My Novels Are Cheaper Than A Cup of Coffee

My first three novels are only 99p in eBook on Amazon. Which probably means they are 99p everywhere else too as they're normally price matching. 

So if you've not read one of my first three titles, well, you could buy all three for less than the price of a large latte! 

And if you can't afford to buy these books, they are available in the Library. That's a great way to support me as an author and your local library :)

Only 99p! 

One Fine Day - buy here!

Only 99p! 

Plus One is a Lucky Number - buy here! 

Only 99! 

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage - buy here! 

First Post Of The Year

This is a bit late to be talking New Year resolutions and all that malarky, especially if you set one, you've probably already given it up. Apparently that happened on the 9th January. 

I don't make New Year resolutions but I am trying to clear out the old, declutter, and work a little harder on me. I want to walk more, too. 

I'm looking to change my job (within the company, rather than leave) - this is where I trade hours for money and isn't really my career. I want a book published and will follow through with Plan B to self-publish if that's what it takes. And I want to build my UW business - because that offers me the time freedom then to write more. Win Win. 

I also need to blog more, don't I?

Anyway, a little late to the party, but if you're reading this, I do wish you a very happy and healthy New Year. What are your aims and goals for 2026? 

But remember you make your own happiness. Do not rely on other people to do this for you. You're responsible for You. Make it happen. Let 2026 be your year!

I'm in the business of offering people an option, it could even be the solution. I joined UW's Team Purple and it's the best thing I could have done! I make it easier, simpler and cheaper for people and get paid doing it. Leave a comment if this sounds like something you would like to learn more about. 

21 Years Being A Mum

Happy 21st Birthday, Ben - my first born, who made me a mummy! 

So I'm celebrating 21 years of being a parent. 

I can still remember the moment you were born, laid out on my tummy, blue eyes staring back at me.  

I'm incredibly proud of the young man you've become. 

Don't get me wrong, you still drive me potty at times, taking your time to do things, as you did coming into this world (33 hours of labour!) but I love that you have your own style, loving to dress up to the occasion. 

As well as liking to get dressed up, even in fancy dress, you're also happy to rough it camping, surfing, walking, also being outdoorsy. 

(Obligatory new born photo - one of my favourites)

You'll even entertain your old mum in things not deemed 'cool' (by your younger brother.) You're good fun and always happy to participate in whatever we suggest. 

I love that you'll even share a bottle of wine with me. 😍 (You'll make a great date when the right young lady comes along!)

I'm so proud you're working hard in your apprenticeship, training to be a construction engineer. 

I love that you like the finer things in life and know to work hard to achieve them. 

Keep being you, keep working hard, have fun and enjoy life, and maybe tidy your room occasionally...

Lots of love, 

One very proud mum. 

Xxx

(I scheduled this blog post to go live the minute you were born... 6.36am)

This Little Man Is TEN

Ten years ago, when I was thinking of getting a budgie, I never realised what an impact such a little creature would have. 

And I never imagined he'd be with us for ten years either. I thought he'd be like mice or gerbils and only live for a couple of years! 

I wanted a pet in the house, but I didn't want a cat or a dog. My house is too small, and as a single mum on a budget, I knew I couldn't afford the extra direct debit of pet insurance. And all the other extra costs an animal can bring. Cats and dogs cost a lot more to feed than a budgie! 

After some discussion with a friend on Insta who owned budgies, asking about their upkeep and doing some research, I bought him as a pet for the boys but I did say he would be mine. Then I didn't need to nag them to feed him or clean him out. He would be my responsibility. 

I chose Rio, because I knew I wanted a turquoise blue colour budgie, but the boys did name him. I remember clearly, as if yesterday, we were walking to school (because they were that young!) and we were discussing naming our new pet and what was the blue bird called in the film Rio. He was called Blue and we decided that wasn't really original, and at the time, my son (Ben) said, 'Why don't we call him Rio.' 

And that was that. On the 7th October 2015, as a birthday present to me from me, I bought Rio.

For such a little bird, he is a big character in our home - and can be noisy! (Only during the day.)

Budgies live till ten years old, so I do know our time maybe limited now with this little fellow. But there is so much love for this cheeky chappie. 

My Manuscript Has Left The Building

So could we please have all fingers and toes crossed! 

I've resent my manuscript off to two publishers with some edits suggested by one of the editors. 

I've weaved in more of the post office and the scandal - that's another blog post - as well as changed the prologue. 

But I'm still not confident it's enough. 

This story is not different to the style of my other six, but I'm struggling to get the attention of a publisher (or an agent.)

I write warm, fun, and uplifting romances. I try to keep it real for the reader within reason. It's escapism but I like my heroes to be in real situations, so the reader can feel like they'd bump into them on the street. 

I love all the heroes I write, but this one may well be my favourite. So it's frustrating that I can't get him out in the world! 

Actually, all the heroes I've written are always my favourite at the time of writing them, and if I had to choose which was my favourite book I'd written, I don't think I could actually choose.

Plus One is one of my favourite tropes. One Fine Day has Superman references, and is inspired by Bradley Cooper, and whilst writing Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage I was picturing the gorgeous Henry Cavill who I had a huge crush at the time. (Still have, it if truth be told.) 

But this particular hero is not as traditional as the ones I usually write. He's a little darker, distant, rough around the edges. Yet, he's got such a kind heart. He's looks a complete mess, covered in oil as a motor mechanic, but scrubs up hot hot hot! I can't even imagine telling you who my inspiration is for this hero, or what show he comes from as it is far from romantic. 

Anyway, my out of office is on. I'm going to bury my head in cocktails and Cypriot food for the next week. I have decided, as this book has been two years in the constant writing and editing, I may well self-publish it, just to get it out there, while I find a publishing home for it. 

Watch this space.