Today, fellow Apricot Plotter and long time author friend Eva Glyn joins me to celebrate the release of the paperback version of her novel, The Missing Pieces of Us.

Tell us about the feel-good moments in The Missing Pieces of Us:

In many ways, it is the ultimate feel-good book because it shows that whatever the depths of grief, loss and mental illness human beings have to suffer, there can be a rewarding and fulfilling life at the end of the tunnel. Robin has his breakdown at a relatively young age when the mother whose carer he is dies and he doesn’t cope at all, but by the time Izzie meets him again twenty years later, although he’s going through another blip, he is a far stronger man with a huge capacity for happiness, laughter and love.

There are plenty of small feel-good moments as the book moves along; memories of munching Jaffa Cakes after spending hours in the sea, fish and chip suppers at the kitchen table, and of course, the wonderful tree in the woods where the children write to the fairies and they actually reply.

Share a review that has made you smile:

I’ve been so lucky and had some wonderful reviews of the book and many of them made me smile, but none more so than this one from book blogger Being Anne:

The story is quite beautifully written and perfectly paced. This is a book that you feel and experience rather than read – the whole emotional content is quite perfectly handled, and there were times when I physically ached for the two central characters. The author really takes the reader under their skin – you might not understand what happened any more than they do, but you feel their hurt and loss with the same intensity.

The characters are wonderfully handled, but so is the setting. A faerie tree is the perfect central focus to the story – much of the key action in the story takes place around it, near it or focused on it. It’s vividly described – with its decoration and trinkets left by people hoping for a little magic – and I love the box where children leave personal messages for the faeries. There are pagan themes, but nothing that would put anyone off for an instant – none of us can be averse to a little magic at times, and the story itself is very much of the modern world.

This is essentially a story about two people – two people that you grow to deeply care about – and how they deal and cope with trauma and loss, its impact on memory, and the possibility of second chances when hope seems to be gone.

The Missing Pieces of Us, the blurb:

When Robin and Izzie meet again twenty years after their brief affair they realise their memories of it completely different. But who is right? And how can they build a future without knowing what happened in the past? Links to purchase can be found here.

That is a wonderful review. Do you have much time to read, if so, where is your favourite place to enjoy a good book?

I find it hard to read when I am writing a new book because my characters tend to inhabit my mind, but I have spotted a natural down time when they seem to go to get their lunch, so if they do I creep away with a cup of tea and put my feet up on my bed with my Kindle for half an hour.

Fabulous, finally here are five quick-fire questions for fun:

Favourite biscuit?
Not easy as I’m gluten intolerant, but M&S’s GF millionaire shortbread is pretty special.

Swimming pool or sea?
Sea, every time, now I live in Cornwall. I just haven’t been in often enough this summer but the beaches have been so crowded.

Laptop or notepad?
I write using software so it’s my laptop every time. I use notebooks for collecting my thoughts, jotting down ideas, and exploring characters off the page.

Early morning or late at night?
Early morning. I start writing before six most days so I’m good for nothing by about four o’clock.

Trainers or heels?
Trainers. I’ve never been able to wear heels – I just can’t balance on them.

About the author:

Eva Glyn writes emotional women’s fiction inspired by beautiful places and the secrets they hide. She loves to travel, but finds inspiration can strike just as well at home as abroad. Her books are published by One More Chapter, an imprint of Harper Collins.

Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with her husband of twenty-six years. She also writes romance with a twist of mystery as Jane Cable.

Discover more about Eva Glyn: Facbook | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter sign up