Over the past few months, with the help of my long-time friend and fellow novellist Freda Lightfoot, I have been learning how to convert some of my published novellas into e-book format.

After much frustration, despair and eventual joy, I successfully managed it. Two of my novellas are now available to buy from amazon and kindle.

Since the price is fixed by the American dollar, the price fluctuates slightly on a daily basis but it is just above £1 sterling - a bargain by anyone's standards!

The first novella I converted was 'Outrageous Deception'.

A hit-and-run victim is identified as Mellissa Filelding ... but, as recovery begins, she cannot identify with her surroundings or the people who seem to know her. As her memory begins to return, it seems that her risky past is about to catch up with her. She faces losing all she has gained in order to discover the truth.

My second ebook is called To Face The Past.

Eva Cunningham thought she had moved on from her deevastating divorce from Matt Talbot three years ago but when their paths cross again as newly appointed assitant managers of a struggling hotel in south Wales, she is forced to re-evaluate her feelings.

My latest hardback novel 'A Father For Daisy' was published by Robert Hale at the end of June this year.

Beatrice Rossall is faced with a bleak future when her elderly father dies and leaves her and four-month-old Daisy, an orphaned baby left in her care, without a home. After a local mill-owner, whose offer of a position as his housekeeper/mistress was spurned by Bea, makes sure no-one in the area will employ her, Bea decides her only option is to try to find the man whom Daisy's mother named as the father. but, when he denies any knowledge of the matter, Bea doesn't know where next to turn - until fate steps in and offers her a way out. Scorn, the nineteenth century prejudices against women in society and danger face Bea before she has any hope of achieving her goal.

'A Most Rebellious Debutante' is now out in Large Print, published on behalf of Hale by my long-standing Large Print publishers, F. A. Thorpe.

Caught in the embrace of her dancing master, Lucy Templeton is banished to Montcliffe Hall. Here she encounters the notorious Lord Rockhaven and a stolen kiss awakens something deep withoin her. Reluctantly, Lucy returns home and has a successful Season...but, her heart remembers that stolen kiss and she refuses all offers of marriage. Then her former dancing master attempts to abduct her, causing Lucy to be disgraced in the eyes of Society. Lucy is sent to stay with her sister, in the hope that her sister's more compliant nature will influence Lucy to become a more dutiful daughter ... but the rebellious Lucy has other ideas.

' The New Lord Westlake' and 'Hold On To Your Dreams' tell the stories of two friends, Camilla Brentwood and Emily Harcourt.

Camilla's life changes when her dear friend the Honourable Timothy Harding discovers he is not the heir to his grandfather's property and title. Not wanting to wait around until the new Lord Westlake, the son of Timothy's disgraced uncle, is located in America and told of his fortune, Timothy joins the army and goes to fight in the PeninsularWar.
Back at home, Camilla is out riding when a stranger 'saves' her from injury. He introduces himself as Jack Somergill. Indignant at being unceremoniously plucked from her horse, Camilla gives him a 'set-down', little knowing, that this man is about to surprise all of Kelsham - including herself!


Emily's story takes place a couple of years later, when, following her father's financial ruin and the untilely death of both her parents, she finds herself at the mercy of her aunt, a malicious woman who forces Emily to work as a servant. In spite of the humiliation and degradation forced upon her, Emily's dreams linger on. Will she ever regain her position in Society and her lost love

I have just finished reading the final book in Irene Hannon's 'The Heroes of Quantico' trilogy. 'Against All Odds' is a fast moving romantic suspense novel featuring FBI agent Coop and Monica, the woman he is assigned with protecting. Sparks fly between them and I was glued to the page from beginning to end.
'An Eye For An Eye' follows one of Coop's colleagues and once again the pace rockets on its way. I was hooked by the perfect balance of suspense, action and romance.
'In Harm's Way' is special agent Nick Bradley's story. As a minor character in the previous two novels, he has managed to evade a serious relationship - but is drawn to Rachel Sutton, whose life is put on the line by her connection to a psycotic woman's obsession.

Irene Hannon has written over 30 novels. Her books have been honoured with the coveted RITA Award from the Romanc eWriters Of America. For more details visit her website www.irenehannon.com
As for me, I am eagerly awaiting the first of her new series due out early in 2011.

Holidays

Hello.

We have been very busy enjoying ourselves over the past few weeks. First, we spent three days in Maidenhead, staying at a lovely Bed and Breakfast called Sunny Cottage, where we had the most fantastic breakfasts ever! It's a wonder we didn't end up as round as barrels!

We were in Maidenhead because our daughter-in-law, Tracey, was home from Malaysia for a few weeks with Amelia ( nearly 9) and Jasmine (3). Our son, Keith, was unable to come because he has just signed a new three-year contract and was settling in his new job.

We had a great day at Odd's Farm, joined by our daughter, Katherine, and her three children - Joe (14), Katie-Anne (12) and Rosie (6). There was plenty to see and do and the 5 cousins had a great day together.

www.oddsfarm.co.uk

The following day Tracey, the girls, Dave and I had a day in London. We went on the London Eye - what long queues! even though we had pre-booked our tickets, we queued for over an hour - the ride was worth it. Amelia also wanted to see Big Ben, so we went along and stood underneath it. It obligingly struck the hour as we approached.

Some friends of Tracey's invited us all to a Family Barbecue in their garden on the Thursday evening, extending our time together.

All too soon, our short time together was over and we had to say, "Goodbye." Tracey and the girls flew back to Malaysia. Our contacts in the foreseeable future will be via Skype.

Holiday in Devon

Following our time in Maidenhead, Dave and I drove to Bideford in Devon to Northway Cottages, where we were joined by both our daughters, Katherine and Sue, and their families for a week of family fun. It is a delightful place - this was our third visit and we have already booked again for next year, which speaks for itself of how much we enjoy the place.

Many years ago, it was a Coaching Inn but is now a complex of cottages converted from farm

buildings of varying sizes, housing from 2 to 13 guests. The site, run by Bob and Pauline Bourne, overlooks Bideford Bay - a picture-window view.

A slice of home-made cake, provided by Pauline, and welcoming pot of tea were soon consumed and the children were eager to go for a swim in the heated pool and a visit to the games room with Granddad whilst the rest of us unpacked the cars. Sue's husband David is our chef for the week - the rest of us being his willing helpers. No need for volunteers to wash up - the kitchen is well equipped with a dishwasher and all other appliances.

Sue, David, Katherine and the children Joe, Katie-Anne, Rosie, Lucy and Emily were staying in the Coach House - a specious cottage with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 lounges, a dining room and kitchen. Dave and I were in the more modestly-sized Buttery, comprising of 1 bedroom, 1 shower-room and an all-purpose kitchen/dining room/lounge - a handy place to retire to when the younger children became a bit fractious towards the end of the day!It is an ideal place for families. Every day starts with the children helping Bob to feed the animals - two goats, two ponies, three rabbits, a few hens (with the added chance of 'winning' a fresh egg - depending on how many have been laid) and numerous goldfish.

Then we decide where to go each day. Even after three years, we are still finding new places to visit - and, of course, we have to go back to re-visit our favourite places. I can see the day coming when we will need an extra week to fit everywhere in!

Our favourite beach is Sandymouth Bay, a National Trust beach where crashing waves, ideal for body-surfing for the older ones, compete with the many rock-pools to explore for sea creatures and which are deep enough for the younger children to swim in. Although we take a picnic, a cafe/gift shop supplies any extras, such as a cappuccino or ice-cream.

One day, we enjoyed a scramble down through the woods and fields to the local Peppercombe Beach, a shingle beach with rock pools at low tide. We returned there another evening and made a camp fire from driftwood, and enjoyedtoasted crumpets.

Picturesque Clovelly is only a few miles away and well-worth a day out. As are many other attractions. Arlington Court (a National Trust property) is another favourite place. This year we enjoyed a carriage ride around the grounds. There is a fine display of horse-drawn carriages in the old stables - an attraction for me, as a writer of regency romantic fiction.

And, of course, mention must be made of the many places to go for a Devon Cream Tea - a MUST for every visit.