As a child, I tried to create a garden. I removed weeds, dug the soil, planted seeds and watered it all. I sat back and watched—and nothing happened.
No colorful flowers appeared, nor carrots, nor beans, nor tomatoes. I saw only bare earth.
I sulked and cried with disappointment. I’d followed the steps. Where was the reward?
I’d like to say I patiently waited, that eventually every seed flourished, and that one day my basket was full of abundant pickings, yet I gave up that very afternoon, forgot the project and moved on to another.
Now, of course, I know that only with time could the seeds swell and push out roots, their green stems find their way through the soil towards the light, and their leaves and flowers unfold.
As if via time lapse photography, the wisdom of hindsight reveals to us the steady steps in the growth of friendships, of knowledge and of love, families, businesses and communities.
Global thanks
Two years ago, I had five unpublished manuscripts and no readers. Who could have predicted that today I’d have readers in almost 50 countries?
You are based all over the world, in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Isle of Man, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Uganda, the UK, the US and Venezuela!
You humble me, and I thank each of you deeply for your interest in my writing.
I still have several unpublished novels, but four are published and I keep on writing and learning my craft, hoping to surprise and please you, my readers and VIPs.
This season, I wish each of you joy and success in all your endeavors. As a failed gardener, may I suggest you don’t give up on your own dreams too quickly?
A cosy haven
The news my paperbacks are now available at Galaxy Bookshop, upstairs at Abbeys Bookshop, 131 York Street, Sydney, prompted reader Madeleine to share with us these images of her own favorite first book store, H M Gilbert and Son, in Southhampton, UK.
It looks so cosy and inviting! Thank you, Madeleine.
A sprinkling of sweet free and affordable “spring” reads (also available to those experiencing Autumn!)
The romance subgenres of sweet romance, clean and wholesome romance, and Christian romance have much in common. They are not steamy, not spicy and not too overtly sexy, ie any sex happens behind closed doors and off the page.
For me, it is not explicit sex that makes a love story most engaging. Instead, it is the relationships of trust, forgiveness and commitment which grow, like plants in a well tended garden.
This Christian Romance Giveaways are All I Want for Spring Break includes Christian, historical and sweet reads, including my House of Diamonds.
I’m also honoured that House of Diamonds has been included in this Sweet Romance selection.
You might enjoy the options in this Sweet Romance Giveaway!
And here are some more Springtime Sweet Reads, including my House of Diamonds and House of Hearts. House of Hearts also features in this Sweet Romance Reads for Spring mix.
If you’ve only read House of Diamonds so far, can I entice you to follow the romantic fortunes of more members of the Huntley family, and read House of Hearts, House of Spades and House of Clubs? You can find links to them here.
Please keep sharing all the links to share the love.