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.

Find out more on the Earth Day Website

Make your voice heard on Facebook and Twitter


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!

RELEASE DAY!

It's always a special day when a book finally leaves the nest and passes into the hands of readers. I know that those of you who are members of the Readers Service clubs in both the US and the UK are way ahead of me here (I get my copies about the same time as you do!), but from today A WEDDING AT LEOPARD TREE LODGE will be available to buy online from Mills & Boon and eHarlequin and also to download.

The eBook revolution has been really good news for Mills & Boon in the UK. The Daily Mail has been reporting - a story picked up by news media everywhere - that there has been a boom in sales fired by young women who adore the books but are intimidated by the sneering attitude so often encountered by the genre. One young women on Twitter was so embarrassed by the attitude of the sales clerk at her book store recently that she now does all her buying online.

Great sales technique, guys. You don't like what I read? Bite me...

But enough with that. Today is for celebrating. And here's the story. Josie Fowler, who first graced the pages of THE BRIDE'S BABY (still available for a free download to your computer or eBook if you missed it at Try Harlequin) is now a partner in SDS Events, although things aren't that great. Everyone still wants Sylvie, but she's on maternity leave and when the celebrity wedding of the year starts to go off the rails and the bride sacks snooty wedding designer, Serafina March, Josie gets her chance.

The world's most famous footballer and his lovely bride have chosen the idyllic Leopard Tree Lodge as the setting for their wedding ceremony. Set beside the Chobe river in Botswana, it is game viewing paradise. And while you're not getting acquainted with the wildlife, there is every luxury to make your vacation special.

All the arrangements have been made. Josie's job is simply to ensure that everything runs without a hitch.

Pause here for hollow laughter.

Hitch number one comes in the shape of Gideon McGrath.

He's the guest occupying the bridal suite and he isn't moving any time soon. Not for want of trying. He doesn't want to be there. His back has other plans.

There's also the difficulty of having more guests than beds due a bust up between the best man and the chief bridesmaid. And then there's the small matter of the... But why am I telling you all this? You don't want me spoiling all the fun. And of course there is an excerpt on my newly updated website along with a picture of that troublemaker Gideon McGrath and of course, Josie.

Just to add to my whoop-de-do mood, here's what Romantic Times had to say about the book.

A WEDDING AT LEOPARD TREE LODGE (4.5) A gorgeous setting, a sigh-worthy hero and a unique heroine who matches him quip for quip add up to a superb read.

* * *

Oh, and while you're online buying the book, if you haven't already bought it you might want to try Jessica Hart's Oh So Sensible Secretary (written in the first person and just the most perfect romance)

And finally, don't forget to vote here for the Authors Blog Awards 2010!

AUTHORS BLOG AWARDS 2010


Golly! I've been nominated for the Authors Blog Awards 2010. I have to tell you that I'm seriously excited about that. You can join in and vote here. And it there's a blog you'd like to nominate, there are prizes to be won here


It's especially lovely since I know I've been a bit lax on the blogging front lately. A heavy deadline left me in "lying down in a darkened room" mode. And now, of course, there are revisions to deald with. Nothing hideously heavy, but still requiring intense concentration. But the "elf" now has wings. And a title. I'm not entirely sure about MISTLETOE & THE LOST STILETTO - it's so far from my cherished Santa's Secret Elf that I'm taking time to get used to it. But by the time it's pub'd in October/November, I know I'll be with it.


Finally, just an excuse to post the gorgeous cover again, the BRIDES OF BELLA LUCIA - SECRETS REVEALED, is on sale about now retail, so look out for it because it is really, really pretty!

TIME FOR SPRING

Well, golly. I have been, as they say, in the deadline cave for the last few weeks battling with the Elf, who has now been despatched to the editorial desk to give someone else a bad time.

What is it with some books? You start out with this light, bright, bubbly idea that is -- obviously -- going to write itself. And five months later you crawl back into the light, blinking and brain dead and promising yourself you will never, ever, do that again.

But now I look up I discover that it's very nearly spring, at least on the calendar. I'm afraid, though, that the long, hard winter has taken it's toll. There is, as yet, not a single daffodil showing a yellow bud this high up. And worse. My Australian bottle brush plant -- one of the first things I planted in this garden and a joy for the last fifteen years, is dead. A myrtle, in a very sheltered spot, is also looking very shaky, although a scrap on the bark shows green so a hard cut back and it may recover. The primroses are a shadow of their former self and even the grass - the bane of my life - is still looking snow flattened and very sad.

But the Christmas roses are finally lifting their lovely heads (in late March!) and I know that as soon as the temperature rises stuff will revive. I guess we've just all got so used to mild winters that this one has hit us with such a shock force.

So, anyway. My weekend is basically chasing the dust bunnies around, catching up with paperwork and reading. I treated myself to an eBook edition of Anne Gracie's THE STOLEN BRIDE a few weeks ago and I now have time to read it. What a joy. Delightful characters, wonderful writing and fabulous hero.

On the publishing front, this month sees the re-release of The Brides of Bella Lucia "SECRETS REVEALED" with its blissfully pretty cover, so do look out for that - four books for £5.97 post free anywhere in the world from The Book Depository

The first four books in the series, "UNEXPECTED PROPOSALS" was published last month but is still available.

WINNERS...

The lines are closed, the names have been drawn and the winners of the annual HERE COME THE GROOMS contest are Alison, Dena and Mary. Copies of LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT are on the way to you via The Book Depository even as I type.


Online, THE BEAUMONT BRIDES trilogy moves into the last act, with Melanie's story beginning this week. You'll find Chapter One here


This month sees a reprint of my second book, A POINT OF PRIDE. It's a large print library edition - love those LPs! - so do ask at your local library. (The British Library classification is - delightfully - "Construction Wokers - Fiction".)

Most regions stock LPs even when they don't buy other editions, so they should be available wherever you are in the UK - and overseas, too. And supporting your local library is really important.

And I just love that cover.

BABY PICS...

As promised, here are pictures of the new addition to the family.

CORA ROSE

was born on 5th February, after keeping her mummy waiting for 12 days past her due date.

She weighed in at 7lb 6ozs, with a mop of dark hair and green eyes like her daddy.

She also had a wrestler's nose after a close
encounter with a pair of forceps and we had
a lovely time cuddling her (and hugging her Mum)
when she was just a few days old.

Here she is at two weeks and
as you can see, she's already putting on weight and looking ready to
take on the world.

So who does she take after?

Well, take a look below at her
mummy.








And yes, the thin young female half my age and with the dark hair (and not a hint of Clairol) is me!

* * *

PS We'll be anouncing the winners of the HERE COME THE GROOMS comp shortly, so don't go away!

HERE COME THE GROOMS

I dropped in to see how Liz was getting on with this contest of mine but she was too busy to do more than raise a hand momentarily from the keyboard. I understand she has a problem with an elf. I thought it better not to ask...

Anne, too, is busy and Christo has had to take charge at her end. Kate is in Wales working with new writers and no one has seen Nikos -- well, he has his hands full right now.

Anyone who thinks these women spend their days lying on a sofa, murmuring sweet words to their secretaries really hasn't a clue. I can't begrudge Liz the time, though. My story is told, I have my beloved Lydia and life, while it has taken an unexpected turn, is full and sweet.

More than forty of these amazing women, and a couple of men, have taken time out of their frantic lives to write some delightful, touching and very different stories for the collection that Liz is giving away as a prize in the competition.

LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT is a showcase of the diversity of romantic fiction, a celebration put together by the Romantic Novelists' Association and published by Mira. Here's a moment from Liz's story, The Partnership Deal...

ANNIE Latimer took the soft little baby vest from the washing machine, held it for a moment to her cheek. Soft, sweet and dangerous. It was just the kind of thing that made even the most sensible woman go wobbly in the knees. Rang the alarm on her biological clock. Made her stumble as she stepped up to the top rung of the professional ladder.

Fortunately, her twin sister had grabbed all the domesticity genes before the egg split; making it in a male dominated corporate world where the words “maternity leave” were professional suicide required a single-mindedness of purpose that left no time for biology.

She dropped the vest into the laundry basket reminding herself that while Sarah had married the boy next door and set about populating the world single-handedly, she was a whisker away from a seat in the boardroom. Was the possessor of designer wardrobe that was not permanently covered with baby spit. Owned a minimalist loft apartment overlooking the river with a full complement of electrical appliances – including the essential drier.

How Sarah, with three children under the age of six, managed without one was a mystery, but she’d refused one even as gift.

There was being “green” and then again, Annie thought, there was being an idiot, but while Suzanne and Sarah Latimer were identical in appearance, they had always been chalk and cheese when it came to life choices.

Fortunately the sun was shining so she picked up the clothes basket and headed for the environmentally sound washing line in the back garden. Playing “mummy” while her sister was having a well-deserved holiday in the sun courtesy of the company whose organic baby cereal adorned her clothes on a regular basis having “…completed the following sentence in ten words or less…” and won a second honeymoon.

Not that it had been easy to shoehorn her sister out of her domestic rut. “Who,” Sarah had asked, her big blue eyes twin pools of innocence, “could she possibly entrust with her three precious children for eight whole days?”

Annie knew she’d walked right into that one and took it on the chin like the sucker she was, waving her sister and brother-in-law off for a much needed holiday – one they were no doubt even now using to create more little replicas of themselves.

Whatever made her sister happy, she thought, even though the timing couldn’t have been worse. Fortunately, modern technology meant that she was as good as in her office even when up her elbows in laundry.

Right now baby George was asleep under a net in the shade. Molly, three years old, copper curls and a smile as sweet as sugar, was eager to help with the pegs and Jack, just turned five, was kicking a football into his mini goal net.

Her cell phone was in her pocket.

Her wireless laptop connected permanently to the internet.

All was well with the world.

‘Blue peggie,’ Molly said, holding up a pink peg.

‘Pink, sweetie. It’s a pink peggie… Peg,’ she corrected herself, hurriedly. She cringed when her sister used babytalk. It had never occurred to her that it was contagious.

‘Blue peggie,’ Molly said again, this time holding up another pink peg.

‘Pink, Molly,’ She bent down, took another peg from the basket. ‘This one is blue…’ She broke off, jerking around as a screech of tyres from the far side of her sister’s dense hedge shattered the peace of the morning, heart in mouth as she waited for the crash.

It didn’t come.

There was no crash, no rending of metal, no cry for help and after a moment she let out the breath she’d been holding and smiled reassuringly at Molly who looked as if she was about to burst into tears. She hated loud noises… ‘Just some dumb man driving too fast,’ she said, reassuringly and Molly gave her a wobbly smile.

‘Pink peggie,’ she said.

‘That’s right!’ She pegged up a tiny pair of dungarees. ‘Pink peggie, blue dungarees.’

Realising that she hadn’t heard Jack’s repeated cry of “Goal!” for a minute or two she half turned to check what he was doing but was distracted by the sound of a car door slamming, a man’s raised voice from the far side of the hedge. A very angry man if the words “stupid”, “idiot” and “fool” were anything to go by. Maybe he’d scratched his precious car.
Serve him right for speeding…

Remembering her nephew, she looked around. He’d already given her several bad moments with his disappearing acts before popping up out of nowhere. She couldn’t see him.

Calm, she thought. Calm. Nothing could have happened. The side gate was safely shut…

‘Jack!’ she called again, louder this time, as she picked up Molly, heart thudding in her chest.

She hadn’t taken more than a step before the gate was flung open by one of those tall, dark and impossibly handsome men you read about in romances but never seem to encounter in real life. Or if you do they’re married and, truthfully, if they weren’t you’d have to wonder why.

Tall, dark but, in this instance, scowling.

He was holding Jack under one arm and Jack’s football under the other. The football was flat and Jack was trying very hard not to cry.


Don't forget, you have until 1st March to get your entries in. All the details of what, where and how are below. Hopefully, by then, Liz will have the elf under control and Santa will be smiling.

HERE COME THE GROOMS!

It's that time of year again, when Anne McAllister, Kate Walker and I come up with all the threes. Three books, three heroes, three questions and three prizes for three winners.

All you have to do for your name to go into the draw to win one of the prizes is visit each of our blogs, answer three little questions about our heroes and send an email with the answers to ALL three questions to ALL three of us in an email with HERE COME THE GROOMS in the subject line.

So what's the prize?

This is a tricky one for me this year. My new Harlequin Romance, A Wedding at Leopard Tree Lodge, isn't published until May, so I don't have an excerpt up anywhere, or even any copies of the book to offer as prizes. What to do? Well, I thought I'd offer something a little special.

This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Romantic Novelists' Association and in association with Mira, they have published a fabulous anthology of short stories,
LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT by their members, some of whom -- like Joanna Trollope, Katie Fforde, Elizabeth Chadwick and Anna Campbell -- are bestselling authors.

There are, in all, 43 stories including THE PARTNERSHIP DEAL, written by one Liz Fielding.

Which takes care of the prize. That leaves only the competition and I'm really not sure what to do about that...

"Liz... What you doing?"

"Oh, hi Kal..." -- pauses to grab fan -- "...I'm organising my section of the Here Come the Grooms contest."

"Well, I'm here, and I'm your latest Groom. What can I do to help?"

"Er..." -- applies fan with vigour -- "...maybe you could set a question? The answer has to be on my website."

"And this question is to be about me?"

"Whatever you say..."

"Well, that shouldn't be difficult. One moment..."

"Anne, Kate, I need cold water... Oh, Kal, you're back already. That was quick."

"Interesting. I didn't know that my beloved's first thought on seeing me was that I was her Prince Charming."


"That was an innermost thought, Kal. The kind of thing that women don't like a man to know."

"Of course not. It puts her at a disadvantage. It makes her feel vulnerable, no?"

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea."

"Oh, but yes. I shall enjoy teasing her."

"No!"

"Just a little. I promise that she will be happy.' That I do not doubt... 'Do what want my question?"

"Mmmm...please..."

"Very well, it is this -- Of which literary character (other than Prince Charming) did I remind my beloved Lydia ?"

"Perfect."

"This truly was an interesting discovery, Liz. I think I shall have to growl a little when I tease her..."

"No!"

"Purr?"

"Oh, good grief....' What can you do with the man!

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Liz?"

Throw a bucket of cold water over me... Won't this fan go any faster?

"Er, maybe you could drop by again to see how things are going?"

'That too, will be my pleasure."

Kate, Anne, excuse me while I go and stick my head in the fridge!

While I'm cooling off, you can find the answer to Kalil's question in the excerpt of HER DESERT DREAM on my website -- it's available both in paperback and as an eBook download from eHarlequin, Mills and Boon, and from Amazon in a Kindle format and, of course, from The Book Depository who offer a postage free service throughout the world.

And to recap, to be in the draw you have to send the answer to this question, and the questions on both Anne and Kate's blog in an email to all three of us with Here Come the Grooms in the subject line. There's an email link to me at the top of the sidebar -- and contact links to Kate and Anne on their blogs.

Three lucky winners will be drawn to receive a copy of Loves Me, Loves Me Not as well as Kate's The Konstantos Marriage Demand and Anne's One-Night Mistress...Convenient Wife

Should you already be lucky enough to already have a copy of Loves Me, Loves Me Not, I'll sort out another title for you.

Here are all three questions -

KAL'S QUESTION (from Her Desert Dream)

Of which literary character did Kal remind Lydia? (apart from Prince Charming!)

CHRISTO'S QUESTION (From One-Night Mistress, Convenient Wife by Anne McAllister)

Why is Natalie staying at her mother's house?

NIKOS'S QUESTION (From The Konstantos Marriage Demand by Kate Walker)

What name did Sadie use so that Nikos would not know his 10 o'clock appointment was her?

Good luck!

RNA PURE PASSION AWARDS!

Public vote for PASSION in the RNA’s 50th anniversary year

The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) is pleased to announce the creation of the RNA‘s Pure Passion Awards, in celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the founding of the Association.

Each year, the very finest romantic fiction has been recognised by the long-standing and hotly-contested Romantic Novel of the Year and Love Story of the Year awards. The Romantic Novelists’ Association is proud to offer more chances to salute the best writers and best stories through a number of new awards and a major national promotion in retail outlets and in libraries.

The initiative has the support of leading publishers and high street retailers and will see posters and stickered books in shops and supermarkets and coverage in the press, reinforcing the RNA Pure Passion Awards as a major industry event.

RNA Chair Katie Fforde said, “In our 50th year we are celebrating with more awards and more opportunities which provide a wonderful opportunity for readers to be introduced to writers they may not yet have heard of.

“We are proud to showcase contemporary women’s fiction, chic lit, sagas, and historical fiction. Some are written by newcomers and some by more established authors. What links them all is that they have been selected by discerning readers to be loved by everyone.”

The 50th Anniversary celebration will include the presentation of the much-loved Romantic Novel of the Year and Love Story of the Year awards. The new awards introduced this year are The People’s Choice Award, The Rom Com Award, and the Romantic Film of the Year. The RNA is pleased to include The Harry Bowling Prize for New Writing as part of its celebration. Two RNA Lifetime Achievement Awards will also be presented at the Anniversary event.

The Romantic Novel of the Year

The Romantic Novel of the Year is chosen from a shortlist of six titles which have been selected by the reading public from more than 150 nominated books. The winner is selected by three independent judges. The shortlist, in alphabetical order by author name, is:

Passion, Louise Bagshawe, Headline Review
Fairytale of New York, Miranda Dickinson, Avon (Harper Collins
Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts, Lucy Dillon, Hodder & Stoughton
A Glimpse at Happiness, Jean Fullerton, Orion
The Glass Painter’s Daughter, Rachel Hore, Pocket (Simon & Schuster)
The Italian Matchmaker, Santa Montefiore, Hodder & Stoughton

The Love Story of the Year

The Love Story of the Year is for a shorter romance where there is a strong emphasis on the developing central relationship. A shortlist of six is again chosen by the reading public, with the winner selected by three judges. The shortlist is:

The Notorious Mr Hurst, Louise Allen, Harlequin Mills & Boon
Animal Instincts, Nell Dixon, Little Black Dress
Always the Bridesmaid, Nina Harrington, Harlequin Mills & Boon
Fair Deception, Jan Jones, Robert Hale
The Wedding Party, Sophie King, Hodder
Claimed for the Italian’s Revenge, Natalie Rivers, Harlequin Mills & Boon

The People’s Choice Award

To celebrate the modern nature of the Pure Passion Awards, the RNA has created a special ‘current award’ to recognise key new or developing authors in the romantic genre with paperbacks out in the spring.

In keeping with the RNA‘s desire to help good new romantic writers achieve prominence, publishers were invited to submit books by authors in whom they believe passionately and who would benefit from being part of the 50th Anniversary Awards event. Expert romantic writing buyers at key retailers were then asked to select their favourite six for the shortlist.

The winner of this award is chosen by the public. Readers are invited to read as many of the new paperbacks as possible and vote for their favourite at the poll website www.lovereading.co.uk/purepassion. The shortlist is:

Missing You, Louise Douglas, Pan
Remembrance Day, Leah Fleming, Avon
I Heart Hollywood, Lindsey Kelk, Harper
Rich Girl Poor Girl, Lesley Lokko, Orion
Heiresses, Lulu Taylor, Arrow

The Romantic Comedy Award

The Rom Com Award is organised and administered in the same way as the Romantic Novel of the Year. To reach the shortlist, the books must really tickle readers’ funny-bones. The winner is chosen by a panel of writers and readers selected by the RNA. The shortlist is:

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, Jenny Colgan, Sphere
The Nearly-Weds, Jane Costello, Simon & Schuster
50 Ways to Find a Lover, Lucy-Anne Holmes, Pan
Rumour Has It, Jill Mansell, Headline Review

RNA Romantic Film of the Year 

Romance is a theme that moves easily from the printed page to film. The RNA celebrates this shared love of romance by selecting the finest romantic adaptations released as a film in the UK during 2009.

Once again the public will help select their favourite adaptation on the partner website www.lovereading.co.uk/purepassion. These votes will be added to the views of the RNA expert panel to select the winner. The shortlist is:

Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella, Black Swan (Transworld)
An Education, Lyn Barber, Penguin
The Time Traveller’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger, Vintage (Random House)
Twilight: New Moon, Stephanie Meyer, Atom, Little Brown

The Harry Bowling Prize for New Writing 

Awarded every two years, and now for the first time included in the RNA Awards, this prize is given to the best first chapter and synopsis submitted by an author who has not yet had an adult novel published. The setting must be urban, and the book should contain a strong romantic element. The prize, organised and administered by the MBA Literary Agency in conjunction with the RNA, offers a great opportunity for a budding writer. Please visit the Harry Bowling Prize website for more details.

Lifetime Achievement

Two awards will be presented at the Pure Passion Awards to two people who have made outstanding contributions to romantic fiction and the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Awards presentation
The winners of all awards will be announced on Tuesday 16 March 2010 at the Award lunch at the Royal Garden Hotel, in Kensington, London.

INTRODUCING...

Cora Rose -- 7lb 6oz, 51 cm (20 inches), green eyes, born 5th February 2010, the first grand baby on either side of the family seen here with her mother.

Will she be spoilt?  Is it possible to spoil a baby?  Absolutely not!

Are her grandparents totally besotted?

You betcha!

ENDURING CHARACTERS

“More sheikhs, Liz, more sheikhs…”

That’s a quote from my Italian editor, as he sat beside me at a book signing in Matera a couple of years ago. And it’s a fact that of all my books it is the sheikhs who get the most reprints worldwide – and usually with the hottest covers.

This month The Sheikh’s Guarded Heart – the first of the Ramal Hamrah stories featuring Sheikh Hanif and Lucy Forrester – is snuggled up with books by Susan Stephens and Alexandra Sellers under this delectable cover.

Han and Lucy have appeared – and meddled in – the lives of two of Han’s cousins, Zahir and Kalil, so far and they are such fun that I have no doubt that when I get around to writing the next book in the series they’ll be in the thick of that one, too.

Some characters are just like that. They have a life that you can feel continuing beyond their own book. And the fact that Hanif is the Ramal Hamrahn Ambassador to the Court of St James puts him in the centre of my romance world, London.

As readers do you enjoy this continuing contact with characters? Watching Princess Ameerah grow up, seeing Princess Lucy become the woman she was meant to be and Han, still reserved, but serving his country as was his destiny, surrounded by an adored and adoring family.

And if you’ve only glimpsed them in the pages of The Sheikh’s Unsuitable Wife and Her Desert Dream, you can read an excerpt here

LORDS OF THE DESERT – Rescued by the Sheikh is available online from Mills and Boon, Amazon UK and from The Book Depository who offer free worldwide delivery.