At the great banquet of books, more and more readers of all ages have an appetite for romance.
While some once hid their enthusiasm for romance, much as they might sneak an extra slice or two of chocolate cake, this recent New York Times article describes romance displays at bookstores as “judgment-free zones” which now cater to all tastes.
This recent ABC News article touches on the value readers place on happily-ever-after endings in an uncertain world, and explains how romance books can also offer tips for navigating real life.
Spot my Summer Beach in the feature image, at Better Read Than Dead bookshop in Sydney’s Newtown! (Thank you, Athena!)
Events
I love meeting readers and other writers, and will shortly meet hundreds of them in South Australia! I’d love to see you at any or all of the following events:
Romance Writers of Australia (RWA) Book Signing in Glenelg, South Australia, on Friday 16 August from 3.30pm to 6.30pm
A North Shore Book Affair at 1 Pottery Lane, Lane Cove NSW, on Saturday 28 September from 10am to 1pm
Sutherland Shire Council Library “Feel-good books for women” author talk with Liz Foster on Monday 16 September at 6.30pm (30-36 Belmont St, Sutherland)
Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025
Warmest thanks again to those who attended the recent launch of Midnight Beach, in association with Ella McLaughlin and the Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival. The ever creative Jordan Harcourt-Hughes kindly took these photos.
Thank YOU
As writers, we beaver away in solitude most of the time, never knowing whether our work is worthwhile. It’s a labour of love. To receive unexpected comments like this one on Instagram, as well as positive reviews – not to mention library borrows and actual sales(!!) – is always a beautiful bonus. Thank you, Erin, and thank you all!
Special thanks, too, to the real Mrs Ginty, who donated one of her real patchwork cushions at the recent launch of Midnight Beach, much to the delight of the winner.
Mrs Ginty’s cushions pop up now and then in my Escape to the Coast series. Generosity and creativity come in many forms. What a joy!
Again, thank you, all.
Free and affordable sweet reads
This month’s feature novel is Until Now by Lauren Elizabeth.
The blurb: Steve Houston recognized Kate as soon as she walked into his Nashville bookstore looking for a job. Too bad she didn’t remember him. It was high school all over again. And once again, she was hanging out with the wrong guy—this time, an arrogant artist with a bad reputation.
Unrequited love gets a second chance in Until Now, a friends-to-love prequel novella to the Wildflower Lake sweet romance series. Find Until Now by Lauren Elizabeth.
Summer of fun with clean romance
You, your friends and family can find my House of Diamonds for free on many platforms except Amazon throughout August.
Happy reading!