Happy New Year friends–wishing you a fun filled year where all your dreams come true! I was inspired for this #NewYear’s post by the picture below from the shores of Cambria in central California. I thought the land and skyscape pretty much depicted the hopes and promises of a new year, as well as the obstacles that will inevitably drop in (many when you least expect them!). The start of a new year can be a bit daunting—dark clouds, rocky roads, turbulent currents, but always there’s a glimmer of blue sky that keeps you moving forward. The good news is there is always a dynamic change in play–and always a chance for a fresh start.
I’m super excited for the challenges this year will bring. I have two books to write, and some glorious trips are coming up! In a few weeks we’ll be heading down south, visiting the beautiful cities of Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston and Knoxville. I can’t wait to catch up with a few old friends and new, and have loads of laughs. 🙂 This trip I’m on the hunt for gorgeous architecture and décor to inspire my writings, I have a feeling these southern cities are just the ticket for some #InspirationResearch. Peace, goodwill, and blessings to you and yours this 2020! It’s Wednesday, first day of the #NewYear and a new decade, time for #DearDiary:
Starting a new cozy mystery series…
In the weeks before Christmas, we made a wonderful trip to the Jackson Hole area, the setting for my next book. I was able to do some great reconnaissance there, scoping out the towns of Jackson and Teton Village, exploring some of the Teton National Park, and of course sampling the delicious cuisine and libations of the area! I want my MC Rikkhe St. Claire to feel at home during her stay there–in between ‘mur-dahs’ of course! I was able to pick up a few tidbits of local trivia I have a feeling will make their way into the story, such as:
Boy scouts and antlers: The local boy scout troops have an exclusive contract with the town of Jackson to gather the deer, moose and elk antlers from the many reserves in the area. They get paid $14/pound, with some sets of the sheddable bone structures selling for thousands of dollars. Sounds like these scouts hit the fund raising motherload!
April and October (or weeks of November) off for the townies: Many of the staff at the resorts and town shops in the area flock here because they basically get 2 months off each year to take some much needed vacays of their own. The Four Seasons actually shuts down during those months. How civilized!
Silver Dollar Bar: One of thee oldest saloons in town, with locals and visitors from around the world. The bar is the original, filled with art deco carvings from years gone by. A must stop if you’re in the area–I fell in love with the cowgirl bronze figurines!
Rockefeller land donation: Big bucks stop here—35,000 family owned acres were handed over to the feds to create the Teton National Park, with the mandate to keep the land undeveloped. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited!
A delightful cozy mystery read from a writer who inspired me to begin my series…
Author Rhys Bowen, Love and Death Among the Cheetahs (A Royal Spyness Mystery), 5 STARS
Lady Georgiana ‘Georgie’ Rannoch has married the man of her dreams, the Honorable Darcy O’Mara and now it’s time for the honeymoon! After several idyllic days on a houseboat, Darcy surprises Georgie with an unexpected trip of a lifetime–they’re going to Kenya in a region known as the White Highlands! Georgie has a secret royal request from Queen Mary to give her any updates on her son David who is also in the area— particularly those scandalous tidbits that involve a certain Mrs. Simpson.
The African countryside is filled with majestic sites and exotic animals, and more than a few aristocratic countrymen and ladies who have made this their homestead. Jealousy, love triangles, and lives of decadent excess are the norm, with some liaisons curling Georgie’s newlywed toes! When an eye roving lord is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. Will Georgie and Darcy help solve the crime, or will the killer silence them for good?
This is the 13th book of Author Bowen’s Royal Spyness mystery series, and I couldn’t have been more delighted with this read. The characters are sure to keep you entertained, the storyline packed with action and historical facts woven in a mystery that will keep you turning the pages. This is one of my favorite mystery series, I’ll be back for the next book!
Next up in the reading queue:
Happy early BDAY to me!
Friday, January 3rd is my birthday and I’ve just received my fave bday present! An 890 piece 3-D puzzle of Highclere Castle aka #DowntonAbbey! I can’t wait to have my very own Highclere!
And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better…
This wonderful #book arrived–giving me all things Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey at #Christmas! Can you say #swoon!!!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Wishing you happiness, health and that all your dreams come true in 2020! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 🙂
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