Between the Pages

Hi

Since my last newsletter, I have explored sections of France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and London. To say it has been an overwhelming experience is an understatement. I have explored cathedrals, castles, wineries, boulangerie, and museums. What were the highlights? So hard to say. 

I was impressed with seeing Leonardo DaVinci’s chateau in Amboise, where he lived for the last three years of his life, and also his tomb. I was stunned by the massive architecture in the cathedrals that dominated the city centre of most European cities. These buildings were constructed on an awe-inspiring scale, featuring soaring ceilings, incredible stonework, and amazing stained glass.

I saw many sculptures with defied my imagination. How could that artisan take a solid block of stone, and develop the life-forms of the subjects so brilliantly, with subtle detail in the clothing and expressions? I had visited decades ago, but I made a trip to the Louvre again, and reacquainted myself with Mona Lisa and other paintings and sculptures of note. While in Paris, I admired the Christmas lights in Montmartre, ate snails, and window-shopped at all the famous

designers.

Look closely - that is me with the cap on. Outside Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, Paris.

Europeans have a sweet tooth. They also love Nutella. I gave that chocolatey paste a miss, but much more chocolate was on offer, particularly in Brussels. I tasted fabulous pastries and regional delicacies in every city, and my waistline reflected that.

I had not intended visiting London on this visit, but did so on one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions, and I’m glad I did. I found reasonably priced (off-peak) accommodation on Belgrave Rd, Pimlico, which was close enough to walk to Buckingham Palace and the Westminster area. I saw a couple of shows in the West End (one being the Mousetrap, of course) but didn’t only stay in the city. I took a train trip to Bath to see that historic town and the roman baths on one day, and a trip via Salisbury to see Stonehenge on another. Both locations were fascinating.

Roman Baths in Bath Spa, UK

In Amsterdam, I learned to look both ways for oncoming kamikaze bicycles, experienced snow, and watched the ducks waddling on a frozen canal. The tour of a diamond facility in Amsterdam was also eye-popping.

Did I do much writing? Not a lot, but a bit of scoping and planning. It is good to be home in my own bed now, and planning the next adventure.

In this newsletter

• Kobo Australian Promotion
• What I've been reading

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Australian Promotion on Kobo

For those in Australia, Kobo has some great news. Kobo is running a promotion of Australian books between 19th – 26th January. This is your chance to discover some new Australian authors in various genres. Of course, you don’t have to be an Australian to read and enjoy these. They are available to anyone who has access to Kobo.

My book, Escape to Sandy Bay, was accepted for this promotion. (cue happy cheer). Look for it in the romance collection. It is offered at a discounted price for the duration of the promotion.

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See the Promo Here!

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What have I been reading?

So much lately, especially as I have spent a lot of time on trains. I have the Kobo and Amazon reading apps on my phone, so can pick up the latest ebook wherever I am. The one I have just finished in The Lost Bookshop. It is an almost whimsical story with an element of magical realism set in London, Dublin, and Paris, partly in the 1920s, and partly in current day. I was delighted when one of the characters left the underground in Pimlico Station, and walked along one of the streets that I walked daily only last week. Well-written and engrossing. 

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Kind regards

Emily Hussey