August Newsletter

Well, dear readers and friends, I am home after a whistle-stop month, jumping like a grasshopper from one location to the next. It has been HUGE fun; I have met some of the best people: booksellers, readers, a writer or two; did an event in Edinburgh with my wonderful friend Jenny Colgan …

ONE SUMMER IN PROVENCE was officially published on 3rd July. I landed into the UK a few days later and, commencing in London, I began a tour of bookshops: signing copies, meeting lovely booksellers, speaking about the novel. One of my favourite experiences in the whole book publishing process is definitely meeting the readers. My job on this particular title is done save for presenting it but nothing thrills me more than to stand in front of a room full of expectant, warmhearted faces, answering questions from the audience, and reading short extracts from the book. Firstly, for me it a moment when my two selves, writer and actress, come together. It feels like being back on stage. Well, it is being back on stage again. A small bookshop in the home counties might not be the National Theatre but the rush of adrenalin, the nerves, are the same. It is terrifying until you get going then it’s like flying through the clouds.

I signed copies of ONE SUMMER IN PROVENCE at The Notting Hill Bookshop. It turns out that the shop is owned by two brothers, James and Howard Malin. I first met James when I was in my early twenties up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We lost touch many decades ago so it was a real kick meeting him again after so long. If you are in or around London’s Notting Hill, it’s a fabulous shop and they have signed copies of the novel.

The White Rose Book Café in Thirsk, Yorkshire hosted a fabulous evening event. I have been welcomed there – Herriot country – on several occasions in the past. We always sell lots of books and have a fun time together. Thank you to Sue and Caroline and all assistants for your hospitality and the very attractive window display.

My event with Jenny Colgan who is a close friend and an ace human being was held at the The Edinburgh Bookshop. A lovely shop in a fine part of the city. So, you might still find a signed copy or two there.

I also visited Dulwich Books, Blackwells in Edinburgh, the lovely Blue Bear Bookshop in Hartley Wintney near Hook, where I will be back for an event on 10th October. Do come along if you are in the vicinity. We dropped in to Hatchards in Piccadilly, of course, an unmissable stop.

Waterstones, next door. I spent two very wet mid-July days – without my luggage which was lost in transit – in Bantry, Cork at the West Cork Literary Festival, one of my favourite places in the world. As always, I was treated with love and warmth. Thank you to Eimear, Sarah and the team who helped me out with a new toothbrush, computer chargers etc.

When I returned to France, I drew breath before setting off along the coast to Monaco where I was hosted by the American Club of the Riviera for a fine lunch and an afternoon at the Princess Grace Irish Library where we recorded a podcast.

You can listen to it if you click on the pic:

Phew!

We will be putting up my autumn Events schedule in the next couple of weeks so please visit caroldrinkwater.com to see whether there is anything near you and please come along and say hello. I will be attending the Henley and Dulverton Festivals. Times, dates etc will be posted soon.

I am now trying to muster the strength to return to my novel-in-progress, which I was having such fun writing. It seems a while since I visited its world so I will be a bit of stranger rediscovering its pages until I am settled back into it.

I am losing my lovely editor Sarah Hodgson at Corvus, Atlantic, who is off to pastures new. So, a big thank you to Sarah for her cooperation and fine editorial input on ONE SUMMER IN PROVENCE.

So, that’s the book business. To all who have bought the book and written a lovely glowing review on Amazon or wherever, a huge thanks. Those reviews make a big difference to the ongoing life of the book.

Michel and I are enjoying a few days of quiet time here at the farm. We also have family commitments, spending cherished hours with loved ones. So here we are snatching a few leisurely days until the travels begin again.

Thank you for all your support, for making this July 2025 a memorable month for me.

See you somewhere in the autumn. Keep reading, look after yourselves, keep fighting the good fights.

Love

Carol
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