"I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."
Mary Anne Radmacher
Buongiorno! What a fine and interesting April it has been. The OH and I completed our Mediterranean Odyssey, journeying to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and Croatia on the Viking Star. #Whew
We ended our trip in Venice, and all I can say is ciao bella! We stayed at the fabulous Hilton Molina Stucky, a factory turned luxury hotel that offered spectacular views of the grand canal--especially from their rooftop bar!
I am in love with the canals of Venice...
The architectural details are amazing...
Even if they're starting to lean a little...
A city built on tradition and history...
Bringing breathtaking beauty around every corner...
A last look at the hustle and bustle around St. Mark's Square...
One final trip to Murano to see a glass master at work...
And picked up this abstract piece...
Refreshed and refueled, April has brought me newfound inspiration for my projects. Wishing you fun and a wee bit of foolery as April draws to a close! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
My 2024 books are coming along!
Book 9 in My American Almost Royal Cousin Series is well underway and will be in editing by next month. I'm targeting a late September-early October release--this tale is set around Thanksgiving in November, so, we'll be just in time to kick off the holiday season! As with all my books, I am constantly amazed at how the story morphs as you dive into the tale--this one has twists, turns, and characters I never saw coming. 👀
I was also able to write one of the stories for Book 3 of the Rikkhe St. Claire Hygge & Bisous Holiday Mysteries during our cruise--a writing tradition I was happy to continue. It was a lot of fun and sometimes challenging snuggling into the Christmas mood, while looking at the springtime, Mediterranean shoreline, LOL. The joys of being a writer! ✍️🎀🪷
Thrills and chills this month from the writers of X...
Author Lisette Brodey, Twice a Broken Breath, 5 ⭐
A nightmarish scenario unfolds when Liam finds his bank accounts wiped out and his family vanished without a trace. As the seconds click by, he realizes his wife wants him out of her life. He has less than twenty-four hours to find her, or risk never seeing his daughter again.
His search begins with a frantic return to New York to search the haunts that were once part of their life together. Memories from his past emerge, with thoughts and experiences long forgotten. Will the emotions and strange encounters help or hinder his search for his family, and perhaps reconcile Liam with his past?
Author Brodey weaves an emotion-filled, thrilling tale that will keep you on edge to the end. Buckle up, a highly recommended read for fans of suspense and mystery!
Author Kristen Perrin, How to Solve Your Own Murder, 5 ⭐
A prophecy of murder sets the scene for this dual timeline tale of mystery and intrigue. Teenage Frances receives a mystical reading that predicts she will be murdered. Decades later, the prediction comes true. Will her niece, Annie be able to unravel the trail of clues to find her aunt's killer?
Author Perrin pens an intriguing tale told from the victim and sleuth's perspectives. We learn about Frances's past relationships, with dark secrets that may provide motive for her demise. Will the passage of time let a murderer get away with the evil deed?
I found this to be a fascinating storyline, one that will entertain and keep you guessing. A highly recommended read for mystery fans!
Multi-Authors, Luck of the Irish Cozy Mystery Anthology, 5 ⭐
Snuggle up with a collection of St. Patrick's Day and luck themed cozy mystery short stories to entertain your little gray cells. This eclectic collection of ten tales will keep you guessing as you figure out the who, what, and why in each whodunnit.
I enjoyed this collection very much and there are many different cozy writing styles, plotlines, and characters to admire. Proceeds from this book go to the RAICEStexas.org charity. Support a great cause, a fun read for fans of cozy mystery!
Author Joy York, The Moonshine Murders, 5 ⭐
Cousins Lily and Christi join forces once again to solve a deadly mystery. This one hit close to home. Lily's father, Bill, the country jailer and deputy sheriff, has been shot and critically wounded, and a farmer murdered while investigating a mysterious moonshine still on the farmer's property.
Lily is determined to find out who did this to her father and drags her sometimes reluctant, Cousin Christi with her to sort through the clues and suspects. The danger escalates as the feds and members of a nefarious moonshine ring comes to town. Will the cousins and their friends sleuthing lead to their becoming the next victims?
Author York once again weaves a thrilling whodunnit with characters who have become fan favorites. Lily's and Christi's adventures are a treat for readers, and I feel like I've become part of their entourage--sharing secrets, mysteries, perplexing scenarios, and the hints of teenage romance. This is a fantastic mystery series, sure to entertain fans of all ages! A highly recommended read!
The trials and tribulations of aristocratic life, American style!
So, during the ten-hour flight from LAX to Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to binge watch a series I'd been meaning to get into for some time. Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age. whisks you away to the high society life of post-Civil War New York City. Everyone is afraid of incurring Mrs. Astor's wrath, and only the brave dare to venture into new realms and relationships. It's old money versus new dissing at its finest! I'll be continuing onto season 2 soon... #Meow
Welcome to my world. Until next time, enjoy the rest of April and have a fabulous May!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Wishing everyone a wonderful Mother's Day on the 12th of May! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑
All I can say is...wow. The pictures and descriptions of your incredible trip, the books I've now added to my block-long TBR, and best of all, TWO new books by V—they all made my day! Thanks for sharing your trip with us and for keeoing your well filled. I love when you go on vacation because your readers benefit!
Have a great week. xo
Thank you SO very much for reading and reviewing Twice a Broken Breath, Veronica. Deeply appreciated. xx
How wonderful, Veronica! Many thanks, as always, for your amazing pictures. It was fun to check into Twitter every day to see where you were on your trip...it felt like I was tagging along. Love the glass artwork you chose! So glad you were able to take this amazing journey. Thanks for sharing!