Escaping to the Tropics with Annie West

Have
you ever lived through miserable weather and long tiring days of work and
longed to escape to a tropical paradise? I’ll put my hand up to that. Even now,
when the weather in Australia is of the heatwave variety, the idea of a
tropical beach appeals. Maybe it’s the gorgeous, glittering sea, the balmy
breezes or the shade of lush vegetation. Sigh.

That longing inspired the setting of my current book (The Greek’s Forbidden Innocent), so I happily indulged myself recalling time spent in the tropics. It made diving into my story each day so much easier!

If
you’re dreaming of a tropical escape here are a few tips.

First
up, check your dates. Even Paradise can get thrashed by rough weather
sometimes. This first photo is of Trinity Beach in far north Queensland (the
north east part of Australia). It formed part of my inspiration for Mina and
Alexei’s story. Out to sea is the Great Barrier Reef. So if you were planning a
trip there you’d want to be able to explore the Reef, right? And swim in the
sea? It’s best not to assume that because it’s winter in the northern
hemisphere, it’s automatically the best time to visit. Summer in this area can
be hot and incredibly humid. It’s storm season too, so if a cyclone is going to
roll in from the Pacific, this is the most likely time of year. Then too,
summer is stinger season in north Queensland – there are some very unpleasant
jellyfish that ride the currents at that time of year, which means for a couple
of months it’s better to swim in a pool than at the beach, though the reef is
usually okay. Wherever you’re going, do your homework in advance.

So,
you’ve checked your ideal tropical destination, saved your holiday money and
checked when to go. What else?

Take
your cue from the locals.  They don’t
usually sunbake all day. Pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen and, if you’re not
used to the sun, take it in small doses. Turning lobster red and sore on the
first day of sun exposure can take the shine out of the most wonderful holiday.
 Insect repellent is handy too.

Keep
up your fluids! There may be a sunken bar in your resort pool – lots of fun and
such a luxury. But remember to top up with water as well.

Oh,
and those pretty coconut palms? They do drop coconuts from time to time. Maybe
find some other shade to relax in.

But
with those couple of precautions, your trip should be marvellous, with the
beach on your doorstep and nothing to do but unwind. Don’t forget to take some
reading matter so you can loll about by the water, enjoying the decadence of
totally relaxing in idyllic surroundings and not working! Could anything be
nicer?

If
you’ve got the time and energy, don’t miss the chance to explore more than the
beach. Check out the local towns, maybe meet some locals, go on a tour of the
rainforest or learn about the local wildlife. The tropics are so richly diverse
and fascinating. Plus of course there will probably be jet skis, canoes, paddle
boards and all sorts of fun activities to enjoy.

If
you can, try to see at least one sunrise or sunset. They can be absolutely
spectacular!

If
you have suggestions on a tropical paradise to visit, please let me know. I may
just have to do some research for another book! Is there an idyllic location
you’d like to escape to right now?

About Annie

Australian Annie West loves writing passionate, intense romances and not just because it gives her a chance to ignore housework! She is a USA Today Bestselling author, published in 25 languages. Annie writes contemporary stories about charismatic heroes and strong heroines. She loves being in contact with readers as far apart as Brisbane, Bremen and Bermuda. When not writing and avoiding housework she can be found walking, enjoying good food and good company, travelling and reading.

Annie has a new book out right now!

Connect with Annie via

Her website: http://www.annie-west.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author

Or sign up for her occasional newsletter
with book updates, behind the scenes information and giveaways: https://tinyurl.com/ya56pe7c

THE GREEK’S FORBIDDEN INNOCENT

The Greek’s
virgin bride…

…is hiding her royal identity!

While helping her friend escape an arranged
marriage, dutiful Princess Mina finds herself captive
on enigmatic Alexei Katsaros’s luxurious private island! Mina must convince
Alexei that she’s his future bride, but she doesn’t expect their scorching
chemistry to be so deliciously overwhelming… And after a night in the Greek’s
bed, suddenly there’s more at stake than just Mina’s hidden identity—her heart
is at Alexei’s mercy, too!

Escape to an island paradise with the
billionaire and his royal bride!

Buy on:

Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback

Amazon UK Amazon Aus

Riding Along the Murray River with Wendy Davies

A bike ride along the Murray River

[caption id="attachment_1296" align="alignleft" width="343"] The Murray River[/caption]

The best way to see the Wonga Wetlands is by bike, a short 20-kilometre ride on a paved bike path along the Murray River from downtown Albury. The town of Albury/Wodonga (known as the twin cities) is about half way between New South Wales’ capital city of Sydney and Victoria’s capital city of Melbourne. Indeed, both towns are on the Hume highway that goes between these two capital cities. The Murray River divides the two states, and the two towns both of which are situated on its banks. Albury is in New South Wales, Wodonga is in Victoria. They have a combined population of just under 100,000 people and is a major regional centre.

 

Travel with Phillipa Nefri Clark to Great Ocean Road

Two towns on the Great Ocean Road

[caption id="attachment_952" align="alignleft" width="438"] Great Ocean Road[/caption]

A number of years ago, we took a rare break from business to have a short family holiday in Lorne, Victoria. The week leading into our departure, I’d had the worst headache imaginable, culminating with a CT scan the morning we left. Against dire warnings from my doctor that I should stay in town until the results came in, I persuaded my husband to head to the one place I knew would help - the ocean.

Travel to Anlaby Station, Australia with Ella Carey & Giveaway!

As part of my research for my fourth novel, SECRET SHORES, I went to Anlaby Station in South Australia, which was once Australia’s largest merino sheep station. Anlaby was the inspiration for Haslemere- the property that Edward inherits in the book.

The entire place was wonderful. What struck me was the way I connected with the Australian landscape of my childhood again- I grew up in South Australia, so going back there and being out in the countryside was incredibly special for me. There is something about the stillness of the paddocks, the whispering, pale eucalypts and the vast, vast skies that brought back memories I thought I’d forgotten. Layer in a romantic old homestead and a wondrous, restored garden and I was transfixed.

[caption id="attachment_886" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The Old Homestead[/caption]

 

Beaches I have loved by Michelle Douglas #Giveaways

Sarah and the Secret Sheikh is set in the fictional Arabian country of Keddah Jaleel, and while I’d love to show you pictures of my adventures in that part of the world, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience it (maybe one day).



The desert sounds so magical, doesn’t it? But I haven’t been outside my own country in over four years! However, Keddah Jaleel does have the most spectacular coastline…and those who know me know how much I love the beach. It doesn’t really matter which beach—I pretty much love them all. So today I thought I’d share some of my favourite beaches with you. 

 

 

 

My childhood beach was in the tourist hamlet of Tuncurry, which is just over two hours North of Newcastle (which is where I live). This particular spot is called The Rock Pool (though it’s more a netted beach than an actual rock pool), and is very child friendly. It’s tucked into the mouth of the harbour, bordered by the breakwater, and it’s not unusual to see dolphins frolicking in the harbour on the other side of the net. J (This spot featured in my 2011 release, The Secretary’s Secret).

[caption id="attachment_870" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The Rock Pool, Tuncurry…with the iconic Forster and Tuncurry bridge in the background[/caption]

 

Travel to Budapest with Kandy Shepherd

[caption id="attachment_828" align="alignleft" width="178"] On one of the beautiful bridges that span the Danube[/caption]

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, wasn’t top of my hit list of cities to visit in Europe—until my visit last September. Now I rave about it to anyone who will listen. What a fabulous city—my only complaint about my time there was that it too short! I can’t wait to go again and see more than a three-night visit allowed.

 

My two bridesmaids (from 28 years ago!) who live in London suggested a long weekend “girls” trip with them to Budapest while I was visiting with them in the UK. Yes please, I said immediately. I’d never been anywhere in Eastern Europe. We flew from Gatwick airport on a budget airline for a fare that seemed ridiculously cheap for someone living in Australia. Then stayed in a delightful small hotel near the Opera House—again very reasonably priced.

Travel to Hong Kong with Joanne Dannon

Here in Australia, we are far away from America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. However, we are close to Asia and this is a popular destination for us Australians to visit.

 

My husband travels a lot and spends a few months every year in Hong Kong. I have been fortunate to join him on his work trips and we’ve taken our children with us a few times.

 

What’s so great about Hong Kong? Everything! The people are very nice and welcoming, the city is clean (and safe!), the food is delicious, the signs are in English (and Chinese), the public transport is brilliant plus, there’s so much culture to see and enjoy!

 

Not only is Hong Kong a wonderful destination for a family it’s also great to go there as a couple or for singles. 

 

Most locals speak some English so it’s easy to get around, plus the signage is clear everywhere. The best way to get around is on foot or public transport. There are plenty of taxis and they are well priced however, with the traffic, it can sometimes be quicker to walk.

 

 

Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam with Melanie Milburne #BookGiveaway

Two years ago my husband and I did a European river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.

The cruise was wonderful. We visited places we might not have visited if we had been travelling on our own. Everything was catered for and it was lovely only having to unpack the once! Our cabin was always beautifully prepared for us and the food was amazing. As we toured through different countries the food and wine were sourced from those areas. That was so special.

 

 

Travel to Greece with Kandy Shepherd

[caption id="attachment_499" align="alignright" width="300"] We swam the beautiful waters of The Minoan Trail in Crete[/caption]

In early October 2016 we travelled to Crete, the largest island in Greece, for a swimming holiday.

For six days my husband and I swam in the open water in the south of the island, based in the seaside village of Sfakia, on a guided swim tour. Swimming in supervised groups, we explored crystal clear waters, swam into limestone caves, admired the dramatic, ancient coastline and lunched daily on traditional Greek food at tavernas accessible only from the water. Fabulous in every way!

This was the second swim we did in Greece with the swim tour group The Big Blue Swim—we loved it so much last year we went back. Last year’s swim was based in the northern Greek island of Lefkada. That was our first-ever trip to Greece and we loved everything about it. We couldn’t wait to go back for a second visit. Now we’re hoping for a third before too long!

Travel to Jerusalem with Joanne Dannon

What was your experience traveling to Jerusalem? 

 

I was fortunate to be selected by an amazing women’s organisation to go to Israel. Thanks to generous donors, I only had to pay for my airfare and personal expenses. To be given this incredible gift of a free trip, all expenses paid was a brilliant opportunity and I loved every minute of it. Most of the time we were in Jerusalem and our knowledgeable guides breathed life in to the city. We weren’t there just as tourists but had the opportunity to absorb religion, culture and heritage. 

 

 

 

How did it come about?

 

Thanks to an amazing group in America, they have created a world-wide organisation to allow men and women the opportunity to travel to Israel on a spiritual journey. Since returning, I have supported and fundraised for the group (we have a branch here in Melbourne, Australia) that allows other people to also enjoy this incredible experience.

 

     ....

 

Places your visited? 

 

We walked our feet off and saw the sites, markets and places of worship. One of the highlights was going in to the tunnels beneath the Western Wall to see thousands of years of history. There is also a private women’s prayer room, far below the ground, which was very spiritual to spend time in. 

 

Apart from sightseeing, we also spent time listening to talks, learning dancing and meeting the locals. We had lunch with a family on the Sabbath which was really, really nice.

 

I can’t list all the places we visited (there were so many) but I just loved walking around and looking at the buildings. Everything has been either restored or preserved. All history is important.

 

When I was there, they were building a car park but when the builders came across some historical artifacts, all work stopped and the archaeologists moved in. 

 

 

[gallery ids="166,165,164,163,162,161"]

 

Any tips for people wanting to take this journey?

 

Take a tour! Lots of people want to do it themselves and that’s fine but a guide will show you so much of the city that you can not see as a tourist. It’s a beautiful city. Take walking shoes and look around, there’s so much to see.

 

 

 

Any dos and don'ts for first time travelers to Jerusalem?

 

Take good walking shoes. Many of the lane-ways in old Jerusalem are cobbled, so you need good shoes. If you’re there in summer, I highly recommend a pair of Naot sandals. I bought a pair on my first day and wore them everyday of our trip – they’re that comfortable.

 

The Israeli breakfasts are amazing and a good start to the day. You’ll also find the iced coffee (available everywhere) perfect when you’re hot from so much walking.

 

Allow lots of time to visit Jerusalem, there is so much to see and if you’re religious take a pocket bible (or you can buy one). You’ll want to read it whilst there. There’s so much history documented in the bible and you’ll be reading it where it was written. 

 

Jerusalem is a religious city and everything shuts on the Sabbath, from Friday night to Saturday night. There’s no public transport or shops open (some of the Arab section will be open). 

 

 

 

 

What was the outcome of your visit? 

 

I had such a brilliant experience in Israel that I had to set my book there, in fact, I’ve written two books – Falling for Mr Wrong and A Magical Christmas in Jerusalem which is part of this 2 in 1 book An Unforgettable Holiday.

 

Falling for Mr Wrong is a fun romance with an Australian heroine being chased across the country by the paparazzi when the handsome hero saves her. Unbeknownst to her, the hero is a reporter. 

 

A Magical Christmas in Jerusalem is an inspirational, sweet read which features a romance between an Australian tourist and the tour guide. I just loved writing this story and spent much time creating a meaningful backstory and family history for my hero.

[gallery size="medium" ids="167,168"]

 

 

Anything else you want to add?

 

 

Go and visit Israel. There’s so much to see from the history, to the amazing culinary experiences to having fun (e.g. swimming in the Dead Sea). The religious aspects of the country make it even more interesting but the sheer beauty of the landscape is just breath taking.

 

Joanne Dannon, an Australian author, writes to give her readers the experience she loves to savor--indulging in a sigh-worthy-happily-ever- after, being swept away from the everyday by diving into a delicious romance novel. 

Joanne is a happily married mother of two heroes-in-training who loves spending time with friends and family. She can be found on Facebook and her website www.joannedannon.com chatting about reading, writing, cooking, vintage-inspired dresses and all things romantic.

 

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A Magical Christmas In Jerusalem

Australian project manager Kiara Lonsdale is career focussed and determined to provide and care for the grandmother who raised her. Taking time off work to vacation has never been high on her agenda, but this year she’s made an exception. She’s helping her gran fulfil a life-long dream by accompanying her on a Christmas to the Holy Land tour.

[caption id="attachment_167" align="alignright" width="194"] An Unforgettable Christmas[/caption]

Jacques Lenoir and his extended family run tours in Israel and he’s committed to their business. Jacques feels responsible for his grandparents’ welfare since they risked their lives, and others’, as operatives in the French Resistance, during the War.

But over romantic dinners in the desert, camel rides, and mud baths at the Dead Sea, sparks fly between Kiara and Jacques. Will this only be a holiday romance or will a touch of Christmas magic make it last a lifetime?

A Magical Chanukah in New York

Lisa Sassoon has shunned the scandal of her loser-ex cheating on her by escaping to New York. Instead of sightseeing, she’s become a recluse focusing on helping the less fortunate at a homeless shelter.

Gabe Olivari, entrepreneur and savvy business New Yorker, can’t let go of the pain of losing his best friend. So caught up in his own grief and believing he doesn’t deserve to be happy, he compensates by pushing everyone close to him away.

But when Lisa and Gabe meet, there is an instant connection that forces them to question not only their behaviours but their aspirations.

Can a dash of Chanukah magic help Lisa and Gabe realise that sparkling dates and dreamy kisses can lead to more? Perhaps even a lifetime of happiness?

Available on:

Amazon Kindle

 

Photographs courtesy of Joanne Dannon. Copyright © Joanne Dannon.

Cruise to New Zealand by Helen Sibritt

Where and how did you go?

 

This was our trip to New Zealand in 2014 we left Sydney November 21st and returned December 4th

 

What was your experience?

 

Fabulous I would recommend cruising to everyone there is so much to do or not to do if you want to take it easy all the cooking and cleaning is done for you beds made bed turned down and the staff on board are to kind considerate and bend over backwards to make your stay enjoyable.

 

Any advice for people wanting to take this journey?

 

Travel to Port Macquarie, Australia with Nasreen

After our stay-over in Warner’s Bay we continued onto Port Macquarie. My trusty Samsung map and navigation app delivered again. The mini laptop I carried was freezing up so much that I was just about fed up with it. And I entered ‘nearest Apple Shop’ and it pointed to Charlestown. We drove to it. And bought myself an Apple MacBook Air 11 inches.

Travel to Kiama, Australia with Nasreen

Kiama is south of Sydney. It’s a seaside town with a lighthouse alongside the coastline. We went to see the popular Kiama Blowhole.

 

 

[gallery ids="307,308,309,310,311,312,313,314,316"]

Travel to Wollongong, Australia with Nasreen

We drove to the coastal city of Wollongong in Australia. It is south of Sydney. The Grand Pacific Drive is scenic drive to take. I saw a Bhuddist Temple on the way. It was perched high up in the mountains.

 

We had specifically gone to see the bridge. The Sea Cliff Bridge.

 

[gallery columns="4" ids="289,290,291,292,293,294,295,296,297,298,299,300,301,302,303,304"]

 

Travel to The Blue Mountains, Australia with Nasreen

We also drove to The Blue Mountains. It is west of Sydney in Australia’s New South Wales state. Awesome scenery encompassing steep cliffs, forests and waterfalls.

 

We saw small village type towns on the way…with guesthouses and galleries. I wish I had booked overnight stay and explored more.

 

[gallery columns="4" ids="269,270,271,272,273,274,275,277,279,282,283,285"]

 

Travel to Sydney, Australia with Nasreen

Sydney is a city I have visited many times. From the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, every land mark is awe-inspiring. You never get tired of visiting Sydney. The city itself is bustling with people and experiences. On my last visit I had lunch with the ladies from Australian Romance Readers Association. It was at Lindt Café at Darling Harbour.

 

[gallery columns="4" ids="249,252,253,254,255,257,258,259,260,261,262,263"]

Travel to Melbourne, Australia with Nasreen

My trip to Melbourne was a fast one. I went to attend an event and didn’t had time to see the sights. I was there to attend in Margie Lawson Immersion Class. 

 

I hope to visit again and see more of Melbourne on my next visit. I would love to go to the famous Philip Island.

 

[gallery ids="221,222,223,224,226,227,229,230,232,233,235,236,237,238,239"]

Travel to Brisbane, Australia with Nasreen

My first trip to Brisbane was when I had to attend a convention. I work with romance books and authors, editing romance fiction and working with authors as Author Assistant.

 

So this was Australian Romance Readers Association convention, a reader/writer event held yearly. I’m a member of this association. So in 2013 Mecure Hotel in Brisbane was the venue.

 



We had friends living right in the city. Denise Covey and her husband George Covey are good friends. They picked up from the airport and took us shopping. Apparently a DFO was on the way from Brisbane Airport.

 

 

[gallery columns="5" ids="246,247,234,231,228"]

We also had lunch at the foodhall there.

 

Then Denise dropped us at our hotel which I had booked online. It was walking distance to just about everywhere.

[caption id="attachment_228" align="alignleft" width="300"] Author Amy Andrews and me.[/caption]

As we were few days early, we had booked a different hotel than where the convention was held. So we walked all over downtown Brisbane. Went to open air markets, farmers market and did heaps of clothes shopping in malls.

[caption id="attachment_231" align="alignright" width="300"] Author Anna Campbell and me[/caption]

And Denise took me to visit the State Library of Queensland. She is part of a writer’s group there and wanted me to give a talk to her writer friends. With overwhelming nerves threatening but I did manage to talk to them all as it was all informal and friendly and I liked it better when they fired questions at me so I could reply to them with the best of what I knew.

 

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignleft" width="300"] Authors Nalini Singh, Anna Campbell and me at the awards night.[/caption]

After couple of days with Denise and George we had to move to the convention hotel for the convention. It was a great opportunity for me to meet authors and readers alike. And I attended all the workshops they offered. There was a book signing with readers meeting the authors and chatting. All very informal.

 

After the convention, Denise and her husband took us sightseeing. Right to Peregian Beach where they have a house. And then to a café their daughter had recently started. It was all organic food. Food as well as the ambience in the café was awesome. I loved it all and I was soaking up everything. We had breakfast there at the café.

 

Denise took me window shopping as it was a Sunday and shops were closed. But there was an outdoor market that we enjoyed walking through. If only I could buy and ship home everything hassle free, I would have been happier. But the customs hassle, the bio security and the freight charges are not worth it for the peace of mind of coming back with experiences only.

 

George then drove us to other nearby famous tourist spots and beaches. We went to Noosa and few other places.

[caption id="attachment_245" align="alignleft" width="300"] Denise and I at Noosa[/caption]

We had lunch at a Beachside Club type of a diner that in itself was a great experience and the food was great too.

 

Loved our stay and would love to go back.

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Travel to Warner's Bay, Australia with Nasreen

We were in Sydney so took a trip to Port Macquarie. It is a town in the state of New South Wales in Australia. I had booked a rental car online to use in Sydney so we decided to drive to Port Macquarie. When I had initially booked online, I had gone for the cheapest option. But we received a nice five-door car and the office person we dealt with was lovely. People always remember the rude ones but I tend to forget them and remember the great ones!

As I said, I had booked online and paid for it. So there were no hidden extras to be paid. (I had a different experience in New Zealand with a different company whereby there were hidden extras I had to pay on the counter.)

 Tip: Check and recheck to make sure there are no hidden extras when you are at the counter.

 I had booked overnight stay at Warner’s Bay before traveling to Port Macquarie. Warner’s Bay is beautiful. It is a suburb of the City of Port Macquarie. When we got off the motorway and saw the curving road beside the crystal blue lake we were to follow through to the Warner’s Bay township, it made me happy as it was a exquisite sight to behold.

 

There’s a walkway all the way through for walkers and parks for kids to play beside it. How awesome it would be to walk this path on a daily basis?

 

Our hotel was well-equipped with all we needed as we just needed the basics. But one thing we did need was parking for our rental car.

 

Tip: If you are traveling by car and booking a hotel, make sure they have parking available.



Fortunately I had checked and we had parking. After checking in we took the car around to familiarize ourselves with the place. And to look for a dinner place. It is our normal routine in a new place, settle-in and then look for food!

 

The streets were lined with eateries. Fast food as well as sit down diners. So the choices are unlimited.

 

Overall we had a lovely time at Warner’s Bay and would love to go back one day.

 

Travel to Ballina, Australia with Nasreen

We had family in Ballina so thought to visit them. They had this long-term apartment in a big hotel so we also took a room in that same hotel.

 Our hotel was right next to the sea. And there was a pathway all the way beside the seawall. We walked and saw dolphins swimming alongside us. This was a fantastic feeling for us to actually see dolphins in the wild like this.


 Ballina is famous for its big prawn sign. And another thing Ballina is famous for is it’s Tea Tree oil plantation.