It has been six years since the first Cliffehaven book was published, and to my great joy, I’ve been able to live, love and cry with the Reillys and their evacuees right through those war years – and it’s not over yet! I never imagined how dearly you would take Peggy, Ron, Cordelia and Rosie to your hearts and I’m fully aware that if anything happens to Harvey, I shall suffer the dire consequences!

I’ve had such pleasure in introducing them all to you, for they are now an intrinsic part of my own family, and like my family, I’m never quite sure what they’ll get up to next, but it’s great fun finding out, even when they make me cry.

I hope you enjoyed With a Kiss and a Prayer and I look forward to your comments on Facebook.

Until the next book, As the Sun Breaks Through, I wish you good health and contentment throughout 2018.

Did you love With a Kiss and a Prayer?

Look out for the next Cliffehaven novel

Pre-order now in paperback and e-book

Out 23 August 2018

Interview with Ellie

1. What made you want to become a writer?

I’ve always loved reading and making up stories. I am an only child, raised by my grandmother and her sisters, who opened up the world of books to me. Yet it was the family story which always intrigued me and I knew that one day I would have to sit down and write it. I eventually achieved this, and it was the start of me realising that storytelling was something I could really do well. The rest, as they say, is history!

2. Describe your writing routine and where you like to write.

I have black coffee for breakfast, at least two cups, and make a point of reading the newspaper before doing the Sudoku, and the cryptic crossword. This gets me into a working frame of mind and wakes up my brain. I have an office in my house that overlooks paddocks and the South Downs, and I sit down there before ten every morning. I check my emails and Facebook, and then read through what I’ve written the day before. Editing this gets me into the next scene that I want to write. I work through from ten until around six, five days a week. If a deadline is looming however, then I might work over the weekend and at night. I find that sometimes I do my best work after midnight!

3. What themes are you interested in when you’re writing?

The theme of family, and of the intricate threads that bind people together or tear them apart. People react differently to situations, and I find it fascinating to watch my characters evolve throughout the book.

4. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from everything and anything. A conversation overheard – a newspaper article, a line in a book or a song.