New novel on its way

I’m happy to tell you that my new novel, Lola’s Secret, will be published in Australia and Ireland in October 2011, and in the UK and USA in 2012. I’ve loved writing it, especially because it’s set in my home town in the ClareValley of South Australia, and also because it features one of my favourite characters, Lola Quinlan, from my fourth novel The Alphabet Sisters. The back cover blurb reads:

Magic can happen in every family

At the Valley View Motel in South Australia’s picturesque Clare Valley, eighty-four-year-old Lola Quinlan is up to her usual mischief. She’s sent her family away for Christmas and invited a number of mystery guests to come and stay. But who are all these people, and why aren’t they spending the festive season with their own loved ones?

As the big day draws closer and Lola’s personal family dramas threaten to unravel her plans, she discovers that at a special time of year, magic can happen in every family – especially your own.

From the bestselling author of At Home with the Templetons comes a funny, sad and moving novel about memories and moments and the very meaning of life.

Those of you in Australia can read an extract from Lola’s Secret in a special new edition of The Alphabet Sisters being published on 1 August 2011 (see the cover below). I’ll post more information about Lola’s Secret, including the cover, very soon.