Tag: romance

As a young Mum the library was my haven. I looked forward to the kids borrowing books, playing in the park and having morning tea in the sunshine. It was always a favourite part of my week.

It was also special because I was able to borrow the latest novels and escape from Mum life through my book friends. I think Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series saved my sanity. Another new book friend found at the library was young Irish writer, Marian Keyes. I first read her debut novel – Watermelon over thirty years ago.

Watermelon told the story of Claire, a woman who finds out her husband is having an affair shortly after she gives birth. Devastated, she returns to Dublin to live with her family, including her parents and sisters, and begins the process of healing her life. It was this honest, humorous and heartwarming story which made me fall in love with Marian Keyes and the whole Walsh family of characters.

Since then Marian has become a once -in – a – lifetime talent who has been writing for over 30 years. Marian’s books are always an automatic buy for me as they give you the feeling of having a cuppa with a good friend.

When I heard that Marian was coming to Brisbane it was a bucket list moment for me and I had to buy a ticket. So on a rainy Brisbane night I headed into South Bank to hear Marian speak at the Concert Hall. She was just as funny, engaging, honest and wise as I had expected.

It is no secret that Marian has had her own battles and she talked of these openly. She explained that there was the Marian before she’d gone to rehab and the Marian after. She shared that this was her favourite mistake but one that ultimately changed her life.

In her new book- My Favourite Mistake she shares the story of another Walsh sister, Anna. Anna has the dream job. She works in cosmetics for a multinational company, has the perfect partner and lives a wonderful life in New York but… she is not happy.

So Anna implodes her life and moves back home to Dublin, much to the horror of her family who can see their access to the latest make up samples drying up. She also reconnects with her teenage crush, Narky Joey and helps out a dear friend promoting her new hotel.

The book shares the ups and downs, problems and solutions and the course of Anna’s family life and romance. Along the way we catch up with all our favourite family members and old family friends while enjoying the beautiful Irish scenery.

Marian writes from the heart and advised us as writers to write as if no one else was going to read it. Very good advice! With sex scenes she says she doesn’t love writing them (nor do I) but agrees that women have come so far that it needs to be included to show that it is a normal part of life. My feelings exactly!

Marian shared her wisdom. She is my age (61 ) and said she would tell her 30 year old self to find the joy in life. Travel and see the world, enjoy being young and learn about the world. We are here for such a short time it is important to find those glimmers of happiness.

Marian has delighted her readers worldwide with her heartwarming and genuine novels set in her home of Ireland. Later in the year Stan has filmed the story of the Walsh Sisters for us all to enjoy.

It was an absolutely delightful evening and the full house walked out with smiles on their faces and an even greater love for this warm and talented author. So go and dig out a Marian Keyes novel for real stories about real life with a sense of fun and warmth.

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.