January has been the most wonderful month of reading – and it’s been such a pleasure to be able to share reviews for books by some of my very favourite authors. In fact, I’ve enjoyed it so much that I almost changed my mind about walking away – but no, I’ve made my decision, and this is the last post I’ll be sharing here on Being Anne.
I’d really like to thank everyone – from the bottom of my heart – for the many lovely comments I received when I let you know my intentions earlier last month. And there are so many other thanks I want to share – to the authors (so many of them now friends) who wrote all those wonderful books that became my life over the last thirteen years, to the publishers who generously allowed me to access advance reading copies, to the fantastic (and such hard working) tour organisers who gave me so much support over the years and introduced me to books I might never have discovered left to my own devices, and to the blogging community who’ve always been there, helping ensure my posts reached the widest possible audience. Thank you too to the Romantic Novelists’ Association – being recognised (twice) as their Media Star of the Year will always mean the world to me.
I really must stress that I won’t be disappearing – I’ve been part of the book world for so long now, and enjoy my reading as much as ever. I’m still there on Twitter/X – you’ll probably know by now, but you’ll find me at @Williams13Anne – and I’ll still be sharing other people’s posts when I see them, but perhaps a little less regularly than I currently do. I’ll be keeping my book-related Facebook page running too – you’ll find it here – to share my reading, links to my reviews on other platforms, and the occasional news about books. I also plan to continue to share my reading via my favourite Facebook groups – and perhaps join in with a few more of the discussions. And if anyone would like to request me as a friend on Facebook, do please do so via my personal page (no book posts, just sharing my life) – you’ll find me here.
I’ll also still be writing reviews, as I always did long before I became a blogger – albeit a bit shorter, and perhaps just a little less detailed (and yes, I suspect I’ll find that a challenge!). On Goodreads, you’ll find me here: on Amazon, I’ll still be WelshAnnie.
Being Anne itself will quietly disappear in time – I think around the end of April – and I’ll soon set about removing links to it from my various profiles. I think I might still pay a little to keep ownership of the name though – I’d so hate to see it used by someone else! As I mentioned before though, the reviews most certainly won’t be lost – they’ve always been copied to both Amazon and Goodreads.
And that’s it – it’s over. I’m moving on to the next chapter of my life, and that’s something I’m very much looking forward to. Thank you everyone – I’ve loved every moment…
With love and best wishes, Anne xxx
I wish you nothing but the best of everything, Anne. Thank you for all the support. xx
Thank you Sue – and many thanks to you too for all your support xx
Aw, a lovely final post on BeingAnne. I’m honoured to have had Tomorrow Starts Today featured among your final January reviews on here and wanted to thank you again for all the support from the early days when the only people buying my books were my mum and my husband to the tide change with Boldwood. Hope to see you again at a future event. Wishing you continued joy with reading … but at a slightly more relaxed pace xx
I’m rather looking forward to that, Jessica – and your lovely books will always be on my reading list! xx
Wishing you all the luck in the world xx
Thank you so much Angela xx
Wishing you all the best with your new adventures Anne.
As I’ve said before, Being Anne will be missed xx
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful support you have shown myself and so many writers. Your reviews are so special and I’m sure I am not the only writer who waited with baited breath for yours to come after publication. Thank you so much and wishing you all the very very best, I shall look forward to following your new adventures and thoughts about books on Facebook, lots of love Mary xx
Your support for the blog has been quite wonderful, Mary – and your books rather special too. A Summertime Murder is already on preorder for March reading! xx
It has been a total and utter pleasure working with you on blog tours over the past eight years, and for having you as a friend for even longer. Still can’t believe you are actually stopping blogging, and I wish you all the best for the future.
You are a total and utter star, and I look forward to seeing what you spend all your time on next, while enjoying your various upcoming holidays!
Thanks for being fabulous!
Rachel (no idea why I have a random username on here!)
Without your support and wonderful organisation, Rachel, I’d have really struggled – thank you for everything xx
What a shame we can’t throw you a ‘leaving do’ and present you with a memorable gift as we would in the workplace. Instead sending love and very best wishes for the next chapter of life. It’s good to try new things. I’ll keep in touch through Facebook. Thank you for your book recommendations, and for supporting authors including myself. Xx
Thank you Deborah – the support and recommendations will keep on coming, but perhaps with a little less volume than before. And I’m sure your bank balance will be more healthy! xx
Thanks for EVERYTHING, Anne. I wish you all the best for the future. Keep in touch.
Jenni x
Of course, Jenni – and your wonderful books will always be on my reading list! xx
What an amazing friend and supporter you have been all these years! Thank you so much for being wonderful, kind, caring and truly fabulous. Every good wish in the world for your next chapter … sending much love always!
Thank you Adrienne! And I must tell you that Legacy of Secrets has been on my kindle since release day – I might now be able to find time to read and review it… xx
Genuinely have a tear in my eye Anne.
Being Anne has been such a support to the world of books – especially to romantic fiction of all kinds and it has been my pleasure to get to know you in real life and to count you as a friend.
Here’s to lots of happy reading and bookishness in the future without the stress of deadlines, blog posts and responsibility.
Love
Linda
I was a little tearful this morning too Linda – but the timing’s right, and I’m looking forward to enjoying my reading again xx
It really is. Happy reading x
All the best for the future, Anne. Thank you so much for all your support – it means so much to me.
Thank you Anne xx
I echo all that’s already been said. Your support and kindness have helped me enormously and challenged me to improve my reviews accordingly. The blogging world is losing a superstar but I feel, like many others, I’ve gained a friend. Wishing you the gentle life you deserve xx
Now that lovely comment really brought a tear to my eye! I always so love your reviews (it helps that we almost always enjoy the same books!) and I’ll still be keeping an eye on your excellent blog to make sure I pick out those books I’ll love. The friendship means a lot to me too – and it’s good to know I’m leaving our romance authors in such a safe pair of hands xx
Now my eyes are leaking xx
Thank you so much for sharing your reviews over the years, and for your support for romantic fiction and romance authors. Wishing you all the very best for the future xx
Thank you Helena! xx
Oh Anne, you will be missed! Congratulations on all your years of must-read book reviewing. You have brightened so many mornings with your wonderful reviews and I’ve discovered so many brilliant authors and new books through your blog – thank you so much. All the very best for your own next chapter. And thank you for all your support for my books – it’s very much appreciated. I’m very rarely on social media these days but I hope to see you again somewhere along the way. May you enjoy all your future reading! xxx
Thank you Sara – and hopefully our paths will cross again in the not-too-distant future! xx
Oh my goodness, what an emotional one this is. Thank you for everything. Your reviews have meant the world to me. I’ve been a long time subscriber and read so many of your recommended favourites! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter, Kiley, x
Many thanks Kiley – and your lovely books will always be on my “must read” list! xx
Anne, thank you again, so much, for your support and your hundreds of brilliantly written book reviews on this site, which have always been such a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading many more elsewhere! Xxx
Thank you so much Jill xxx