I’ve been very busy since my last post. With the help of my lovely editor, Helen Carr, I’ve now finished Lily at Lissadell. I very much enjoyed the research and the writing, and I felt sad today as I signed off and said goodbye to the book. Sending my babies into the world is always a bit scary for me – part of me wants to hold on for longer. This one is definitely done, though, so I have to let go.

Once again, Rachel Corcoran has done a beautiful cover, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the finished book.

Lily will be on the shelves on September 9th – my dad’s birthday, which I think would make him smile.

I’m delighted to announce that I’m working on a new book, set in Lissadell House, in 1913. It tells the story of Lily, a young girl who has to leave school and work for a living. While at Lissadell, she meets lots of new friends, including Maeve, daughter of Countess Markievicz.

I’ve been loving the research for this book. I’ve done lots of reading, but the highlight was a visit to Lissadell House. Eddie Walsh and Constance Cassidy generously allowed me access to their home, and shared lots of stories about the past.

I’m very enthusiastic about this book, and am looking forward to its publication in September.

Watch this space!

Hi everyone,

Sorry it’s been so long, but life seems busy these days, and the weeks are passing much too quickly.

Four weeks in, my resolutions for 2019 are going well.

I did my first hill-walk (15 km up and down Seefin), and I plan to do this as often as possible.

I’m eating less meat, and more vegetables – not really hard as I love the veggie meals from my Happy Pear books.

I’m saying ‘yes’ to everything I can, and I’ve booked a trip to the Bologna Book Festival with my friend, Sarah Webb.

Will update with book news in my next post

Judi xx

You’ve Got a Friend – out now!

Hi Everyone

Hope you all had a wonderful summer. It’s cold and wet in Limerick today, and the heatwave seems like it happened a very long time ago – so long ago that I can barely remember it!

Funnily enough, I can remember the summer of 1975 very well. That’s the year I used for You’ve Got a Friend, taking Molly and Beth back in time, to check out Molly’s dad’s past. That book came out this week, and I’m delighted to see it on the shelves. Now all I’ve got to do is plan book number 27 – no pressure!

I’m so happy to announce that my new book, You’ve Got a Friend, will be out this autumn. Once again, best friends Molly and Beth go back in time. This time they visit the 1970s, where Molly’s dad is having a difficult time. I don’t want to give away too many secrets, but I can say that my cat, Pablo, has a big part to play in the story.

Rachel Corcoran has done beautiful covers for this series, and this one is no exception – I LOVE it!