Friday, December 19, 2008

something to smile about

Current work: nonfic and Modern Heat
Listening to: Christmas compilation
Reading: Diane Watt, The Paston Women

Today is the anniversary of my mum’s death. Now, I know she would want me to remember her with smiles. I do. But I also miss her very much; and this year it works out that I’ve spent more of my life without her than with her, which makes me feel quite melancholy. This afternoon, both children will get an extra-special cuddle from me. And I’m going to put the Christmas CD on and sing along with them (actually, I might just do it with the guitar) and think of her.

Today I have some good news to share: the covers of my March releases. First is my deaf doctor book: The Children’s Doctor’s Special Proposal.

The second is the real stunner: Surrender to the Playboy Sheikh. My first ever Sheikh book. (Modern Heat’s first ever Sheikh, too. And the one Harlequin asked me to write a Dear Reader letter about their 60th anniversary… in which I’ve paid tribute to the author of the first M&B/Harlequin book I read, and who started all this because her books are so fabulous: Sara Craven. It’s also dedicated to an author friend of mine, who writes fabulous books that have kept me sane in dark times, but I haven’t told her about the dedication yet and so I’m keeping quiet for the moment. That’s a pleasure I’m keeping for next year. I can’t wait to get my hands on my author copies.)


In the book, one of the key scenes involves a bath, and the cover is pretty much what I had in mind. (Well, it’s actually set in a penthouse flat overlooking the Thames. But the bath and the tone are just perfect.) In an ideal world, you would be able to press a button on the front of the book and hear the music that the characters are hearing: Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis. (If my soundcard were not defunct, I would give you a YouTube link. But until I get the new PC and a soundcard – next month – I am avoiding to YouTube. Which, from a glass half full point of view, is probably good for my bank balance.) Have told my ed how pleased I am with this cover and asked her to thank the production team.

And I’ve had some other nice stuff this week. Really wonderful reader feedback on Hotly Bedded, Conveniently Wedded (thank you to everyone who wrote to me); and said book at one point managed to be #1 in both the eHarlequin top 10 books AND the eHarlequin top 10 ebooks. Thank you again to the readers who put it there. You’ve made this particular author very happy.

4 comments:

Jan Jones said...

I like both covers, Kate - but Oh, that bathtub one!

Anonymous said...

I can see why you are thrilled with those covers!
Hope you have a lovely day.

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Hugs on the anniversary...

I think our Mod Heat covers are going to burn up the shelves in March, they're so HOT!!!!

My hero with all that bare chest, yours with that bare chest and incredibly sexy expression in the bath tub, sigh...

Donna Alward said...

Lovely covers and news all 'round. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Kate. :-)

And as one who has missed an absent parent this time of year as well...hugs, and smiles. I also just passed the longer without than with milestone on the anniversary a few weeks ago.

Cuddles go a long way, don't they. :-)