What a joy to return to scenic Yamba on the NSW coast, where some of Midnight Beach and Sunset Beach were researched and written, to begin to roll out my Escape to the Coast series!
Like many NSW coastal spots, this beautiful town at the mouth of the mighty Clarence River is home to dolphins, tropical plants, beaches, cockatoos, stately Norfolk Island Pines, a kangaroo or two and much more.
My thanks to the Yamba Marina Cafe for hosting the launch with a delicious, heart-shaped cake, and to everyone who attended and showed an interest.
We were privileged to be welcomed by Yaegl Matriarch The Reverend Canon Aunty Lenore Parker, whose story is featured in a previous blog. My grandmother was raised on Goodwood Island, one of the many islands on the Clarence, or Biirrinba, the ancient Yaegl name for the river, while Lenore was raised on another, Ulgandahi Island.
Gracious Lenore, who has worked alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, has welcomed me on previous visits. Despite the recent “no” vote on an Indigenous Voice to parliament, Lenore’s eyes remain firmly set on a more positive future for her people and for all Australians.
“In the past we had no control, but we do have control of how we can, together, move on in trust and harmony with each other,” Lenore said as she welcomed us all to her ancient homelands.
“A new day is going to dawn, when we can all celebrate who we are as Australians,” she said. Yes to Lenore!
Also wonderfully present were Harwood Mayoress Julia Young OAM, Yamba Museum volunteers, book club friends and many others, including a representative of the Clarence Valley News, who generously covered the event.
We discussed how feel-good fiction tackles serious issues, yet promises and delivers uplifting resolutions.
Deepest thanks to all who attended, to my newest VIPs, and to all who continue to show an interest in my books — VIPs indeed!
I thought I was done with my Escape to the Coast series, but on the way home, we visited a number of East Coast beaches. We strolled among the Norfolk Island Pines and golden sands of Port Macquarie, and on the Central Coast, hiked at remote Lobster Beach and had our first swim of the season.
The next day, I plunged into a rock pool at Killcare. At high tide, as huge waves rushed over the rocks and surged into the pool, it was so deliciously chilly and effervescent with froth that perhaps another book will surface.
We caught up with friends who’ve recently created a magnificent and abundant exotic fruit orchard. Later we chanced upon members of the Central Coast Art Society painting en plein air at Ocean Beach on the Central Coast, another location which helped inspire my Escape to the Coast series. We spoke about creativity, and how we’re never sure exactly what will end up on the page or in the garden! Composition, light, darkness and colour all come into play.
Author spotlight
My thanks to the Romance Writers of Australia for recently featuring my work!
Sunset Beach feedback
It’s such a thrill when readers offer feedback on my books without being asked. Here are some of the comments I’ve received about Sunset Beach, my latest, a rom-com about a rom-com:
“What a delight! I love how it bubbled along.”
“I finished your novel and Amber this is incredible! Loved it. So much I want to say.”
“Great read.”
“New book very uplifting. Loved every page.”
Buy Sunset Beach on Amazon (US)
Buy Sunset Beach on Amazon (Australia)
Free and affordable feel-good reads
I share links to selections of books by other independent authors of heartwarming, “clean and wholesome” and “Christian fiction”, also sometimes known as “sweet” and “closed-door romance,” because each of us would like to find new readers.
If you enjoy my work, you can help grow my readership by sharing reviews on Goodreads, BookBub and Amazon; on Instagram and Facebook; and by letting your book club members, friends and family know about them. I’m also more than happy to come and talk about books and writing at books clubs and social meetings, schools, bookshops and libraries, so please feel free to reach out to me.
If your reading budget is tiny, you can always ask for my books at your local library. They are also available from all good bookshops, worldwide. If you’re having trouble accessing any of my books, please email me and let me know.
November sweet and clean romance
Happy, happy reading!