As Desiderate famously states: “With all it’s sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
Is anything more promising than a glorious sunrise? How grateful I am for so many simple things, and for so many things that are much more complicated!
It’s been a huge month of meeting readers and fellow creatives, of dreaming up a new series, and of surprises.
Humblest thanks to you for your continuing interest in all my books, for sharing my books with your friends and family (including free copies of my House of Diamonds), and yes! Thank you for your purchases!
Thank you also for your kind feedback as my books continue to roll out into the world. On social media, reviewer Pauline Reid of New Zealand has said of Sunset Beach: “For the authors who read this book, there is everything related to writing that you will experience, this I think will appeal to any author.”
She went on to share a quote from my character Sarah, the would-be author:
“But shouldn’t a story flow, like a river on its way to the sea; like a life, from birth to death, with everything noteworthy in between; like a set of recipe instructions, leading to a solid, delicious and unforgettable conclusion to share?”
Thanks too, to Cindy for her insightful and generous review: “This heart-warming and uplifting read about new beginnings, fresh awakenings, golden business opportunities and unexpected romance— glitters with endless possibilities. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Read Cindy’s full review. Find links to Sunset Beach.
From the lighthouse
Speaking of “flow,” this month, high in the sky at beautiful Whibayganba, Nobbys Lighthouse, where the Hunter River meets the Tasman Sea, I’ve had the privilege of working side by side with other creatives as I flesh out new characters for a fresh series.
I am deeply grateful to Lighthouse Arts Newcastle, the Hunter Writers’ Centre and NSW Ports for this brilliant opportunity.
What a joy, too, to meet readers at Bookface Erina Fair on the NSW Central Coast recently. Warmest thanks to all who showed an interest, including hosts Alana, Jasmine and team and my newest VIPs!
Thanks again also to Galaxy Bookshop, which stocks all my paperbacks, upstairs at Abbeys, opposite Sydney’s QVB.
Hello to my new Tara VIPs! Special thanks to avid reader Naomi and her family who bought all my books (!) and photographer Sam Mac who took all these beautiful shots. Loved meeting you all! I write feel-good fiction because I see love all around me, and our hearts matter.
If you’re anywhere near Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025, I’ll be hosting a lunch table and selling and signing my books at the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous. Join us or any of the other ARRA events in March.
You are also warmly invited to join me and Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins for an author talk at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am.
Thanksgiving
I experienced an unexpected Thanksgiving when I rushed to the US, gladly lending a hand, literally, to my son and his young American family when he broke his elbow. We are all so vulnerable!
Back in Australia, my own valiant hero stepped up, hosting my stand at the Love on the Beach book fair in my absence! I am so thankful for you, Bruce!
I love the uniquely American tradition of Thanksgiving. As we roll into Christmas and the festive season at the height of Australia’s golden summer, including the joyful prospect of singing in Handel’s Messiah at the Sydney Opera House with 600 others, Iet us rejoice in all festivities of gratitude.
