The Chateau – Controlling the Senses! by Karen Aldous

That was just it – there were so many senses to use to steer this novel – as you can imagine with the stunning Lake Leman (Geneva) as the backdrop the first challenge was reigning in the captivating sight of the lake and its beauty. Each time you drive past or journey round its northern bank, you’re engaged in a different view. Being surrounded by mountains, the mood can change so fast and clouds of every colour and shade will dance their magic with sunlight and mist. It is truly magical! And the Chateau de Chillon at the edge of the lake – an enchanting wonder!

What was even more fascinating was the Montreux magnetism. Whenever I passed it to go skiing, it seemed to wave a mystical hand to say come to me! What sense this equates to, I’ve no idea but this went on for several years before I finally stopped one summer on my way to stay with friends. It immediately made me feel warmly welcome and it wasn’t long before the pure clean mountain air became pleasantly contaminated with an abundance of fresh floral aromas as hubby promenaded me along the lakeside path. You can now begin to feel the romance of this place.

Both romantic and cosmopolitan is how Montreux feels and sounds! When the sun shines, the place buzzes, there are people-watchers sitting at lakeside cafes, hotels and restaurants, china and cutlery clinking, camera’s clicking, children playing, the steamboat paddles splashing, dog-leads rattling and then a train occasionally passing through. When it rains however, it all disperses and you’ll only hear the pitter-patter of water dropping on the surface of the path.

A path so worthy of lakeside-promenade status, your feet will delight at. Whether walking

or cycling you can go east or west. To Vevey, yes the home of temptingly tasty Nestle Chocolate and, ahem, a giant fork in the lake! Or, in the opposite direction to the striking Chateau de Chillon where you can really lay your hands on the past. Inside you can touch the rocks where Lord Byron visited and was inspired for his poem The Prisoner of Chillon. The dungeons can feel spine-chilling and you can see for yourself my inspiration for Agnes-Francesca in the Chateau. The openings to the lake! You can almost stand and witness her being immersed!

Yes the senses will certainly come alive and back in Montreux in the summer months there’s beaches to dip your toes in the water, play water sports, go sailing, and even a Jazz festival your ears may wish to relish. And certainly don’t miss the vineyards because once you’ve explored the area, you’ll want to sit back and taste the local Swiss wine – Mmm; Valais is the Swiss wine region. I should warn you here though - this is where you’ll definitely begin to lose control of your senses!

About the book

Can young hearts ease a restless spirit?
On the shores of stunning Lake Geneva, Gina Remy is celebrating her brother’s wedding – when the figure of a woman appears hovering above the water, beckoning to her. Ghostly visitations do not happen to Gina - a self-confessed control freak with her own successful property business, she prides herself on being level-headed. But as she is tormented by dreams and visions, her perfect life begins to unravel, and she knows she needs to help this ghost find peace if she’s to get any of her own!

Enter Ollie Martin, an Anglo-Swiss property developer who’s sexy as hell and knows it. His arrogance annoys Gina, but he’s the only one who will take her seriously… and the closer they come to understanding the quest the ghost has set for them, the closer they get to one another…

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About the author

Karen Aldous enjoys village life on the edge of the north-downs in Kent with easy access to the buzz of London. Not only does she love the passive pleasures of reading and writing, she also craves the more active pursuits with her family and friends such as walking, cycling and skiing especially when they involve food and wine!

Karen gets much of her inspiration from her travels and if she had to choose, France, Greece, Switzerland and Italy would be her favourite. However, wherever she goes, she discovers a new character emerges in 'Karen's World'. She likes to write about strong independent women who can direct their own lives - but struggle to control them! And, of course there's always a gorgeous hunk or two!