I can’t quite believe the day is finally here when my eighth book, The Christmas Heart is published!
The Final Book in The Nordic Heart Series?
I wrote this story in January, right after a research trip (read ‘holiday’) to Åre ski resort in Sweden over the New Year.
My back was hurting quite a lot at the time, so I couldn’t ski and ended up walking around the resort on my own while others enjoyed the pistes. That was when I cooked up this little story for Kaisa and her old flame, Tom.
I had decided that The True Heart would be the final book in The NordicHeart Series, but many of my readers felt Kaisa deserved one more chance at happiness. Well, I agreed, and began plotting a contemporary tale for her, but didn’t really know where I’d set it, or who would be the subject of her infatuation.
Last October, after I’d appeared at the Helsinki Book Fair, I had an evening reminiscing about old times (and flames) with a friend (I have to admit, this did involve a few glasses of champagne). All that chat made me wonder what would happen to Kaisa if she bumped into one of the boys she flirted with at university. And which romantic location would I choose for such a rendezvous?
It was the snow-capped Swedish Alps and the stark beauty of Jämtland that finally made me settle on Åre as the location. I’d already decided on the plot for the story and had even started writing it, so when I saw how well it would play out in the Swedish ski resort, I began visiting the various apres-ski bars, hotels and restaurants that the scenes between Kaisa and Tom would take place.
The result is The Christmas Heart, finally out today!
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I loved researching and writing it.
Tall, dark and handsome, Tom is out to have some fun. Kaisa doesn’t think she’ll ever fall in love again. But when the two meet on the beautiful snow-capped Swedish Alps, sparks fly.
With his beloved mother passed, Tom leaves his ex in Milan and looks forward to an uncomplicated Christmas skiing in Sweden.
When her daughter announces she’s going backpacking to the Far East, Kaisa decides to take a rare winter break over the holidays with her best friend Tuuli. Meeting Tom in an apres-ski bar makes Kaisa’s heart beat a little faster, but she knows an affair with him will go nowhere. Years ago, they had a disastrous date, which neither of them wishes to revisit. Yet, as Tom showers Kaisa with his attentions, she cannot resist his intense eyes and passionate kisses.
Can Kaisa trust this European Casanova, and her own sudden infatuation?
The Christmas Heart is a seasonal story of grown-up love and the final book in the acclaimed Nordic Heart series, but can also be read as a stand-alone story.
Pre-order Offer Extended
Call me crazy, but I’ve decided to extend the 99p/99c offer for The Christmas Heart until Thursday 1st November. If you haven’t had a chance to pre-order the book yet, this is your opportunity to get this feel-good holiday romance for less than – well, less than almost anything, really! But hurry, the book will revert to its usual price of $3.99 on 2.11.18.
The ebook is available from most online stores including Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, GooglePlay and Barnes&Noble.
What the early readers thought of The Christmas Heart
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the setting.
The book was engaging and you can easily relate to the characters.
I liked the lesson in the story as well – we all deserve a second/third chance and it is better to live for the moment and see what happens …
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I loved this book.
The characters are wonderful.
I loved reading about a mature woman …
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Kudos for giving a mature woman an active life and a sex drive!
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I loved the setting of the story. A winter ski resort is always magical, and to read about one in Sweden is fascinating.
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I adored this new book, it’ll be another 5-star review from me!
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I loved this book! I love winter and ski resorts and felt very familiar with the story. I can well imagine that this could happen in real life. In an alternative universe this could have happened to me! We, mature women, need stories like this. It makes us feel more alive.
Bookshop Launch
I’m so delighted to announce that there will be a launch for The Christmas Heart at West End Lane Books ! Join me at in West Hampstead on 8th November at 7.30pm. (See Facebook for more information.)
There will be drinks, bookish talk and seasonal merriment in this, my favourite London indie bookshop.
The event is free but to avoid disappointment book your place now on or phone 020 7431 3770.
The Finnish Church in London
Copies of The Christmas Heart will also be on sale at the annual Christmas Fair at the Finnish Church, 33 Albion Street, London SE16 7HZ on 21-25 November. I will be at the fair most days, so please come and say hello, if you are visiting!
On 2nd December 2018, I will be reading and signing copies of The Christmas Heart at the church at
1pm. More details on the event Facebook page here.
Here is the link to my latest the book at 99c/99p again – don’t forget this is a very limited offer which ends on 2 November 2018.
Happy reading!
