Emmy Grayson's Blog

Calandra watched the boats drifting across the waters of the Vieux-Port de Marseille from her spot at a little café with red-and-white-striped umbrellas. The scent of fresh-baked bread had guided her feet to this little haven as she killed time before her appointment.

The city was a welcome distraction from the luxury of Alejandro’s seaside villa.

Picture a Ferris wheel spinning merrily on a harbor wharf, the sea air gently rocking the carts. Close your eyes and hear the soft cry of a gull or the holler of a fisherman hawking his latest catch. The scent of fresh baked bread mingles with the taste of red wine on your tongue as you sit in a sun-warmed chair at a seaside café.

Welcome to Marseille.

Incorporating Marseille Into Book Two

When I first started writing Alejandro and Calandra’s story, I decided to hop fairly quickly from New York to Paris. Not only did I want to give Everleigh, the heroine of His Billion-Dollar Takeover Temptation, the chance to finally see Paris, but it’s where my husband and I traveled on our first international trip together.

However, with Alejandro’s business being in shipping and his dream of renovating one of his old freighters into a floating hotel, I had to set the majority of the story somewhere along the coast. Enter Marseille, the oldest city in France.

Did Love Found Marseille?

When I say the oldest city in France, I mean old, as in 2,500 years old! The harbor that now

holds Marseille’s port was settled in approximately 600 B.C. by the Greeks (Destination 360). There’s actually a charming legend about an explorer, Protis, who found the cove and was invited to dinner of a local Ligurian tribe. The dinner was being hosted to select a bridegroom for the chief’s daughter, Gyptis, who fell in love with Protis on first sight. After their marriage, they founded a settlement on a nearby hill and named it Massalia (Marseille City of Culture).

A Tumultuous History Leads to Prosperity

It changed hands multiple times over the centuries, from Greece and Rome to the Visigoths and the Counts of Provence. The city underwent several trying periods, including the Black Death in the 14th century, the Great Plague of Marseille in 1720 that resulted in over 100,000

deaths, an organized crime spree in the interwar period of the early 1900’s, and a horrific stretch in World War II that included aerial bombings, Nazi occupation and the capture of 4,000 Jews before the city was liberated in 1944 by primarily French forces (Marseille City of Culture).

However, today Marseille proudly wears the title of not only the oldest city in France but the second largest with over 800,000 residents. Sitting just off the waters of the Mediterranean, it’s an incredible destination filled with museums, historic sites, beaches, restaurants and a myriad of other attractions. I’m excited to share three with you today that I wove into Alejandro and Calandra’s story.

Vieux-Port de Marseille

Gulls cawed overhead. Languages from around the world flowing around them in a bewitching hymn of sounds and accents as shoppers and tourists bustled by. A breeze blew in from the harbor, light and cool to combat the growing heat of the morning. Details Calandra would have soaked up in her new quest to enjoy life a little more had her mutinous body not gone rigid the instant it registered Alejandro’s presence.”

The Old Port of Marseille is framed by Old Town, or Panier, on one side and the Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral on the other. Behind it lies La Canebière, an historic boulevard I’ll tackle next, and on the other, boats bobbing on the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

Surprisingly, the waters of the Old Port are only 20 feet deep, meaning that larger ships must use the port of Joliette. However, with literally thousands of berths at hand, fishing boats, yachts and other watercraft float in and out of the U-shaped port (Marvellous-Provence). Charters launch to ferry travelers to the island of Frioul or nearby Calanques, a national park I cover a little ways down.

The community built around this bustling harbor is by many accounts lively and fun. From a fish market in the morning and street performers at night to a Ferris wheel and numerous cafés, restaurants and shops, there’s always something for a curious tourist. TripAdvisor provides interesting insight into this destination. As with any large city, pickpockets like to meander through the crowds. Some travelers gushed about the vibrant life of Vieux-Port, while others found it overwhelming or seedy. Given how much my husband and I loved the colorful neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris and friends of ours couldn’t get out of there fast enough, it sounds like it’s a matter of personal preference as to whether you’d want to add this to your Marseille must-see list. But for those who love it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

La Canebière

“Five minutes later, they strolled down one of the many charming alleys Marseille had to offer. A casual walk with at least three feet of distance between them. It didn’t stop every nerve ending in her body from sizzling.”

London has Abbey Road. San Francisco has Lombard Street. Singapore has Orchard Road.

And Marseille has La Canebière.

La Canebière opened in 1666, part of the royal decree of Louis XIV to grow the city of Marseille. If the word reminds you of another English word, your hunch is correct; Marseille Tourism shares that the name comes from the Provencal word canebe, or as we know it,

hemp. Hemp was a common ingredient in ropemaking. The name was a homage to the ropemakers of the area. However, while the boulevard was established over 400 years ago, the extension that linked it to Old Port and the stunning architecture that can be viewed today didn’t take place until the late 1700’s (Marseille-Tourisme).

Today, the boulevard boasts not only eateries and retail, but a myriad of other attractions. TripAdvisor user Notacanada shares that a street festival brings the area to life the last Sunday of every month, and an organic market, merry-go-round and a lending library tucked into a ceramic giraffe enhance the uniqueness of the neighborhood. Once again, TripAdvisor users were starkly divided on whether this was a yay or a nay. However, the boulevard underwent a renovation process in 2019 to make it greener and more pedestrian-friendly. As the world rebounds from COVID-19, I’m excited to see if the final tweaks bring La Canebière back to its former glory.

Calanques National Park

“I have a few details to confirm for the party, but if the storm passes, I thought about going to Calanques National Park this afternoon.” She inhaled deeply. “Would you like to join me?” He blinked. Time passed, each second stretching longer than the last. Another rumble of thunder rolled across the landscape, louder and more aggressive as the amber liquid in her teacup trembled.

Sadly, Calandra and Alejandro don’t make it to Calanques National Park in the final version of the book (although they do have a lovely walk on the beach later). But an earlier draft

included them sailing into one of the park’s coves, cliff-diving (Calandra was not pregnant in that version) and then engaging in some…ahem, post cliff-diving physical activities. Deciding to have Calandra be pregnant nixed that idea, but the natural beauty of this place was too incredible not to share. Calanques covers nearly 200 square

miles, but less than a fourth of that is land; the rest is water. The name comes from the narrow inlets framed by steep cliffs, also known as calanques. The park also boasts a famous island. Fans of Alexandre Dumas might recognize If Castle, the 16th century fortress featured by the writer in The Count of Monte Cristo (France Voyage). The waters are teaming with octopuses, groupers, urchins and other marine life. Fin whales were even spotted last year when lockdown led to a decrease in

marine traffic near the park (ABC News). On land, you might spot eagles, bats, the Mediterranean tree frog or even an Ocellated lizard, the largest lizard in Europe at 80 cm long, just over two and a half feet (Calanques National Park).

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking and climbing on land to kayaking and scuba diving in the Mediterranean.

Add Proof of Their One Hot Night to Your TBR Pile

I’m so glad I had the chance to share this incredible city with you. The working title of this book was Midnight in Marseille, so it was fun to share a bit from the first draft. The second addition to The Infamous Cabrera Brothers trilogy will be available on Tuesday, September 28th online and at major retailers:

Barnes & Noble

Harlequin

Powell’s Books

Target

Wal-Mart

Amazon

Missed out on Everleigh and Adrian’s love story, set amongst the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain? Pick up your copy today with:

Barnes & Noble

Harlequin

Powell’s Books

Target

Wal-Mart

Amazon

Credits

I came across so many wonderful articles and photos for this post. Learn more about each topic by clicking on the accompanying links or the photos to reach the websites and photographers who captured the amazing imagery.

This blog post contains content about pregnancy loss, including the pain and stigma surrounding miscarriages and resources. I'm grateful to the families who shared their stories with me and reviewed both my post and Isabella's story in my first published book.

Today's post contains no promotional content out of respect for the topic and those who have experienced this painful loss.

"Had it really been thirty-three years since she’d come back from the hospital? The memory of her getting out of the car, dark circles under her eyes and lines of sorrow etched into the skin around her mouth, and turning away from him as he ran to her with arms outstretched was forever burned in his mind. "

Writing Isabella

Isabella is the mother of the hero of my first published book. When I first wrote her, she was distant, aloof, painted as a disinterested mother who had suddenly decided to try and get back into her son's life. As I wrote the above passage, though, Isabella

quickly changed into someone from my past; the first woman I ever learned had suffered a miscarriage.

Isabella was no longer the vapid, self-centered woman I had initially drafted. She was a woman who had experienced unimaginable loss in a time when talking about miscarriages was extremely taboo, making what was already a horrific time even more isolating and heartbreaking. Gradually Isabella reveals that she had almost no support and, with today's knowledge and awareness, would have been diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD). This evolution of her character and slowly sharing her traumatic past with Adrian and his love interest, Everleigh, sparks a reconciliation and a path to healing.

I based Isabella's background on the woman I remembered from my childhood; a woman who went into the hospital in the 1960's expecting to give birth to a baby girl and left empty-handed. A woman who got out of the car without the little sister her children were expecting. A woman who lived in a time when "such things" weren't talked about and suffered alone. By the time I learned of her story, she had passed on. I spoke with this woman's daughter, who would experience her own loss in between two children of her own nearly twenty-five years after her mother. I wrote Isabella in honor of her.

Miscarriage Statistics in the United States

One in four.

One in four women will experience a miscarriage in the United States.

The Mayo Clinic maintains that between 10% and 20% of pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, defined as the "spontaneous loss of a pregnancy" before 20 weeks. However, with the majority of miscarriages occurring before six weeks, and less than 1% occurring after the 13th week, this rate is likely higher due to pregnancies that went undetected.

While the numbers might sound frightening, the Mayo Clinic points out two takeaways:

Miscarriage is not uncommon. For those who have suffered a loss or are still suffering from a past miscarriage, there are individuals, communities and medical professionals ready to help and support all aspects, from physical to mental and emotional needs (see below for Resources for Families Who Have Experienced Loss). The majority of families who experience a miscarriage go on to have successful pregnancies. Resources, and research, are growing day by day (see below for Hope).

The Mayo Clinic also shares this advice, an important takeaway for those who might feel emotions like guilt:

"Miscarriage is a somewhat loaded term — possibly suggesting that something was amiss in the carrying of the pregnancy. This is rarely true..."

You can learn more about miscarriages on the Mayo Clinic's website at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298.

Hope

Every day, more and more strides are being made in research into fertility, pregnancy and postpartum support. Previously undiagnosed conditions like polycystic-ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting fertility and miscarriages, are getting more attention and more support.

But it's not just words of encouragement, stories of families and medical research that provide hope. The numbers do, too. Healthline and the American Pregnancy Association share the following hopeful statistics:

"...the overall risk of experiencing a miscarriage — 20 percent — does not increase if you have had one loss." --Healthline

"...at least 85% of women who have had one loss will go on to have a successful pregnancy the next time, as will 75% of those who have experienced two or three losses." --American Pregnancy Association

I was diagnosed with PCOS six years ago. It's estimated that 10% of women in the United States have PCOS, which depending on the severity can triple the risk of miscarriage (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services). While I have not experienced a miscarriage, I know the initial diagnosis (and my subsequent trip down the rabbit hole of internet research) was terrifying. But talking with other women and, most importantly, my doctor, led me to three conclusions regarding my condition that were echoed by the people I talked to who experienced miscarriages:

You are not alone. For the families I spoke with who have suffered a loss in the last five years, they spoke of not only the power of having more transparency surrounding miscarriages, but the positive presence of online support groups. There are treatment available. There are so many options today, whether it's addressing a condition like PCOS, a medical abnormality or something else. For two families, it was a matter of time and trying again. For another, it was a lifestyle change. Another couple underwent genetic testing and medication. And yet another had a successful pregnancy through intrauterine insemination (IUI). "I was so exhausted," shared one mother, "but at the same time, having options, being told there was a Plan B, C, D, etc., helped me hang on." Hope is on your side. Of the families I spoke with for my research, all but one went on to have successful pregnancies and children of their own. The one who did not paused their family journey. Their doctor is very optimistic that, when they resume, they will be successful. It doesn't make the loss any easier. But on the dark days, that little bit of hope can be what someone needs to get through to the next. Resources for Families Who Have Experienced Loss Advice & Support: Asher Fogle with Good Housekeeping wrote this 2015 article about her miscarriage and the subsequent support and advice she received that carried her through one of the hardest times of her life: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/inspirational-stories/a33933/advice-and-support-after-miscarriage/ . Bereavement Doula Listings: This Facebook groups connects parents with doulas trained in providing physical, mental and emotional support following the loss of a pregnancy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bereavementdoulalistings. Daily Strength: An online community for those who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth: https://www.dailystrength.org/group/miscarriage. E-Counseling: A list of verified online counseling services, which can provide flexibility, affordability and an easier time seeking treatment from a familiar environment: https://www.e-counseling.com/online-therapy/. First Candle: A peer-to-peer support organization with multiple groups for miscarriage, stillbirth and sudden infant death: https://firstcandle.org/online-support-groups/ . Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss Support: Private Facebook group for shared grieving and miscarriage support with no discussions about TTC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/427172118636668/. Miscarriage Support: Private Facebook group focused on miscarriage support with no discussions about current pregnancy or TTC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/127347384397960/. MISShare (Miscarriage, Infant Loss and Stillborn Share): A parent-led support network meeting since 1981 and currently hosting online meetings every Thursday: http://misshare.org/. Molly Bears: An organization that creates weighted teddy bears to provide comfort to families suffering a pregnancy or infant loss: https://www.mollybears.org/. Rachel's Gift, Inc.: An organization offering in-hospital support for many families across the nation, as well as online support groups, resources for multiple states, recommended readings and more: https://www.rachelsgift.org/. TTC (Trying to Conceive) After Miscarriage & Loss: Private Facebook group providing support for mothers trying to conceive after miscarriage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1011368485580746. Resources to Support Loved Ones

Dr. Katie Huie Harrison of "Undefining Motherhood" shares nine ways you can support a loved one who has experienced the pain of miscarriage: https://undefiningmotherhood.com/how-to-help-during-miscarriage/. One mother I shared this with loved it for a simple reason:

"I was an introvert mom when it came to my loss. That made it hard for my more outgoing extroverted family members to support versus overwhelm me. I love that Dr. Harrison shared ideas for all kinds of personalities."

Taylor with Alamo City Moms, a locally-focused parenting resource group in Alamo City, Texas, also shares "10 Do's and Don'ts": https://alamocitymoms.com/pregnancy/infertility-miscarriage/10-dos-donts-for-supporting-someone-through-a-miscarriage/.

"If someone you love has miscarried, don’t take it personally if she needs to devote her time and energies to herself and her healing. I assure you, she is doing her best to get 'back to good.' And no matter how distant she may seem, know that her feelings toward you haven’t changed; her efforts are just otherwise occupied."

Rachel's Gift

I mentioned Rachel's Gift in my Resources for Families section, and wanted to close out today's post with a spotlight on this incredible organization. Rachel's Gift will receive a 10% donation from the first royalty check of my new book. A donation statement will be available for viewing on my website under the "About Emmy" section later this summer.

"Rachel's Gift, Inc. collaborates with hospitals to provide specialized bereavement care for parents who lose a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.

Since 2008, we have collaborated with hospitals to provide specialized care for parents who lose a child to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. At the time of crisis, our bereavement care and services help to lessen trauma and long-term regrets and reduce psychological damage.We provide educational training to caregivers along with keepsakes and follow up support to families, ​all of which is funded by generous donations from the communities we serve.No parent should suffer the loss of a baby alone. We are devoted to validating each child's life. Our purpose is to lend guidance on the path to healing."

One of the things I love about Rachel's Gift is the list of resources they provide for states around the country, as well as resources for pre-delivery, post-delivery and financial assistance resources for burial costs, medical expenses and other unexpected bills: https://www.rachelsgift.org/grief-resources.html.

To those who shared their stories of grief, loss and hope with me, thank you. I'd like to leave you with these words from a Rachel's Gift mother:

"While in the hospital, we were introduced to Rachel's Gift and the resources they offered to grieving families. If it wasn't for these amazing people, we would have not only returned home with empty arms and an empty crib, but we would not have all the precious keepsakes they provided in his honor. In a moment we lost everything. Having items dedicated to him brought us so much comfort as we navigated through our grief. Because of this organization, no one has to walk this journey alone."

www.rachelsgift.org

The past beckons as you pass slender marble columns holding up an arched dome the color of honey. Your sandals slap softly against the elaborately tiled floor. A gentle breeze dances among the pillars. You walk out of the pavilion and savor the warmth of a Spanish summer sun on your skin as you approach the Fountain of Lions, each marble lion guarding the water-filled, alabaster basin.

Welcome to Alhambra, a palace and fortress in Granada, Spain that can trace its roots back to the eighth century (History.com, 2018). It plays a role in my upcoming release with Harlequin Presents, His Billion-Dollar Takeover Temptation. For my first blog post, I'm excited to share some of the amazing facts I discovered about this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts over three million visitors a year (Granada Info, 2021).

© Dimitry B, 2020

Unsplash

“As they left the city and continued on toward the mountains, she spied the beige-tinted walls of the famed Alhambra palace and fortress, sprawled across a hilltop, partially obscured by a dense elm forest."

The History of the Alhambra

© Austin Gardner, 2017

Unsplash

www.formativeadventures.com

The Alhambra complex is perched on top of a hill and spans an impressive twenty-five, nearly twenty-six, acres (History.com). From the river Darro to the north to the dense elm forest, Alhambra was originally conceived as a military complex. Roughly translated, the name means "red castle," a nod to the reddish hue of the fortress walls and towers ,(,History.com). In the 13th century it was catapulted from fortress to palace by Muslim king Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr (Pedagogic & Cultural Association of Alhambra, 2021).

The construction of additional palaces took place in the 14th century. Incredible advances were made in design and architecture. One only has to look at the marble lions guarding the fountain in the Courtyard of the Lions or the stalactite ceiling in the Hall of the Abencerrajes to observe the artistry ofThe Nasrid palaces are the stars of the show when it comes to touring the palace and include the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares and the Palace of the Lions. The Mexuar was an administrative palace, the Comares was the official palace of the sultan and the Palace of the Lions was a private palace for the king, his family and his mistresses (History.com). Granada served as the capital of Muslim Spain, with Alhambra described by a visitor as "the most marvelous building that exists in the world" (Awake, 2006).

It was during this time that another feature of Alhambra was constructed: the Generalife (Granada Info, 2021). This summer palace, just east of the Alhambra palace and fortress, boasts some of the most incredible gardens (which also play a role in Adrian and Everleigh's love story; I couldn't resist a little romance in one of the most stunning gardens in the world). From numerous fountains, including a staircase with a water channel bubbling alongside, and pebble mosaic walkways to fragrant orange trees and colorful roses, the Generalife is a stunning part of the Alhambra complex. While experts agree it's hard to know what the gardens looked like in the early years, elements like the long fountain in the Court of the Sultana's Cypress Tree are based on writings from travelers who visited as early as 1524 (Jessop, 2016).

© Corbin Mathias 2019

"Wall of flowers...Generalife..."

Unsplash

In 1492 the Muslim Moors lost control of the palace to Ferdinand II and Isabella I (Blakemore, 2019). The palace complex, described by poets as "...a pearl set in emeralds...," passed into Christian hands. This was towards the beginning of the Spanish Inquisition, a dark period in Spain's history that lasted from 1478 to 1834 that resulted in the expulsion or forced conversion to Catholicism for over 160,000 Jews and Muslims, as well as the executions of 3,000 to 5,000 (Britannica, 2021).

Fast-forward to 1870, and the palace was declared a national monument. Fifty-three years later, the first major restoration project was undertaken, and just under 60 years after that, Alhambra was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage site (Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife).

Eric Azares hosts a stunning virtual tour of the Alhambra complex, as well as offers tips for travelers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owg6kj20Lv4.

"She shook her head and stood up, too. Her eyes landed on the Alhambra. The last rays of the setting sun illuminated the reddish hue of the outer walls of the fortress. 'It’s so beautiful. Someone mentioned the gardens are incredible.'"

Court of the Sultana's Cypress Tree

© Earth Adventures, 2020

https://www.instagram.com/earth.adventurers/

The stunning Court of the Sultana's Cypress Tree features a narrow garden dominated by a long pool and multiple fountains. The water is surrounded by myrtle hedges. The verandas that overlook the courtyard boast cypress trees, hence the name.

I picked this garden for Adrian and Everleigh's romantic foray into the Generalife because of a legend I came across while researching the palace. Legend has it that a sultana used to meet her lover, a knight, in this courtyard. Unlike Adrian and Everleigh, the lovers' story does not have a happy ending. The king, enraged by his wife's infidelity, had either several of the knight's comrades or members of his family killed, depending on which version of the legend you hear.

But it's not all sad news. Botanists theorize that the cypress tree that the plaza was named after was over 600 years old when it died. The trunk is still there today (Patronato Provincial del Turismo).

"This had been one of his favorite places as a child. The soothing sound of the fountains had eased some of his pain as he’d sat on the walkway and watched the water for hours. How ironic that his place of refuge should now play host to him confessing his deepest pain."

Want more?

My husband and I are hoping to travel to Spain in the next five to six years. We have some time to plan and have already started creating a wish list, including visiting the Alhambra complex. It's one of those sites that you must book tickets in advance. Make sure to check out the official website for ticket information and tours, including my favorite that I'm holding out for; a private night tour of Alhambra! Learn more at https://www.alhambra.org/en/ and, if you decide to travel there anytime soon, I'd love to see photos of your trip!

References

Alhambra de Granada. "Court of the Sultana's Cypress Tree." Alhambra de Granada, La Alhambra de Granada, 2021. https://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/generalife/generalifepatioofthecypresses.asp.

Awake! A Writer in Spain. "The Alhambra-Islamic jewel of Granada." Jehovah's Witness, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2006 February. https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g200602/The-Alhambra-Islamic-Jewel-of-Granada/.

Blakemore, Erin. "Who were the Moors?" National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 12 December, 2019. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/who-were-moors.

Britannica. "The Spanish Inquisition." Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain/The-Spanish-Inquisition.

Granada Info. "Alhambra FAQ." Granada Info, Granada Info, 2021 January 12. https://granadainfo.com/alhambra/faq.htm

History.com. "Alhambra." History, A&E Television Networks, LLC, 2018 March 12. https://www.history.com/topics/landmarks/alhambra.

Jessop, Tara. "The history of the Generalife gardens in under 1 minute." The Culture Trip, The Culture Trip, Ltd., 12 July 2016. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-history-of-the-generalife-gardens-in-1-minute/

Mullins, Ariana. "A stroll through the Generalife gardens at the Alhambra." And Here We Are, And Here We Are, 2015 October 8. https://andhereweare.net/a-stroll-through-the-generalife-gardens-at-the-alhambra/.

Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife. "The monumental complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife." Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/59/cd/e559cd9c09a919b2173fbc9336878429.jpg.

Patronato Provincial del Turismo. "Witness of a sultan's infidelity." Patronato Provincial del Turismo. https://www.turgranada.es/en/fichas/cypress-of-the-generalife-46933/.

#Alhambra #Spain #history #travel