"With the right pair of stilettos, a girl can slog through anything..."
Collette Valentine, Editor of Le Chic Vie
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Well, hello Book 8 in My American Almost Royal Cousin Series! Murder on the Runway: Fashion Week at Castlewood Manor is available on a seller platform near you! Get those stilettos ready, are you ready to walk the runway?
In this latest tale, Gemma makes her London Fashion Week debut by co-hosting the Fashions of Castlewood Manor show alongside the famed House of King and House of Eastwood atelier runway shows! You'll meet the dueling designers, Alexander King and Fern Eastwood and super models, Izzy Nelson and Kelly Lowe strutting their stuff at the events and scheming behind the scenes.
Let's not forget the ever-efficient assistants, Mona Adams and Henri Blanche who keep everything running like clockwork, including perhaps a power play or two. Collette Valentine, the style icon and editor of the fashionistas' haute magazine, Le Chic Vie, rules her couture kingdom with an iron glove---will this queen of fashion find there's a traitor in her court?
Finally, the friends and family are back--including Gemma's cousin Evan and his wife and son, Simone and Ajani! Max and Elliot are front and center on the PR front, keeping us entertained. Mama, Karl, Aunt Margaret, Freddie, and the royals offer their sage advice and wit. Last, but certainly not least, the twins (Lilly and Pippa), baby Jack, Nanny Figgy, and Gemma's knight in loving armor, Kyle, keep our American marchioness sleuth grounded as she hunts down the ne'er-do-wells. 💖👑👠
As always, it takes a village to launch a new book. My sincere thanks and gratitude to my stepdaughter, Danielle Gregorio for the fabulous front and back cover design; Theresa Snyder for her superb editing services; Kathleen Harryman for marketing artwork and animations for promos; and Bibiana Krall's Compass Bespoke Services for the awesome seller-platform tech support and book trailer design! #ThankYou 💖👑👠
Thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout this latest book journey--your kind words mean the world to me. As every self-promoting writer must do--you can pick up a copy of my latest cozy tale here from your favorite seller platform 👇:
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Until next time, I hope to see you on the runway! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Let's Have Some Fun!
My writer friend, Bibiana came up with a great idea I'm going to try out! In six weeks, I'll be hosting a Zoom call book club party with readers who've read the book! We thought it would be great fun to come dressed up as your fav character (there is a Masquerade Gala at the end of this story #DunDunDun, so if you want to don a killer gown or tux, go for it!).
I think this will be so much fun--of course you may have your fav cocktail in hand for the festivities too! The Bloody Dilly cocktail in this tale is a Veronica original--I've become a huge fan. Let me know if you would like to join in on the fun--I'll have more details in the posts leading up to the 6-week mark (tentatively thinking Friday, March 31st??) I will send a Zoom invite to everyone who would like to jump in on the call. We'll be talking about the book and our fav scenes, and I will guess there will be a laugh or two in the mix. There might even be some giveaways from the Cherrywood Hall vault! This party is developing... 💖👑👠
A brilliant whodunnit and haunting tales this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Anthony Horowitz, Magpie Murders--A Novel, 5⭐
When stroppy mystery writer, Alan Conway completes his latest book featuring his famous, detective character, Atticus Pund; his editor, Susan Ryeland expects it to be another successful addition to his bestselling series. The lord of the manor at the fictional Pye Hall has been murdered, will the famed detective be able to sort out the suspects to solve this latest caper?
As Susan reaches the final chapter of Alan's manuscript, there's one problem--it's not there! Unfortunately for her, her contentious client won't be able to supply it due to an unfortunate, lethal fall. The editor is in a frenzy to find the remainder of the document to figure out how the whodunnit ends and learn more about the snarly author's untimely demise. Questions abound as real-life events and people seem to mirror the storyline content and characters of his fictional tale--are the clues to both mysteries within the missing pages?
Author Horowitz has written a brilliant whodunnit that takes the reader on a fascinating journey between the pages of a fictional cozy and the real-life, mysterious happenings the editor turned sleuth is destined to uncover. This is such a clever, thrilling tale; I was mesmerized from start to finish. I can't wait to read book 2 in this superb series--a highly recommended read!
Author Cathleen Maza, Complicated Heart, 5 ⭐
Author Maza takes readers on an emotion filled journey in this collection of short stories that delve into life's complexities. The subjects at times are haunting and chilling as dark emotions and happenings are unveiled.
You're taken to the edge in many ways as the characters deal with the situations life has handed them. In some of the tales, you may find yourself wanting to turn away, for others, you'll want to offer a big hug. All will leave an unnerving imprint on your heart and mind.
I truly enjoyed this poignant collection of short stories that delve into life's darker moments. Author Maza is a masterful storyteller, exploring complex subjects with an openness that unleashes many unexpected emotions. Journey to the dark side of the heart, if you dare...
Next up in the reading queue:
Coming up: GRITConn in lovely San Diego!
Next week I'm super excited to attend the GRITConn motivational conference in San Diego. It's being co-hosted by one of my super fav tweeps, Dr. Summer Watson of KORE Women Consulting. There's a great line-up of speakers planned who will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on achieving the goals you want to take on. I can't think of a better way to get a head start with inspiring ideas for the new year! It will be great fun to meet another Twitter friend in person too--love that. Rumor has it one of my fav southern GFs just might be attending this too---I spy some good times awaiting!
Welcome to my world. Until next time, have a good one!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Hope you had a fabulous Valentine's Day--big hugs to you! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑👠
