Author Kandy Shepherd is dropping in and sharing how she researches for writing and about her new book, Second Chance Under the Mistletoe.
What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this book?
Second Chance Under the Mistletoe is a Christmas reunion story set in London, UK.
I lived in London for several years, which I loved. My father was English, and we still have family and good friends there. However, although I visit quite regularly, I haven’t been in London for Christmas for some time.
I love everything about Christmas in England: the decorations, the celebrations, the way the shops are decorated, the shopping, the cold weather food, the general air of good will. I want to be there at Christmas again!
But while researching for this story, I was delighted to discover both the temporary outdoor ice skating rinks in London and surrounds and the number of Christmas fairs. I make full use of ice-skating as a way to bring together my hero and heroine, who haven’t seen each other for twenty years. (And they shop at the Christmas fairs too, just like I would!)
I chose to have Natalie and Jon skate on the ice rink at Hampton Court Palace. The magnificent palace, said to be Henry the Eighth’s favourite palace, is one of my favourite places to visit when I’m visiting England. I thought it a very romantic setting for a couple who haven’t seen each other for twenty years to—perhaps—fall in love all over again.
I hope you enjoy visiting London at Christmas as much as I enjoyed researching and writing about it.
About the Author
Kandy Shepherd is a best-selling, award-winning author of contemporary romance. Her heartfelt, passionate stories are set in exciting locations around the world and are published in multiple languages. Kandy believes in love-at-first-sight and real-life romance—she and her husband of many years decided to spend their lives together after three days! She loves it when readers tell her that her books make them laugh and make them cry. Kandy lives near Sydney, Australia with her husband and numerous four-legged friends.
Natalie is having a nightmare Christmas. Her daughter, Clem, has invited her dad over from Australia—and Natalie hasn’t seen her ex, tycoon Jon, for twenty-two years! They agree for the sake of their daughter to pretend to be the perfect family, but Natalie soon discovers the spark between them never died! After two decades of hurt, can she risk her heart for a second chance—or is this festive fling just for the holidays?
Congratulations on the new book release. I like the sound of this story. Sounds intriguing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly! I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for having me on your blog.
DeleteI love the pictures! Very cool way to research a story. I love seeing how everyone's creative process is just a little different :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Meradeth. I am quite visual and really like using images in research. I have a Pinterest page for each book I write.
DeleteCongrats and best of luck to Kandy! I like the sound of this Christmas reunion story.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mandy. I hope you enjoy the story of you get a chance to read it!
DeleteWhat a joy to research! And what a story. Blessings and hugs, my dear.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment, Kirsten!
DeleteNever been a world wide traveler but if I could, I would visit London for sure. Thanks for stopping by the blog
ReplyDeleteLondon is a marvellous destination, Pam. I hope you get there one day. (But home is always the best!)
DeleteI visited London for the first time this fall. It's a very magical place. I can only imagine how gorgeous it is at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteHow nice you got to visit London, Elizabeth. It is fun at Christmas, I want to be there again one year!
DeleteWhat a lovely way to bring your memories into great storytelling. Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a lovely way of putting my process! Thank you so much, Darla.
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