Guest Author ~ Kathryn Freeman

I am delighted to introduce to Jaffareadstoo, Choc Lit Author

Kathryn Freeman

Hi, Kathryn, welcome to Jaffareadstoo...

Thank you Jo, (and Jaffa of course) so much for inviting me onto your lovely blog. To help celebrate the paperback publication of A Second Christmas Wish, I’ve chosen the following extract to share with you. It features William, Melissa’s shy young son, having his first lesson with his new tennis coach, ex-professional tennis player Daniel McCormick. 

Daniel was enjoying his session with William. At some point during the warm-up games and the chats he’d instigated during them, the boy had forgotten to be shy. He’d also begun to demonstrate an uncanny eye for the ball.

‘You know you could be a really good tennis player if you’re willing to stick with it,’ he told him as they collected the balls up after the final exercise.

‘Yeah, sure.’ William focused on tipping two balls from his racket into the ball carrier.

‘You don’t believe me?’

His head shot up guiltily. ‘Yes, Sir, I believe you.’

‘That’s good.’ When his head began to drop again, Daniel tapped him on the shoulder to regain his attention. ‘You’ve got a good eye and fast feet. Those are two things you can’t learn. The rest is only technique and practice.’

William took his time to consider this. ‘Will I be as good as you when I’m older?’

Laughter rumbled in Daniel’s chest. ‘Maybe. It depends how badly you want it.’ He took hold of William’s racket and pressed the strings. ‘It would help if you had a decent racket. Perhaps next month you can ask Father Christmas for one.’

William’s face immediately shuttered. ‘He doesn’t exist.’

‘Who told you that?’

‘My dad.’

Daniel already disliked Lawrence Raven from the few hints Alice had dropped about Melissa’s ex. Now he wanted to punch his lights out. ‘So your dad’s the world expert on Father Christmas, is he?’

William frowned. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Tell me, what does your mum say about Father Christmas?’

‘She says he’s real.’

‘Clever lady. And do you get any presents on Christmas Day?’

‘Yes. She says they’re from Father Christmas, but I reckon they’re from her.’

Daniel hoisted his tennis bag over his left shoulder – the right still bugged him now and again – and picked up the ball carrier. ‘Strikes me you need some evidence to decide who’s right, your mum or your dad. How about you write to Father Christmas and ask for a racket, but don’t tell your mum about it. If you get one on Christmas day, you’ll have your answer.’

About the book:

A Second Christmas Wish is now available to purchase in both paperback and eBook format from all good book retailers and platforms. Click HERE for buying options. 

Choc Lit
1 November 2017

Do you believe in Father Christmas?

For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table.

And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists.

But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true …

Author Contact details

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Jaffareadstoo has a wonderful festive feel on this cold, wintery day.

Huge thanks to Kathryn for spending time with us and for sharing her lovely extract from

 A  Second Christmas Wish.

 

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