Tag: Her Secret

Kelly Florentia

Kelly Florentia was born and bred in north London, where she continues to live with her husband Joe, and where her novels The Magic Touch, No Way Back, Her Secret ­the last two published by Urbane Publications, are set. Before penning her debut, she wrote for women’s magazines – To Tell a Tale or Two is a collection of her short tales. In January 2017, her keen interest in health and fitness led to the release of Smooth Operator ­– a collection of twenty of her favourite smoothie recipes.

Hi how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge, Kelly. What can I get you at the bar?

K: Hi Anne, thank you so much for inviting me over. I’ll have a gin and tonic, please. A large one.

 A woman after my own heart! I feel I’ve known you for ages but we’ve never met in real life, have we?

K: No we met (virtually) on Twitter shortly after I signed with Urbane Publications.

I remember it well! First impressions?

K: I’ve been told that I’m a very good judge of character. I thought you were lovely and I was right!

Apart from a publisher, do we have any other points in common?

K: A love of writing and reading. I enjoy going to the theatre, too, whenever I can. We both live in London and I think we may both be a little bit addicted to social media.

And we’ve both written collections of short stories. Tell me about your last book?

K: My latest published book is Her Secret (Urbane Publications). It’s the second instalment in the Audrey Fox series, although it can be read as a standalone. I don’t know about you, but I feel a bit bereft when I finish a novel, so it was a joy to reconnect with all the characters from No Way Back whilst penning Her Secret. I’d describe it as a romantic drama with a thriller-esque edge. It’s set in Muswell Hill, north London, and is about real, ordinary people, warts and all. It’s based around the consequences of rushing into marriage and includes secrets, obsessions, old flames, and shoes! Audrey loves her Louboutins and her new husband loves buying them for her. But, of course, that can never be enough… can it?

I did enjoy reading Her Secret. What are you working on now?

K: I signed a book deal with Bloodhound Books a few weeks ago for my fourth novel, so I’m very excited about that. It’s a fast-paced psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and it publishes next February. Currently, I’m working on book five, another psychological thriller. I’m at that exciting stage of planning and plotting and creating characters. I’m more of a planner than a panster. I can’t get excited about a story until I’ve figured out the ending. I then take the most exiting route there! That said, the plot often changes once I get into the crux of the story and inside the character’s heads.

 Well that’s where we differ as I rarely plan as I write. But tell me what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?

K: My dream panel would include Tammy Cohen, Alex Michaelides and S.J. Watson. All three authors wrote outstanding débuts, which I devoured in days. Their psychological thrillers are so intense and twisty and intriguing. As you know, Before I Go to Sleep has already been adapted into film and The Silent Patient is due on the big screen. I think that all novels have the potential to be made into films or TV dramas. The Mistress’s Revenge by Tamar Cohen remains a firm favourite of mine, and I’d love to see it on the box one day.

Now that lockdown has been eased, what are you most looking forward to?

K: Getting my hair cut, although husband has told me that he likes it long now! Going out for dinner with family and friends, although I know that won’t be happening for quite a while. Going to the library to get away from it all and write in peace!

Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?

K: Live in the moment and worry less about the future, especially the what-ifs and things I can’t change.  

K: Thank you so, so much for inviting me over, Anne, I’ve really enjoyed our chat!

It’s been a real pleasure.

You can find out more about Kelly Kelly Florentia here and follow her on Twitter @kellyflorentia

Holiday Reading

My thoughts on some of the novels I’ve recently read.

The Summer of Impossible Things

by Rowan Colman (Ebury Press)

A beautifully written, accomplished novel that captivated me from the very first pages. Narrated by Luna who, with her sister, Pia, makes a trip to Brooklyn after their mother’s suicide to sell off the building that had been her home and workplace. There they find their mother had sent them film reels, the first of which reveals she was the victim of a violent rape and that Henry who has brought Lana up, is not her biological father. Coupled with this horrifying revelation is Lana’s discovery that she can slip from her present back to 1977 where she meets her mother pre-rape. Lana is determined to change the course of history, to save her mother even if it means wiping out her own existence. Go with the flow on this one and fall in love with the characters delivered with such beautiful prose and brilliant structure.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman (HarperCollins)

Judging by some readers’ comments, this is every much a Marmite book and fortunately I love Marmite. I bought the book as a treat for myself after Christmas and before it became a prizewinner. I love the narrative style and the quirky protagonist. Although I guessed most of the “surprises”, it didn’t detract from my appreciation as the quality of writing is superlative and the path Eleanor treads is captivating. A superbly accomplished début.

Reservoir 13

by Jon McGregor (Fourth Estate)

Another book I bought as a treat – and I knew nothing about the author or the premise of the book which, it transpired, is how the disappearance of a teenage girl on holiday in the area affects that community over a number of years. Each chapter begins with New Years Eve and the celebrations – or lack of them. Each year the inhabitants of the small village reveal a little more of their lives and how they have been changed. I found the writing spellbinding, reminiscent of Dylan Thomas.

Her Secret

by Kelly Florentia (Urbane Publications)

Although this is the sequel to No Way Back, which I haven’t read, I felt it read well as a standalone and there is plenty of backstory interwoven into the narrative to inform the reader. The protagonist, Audrey Fox, is newly married and enjoying life until she is told a secret that has enormous repercussions on her life and marriage. Lies are revealed and lives are shattered. Not my usual genre but perfect if you prefer mature (in age) heroines.

Whistle in the Wind

by Emma Healey (Viking Books)

Initially I found Emma Healey’s second novel difficult to get in to – it was a slow start for me. It deals with the disappearance then reappearance of a teenage girl on a painting holiday with her mother. Lana, aged 15, has been severely depressed and her mother, Jen, is at her wits end but determined to do or try anything to find out what happened to her daughter during the days she was missing. Lana gives up on school, her friends and sleeps with her light on. I didn’t particularly empathise with the mother whose actions and reactions irritated me at times. By far the most sympathetic character is the father. However it was the quality of the writing which kept me reading – and (no spoilers) the climax of the novel makes it all worthwhile.

Wayland’s Revenge

by Lesley Lodge (Matador)

Historical fiction isn’t my usual read and I wasn’t sure what to expect with Wayland’s Revenge. However, I needn’t have worried as after the first chapter or so I was totally engrossed. The narrative is fast moving and the characters sympathetically portrayed especially the bereaved Wayland and his traumatised son. Teaming up with his friend, Alun, a Welsh Baker, Wayland and his son set off on a quest to find his dead wife’s murderer only to end up trapped in the Siege of Colchester where their own lives are threatened.

The Kindness of Strangers

by Julie Newman (Urbane Publications)

If you look at the front cover of this book, you’ll see I rather enjoyed it! “An intricate portrayal of love and loss, redemption and revenge which will stay with you long after the final page.” This is another book for those who like characters who are mature and come from a variety of backgrounds. Be prepared for a narrative that will shock and surprise you.