Summer Holidays - Annie West

When I was young I remember returning to school after the long Christmas break (it's summer in Australia so we have our long vacation now) and the teacher would always ask us to write a composition about what we did in the holidays. It always seemed such a chore, but now I love to think about what I did during my time off.

Often my report would talk about visiting beaches as I spent the hot summer trying to keep cool in the water. This year that hasn't been a problem. In fact (shocking) I haven't been to the beach once over Christmas.

Instead we managed a very short trip away to the mountains to do a bushwalk called the National Pass walk. The track descends in rock-cut steps carved out of sheer cliff, passes under some gorgeous waterfalls and up at the other end. Part of the track is like a tunnel chiselled along the centre of the cliff with stunning views out over the Grose Valley on the other side. Much as I love the bush I do wish someone would instal a cable car!

As you can see from the photos we had gorgeous weather apart from the thunderstorm that hit us on the way back and sprinkled hail on us! Then, walking back to our rented accommodation on the side of the road, a council truck hit a pothole and drenched us from head to toe. Good thing we had a hot shower and dry clothes to look forward to. Not to mention great Thai food and some excellent reading.

After that came the delightful, busy festive Christmas season with too much food, lovely gifts and time spent with family. It's great being home for Christmas and enjoying the things that have become family tradition over the years. I've even begun to spend just a little more time in the jungle I call my garden (sadly neglected lately as I worked to finish a book). The gum trees are full of cicadas so it sounds like summer and we're getting visits from lots of birds. Here's a snap I took at my parents' home of Rainbow Lorikeets.

There's something to be said for having a quiet vacation time. I have plans to destroy my part of my TBR pile and maybe even tidy up a cupboard or two and get organised for 2010. Little things, but so pleasing.

What about you? Did you have a lovely Christmas break? Did you have a quiet time with family and friends or do something adventurous or unexpected?

I'm celebrating the start of the new year with a smile because I have two books in current release. In North America there's BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE and in the UK there's FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD. Pop over to my website if you'd like to find out more about them or to enter my new year's contest.

Annie

Double Delights - Annie West

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.

Mountains or Coast? Annie West

We've all done those quizzes designed to tell us something deep and meaningful about ourselves or our loved ones. One that stuck in my mind (possibly because it's so simple) is -Which do you prefer, the mountains or the coast?

Simple? For some it is. I like to have my cake and eat it too! As you can see from these first two photos which I took on recent vacations, I enjoy both. It depends on my mood and the time of year. When it’s cold and rainy I dream of somewhere tropical with clear sparkling water, preferably with a hammock and a great supply of books! But when summer heats with its soaring temperatures and humidity I find myself longing for crisp mountain air as I remember long walks, the scent of wood smoke and hot chocolate.

The other complicating factor is that I live near the coast so, while I adore the fresh salt smell of the sea and walks along the sand, it’s almost in my backyard (well, a few miles away but that’s nothing).

I think the logic goes something like: if you enjoy the beach you want relaxation, to unwind, the soothing rhythm of the sea. If you opt for the mountains you’re more likely to want to be on the go, busy doing energetic things. Though I’m not sure that’s completely correct. I can easily envisage the perfect place to laze and read: see above for hammock and white sand, maybe with someone to serve a long tall glass of something. On the other hand, curling up in a window seat with a mug of hot chocolate and a cosy mystery sounds fantastic. Feeling active? Yes the mountains are great for hiking, climbing, skiing or canyoning. But on the coast the body surfing is free and so is beach volleyball.

Other attractions? Well of course people watching can be great in both places. Here on our Australian beaches we have our terrific surf lifesavers (plenty of inspiration there for a romance or two). But have you ever looked at some of the mountain rescue teams and hikers? Hm!

So, which do you prefer? Mountains or coast? Does that say anything about you or is it just a matter of choosing something other than where you live? Have you had special vacations in one or the other?

To get the ball rolling Annie is giving away a book from her backlist to one person who posts a comment. The ‘winner’ gets to choose the book.

Staying with the theme of double temptation, Annie’s thrilled to say she has 2 titles out next month. BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INEXPERIENCED WIFE, in the US (visit Amazon to buy) and

FORGOTTEN MISTRESS, SECRET LOVE-CHILD in the UK (visit Amazon to buy) as an early release ahead of its official January date. You can find out more about them or even win a free copy of one from her website.