My Heart, My Soul. The book begins with a simple question: What happens when love arrives when you least expect it? Charlotte, the main character, believes the big, life-changing love stories probably passed her by somewhere around the late nineties. She’s in her forties, navigating life as best she can, quietly assuming that maybe some things just aren’t meant for her anymore. Then she meets Tom. What follows is a story about unexpected love, but also about loss… and about how quickly life can change in an instant. Although the novel is fiction, the emotions inside it are very real. The characters are ordinary people, like all of us. They struggle, they grieve, they hope, they laugh, they carry worries they don’t always talk about. And while the story itself is fictional… it’s inspired by experiences, because aren’t all stories, really? I didn’t want to have a book launch. I wanted to hold an evening where everyone could unite, as a reminder that none of us are alone. I had some amazing local businesses donate for a prize draw and we raised money for local charity Every Life Matters. The event was a huge success. Everyone was looking after each other. Checking in on each other. Being kinder to themselves and to the other people around the room. The guest speakers were inspirational and and it really felt like one, big family. So if my book, or even one conversation about it or that evening, helps someone open up, feel understood, or reach out for support — then that means more to me than any sales figures or reviews ever could. I am eternally grateful for everyone supporting the book, and more importantly, for supporting the conversation behind it.