The 00:18 Message

It was the kind of message every father dreads waking up to.

Thomas, our youngest son, was at home looking after the cats while Amanda and I were at a self-publishing conference last week.

And at precisely 00:18 in the middle of the night he sent a frantic message.

"The power's gone out. I think because the washing machine tripped, but I can't figure out how to reset it"

Except I didn't pick it up until I woke several hours later.

But I had to laugh.

He'd obviously panicked and didn't know what to do.

Although his panic only lasted exactly eight minutes.

How do I know?

Because eight minutes after the first message, he'd sent another.

"Nevermind seems like a powercut"

Disaster averted and I never even knew anything about it.

I've been thinking about those messages and what must have been going through Thomas's head.

How the problem, when he was plunged into total darkness, must have seemed insurmountable.

Right up until the moment the lights came back on again.

We all do it. A big problem, task or job seems impossible right up until the moment it isn't. Like reviewing a good book.

Which is why I want to ask — if you've read The Good Bad Wife, would you leave a review?

A few words. Nothing clever. You liked it or you didn't.

The book kept you up all night turning the pages or it sent you to sleep!

Honestly, it only needs to take a second.

Proud Father Moments

In other personal news, I was delighted this week to find out our elder son, Oliver, has won a scholarship to study his masters.

He's already a graduate wildlife conservationist and ecologist – but this qualification should help him secure the job of his dreams.

Meanwhile, Thomas has bought his first car. A little red Mazda 2 so I don't need to turn out late at night to pick him up for his waiting job anymore!

Honestly, it's weeks like this that make me feel old.

The Thriller Couple

And finally, in book news, I'm sorry to say that the Battle of the Wills is going terribly for me.

Amanda's book, The Greek Island, continues to sell incredibly well.

While The Good Bad Wife isn't ranking quite so well, sadly.

But it turns out Amazon cares quite a bit about reviews when it works out rankings.

Which is why it's vital I get as many as possible. And preferably five-star ones, but I'll take what I can get.

The book has a current rating of 4.3 in the US and 4.5 in the UK.

So a final reminder this week – please leave me a positive review if you can.

It's a small thing that could make a massive difference.

Anyway, that's all from me this week.

Enjoy your weekend and happy reading,