Let me start with an apology for the lack of blogs over the recent months. I could list a host of reasons: too busy writing and editing my latest book, too busy with the day job at QVC, too busy enjoying time with my granddaughter and just generally a very hectic time in the run up to Christmas 2024, as I’m sure we all experienced. My intention was to write a year end blog with my highlights of 2024 and then get back into the routine of writing a monthly blog in 2025, but ‘the universe’ had other ideas.
My mum began feeling unwell with back pains in early January. My husband, Chris and I visited her in the middle of the month and, although she was in pain when she moved around, she was still very much her usual self – sharp as a pin mentally, having a laugh and a joke. We were however concerned about her ability to continue living independently in her own home, albeit with the almost daily help of her amazing carer and friend, Suzanne. Our concerns took us back to Nottingham on the 29th January to spend the afternoon with Mum and I will be forever grateful that we went, as she went to sleep for her final time that evening.
I’m going to write a proper tribute to my mum on a Mothering Sunday blog, but I just wanted to say that I owe Mum so much not least the love of dancing she instilled in me and the encouragement she and my late dad gave me to start writing books something they both knew I’d always wanted to do.
As you can imagine if you’ve ever lost a loved one, February was swallowed up with grieving and organising, but I also had the final stages of my latest book to complete, and Mum would have wanted me to ‘carry on’. We’d had many conversations about it, and she’d urged me to hurry up and finish it as she was desperate to read it, particularly the parts set on the Isle of Skye where she and Dad lived for a few years in the 1970s. In fact, I told her that I’d borrowed the view from the kitchen window of their cottage for the view from Rowan House, the childhood home of Stuart, the husband of my leading lady, Lexi in the new book.
I should probably also mention something strange that happened regarding the title. I’ve said before that I have no input on the covers and titles of the books that I write for my publisher, Bookouture. I’d asked about the progress on those two key elements a few times during December and January while I was working on the editing stages and was told, ‘it’s coming’. Weirdly, the email arrived on the day I received the phone call to say Mum had died peacefully in her sleep. I initially caught my breath when I saw the title, Just Like Her Mother. But I must say it is perfect for the book, and I love both it and the cover. Apologies for not alerting you to the cover reveal day on March 6th but it was three days after the funeral, so I hope you can forgive me.
It makes me sad to think that Just Like Her Mother won’t be added to Mum’s collection of my books proudly displayed on a shelf above her television. I would always send her the first paperback copy with strict instructions not to read it too quickly, as there wouldn’t be another one along for a while. She never listened, even occasionally complaining that she’d developed a headache from reading for too long because she couldn’t put the new book down.
Just Like Her Mother is available to request on Netgalley prior to publication and there have already been some positive reviews which is always a relief. It’s also on pre-order and will be available in audiobook and paperback from publication day which is exactly a month today on April 17th.
I’m hoping to get back into the swing of writing soon. My next book, due for publication in the autumn is plotted but not started yet so I won’t make the deadline for the first draft in early April. It might mean a slightly delayed publication date at the end of this year or early next.
As I mentioned earlier in this blog, I’m planning on doing a ‘Celebration of Mum’s Life’ blog for Mothering Sunday and then I’ll write another blog around publication day of Just Like Her Mother and I’ll set a nice competition then.
Thanks for reading
Love
Julia xx
Yvie says
Julia, so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful Mum. Remember the happy times. Take care of yourself x
Monica Turner says
Julia I’m happy for you that you & hubby got to spend the afternoon with your beautiful Mum before she fell asleep. You have always talked fondly of her and I remember her coming on QVC . Give yourself time to grieve. I personally think the longer we have our parents the harder it is. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences. Monica x
Sue Farrell says
Dear Julia – thank you for sharing. Your Mum looks so beautiful! I lost my sweet Mum just before Christmas, and although we were preparing for it, it was still a shock. She lived a magnificent 92 years, and I must be grateful for that. Please continue doing what you do! I love seeing you on QVC, and reading your blog. Sending love to you xx. Sue
Sue Mahoney says
So sorry for the loss of your dear Mum.
Take care xx
Sara Prescot says
Big hugs Julia , I can see you were both very close, keep your beautiful memories of her alive , lots of love Sarah xx 😘
Sam Newbury says
I’m so sorry for your loss Julia, my own mum passed away 2 years ago and it didn’t hit me then but I’m feeling it now . Know that we are all here for you. Take care .
Lynne Sheard says
So sorry for your loss Julia it’s alway difficult time but with tome it does get a little easier but I should say that I have never forgotten the loss of both parents
Linda Broadhead says
Julia, so very sorry to hear about the sad passing of your Beautiful Mum whom I know was a great inspiration to you as was your beloved Dad. Take care lovely Lady time does help as you already know xx
Shelly says
Julia I’m so sorry for your loss. I too have lost my Mum and I know the heartache. I believe a mother’s love can never be broken. Take care x
norma rennie says
When someone dies it leaves a gap no one else can fill. Do hope you will feel less busy and be able to enjoy happy memories. Nora
Bernadette says
Awh Julia – so sorry to hear the sad news your mother – when a mother passed life is just not the same. You are so lucky you had your mum around for a long time. You were meant to see her when you did – and I’m sure she was happy when she when to sleep. Take care and be strong xxxx
Gillian Veers says
What a beautiful title and image Julia, so apt and poignant at this very sad time for you And was meant to be and to happen at that exact time. I am so very sorry for your loss of your dear mum.
Your tribute to your mum on Mothering Sunday will I know be painful but I think it will also feel like your final conversation with your mum. I did the same for my mum when she passed and it gave me a moment of release from the sorrow and loss.
I can understand keeping to deadlines is important but don’t push yourself too much. Give yourself time and take a breath from the juggling. Take care 💕
Carole Palmer says
Hello Julia, so sorry to hear your sad news. I to have lost Mum & Dad. I think that’s the way we would all like to go in our sleep. It is very hard to believe that we won’t see them again. I’m so pleased for you that you managed to see your Mum so close to her departure. Everyone who watches you on the QVC channel , can see how close you and your family are. I have not watched you since you began working at QVC as I hadn’t found you then but when I discovered QVC I became an avid fan. You were always my favourite presenter thank you for all your hard work. I was so pleased when you & Chris got married. What a lovely romantic story. I’m sure all your fans are thinking of you at this sad time. Take lots of care Julia. Best wishes for the rest of the year. Carole.x
Kim Vernon says
Dear Julia .
So sorry to hear about your beloved mum .
I lost my mother on the 19th Nov
A mother’s love is unlike any other .
Stay strong best wishes .
Kim from cambs
Jill says
So sorry to hear of your very sad loss.
Sending love and hugs
Jill x
Kathy says
Dear Julia,
Such sad news, we have had a couple of Fur Baby losses as well recently.
Take Care.
Kathy x
Sandra Palmer says
Such sad news Julia ,sending you and your wonderful family my Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your beautiful mum , think of all the wonderful times you spent together those memories will remain in your heart forever sending you all lots of love xxx
Linda says
So sorry for your loss I lost my mum last September me and my sister are lost without her she was 91
Jennifer says
So very sorry I lost my husband on 7 th February this year so I know how you must be feeling
Maureen says
Julia, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Mum. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Take time from your busy schedule to grieve. X
Trudie Golby says
Julia, so sorry to hear your news. Life will never be quite the same but you will be ok. Just keep writing your wonderful books. She will be so proud of you.
Love
Trudie xx
Beverley Dowse says
So sorry Julia to hear about your mother.know that you always have her with you in your heart and she will be with you everyday.all my love to you and your family.Beverley.x
Beverley Dowse says
So sorry Julia to hear about your mother.know that you always have her with you in your heart and she will be with you everyday.all my love to you and your family.Beverley.x
Marion says
So sorry to hear of the very sad passing of your lovely Mum Julia, May god bless you and your family Julia sending you lots of love Marion xx
Marion says
So sorry to hear of the very sad passing of your lovely Mum Julia, May god bless you and your family Julia sending you lots of love Marion xx
marguerite williams says
So sorry for your loss Julia, sending you a hug xxx
Pauline wood says
Dear Julia I am so sorry to hear about the sad loss of your dear mum that was a beautiful picture of her deepest sympathy to you and all your family lots of love Pauline xx
Karen says
Very sorry to hear about your beautiful Mom. It is so very hard and your loss never goes away. I shall look forward to your new book. Loved all the others I’ve read. Look after yourself and give yourself the time to grieve and rest. Lots of love from Karen xx
Darryl and Diane says
Hi Julia
Sorry for your loss, we have both lost our beloved Mams, this time of year is extra hard, with all shops having Mothers Day cards and gifts,
Take loads of care, sending 🧸🧸 hugs.
Darryl and Diane
Carole cooper says
Dear Julie
So sorry to hear about your beautiful mum, I lost my mum in dec 23 she was 91 and lived for 26 years on her own after dad death at 66.
Take care
Carole cooper
Carole cooper says
Dear Julie
So sorry to hear about your beautiful mum, I lost my mum in dec 23 she was 91 and lived for 26 years on her own after dad death at 66.
Take care
Carole
Claire Downing says
Dearest Julia
I am so very sad 😔 to hear the loss of your darling mum.
To loose our mum is loosing our best friend always there for us.
It’s been 7 years since I lost my darling mum and still miss her everyday.
Sunday will be a hard day for us all. My heartfelt love to you and your family. Claire x