Goodbye 2021

As the year comes to a close, I thought I would reflect a little. 2021 hasn't been all bad, (thanks to journaling my 3 positives a day) although it does feel like it amalgamated with 2020 a bit. I am so done with Covid! I really hope we do see the back of it in 2022! 

Mistletoe At The Manor has remained in the top 500 in the UK Amazon charts for a month! I can't believe this. It's been No 1 in Inspirational Religious Fiction (only because it's set at Christmas lol!) and as I type this, it's No 2 in British and Irish Humour and Satire Fiction - which is a little more my category! This is a great way to end the year with my writing career. 

I do have edits for my third novel (due summer 2022) which I will look at next week. But I have really taken the last two weeks off. It's been hard to concentrate with the kids home and getting ready for Christmas, from cake decorating, mince pie making and present wrapping! 

One of my best friends bought me a Jane Austen puzzle for Christmas, and I have spent time finishing this. Something I'm not very good at doing is taking time to do nothing - without feeling guilty about it. Christmas feels like the only time I can justify stopping everything and doing a puzzle. So I did! 

With my UW business, it came to a halt with not many people wanting to take a look at their bills with Christmas approaching - completely understandable! But in 2022, I really want to help more people save money on their bills. There are more price increases coming, and the cost of living is just going up and up. With this in mind, I'd also love to help people make some extra cash like I do. £250-500 extra a month to most people will make a huge difference to their everyday lives. I know it does with me. 2022 we have a holiday in Corfu to look forward to, and I wouldn't have been able to book this without my UW business income. 

But UW hasn't just given me a financial benefit. It has taken me on a path of personal development no other organisation I've worked with has even thought to give me. I want to grow and develop and be a better version of myself in 2022. And I hope that will make me a better person to support the people closest to me. 

Also, if I want to get another book out there, I need to start writing properly again, so I'm setting myself a word target for each week of 2000 words. 

I'm not really one for New Year Resolutions, and if anything, I've learnt it's best to set goals. Do you set goals? If so, what are they? 

Another of my goals is to find a part-time job as I really need to get out of the Post Office!

On that note, Happy New Year, everyone. I hope 2022 brings you happiness and health, because these two things are what makes real wealth. 

Xxxx 

My Latest Newsletter Is Out!

 My latest newsletter is out! Have you subscribed? 

Well here it is if you'd like to read it! 

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! 

Keep reading, and writing. Much love, Teresa x 

Happy 17th Birthday, Ben!

Oh, Lordy! Where does the time go? I'm pretty sure the years speed up as soon as you have kids! 

I can still picture my son as he was laid on my tummy after I'd given birth to him for that early bonding. Labour had been a tiny bit traumatic. But being a new mother, I was shocked that he had his eyes open. Bright, blue eyes stared at me (not that he could probably see me much.) 

And now I have this 17-year-old! (I know, I don't look old enough to own a 17-year-old!)

He will always be a blessing. After suffering an ectopic pregnancy at the age of 29, and losing a fallopian tube, I really didn't think I would get pregnant again. I was in a very dark place for a while. So when Ben was born I considered myself incredibly lucky. 

I remember (he won't as he was barely a day old) that I did tell him when we were on our own, I would do my best as a mother, and that whatever life threw at us, we'd handle it. (I was incredibly nervous as a new mother and knowing my patience wasn't the best, I was worried I'd be terrible at parenting.)

Ben has continued at the pace that he entered the Earth, by taking his sweet-arsed time with things - which can be frustrating! He's a little away with the fairies and dis-organised, (compared to Kieran!) and then he can surprise you by being super organised with some random thing!

But he does help with the dinner, and odd jobs around the house, and he's achieved excellent exam results, which means he's able to study towards becoming a civil engineer. I just wish he'd remember to turn off the lights as he leaves a room and tidy his bedroom. Oh, and remember to shut cupboard doors! 

He does have a great sense of humour, and doesn't suffer fools lightly. His laidback, chilled persona, and the fact he's not too worried about what other people think, should help with not taking things too seriously, and not get too stressed in life, as well as not suffering with peer pressure. He has always been sensible, and used to get quite annoyed as a child when rules weren't stuck to! 

Happy 17th, Ben! Love you more than you can imagine, Mum x x x 

This will always be one of my favourite photos! 

Publication Day for Mistletoe At The Manor

Mistletoe At The Manor is out today! 

It is the second novel in my Kittiwake Cove series, and is my first official Christmas novel. You can order from here!

A heart-warming Christmas romance set in Cornwall! Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Victoria Walters, Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley…

Can Beth learn to open her heart this Christmas…?

Between setting up her boutique and raising her six-year-old son, single mum Beth Sterling has little time for romance.

Keen to expand her clientele, Beth moves her business into a cosy converted stable on the scenic Trenouth Estate.

However, her focus soon wavers when she meets Tristan Trenouth, the handsome but aloof owner of the estate. Each wilful and outspoken, Beth and Tristan are soon clashing whenever they cross paths.

With the estate’s charity ball and Christmas fayre on the horizon, the two grudgingly put their differences aside and agree to work together. And as they spend more and more time in each other’s company, their uneasy truce blossoms into a strong mutual attraction.

But with a young son, a fledgling business and a painful past to contend with, Beth needs someone she can rely on. And Tristan has demons of his own to face…

Can Beth get her boutique up and running in time for Christmas? Will she and Tristan find happiness together?

Or will the shadows of the past drive them apart…?

MISTLETOE AT THE MANOR is a contemporary festive read you won’t be able to put down. Get lost among the snowy hills of Cornwall in this glittering Christmas romance, perfect for cosy winter nights.

The Top Five Festive Books by Elizabeth Shields

 

The Top Five Festive Books

This blog post was written by Elizabeth Shields 

 

Christmas is a great time to unwind and relax with a good read.   Books centred around the festivities are perfect winter reading material, and there’s plenty to choose from this year.  In this blog, we showcase the top Five Festive Books to warm your heart and soul this Holiday Time.  We’ve also got some tips about getting your reading space cosy and welcoming ready for your Festive Book Fest. 

 

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (2021)

 

Dave Grohl’s zest for life is clear within the pages of his recently published autobiography.  As the legendary drummer for Nirvana, and now front-man to the Foo Fighter’s Grohl has over 35-years’ experience in the music industry.

In the Storyteller, Grohl takes the reader on a journey through some of the many adventures along the way, charting what it was like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, with dreams of making it big as a musician.  The book deals with the pain and grief Grohl felt at the death of his friend and bandmate, Kurt Cobain.  There’s also plenty of positivity, too, as Grohl shares his upbeat and relentless urge to create music.  Grohl manages to intertwine accounts of jamming with Iggy Pop, dancing with AC/DC meeting Sir Paul McCartney and a chance meeting with Little Richard.  Somehow, despite his celebrity status and connections, Grohl remains grounded.  His self-deprecating drawl is clear throughout the book, making this a great read for hunkering down with this Winter. 

 

Spirits of the Season: Christmas Hauntings by Tanya Kirk (Oct 2018)

 

If you’re after a classic Seasonal Ghost story, this book won’t disappoint.   A compendium of classic spooky tales from the 1850s to the 1960s, this collection will send a shiver down your spine.  Seasonal festivities contrast with the eerie and the sinister, as you read of ghouls, hauntings and mysterious happenings. You’ll be glad of the warmth of a cozy home, and a hot drink to accompany your book as you read this collection.

 

Mistletoe at the Manor by Teresa F. Morgan (Nov 2021)

If you are after something heart-warming this Christmas, choose Mistletoe at the Manor. Set in the glorious scenic Cornwall, this romance follows single mum and entrepreneur, Beth Sterling, in her quest to get her business off the ground.  Beth has little time or headspace for romance and her headstrong clashes with owner of the Country Manor, Tristan Trenouth, don’t exactly melt Beth’s heart. 

Both Beth and Tristan have their demons and shadows to face. Yet, it’s clear that their uneasy truce has the potential to blossom into a strong mutual attraction:  if they can manage to find a way to allow the ice to thaw.

This romance is perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Victoria Walters, Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley.  With the action centred around plans for a Christmas Ball and Christmas Fayre at the Manor, there’s plenty of seasonal cheer to delight your senses.  A must read for a relaxing Christmas. 

 

Celebrating the Seasons with the Yorkshire Shepherdess: Farming, Family and Delicious Recipes to Share by Amanda Owen (Oct 2021)

 

This book combines funny and charming stories from Yorkshire shepherdess, Amanda Owen, with seasonal, tried and tested recipes that keep Amanda’s nine-children coming back for second helpings.

Amanda is a bestselling author and star of TV’s Our Yorkshire Farm.  This book features breath-taking photos from the famous Swaledale landscape that Amanda helps farm, with its wild moors and rare wildflowers.  She writes with a simple elegance and respect for nature as she describes the challenges and highlights of caring for her flock of sheep, and tending to the working farm.  There’s a real sense of warmth and humour as Amanda walks you through the difference seasons on the Farm and with the family. 

Taking a gentle journey through the seasons, this book is a beautiful coffee-table keepsake this Christmas, inspiring you and your imagination to escape to Yorkshire. 

 

Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope  by Max Lucado (Oct 2021)

This giftable collection of Christmas stories offer yuletide hope and warmth, inviting the reader to pause a while and ponder. Beloved storyteller, Max Lucado, combines the traditional Christmas story with modern day characters and dilemmas, to explore the mystery of Christmas. Take time to consider the meaning of Hope in your own life as you turn the pages of this elegant book. 

Perfect for slowing down and taking time to rest and reflect, Christmas Stories, point to Hope in what – sometimes – feels like a dark, cold world. 

 

A Cozy Christmas Reading Space

So – with Five Festive Books to choose from, you’ll want to find ways to feel cosy and comfy as you snuggle down to read.  As well as choosing the right books this Christmas, consider your own reading space.  Whether that’s a small nook you can retreat to in the corner of your bedroom, or a luxurious sofa and elegant bookcase, make the space warm, clean and inviting.  Have a soft textured blanket to hand and keep your reading space clutter free to maximise relaxation. You can organize your books in a way that suits you:  whether that’s by author surname, subject matter or even grouping books by colour.  Besides this, make sure your bookshelf is clean and organized for a better reading experience.

With the perfect books, and a cosy space, you can find your own slice of Christmas Reading Heaven this Holiday. 

     

Mistletoe At The Manor Available To Pre-order

 

So we have a publication date for Mistletoe At The Manor! 24th November 2021! 

To pre-order click here. 

Blurb:

Can Beth learn to open her heart this Christmas…?

Between setting up her boutique and raising her six-year-old son, single mum Beth Sterling has little time for romance.

Keen to expand her clientele, Beth moves her business into a cosy converted stable on the scenic Trenouth Estate.

However, her focus soon wavers when she meets Tristan Trenouth, the handsome but aloof owner of the estate. Each wilful and outspoken, Beth and Tristan are soon clashing whenever they cross paths.

With the estate’s charity ball and Christmas fayre on the horizon, the two grudgingly put their differences aside and agree to work together. And as they spend more and more time in each other’s company, their uneasy truce blossoms into a strong mutual attraction.

But with a young son, a fledgling business and a painful past to contend with, Beth needs someone she can rely on. And Tristan has demons of his own to face…

Can Beth get her boutique up and running in time for Christmas? Will she and Tristan find happiness together?

Or will the shadows of the past drive them apart…?

October's Newsletter is out NOW

I'm never sure about newsletters, I feel they're taking away my blogging time (not that I'm blogging that much lately!) 

I only issue one newsletter a month and there's a little surprise in this one! And there's a competition! 

October's Newsletter is HERE

Lucky To Be Surrounded By Awesome People

It's been a while since I've blogged - again! It feels a bit of a thing of the past when we're all encouraged to send newsletters now. 

And there's only so much I can think to write about and only so much time in the day. You could be blogging and sending newsletters all day long, and not get what you're supposed to be doing done! 

(My latest newsletter is here, by the way).

However, I do want to blog about this. So I will. 

At the weekend, I attended my first live event - because we could! Yay! - with my network marketing business, Utility Warehouse. And all I can say is WOW. 

I feel very lucky, that as a writer, I've attended some amazing amazing parties, where I am surrounded by like-minded people with the voices in their heads. And long may those parties continue!

Well, on Sunday, I was surrounded by a different sort of like-minded people. People that are working towards building a better future for themselves, keen on self-development, and also wanting to help other people too.

It's very satisfying when you can help people save money... and if they choose, make money. 

The event was so empowering and motivating, and then we got to have some fun like play on the dodgems. I love dodgems! 

I think the only difference between these two groups is that usually my writing/author events involve a lot more prosecco! 

The reason I joined Utility Warehouse as a distributor is so that it will give me the time freedom to continue to write - which is my passion. 

I love how I love both now, and I'm surrounded by awesome people in the two different areas of my life. It makes me feel incredibly lucky.

Yay, It's The Summer Holidays!

I just thought I would share my latest newsletter with you if you've not subscribed to receive it. 

READ IT HERE

Cocktails At Kittiwake Cove's Publication Day

Cocktails At Kittiwake Cove's publication day was on the 15th June 2021 and I hosted an open house to celebrate the day. 

Cakes, scones, and of course cocktails... as well as lots of  lovely visitors. 

It was such a fabulous day and the weather was fantastic! (Possibly a bit too warm at times, as guests fought for the shady parts of my garden).

Overall, throughout the course of the day, I had around twenty visitors calling in. I've realised I've not shared some of the photos on my blog, so here they are! 

It wouldn't have been a great success without my friends, so thank you to all who were able to attend! 

Cocktails At Kittiwake Cove is the first novel in a three book series published by Sapere Books. It's been fun to write and especially to research with cocktail and wine tasting experiences.

If you've not ordered your copy, you can do so here!   

Ginger Ricky & Betsy

In the lead up to my publication day of Cocktails At Kittiwake Cove, I thought I would share some cocktail recipes. 

Early on, whilst writing, I thought it would be fun to name each chapter after a cocktail. Over the next week, I'll be sharing recipes from chapter titles, and possibly some cocktails that ended up on the editing floor... 

The following recipes have been taken from a cocktail book I was given as a gift; Drink Me Now 150 cocktails for any emergency.

These two made it into the book... 

Ginger Ricky 

4 x 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes pineapple

2 lime wedges

1 1/2 measures London dry gin

1/2 measure ginger juice (see tip)

1 teaspoon lime juice

ice cubes

3 1/2 measures ginger ale

pineapple wedge, to decorate

Muddle the pineapple and lime wedges in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the gin and ginger and lime juices and shake well.

Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes and top up with the ginger ale. Decorate with a pineapple wedge and serve. 

***

Tip: to make ginger juice, peel a large piece of fresh root ginger and blitz in a blender or food processor. Strain the juice before use. 

~

Betsy

2 measures gin or vodka

4 teaspoons lime juice

1 measure sugar syrup

2 strawberries, plus extra to decorate

1 sprig coriander

1 cup ice cubes

Put all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into 2 old-fashioned glasses, decorate each with a strawberry and serve.

***

Enjoy! 

Remember Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove is out Tuesday 15th June! 

I'm A Bit Pants At Blogging

Have you noticed that I'm a bit pants at blogging? I've not blogged since March and my son's 14th birthday. 

I think when I started blogging, social media was all new and exciting... but now there are sooooo many platforms to update, that I just forget to blog! Newsletters are the new thing... which I mean, is a blog, but just going direct to your email address. 

So then I think what shall I blog about!? 

My latest newsletter is out and is here. Please remember to subscribe! 

I had these marvellous mugs made by Mug Express (a local company), and I have a couple more up for grabs over the coming months. 

I've just realised I've also not told my blog followers that Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove is now available for pre-ordering! 

You can do that HERE! 

So I think that's me covered. I will try harder to blog... I promise. 

Do you know my most visited blog post is this one? It's had nearly 8000 views! It's my most viewed post! I wonder if people are googling kitchen gadgets... 

Happy 14th To This Boy

Seriously, where is the time going? I have two big teenage boys!

And this one is shooting up! Worried he was going to be short, he's now catching his brother up. He's almost the same height Ben was at 14! (I'm so glad I started measuring their height in my new house. Lord knows what I'm going to do if I have to move. But it really put a smile on Kieran's face when he saw this!)

Although he will give me the teenager attitude, he is always thoughtful, buying gifts for either me or his dad when he goes away. He is the tidiest of the two and does help me around the house. (I don't need to nag too much.) For example, he doesn't leave wet towels on his bedroom floor, like his brother! Grrr!

He's a fantastic footballer, and although he hasn't been able to play much this past year, he's been dedicated to his fitness. He does well in school, the teachers always praising how good he is. So I have to be doing something right. He likes his routine, but lacks a little bit of confidence at times, when he really shouldn't! But we'll work on that. 

Although he still has no fear, and will always be my Kamikaze Kieran! 

Happy 14th Birthday, Kieran! 

I'm extremely proud of the handsome, young man you're turning into. Just be a little kinder to your brother, hey? You love him really! 

Enjoy the TV bed! Although now I don't see you so much as you disappear off to your bedroom like a typical teenager. Come and see me occasionally! Please! You'll always be my little buddy and little joker!

Love you to the moon and back x x x 

One of my favourite photos!

My Lockdown Reflection

I did post something on my Facebook about how I was feeling the other day but I thought I would expand on it in a blog post (as I haven't blogged in ages).

On the 8th of March, my kids will return to school. *fingers crossed* And I have mixed feelings about this. 

I'm not worried about them going back to school with regards to safety or anything like that. I really do believe they need to be in school, not just for learning, but for the social element. However, in some mad, deranged and demented way, I'm going to miss the bickering.

What many may not have realised is that, over the course of a year, their last day in school having been the 17th March 2020, my two boys have only attended 2 full terms in a year. TWO out of six. And even then, those two terms had been disrupted with year groups having to go home to self isolate for 10 days.

For pretty much a year, we've been used to the kids being home. This makes it a habit that we've got used to. So, them returning to school is going to feel weird.

I haven't missed getting packed lunches ready, and the mad dash out the door in the evening for the school clubs and trying to fit dinner in as and when. I've enjoyed all of us having lunch together, our evenings in front of the television as neither have after school clubs to attend, and their continual bickering. (I'm lying about that last part... that is sarcasm!)

I am lucky. At nearly-14 and now-16, both of my boys have home-schooled themselves. I have just checked that they are actually doing their school work and not watching YouTube videos, and have made them cups of tea or coffee - another positive, that they've got into drinking hot drinks! 

Although Lockdown (1, 2 and 3) and the past year have not been easy, and I have more grey hairs - mainly due to not being able to see a hairdresser, and the stress of being a keyworker - there are things that I will always be thankful for.

I am grateful that I've had quality (ish) time with my kids. My two boys are growing up and will soon be of an age where they won't want to sit with their dear old mum to re-watch the Marvel Cinematic Universe of the Avenger films in timeline order. Or binge watch The Mandalorian, Shitt's Creek or How I Met Your Mother with me. We've had walks, we've baked cakes, they've helped with the garden, cooking dinner, and during Lockdown 3 helped with the decorating of my kitchen (it was technically half-term). 

And I've discovered my eldest is a dab hand at building flatpack furniture! (Totally forgot when I arranged the delivery of a new kitchen table and chairs that he'll be back at bloody school!) I have my very own handyman about the house now! 

Therefore, from a woman who isn't very maternal at the best of times, I'm going to miss my kids.

But not the bickering. The school can have that one. 

My 3 Positives A Day Advice

Way back in January, or around the beginning of the year, or at some point, I said I'd talk about my 3 positives a day.

Now, I originally blogged here when I first started doing this : Original blog post can be found here. So feel free to read that post too. 

Basically, back in 2017, I found myself with very low self-esteem after a relationship I thought to be healthy ending very suddenly. I took myself off to counselling because I wasn't really sure I could do this on my own and I'm grateful that I did.

Over 3 years on, and I'm still doing the one activity she set me: to write three positives for that day before I went to bed. 

I now find it's easier to have a page to view diary, so I've got plenty of room to journal (because sometimes I have more than 3 things or I want to write about them more deeply) and I can't lose track of the days!

What does this do?

It means I don't dwell on the negatives, and at the end of the year, I only look back and see positive things. EVEN in a year like 2020! (And I think my self-esteem has improved).

So it's not too late. It's the beginning of February! (Sorry I'm late at posting this.) Grab a diary, journal or a notepad. Put it by your bed with a pen... And write three positives a day.

Some days are harder. Some days it might be the sun was shining and at least I got out for a ten minute walk. But do not - and this is very important - do not note or dwell too much on the negatives. Really try hard to only put the positives in, even if you've had the shittiest day on record. Just think about the positives... 

And then come tell me what you think and feel in a year... 

*I've finished reading The Miracle Morning, and Hal Elrod recommends scribing/writing (it's one of his Life SAVERS) in the morning. I've decided that mine can easily wait until the end of the day, as I wouldn't want to stop this process. But Hal is right, it is good to have something to look back on. However, sometimes, I don't even need to do that. I just know my year has been a good year, or has had many positive points to it. 

Latest Newsletter is out...

If you haven't subscribed already, here's my latest newsletter.

And in other news, I've just seen that One Fine Day is available in Kindle Unlimited! Download here!

Below is the blurb! While we're in lockdown 3, I recommend that you stay home and curl up with a good book on the sofa. 

Just a boy standing in front of a girl…

Actor Steve Mason has it all … gorgeous looks, the perfect starlet girlfriend hanging on his arm and his name on every Hollywood producer’s lips. That is, until it turns out the ‘perfect girl’ is actually a perfect PR stunt! Dumped and with his name plastered across every tabloid headline, Steve decides to head home to England, questioning if he’ll ever find a woman who genuinely loves him for who he is, and not just his place on the Sexiest Man Alive list.

It’s been fifteen long years since Ruby last saw her big brother – but the new LA version of Steve complete with designer wardrobe, California tan and an American accent is too much to bear – Ruby hardly recognises him and decides it’s time to get her brother back!

With Ruby’s help, Steve goes undercover as he plays the part of a regular guy who leads a regular life. And then one perfectly fine, ordinary day he meets lovely, funny, down-to-earth Lydia. But when Hollywood comes calling, will Steve be able to leave both Lydia and his little sister behind?