What they say: Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.
Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s–not so much. Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a house plant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallenthrough a hedge. Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer withher sister. Or any other familyholiday. Because Josie has a secret.But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.
I apologise if you haven’t seen me on social media very much recently but I’ve been exceptionally busy working on lots of exciting stuff (technical term) for my new book, my website … and a map for my new series of standalone stories set in the tiny village of Seahorse Harbour. The map will ‘go live’ on July 31st, publication day for the first in the series, which is … yep, you guessed it, Summer at my sister’s.
Let me explain a bit more. Summer at my sister’s was originally a standalone, but then I had an idea for a Christmas book, so it became a two-book series, with Book 2 featuring a couple of new characters and most of the characters from Summer at my sister’s (with me so far?) ……Then …. I had an idea for another completely separate story set in the same village (which I’m writing at the mo.) This one has new characters. So now, each story in this series will be a standalone with new characters … but as each book is set in Seahorse Harbour, you’ll be able to ‘see’ what’s going on with the characters from the previousbooks, because you can’t help but bump into people in a tiny village, can you?
I have to say, I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!I’ve got so many story ideas, although I’ve only written 2 of the books so far, Summer at my sister’s and the Christmas book, which is called …..Wait for it……(no, that’s not the title) Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s This Christmas book will be available for pre-order from early August.
Did I mention that I love this series? And yes-I’m just a little bit over-excited. I can’t wait to share these fabulously feel-good stories with you. I hope you’re a little bit excited too. xxx
I totally am here, cannot WAIT to get stuck in, but here’s an extract in the meantime. Back to Emily!!
Thank you so much for allowing me to share a little extract from my new book, Summer at my Sister’s.This is from Chapter Three. Josie Parnell asked her taxi driver called Jonno, to drop her at The Seahorse Inn. Jonno is friends with the deliciously handsome owner,Mikkel Meloy, and they’ve just leaned into one another and slapped each other on the back. Now Mikkel turns to Josie.
‘Hi. I’m Mikkel. Mikkel Meloy. My friends call me Mik.’ He held out his hand to me and I eyed it nervously, unsure whether or not to take it.‘You’re not going to pull me into a hug and slap me on the back, are you?’ His dark blond brows shot up and then he gave a roar of laughter as he shook his mane of golden blond hair.‘I promise not to slap you on the back.’ His voice was strong and gravelly with just a slight trace of a Nordic accent. ‘And if you’d rather I didn’t hug you, I understand. But we’re very friendly people.’
‘Norwegians?’ The gorgeous smile lit up the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.‘I meant in Seahorse Harbour, but yes, I’m originally from Norway and we’re very friendly there also.’
‘I’m from London, and lately, New York. We carry pepper spray in our handbags.’ He must’ve seen I was joking because he laughed and raised both hands in theair.
‘I’ll wait until you’re ready to hug me then. Do you want a drink?’
‘No. I’d like a pound of sausages.’A crease formed between his brows but he soon laughed again.
‘Ah. Pretty and funny. I like that in a woman.’
‘I’m off then,’ Jonno said, grinning. ‘If you decide you want a lift to your sister’s give me a call.’ He handed me a card. ‘It’s almost lunchtime so I’m popping home fora sarnie. I’ll be out and about again by the time you’ve had your wine.’
‘Thanks, Jonno, but I’ll be fine. I will give you a call if I need a taxi while I’m here though.’He waved goodbye to me, gave Mikkel a friendly slap on the arm and was gone ina matter of seconds. Mikkel slung one of my bags on his shoulder and grabbed my cases, wheeling them into the pub.
‘They’re not mine,’ I said. He stopped for a second, tutted and shook his head.
‘You like to play games,’ he said. ‘I like to play games too.’
From the look he was giving me I had a pretty good idea of the sort of games Mikkel Meloy liked to play. And most of them would involve getting naked, I suspected.I coughed to clear the images popping into my head and followed him inside.The change from bright sunlight to the dark interior soothed my eyes and meant I had to remove my sunglasses. He deposited my cases right in front of the bar andwas behind it in three strides. Long, well-defined, tanned legs, gorgeous-lookingbottom hidden beneath khaki shorts, manly waist and a black T-shirt stretched tightacross those broad shoulders, kissed at his neck by the curled tips of that goldenblond hair, made me drop onto the nearest stool, feeling a little overcome.‘Wow!’ I said out loud, not realising I had done so.
‘Like it?’ he asked, beaming at me. For a moment I wondered how to respond and then I realised he thought I was commenting on the inside of the pub as he glanced around and held out his hands as if offering me the entire room. I quickly took in the white-washed walls, the ropes and nets and other fishing paraphernalia hanging from the black beams and the low, white-washed ceiling. The walls bore photographs of Seahorse Harbour through the ages, some sepia, some in colour, together with paintings of the sea, seahorses, or ships. And there were several ceramic seahorses on the large window sills. I’m not sure what effect he was going for but it somehow worked.
‘Very nice,’ I said, nodding my approval.The only things that hadn’t changed since I was last in The Seahorse Inn were the name, the black beams and the large fireplace in the far wall. I sat in front of thatduring a very cold October, many years ago with the man I loved and he told me his decision. A decision that would change my life.
Thank you for taking the time to read this extract. I hope you enjoyed it.
And lastly, look at this fantastic map!
Wow I can’t wait to read this book!!!
About the author
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become goodfriends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle AllStar. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside,or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies-and will do anything toavoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard,regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
What they say: Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.
Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s–not so much. Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a house plant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallenthrough a hedge. Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer withher sister. Or any other familyholiday. Because Josie has a secret.But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.
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An exciting update from Emily Harvale!!!
I apologise if you haven’t seen me on social media very much recently but I’ve been exceptionally busy working on lots of exciting stuff (technical term) for my new book, my website … and a map for my new series of standalone stories set in the tiny village of Seahorse Harbour. The map will ‘go live’ on July 31st, publication day for the first in the series, which is … yep, you guessed it, Summer at my sister’s.
Let me explain a bit more. Summer at my sister’s was originally a standalone, but then I had an idea for a Christmas book, so it became a two-book series, with Book 2 featuring a couple of new characters and most of the characters from Summer at my sister’s (with me so far?) ……Then …. I had an idea for another completely separate story set in the same village (which I’m writing at the mo.) This one has new characters. So now, each story in this series will be a standalone with new characters … but as each book is set in Seahorse Harbour, you’ll be able to ‘see’ what’s going on with the characters from the previousbooks, because you can’t help but bump into people in a tiny village, can you?
I have to say, I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!I’ve got so many story ideas, although I’ve only written 2 of the books so far, Summer at my sister’s and the Christmas book, which is called …..Wait for it……(no, that’s not the title) Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s This Christmas book will be available for pre-order from early August.
Did I mention that I love this series? And yes-I’m just a little bit over-excited. I can’t wait to share these fabulously feel-good stories with you. I hope you’re a little bit excited too. xxx
I totally am here, cannot WAIT to get stuck in, but here’s an extract in the meantime. Back to Emily!!
About the author
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become goodfriends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle AllStar. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside,or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies-and will do anything toavoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard,regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
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