Brought To Book
A chat with Santa Montefiore and two great giveaways!
The Last Secret of the D ever ills by Santa Montefiore (HB £14.99) The enthralling story of the Deverills, first portrayed in Songs of Love and War and Daughter of Castle Deverill, is brought to a stunning conclusion. Smarting from the loss of the family home to servant Bridie, Kitty’s tranquillity is further disturbed when Jack O’Leary returns with a wife and family. But the old spark between them is still there. As the younger generation grow up, strong, true and vocal, the ghosts of Deverill Castle, too, find their voice. Can the Deverills, living and dead, finally find true peace? From the age of six or seven I was writing little stories. But I never had serious aspirations to be a writer and was never surprised when I got rejections right up until publication of my first novel Under the Ombu Tree.
My husband and friend encouraged me to send it out to various agents, and I began to think it had a chance. I was hugely disappointed when the first three rejected it, but the fourth one came back with a yes and suddenly I realised what was a hobby could become a career. I remember visiting the Parker Bowles’ house. I saw the manuscript of one of Jilly Cooper’s books just lying in Andrew’s office. I think it was Riders or Rivals. I thought, Wow, this must be like meeting the Queen. After 10 long years, one of my novels reached the Top 10 bestseller list. Then The Beekeeper’s Daughter got to number 1. I still pinch myself now because I can’t quite believe I am there. I give talks to schools. Young people should know that a writing career is a possibility. They need to be
encouraged to give it a go and aim high. My husband Simon Sebag Montefiore and I are proof that writing can and does pay the bills! The nicest emails I get are when people are having a difficult time and tell me my novels seem to make them feel better. I don’t know whether it’s the spiritual dimension or the love story aspect or whether it’s just a good story that makes them feel nice inside. But I am surprised and touched that I have been able to reach people through my books. I can’t let the Deverills go and am actually writing a fourth Deverills book. It follows the adventures of a minor character. It won’t upset the trilogy which brings the story to a conclusion.