Yes, yes – I know that the official publication time is 9am, but I couldn’t sleep. It’s not quite the star-studded, champagne-fuelled launch party as seen in “Bridget Jones’s Diary”; rather, I am sitting here in my dressing gown, with the cat willing me to serve her breakfast rather than fiddling about with that screen thing. However, I am celebrating later today by having lunch with my godmother (although she doesn’t know that’s what we’re celebrating) and by giving a copy of the book to the curator of miniatures at the Wallace Collection – one of the inspirations for “Portraits of Pretence”. Next week I will savour the delivery of ceremonial copies of the book to the University Library and the Cambridge Central Library; as I child I lived in libraries, and always hoped that one day I would contribute to as well as borrowing from their stock.
And so, lords, ladies and gentlemen, I declare “Portraits of Pretence” officially published!
Susan Grossey 
Hurrah, hope you have a great day Susan. Best of luck with it.
Many thanks, Roy – your copy will be in the post today! Thank you so much, as ever, for all of your help and support. Best wishes from Susan
Many congratulations – very much enjoying it, especially the information about miniatures!
I’m thrilled to hear that, Vicky – I spent a lot of time on my miniatures research (you know how it is: if you find a fascinating subject, you just can’t stop…!). Thank you.
Best wishes from Susan
Dear Susan
Many congratulations from me too. I waited until the official launch until buying my copy and the marvels of modern technology means that it is now being downloaded on to my e-reader.
Unfortunately I am part way through another book at the moment (very poor organisation on my part !!) so it will be a little while until I can catch up with Sam’s latest adventures, and then post a review.
I hope you enjoyed your celebration lunch.
Best wishes
Graham
Ah Graham, how kind of you! Sam is a patient fellow and won’t mind waiting until you finish your other book. The lunch was lovely, particularly as we went to pay homage to the Wallace miniatures afterwards – where it all began (for “Portraits”, at least)…
Best wishes from Susan