The Stolen Sister

The waiting is over! My sixth novel, The Stolen Sister, entered the world last Tuesday, February 24th, and I could never have imagined how well it has been received. A huge thank you to all you lovely readers who have downloaded it. On publication day itself, it was #1 Hot New Release in three categories - Historical European fiction, Women's Sagas and Saga Fiction and although it has started to slip a little today, by yesterday it had reached #129 in the Kindle Store. In addition, to currently be #1, #1 and #3 in the same three categories on Amazon.com is a bonus.

A massive thank you must go to my fabulous publisher, Joffe Books/Choc Lit Publishing for their super marketing, frequent promotional posts and especially for arranging the help of the wonderful Zoë of Zooloo's Booktours. The resulting reviews from book bloggers have blown me away!

The writing community is always generous with its support. While taking part in the first #RomFicFeb2026 throughout February, this has been so evident. Thanks to everyone, especially to the Cariads, members of my local RNA Chapter.

As with all my other books, I wrote countdown posts on each of the fourteen days before The Stolen Sister was published. The idea was to give readers a flavour of the novel and accompany it with a photo illustration. Here are a few that were the most popular:

COUNTING DOWN TO PUBLICATION

14 Days to go

"Zoë's pulse quickened as she unfolded the letter, looking down at the familiar script. Her throat constricted as she began to read.

'Dear Zoë

If you are reading this, I must have left this earth. Don’t be sad. Not all mothers and daughters have enjoyed the wonderful close relationship we had, yet, as I write this, I still worry about you. But I’m comforted by knowing you are a strong young woman. I know you will make a good life for yourself now you are dependent on no one. Follow your dreams, travel the world and keep making your beautiful silver jewellery. There is nothing to keep you in Wales now. You can go anywhere.

I have one final request for you, cariad. I’d like my ashes to be scattered off the Greek island of Crete. Can you do that for me? Treat it as the beginning of your adventures and the start of your travelling journey.

Good-bye, my lovely Zoë. I will always be by your side. I will always love you.

Love Mammy xxx'"

COUNTING DOWN TO PUBLICATION

12 Days to go

“‘First time in Matala? You’ll love it.’

The three chatted all the way and in what seemed like no time, they were driving into the village itself towards the beach. What Greta noticed first was the vibrancy of the sea colour. A whole range of vivid turquoise hues shimmered in the strong sunlight. One part of the water appeared as a deep, almost navy, blue, while another verged on shades of emerald.

Greta gasped. ‘The colours! They’re jewel-like. It’s a painter’s paradise. You were right, Andreas.’

‘Stunning, eh? See those caves to the right. One of those is going to be my home for the summer.”

COUNTING DOWN TO PUBLICATION

8 Days to go

"Walking barefoot over the sand, Zoë made her way to the rock she’d picked out. The water was crystal clear and gentle waves broke around her ankles as she sat there, putting off what she’d gone there to do... Zoë took the urn out of her bag and unscrewed the lid. After checking no one was near, she inhaled a deep breath and slowly tipped the ashes into the water. Tears trickled down her cheeks. ‘Goodbye, Mam. Sleep well. I love you.’ The ashes mingled with the water and settled onto the flat rock underneath the surface. Soon, a wave came and washed them out to sea. ‘Return to nature, Mam.’"

How did I celebrate publication day itself? With a lunchtime meal at Rozafa, a Greek restaurant in Manchester, with my husband and daughter. The food was delicious and authentic, reminiscent of our meals in Crete earlier in the year. We toasted with ouzos, too! All that was missing was the hot Cretan sunshine. 🔆🌞🔆🌞🔆

After the excitement of the last week and taking part in #RomFicFeb for the last month, it's back to writing the first draft of book seven. More about that in future posts. 

Thank you so much for reading.

Here is another Netgalley review. As you can imagine, I was absolutely thrilled. Thank you, dear reviewer. It made my day! 

'I can honestly say it is one of the most beautifully written and emotionally affecting novels I’ve read in quite some time. The writing itself is simply stunning. The author’s descriptions are rich, vivid and full of colour — I truly felt transported to Crete, wandering through olive groves and sunlit villages, feeling the warmth of the island and the depth of its history. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it breathes life into the entire story... Atmospheric, compassionate and deeply moving, this is a story that lingers long after the final page. A truly unforgettable read.' 

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For more information about me and my books, please visit my AMAZON page.