I think this every year, but how can it possibly be almost Christmas? Where has the year gone?
However, this has proved a very difficult year for me with my sister, Carole, being seriously ill for the first six months and then most of the last part of this year recovering, but she’s in much better shape now which is a huge relief. I was happy to be in the audience watching and listening to her singing carols in her local Lewes choir. What a wonderful recovery she’s made.
But last month, I fell over onto my face, my cheek slamming onto the tarmac outside Clapham Junction, of all places, on the way to see my 96-year-old aunt in a care home in Wandsworth.
When I walked into the foyer bleeding hand, swollen and bruised eye and cheek, sprained wrist and very shaken, I asked if they had a vacant room I could sign for! They did rush a nurse over to see me and she patched me up, assuring me I hadn’t broken anything. So quite honestly, I shan’t be too upset to see the back end of this year and can say that managing to do some writing whenever I had a spare hour helped keep me – well, sane.
But it’s not all been bad. It’s always exciting to have a new book out and my latest, The Wartime Librarian’s Secret, was published in June. Just after that date, I gave a talk at the University Women’s Club in Mayfair on some iconic buildings I’ve used in my novels. I finished by telling the audience that my next book would be set in this very club where I’ve been a member for over 30 years.
Its title is Wartime Secrets at the Mayfair Club with the strapline The Mayfair Ladies’ Club survived the Blitz – but can it survive betrayal? and will be out on 4th June 2026. I’ve just submitted it to my editor at Avon HarperCollins.
I also can’t believe I’ve had my little rescue cat, Betsy, for almost a year. She settled in very quickly, but she never comes to my railway carriage in the garden where I write, the way my previous cat used to. She put her head in the door once, and walked up and down once, and that was it. She prefers to sleep in her own bedroom – on the guest bed, of course.
There’s only one more thing to say, Dear Reader – whenever Christmas gets on top of you, tuck into a quiet corner with a new book and I guarantee after an hour (if you can get away with it) you will feel refreshed and ready to face it all again.
Thank you Molly for your brilliant books, I’m looking forward to reading your new book, about the Mayfair Ladies club. I’m sure it will be as brilliant as the Wartime Librarian series, I’m hoping they’ll be a further book to come.
I wish you, and your sister a much happier and healthier New Year, Happy Christmas, with Best Wishes, Jenny xx
Hello, Jenny
I love it when readers get in touch with me to tell me they enjoy my books. It makes all the hard work worthwhile. And thank you for your kind wishes for my sister.
I do hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Molly Green
I love reading your books but haven’t come across your latest one. I usually buy from Tesco. I’m sorry to hear about your sad year and hope next year is better for you you. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and new year x
Hello, Pam
Thank you for getting in touch with me and your kind wishes for a better year. I know so many people that also applies to!
Tesco are still selling The Wartime Librarian’s Secret and many branches of Waterstones, but if you still have trouble, you can always order one from Waterstones, or as a last resort, Amazon. Do please keep trying as I think you’ll enjoy it.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Molly Green
Hi Denise, it’s Claffey! I really do hope you are doing well! i am wanting to get in touch with you and am hoping you can see my email, i am struggling to get in touch with you via your websites contact page information so i do hope this reaches you! you are an amazing author and i wish you a happy new year!
Hi Claffey
What a surprise to hear from you and thank you for such a nice comment on my books. I do hope you have found a similar position to the Avery and are happy. Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
All the very best
Denise