Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #Wishes and #Dreams…

Dare I wish, can it be, a mini-trip is on the horizon? One of our favorite, close-by island escapes is Catalina Island–which much to my #lockdown amazement is somewhat open for business! We’re tentatively planning a trip over there once again later next month (assuming we aren’t forced into a complete shutdown again), hoping to enjoy the beautiful island vibes and settings. All the #lockdown rules are in place in Avalon–masks, outdoor eating, social distancing etc, but since Catalina is filled with outdoor activities, I think we’ll be OK. The feature pic this week is from the Inn at Mount Ada (formerly the Wrigley Mansion). The lovely hotel/restaurant sits high on the hill overlooking the port of Avalon and has breathtaking views. I’m hoping to get back there for lunch or dinner during our stay, delicious food!

Speaking of dreams that make your crowns spin…My almost-royal ears and eyes have been buzzing and popping the past few weeks with the release of Lady Colin Campbell’s Meghan and Harry, the Real Story and Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family.  I’m not going to give my opinion on all the tabloid excerpt releases nor the social media posts that have published to date. All I will say is when Harry and Meghan married, I had high hopes and celebrated with the many royal, well wishers around the globe. I will not be buying, reading, or reviewing these books. I think I can finally say I’ve had my fill, and have a feeling I’m not alone, #JustSayin.

It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

Hearth Fires, Coming soon!

The edits are in and Bibiana and I have gone through the changes. We’re so excited about this joint release of scary tales. It’s a collection of stories that will give you a few, delightful chills as you cozy up by the fire with a lovely glass of wine. We’re just about ready for beta readers–if you’re interested–please LMK in the comments or send us a DM on Twitter, we’d love to have you take a look! Hearth Fires is now on Goodreads and will soon be available for pre-order on Amazon and other seller platforms. You can get a sneak peak of the stories here:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54651075-hearth-fires

I also want to give Bibiana Krall a HUGE shoutout for the lovely #BookTrailer she produced for Hearth Fires. One of the treats is that each story is set in a different part of the world. In these days of restricted traveling, why not take a mind trip? Here’s the trailer–turn up the volume and take a listen–I love the music!

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Reunion drama galore this week from the writers of twitter…

Author Lisette Brodey, Barrie Hill Reunion, 5 STARS

Twenty years have past since the members of the Barrie Hill college literary group last met. Clare has organized a weekend  at their favorite group haunt–the elegant Vanessa Grant Hotel. Film star Bart and his wife Aimee; film critic Larry; family and newspaper man, Dan, who’s anticipating seeing his college crush, Maggie; and tenured professor Colin and his sharp tongued, wife Leah attend, ready to reminisce about the good ole days.  As the weekend progresses, the conflicts emerge from the past and present, rocking the groups comradery.

We follow the group through each reunion event, watching as the details, dramas, and sometimes snide remarks unfold. Some seem bent on causing discomfort and strife within the group and will use any means necessary to achieve it. Will their motives bring the reunion to an abrupt end? As the member’s stories unfold, life’s complexities are revealed. For a few, major changes are underway as they confide their secrets to those they trust.

Author Brodey takes us through a captivating, reunion weekend with a group of friends who were once close. Twenty years definitely changes the group dynamics, however, and we soon witness the strengths and weaknesses of each member, and whether or not the friendships will endure. A surprise reveal at the end leaves the group reeling. This is a gripping read, highly recommended!

Next up in the #reading queue:

Tune in for our 10th #BOOKEM Channel chat today at 1:45pm EDT!

Ten episodes–how about that! #BOOKEM has been so much fun for Bibiana, Amy and me to do these past few months. We truly appreciate all of you who tune in and take a listen. Remember, if you’d like your book featured, please let us know. This week Amy’s on deck talking all things books–you can watch her here:

Welcome to my world. Enjoy your #week and #weekend friends!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. My #book baby is almost a month old! you can order your copy here⇓. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂