It’s the time of year to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The world is a little crazy and it is time to reflect upon the good as well as the bad. I do wish you all good things, and that  your only struggles are those pesky packages that are suction wrapped!

We had a health scare for my DH (results were good, so phew), and it gave me a kick up the (now much smaller), rear end, to organise my desk and writing projects. He is my number one supporter in my writing world and has been at my side for over forty years, marriage has been thirty-six of those years, he is too valuable to lose. Who else would cook for me while I grab an hour writing? Seriously, being back in the UK with family is wonderful. I miss our son and daughter-in-law, they live in Canada, but we are going to see them in May, brace yourself Vancouver! It’s been a couple of years since we saw them last, so have a lot of catching up to do. It will also be a great opportunity to be inspired with new scenery descriptions. Ripped Genes came about after a visit to Seattle on my last trip, so who knows what will happen this time around.

I have been on a mission to lose weight since 2012 and it is now on the last hurdle of 7lb. The photograph of me in the press really pushed me forward, I can no longer be a large lady in the newspaper. I hated it!

For two years I’ve been a Zumba addict but the impact upon my knees is taking its toll, so I joined Jazzercise and love it. My clothes size is now five lower than 2012, and my fitness levels are much, much higher. Sitting at a desk for several hours is not good for the body, so I take mini breaks and fit in housework. I used to tackle the housework then sit down to write, the change in my lifestyle has meant I had to turn things around or give up writing, and well, that is NOT going to happen!

Maggie’s Child keeps popping in and out of the Amazon UK top 100 listings. It is mainly Women’s Historical Fiction, not a bad one to be sitting in, especially above Danielle Steel on regular basis!

Heels and Hearts is doing well and climbing the ranks slowly. Watch out for a few price drops on my Ebooks in December.

I am preparing a book event in my hometown (The Mayflower project is interesting), where I will read a few passages and sign a few copies for readers. This is something I’ve done in a library a couple of times, but never faced my local audience. The Penny Portrait is set in the town, so it is about time I shared it with the residents who enjoy a Victorian romance. I do have a great team behind me and am sure I will have a fun evening sometime in February/ March.

I will leave you to enjoy the hectic rush leading up to the holidays. Apologies if I do not always leave comments on your blogs, or respond to them on this one, but I do try and keep up with you all when I get free time. Thank you for your kind support here, on my facebook page, and on Twitter. I am truly grateful.

Best wishes for 2016 to you all!

Credits: AnimatedImages.org