Simon & Schuster Spring Blogger Evening 2016

I was delighted to receive the invitation for the Spring Blogger Evening held on the 16th March at Simon & Schuster HQ. I couldn't quite believe how fast the year had gone since the last one which I really enjoyed, details of this can be found here. What was even more amazing was that two of the authors from last year had won awards from the RNA, Milly Johnson won Best Romantic Comedy for her fabulous 'Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe', and Iona Grey won Best Historical Romance for 'Letters to the Lost' so I knew I would be in for a special evening.

The event started with a little mingling and soft drinks and nibbles, it was lovely to get together with bloggers I had met from the previous event and also to meet new people from groups such as book connectors and twitter etc, it was great to see these profile pics come to life. I also enjoyed catching up with Isabelle Broom, author of the lovely summer read, 'My Map of You,' who has named a character in her second book after me which is very exciting.

Myself and Isabelle Broom

L-R Myself, Author/Blogger Vicki Bowles, Author Isabelle Broom & award winning librarian Sam Everett  

                                                             


Sara-Jade then called us into the other room where our four authors were sitting at the top table with editor Clare Hay.

Authors from left to right are Penny Parkes, Paige Toon, Holly Hepburn and Juliet Ashton, also another fab new author (not pictured) Georgia Clarke had just flown into the country and was introduced to us.

Clare welcomed us all and then each author read an extract from their book starting with Juliet Ashton and 'These Days of ours.' I have been lucky enough to read this book already and will be posting my review on paperback publication day which is the 7th April. The book is a love story about two people who have known each other since they were five but certain situations prevent them from getting together, the story is told through a series of events such as weddings, funerals and christenings which was a unique way of writing that I really enjoyed. Click here to buy.

Next to speak was Holly Hepburn about her new novella 'Summer at the Star and Sixpence' which will be published on 25th April. This is the second in the Star and Sixpence series and follows on from Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence, I haven't read any of Holly's books before and am really looking forward to this romantic summer novella but will buy the first one before I read this as apparently a secret from the first one will be revealed in the second. Click here to buy/Pre-order.

Then it was Paige Toon's turn to read from her new book which is called 'The One We Fell in Love With.' I have met Paige before at her book launch for 'The Sun in her Eyes' and was able to tell her that one of her previous books 'Thirteen Weddings' inspired me to take up a photography course, I haven't finished the course yet because blogging is taking up so much of my time, I love it though. I'm really looking forward to reading this book about three triplet sisters who fall in love with the boy next door. This will be published on the 19th May. Click here to Pre-order.

Last but not least was the turn of Penny Parkes and her debut novel 'Out of Practice' which is about a Doctors' Surgery with not one but two dishy doctors. This book sounds hilarious and will be published on 28th July so this is a really advanced copy. Click here to pre-order.

After the readings, Clare asked the authors questions and the audience were invited to join in. Then we went for more mingling, a veritable feast was laid out on the table and champagne corks could be heard popping and delicious cupcakes were available for munching.

We were then given goodie bags which were bulging with lovely treats including to my utmost delight, a copy of each and every one of these amazing new books and we were also invited to help ourselves from the other wonderful books stacked on the tables. We were in booky heaven.

The authors very kindly agreed to sign the books including Georgia Clarke who signed the sample we were given of her new book entitled 'The Regulars'.

                                              

After more mingling the night was over so quickly and we were soon having to say goodbye. On my way out I was taking a picture of the lovely authors and they invited me to be in it so although it looks like I'm photobombing I am actually meant to be there.  Thanks once again to Sara-Jade Virtue and the Books and the City team for throwing another fantastic and memorable event. Here's to the next one.

                                                       

Sincerely

Book Angel x