Dear Readers,

I am so thrilled to tell you I’ve been nominated in the Short Contemporary category for the Romantic Book of the Year for my 97th book- Illicit Italian Nights. I have been nominated a few times before and have won it in another category in the past but it’s still a great honour to be chosen as this is a reader-judged award.

A huge thank you to all the judges and volunteers who put so much into this contest.

This is our last month of winter so the trip to Darwin for the conference will be a shock to the system- a lovely one, I hope.

I’ve had a busy few weeks juggling work and family but I constantly remind myself to stop and notice little things that bring joy. My garden is coming alive with bulbs and one of my favourites is this miniature daffodil.

I first saw one when we were living in Edinburgh, Scotland over forty years ago. Our lovely elderly landlord showed me one he had lovingly and patiently nurtured into bloom.

I can still see the pride on his face. On my walk this morning with the dogs, I saw these tiny white violets. They too are quite rare and I love seeing them.

The golden wattle is out now too- the bright yellow is such an uplifting colour.

Happy reading!

Best wishes,

Melanie