Happy Birthday Harlequin

As you'll know, 2008 was a special year for Mills & Boon with special publications, celebrations ons, exhibitions throughout their centenary year. This year it's Harlequin's turn as the company marks their diamond anniversary! And they plan to celebrate in style with publishing initiatives and exciting events planned throughout the year.

There's a special site that gives details of all the celebrations that are coming up, the lines that will be in the spotlight in each month - and right now you can download your choice of 16 books - for free! That's a total value of $60. This site launches today and you can find more details here at Harlequin Celebrates

In February, the North American spotlight is on Harlequin Romance. There is a competition for readers to win a diamond necklace. Visit the website and take a look at http://www.diamondbridesproposals.com/ for more details.

The Presents line has its turn in July and the latest continuity, the Royal House of Karedes, will be on sale in July both at home and abroad as part of Harlequin’s sparkling celebration. July of course is also the month for the Romance Writers Of America's National Conference so that event will be special for those of us attending.

Here in the UK, Mills & Boon is now launching its rugby-themed International Billionaires mini-series in Modern, developed in partnership with England’s Rugby Football Union. The RFU feels the link with romance is ‘a fantastic way to encourage more women and their families to get involved with the game.’ For us, it’s a wonderful opportunity to sample our editorial and M&B will be handing out 20,000 sample chapters at the England v Italy Six Nations game at Twickenham in February.

Watch out for more events and celebrations throughout the year.