Three books, three very different adventures from the #1 Bestselling Author
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Vin Rouge, Fiestas and a Small Boat:
Through the French Canals to Spain
by Eugenie C Smith
Vin Rouge, Fiestas and a Small Boat is a light-hearted, true account of Eugenie and Brian Smith’s adventures bound for Spain via the French canals in the 1980’s.
Under the murky skies of Essex, England, Brian hatches a plan to build a 33 foot sailing yacht from a kit in the back yard and set out on a trip that would take them across the English Channel, into the beauty of rural France, and finally breaking out into the Mediterranean to extend their adventures west along the coasts of France and Spain.
The intrepid couple pursue their dream whilst juggling the responsibilities of three children, pets, and running a busy overseas property business. Despite their hectic lives, their personable and inquisitive nature leads them on a varied journey full of rich experiences, where they encounter the quirky and often humorous idiosyncrasies of colourful characters they meet along the way. From adorably friendly lock keepers, to boating adventurers, local townsfolk, wayward dreamers, and nudists, they take us on a charming and leisurely drift through heady climates and the intoxicating French and Spanish cultures.
Their endeavours, however, are not bereft of setbacks and challenges. In the Mediterranean, the notorious Gulf of Lion unleashes the wroth of the elements with a near capsize in rough seas. Language barriers, unfathomable local customs, boating mishaps, and all manner of obstacles have to be overcome to continue the journey… to pursue the dream.
A treat for travellers, boating enthusiasts, and armchair adventurers alike, Vin Rouge, Fiestas and a Small Boat offers an unassuming, tantalising glimpse of untainted local life and culture.
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Also available on the Amazon sites for France, Germany, Italy, and India (simply search on any site for the title).
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Vino Tinto, Villas and Sailing: Spanish Tales and Villa Sales
by Eugenie C Smith
Vino Tinto, Villas and Sailing is the continued account of Eugenie and Brian’s lighthearted adventures afloat along the coast of Spain. During their travels, Eugenie reflects on a career in the overseas property industry of the 1980’s and 1990’s – the business that made these nautical adventures possible. Starting out in Florida, the entry into this market is short lived and she sets out to find new contacts in the fledgling industry. Soon, she takes up the challenge to market property in and around the town of Nerja in the beautiful Costa Tropical area of Spain.
During the early formation of the company, Brian and Eugenie combine sailing in the Mediterranean with showing villas to clients in the beautiful countryside. Soon, however, the demands of the competitive Spanish property market take over Eugenie’s life; with Brian working full time as an engineer, she struggles to keep pace. Eugenie deals with a diverse and often bizarre clientele whom she accompanies to Spain on trips to inspect villas. Alcoholics, spinsters, misers, and time-wasters all demand her attention in the heat of the sultry Spanish summers. Eventually, it becomes too much – Brian quits his job and joins Eugenie to do battle in the sun.
There are many fond tales, and affable people too, in these cheery recollections. A treasure for lovers of travel and Spanish life, Vino Tinto, Villas and Sailing is a delightful glimpse of the early days of Spain’s property boom, uncovering the Andalucían magic that motivated so many people to seek a new life abroad.
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NEW!
Rum, Fun and Sun in Barbados: Adventures in Caribbean Paradise
by Eugenie C Smith
Rum, Fun and Sun in Barbados is the final book in Eugenie’s lighthearted trilogy, a series of delightful tales spanning her travel adventures in France, Spain, Florida, and the Caribbean with her husband, Brian. In Rum, Fun and Sun in Barbados, Eugenie and Brian continue their activities in the now dwindling Spanish property market, but inspired by a visit to Barbados on a Caribbean cruise, a love affair with the ‘happy isle’ and its loveable people begins. Back to business, Eugenie and Brian escort a range of gregarious, ultimately likeable, characters to the heat of Andalucía to show properties, including two gentlemen from a pop band seeking a retreat away from touring.
The visits to Barbados continue, and a plan is hatched to mix business and pleasure – to market property on the island. In this new pursuit, they encounter many diverse and lively Bajan people, from crazy taxi drivers and polo-playing property developers, to loveable hoteliers and energetic surfers.
With a son and daughter-in-law involved in music and film, Eugenie and Brian help to promote their creative ventures in Barbados. These efforts are met in warm measure by the laidback, yet wholly positive islanders.
They swim in the warm Caribbean waters, savour rum punches, and immerse themselves in the heady, intoxicating music and culture that is the heartbeat of Barbados. They gaze at the setting sun, a pastime that becomes significant as they reflect on their rich experiences, and look ahead with smiles as content as those of the Bajan people.
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Two Shades of Black
by Eugenie C Smith
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The 1960’s are turbulent years. Vicious racial rioting is taking place in towns and cities throughout America. Paul Johnson, an African-American teacher, is caught up in the rioting in Detroit USA and travels to Nigeria, West Africa seeking a solution to the problem in returning to the land of his forefathers, only to find himself in the middle of the Biafran war.
In an age when the inevitable disintegration of caste barriers poses acute questions to the individual conscience and sensibility, Johnson experiences extreme prejudice.
This novel highlights how both coloured and white people in the 1960’s needed to assess their shortcomings in an endeavour to create peace.
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