An Exciting Week

Last week was a whirlwind week for me! Just back from a trip to Kefalonia where novel five is partially set, last Monday my daughter Joanna and I travelled to London for the RNA's Romantic NoveL Awards 2024 ceremony. My novel, The Secret Sister, had been entered for the Romantic Saga category by my publisher JOFFE BOOKS and I couldn't have been more thrilled to have been shortlisted. 

The event was held at the Royal Leonardo Hotel in Tower Hill on a lovely fine evening. The shortlistees had to turn up early at 5pm for photographs and a chance to meet and chat with the other finalists. Another Joffe author and fellow Cariad, Evonne Wareham, was shortlisted in the Romantic Suspense category. 

©Katie Hipkiss Visuals

The ceremony began at 6.30pm and we found our seats at the Joffe table. It was so good to have the support on the night of my fantastic editor, Emma Grundy Haig, and other members of the Joffe team as well as Joanna and fellow author, Anni Rose. The presenter of the awards was celebrity Anton du Beke who was great fun. I didn't win but to be a finalist made it very special. Huge congratulations to the winner of my category, lovely Francesca Capaldi, with her book A New Start at the Beach Hotel! 

It was great meeting in person authors I've admired from afar as well as catching up with old friends. I loved being part of such a fabulous, glittering occasion and it's one I will remember for a very long time. 

©Katie Hipkiss Visuals

Later that week, I travelled back up to London for the Joffe Books 10th Anniversary Garden Party. It was another brilliantly sunny day after the rain of the previous days and just perfect for the garden party held at Six Park Place, St James's. As you can see from the photograph, there were so many people there! The bubbles and wine flowed and trays of canapes were continually being offered. There was a good representation from fellow Choc Lit authors, many of whom I only 'knew' online, and it was lovely to get to know them better. As well as meeting more of the Joffe team, it was great to meet Jasper Joffe himself and celebrate the milestone of ten years of successful publishing with so many authors of all different genres. Another marvellous evening!

Now it's down to earth with a bump! This week I shall be further editing novel five after a successful and informative research trip to Kefalonia. The novel was already written when I went with a list of questions and places to visit. Armed with my notes and photographs, I'm delving in! Please wish me luck. 

Thank you for reading. 

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Shortlisted for Romantic Saga of the year 2024

'I was transported to stunning Sicily and enjoyed the senses evoked through the setting and food. The mystery woven into the novel is compelling, and I love the art theme.'