In Search of Spice has been published about a month now, and has generated 8 reviews so far. It is selling slowly, as these things always do to start with.

All the preordered copies have been sent out - I trust you have all received your copies in good condition and are enjoying them. I receive feedback here and there - Caroline tells us she is half way through and really enjoying it - a good sign as she is a slow reader!

Malcolm just emailed me with these kind words: "Just to let you know that my copy of "In Search of Spice" arrived safely... and I read it in just a day or two, practically glued to the book. A fabulous yarn. I thoroughly enjoyed the battles, sword play, events at sea and the cultures & traditions of the different people encountered on the journey."

He also pointed out an anachronism - 'jeans' which only came into plural usage 150 years ago, sorry for that. I do try to pick them all up...

I would like to ask a huge favour from you all. When you have read the book, would you please post an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads or both. Reviews like that are incredibly important for me as an author - there is not much point in my promoting the book before I have 10 reviews up.

Before the next volume in the series, I shall probably publish a collection of short stories about various characters. I wrote the short stories as vehicles to develop the minor characters and they were a vital part of my education and development as an author. Currently written are stories on Sergeant Andy Russell, with the princess playing a bit part, Sung Bai Ju (that is such fun) and I am half way through Suzanne's story, though that has become a novella. I will need to write a couple more on different characters - do you have any suggestions and why? Do you suggest any settings? Perhaps the Spakka need something?

Many thanks for your support and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes

Rex