1. I hear you have pets in your novels. Tell us about the books.

Escape To The French Chateau (published by Embla Books in 2024) was my first novel to include a pet. In fact, he started out as a stray tomcat called Red, but he soon became integral with the plot, which centres around Fran, who unexpectedly takes a job in a French Chateau hotel, and Johnny–a guest. Both are running from heartache and loss, both hold secrets, both find themselves drawn to the scruffy ginger cat, but will they find themselves drawn to one another, as well?

Escape To The French Chateau Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.eu/d/0if1ZlMd

 

In Christmas At A Highland Castle (also published by Embla Books in 2024) the action starts with an extremely naughty Cockapoo called Digby, who introduces the main characters to one another with a dog’s typical lack of subtlety. He features throughout the book with Jess, the new housekeeper for a run-down Scottish castle, and Sebastian, the newly installed earl who never wanted to return. The story centres around what makes a house into a home, and whether having a noisy, smelly Cockapoo around helps or hinders the process. To find out–you’ll have to read it!

Christmas At A Highland Castle Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.eu/d/0f34v5NR

 

My new release is Escape To The Sun (published by Boldwood Books on 17^th August 2026), and the pet in this one takes the form of a sleek black ship’s cat called Portus. He keeps an eye on the happenings on the Ballygowan, where crew and passengers are looking forward to a Christmas to remember in the Caribbean. For Louis, in his first posting as captain, and Hannah–attempting to holiday solo on what should have been her honeymoon, the cat is the least of their worries. But Portus isn’t good at being ignored…

Escape To The Sun Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/04BXmDza
MyBook: https://mybook.to/EscapeToTheSun

 

2. Why did you add pets to these books?

Animals have always been central to my life. I grew up on a dairy farm; as well as the cows, we had a community of farm cats. Mum kept chickens and ducks. We also had dogs and horses. For a time, there was also a guinea pig and a tortoise. Idyllic, but also hard work. Animals are incredible levellers, there for you when you are down in the dumps, quick to set you straight when you get too big for your boots. Always an emotional investment.

Now I have a pair of Labradors–one is old and snores a lot, the other is young and very busy. I’m thinking of adding a small dog to the mix–maybe a miniature Schnauzer… We’ll see (although I have already thought of a name…).

Basically, I feel the animals I write about are as fundamental to the stories as the humans–in the same way as I view those animals I have shared my life with. Not every story needs them, but when they appear, they are important. Currently I am editing a book with turtles in it–they aren’t pets, but they are instrumental in the story, nonetheless.

 

3. What other books have you written?

At the moment, I am contracted to write contemporary escapist romantic fiction for Boldwood Books–and I am loving it. My first book with Boldwood, The Italian Lakes Affair, came out in February 2026 and is set on the banks of Lake Garda, in a cookery school called Casa Cibo. No pets involved in this one, but lots of food and a fascinating cast of characters, all with problems, secrets and hopes.

The Italian Lakes Affair Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/00iAJhkh
MyBooks: https://mybook.to/ItalianLakesAffair

 

I also want to mention the book which kicked it all off–A Summer On The Riviera–published by Embla Books in May 2023. Unfortunately, I’ve never holidayed on a superyacht (I’m open to invites…!), but in the name of research I did watch a lot of Below Deck, which I love, and I hope it gave me a good feel for what it must be like to work on one of those yachts. This novel follows a week on board “Blue Sky,” where the lives of crew and passengers crash together in a way which will change them all, forever.

A Summer On The Riviera Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.eu/d/00iAJhkh

 

4. Tell us about your kudos or reviews.

I am very pleased that each of my books has held a coveted orange Amazon bestseller flag in their respective categories. They also travel well up the overall charts, and it’s fantastic when they make top 100 or top 50 in the Kindle chart. I don’t tend to look at reviews very often, the negative ones are too painful, but I love it when readers contact me via social media to let me know how much they enjoyed one of my novels. It is an amazing buzz and very much appreciated. As they are perfect holiday reads, being sent photos of my books on airplanes or in far-flung locations is also a real treat.

 

5. How do you promote your books?

I find self-promotion very challenging, but I’m really lucky to have a publisher who actively markets my books. I try to keep up with social media, but I have to admit it’s not my favourite way to spend time!

 

6. Where can readers learn more about your books and connect with you online?

I have a website: www.RachelBarnettAuthor.com

On the website is a link to my newsletter. I’d love more folks to join up!

I’m on social media and readers can connect with me there, too:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelbarnettauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbarnettauthor
Threads: https://www.threads.com/rachelbarnettauthor
My Amazon Author Central page link is: https://amazon.co.uk/stores/Rachel-Barnett/author/B0C1SMZ8YV

A huge thank you to Marcia for having me on your blog!

 

MARCIA: Thank you, Rachel, for being my August interviewee!

MONTHLY BLOG EBOOK CONTEST! Would you like to win a Marcia James’ ebook? Visitors to this pro-pet blog can join in the fun, comment, and/or share photos of their pets for a chance to win one of my ebooks!

Each month, I’ll randomly pick one blog commenter to win. To leave a comment and/or a photo, click on the word “Reply,” which is just below the social media icons for THIS interview. (Don’t scroll past this interview to the next interview.) Go Pets!