It’s always a big treat to get the first finished copies of my latest book - and this time, I decided to get our little dog involved involved. She inspired one of the storylines, as the book features a border terrier who visits hospital patients - just as our fantastic little ‘canine therapist’ does! I buried some of her treats inside before I took a look at the books, so we were both very happy, as you can see in this video. It’s such a pretty cover, isn’t it?
Introducing... Owner of a Lonely Heart
It’s time to reveal the BEAUTIFUL, joy-filled cover for my next Eva Carter novel which is called OWNER OF A LONELY HEART…
Isn’t it gorgeous? The book is set during a summer heatwave in Bristol, and the cover designer has recreated the Clifton Suspension Bridge in a balmy evening – I think it’s so upbeat and colourful.
Here’s more about the book:
What are you most afraid of . . . ?
Gemma is terrified of slowing down, because if she does, she’ll have to admit how lonely she’s felt since losing the love of her life. So she fills her days with work and taking her dog, Bear, to comfort young patients at the local hospital. That's enough, isn't it?
Dan is scared of anyone getting to know the real him. He’s the life and soul of every party, but he’s certain that if people find out what he’s done, everything will fall apart.
Casey is Dan’s twelve year old daughter – though they barely know each other. She’s starting four weeks of treatment for a benign tumour, and is scared this summer could be her last.
When Gemma, Dan and Casey meet one scorching July, the connection is instant. Yet they’re all used to protecting themselves from heartbreak by keeping their distance. Now that fate – and a small, scruffy terrier – have brought them together, can they find the courage to connect?
A story of bravery in all its guises, Eva Carter's Owner of A Lonely Heart is about taking the plunge even when it frightens you – because it's never too late to find the people who make your world make sense.
This is a book I was writing while I was caring for my dad last year and – reading it again – I realised how much the story is about fatherly love, as well as the romantic kind.
YOU CAN BUY THE HARDBACK FOR DELIVERY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON THE BOOK DEPOSITORY, OR IN THE UK, AT BOOKSHOP.ORG OR VIA WATERSTONES.COM
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Beautiful Italian and Romanian editions of How to Save a Life
I love seeing new editions of my books in different languages - and especially seeing the differences in design. Look at these two beauties - the Italian and Romanian editions of How to Save a Life.
Il Bacio della Vita means ‘The Kiss of Life’ - and this cover, from Mondadori, is a fab minimalist take on the UK cover.
The Romanian edition is SO different - the heart motif rendered in blossom with such gorgeous colours. I think the novel is romantic as well as gritty in places so this is a great image.
Which do you like best?
The JOY of volunteering in a vaccine centre
Volunteering sent my spirits soaring…
February 2021 felt pretty miserable for many in the UK as the lockdown and cold weather made the days and nights seem long and gloomy.
BUT what sent my spirits soaring was having the chance to work as a volunteer marshal at our local vaccination centre, up at Brighton Racecourse.
During the month I did five shifts and each time was incredible - meeting hundreds of patients every day, directing traffic (a brand new skill that makes me feel quite #Jackieweaver), doing temperature checks and asking the question that gets everyone smiling (‘have you been abroad recently?!), managing the fast-moving queues or chatting while people rest for 15 minutes after their vaccination.
After spending so long at home, seeing hardly anyone, it was overwhelming at first, but soon I adored feeling part of the incredible team, and chatting to hundreds of people every day - not only the patients, but also the other volunteers and medics.
Many patients turn up in their Sunday best, because it’s a very significant outing and for some, the first time they’ve been among others since last March. Couples and families - perhaps a son or daughter escorting a parent - can go in together, though of course only those eligible receive the precious Pfizer or Astra Zeneca vaccine.
It’s such a joyful atmosphere - no wonder landing a volunteer slot has been like winning the lottery.
I’ve been in awe of the organisation and dedication of everyone I’ve encountered: the team turned a space aimed at racegoers (there are lots of ads for betting and a - sadly out of service - bar) into a space with waiting area, vaccination pods, drawing up zone and seating for waiting the 15-minutes post injection. I was at the centre when they completed their 20,000th vaccination - everyone applauded and it was wonderful to know I played a tiny part.
It’s such a joyful atmosphere - no wonder landing a volunteer slot has been like winning the lottery. I did need to invest in some new gloves though because for a couple of weeks, temperatures fell well below zero and felt far colder.
As a writer, I am usually pretty happy in my own company but this satisfies the craving I’ve had to be back with other humans. I’m signed up for more this month - each jab feels like a step closer to spending time with those we love and miss.