Amber Jakeman's Blog, page 2
June 6, 2025
The great sandpit
Don’t you love fiction; where we can heal all ills, wreak revenge on those who wrong us without remorse, and fantasize to the farthest reaches of the universe, to the depth of our souls, and to the beginning and end of time?
This vast play pit, in which the grains of sand are letters and words, is an escape. It’s about restoration, and it’s fun.
I slaved for decades on non-fiction, believing communication could save our planet and bring universal peace and prosperity. I was certain that humanity’s only challenges were misunderstandings – that all could be resolved with the gentle clarity of words.
Cynics may say that words just fill the space between advertisements, while greed and willful ignorance fuel global conflicts and inflict ever new and raw destruction near and far. Is the pen mightier than the sword? Are uplifting endings only possible in fiction?
I moved my skills to institutions, to universities and schools, believing the publicity gained by my words would expand their influence for the better, increase their power to do good in the world. But what is “good” for some is “bad” for others. Nothing is so simple.
Questions and words keep flowing from my fingertips, onto the screen and page. At least the world’s story is not over.
“We are still a work in progress,” says novelist Jeanette Winterson of humanity. “That is our salvation.”
How I wish my writing had the power to heal and to bring comfort, joy and understanding! At the very least, may it entertain you and do no harm.
To make you smile, I’ve just reduced the prices on each of my House of Jewels series ebooks to $1.99 (USD).
Come and see meI’d love to see you at the Coal Loader Artisan Markets, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton, NSW, Australia on Sunday 22 June from 9am to 3pm. You are warmly invited! Come and say “hi” whether or not you plan to buy.
I’ll also be signing at Betty Loves Books The Station, Shop 1a/110 Scott St, Newcastle NSW, Australia on Saturday 8 November from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
And I’m delighted to let you know I’ll be signing my books at the Global Girls Online Book Club (GGOBC) Reader & Author Lunch with fellow Aussie authors Lisa Heidke (Darcy), Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Petronella McGovern, Joanna Nell, Jane Tara, Nadia Mahjouri, Susan Mackie, Ber Carroll, Pamela Cook, Penelope Janu and Belinda Alexandra. It’s on Sunday 16 November from 11.30am to 4pm at Merrylands Bowling Club 65 Newman Street, Merrylands, NSW. Book here. Visit the popular GGOBC on Facebook here. Warmest thanks to GGOBC creator Jackie for this opportunity.
Sweet reads (spot mine in the mix!)Happy reading!
AmberPS. Many thanks to Ylanite Koppens of Pexels for the image!
May 23, 2025
Wrestling crocodiles
My Works in Progress are crocodiles. One moment I’m on top, swimming along with likeable characters and a decent premise, and the next, I am grabbed from behind, grasped and flipped.
As I fight for breath, alien jaws clamp tighter around my ribs and hold me underwater as a great tail slowly thrashes.
Words and ideas splash and fly and sink. Some flee. Some drown.
Characters morph without mercy, their backgrounds shifting and settling, only to dissolve …
It’s complex and exciting and sometimes frustrating, but once I pull them together, I hope to have three new stories for you.
Join me if you can!I would love to meet you at the Coal Loader Artisans Markets, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton, NSW, Australia on Sunday 22 June from 9am to 3pm. I’ll be at an indoor stall, warm and dry whatever the weather.
Your free samplesSample House of Diamonds for free.
Sample House of Hearts for free.
Sample House of Spades for free.
Sample House of Clubs for free.
Sale ends soonEnjoy Summer Beach e-book for just 99c (USD).
Buy SUMMER BEACH ebookGratitude
Enormous thanks to all at Lighthouse Arts Newcastle, at Nobbys-Whibayganba, for the recent opportunity to finish a first draft of The Chase at Brighton Court in the aery lightness of this creative space.
Meanwhile, Sydney Harbour has offered some spectacular scenery with the advent of Vivid Sydney and a halt to flooding rains.
A double rainbow frames the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as flooding rains subsideOther sweet reads to browseSweet romance and women’s fiction
Find my books
Happy reading!Amber
May 9, 2025
Ideas? The good news …
So many readers ask where I find my ideas, perhaps wondering if and when they too will begin to write.
The good news? Growing older is a great advantage! In a culture which celebrates youth – and there is certainly much to enjoy about being young – there’s nothing like experiencing life. It feeds the great wellspring of words and scenarios.
I was one of those children who loved to learn to read and write. I loved to decipher a letter and word. And how much more powerful those words became as I began to glean their meanings, and richer still as contexts emerged!
As I piece together the characters of my next series for you, I reach into decades of memories.
How fortunate I am to have been a journalist, and that others have allowed me insight into their lives. I am lucky, too, that I write in the age of the internet and can fact-check so rapidly. Travel and work also greatly contribute to my ideas.
Above all, how grateful I am that my life is so greatly enriched by friends and family! Thank you for your interest.
Meet me in Sydney!I’m thrilled to let you know I’ll be signing my books and answering questions at the Coal Loader Artisan Markets, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton, NSW, Australia on Sunday 22 June from 9am to 3pm. Do drop in!
Your special priceI’m delighted to offer you Summer Beach e-book on sale for just USD 99c throughout this month.
Find Summer BeachEnjoy Summer Beach — a love song, a beach read and a second chance, rock star and boy next door romance for all seasons!
From a five-star review from a UK reader:
“If you want a great summer read look no further,” she says. “Absolutely loved this wonderful book & once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down.
“This is one of those cosy feel good reads we all like to curl up with now & again. Beautifully written with a lovely interesting storyline & definitely one to lose yourself in…”
Summer Beach – the blurb:How can you find your way home – past a tripwire?
Sam’s an LA computer-coding workaholic.
Jake’s a reluctant rockstar who denies his songwriting talent.
When Sam returns to a coastal backwater to sell her family’s beach house, gruff neighbor Jake stymies her plans – then steals her heart.
Beneath Sam’s house lies a tragic time bomb that will blow her world apart.
With help from best friend Fliss and Jake, can Sam embrace her future – before it’s too late?
Buy SUMMER BEACH ebookBuy Summer Beach ebook for just USD 99c throughout May 2025 only.
Already read all my books, enjoyed them and shared your reviews? Thank you! I’m working hard to bring you the new series ASAP.
Enjoy browsing other sweet readsFade to black closed-door romance
Happy reading!PS. You’re more than welcome to find me on Instagram @jakemanamber and at https://www.facebook.com/AmberJakemanAuthor on Facebook, where I often post photos taken on my daily walks. This frangipani, also known as plumeria, is deliciously laden with raindrops. Beauty is all around us.
AmberApril 11, 2025
Doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?
We’re not perfect. We’re human. It’s scary, and it’s wonderful, because if we were all perfect there could be no learning, no mistakes, no apologies, and no forgiveness.
There would certainly be no fiction!
“Second chance” is a popular trope – a common theme – particularly in romance, precisely because relationships are fraught, and love rarely progresses without friction.
As my House of Jewels series took shape, I realized I had no love story for Nicole, the middle child of jewelers Jimmy and Cynthia Huntley. Nicole is the younger sister of handsome, dutiful James Huntley the Third, who features in House of Diamonds, and she’s the older sister of heartbreaker Will Huntley, whose story is in House of Hearts.
When one of my readers pressed me to write Full House, a fifth novel in the series, Nicole’s story came to me – the book which would bring together all of the Huntleys in a sparkling grand finale – or perhaps it would break them all apart…
Full House: The blurbWhat can you do when you’ve friend-zoned the one you love?
Nicole Huntley, marketing manager for her family’s international jewelry business, froze out family friend Scottie back when they were teenagers.
Now he’s the Huntleys’ financial advisor. Newly divorced, the affable Scottie needs somewhere to stay. Nicole offers him space, never expecting to fall for him — hard.
But when fate deals the Huntleys a high-stakes fresh hand, “conflict of interest” threatens to shatter her family, destroy their retail empire — and to break Nicole’s heart.
Get ready for the showdown in Full House, a “second chance” and “brother’s best friend” romance — the latest international heartwarmer in the Huntley House of Jewels saga.
You can sample Full House for free here.
And because you are VIPs and your heart matters, here it is on sale for 99 cents (USD) for a limited time. You’re welcome to share these links with your friends and family.
Buy FULL HOUSE e-bookMore sweet readsHappy reading! Amber JakemanPS. In case you wondered, these beautiful roses were photographed in California where I am enjoying so many spring blossoms. Yellow roses can symbolize friendship, new beginnings, joy and happiness. They go well with second chance romances!
March 28, 2025
I tried to give up writing, but then …
… I had a revelation, and received a rush of good news.
There’s an opportunity cost to writing. Every hour spent at the keyboard is an hour which could be spent elsewhere, seeing friends and family, or creating and doing other things.
But I missed the richness and intensity writing bring to my life. As a story takes shape around me, I get to know my characters and their predicaments, their hopes and fears and losses and triumphs.
Through writing, I’m not just experiencing my own life. I’m feeling and making choices alongside each of my characters.
Writing can be a solitary, antisocial affair, so the opportunity to meet other authors and readers is always welcome. Writing or not, I’d already committed to attending several author events in March, and wanted to see them through.
I attended a workshop with Australian Regency Romance author extraordinaire Anne Gracie at Writing NSW, who recommends we write the kinds of books we want to read and trust that the right readers will find us. Thank you, Anne, for reigniting my passion for writing about hearts and hope and the power of love.
Soon after, I received messages from two bookstores saying they’d sold out of my books and could I resupply them! Could I ever!
So I set off to honour my author commitments, and am enormously grateful to Betty Loves Books in Newcastle, to the Australian Romance Readers’ Association, and to Central Coast Libraries, for welcoming me so warmly. Don’t you love libraries and good book stores! Librarians and booksellers are truly the great matchmakers of all the worlds of stories and ideas.
It was a joy to meet so many new readers and appear on the ARRA “Behind the Story” panel with US Today and New York Times bestselling romance author Julie Ann Kay and HM Hodgson, convened so well by Renae Black. A record run of sales and signings followed!
In yet more extraordinarily good news, the creators of Hearts Talk, the Romance Writers of Australia magazine, kindly included me on the cover and in several of the features this month (see below)! #Gratitude!
I love writing feel-good fiction. At a recent Romance Writers of Australia conference, popular US closed-door romance author Elana Johnson taught me to listen to what my business is telling me about my books. My business is telling me to write more.
So I’m back at the desk, with warmest thanks to my newest readers and my long-term VIPs. It is your feedback which has sent me back to the works in progress – my new Brighton Court series, set in an old set of apartments.
Head start on salesThank you from my heart for joining me on this journey, for your interest in my books, and for your reviews and recommendations. It’s truly my joy and privilege to bring you feel-good fiction.
I’m delighted to give you a head start on the news that Summer Beach (e-book) is on sale for my VIPs and their friends and family for just 99c USD from now until 16 April. Buy Summer Beach ebook on sale.
Buy SUMMER BEACH ebookHouse of Clubs is also on sale for just 99c USD for a limited time. Buy House of Clubs ebook on sale. Sample House of Clubs for free.
Buy HOUSE of CLUBS (e-book)More closed-door fictionHappy reading!March 15, 2025
Sweet talk special
Who doesn’t enjoy a little praise now and then? So let the sweet talk begin!
I want to thank you, from my heart, for following my writing journey. Your interest, feedback, kind reviews and recommendations encourage me.
By way of thanks, let me offer you my House of Clubs e-book for just 99 cents (USD limited time offer).
House of Clubs is Cynthia’s story, from my House of Jewels series. These books can be read in any order.
House of Clubs asks, who holds the key to her heart?
When stylish Australian widow Cynthia Huntley takes up her daughter’s dare to fulfil her long-held dream of living in France, her move to a picturesque provincial village presents unexpected challenges.
As she renovates the centuries-old property she calls her House of Clubs, Cynthia and handsome handyman Émile tussle over a “perfect” chandelier.
Cynthia is no fool. She raised her family and managed the Huntleys’ busy Sydney jewelry business after losing her beloved husband Jimmy to cancer.
The mysterious yet gallant Émile turns up with a surprise or two and some useful skills.
Cynthia lets him into her house, but will she let him into her heart?
What is Émile fleeing? And what is worth seeking in life?
As winter closes in, will Cynthia abandon her French adventure? Or can she and Émile claim love again later in life—together?
Find House of ClubsBuy HOUSE of CLUBS (e-book)Buy House of Clubs e-book for just 99c (USD).
Out and aboutI head north shortly for the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025, car loaded up with books! I’ll be signing them, offering specials and joining the Behind the Story panel with US romantic suspense author Julie Ann Walker and paranormal romance author HM Hodgson.
Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins will interview me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.
If you’re in Sydney, please let me know if you’d like me to give an author talk at your local library.
All set up outside Betty Loves Books in Newcastle earlier this month! Warmest thanks to VIP Rhonda!More sweet readsFind my booksHappy reading!
AmberMarch 1, 2025
Enchantment
I had the recent good fortune to attend a workshop by Big Magic author Elizabeth Gilbert.
She invited us to list our “fears” and then our “enchantments” – the activities or moments which make us feel secure, safe and glad to be alive.
She distinguished “enchantment” from “excitement” – which may veer towards addiction. In contrast, she says, enchantment is about peace in our souls and is actually good for us.
My enchantment list includes walking, especially in nature, stopping to smell the roses, and wandering along beaches. Swimming, music, spending time with treasured friends, reading and writing also make my list, while others may list cooking, time with pets, and making or fixing things.
Elizabeth pointed out that most activities on our “enchantment” lists are free! Importantly, among our fears, many of us worry about money. How wonderful then, that enchantment does not require a fortune; that our lives can be rich and fulfilling without vast stashes of cash.
Dare I add that reading is brilliant value for money? Countless hours of escapism await us, and, in the case of my own books, a guaranteed uplifting ending. What more could you want?
Happy new seasonAs I farewell the blazing heat of summer, I’ll miss the light, and abundant tropical fruits, evening alfresco dining as the sun slowly fades in dazzling vermillions and lavenders.
Yet I’ll welcome the harvest moon, golden dawns, baked apples with cinnamon, hearty soups and baked goodies, while adding a cosy quilt to the bed.
As for our northern hemisphere friends, may you farewell the frost and welcome the bright green new growth of your own change of season.
Enjoy!
Saying ‘hi’Meet me in Newcastle, NSW, at Betty Loves Books, Shop 1 The Station, corner of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, NSW, on Newcastle Market Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, from 10am at 2pm. View details. Bring your friends and family!
Meet me in Brisbane, Queensland, at the at the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025. Join us!
Or meet me on the NSW Central Coast when Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins interviews me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.
More heartwarmersHappy reading!
Amber JakemanFebruary 14, 2025
Short and sweet
Because your time is precious, this is just a quick hello.
Thank you always for your interest in my books! If by chance or planning you’re able to catch up with me in Newcastle, Brisbane or the NSW Central Coast in March, I’ll be thrilled to see you! Here are the details:
Meet me at Betty Loves Books, Shop 1 The Station, corner of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, NSW, on Newcastle Market Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, from 10am.The Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025. Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins will interview me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.‘Lucky in love’ limited time offerBecause your heart matters, I love to offer you deals, this time for House of Hearts.
Opposites attract in House of Hearts, but what does it take to be lucky in love? Find out for just 99c (USD limited time offer, e-book only).
Gambling addiction therapist Lisa never breaks rules, but her bad boy client Will—handsome youngest heir to a jewelery business—breaks them all. The one rule neither can ignore is the client and therapist dating ban.
Will calls sweet divorcee Lisa his “Queen of Hearts” but her hard-won career hangs in the balance.
This fast-paced exploration of lust, trust, planning and patience is a heartwarming celebration of the power of love.
Sample House of Hearts for free!
Buy HOUSE of HEARTS ebook
Already read it?
If you enjoyed it, you can help others select a book by leaving a review or making a recommendation. Thank you!
Other offersHappy reading!Find my booksFebruary 1, 2025
Red, white and … hearts!
Secret messages, daring to share flowers and love notes, holding hands, date night …
Yes! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, as popular as ever, not only with retailers, but with so many of us who love a little love now and then.
So, at the risk of losing you, here is a little love letter to YOU, because what’s not to love about love itself?
From the selfless, loving arms of those who – with all our faults – nurtured and comforted us as we grew, to the friends and lovers who recognise, accept and cherish our true natures, how rich we are!
Great teachers, mentors and trusted colleagues – love is everywhere!
My favourite books celebrate love. In dark times, they hold love up for us to rediscover, to remember, admire and anticipate.
Invisible as the air, love surrounds us. We only have to reach out and read.
Warmest thanks to Susn Matthiessen for sharing her beautiful photograph, above.
And thank you for following my writing journey, dear reader. Thank you for taking a chance on my books, and thank you from my heart for sharing so many beautiful reviews and recommendations.
Diary datesIf you’re anywhere nearby on this earth, please join me at Betty Loves Books, Shop 1 The Station, corner of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, NSW, on Newcastle Market Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, from 10am.
I will also be hosting a lunch table and selling and signing my books at the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025. Join us!
Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins will interview me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.
Can’t wait to see you! You’re always welcome to email me.
Deals: Your free taste of House of SpadesCan love blaze later in life?
Rural romance House of Spades takes readers to the heart of the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland, where serial single Flame Rhys accidentally rekindles a widower’s passion for life, for his land and for love.
But how can Ross Archer convince Flame to stay with him, when every other lover has let her down? And will a dark secret spoil it all?
Flame is a runaway bride when opposites attract in this seasoned romance.
Enjoy your free taste of House of Spades.
Sweet reads to browseHappy reading!January 17, 2025
High … summer/winter
The tinsel is back in the boxes, and summer (and winter!) are in full swing.
As our seasons are (literally) polar opposites, I’m relishing all the fruits, blooms and joys of summer while others hunker down for the season, warming their hands with hot chocolates!
Whether you’re keeping warm or keeping cool, may good books sustain you!
A reminder: You are more than welcome to share this link for a free copy of House of Diamonds with friends and family, along with these free tasters of “opposites attract” House of Hearts and rural romance House of Spades, all from my heartwarming House of Jewels series.
Delights
Diary datesIf you’re anywhere nearby on this earth, please join me at Betty Loves Books, Shop 1 The Station, corner of Watt and Scott Streets, Newcastle, NSW, on Newcastle Market Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, from 10am.
I will also be hosting a lunch table and selling and signing my books at the Australian Romance Readers Association Romantic Rendezvous in Brisbane on Saturday 22 March 2025. Join us!
Central Coast Community News editor Terry Collins will interview me about books and writing at Kincumber Library on the beautiful NSW Central Coast on Tuesday 25 March 2025 at 10.30am. We’d love to see you! Book here.
DealsClosed door rockstar romance Summer Beach ebook remains on sale for just 99c (USD) for just a little longer.
Buy SUMMER BEACH ebookSweet book bundlesHappy reading!
