It's such a delight to have a finished copy in my hand - the colours POP, ah that Aperol orange sunset! - and I'm very grateful to wonderful authors Lucy Diamond, Veronica Henry, Lucy Clarke, and Rosanna Ley, whose generous words appear on the book ...
The days and weeks leading up to publication are always nerve-wracking, so I've been *very* happy with the reviews the novel's so far been getting. It's one of Red Magazine's Best Beach Reads, described as 'an emotional, evocative novel about guilt, grief and belonging,' and makes Gransnet's Best Summer Reads list too. Prima magazine calls it 'a delightful summer read', Woman & Home say 'vivid, atmospheric, and heart-breaking', and it received a gorgeous five-star review in the Express - 'a glorious, sun-drenched story' and 'an intoxicating novel' (full review here).
I've been blown away by reviews from Book Bloggers too - Linda Hill at Linda's Book Bag called it 'gorgeously crafted' and 'exceptional' - review here. Mary Mayfield blogging at Our Book Reviews says it's 'a book to treasure' - review here. Lucy Pearson over at The Unlikely Bookworm writes of the 'melodic prose and evocative sense of place' - review here. Janine Jewell at Jewell Books says 'beautifully written with a serene backdrop' - review here. Zarina at Page to Stage Reviews writes of 'the pure magic of Emylia's words' - review here. Meanwhile Joanne D'arcy, blogging at The Book Jotter, wrote 'if there was ever a book that seriously made me want to go and visit a place, this was it' - review here. Next week I'll be off on a blog tour with THE THOUSAND LIGHTS HOTEL, with guest posts on topics ranging from writing place, researching Elba, ripping it up and starting again, and the part Italian food played in my writing process - watch this space.
I was thrilled to write a piece for The Guardian about Elba, as part of their Why I Love ... series. You can read it here.
And I was interviewed by the excellent magazine Bristol 24/7 - you can read that here.
This Thursday I'll be launching the novel at the fabulous Foyles here in Bristol, with aperitivo and much bookish chat (event details here). I'll be in conversation with the editor of Italia! Magazine - Amanda Robinson. And I've my talented sister-in-law, designer Esther Curtis, to thank for the mouthwatering invitation ...
I'm also excited to be heading to the very cool Notting Hill Book + Kitchen on 20th July, to talk all things Thousand Lights, hosted by dear friend, freelance editor and Italophile Kate Haines. Details of that event can be found here.
Whew. Here endeth the update! I'm extremely grateful to many people who've made the run-up to publication feel happy and sun-filled - it's a strange time, one that's full of anticipation and pride but, also, anxiousness. I've been so grateful for the book love on Twitter, from fellow authors and enthusiastic readers. For the friends who've pre-ordered and are helping me celebrate the launch. For my family who've only ever cheered me on. And for my ever supportive agent and publisher. Grazie mille. Roll on Thursday, when the Hotel Mille Luci opens its doors to welcome all who care to spend a week on Isola d'Elba. Benvenuto!