tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19603164971168628612024-03-20T11:05:33.092+00:00Caroline Roberts Author - On writing, life in Northumberland, love, friendship and cake ...Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-16680275344521674542022-10-27T14:24:00.000+01:002022-10-27T14:24:30.174+01:00Welcome to Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan<p>In Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan, we welcome back Jack, Lucy and Dachshund Daisy for more Northumberland adventures with the wonderful Cocktail Campervan and Pizza Horsebox! And this time we're in for some festive treats with a feast of Christmas markets, winter weddings, walks on the beach, evenings by the fireside and cosy coastal cafes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjlg0tHpHNb6-sPXnfNQr5ulwR3OcaBr6OVFR5DfCQm8ws7HaUPwxJWOjeiLsWiAijZEGx_UWEyXfTeyNWFBzacqghTXOEQZKKRHkCgAzaBK56ngz2r1_V8KsjUQkQhMqFa6kDWWMbO_lKdt193gQdiJL3nQfK0iiH-9mO56SKjjlWNorjnFurPq1/s1600/3(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjlg0tHpHNb6-sPXnfNQr5ulwR3OcaBr6OVFR5DfCQm8ws7HaUPwxJWOjeiLsWiAijZEGx_UWEyXfTeyNWFBzacqghTXOEQZKKRHkCgAzaBK56ngz2r1_V8KsjUQkQhMqFa6kDWWMbO_lKdt193gQdiJL3nQfK0iiH-9mO56SKjjlWNorjnFurPq1/s320/3(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSSLCa9VvGQX3F9uTO7p4yqqfE9OcN-CSzcQQw6oKkwW49wv5p5B3W1iKoknq5jxWjB1uWIpv0ZJr0YY0him1enqTIz5JJonAKg2QOejaFmWpF7C2bqIK6Zs0oeOLLRFw8HyKiUvHf7qgTLiKXozd8GyoJJkQxkz3lnugSMRdpXP9xK6MYPeCIjZE/s960/Christmas%20fizz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSSLCa9VvGQX3F9uTO7p4yqqfE9OcN-CSzcQQw6oKkwW49wv5p5B3W1iKoknq5jxWjB1uWIpv0ZJr0YY0him1enqTIz5JJonAKg2QOejaFmWpF7C2bqIK6Zs0oeOLLRFw8HyKiUvHf7qgTLiKXozd8GyoJJkQxkz3lnugSMRdpXP9xK6MYPeCIjZE/s320/Christmas%20fizz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a book about friendship, family, community and Christmas celebrations, all with a heartwarming love story.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPtdZP1YO-OTgD-ja_2L47Si_-O-BfL1-oQrAPsPUQ3vwIvz_EAzqYWshC0EkwY1x8mawmsHitT7EI8xdBnf51R1OPPyIEfWTA9a3YMEpJtCfWOe6QgQpC6du22Sn-9iYe-nwpgLIrcWukmjgmDoyI8SZKp-Tz8FMPlpGmYMqQJ6fprFrjEv7aQVI/s4032/Christmas%20Irish%20Coffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPtdZP1YO-OTgD-ja_2L47Si_-O-BfL1-oQrAPsPUQ3vwIvz_EAzqYWshC0EkwY1x8mawmsHitT7EI8xdBnf51R1OPPyIEfWTA9a3YMEpJtCfWOe6QgQpC6du22Sn-9iYe-nwpgLIrcWukmjgmDoyI8SZKp-Tz8FMPlpGmYMqQJ6fprFrjEv7aQVI/s320/Christmas%20Irish%20Coffee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloO0TqokrWDTj4v3vMUClco6W1z9oBHPk-NDy29zz5IT4cUoXTKM3uHFqRKLgirMWHG0_BGDoPtDSqDr2BHC1FD10ANBmWFqVvq2MijH-75os1NhU3Aj8LIeFMGh4MJD6uoGEkcGY1ORcr2xC5l6TulNuP07i8WutuS7tSzqM9EQYX2Fn5wb64TCE/s3264/Low%20Newton%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloO0TqokrWDTj4v3vMUClco6W1z9oBHPk-NDy29zz5IT4cUoXTKM3uHFqRKLgirMWHG0_BGDoPtDSqDr2BHC1FD10ANBmWFqVvq2MijH-75os1NhU3Aj8LIeFMGh4MJD6uoGEkcGY1ORcr2xC5l6TulNuP07i8WutuS7tSzqM9EQYX2Fn5wb64TCE/s320/Low%20Newton%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vZ3WLNrkMdrhlMzVSMe1U1zdAqQNrPu_GrbSgQy1EgI5C8Szvdgij7Pf2bC6WsKW6J3Kh4ZKzgrjnpjPgoImfNy7VZZQ-_2ktOqaAPMduaCSUriIh_7VJT1RMb9_qYisJdRtqwMoLuflzRoV_j9CLoCxLdjJzdpwVv-COcgwE6S-1YDOdshU2TCC/s640/Otis%20dachsund%20festive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vZ3WLNrkMdrhlMzVSMe1U1zdAqQNrPu_GrbSgQy1EgI5C8Szvdgij7Pf2bC6WsKW6J3Kh4ZKzgrjnpjPgoImfNy7VZZQ-_2ktOqaAPMduaCSUriIh_7VJT1RMb9_qYisJdRtqwMoLuflzRoV_j9CLoCxLdjJzdpwVv-COcgwE6S-1YDOdshU2TCC/s320/Otis%20dachsund%20festive.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Available from your independent bookshop, Amazon, Sainsbury's and Tescos this autumn and winter, plus of course your local library.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy this gorgeously festive seaside escape!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6hrupyLJIDuqCTffWmTehcdFvKyPMfC6DOlQ4b452qwUXXfB4y5ChIT5SeGcQ5b3i7u1hmtn3KB4BjqYq3w6prPNKeaG3XxOgZelthyBdzLemnDmKXNR2EkyQ6LpAwCUPWnzWCT5EvZHrGg6rjM9n3-m6CRznvPA4u2UStRU7_ZgJQCc5rCsnPS5/s1440/Pizza%20horsebox%20Crusts%20and%20Castles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6hrupyLJIDuqCTffWmTehcdFvKyPMfC6DOlQ4b452qwUXXfB4y5ChIT5SeGcQ5b3i7u1hmtn3KB4BjqYq3w6prPNKeaG3XxOgZelthyBdzLemnDmKXNR2EkyQ6LpAwCUPWnzWCT5EvZHrGg6rjM9n3-m6CRznvPA4u2UStRU7_ZgJQCc5rCsnPS5/s320/Pizza%20horsebox%20Crusts%20and%20Castles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-70617277504604871742022-05-08T13:24:00.003+01:002022-05-08T13:25:58.197+01:00The Seaside Cocktail Campervan is here!<p> Toot, toot! My new book The Seaside Cocktail Campervan is here!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEfD5TV-YqbklO4zGP_VLavfo-nr-IoUN3STt1IVKA3OyFmB0M7NiKoUKEsn0FrEChp5FS8R_7mSPX_-hZbdOhvP8NJ-YnRbD3v_usK_r261ve5KfoLbSls-oLT13NYMD_MwnUjsy2A-BJXraqZiLkEqy9KUzdF8L8aLSXE5xkIzFLnkqWwIdJJ5Q/s2048/Seaside%20Cocktail%20Camoer%20book%20daffodil.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEfD5TV-YqbklO4zGP_VLavfo-nr-IoUN3STt1IVKA3OyFmB0M7NiKoUKEsn0FrEChp5FS8R_7mSPX_-hZbdOhvP8NJ-YnRbD3v_usK_r261ve5KfoLbSls-oLT13NYMD_MwnUjsy2A-BJXraqZiLkEqy9KUzdF8L8aLSXE5xkIzFLnkqWwIdJJ5Q/s320/Seaside%20Cocktail%20Camoer%20book%20daffodil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKwlfaWFYCofAb5mQ5MwUThn30X948bA9kjWKQLNlyuHM8h7W0hTaOach7WCj3JBJqdOTocMSHqQeMZiq0vrtVru_h34LCHOjAoLQhspOEvgntBvY1OmJW58wHpjhk6KmeXkYzw7gpWiP3H6U4z22VL8E_b_varp7e-nq43EFZx13eEfm1pyaeMdI/s1024/Embleton%20Dunstanburgh%20Castle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKwlfaWFYCofAb5mQ5MwUThn30X948bA9kjWKQLNlyuHM8h7W0hTaOach7WCj3JBJqdOTocMSHqQeMZiq0vrtVru_h34LCHOjAoLQhspOEvgntBvY1OmJW58wHpjhk6KmeXkYzw7gpWiP3H6U4z22VL8E_b_varp7e-nq43EFZx13eEfm1pyaeMdI/s320/Embleton%20Dunstanburgh%20Castle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Set on the <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">beautiful Northumberland coast, i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">t's an uplifting celebratory summer story. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">With love, friendship, fun and fizz-filled celebrations, get ready for a gorgeous seaside escape! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There's </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">pizza, prosecco, and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> gorgeous cocktails, cakes and bakes. Gin and Tonic cake anyone? Or, Nonna's fabulous Chocolate Mousse cake?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsanx83MDP3SZChpRIpnWl6N2VWlMxwEHdmfsekMAI6OtheIlyzQEx-XMemxh8ft_hxcqOnpCnOjWmgnTWy6vjyPyDx_aiFj6tJNpSgO6yEyaFafph7shoB6hQQ-npuiEHk-36UkEbp7BN7yf73W3HDIlyRfafzTDGfSZykvvZpwbyi7OXqtRA0r1e/s960/Gin%20and%20Tonic%20cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsanx83MDP3SZChpRIpnWl6N2VWlMxwEHdmfsekMAI6OtheIlyzQEx-XMemxh8ft_hxcqOnpCnOjWmgnTWy6vjyPyDx_aiFj6tJNpSgO6yEyaFafph7shoB6hQQ-npuiEHk-36UkEbp7BN7yf73W3HDIlyRfafzTDGfSZykvvZpwbyi7OXqtRA0r1e/w200-h150/Gin%20and%20Tonic%20cake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfaThdDpys_9lI-Fv4VEKgx69gHTZFCTxzO4Z5ChTOyWrTQ_DVv0gNQCjv1ORUte_ABqDUV1zyYNw0e6aGsUYkC_mm4G9YtTQtyteejkpNWO6jc8urXOLi5tlrjDoU_AC4LIxgE6ZgmHB5f76HKxPPiY8KYxHvIi2T7uJLdwR9MDBX9oOPfgjzZJS/s960/Chocolate%20Mousse%20Cake%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfaThdDpys_9lI-Fv4VEKgx69gHTZFCTxzO4Z5ChTOyWrTQ_DVv0gNQCjv1ORUte_ABqDUV1zyYNw0e6aGsUYkC_mm4G9YtTQtyteejkpNWO6jc8urXOLi5tlrjDoU_AC4LIxgE6ZgmHB5f76HKxPPiY8KYxHvIi2T7uJLdwR9MDBX9oOPfgjzZJS/w200-h150/Chocolate%20Mousse%20Cake%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: left; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">Can’t wait for you to meet Lucy, Jack and cheeky Daisy Dachshund too!</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZZ5KCxMJi0vrKbr-Cy-Q9uNpQJfLKQVtMjj8uHrXeW1wBxRH_r4jongsFn9Mz6j4jWU6ScIcy-rC5bpqGKmHRpqu4mp6cXehn-ST61h_qu63TLkjwtBSO2048dfJdAawt7WakIu6AMTaxq1CqIVMep-xbj8J5AuUukppEQMZH382qEu0sQmjofQz/s1024/Daisy%20Dachshund.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZZ5KCxMJi0vrKbr-Cy-Q9uNpQJfLKQVtMjj8uHrXeW1wBxRH_r4jongsFn9Mz6j4jWU6ScIcy-rC5bpqGKmHRpqu4mp6cXehn-ST61h_qu63TLkjwtBSO2048dfJdAawt7WakIu6AMTaxq1CqIVMep-xbj8J5AuUukppEQMZH382qEu0sQmjofQz/s320/Daisy%20Dachshund.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: times;">Filled with sunshine, friendship and fun, as well as a heart-warming love story, it's the perfect summer read.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="font-family: times;">Can't wait to welcome you ... <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="animation-name: none; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; transition-property: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="😀" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t27/1.5/16/1f600.png" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; transition-property: none;" width="16" /></span></span></div><div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="animation-name: none; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; transition-property: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">Available from Sainsburys stores April/May 2022, always on Amazon, and via your local bookshop and libraries.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">Thank you so much for all your support, reviews and the lovely reader comments I get on my social media too. You can find me on Twitter @_caroroberts, Facebook and Instagram @carolinerobertsauthor.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i>Caroline x</i></b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-89810142806087612632020-07-23T06:50:00.001+01:002020-07-23T06:50:48.456+01:00Welcome to Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today is publication day for 'Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry'. Yippee! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's so wonderful to be welcoming you back to Primrose Farm in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. The Swinton ladies are battling to keep the farm and the fabulous Pudding Pantry tearooms going, and life is as busy as ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and marriage is a minefield for some and a wonderful new adventure for others, and ooh, do I hear wedding bells on the horizon?! But true love never did run smooth, so you'll have to read the book to find out what happens next ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With friendship, family, a sprinkling of romance, baking galore and some fabulous new recipes to try, you'll be sure to have a fun and escape for a while. Indeed, why not curl up with a cup of tea and a homemade treat? Happy reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wYIJqjF_95o_qHGvDGIwh1lXUuuk9_iH9JeA17sOdyABB0sK0pvY5g0lhzq89P0RP00gqMX-FDKlC4a-mlyqJtQuXRQ2kBcSOFDtWWWorUTgg1_89MwKY7c7_bGrIluuVVaZjSItybg/s1600/mini+raspberry+meringues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wYIJqjF_95o_qHGvDGIwh1lXUuuk9_iH9JeA17sOdyABB0sK0pvY5g0lhzq89P0RP00gqMX-FDKlC4a-mlyqJtQuXRQ2kBcSOFDtWWWorUTgg1_89MwKY7c7_bGrIluuVVaZjSItybg/s320/mini+raspberry+meringues.jpg" width="180" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of love, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Caroline x</i></b></span></div>
<br />Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com6Alnwick NE66, UK55.412744 -1.70629955.376686000000007 -1.78698 55.448802 -1.625618tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-31835258103025376092019-10-31T14:29:00.000+00:002019-10-31T14:29:50.422+00:00Come on in for Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry!<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">Wow, I never imagined I'd be telling you about my 8th published book! So, da</span><span style="background-color: white;">re to </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dream?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span class="_58cm"><span style="color: black;">dream</span></span></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #1c1e21;">folks, work hard at it, and it can happen! Welcome to Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry ... </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/te5/1.5/16/1f389.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🎉</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t72/1.5/16/1f37e.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🍾</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t60/1.5/16/1f384.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🎄</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta2/1.5/16/1f4da.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">📚</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb5/1.5/16/2744.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❄️</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; text-align: start;">I'm delighted to be able to welcome you back to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">beautiful Primrose Farm</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; text-align: start;"> in Northumberland for love, laughter, family, friendship and a fabulous festive time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I so enjoyed writing about the wonderful Swinton ladies, who in this book are battling to keep the Pudding Pantry and the farm going through the difficult winter days. With recipes galore to keep you baking and your mouth watering, I hope you enjoy my new, heartwarming Christmas story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">All best wishes,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Caroline x</i></b></span><br />
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<br />Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-27795421607255395202019-05-11T17:37:00.000+01:002019-05-11T17:37:29.986+01:00Welcome to Rachel's Pudding Pantry!
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Welcome to Rachel’s Pudding Pantry at Primrose Farm! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74LhnL20a3nIloTn2rHx4RQeke8E5h16bgmFo02CKo1ZoJiqV2wpxSTwA-I1ViEilgifPy-Dk2vjWJ31i0blapYH2SwPE9ZHCNJ6SB0kLnFrL3pq20GvcThOmTO128ice1ts2qT_Y8gA/s1600/RachelsPuddingPantry_Social_1200x1200-4.1+gingham+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74LhnL20a3nIloTn2rHx4RQeke8E5h16bgmFo02CKo1ZoJiqV2wpxSTwA-I1ViEilgifPy-Dk2vjWJ31i0blapYH2SwPE9ZHCNJ6SB0kLnFrL3pq20GvcThOmTO128ice1ts2qT_Y8gA/s320/RachelsPuddingPantry_Social_1200x1200-4.1+gingham+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4plJRVYR6uh3QoC65pmVk1jEmSX5ItMZNEB5fTcZKEOV4Un7wXrZjHm6VqbhP-sFw_ubf6WGHO9XF3-Pi9ezIroCO7uJ4Rc38fiwZheTE0jQ4MvtfoVMV46G_1CKuqOL-h-a2RV5kQnE/s1600/Northumberland+farm+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">My new book is now out, so come on in for a heart-warming
story of family, friendship, love, and loss. You’ll find yourself in a glorious
Northumberland farm setting with puddings galore and even a couple of recipes –
and who can’t resist a slice of sticky toffee pudding!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xjizkuu1qyt2epLuJfjcC2RcfArDM3Z93nYX2NksHhV2TY6hFrKuGCXODIcagg7iOQFTXieT6AFc2G70aXVr8dlgRtHTQQ6jWKbmJ9JhCg26ycdzvUnsMccc8ZYeL1ADkh1TK02bn0M/s1600/Sticky+toffee+pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xjizkuu1qyt2epLuJfjcC2RcfArDM3Z93nYX2NksHhV2TY6hFrKuGCXODIcagg7iOQFTXieT6AFc2G70aXVr8dlgRtHTQQ6jWKbmJ9JhCg26ycdzvUnsMccc8ZYeL1ADkh1TK02bn0M/s200/Sticky+toffee+pudding.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Look out for 'Rachel's Pudding Pantry' in Sainsbury’s, Tescos, Asda and
online through Amazon and all your e-book outlets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Just to let you know, I’m finding that my readers are
chatting to me more via my Facebook page /CarolineRobertsAuthor and Twitter @_caroroberts,
so I won’t be posting here as often. I’ve also just joined Instagram as
carolinerobertsauthor. Please hop across and find me there, where you’ll
discover lots of writing chat, photos, news, views and details of any upcoming
events.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xjizkuu1qyt2epLuJfjcC2RcfArDM3Z93nYX2NksHhV2TY6hFrKuGCXODIcagg7iOQFTXieT6AFc2G70aXVr8dlgRtHTQQ6jWKbmJ9JhCg26ycdzvUnsMccc8ZYeL1ADkh1TK02bn0M/s1600/Sticky+toffee+pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Thanks so much for following my writing journey so far
and do keep in touch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">All best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<i>Caroline
x</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4plJRVYR6uh3QoC65pmVk1jEmSX5ItMZNEB5fTcZKEOV4Un7wXrZjHm6VqbhP-sFw_ubf6WGHO9XF3-Pi9ezIroCO7uJ4Rc38fiwZheTE0jQ4MvtfoVMV46G_1CKuqOL-h-a2RV5kQnE/s1600/Northumberland+farm+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4plJRVYR6uh3QoC65pmVk1jEmSX5ItMZNEB5fTcZKEOV4Un7wXrZjHm6VqbhP-sFw_ubf6WGHO9XF3-Pi9ezIroCO7uJ4Rc38fiwZheTE0jQ4MvtfoVMV46G_1CKuqOL-h-a2RV5kQnE/s320/Northumberland+farm+view.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northumberland Farming View</td></tr>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-38208255879282067462018-06-28T11:14:00.001+01:002018-06-28T11:18:22.503+01:00All Things Chocolate!<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's publication day of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop and I'm celebrating all things chocolate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A couple of years ago, I was doing one of my first ever library talks with a grand audience of two people. The wonderful thing was that one of those people was a chocolatier. In conversation that evening, the lovely June Carruthers said I could always contact her if I ever felt like writing about chocolate. Well then, that set the seed in my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I wanted a new setting for my second series of Cosy books where better than a chocolate shop by the sea! I always say to write what you are passionate about and I'm certainly passionate about chocolate - it's such wonderful stuff and you can make so much with it: truffles, ice creams, milkshakes, brownies, cakes, croissants, cookies, all sorts of divine chocolates and more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So the research had to begin in earnest (it's a hard job but somebody's gotta do it!). June was so friendly and welcomed me to her home where we ended up having a chocolate making and tasting session.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next, I visited the fabulous chocolate shop and café Cabosse in Warkworth, in my home county of Northumberland, where I met and interviewed Louise Frederique a french chocolatiere. Her shop is so inspiring and quaint that the Chocolate Shop in the fictional village of Warkton-by-the-sea in my novel is based on that. It was Christmas time and the displays were wonderful - enough to make your mouth water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have also chatted with The Chocolate Spa in Alnwick, Kiki's Chocolates in Coldingham and Bev Stephenson from North Chocolates. Huge thanks to everyone for their time, help and support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you enjoy reading my new book. Settle down on a summer's day with a chilled glass of prosecco, your favourite chocolates and escape to The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop. And look out for the truffle recipe in the back! Here's some I made earlier ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and best wishes,</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Caroline x</span></i></b>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-78431679668496401052018-06-21T10:45:00.002+01:002018-06-21T11:46:39.345+01:00Chocolates, Fragile Hearts, Friends, Family & Fun at the Seaside!<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">ONLY A WEEK TO GO! My next book 'The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop' is due out on 28th June in all e-book versions. (Paperback to follow soon on 26th July).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">The story continues the adventures of chocolatier, Emma, at The Chocolate Shop by the Sea in the beautiful harbour village of Warkton-by-the Sea, Northumberland. The setting is inspired by my local villages of Craster and Warkworth, and our stunning beaches such as Embleton and Bamburgh here in the North East of England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">So, what can you expect? A heartwarming story with a few extra twists in the relationship between Emma and the rather gorgeous Max, with work getting very much in the way for both of them, and a blast from the past with a new character, Nate. But as well as a few teary moments, there's fun and laughter with prosecco parties, walks on the beach, a food festival, chocolates, ice creams galore, and a new cosy courtyard for the summer season at the chocolate shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Come on in and have some fun, meet some new friends, and escape to a fabulous chocolate shop by the sea for what I hope you'll find is a great summer read!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">I'll be back on the blog next week for launch day (yippee!) with lots of chocolate inspirations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">See you soon.</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Caroline x</span></b></i>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-78145853500778835562018-03-11T13:34:00.001+00:002018-03-12T11:52:28.219+00:00A magical night at the RoNAs!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Monday evening, 5th March, was The Romantic Novelists' Awards night at the wonderful Gladstone Library in London - and what a ball I had! I just wanted to share some of my magic moments from that evening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'My Summer of Magic Moments' was shortlisted for The Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year, which was a huge honour. Here I am with the other fabulous shortlistees: Milly Johnson, Julie Cohen, Sue Moorcroft, Holly Hepburn, Me!, Ruth Hogan, Debby Holt and Heidi Swain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was lovely to meet and chat with my fellow authors especially on such an exciting night. Huge congratulations to Julie Cohen - the winner of our category - with her book 'Together'! And to Dani Atkins the overall winner of The Romantic Novel of the Year with 'This Love'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The support of my editors Charlotte Brabbin, Charlotte Ledger and the team at HarperImpulse, also my agent Hannah Ferguson has been brilliant. So it was special to be sharing the night with them! Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, it was so lovely to have my daughter Amie there with me - celebrating my nomination and her birthday! I even got to meet Jilly Cooper!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks to all my readers, the fabulous book-blogging community and anyone who has reviewed and enjoyed this book! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was a very special evening and a magic moment indeed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Caroline x</i></span><br />
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-74447212563844863022018-03-04T08:23:00.000+00:002018-03-04T14:55:22.347+00:00Curveballs, magic moments and a very special date!<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Three years ago, on the 5th March, my first novel 'The Torn Up Marriage' was published with Harper Collins after ten years of trying to get a publishing deal! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tomorrow, yes the 5th March, I am going to The Romantic Novel Awards event down in London where my fourth book 'My Summer of Magic Moments' is shortlisted for The Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year - how wonderful is that. Being shortlisted along with such talented authors is an honour in itself, and I feel so proud of my writing and the fact I stuck at it when it looked like I might never get published. It's also fabulous that the book is set in one of my favourite places, Bamburgh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, and 25 years ago tomorrow my first child, my lovely daughter Amie, was born (that was after a miscarriage and two years of trying). So guess who's coming along to the award ceremony with me?! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 5th March is such a significant date in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It will be lovely to celebrate my shortlisting with my brilliant team from HarperImpulse and my fabulous agent Hannah Ferguson and to meet the other authors. So, despite the effects of the 'Beast from the East' blizzards here in Northumberland, I'll be braving snowdrifts to get out of our village, and with a limited train service currently running from my local station due to the snow, getting to London (300 miles away) could be challenging. But, I'm determined to get there to the awards! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life throws us all curveballs at times. Hard work, patience, perseverance, learning as you go, finding another way, and the support of family and friends helps you through, and despite all the ups and downs somehow hanging on to the belief that it's still worth trying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep striving for your dreams folks - you never know where it might lead you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All best wishes, oh and wish me luck!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Caroline x</span>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-29013406892059902852018-02-08T15:12:00.000+00:002018-02-08T15:15:28.405+00:00News! 'My Summer of Magic Moments' Shortlisted<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have some fabulous news to share today!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am very proud and thrilled to announce that I have made it into the shortlist for the Contemporary Romantic Novel Award 2018 with my book: 'My Summer of Magic Moments'. This book has a very special place in my heart. The essence of it being that life can throw you massive curveballs at times, but you can still come back from that and learn to appreciate those simple, special, and beautiful moments in life again. It's about love and loss and ultimately hope.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">So here I am listed alongside some </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">amazing authors! Congratulations to all of them too! I feel honoured to make the shortlist.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Thanks to</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">everyone for all their support on my writing journey this far. It just goes to show that with a lot of perseverance, some hard work and a passion for writing, your dreams really can come true!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To find out more about The RoNA's and this award, take a look here:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">http://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/news_article/rona-shortlists-2018-announced/</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A very Magic Moment indeed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All best wishes,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Caroline x</i></b></span></span></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-25973923983329517622017-11-23T12:32:00.002+00:002017-11-23T12:32:47.181+00:00Choffee Cake Recipe<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have had a request to publish the Choffee Cake Recipe from my book 'The Cosy Teashop in the Castle'. I had great fun creating this cake, with the help of my lovely friend Julie - who really did run a castle tea rooms! So here it is. Happy Baking!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Choffee Cake
Recipe<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14oz (400g) self-raising flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 teaspoons baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16oz (450g) caster sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2oz (50g) cocoa powder – good quality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16oz (450g) soft margarine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tbsp coffee essence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frostings: (See below)<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16oz (450g) icing sugar <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.25 oz (30g) cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.5oz (165g) butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 tbsp coffee essence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>For decoration:</u>
Dark and white chocolate curls. (Plus, chocolate coated coffee beans, if
you like them.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will also need 4 x 20cm (8”) round cake baking pans
preferably non-stick, well-greased. With a circle of baking paper popped into the
greased base.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turn oven on to 180C or (160C Fan). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all-in-one chocolate sponge:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put 6oz (175g)self-raising flour (sifted), 2oz (50g)cocoa
powder (sifted), 1 teaspoon baking powder, 8oz (225g) caster sugar, 8oz (225g) soft
margarine, and 4 eggs into a mixing bowl. Beat thoroughly with an electric hand
whisk for about 3 minutes, until all the ingredients are fluffy and nicely
blended. Pour equally into 2 of your prepared cake tins. Flatten mix a little
with a pallet knife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For all-in-one coffee sponge:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put 8oz (225g) self-raising flour (sifted), 1 teaspoon
baking powder, 8oz (225g )caster sugar, 8oz (225g) soft margarine, and 4 eggs
into a mixing bowl. Beat thoroughly with an electric hand whisk for about 3
minutes, until all the ingredients are fluffy and nicely blended. Add 2
tablespoons coffee essence. Pour into the other 2 of your prepared cake tins. Flatten
mix a little with a pallet knife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bake cakes for 30 – 35mins until nicely risen. Allow to
cool slightly then turn out onto wire rack to cool totally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If they are a little uneven, don’t panic, once turned
out just carefully slice any lumps or
bumps away, so they will be able to lie nicely on top of each other!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chocolate fudge frosting:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.5 oz (65g) butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.2 oz (30g) cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tbsp milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8oz (225g)icing sugar, sifted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Melt the butter in a pan, add the cocoa powder, and cook
stirring for one minute. Stir in the milk and icing sugar. Beat well until
smooth. Leave to cool until thickened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coffee Frosting:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4oz (100g)butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8oz (225g) icing
sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 tablespoons coffee essence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make sure the butter is softened, beat through the icing
sugar and coffee essence (an electric hand whisk ideal for this again), until
light and fluffy and well blended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Layering the cake:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Place a chocolate sponge on a circular cake base or stand.
Take half the coffee frosting and spread carefully with a knife over the
sponge, checking it reaches to the sides evenly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Julie’s star tip - If the frosting is difficult to work
with, lifting sponge and sticking to knife, have a mug of boiling water to
hand, dip knife in every now and again and hey presto the frosting becomes easy
to work with!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Place a coffee sponge on top of that. Then spread with
half the chocolate frosting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Layer another chocolate sponge. Spread with the second
half of the coffee frosting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with a coffee sponge. Spread carefully with the remaining
chocolate frosting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">DO NOT COVER THE SIDES OF THE CAKE! We should see the
layering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Top with chocolate curls made of both dark and white
chocolate, and if you like them about 10 chocolate coffee beans dotted around
the edge. Enjoy with friends!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-48306223302656748932017-11-02T12:01:00.000+00:002017-11-02T12:01:54.314+00:00Come on in to The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is publication day for my fifth book - how wonderful is that! And I'm taking you to a fabulous chocolate shop in a fictional Northumberland harbour village, inspired by Craster and Warkworth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had great fun researching all things chocolate for this novel, and the taste testings were just the best! The Chocolate Shop is inspired by the most wonderful chocolate
shop/patisserie called Cabosse in the quaint village of Warkworth in my
home county of Northumberland. It’s such a cosy, pretty stone-cottage building.
Louise Frederique, the owner and chocolatiere was extremely friendly and helpful, answering all my chocolate-making and
business questions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also teamed up with a wonderful lady called June, who I met at
one of my library talks a while ago for ‘The Cosy Teashop in the Castle’. She mentioned
that she used to have a chocolate-making business, and we half-joked that a
chocolate shop might be good to write about. I re-contacted her when I was working
on ideas for this book. She kindly invited me back to her
home, showing me how to temper chocolate and make truffles, as well as seeing some
of the chocolate creations she had made, such as the filled ‘hat boxes'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The love story in this new book touches on
grief, with the main character Emma, who has been hurt so badly, she is afraid to
love again. I’ll not give too much away, but I really enjoyed writing Emma’s
story. And of course, there's the lovely Max, who's a bit of a mash-up of Gerard Butler and Tom Hardy - are you with me on this?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's festive, fun, heartwarming, and an ideal book to curl up with on a chilly winter's evening. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy and happy reading!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span></i></div>
<h3>
<b><i>C</i><i>aroline x</i></b></h3>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-4526823983287750712017-10-16T17:49:00.000+01:002017-10-16T17:49:00.435+01:00Date for the Diary - The Berwick Literary Festival 21st Oct 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the loveliest things about becoming a published
author is the chance to meet with readers at events and be able to chat about books and writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am very proud to be have been asked to take part in this year’s Berwick
Literary Festival, which as a local author living in Northumberland is
particularly special. This is my first literary festival as a writer (on the professional side of the fence!) and I am really looking
forward to my joint author event, talking about ‘How to get Published’ and our
writing journeys with fellow novelist Stephanie Butland. The talk is to be chaired by Vic Watson - who’s certain to come up with lots of interesting questions and keep us on our toes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the festival is held, is a quaint border town with a
dramatic and historic past. Come along and wander its Elizabethan walls, stroll down by the scenic River
Tweed and quayside, spend a while in the Slightly Foxed bookshop, or treat yourself to tasty fish and chips or a good cup of
coffee and slice of cake. There’s lots to do here as well as the festival. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My four published novels are all set in Northumberland
and I love the vistas, the golden sandy beaches, the castles, rivers, the
rolling hills. These inspire my writing and settings. The fantastic Royal Border
Railway Bridge and Berwick town centre with its Christmas market feature in my
third novel, The Cosy Christmas Teashop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There have been some great blog features on the lead up to
the festival, so take a look at the sites below for more information on what’s on locally
and all about the Berwick Literary Festival . There are some fabulous and varied events
to come along to, in fact something for everyone:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.berwickliteraryfestival.com/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.berwickliteraryfestival.com/quirks-fate-hard-work-sheer-bloody-mindedness-get-published/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.berwickliteraryfestival.com/wandering-in-berwick/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ‘How to Get Published’ author event with myself and the lovely Stephanie
Butland - I have just finished her latest book 'Lost for Words' which is an absolute gem - is at 10:30am at The Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Berwick-upon-Tweed. See the website above for ticket information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come along for a friendly and informative author event. We look forward to meeting you there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Caroline x</span></b></i></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-39418191068506172392017-06-01T09:17:00.000+01:002017-06-01T21:31:39.972+01:00Magic Moments!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's here! Happy Publication Day to 'My Summer of Magic Moments'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My fourth novel ‘My Summer of Magic Moments’is out today, and this book
has a special place in my heart. It’s set on wonderful Bamburgh beach in
Northumberland - one of my all-time favourite places, and where I often walk my dog, Meg.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘My
Summer of Magic Moments' is about love, life, loss,
family, friends, scars, healing and appreciating those magic moments in life
that everyone can experience. It is a heart-warming read, with a very poignant
love story at its centre.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The
main character, Claire, escapes to a seaside cottage having just battled breast cancer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A lovely and inspiring friend, Heidi, has helped inform the book,
having been through breast cancer herself and she now works for a cancer charity.
Her open and honest answers to my questions as I was writing the story and her feedback on the more
sensitive scenes has been invaluable, helping me to understand the emotions Claire
might feel. Thank you so much, Heidi!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The book is also about making the most of those simple beautiful moments in life. I
enjoyed asking friends and family about their magic moments – which were often those special things that money can’t buy. These appear in each chapter of the book. <i>So</i>, what
are your magic moments?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of mine was holding my first ever copy of my debut novel, after over
ten years writing, trying to get published and receiving many rejections. It was tough, but I held on to that dream
of becoming a published author, I worked hard, learnt along the way, and finally I
did it. What a truly magic moment that was!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank
you to my family and friends for all their ongoing support, my fabulous team at HarperCollins, my agent the lovely Hannah Ferguson, and of course to all my readers and the fabulous book bloggers who are supporting me with
the ‘My Summer of Magic Moments’ Blog Tour starting today. There are Q&As, reviews, some pretty muddy charity event photos and more. Full details are on my twitter and Facebook pages: @_caroroberts and www.facebook.com/CarolineRobertsAuthor</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hope
you enjoy reading the book! <i>Cheers!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 16pt;">Best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Caroline x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com5Alnwick NE66, UK55.412744 -1.706298999999944555.376686000000007 -1.7869799999999445 55.448802 -1.6256179999999445tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-7060506841734187692017-03-18T11:29:00.000+00:002017-03-18T11:29:07.749+00:00My Summer of Magic Moments coming soon<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been busy writing my next novel - a poignant love story set in a cottage on beautiful Bamburgh beach, Northumberland. This is one of my all-time favourite places - a stunning golden sandy beach with a stone castle that dominates the skyline in the dunes. And I'm lucky enough to live just twenty minutes away, so I'm often there walking my dog. It's a place that's very close to my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The page proofs for this novel have just arrived, so this weekend I'll be spending several hours checking them over to make sure it's all ship-shape for publication. The book is to be released on 1st June 2017, and is available on Amazon, and hopefully at several other outlets too. I'll keep you posted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a story that's close to my heart in subject matter as well, about a lady who's had a tough time and been through breast cancer, and is making the most of her seaside escape. I'll not give too much away, but there just happens to be a very gorgeous man in the cottage next door who has hurts and secrets of his own. But the book is very much about the good things in life and those special happy moments - precious times with family, friends and so much more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll be posting the cover image here soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Caroline x</span></b></i><br />
<br />Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-37343322550454886992017-01-14T08:51:00.000+00:002017-01-14T08:56:21.067+00:00Cosy Christmas Mint-choc Brownies<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and a very Happy New Year to everyone - hope 2017 is happy and healthy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thanks for all the lovely comments on The Cosy Christmas Teashop. I wanted to share the recipe for Ellie's mint-choc brownies (as featured in the book) as they are especially scrummy this time of year with a warming hot chocolate or cuppa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ellie’s Mint-Choc Brownies</span></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Makes 12-16)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">170g dark chocolate</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">170g butter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">200g caster sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">120g light brown sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 eggs</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">85g plain flour, sifted</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">55g high quality cocoa powder, sifted</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Approx. 12 thin after dinner mints, depending on size. (After Eights are ideal)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 180C/Gas mark 4. Line a 20x30cm baking time with baking parchment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gently melt the chocolate and butter in a pan on a low heat. Set aside to cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whisk the sugars and eggs together, beat vigorously until the mixture is thick, glossy and about three times its volume. Add the butter mix until smooth. Fold in the flour and cocoa powder. Be careful not to overmix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spoon half your mixture into the pan, making sure it spreads to the corners. Lay out your after dinner mints on top of the mixture in neat rows. Add the remaining mixture on top, spreading it so the mints are totally covered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pop in oven for about 30-35 minutes until the top is firm and just starting to crack - that’s when they’re ready to take out. Test with a skewer to see if comes out almost clean – a couple of times, in case you’ve hit an after dinner mint!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Leave to go cold before cutting into squares, as these are a very gooey brownie. Sorry, you’ll just have to wait! <i>Enjoy!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Best wishes and happy baking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Caroline x</b></i></span></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-22854163573687380002016-11-13T11:31:00.001+00:002016-11-13T12:08:30.439+00:00Festive fun – The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop is here!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
third novel, The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop, is now released both in paperback and
e-books. It’s been a hectic summer writing this book in four months flat, but I’ve
had such a lovely response to it so far, with many reviewers saying it’s even
better than The Cosy Teashop in the Castle – so that’s just wonderful. Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
yesterday, the Kindle book actually got to <b>No1</b> in the Amazon UK Contemporary
Fiction Charts. How amazing is that! Really quite incredible if you look back
to my posts on the Submission Rollercoaster and Riding the Rejections from just
a few years ago. So, it really does go to show, you should never give up on your
dreams. Work hard, learn along the way, enjoy what you do (I’ve always
loved the actual writing, that’s what kept me going!) and persevere. Like Ellie
in the Cosy Teashop stories, keep striving for your dreams – you never quite
know where they will lead you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Cosy Christmas Tea Shop stays with Claverham Castle. It’s a gorgeous
Christmassy love story, with some great new characters for you to meet as well
as the old favourites. There are festive cakes and bakes, a Christmas Craft
Fayre, a beautiful Christmas Wedding, and lots more happening. It’s the sort of
book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night with a hot chocolate and the fire
on. And it will certainly put you in the mood for Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
good news is that there will be more novels from me next year as I’m about to
sign a further two book deal with HarperCollins. So you can look forward to a
poignant, heart-warming love story set in the stunning village of Bamburgh on the Northumberland
coast, with its beautiful golden-sand beach and castle backdrop, and there’s
also going to be a further “Cosy” book for the autumn. I have a feeling
chocolate will be featuring in this one - I’m really looking forward to doing the
research on this book!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanks
for reading this blog, enjoying my books, and for all the wonderful support I
have received on my writing journey so far! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best
wishes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "brush script mt"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Caroline
x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-49569650856656786992016-08-28T12:48:00.000+01:002016-08-28T12:48:15.853+01:00Writing Life, Summer '16<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, that was a busy summer! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Drum roll and applause - I have managed to write a book from
scratch in four months, as well as just about keeping up with the day job and
the family! So, The Cosy Christmas Teashop is now at the final editing stages
and is about to be born in October (e-book) and early November (paperback). It’s
a festive sequel to The Cosy Teashop in the Castle, so we get to see lots more
of Ellie, Joe, the Claverham Castle cast, and the beautiful countryside of my home
county of Northumberland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other exciting news is that The Cosy Teashop has been available
across the UK in Sainsbury’s – my mother knew I had <i>really</i> made it then!! It was weird and rather amazing seeing it
there in my local supermarket, I must say. I felt like grabbing a trolley-pushing
passer-by, saying “It’s mine, that’s my book!” but feared they might just think
I was the local loony. I couldn’t resist telling the lad on the checkout mind.
Still feels very surreal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, I am now about to hit Germany with The Cosy Teashop (in
translation) newly titled as “Rosen, Tee und Kandiszucher” which means “Roses,
Tea and Candied Sugar”. The cover is of the most pretty flower-topped cupcakes.
I’ll post an image when I get my copy of the book. So I’m going all European
too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What’s next? Last edits on the Christmas novel. Take a little
breather, I hope. And then, I have already written a poignant, love story set
at two side-by-side cottages on beautiful Bamburgh Beach, so I’ll be working on making that as good
as it can be and hope that will be published for 2017. Watch this space…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And a little advice, if you are writing and as yet unpublished, keep going! Remember
that I was where you are now, just a couple of years ago – it took me ten years
of writing and then submitting to find a publisher (don’t panic, it can happen
sooner than that too!). So don’t give up hope - keep writing and enjoy what you
write, be inspired, find some writing friends for support, allow yourself to be
disheartened if you get knock-backs, that is only natural, but pick yourself up,
learn from it, and persevere. Good luck!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span></div>
<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Caroline x</span></b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-90218078418247671192016-04-25T08:51:00.001+01:002016-04-25T08:51:36.702+01:00Life Just Got busier! The Wonders of Writing and Winging It!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry it's been a while since I've posted here. My feet haven't touched the ground lately. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Cosy Teashop in the Castle is now published, and has been doing wonderfully well especially in the e-book market. At one point I got to No 6 in the whole of Kindle paid - wow! And No. 1 briefly in Romantic Comedy. I have also just learned that my book will be appearing in paperback in Sainsbury's this summer, from the middle of June - how marvellous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As well as all this, I have been busy finishing Book 3 - a poignant love story set on beautiful Bamburgh beach here in Northumberland, and whilst I'm trying to settle a book deal on that (via my lovely agent, Hannah Ferguson), I'm busy writing Book 4 as loads of ideas keep filling my head for a Christmas follow up to The Cosy Teashop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As well as the writing and the day job, I'm doing lots of library events around the North of England, my next being at Stockton library on 6th May, 4pm. I am also appearing in Wakefield, Gateshead, Jarrow, Doncaster and Manchester. The full programme is on the Read Regional website (there are lots of other fab writers involved too) and I've written a Blog there to let you know all about the scheme, my first events and how it feels to be in front of an audience - definitely a bit of winging it! http://www.readregional.com/category/blogs/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I've also been appearing as on several guest blogs. I was very proud to feature on Novelicous recently - the wonderful Women's Fiction Blog for Readers and Writers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So take a peek at my writing room: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.novelicious.com/2016/03/my-writing-room-by-caroline-roberts.html</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And, my top tips for new writers: http://www.novelicious.com/2016/03/caroline-roberts-top-5-writing-tips.html</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well then, I'd better get on and back to the writing once more!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Take care all,</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Caroline x</span></i><br />
<br />Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-78933558809953117962016-02-06T16:52:00.001+00:002016-02-06T17:42:20.968+00:00Read Regional 2016 Selection and a Wonderful Week!<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am thrilled and very proud to announce that I have been selected as one of the
ten writers </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">who will be taking part in the </span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Regional Campaign for 2016</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, with my debut novel </span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Torn Up Marriage</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. New Writing North
organises this campaign which takes poets, novelists, short story writers and
memoirists into libraries and other events such as the Durham Literary Festival
across the Northern area, primarily in the North East but now also in the Yorkshire
and North West/Manchester areas too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Regional hosts an exciting series of events, mostly between March and July,
including library talks, readings, discussion groups, workshops. I have a tour
of talks organised where I’ll be travelling as far as Doncaster, Darlington, Wakefield,
more locally in Gateshead, Hexham, across to Cumbria and more, with a (no doubt
nerve-wracking) finale appearance at the main central Manchester Library.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please take a look at the Read Regional website for
full details of this wonderful campaign and the list of events for myself and
the other writers: <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">http://www.readregional.com/</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am going to have an exciting and very busy few
months ahead. I’m really looking forward to chatting with readers and getting
involved in these events – and I’m going to have to take a deep breath and
brush up on my public speaking skills asap! So, my writing journey takes
another leap into the wonderful unknown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the meanwhile, I’m also happy and to announce that
my second novel <b>The Cosy Teashop in the
Castle</b> is due for publication on 25<sup>th</sup> February 2016! This is a
romantic comedy about striving for your dreams which is set in a gorgeous
Northumbrian castle. And, its only gone and got itself to the No. 1 slot on
Amazon Hot New Releases for Romantic Comedy today – how amazing is
that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for all your support for my
writing. It's been quite a journey so far, and I'm still pinching myself with what has happened in the past year. If you have any questions or comments feel free to jot them down
below, it would be lovely to hear from you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Very best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Caroline x</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-64096293685921573232015-12-31T12:08:00.001+00:002015-12-31T12:16:17.401+00:00What a lovely review - Becca's Books blog<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you so much to Rebecca for her fabulous Book Blog - Becca's Books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As a debut author with my novel The Torn Up Marriage, getting a really thoughtful, considered review that is so positive is truly wonderful. It makes all those years of trying to get published so worthwhile when someone reads your book, really <i>gets</i> the story and the characters, and has enjoyed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's a taster: "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">There are so many words fluttering about in my mind, words to describe this novel with, it's hard for me to choose just one.</span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">Painful</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">. </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">Raw</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">. </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">Agonising</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">. </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">Heartbreaking</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">. But then at the other end of the spectrum, </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">hopeful</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">, </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">promising</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">golden-centred</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">... </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">Punchy and unwavering, the focus on marriage and intimacy within this book absolutely took my breath away.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176px; text-align: center;">"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you'd like to see the full review and take a look at Becca's Book Blog please go to this link:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-torn-up-marriage-by-caroline-roberts.html</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Thanks!</i></b></span>Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-31111495981468336212015-12-21T12:09:00.000+00:002015-12-21T12:21:24.152+00:00News, Glorious News!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello! Sorry I’ve been away a while - it has all been amazingly and wonderfully
hectic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in July, at the Romantic Novelists’ Association
Conference, I had a great (if slightly nerve-wracking) pitch with the lovely
Hannah Ferguson, aka Agent Fergie, who is with the Hardman & Swainson agency. I was
only a few chapters into my third novel, which she <i>loved, </i>but as it was still at a fledgling stage, I needed to get
cracking, get writing, and show her what a great novel it could be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And, after years of trying, I now have a literary agent
- and a very experienced and lovely one
at that - to represent me! Thanks Hannah, I am so looking forward to working
with you.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Me at the fabulous Book Wall at the Harper Collins offices</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Earlier this month, I went down to London, like a<i> real
</i>author, and went to meet my team at Harper Collins and have a look around their
amazing offices, which are in the News Building right next to the Shard in the
London Bridge area. Off I set on an early train from Berwick-upon-Tweed (up
north in the border between England and Scotland) for my Big Day Out. And what
a day out that turned to be! My second book “The Cosy Teashop in the Castle”, which is a contemporary romance
set in a fabulous if quirky Northumberland Castle, was mid edits. The Harper
Collins team said they loved it and felt it had such commercial
potential they wanted to do a print run straight away and promote it big time
like their more traditional titles. I’m under a digital first/print on demand
contract for them at present. So wow – more dreams come true stuff! And, icing on the cake, I was taken to a
gorgeous chocolate-themed restaurant at the Borough Market which was looking
all lovely and Christmassy, and was
wined and dined. Yes, it was a day for pinching myself! (I’m still pinching
myself writing about it all now.)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG-LrgOgi5Xk7z-pjYISkY44K2gz3p150OoWrpYOpw0KAB-pOom-pIHJ7OGecsoFKlBH1m3IagypngV90eO0zp04cBcrArrnNA933dZ9D9pn4798XSSWBCLGYuqdH2n9k-TZm5moxB4E/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrG-LrgOgi5Xk7z-pjYISkY44K2gz3p150OoWrpYOpw0KAB-pOom-pIHJ7OGecsoFKlBH1m3IagypngV90eO0zp04cBcrArrnNA933dZ9D9pn4798XSSWBCLGYuqdH2n9k-TZm5moxB4E/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">With my lovely Harper Collins editors, Charlotte and Charlotte</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Later that same day, I headed over to Marylebone to a chic
pub, to meet up with my new agent Hannah and some of her fabulous authors,
where we chatted and got to know each other over wine. I had a great couple of
hours, and made some lovely new friends. Whizzed back to Kings Cross, got on my
train, and felt a bit like Cinderella. Had that all really happened?! But yes,
I have the photos to prove it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Author meet-up with my fab agent, Hannah Ferguson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I am now working on the paperback proofs for “The Cosy
Teashop in the Castle” which will be published in February 2016, and I need to write
the rest of the third book, I’m now at 50,000 words and cracking on for a New
Year first-draft finish. It’s a beautiful love story about hurting and healing,
set on the stunning golden sands of Bamburgh beach in Northumberland, one of my
favourite places to walk the dog. I’m still keeping up with the day job at our
holiday park, and a busy family life too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The Cosy Teashop in the Castle” is all about striving for
your dreams, and after all that hard work over many years, 2015 was the year my
writing dreams came true! If you have a dream, work hard, stay positive and
KEEP GOING! It can happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Good luck, and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and
Healthy 2016 to you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Caroline
x</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-57661612856083284472015-07-19T10:17:00.000+01:002015-07-19T10:26:27.675+01:00What a Difference a Year Makes!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Oh my word – this just happened!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Torn Up Marriage in Waterstones Newcastle-upon-Tyne</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My debut novel is sat next to David Nicholls' “One Day” and a host of other famous authors on a “Summer
Reading” table-top display at Waterstones, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Did I really just
write that? Yes, this is true! Wow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cannot begin to explain how this feels… A little bit surreal, and me doing some happy dancing in
the living room, is the nearest
description. A year ago, I was wondering if all those hours and hours of
writing were worth it, and if after 6 years of submissions, rejections and over
10 years of writing, I was actually a bit delusional. Was I any good at writing? Would I ever get a
publishing deal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a lot of hard work, picking myself up, learning from
my experiences and carrying on writing, it finally happened. I still remember
that day vividly, just less than a year ago, when not just one but two
publishing deals were offered to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The whole journey has been a huge learning curve. I am now
trying to get on board with promotion and publicity for my debut “The Torn Up
Marriage”, (must have done something right with getting in to Waterstones!) as
well as starting to write Book 3, and tackling edits for Book 2. Along with
doing my first ever library talk
(stomach like a washing machine, but seemed to go okay), the day job, and
everything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And what has been so lovely is that I have met some
wonderful people on the way, made new friends, and been supported in such generous ways by my
old friends, my family and my local community. I’m on a new journey, and boy, I’m so
glad I persevered and held on to my dream of becoming a published author.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>THANK YOU</b>, and if you are still writing and dreaming of that
publishing deal <b>KEEP GOING!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Very best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Caroline
x</b></i><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-45295747346485701452015-05-30T18:02:00.001+01:002015-05-30T18:02:33.652+01:00Award Trip to London & My Paperback is Out!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had an amazing time on my trip to London for the Romantic Novelists' Association Summer Party and the
presentation of the Joan Hessayon New Writers’Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First
up was meeting my author friend, the lovely Jules Wake, who I’d got to know at
the last two RNA Conferences, for coffee and a catch up at Waterstones Piccadilly,
before we were due to meet our publisher for the first time. We headed across
the road to the swanky Le Meridian Hotel, to meet our editors Charlotte Brabbin
and Charlotte Ledger from HarperImpulse, for prosecco, nibbles and a chat with the
other Harper Collins authors (5 of us in all) who were also nominated for
the award. Hello to Nikki Moore, Brigid Coady and Kathy Jay! (As well as me and
Jules). It was really lovely to meet you all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was soon time to walk down to the gorgeous building of the Royal Overseas
League. The next hour passed in a whirl of having photos taken, thanks to Katrina the professional photographer, meeting and chatting with other authors – the
room was buzzing - and having a glass or two of wine to settle the nerves a
bit! I</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">t was wonderful to talk with other recently published authors, and some more established - the lovely Katie Fforde was there, and hearing their writing journeys.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then it was time for the nominees to go up to the front and be introduced
with an image of us and our book on a big screen behind us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
the winner was… Brigid Coady with the novel “No-One Wants to be Miss Havisham”!
Though it wasn’t me, I hadn’t really expected to win, after all 15 talented new
authors were in the running. But it was wonderful that it was an author from
our team – go HarperImpulse! And like me, she’d had a long journey to
publication, and gave a lovely speech which was very moving. Well done, Brigid!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
rest of the evening flew by. I suddenly realised the room was emptying and I hadn’t
taken a single photo of the event at all. So I gathered my Harper Collins team
as best I could for a couple of photos, enjoyed a glass of G&T, met some
more authors, and then headed next door to another very swanky hotel for more
prosecco and some late evening snacks - with all the buzz at the award ceremony
few of us had managed to eat anything much at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All too soon, I was on
the train back to Tring, for an overnight stay with Jules (Thank you!) –
trains back to Northumberland do not exist at that time of night! We were both shattered
but managed tea, toast and more chat before bed. (Surprised my jaws weren’t
aching from all that nattering!) And finally back to reality and Northumberland
the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
today, just a week later, I finally got to hold my very first copy of my novel “The
Torn Up Marriage” – here it is! Wow – what a feeling!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I can’t tell you how precious it feels to hold
my real book in my hands. It’s the culmination of a long journey, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">my love of writing, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">hard work, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">a huge learning
curve and meeting some lovely people along the
way! I DID IT!( I’ve even written that in the front of the book). Hmn, just wondering
whose book to place it next to on my bookcase? Someone famous, naturally. Could
wedge myself between Jo-Jo Moyes and Shakespeare? David Nicholls, Emily Bronte,
Thomas Hardy, C S Lewis, Maggie O‘Farrell? </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I might just have to keep swapping it about.
But it’s HERE!! A DREAM COME TRUE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanks
for all the support along the way everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Best
wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Caroline
x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1960316497116862861.post-22666137140157949952015-05-10T12:24:00.001+01:002015-05-10T12:41:58.632+01:00Posh Frocks and a Trip to London – I’m a Contender for the Joan Hessayon New Writers’ Award!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So,
lovely people, guess who’s one of the final 15 contenders for the Romantic
Novelists’ Association, Joan Hessayon New Writers’ Award with “The Torn Up
Marriage” – me! I have a train ticket booked for the award ceremony at the RNA
Summer Party night, 21<sup>st</sup> May, at the gorgeous-looking Royal Overseas
League in London. Canapes and fizz, and I believe a new posh frock is the order
of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Who
knows what the result will be, I can only cross my fingers and wait and see,
but the wonderful part will be to meet up with other just-published, those
still trying to get published, and some very established authors. In my many years of trying to find an agent and
publisher it was the support of the RNA that really helped me to persevere;
providing friendship, advice, inspiration, laughter and lots of tea, cake and
on occasion fizz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If
anyone is writing away at home, and not sure whether to join an organisation
such as the Romantic Novelists' Association, I would absolutely say GO FOR IT! There are local chapters you
can link up with, so it’s not all down in London if you live elsewhere in the UK,
and I wasn’t aware initially, but if you haven’t yet managed to get into the New
Writers’ Scheme (as there is an annual membership application time from 1<sup>st</sup>
January each year and you need to get your skates on for one of the 250 places!), you can
still go along to most of the local groups, and join in events even as a
non-member. You need to be writing some form of love/relationship story, but
it’s not all “Romance” in the narrower sense of the genre, saga writers and
women’s fiction, historical, erotica, also young and new adult, are
also at home there. Full details are on the RNA website, see link below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Here’s a
picture of my local RNA Chapter. For two years running we’ve had a fantastic
Writers’ Retreat Day at Shepherd’s Dene, a wonderful country house in stunning
gardens, set in the Northumberland countryside:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In my
experience over six years with the RNA, writers are a friendly, supportive and
generous bunch. Even longstanding published writers remember what it’s like to
be trying to find that break with a publisher, many of us will have a pile of
rejection letters or e-mails under our belt – me more than most!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Writing
is a very different occupation – you probably won’t earn a penny for years,
it’ll take hours and hours of your time, your house will degenerate to a dusty
hovel, your family may think you are a little nuts, your friends will be really
interested but then imagine you are making a mint the minute you get a book
deal – very rarely the case. So come along find your tribe and get some
fantastic support and a few new friends along the way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Wish me
luck for the Joan Hessayon Award on the 21<sup>st</sup> – and look out for the
photos on my next Blog – wonder if there’ll be a Red Carpet?! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">And,
before I dash off to buy my frock, a big THANK YOU to the Romantic Novelists’
Association, and in particular to my support group of friends with the Border
Reivers RNA Northumberland Chapter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.rna-uk.org/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">http://t.co/uqMDVX57UH</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Best wishes,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Caroline x</i></span></div>
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Caroline Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05525789467657794122noreply@blogger.com0