Today it gives me great pleasure to welcome Christine Wells to Behind the Pen with a few of her favourites and a chance to win a signed copy of her latest release, The Juliet Code. Over to you Christine…

 

 

What is your favourite…and why…

 

Character from one of your books?

That is such a tough question! I think when it comes to The Juliet Code, my favourite character would have to be my WWII British code-breaker, Felix. He is such an intelligent, witty man and he has to stand by and watch the woman he loves go on a mission into occupied France that she probably won’t survive. It’s a real role reversal, particularly in the World War II era. While he respects and supports Juliet, he also wants to be able to protect her and he struggles with what it means to be a man in time of war.

 

Scene from one of your books?

There is a scene that sticks in my mind from The Traitor’s Girl (although I don’t know if it’s my favourite of all time). My protagonist, Carrie, is getting ready for a party at the British embassy in Paris before the war and she has just discovered the man she has been falling in love with is a traitor and possibly responsible for her mother’s death. There is a very tense scene where she is trying to come to grips with the knowledge, and he… well, you can read the scene on my website! http://christine-wells.com/bookshelf/the-traitors-girl/

 

 

Movie of all time?

Ask me on a different day and I would have a different answer, but the Emma Thompson/Ang Lee version of Sense and Sensibility is the one that comes to mind as a favourite. I think Emma Thompson has a perfect understanding of Austen’s world.

 

 

Book that you always keep a copy of and recommend to others?

Donald Maass’ Writing the Breakout Novel. Maass is a literary agent who has analysed what makes a bestseller and translated his findings into a very valuable text on good writing and engaging reader emotion. Fiction: I often recommend Philippa Gregory’s Wideacre. The main character is Scarlett O’Hara on crack. She is irredeemably bad, so if you need a sympathetic main character to enjoy a story, Wideacre is not for you.

 

Fashion accessory that despite having plenty of, you still keep collecting?

Handbags! Specifically, beautiful Spencer & Rutherford ones that I keep buying online.

 

Drink that you enjoy everyday?

Coffee. There is nothing like that first morning cup!

 

Treat you indulge in?

Scorched almonds are my favourite indulgence.

 

Place to be?

London. I could never get tired of London. There is so much history to explore.

 

Person you admire?

There are so many, but I’ll choose Kate Forsyth. Aside from being a brilliant writer, academic and speaker, she is so very generous and kind.

 

Season of the year?

Summer. I love the beach in the summer and the chance to spend relaxed, fun time with my family and friends.

 

 

 

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About The Juliet Code:

It is 1947 and Juliet Barnard was a British wireless operator in occupied France during the war. When SAS Captain Steve McIntyre asks her help finding his sister, Juliet’s comrade, Denise, Juliet must face terrible guilt about her part in Denise’s disappearance and hunt down the Nazi commandant who held them both captive.

 

Win a signed copy of The Juliet Code!

Christine is offering readers an opportunity to win a signed copy of The Juliet Code. Just answer the following question here in the comments to be entered into the competition:

In World War II many secret agents had code names like “Witch” “Dancer” “the White Mouse” or even “Tricycle”. What code name would you choose and why?

*Competition open to Australian addresses only – closes 20/05/2018*

 

 

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