Happy Wednesday Everyone, I thought I only had two special blog posts this week, but it turns out I was wrong! Another one has been added. In the spirit of Christmas surprises, I give you a book review of author Laura Childs ' newest release: Things are bubbling and boiling merrily at the Cackleberry Club Diner, that is, until Suzanne (one of the proprietors) finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. And all she wanted to do was get her hair done! However, hair will have to wait when the salon and the neighboring buildings go up in flames. But who started the fire that killed Hannah Venable? Sheriff Doogie callsn an arson-investigator to have a look at the evidence to uncover the who-done-it. Unfortunately, the list of suspects includes fellow Cackleberry Club employee, Kit's fiance. But d id Ricky do it? Or was it hot-headed Marty Wolfson? Perhaps the victim's two-timing husband was the culprit? While Suzanne juggles plates and Petra's yummy offe...

Happy Thursday All, When I wrote yesterday's post I didn't realize I would finish the novel I was reading in time to do a review this week, however, it appears I underestimated myself.  So today, I have a special treat, an official blog book review. I've been doing official blog book reviews for Laura Childs for sometime now. I've enjoyed reading her novels and telling you all about them. This time, she sent me the published version of the novel and not the ARC (which is okay) so the novel I'm about to tell you about is already available. Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop is back in the newest Tea Shop Mystery ... While attending a wine tasting with her friend and shop colleague, Theodosia, Drayton, and the rest of the guests at the Knighthall Winery event, are treated to an unfortunate event. The moment Jordan, the owner of Knighthall Winery, goes to open the barrel of the newest wine, everyone is aghast when Jordan's son, Drew...

Happy Tuesday Everybody, As promised, today is a special treat...an official blog book review and it's a brand-new release: Laura Childs strikes again with her newest Scrapbooking Mystery , Gilt Trip . When Carmela Bertrand and her best pal, Ava Gruiex attend a high society shindig celebrating the release of Jerry Earl Leland from jail (only because Carmela designed the invitations and Margo—Jerry Earl’s wife—decided Carmela must be at the party), the last thing on their minds is murder. However, when searching for something to dab a stain on Ava’s blouse, Carmela runs across a murder victim stuffed in the dryer. And not just any victim. Jerry Earl himself.  With her boyfriend/detective, Edgar Babock, out of town, his no-nonsense assistant Bobby Gallant is on the case. And he has no interest in Carmela sticking her nose in the investigation.  In fact, Carmela has no interest in doing that either—even going so far as to promise Babock she won’t. ...

Happy Wednesday All, (No matter what the date tab says, this post is meant for Wednesday). I can hardly believe it...not counting today, there are TWO days left until the Lone Star Conference. This is my third year going, and I'll be entering my fourth year as a member of the NWHRWA. This group is an incredible group of men and women. I'm very lucky and blessed to be a member and to be amid so many talented writers. I know travel can be a pain (especially if you live out of state, or even out of the country) but folks, these people are so hospitable and kind. If you're a writer, I cannot stress enough how important that is. It's also why I invite my fellow authors to this Conference every year. Now that I've gotten the sentimentality out and told you how truly awesome the NWHRWA & the Lone Star Conference is, let me move on to what's kept me from the blog... I have been reading like a mad fool, my dear readers. My cousin got me interested in an a...

Happy Tuesday All, Hope everyone got a chance to read the review I posted yesterday . Now, here's for the 2nd book review I have this week for you: Welcome back to Shadowfalls! Things are busy what with the camp being turned into a school...new students, and teachers...and a ghost. It's the ghost that has Kylie all discombobulated...okay maybe not just the ghost, because let's face it, finding out she was a ---- (I'm leaving that blank for those who haven't read Taken At Dusk , or who haven't finished it).  is really something... and it's all well and good to know what you are, but what is the extent of her powers? Her limitations? Never mind the fact that the ghost has ---'s face (again, leaving that blank for those who haven't read or finished Taken At Dusk , because it's important!) If it wasn't for that, the ghost would just be another ghost in a long line of ones that keep showing up wanting Kylie's help. But beyond that,...

Happy Monday All, Warning: The following post will cause chocolate lovers all over to drool uncontrollably on their keyboards. Please take the necessary precautions to protect your computers. Thank you. Yes! Today I'm talking about chocolate. Rich,dark,milk,white, truffled, in cake, cookies, dripping-off-your-spoon-in-a-sundae, chocolate! If you couldn't tell I'm something of a chocoholic. There. I said it. Chocoholic. No, don't be ashamed. There's redeeming features in chocolate. Like dark chocolate is supposed to be good for you--okay, you're not supposed to gorge yourself on it like a thirsty person trapped in the dessert, but in reasonable (that is not huge amounts) it can have health benefits. Chocolate contains magnesium, which women's bodies crave (this is one of the reasons some women really go for the chocolate). On the converse side, I suppose a woman could take magnesium supplements to curb her craving for a chocolate, but I leave that ...

Happy Friday All, The contest portion of this post is closed, however, you may enjoy the rest of it :-) Congratulations goes to Beth, who emailed me her entry, and is the winner of the Eyes Of Jade Bracelet & Earrings Set in yesterday's drawing. Today is the last day of the Great Jewelry Giveaway. I've had so much fun hosting it and the comments have been very creative and imaginative with their usages of the contest words. So, I hope today to see that creativity and imagination alive and well for this, the last giveaway day for this particular contest. Kathy of Beadmore Designs and I both share a love of Georgette Heyer's books. Ms. Heyer died in 1974, leaving a legacy of Regency Romances and Mystery novels behind. I have read that she often called "Queen Of The Regency".   I've read about 13 of her Regency Romances . Kathy's favorite is Lady Of Quality (which I have not read, but it looks good). Lady Of Quality follows the friendship b...