All that glitters - Annie West

Gold fit for a princess, don't you think? I saw these amazing 22 carat gold necklaces and tiaras in the Gold Souk in Dubai. I've never seen anything quite so over the top in jewellery. I'm sure it must look magnificent on, and with the right clothes. I gather these intricate designs (sadly you can't see the incredibly tiny detail on them) are for brides to wear at their wedding celebration. How would you like to wear something like this as you tied the knot?

The whole souk was an amazing eye opener. I've been to some Middle Eastern souks before and I've seen some of the jewellery on sale but this place was something else. I understand at certain times of year it's flooded with shoppers and the jewellery in particular is a reason to visit and spend money.


Me? I hate to disappoint but I didn't walk away with a fortune in tinkling gold. Not even a ring or bracelet. And on the subject of bracelets, have a look at this small part of a huge window display of gold bracelets that took my eye. It simply dazzled!

I'd thought it might be nice to take home a gorgeous golden souvenir of my stay there but when it came to it I focused on other things instead (if you see me in the cooler months you'll know I had a ball adding to my pashmina collection!).

But even just visiting the souk for some window shopping was an amazing experience and one that fed into my story writing. Ask any writer and you'll find almost everything does! Not so long ago I found myself writing a story about a woman who grows up in the Middle East then marries a dark, enigmatic foreigner and moves to London. When it came to writing Leila's wedding I remembered these necklaces and bracelets, the amazing chandelier earrings that dropped almost to the shoulder, and the elaborate silks and delicate embroideries. They made Leila in her finery come alive as I wrote, so the scene was incredibly vivid to me. As were the scents, henna and spices. After the wedding there's a focus on jewellery too, when Leila wears her mother's pendant hanging down her almost bare back in a sexy dress that makes her husband-in-name-only look at her with a whole new appreciation.

How about you? Are you a jewellery fan? What's your favourite piece (one you own or maybe one you've seen)? Are you a bling sort of girl or a more conservative jewellery wearer?

Annie's IMPRISONED BY A VOW (August Harlequin Presents) is the book with the scene inspired by this amazing jewellery. It features a woman up against the odds who refuses to give in, and a hero who's sworn off emotional entanglements but who can't walk away from his marriage of convenience wife. You can pick up a copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble of the Book Depository. Look out too for Annie's next release AN ENTICING DEBT TO PAY on 19 September.

High Tea - the Perfect Celebration, Annie West

High Tea, anyone? Today I thought I'd share with you one of my recent favourite things - the joys of a glamorous high tea. 

I'd heard of high tea for some time but was never quite sure what it entailed. Did it mean simply sitting around over a tea pot and cucumber sandwiches? Do high teas even include cucumber sandwiches? And what if you're not a fan of tea? If coffee is more your style or something else? 

Annie at Claridges high tea, London

What if you don't like to eat between meals? Why bother with high tea? The answer of course, is that high tea is a meal in itself, or can be, when done right.

The first thing to say is that high tea is meant to be something special. After all, how many of us usually fit in time simply to sit and relax with friends for a couple of hours during a busy day? Most of us are too busy for that, so there's a real luxury element in simply taking time out for a bit of pampering, because that's what high tea is - pleasure and pampering.

Second, if you've never indulged in this way before then aim to go somewhere that really knows what they're doing. I had the opportunity to have high tea at the gorgeous and rather exclusive Claridges Hotel in London and I have to say, the staff there definitely know what they're doing! And the marvellous location made the event a real celebration. In fact, the afternoon I spent there inspired the final scene for a recent story: 'Captive in the Spotlight'. I knew some hands on research over high tea would be worthwhile! My hero swept his heroine off her feet in the public rooms where tea is being served, uncaring of their intrigued audience. Sigh. I love that scene. This photo gives you an idea of the setting.

Luxurious Claridges interior, London

So, high tea... What is it? Basically it's a long, enjoyable afternoon tea, preferably with wait staff to provide you with whatever you need. Some start with a glass of champagne - which really ensures you're not going to do anything else productive for the rest of the afternoon!

Our high tea in London began with the choice of tea from a huge menu. We each choose different varieties and received our own teapot. And yes, we could have chosen coffee. The service was amazing. The staff didn't hover so we always felt we had a lovely private afternoon tea, but not once did I get to pour my own tea. Whenever it was time for a top up the waitress would arrive to do it for me. The teapot was refreshed with hot water and just as I thought I'd reached my fill, a fresh pot was brought. High tea isn't something to be rushed, you understand, the aim is to relax and enjoy the company (and refreshments). 

The food was fantastic - a variety of sandwiches including cucumber, of course, Scottish smoked salmon, ham from Yorkshire (the best apparently) and others. Then came scones - plain and fruit, with jam made on the premises and lovely cream. The jam was made from Marco Polo tea! It tasted fruity and delicious. Then there was the serious business of desserts. A whole rack of them - delicate, rich and absolutely decadent. Though we hadn't eaten for hours before, we had to decline whenever the staff offered to bring more food - there was just too much and it was all delicious.

High Tea at home for a celebration

I've had high teas since in a number of places and all have followed a similar theme. All were a treat and such fun. We even put on a help-yourself high tea at home for a recent celebration. Here's our effort complete with sandwiches, various cake varieties, scones and chocolates.

I've also had high tea in a mountain resort shrouded with mist on the sort of wintry day when you want to be cosy and snug inside. It was a special family celebration. Another high tea was in an old and slightly run down guesthouse where the smiles were warm and the home cooking more than made up for the slightly lumpy sofas. But perhaps the reason I've enjoyed each one is the fact it's been a special occasion with special people. I think that's the key to enjoying high tea and the reason I believe we should have more of them!

Have you had high tea? What did you think? Was it as good as you'd hoped? Or if not high tea, what's your favorite celebration meal? I admit I'm a big fan of a leisurely brunch too, especially if it's outdoors. 

Share your thoughts and be in the running to win a copy of IMPRISONED BY A VOW, my August release out now. If you love passionate romances and with lots of emotion, this is one for you. I'll draw a winner at random from those who comment - just check back at the end of the day to see who won.

Annie's latest release, IMPRISONED BY A VOW, is available now from your favorite bookstores. It's about a woman who marries a stranger as a means of escape, only to find she's bound to him in more ways than she bargained for. If you enjoy a sexy, intense romance with a touch of glamour, Leila and Joss's story is one for you. Here are links to grab a copy from The Book Depository (free postage anywhere), Amazon, Amazon UK and Barnes and Noble. You can read an excerpt on Annie's website.


All photographs in this post are copyright to Annie West.

Doors into New Worlds - Annie West

Some time ago I posted this photo on my Facebook page and quite a few people liked it. I was interested as I've discovered I have a thing about doors. I have quite a few holiday photos of far away places that feature doors. Sadly, usually they're closed, even though I'd love to take a peek inside some of the fascinating buildings I see.

My Facebook experience taught me that I'm not the only one to like a good door. I know at least one other writer who has her own collection of such photos. Plus I've heard a photographer say that their photos of doors always sell well. 

So why is it that we find something attractive about doors? I'm not talking of course of the boring, plain doors that we have in our house, but doors with a bit of character or interest.

Maybe it's just because I'm a sticky beak and the door is, of course, the way into a whole new world. What do you think is behind this door in a French country village? Do you think the interior is just as quaint and old-fashioned as the facade or do you think the room within is sleek and modern? There's no way of knowing without a peep inside. But those studs on the bottom of the door make it interesting, don't they?

Or how about this one? It's such a serious door - obviously made to keep everyone out except those who had special permission to enter. On the other hand, I love the exquisite decorative metal work on the lock and the woodwork. This door is old, very old, and it makes me wonder about the craftsman who put so much loving effort to create a thing of beauty out of something so prosaic. And it wasn't just one craftsman. Someone spent a long time carving that stone arch to polished perfection.

In case you're wondering, this door is in Austria, in Salzburg castle which is a fascinating mix of dour fortress and attractive ornamentation.

I've decided that this fascination with doors isn't so much about appreciating the workmanship on them, but about doors as a symbol. For me they're like a call to adventure, an invitation to something new. Doors have always symbolised a crossing or transition point because, of course, that's exactly what they are.

As well as being a simple entry to a building or a way from one room to another, doors, particularly doors between the outside world and an inner space, represent something much more. 

When I posted the first photo on Facebook I did so because it was inspiring me that day as I approached a new book. The photo symbolised how I was feeling about this new story that I was tentatively investigating. I had some idea what to expect because I knew some details - like the hero and heroine and their original conflict, but much of the story was shadowy. I had no idea how the details were going to unfold, just that there was a story there. It felt like walking from my comfortable study into a brand new, exciting world where I was the observer and had yet to discover and understand the complex feelings of my characters. In a funny way, thinking of the new project in terms of that picture stoked my excitement in the project and eased my nerves over the fact I didn't know it all straight away.

Doors can be inviting, beckoning us from across the street, to come closer. Sometimes they're ornamented and attract people. Sometimes I'm sure it's just an intrinsic beauty or sense of mystery about the door and where it's set.

This one in Germany is beautifully decorated in celebration of the Christmas season. I've never seen such lovely garlands - far more enticing that a simple wreath on the door. Of course in this case, I'm sure the owners weren't simply interested in the holiday season. Their aim was also to beckon visitors closer to look and enter, and perhaps to buy. What a lovely way to catch the interest of passersby.

Much as I like the festive touches, though, I admit that this particular door, doesn't have the same impact on me as some others, that have a less studied charm.

How about this doorway? Is it just me or does the combination of ancient carving, solid wood door, and sleek, black cat, hint at some delicious mystery? Yes, maybe the mystery is just what's cooking inside, but to this writer the image is evocative and one I think I'll revisit in future as possible inspiration.

Doors represent opportunity and invitation. Who knows what marvellous experiences and fascinating people wait behind them? Some, like this one, have a definite sense of mystery, albeit on a domestic scale. Doors are about transition, not just from one place to another but from one reality to another. Remember the old tradition about the groom carrying the bride over the threshold? Partly it was originally to protect her from any nasty spirits thought to lurk there, but surely too it was in recognition of the fact that she was entering a new world - that of married woman, leaving her own home and becoming part of her husband's.

We speak of doorways or portals to the underworld. To death and rebirth. To new stages in our lives. Remember the days when 21 year olds were given keys? Or visiting dignitaries were given a key to symbolise that they had the freedom of the city? 

Is it any wonder an interesting door has the power to make us pause and wonder? I admit, I'm not usually thinking of the symbolism of the door, but admiring its uniqueness. Or maybe it's just my writer's inquisitiveness, that I want to know more of what's going on behind that door. What people live or work there? What are their secrets and celebrations? What makes them different and interesting? 

It's that sort of inquisitiveness that can occasionally give me a quiver of excitement as I find myself juggling ideas that might, if I'm lucky, one day meld into a new story to write. 

Do you find yourself attracted to interesting doors and gateways? Which would have the power to draw you closer? A carved wooden door in an old stone building? A lavishly decorated one that sparkled with light? A rusty old one, half open and  leading to a misty garden? 

I'll give a signed copy of one of my books to someone who leaves a comment on this post. Look out at the end of the day when I'll post the name of the winner.

Annie's latest book is out soon (August in stores but sooner online). IMPRISONED BY A VOW is about a marriage of convenience that brings a whole lot more than either Joss or Leila expected. 

Signed, sealed...forever!

Being sold into marriage by her stepfather is Leila's one chance to escape. But instead of freedom, Leila finds herself bound by deep passions ignited by her inscrutable new husband.

Australian billionaire Joss Carmody knows the rules of this game - he'll shower his new wife with diamonds and in return he'll use her land to expand his business. That's all he ever wanted from this exchange, but he hadn't banked on the attraction Leila awakens.

Then the one night that was supposed to slake their desire binds them beyond the signatures on their marriage contract...

You can find IMPRISONED BY A VOW at:

Amazon

The Book Depository 

Barnes and Noble

or check out the inspiration for the book at Annie's website.

Photographs in this post are copyright to Annie West.