APRIL 2026

April 2026

PEACE ON EARTH.

This message crossed my mind yesterday when I visited the Physic Gardens in Petersfield in Hampshire. It is a remarkably tranquil place, a quiet oasis in the middle of a busy and vibrant market town. The origins go back many hundreds of years when, throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries kept alive interest in herbs and their healing qualities. I had a novel in my rucksack and sat on a bench in the sunshine and began to read. (Incidentally, I read a novel every week since I was eight years old and that’s seventy-two years ago . . . so you do the maths!) I shall certainly return and enjoy another peaceful half hour.

It also reminded me of the lunar fly-by of Artemis II earlier this month and the images of our precious earth emerging from behind the moon. It certainly gives food for thought.

That apart, back on earth, thank you to everyone who has been in contact with messages of support. It’s really good to hear from my readers at home and abroad that they continue to enjoy my gentle tales.

There have been a number of queries asking if the third novel in my University trilogy, University Secrets, will be available in an audio format. The answer is I hope it will but have no news at the moment. Incidentally, this novel is out in hardback at present and the paperback edition with be published on June 25th 2026.

Meanwhile I’m still writing and hope to continue for many more years.

I’ve had several requests for speaking engagements and these will be published on the Events page of this website when I’ve decided which ones I’m able to accept.

Best wishes,

Jack