Creating Sparks That Last & All Things Relationships

Holidays and Happy Days Silly Season is upon us; let the festivities begin!  Welcome to the final month of the year! Can you believe it?  There is plenty happening in my world before I can even think about holiday season, though.  I have, serendipitously, almost finished the first draft of the third and final book in A Midlife Romcom Series, and on the cusp, too, of my author talk for the second book, Marriage & Mayhem (and some pandemonium) . Book three, tentatively titled Friendship & Fun (and romance undone) , ties the series up very happily with the folks of Pelican Cove finding new ways of enjoying romance, friendship and family gatherings. There are wedding bells, banquets, infatuations and more as the eclectic cast enjoy their usual hectic lifestyle. But, on to my author talk on 10 December 2025 at the Gloucester Library, NSW. This will be a follow-on from my talk there in March for the release of the first book, Love & Laughter (and other disasters) . ...

The Accidental Plus One Down Under by Alison Ripley Cubitt   I'm delighted to feature this travel memoir   by Alison Ripley Cubitt who says: Travel for me now isn't just about the destination, but savouring every moment of the journey. Ebook  publication date: 24 November 2025 New Year's Eve 2019 While everyone else is popping champagne corks and ringing in a new decade, Alison—The Accidental Plus One—is crammed into a flying tin can somewhere over the Equator, obsessing over whether she remembered to lock the front door. Can she really uproot her life halfway across the world—again? Rural calm was sweet while it lasted, but when Alison's partner's job prospects dwindle, the lure of a new adventure on the far side of the planet proves irresistible. This time, she promises herself, it'll be easy. Fewer things to pack. No dog to uproot. Renting rather than buying. And before she knows it, Alison is heading for a land of giant spiders, the world's longest lockd...

I have the most exciting author event coming up!! I am overjoyed to be launching my latest novella, Marriage & Mayhem , at the Gloucester Library! In the story, there are numerous landmarks from Gloucester and Barrington outlined, as the friends from Pelican Cove go hiking in the area. The librarian at Gloucester Library has warmly welcomed me with support to sell both my books. The library has also stocked copies of both books for readers to borrow! Love & Laughter and Marriage & Mayhem will be sold as both a set, and individually. (No EFTPOS available; apologies). Both sets and individual books will be wrapped in a “book pocket” created with free sparkling new dish towels since the story includes much baking and even a neighbourhood dinner crawl.  Bookmarks and lollies will be yours for the taking! I do hope to see you there! It is free to attend, but bookings are essential at the link provided: Free Author Talk Tickets: Here are links for both books, which, inciden...

🎉🥳 🎉 It's Launch Day! I never expected to be releasing book two, Marriage & Mayhem, in the same year as book one, Love & Laughter.  But that day has arrived and I am bouncing up and down with excitement. My Midlife Romcom Series is growing. Not only is it launch day for Marriage & Mayhem, it is also freebie day for Love & Laughter. That's right, when you purchase Marriage & Mayhem, you can download Love & Laughter for free - two books, one price!  Both are quick-read, closed-door romance novellas with a touch of drama and a sprinkle of humour throughout. This is what early readers have to say: "A fabulous cosy story with a flirtatious twinkle in its eye." S. Bavey "This romantic comedy was a joy to escape into ." Susan, Goodreads review " Sharp and witty , escapist fun." Pauline Reid "I adore this series and set of individuals so much!" Emma, Goodreads review "You're up for a great time , following t...

Treats, News & Exciting To-Do’s Just a quick catch up this week! I have some dates locked in for you and a recipe to share. 🥳🥳🥳 Marriage & Mayhem is now available  for preorder:   Preorder here: Marriage & Mayhem When it releases on 3 November 2025 , you can download the first book, Love & Laughter, for free 🥳🥳🥳 2-4 November 2025 - set your reminder now. Two books, one price - Sounds like a win to me and you’ll have your holiday reading sorted! Both are romantic comedies, both are novellas, both delightful. Recipe Share: In Marriage & Mayhem, Meryl’s daughter, Ruth, makes up for her bad manners by making Cherry Ripe Slice for dessert at a family dinner. It’s so delish I decided to share the recipe with you: Recipe: Cherry Ripe Slice If you can’t access the recipe video, comment below and I’ll share it with you.  That’s it today, short and sweet - literally, haha! Take care and keep smiling.

When Opportunity Knocks Welcome the opportunity! This has been the underlying message throughout the publishing process (hint: and the story itself) of my upcoming novella, Marriage & Mayhem . As scary as it is to take opportunities you wouldn't normally take, the rewards are almost always worth it. The book is currently with early readers and I wasn't going to take that stressful path. But, on advice from those more experienced than me, I did, and I am thrilled with the outstanding outcome making the story shine 🤩 Writing novellas this year has been the best fun!  And now, it's time for the big reveal! As promised, I have the cover reveal of Marriage & Mayhem for you, my valued blog subscribers first , before social media! Massive thanks to Amber Grosjean for her commitment to giving readers the best 'first glance' of my book. I love it! Ebook cover by  @ambergrosjeanwrites Paperback cover with blurb. Never before seen by anyone! Cover designer:  @ambergr...

On Writing, Reading and Relaxation It’s been the strangest August/September in my little bubble. On Writing: I experienced major writer’s hangover after a massive creative burst in August.  However, I did start the beginnings of a story that struck 16 months ago while on holiday in Wells, UK. The Fox and the Fairy came to me while visiting Wells Cathedral; the image below explains the creative flow better than any words could: Stained glass wing sculpture by Edgar Phillips   Add to that, a gorgeous silver fox trinket which I regrettably didn’t purchase but think of frequently, in the adjoining curios shop to Wells Cathedral. Hence, The Fox and the Fairy is borne. For those wondering, Marriage & Mayhem , a midlife romcom, is still on track for a November release. Currently working on the second round of edits. On Reading: Several good reads kept me busy, Red Dust Running by Anita Heiss, and The Jam Maker by Mary-Lou Stephens. Both reviews are linked below. Both stories...

A Rare Find It's not often, these days, that I drop everything to dedicate an entire blog post to a book review, but today is that day.  As I sit at my desk, I'm still sipping my morning coffee, hair not yet brushed, still shaken as I contemplate the story I've just read. Not shaken from fear; shaken from being deeply affected. The book in question? Twice in a Lifetime by Breyanna I.L. Evans On the surface, its a book about falling in love and second chances. But as the story unfolds, a broader view of the complexities of relationships in all their splendor, unravels. Kalli Morgan, the main female character, carries us along on her heartbreaking journey of love, loss and self-discovery. Along the way, Kalli envelops us in her friendships, sibling relationships, family, extended family, in-laws and, of course, romance. But this is not some frivolous, straightforward falling in love romance, this is one that dives into the depths of feeling. Feeling deeply. The author, Breyan...

Let the Good Times Roll I’m having a blast in the bookish world and I hope you are too. I discovered a powerful armillary that I need for both my upcoming books, (listed below). It’s better than the image shown... But first, books I’ve read! I’ve been churning through so many good books recently!  📜 A few stand outs are, By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult. I’m a bit scared of her deep digging into difficult themes, but this one is a must! In fact, I wish there was a follow on.  She shows the importance of both invisibility and visibility in the (mostly) female creative arena.  It’s a dual timeline that runs through a family with same but different obstacles. So well written. 🐕 Another brave read for me was Fairy Tale by Stephen King. Really scared of his stories but can’t resist a portal. And this one had it in spades! Loved the underlying message as well, essentially helping others by facing our own fears. Two Indie Reads I Loved 🐘 Look an Elephant in the Eye by Lo...

I Thought I Was Finished But that's not the case at all. Author happenings just keep on coming and I am cheering all the way. On Thursday, 3rd July, I'll be releasing the second in series of my children's stories, Captain Binky Gallivants the Globe , in Captain Binky's Adventures, under the name, Cal Grant-Smith. I know most readers are familiar with my books for adults, mostly on relationships, but I'm mentioning Captain Binky here because she is, in fact, a real cat. Her relationship with her owner, Jude, my sister, is one that deserves highlighting. As most of us know, bonding with a pet is good for our wellbeing, and the bond that Jude and Binky share is a touching story to hear. Based on fact, yet somewhat fictionalised, Binky's story has been written primarily for children, but is easily a family-read all snuggled up together. There are real photographs of Binky as she settles into her new home, after flying abroad and encountering some scary adventures al...

Books that rewire your brain Ever read one of those books that stay with you forever? Yeah, me too. This month I had the priviledge of accepting a review request from Dr Thomas Jordan for his book Learn to Love: Guide to Healing Your Disappointing Love Life.  This is not a s*x book, I'm not interested in those. What I am interested in, is books that enrich our relationships, and this is one such book . My Review: What I Loved: In his writing, Dr Thomas Jordan helps the reader to clearly identify past hurts that need a positive spin. That's the basic premise. What follows is deeply researched information that pulls feelings out of our hurts and replaces them with improved thought processes and behaviours that we, ourselves , are responsible for.  Yes, it's possible our hurts come from way back, but there comes a point when it is up to us to take responsibility and action for a better way of dealing with these emotions. POW! That is how you take your power back and redirect...

Reflection, Relationships, Romance Book Review: Watercolors and Tears by Jose Orlando Castaneda My review follows a request by the author who gifted me with a digital copy of Watercolors and Tears . My Thoughts: It was a moving tale that I did not want to rush. The observations by the author on human nature were evocative, made poignant by the fact that they were based on real situations told to the author. I truly wanted to absorb the resonance of the main characters portrayed.  Manuel and Elvira started their lives together full of promise and soon wanted more for themselves and their family. This resulted in separate quests for a decade; what follows, is a story of deep self-reflection, resilience, tenuous relationship longevity. What I loved about the book: I have many highlights to share with you from the story, first and foremost was Elvira's depth of knowledge as she grew into womanhood searching for a meaningful life. She falls under the guidance of Sister Felisa where she ...

Review:  Sisters in the Outback By Pura from Rosas Viajeras Sisters in the Outback  is a beautifully written short story that follows two adult sisters on a long-awaited weekend escape to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. More than just a travel narrative, it’s a reflective and moving piece about the connection between siblings, with the land, and within oneself. As someone who has visited this remarkable part of Australia, I found the story both relatable and moving. The story traces the sisters’ journey from their home to the heart of the Red Centre. From the anticipation of travel to the stillness of sunrise at Uluru, the author captures not only the physical beauty of the landscape but also the emotional significance of the trip.  What I loved most was how powerfully the story conveyed the visceral experience of being in Uluru Kata Tjuta. The descriptions of the changing light over the rock formations were so vivid, I was transported back to my own visit. The spiritual ...