Explore my inspirational book locations
All of my books are inspired by my passion for travel and the incredible places I've visited. From ancient hidden cities and castles to extinct volcanoes to pyramids, so many trips have inspired me, and I have so many stories to tell. On this page I’ve shared memories of locations that feature in my books, which will explain why I chose to set my books there.
On location in Egypt
Chrissie at Medinet Habu Temple Luxor.
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Many locations in Egypt, including Aswan, Cairo and Luxor feature in Wind Across the Nile. Chrissie says:
“I’ve always loved Egypt and its culture and history. It fascinates me and I’d dreamed of visiting the country one day. Luckily that dream came true and I’ve now been more than once. There’s so much to see and do. Whilst the pyramids at Giza are impressive, it was the many tombs and temples that fascinated me more. These ancient structures allow you to explore the daily lives, and afterlife of the Egyptians. Stories of how they lived are written on temple walls and painted in tombs, and some are so colourful, vibrant and intricate they leave you in awe. I’ve visited Tutankhamen’s tomb, explored Ramses the great's temple and tomb, and spent hours wandering the Egyptian museum in Cairo. I even braved the mummification museum which turned out to be fascinating. My favourite thing to do in Egypt, however, was sailing the Nile, at sunset on Felucca, it is the most magical experience!” |
On location in Greece
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Zakynthos, also known as Zante, features in Among the Olive Groves and An Ionian Dream Wedding. Chrissie says:
“In 2005 my husband and I visited Zakynthos for a Greek wedding. It turned out to be an interesting week. It was also my birthday and I was able to catch up with family, who lived on the island, that I hadn’t seen for a while. We threw ourselves into Greek life, drove off the beaten track exploring everywhere and spent time with people we hadn’t seen in a long time. Zakynthos is full of Greek charm and hospitality, it has beautiful beaches, lush mountains and olive groves and there’s lots to see and do. My favourite thing about the island is the kaleidoscope of colour the island throws at you; from brilliant orange sunsets, vibrant turquoise seas to white limestone cliffs topped with green. It’s a beautiful place to visit and explore and why I love writing about it.” |
Chrissie on Porto Azzuro Beach, Zakynthos
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On location in Petra, Jordan
Chrissie in the Siq Gorge in Petra, Jordan
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Petra in Jordan features in I Left my Heart in Petra and Nabataea. Chrissie says:
“Whilst on our honeymoon my husband and I border hopped into Jordan to visit the ancient site of Petra, and the gulf town of Aqaba. The trip took about two hours up the Kings Highway and the Desert Highway, passing hundreds of miles of sand, rock and bedouin. Petra is a truly stunning place and nothing can ever prepare you for the enormity of this ancient city. The walk down through the winding Siq Gorge is long and hot, but when you finally emerge into the ancient city, it’s worth it! There's so much to see, from rock cut houses, a Roman amphitheatre, to the remains of an entire city that was the base for the ancient Nabataeans who ran the silk trade route. I loved this ancient site, the incredible intricately carved buildings, the history behind it and the very fact that it was essentially once a hidden city with only two ways in and out. For me, Petra has to be one of the most beautiful and interesting ancient sites I’ve ever visited.” |
On location in the Gulf of Aqaba
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The Gulf of Aqaba features in Nabataea. Chrissie says:
"As well as border hopping into Jordan to visit Petra and Aqaba, my husband and I also spent time exploring Taba in Sinai, and the Gulf of Aqaba. In the middle of the gulf, is Crusader Island, also known as Pharaoh's Island. Its real name is Salah El-Din Castle, and it's an old Crusader fort. We visited it by boat and explored the ancient ruins, in typical castle style built of stone, with staircases and crenelations. Surrounded by stunning turquoise water, it's close to the Sinai coat, with views down the gulf to four counties, Sinai, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It was an incredible place to visit and so inspiring." |
Chrissie in on Crusader Island
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On location in Bristol, UK
Chrissie on Bristol Harbourside
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Bristol features as a location in Among the Olive Groves and An Ionian Dream Wedding. Chrissie says:
“Bristol is the City I grew up in. It's a great place with lots going on. One of my favourite places was St. Nicks market, where I spent a lot of time buying clothes and brightly coloured hair dyes. I loved exploring the waterfront and all the museums, too. The walk along the harbour from MShed (the old Industrial Museum) to the SS Great Britain is such a nice walk. Bristol museum at the top of Union Street was the first place I saw an Egyptian artefact and it was what made me want to see and learn more. I spent ten years working at the Bristol Hippodrome theatre, which was great fun. I met a lot of lovely people there including my husband, and my favourite restaurant was a place to eat in Bristol is called Renata's. I have fond memories of Bristol, and I still go back to see how it’s changed, and reminisce.” |
On location in Cornwall, UK
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Cornwall features as a location in Among the Olive Groves and An Ionian Dream Wedding. Chrissie says:
“Cornwall was often a holiday destination as it was only a few hours drive from Bristol. I’ve explored most of the county from windswept Lands End to the imposing ancient site of Tintagel. The most interesting memory I have of Cornwall is a walking visit to Bodmin moor. We climbed a Tor, the fog came down and our compass went wild. Once we walked back down the Tor, we were a mile away from the car park where we had begun. A lone man on horseback, clothed in a hat and a large cape, appeared from the fog and he directed us back to the car park. It’s true what they say about the wilds of the moors! One of my favourite memories of Cornwall is the incredible beaches and bodyboarding. I love being in the water and Cornwall has some of the best beaches. They’re full of great waves to surf and I spent a lot of time in the sea on Cornish beaches, including Newquay!” |
Chrissie at Tintagel Castle
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On location in Oregon, USA
Chrissie at Crater Lake in Oregon
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Crater Lake and Southern Oregon was an inspirational location for Integrate and Temperance. Chrissie says:
“In 1995 I visited my American family in Oregon, USA. Part of the holiday was a fun road trip south to the stunning Crater Lake. This wild National Park is an old volcanic crater, on the San Andreas fault line. It’s now a dormant volcano with a wild expanse of calm water, surrounded by tall trees and an empty moonlike volcanic landscape that takes your breath away. It’s absolutely incredible! There are two small islands in the lake, one is a conical shape and called Wizard Island and the other Pirate Ship as looks a bit like a pirate ship! Most of the year Crater Lake is a ski resort and despite the high August temperatures when we visited, parts of the lake still had snow banks. On the outskirts of Crater Lake was the small town of Roseberg that made you feel like you had stepped back in time. It’s a place that fires the imagination, as well as wonderful memories.” |
Future book locations...?
I'm in the process of writing more books set in interesting locations, so there will be more pins to add to the map with exciting locations to come soon! The pictures below will give you a few clues though!
