A Special Treat and a giveaway to celebrate

Thank you so much to everyone for the get well wishes. I'm not sure who had the worst of it - but I do think that being ill first, and then needing to nurse the other through 'man flu' was a bit too much. ( And Natasha Oakley - I don't think there's anything very romantic about sharing boxes of tissues and hot lemon drinks - sending get well wishes to you too!) The worst bit was not being able to read!!😮😒

But at least that bit has receded now so I can treat myself to some recovery time with a very special treat. My Christmas present to myself is a brand new copy of a new novel by the wonderful Helen Bianchin.  It was a real joy to discover that she has a new title - Alexei's Passionate Revenge - out this month. When I first started trying to write romance, Helen's books were some of the ones I grabbed off the shelves as soon as I saw them - so I can't wait to lose myself in this story. It's been too long since there was a new book.

So - to share that delight and as part of my Christmas giveaway (belated) - if you could wish for a new book from a favourite writer who hasn't had a new book out recently - who would you pick to read ? I can't promise a new title by any favourites - but Charlie will pick a winner - or maybe two - to have a book giveaway this week. Post answers in the comments below and I'll get Charlie on the task of choosing.

40 for 40 - Helen Bianchin

 

 The 40 for 40 celebration is drawing to a close - but there are still some wonderful authors for you to meet - and there are some real superstars amongst them.

One of these is today's special guest - the wonderful  Helen Bianchin.  Sadly, Helen is one of the special friends that I have yet to meet in person and as she lives on the opposite side of the world to me, in Australia, achieving my ambition of meeting her face to face isn't going to be easy. 
Helen has been part of my romance writing life for far long than I (or, I'm sure, she) care to remember.  Way back when, before I was ever published, I used to read Helen's books to learn about the intensity, the sensuality and the passion that went into writing  M&B Modern/Harlequin Presents novels. She has been part of my journey to publication, through my time as a published author  and now, when I'm proud to call her a friend even if that friendship is sadly the long-distance one it has to be.

Thank you Helen for all those years of romance through your books, and friendship through your emails.  I'm crossing my fingers that one day we will be able to make that face to face meeting.

Welcome, Helen!
 

 

Wedding anniversaries reflect fond memories of the day the marriage took place. The excitement, love, hope for the future, joy, pleasure shared with family and friends.

I met my future husband walking towards me on a pavement in the city of Cairns, Australia (we won't say exactly how long ago). My initial reaction being hmn, not bad.

Strangers going in the opposite direction who looked but didn't speak. Little did I imagine I might meet him a few weeks later in the small country town of Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands. Long story short, he was an Italian tobacco share-farmer, we did speak (he in fractured English, which improved over time with some hilarious results), the courtship led to marriage, the highs and lows of tobacco growing life, family, a move to Auckland, New Zealand for several years, followed by a return to Queensland, Australia, where the family expanded with the addition of a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and now six young grandchildren.   

 

During my writing career I have formed many friendships with fellow authors around the world,

and Kate's  friendship is one I highly value. 

 

A 40th wedding anniversary is very special, and I wish Kate  and Steve my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes, with many more wedding anniversaries to share.  I hope you celebrated the day in style,  with fun, laughter, high spirits and lovely memories.

 

 

I have a giveaway to offer .. An autographed hard copy of "Alessandro's Prize",  to the person who answers the following question:

 

"What are your favourite flowers for a bridal bouquet?"