I apologise for wishing you a late but very happy, healthy and enjoyable 2023.
I am late because I am currently in Spain on a working holiday. We set off in December and travelled slowly through France to enjoy Christmas in the sunshine on the southern Costa Branca. It has been a lovely trip, and I am enjoying doing lots of research for a future novel.
France was extremely cold and sightseeing involved layers of warm clothing as we headed south. But the sun shone, and the trip was terrific despite lots of frost and ice.
This part of Spain where we are right now is very Spanish, and at this time of year, there aren’t any tourists to speak of, just folk like us enjoying travelling and winter sunshine. I am astonished to see some of the motorhomes that come and go. Mobile mansions! Especially those with German number plates. One day I noticed a set-up that involved an outdoor gym, BBQ and lounging area, and I almost expected to see a disco ball appear with a pop-up dance floor!
Fred is with us and getting used to being away from the comforts of his home. He is a great little dog and good company. Not one to get wet, Fred has discovered that he loves the long stretches of beach here. But when the waves come in, he has perfected his ‘dressage pony’ trot to ensure he keeps clear of the surf.
We were fortunate to be in Alicante for the start of The Ocean Race. This yacht race goes around the world, covering thirty-seven thousand nautical miles over six months. Alicante gave the teams a tremendous send-off, and I am enjoying watching the race online as it progresses.
A trip to the mud baths at San Pedro was fun too. The mud there is from the salt lakes, and said to be one of the healthiest places in the world. Spread it on your body, bake it in the sun, then rinse it off and feel like a million dollars! Any aches and joint pains have disappeared.
My new book, The Cruise, will be published in April. Cover reveal and more news to follow. I so enjoyed writing this book as I took the characters to the Caribbean on a cruise of a lifetime, and the trip was a journey along memory lane for me.
The Spa Break is going well. Thanks to you all for reading, and I hope it provides a little escapism in these colder or not-so-cheery months.
If you’d like a trip to a Boomerville Hotel and see what shenanigans the guests are getting up to with managers Jo and that rascal Hattie, Boomerville at Ballymegille is currently on promo at only 99p/99c on Amazon. Hattie is about to appear again in a future book, so watch this space.
Sending love to you all from sunny Espana.
Happy reading,
Caroline xx
Caroline James Author
Caroline James Author 
I am delighted I have just discovered your books Caroline. I have read The Best Boomerville Hotel, Boomerville at Balleymegille, Hattie goes to Hollywood, The Spa Break and currently reading The Cruise.
I absolutely adore your books. The characters are so believable and I love them, especially Hattie. Reading Hattie goes to Hollywood and her new exciting career, I think I read it was the start of a new series of books with her? I really hope so, she is fabulous! I read many types of genre books like yours, but I find your writing so easy to get into the stories, and l feel part of the journey the characters are on…. (I am a young at heart 64 year old).I
From your January Blog, I see you have been visiting Spain on a working holiday. I hope that means your next book might be set there. I live in Spain now. near Alicante, ( originally from Hertfordshire), so that would be fabulous if that’s the setting. Especially if it involves Hattie!
Your books really do give you a feel good feeling, and can’t wait to continue reading the rest of your books, and the new ones to come.
Thank you for being you.
Gill xx
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Hi Gill, and thank you so much for your very kind comments. I am thrilled that you are enjoying my novels. Yes, I spend time in Spain (south of Alicante, perhaps not far from you?) and letting Hattie loose there seems like a possibility! Wishing you many happy reading hours and huge thanks again. Warmest wishes, Caroline x
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