Llanstephan Castle

I've often taken the train from my local town, along the Towy estuary and looked at the castle opposite, standing rugged and proud over the ever changing waters. Over time, it's gone from the fortress it was intended to be to ragged ruins which hold the secrets of the past

I've just finished reading Barbara Erskine's Lady of Hay, 30th anniversary edition, a story set partly in rural Wales in 1200's and the images she created of the castles of Wales then, some only just being built, meant I just had to go and explore one. So, I chose Llansteffan Castle and instead of looking and wondering from the train, I took myself, armed with my camera, for a closer look.


I was on the opposite side of the water, looking out from the stones laid many years ago and luckily it was a nice day. The exposed position of the castle wouldn't make for a pleasant visit on a windy and wet day!

I always wonder about the people who made such a place home and try and imagine how it would have once been living within the castle walls.

I'm sure it would have been much better than being on the outside looking up.

Now that I've satisfied my curiosity and seen the castle, it's time to get back to some writing.

Rachael

xx

The Fun and Glamour of London.

I am back home on the farm after a few days away in London. I love being there, but it's even more fun when it's the annual Mills and Boon author's lunch, followed by Mills and Boon's Series Party.

I treated myself to a few days in London - all in the name of research of course! The first morning dawned bright and beautiful so I set off for a walk as the sun was coming up over St James's Park, which was busy with dog walkers and joggers.


I had a look at Buckingham Palace before the crowds arrived. I love being out and about before it gets busy.

After that, I met up with Chantelle Shaw and we stepped back in time to the court of Henry VIII when we visited Hampton Court Palace.

We toured the Tudor kitchens.

Through Anne Boleyn's Gateway

Then into the Great Hall

After that, we got ourselves a bit lost in the famous maze! At least we got back to London and were able to meet up with Kate Walker and Lara Temple for the evening.

On Friday was the main reason for my trip to London, the Mills and Boon author lunch and then the Mills and Boon series party at their offices, near The Shard, with stunning views over London.

Here's a photo of Chantelle and I at the Mills and Boon series party.

As usual, all good things come to an end and by Saturday afternoon, I was back in my overalls and wellies milking the cows!

Rachael

xx

Exciting New Covers

I love the anticipation of seeing my next cover. Will the hero and heroine look as I imagined them? What will the North American cover look like and what about the blue UK covers I know so well be like? All these questions go through my mind as I wait.

During the last few weeks I've seen several gorgeous covers for my books. So here they are in all their stunning glory.

In Spain - The Sheikh's Last Mistress

Here in the UK, my November 2016 release - Married for the Italian's Heir

In North America, my January 2017 release - A Child Claimed by Gold

I can never decide which covers I like best!

My website has a brand new look, so do stop by and find out more about me and my books.

www.rachaelthomas.co.uk

Rachael

xx