I’m so excited to start the blog to highlight my latest writing adventure, My Almost American Cousin Series. I am a life long lover of British cozy mysteries, and my new series gives an American twist that I hope you will enjoy! The first book in the series isThe Crown for Castlewood Manor, and is now available on Amazon (click on the book picture on the right-hand side).
The English ancestral manor of Cherrywood Hall is ready to compete for selection in an upcoming British TV period drama series: the grounds are manicured, the mansion is polished, and the servants are poised. American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips has crossed the pond to help her cousin defeat the three other stately homes vying for the prize.
What Gemma doesn’t realize is that this competition is life or death, and someone is taking that challenge literally. The occupants of one home are killed in an automobile accident, and murder becomes a frequent occurrence at the other locations. Who is behind the mayhem? Selection would be a major coup for both the estate and the community. At first the other contestants seem to be likely suspects, but no one is quite certain as the tragedies continue. Could it even be Emma’s beloved cousin Evan, the surviving heir to the Lancaster fortune, or Kyle, his best friend and estate manager? With the Royal family in attendance at each event, the puzzle becomes a crucial one for Scotland Yard, and they enlist Gemma’s help to solve the mystery.
When the competition’s winner is announced on New Year’s Eve, will Gemma’s future be forever tied to her ancestral past?
I will be writing about the characters, the settings, the events, and the beautiful clothes and delicious foods that are highlighted in the book. I look forward to sharing the world of Cherrywood Hall and the production of Castlewood Manor with you as the series unfolds. Enjoy!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. So happy to begin my postings on International Women’s Day 2018!!
Happy September! It’s almost that time of year–crisp autumn air (wishful thinking but a girl can dream, LOL), apple cider and pumpkin spice everything (my sister sent me an ad for pumpkin spice face masks, truth!), and let’s not forget a few scary tales to get those Halloween vibes churning (and no, I’m not talking about the upcoming November election stories!). Bibiana and I are so excited for the upcoming release of Hearth Fires, The Haunted #1 on September 7th, we can’t wait for you to take a spin down the bizarre lane. Travel around the world with our scary tales, simmering with paranormal suspense (and a dash or two of Halloween wit 🙂 ). There’s even some delicious recipes at the end to enjoy—curl up by the fire with your favorite culinary combo and spend a lovely evening reading. We’re very proud of this collection, and the spirits have already spoken, there will be a Hearth Fires, The Haunted #2, stay tuned!
We’re setting up the Halloween decorations this week–pumpkins, the witchy tree, spider lights–it’s going to be Spooktacular! I know, I know–its a bit early, but in 2020 the ‘normal’ rules seem to not matter that much, LOL. Here’s to a wonderful September, may it be filled with cool breezes, bursts of color and pumpkin spice everything! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
#AmMarketing #AmDelighted!
I wanted to give a big shoutout to Morgan Wright (@byMorganWright) for the wonderful book displays⇑ and teasers⇓ she has put together for my books. I love the animated slides, they’re perfect for tweeting and posting on social media–you don’t have to worry about your covers being cutoff! I decided to go all out and include the music jingles that Gee Gee Music Pro put together for my animated covers–they set the mood for each story! Check out Morgan’s portfolio of offerings here:
It’s been a delightful week, made even more so by the fabulous 5 STAR book reviews received from a few #readers across the pond (thank you Sheila and Diogenes)! Book reviews make a writer’s world go round–you’re the best!
This is the fifth book in the series and i enjoyed this one even more than the others. The plush Royals are at it again, with Gemma heavily pregnant with twins, the castle renovations and the recovery of an skeleton on the grounds. … a wonderful combination for a murder mystery. Throw in the new Scottish nanny Figgy, fine dining, glamour and black ties, this really is a wonderful feel-good story. With wonderful, well developed characters, the loving Kyle, the ongoing filming of the TV series, this book has it all. Well written with a stiff upper lip and light-hearted, I highly recommend this series. Please check it out or add it to your list of must reads. Well done to this much talented author.
Five books into the ‘My American Almost-Royal Cousin’ series, and Veronica Cline-Barton shows no signs of flagging. The customary energy, wit and heartache which has been present in the first four books is still very much evident – so ‘heir’ we go again! The author remains faithful to her characters, and that is probably why we feel comfortable and engaged with them. On this outing, we delve into the past. Construction works have unearthed a skeleton at Cherrywood Hall, triggering a Cluedo-esque plotline – along with big helpings of scandal, skulduggery on a movie-shoot, general gossiping nosiness and, of course, lots of royal entitlement. (Plus, babies and pregnancy hormones on high alert: “It felt like the twins were doing jumping jacks on my bladder”.) Put your wits to the test, and be careful you don’t slip on the red herrings. “Beware of the dame.” Highly recommended for lovers of cosy mystery fun and regal splendour.
#AmReading #AmReviewing
Ramblings of a twisted soul this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author John Dolan, Baking Bad: Notes from My Diary, 5 STARS
Let the satire and dark humor begin! Do you ever wonder what your neighbors are really thinking as they go into their house and dim the lights? My only wish is that the unnamed, neighboring diarist in Author Dolan’s Baking Bad doesn’t move in next door, LOL! Your worst nightmares just might become a reality…
We get the day by day, somewhat deranged account of life in the unhinged neighbor zone–a missing foot makes the rounds; the doggie next door…well, better leave that for you to read (eek!); find a date websites will never be the same; and party goers beware–it just might be a good time to abstain from the eats and drinks!
This diary of a mad man is filled with twisted laughs and giggles. It’s one of those ‘guilty pleasure’ reads that indulges you with dark humor, heinous acts and ‘no he did not’ moments as you snicker page after page. The author gives a WARNING: CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL REFERENCES, so reader beware. Baking Bad: Notes from My Diary, a highly recommended read!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Ooh-lah-lah, Join Us Later Today at 1:45pm EDT for a #BOOKEM Chat!
This week we’re zoomin with fellow writer Steve O’Farrell, author of Simone LaFray and the Chocolatier’s Ball! Join us as we talk all things chocolate, Paris and spies!
Stop on by to check out my new website!
I’m loving my new web pages! It’s been such an exciting process to get going, with special thanks to Bibiana Krall’s Compass Bespoke Services. I love the design and flexibility you have to promote your books and have everything in one place. I even have a store for those of you who are interested in a little sparkly bling–straight from the vault of Cherrywood Hall! Check it out here:
#HoHoHo, 2020 strikes again–this time in a ‘most excellent’way! Last week had my crowns spinning in delight–as we basked in the Catalina island breezes, we found out that Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor had landed a spot on a bigtime book list (actually a few spots on a few lists)! I’m very honored to announce that Book Authority listed Mistletoe and Mayhem in their Best New Realistic Fiction Books to Read in 2020; Best New Mystery Books to Read in 2020; and in their Best Suspense Books of All Time lists!
BookAuthority uses a proprietary technology to identify and rate the best books, using dozens of different signals, including public mentions, recommendations, ratings, sentiment, popularity and sales history. This includes maintaining the most comprehensive collection of book recommendations from domain experts such as Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Prof. Daniel Kahneman, Sheryl Sandberg, and David Allen.
Only the very best books are featured on BookAuthority. To keep our site objective and unbiased, ratings are calculated purely based on data. We do not accept requests to feature a book, nor are we doing business with publishers or authors.
I can tell you, I was more than blown away to receive this news (understatement of the year)—this literally came out of the internet blue! To be included on lists that feature NYT best sellers, Oprah and Reese Witherspoon book club selections and on a list that includes Dame Agatha’s books makes me swoon! Mistletoe and Mayhem will always have a special place in my heart–the Christmas setting sparkle, the romance between Gemma and Kyle blossoms, and even in the worst of times and most dastardly deeds, love of a family endures. I am so honored to have it receive these awards and be included with many other fine authors and their books. Special shoutout to Mark Schultz (@wordrefiner)–his #bookreview for Mistletoe and Mayhem is featured on the lists too, he’s a great influencer!
On a professional note, receiving this news made me realize how absolutely essential it is for writers to make sure their data is accurate and kept up to date in their websites, blogs, author pages, interviews, social media sites etc. As Book Authority states in their business statement–their book listings are based purely on data…There is no doubt in my mind that the technical work on my sites and links that has gone on for the past few months with Compass Bespoke Services (Bibiana Krall) greatly contributed to this honor being bestowed. Note to self, writers, messy data gets you nowhere–you never know who is watching and ranking!
Time to celebrate #bigtime, without further adieu, here are the award links that include Mistletoe and Mayhem and many other fine #reads:
2020 has certainly been a year of surprises, but this one I’ll take any day! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Hearth Fires has its first #BookReview!
This week keeps on giving! Bibiana and I are so grateful to Jena Henry for reading our manuscript in advance and bestowing such a wonderful 5 STAR book review on Goodreads! Our ARC readers are the best–we truly appreciate you taking your precious time to read and leave comments. Readers are the best♥–check out Jena’s review here:
Mystery on the shores of Cornwall this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author Rhys Bowen, The Last Mrs. Summers (Book 14 in Her Royal Spyness Mystery Series), 5 STARS
Lady Georgiana ‘Georgie’ Rannach aka Mrs. Darcy O’Mara and her friend Belinda Wharburton-Stoke are off to the Cornwall coast to check out a cottage Belinda recently inherited from her grandmother. The ladies reminisce on the drive to the coast as Belinda shares some of her childhood memories, including the tale of a ne’er-do-well uncle with groping hands and a dark side, and the accidental death of a boy. They get a harsh surprise when they find the cottage is in a state of disrepair, will it be worth it to fix it up?
On the hunt for a builder to plan renovations, Belinda and Georgie encounter a former friend, Rosie, the daughter of a cook who was part of her childhood clique. Rosie is now married to Tony Summers (a former beau of Belinda’s) and lady of the manor at Trewoma Hall. She invites Belinda and Georgie to stay at the hall for a few days–little do they know their journey will take a deadly twist that leads to Belinda becoming a prime suspect!
Dark secrets from childhood, deadly revenge, love triangles, and flirtatious encounters emerge during the ill-fated stay–will Georgie be able to piece together the scattered memories and events of the past and present in time to help out her friend? This is the 14th book in Author Bowen’s Royal Spyness Mystery series. I’m a huge fan and this tale does not disappoint!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Join us later today for our #BOOKEM YouTube chat!
Amy’s on deck this week chatting all things books, crafts and more books! Catch you later!
My new website is here!
Take a look–I’ll be posting this blog content from there too this week–so excited! If you’d like to receive a post notice please subscribe to my site. I will not spam you nor release any of your information (pinky swear). Thank you for your support!
Be still my #lockdown heart! (well, not too still now, 2020, #Justsayin…) We’re off to Catalina for a #quarantine adventure this week, spending a few days away from home for the first time since March. I’ve packed my masks and hand sanitizer, tennies and water shoes (the beaches in Catalina are extremely rocky which allows the water to be crystal clear, but wreaks havoc on the soles of your feet) and sunhats galore (we are in the midst of an August heatwave that has everyone in summer meltdown).
It’s so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that this may be our first (and perhaps only) trip since #quarantine began, but hey, I plan on enjoying every second of our island adventure while I can! This past week in California, we’ve had rolling blackouts, fire tornados (Firenado movies, coming soon!), earthquake outbursts (is the San Andreas gearing up for a #2020 shake, rattle and roll?) and flash flood warnings in the midst of a drought…can’t make it up.
So for now, I plan on walking the trails, zipping around in our island golf cart to see the sights and views, and relish the ocean breezes on my face. It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Hearth Fires is available for pre-order!
So excited, we’ll be releasing Hearth Fires this #LaborDayWeekend (Sept 7th)! You can pre-order your copy here:
Hearth Fires marketing and promo, a #writer’s work is never done!
A big shoutout to Morgan Wright for our fabulous Hearth Fires scary tale teaser trailer↑ (turn up the sound and have a listen) and book cover animation↓! She’s has many new packages available and is now offering a wide range of animations to help you promote and market your books. In addition to these for Hearth Fires, I’m having new ones made up for my series books too (including teasers and book reviews)–coming soon! Highly recommended, @WritingCommunity! Check out her services here:
Sizzling, steamy romance this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author Shanna Swenson, Abundance Legacy: The Abundance Series: Book 5, 5 STARS
Rudely dumped and still seething in Houston, NASA astrophysicist and engineer, Dr. Savannah Kinsen takes her frustration out on a handsome cowboy she briefly encounters in a bid to purchase a charming rocking horse before she returns home. Barbs are traded and sparks fly, but little do they know their futures are about to meet up again, this time in a honkytonk hangout in Abundance.
Vanna (Savvy) and Austin have an unplanned, steamy encounter that leaves them both breathless–until their romp in the hay encounter is interrupted by her dad, Jack, who also happens to be Austin’s boss. It’s not Austin’s first visit to the hayloft and Jack does not want his daughter involved with the perceived playboy trainer. Family tensions, break-ups and make-ups, ne’er-do-wells, mayoral aspirations, lethal conflicts and a horrendous twister take Vanna and Austin’s relationship on a roller coaster ride. Will their love survive? Or will career, events and family pressures put an end to their romance?
Author Swenson’s Abundance romance series is one I have had the pleasure to enjoy for a few years now. I love the characters and the chance to watch them grow and develop in each book. Every read in the series is like a family reunion of sorts, and is a delight to catch up with the characters you’ve come to know. I’ve truly enjoyed my reading jaunts to Abundance–land of mystery, romance and steamy encounters that intertwine the residents’ and visitors’ lives. This final book in the series is highly recommended–if you’re in the mood for breathtaking romance, Texas style, Abundance is the place to be!
Next up in the #reading queue:
It’s our 13th #BOOKEM chat today at 1:45pm EDT!
Woot, woot, it’s our 13th show today and I’m on deck; Lucky 13 and the Bat Lady! I’ll be in my full bat finest as I talk about my stories in the Hearth Fires collection; Author Sheila Patel’s Magic Vodka Wardrobe series, and dish a few words on Catalina. Join me for a bit of #Halloween in August fun!
The #website is coming, the #website is coming!
Stay tuned–the data is migrating and I hope to make my ‘official’ website debut very soon! Thanks again for the fabulous technical and production skills of Bibiana Krall–you can take a sneak peek here (some sections are still under construction):
Make lemon drops! I have a feeling whoever coined the phrase ‘when life gives you lemons…’ must have had a major 2020 precognition, LOL. Actually, other than not being able to travel; visit with friends and family; covering your face with masks; scouring the planet for TP/wipes/hand sanitizer; and eating your fav restaurant cuisine in the parking lot, it hasn’t been that bad of a year (major side-eye 2020)…I’ve learned so much these past few months, particularly in the conspiracy theory arena (I get my daily updates from a certain loved one each morning 🙂 ). Aliens, 5G, weaponized/intelligent viruses (and I won’t even mention the vaccines…), deep states, Q–I couldn’t have imagined these apocalyptic plot twisters if my life depended on it, EEK! I think I’ll give Elon Musk a call to see if there’s any seats available on the next flight to Mars. Matt Damon aka Mark Whatley figured out how to grow potatoes there–so vodka is theoretically not out of the realm of possibilities…#Upside #LemonDrops 🙂
The feature pic today and the ones above⇑ are from the beautiful Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. I love their conservatory with all the gorgeous flora and fauna exhibits. It was just a year ago this month that we were enjoying the lovely sites and cuisines in some of our favorite Sin City haunts for our anniversary. We’ve been getting loads of adverts trying to entice us to return, but we’re still deciding whether to go or not (how will they keep my penny slot machines sanitized–anyone, anyone?). TBD, so for now–enjoy the pictures, we’ll be back there one day, I’d bet on it! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Hearth Fires, what inspired us to write…
Thought I’d share the beautiful book trailer Bibiana Krall designed for our upcoming release once again (I love the scenes for each story and the music!). Last week I shared the scary tale blurbs with you. I thought this week I’d give you a few inspirational tidbits of what inspired Bibiana and me for each of the stories. We’re very excited about our collection–here’s why:
Enjoy an eclectic, and imaginative collection of six, original, short stories that share one central theme, the mysterious Ouija board with a nod to the troubled spirits that guide The Oracle. Take a journey through the Deep South, then head to the American Northeast, Pacific Northwest and end your reading adventure with a flight on a magical witches broom across the glimmering pond.
Halloween can’t come soon enough! Indulge your senses and drift over to the spooky side with Hearth Fires. If you adore “Night Gallery” “Dark Shadows” “Hocus Pocus” and anything Poe, Jackson or DuMaurier, this collection was written especially for you.
Veronica’s Notes: CULINARY COTERIE brings the Southern gift of gab and delicious recipes to life for me in this Swamp Thing meets Arsenic and Old Lace tale. I loved traveling to New Orleans and nearby towns, sampling the unique flavorings in their foods, there’s nothing better. Mouthwatering treats will never be the same—sometimes it’s better not to know all the ingredients, LOL!
Bibiana’s Notes: THE WINDOW is a story that’s been rolling around in my head for quite some time. Inequality and injustice is nothing new, nor is mistreatment, murder and violence against women… more often than not it is perpetrated by people we all know in our communities or who are held in high regard due to family influence, and generational money. It was a tough story to write, as there is a lot more truth than fiction in that one. We must do all we can to change this deadly narrative for the next generation.
Veronica’s Notes: VINTAGE VIBRATIONS takes me on a hunt for the bizarre. I love shopping in second hand stores, hoping to find that one special treasure. I think about the people who owned the items before—what was their life like? Do the items carry bits and pieces of the past, transitioning their energy and vibes to the next owner? Be careful what you wish for…
Bibiana’s Notes: DARK WATCHERS is a riff on an urban legend in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. I was in San Jose, California with my husband in March of 2020 right before the world lockdown for Covid-19 and saw something strange on a mountain ridge as we drove south towards San Luis Obispo. Then I saw something else when we were on Highway One later that day near the mouth of the Big Sur River where it joins the Pacific. I tried my best to understand what it was. Supernatural? Weather related? Who knows? What I found fascinating is that there are hundreds of stories all over the Internet that speaks of this spectral phenomenon in the fog. Some of them date back as far as two thousand years ago. Modern adventurers still experience something they cannot explain when they hike alone in the wilderness of Big Sur.
Veronica’s Notes: BOARD WHISPERERS I had it on good authority not to have a Ouija board in the house—some doors are better left unopened. While writing this story, I had water dripping down from a light fixture and a Bluetooth transmission of loud music emanate mysteriously from an electronic fireplace. Weird—yes! Unexpected—yes! And the mystery is, I still don’t know what happened…
Bibiana’s Notes: LA FEE VERT is a dark parable talking about the price of fame, the idea that when we accomplish what might be considered as success to others… where does that leave us and is there automatically another level to attain? Do we all have a drop of madness in us when we imagine and move to another plane to tap into the most creative part of ourselves? Or are we destined to always question where this “green fairy” will take us next?
#AmReading #AmReviewing
Chilling twists and turns this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author Julie Kusma, Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries, 5 STARS
Author Kusma takes us on a journey of the macabre with the short story collection in Stuck That Way and Other Quandaries. Each story leaves the reader with chills and goosebumps as the tales unwind, as you timidly turn page after page to see how the dark encounters will turn out…
Stuck That Way: In a parallel universe, Dad is teaching his son a few new tricks that are not Mommy approved…
Something Lurking: An evening dog walk in the backyard turns into a gruesome encounter…
By Induction: Beware of the not so sweet revenge…
That’s Creepy, Santa!: Will mother-in-laws ever learn???
Relevant Evidence: Gruesome monsters in reality surround us, hunting the innocents…
Devilish Game: Family feuds run deep with the helping hoof of Pan…
These tales are told with descriptors that will sweep you into the dark world of the unknowns, haunting you with their sometimes horrifying, bizarre, dark humor twists and turns. Author Kusma is a master storyteller of the macabre! A chilling read, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Tune in at 1:45pm EDT on the #BOOKEM YouTube channel!
Bibiana is on deck this week! Stop on by and give us a listen!
My #website is coming!
Just wanted to give you a heads up–things are going to change just a bit in the next few weeks. I’ll still be posting my weekly blog post every Wednesday morning–but, it will be from my new website that I’ll be launching soon! I’m so excited to have my own domain with everything in one spot. I’m once again utilizing the technical skills of multi-talented creative, writer, technical guru Bibiana Krall. Stay tuned for the release, I can’t wait for you to see it!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Oh baby, you can pick up a copy of my latest book, Double Trouble, here: Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
“This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realize it is August: the summer’s last stand.”
Sara Baume
The lazy, hazy days of summer have certainly kicked in and with them come the triple digit heatwaves, hurricanes/tropical storms, and for the residents of California, brush fire season has begun. For me, I’m welcoming August with open arms–we’re another month closer to one of my favorite times of the year, fall! I don’t usually like to wish my days away, but 2020 has taken me to the brink with its #pandemic shenanigan’s, LOL. It certainly has been a year for the books and has given us a treasure trove of ideas for upcoming plot twists. But, I’m looking forward to celebrating this years final quarter, bigtime! Pumpkin spice lattes, here I come….that is, if Starbucks is able to remain open…. 🙂
We’ve secured our reservations to Catalina Island and leave in a a few weeks–I’m soooo excited! We learned that transportation over to the island is limited, but since we are flexible for when we can travel, the schedule limitations were fine for us. We’re staying at Hamilton Cove, just outside of Avalon once again–gorgeous views, ocean breezes and wildlife all around. I’m getting giddy just thinking about it! Hard to believe this is our first trip since March…
It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
#Halloween is coming…
Just a few more weeks and Hearth Fires will hit the book stores! This has been such a fun project with Bibiana–we’re very proud of this work and hope you enjoy it! I thought I’d give you a sneak peek of the stories in our collection to get those scary tale vibes churning:
Culinary Coterieby Veronica Cline Barton––When Sammie Atherton returns to the family home in Smoky Shoals, Louisiana, she learns of a culinary legacy that has been passed down through generations. Will she be up for the challenge of leading the town’s Culinary Coterie with their mystery ingredients? Herbs and spices will never be the same again!
The Window by Bibiana Krall––Late one night in Savannah, Tabitha sees something odd in a window. A shadow? A ghost? Or is it just her imagination that something is reaching across the great divide? The risk is in finding out the truth and discovering the lengths she might be willing to go to help a stranger…
Vintage Vibrations by Veronica Cline Barton––Allie Michaels’ Salem boutique offers only the second hand best to her chichi clientele. She’s always on the search for unique finds, ready to turn a profit. When an aging actress offers her a deal too good to be true, she jumps at the offer—but will the recipients of these goods live to regret their purchases?
Dark Watchers by Bibiana Krall––Emily doesn’t realize that a surreal, childhood experience in the woods holds the key to a mystery that has haunted her ever since. Betrayal becomes part of a dangerous evening when peril and danger lurks behind the smile of a handsome genius. Will she leave Big Sur with her sanity and safety intact?
Board Whisperers by Veronica Cline Barton—When nanny Bria McEwen takes on her latest assignment in Glasgow, she’s looking forward to a luxurious holiday excursion with a seemingly, charming family touring the Scottish Whisky Trail. When her assignment is abruptly cancelled, she has one important question….where are the children and their parents?
La Fee Vert by Bibiana Krall––A talented painter in Paris is obsessed with becoming a commercial success. Something in her soul shifts when she’s extremely close to reaching her dreams… Will Camille discover the high price of fame in The City of Lights, a glittering place paved with the broken dreams of artists long departed.
#AmReading #AmReviewing
It’s Christmas in the Big Apple this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author Sudesna Ghosh, A Perfect New York Christmas, 5 STARS
Christmas magic is in the air as Aditi ponders a long distance trip to New York City to visit her close friend, Sheena. It’s been ten years since she left the Big Apple to return to her home in Kolkata. She misses the city and her friend, but thoughts of her ex boyfriend, Ravi, are starting to bubble up. Should she meet him if she takes the journey?
New York is at its Christmas finest as Aditi and Sheena enjoy Central Park festivities, fine dining, and window shopping on 5th Avenue. Sparks fly when Aditi finally meets with Ravi. Will their romance rekindle, or has too much time passed?
Author Ghosh takes us on a romantic jaunt through the city, highlighting its wonderful Christmastime ambiance. This is a charming read that will sweep you into the spirit of the holidays. A heartwarming romance, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Join us later today at 1:45pm EDT for our next #BOOKEM chat!
This week I’m so excited–we’re Boomer Zoomin’ once again and have a mystery guest joining us this week! She’s a delight, #JustSayin, loads of laugh and fun–see you soon!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Oh baby! You can order your copy of Double Trouble here⇓. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
Dare I wish, can it be, a mini-trip is on the horizon? One of our favorite, close-by island escapes is Catalina Island–which much to my #lockdown amazement is somewhat open for business! We’re tentatively planning a trip over there once again later next month (assuming we aren’t forced into a complete shutdown again), hoping to enjoy the beautiful island vibes and settings. All the #lockdown rules are in place in Avalon–masks, outdoor eating, social distancing etc, but since Catalina is filled with outdoor activities, I think we’ll be OK. The feature pic this week is from the Inn at Mount Ada (formerly the Wrigley Mansion). The lovely hotel/restaurant sits high on the hill overlooking the port of Avalon and has breathtaking views. I’m hoping to get back there for lunch or dinner during our stay, delicious food!
Speaking of dreams that make your crowns spin…My almost-royal ears and eyes have been buzzing and popping the past few weeks with the release of Lady Colin Campbell’s Meghan and Harry, the Real Story and Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family. I’m not going to give my opinion on all the tabloid excerpt releases nor the social media posts that have published to date. All I will say is when Harry and Meghan married, I had high hopes and celebrated with the many royal, well wishers around the globe. I will not be buying, reading, or reviewing these books. I think I can finally say I’ve had my fill, and have a feeling I’m not alone, #JustSayin.
It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Hearth Fires, Coming soon!
The edits are in and Bibiana and I have gone through the changes. We’re so excited about this joint release of scary tales. It’s a collection of stories that will give you a few, delightful chills as you cozy up by the fire with a lovely glass of wine. We’re just about ready for beta readers–if you’re interested–please LMK in the comments or send us a DM on Twitter, we’d love to have you take a look! Hearth Fires is now on Goodreads and will soon be available for pre-order on Amazon and other seller platforms. You can get a sneak peak of the stories here:
I also want to give Bibiana Krall a HUGE shoutout for the lovely #BookTrailer she produced for Hearth Fires. One of the treats is that each story is set in a different part of the world. In these days of restricted traveling, why not take a mind trip? Here’s the trailer–turn up the volume and take a listen–I love the music!
#AmReading #AmReviewing
Reunion drama galore this week from the writers of twitter…
Author Lisette Brodey, Barrie Hill Reunion, 5 STARS
Twenty years have past since the members of the Barrie Hill college literary group last met. Clare has organized a weekend at their favorite group haunt–the elegant Vanessa Grant Hotel. Film star Bart and his wife Aimee; film critic Larry; family and newspaper man, Dan, who’s anticipating seeing his college crush, Maggie; and tenured professor Colin and his sharp tongued, wife Leah attend, ready to reminisce about the good ole days. As the weekend progresses, the conflicts emerge from the past and present, rocking the groups comradery.
We follow the group through each reunion event, watching as the details, dramas, and sometimes snide remarks unfold. Some seem bent on causing discomfort and strife within the group and will use any means necessary to achieve it. Will their motives bring the reunion to an abrupt end? As the member’s stories unfold, life’s complexities are revealed. For a few, major changes are underway as they confide their secrets to those they trust.
Author Brodey takes us through a captivating, reunion weekend with a group of friends who were once close. Twenty years definitely changes the group dynamics, however, and we soon witness the strengths and weaknesses of each member, and whether or not the friendships will endure. A surprise reveal at the end leaves the group reeling. This is a gripping read, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Tune in for our 10th #BOOKEM Channel chat today at 1:45pm EDT!
Ten episodes–how about that! #BOOKEM has been so much fun for Bibiana, Amy and me to do these past few months. We truly appreciate all of you who tune in and take a listen. Remember, if you’d like your book featured, please let us know. This week Amy’s on deck talking all things books–you can watch her here:
Welcome to my world. Enjoy your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. My #book baby is almost a month old! you can order your copy here⇓. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
I’m hitting the road once again–this time virtually as I’m researching London neighborhoods and it’s wonderful West End theater district, aka Theatreland, for my latest #WIP. Gemma and Kyle are looking for a second home in the city and Mama is starring in a new play–what can possibly go wrong, dun-dun-dun? I’m pouring through our travel pics, hitting the Pinterest pages, and reading though some great #reads to compensate for my lack of being able to visit sites first hand these days. I’m learning everything there is to know (well almost) about lighting; scenery; props; costumes; and stage management (including who’s who on the production team)—one must get the details correct! I’m also thoroughly enjoying a new read by Julius Green titled Curtain Up, Agatha Christie, A Life in the Theatre, that gives an overview of the grand dame’s prolific collection of plays. Who knows, could it be a play is in my #writing future? If you have any hints, tips or theatrical favorites–please leave me a comment!
I wanted to give a shoutout to Hubby–we celebrated his #birthday this past weekend with a wonderful lunch at our fav beach haunt, the Ritz in Laguna. Thanks to everyone on SM who sent their #HappyBirthday wishes, much appreciated! How ’bout our matching masks?
It’s back to the #writing and #research zone for me–it’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Print copies of Double Trouble have arrived!
This week was a very special one for me–the print copies arrived and I love them! I finally got to hold my book baby in person–such a treat!
#AmReading #AmReviewing
A new take on a classic read this week from the writers of Twitter…
Author Kelly Miller, Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, 5 STARS
An angel of death is ready for a holiday and longs to be back amongst the humans. A doomed fall from a horse leaves Fitzwilliam Darcy with the ultimate ultimatum–entertain Death at his Pemberley estate for the next week, or else, curtains! Author Miller sweeps us back in time in this enchanting fantasy featuring some beloved Austen characters–Darcy; his wife, Elizabeth and toddler son, Bennet; Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the aunt who still holds a grudge against Elizabeth: and Lady Catherine’s daughter Anne, determined to get a new lease on life. New characters include the mysterious Lady Rebecca Seymour, who appears to have a dalliance on her mind; and Mr. Graham aka Death.
To Darcy’s surprise, Graham enchants everyone he meets, and is particularly fond of the ladies. He revels in his life experiences at Pemberley and through his interactions, he brings peace, clarity and needed comfort to many. Day by day we learn the story behind the story of the different characters as the details of their lives are made known. Will the presence of Graham influence those whose actions may bring hurt and harm, or is it too late to change the mindsets set on revenge or hurtful deeds?
I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting tale. It’s an original twist on a classic that brings to life the characters and their personalities, giving us a closer look at the life choices that have defined them. A surprise twist keeps you guessing to the end. An inspiring read, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Join me later today at 1:45pm EDT on the YouTube #BOOKEM channel!
I’m up on deck today talking all things books in my California Cherrywood Hall (thanks for the roaming the rooms strategy, Writer/Golden Boomer podcaster Jena Henry!) I’ll be featuring the novel, Trillium, by Margaret Lindsay Holton; discuss a royal wedding like no other and the virtual travel options offered in my Deadly Receptions: the Debut of Castlewood Manor tale; and have a sneak peek at my expanding almost-royal mask collection. Stop on by!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor can be ordered here⇓ Thank you so much for all your support! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
My American Almost Royal Cousin Series 