Saturday, 4 July 2015

Festive Q&As with Rebecca Pugh, Simona and Pat Elliott.





Rebecca Pugh grew up in the green county of Shropshire, with a mind full of fairy-tales and happy endings. Enchanted by true love and Disney Princesses, she decided that no matter what life threw her way, she’d continue to see the world through a child’s eyes. Through the pages of countless books, her adoration of reading blossomed, and it didn’t take long for her to fall under the spell of hundreds of authors’ words. 

Now, Rebecca’s own story has taken a fairy-tale like turn, and at 22, her dream has come true. With her faithful companions: Bonnie the dog, her partner, and her gigantic family by her side, Rebecca is ready to share her stories with readers who enjoy falling in love and losing themselves within beautiful, fictional worlds. 

Rebecca Pugh is the author of women’s fiction and romance, her all-time favourite genres. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good swoon? Her debut novel, Return to Bluebell Hill, was published June 18th 2015 by Carina UK. 






What sits on top of your Christmas tree?


Usually a gold, twinkly star!

Favourite Christmas song?


Merry Christmas Everyone by good old Shakin’ Stevens (TUUUUUUNE!)

Favourite Christmas movie?


Oh, it’s got to be National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I could watch that again and again and AGAIN!

Favourite festive foodie treat?


It’s got to be the sausage balls that Mum makes for Christmas Dinner. Crispy on the outside, scrumptious in the middle. Mm-mm-mmmm!

The best part of Christmas is…


Family. Without a doubt. I love driving home and being greeted by my incredibly excited siblings. The Christmas tunes go on, the dinner gets prepared the night before… It’s magical, and there’s a real buzz in the house that only Christmas can conjure up.

The worst part of Christmas is…


Oh, man. It’s going home. It’s giving everyone a hug and saying goodbye. Each and every year I have to hold back my tears as I walk up the garden path, knowing that yet another Christmas has been and gone. I’m getting teary just thinking about it. *flaps at eyes*

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?


Hmm, this is a toughie. I’m so excitable and pleased with everything that I’m given, but those who know me well enough know that I’m always ecstatic when I unwrap books! I think though, my best and most-used present, was the Kindle Paperwhite that my partner bought a couple of years back. The built-in light has been my angel, and allows me to read for as long as I want when snuggled up in bed and the lights are out.

Worst present? I really can’t think of one! I was bought a skiing Barbie doll one year, a long time ago now, and was a bit horrified because I’d long outgrew them. Still, putting on the skis and the helmet was pretty fun.

When do you do your Christmas shopping?


I usually leave it until last minute, besides a few bits and bobs that I pick up on the odd chance that I think someone will like them. Despite leaving the shopping until last minute, I still miraculously manage to get everything I need before the big day itself. Don’t ask me how, because I don’t have a clue!

Any Christmas Day traditions?


It’s probably not an actual tradition but I always ensure that I’m the first one awake on Christmas morning. I even set my alarm for stupid o’clock, just so I can watch everyone else come downstairs. I like to take a sneaky peek in the living-room too. I still, unbelievably, get that little shiver of excitement when I flick the lights on and see the presents. I don’t care what anybody says, Christmas is just a truly magical day.

Favourite Christmas book?


I absolutely adored ‘Sleigh Bells in the Snow’ by Sarah Morgan. The whole setting of the Snow Crystal resort and the snowy woods worked wonders on my imagination and I just couldn’t put this book down. Romance and Christmas are such a gorgeous combination, and I just don’t think that you can ever go wrong with Sarah Morgan, right?

Favourite Christmassy book cover?


Oh, no! Just one?! Erm… I’m just gonna’ shove a handful at you!



Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?


Eeeeeek! I haven’t made my mind up just yet, but if Holly Martin is planning another Christmas book, then that will probably be at the top of my list. I adore Holly’s books, Christmas-themed ones even more so. Basically, if any of the authors whose covers I’ve popped up there bring out a Christmas book, I’ll be wanting to read it! ;)

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?


I’m still keeping the dream alive for my siblings, so I’d say yes, he’s definitely real!

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?


How I spend every Christmas. Surrounded by my family, laughing and smiling and knowing how lucky we are. It’s my favourite day of the year by far, and I think it always will be.









What sits on top of your Christmas tree?


We used to have this pretty ornament, but it was pretty long, our trees were to tall and we had difficulties putting it on top , And it was never straight, so we decided not to put it on top anymore.

Favourite Christmas song?


There are two. The first one is Shake up Christmas by Train. I just love this song! And then there is Last Christmas, but only the accapella version of a Swiss Acapella band.

Favourite Christmas movie?


Probably The Holiday, I really enjoyed this movie. I love sall and cute Hallmark/ABC family Christmas movies, they are just adorable!!!

Favourite festive foodie treat?


Lots and lots of Christmas cookies!!!!!

The best part of Christmas is…


…being with my family and the Christmassy atmosphere (the lights, the songs, the food, the scents…)

The worst part of Christmas is…


Shops starting to display things in October.

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?


Books!! ;) No, well I got concert tickets for James Blunt once that was awesome!

The worst one, hmmm… I once got an audio book, of a story I really didn’t like, put that person saw the book in my bookshelf and thought I liked it, I guess I should mark my books somehow ;)

When do you do your Christmas shopping?


I try to go present shopping at the end of November, never works out though. So it’d say in the last two weeks, when the busy time at work is over.

Any Christmas Day traditions?


Here in Switzerland we celebrate on the 24th. The evening practically always looks the same. Drinks and snacks, salad, Fondue Chinoise (with meat), opening presents/having fun/talk, soup, dessert and coffee and more conversations.

Favourite Christmas book?


Can I say more than one?!

- A Christmas To Remember by Jenny Hale.
- Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan
- Just For Christmas by Scarlett Bailey

Favourite Christmassy book cover?


A Christmas To Remember by Jenny Hale.

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?


Well, Holly Martin told me about what she has in store for Christmas in a Q&A, really excited about these two books!

I’m also excited about Sarah Morgan’s Chrismas Ever After, love her stories.

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?


Honestly? I can’t remember.







Pat Elliott is the author of All in the Leaves and Leaves for Chloe.

She spent eighteen years of her working life in a magazine company, before becoming self employed as a reflexologist.

She has had factual pieces published on reflexology and on adopting a dog. She has also written a volume of short stories, called 'At Sanctuary's Gate.'

She was born in the Alexandra Palace area of London and currently resides in the Essex countryside, with her husband and adopted terrier. She has a great love for dogs, always delighted when a rescue dog gets a second chance in life. She also loves to paint in watercolour. 




What sits on top of your Christmas tree?


A fairy, with a moustache. My OH did it.

Favourite Christmas song?


Slade's Merry Xmas, Everyone

Favourite Christmas movie?


It's a Wonderful Life

Favourite festive foodie treat?


Brussel Sprouts. Yes, really.

The best part of Christmas is…


Being with someone I love

The worst part of Christmas is…


Guests! Go away! No, not really, there is NOTHING bad about Christmas apart from it ends..

Your best, and worst, Christmas present?


Best present: Watercolour Field Kit

Worst: Water butt

When do you do your Christmas shopping?


After my birthday, which is the end of November.

Any Christmas Day traditions?


Only to enjoy every second..

Favourite Christmas book?


A Christmas Carol

Favourite Christmassy book cover?


Creepy Christmas, Jaimie Admans – cracking story too!

Book sat at the top of your Christmas in July wishlist?


Project Darkly Sparkly, by Miranda Dickinson

When did you find out Santa wasn’t real? Or is he real?


Santa is real. His proper name is Nicholas.

How would you spend your ideal Christmas?


Same as I do every year; with the man I love. Surroundings, food and drink immaterial.



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2 comments:

  1. I love reading this, such a great feature! I love reading about everyone's Christmas traditions, decorations and favourite books :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you're enjoying it Suze :) xx

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