I’m so thrilled today to be helping reveal the cover of the second book from Annette Hannah, The Cosy Little Cupcake Van: due for publication for kindle by Orion Dash on 22nd March, it’s now available for preorder via Amazon. I remember when I helped to reveal the cover of her debut novel, Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Café, in June last year and commented on how gorgeous it looked – and they really have done a beautiful job of this one too, haven’t they?!
Even if you missed that first book, Annette’s name and face might already be familiar – maybe through her work as Press Officer for the Romantic Novelists’ Association, through her lovely book blog Sincerely BookAngels, or you might have enjoyed her company (as I often have, when such things were possible) at a book-related event. I really so wanted to like her debut novel – and ended up loving it so much that it entirely earned its place in my Books of the Year list for 2020, everything I’d hoped it would be and so very much more. I’m so looking forward to meeting Camilla and visiting the Cupcake Van – let’s take a closer look…
A deliciously feelgood romance, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Ali McNamara and Rebecca Raisin!
Camilla’s delicious cakes are the talk of her village. If you need a perfectly iced mouthful of joy, Camilla “Cupcake” is your woman. But after losing her mother, she finds her home and her business in jeopardy. She needs a little helping hand…
Thankfully her friends are always there for her, and when she is given an old ice cream van, Camilla’s dream of a cupcake delivery service is born. Now she can bring happiness – and buttercream frosting – to the whole town.
But when her ex Blake appears back on her doorstep, Camilla must decide if she can trust him again or if her heart might belong to someone else…
Bursting with romance and sprinkled with humour, this is a deliciously feel-good story about one woman putting her life back together, one cupcake at a time.
I can’t wait! Fancy a taster? No calories, I promise…!
Chapter 1
Six months later
‘Camilla Lockley?’ asked the heavyset man who towered over her, blocking out the light as she placed the second of the boxes in the back of the car.
‘Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?’ She slammed the boot shut and made her way to the driver’s seat.
‘I’m from Bingley and Dobbs and I’m afraid we are repossessing this vehicle due to non-payment. The details are all here.’ He shoved a couple of scary-looking legal documents into her hand.
She tried to make sense of them, but the words seemed to dart around the page like ants on a pavement as her nerves got the better of her. The red stamp saying ‘Repossession’ across it though made it quite clear.
‘Can I have the keys please?’
‘Look, there must be some misunderstanding. I’ll be getting paid for this wedding cake in a couple of hours, so I’ll be able to pay this month’s instalment.’
‘I’m afraid it’s gone beyond that, miss, so can I just have the keys and I’ll be on my way?’
Resigned to the fact that this was a fight she couldn’t possibly win she lifted the two square white boxes from the boot, one by one, and carefully rested the heavier one on a sturdy hedge with the smaller one next to it.
‘I don’t suppose there’s any chance you could give me a lift is there?’ She gave him an exaggerated smile that she imagined made her look more delirious than friendly. He didn’t bother to respond and closed the boot with a slam. ‘Would you consider a cake in lieu of payment?’ she shouted to what used to be her little pink Fiat 500 as it sped off.
Yes, this is definitely a book I’m going to really enjoy!
About the author
Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.
She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side. As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her lifelong dream of writing a book.
For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year. After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.
She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places and spending time with her friends and family.