Gripping drama as Pennington’s department store prepares for a glittering Christmas in 1911, but a killer stalks the women of Bath.
Christmas sees Pennington’s at its most glorious, thronged with shoppers, its grand staircase and balcony adorned with holly, mistletoe, tinsel and lights. It should be the happiest time, but dramas are seething beneath the surface.
For Cornelia Culford, in charge of jewellery, a divorce hearing looms, where she could lose custody of her young sons to her overbearing and unfaithful husband.
For Stephen Gower, being head of security at Pennington’s is the perfect refuge from a tragic past at Scotland Yard. But soon the past will call him back, as Joseph Carter and Elizabeth Pennington beg him to help solve the murder of Joseph’s first wife, now that it seems as if the killer has struck again.
For Joseph and Elizabeth, their marriage depends on exorcising the past. But can it ever be laid to rest?
Q&A
– When and where do you prefer to write?
Every day and everywhere! However, that is not usually possible – I am lucky enough to write full-time so you will usually find me at my desk in my own home office (which was a long time coming!), from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
My breaks come twice in the day in the form of dog walks which is great for pondering and plotting!
– Do you have a certain ritual?
Not really – although I do try to get all my social media posts done first, then some promo stuff like this interview or a blog post before diving into the latest novel. My process for each book is chapter plan, synopsis and then first draft from start to end without looking back. The hard part comes in the following drafts.
– Is there a drink of some food that keeps you company while you write?
I usually have one coffee in the morning and then it’s water all day.
– What is your favourite book?
Ooh, a very difficult question! I love so many authors and books – can I cheat and tell you my ‘go to’ authors? They are Philippa Gregory, Nora Roberts and Alison Weir
– Do you consider writing a different genre in the future?
So far, I’ve written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, Victorian and Edwardian historicals. One day, I’d like to try writing an historical crime novel, but as I’ve just signed a new contract for a three-book Victorian trilogy, it may be some time in the future!
– Do you sometimes base your characters on people you know?
Never – I think I tend to include a little of myself in every character rather than other people. As writers, I believe we can’t help but add a little of our own views, pet peeves, passions, beliefs and dreams to our characters’ actions and dialogue.
– Do you take a notebook everywhere in order to write down ideas that pop up?
I did at one time, but now I seem to use the notes app on my phone to quickly jot down any ideas.
– Which genre do you not like at all?
I don’t like sci-fi or paranormal – my imagination just doesn’t stretch to that ‘other-world’ type of characterisation or setting.
– If you had the chance to co-write a book. Whom would it be with?
Nora Roberts every time! I have been reading her books for years and yet to be disappointed by a single one. I think her characterisation is genius…
– If you should travel to a foreign country to do research, which one would you chose and why?
Lordy, how I love to travel! This is such a tough question for me – I would love to see more of Italy. I have been to Rome, Verona and Venice but still long to see Tuscany, Naples and Pisa. I’d also love to holiday in the Maldives or Mexico!
Thank you, Rachel Brimble and Rachel’s Random Resources.
About the author
Rachel lives with her husband and their two daughters in a small town near Bath, England. Since 2007, she has had several novels published by small US presses, eight books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical.
In January 2018, she signed a four-book deal with Aria Fiction for a new Edwardian series set in Bath’s finest department store. The Mistress of Pennington’s released July 2018, A Rebel At Pennington’s February 2019 and Christmas At Pennington’s September 2019.
Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America and has thousands of social media followers all over the world. To sign up for her quarterly and new release newsletter, click here to go to her website: https://rachelbrimble.com/
Author Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbrimbleauthor/?hl=en
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Brimble/e/B007829ZRM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1490948101&sr=8-1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1806411.Rachel_Brimble
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-brimble
Book Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at-Penningtons-Rachel-Brimble-ebook/dp/B07RC9R3JK
US – https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-at-Penningtons-Rachel-Brimble-ebook/dp/B07RC9R3JK
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