Cathy Kelly has all her sisters with her...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to feature Cathy Kelly today, who is here to talk about her latest novel, Between Sisters, which was published earlier this month. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing, we have TWO copies to give away.

Cathy Kelly is published around the world, with millions of copies of her books in print. A #1 bestseller in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, she is one of Ireland's best-loved storytellers. She lives with her husband, their young twin sons, and three dogs in County Wicklow, Ireland. Visit Cathy at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Synopsis:
Meet the women of Delaney Gardens, a bustling suburban village in the outer reaches of Dublin. There's Cassie, who's spent her married life doing everything right for her children, husband, and mother-in-law, yet feels so exhausted that "wine o'clock" comes a littler earlier each afternoon. There's her sister Coco, who runs a vintage dress shop, but has avoided the complications of romantic commitment. Watching over them is their grandmother Pearl, who, despite caring deeply for her family, is contending with a long-buried secret. And then there's Elsa, the polished face of daytime TV, who's triumphed over demons before, but is now facing her toughest battle yet. At every crossroad these women face, readers are taken deeper into the heart of what it means to be a family.

Which authors have inspired you?
Too many to mention, almost. I read a bit the same as I breathe, like many of you. I read the cereal packet in desperation if nothing else is there. Among the thousands of writers I love are Maeve Binchy, Marian Keyes, Maya Angelou, and Colette. I will think of ten more as soon as I get up from this chair.

What is one piece of advice you could offer to aspiring novelists?
Trust in yourself and BE yourself. I have mentored a lot of writers and it's so easy to think your own voice is not good enough and try to channel someone else. Honestly, the authenticity of your own voice is what makes it work.

Describe your writing in three words.
Warm, wise, hopeful.

If you could cast Between Sisters as a movie, which actors would you choose for the lead roles?
I love Reese Witherspoon so can she be Coco, because she would be funny and convinced of her own hopelessness as her. For Cassie . . . that's tougher. I can see Jennifer Aniston being Cassie as she plays a harried woman so well, and Cassie, despite having all she ever wanted - a family - is harried because she's a working mom trying to hold it all together.

What is your theme song?
My theme song is definitely one my own sister, Lucy - in whose house in London I am currently staying - and I consider OUR song: Sister Sledge's "We Are Family."

What is the last restaurant you ate at and what did you eat there?
We have just come back from seeing the Georgia O'Keefe exhibition at London's Tate Modern - I am a huge fan of O'Keefe and adore her work - and we had coffee (short skinny cappuccino for me) and a nutty bar. I am a slave to the carb! They have a fancy restaurant too but this was sort of afternoon tea and a chance to rest our feet!

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Giveaway ends August 28th at midnight EST.