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.

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. 

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! 

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 

Cocktails At Kittiwake Cove - Happy Book Birthday

Fancy a trip to Kittiwake Cove? 

Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove, the first in my Kittiwake Cove series, turns four today! 

Happy book birthday! 

Four years ago I had a little party in my garden. Obviously cocktails were consumed. And plenty of cake! 

A sparkling summer romance set in Cornwall! Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Victoria Walters, Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley…

Can Rhianna realise her dream without losing her heart…?

After breaking up with her boyfriend, Rhianna Price has decided to take a break from romance. Determined to focus on her career, she moves to Kittiwake Cove to fulfil her dream of opening a cosy beachside cocktail bar.

But things get complicated when she crosses paths with Joe Trescott — a handsome pub manager and her old holiday fling.

After hearing of her plans, Joe takes Rhianna under his wing to help her feel at home in Kittiwake Cove as she prepares to launch her business.

As they spend more and more time together, both feel their connection starting to rekindle. And although she knows he’s a serial player, Rhianna soon finds herself falling for Joe’s charms once again…

Will Rhianna be able to resist her attraction to Joe? Can she stay focused on her new venture?

And will she make a success of her Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove…?

Cocktails at Kittiwake Coveis a fun and flirty holiday read you won’t be able to put down. Venture to Cornwall in this gorgeous sun-soaked summer romance.

Available here

Want a free eBook?

Currently all of my books are available for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. 

So if you fancy a fun, flirty, warm and uplifting romance, go check them out here on Amazon. 

I write super hot heroes; escapism for women. 

Plus One is a Lucky Number, Sophie needs a wedding favour... 

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 sister Ruby in finding The One. 

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage provides Picture perfect scenery, a self-possessed and feisty heroine and a brooding, handsome hero in the form of one Harry Tudor all combine to make this the perfect holiday read!

And then there is my Kittiwake Cove Series... 

Remember, if you enjoyed the book, please leave me a review! Thank you x 

Happy Book Birthday Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage

Happy book birthday for Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage.

This book turns 8 today. Where has the time flown? 

This has certainly been my biggest selling novel, with the paperback making it into Sainsburys and The Works.

It also meant I got to go to the HarperCollins' summer party of 2017 - which I believe was its 200th anniversary party too. 

Harry is inspired by the lovely and most delectable Henry Cavill, if you want a visual of my super hot hero. The cornish setting is inspired by my family holidays in Polzeath, North Cornwall. 

So grab a glass of wine, or tea/coffee, whatever your tipple, and enjoy the romance... 

'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

Blurb: 

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…

It's available on all good ebook and book sites. Or from the library. Here's the link to it on Amazon though.

And please remember, if you enjoyed this book, please make an author happy and leave a review. 

Thank you for reading x 

One Fine Day turns Ten

My Facebook timeline/memories, whatever you want to call it, reminded me yesterday that One Fine Day turned ten! 

It was published on the 8th January 2015 in eBook. The paperback came out a little later. 

I can't believe it's been ten years since my second novel was published. How crazy is that? 

I love all of the books that I've written as the heroes all have a place in my heart. 

Yes, I know, generally I'm writing about the heroine, but the hero is the one who first influences the story for me usually! 

One Fine Day was definitely inspired by the hero... At the time of writing, I was a massive fan of Bradley Cooper, (still am) so he became my muse for Steve Mason in One Fine Day. (What's not to love about Bradley Cooper, right?) 

And this book differs from all my others, as it is dominantly in the point of view of the hero. The first chapters are from Steve's head. To balance it out, I had the point of view of his sister, Ruby, who was equally fun to write. You'll get to learn from the heroine a little later on in the book. 

I'm also a massive Superman fan, so I really liked the idea of Steve donning the mediocre man (Clark Kent) disguise, hiding away his Hollywood A-Lister persona. 

It's now sold over 20,000 ebooks - so have you read it? Did you enjoy it? 

Anyway, here's the blurb: 

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?

And if you haven't read it, here's the link to Amazon (but it is available in all good ebook sellers or in paperback.)

A Doubt In My Storytelling

I went to Telford the other weekend for a company event with UW. 

UW is a FTSE250 company and as a partner I help people save money on their bills, and it helps me earn an additional income, so I have the time freedom to write. 

I was with my friend and mentor, Sue, who introduced me to the business just under four years ago. She is also an avid and prolific reader - in that she prefers a physical book, not an eBook. Her favourite books are the Outlander series. (She was reading them before the series.) She also likes prosecco so this could be why we get on so well. 

If we're not discussing UW, we are talking books whilst sharing a bottle of prosecco! 

Anyway, she'd read Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage, then Plus One is a Lucky Number - I had gifted her a copy of my paperback in the old cover. 

She said that she found Plus One easier to get into than Maeve Binchey's Circle of Friends! After finishing Plus One she asked me which one should she read next, so I said One Fine Day. 

On Sunday, before the event truly started, while we perused the stalls and grabbed a coffee, she told me she'd finished One Fine Day in four days on her trip to/from Brussels. She loved it and couldn't put it down. Incidentally, she loved the other two books too, and she admitted that the romance genre wouldn't be her usual go to, but she had thoroughly enjoyed my books. 

The reason I'm sharing this is because I have been doubting my storytelling. With rejections for my latest manuscript, where I was hoping it would find a home with a bigger publisher, I've been wondering if I need to rethink my stories, even the genre I write in. 

However, on Sunday, as we were empowered and inspired by brilliant stories from ordinary people, I made the decision that I will continue with romance. I write a damn good story! I just need to find the right publisher. 

I do worry I don't write a strong enough conflict, but if truth be told, when I'm reading a story and it just feels so unbelievable, I can find myself rolling my eyes. So, I write stories that my reader can get invested in, believe, and most importantly, the hero is someone they could meet and fall in love with.

If you've read any of my books, and enjoyed them, please ensure you leave a review where you purchased the book from. This really does help the author. 

Obviously, if you hated it - and you're within your rights to feel that way, I'm not everyone's cup of tea - I'd rather not know... 

Paperbacks Available in Local Waterstones

It really is a dream come true to see your paperbacks on a Waterstones table in the middle of the shop! 

And it happened today. 

Waterstones in Weston-super-Mare have been incredibly supportive to my writing career over the past 10 years. They've allowed me to hold a few book signings for Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage and One Fine Day. 

The other week, armed with the new book cover for Plus One is a Lucky Number, the manager at Weston-super-Mare Waterstones kindly agreed to order some copies in. 

I went in this afternoon and signed them, so lucky readers will be purchasing a signed copy! It'll make the perfect gift for a female friend or relative, or for yourself. 

Pop along to Waterstones in Weston-super-Mare as the copies will run out fast. (Or put an order in, I'll happily pop along and sign it for you!) 

And if you can't afford the book, don't panic too much. I've donated a copy to the library in Weston-super-Mare. (But I didn't sign that one.) 

I hope you enjoy this book! It was so much fun to write and I can't believe it's 10 years old. 

Blurb for Plus One is a Lucky Number 

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?

Plus One is a Lucky Number - Cover Reveal

Last year, I celebrated 10 years as a published author and it's all thanks to this book - Plus One is a Lucky Number.

Anyway, this year, we have a new book cover! I'm soooo excited about it I could burst. What do you think? Do you like it? 

It's not gone live on Amazon or all the other good ebooks sellers where you can purchase this book but watch this space! 

I'm hoping it's going to get into some promotions and give the book the boost it deserves. 

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?

Amazon UK buy link here. 

If you love films like Just Go With It and The Wedding Date, and any friends to lovers stories, you'll love this!