“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 Coterie by 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.
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!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Oh baby! You can order your copy of Double Trouble here⇓. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂