The inspiration behind Summer on the Turquoise Coast

My gorgeously sunny rom-com, Summer on the Turquoise Coast, started life with a completely different title. It was originally called ‘Elephant and Pinky Moon’, before my publisher, Canelo, acquired the rights and re-titled it.

I had been holidaying in the Olu Deniz area of Turkey for many years, but it was a trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale that led to me setting a story there, and the catalyst was something my husband said... He couldn't for the life of him remember the names Ephesus or Pamukkale. So – you've guessed it –  Ephesus became Elephant and Pamukkale Pinky Moon! I can distinctly remember saying that Elephant and Pinky Moon would make a fantastic title for a book, and that was the start of Nina and Flossie's holiday.

Although I simply adore the romance in the novel (I mean… who could resist falling in love with gorgeous Leo!) it is octogenarian Flossie who stole my heart when I was writing it. Her character has elements of my own grandma, who was just as forthright and outspoken. Gran was also just as stubborn and cunning as Flossie, too!

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The first time we holidayed in Olu Deniz, we didn’t know that we would return another seventeen times!  

We've tried all kinds of accommodation from a private villa to all-inclusive hotels, and in between has been an assortment of apartments throughout the area. But our favourite is a hotel right on the seafront, where we used to sit with a long cold drink and watch the paragliders land.

They take off from the 2000 m high Babadag Mountain above the town, and I've been to the top several times – not to paraglide, but because my OH used to like to walk up it. I hiked to the top with him once. Never again! 45°C heat, narrow dusty roads and the gut-churning menacing low hum of thousands of bees.

After that, I took the local bus up and walked down. Not nearly as tough, but still challenging! These days there is a cable car to the top, so you can travel in style. It's well worth it, as the views are simply spectacular.

If you fancy a break from lounging around the pool or playing in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, there are so many other things to do - numerous boat trips, all kinds of water sports from paddleboarding to canoeing, camel riding, diving, sea fishing, to name but a few. Let's not forget a visit to a waterpark, and all the fun to be had there.

And if you prefer something more relaxing, how about a Turkish bath and massage, or a wander around Fethiye's exquisite shops and a meal down by the beautiful harbour? There is an impressive market in the city every Tuesday, and is an experience that shouldn't be missed.

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There are so many places to see, too. Ephesus is the most impressive, but involves an overnight stay (Turkey is vast!), but Tlos - featured above - is much closer. Then there is the wonderful Saklikent Gorge which is well worth a visit, or how about a boat trip down the Dalyan River with a visit to the mud baths and the most glorious beach at the end?

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Turkey's Turquoise Coast is one of my most favourite places in the world, and I'm sure if you get to visit it, it will be yours too. Failing that, you can travel there with Nina and Flossie - I promise you that you won't be bored!