Welcome to The Wrap Up!
(deluxe edition)
New year, new newsletter!
Settle in and get comfy because I’ve got a lot to say and share this month.
Let’s start in my favourite place: Wattle Junction.
Wattle Junction just got even more special …
Isn’t it pretty?!
Special shout out to the supremely talented Emily from ATL who designed the cover and edges.
These editions are exclusive to A Thousand Lives and we’re planning on doing SE covers for the rest of the series as well (someone, not dropping any names, just needs to finish writing the books). Grab your copy in-store or via their website today!
(It’s me. I need to do that.)
(I’m working on it. Promise.)
Image credit: A Thousand Lives Book Haven
Very, very exciting things (like the cover!! and soon more edits) are happening with Project Pine Tree right now. It officially has a title (!!) and I can’t wait to tell you what it is. If you want a hint, there’s an Easter egg hidden on my Instagram ;) Once I get the all clear, I’ll be shouting it from every rooftop. Watch this space!
Haaaaaaaave you met Joanne Speirs?
(side bar: if you get this reference, let’s be friends!)
Joanne Speirs is a small town romance author and her stories are guaranteed to hit you in the feels! I’ve known Jo for awhile now (she’s also a magnificent proofreader who has worked her magic on my Wattle Junction series) and she’s the perfect person to kick off my new interview series.
Tell us about yourself and why you started writing.
I grew up on a farm in a small rural community on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia before moving to Adelaide. Always a voracious reader, I didn’t start writing until 2016, a couple of years after my dear mum passed away. They were the darkest of days. My friend was very frank and said, ‘Jo, just write to get all the shit out of your head.’ So, I started a blog, writing and sharing my thoughts, feelings, stories, poetry, photos and recipes, hoping it might help at least one person take a positive step in healing and dealing with grief.
My writing centred around how I emerged from the challenging period before and the dark days after losing Mum. I wrote about community, connection, courage, vulnerability and hope. It was raw, honest and thoughtful. These themes and my personal experience with grief were the building blocks for my first contemporary romance story, set in the fictional rural and seaside township of Point Perry.
Now onto my fourth book, my personal experiences are still the driving force behind the themes I tackle which, like my debut, become a cathartic release for me too.
If you could share one line about each of your books, what would it be?
Second Chance Love in Point Perry — a heartwarming small-town romance and family saga that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, filling you with laughter, tears and the sweet ache of hope.
Light Up My Heart: A Point Perry Christmas – Scarlett loves Christmas; Ryan hates Christmas … Scarlett is the sunshine to Ryan’s grumpy. Never underestimate the power of a little Christmas magic.
Listen To Your Heart:A Not-So Point Perry Christmas – A movie star seeking redemption will find it with her never-been-kissed Santa Claus.
Coming soon is Let Me Love You– a deeply emotive and character-driven story that explores the journey of self-acceptance, rising above adversity, finding forgiveness and courageously opening oneself up to the possibility of love and new beginnings.
Which of your books is your favourite?
Second Chance Love in Point Perry will always have a special place in my heart because it's the silver lining of Mum's passing. If she didn't die it would never have been written, and I wouldn't be on this new journey and career.
Farm life doesn’t prepare you for city life, and the contrasts were so stark. Living in a rural community brings with it a village of people, families, and friends who all have something in common, who all look out for each other (mostly), and who rally around when things get tough, or something needs to get done. There’s a spirit that is so unique in these individuals and communities that isn’t present in the city. I still miss it today, and it is why I write small-town stories. To capture the essence, quirks, challenges and triumphs. Making this come alive, giving readers a chance to immerse themselves in this world and experience a rollercoaster of emotions, is the best part about being a writer.
What do you find the most fun to write? And the hardest?
Is writing fun?! I can unequivocally say that writing synopses and blurbs are NOT fun! I also struggle with the first 'shitty' draft as my head gets in the way and I battle with trying to get it 'right', imposter syndrome, procrastination and overwhelm. For me, the fun part is when I get to the editing. I work best when the words are done and I can add the layers of emotion, build on the setting (Point Perry) and round the characters out.
Best moment as an author so far?
There have been so many! From getting my contract with Harlequin, to celebrating my book launch, to indie publishing my first book and being in an anthology. The romance writing community is the BEST. I've made so many friends and met a lot of readers at events, conferences, markets and randomly in Big W. I still pinch myself every day that I'm an award-winning author with four published books and more on the way.
To find out more about Jo and her books visit her website or follow her on social media @jo.speirs_romance_author.
It’s giveaway time!
I've got one ticket to giveaway to a lucky newsletter subscriber for the Australian Romance Readers 'A Romantic Rendezvous' in March (Melbourne or Brisbane) this year! Enter to win here! I’ll be drawing the prize on the 7th of February!
What I’ve Been Reading … and Loving!
January was all about summer island vibes, steamy forbidden sports romances and shadow daddies! (Side bar: Mum, please don’t ask me to explain this. Google is your friend.)
If you need me, I’ll be on Pearl Island!
Our girl Andie has a LOT on her plate and even her relaxing week at Pearl Island has been planned to the nth degree. Enter Jack, a laidback Island local with secrets who can’t stop thinking about the lady with the poodle hair (it’s a compliment, trust me!)
That Island Feeling by Karina May is so utterly charming and swoony, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up on the podium for my fave reads of 2025.
This book has all my favourite tropes: it’s second chance AND friends to lovers AND brother’s best friend. What a combo!
Anya and Mason have a complicated history so when her uni accommodation falls through, she’s forced to crash at her brother’s (hello, forced proximity, I’m always SO happy to see you!) for a few days. Guess who his roommate is? That’s right. The guy who broke her heart when he left town abruptly a few years ago. But now Mason’s back and so is all their chemistry! If you’re a fan of sports romances, you won’t regret checking out Break the Rules.
The storm has hit! And it was a BIG ONE.
I have thoughts … and questions … and theories. And an overwhelming need to immediately reread Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm.
If you’re like me and you’ve recently returned to Basgiath (and beyond), you doing okay? What did you think? Did you love it? I really, really enjoyed Onyx Storm and can’t wait for what’s next (but will wait patiently because Rebecca Yarros deserves a break).
Are you ready to meet the January members of #TheDebutCrew2025?
Families lie.
DNA doesn’t.
Isobel Ashworth breezes through life, blissfully accustomed to the privilege which comes with her family name. But that changes when she arrives in the exclusive town of Hartley. Sent there by her father to complete a controversial property development - and prove herself a serious player in the succession plan - her perfect life is unravelling. Isobel's fiancé is telling lies, the project is a disaster and the locals hate her; could her father be setting her up to fail?
Buzzing with the promise of a big story, journalist Meg Hunter arrives in Hartley to expose the Ashworth family dealings, and transform her faltering career. As she follows the trail of corruption, she uncovers clues about her mother's mysterious past.
When the next-gen Ashworths each receive an anonymous Christmas gift of a DNA testing kit, Isobel questions everything she knows about her family. Isobel is drawn to Meg and her pursuit of the truth ... but someone out there will stop at nothing to hide the secrets of both families.
They’re the only ones who can stop the murder … if they don’t kill each other first.
Solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.
For one thing, there’s Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family’s ‘fixer’ who’s lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is: a disgraced ex-cop who’s just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
But nothing is at it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won’t be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past – and learn to trust each other.
Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?
Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Red, White & Royal Blue meets A Darker Shade of Magic in this swoony debut young adult romantic fantasy following a magical young prince and a noble seer who fall in love in the midst of war and intrigue.
Shy Prince Edmund will be a great king one day—it has been Seen again and again. With rare magic giving him dominion over his country’s plants and weather, Edmund feels a great deal of pressure to live up to his nation’s many expectations, including making a perfect diplomatic alliance through marriage. That is, until he meets Lord Aubrey Ainsley.
Charming, romantic, and politically insignificant, Aubrey is a Seer, but not even he could have predicted catching the eye of Edmund, the Prince of Fortune—nor that the anxious prince who talks to plants more than people could feel so right for him. Aubrey’s visions have been full of battle, not love, but to say that Prince Edmund has captured his fancy would be a grand understatement.
As the two become more and more intertwined, the nation of Saben falls under attack. War and dark sorcery loom on the horizon. To save their homeland, Edmund and Aubrey must resist the outside forces seeking to drive them apart and find the power within themselves to create a future for Saben—and each other—they never could have imagined.
Keep up with Lisa on her website or Instagram.
When you live in a zoo - things can get wild!
Eleven-year-old Neeka Wilder has always loved animals.
She wants to be a vet one day, like her mum, who is the head vet at Wilder Zoo - where Neeka and her family live!
Neeka is a great help to the zoo staff in caring for the animals. And she also takes videos of exciting events at the zoo.
When the videos are nominated for a big award, Neeka wants to make one more video to help win it. But when Rebel, the cheeky red panda, won't co-operate, her zoo key goes missing and she's grounded for a month, it's a race against the clock to create the new video in time for the awards.
I’ll be back at the end of February with another author interview, more book recs and an exciting update about Project Pine Tree!
Chat soon,
Em x
It’s Christmas o’clock!
(Does anyone else just want to hide with their books?)
2024 has been amazing year full of adventures, opportunities and wonderful books but I’m not going to lie … I’m currently overwhelmed in the very best of ways. My oldest child finished primary school this week, we’re travelling interstate for Christmas and I’m working on my edits for Project Pine Tree (a story I absolutely adore). All of these things are exciting buuuuut exhausting so this edition of Newsy News is going to be a little lighter than previous ones have been.
But before I go, I do have a few things to share with you all …
Escape the fun/chaos of the festive season with a trip to Wattle Junction!
For this month only, The Story of Us ebook is on sale on Amazon AU for $1.49 which is an absolute bargain.
Check it out if you like: | small town | brother’s best friend | friends to lovers | a hero who bakes bread | a deliciously sloooooow burn | forced proximity |
You can secure your copy by clicking here.
Looking for last minute festive reads? I got you.
All I Want For Christmas is Chris Evans … well, here’s the next best thing.
One day Elle Tynan, Steph Hazeltine, Alison Middleton and I were joking about how fun it would be to write a series of spicy and swoony holiday romances inspired by how much we all love Chris Evans … so we did and All I Want for Chris-mas was created. (And it was fun!)
My story, Finding Christmas, is a follow up to Finding Home which was published in Anyone But Him.
Santa, Baby!
Eight Aussie authors bring you rom-com hijinx and emotional feel-good romance stories set on a Christmas tree farm at the National Santa Championships. Snuggle up to Santa as your next book boyfriend these holidays.
Available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited here.
Fancy a short and sweet Aussie Christmas read?
Holly has one thing and one thing only to prove to her family – that she is a capable and organised adult, who can host the perfect Christmas day. The only problem is, Holly is neither of those two things.
Can we have a minute for the super cute cover too? Grab your copy today.
I hope that 2024 has been kind to you and the festive season is fun, relaxing and full of good books.
See you in 2025 and as always, happy reading,
Em x
It’s beginning to look a lot like the most *magical* time of the year!
Are you a Christmas fan? I love everything about this time of year. From the special nights out looking at lights to trying to find the perfect gifts (spoiler alert: books make excellent gifts but more on that later). And let’s not forget making special memories with family and friends. But before we get to all things merry and bright (because believe me, I could talk all day about that topic), here’s a quick recap of what I’ve been up to lately.
October was bonkers busy in the very best way!
Last month, I got lost amongst a metaphorical field of pine trees as I continued editing Project Pine Tree, the book I’ll be releasing with Penguin Random House in late 2025. I’m so in love with this story and these characters and I can’t wait to tell you all about them very, very soon. I’ve shared a few things on Instagram already and you can see them here. you better believe that as soon as I can tell you more, I will.
A visit to Novel Nook with author buddies and readers? Don’t mind I do!
At the start of October, Brittany Carson, SK May, Bindi Kennedy, Devon May and I were lucky enough to spend a Saturday morning at Novel Nook in Yarra Glen meeting readers and hosting a mini-signing which was so much fun. Can recommend the pub next door for lunch as well! Thanks for having us, Naomi!
(and shout out to Laura Catherine for the photo!)
Fiction + Friction’s Indie Book Convention
The other exciting thing I did last month was attend Fiction and Friction’s Indie Book Convention! Friends, it was the best. Elouise Tynan and I hit the road for Adelaide armed with snacks (a road trip necessity!) and a bunch of audiobooks recommendations. Confession time: we chatted the whole way there and still had stuff to talk about over dinner once we arrived in Adelaide.
Fiction and Friction is the biggest signing I’ve been part of and Britt and her team did the most magnificent job filling the Adelaide Convention Centre with romance fans. I can’t thank everyone enough who stopped by my table to chat and take home some of my stories with them. Getting to hang out with bookish people is the absolute best part of being an author. I can’t wait for the next event! You can find out which signings I’ll be at here.
Speaking of which, ARRA are running a Christmas giveaway for their 2025 signings - I’ll be at the Brisbane and Melbourne events if you want to say hi!
This Christmas, one lucky ARR2025 attendee will win a special treat - a $30 book voucher that they can spend at the signing. To enter, readers need to take a selfie with one of their favourite books (ebooks count!) from one of the attending authors, then post it in the ARR2025 Attendees group. Be sure to include the following in your post: I'm looking forward to ARR2025 in <insert name of city> in March, and meeting <insert name of author/s>. Maybe I'll see you there! #arr2025comp (For an extra entry, tag a friend in the comments of your post.) The winner will be drawn randomly on Christmas day from all entries.
Do you need some Christmas present recs? Put me in, Coach, I’m here to help!
I’ve just reloaded my store with some of sold out items (special editions are back, baby!) AND some exciting new products (enamel pins, stubby coolers and mugs)! Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift, I’ve got something for the romance reader in your life.
And don’t forget my special editions includes foil detailing and a bonus or extended epilogue. Did I mention that all the bonus content contains spicy scenes? It’s what the characters wanted and who I am to deny them? These books are only available from me at signings or via my shop.
And, as always, if you’d like me to include a ‘congratulations on your prize!’ card (#iykyk) to allay any ‘did you buy another book/more bookish merch?’ vibes, just let me know in the order comments. Same goes for if you would like your order wrapped in Christmas paper. Consider me your very tall, very friendly Christmas elf.
You can visit my shop here.
I hope the lead up to the holidays is as relaxing as possible and you are all able to enjoy plenty of reading time. As always, if you read a good book, please tell me all about it!
Until next time,
Em x
Something ‘special’ has arrived in Wattle Junction!
Your August Newsy News is here!
I can’t even with these gorgeous new covers!! How fabulous are they?
All courtesy of the supremely talented Kelsey Bowman from Let’s Get Lit Studios. I knew I wanted something special to offer at book signings and Kels delivered!
Ever wanted to be a guest at Alice and Owen’s wedding? Or see how Billie and Wyatt are adapting to life as new parents? Maybe find out how Nate helps Eloise get over her fear of flying? I got you. And all of the new bonus content includes a spicy scene. What can I say? I just did what the characters wanted me too?
Once I have Teddy’s and Rafferty’s stories finished, they will be available as a pair or all five books together.
Want to snag your own copies and coming to Fiction + Friction in October? Secure your pre-order here. There’s a limited number available and I will be allocating them on a first in, first served basis.
Not going to a book signing but still want them on your shelves? No problem. They’re also available at my online store. You can purchase them and signed copies of all my other books here.
And while we’re talking about Wattle Junction, The Reality of Us is on sale this month!
Today’s weather prediction: perfect for a spicy, small town, opposites attract romance!
For all of September, Alice and Owen's love story is on sale on Amazon Australia! Now's the perfect time to pick up The Reality of Us for less than a cup of coffee! Grab it here!
A recap of RWAus ‘Trope Actually’ conference. TL;DR: it was amazing!
A couple of weekends ago, I was in Adelaide at the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference. It was a whirlwind few days filled with catching up with old friends, meeting new people, learning from a wide variety of authors who were so generous with their time and wisdom, participating in RWA’s inaugural book signing and having so.much.fun. Highlights included winning best group costume with my buddies at the cocktail party for our ‘Snow White and The Seven Tropes’ costumes. And I was so grateful to be awarded 2nd place in the Romantic Book of the Year (aka the Ruby) for Owen and Alice’s book The Reality of Us.
I’m already excited about next year’s conference ‘Writer Wonderland!’ in Tasmania. If you’re a romance writer, you can register to attend here too!
Now, before you go. Did someone say ‘giveaway’?
My talented author friend Brooklyn Dean and I did!
For one week only, you can enter to win paperbacks of The Insufferable Adam James and The Story of Us. It’s open to Aussie residents only, sorry international friends!
The giveaway is running over on Instagram. Head over to my profile or Brooklyn’s to get all the details and enter!
Thanks so much for visiting my little corner of the writing and reading world. Chat again next month and as always, happy reading!
Em x
The most amazing thing has happened!
Your July Newsy News is ready.
I got a book deal!
With Penguin Random House Australia.
What a dream come true!
This was not on my bingo card for 2024 but I’m so thrilled (and nervous) and grateful (and nervous, it’s a recurring theme). But seriously, so much has happened in the last few months that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it all. The short version of this story is that earlier in the year, I pitched a story to Penguin Random House (omg, Penguin Random House!!!) and to my imposter syndrome’s immense shock, they liked it and are going to publish it in late 2025! I can’t tell you too much about it yet other than it’s a swoony and spicy romance and my cast of characters are so delicious. This truly would never have happened without the support from everyone who has read my stories, shared my work and encouraged me. I’m so thankful for you all. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. An extra-special, extra-grateful shoutout to Chris Ebbs and the team at PRH for believing in me and my stories. I’m just a puddle of emotions over it all.
But enough about me, did you know that …
Would you just look at all these gorgeous stories written by Australian authors? What a line up! There are so many amazing stories by Aussie authors but here are a few of my faves and some from my TBR as well!
Faded Fragments by Mandi Kontos. A debut urban fantasy with werewolves, witches and mummies? And this gorgeous cover? I’m so looking forward to reading it!
Light Up My Heart (A Point Perry Christmas) by Joanne Speirs. Revist the charming small town of Point Perry and discover how second chances can be a gift when you’re brave enough to risk your heart.
Mortgage of Convenience by Dani McLean. Marriage of convenience + brother’s best friend + Dani McLean’s signature sass and steam? Yes. Please. (Special shout out to the thigh grab on the cover too. *chef’s kiss!*)
Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly. A sapphic summer romance featuring a best-selling fantasy author and a warm-hearted cafe-bookstore owner, perfect for your next beach read.
Quinn, by design by Jennifer Raines. She’s antiques royalty, he’s relentlessly modern. Sounds like a match made in opposites attract heaven to me!
Rules in Love by Bindi Kennedy. Have you ever wanted someone so desperately you’d risk everything for one kiss?
Such a Small World by Jordan Clayden-Lewis. A speculative queer love story wrapped in memories that won’t stay buried.
The Insufferable Adam James by Brooklyn Dean. One immature dare. Two childhood enemies. Three kisses to bring him to his knees. #tellmemore
The Retreat by Stephanie Hazeltine. The Retreat is a place to relax and reconnect. Unless someone is there to get revenge. Spoiler alert: someone is.
Waiting to Score by Elouise Tynan. Calling all sports romance fans who also love fake dating and college settings!
And as if I’m not going to mention my own spicy Australian small town stories too! Have you visited Wattle Junction yet? There’s something for everyone with forbidden attraction (Billie + Wyatt in Wattle It Be?), opposites attract (I’m looking at you, Owen + Alice in The Reality of Us) and friends-to-lovers (hey, Nate + Eloise in The Story of Us).
I’ll be back again soon with more news, that ‘special’ thing I teased in last month’s newsletter, a recap of the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference and—as always—more book recs (because you can never have too many books on your TBR)!
Happy reading,
Em x