Old Fashioned Brain Game or Pure Distraction? Annie West

I never seem to have much spare time, certainly not as much as I'd like. And when I do have time to myself I feel I should use it wisely. You know, catch up on the tax or weed the jungle I call a garden or do something else fruitful.

So it's with trepidation that I admit that I enjoy frittering away my spare time doing things that are quite useless. There - it's out!

Over a recent vacation break when I was doing the barest amount of writing we opened THE jigsaw puzzle. The massive 3,000 piece one that mocks from the bookshelf with a 'bet you don't dare take me on' smirk. The puzzle that has only been completed once before. Oh, it looks nice, doesn't it? But believe me, all those green leaves in the corner and that massive alpine slope behind the town are full of almost indistinguishable pieces. We spent a good bit of time merrily complaining about how hard it was, but celebrating whenever we managed to get a piece in. As an added bonus - because the puzzle took up a good deal of our dining room table, picnic type meals became very popular.

We enjoyed the puzzle so much we finished with another, smaller one - a mere 500 pieces which was done in a  single afternoon. Well, it was a wet day... I inherited this one years ago from my parents and I enjoy the fact that you can't get bored because of the variety of scenes in it.

I'm not quite sure what the attraction is in jigsaw puzzles. It had been years since I'd done one but I got straight back into the swing of it when we opened the box. I wonder if it's because I associated them with long summer holidays of my childhood, when it was okay to leave a jigsaw out for days until it was completed?

Whatever the reason, I found doing the puzzle both relaxing and stimulating. I felt refreshed after spending a bit of time trying to make the pieces fit. As a bonus, various family members got involved in the puzzles and there was a lovely feeling of camaraderie as we sat together, working on various parts of each puzzle. At a time when family pursuits seem few and far between this was a treat.

Do you have a puzzle or pastime you adore to do that may not be particularly 'useful'? Do you enjoy puzzles, sudoku or crosswords? Do you like card games or board games or do you have a weakness for computer games? What's your favourite 'non-useful' pastime? 

Personally I suspect that spending time letting our brains focus on something different is good for us. Or maybe that's an excuse to pick up a crossword or a jigsaw. What do you think?

Annie's current release is CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT from Harlequin Presents. It's a sexy, intense story about a woman who's free at last after a nightmare couple of years, but finds herself confronted with the one man she'd hoped never to see again. The man she'd almost loved and the man she can never trust again, all under the spotlight of the world's paparazzi.

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Escape to an Island Romance - Annie West

Do you ever dream about getting away from it all somewhere secluded and romantic? Do you fantasise about a holiday somewhere warm and lush, where you can be pampered and carefree? Personally I couldn't resist the idea of an island getaway. There's something about the notion of being totally isolated from the world, linked only by phone or radio or boat, that appeals to the armchair adventurer in me. In real life I enjoy my comforts but as a kid I used to fantasise about a Swiss Family Robinson type existence and even now, the idea of an island getaway sounds so romantic to me.

So when I came to write my current book: CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT I had enormous fun putting my two antagonists/soon-to-be lovers on an island. The story starts in Rome but shifts quickly to a private island of the south coast of Italy where the sunsets are glorious, the views fantastic and the temperature scorching - or maybe that's just Lucy and Domenico together.

It's not a tropical island but it does have lush gardens, plus a wilderness, some soft sand beaches and a pool to loll beside. There's a ruined castello and a luxury mansion. After all, if you want to hide away from the paparazzi, why not do it in style? After all, Domenico is from one of Italy's oldest and wealthiest families, so he'd have the best of everything at his fingertips. It takes a special woman to make him reassess the things he takes for granted to see another side to life.

Lucy, the woman who's just out of prison after a conviction for killing his brother, is that woman. Needless to say, falling for his brother's killer is not on Domenico's agenda. As for Lucy, the last person she wants to be with is this man who had no faith in her and abandoned her to the grinding legal system when she needed him most. You could say they have a lot to overcome - and you'd be right.

These photos of mine were both taken in sunny Queensland, Australia, but they give a feel for the lush luxury I imagine at the thought of an island escape. Lucy and Domenico's island looks a little different but has that some 'away from it all' air.

Does an island escape appeal to you? Have you ever visited an island and felt its magic? Maybe a tiny island just big enough for a lighthouse or a vast one like Sicily, brim-full of fascinating places and people. Is there an island destination you'd love to visit? 

Stop by tomorrow when I'll announce the winner of a free signed copy of one of my previously published titles to one person who leaves a comment.

Annie's CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT is available now in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Visit her website to read an excerpt or find out more about it. Here are a few links to buy: 

Amazon

Book Depository

Barns and Noble

Mills and Boon UK

Harlequin 

What Makes You Smile? Annie West

 I've been thinking a lot recently about what makes me feel good and especially what makes me smile.

You see, even so early in the year it's been a little tough. Not so much for me but for a number of people I know. They have begun 2013 with bad rather than good news. That made me even more conscious of how lucky I've been that my new year has been so positive.

It also made me think about the things that lighten my heart. Not necessarily the big things, like health and having my family around me, but the little unexpected things that make you glad. I thought I'd share just a couple of those with you. I won't bother describing this series of photos as I think they tell their own story. But believe me, I was grinning from ear to ear as I snapped these shots.

As I write this I'm listening to the sound of rain on the roof. Not a thundering storm likely to damage anything but set-in solid rain that rejuvenates the garden after a blistering hot week (I live in Australia where it's mid summer). The sound is soothing and a wonderful relief after our recent scorching temperatures.

Last night I rang a friend of mine who's in an area where the weather is currently verging on dangerous. Despite that, we found ourselves laughing long and loud over a number of silly things that probably only we would find funny. The sound of her laughter was one of the best things I'd heard all week.

Last night too, as I worked on my current book, the aroma of roast lamb wafted in to me from the kitchen. Roast lamb that I hadn't cooked! Is there anything as decadently delicious to a woman than a meal she hasn't had to cook herself? Truly, having a man about the house who not only can but does cook from time to time (and cook well) is a treat that always makes me smile.

Of course I had to mention food, didn't I? One of my weaknesses. If I mention the fact that I've recently enjoyed both Lindt passionfruit chocolate and rich vanilla soufflé with a delicious tropical fruit sauce, I'm sure you'll realise I'm smiling as I write this.


I haven't just been working and eating. I've also been investigating a possible vacation. The sort of overseas trip that stays with you a lifetime. Recent news means it probably won't happen this year but I figure the planning won't hurt. In the meantime I've had an absolute ball checking flights, hotels and a river cruise where I'd have to do nothing but enjoy myself and stir occasionally to get off the boat and visit some of the places I've dreamed of seeing for years.

In between my writing I've also been fitting in time for more reading than usual, especially since my Christmas included a whole stack of fascinating books by new-to-me authors. Authors whose work I've discovered I want more of. Is there anything better than reading a new author and discovering you want more AND there's a whole backlist waiting for you to investigate? Sigh.

How about you? What are the little things in life that make you smile and feel better about your day?

I'll give away a signed book from my own backlist to one person selected at random from those who leave a comment here. Just check back tomorrow to see who the winner is.

One other thing is making me smile at the moment. Last year I wrote a book that grabbed me from the moment I thought of the premise. It swept me up in a lovely surge of excitement that didn't end till the story was written. That book, CAPTIVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT will be released in North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand in March. In fact the American edition is released on 19 February and is available to order now, plus that edition includes free another of my full length romances: BLACKMAILED BRIDE, INNOCENT WIFE. Romantic Times gave CAPTIVE a wonderful 4 star review. For more details check out your favourite bookstore or visit my website.

Christmas Shopping - Yes, It's that time already!

Christmas at the Galeries LaFayette, Paris

Sh. In case you hadn't realised, it's that time of year again. The time when people warn you helpfully how close it is to Christmas and you start to panic about what to get everyone. I have an easy answer to that - books! But still, the pressure is on to come up with the perfect gift, whether home made or bought.

So, knowing what a stressful time it is I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite Christmas shopping places - only recently discovered because, frankly, they aren't located too close to where I live. I don't usually shop here but they made me smile, despite the crowds, and I hope they make you smile too.

Outside the Galeries LaFayette in Paris

I'm sharing two department store experiences. First up is the Galeries LaFayette in Paris. Multiple, multiple floors of outlets selling everything to diamonds and designer handbags to gourmet snacks and clothes. It had the most enormous Christmas tree I'd ever seen indoors and probably more people than I'd ever seen indoors in one place. As for the pavement out the front - it was packed with people and we just got swept along with the crowd.

It's not the place for a little bargain, but for window shopping or drooling (discreetly of course). It's fabulous. Above it all is a beautifully coloured glass dome ceiling which is elegant and amazing. The huge space even seemed to absorb the constant hum of desperate Christmas shoppers. So if you want elegance, this one does it in style. It's on any tourist list of places to see in Paris and easy to get to.

My other department store treat was KaDeWe - a similarly enormous store in Berlin. In fact I'm told it's the biggest store in Europe, though I haven't checked that fact. I wouldn't be surprised. I went for a browse and what a treat. Again, it had the most wonderful luxury items - the sort of things that don't even feature in the town where I live. The jewellery and fashion sections were amazing but if you just stopped there you'd miss a lot.

Christmas for the discerning dog? KaDeWe, Berlin

I was lucky enough to visit when I wasn't in a panic to find last minute gifts, so I had time to notice some of the quirkier bits and pieces. How about these lederhosen (leather shorts held up by a bib and braces), embroidered with edelweiss? I'm sure that would make some pooch happy. And the beautiful porcelain dog bowls were amazing too. I knew the Germans loved their dogs but this put things in a whole new light!

And of course there were gifts for people as well. These designer art pieces were eye-catching and fun and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. The whole display of crazy animals just made me smile. I love the crocodile at the front of the photo, with his mouth open wide.

For someone who has everything

Strangely, despite all the temptations, it was the top floor we lingered in. The top floor is the food court. It had every delicacy you could imagine, through meats and cheeses and wines to...well, you name it. We got lost several times on that floor alone, and I wished I'd had a lot more room in my luggage so I could indulge.

Perhaps the best thing about upmarket department store shopping (even if it's window shopping), is relaxing in the on-premises coffee shop to rest the feet. KaDeWe was no exception. We passed up the chance for oysters and seafood. Instead we chose from the coffee and cake selection. Even that took us fifteen minutes of careful browsing!

Finishing with afternoon tea

Here's an example of what was on offer - raspberry crumble pie and fantastic coffee. I'm not sure if you can see it, but the fresh raspberry on top of the pie had edible gold leaf on top - just to make the eating experience more of an experience! Not your average coffee shop, that's for sure.

Back home again and I doubt I'll be buying things like these on my Christmas shopping excursions. My aim will be to think carefully, write a list or two and try to do my shopping quickly and methodically, avoiding the crowds. I wonder if I'll manage it? I know that if anyone were to offer me coffee and cake as good as these along the way, I'd be only too happy to indulge.

How about you? Are you looking forward to Christmas shopping? Do you get a buzz out of finding the right gift? Or is it all too hard? Will you shop at a department store or somewhere smaller or maybe even make your own gifts this year? Do you have a favourite place you like to shop?


In the spirit of Christmas cheer, I will give away a signed copy of my latest book DEFYING HER DESERT DUTY to someone who leaves a comment. If you leave a post, drop by again tomorrow to see if you've won.


And if you're still wondering what to buy people for Christmas - how about a romance? 'Defying Her Desert Duty' is available now from The Book Depository (with free postage), or for new year reading there's 'Captive in the Spotlight' (this link is to the North American version, out in February, as it includes an extra full length story 'Blackmailed Bride, Innocent Wife' for free). To find out more about either book, drop by Annie's website for more detail and some tantalising excerpts.