Veronica's Writer's Diary: Time for Some Inspiration Research---It's a May Getaway!

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.”

John Lubbock

Well, hello, May! it's the 5th month of the year, y'all--can you believe it? What a monumental year it has been so far...

This week I'm super excited because a long-awaited road trip is finally going to become a reality. We're getting ready to hit the road, visiting some western states and locales I can't wait to see!

First stop, Las Vegas! It's been a while since we've walked the strip, and I can't wait to see some of the new places (more of the Sphere and the new Fountainebleau). We're staying at the Venetian, a lovely hotel with the beauty of the canals and the glitz and glam of shops, a great casino (where I will lose untold pennies, no doubt), and fine eateries. Just remember, 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...'

After the sparkling lights of Vegas, we're heading north through the stunning landscapes of Utah. I've flown over this state many times, awed by its beautiful mountains and rugged terrain. I'm hoping to make several stops during this leg of the rip to see the parks and natural monuments I've read about. Stay tuned for some awesome pics!

Speaking of spectacular, I can't wait to see the mind-blowing landscapes in Yellowstone National Park as we cruise through Wyoming. We're staying a few nights at the historic Old Faithful Inn that's located just across from the famous geyser of the same name. Now that spring has sprung, the wildlife should be out and about--we're hoping to spot bison, bears, and maybe even a wolf or two--at a distance!!

On the last leg of our journey, we're swinging by one of the most beautiful bodies of water I've ever seen, Lake Tahoe! With its crystal-clear waters and rocky shores, it offers views you won't forget from every vantage. I'm crossing my fingers the atmospheric rivers that have been blowing in the high skies of California take a pause. I wouldn't want to be snowed in as we drive through Donner Pass...

Wherever your journeys take you, I wish you a lovely May, filled with fun times and inspiration! Have a good one!

It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:

I'm back at Cherrywood Hall!

As I've been writing this latest tale, I realized it's been a while since I roamed the halls of my beloved, fictional manor house! The last time was back with book 7, Blood on the Vines: Harvest at Castlewood Manor. Murder on the Runway was set in London at Gemma and Kyle's Hillcrest home and Behind the Scenes went stateside to Shadow Ridge in North Carolina, so it's definitely been a while. Lots of changes have occurred at the humble castle abode since our last visit, but a couple of things will likely stay the same. There will always be plenty of cocktails flowing, delicious eats served, fabulous fashions worn, and be on the lookout for, dun-dun-dun, bodies! 💀 This story is still developing...

V's Reads and Reviews

It's a new release bonanza this month from the writers of X...

5 ⭐ A twist of life's fates brings aspiring teacher, and newly single, Maisie Bloom to the quaint village of Heatherbridge to start her career. The year before, her Aunt Ada gave her the keys and deed to her cottage when she decided to embark on a French adventure, touring the countryside and exploring her beloved Paris. Maisie's move-in is now bittersweet, however--a tragic accident in Paris resulted in the death of her beloved aunt.

As she sorts through the belongings in Ada's cottage, she finds out more about her aunt's love of books, particularly the Bella Mysteries series. Doubts arise when Maisie sees social media posts questioning if Ada was really killed in the Paris tragedy. Is there a possibility her aunt is still alive? There's only one way to find out for sure as Maisie leaves village life behind and heads to Paris to track down answers.

Author Cahalin weaves a charming mystery filled with romantic surprises, inquisitive villagers, family secrets, and an unexpected legacy. A fun read for cozy mystery fans, highly recommended!

5 ⭐ Murder, top-secret operations, and coded documents bring together an unlikely duo to discover who's behind the wartime mayhem in peaceful Devon before disaster strikes again.

Things are about to change when Jane Treen, a chain-smoking, strong willed woman with an eye for clues, and her cat Marmaduke descend upon shy, codebreaker, Arthur Cilento's country manor. The blissful peace is disrupted as they sort through the details, motives, and suspects to find out who is behind the murderous capers, and why.

Author Dixon's newest series is a delight for fans of World War II cozy mystery intrigue. A clever addition to your summer reads!

5⭐ The ghost stories are flowing once again in the mysterious southern town of Savannah. Our hostess, a bewitching spirit carrying the name of her beloved town, whisks us from setting to setting as the clock strikes, ringing its bells down the dark cobbled streets.

Adventurers, charlatans, and a smattering of wayward spirits who refuse to move on have their stories told with haunting clarity, a few giggles, and perhaps even a tear or two.

This is the 4th book in Author Maza's Haunted Savannah series that I'm a huge fan of. Her tales are chilling and transport you to this mysterious town where spirits rule. A highly recommended read for paranormal fans with southern charm! Put this series on your TBR!

A wicked fun evening awaits!

We'll be closing out May at the fabulous Hollywood Bowl to see one of my fav naughty boys, British comedian, Ricky Gervais! I adore his irreverent takes on life and current events and can't wait to sit under the stars for a fun-filled evening with lots of laughs. I'll try and take notes to share a few quips next time!

Welcome to my world. Wishing you a lovely May!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. We'll be staying at the lovely Allegretto in Paso Robles before we head back home. I can't wait to catch up with the SIL & nieces! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑