Hello from country Australia, where kangaroos jumping in front of cars are a real danger. A place where the internet doesn’t always work and where life sometimes gives you a giant kick up the backside.

While I changed my focus slightly, I have just finished writing Second Chance Witch. It is one of the books in the A Fireside Christmas shared world.

Selena Mack has disappeared. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Now she’s Jill Jones, living in Willow Creek with a new look, a new job, looking to start a new life. For the first time in years, Jill is cautiously optimistic. She has a place to call home, and new friends who seem to genuinely care about her. There’s just one problem. The trauma she escaped has awakened something inside her. Magic. Controlling her new powers is proving almost as difficult as controlling her emotions. With her past closing in and unpredictable magic stirring beneath the surface, Jill has to decide how far she’ll go to protect the life she’s built. When her new friends need her help, she discovers the truth. She needs to overcome her fear to find her happy ending.

It’s out to my ARC readers, ahead of it’s release on Friday November 13.

It wasn’t as easy as I planned, getting this story finished in time. It was going well, until a few days ago.

Hubby and I planned a trip away, which wasn’t a big deal as I normally get lots of writing or editing done, in the front passenger seat, while he drives. Not this time though. Because of where we were driving, I helped as look out for kangaroos. They have a habit of jumping out in front of cars. What’s even worse is their colouring means they blend in so well with the bush on either side of the road. It’s tricky to see them before they jump.

Once we got where we were going I did manage to complete the editing and formatting.

My next, unexpected obstacle was that my laptop wouldn’t connect to the wifi at our accommodation. This was a big issue as I had to upload it into a format to get it out to ARC readers. I’d not saved it as a google doc so I couldn’t do it all on my mobile phone. Eventually I managed a workaround, late last night.

We are now on the road on our return journey. Hubby assures me I can type for a while as we drive along. I still have one eye on the side of the road for ‘roos’ as I type this.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, a truth that Jill quickly learns in my new book. We plan our future to the best of our knowledge and ability, but sometimes fate steps in. My books aren’t autobiographical, and although they’re not based on my life, I do draw from some life experiences, as well as other places.

Whatever you are up to this week, I hope it involves self-care and reading. Imaginary worlds can be so much more interesting than the real one. Don’t stay too long in the faraway lands or you’ll be missing out on those hidden gems that are to be found in real life. It’s a delicate dance.

Have a great week and happy reading x