The Little Beach Street Cafe is a book about following your dreams and living simply; trying to live in the moment rather than always be expecting something better to be just around the corner.
Please tell us more about the character of Polly.
Polly suffers a terrible blow: the business she runs with her boyfriend goes under, and she's left with basically nothing. She has to pick herself up and start all over again, and it's not easy to do that, as we all know. So she discovers reserves of energy and courage she didn't really know she had.
What was the appeal of Cornwall for this book?
I just love Cornwall. We used to holiday there when I was a child, and my mum would tell us stories about smugglers and wreckers and we were all enthralled. It's such a romantic place.
What is your favourite variety of bread?!
I love a really good strong sourdough. In France where I live they call it a 'campagne' and I really really adore it. With next to nothing on it; just a smear of good salted butter.
You won the 2012 Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance and the 2013 RNA for Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dreams, so how did this make you feel?
Oh, absolutely and utterly ecstatic. It was totally amazing. Really such an expected thrill to win, especially the RNAs because there's so much amazing competition.
You are married with three children, so how do you juggle all of your life commitments with your writing?
The answer to this is so boring- I hire help!! But me and my other half are so lucky because he has some flexibility with his job (as a marine engineer). If he was in an office till 8 o'clock every night, my life would be miles tougher. He's splendid though.
With a win last year under your belt, how do you feel about the RNAs this year?
Much more nervous!!! Now I know how cool it is to win!