The Woman on the Beach

Those of you who are signed up to my newsletter will already have seen the cover of my latest book, but if you’re not signed up, let me introduce you to The Woman on the Beach!

As I mentioned on my last blog, I absolutely love both the cover and title, and it’s been really well received so far on my social media platforms. I’d love your thoughts if you’d like to leave a comment below.

You might also like to comment on the ‘shout’ line; has it got you intrigued? Apparently, there were two in the running, but I think this one says it all, but of course I’m saying that from the point of view of having written the story and that’s an unfair advantage. So, here’s the description that appears on Amazon:

I was so sure I saw Sophie on the beach that day. But it couldn’t be her. Sophie’s dead…

Ever since we locked fingers and swore to be best friends at school, Sophie was there for me. When she married my brother, we became family. We laughed together and cried together. We never kept secrets from each other.

At least, that was what I thought…

And then she was gone. The terrible accident that took her life devastated me. Without her I had no one to turn to, and I had to take a break.

Now I’m standing on the beach we visited when we were younger and there’s a woman with long blond hair a few metres away, playing with a dog in the sunshine. She turns, and I see Sophie. Heart racing, I struggle to my feet, but before I can reach her she’s vanished, leaving only footprints in the sand.

It can’t be Sophie… But if it is, why did she disappear? What was she running from? And if the answers change everything I believe about the people I love, will I ever be able to forgive her?

A heartbreaking emotional read about the ways we lie to ourselves and how love and hope can heal us. Fans of Amanda Prowse, Kate Hewitt and Susan Lewis will absolutely love The Woman on the Beach.

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If that has whet your appetite, The Woman on the Beach is available to pre-order now and is out on 19^th August.

Something else I mentioned on the latest newsletter which was called ‘Lady in Red’ (do sign up if you haven’t already) is that I would elaborate on a funny story involving Chris de Burgh, who wrote and sang the aforementioned ‘Lady in Red’. It’s a football related story which took place a few years ago when I had gone to Anfield to watch my team, Crystal Palace play Liverpool in a cup game.

Three things to mention before I continue with the story:

1. The cover of The Woman on the Beach is in my team’s playing colours – maybe that is why I like it so much!
2. Crystal Palace are playing Liverpool this weekend in the final game of the current season. I’m not being negative, but we will probably lose as we did on the night of the story I’m about to tell you.
3. A huge thank you to Roy Hodgson, probably one of the only football managers that non-footie fans have heard of, who is leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season after fulfilling his contract (a rarity in football I can tell you!) At 73, he is the oldest manager in the league and while I haven’t always agreed with all his tactical decisions, he has kept us in the top-flight throughout his four-year tenure. Wishing Roy well in whatever he goes on to next.

So, to the story…

After the game at Anfield, I managed to wangle myself a pass to go into the player’s lounge. It was a midweek game, so my son hadn’t been able to go with me as it was a school night. Being a thoughtful Mum, I decided to get him some of the Liverpool players autographs on my match ticket. First up was Robbie Fowler who I approached, handing him my ticket and pen.

‘Your pen doesn’t work,’ he said after attempting to sign the ticket.

A voice to my side said, ‘Here, you can borrow mine.’

I took the pen without paying much attention to the person and Robbie duly signed. He handed the pen back to me saying, ‘You might want his autograph too?’

I looked up, wondering if I’d somehow failed to recognise a player and was surprised to see it was Chris de Burgh. It was a great opportunity to get his autograph, but I didn’t particularly want it on the match day ticket which was for the players signatures.

            ‘No, it’s alright,’ I said. ‘But thanks for lending me your pen.’

The friends I was with couldn’t believe the opportunity I’d passed on and to be honest I think Chris de Burgh was slightly taken aback!

I’m not even sure whether autograph collecting is still a thing, is it? It’s all about the selfie these days!

What He Did

Well, before I finish, I have a little bit more book news. The lovely people at Kobo have selected What He Did, the second in the DCI Rachel Hart series, to be part of a ‘Victoria Day’ promotion. I must confess that I had to Google it BUT if you are reading this in Canada, the book will be at $1.99 on all its platforms from the 21^st – 24^th May.

I have an entirely different offer for the Bank Holiday weekend in the UK to tell you about on next week’s blog so do check it out. And remember, your comments re the cover of The Woman on the Beach would be much appreciated.

Have a great weekend

Much love