‘You need to be ready for 6pm. Don’t be late.’ This was the only detail I was given on Saturday as I was told that the rest of the night had been organised for me - but I wasn’t allowed to know a thing. I’m useless at surprises. Always wanting to know just one more detail or keep pestering with unsubtle questions as my brain attempts to figure it out. I’d never had a surprise as intriguing as this before – usually it involved which flavour Revel I was going to pick out of the bag or if I’d be given a large portion of mushy peas at the chippy as a treat.
So, not wanting to ruin what everyone was being very guarded about I enjoyed my day. I’d been booked in for swishy hair and a bit of pampering and then ordered to be dressed and ready for the early evening deadline.
Only *slightly* behind schedule I was led down the high street wearing a scarf as a blindfold. I just had to trust that I wasn’t being taken into some dodgy venue and that I needed to give up control and stop second guessing what the hell was going on - and just enjoy it.
When the scarf came off I found myself stood in the most incredible independent bookstore with my friends and family clapping my arrival. They’d worked together to pull the wool over my eyes and organised a secret book launch/signing. I try not to swear too much on this blog but, bloody hell, it was incredible!
I couldn’t stop smiling, squealed with joy at seeing my loved ones who had travelled up north in secret, and was literally shaking with emotion. Thank god I was wearing waterproof mascara otherwise these photos could be a lot less composed!
I was led over to a table decked out in copies of my second novel Destination India, Indian flag bunting, a cake made to look like my book and stunning flowers from my lovely editor and told to sit down and soak it all in.
I met some amazing readers, got to sign lots of copies and drank way too many glasses of prosecco. It was the most amazing evening. I honestly didn’t want the night to end.
I know many writers feel that as lucky as we are to call this our jobs, it can at some points feel quite solitary. I spend hours on my own (well, hanging out with the characters in my head) staring at a laptop. So, being able to celebrate the madness of my recent success with those who have been with me on this journey since the very beginning was a complete treat and a total honour.
Thanks to Gareth Jones for the stunning photos and to the lovely staff of Broadhursts (this beautiful bookshop in Southport is over 96 years old and well worth a visit for any bookworms as well as supporting your local independent stores) for hosting the night. Huge thanks also goes to everyone who came, tricked me and showed me that I am as gullible as my main character Georgia Green.
But also, thanks to YOU. To everyone who has bought, read, reviewed and contacted me about my book and my story – you also played a part in making that event happen and making me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
Let yourself go…
Starting the Lonely hearts Travel Club was supposed to be the second chance that gave Georgia Green back her life. She thought it would be just like travelling, but the reality is far from rosy as she realises that starting a new business is definitely not a beach!
So when Georgia finds herself on an impromptu work trip to India she knows something’s got to give! Where has the girl gone who fought so hard to rebuild her life?
The land of Bollywood, gorgeous beaches and the Taj Mahal might just hold the key to Georgia finding her stride again… Only she is about to find out that when in India the country calls the shots – not you. But Georgia’s not going down that easy!
Join Georgia Green for her next big adventure in Bollywood!
The new favourite series for fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary, the Shopaholic series and Eat, Pray, Love.
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