The Universe is looking out for me (for a change)

Aug 23, 2022 8:56 am

Hello from Wales

Hi,

You may remember in my last email, I mentioned an idea for a Cosy mystery series called the Rest Bay Cozy Mysteries (thanks to Barbara for talking through ideas with me). What you might not know is that Rest Bay is a real place in Porthcawl, Wales, and somewhere we frequent regularly.

We have been there about twelve times this summer, playing in the water and paddle boarding.

We decided to go again last Wednesday, but when we arrived the high tide was a little choppy, so we went to the café and had a cup of coffee and some cake before deciding to get ready and go in.

After changing into our wets suits and inflating our paddleboards, we carried them down to the the water's edge. Despite there being a lot of people in the water, something felt off, so I asked the lifeguard if he thought the conditions were safe for paddle boarding. He said there was an strong offshore wind and although he couldn't stop us going into the water, he wouldn't recommend it, unless we were very experienced. We considered it for a moment, but as Jennifer is only 12, we thought it best to leave it and took our paddle boards back to the car and deflated them. Still, we considered going in for a swim, but I thought, you know what, we've had a nice relaxing time at the café, and a nice drive, so I'm fine with just going home. Thankfully, Jennifer and Alan agreed.

As soon as we got home, I went online and discovered a warning, first issued by Surfers Against Sewage not to go in the water. Only two places in Wales had been affected, and you guessed it, Rest Bay was one of them. The neighbouring, Sandy Beach was the other.

I checked the live webcam and was shocked to see lots of people still playing in the water. We had a lucky escape, but these poor people didn't. I really hope none of them got sick, although reports on the news suggest some people across the UK did.

This is a sorry state and one that shouldn't happen at all. We really need to do better for our planet. I honestly, just wish there was something we could do, but the cynic in me knows that neither the government or the water companies will ever be held accountable.

Rest Bay remains a lovely place to visit (although maybe not at the moment), and will still be the setting my new series.

On that note, I'll leave you with a quick update on the final Eira Snow book, which is on track for being out next month (I will bring the release date forward from January, but keep it at the end of the month).

In the meantime, there are some book fairs and great books by fellow authors to check out below.

Speak soon

Victoria xx

Book Fairs

Fantasy & Adventure in Kindle Unlimited - ends 31st August

Urban Fantasy Murder Mystery - ends 31st August

Modern Fantasy Freebies - ends 31st August

Witches and Magic Free & 99c - ends 31st August

Magic and Mayhem in Kindle Unlimited - ends 31st August

Witchy Book Fair - ends 31st August

Check out these books from other authors:

Murder and deception flock to Misty Valley. Can Ebrel and Punkin crack the case?

Click for The Marocchino Sparrow: A Witch and Ghost Mystery

This free prequel novella is a fun introduction to disabled vampire sleuth Josie Wixx and her cozy town of Arteria Falls, Colorado. (may ask for newsletter sign-up, but you can unsubscribe at any time)