Set in the rolling countryside of Devon, ‘In Too Deep’ is the emotional story of a woman’s determination to win the trust of the man she’s adored since they were thrown together as children, by forcing him to confront the darkness of his long-lost past.
One little lie. A guilty secret. And the man she mustn’t love…
It’s been six years since Isy Forrester left home. In that time, she’s strived to forge a new life for herself in London, away from Jack Mancini, her father’s adopted son, and his devastating betrayal of everything she thought they had.
Only now her father’s in hospital, and the house that’s been in her family for generations is at risk. Forced to return to Devon, she finds Jack as infuriating and stubborn as ever, and just as irresistible. Soon she realises the bright lights of London can’t hold a candle to him.
But Jack has a past, one which he refuses to share with her. And until he can trust her with these deepest secrets, how can she risk her heart? How can she even begin to help him, when he won’t tell her what happened all those years ago – before her father brought him home to Hambledon Hall?
Q&A
Hello Els, thank you very much for inviting me as a guest on your blog 😊
– When and where do you prefer to write?
What I love about life, is that you never stop learning about yourself. This is so true, when it comes to when and where I write. After touring the house (it’s really not that large!), trying to find a spot to call my own, I’ve finally claimed a corner in the sitting room, in a snug by the doors to the conservatory. I have the light from outside, and sight of the garden, which I love. Just perfect, although it’s probably true to say that I can edit my stories almost anywhere. Trains, cafés, even at midnight, while waiting for a lumbar puncture in Exeter hospital. Always good to have a copy of your book at hand, as you never know exactly when you might need it…
– Do you have a certain ritual?
Since I gave up the 9 to 5 job last year, I’ve struggled a bit with finding a routine, but this year I’ve mapped out a timetable for myself, which I’m hoping will work. Once, of course, ‘In Too Deep’ is published, as at the moment I’m busy getting everything ready for its launch on 3 February. Once my book is out in the world, then I’m hoping to put this plan into action: morning for writing fresh material, lunchtime for Social Media, and afternoon for editing. Or art classes. Or walking. Or meeting friends. Something tells me this plan isn’t going to work, but I’m really glad I’ve got one!
– Is there a drink of some food that keeps you company while you write?
Oh dear, my main drink is hot water. Not very exciting, I know, but apparently very good for the stomach, or so people keep telling me.
– What is your favourite book?
That is so difficult, as I’ve enjoyed so many over the years, but ‘Gone With the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell probably made the biggest impact on me, growing up. The story took me away to a world of romance, adventure, drama and a touch of history, as well as discovering that not all books end quite how you’d like them to. It was the first time I realised that I wanted to be a writer. After all, shouldn’t everyone have a happy ever after? It was only later that I realised the ending was perfect, just the way it was. By then, of course, it was too late. I was hooked. I was going to be an author.
– Do you consider writing a different genre in the future?
That’s an interesting question, as ‘In Too Deep’ differs from my first novel, ‘True Colours’, in that there’s a touch of mystery within it, when Isy takes on a little detective work to find out the secret of Jack’s long-lost past. I also touch on a few social issues too, and I’m hoping to continue writing about these and how we are all affected by our experiences in the book I’m currently writing. All will be second chance romances at their heart, as I love these, but I would be interested in taking on a cosy crime story, perhaps, in the future. With oodles and oodles of romance, of course, as that really is what makes my heart tick.
– Do you sometimes base your characters on people you know?
Not intentionally, although I suspect some of my characters do have a sprinkling of the traits and experiences of those I know. I always find it so important to make sure that their careers, for example, are well researched, and I do use family and friends and friends of friends for information. They say, we are all only 6 steps away from the Queen. Although I’ve never tested it, it’s an interesting thought.
– Do you take a notebook everywhere in order to write down ideas that pop up?
I started to but I can be wonderfully scatty, and I kept forgetting where it was. So I tend to have numerous pieces of paper with vital bits of information scribbled on them, floating around my desk or on the floor. Some even make it to the noticeboard – so impressive! May be this year is the year to start again, and put a little order into this chaos? And keep all my thoughts in one place? Sounds like an excellent plan. All I have to do is decide where…
– Which genre do you not like at all?
I can’t bring myself to read about or watch films with too much gratuitous violence these days.
– If you had the chance to co-write a book. Whom would it be with?
I’ve always enjoyed the writing, characterisation and stories of Michael Robotham, ever since I read ‘The Suspect’, and was introduced to Joseph O’Loughlin. If I was ever to change genre and move into writing psychological thrillers, I’d be really honoured to have him as a writing partner.
– If you should travel to a foreign country to do research, which one would you chose and why?
I’ve just planned a trip to New Zealand, which I fell in love with a few years ago. Only this time I’m hoping to do a little research for the book I’m currently writing too. In this, my hero is a volcanologist, so where better to start than The Land of the Long White Cloud?
Thank you, Elly Redding and Rachel’s Random Resources
About the author
Elly Redding is an award-winning romance writer. Having originally written screenplays, her first novel, ‘True Colours’, won the Festival of Romance’s New Talent Award, and third prize in the Independent Author Book Award “Words for the Wounded”, as well as being voted Chill with a Book Readers’ Book of the Month Award and receiving a B.R.A.G. Medallion.
Born in London, she now divides her time, with her husband, between Bedfordshire and Devon, where she loves art, dancing and watching the waves.
Elly is a member of the Society of Authors and Alliance of Independent Authors, and would love to hear from you. She can be found
Author Links
@ellyredding on Twitter
Elly Redding Author on Facebook
Her website is www.ellyredding.com
Book Links
UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QSHpYd
US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FMkRSV
B for Bookreview 