Happy Almost-New Year friends--welcome 2021! Counting down the final hours of 2020--this is one year I think the world will collectively give a 'BIG' kiss good-bye (Raspberries most likely)! It's time to move on in this new world order and I am determined to do it with gusto and a smile. My biggest lesson learned from this apocalyptical year is to not take anything for granted. We all witnessed life changes and diminished freedoms--our lives changed in a cosmic instant. I've accepted that life as we knew it is pretty much over, but with these mind boggling times comes new adventures and opportunities, #CarpeDiem!
Travel is my biggest priority this new year and I am determined to hit the road (and hopefully air and sea) as soon as possible. I don't foresee any trips near term--as of this writing California is being severely hit with the surging virus, we're still in #lockdown for the foreseeable future and there's no word yet on when we might be able to receive the vaccine. My one hope for 2021 with the new administration is that they start a structured, consistent information flow so that the public is kept aware of the latest data/options/issues. No news is not good news.
Being optimistic, we're hoping to get up to Big Bear Lake in the next month or so, #lockdown permitting. I am so excited for the chance to be in cold weather and maybe even experience a few snowflakes! Our neighbors have a cabin there that we rent time to time---it will be interesting to see how the town and it's ski/tourist operations are handling the new guidelines. As long as it's cold, I'll be happy.
I have some lofty #writing aspirations for 2021 in addition to travel plans--completing Book 6/Twins in the City, #writing Book 2 of The Haunted series with Bibiana Krall, and #writing Book 7 in my series. February/March is the 3 year anniversary for The Crown for Castlewood Manor and Cast, Crew & Carnage: The Filming of Castlewood Manor. I hope to have some great giveaways and promos--stay tuned. If those stars, sun and moon align, Twins in the City will also have a March release! I'm going to be fairly heads down this next quarter. #JustSayin
On the #reading front, I've already had some stellar new #reads for the New Year! In 2021, my primary focus will be reading #mysteries, #paranormal and #cozies, a shift I'm very much looking forward to.
Wishing all of you a #healthy, #productive #HappyNewYear. 2021 won't be without its challenges I'm sure, but after surviving 2020, I think we at least are a bit more prepared to face the obstacles it presents, and ready to celebrate getting to do at least some of the things we love once again...It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
As I mentioned, I am back into writing mode for Twins in the City. But as all good #writers must do, I'm also promoting two of the books in my series: The Crown for Castlewood Manor and Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor. These two tales have some great #NewYearsEve events that you won't soon forget! So if you're in the mood for a bit of #cozymystery #romance escapism during #NYE #lockdown, I'd highly recommend cozying up by the fire with a glass of champagne (or your fav libation) and #travel to Cherrywood Hall--everyone is welcome! #HearHear💖👑
🎀🎄Mistletoe and Mayhem gets another fabulous 5⭐ #BookReview!🎄🎀
I wanted to give a share and give a shoutout to fellow writer Derek King for his glowing review for Mistletoe and Mayhem! It made my final week of 2020 stellar--THANK YOU #Readers!
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I was looking for something a bit special and festive based to read this Christmas day / Boxing day and ‘Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor’ was highly recommended. Having read it, I can see why. Frankly, I struggled to put it down without wondering what was going to happen next.
From the very first page I was drawn into the world author Veronica Cline Barton has created for her well defined and very relatable characters, in her cosy murder mystery. The scenes are exquisitely defined and I found my mind’s eye running an ‘on screen’ version as I read her wonderful passages.
There are many different strands within the book which lends to the pace but it stays true to its central theme of a contemporary cosy murder mystery.
When I’d finished reading the last sentence, I found myself sitting with a smile of contentment from ear to ear. What more could one ask for?
This is the first book I’ve read by Veronica Cline Barton, it will not be the last. And while this book may be centered around Christmas time, it will be, I am certain, a very satisfying book to read at any time of year.
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#AmLoving this new #booktrailer for Double Trouble: Showtime at Castlewood Manor!
Once again the talented Bibiana Krall has delivered a wonderful promotional piece for me to market. I am absolutely in love with this production from Bibiana's Compass Bespoke Creative Services. You get a glimpse of Gemma in her mummy-to-be form; Rikkhe St. Claire, the interior designer with an eye for clues; and Figgy McEwen, the ghost whispering Scottish nanny. It's so fun and I love the music--those #royals have a have secrets that will curl your toes, but luckily Aunt Pippa and her ghostly squad are on the case! 💕👶💕👶
A heartwarming, spirit of #Christmas tale this week from the #writers of Twitter
Author D.B. Carter, Christmas Yet To Come, 5⭐
Sometimes life forces you to enter the world of adulthood much earlier than normal. For sixteen year old, Mark and his younger sister, Lizzy, the death of their mother and addiction haze of their father has forced them to assume roles and responsibilities beyond their years in order to survive. Poverty and addiction make living day to day a challenge with few options.
This Christmas, Mark is determined to make Christmas a little cheerier for his sister. There are few bright spots in their lives but he is willing to make sacrifices even if it only buys them a few more moments of happiness. Mark's friend Mary knows little of his troubled life. When tragedy strikes, the spirit of Christmas opens a new door to their friendship, but will it also bring new possibilities of a better life for Mark and Lizzy?
Author Carter weaves a bittersweet tale of the power of the human spirit in the toughest of times aided by the hope and spirit of Christmas and the power of a good deed. This was a moving Christmas Eve read for me. It touched my heart with a warm glow, the ultimate gift of Christmas.
Next up in the #bookreview queue--my first review of 2021! The epic, magnum opus⏬
🎆Just a Reminder, we're on a #holiday break--back in a few weeks! Happy New Year!🎆
Welcome to my world. Wishing you a fabulous New Year's Eve and New Year!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Yee-hah, that's a final post wrap for 2020. Wishing you a very #HappyNewYear filled with health, peace, love and abundance--I'm ready for some 2021 fun! Gemma and Rikkhe most definitely approve💖👑
