Friday, March 30, 2018

Record number of passengers for Brussels Airport

The Easter holidays are growing more and more popular it seems. Thousands of people plan their trip away during that period of two weeks when schools are closed. Brussels Airport saw year after year more passengers during the Easter weekend.

But this year they expect even more passengers. Up to 1,2 million they gather. No wonder actually, as our winter was a weird one. December and January were warmer than usual, while February was unusually cold with freezing temperatures and snow. Also this month of March has been colder than normal.

No wonder people like to escape to warmer climes. I must confess, so do we. I'm ever so glad my sister and I will be among those 1,2 million passengers! The weather in the UAE will definitely be better than what we're having now! We packed our suitcases with clothes for the sun.

The only difficult thing is dressing to leave. It will still be cold when we leave our house, and we have to walk to the railway station. So best dress in various layers. That way, we can get rid of some once at the airport, and even more on arrival in Dubai.

Are you taking a trip around Easter???

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

What to take along on a trip?

Guess this is something lots of people ask themselves! If you are going on a trip (short or long), you need to think about the luggage you are going to take along.

The first thing is to consider the place you are going to. If you are going to the North Pole, you don't carry summer clothes. Also, it's nice when your clothes aren't wrinkled on arrival because you don't find an iron in every hotel or guest house.

For us, it's also important to only take along what's needed. No excess luggage, please. We need to be able to carry our own suitcase from our house to the railway station because we go to the airport by train. So we always travel lightly. That's not so difficult, when you choose with care what to tuck into that suitcase.

We are travelling to the UAE soon, so we won't be concerned about the weather. It'll be hot enough. But because they are islamitic countries, you have to be careful not to offend. So no short skirts. Instead nice linen trousers - they cover your legs and have the added advantage of protecting your skin against rubbing. In the hotels and around the swimming pools you can wear tank tops, but we also bring a big shawl to cover ourselves when needed. We bought these when in Rome, because you couldn't enter the Vatican without one.

Sensible shoes are a must. Not too many, just some that are very comfortable. I've got a pair of loafers which feel like you are bare-footed, and very comfortable sandals. That should be enough, as I'm leaving on my sneakers.

On my head I wear a sunhat. I need to, because my hair is very thin and I need to protect the skin. Found one years ago in Vancouver, and it's still nice to wear.

We'll be selecting our things this afternoon, and then make our suitcases tomorrow as my sister is free on these two afternoons. As long as you don't close the suitcases, it doesn't matter. I always pack the suitcases as my granddad taught me (he was military). I spread the clothes and other stuff evenly so I never have to press the lid to close the suitcase.

Into the mood already...

Monday, March 26, 2018

Lie To Her

Once more I've got a guest author present. Please welcome Mehrisa Mex, author of Lie To Her, a psychological thriller available now. The tour will run March 19 - March 30.


Mehrisa Mex will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2623

Blurb

Despite years of treatment, twenty-one year old Lydia still struggles with trauma from being attacked as a teenager. House-bound with anxieties and haunted by ghostly visions, she soon comes to suspect her psychiatrist husband, Myles, of sabotaging her recovery.  Her pursuit of the truth uncovers secrets more terrible than she ever imagined and it soon becomes clear that nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted – not even herself.



Excerpt

Lydia sprinted out of the lounge, through the kitchen-dining room, out onto the back patio and down onto the grass in her socked feet. Her heart felt like it had multiplied in her chest and was hammering along with all its replicas out of sync. When she turned back to the face the house, she saw the girl standing in the upstairs window, looking down at her. A second later, she was gone. 

She had left her cell phone and everything else inside. She had nothing to protect herself with, so she hurried to the tool shed near the garage to look for her gardening shears. When she couldn't find them, she grabbed the garden rake instead and headed to the gate with it. 

When she got there, she undid the latch and threw the gate open. But she had only taken a few steps into the road outside when she felt a sudden vertigo descend on her. Various planes of her vision shifted and an icy-sharpness cut across the surface of her skin. She staggered back to the gate and inside the compound of the house. 

It took her some time before she could stand up straight. She looked back at the house with dread. The irony of her situation was not lost on her – that she could no sooner go inside feeling this way than she could leave the perimeter of the house without risking another kind of panic attack. She was pitifully stranded.  



Author bio and links


Mehrisa Mex writes mystery-thrillers, neo-noir and international crime. She often appears in her own imagination lit in the chiaroscuro style of film noir and narrating thoughts to herself in moody, hard-boiled tones.

Amazon link for book purchase: www.amazon.com/author/mehrisamex
Info links: https://twitter.com/mehrisa_mex
                 www.facebook.com/mehrisamex

Great news! On Saturday, March 31st, the e-book will be available for free using this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-Her-Mehrisa-Mex-ebook/dp/B079WPTGNZ/

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Presence required

We had to go to the seaside this weekend because we needed to be present at the VME meeting for our block of flats. VME means 'organisation of co-owners'.

A couple of major decisions concerning our building had to be taken and then it's better to have as many owners as possible present. A 3/4 majority is obligatory to make a final decision. One of those concerned a court case against an owner who refuses  his to pay his annual fee for the maintenance. Another because of major renovations to the outside of the building - it dates back to end of the 1960s and renovation is needed.

We were lucky that yesterday the weather was quite nice for a change, so after the meeting and having lunch, we could go outside for a while. At this moment, it's still quiet at the coast, because the majority of tourists only comes around Easter and after.

We also went out dining at the bistro next door, which is ever so easy as you don't have to cook when you don't feel like it. And at Christine's it is always value for money.

We'll return home later this afternoon and then it's the last week of school before the Easter holidays start.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Guarding Her Heart

Today we welcome as guest author Jade Webb. Jade is doing a virtual book blast tour for Guarding Her Heart, a contemporary romance available now.


During this tour, Jade will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter. Please use the following link to place your comment:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2624

Blurb

Trust me, even though I’ve had a silver spoon in my mouth since I was a fetus and have a world-famous pop diva as a sister, there is nothing I want more in the world than to fade into the background and live out my Law & Order fantasy of becoming a public defender.

The only problem is my dad won’t bankroll law school unless I spend the summer following my older sister on her arena tour, keeping her out of trouble and making sure she doesn’t have yet another embarrassing public meltdown. Now relegated to a glorified babysitter, I am stuck lugging my ten-pound LSAT prep books through hotel lobbies and taking practice tests in my sister’s dressing rooms.

Then I find myself caught in a love triangle with my sister’s arch nemesis, bad boy popstar Jordan James and Liam, my sister’s confusing and irritatingly gorgeous Scottish bodyguard. Too bad I’ve sworn off love after seeing my own parent’s train wreck of marriage end with heartache and misery.

I’m tired of living under my family’s careful rules and law school is my way out. I won’t let anything get in my way. I won’t let anyone close enough to break down my walls. I have to guard my heart.


Excerpt

The sound of the door opening behind me sends a shiver of fear down my spine. I drop the hairbrush and fumble to hang the dress back with the others on the clothing rack. I step backward and let out a loud gasp as I feel a hard, thick wall hit me from behind. Turning slowly, I take a nervous step back, sweeping my eyes up and down the giant man looming in front of me. 

I feel my breath catch as I take him in. He easily towers over me, and is definitely over six feet tall. His body is literally radiating heat, and a quick glance up to his face reveals that it is not the good kind: he looks pissed. His eyes are narrowed into an intimidating glare, and his brow is deeply furrowed as his steel-grey eyes pin me in my place. We stare at each other for a few long moments, neither one of us uttering a word. His eyes flicker up and down my body and I swear I can feel my skin scorch under his assessment. I am so overwhelmed by his presence that I take another staggering step backward. My tactic doesn’t work and only seems to annoy him further.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” His voice is loud, authoritative, and surprisingly, unmistakably Scottish. Although I try to fight it, my mind instantly travels to my secret stash of Scottish highlander romance novels I read when I need to unwind after a long day. God, this guy would look amazing in a kilt. 

At that thought, I feel heat instantly rush to my cheeks. God, why am I so awkward? Just calmly explain who you are and send him on his merry way. I open my mouth and inwardly cringe at how high-pitched and mousy I sound. “I- I’m here to see Daphni.” He stares at me blankly, his eyes narrowing even more in annoyance. 

“My sister,” I clarify, my voice a bit more even. 

He rolls his eyes at me and swears under his breath. “Great,” he mutters, “Another crazy fan.”




Author bio and links

In Jade's own words:

I am a lover of romance novels that feature strong heroines who know that the loves that may come into their lives are always the icing, and never the cake.
I have loved romance novels since I was a teen, sneaking them into my Bible studies at my all-girls Catholic school. I love strong heroines who know that the men that may come into their lives are always the icing, and never the cake.
Thanks to my own marriage, I have learned that the challenges of life can only help to make love stronger and I am grateful to my partner for embodying all the magic that love can offer.

When I am not writing or dreaming up new love stories, I am working in a retirement community outside of Boston that provides me with enough writing material for ten lifetimes. 


Social media:

Website: www.JadeWebb.com
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/authorjadewebb
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authorjadewebb
Instagram: http://instagram.com/authorjadewebb
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17629762.Jade_Webb
Guarding Her Heart is available exclusively on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
$0.99 during the tour.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0796JHS2W/ref=as_li_tl


National applause day

Some initiatives are really great, I think. Like today's. One or other organisation declared today as National Applause Day. A lot of volunteers are standing alongside the roads near schools and workplaces and cheer all who come to that place by bike.


I didn't see cheering people when I biked to the supermarket this morning, but on the bike path someone had chalked 'Way to go', 'Congrats', etc. Really nice!

I use my bike on a regular basis. Now especially when my feet hurt a bit (this is one of the by-effects of my medication against cancer). I sold my car about 15 years ago and my sister did away with hers like 10 years ago. She works ten minutes from where we live and I could easily go by train to my school. So why need a car? Public transport is easily available in our town and in half an hour you're either in Ghent, Brussels or Antwerp. Guess what? You even get faster to the coast by public transport than by car!

Not having a car saves a lot of money, too. In our household, these savings go to trips abroad. On what you save by not having to pay traffic taxes, insurance, maintenance, garage etc. for a car, you can make a nice trip to an intersting place abroad.

And another added advantage: by only walking an cycling you remain a lot fitter than those who sit in a car all day!



Sunday, March 18, 2018

A Walk on the Wild Side

Today's guest, Eileen Dreyer (writing as Kathleen Korbel) is doing a virtual book blast tour for A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE, a romantic suspense available March 19.


Eileen will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link: 

Blurb

J.P. O’Neill is in the fight of his life. A legendary agent with the DEA, he’s uncovered a conspiracy in his own agency. The only problem is he’s been arrested for the murder of his partner. If he goes to jail, he dies. 

There’s only one solution—escape. The only way to do that is to kidnap his defense attorney. Lauren Taylor is a high-priced attorney doing a favor for a friend. Suddenly she finds herself on the run with the most dangerous man she’s ever met. Will she survive with her heart intact? 

“Ms. Korbel generates an incredible chemistry between her two immensely appealing lovers that will set your heart on fire.” ~ RT Booklovers



Excerpt 

The first time she saw him, he was unkempt, unwashed and unshaven. And that was after they’d cleaned him up.

“It says here you were a DEA agent,” Lauren mused, her eyes down on the file she’d been handed rather than the bedraggled man who sat across the table from her.

“I’m still a DEA agent,” he allowed, his voice gravelly with weariness, his hands clenched around a foam coffee cup.

He’d already finished the coffee. Now he was tearing little strips off the rim with his fingers, fingers that were so grimy that Lauren had thought twice about shaking his hand.

She knew his story was that he’d been undercover as a street person, but she wasn’t sure he’d had to go to quite the lengths he had. James O’Neill smelled like a cannery and looked like the bottom of an oil drum. His layered clothes were torn and filthy, his beard gnarled and unruly, a salt and pepper variation on the nondescript hair that straggled down the back of his neck from beneath a knit cap. The typical uniform of any of the thousands of lost men who wandered the streets and slept in parks and under bridges.

But that wasn’t what kept Lauren from facing him. She’d sat across from her share of derelicts. After all, she’d been with the public defender’s office before joining the firm of Paxton, Bryant and Filmore. She knew how to survive a pungent odor or two and didn’t think twice about the type of grime in which a man chose to coat himself.

What Lauren couldn’t quite face were James O’Neill’s eyes.

They’d been the first thing she’d noticed, the single startling contrast to the rest of the picture that made her believe that O’Neill had been, at least until a month earlier, one of the DEA’s top agents. Brilliant, according to the records she’d scanned. Canny, daring, a risk taker of the first order who’d netted some of the top players in the game by running some of the most unbelievable stings in the history of the agency. A legend in his own time.

The file before her also said that sometime around dawn the man who sat before her had shot down his ex-partner in cold blood in a public park rather than be hauled in on drug charges.



Author bio and links

New York Times bestselling, RWA Hall of Fame author Eileen Dreyer has published 31 romance novels in most genres, 8 medical-­forensic suspenses, and 10 short stories.
2015 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her foray into historical romance, the Drake’s Rakes series, which Eileen labels as Regency Romantic Adventure that follows a group of Regency aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. She is also working on her first non­fiction book, TRAVELS WITH DAVE, about a journey she's been taking with a friend's ashes.
A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.


Website:  http://eileendreyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EileenDreyer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eileendreyer
Amazon buy link:  https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Wild-Side-Korbel-Classics-ebook/dp/B079Y9PB9D/ref=sr_1_1
BN buy link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-walk-on-the-wild-side-eileen-dreyer/1127971511

Friday, March 16, 2018

Looking forward to the weekend

As it's nearly noon right now, I'm slowly getting into the mood for the upcoming weekend. The past week was quite busy, with doctor's appointments, insurance experts coming to calculate the damage (we have some leakage from the roof, where ours connects to the one of our neighbor). Both went well. My diabetes (yes, next to cancer I also have that) is well under control and according to the expert, we'll get a tidy sum to repair the damages. Taking into account that we can do a lot ourselves (like plastering the wall, painting and putting up wallpaper) we'll even be able to save some.

We're going to spend the weekend in Antwerp. Of all our big towns, this is the one I like best. Perhaps because our grandmother was born there? I like the accent, know my way around, feel good there. We'll be staying at the Hilton in the town center, because it's near to all the places we want to go. We intend to have lunch in a restaurant we like a lot (De Arme Duivel) and of course do some shopping. Perhaps have pancakes or a waffle with coffee in the afternoon. And in the evening, we are going to the theatre.

Hopefully have a good night rest and then enjoy a lazy breakfast before heading back home around noon on Sunday.

The following weekend, we'll be at the seaside and the next one marks our departure for the UAE as we board our flight to Dubai.

Enjoyable times ahead!

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

The ides of March

The weather can really turn into anything during the month of March! We started off the two first days of it by having below zero temperatures. Then, from one day to another, it switched to spring weather: 17 to 18 degrees Celsius! One could almost believe summer had come... Which was followed by a couple of days of heavy rain - which to my feeling always seems to bring cold. And today it's spring once more.

March is the month in which winter and summer battle for their right to be there. Sometimes, the good weather wins, sometimes, the bad one (well, if you consider it bad - as long as it remains dry I don't mind some cold). This can play up well into April and at times even into May. I remember my 23rd birthday (way back in 1979) when I woke up at morning seeing the snow come down heavily, while in the afternoon, we were having a birthday party in the garden, wearing summer clothes!

For the coming weekend, snow is announced on Saturday. Really! Will have to bring back the warm pullovers and heavy coats. Perhaps even the snow shoes.

And what's your weather like?

Monday, March 12, 2018

Taboo

Yesterday evening, Flanders saw the last show of Taboo, a show by stand-up comedian Philippe Geubels. Geubels has a lot of success with his comedy shows, and that's why TV1 asked him to to a series of shows. The subject: dare to laugh with things that can't be laughed about - like the poor, the disabled, gays and lesbians, people with obesitas, ...


Geubels said it was a tough subject to do and needed hard thinking and work. But the result was more than ok. Every Sunday night, almost 2 million people watched his program, and nobody felt abused by his humor.

The shows were a mix between stand-up comedy in a theater, and in-depth conversations with the people who wanted to take part in the program. Here it showed that Geubels is also a very good interviewer, who can bring up emotions easily.

The weekly programs also stirred a lot of conversation among the population. Hopefully it will help to break down some of the taboos tackled in them.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Red Devils without song to Russia

Most people know the Red Devils, the Belgian official soccer team (with players like De Bruyne, Mertens, Fellaini, Hazard, ...) They qualified themselves for the World Champignonship Soccer in Russia later this year.

Normally, an artist is making a special song for the fans to sing along during the champignonship. Especially popular was the song 'The Red Devils go to Spain". But this time, there was some controversy! The soccer union went for a rapper, a guy named Damso (unknown to me, but then I don't like that kind of foul-mouthed lyrics). Immediately, a wave of comment washed over the media.


The rapper is not a feminist. When you listen (or read) to his texts, they are full of woman-unfriendly comments. The commenters demanded the soccer union would quit the co-operation with Damso.

They were helped by the sponsors. The most important one is Proximus. Now Proximus has a feminine CEO and she said in plain words they'd stop donating money if they went with Damso. Well done!

Not much later, after an equally condemning speech by one of our ministers, the soccer union stopped the co-operation with the rapper. So now the Red Devils will have to go to Russia without a song, but is that bad? Perhaps they can make one of their own?

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Who loves opera?

When I was a young girl, my grandma often told me about her visit to the Scala of Milan. She really loved opera and hummed tunes of well-known aria's. Also my mum got the vibe. I accompanied her to the Antwerp Opera on occasion, to see La Traviata or Madame Butterfly. But after her death, I'm the only one at home who loves operatic tunes.

My sister loves muscial theatre, but that's not the same. I also love that, and enjoy seeing various shows a year as you well  know if you read this blog. But when I'm alone at home, I often pick an aria on You Tube. Confess, hearing 'Nessun Dorma' really gives one the shivers! In the age those melodies were written, the composers were like Lady Gaga or Ed Sheeran of nowadays, right. Everyone knew their music.

So now I'm happy that at last my sister has agreed to go to see some opera with me. Of course, it's a compilation of various opera songs, from the best known opera's. The slave choir of Nabucco, the drinking song of La Traviata, scenes of Turandot with of course 'Nessun Dorma'.... It's brought in the biggest theatre in Antwerp, the Stadsschouwburg, with a philharmonic orchestra and various artists.



Hopefully, Chris gets a taste for it and will be willing to accompany me to a real opera later on!

Monday, March 5, 2018

Forbidden Song

Today I welcome author Brooklyn Ann, who's doing a virtual book tour for Forbidden Song , a romance available now from Boroughs Publishing Group. The tour will run February 26 - March 9.


Brooklyn Ann will be awarding $15 in Boroughs Bucks to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2600

I asked Brooklyn Ann to comment on the choice of genre. Here's what she told me:

Hi, I’m Brooklyn Ann. I got my start writing historical paranormal romance. You might know me as the author of Bite Me Your Grace. However, as much as I love writing about the scandals and ball gowns, and dangerous dukes, and of course, sexy vampires, I also love heavy metal music.

Something about shredding guitar riffs, fast drums, and powerful vocals makes my passion rise.  Aside from taking joy in the music, I’m also fascinated with the musicians themselves. The hard work they endure to fulfill their dreams, and the crazy situations they encounter on the road. I’ve read all about Ozzy Osbourne’s notorious exploits, Ronnie James Dio’s extensive accomplishments, and Dave Mustaine’s struggles with drug addiction as he sought to outdo the band he was fired from… and subsequently succeeded by creating my favorite band, Megadeth.

As I learned more about my favorite rock stars, I realized that there is more to the metal world than sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. They are passionate artists and although some are real jerks, others astounded me with their kindness to fans, and the charitable acts these musicians have undertaken.

Also, I realized that the music industry would be a difficult world in which to find love, with the constant travels from gig to gig, and the overzealous groupies. But of course, my romantic imagination spun a tale.

And that’s how my Hearts of Metal series was born. My heroines tackle the challenges of a male-dominated world, and find love and respect as a result. Some of them are metal musicians, others are women who have a deep passion for the music.

In Forbidden Song, the heroine, Christine Mayne is the younger sister of a famous rock star. Her brother has tried to keep her shielded from the music industry to protect her, which only makes her more determined to observe and become part of his world. Naturally, she falls for one of her brother’s colleagues, the exact type of rock star she was taught to stay away from.

Some information about the book then:

Blurb

After having one of the worst experiences a young teenager could endure at the hands of cruel musicians, Christine Mayne's rock star brother Quinn tried to lock her away from the world. She had to fight to live her life, go to college, get her master's and enter her PhD program. Now, she's determined to complete her research on group dynamics by touring with Bleeding Vengeance, even it means deceiving her brother and lying to the band's fabulous lead singer, Cliff Tracey.

Cliff Tracey hates being manipulated, lied to and deceived. He'd know, having gone through a string of exes who had done just that. When he thinks he's found a kindred spirit, and a beautiful babe to boot, imagine his surprise - and disappointment - when he learns she played him so she can tour with his band to complete her PhD. When he finds out why, he knows he's in double trouble because Quinn Mayne will kill anyone who touches his sister, and Cliff Tracey has all sorts of plans for Christine Mayne that involves more than either of them ever expected.



Excerpt

Cliff turned back to Brand. “I heard Kat and Kinley brought on a new blogger for Metalness. Is she here?”
Brand chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, but I’d stay away from her if I were you.” And with that, the bassist toasted him with his beer and walked off.
Cliff shook his head. What the hell did Brand mean? Was he dating her? Kat hadn’t said anything about that. And, nah. If that gorgeous princess was Brand’s, he wouldn’t have laughed when Cliff asked about her.
Then the meaning behind Brand’s warning to stay away from the woman became clear: Since both Kat and Kinley had ended up joining their bands, Brand probably thought Metalness came with some sort of curse. Or, maybe the bloggers were witches who enchanted musicians. But unless the new chick was a drummer or something, Cliff didn’t have anything to worry about.
Maybe he should find out.

Author bio and links


Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing Romance featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. After writing historical paranormal romances and urban fantasies, she now explores the chaotic realm of heavy metal music— a difficult world to find love in.
Brooklyn Ann lives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with her son, her cat, and a 1980 Datsun 210.



SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: http://brooklynann.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brooklyn.ann.7
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Brooklyn__Ann
BUY LINKS: www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/forbidden-song
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forbidden-song-brooklyn-ann/1127748350?ean=2940155067542
www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/forbidden-song
www.smashwords.com/books/view/773314
www.amazon.com/dp/B078PXDXKC
www.itunes.apple.com/us/book/forbidden-song/id1330286494?mt=11

Here comes spring?

Most likely, the final snow of this season fell on Saturday last. It caused a lot of problems, though. People got stuck on the roads for hours, flight at Brussels airport were cancelled or delayed, ...

As of Sunday the temperature went up quite a bit (it's even a bit too warm for the time of year) and the sun is out once more.

So slowly we may be looking forward to spring season. Soon we'll see flowers popping up (I do love them, as long as I don't have to take care for them!) and the days become longer. At evening you already see the difference.

Hopefully, we'll get some nice weather as winter was dark for most part. Only February had more sunshine than usual, but then it was bitter cold too. Talking about nice weather, I'm counting off the days. End of this month we are leaving for the UAE. The temperature will be just over 30° C. Lovely! We'll spend some time in Dubai and then head to Ras-al-Khaimah. This will be the start of a pretty busy period, with more trips planned between Easter and the start of the summer vacation.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Chicken Culprit

Please welcome author Vikki Walton! Vikki is doing a virtual book blast tour for CHICKEN CULPRIT, a cozy mystery available March 1 from Morewellson. The book blast tour will take place from Thursday, March 1, to Wednesday, March 7. Btw,  this book is currently on sale for only $0.99!


Vikki will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link:

Blurb

Moving to Colorado seemed like a great way to start over. In Carolan Springs, Anne plans to spend her days living the simpler life. 

But when her neighbor is found dead in his compost pile, trouble comes knocking on Anne's  door.  

All the evidence points to Anne's other neighbor, Kandi Jenkins. As the young woman begs Anne for help, Anne finds herself thrust into a world of deceit and secrets. 

Who had the most to gain from Ralph's death? As the suspect list grows, Anne finds her desire for the simple life may have led her to something sinister. 

Excerpt

Anne yawned and stretched her hands over her head. She unlocked the kitchen window, taking in a deep breath of crisp Colorado air and sighed loudly. No longer would she have to deal with divorce lawyers or Duke. She could finally live her life as she saw fit. 

Anne surveyed her domain. Even though boxes cluttered every available space, it didn’t matter to her. What she cared about was that it was all hers. While the work ahead might seem daunting, the prospect of transforming the old Victorian house didn’t deter Anne. 

She poured herself a cup of coffee, both hands cradling the mug, before deciding to drink it out on the back porch. Rays of sunshine had risen about the copse at the back of her property, and
its golden warmth welcomed the day. Raising the mug to her mouth, Anne took a much-needed sip of the hot morning brew. 

“Stop! Stop!” A woman’s voice carried over from the other yard. 

Anne sloshed coffee onto her chambray shirt. “Shoot!” She set her cup down on the railing. The liquid turning cold began seeping onto her skin.

“Stop!” The piercing scream came again.  



Author bio and links

Vikki is a well-liked speaker and knowledgeable instructor on myriad topics such as fundraising, work quilting, creative writing, design, homesteading, travel, and getting what you really want out of life. Her diverse background and passions enables Vikki to speak and write about many subjects. She’s the author of Work Quilting, a top ten book on vocational guidance. She’s also a global house and petsitter, founder and travel blogger at girlswanta.com and upcoming book on women’s travel.  
 If Vikki isn’t off exploring the globe, you’ll find her at her home in Colorado digging in the garden, watching her chicken’s antics, reading a mystery or working on her newest project. 

Connect with Vikki:
www.vikkiwalton.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VikkiWaltonAuthor
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