That's what autumn is all about for me. Maybe it's because of the time I spent working in schools, but autumn has always felt like the start of the year for me – a time to celebrate what's been, and to look forward and plan for the year ahead. The fact that it always seems to be when I'm discussing new book contracts is a very happy coincidence, but more about that later. I love the days of warm slanting sunlight, combined with the crisp, sharp air of a morning and the promise of riches to come, both in terms of colour but also the feeling that autumn brings with it, that of comfort: lamp lit rooms and quiet, peaceful industry. My kitchen has certainly seen the fruits of such industry, lovely warming soups, apple cake, plum crumble and braised red cabbage to name but a few.

This year's been a tough one though, for all sorts of reasons and for regular readers of my newsletter, I still haven't moved! What should have happened months ago, hasn't, which is a little frustrating but, as I keep reminding myself, perhaps it's simply that the time hasn't been right. That the right time may now be in the middle of autumn makes me very happy, in fact, it couldn't be more perfect!

So, welcome to my latest newsletter and hello to new readers! So many of you have joined up since my last letter and it's lovely to have you with me on my journey. I'm thrilled that yesterday saw the publication of the third book in my Adam & Eve series of cozy mysteries. I've been bowled over by the lovely comments from early readers, a lot of whom say it's the best yet. Some of them even said it was the best cozy mystery they'd read in a while, so I hope you agree. If you haven't got your copy yet and would like to, the details are below.

When elderly millionaire and eccentric entrepreneur Clarence Lightman dies, his nearest and dearest gather one final time at Justice House, Clarence’s beautiful country estate, for the reading of his will. But the day ends in uproar when it is revealed that whoever solves a series of complex clues will inherit everything. Will one of Clarence’s disagreeable children outwit everyone else for the fortune, or could his devoted housekeeper or even Francesca herself win the day?

Francesca knows she should stick to the kitchen and stay out of this lethal game, but she is unwillingly drawn into the mystery when she finds one of Clarence’s sons, blood pooling from a deadly thwack to the head, shoved into the larder. Somebody is clearly not playing fair, and Francesca feels sure that they won’t stop until all of the competition has been eliminated.

Trapped in the game until all the riddles are solved, Francesca must solve the clues and find the ruthless killer to protect herself and her fellow innocent guests. But she can’t trust anyone. Fran must use all her wits, not only to hunt down the truth, but to stay alive… 

So what's next?

Well, before i tell you, I need to pause for a little drum roll and perhaps a few of these… 🥳 🥳 🥳 because what's next is book number twenty!

When I first started writing I never thought I'd get into double figures, let alone have written and published twenty books, so naturally I shall be celebrating this evening with a nice cup of tea and a few Pringles!

Francesca Eve, chef, caterer, and baker extraordinaire, has never desired the limelight. But when she’s accepted onto the country’s favourite cooking competition, she can’t help but wonder – what would it be like to win? The one thing she’d never imagined, though, was sharing the kitchen with a killer…

When Francesca Eve arrives for the Christmas special of the country’s most popular baking competition, she knows she’s out of her depth. For not only is she there undercover, reluctantly investigating strange threats to Miranda Appleby, the famous presenter-come-chef, but she swiftly gets roped into competing herself when another contestant can’t cut the mustard and quits.

Cooking may be bread and butter to Fran, but under the bright lights her cranberry sauce won’t set and her mince pies burn. When the real reason she’s there ends in total failure and Miranda is found with a cake slice through the heart - ‘lights, camera, cook’ becomes ‘lights, camera, murder…’

Miranda may have looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, but looks can be deceiving… From her harassed PA to the rakish producer and even the disappointed contestants, everyone on set seemingly had reason enough to want to bump her off. But who would be nuts enough to cook Miranda’s goose in such an obvious way?

As the police arrive to take over the investigation, Fran can’t help but continue her own lines of enquiry. She’s come to know the crew and contestants and can’t believe that any one of them would be guilty. But Fran must harden her heart to her new friends and focus her mind.

Someone may have thought Miranda was justifiably given her just desserts, but what Fran uncovers takes things to a whole new tier. Can Fran uncover the truth before another death occurs, and before the spirit of Christmas (cake) is ruined forever?

As I mentioned at the beginning, the autumn has often turned out to be the time when my current publishing contract comes to an end, and this year is no different. With the final read through of files for Death at Beresford Hall taking place, I've also been thinking about all the ideas which constantly buzz through my head and which ones should make it onto the page. I'm delighted to say, therefore, that I've been in discussion with my editor over recent weeks working on some of these ideas, and I'm very excited by the way things have been going. Obviously I can't say too much at this stage, but let's just say that lovers of my previous romantic fiction titles won't be disappointed!

What else have I been up to?

  I was delighted to be featured in the September edition of Shropshire Living Magazine where I get the chance to reveal all my favourite things about where I live. If you'd like to read the full article, simply click on the magazine cover below. Unfortunately I think you have to subscribe (it's free) to be able to read it, but you could always try enlarging the screen shot I took of it!

Introducing my Writer's Corner

One thing I get asked a lot is if I have any advice for would-be writers and although I love to help, I don't always have time to give a full answer. So, a while ago I decided that I would devote an area of my website for just such questions. After all, I was a would-be writer once upon a time and I have always been incredibly grateful for all the help that other generous writers gave me. If you think there's a book inside you desperately trying to get out, or maybe you know someone else who has, why not take a look? There's general advice, a little inspiration, and also a series of templates I've created to help the creative process. These are all free and can be accessed from the site directly on the writer's corner tab, or imported into apps such as Goodnotes or Notalibility if you use these. Click on the photo below to go to my site. I hope you find them useful.

And finally,  

Thanks to the brilliant Bookshop.org site, I'm also very happy that I've been able to add links to my books enabling people to buy them from their local independent bookshop. If you've never come across Bookshop.org before, do have a look. It's a brilliant place to browse, and by nominating your local bookshop you can also help them earn a little from your purchase. The links to purchase my books through Bookshop.org have now been added to my website, but you can also buy them direct by clicking here which will take you to my page on Bookshop.org

It also means you can see some of my favourite books and which ones I've been reading recently. I've read some absolute gems!

As always, a huge thank you for continuing to share my writing

journey with me. I hope you all have a wonderful autumn.  

So until next time, love, and my very best wishes,

Emma xx

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