Veronica's Writer's Diary: Give Thanks
Well, hello, November--and a very Happy HalloThanksMas! Time to hang up the bats and broomsticks and shine up the turkeys, pumpkins (no scary faces--think pies, loads of pies), and, dare I say it, Christmas decor!
Now, I know exactly how 'thrilled' some of you are at the thought of tinsel, candy canes, and ribbons in November (hi, Brenda-boo), but hey, time to get your Ho-Ho-Ho in high gear!
More importantly, tis the season to unplug a bit and let an attitude of gratitude warm your heart. Here are a few things that made my heart flutter the past few weeks:
It was all things mystery and mayhem at Bouchercon 2026! This year's conference was held in the lovely city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
As expected, the panels were informative and entertaining--this is one of the best bookish conferences to attend, IMHO. I had the pleasure of talking with several writers, and to my delight, a few mystery readers who hailed from SoCal ( Hi, Geannie and Teresa!).
This year we stayed at the Fairmont Palliser, an elegant, grand dame hotel just blocks away from the conference. If you are an art deco, marble lover you are in for a treat!
For those of you who may be interested--Bouchercon 2027 will be held in Washington D.C. from September 1-5th. The website is up to register--I cannot wait to attend this one!
On the feline front, I'm thrilled to report our little black cat, Jett, is being successfully treated for his polyp-in-the-ear malady. It's been a rough summer for him with several visits to the vet emergency room, surgeries, and CT scans. Turns out our cat had a primordial pool of polyp cells in his right ear that we finally were able to eradicate! A huge thank you goes to Dr. Tuff and team at the Animal Dermatology Clinic in Tustin. We are all looking forward to a quieter, less stressful holiday season this year. Whew!
Back to books...
I am super excited to share the awesome 5⭐ book reviews from Literary Titan for Christmas Bizarre and A Novel Noel! When I saw their reviews, I had to admit I was a bit teary eyed. It's that time of year--a perfect time to cozy by the fire, relax, and read a holiday short story! Check the reviews out here:
Wishing you and yours a relaxing November filled with gratitude. Enjoy the upcoming holidays--have a bounteous Thanksgiving!
It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:
It's Time to Read a Holiday Cozy Mystery!
Ho-Ho-Ho, once again it's 'Tis the Season for a holiday cozy mystery! Step right up and choose your holiday:
THANKSGIVING 🦃: BEHIND THE SCENES; THE EXHIBITION OF CASTLEWOOD MANOR
CHRISTMAS 🎀🎄: MISTLETOE AND MAYHEM: YULETIDE AT CASTLEWOOD MANOR; CHRISTMAS BIZARRE; A NOVEL NOEL
NEW YEAR'S EVE 🎇🥂: THE CROWN FOR CASTLEWOOD MANOR
eBooks are on sale for 99 cents--get your copies now and start reading!
V's Reads
Romance and mystery this month from the writers of X...
I truly enjoy the Austen variations Author Kelly Miller pens. Her stories are always charming, sometimes puzzling, and often witty, giving us another insight as to the possible conversations and interactions Darcy & Elizabeth might have had...
In Diversions with Darcy & Elizabeth, readers get a double treat-- two novellas that prove the sometimes contentious, yet always romantic relationship between the twosome is never dull. In The Love Potion, the depth of their love is revealed, with or without a magic elixir.
The Pemberley Ravens prove there is more than one strong bond on the stately grounds of the family estate--this one in the form a Corvus couple! Their watchful eye comes in handy many times, causing great wonderment in the Darcy household as unexpected events unfold.
If you can't get enough of the Pride & Prejudice duo, these delightful reads by Author Miller will keep you coming back. Diversions is a new release sure to delight and entertain, highly recommended!
The actions of a meddling sister-in-law are causing major nanny drama for Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 34th in line to the British throne, in From Cradle to Grave, the 19th book in Author Rhys Bowen's A Royal Spyness Mystery series. The nanny's strict rules are driving Georgie to tears--will she find a replacement without ruffling the family feathers too badly? Only time will tell...
Family friend ZouZou may help with her cause, but their reunion soon uncovers a diabolical plot--the deaths of young men in the English countryside are piling up. Is a serial killer on the loose? The search for a new nanny takes a temporary back seat as Georgie and ZouZou track down a killer!
Author Bowen once again weaves an entertaining whodunit sure to delight mystery fans. I thoroughly enjoy this series. A highly recommended read!
The Countdown to Banff is On!
I took a lot of mental notes on where things were while in the Calgary airport for the Bouchercon trip--it had been a while. But knock wood, the OH and I will soon be returning to one of our favorite holiday haunts, the Fairmont Castle in Banff Springs! The food, the Christmas decorations, the mountain views, the cold, evening swims in the hot pool, the winter boots--be still my heart (not too still)! It's the perfect place to get your holiday spirit revved up!
Welcome to my world. Wishing you and yours a wonderful season of Thanksgiving!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Have a bountiful Thanksgiving celebration--Gobble 'til you wobble! Gemma, Rikkhe, and our new sleuthing addition, soon to be revealed, approve. 🦃💖👑
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