Out of Africa is one of my favourite films – I’ve watched it at least fifteen times to date, and it never fails to move me. The film is set earlier in the twentieth century than Burning Embers, but the breathtaking settings (which include Mombasa, where Burning Embers is set) and the wonderful romance between Karen and Denys were certainly in my mind as I wrote.

But as much as I love to watch the film – tissues at the ready – I could not deliver such a sad ending to a romance as depicted in this film. Denys cannot be tamed; he is as wild as his Africa, and there is no future for the lovers. In Burning Embers, Rafe, a womaniser, provides a similar challenge for Coral to tame, but in my story love wins through. I’m an old-fashioned romantic at heart, and always look for a happy-ever-after.

I have always been a great fan of Robert Redford. He is a wonderful actor, and he’s also very handsome. His rugged looks are hard to resist, and something in his face, in his eyes, denotes a strength of character.