âTo my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.â
â Bill Bryson
Let the summer road trips begin! Finally, it's that time of year once again, (and way overdue) for a bit of #InspirationResearch! We're heading to Las Vegas to soak up the sun and see a few new attractions this desert city has to offer. Let's not forget about the great food too--Paris Eiffel Tower here we come!
The final edits for Blood on the Vines will be finished this week. I cannot thank Theresa Snyder and Mark Schultz enough for their outstanding editing and proofing services. They have been terrific to work with on this latest project, and I am extremely grateful for their guidance and support.
This trip we're staying at the Venetian hotel. I love the stunning artwork, murals, fountains and of course, the canals this venue has under its roof. There's always something new to see--and I can't wait to play my penny slots...
We're also paying a visit to the National Atomic Testing Museum this trip. â
The mission of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation is to preserve and foster public accessibility to the history associated with the Nevada Test Site and the nationâs nuclear weapons program. The NTS Historical Foundation promotes and supports cultural, educational, and scientific programming to encourage the development and public exchange of views regarding the Nevada Test Site and its impact on the nation. The major program of the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation is the National Atomic Testing Museum.
Serious subjects, indeed, but I want to learn more about this unprecedented period of time in our country's history. Pssst...I am so getting this Miss Atomic Bomb 1957 sign to go in my writing room collectionđ
In addition to the exhibits on the nuclear testing programs in Nevada (do you remember seeing film clips of dressed mannequins in houses as the bomb exploded?? #Yikes), the museum also has a section on another famous desert site I'm extremely interested in...Area 51. đ¸đžđ˝
After this inspiring visit, I have a feeling I'll be wrapping up the third and final tale of mine, Area 58, for the Wicked Mist collection with Bibiana Krall. These stories are truly turning out to be wicked fun reads...
Wishing you all a wonderful week as we close out the month of May. Be inspired! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
A few words on Downton Abbey: A New Era...
This is an absolute must see! The characters, storylines, and memories made this such a great movie. I know I'm a tiny bit biased, but I loved watching every frame of it. I especially enjoyed the scenes where they were filming the movie in the manor. It brought the filming of Castlewood Manor at Cherrywood Hall to life for me. I expected to see Gemma come around the corner, LOL.đđ I'll definitely be watching this one again. Pssst...bring those hankies!
True Crime and Technology: Forensics and Electronics on Murders We Write!
Join authors Cynthia Raleigh, Bibiana Krall, Amy Reade, and me this Sunday at 4PM EDT in the Murders We Write room on the Clubhouse app. We're chatting True Crime and Technology: Forensics and Electronics! See you there!
A chilling Revolutionary War era mystery this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Amy Reade, A Traitor Among Us: A Cape May Historical Mystery, 5 â
Life for Etta Rutledge and her Quaker family is about to be torn apart by the approaching ravages of the Revolutionary War. Tensions are high between the patriots of the new land and the supporters of the British. At the family's tavern and inn, they see the feelings of the community escalate. Etta and her family have remained neutral with their religious beliefs, but will the conflicting allegiances signal the end of their no-arms stance?
When menacing strangers arrive in their village, the peaceful inn is fraught with fear when one of them is murdered. Etta finds a disturbing clue--is the murderer in their midst a member of her family? Will she be able to unearth the truth before someone is wrongly accused? Danger turns to terror one fateful night, putting the family she holds dear at risk.
Author Reade weaves a chilling tale of a young woman's journey of discovery in the midst of hostile offenders, emotional turmoil, and the conflict of war. The characters, authentic details, and intriguing plot will capture your imagination in this original whodunnit. I am a huge fan of the Cape May Historical Mysteries--this latest tale is a highly recommended read!
Pssst...if you'd like to learn more of about this new release of Author Reade's, check out her guest post here:
Next up in the reading queue:
Another regal goody from Elegant Designs by Lulu!
Be still my heart (not too still)! The fabulous Elegant Designs by Lulu has once again worked her magic--this time with a bespoke, Mackenzie Childs inspired chandelier--that's a crown! đđ
I cannot tell you how beautiful this is, I love looking up at it with it's sparkle and amazing black and white checks. It's a regal addition to our family room! đ
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend, friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Next week we'll be celebrating the release of Blood on the Vines: Harvest at Castlewood Manor (knock wood)! Gemma and Rikkhe most definitely approve!đđ