Thank you! 5th on Simon&Schuster's bestselling books list.

I can't believe this, but this morning, my book, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, is fifth on Simon&Schuster's bestselling books list. My editor tells me it has also gone to No3 on the Heatseeker's chart. The news from MIDWINTER since its publication in October, has been constant and positive. I owe a big vote of thanks to all those lovely readers out there, who have been on this journey with me. I've already thanked all my facebook and twitter chums, and now, to everyone who has used my Contact Carol link on my website or who has in some way, provided me with the wealth of feedback I've received – a big THANK YOU! Some readers have been with me since 2004, when my first novel LIZZIE OF LANGLEY STREET was published. The book's theme dealt with the repercussions of the Great War. My heroine, Lizzie, 15, is a carer in 1919, just like many young people today find themselves caring for a disabled parent, in 2011. Lizzie's dad is suffering from a terminal illness, a result of his horrendous experiences in the trenches. Lizzie's mum is worn out and ailing too, after rearing a big family on a shoestring. No matter how much Lizzie tries to hold their lives together, the close-knit unit begins to fragment. This tale deals with grief and separation, poverty and crime. And in all of the following books, one published each year, I explore these topics which mean so much to me – and to the readers, it seems, who have always been kind enough to spur me on. Thank you, sincerely. From what you have said, it's clear that although life can throw unimaginable suffering our way, the antidote is often the healing power of true love. In sickness and health we need each others support and affection. Medicine can do a lot, but we also need a solid hand to clutch or a shoulder to lean on. If the books can contribute to any part of an emotional lift for you, then I feel I'm heading in the right direction. So, on this very special day, I send all my love and thoughts to you, the readers. CarolRx