Natasha Lester launches The Mademoiselle Alliance at Avid Reader, Brisbane

On a rainy Brisbane night diehard Natasha Lester fans trekked to West End for the launch of her latest historical fiction novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance. Natasha was in conversation with our favourite journalist and author, Frances Whiting.

This book tells the story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard – hero and only female leader of the French Resistance. She was a remarkable woman who was one of the most wanted by the Gestapo during World War Two. Hers is a story of courage, love and friendship during times of uncertainty and fear.

Marie – Madeleine was a mother, rally car driver, pilot, journalist and leader. She was known as ‘ the beautiful spy’ and her epic escapades seem almost superhuman now. She was so strong, resilient and loyal to those she led and she just kept fighting because she knew it was the right thing to do.

We meet a cast of characters whose bravery also shines through but at the heart of the story is a romance. The love story between Marie – Madeleine and her second in command, Leon Faye. Leon is also a hero and a man not afraid to be led by a strong woman.

This meticulously researched novel moves from Morocco, 1928 to Paris, 1938 taking the reader on a perilous journey which surely helped to shorten the duration of the war. The story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard shares how a young Parisian mother feted for her beauty and glamour, comes to lead one of the largest spy networks in France.

Natasha Lester is an automatic buy for me and has many titles available including my favourite, The Riviera House and her last novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, which was longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The Mademoiselle Alliance is out now. Natasha Lester is now touring Australia. Watch out for her in a bookstore or library near you. She is a wonderful storyteller.

Australian Romance Readers Association Signings 2025

This week romance readers are in for a treat as the ARRA signings take place around Australia. First stop was Brisbane where there were panel discussions, lunch with the authors and book signings. I went along to the signings in the afternoon to catch up with writing friends and add to my romance library.

I first chatted with my friend Jordan Clayden – Lewis who has published two queer romance books -When Things Happen Together and Such a Small World. He’s busy working on his third. Looking forward to reading that one.

T. M. Clark writes African suspense with a touch of romance. Her action/ adventures include Cry of the Firebird and Tears of a Cheetah. She weaves her fascination with diverse cultures, wildlife and superb storytelling through her books. I had some books signed and purchased Tina’s latest children’s picture book – Quickly, Quickly for my granddaughter.

It was good to meet author, Elaelah Harley. I couldn’t resist buying a copy of her book, Wish You Were French to add to my French themed fiction shelf. I spied Kat from Shelf Lovers and grabbed gifts for friends, before chatting to Rachel Sweasey whose historical dual time line novel – The Last Boat Home caught my eye.

Louisa Duval writes rural romance and witchy fiction under the pen name of Sabrina. I was taken by her title, Worth the Risk. Clarissa Morgan was nearby with her anthologies and next door was prolific romantasy writer, H.M. Hodgson.

My Sunshine Coast writing friends, Catherine Bilson and emerging author, E. C. Helliwell were doing a roaring trade with readers lapping up Catherine’s Pride and Prejudice based series and historical romances. A copy of The Meddling Matlocks found its way onto my shelf.

Rural romance writing friend, Fiona Marsden was there and heading on to the Sydney signings the next day. Her book – Hard Road Home was my last purchase of the day and we had a great chat. Other authors I spied were Sapphic novelist Sam L. Val, Tanya Bird and special overseas guests, Nalini Singh and Julie Ann Walker.

It’s so great for readers to get up close and personal with their favourite authors and there was a happy buzz in the air. Some readers even had trolleys to take their book hauls home. Australian Romance Readers Association provides great opportunities for readers and writers to connect via events, newsletters and a vibrant social media community. There are still events in Melbourne and Perth next weekend so look out for where these writers will be popping up next.

Editing – The Chateau of Love

Round One of my edits have been completed for my now hopefully 2025 release ‘ The Chateau of Love’. I’ve sent the manuscript back to my fabulous publisher – Sarah Williams from Serenade Publishing. Thanks to my editor, A.K.Leigh for making my words sing.

It’s always difficult to finally press send, even when you think you’ve edited as much as you can. Now Sarah will edit, proofread and format my story ready to send back to me for a final once over before publication.

I find editing exhausting, particularly hard on the ‘old’eyes.

Every time I finish an edit whether it be for a short story or novel I think to myself ‘never again’. It’s good to be in the lull right now where I can read romance and wonder on the design which will be chosen for my cover.

I’ll keep you updated with a cover reveal and launch date as we travel further along the path to publication.

It is sometimes hard to see the ‘forest for the trees’ with your own work so a good editor will help you nut out plot holes, strengthen your characters and provide valuable feedback. I am pleased to say that unlike my first manuscript I seem to have developed a much better understanding of ‘Point of View’ or POV and am ‘showing’ not telling in so many places.

Being a ‘ Pantser’ I pretty much write my story in scenes until I reach the end. It is funny how during the editing process the ending and starting point are usually changed. This always makes the story better. I’ve learned not to be too precious and am happy to defer judgement to those who’ve been doing this a long time.

So, if you’d like to read a story set in the beautiful South of France filled with history, wine, fashion and food ‘The Château of Love’ might be for you. It’s a love triangle travel romance with a twist and I know you will love meeting travel writer, Saffron and château guide, Claude. Until next time… au revoir.

BLUSSH Romance Festival

Valentine’s Day was the perfect day to launch the BLUSSH Romance Festival. Filled with films, author talks, market stalls, poetry readings and more this festival was designed for lovers of love.

I grabbed my valentine and walked the pink carpet before our screening of the wonderfully heartwarming rom com film, ‘ Bridget Jones – Mad About the Boy.’ We laughed, cried and revelled in catching up with our favourite characters.

Saturday brought the first of many author talks with the Rom – Com Revival panel. Romance author, Ally Blake was in conversation with the USA Today bestseller Amy Andrews, local romance author Louisa Duval and Australia’s reigning rom com queen, Rachael Johns, who was in town to promote her latest rom com novel, ‘ The Bad Bridesmaid’.

The group talked about the historical heyday of the rom com citing favourite films like ‘ Notting Hill’ and ‘ When Harry met Sally’ before discussing how a new generation are discovering rom coms thanks to streaming services and tik tok’s popular book tok recommendations.

After exploring the market stalls and having my new book signed by Rachael Johns I caught up with my publisher Sarah Williams from Serenade publishing who had a table at the market. Many of her titles sold out!

Midday brought a special ‘ Lit to Lens’ panel who shared examples of books being adapted to film. This was followed by a screening of Brisbane author, Kylie Scott’s book ‘ Lick’ which has been made into a film through Passionflix. We all enjoyed this spicy rock star romance starring the Gold Coast’s Brooke Lee.

The Romantasy panel shared their thoughts on this popular genre which includes witches and dragons, urban fantasy and aliens. It is one of the hottest romance genres right now. Capably led by H.M. Hodgson the panel featured Melanie Pickering, Elena Moriarty and Demi Clorissa.

Exiting the cinema we bumped into the cast and crew of ‘ A Royal Proposal – A Royal in Paradise Two’ who were strutting their stuff on the pink carpet before a special advanced screening of their film which will be in cinemas later this year.

Our hearts were full as we made our way home after a wonderful festival which was kind, inspiring and lovely. Thanks to the hardworking organisers, Sue -Anne Chapman and Kylie Pascoe for a truly wonderful event.

Editing – Book 2

Thanks to my publisher Sarah Williams @SerenadePublishing for signing Book Two in my French series. My editor for this book is the talented A. K. Leigh @akleighauthor and I am deep in the trenches of editing as we begin 2025. If all goes to plan this book will be published in February 2026. It has the working title of Chateau of Love but as all authors know this may change. I look forward to sharing an exciting new romance set in the South of France next year.

Debut Novel News

Last year I signed a contract with boutique Sunshine Coast publisher – Serenade Publishing. It was for my debut novel with a working title of Chateau D’ Amour. This story shares the romance of Australian archaeologist, Crimson Brown and French businessman, Jean Luc de Michel.

Filled with fashion, food, history and travel it is a magical travel romance set in my favourite place in the world. With cultural clashes, misunderstandings, a disapproving French Canadian mother and the wrath of a fiery Spanish ex sparks are sure to fly in the City of Love.

As other authors will know signing a contract is just the beginning of the publishing journey. There is editing, advice from beta readers and many changes to be made before the work is ready for publication. All of this work only makes the story the best it can be.

Exciting aspects of the process are writing the dedications, ideas for cover art and hearing the constructive comments from others. I’ll keep you posted on my path to publication and release date. In the meantime you can read my regular column at She Society for author interviews, fashion news, reviews , travel stories and event round ups. Stay sparkly!

While you wait to read my new romance here are some images of the sites you’ll read about in the story. Au revoir for now….