'This was one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.' 

Five stars (Netgalley reviewer) 

Hello lovely readers! I hope this newsletter finds you all happy and healthy. I've always said that being a writer is my dream job, but never have I been more grateful of it than over the last few months as we've all had to come to terms with the many and various changes to our lives. Fortunately, as I'm used to working at home, my working life has continued uninterrupted, albeit the house is not rather more full of people than it has been! And, as my publishers are also used to working in this way, there's been thankfully no disruption at all to the way in which our books have been published, or the timing of them. I've continued to be very busy, and you'll find a little more about my latest projects below, but today I'm delighted to share my publication day with you.

I've had so many lovely comments about The Wife's Choice, particularly from women of a certain age who, like me, will shortly be facing an empty nest. Alys' story has really seemed to resonate with readers who have loved the hopeful message of the book. It's a story about second chances, about being true to yourself and following your own path, with of course, a little help from your friends.

Thank you for continuing to share my writing journey with me, and, as always, happy reading!

So until next time, stay safe, and happy reading!

Emma xx 

'Reading The Wife's Choice is a guilty pleasure. It's full of love, drama, jealousy and ambition, with yummy descriptions of food thrown in.

I loved it. 5 stars.' (Netgalley reviewer)

Prologue

There’s a very fine line between secrets and lies.

Some would argue they’re the same thing, but I’m not sure I’d go that far. One thing I do know is that one follows the other as sure as night follows day. But which is it? Does night follow day, or does day follow night? Do secrets lead to lies or do lies lead to secrets? Surely it’s both, parasitic; each dependent on the other for their existence.

It’s something I’ve come to ponder many a time over the last few months. How both these things have changed the course of my life for the last twenty-five years, irrevocably, and at times with a cost I thought was too hard to bear.So, what defines us? Is it the lies we tell... Or the secrets we keep? But maybe that’s the wrong question. Maybe the question should be: which is worse?

Blurb

Tell your most devastating secret, or risk losing your only daughter…

Then: Twenty years ago, Alys’ husband, Sam, was in a terrible car accident that left him fighting for his life. His recovery was slow and painful and, just at the point when Alys began to hope, he sent her away, refusing to see her ever again for reasons she could never understand.

Now: Married again and living in a new town with a new family, Alys feels like she’s sleepwalking through life. She’s just lost her job, her grown-up daughter is flying the nest, and her new husband doesn’t see – or even seem to care about – the downward spiral she is in.

But a chance encounter changes everything. As the life she could have had crashes into the one she settled for, Alys must decide whether or not to reveal the lie she’s been telling everyone all these years. Will it tear apart the ones she loves, or could it set them free?

An emotional, page-turning family drama about the difficult choices and sacrifices we make to protect the ones we love. Perfect for fans of Amanda Prowse, Kerry Fisher and Jodi Picoult.

I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has already bought a copy, so thank you from the bottom of my heart... but if you haven't, now's your chance! 

And it's only £1.99! 

Coming Soon...

A Year at Appleyard Farm was originally published as four separate seasonal novellas – Merry Mistletoe, Spring Fever, Gooseberry Fool and Blackberry Way – and they’re particularly special to me, not least of all because it’s in the first of these books, Merry Mistletoe, that we first meet my favourite character of all time, Amos Fry. In fact, I fell in love with him so much that I always knew that one day I would have to write his story and share it with the world. I never really knew what it was, but last year, when I had my idea for my summer book, The Beekeeper’s Cottage, I finally got my chance and Amos’s story was told. And I think I did him proud.

But these books are also special because they were written when my writing career was in its infancy. I had just got my first publishing deal with Letting In Light when I suddenly had an idea for a seasonal novella which became Merry Mistletoe. It was, however, never intended to become part of a series, but it was so popular that I was soon thinking about what could come next. I have a real passion for rural crafts and settings which evoke our glorious countryside, and so when I began to think about the next book, it made sense to set it in the spring time to take advantage of this. Summer and autumn soon followed. It was always my intention once all four novellas were released to create an omnibus edition, but somehow I never seemed to find the time. And then I got really busy... But, I’m happy to say that, this year, my fabulous publishers offered to produce it for me, and it’s been wonderful to read these stories again and bring them to so many new readers.

If you've never read any of these, or maybe just one for two, then now's your chance to get the whole collection, and for the bargain price of only £1.99 for all four. A year at Appleyard Farm publishes on the 3rd September, but you can preorder your copy here.  

And now for something completely different...

Provisionally titled The Mystery at Montague House, it will introduce my new crime solving duo – Clodagh Wynter and Andie Summer. I say duo, but actually there's three of them, because the pairing wouldn't be complete without a trusty sidekick... Say hello to Hamish, the basset hound... Watch this space for more details coming soon!

TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE YOU'RE THINKING OF THEM

❤️ SIGNED COPIES ❤️

So shines a good deed in a weary world...

It’s the little things that matter, isn’t it? Letting someone know you’re thinking of them, surprising them with a treat if they’re feeling low, or helping them to celebrate an occasion even though you’re far away. I still have paperback copies of all my books in stock and will happily post out a signed copy to you or the recipient of your choice. I’ll even include your own personalised message if you’d like. Ordering is easy... just click HERE and it will take you to the page on my website where you can make your choice. All my books are priced at £9.99 which includes UK first class postage.

And before I go...

I'd just like to say thank you again for your continued support, and for reading my newsletter. I'll leave you with a little look at some of the books I've been reading over recent weeks...