Read the first chapter of The Lifeline

Here's a free extract of my next book!

I’m excited to share the first chapter of my next book with you!

It’s just over two months until my next book The Lifeline comes out in the UK but I have a little treat for you as a thank you for being a newsletter subscriber - a sample chapter for you to read right now! Click the button below to download the first chapter. As always, a BIG thank you for reading my books and subscribing to this newsletter!

Once you’ve read the sample chapter, do let me know what you think! And if you enjoyed it I’d love it if you would consider pre-ordering a copy.

Before becoming an author I had no idea how much pre-orders matter to authors, but they can make a big difference in building buzz ahead of a book’s launch and making it a success. Pre-ordering also means that you will receive the book as soon as it’s out - think of it as a gift to your future self! You can pre-order through your local bookshop or via the link below.

What I’ve been reading

I just finished listening to the most wonderful audiobook called The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond. It explores the importance of rest and how to fit more good quality rest into our lives. I have to admit that I’m not great at resting but the book inspired me to build more breaks into my working day and to not feel guilty about putting my feet up for a moment’s pause. And I was delighted to hear that the activity that was voted the most restful of all was… reading. It makes me very happy to think about my books providing a moment’s rest to my readers.

Another non-fiction book I’ve loved recently was Lost and Found by Kathryn Schulz, a book that explores what it is like to lose someone but also what it is like to fall in love. It is a gentle, meandering and poignant read and quite simply one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.

And on the fiction front, I really enjoyed The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai, about a detective agency that helps people rediscover memorable or significant meals from their pasts. It got me thinking about the meals I would give anything to eat again: my grandmother’s chicken casserole and apple crumble and the meal we ate on our wedding day made the top of my list! What would you pick?

I’m currently reading Girl Friends by Holly Bourne, a gripping, raw book about female friendships, jealousy and growing up against a backdrop of misogyny. It’s got me hooked!

Next on my list is a re-read of One Day after enjoying the new Netflix series (although I’ll be honest, I’ve been saving the last two episodes as I can’t quite bring myself to watch…) and a cosy, comforting read that came recommended by my local bookshop: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall.

New and upcoming books to add to your reading lists

Here are some new or soon-to-be-published books that I was lucky enough to read early and loved, in case you need any more reading recommendations!

The Happiest Ever After, Milly Johnson (out now)

The Secret Beach, Veronica Henry (out 29th April)

Mrs Quinn’s Rise to Fame, Oliva Ford (out 28th March)

Green Dot, Madeleine Grey (out now)

As Young As This, Roxy Dunn (out 4th April)

The Rockpool Murder, Emylia Hall (out 26th March)

Things I’m loving

• Knitting. When my godmother recently passed away I asked her husband if I could have her knitting things. I didn’t know how to knit but thought that learning how might make me feel closer to her. My mother-in-law gave me a demo and now I’m on my first knitting project and am finding it deeply calming. A friend told me about the Loose Ends project which seeks to help people complete unfinished craft projects left behind by their loved ones - what a wonderful idea.

• Journalling. I have kept a diary / journal on and off for most of my life, but for several years have leant towards ‘off’. But I’ve picked the habit up again and find it a great way to offload and reflect on my day. Plus it makes a great excuse for new stationery. I love the look of these ‘lay flat’ notebooks that promise to stay open when you’re writing (anyone else get annoyed by a notebook that always wants to snap shut?!).

• It’s not long until World Book Day and I’m loving this collab between World Book Day and one of my favourite clothing companies, Joanie. I have my eye on the Book Worm jumper.

Writing prompts

If you’re an aspiring writer, you might be interested in this… I recently had a lot of fun compiling a list of romance writing prompts for The Novelry where I work as a writing coach. If you’re after some inspiration, hopefully you’ll find some here.