Hello, my friends. It’s time for an update about all the things. Wish you were here to have coffee with me at my kitchen table. If you were, I’d hand over the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of my new book, launching in March 2025.
The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe is looking fabulous and I’m so happy with the cover design. Last weekend I had a virtual meeting with my Reading Team and I filled them in on the behind-the-scenes so they’d have the first look at the cover. (Thank you, thank you! Loved meeting up with you!)
Here’s one more peek at the final cover for you. The designer and publisher were aiming for something that pops online, with strong typography and a modern feel.
This one will hit the shelves on 4 March, so that’s just 90 days away! I’m excited about everything that’s to come.
We’re finding the right actor for the audio book — hooray!
We’re planning the marketing and PR activities!
The final version was sent to print on Friday!
Here’s what you’ll find inside: laughter and sorrow and wildly unique people, Aussies and a gorgeous white sand beach village, a woman’s struggles to find her new home, a bit of DIY on a beautiful but dilapidated apartment, a mouthy teen who needs some love, a little hint of romance, shocking betrayals, new friends, a midlife reinvention and more.
The more is…my favourite family recipes are included in my beautiful book. All the cakes I make and love, and quite a few extra treats, too. We’ll talk again in upcoming months…I’ll let you know about pre-orders and how you can get a copy. Thank you for being excited for me.
But now, over to you…
the holidays are coming!
How are you doing in your holiday prep?
I am behind! Too behind! But the tree is up, a few gifts are wrapped, and I’ve done a bit of shopping online this year. I’m truly looking forward to a break from work, and time to relax with family and friends.
This week I read something beautiful about women:
It’s true.
Holidays are absolutely a labour of love, and women stand at the centre. Spokes in the wheel, the strength and the planning and the getting people places — this is what we do. It’s who we are.
Over upcoming weeks, I promise to give you a few hints and tips that I use to bring the joy at holiday time…with the hope that I can make your load a little lighter, too.
As always, I’m wishing you a beautiful weekend. If no one has asked you yet today, how are you (really)? And if you need comfort or joy, I hope you find it in the simple things:
Step outside for a walk
Light a Christmas candle
Put your feet up and rest a while
Love, Catherine x
P.S. The Fun Stuff!
Tempted to try these flameless candles.
I’m looking for a new Christmas tree, as ours is getting shaggy and old. But the new one needs to be BIG. Let me know if you have any Australian recommendations!
Green suede loafers for fun?
Just a cute Christmas tree cake — but I’d make my own vanilla cake first!
Ahhhh, this Mary Oliver poem if you’re grieving: “In Blackwater Woods”. Please read it — just takes a minute. You won’t regret it. 🩷