New Release: Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes

Christmas in Paris is a moving and heartwarming story about love, trust, and self-discovery. Set during the most magical week of the year, the glorious foods and fashions of the most romantic city in the world are sure to take your breath away.

Isabel Lawson is standing on the balcony of her suite at the Hotel Crillon as she gazes at the twinkling lights of the Champs Elysee and wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. She was supposed to be visiting the Christmas tree in the Place de la Concorde, and eating escargots and macaroons with her new husband on their honeymoon. But a week before the wedding, she called it off. Isabel is an ambitious Philadelphia finance woman, and Neil suddenly decided to take over his grandparents’ farm. Isabel wasn’t ready to trade her briefcase for a pair of rubber boots and a saddle.

When Neil suggested she use their honeymoon tickets for herself, she thought it would give her a chance to clear her head. That is until she locks herself out on the balcony in the middle of winter. Thankfully her neighbor Alec, a French children’s illustrator, comes to her rescue. He too is nursing a broken heart at the Crillon for the holidays. With a new friend by her side, Isabel is determined to use her time in the city of lights wisely. After a chance encounter with a fortune teller and a close call with a taxi, she starts to question everything she thought was important.

Praise

"Christmas. Paris. Star-crossed lovers. Yup, it’s the perfect holiday read!" —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dashing Through the Snow

"Gorgeously festive and evocative, this is a compelling story filled with characters you truly care about. I adored it." —Melissa Hill, USA Today bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet

"I was instantly transported back to France, once again strolling the Champs-Élysées, taking in the scents, the sights, the taste of Paris.  It doesn’t get any better than falling in love in La Ville-Lumiére, the City of Light, during the most magical time of year.  Delicious, delectable, and delightful!" —Donna Kauffman, USA Today Bestselling Author of Starfish Moon

"Hughes bring her signature combination of haute couture and high-society romance to Paris, adding a touch of magic and allowing us to live vicariously through Isabel as she falls in love in the most glamorous city in the world—and buys labels most women can only dream about. A charming modern-day fairy-tale romance."—Kirkus Reviews

ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, and Santorini Sunsets. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel. For more information visit anitahughesbooks.com.

Website: http://anitahughesbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HughesAnita
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitahughesauthor

Interview with Anita Hughes, Author of Island in the Sea

ANITA HUGHES is the author of, Island in the Sea, Rome in Love, French Coast, Lake Como, Monarch Beach and Market Street. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing Program, and has taught Creative Writing at The Branson School in Ross, California. Hughes lives with her family in Dana Point, California, where she is at work on her next novel.

Website: www.anitahughesbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnitaHughesBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hughesanita

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Sydney, Australia.

When did you begin writing?

I won a writing contest in THE AUSTRALIAN, Australia’s only national newspaper when I was eight years old. The headline read “Australia’s Next Great Writers.” I still have the newspaper clipping. I even won twenty-five dollars – which I immediately spent on a pair of shoes.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write all day until six o’clock. Then I treat myself to a cup of coffee and a few pages from whatever book I’m reading. I often revise at night.

What is this book about?

Island in the Sea is about a young female music executive who is sent to Majorca, Spain to make a middle-aged, tortured songwriter fulfill his contract.

What inspired you to write it?

I have always loved Majorca. It is a gorgeous island off the coast of Spain full of beautiful scenery and delicious foods. And I am fascinated by the way music affects our lives. We all can think of songs that have changed us in some ways.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

I admit I have a bit of a crush on Lionel, the failing songwriter. He is quite troubled but has a very dry wit.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

It was fairly smooth. I put writing aside for years to raise my family, but once I sat down to write a novel, I really enjoyed it. I was lucky enough to get an agent fairly quickly and for her to sell my first two books.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I always think the most important thing is to be in love with what you are writing. Then hopefully, readers will be too!

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Island in the Sea is available at all bookstores and online sites.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

The best investment I have made is with my time, going to events. I love connecting with bookstores and readers and I think it pays off.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Read as much as you can and write what inspires you.

What is up next for you?

My next novel, SANTORINI SUNSETS, will be released on August 2^nd and my first holiday novel, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, comes out on October 4^th!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you for having me on your wonderful site!