Happy Monday

This morning, when I switched on my computer, I had an email about a new review for 'Fragrance of Violets' on 'The Books Debut' and on Amazon. To say I was thrilled is an understatement.
The reviewer wrote, amongst other things, that "it's going to be a book you'll remember long after the last page has been turned." For me, that was probably the best praise I'll ever read about one of my books. I shall treasure it. She gave it 5 stars and said it was a book she would be reading 'over and over again'.
Words like that make you realise that the 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' you poured into writing the story were all worthwhile.
I write - firstly, because I enjoy writing (hmm, sometimes I wonder why on earth I do it when my brain hurts trying to sort out a scene or work out just what my hero/heroine are actually thinking and feeling) - and secondly, because I want people to enjoy my stories. I don't want awards, best-seller status, six-figure advances - okay, maybe that would be good, but it's not why I write. If people enjoy my stories, that's enough reward for me.
So that review left me on a high.
I went out for the afternoon with some acquaintances who don't even know I write romance novels, and got home to discover another 5 star review on Amazon! Two in one day! It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
"Completely atmospheric and chock-full of interesting characters." - even a comparison with Nora Roberts! And "a thoroughly romantic and enjoyable read."
It's definitely been a very happy Monday!