This year has been an awesome one in so many ways.

Of course, there were the intensely sad bits. People I love have been ill – thankfully on the road to recovery. Two lovely people have gone: there were heart-breaking funerals, then coping with grief. They were the inevitable moments when things get tough.

G lost his job. Again.

But as ever, we look back on a year in terms of what was great. The books I’ve written with love, that were published and read by so many people, and I’m always grateful for that. The great reviews, which mean they were a success. And an RNA award for The Wicked Lady, which I’ll treasure forever.

I’ve written some more novels for next year, which I hope you’ll love. The Three Witches in March – the real Macbeth story – with the women firmly at the centre. A new golden story (which doesn’t have a title yet) about a woman who seizes a second chance with both hands. And a new cozy crime series featuring the delectable DI Archie Darling, and Juno.

And of course, I’m grateful for positive change. The government has done a few good things: a ban on trail hunting, a few positive policies – not nearly enough of them – to tackle poverty and the housing crisis. Many, many more needed this year please, to bring some balance – the poor are getting poorer and the rich need to help out, just as Scrooge did.

And don’t forget the NHS and education, which are now unrecognisable as the national treasures they once were. Sending love to all of you who struggle each day to work in these difficult circumstances. You are so appreciated. But that’s not enough. Action is vital now.

Indeed, happiness and love are the way I measure the success of my year. It’s all about good friends, family. Good conversations. Happy moments.

And I’ve spent a lot of time spent reading great books, watching theatre, live music, watching football, putting the world to rights. There’s been so many hugs. Laughter. Sharing. That’s what makes my year a success.

And of course a beach and some sunshine – or snow – make things even better.

Friends and family are everything, and last year held many special moments I treasure.

So, looking forward to 2026, that’s what I wish for, for us all Health. Hugs. Positivity. Kindness. Joy.

Moments I’ll remember like precious snapshots.

This Christmas was all about the love. So many people told me they loved me in one way or another. I had video calls from family – my lovely son and daughter-in -law the US. Beautiful cards. Presents. The most incredible and thoughtful presents. And there were all the parties we enjoy in the lead up to Christmas. Then, on Christmas Eve, driving through the night to pick up my youngest kid to bring them home for Christmas Day – in darkness, not a soul on the road.

And a gorgeous Christmas day, feasting, laughing, sharing, caring.

After Christmas, driving north to be with special friends. Driving back down south to be with many more. Messages of love from those I’ll be with soon.

People make the world go round, and this Christmas was full of that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with sharing love with the best people.

And Christmas is about giving to others, whatever your religion. Choosing something special as a gift for someone. Making something with your own hands with love and blessing in your heart, that you think will bring joy is the best reward in itself. Gratitude for good people who are a privilege to know.

It’s like that Victorian idyll where Scrooge becomes enlightened and gives more than a feast to the Cratchits. He gives something back to the world, the glow of positivity. Whether you believe in karma or not, there’s such warmth in the reward.

As we embrace 2026, I wonder what is to come. I hope we can hang on to the kindness of that Christmas feeling next year, when we are bombarded with all the noise from insane politicians and harbingers of hatred.

Let’s block out the negativity and do what we can to keep our own little corner of love. And do something positive if we can to help others. Family or friends, new acquaintances, strangers, people who have little – to everyone – let’s spread the kindness.

I wish you all a new year that brings health and hope and happiness and all that your heart desires.

I’ve got an edit to do but, just for this morning, I’m off to the beach to blow the cobwebs away. I’ll turn up the music in the van as I go and smile at everyone and wish them a Happy New Year.

And I’ll mean every word of it.

Sending my best love to you all for 2026. As John and Yoko said, Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.

XX