WELCOME TO LEOPARD TREE LODGE

The new book will be on the shelves this month and my next few blogs are all about introducing the characters, giving you a taste of what to expect. But first, because this book is in the Escape Around the World mini series - "Dream destinations - whirlwind weddings!", I wanted to show you where I'm taking you.

Botswana is an incredible country, rich in wildlife with a vast desert and the amazing Okavango delta which fills up with the run off from the mountains in the Congo and provides the most amazing wetland habitat. Something that Gideon McGrath is keen to share with Josie.

Leopard Tree Lodge is set on the banks of the Chobe River and, since it isn't one of those vast tourist camps, when the hottest celebrity wedding of the year rolls up they need some extra accommodation.

This is the riverboat where some of the guests will be staying. The pre-wedding dinner takes place on the top deck.





The accommodation is pretty special. There's nothing basic about the individual lodges are strung out through the tree tops. The plumbing is first class and in addition the guests have an outdoor shower as well as a plunge pool.


The interiors of the lodges are equally well-equipped.



Just perfect for a special honeymoon with the man of your dreams.

Or not...

CORA CAME TO VISIT...

...and we had a fabulous time!

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY!

EARTH DAY - 22 April 2010

Are you ready for Earth Day?


Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day.

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Or just plant a tree.

In the last few years I've planted a dozen silver birches, a couple of rowans (I thought I'd lost one in last year's disastrous wet, but it has buds this spring), cherry, hazel and some evergreens - including this lovely yew that the nurseryman told me was a miniature but is now over six feet.

And an accidental oak that self-seeded from the tree at the top of the garden. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner and that I haven't planted more.

UH-OH!



I shouldn't be here. Having sorted out a few final details for the "elf", now known as MISTLEOE & THE LOST STILETTO, I should be in the air and winging my way towards Rome for a much looked forward to holiday - and serious research for the next book.

But this happened and all flights in and out of the UK have been cancelled, so instead I'm sitting at my laptop, considering whether to cut the grass, go and buy some bananas or watch OUTNUMBERED. Well, the afternoon is young, so I may do all three. I will also spare a thought for anyone with serious travel plans. The lady who was supposed to be flying to visit her son in New Zealand today. Julie Cohen, whose parents are flying from the US tomorrow.

It's rare - probably unheard of, actually - for me to hope for rain. But that seems to be the only thing that will clear the air and while my holiday is now officially a wash-out, I hope the crisis is over quickly so that everything can get back to normal.

The one truly lovely bit of news to brighten my weekend is receipt of a 5 star Between the Pages review from Still Moments Magazine for A WEDDING AT LEOPARD TREE LODGE.

They say - "Between the Pages of this story you'll find a magnificent setting, a feisty heroine and a sexy hero - a definite page-turner...who could ask for anything more."

COVERS...

...are are sometimes a joy, often a heartbreak to the author who has a vivid image in her head, not pictures exactly, but more a feelng of how a book should look.

We have been known to moan -- yes, honestly! -- to one another.

Usually, the response is, but it's lovely, because we can't see inside the author's head, only the outsiders view - the reader's view.  But, because we've been there, we do understand the pain.

For once in my life, I have absolutely no complaints about a cover;  I hoping you're going to overlook my whinge about the lack of purple hair a few weeks!  I've got over it - it was easy enough because I never expected it in the first place.  

I have now have all three covers for my ESCAPE AROUND THE WORLD book, A WEDDING AT LEOPARD TREE LODGE - it's rare for me to have an Australian cover this early but I have the lovely Bronwyn Jameson to thank for that. She got hold of this one early to go with an article appearing in the RWAus magazine in May.

I'm so delighted with all of them, that I've lined them all up in a row and I'm going to ask you which you like best and why.  What does it for you?  What image pulls you in? 

Oh, and while I'm here, I should mention that I've just blogged about this book here Drop by and leave a comment and you might win a copy!

AUTHOR BLOG AWARDS 2010



Well, golly! I've made the Author Blog Awards shortlist for 2010!  How amazing is that!   If you want to check out the whole impressive list - and maybe vote (you can vote for up to three blogs), click here.

There are hundreds of books prizes for voters in this competition, all supplied by the publishers who are sponsoring this competition - you have to register but it's quick and simple.

You can also follow the action here on Twitter!