Lovely Miriam McGuirk has been such a supporter over the years and I’m delighted to welcome her to Linda’s Book Bag today as part of the blog tour organised by Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources. To celebrate her new book, Miriam has kindly agreed to stay in with me.

Let’s find out more:

Staying in with Miriam McGuirk

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Miriam and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

It is my pleasure to spend time with you, Linda.

Tell me, (as if I didn’t know!) which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

Surprise surprise, I have brought along my newly released novel, Second Chances. I am proud of this book and what an incredible journey bringing these characters and their world to life.

In the world today, community has never been more relevant. We all need a true sense of belonging and sharing.  Readers want to escape and get lost in heart-warming stories. Perhaps it helps them understand their personal experiences of life.

Oh I quite agree!

Second Chances is a feel-good novel, including community spirit, an emotive story, with secrets, and questions, love and family bonds at its heart.

It sounds lovely. What can we expect from an evening in with Second Chances?

I was delighted with this early review from UK Author Elly Redding:

‘Your writing is beautiful and at times poetic, conjuring up descriptions that transport the reader through time and place, into the world of your characters, so perfectly that I felt I was there, with them, on every step of their journey. What’s more, the visualisations remain with you, long after you read that final page. The knowledge and beauty of India was perfectly conveyed, and I fell in love with Boudie and her guest house – what a wonderful woman.’

That makes Second Chances sound so enticing.

What else have you brought along and why?

Hope you do not mind, I have brought a few of my characters from Second Chances with me. They have insisted on sharing food, drink, and music with us this evening.

That sounds great. Tell me more.

Indian spiced salmon and spinach Vol au Vents straight from Colonel Bryce Beckwith’s hot oven, and Tarte Tatin served with lashings of freshly whipped cream. (He is a wonderful cook!)

Colonel Bryce Beckwith can come again!

A bottle of champagne from Boudie’s Fridge (Florence’s sister who runs a boutique B&B in Little Shore).

Oh, there is a knock at the door. I spy through the letter box  Molly has gifted us a record from Peter Sarsted, Where Do You Go To My Lovely.  

Gosh, that’s a blast from my past. I love that song.

And later, my characters wish to dance to Come Fly with Me by old blue eyes—Frank Sinatra—not forgetting, Chattanooga Choo-Choo by Glen Miller.

Well I think you should put the music on and pour some champagne and you and your characters can get the party started whilst I tell readers a little bit more about Second Chances. Thanks so much for being here Miriam.

Second Chances

Second Chances is a touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, UK, following the intertwined lives of the residents who live on the same road.

At the heart of the story is Molly—kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie.

But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly’s new life takes an unexpected turn.

As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances.

The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it’s never too late to make a change.

Second Chances is a poignant, multigenerational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith.

Second Changes was published yesterday, 25th April 2023, is available for purchase through the links here.

About Miriam McGuirk

Born in Dublin, there has been a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through Miriam’s life. She proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage.

Miriam lives in the historical town of Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her Writing Cave where only her characters join her.

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, sea swimming, and walking along the healing coast.

For further information visit Miriam’s website, find her on Facebook and Instagram or follow her on Twitter @Miriam_McGuirk.

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