I love to travel, and whenever I visit a beautiful new place, I always find myself storing scents, experiences, and images in my mind so that I can share them with readers. As I write about somewhere I’ve been—Napa Valley, California; Pike Place Market, Seattle; Hart Island, New York; Mount Desert Island, Maine—I can’t help but want to hop in a car or plane and experience their beauty again.
I first visited England when I was a teenager, on a trip with my parents to learn about Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, and also to visit my mother’s brother and sister, who both live in London. I went a second time in college while on a six-month transfer program in Paris. Since then, I’ve lost track of how many times I have been back to England. All I know is that I’m constantly wishing I could be there again. The sooner the better!
I love everything about Great Britain—the landscape, the history, the traditions, the accents. I can happily spend hours exploring museums and castles and winding cobblestone streets.
As Long As I Have You is my love letter to London—and to the newest branch of the Sullivan family. I hope you fall as much in love with the London Sullivans as I already have.
Happy reading,
Bella Andre
P.S. While Elderflower Island is my own fictional creation, I have been heavily inspired by Eel Pie Island in southwest London, along with the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. For those of you who know the area well, thank you for allowing this American writer the license to embellish a few major details here and there throughout my books.
P.P.S. More stories about the London Sullivans are coming soon! Please be sure to sign up for my newsletter (BellaAndre.com/newsletter) so that you don’t miss out on any new book announcements.