Visit Morton's Blog Post...

I was invited over to Morton S Gray's blog today to talk about The Neighbour on Post Office Lane... 

Here's a link to the post HERE

Out 30 August 2026! Not long now! 

Have You Pre-ordered Your Copy?

I am majorly excited. The Neighbour on Post Office Lane is out 30 August 2026.

Pre-orders are coming in, which is making me feel loved, if truth be told.

I'm so nervous about putting this book out there, but it needs to leave my desk so I can work on my next project.

 
Have you pre-ordered? Or followed me on Amazon for the latest news?

I am even working on a Hardback for this book as, well, I thought, why the hell not. This will be my first book available in LARGE PRINT. (This might come out a bit later... unless I pull my socks up and get it sorted in time for 30 August 2026)

Pre-order HERE! 

Follow me on Amazon: here: https://amzn.to/4zc9AEG

How To Make An Author Happy

Seriously, the amount of emails I'm receiving from book reviewers, book clubs or book marketers etc about promoting my book(s). And it's got worse as most are now generated by AI.

If I thought for one instant it would boost my book sales... but sadly it just lines their pockets, not mine!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Readers are authors book reviewers. No author should pay for their book to be reviewed!

So if you do read a book, and you enjoy it, please leave a review.

It doesn't have to be war and peace. Just say in one or two sentences why you enjoyed it. And ideally leave it where you bought the book and maybe on Goodreads if you have an account.

If you hated it - you are only allowed to tell the author if they're filthy rich, famous or dead (ha ha!)

The Neighbour on Post Office Lane is out in paperback and eBook on 30 August 2026 - available to pre-order the eBook here: https://amzn.to/45GNJro

Tweaking Book Covers - The Neighbour on Post Office Lane

It's a little like spot the difference, but here's the two book covers I've been working on, one tweaked slightly for more prominent font and a couple of differences. 

Does it look better? 

Cover 1

Cover 2

Do you prefer Cover 1 or Cover 2? 

Now available to pre-order: https://amzn.to/4f3ScZD

Sneaky Peak inside The Neighbour on Post Office Lane

(Still working on the cover!)

The Neighbour on Post Office Lane isn’t quite who they seem. Rosie soon learns you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Writing my hero felt like peeling back layers... some tender, some unsettling, all deliciously human.

Here's a sneaky peak...

A squeak across the patio window made her jump with fright. A man, wearing a dirty boiler suit with the sleeves cut off, was cleaning the window. Rosie realised it was the scruffy guy who’d dropped off John’s parcel earlier. His face and arms were dirty, and the water running down his arms left black streaks. If John hadn’t mentioned his name, Rosie would have thought he was a homeless guy Margot had taken pity on. So, he was Daryl? He spotted Rosie, and with an expression of surprise having arrived on his face, promptly dropped the wiper blade into the bucket and entered via the patio door, opening it with a swoosh, letting cooler air into the room. He did at least take off his well-worn leather boots and leave them outside, so not completely lacking in manners.

‘Margot said nothing about a window cleaner,’ Rosie blurted at him, hating immediately that she sounded defensive and abrupt. Her heart was still pounding in her chest from the fright.

‘Oh, I’m not a window cleaner…’ he said. There was that gruff voice again, like he smoked twenty cigarettes a day, but gentle too. It unnerved Rosie. ‘I clean Margot’s when I’m doing mine.’

‘Oh.’

‘So, you must be the granddaughter.’ He scratched his unshaven jaw. ‘If I’d realised earlier, I’d have introduced myself. I thought you were arriving tomorrow.’

So had Rosie but when Abigail had asked if she could start Friday, the hire car was loaded, and so she thought why the hell not just go. She couldn’t face Anthony turning up with her father at the house for a work meeting.

‘Yes, sorry, I changed my plans. I arrived yesterday evening.’ For a moment they both stood there awkwardly. ‘So, if you’re not really the window cleaner, who are you and how did you get in?’ She frowned, folding her arms. Parcel or no parcel, she wasn’t sure she liked that he could just walk in whenever he wanted. Admittedly, she hadn’t checked if she’d locked the patio doors this morning…

‘Yeah, sorry,’ he conceded, ‘I’m Daryl.’

‘Yes. I know,’ she said tersely.

‘I’m Margot’s neighbour.’

Available to preorder ebook here: https://amzn.to/4f3ScZD

I am working on the paperback too.

Book Cover - The Neighbour on Post Office Lane

 

I think I've come up with the book cover I want to use... 

I'm still playing with the font and tweaking the details, but what do you think? 

Would you buy this book? 

And would you like a sneak preview? 

Watch this space for my next blog post...

Available to pre-order here: 

The Neighbour on Post Office Lane

 

Self-publishing The Neighbour on Post Office Lane

I'm in the process of giving my novel one last read through - you'd think I was sick of it by now, but I LOVE reading this book, even if it is mine. So I REALLY hope you'll love it too.

 
As it looks like I will have to self-publish it, and this is all very new to me, I want to make sure I'm getting the pricing right. 

The Neighbour on Post Office Lane is now available for pre-order... and on Amazon is a draft book cover currently, as KDP needed me to upload something.

 
I'd love to know your thoughts on the blurb, the pricing... I'd like my readers to help me on my journey. 

Take a look at what it'll look like on Amazon! 

And here are my working projects for the new cover... Which is your favourite? 

1

2

3 (My favourite)

It's Wisteria Season...

I don't know about you, but I am loving all the Wisteria out. 

Please send me your photos of your favourite Wisteria... do you have it on your own home, or is there a National Trust house that you love? 

This is a gentle reminder that Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage is available in paperback and ebook - if you've not read it yet!

It's my best seller and when I talk to readers, they all say this is their favourite. (Harry is one hot hero and I was inspired by Henry Cavill when I wrote him.)

Currently only 99p in eBook!

Blurb: 

'A striking example of two pasts threatening a joint future…A great read'Sue Moorcroft, bestselling author of Just for the Holidays

‘Warm, funny…a wonderful read’ International bestselling author Nicola Cornick

A Cornish Escape

After her house is set on fire and her love life is left in tatters, Maddy Hart can’t believe her luck when a friend offers her the temporary haven of Wisteria Cottage. Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Cornish coast, the fresh air feels like a fresh start for her and her broken heart.

Peeking out of the cosy cottage windows, Maddy’s surprised to see her gorgeous but insufferable neighbour Harry Tudor has been employed to landscape the garden. But as the wisteria winding its way around the cottage begins to bloom, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom…

Buy on Amazon here.

Happy Easter!

I'm not really religious. In fact, I'm an atheist that sometimes says 'Please God'. Then I change it to 'Universe!' Ha ha! (Because I remember I don't really believe in God and I don't much like religion as it causes war.)

Anyway, like Christmas, it's a great excuse to eat chocolate. 

So whether you celebrate Easter or not, I would like to wish all my readers, blog followers, family and friends a very Happy Easter. 

Enjoy the long weekend if your work allows you to. (I know I have some friends that will not really benefit from it being a long weekend.) 

Much love, Teresa x 

p.s. what's your favourite Easter Egg? I think I could eat mini eggs until I popped.

Happy Mother's Day!

I want wish my amazing, funny, kind and generous mum a very happy Mother's Day. 

To all the mother figures out there, have a wonderful day. 

I hope you're spoilt with flowers and chocolates and the little things you enjoy! 

Mum, you're my best friend. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful mum. I am grateful for all that you do for me, even if it's to just listen. 

Love you lots, Mum (from the one who first made you a mum) x x x 

 

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. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number - Book Birthday!

You know how your first child makes you a mum (or dad). Well, my first book made me officially an author. 

Obviously, you're always a writer if you write. 

But it's not until you're holding that book in your hand (if you're lucky enough to get it into paperback) or seeing it on a good ebook seller site - published! - that you don't really feel like an author. (Well, I didn't, anyway.) 

Plus One is a Lucky Number was published on the 29th August 2013. (Yes, I know I'm a day late.)

And I became an author! 

The paperback came out on the 8th May 2014 - which was the best feeling ever too! To hold your paperback! 

This is my FAVOURITE romance trope. I love the whole fake dating, pretending to be a relationship. My favourite rom coms are The Wedding Date and Just Go With It and even The Proposal. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number had a new book cover last year. 

Here's the blurb: 

A swoon-worthy, fake dating romance perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and The Proposal!

Sophie Trewyn is going to a wedding where the invite is strictly Plus One.

But with her single-girl status not quite complying with the dress code, and the best man being none other than the shady ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a wedding favour and she needs it fast…

Enter dreamy co-worker, Adam Reid. But after the wedding weekend, on the sunny Cornish coast, Sophie must decide… is their relationship real or is it all for show?

Buy here :)  and at all other great eBook sites. 

Me holding my paperback for the 1st time!

Happy birthday, Plus One is a Lucky Number! 

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!

Yesterday we celebrated my dad's birthday. He was 80! 

He doesn't look it or act it, mind you! 

He can out cycle me and walk for miles and miles. He doesn't ever get tired! 

We were planning on a trip to visit the steam trains (Bishops Lydeard to Minehead) which was the day out we used to do when the boys were much smaller, Dad's birthday falling in the school holidays. 

But they no longer run on a Friday - which was his birthday!  

So we did our next favourite thing, other than visit a National Trust place, and visited Slimbridge, The Wetlands.

The last time the boys and I went, we were coming out of lockdown, and Dad didn't come with us. (I used to have membership.) 

It was FAB to get to feed the birds again, especially one very confident swan. 

Ben, never a lover of dogs, is not afraid of swans!

Slimbridge did not disappoint. There had been some further updates and new bits to explore.

It brought out the big kids in us, although we didn't venture into Wellyboot Land - they grew out of that area years ago!

But it was a tranquil day bird watching, with a canoe safari thrown in for fun, too.

The cutest thing was watching one of the otters sunbathing and playing with her stone. 

And finally, after all the years we've been visiting, we saw the water voles! Hurrah! 

Plus we picked up a couple of Gromit Unleashed sculptures, as came home via the A38 (rather than M5) and stopped at Thornbury, too. 

All in all, we had a Grand Day out! 

Happy birthday, Dad! 

My garden would not look as awesome as it does without your assistance. 

I am always grateful the help you've given me over the years. Not sure where I would be without you.

Here's to more fun days out!  

Love Teresa x x x 

Fancy The Perfect Poolside Read...

So we're in August already, how the hell has that happened? And we're on that slippery slope aren't we? 

We're going to have people getting excited about the C word... (Christmas) but I'm getting excited about another C word - Cyprus! 

Yes, my friend and I have booked a holiday away. No kids. Just us and cocktails in Cyprus. I AM SO EXCITED! 

Of course I'll take a notebook, as you never know where inspiration may strike. 

Today I even bought a floppy sun hat! 

If you're going on your holidays soon, my books are the perfect poolside read. I write warm, uplifting and fun romances. And currently, One Fine Day is only 99p! 

(All of my books are available in Kindle Unlimited too.) 

One Fine Day is a romantic tale of love, loss and Clark Kent disguises as Steve Mason sheds the trappings of his success and enlists his beloved sister Ruby to find him The One.

Holiday tip: Always pack the Kindle for holiday, then you literally can not run out of books! 

Tell me what you're reading! 

Sunsets and Happy Ever Afters 3rd Book Birthday!

Happy book birthday to Sunsets and Happy Ever Afters, the third book in my Kittiwake Cove series. 

I can't believe it's THREE already. It's the perfect summer holiday read... 

A gorgeous sun-soaked romance set in Somerset and Cornwall! Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Victoria Walters, Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley…

Will Maya ever find the right man for her…?

Having recently gone through a painful divorce, Maya Rosevear has been concentrating on running her mobile beauty business and raising her two young children. Now ready to meet someone new, she decides to give online dating a try.

As she juggles her responsibilities with her love-life, Maya keeps crossing paths with Sam Trescott, the father of her daughter’s best friend. Despite initially getting off on the wrong foot, the two bond over their children and form a tentative friendship.

As a widower, Sam understands what it is like to be lonely. Watching Maya launch herself back into the dating world, he questions whether he is also ready to pursue a new relationship.

Seemingly unable to meet the right man, Maya takes solace in Sam’s companionship more and more. And as they grow closer, both begin to wonder whether they have finally found what they’re looking for…

Can Maya and Sam help each other heal? Will they have a second chance at love?

Or will their painful pasts come back to haunt them…?

SUNSETS AND HAPPY EVER AFTERS is a fun and flirty holiday read you won’t be able to put down. Venture between the Somerset coast and the gorgeous beaches of Cornwall with this sun-soaked romance.

‘The perfect summer escape!’ – Fay Keenan

Now also available in Audible 

A Nostalgic Post - How Old Am I?

I've realised I am of a unique age, being born in the 70s. I'm a Gen X apparently. 

This means I am young enough to accept this modern digital world of mobile phones, WiFi, online shopping and even the electric car, having grown with it, yet as a child, I remember the coalman delivering our coal and having our milk delivered by the milkman. 

My dad actually became a milkman, and I helped him on his rounds, even getting to drive the infamous Unigate milk float. Now, many children these days can say they helped the milkman - let alone seen one. 

Even our post isn't delivered everyday with everything going online or emailed. It's changed from post to parcels. 

I even remember the halfpenny, and going to the corner shop to buy penny sweets with our pocket money. 10p's worth! 

I have photo albums from old family holidays. Now everything is stored on our phone. I get to see my photos when my Amazon Firestick goes onto screensaver. I save my photos to social media, as another storage platform. I no longer use physical albums. 

I have a seven-inch single vinyl collection, (yes, they're tucked away somewhere) as well as having owned albums on vinyl, tape, then CD. Even the CD is now outdated, with downloading music via Spotify or Amazon. Record stores are very hard to come by. 

Then, we used to record our favourite programmes via a VHS Video recorder. My brother convinced our dad to buy one. Gosh, I even remember our black and white portable TV! Snooker was difficult to watch then. 

Then the DVD player came along, and the Blu-Ray. But even these are obsolete with streaming television programmes and films via streaming channels. I would not be without my Netflix or Disney+. 

I've seen computers arrive, and grow... and shrink to laptops.

I remember the landline as the only way to phone friends and family, using a phone in the picture... and if someone was on the phone, you got an engaged tone. Now we are reachable - if we choose to be - via our mobile phones 24/7. No engaged tone, it will go to voicemail. 

I still love my paperback book, that's one thing that hasn't changed, however, we can now read books via a eBook reader, or listen via an audiobook! These can be downloaded instantly! 

There are probably so many other things I've lost track of over the time, taken for granted what we used to have to do. But how a world can change so quickly... 

What do you remember as a child that no longer exists today, having become obsolete?