Happy New Year
Happy New Year, everyone. Thank you for following my blog — I really appreciate it. Thank you also to those of you who’ve written to me during the year, or who left a comment on my blog. It’s very heartening to hear from readers.
I hope 2026 is a good year for all of you. Let’s hope it’s an improvement on 2025, anyway.
Here in Australia, we celebrate the New Year a bit earlier than many of you — not those in New Zealand, though, who are a couple of hours ahead of us. Though many places have wonderful fireworks displays, in my view you can’t beat the Sydney ones.
Sydney has that huge harbour, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge is at the centre of the celebrations — it’s the perfect site from which to launch the fireworks, as apart from the reflections, the harbour is surrounded by hills, so thousands of people have a water view. The photo here was taken by a friend of mine from another friend’s suburban home in Sydney. These were the 9pm fireworks, which take place in lots of cities so the children can enjoy fireworks without having to stay up until midnight for the main show.
This year in Sydney, there was an underlying sombreness, as the country is still horrified by the shooting at Bondi Beach (which is in Sydney) and the fireworks began with a minute’s silence, a menorah was displayed in lights and a dove of peace and the word UNITY. We are a multicultural country and we don’t want our country split into factions. The spectacular fireworks ended with the word PEACE. So many places are in dire need of PEACE, so let us hope that 2026 moves us all closer to it.
There’s a video here showing New Year celebrations in a variety of countries.
As for me, I’m planning to make 2026 a fresh start. I hope to get my “Marcus” story out in the next few months — don’t worry I’ll keep you up to date with my progress.
And I know that many of you are experiencing hardships, so I’m sending you my very best wishes and hope that your situation. improves in 2026.
All the very best for 2026.
Anne xx
I count your writing one of my great blessings. In a world which often seems so very dark, to escape to a place where love triumphs reminds me to hope. Thank you
Thanks so much for that lovely compliment, Dorothy. It’s what I look for in my favoured fiction reads as well.
Thank you Anne!!! Your Chance Sister books have helped me rediscover HOPE each time I have read them. The first always captures me and raises my spirits, and has never failed to help cure what ails me. Then reading the others helps keep that optimism to continue. If I were stranded on a desert island for the rest of my life I would choose those books to sustain me!
Pat, how lovely of you to say so. Thank you. Comments like this really help to keep me motivated and writing. Bless you!
Thank you, Anne. Happy New Year to you! Although I read and enjoy all your blog posts, I don’t always comment. I thoroughly enjoy your books. I look forward to each release and pre-order as soon as I can. May 2026 bring you joy.
Thanks so much, Sandy. Much appreciated. All the best to you for 2026 also.
Here’s wishing 2026 brings peace and prosperity to all. Thank you for giving us historical romance fans many good reads. I’m looking forward to Marcus’ story, although now I have to reread the complete series (it’s been a few years) to remind myself why I wanted his story.
Thanks Karen. I also had to reread the entire series before I started on Marcus’s story. I had a few bones of story in my head, but I needed to get back into that world and remind myself who Marcus was, deep down.
Wishing you and all my fellow readers a happy year!
I love your books for for the warm feelings and hope they engender. Things are difficult in so many parts of the world, but there are so many good people.
Very much looking forward to Marcus’ story.
Thanks so much, Robin. I agree with you — the nasty stuff gets the headlines, but most people are good at heart. I hope, when he’s published, you enjoy Marcus’s storyl.
I love your books. Wishing you all the best for 2026!
Thanks so much, Diana. I hope 2026 is kind to you too.
Wishing you a very happy and peaceful new year, Anne.
Thanks so much Liz — and I’m wishing the same for you,.
Hi Anne, I may not comment on every post you make but I love reading them for many different reasons. The rabbit holes you go down. Australia – everyday things for you but so much I don’t know. The intricacies of writing. Plus of course your wide, diverse perspective on life and events. Love your books because the characters always have good endings and I’m left with happy memories of reading.
Thanks so much for this, Vicki. It’s very helpful to know what posts you enjoy, so I appreciate your comments.
And thank you so much for your lovely comment about my books. I hope they continue to deliver those qualities.
All the best for 2026
HNY Anne. I’m listening to “His Captive Lady” right now and have paid for your next release on Audiobooks due to arrive within a few days. Awesome as per usual.
Happy New Year to you, too, Robyn. Thanks for listening to my audio books. Glad you’re enjoying His Captive Lady. Thanks.
Happy New Year! I recently discovered your books and have read 5 of them so far (in a very short time!) . I thought nothing could beat The Stolen Princess but I just finished To Catch a Bride and oh my…I am just speechless! And so in love with every character. The part in Egypt was incredible, I felt like I was there living and breathing that culture and way of life. (As well as every other part of the book!) Thank you, thank you, thank you so much…At a time when everything in the world is so depressing and… Read more »
Kim, thank you so much for your lovely comment. It really made my day.
All the best for 2026 to you and your husband.