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A love affair with books…

the stall 2
Burkle the bear joined me on my Australian-themed stall

 

Can you imagine a whole weekend devoted to romantic novels – filled with people who love reading and writing them?

The lovely market town of Leighton Buzzard was inundated with writers and booklovers this weekend – for the Annual festival of Romantic Fiction.

What fun it was too!For me the weekend started on Friday night – it was party time.

We authors don’t get out much – so it was a total delight to catch up with so many good friends – and to make a whole lot of new ones.

The Girls Night In was at the library… where we heard readings from some authors and talked about books  – writing and reading them.

librarby event
Listening to the lovely Rowan Coleman talking about writing her latest book.

On Saturday, fingers crossed for good weather, a lot of us set up at the High Street Book fair – ready to chat to whoever felt like popping by to talk about books – or eat sweeties.

There were lots of people in both categories.

We then retired to the Green Room café – for afternoon tea …

afternoon tea
The afternoon tea was just wonderful…

….. and more readings from fabulous authors.

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My good friend Jan Jones reads from her award nominated novel Fairlights.

Of course the highlight of the weekend was the Reader Awards Presentation on Saturday night.  It started with some romantic dance performed by the talented kids from the local theatre group…

Getting us in the mood for the awards ceremony.
Getting us in the mood for the awards ceremony.

There were so many wonderful books shortlisted, many of them by my friends or my favourite authors (sometimes they are the same people).  Not everyone can win… but a hearty congrats to those who did take the awards… so well deserved.

The award winners - including my chums Fiona Harper and Jo Thomas.. well done girls.
The award winners – including my chums Fiona Harper and Jo Thomas.. well done girls.

All in all, a fab weekend. I am already looking forward to next year.