It’s nearly the end of January and longest month of the year has flown by. For me, January has been busy following a hectic end to 2019.
CELEBRATIONS
I am so happy to share something special. I got married! It was a Christmas wedding with close family and the day was for us, absolutely perfect. My lovely hubby and I tied the knot and started the new year as husband and wife. Second time round for us both, at a time in our lives when neither ever imagined being in a relationship, let alone being married. So, dear friends, never think it’s too late to begin again in whatever you do from work, relationships and adventures. My life has changed completely since I walked out of my previous life and began again, and remember, as my mum always said, ‘The time to be happy, is now.’
BOOK NEWS
Some big news for me is that I have a new book on the way! I’ve changed direction a little and decided to write a new series of mysteries. Hattie Goes To Hollywood is the first in the series and will be published on February 14th. You can pre-order at the pre-publication discounted price here:
The book will be available as an e-book, paperback and audio. Click the link below to hear me talking about the inspiration behind the book:
Caroline talks about Hattie Goes To Hollywood
When recently bereaved Hattie Mulberry inherits her aunt’s dilapidated cottage in the village of Hollywood in Cumbria, she envisages a quiet life. But retired hotelier Hattie is bored and when her neighbour asks her to investigate a suspicious suicide, Hattie’s career takes a new direction and H&H Investigations is born.
During the hottest summer on record, Hattie discovers there have been three recent suicides in Hollywood and she determines to find out why. Temperatures rise as she throws herself into village life and, with mischief and shenanigans aplenty, Hattie has her work cut out. But will she establish the truth?
Early reviews are super, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that Hattie Goes To Hollywood will soar up the charts and inspire me to write many more in the series.
MARMALADE
Seville oranges are in season and I have been making marmalade. There are so many recipes for marmalade on the internet or in your favourite cookbook and I think that it is great to experiment and discover what tastes work for you. Test and try out different flavours. I added earl grey tea to a dark marmalade, and it is delicious. In a lime and lemon recipe, I included concentrated ginger cordial and it has a really warm, zesty bite. Have a look at this little video, where I talk about marmalade:
There is an annual marmalade awards event in the UK, at Dalemain House in Cumbria, each March. Details are below and entries come from all over the world.
If you want to try your hand at being an award-winning marmalade maker, get your entry in by 2nd February. It attracts many visitors to see all the marmalades, plus demonstrations and fun events over the weekend of 14th & 15th March.
COMING NEXT MONTH
A competition to win this gorgeous cuddly, ‘Drake the Duck,’ who features in Hattie Goes To Hollywood.
Until then, lovely readers and friends,
Stay safe, look after yourselves
&
Happy reading,
With love,
Caroline xx
Caroline James Author Blog 
Congratulations on your marriage Caroline, all best wishes to you both xx
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Thanks so much Jill, very much appreciated xx
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Such a wonderful start to the year for you, Caroline. I’m so happy for you. xx
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Thank you so much Carol, much appreciated xx
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Congratulations Caroline on your wedding. Wishing you both well. Do you think you’ll be visiting the Ladies Who Lynch And Learn Group ant time soon?
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Thank you so much for your kind wishes, much appreciated. Which group do you mean?
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