Tag Archives: Borteen Bay Secrets

Morton S. Gray: Writing Romance.

This week, I am delighted to be joined by my good friend Morton S. Gray as she talks about writing romance. Over to you, Morton…

Thank you for having me on your blog, Carol. My seventh romantic novel, A New Arrival in Borteen Bay, was published on 23 January 2024 with Choc Lit Publishing, an imprint of Joffe Books.

I sometimes find it quite funny that I’m listed as a romance author. Very often, when I’m writing, I get so carried away with the mystery or the plot of a book that when it comes to the editing stage, I’m often asked to make it much more romantic. I guess it’s the other relationships that make up the story that interest me most.

It’s also a source of fascination to me that we only see people as they appear in front of us, as they are right now and not their history or backstory. We all have our own path through life that makes us who we are, and I think that’s what intrigues writers.

For example, someone looking at me will see a happily married woman with an older son with a lovely partner who has just made me a grandma and a younger son at university. The fourteen years as a solo parent working full time after my divorce from my first husband isn’t visible on the surface at all, and yet those years have had such a huge influence on who I am as a person. But then, taking that a step further, my second marriage is why I believe romance is possible and second chances do come along. I personally have probably lived the plot of many a romance novel!

To give a bit more insight into my take on romance, I thought I would share my favourite romance film, novel, and song. However, it’s tough to choose just one for each of these, so I will give you a selection for each.

Film: Finding You, The Holiday, The Wedding Date.

Novel: Wintercombe by Pamela Belle, Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon, Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft (I’ve read all of these titles many times over).

Song: Breathless by The Corrs, Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift.

Thank you for your post, Morton. Despite watching a lot of films, I haven’t seen Finding You, so I will check it out. I do remember you recommended Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts to me, and I greatly enjoyed reading it, too, as I have each of your romance novels.


About A New Arrival in Borteen Bay

FALL IN LOVE WITH AN UTTERLY IRRESISTIBLE, BRAND-NEW ROMANCE ABOUT FRESH BEGINNINGS AND LETTING GO OF THE PAST.

Skye knows it’s now or never. It’s time for her to reveal herself to the father she’s never met.

So she hops on a plane from Dublin to the English seaside town of Borteen.

But between the father she’s just getting to know and her worried mother, Skye realizes that the past is never that simple as a whirlwind of secrets turns their world upside down.

And now Skye has Adam, the hunky guy next door, to contend with. He’s determined to show her there’s room in her life for love.

Skye thinks they’re better off as friends, but Adam has other ideas. Even when she reveals a secret of her own.

Will Skye allow history to repeat itself? Or will she let go of the secrets of the past and open herself up to the future?

This uplifting and feel-good romance is perfect for fans of Beth Moran, Shari Low, Jessica Redland, Sue Moorcroft or Isabella Connor.

Purchase or discover more here: A New Arrival in Borteen Bay


My review:

I enjoyed returning to the enchanting setting of Borteen Bay and spending time in the company of Buzz, Skye and Adam. While Adam’s actions sometimes seemed impetuous, I felt this was explained as I discovered more about his character and motivation. For me, Buzz was the real star of the story, emerging as a compelling figure with his poignant creation of a labyrinth on the beach, only for it to be erased by the tide – encapsulating both the fragility of life and the enduring spirit of optimism (something he certainly embodies). As the characters come together, the narrative weaves their individual stories, creating a tapestry of resilience, healing, and acceptance. It’s a lovely, gentle read to cosy up with.

Morton’s books are a delight to read and always have a great hook. If you are looking for a new series to fall in love with, I recommend checking them out: The Secrets of Borteen Bay


About the author:

Morton S. Gray lives in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember and penned her first attempt at a novel at the age of fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors.

Morton worked for many years in the electricity industry, developing and training staff. She is a qualified hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She enjoys crafts and history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can find out more about Morton and her work here: website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram


Feel Good Friday with Morton S. Gray.

Welcoming the return of Morton S. Gray to my blog, as she shares her latest novel Sunny Days at the Beach, a fabulous feel-good Friday read:

It’s lovely to have you back, Morton, and I know you have shared your top tip for wellbeing with us before, but for those who missed it, perhaps you could share what you’ve discovered during lockdown: 

 I discovered that a daily long walk of at least 10,000 steps helps my wellbeing tremendously. I am always in danger of telling myself that I don’t have time to spare for my walk, but I have now recognised that it is a necessity and not a luxury. The added bonus is that I actually lost weight during lockdown, which I gather not many people can claim.


Now, to the exciting news! You have a new book out and I can’t wait to read it. Please tell us a little about Sunny Days at the Beach:

Sunny Days at the Beach was published on 18 August 2020. My fourth novel for Choc Lit, Sunny Days at the Beach is a contemporary romance with more than its fair share of intrigue and mystery. The book features Mandy Vanes, who runs Owl Corner Crafts in my fictional seaside town of Borteen. Mandy arrives at work one morning to find teenager, Nick Crossten sitting on the craft centre steps. Nick is distraught as he tells Mandy that his mother has left him home alone and gone off with her boyfriend to start a new life. As if that wasn’t enough, gin distiller, Graham Frankley arrives on the scene and tells the pair that Nick’s mum has written to him to say that he’s Nick’s dad!

Here’s the blurb:

From party nights at the pub to sunny days at the beach …

Craft shop owner Mandy Vanes has always enjoyed a commitment-free singleton lifestyle — in fact, she’s well-known for her wild ways in her small seaside town on the coast.

But when local teenager, Nick Crossten, turns to her for help, Mandy has the opportunity to prove she can be a responsible adult. Although things get tricky when gin distillery owner Graham Frankley comes to town with some unexpected news.

Could this mean that Mandy the party girl is finally ready to grow up?

It sounds great, and I remember Mandy as a minor character from previous Borteen books and so I’m excited she has her own story.

Here are the links to buy Sunny Days at the Beach: Amazon | Choc Lit


Please do share an extract from the story:

Nick glanced up as Mandy approached. His face looked ashen, just as hers had been in her morning reflection and his eyes were hollow and dark ringed too. He was shivering in the cold air.

‘Nick? What’s up?’ She tried to sound bright, even though her heart lurched as she could tell something was terribly wrong.

‘Mum’s gone.’

‘Gone? What do you mean gone?’ All thoughts of herself, her reflection in the mirror and even her sore head fled.

‘Met a man and left with him.’ The unhappy youth shrugged and looked away, as if he didn’t want her to see his expression.

‘But she can’t just leave you. Can she?’

He looked back at Mandy, his eyes full of tears. ‘Well, she has.’ He shrugged again.

‘Are you absolutely certain? She’s not just gone on holiday?’

‘She’s gone, Mand. Gone forever. Said horrid things to me before she went.’ His thin shoulders began to shake, no longer able to hold back the sobs. Mandy didn’t quite know how to react. You thought twice about putting your arm around someone else’s child these days. ‘But who’s going to look after you? Did she at least leave you some money? A phone number for emergencies?’

‘Nope.’ He gulped the bleak word out through his emotion. ‘Said I didn’t deserve anything, that I could support myself with my “poncy” art. Left her keys on the table, took her suitcases and slammed the door.’ He looked up at Mandy, blatant fear in his eyes. ‘What do I do now?’

Mandy sank down to sit on the step next to Nick and an ache started up in her chest in response to his woeful expression. ‘First of all, Nick, your art is wonderful. Never let anyone say otherwise. And you, young man, deserve the best the world can give to you.’

Nick had always appeared scruffy and slightly neglected, but this was the first time she’d seen him looking beaten down by life. He’d always had a ready smile before.

‘What about your dad?’ Her tone sounded falsely bright even to her own ears.

‘Never known a dad. Mum always says I haven’t got one.’

Mandy resisted the obvious retort that he must have been fathered by someone and wondered how Nick’s mother could have been so cruel to her son to say such a thing. She felt a spark of determination growing inside of her. ‘We’ll work this out together. You can come and stay with me for now, until we decide what to do.’


Aw, goodness, that’s moving and I hope life takes a turn for Nick. I know you are always busy but I hope you are finding time to write too, what can we expect from you next?

My next book is a Christmas novella set once more in my fictional seaside town of Borteen. This one features the Borteen solicitor and a woman he meets by chance on the beach.


I loved my last Christmas trip to Borteen, so I will look forward to it. Before you go, please could you answer five of my quick fire questions:

Mountains or beach (though I expect we can guess)? Beach every time – a walk on the beach is good for my soul.
Sweet or savoury? Unfortunately sweet – I love puddings, cakes, chocolate, etc.
Tea or coffee? Coffee, not instant, proper coffee of course.
Trainers or heels? Haven’t worn heels for years, but I tend to wear walking shoes rather than trainers.
Favourite season? Autumn – I was born in September and I often wonder if that’s why I prefer the autumnal days and cooler temperatures.


About the author:

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors.

Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was published after she won the Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Starcompetition. This story follows a woman with a troubled past as she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding her son’s new headteacher, Harry Dixon. The book is available as a paperback and e-book.

Morton’s second book for Choc Lit The Truth Lies Buried is another romantic suspense novel, The book tells the story of Jenny Simpson and Carver Rodgers as they uncover secrets from their past. This book is available as an e-book, paperback and audiobook.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is Morton’s first Christmas novella. It is set in her fictional seaside town of Borteen and follows the story of Pippa Freeman, who runs the Rose Court Guesthouse with her mother, and local policeman Ethan Gibson, as they unravel a family secret as Christmas approaches.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can find out more about Morton and her work via: website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Apricot Plots


An Author Interview with Morton S Gray

Today I am delighted to welcome Morton S Gray to my blog as she celebrates the paperback and audio publication of The Truth Lies Buried.

For those who haven’t read The Truth Lies Buried, what can readers expect from the story?

My tag line is “romance with a mystery to solve” and I guess that sums up The Truth Lies Buried. The book is about the developing relationship between Carver Rodgers and Jenny Simpson, who discover they were both involved in an unsolved mystery from the past. They begin to work together to try to uncover the truth and get closer to each other in the process. Of course, it isn’t all plain sailing for them as a couple, there are a few minefields along the way.

Your novels are set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen Bay. If you wrote me a postcard from Borteen how would you describe the setting?

Dear Carol (and readers),

I’m having a fantastic time in Borteen. I love walking along the promenade to Owl Corner Crafts and having a mooch inside at all the art, woodcarvings and cards. The beach is amazing, wide and sandy. I wish you were here too, we would spend hours exploring the alleyways off the high street with their galleries, gift and food shops. I am drinking coffee in each café in turn to decide which is my favourite and for the evenings there are several lively pubs and even a wine bar. It is a perfect holiday destination and I’ve met some really interesting local people.

Love Mx

As a romantic suspense novel, The Truth Lies Buried has a great hook early on and twists and turns along the way; what comes to you first and how much of the story do you have in mind before you write?

It might surprise you to know how little I have in my mind about a book before I begin to write. All I need is a spark of an idea, in the case of The Truth Lies Buried this was a postcard of a wooden castle amongst trees that became Carver Rodgers’ home, Tree Tops in the book. As I work in this exploratory way, the story unfolds slowly and is as much of a mystery to me as to my readers and that’s just how I like it. I love the feeling as I get to know my characters and the story takes shape – it’s like magic!

Carver Rodgers is a great male lead, if I was meeting him on a date how would I recognise him and where would he take me?

 He is tall, with slate grey eyes, long curly hair and an intriguing scar on one side of his face, which runs over his jawline and down his neck.

Carver would more than likely take you to the Old Ship Inn on the promenade, because he is familiar with the pub and knows that the food is good. He also knows that there will probably be live music later in the evening played by a band he has drummed with in the past. He might even ask you for a dance.

OO You he had me at slate grey eyes! 😉

The Truth Lies Buried is released in paperback and audio today, how will you be celebrating?

Hopefully, I will be meeting up with some writing friends for coffee and cake.

What can we expect from you next?

Mandy Vanes is a character who has appeared in all three of my novels to date. She is a fun character who runs Owl Corner Crafts at the end of the promenade near to the church. I have hinted several times that there is far more to her than meets the eye and I’m currently finishing writing her story, which I hope Choc Lit will want to publish.

Five for fun:

1) CD or record? CD
2) Sweet or savoury? Sweet – I’m a chocoholic.
3) Letter or email? These days email.
4) Early morning or late night? I am definitely at my best in the early morning.
5) Bubble bath or power shower? There is nothing better than a soak in a hot bubble bath ;-).

 Thank you for having me on your blog!

You’re most welcome, I really enjoyed The Truth Lies Buried and wish you every success with the audio and paperback versions. xx


About The Truth Lies Buried

The Truth Lies Buried is already published as an eBook, but is out in paperback and audiobook on 12 March 2019 – today, YIPPEE!

Two children in a police waiting room, two distressed mothers, a memory only half remembered …

When Jenny Simpson returns to the seaside town of Borteen, her childhood home, it’s for a less than happy reason. But it’s also a chance for her to start again.

A new job leads to her working for Carver Rodgers, a man who lives alone in a house that looks like it comes from the pages of a fairy tale – until you see the disaster zone inside …

As Jenny gets to know Carver she begins to unravel the sadness that has led to his chaotic existence. Gradually they realise they have something in common that is impossible to ignore – and it all links back to a meeting at a police station many years before.

Could the truth lie just beneath their feet?

Published by Choc Lit
Buy the book here.

You can read my reviews of Morton’s The Girl on the Beach and The Truth Lies Buried here.


About Morton S Gray

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors.

Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was published after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Starcompetition. The story follows a woman with a troubled past as she tries to unravel the mystery surrounding her son’s headteacher, Harry Dixon. This book is available as a paperback and e-book.

Morton’s second book for Choc Lit The Truth Lies Buried is another romantic suspense novel, the book tells the story of Jenny Simpson and Carver Rodgers as they uncover secrets from their past. This book is available as an e-book and will be issued as a paperback in 2019.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is published on 13 November 2018 and is Morton’s first Christmas novella. It is set in her fictional seaside town of Borteen and follows the story of Pippa Freeman who runs the Rose Court Guesthouse with her mother and local policeman Ethan Gibson as they unravel a family secret as Christmas approaches.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can catch up with Morton on her website, on TwitterFacebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Thank you for stopping by Morton, enjoy your special day and have a slice of cake for me. xx

Remember, Remember … Bonfire Night Memories with Morton S Gray

Continuing the celebration of a special bonfire night in my novel The Purrfect Pet Sitter, I am delighted to welcome fellow Choc Lit and Apricot Plots author, Morton S Gray to my blog to share her bonfire night memories. 

Morton S Gray shares her bonfire night memories:

I have lots of fragments of memories from bonfire nights past:

  • my dad and uncle throwing ‘bangers’ under my aunt and mom’s feet – we wouldn’t dream of doing this now!!!!
  • using my childhood huge rag doll as a guy on a bonfire in our garden and the bonfire stopping the traffic in the road when the wind changed.

  • squashing into my sister’s pushchair at the first big firework display I went to, as I didn’t like the explosions.

I’ve always loved sparklers, writing names and drawing pictures with the light.

These days I’m not keen on fireworks, as my little dog gets so upset by them. We live near a Safari Park and they seem to delight in putting on huge firework displays that sound as if cannons are being fired over the house.

Thank you so much for sharing your memories Morton. I am pleased it wasn’t only my dad who seemed to have a blatant disregard for the Firework Safety Code; he always kept the fireworks in a cardboard box and read the instructions with a match! (Haha, it’s amazing we’ve all survived this long!)

I hope you and your gorgeous dog have a peaceful November 5th this year. It can be a stressful time for our pets can’t it. The display in the Purrfect Pet Sitter is an organised event on a set night, that is advertised well in advance – which I know is preferable to ad hoc firework displays. And  I should point out is the main characters who go along to enjoy the night. The pets Lisa Blake looks after are safely at home with their owners.

I am lucky that my own dogs have all been fine with fireworks, but I know there are many who find this time of year stressful.

For those seeking advice for keeping their pets safe and comfortable, I hope the following links are useful:

About Morton S Gray

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors. Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was e-published in January 2017, after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can catch up with Morton on her website, on TwitterFacebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Books by Morton S Gray

The Girl on the Beach

Who is Harry Dixon?

When Ellie Golden meets Harry Dixon, she can’t help but feel she recognises him from somewhere. But when she finally realises who he is, she can’t believe it – because the man she met on the beach all those years before wasn’t called Harry Dixon. And, what’s more, that man is dead.

For a woman trying to outrun her troubled past and protect her son, Harry’s presence is deeply unsettling – and even more disconcerting than coming face to face with a dead man, is the fact that Harry seems to have no recollection of ever having met Ellie before. At least that’s what he says …

But perhaps Harry isn’t the person Ellie should be worried about. Because there’s a far more dangerous figure from the past lurking just outside of the new life she has built for herself, biding his time, just waiting to strike.

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Read my review | Buy the book 

The Truth Lies Buried

 

Two children in a police waiting room, two distressed mothers, a memory only half remembered …

When Jenny Simpson returns to the seaside town of Borteen, her childhood home, it’s for a less than happy reason. But it’s also a chance for her to start again.

A new job leads to her working for Carver Rodgers, a man who lives alone in a house that looks like it comes from the pages of a fairy tale – until you see the disaster zone inside …

As Jenny gets to know Carver she begins to unravel the sadness that has led to his chaotic existence. Gradually they realise they have something in common that is impossible to ignore – and it all links back to a meeting at a police station many years before.

Could the truth lie just beneath their feet?

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Read my review | Buy the book

Christmas at Borteen Bay

Christmas has a way of bringing family secrets to the surface …

Christmas is a bittersweet time for Pippa Freeman. There are good memories, of course – but some painful ones too.

Then her mother is implicated in a mysterious occurrence in their home town of Borteen, and Pippa wonders if she’ll ever experience a happy Christmas again – especially when a family secret is revealed.

But when police officer and old school friend Ethan Gibson offers his support, Pippa begins to realise that even though her life has been turned upside down, a happy and hopeful Christmas isn’t impossible …

Genre: Romantic Suspense | Publisher: Choc Lit
Buy the book here.

 

Review of Morton S Gray’s Borteen Bay Series

As I am sure you know, I am an avid romance reader. I generally read contemporary romance or romantic comedy, but occasionally dip into other sub-genres too. So this week I am sharing my review of Morton S Gray’s romantic suspense novels, set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen Bay.

The Girl on the Beach

The Blurb:

Who is Harry Dixon?
When Ellie Golden meets Harry Dixon, she can’t help but feel she recognises him from somewhere. But when she finally realises who he is, she can’t believe it – because the man she met on the beach all those years before wasn’t called Harry Dixon. And, what’s more, that man is dead.

For a woman trying to outrun her troubled past and protect her son, Harry’s presence is deeply unsettling – and even more disconcerting than coming face to face with a dead man, is the fact that Harry seems to have no recollection of ever having met Ellie before. At least that’s what he says …

But perhaps Harry isn’t the person Ellie should be worried about. Because there’s a far more dangerous figure from the past lurking just outside of the new life she has built for herself, biding his time, just waiting to strike.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I don’t often read romantic suspense but I am so pleased I picked this book up; it had me hooked right from the start. It is well paced, the characters were likeable – I’m a little in love with Harry Dixon – and the story gripping. I read it over a couple of days. From the early revelations in the book to the action packed ending the story holds you, transporting you to Borteen Bay and into the complex lives of Ellie and Harry. Having said I don’t often read romantic suspense, I now can’t wait to read Morton’s second novel.

Buy the book here.

The Truth Lies Buried

Two children in a police waiting room, two distressed mothers, a memory only half remembered… When Jenny Simpson returns to the seaside town of Borteen, her childhood home, it’s for a less than happy reason. But it’s also a chance for her to start again.

A new job leads to her working for Carver Rodgers, a man who lives alone in a house that looks like it comes from the pages of a fairy tale – until you see the disaster zone inside …
As Jenny gets to know Carver she begins to unravel the sadness that has led to his chaotic existence. Gradually they realise they have something in common that is impossible to ignore – and it all links back to a meeting at a police station many years before.

Could the truth lie just beneath their feet?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I really enjoyed my first visit to Borteen Bay in The Girl on the Beach, and so I was greatly looking forward to reading The Truth Lies Buried. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The two main characters grow as the story progresses, as does your empathy for them as you read. Carver was a good male lead, strong and yet sensitive, with a backstory that explains his state of mind and the manner to which he has become accustomed to living, before Jenny enters (or re-enters his life). He also has a dog, which in my opinion, is a bonus in any book.

The story and action unfold at a steady pace, with some lovely tender moments along the way. With likeable characters, a wonderful setting (I’d quite like to live in Borteen Bay) and a good amount of intrigue to hold you to the end, it’s an absorbing read.

Buy the book here.

I am loving life in Borteen Bay and can’t wait to return to see what mysteries the Morton S Gray will serve up in her next book Christmas at Borteen Bay.

About the Author, Morton S Gray:

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors. Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was e-published in January 2017, after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can catch up with Morton on her website, on TwitterFacebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Oh and before I go my cinema tip, if you enjoy suspense, is A Simple Favour, based on the novel by Darcey Bell. Described as a stylish, post-modern film noir it is well acted, entertaining and kept me guessing.

Thank you so much for the great reads, Morton. My reviews are posted on Amazon and Goodreads. xx