Veronica's #WritersDiary: #Leaves Swirl, #Oktoberfest Brews, #Book Reveals; Well Hello, #Autumn🌻🍁!

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”

― Lauren DeStefano

I cannot tell you how happy this SoCal gal is! The final days of September have arrived with a flourish of autumnal delight---we had our first 'real' thunderstorm ( I know, it's a California thing--but when you haven't seen a raindrop in months it's really quite something--I'm kind of giddy!) and the temps have cooled down considerably. Can you say #boot season?

The mountain air at Big Bear!

We were able to spend a few days in Big Bear this week to enjoy the cool weather, tip back a few suds (amazing how many brews to choose from🍺) and enjoy the village's delicious cuisine. This mountain lake community celebrates their #Oktoberfest in fine style and we were glad to see many of the restaurants back in full swing.

One of our new fav places is Oakside, a restaurant with the classic design and feel of a mountain chalet. It's a bit early for snow but the 'bunnies & moose' were gathered around the outdoor firepits and under the beam lined ceilings...have I said this antler chandelier is calling my name?😍 🦌The menu is filled with hearty bites to eat and I especially was loving the wine signage placed along many of the walls. Now that I'm back at the vineyard at Cherrywood Hall---I'm on the hunt for decorating ideas...

This visit we stayed at The Club at Big Bear Village, a time share complex that offers some stunning amenities and is within walking distance to restaurants and shops. We liked having the extra room to

wander about and kick back and relax in. We always try and travel during the week days to avoid the crowds and enjoy the price breaks that can often be found. We'll be back for some snow days I'm sure!

Besides boots, eats, drinks and travel, I'm particularly excited for the #books that will be released this fall! In October (2 days away BTW), I'll be highlighting a few #authors who have new books debuting (Colin Powell and Cynthia Raleigh have guest posts in the next weeks--stay tuned). I love getting to know the writers I follow on Twitter and I hope you do too. There's some great stories loading onto my kindle and I cannot wait to read them!

For me, autumn signals the arrival of the holiday season and all I can say is 'bring 'em on'! Our #Halloween lights have been installed, the witch's tree is beaming, and the house is glowing with ghoulish cheer. I'm going to savor each and every moment of my favorite time of year, even when the fuses blow at the most inopportune of times. 🎃

Wishing you loads of chilly delights to enjoy in this fabulous season---it's Fall Y'all! It's also Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

The 🕸Tangled Webs🕸 print copies have arrived!

It took a while for the paperbacks to get here this year--the global supply chain slow down perhaps? All I can say is that the books look #bootiful! After months of planning, writing, editing, design--there truly is nothing better than holding one of your literary creations in your hands!

Speaking of #bootiful...

I am thrilled with the final cover layout for Christmas Bizarre! I went with the icy blues and orangey red to pay tribute to my MC Rikkhe St. Claire's Scandinavian heritage for this #Christmas mystery collection vs the traditional greens and reds. I'm so glad I did, it looks very cozy mystery Christmas to me---chilling but bright for the season! Stay tuned--once October hits you'll soon be seeing a lot more on the holiday themed mysteries in this collection...

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Heroines of WWII this week from the writers of Twitter...

Author Jules Wake, Secrets of Latimer House, 5⭐

The war is raging, disrupting the lives of many caught in its path. Three, young women from disparate backgrounds, Evelyn, Judith and Betty, will soon find themselves on assignment at Latimer House, where their essential, wartime skills are in high demand. The government has turned the country manor into a top secret facility whose mission is not known to those who reside beyond its gates.

Evelyn Brooke-Edwards, well-bred, sophisticated and dedicated to her country, harbors a secret. Will a past relationship destroy her career? Judith Stern, a German expat who fled to England to escape the horrors that now rule her homeland. Can she overcome the grief and bitterness she experienced and begin her life again? Betty Connors, a farm lass with looks and loads of personality. Will a village brute end her dreams for a better life?

Author Wake has written a heartwarming tale tinged with the harsh realities faced during a world war. The three women forge a friendship that transcends time and social status; giving them a strength to see things through in the darkest of situations. A must read book--highly recommended!

Next up in the #reading queue:

#AutumnWish...Living #Hygge

The past few weeks have seen me knee deep in clothes that have not been worn for eons...I did my autumn culling of the closets! It was brutal, but I finally gave myself the psychological go ahead to purge all the 'things' that were taking up not only physical space, but were wearing down on me mentally. It may sound silly to some, but when you cringe as you walk by a room or closet area, it's time to grab the bull by the horns, or, in this case, the dresses/sweaters/tops by the hanger and give those that no longer bring you joy the old heave ho.

I can't tell you what a delight it is to be able to easily close a closet door, knowing exactly what you have in the apparel inventory and best yet, know that everything hanging is something you can wear with pride and enjoy. I am starting to appreciate the benefits of living #hygge. As Martha says, "It's a good thing..."🌻🍁

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

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. Do you have favorite fall pictures? The pic below is of one of the garden/fountain areas in Hyde Park from an October trip to London a few years back. It's one of my fav places to walk, especially when the air is crisp and cool. Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑