Almost Wonderful Page 10

  Hunter: Melody Anne (#3)

  Knox: Christie Ridgway (#4)

  Max: Lynn Raye Harris (#5)

  James: Roxanne St. Clair (#6)

  Finn: JoAnn Ross (#7)

  Must Love Mistletoe (Holiday Duet Book 1)

  Not Another New Year's (Holiday Duet Book 2)

  Holiday Duet Boxed Set

  First Comes Love (In Hot Water Book 1)

  Then Comes Marriage (In Hot Water Book 2)

  Nothing But Blue Skies

  Out on a Limb (novella)

  Snow Job

  The Thrill of It All

  Three Little Words

  About the Author

  Christie Ridgway is the author of over 60 novels of contemporary romance. All her books are both sexy and emotional and tell about heroes and heroines who learn to believe in the power of love. A USA Today bestseller, Christie is a six-time RITA finalist and has won best contemporary romance of the year and career achievement awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews.

  A native of California, Christie now resides in the southern part of the state with her family. Inspired by the beaches, mountains, and cities that surround her, she writes tales of sunny days and steamy nights. For a complete list of books, excerpts, and news on the latest going on with Christie:

  Visit Christie’s website

  Meet up with her on Facebook

  Follow her on Twitter

  Sign up for Christie’s Newsletter

  The Real-Life Inspiration for Crescent Cove

  Prepare to add another item to your Bucket List! Because the fictional setting of the Almost series, Crescent Cove, is based on an actual place in Orange County, California, called Crystal Cove. It’s all there—the sand, the sun, the sea. The cool, anything-goes cottages that you can rent for a night or more.

  The place is now designated as a California State Park, including backcountry acreage, and the cottages are on the National Register of Historic Places. The tide pools are there, as well as a restaurant, The Beachcomber Café (they have fabulous photos on their website, http://thebeachcombercafe.com/_crystalcove/, and the food just tastes great when you’re seated steps from the surf.

  Native Americans lived on this stretch of land first, but later it became ranchland ultimately owned by the Irvine family. It was a favorite place and they allowed friends and family to camp there from the 1920s, with tents and ultimately more permanent structures like mobile homes and wooden structures. The California Coastal Commission bought the property in 1979 and it became space for all to enjoy.

  Fun facts: The raising of the cocktail flag is a true tradition that continues today and was instigated by a resident who was also a memberof the Shriners’ Top Hat Band. It has been, and remains, a popular place for plein air painters. Every time I’ve visited, I’ve seen artists creating beautiful landscapes on canvas.

  As mentioned in the series, there is also a movie connection. Among others, “Treasure Island” was filmed there in 1918 and “Beaches” in 1988.

  I’ve visited there more than once and anyone who has come with me or has gone on my recommendation has not been disappointed. There’s just something about the place that makes you believe in happy-ever-afters.