Everything Changes But You: The Quiz

If you've read Everything Changes But You, you can now take the quiz over on Goodreads (and if you haven't, it's available here *cheeky plug*)

The quiz has ten multiple choice questions to see how much you know Ally and co!

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: Bonus Scene - Karaoke Night

In Everything Changes But You, Ally and her friends meet up for a weekly karaoke night, so I thought it would be fun to write an extra scene during one of these nights. It’s set before the book begins, so don’t worry – there aren’t any spoilers!

*     *     *     *     *

Ally pushed her way into The Farthing. The familiar chatter of its patrons and the jubilant blast from the fruit machine as it chugged out the ten pound jackpot greeted her as she scanned the pub for her friends. She was late as usual and the others were already seated at a table towards the back of the pub, a good distance away from the sweaty karaoke host. They were already working their way through a bottle of wine but a fourth empty glass awaited Ally’s arrival.

‘You finally made it then.’

Ally plonked herself onto a stool, looking from her sister to her watch and back again. The karaoke host was still setting up his gear so she wasn’t that late.

Not by Ally’s standards anyway.

‘What’s up with you?’

‘Nothing.’ Freya, her face twisted into a grimace that was never usually in place for a night out, grabbed the bottle of wine, glugging a good measure into Ally’s glass before topping up the other three. ‘It’s just that we’ve been sat here waiting for you.’

‘But you do that every week.’ Ally glanced at the others. Francine and Dee didn’t appear to have taken offence at her lateness in the slightest.

‘Exactly!’ Freya dumped the now empty bottle on the table and rose to her feet. ‘We need more wine.’

Ally watched as her sister marched away from the table. ‘I’m sorry, guys. I didn’t mean to be late.’

‘Don’t worry, chick.’ Francine stretched across the table to give Ally’s hand a squeeze. ‘It isn’t you she’s upset with.’

‘She broke up with Steve.’ Dee wrinkled her nose. ‘Again.’

‘Oh no.’ Ally looked back towards Freya, who was now at the bar chatting while she waited to be served. ‘She must be devastated. She was sure it was going to work out this time.’

‘She says that every time.’ Dee shrank under the glare of Ally and Francine. ‘What? She does. They’ve been on-off for three years now.’

‘So she must really like him to keep giving it another go,’ Francine pointed out.

‘Poor Freya. Why didn’t she tell me?’

‘It only happened this afternoon. We only found out twenty minutes ago.’ Dee’s eyes darted towards the bar. ‘But shh, she’s coming back.’

Ally, Dee and Francine adopted an air of nonchalance as Freya approached the table, striking up an impromptu conversation about the weather.

‘It has been unusually warm today, hasn’t it?’

‘You’d think it was summer.’ Ha ha ha.

‘I’ve been sweating like a pig all day. Oh, hey Freya. We didn’t see you there.’

‘Yes you did.’ Freya placed the new bottle of wine on the table and took her seat. ‘You’ve also told Ally about Steve.’ Freya placed a hand on Ally’s arm. ‘Sorry I was a bit of a cow with you.’

Ally gave a shrug. ‘It’s ok. I’m sorry about Steve.’

Freya gave a wave of her hand. ‘Don’t worry about it. I’ve decided to stop moping and move on.’

‘Good for you, chick,’ Francine said. ‘That’s the spirit. You’ll find someone else in no time.’

‘I already have.’ Freya grinned at her friends. ‘I’ve just met the funniest guy. Seriously, I just nearly wet myself.’

‘You’ve met somebody else?’ Ally was gobsmacked. She knew her sister had had more than her fair share of boyfriends – the girl was a walking relationship disaster – but that was seriously fast work, even by Freya’s standards.

‘Yep. Just now at the bar.’ Freya scanned the pub, wriggling her fingers in a wave towards a table full of men. ‘His name’s Rob and he is gorgeous.’

‘Ooh, does he have a friend who’s single?’ Dee strained her neck, trying to get a good look at the table across the pub.

‘Who knows? Probably. I’ll ask him when we go on our date.’

‘You have a date lined up already?’ Ally didn’t know whether she should be impressed or horrified.

‘We’re meeting up on Friday night.’ Freya gave her hair a self-satisfied flick. ‘Anyway, looks like Keith’s set up. What are we singing?’

Ally picked up her glass and raised an eyebrow at her sister. ‘The Lady Is A Tramp?’

Freya picked up her own glass and clinked it against Ally’s. ‘She sure is. But what are we singing?’

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: Fun Facts Part 2

I’m a huge fan of stories with a sprinkling of magic and a lot of films and TV shows inspired the themes of Everything Changes But You (you can see my 'inspiration from film and TV' post here). As a homage to these, I tried to put a bit of each film or TV show into the book.

• The Wizard of Oz: There are several references to The Wizard of Oz, from the tagline ‘There really is no place like home’ to Oz the cat. In the original version, the cocktails Ally takes a liking to were called Yellow Brick Roads, but I decided to remove the name in later versions.

• 13 Going On 30: In 13 Going On 30, the rival magazine to Jenna’s Poise is called Sparkle, which I named the salon in the book.

• Big: In the book, Ally and Gavin live on MacMillan Road, which was named after MacMillan Toys, the company Josh works for in Big.

• Eve’s Christmas: Ally and Gavin’s neighbours are Eve Simon and her son, Drew. Eve and Drew Simon are characters from Eve’s Christmas.

• Freaky Friday: Ellen Andrews is the mum in Freaky Friday and there is also a character of the same name in the book. I won’t say who she is as it’s a bit spoilerish.

• Liar Liar: Ally works at a coach tour company and its MD has a secretary called Greta, who was named after Fletcher’s secretary in Liar Liar.

• A Christmas Carol: Marley House features in the book, which is an apartment block named after Scrooge’s deceased partner, Jacob Marley.

• Samantha Who?: Samantha Who? is a TV series where the main character loses her memory and starts to discover she wasn’t a very nice person before her accident. I named the beauty therapists/hairdressers at Sparkle after three of the characters: Samantha, Andrea and Dena.

• Being Erica: Being Erica is another TV series that I loved, in which Erica goes back in time to pivotal periods of her life to rectify mistakes. In the series, she lives on Palmerston Avenue, which is where Marley House is situated in the book.

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: Inspiration From Film & TV

In Everything Changes But You, Ally makes a birthday wish that comes true. Ally is bored with the life that she has with her husband, Gavin and wishes for a more exciting life. So she should be happy when wakes up and her life has changed beyond recognition. But is the grass truly greener for Ally?

I love films and TV shows with a fun, magical element. Films where wishes are made but the outcome isn't quite as rosy as the character believed it would be, or the characters learn that their lives were pretty damn good to begin with. Usually the characters learn some valuable lessons about themselves along the way so that when they do return home/back to normal, they can appreciate what they have.

With these films and TV shows in mind, I was inspired to write one of these kinds of stories of my own and Ally and Everything Changes But You were created!

There are lots of films and TV shows along this theme, but my favourites are:

• Big
• 13 Going on 30
• Eve's Christmas
• Freaky Friday
• Vice Versa
• The Wizard of Oz
• A Christmas Carol
• Liar Liar
• Being Erica
• Samantha Who

Samantha Who is the only one in my list that doesn't have a magical/otherworldly element to it, but in the show Samantha suffers from memory loss after an accident. As she begins to put the pieces of her life back together, Samantha realises she wasn't a very nice person at all and I also drew inspiration from this too!

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: Fun Facts Part 1

• Ally and Gavin were named after two characters from the BBC drama, Cutting It, although in the show Ally’s actual name is Alison and not Alana as in Everything Changes But You.

• Ally, Gavin, Jared, Freya, Jimmy, Linda and Bob are all characters from my previous book, A Beginner’s Guide To Salad. Westerley’s gets a little mention too!

• Naming Clementine posed the biggest problem of all the characters. The short list comprised of Meredith, Theodora and Clementine.

• My favourite childhood book is The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann, so I named Ally and Gavin’s local pub The Farthing in honour of it.

• The video for Take That’s ‘Everything Changes’ takes place in Diner 360 (as written on the window), so I named a café Diner 360 in the book.

• While writing the first draft of Everything Changes But You, I was introducing my children to Sabrina The Teenage Witch, so it seemed fitting to name Ally and Gavin’s former school Westbridge High after Sabrina’s school.

• Keith Barry was a character I resurrected from a previous (unpublished) book I wrote. I loved his character so much, I had to bring him back.

• The Housing Warehouse is based on a real shop not far from where I live. I based a Christmas short story there, which you can read here 

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Quiz: Which 'Everything Changes But You' Character Are You?

What is your idea of a great night out?

A: A night in the pub with my friends. A few drinks, a bit of gossip and lots of laughs and I’m happy!

B: Anything that doesn’t involve cooking, cleaning or refereeing between squabbling kids.

C: First of all, I need a fab dress and amazing shoes. Add some celebs (footballers or film stars. No soap actors – ugh) and non-stop cocktails and I’m there.

D: I don’t really go on nights out. I’m a bit of a workaholic.


If you had one wish, what would it be?

A: I’d wish for a bit more excitement in my life.

B: I’d wish for a housework fairy to visit a couple of times a week. Of course my husband and kids think there already is a housework fairy…

C: David Beckham

D: I don’t make wishes, Petal. I grant them.


What is your best trait?

A: I used to think I was loyal to my friends and family but now I’m not so sure

B: I’d like to think I’m a calming and reassuring presence

C: I can stretch both legs behind my head

D: I can make your dreams come true


And your worst trait?

A: I’m not as loyal as I once thought I was

B: I guess I’m a bit of a pushover

C: I can be a bit loose-knickered

D: I’m not so good with the paying-attention thing


It’s your birthday. What’s number one on your present wish list?

A: A new handbag

B: Bubble bath and the promise of an hour of peace

C: David Beckham

D: I’d quite like a new nightdress.


What do you look for in a potential partner?

A: He has to be a good friend first

B: I want someone who is going to be a good father

C: Money and/or celebrity status

D: Patience. He’ll need it, believe me


What do you look for in a friend?

A: Kindness

B: Loyalty

C: Someone who looks good but not so good that they steal all the attention from me

D: Patience. They’ll need it, believe me


You have a crush on a guy. And then you find out he’s married. What do you do?

A: A crush is fine. But I would never actually do anything about it

B: I haven’t had a crush in over a decade. I’ve forgotten what it feels like

C: Push up bra, killer heels, the tiniest, tightest dress I can find. He will be mine

D: Magic his wife away. Only kidding, Petal. I’d wish them both well and move on


Family is…

A: … very important to me

B: … my husband and children

C: … something I take for granted

D: … everything. You should cherish your loved ones


If you were a Disney character, who would you be?

A: Cinderella

B: Snow White

C: Ursula

D: Tinkerbell



Mostly As

You are Ally.

Ally likes to think she is loyal to her friends and family, but sometimes the allure of something better is too much. Ally is warm and loving but she hasn’t quite figured out what she wants from life yet, which can be confusing.


Mostly Bs

You are Francine

Francine is reliable and steady. If you have a problem, she will offer sensible advice but she won’t tell you what to do. Family and friends have the upmost importance to Francine.


Mostly Cs

You are Martine

Martine is strong-willed and knows what she wants and will go for it, whatever the consequences. She can be loyal to her friends, but don’t be surprised if she turns her back on them if the mood suits. Martine can be impatient and selfish, but she is always up for having fun.


Mostly Ds

You are Clementine

Clementine is sweet and kind, but she also has a wicked sense of humour and likes to tease. She can be ditzy at times, but she will always do her best.

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: The Playlist

A lot of music inspired Everything Changes But You - either because I nicked the song lyrics for my title or I used them as song choices when Ally and her friends go to their karaoke nights at the pub.

When I was putting together the soundtrack, I used some of these songs as well as some magic-themed ones. I also wanted to add 'Over the Rainbow' as The Wizard of Oz was a huge inspiration when writing the book. When I found the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version merging it with 'What a Wonderful World' I thought it was perfect for Ally and summed up the book for me.

Here is the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Book Extras: Introducing Jason & Kelly

22-year-old Kelly works with Ally at Westerly’s, a coach tour company. If they were characters in a comic book, Kelly would be Ally’s arch-enemy. Kelly has everything Ally wants; fun, freedom and youth. Kelly is free to have fun without the deafening ticking of her biological clock getting in the way and doesn’t take life too seriously. She has an active social life, which she amuses their colleagues with on a regular basis.

Ally’s colleague strode into the room wearing a tiny black skirt and a silky red blouse. Ally counted the buttons that were actually fastened – three – before averting her gaze. Of all the things Ally didn’t want to see that morning, Kelly’s black lacy bra was in the top three.

HR manager Jason is Ally and Kelly’s boss – and he’s pretty hot too. Ally has a silly work crush on Jason and while she knows nothing will ever happen between them, it doesn’t hurt to admire the view every now and then. Jason is a bit of a ladies man and is currently enjoying a casual fling with Kelly, a fact that incenses Ally. Kelly really does have everything going for her.

Jason had crossed the office and was holding Kelly’s hand in his, stroking a finger along the bandage. Ally would sprain her wrist too if it meant Jason would hold her hand with such tenderness, but then Ally wasn’t enjoying a supposedly secret fling with the gorgeous Jason.

But appearances can be deceptive. When Ally’s birthday wish is granted and she infiltrates their world, she soon sees a different side to her colleagues...

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US



Everything Changes But You: Introducing Gavin & Francine

Mechanic Gavin Richmond is happily married to Ally. They’ve been together since they were teenagers and now they’re married with a small but lovely house. The obvious next step for Gavin is starting a family, but Ally doesn’t agree and wants to wait. Gavin and Ally rarely argue, but the baby issue is creating tension between the pair.

'It’s got to happen sometime, Ally. You’re thirty now.’ Like she needed reminding! ‘You’ve been saying we should wait for ages now, but how long do you want to wait? Until it’s too late?’
‘I’m thirty, Gavin, not sixty.’
‘But I want us to have a family. Don’t you?’

Francine works with Ally and the pair have become best friends, but mum of three Francine has unwittingly become the poster girl for Ally’s anti-children campaign. She barely has time for herself, with their weekly karaoke nights being the only chance she has to relax and be herself for a couple of hours. Ally doesn’t want to end up like Francine, saddled with children with any chance of spontaneity scrapped from her life. She craves freedom and adventure, not dirty nappies and school runs.

Francine sang ‘Mustang Sally’ every week, without fail. It wasn’t a Karaoke Tuesday without The Commitments.

When Ally makes her birthday wish for a new and exciting life and it comes true, where does that leave Gavin and Francine? Will they even fit in with Ally’s life at all anymore?

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US



Everything Changes But You: Introducing Clementine & Martine

Clementine isn’t your average character – she isn’t a human being for a start. Clementine is a magical guardian-angel-type-being who grants wishes. While Clementine can be sweet, she also has a wicked sense of humour and likes to tease. She’s pretty new to the granting wishes game, so things don’t always go to plan.

Her skin was unearthly in its paleness but she had bright blue eyes, ruddy cheeks and ruby lips, which were stretched into a smile as she observed Ally from the middle of the sitting room. Her strawberry blonde hair was twisted into a thick plait that reached the base of her spine.

Martine is a human being, but she isn’t always a pleasant one. She is vain and vacuous and quite often vindictive. Martine likes to drink, dance and flirt above all else and doesn’t feel complete unless she is with a man. To Martine, life is all about appearances. She knows what she wants and will do anything to get it, no matter who gets hurt in the process.

Martine pulled a face as she plonked herself back down on the sofa. ‘I know. It sucks, doesn’t it? Can you imagine if we did get together? I’d be a stepmother.’ She gave a shudder. ‘Gross. And we’d never get rid of his wife. She’d always be hanging around, wouldn’t she?’

‘It’s the sacrifice you have to make when you go after married men.’ Ally was being sarcastic but Martine gave a sage nod.

‘That’s true. But he’ll be worth it, won’t he?’

Ally is about to meet both Clementine and Martine and when she does, her life will never be the same again...

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Everything Changes But You: Introducing Ally

Ally Richmond is a soon-to-be thirty-year-old woman who works as an HR Assistant for a coach hire company. She has been with husband Gavin since they were 15 but their views on how their marriage should progress are starting to differ. Gavin wants to start a family, but the thought terrifies Ally. She wants to live a little before they give up their freedom to raise children and feels that time is running out.

Ally works with Kelly and Jason, who she has a teeny tiny little work crush on. She would never actually cheat on Gavin, but it helps to pass the time. She doesn’t get on with Kelly at all and the pair take every opportunity presented to snipe at one another. Ally says she doesn’t like Kelly, but the truth is Ally is jealous of the life Kelly has. Kelly is still young and free to have wild nights out (which she frequently boasts about at the office) and isn’t being pressured to fill her womb with babies.

Ally has a close relationship with her family, especially with her (very slightly) younger sister, Freya. They spend their Tuesday nights in the local pub for karaoke and a glass of wine or two. And this is the extent of Ally’s social life. There are no crazy nights in clubs, no falling out of taxis at the end of the night or dancing until her feet beg for mercy. She has no stories to regale her colleagues with on a Monday morning. Or any other morning.

Ally feels like she’s stuck in a rut, but when she makes a birthday wish that comes true, her life is given a major shake-up and she is finally given the life she covets. But will this equate to a happily ever after?

'I just need a bit more excitement in my life. I don’t want to end up like Francine, tied down to the kids. She has one night out a week, you know. One lousy night.’

‘It’s better than nothing,’ Gavin pointed out but it only fuelled Ally’s argument.

‘Exactly! I don’t want to settle for “better than nothing”. I want to be free to live.’

 

Be careful what you wish for...

Ally Richmond is dreading turning thirty and bidding farewell to her youth. And when her husband says he wants to start a family, she begins to panic.

Is this all that life has to offer from now on? Popping out babies and growing old gracefully? She wants a life crammed with glamour and spontaneous adventure, not one full of dirty nappies and night feeds.

When Ally makes a silly birthday wish for a new, exciting life, her wish is granted.

But when Ally is presented with the freedom and opportunities she craves, she soon realises this new life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that there really is no place like home. But can she find her way back - or is she stuck in this new reality forever?

Amazon UK | Amazon US