Today's interview: Starring Mandy Baggot and featuring a book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Mandy Baggot was here in October to make us laugh and now she's back again, but this time as a US published author! She has signed with Sapphire Star Publishing and her first novel with them, "Taking Charge," was published in early May. Her four UK published novels are"Excess All Areas," "Knowing Me Knowing You" (reviewed here), "Breaking the Ice" and "Strings Attached."

Mandy lives near Salisbury in Wiltshire with her husband, two daughters and two cats named Kravitz and Springsteen. Her first foray into the world of writing involved New Kids on the Block and the England football squad. She is a huge fan of rum and coke, Bruce Willis, ice dancing (watching not participating!), horse racing, rock (especially Bryan Adams and Lady Gaga) and country music and mashed potatoes. She has auditioned for X Factor and longs to perform a duet with Bryan Adams.

You can find Mandy at Facebook, Twitter and her website

Mandy is here to talk about movies with us today and we think you'll enjoy what she has to say. Additionally, Sapphire Star is sharing one e-book of "Taking Charge" with a lucky reader anywhere in the world!

Since "Taking Charge" is about ice hockey, what is your favorite sports themed movie? 
Without a doubt it is The Karate Kid (does that count?). I had a massive crush on Ralph Macchio and I watched the film over and over in my youth. Nothing better than the underdog coming out on top and kicking up the bad guys! Soundtrack is pretty awesome for that movie too!

If "Taking Charge" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Ooo I am prepared for this one! Here is my dream cast:-

Robyn Matthers played by Amanda Seyfried
Cole Ryan played by Robbie Amell*
Eddie Matthers played by Dennis Franz
Nancy played by Goldie Hawn
Brad Willis played by Xavier Samuel

*Side note from Melissa A: He looks like Colin Egglesfield from "Something Borrowed, don't you think?

What is the last movie you saw in the theater?
The last movie I saw was Beauty and the Beast in 3D! I don’t think I had ever watched it the whole way through and it was magical. I also saw Titanic in 3D just recently too. I love that film – it still makes me cry.

Chick lit novel (aside from your own) you wish were a movie:
That’s a tough one. I don’t know! I’ve read so many books that would make good films, I can’t plump for one – sorry!

What is your favorite movie musical?
Dirty Dancing! I’ve been to see it twice on the stage now, once in the West End and again just recently in Southampton. It is amazing how a film from the Eighties, set in the Sixties, has remained so popular for so long. It is a brilliant stage show and you actually feel you are part of Kellerman’s.

What is your go-to snack at a movie theater?
Snacks at the movies theatres in the UK are so expensive! Whenever we go we tend to take snacks and drinks with us! Naughty I know but who’s going to see in the dark?! I opt for crisps (chips) or salted popcorn usually.

What is your favorite memory that involves going to the movies?
Hmm I do remember trying to get in to see Tom Cruise in Cocktail which was rated 15. I was only 12 and even though I had plenty of lipstick on and heels I just wasn’t going to be sold a ticket.

What movie do you know all the lines to?
There are two: Dirty Dancing and Die Hard, oh and probably Alvin and the Chipmunks – that’s a constant in our house!

Special thanks to Mandy for sharing her movie memories and to Sapphire Star for sharing "Taking Charge" with our readers.

How to win "Taking Charge":
Please comment below with your e-mail address. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite sports themed movie?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

Giveaway ends June 11th at midnight EST.