HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, SWEET HONEY!

Yay! Today, 5th June 2014, is the official release date of my 5th Chocolate Box Girl book, SWEET HONEY. This calls for a celebration!

When I'm at the start of writing a book, it always feels like I will never get to the end... and if I do, it seems impossible that anyone would actually want to READ what I've written. So every time a new book is published, I get ridiculously excited all over again. This year, for the first time ever, I am a little bit ill and have had to cancel my school events because my voice has vanished on me. Disaster! I have nobody to celebrate with, so hey, we will have to do it here online. Welcome to the world, SWEET HONEY! All good bookstores will now have the book on sale, so take a look around and see if you can find any bargains... some booksellers do great discounts! Those of you who are super-dedicated and pre-ordered your books will be getting them today, as if by magic... or by first class mail, anyway!

You'll find lots of drama and intrigue in this story, which was to be expected with a character like Honey, but also a secret woven into the story which has the potential to blow everything apart. Expect a few surprises along the way... and if you comment below once you've read the book, no spoilers, please! Whether you're reading your copy today or not, please do have a slice of cake to help me celebrate... it's imaginary cake, so it's OK, promise!

As well as June 5th being the publication date for SWEET HONEY, it also happens to be exactly ten years since my very first book Dizzy was published... how cool? DREAMCATCHER, I've been privileged to meet the most AMAZING CC readers. You make all the hard work worthwhile. I think you're going to love the new book... happy reading!

My lovely publisher Puffin have given me a gorgeous silver bee necklace to celebrate... isn't it cute? I'd hardly have dared dream ten years ago how many books I'd write in the next ten years, or how many readers would connect with the stories all around the world. The books are translated into 19 languages now and I've been lucky enough to visit my readers in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, China, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Ireland, France and more. Who knew? Best of all, through the magic of book festivals, events, signings, letters, emails, FB messages, twitter, instagram and of course DREAMCATCHER, I have been able to really get to know my readers. They... YOU... are awesome. You are the best thing of all about being an author, and I feel very privileged to have met you. Can't think of a better bunch of people to celebrate the new book with. So... right... back to business... cake, anybody?

Have you read SWEET HONEY yet? COMMENT BELOW to share your views and verdicts!