Although I live but an hour’s drive from Marseille, France’s principle Mediterranean port and second largest city, I do not visit it all that frequently. This month, however, I had the opportunity to spend an entire day there and I decided to dedicate most of that precious time to a first visit to MuCEM. If…
Last night, while I was watering the land, I watched a small flock of ring-necked turtle doves gorging themselves on fruits in the fig tree, which have ripened very early this year. There were other birds feeding off the grapevines. A large toad crossed the driveway and paused to study me with bulging eyes. I…
I am going to begin with an apology. I am on a book tour for my new novel, THE LOST GIRL, running between cities, so please forgive the brevity of this month’s post. I didn’t want to miss it.During this month of July, many in Britain and especially here on this wonderful History Girls website,…
http://energydesk.greenpeace.org/2017/07/12/bayer-syngenta-scientists-neonicotinoids-bees/
In just a few days time, my new novel THE LOST GIRL will be published. I have already written on my HG blogs that the story is set in two time zones: post WWII in France and 2015 Paris and includes a few flashbacks to London in the 90s. The Paris 2015 sections take place…
The Film Festival has drawn to a close, the Grand Prix is at the starting gate, France is gearing up for summer after having enjoyed the most splendid May weather, and I have been very busy at my desk. June sees the publication of my new novel, THE LOST GIRL. It officially hits the shops…
We have a new President. The whole world has learned by now that France has voted for Emmanuel Macron, the youngest man to step into this role since Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, Napoleon III. Born in Paris on 20th April 1808, Louis-Napoléon became President on 20th December 1848. Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, nephew and heir of Napoléon I, was…
Calling all ebook readers! #TheForgottenSummer is available to download for just £1.99 in May! Click here to download the ebook: http://amzn.to/2oPXc9a
Recently, when I was in Paris, I visited the Bon Marché store, which is a regular haunt of mine. I usually head directly to the top floor where they have a very excellent librarie/bookshop. I love to browse there and to see what is being published in French and also who has been translated into…
Quite by chance, while internet browsing, I came across an article in Variety magazine – almost a film industry bible – announcing a new film studio complex converted from warehouses to be opened on the outskirts of Marseille. This is exciting news. France’s Mediterranean coastline from Marseille all the way to Monaco and onwards to…
There is NOTHING more exciting for me than seeing the jacket on my next novel brought to life by a designer. Nothing, that is, until the book itself arrives and I can hold it in my hands and know that it is real, that I really put all those words and thoughts together. Ask any…
When I was a child, one of the treats of the week was our family outing to the cinema. The programme back in the mid-fifties, early sixties usually included two films. A ‘B’ movie followed by the main attraction. Today, before the main attraction, spectators are shown endless expensively-shot commercials followed by a series of…
Imidacloprid is a terrifying chemical used on much of the world’s fruits and vegetables — and it’s wiping out our web of life from bees to insects. Now Canada could ban it, but industry bullies are lobbying to protect their multi billion-dollar product. Let’s get Canada to stand strong! Add your name to flood the…
Last Saturday, the 21st January 2017, I met up with a couple of friends alongside the Apollo Fountain in the impressive Place Massena in Nice. We, along with about seventy others, were gathering to march. We were marching – each of us perhaps for slightly different reasons – against Donald Trump and Mike Pence’s position…
If you live in the UK you might want to sign up for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. They do sterling work in creating awareness for the bee communities. Many of which are being put on endangered species lists, which is very concerning indeed. Here are their details: Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Registered Charity No:1115634 / Scottish…
This month my blog is very short. Apologies for that. I am a little unwell. On top of that, due to the loss of my mother earlier this year, my husband and I are having a very low-key Christmas. Today, 26th December, is Boxing Day. It is also St Stephen’s Day, which is celebrated in…
I think I have begun every letter I have sent out this year by saying how tough these last months have been since the loss of my mother in February. And it continues with the recent loss of several friends and colleagues. Michel and I have decided to take time out quietly, just the two…
The distributors of THE OLIVE ROUTE films have contacted us to say that until 15th Jan, they are selling the boxed set of five gorgeous films for 29.99 euros plus post, which is 5 euros for Europe and 6.50 euros rest of the world. A great price. Send an email to olivefarmbooks@gmail.com and I will…
Complete France is giving away The Forgotten Summer as one of it’s prizes on the 15th December as part of it’s 24 day Advent competition. 15 December 2016 | The prize: a bundle of books written by FRANCE Magazine columnists and favourite authors About: This selection of books includes the latest publications from FRANCE Magazine…