With the release of Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor, my main character, Gemma Lancaster Phillips, PhD. , decided to drop by (hoping to try on some of my boots I would suspect)–I’m going to try and pry some secrets out of her from the new book! I prepared lots of yummy treats for her visit–by now you should know that Gemma has quite the appetite… I even whipped up a batch of her favorite libation, the gin and St. Germain martini to get the conversation flowing 🙂 . Let’s see what she’s been up to…
Are you ready for Christmas, Gemma? We’re putting up the decorations now at Cherrywood Hall, it’s looking very festive although in a few of the rooms I have to wear sunglasses, LOL, Kyle’s gone overboard with the lights this season. My favorite thing of course are the Christmas cookies Chef Karl and his staff are baking in preparation for our holiday events. It’s been great fun sampling the different yummies–I’ve been craving the gingerbread, I can’t seem to get enough 🙂 . Mama especially likes an espresso martini to chase them down with (Surprise-not).
Can you spill any Mistletoe and Mayhem secrets to us? Well I could, but then I’d have to kill you, bwah-hahaha! Just kidding, you’ll have to read the book! I will tell you that the ending was quite unexpected…I think we should show everyone the dress that receives quite a bit of attention in the book, don’t you? And oh, before I forget, do you happen to know any interior designers, there’s ahem, a few rooms I may need some help with? (Hhhmmm, I think I may just have to introduce Gemma to Rikkhe St. Clair…and, here’s the dress!)
What about the characters in Mistletoe and Mayhem, any favorites? There is a new four leg furry friend that is going to steal your heart in this story! We have some new family members too, you’re going to be surprised. And of course Elliot and Max has kept everyone in stitches. Don’t be gobsmacked if Aunt Pippa pops in every now and then too! (I am not shocked by anything Aunt Pippa does!)
Any words for the #readers out there? Kyle and I, Evan, Mama, Aunt Margaret and everyone from Cherrywood Hall wishes you a wonderful holiday season. Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year! #HappyReading, it’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
It’s here! Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor!
I was a bit caught off guard last Friday when I found out that Mistletoe and Mayhem was live on Amazon! I notified my early readers so that I could get their reviews posted, and I’m so grateful for their rapid response. The #bookreviews have been amazing so far, here’s a sampling:
The final scene was a feather in anyone’s cap and even if most of us can only dream of such a brilliant, unforgettable day, for a moment we got to enjoy the fantasy of being an important part of a royal family.
But in addition to the joy and mistletoe, there is of course, mayhem and many changes on the horizon. Like the first 3 books, devious and dastardly evil is lurking. This book features particularly nasty crimes, that make for an exciting read. In addition to the mystery, Gemma is again at a crossroads in her life as she is asked to take on a new and amazing responsibility. An injury to Lord Evan has had devastating consequences. On the positive side, Gemma continues to be blessed with the love of her boyfriend, estate manager Kent and the closeness of her family and friends, including royal friends. The ending of this book is truly wonderful. And great-great-Aunt Pippa continues to watch over this invincible family.
There are other touches and twists I won’t elaborate on because I don’t want to add spoilers. I will say that the way Cline Barton opens the story is incredibly clever and original. I loved it and knew from the first line that she would again prove herself a master wordsmith. (not that I had any doubt) The way she ends the story sent happy tears streaming down my face. The whole Christmas theme, wowser setting, and what happens, just took my breath. I’ll be re-reading the book at Christmas, it’s that special.
Special thank you to Mark Schultz for featuring his #bookreview of Mistletoe and Mayhem on his website!
Mark is such a great supporter of the #WritingCommunity. Not only did I use his proofreading services for this latest release, but he also does #bookreviews. Check out his review for Mistletoe and Mayhem here:
This week Deadly Receptions, the Debut of Castlewood Manor is on Author Shanna Swenson’s blog!
So honored to be featured on Author Shanna Swenson’s website this week with her lovely review! Check it out here:
Historical fun and satire from the #writers of Twitter this week…
Author Keith Tokash, Iliad: the Reboot, 5 STARS
Take a delightful romp through history to get the real scoop on the making of one of the most epic historical poems ever written with Author Keith Tokash’s Iliad: the Reboot! Told through the eyes of rogue cousin Gelios, we get a birds eye view of how his cousin Pelos, aka Homer, happened to get roped into writing this momentous work.
As we learn the details behind the ambitious Greek and Trojan war, we meet the heroic characters we have heard about through the years—Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus, to name a few— and of course the face that launched 4-hundred-uuhh, I mean 1000 ships, Helen. The ten year war and all that ensues is not all that it seems. You’ll laugh at the antics of these elevated heroes, and how their sometimes bumbling feats get transformed into brilliance by the bard Pelos (with tantalizing inputs and influence from Gelios of course).
Iliad: the Reboot is an amusing read that brings the ‘story behind the story’ to you in a comedy tale filled with witty banter that will leave you shaking your head and erupting in giggles. I really enjoyed this story, a must read for comedy, satire and history fans, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Just wanted to say #HappyBirthday to my baby boy!
OK, so he now is 32, 6 foot 4 inches, but he’ll always be my baby. Here’s to many more, son! xoxo
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. I just wanted to once again thank all the men and women who have served our country, you are awesome and appreciated! #VeteransDay, Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
