'Gripping, touching, and close to my heart. I was hooked from start to finish.' Favel Parrett

This is the first 'review' of Shallow Breath, from Favel Parrett, author of Past the Shallows (one of my favourite books of the past couple of years). I was overjoyed to hear that Favel liked the story so much, and I am thrilled that this quote will be on the front cover of the book.

Next week, Shallow Breath heads for the final print run, on schedule for its 3 December release in Australia. So, the promotion countdown is on. It's a step back from the intense, dreamlike state of writing, and for the most part an enjoyable one, as I get to talk to readers instead of being locked away in my study. The only downside is that I'm desperate to start writing the next book!

There will be more book events to come - keep checking my website Events page for details.

I haven't done much writing or reading over the last month. Instead, my family flew home to England to join in with the wedding festivities of my brother-in-law and his bride-to-be. We spent a lovely week in Commondale, which is the little village in Yorkshire on which my fictional village of Roseby in Beneath the Shadows is based. The place isn't at all foreboding in September - in fact, driving along the moor top road is fantastic, as the heather is in full flower, and spreads a royal purple carpet right over the majestic moors.

From there we drove to the Lake District for a few days, catching up with a dear friend, visiting the Beatrix Potter museum, and locating beautiful Dove Cottage (although without enough time to go in). And while we were there I also had an idea for a book...!

The winner of the Natasha Lester book giveaway held on my website during September was Noreen Shiers. Congratulations, Noreen (let me know your address!).

There will be more giveaways coming up in the next few months - watch facebook, twitter and my website to find out more.