BooksChatter: ℚ Christmas at the Cove: Templeton Cove [4]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Rachel Brimble to talk about Christmas at the Cove (1 November 2014, Harlequin / Mills & Boon, 384pages) a Contemporary Romance book four of the Templeton Cove series.

"With a stunning ending, Christmas at the Cove is a fun, heart-warming & truly gratifying novel." 5 stars - Reviewed The Book

"If you're looking for the perfect Christmas read, this is the book for you." 5 stars - The Sunflower Pages

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A very warm welcome to Rachel Brimble; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Christmas at the Cove?

"CHRISTMAS AT THE COVE is book four in my ongoing series with Harlequin (all books can be read stand-alone), so I desperately wanted to set one in the holidays. As Templeton is a seaside town, most of the books are set in the summer when the most is going on! I really wanted to write a reunion story and add all the romance that Christmas brings.

My heroine came to me when I was laying in the bath one night! She told me she was a mother to a little girl named Belle and that she needed to return to Templeton Cove to find the father. I was intrigued…and luckily she kept talking! "

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I think there is a bit of me in all the characters I create, male, female, young or old. I think it’s impossible to create a story without adding in bits of your personality, or fears, hopes, pet peeves…the list goes on!"

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Christmas at the Cove - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I complete a cover art sheet for my Harlequin novels but don’t have a say in the final choice. So far, I have been happy with all my covers, which is a great relief. I particularly like CHRISTMAS AT THE COVE because it reflects the tone of the story so well…once Carrie and Scott get over their obstacles, of course."

Why should we read Christmas at the Cove and what sets it apart from the rest?

"I am very proud to say that my Templeton Cove series is the only series Harlequin Superromance have published with entirely British characters in a British setting. I am thrilled that I can continue to write about a setting and local cultures with which I am familiar. My US readers enjoy the British feel to the books, yet romance and love is universal so the emotion is there for everyone, everywhere."

Can you tell us something quirky about Christmas at the Cove, its story and characters?

"Ooh, that’s a difficult question! I suppose the quirkest thing I can tell you is that although Templeton Cove is a fictional UK seaside town, it is heavily inspired by Torquay, a place I loved to visit as a child and still love going back today."

Who would you recommend Christmas at the Cove to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I recommend this book to anyone who loves a festive mainstream romance with a colorful cast of characters. Also, to readers who enjoy books set in small-towns and/or reunion/secret baby stories. I would rate my love scenes as sensual to spicy…"

If you could / wished to turn Christmas at the Cove and the Templeton Cove series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Great question!

Not sure about director…but I am open to anyone interested! I am a very visual writer so I start a book by scouring the Internet for pics of my hero and heroine. For CHRISTMAS AT THE COVE, Joe Manganiello (True Blood) is Scott and Carrie Underwood is Carrie.

For the location, I would love the book to be filmed at its inspiration – Torquay in the UK…which is also where Agatha Christie lived for many years. As a nod to this wonderful author, I named the best hotel in Templeton, The Christie which features in this festive romance."

What do you like to write about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Right now, I write mainstream romance and romantic suspense for Harlequin Superromance and Victorian romance for eKensington/Lyrical Press. I have written a single title romantic suspense that my agent is shopping out at the moment and I also have an Edwardian trilogy begging for my attention...but so far, I have resisted!"

What is your writing process?

"I usually start with a premise or issue I’d like to explore – after that I write character sketches for my hero and heroine (and villain if I have one). The sketches usually provide the main character’s goals, motivations and conflicts. I then write a 3-4 page synopsis. With that done, I write the first draft from beginning to end, without looking back. The hard part comes in the following drafts!"

What is in store next?

"Apart from the single title romantic suspense I have recently finished writing, I have just signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Superromance so there will be some more Templeton Cove books on the horizon soon. I am about halfway through the first draft of book six."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"Unfortunately, I lost my beloved black lab, Max in February but as I can’t live without some canine love but not ready to get another dog of my own yet, I signed up for ‘borrow my dog’ and now have the lovely Tyler to look after whenever I want! Here are pics of my boys…"