I've heard good news comes in threes. Is that familiar? But in my house I'm sure it's in pairs. So many things that are special here are in twos.There are my kids - two gorgeous ones, even on the days they drive me to distraction (teenagers!).
There are the brilliantly coloured parrots that visit to feed on seeds and flower buds and keep me entertained when I stare out the window, working out a new scene. They come in pairs.
My blue suede boots (yes, really) and my new red summer sandals. Well, there's no point in just having one of each!
The pair of wicker chairs on the veranda where my husband and I share brewed coffee and a chat on weekends. I love that time with him and looking at those chairs, which don't get much use at other times, and the little mosaic table between them, makes me smile.There are two pictures of Paris in my bedroom. I bought them from a sidewarlk artist on my only visit to that wonderful city and every time I see them I picture myself walking down those very streets.
And now, there's a double book release month. Right now I have two separate books on release, one in North America and one in the UK. The latter is officially a January release but it's in stores this month. Definitely double delight!
BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE (Presents Extra, North America) is a marriage of inconvenience story. The last thing Dario and Alissa want is to be saddled in marriage with someone they think represents the worst of the opposite sex. Fortunately each discovers there's a lot more to the person they married than they first imagined. I always think of this pair as a combustible twosome. From the very first sparks flew between them, not just because of their distrust, but because of their unwilling attraction. Now that was fun to explore!FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD (Mills and Boon Modern, UK) is a first for me - a reunion story with a twist, namely the fact that sexy, dynamic, powerful Alessandro Mattani has no recollection of Carys Wells. I love the line from the back cover:
He's forgotten their past, but not her body...
So as you see, I have two reasons to celebrate in December.
Have pairs been lucky for you? Do you have any special belongings, treats, memories that come in twos? If not, what would you like to have two of?
To mark the lauch of Annie's two new releases, she's giving a prize at random to one person who comments. It's in two parts (naturally): one of her previous releases plus
chocolate to enjoy with it.In the meantime, if you want to see the books Annie's celebrating, visit her website or order the books: BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE from Amazon or Harlequin (where you can also browse the book), and FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD from UK Amazon.
28 comments:
I have my wedding ring and engagement ring together on my finger. The diamond solitaire is much the more valuable one, but I'd sooner lose it than my wedding ring, which is very special as my husband kissed it before he put it on my finger at our wedding. Sniff!
Ah, Alison. Now that's a pair I didn't think of. Thanks for sharing. What a sweetie your husband sounds. Real hero material! Don't you love it when men are romantic?
Oh Alison, nice memory indeed!
I have a pair of cats :) They are brother and sister and although they are grown up now they always sleep tangled up, so you can't see where one begins and the other ends :) And I have two nieces, they always came in pair and always leave double disaster, but I love them nevertheless
Hi Host. Your cats sound gorgeous. I find it fascinating the way some animals sleep so contentedly together as if it's easier to get to sleep that way. As for double trouble nieces - sounds like fun!
Hi Annie, I bought a gorgeous pair of the most comfortable sandals last summer. When they went on sale I bought another pair in a different color.
So now I have a pair of pairs, so to speak!
Good luck with your double book launch!
My most treasured pair would be my two daughters. They have always been my joy and inspiration.
Hi, Annie! I will always smile every time I think of you wearing those blue suede boots! The most important twosome of my life were my grandparents, with whom my mother and I lived while I was growing up. Without my grandparents, I would not be the person that I am today. I would not have the appreciation for life, respect for others and all the wonderful wisdom and humor they passed along. They have been gone for over 30 years, but I miss them more every day.
Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays!
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Hi Annie,
Congrats on the double book release! Woohoo!
My most treasured pair would have to be the earrings my husband gave me last year for Christmas. Diamond drop earrings. He is such a sweetie!
Merry Christmas!
I have my lists and I check them twice. Does that count? I couldn't live without all my lists.
At first I was going to ask for two of me, but I wouldn't wish that on the world. I thought it would be nice for getting stuff done, but then I realized that the second me would procrastinate as well, so that isn't a good wish.
Death and taxes are not two lucky things in life, so scratch that one too....
Like others, my two kids really are my best pair.
thanks for the great post. Congrat on your release. Wow a pair of something, my mind went blank. I have two winderful boys.
My special pairs, Chris and Keri....mhy son and daughter and the dogs Bailey and your namesake Annie.
Great post Annie and I can just see you and your husband sharing that special moment between you! xx
Kandy, that's really impressive shopping! I've often wished I'd bought a second pair of shoes when I discover how comfy the first pair are, but I don't usually get the chance. Hope your two pairs last and last.
Lina, your daughters sound lovely. When I started thinking in twos it was my children that came to mind first too.
Ah, sorry, Linda. I spelled your name wrong. I've just woken and am still a little fuzzy.
Hi Virginia. Nice of you to stop by! I'm glad my blue suede boots struck a chord with you. They are the most comfortable shoes. It's almost like wearing slippers, but they look good too.
How lucky that you had such a marvellous relationship with your grandparents. It sounds like they've given you a lifetime of great memories.
You've just reminded me how close Christmas is getting!
Hi Michele,
Yes, I'm so pleased to have both books out this month. It feels like an enormous treat. I'm very impressed with your diamond drop earrings. That's really something to appreciate.
Ah, Laney, I'm glad you decided to scratch death and taxes. I'd much rather celebrate two more great kids! Thanks for stopping by the comment.
Rebekah, I hope you get to spend time celebrating your two special boys, and with them, over the holiday season.
Hi Marilyn, that makes 2 special pairs. Great! I hope my namesake is behaving herself!
Annie, what a cute post! I must say I'm a 'three' girl (well, apart from in my romance novels where I'm strictly guy and girl!). I had a very superstitious mother and the law of everything coming in three was unquestioned family lore all my life. I think it's such a bumper month to have TWO Annie Wests out this month. And they're both such amazing stories. BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE is one of my absolute favorite books this year (I know - I just did a list for a newsletter someone's putting together and it featured). It made me cry! Which is a good thing ;-) And I just adore FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD. It's so romantic, right from the ball at the beginning to the sigh-worthy end. Brava once more, Ms. West!
Hi Anna, yes, I'd always heard about good things coming in threes. But in this case I'm happy to stick with my pair!
How tremendous that BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE made it onto your list of fave reads for the year! I know you're a voracious reader so that's a real honor. As for managing to make you cry, I take that as another big compliment. Thank you.
Oh, Annie, will I tell you what immediately came to mind when I read your post? When I was a little girl If I was ever offered a biscuit, I'd ask for two -- "One for each hand."
I try and not keep biscuits in the house as some things never change :-)
Congratulations on your "double," and even bigger congratulations on making the Barnes and Noble Best Books for 2009 list with The Desert King's Pregnant Bride -- that's so well deserved!
Hi Michelle,
Your comment made me laugh. I remember the temptation to ask for two up front. Usually though I'd go for one then sidle back for a second.
Thanks for the congratulations on the books and the Barnes and Noble listing. I was thrilled when I heard about THE DESERT KING'S PREGNANT BRIDE!
Fun post, Annie, and congratulations on your Double-Delights book-release month! What a great Christmas present for you and your readers! I've read Dario and Alissa's fabulous marriage of inconvenience. Can't wait for Alessandro and Carys!
I have a favourite twosome - it's a set of horse-head book ends that my sister gave me many many *many* years ago now. I've got them sitting on my desk and I'm looking at them right now!
Congratulations on your double delight, Annie! How lucky for me and all your readers!
I have to say "three" dominates my life. I'm the third daughter, born on the 23rd of the 3rd, 19#3. I married my third real boyfriend. I got my agent after 103 rejections. (Nah, I'm only joking about that last one, but it was close!)
Thanks, Sharon, I think this is a pretty special month with the 2 books out. I like the sound of your special horse head book ends! Isn't it nice when you have a gift that you always associate with someone special?
Authorness,
How fascinating about your 3s. I'm so glad you found your agent before 103 rejections! That would just be so dispiriting.
Hope 2010 has lots more lucky 3s for you.
Sorry to be so late coming back with news of a winner. I got tied up here.
Thanks so much everyone who stopped by and left a comment. It was lovely hearing about the special things in your life.
Now, I've drawn a winner at random to receive a prize: a backlist book and choccies. CONGRATULATIONS HOST! If you email me at annie@annie-west.com and give me your postal address and the name of a backlist book of mine that you'd like, I'll pop it in the mail to you!
All the best,
Annie
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