Be Careful What You Wish For...

...or you might get it, goes the old saying. My grandmother was cook in an aristocratic household back in the nineteen twenties. Her finest moment was when she was presented to the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, of The King's Speech fame) after a formal dinner. There was no doubt Gran was good enough to be given the title Chef these days, and at one stage I was keen to follow in her footsteps. Then I discovered how long the hours are when you work in the hospitality business. It wouldn't have left me with either the time or the energy to write, so I soon gave up that idea.

In my July Presents Extra release,  The Count's Challenge, heroine Gwen has no illusions, but a lot of determination. Despite a terrible setback, she is going to make a success of her restaurant in the South of France if it kills her. Aristocratic Etienne isn't going to let things get that far, but her independent streak means he can be nothing more than a sleeping partner in her business - until a shocking discovery makes them both reassess their lives and dreams. Gwen was only too glad to escape from her large and boisterous family back home in Wales and follow her dreams. Feeling isolated and alone, she is too proud to reveal her true feelings to Etienne until it's almost too late. But he has secrets of his own...
I thoroughly enjoyed working The Count's Challenge as it is sheer, sun-drenched escapism full of nightingales and champagne. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! For a chance to win signed copies and other goodies, visit my website, http://www.christinahollis.com for details of how to enter my Summer Competition. Good luck!