Blurb:

It’s going to be a hectic Christmas. Perfect timing for love.

Londoner Aron Wimpole has been taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the last two years. He’s enjoyed the taste but when his beloved grandmother, the formidable Beatrice Wimpole summons him home to help plan her wedding to Professor Higgs, he quickly jumps on a plane for a two-week stay. 

The pull of home is strong, making Aron wonder if he’s really committed to New York…and then Paul Higgs strolls back into his life. Aron can’t avoid him—they’re co-wedding planners and everything must run like clockwork. And besides, Aron’s determined to show Paul what he missed out on when he walked away from him two years ago. All he has to do is to keep control of his feelings.  

One flaw in this plan is that handsome prizewinning photographer Paul seems more than willing to pick up where they left off.  But Paul’s bravado masks deeper commitment fears. Ones that threaten to ruin both of their lives.

But Aron’s got to ignore all that and help deliver the wedding to end all weddings. 

It’s going to be a hectic Christmas.

AVAILABLE NOW – https://geni.us/BestOfTimes-GRR

*****

Q&A:

What inspired you to write this book?

The Best of Times is the ninth and final instalment in my Queens Crescent series. You could say I’ve been working up to this for some time. 

I am a planner so the bones of the book were created two years ago. There were many forms of the story before this one including Aron being a tutor who worked with the Professor to create a Dickens theme park. Yes, I know. My editor stepped in thankfully.

From starting the series I wanted Mrs Wimpole and the Professor to be the beating heart of the little street and to have an elevated role in the finale. Casting two main characters as their relatives was the perfect way for me to do that without it becoming an indulgefest. 

Plus I really like the second chance trope. (C’mon, we’ve all got that ex that makes us wonder what it would feel like if we crossed paths again.)

A thing I admire in other writers is bringing characters back for a finale. Lucy Lennox inspired me big time. A wedding is the perfect way to do that. I certainly wasn’t going for a funeral. Could you imagine? Merry Christmas everyone.

Finally, Christmas itself. I love the holidays and they are special to Queens Crescent. 

So a wedding, Christmas, second chance trope and cameos from sixteen men. Not a bad list to be checking off. 

What was your writing process for this book?

I have pretty much the same process for all my books. I am very much a planner. About ten years ago I got my Masters in TV and Radio Scriptwriting. As scriptwriting can be far more collaborative than novel writing, we were strongly encouraged to plot. 

And it’s stuck. There’s always a spreadsheet. Then I create the characters. I’d already been having ideas for Aron and Paul while writing other books so I had a head start. I write three or four page back stories for everyone. Let’s find out how we can really torture them before their HEA.

Following that I’ve probably got the bare bones for a story so I’ll plot it all out to make sure it’s got structure. I should have a good idea of what’s happening now and can hit the first draft. This is when the real story comes to light and there are always lots of new ideas to bring in. I do find the first draft a slog at times. It has to be said.

Next up is editing. I love this stage. Refining things and getting some good lines in. I really enjoy writing dialogue. 

The final stage is the dreaded List of Doom. An ever-growing collection of words I use far too frequently. (750 “was’s” anyone?)

If I survive making all those changes, then it’s off to the editor with the manuscript. 

Where do you usually write?

I’m lucky enough to have a study. It sounds very grand. It’s a small bedroom that I’ve converted. I love it though. I decorated this year and changed the layout so I’m looking out of the window instead of a blank wall. 

My house backs onto some woods. I often see squirrels, birds and sometimes deer who don’t mind coming really close to the house and eating all my plants. I love it though. Makes me feel like a Snow White haha.

That said, if I’m writing a first draft, I’ll usually lie on my bed with my laptop. Don’t know why. Editing and other things are fine at the desk. First draft, slobbing out. Hey I don’t make the rules. I just live by them. 

Now that you’re finished with this book, what is next on your schedule?

I’ve got a few things planned for 2025. I’ve recently completed a story for an own voices anthology that is coming out in March. 

Then I’ll be back later in the year with a soccer series that is in the planning stages at the moment. I haven’t got much detail to give you on that one yet I’m afraid. It’s a hard job scrolling through endless pictures of hot sportsmen to find just the right inspiration. Please believe me. 

At Christmas I’ll be launching another new series which will be connected to the world of Queens Crescent. We may not have seen the last of Mrs Wimpole and the Professor. For up-to-date news, subscribe to my newsletter at www.kristianparker.com. There you can access tons of free stories including the series Queens Parade.

*****

Author Info:

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Newsletter & ten free stories including series Queens Parade: www.kristianparker.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld

TikTok: @kparkerwriter

Insta: @kparkerwriter

~