My secret life as a steamy romantic novelist

Anna-Maria Athanasiou didn’t tell anyone she was writing her steamy romantic best selling novel Waiting for Summer.

“I kept it secret from almost everyone. I wrote really early in the morning and late at night to keep my work hidden and only when I secured a publishing deal did I reveal all to everyone.”

The book turned out to be a best seller and Leeds born Anna-Maria, who now lives in Cyprus with her husband and two children went on to have Waiting for Summer part II published.

She is now writing her third book, La Casa d’Italia, which is set in Leeds. The novel is due to be published this summer. The book tells the fictional story of Dani Knox, who after her relationship breaks down escapes from her home, her man, her work and her life to start again in Leeds.

Embraced by the Ferretti family, Dani begins working at their Italian restaurant La Casa d’Italia, but after falling for a married man, Dani’s life gets turned upside down,

Anna-Maria worked in catering and the hotel industry before moving to the Cyrpus.Some of the novel is based on her experiences and her dream of opening a restaurant.

“Many years ago I did dream about having my own restaurant in Leeds and believe it or not, I even had a location in mind, “ says Anna-Maria. “I had the idea for this book in my head while I was writing Waiting For Summer. I wanted the characters to be Italian, but living in Leeds and I wanted to base it loosely on my experiences of working in the hospitality industry in Switzerland.

“I love Italy – the food, fashion and wine, so it seemed natural to have an Italian family at the heart of the book. I’m really excited about this novel – it feels like I’m living and breathing Dani and the Ferretti family at the minute and it’s great to revisit, in my head, some of my favourite places in Leeds.

“I’m just hoping women enjoy the novel and enjoy reading about Dani and much as I have writing about her.” Anna-Maria’s first two books were set on the island of Limassol where she now lives with her family.

“Having the first two books published was a dream come true for me. There are only a few people I’ve let read this novel so far and they are what I call my tribe. My mother is one and then I have three close friends. They’re brutally honest with me. So far I have only had positive feedback, they love it and are pressuring me to finish it. My husband has gotten used to the idea that this is what I enjoy doing, though he still finds it bizarre.

Anna-Maria is returning to Leeds next week to take part ina charity book signing.

“It was a real honour to be asked to be a part of this special book and to be able to submit something just for it,” she says.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Leeds for a few days to take part in the event – and of course to revisit the local landmarks and haunts which are part of the new novel.”

Anna-Maria Athanasiou, will be participating in this year’s Author Event Leeds. Taking place at Leeds Marriott Hotel on Saturday March 5 from 10am to 5pm, the event will play host to over 60 authors from across all genres. Following the event there will evening charity Masquerade ball Hosted by Hourglass events in aid of mental health charity ‘Mind’.

Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-author-event-2016-tickets-15537433883