Russell, Bay of Islands
Want to see what some of the places in “Just for You” might look like? Here you go.
I spent a week there, in Russell in the Bay of Islands, on a sort of writer’s retreat, working on “Just My Luck.” I knew I would end up setting a book here someday, and–I did!
The picture you saw before you clicked here is the view from my bach at sunset. Pretty rough as you can see.

Russell is on a small peninsula. It’s possible to get there by road, but lengthy. Everyone takes the car or pedestrian ferry. (I took a few liberties with the ferry in my book. Sue me. That’s why they call it fiction.)

View of Russell from above the town. This is where Hemi walks after he leaves Reka at her house.

Russell was the site of many battles between Maori and Pakeha. (The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are very close by.) Many killed in those battles are buried here, as well as many prominent Maori from the early days of the settlement.

Sunset at the ferry dock, Russell. This is what it looks like when they come back from Hemi’s special outing.
OMG! I’m so jealous. Visiting NZ has made it up quite a way on my Bucket List. Thanks for the photos. :)
Mary from Boise