Archive for October 15th, 2009

** Read our exclusive interview with Patricia Scanlan here **

Alison Dunwoody thought she had it all - a great job, good salary and a great life in New York City. But when the recession hits, Alison is shocked to find that she’s lost her job. She’s too embarassed to tell her family, and instead decides to fly home to Ireland and have Christmas with her parents, sister and 3 gorgeous nieces.

Alison loves the feeling of being back home, but misses her new friend Jack from New York - he knows about her job loss and she can confide in him. Will Alison be able to keep her secret away from her family for her holiday? Or is Coming Home exactly what Alison needs to make her feel happy again?

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Alison Kervin is a relatively new author, with only three books to her name, but she’s already a favourite of mine. She introduced us to the WAGtastic Tracie Martin (of The WAGs Diary and A WAG Abroad), who could give Rebecca Bloomwood a run for her money regarding how dippy she is. Alison also introduced us to the loveable Kelly Monsoon in Celebrity Bride. You can see my review of Celebrity Bride here.

As well as writing fiction, Alison also writes non-fiction biographies and used to be the Chief Sports Interviewer for The Daily Telegraph. Alison has also written for numerous other newspapers and publications and even won the 2006 Sports Journalist of the Year award for her interviews in The Daily Telegraph. To learn more about Alison, visit her website.

As I said before, Tracie Martin is one of the most enjoyable characters in chick lit. Yes she’s dippy and very WAGtastic but she’s also incredibly likeable. She features in both A WAGs Diary and A WAG Abroad, both of which I adored. Alison said in her interview with us that she’d love to bring Tracie back for a final book so here’s hoping. Alison’s latest book, Celebrity Bride, featured the fab Kelly Monsoon who will also be coming back for a second book due for release on 24th June next year. Alison mentioned in an email it was tentatively titled Hollywood Royalty and I’m already excited for it. I’d wholly recommend new readers to Alison start with A WAGs Diary. I was hooked immediately and plan to re-read it soon.

Sarah Duncan’s second novel of 2009 (after A Single To Rome), Kissing Mr. Wrong, is released on the 10nd December and the cover has finally been released; I love the bright colours. It will be her fifth novel! Here’s a useless piece of trivia: before turning to writing Sarah was Rodney’s girlfriend – before Cassandra – on Only Fools and Horses! The synopsis for Kissing Mr. Wrong reads:

Alex may write and illustrate books for children, but she’s certain she doesn’t want children of her own, and she definitely isn’t interested in men with baggage – until Gus blows into her life. Gus has more baggage than Terminal 5 – ex-wife, kids and a large dog that leaves hairs over Alex’s favourite trousers.

He’s absolutely not Mr Right, but as he helps Alex trace a strand of her family history, she finds herself being drawn into his chaotic but warm world. But being the wicked step-mother was never a role Alex fancied playing, and she’s not sure that loving Gus will be enough for a happy ever after together…