Country Mouse was back in town after a gap of, oh, 10 days since an earlier trip. This time glad rags were a necessity and I hope you like my sparkly number in fetching midnight blue. Joining me in the picture is the RNA’s Hon Secretary, Julie Vince. Julie’s dress sported a witty take with its all over writing through the fabric.
The occasion bringing Country Mouse back to the big city was the annual awards’ night celebrating the best in romance writing and featuring the presentation of the best in category crystal stars and the Goldsboro Books Romantic Novel of the Year Award sponsored by David Headley. Held in the auspicious surroundings of the Gladstone Library in Whitehall Court, there was a great turnout of writers, readers, other halves and our delightful guest presenter, Fern Britten.
IONA GREY won best historical and The Main Award. Congratulations. I’m looking forward to reading Letters to the Lost
Tuesday morning saw Country Mouse rising a little late and enjoying breakfast in the room from a tray. Lovely boiled egg with a glass of orange and a pastry to follow. Then off out before meeting my Town cousin for lunch.
And what did I find around the corner – having stayed in this hotel now many times and not seen it before – this lovely Blue Plaque
Confirms my choice of location.
Then off to Harrod’s for a nosey around. Bet you don’t know where this is:
The only one outside UK and opened in 1915 – don’t google. Oh well, why not? I would.
Novels Now 
It sounds like you had a great time, Anne!
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Hi Marie, Yes, a really good trip. Sorry not to see you there, difficult in term time. Anne
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Glad you had such a great time, Anne! – the awards looked fun!
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Hi Ros, It was a good evening – the RNA is great at making everyone feel like a winner. Anne
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Country Mouse forgot to mention she did a fantastic job at helping organise the awards! Well done, Anne. Glad you found time for fun. 🙂
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Hi Rae, modesty nearly, nearly prevented me approving this! However, gives me the chance to reiterate how much help the organisers got from so many people. In my case particularly from the online community who left their details on Novels Now to be contacted as readers – the real stars. The new arrangements for the next lot of awards will be coming soon. Anne
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Looks like a great event. Pretty dress too. And well done on the organisation front.
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Hi Anne, thank you. Really like the dress, sparkly, my colour and fits beautifully. Will wear on Sat at the Gala Dinner, Anne
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Sounds like you’re having fun. Well done, Anne. Looking lovely.
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Hi Christine, thanks for dropping in – nice to see you here. It was a good night an Anne
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