A Q&A WITH EMMA BENNET

Lucy is convinced Dylan is the last person she’d ever ask for help. What did you enjoy most about writing their dynamic?

As soon as Lucy and Dylan started their bickering in book 1 of the Castle Cove series, A New Start at the Happily Ever After Bookshop, I knew that book 2 would have to be their story. Lucy’s constant exasperation at Dylan’s laid-back attitude and dad jokes needed its own book and was a joy to write!

Which Castle Cove character would you invite to Christmas dinner?

Monty, the ugliest — but sweetest — snaggle-toothed dog in the world. He would be great company and I think he’d love some pigs in blankets, turkey and roasties. Then we could go for a walk on the beach afterwards.

Without giving away any spoilers, what was your favourite part of writing this book?

Some of the banter between Lucy and Dylan was so fun to write, and I really loved being able to show readers what a sweetheart Dylan is.

What are three essentials you need to get into the festive writing mood? 

I love Christmas and manage to slip into Christmas writing mode even when the weather in particular doesn’t match the scenes I’m writing. Being inspired by one of Ellie Henderson’s Christmas books definitely helps, team that with a hot chocolate and a blanket for perfection.

What do you hope readers feel when they finish Christmas at the First Sip Coffee Shop?

I hope that they feel all Christmassy and ready to get started with their own Christmas preparations, with a smile as they think about Lucy and Dylan’s happily ever after.