Hi everyone

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I'm on my summer holiday, up in the sunny Hawke's Bay. I'm on holiday with family and we have rented a quaint little old farmers cottage on the outskirts of Napier. It has most mod cons but no dishwasher, and the water supply is a bit rustic. However, the swimming pool is a plus and although we had a day of very heavy rain, it's been around 25C (82F) and sunny the other days.

Hawke's Bay is a wine growing region as well as orchards and other horticulture. The towns of Hastings and the boutique village of Havelock North are just a 5 minutes drive away whilst Napier is less than 10 minutes. Napier is becoming increasingly popular with the cruise ship circuit with numbers of passengers either arriving or departing from Napier. Equally it is popular for those interested in the Art Deco tours and the many annual Art Deco events.

I have managed to relax (even though I'm doing some writing -  I'm editing my novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, due out in February), and I've read about 6 books. The latest is one I found really interesting. Confessions of a Courtesan by Elizabeth Charles (AKA Deborah Hale).

Based on the true story of Elizabeth Armistead, one of the most notorious and successful courtesans of 18th century England.

From the harsh streets of London, Lizzie Cane rose to become the celebrated mistress of earls, dukes, and even a prince! Then at the height of her career, she risked everything she had struggled to gain by breaking the courtesan's cardinal rule...Never fall in love.

It's first person (which I usually dislike intensely) and very well written. It's a sad story with an unconventional happy ever after - sort of. I would recommend it. I certainly couldn't put it down.

What have you been reading? Anything interesting that you'd like to share?