A few summers ago, my husband and I took a fifteen-day cruise around the British Isles. Our first stop was in St. Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey Island, the largest of the Channels islands, located west of Normandy, France.
In the south, Guernsey rises in a plateau with ragged coastal cliffs. It descends in steps and is drained mainly by streams flowing northward in deeply incised valleys. Northern Guernsey is low-lying, with the soil on lower ground made of blown sand, raised beach deposits, and the fills of old lagoons.
The guide explained that the residents of Guernsey speak English and French, don’t pay taxes (or only very low taxes) and enjoy free medical care for children under seven and seniors over seventy. The island originally belonged to the Duke of Normandy and then alternatively to England and France. Now it is part of the British Commonwealth. The ruler is a governor and the constitution states that in case of problems the island would revert to England.
I loved the setting. My muse immediately replaced the governor with a prince, just like the rulers of Monaco or Luxemburg, both in Europe, and my imagination changed their constitution–the heir to the throne must be married.
In my book, A BRIDE FOR PRINCE PAUL, Guernsey became Rensy Island. The ruling prince is old and dying, and his grandson is a handsome businessman–a playboy who enjoys his freedom and his work. But grandpa worries about the future of his country and summons his grandson!
All of this played in my head while I was in the bus touring the island and visiting the landmarks.
Imagine if Kate Middleton (Dr. Amy in my story) were an American doctor, dedicated to her career and her patients.
What if Prince William (Prince Paul in my story) wanted to make sure his future wife loved him for himself and not for his crown?
What if he decided to act as her driver and guide, in Paris, to get to know her incognito?
What if their attraction turns into passionate love?
What about her medical career and her patients?
And now what if she decides to work after marrying her prince?
What if the paparazzi haunt them at every turn? What if the tabloid magazines spoil everything? What if…what if…what if…
I wrote the first draft of A BRIDE FOR PRINCE PAUL during my cruise.
(Modern Princes Series Book 1)
She can’t abandon her patients for his crown!
To please his dying grandfather and protect his country’s autonomy, Prince Paul of Rensy Island must marry an American doctor, descendant of a Rensian princess. Paul, a confirmed bachelor, agrees to meet Amy incognito during her vacation in Paris. Although her career and ex-boyfriend are major interferences, attraction sizzles between Amy and her ‘driver’, but the rumor of her engagement to ‘Prince’ Paul outrages her. Can he convince her that he loves her, in spite of his lies by omission?
Or if you love audio, check out the audio book here.
Other books in the series:
Jingle with my Princess
Prince Philip’s Cinderella
A Dance for Prince Eric
(Also in a box set for $6.99)
Another story written during a cruise, a romantic comedy:
(The Senator’s Family Series Book 1)
HONEYMOON CRUISE: The perfect fiancé is a cheater and the fabulous Christmas wedding is off. When a desperate Julia returns to the travel agency to cancel her cruise, she meets the travel agent’s son. Sparks fly between them and Tony is ready to pick up the pieces. Nothing goes according to plan, but the would-be honeymoon cruise may fulfill Julia and Tony’s secret dreams. Honeymoon Cruise is the first book of The Senator’s Family Series.
Audio book here.
Other books in the series:
Fake Fiancée
For Sarah’s Sake
Not Ready Yet
Sunshine Over Snow
His Son, Her Daughter
Between Babies and Girlfriends
Half a Dozen with Love
Have you been inspired to write a book during a particular vacation?
