UNLIMITED for those of you who subscribe?

The launch price of The Silent Sister is 0.99p. and 0.99c. 

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

 The RNA Summer Fling

There was no RNA weekend conference this year, but on Saturday, I attended their Summer Fling, a one-day event, held at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham. Because of the 9.00 am start, I travelled with other members of the Cariad Chapter by train on Friday afternoon and stayed overnight at a Premier Inn close to the conference venue. The Chapter was well represented and here we are at Bella Italia enjoying a meal on Friday evening:


Everything about the event the next day was superb. The venue was beautiful. I couldn't take my eyes off the stunning ceiling. 
It was so good to catch up with old friends, make new ones and be in the wonderful company of supportive RNA members again. There was a buzz about the whole day. After a warm welcome and inspirational address by the Chair, Seána Tinley, we were straight into the presentations. The first speaker was Fiona Lucas who gave us a wonderful, thought-provoking talk on Character Mottos. The session was interactive and we built characters using mottos that reflected their core beliefs. I found this session extremely useful. By brainstorming with my partner, Catherine, I ended up with a much clearer picture of my main character in novel seven. My motto for her was The truth will out. 

The second session was by another superb speaker, Virginia Heath, who gave us a fabulous presentation on Saggy Middle Busting. I'm sure it's something we as writers can all relate to. Her talk was inspiring, motivating and full of humour. I shall definitely have the images on her screen in my head as I try to 'MAKE THE MIDDLE MATTER' in novel seven.

After the coffee break with more lovely cakes, there was a video presentation from Boldwood Books with tips on how to match your books to the correct readers and marketing in general.  Choosing the correct social platforms for your reader demographic was stressed and how it's so important to get to know who your readers are. 

This was followed by a talk by million-selling author, CarrieElks, Writing Is Only the Beginning: Building a Career as an Authorpreneur. She gave us nine rules to follow, talking about how to master marketing and build a long-term brand. She gave us tools to grow our readership and hopefully gain success in our writing story. Although I was in awe of her success and the huge numbers of books she's sold, there was plenty of advice to take on board even at my modest stage. One of the things I took away was when acknowledging how writing can be a lonely business, Carrie recommended 'building your village'. The support of the Cariad Chapter has been exceptional on my own writing journey. 

Next was a delicious lunch. It was generally agreed that the quality of the meal and refreshments was excellent. It also gave time to chat with friends and network with other writers. 

The afternoon sessions began with Charlotte Ledger of One More Chapter talking about The Secrets of a Bestseller. She spoke about the Sunday Times bestseller, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe - how it was acquired, given its title and how steps were taken for it to shoot up the charts. Charlotte again reinforced the importance of understanding your readers, connecting and engaging with your reading community.

Two editors, Annie Warren and Helena Bacon, then gave a presentation called Rev Up the Tension with Mills & Boon. They talked about the Three Cs - Chemistry, Conflict and Construction. As with the other presentations, I found plenty to apply to my own writing, especially when at the editing stage.

There was another tea and coffee break before the last session. This was Time Management and Procrastination - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, was presented by a panel of very successful, busy writers - Seána Tinley, Ruby Basu, Lisa Firth and Liam Livings. They talked about how they arranged their lives to best make time for writing. Each one had different ways of doing this, each had different times of the day when they were most productive.

©Katie Ginger

After a celebratory glass of fizz on the way out and saying our good-byes, we left for home. My head was buzzing with everything I'd learned, conversations I'd had with writers I previously admired from afar, inspired and motivated to get back to my writing. A huge thank you to the RNA organisers and presenters for such a fantastic event. You are 'simply the best'! 

Thank you for reading. 

My Book News

Thank you, too, if you have already read The Silent Sister. I've been delighted with the response from readers and humbled by the fantastic reviews.

Structural edits have arrived for book six, The Stolen Sister, partially set in Crete and due out in early 2026. Watch this space!

You may also follow me on: 

X/Twitter - @JanBaynham.

FaceBook - Jan Baynham Writer

Instagram - janbaynham

Bluesky - Jan Baynham

For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.


Did you know that all my novels are available to read on KINDLE UNLIMITED for those of you who subscribe?

The launch price is 0.99p. and 0.99c. 


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Tuesday, 12 August 2025

 Novel Number 5

Last Tuesday, my fifth novel was published. Since then, I have been overwhelmed by the messages, reviews, congratulations and kindness not just from family and friends who have lived the journey with me but from people I've never met in the writing community. The support has been amazing and I thank each and every one of you.

So, what is The Silent Sister all about? The book tells of three-year-old Eléni who is pulled, barely alive, from the rubble of an earthquake in Kefalonia when her parents and grandparents perished alongside her. Once physically healed, the traumatised little girl is raised by Cassia, who witnessed her rescue and who is faced with keeping a secret that must never be revealed. I was inspired to write the story after my first visit to the beautiful Greek island and hearing about the devastation caused by the earthquake. The ‘what if?’s began!

The novel, set in 1953 and 1973, in rural mid-Wales and the Greek island of Kefalonia, is a dual timeline dealing with a family secret, trauma, identity and reconciliation. 


As I wrote the first draft, I made notes of things to check at the editing stage. For me, one of the best ways to add authenticity and a sense of place to your writing is to try to walk in your characters’ footsteps, eat and drink what they do, imagine what they would think and feel. With this in mind after finishing the first complete draft of the story, I travelled with my daughter to the island with a list of things to find out and places to visit. I had a wonderful time researching this story. 


Kefalonia is a beautiful island and although I'd visited the island on holiday before, this visit was specific to the novel. I checked out the vibrant colours of the sea and my favourite bougainvillea, smelt the wild thyme, heard the cicadas and sampled the delicious food and drink.



Although I'd gone through four other publication days, I was just as excited and nervous as I had been on the other occasions. NetGalley reviews had been wonderfully positive, pre-order numbers had been very encouraging, and Jasmine, my fantastic editor, and the Joffe/Choc Lit team had loved it but I still had the niggle, What if readers don't like the book? The old imposter syndrome is never very far away. 

How did I celebrate? My husband and I went to a small local Greek restaurant, The Athenian Tree, where the waitress and the chef were both from Crete.. The food was excellent and we felt we were back in Kefalonia. 

The support has continued all week with a number of friends hosting me on their lovely blogs so a huge thank you to them. You may read them here:

Jane Cable, Morton S Gray, Jessie Cahalin, Georgia Hill, Anni Rose and Jenny Kane - Opening Lines

For me, the highlight of this publication has been to take part in my very first book tour, organised by the fabulous zooloosbooktours. There has been a review each day, sometimes two, and I've been blown away by what bloggers have said about the novel. Thanks to every one of them and especially to Zoe for organising it. 


'This book was hard to put down! Filled with tension and family secrets, it was a fascinating read. I enjoyed learning history, but also about Greek culture and food. It made me feel like I was there with Cassia and Eleni, experiencing their heartaches or moments of happiness.
But what truly sets this book apart from others is the unique portrayal of emotions. The author delves deeply into loss and the strength of the human spirit. Cassia’s resilience is truly inspiring. I also appreciated different shades of love in this novel: the parental love that is unconditional, the romantic love, the timeless love between sisters…
If you are looking for outstanding historical fiction, you must read this book! I highly recommend it!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Thank you for reading. What makes you choose a newly published novel?

  • cover
  • blurb
  • author
  • recommendation
  • reviews

You may also follow me on: 

X/Twitter - @JanBaynham.

FaceBook - Jan Baynham Writer

Instagram - janbaynham

Bluesky - Jan Baynham

For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.


Did you know that all my novels are available to read on KINDLE UNLIMITED for those of you who subscribe?

The launch price is 0.99p. and 0.99c. 

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Sunday, 15 June 2025

 Guest Post With Eva Glyn

This week I am delighted to welcome fellow Cariad and wonderfully supportive writing friend, Jane Cable, who also writes as EVA GLYN, onto the blog. I had the privilege of reading an early draft of her latest novel, The Santorini Writing Retreat, and loved it. It was published by One More Chapter on May 22nd.

Eva, welcome back to the blog. I think you're going to tell us about the writing retreats you yourself have been on so it's over to you.

THE SPANISH WRITING RETREAT

No, the heading isn’t a typo, it’s just that The Santorini Writing Retreat owes so much to the Spanish writing retreats I’ve been on that when Jan kindly invited me onto her blog, I wanted to tell you all about them.

I always liked the idea of going away for a week to write, and five years ago I finally had the opportunity to attend a retreat led by Rosanna Ley in the hills just outside Malaga. I was so excited because I love Rosanna’s books, but at that point never dreamt that I would one day be writing destination fiction too. I just wanted to learn everything I could from a mistress of her craft.

Finca feedback session
Rosanna’s retreats are held at the fabulous Finca el Cerrillo, a small hotel designed with retreats and courses in mind. The owners, Sue and Gordon Kind, bought the former olive mill as little more than a shell, and have spent years lovingly restoring it, extending it, creating a beautiful garden and an atmosphere conducive to creativity. When I first arrived I burst into tears when I saw my room; so beautiful, so light. So calm.




Finca tree house

Having stayed at Finca el Cerrillo I knew how important it was that Zina, who owns the retreat house on Santorini, created the same wonderful vibe for her guests. The same quality home cooked food, the same warm welcome. But I went further than that; the honesty bar, the juke box game the guests play, are borrowed directly from the finca – with the blessing of Sue and Gordon, of course.

Finca opening doors

I have also structured the retreat my would-be writers enjoy around the programme Rosanna uses. A free writing prompt first thing in the morning to get those creative cogs whirring, followed by a workshop session. Then free time to write for the rest of the day until the group comes back together to share their work in the early evening. And one-to-one sessions with the tutor, of course. Absolutely invaluable.

One thing I did not expect from attending Rosanna’s retreats was the friends I would make. The group has changed over the years, but there are still familiar faces from my very first visit in 2019. So I knew, just knew, that my protagonists would become the closest of friends. The sort of friends who will support each other whatever – much as the finca group has supported me, both with this book and in my wider writing life. So it’s entirely fitting that The Santorini Writing Retreat is dedicated to them. 

Find out more about Finca el Cerrillo and its retreats and courses here: https://hotelfinca.com/

Thank you, Eva. The Spanish retreats sound wonderful and having read your novel, it must have been invaluable for you to be able to draw on the experiences you've had on those when writing your fictional one set in Santorini. 

BIO

Eva Glyn writes destination fiction set in sunny Mediterranean climes. After four books (two dual timeline historical romances and two about new beginnings and friendship) set in Croatia, The Santorini Writing Retreat is her first fictional visit to Greece. She lives in Cornwall with her husband of almost thirty years, and also writes as Jane Cable.

BLURB for The Santorini Writing Retreat

Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

https://mybook.to/SantoriniRetreat

Thank you for reading.  I hope you enjoyed learning about the retreats held at Finca el Cerrillo as much as I did. I highly recommend The Santorini Writing Retreat and you may read my review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7587559510?book_show_action=false

You may also follow me on:

X/Twitter - @JanBaynham.
FaceBook - Jan Baynham Writer
Instagram - janbaynham
Bluesky - Jan Baynham

For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.


Did you know that all my novels are available to read on KINDLE UNLIMITED for those of you who subscribe?

MY NOVEL NEWS
As promised, here is the beautiful cover of my fifth novel, set in rural mid-Wales and stunning Kefalonia. 

Two lost women. One Greek island. A secret that spans generations.

It will be published on August 5th and is available for Pre-order at 0.99p. and 0.99c. 


It is also available on NetGalley. 


A box set of my first three novels is now available at 0.99p. and 0.99c. 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B0FC5TS4D4/
https://www.amazon.com/Island-Secrets-Books-1-3-historical-ebook/dp/B0FC5TS4D4/
If you have Amazon Prime, The Secret Sister is now one of the novels you may read for free.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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