A belated happy New Year to you all!

It’s been a busy start to 2012 for us, with a big interstate move and all the joy of unpacking and re-organising the house. We are now officially inhabitants of footy central, aka Melbourne, and I never thought I’d say this, but it’s a bit of a culture shock. It’s been twenty years since I finished my agriculture degree at Roseworthy College and moved here to work for a pasture and turf seed company, and while I’ve visited plenty of times in the interim, and wandered around even bigger cities than Melbourne, I can’t seem to get over the traffic and noise and sheer number of people hustling and bustling their way around.

Adjustment will come though, and it’s not like this is forever. Given Jim’s job next year could see us somewhere else. In the meantime, I’ll just enjoy the experience.

And now for some wonderful news. Promises is a finalist in the Favourite  Contemporary Romance section of the Australian Romance Readers Association Awards. I’m so proud to be on that list and offer a very heartfelt thanks to all who voted. Award winners will be announced at the ARRA Awards dinner on the 11th February at Cello’s Restaurant, Castlereagh Hotel, Sydney.

Check out the ARRA website for the full list of awards and finalists. There are some great names there.

And if you aren’t already a member of ARRA, please take a look at joining. It’s a great way to connect with other romance readers and to keep up with all that’s going on in the Australian and international romance world. Plus members have benefits. Lots of book giveaways and other swag type benefits, as well as a very informative newsletter, a conference, lunches, a dedicated discussion loop…the list goes on. All for $20 a year. Bargain.

Friday Feast returns this week with a special guest – paranormal and fantasy romance author Shona Husk. You will not believe the recipe she’s sharing. Talk about drooly. Which is almost the word I’d used to describe the list of authors I have booked for guest appearances this year. Friday Feast is going to be so much fun and if Shona’s recipe is any indication, very, very fattening!

Finally, my Hunter Valley set rural romance, Heart of the Valley, is on its final run through and will soon be off to the printers. Keep your eye out for the cover and blurb, coming soon.

Speaking of which, I’d better get back to work.

Enjoy your summer!