Today, I am pleased to welcome author Angela Barton to my blog, as she shares an uplifting extract from her latest novel, You’ve Got My Number.
Welcome to my blog, Angela. How are you keeping in this strange new world? Do you have a top tip to promote wellbeing?
For me, the key to keeping sane in these unprecedented times is to stay occupied. I’m lucky that I enjoy being creative, so I write and sew. I’ve also started making clay earrings that I paint and seal when dry, so I have plenty to do throughout these long days in isolation. Now the weather’s improving I’m getting outside in the fresh air of the garden to read and weed! In the evenings I’m usually curled on the sofa with tea and chocolate while watching a Netflix series, a documentary or a movie.
Tell us a little about your latest novel:
My latest novel is called You’ve Got My Number. It’s a story about how different people react when they can’t be with the person they desire. One of my characters fights dirty! He tells a dreadful lie to try and get his own way. Another of my characters puts others before herself, to the detriment of her own wishes. It’s a story full of drama, unrequited love, deceit, romance, betrayal, crime and of course, that heinous lie.
I’m also very happy that my two dogs play a part in You’ve Got My Number and will be immortalized in a book. Harlyn, my Brittany spaniel died last November and Brook, my Springer, died suddenly this April. She has a starring role on the book cover, which is befitting for the diva that she was! Both were fifteen years old and had wonderful lives, which helps with the grieving process.
I am so very sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to lose your beloved dogs. How wonderful and befitting that the memory of your girls will live on through your writing.
Could you share an uplifting extract from your book?
“‘Come on, slow coach. We’re nearly there.’ Denise was panting as she spoke.
Sam was lagging behind. With his head bowed, he pushed his chubby hands onto his bare scuffed knees with each laborious step he had taken up Parliament Hill. Simon was a little way ahead with their elder son, Peter. It was a Sunday afternoon on a warm sunny blue-skied day and the melody of an ice cream van tinkled up the hill.
Denise was always happiest when surrounded by her family. That day, they’d been exploring Hampstead Heath. Living close by meant that over the years they’d already discovered most of its wonderful secrets. Hidden glens, ponds obscured by leafy willows, crooked trees for small boys to climb and, best of all, the stunning expansive views from the top of Parliament Hill. The boys loved visiting the adventure playground and watching the entertainers, clowns, puppets and magicians. Fairs visited on summer bank holidays and Simon took them fishing on the calm lakes. When each summer was almost over and the hint of autumn floated in the breeze, they’d pick a basket of blackberries to freeze and cook throughout the winter months. It was a wonderful place to people-watch, fly kites, share picnics or just to wander and talk.
An excited yell from the top of the hill drew Denise’s attention upwards. She shielded her eyes and laughed when she saw Simon and Peter waving their arms above their heads, having reached the summit. She stopped and waited until Sam caught up.
‘Mummy, can we have an ice cream when we go back down?’
‘Of course, but let’s play king of the castle and sit on the top of the hill first.’
‘Can we sit on our favourite bench?’
‘If it’s free we can.’
Denise had held out her hand to her youngest son, which he grasped.
‘Mummy?’
‘Yes, darling?’
‘Can I have a piggyback?’
She chuckled. ‘Mummy is very old and doesn’t have your young legs. I can’t carry a little boy as well.’
‘I’m not little. I’m four.’
‘Compared to Mummy and Daddy, you’re little.’
‘And Peter?’
‘Yes, and Peter.’
‘Mummy?’
Denise was panting. ‘Yes’
‘How old are you?’
‘Hmm, well you shouldn’t really ask a lady how old she is, but because I know you can keep a secret, I’m thirty-two.’
‘Mummy?’
‘Yes, Sam.’
‘If you’re thirty-two and Uncle Daniel is your twin, then he is thirty-two too!’ Sam giggled and repeated, ‘Thirty-two too, two too.’
‘That’s right. There are no flies on you, are there?’
Sam had looked at his arms and bent double to survey his legs. ‘No.’
‘No, it means… never mind. Look, we’ve made it.’
Simon had an arm draped around his elder son’s shoulders.
‘Hello, you two,’ said Denise.
‘Beat you,’ Peter teased.
‘Mum is very old and has thirty-two legs,’ said Sam. ‘No, I mean her legs are thirty-two and old, so I had to stay with her.’
Simon laughed and kissed her cheek. ‘Sexiest old legs I’ve ever seen,’ he’d whispered, tapping her bottom.””
Thanks so much for that. I have read You’ve Got My Number and so I am delighted to be able to share my review.
I loved this book; it hooked me right from the start and held me all the way to the end. Likeable characters you’ll be happy to spend time with, a wonderful setting and two adorable dogs! The plot unfolds with shock, intrigue and, of course, a growing romance. I always enjoy Angela Barton’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. A great read for a little escapism, just what everybody needs right now.
Links to buy: Amazon | Goodreads | Kobo
I’m sure you can tell I am a fan of your books. What can we expect from you next?
I’ve had a difficult year, so my writing has taken a back seat. If I could find something positive from self-isolation, it would be that I’m writing again. We all wished we had more free time to do what we wanted, and now the government is ordering us to do just that! Such bizarre times – we’re actually living through something that will be documented in history.
I loved writing Arlette’s Story and all the research that went in to the book. World War 2 in France has become a bit of a passion for me, so I have ideas for a couple of new novels. History mixed with fiction needs to be accurate. Not only for our readers, but also to respect and acknowledge the sacrifices people have made, that enable us to be free today.
About the Author:
Angela Barton was born in London and grew up in Nottingham. She is married with three grown up children and adorable five-year-old twin granddaughters. She is passionate about writing both contemporary and historical fiction and loves time spent researching for her novels. In 2018 Angela signed publishing contracts for three of her completed novels with Choc Lit’s new imprint, Ruby Fiction.
In addition to writing, Angela also relaxes by making landscapes using free motion sewing on a machine. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a reader for their New Writers’ Scheme. Angela is also a member of Nottingham Writers’ Studio, the Society of Authors and Ellipses and Ampersands’, a fiction critique group in Nottingham.
Discover more about Angela Barton here: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Ruby Fiction | Angela is also a member of Apricot Plots.
Don’t miss author, Caroline James, up next sharing an uplifting extract from her novel, Hattie Goes To Hollywood. xx
