This month we're introducing bookclubbers to author Lesley Pearse. Lesley's latest book Without a Trace is an epic post-war tale of love and hearbreak. If you fancy reading, apply for one of 50 free copies. Furthermore all those who review the book or join the discussion about the book on this thread before 30 September will be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous Breville Pick & Mix Stand & Hand Mixer with accessories worth over £300.
Find out more about the giveaway and Lesley's novels here.Meanwhile we caught up with Lesley and asked her a few questions about her own reading habits:
Q&A with Lesley Pearse
What are you reading now?
LP: A.N. Wilson's The Victorians. You might think this boring but it's enthralling.
What is the last book you bought someone as a gift?
LP: Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. I'm always buying it as a present because it is a very funny book written in the 30s about Country life. An absolute hoot.
Is research a big part of your writing process?
LP: Absolutely. I love history so reading about is a pleasure, but I also like to go to places I'm writing about to get the feel of it.
What's your favourite of your novels to date?
LP: It used to be Never Look Back. But now I think its Belle
Do you have any peculiar writing rituals or habits?
LP: Not really, lots of cups of tea, breaks to clean out the knife box or dead head the roses. Any excuse not to write but have a break.
What advice would you offer to aspiring writers?
LP: Stick at it. So many people start writing and at the first bit of criticism give up. If you want something badly enough you can have it. That is if you practise hard.