THE GREAT ADVENT CALENDAR GIVE AWAY

DAY TWENTY THREE

DECEMBER 23rd

Oh, lord. This is Sadie, covered with blushes here. I can't believe Liz actually dug out that old story where I behaved so badly! I was sixteen!

As if having to cope with the papparazi camped on the company doorstep hoping Diana might turn up wasn't bad enough. I hope I did the right thing when Sheikh Zahir phoned, but he sounded so sincere. So desperate. I wish I had someone who felt that way about me...

Anyway, what have we got here? Oh, yes. A FAMILY OF HIS OWN won the RNA Romance Prize in 2005. Trenda, in the delightfully named Saltillo, was drawn from the hat and the book is on its way.

Today, behind the door, is THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY GABRIELLA. This is the story of Ellie March, aspiring writer, cleaner, house-sitter, who has somehow managed to convince the editor of Milady magazine that she's Lady Gabriella March, domestic goddess, and she's now writing a monthly column on her "lifestyle". The only trouble is that she doesn't have a lifestyle. She doesn't even have a life.

Then Dr Benedict Faulkner, the owner of the lovely house she's "sitting" returns unexpectedly and, since he didn't know he had a house-sitter (sisters!) she's really in trouble. Oh, and one of the neighbours shoots at her. Life, as Ben quickly discovers, is never dull with Ellie around.

For a chance to win a copy of Ellie and Ben's story, email Liz at liz @lizfielding.com, with your name and address in the body of the text and Liz wants to know what you'd most like to find under your Christmas tree on the 25th. No men allowed -- we've already done that one -- not even your husband. And "World Peace" goes without saying!

THE GREAT ADVENT CALENDAR GIVEAWAY

DAY TWENTY-ONE

DECEMBER 21st


I've spent today wrestling with the internet, which seems intent on swallowing up the photographs and copy for my website update which will go online a little early this month because my webmistress is off on her holidays. Frustrating. Infuriating. At this rate I'll be short several handfuls of hair.

Let's hope the last lot managed to break through the cyber-space barrier.

The answer to the question on Day Nineteen was 25 years old -- lucky thing Jan added, and I have to say I agree. Old enough to be in control. Still young enough to enjoy it. :) You all got it right -- of course you did -- and Joy in Arizona won the copy of HIS DESERT ROSE.

Today, behind the door, is a copy of the winne of the RNA Romance Prize -- and Betty Neels Rosebowl pictured right, A FAMILY OF HIS OWN.


Some books just title themselves, The Bridesmaid's Reward, The Bachelor's Baby, The Best Man & the Bridesmaid. Some seem to defy you to find them a title that will say to the reader "pick me"...

A FAMILY OF HIS OWN came into the latter category. Editorial -- and it took the entire office -- finally came up with The Family He Deserves; I threw a rare authorial tantrum and they had another think! It won the RNA Prize, RT Best Harlequin Romance and was shortlisted for a RITA. It's the story of a haunted man and a young woman who is ready to pay forward the kindness she's received, even at the risk of her own heart. Oh, and there's gardening, too.

If you want a chance to win a signed copy, then email me at liz @lizfielding.com with Day Twenty One in the subject line, your name and address in the body of the email and the year A FAMILY OF HIS OWN won the RNA prize.