Lindsay Emory's Blog, page 8
November 15, 2018
Best Books to GIVE Now - 2018 Holiday Gift Edition
Last year I selected six books that would make excellent gifts for anyone and I decided to sort-of continue the tradition this year. I’m editing the list this year to only focus on the books I think my readers would enjoy. I picked three non-fiction books and three novels that portray smart, full-hearted women who are defining their place in the world.
The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of this and I have not stopped talking about it. From the author of the “Unleashing Mr. Darcy” series (you may know them from Hallmark movies), Teri Wilson’s book about a beauty pageant is thoroughly funny, entertaining and romantic and would be perfect for teen/college aged readers on up.
Any excuse for a Miss Congeniality GIF
And this one too!
The Light Over London by Julia Kelly
So technically this book doesn’t come out until January 8, 2019 but do yourself (and the reader you love) a favor and pre-order it. It’s a fantastic story about the inspiring women who protected London during World War II and their heartbreak, sacrifice and friendships.
There are no funny GIFs about WWII and the Blitz but this one came up when I searched for “Women Fighting Nazis” so I guess it will do…
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I’ve always followed politics and probably knew of Barack Obama before a lot of people had heard of him. I remember there was a column I read about how his wife, Michelle, was far more successful and accomplished than he, and that if he were to run for President, they expected her to be the first candidate’s wife to keep her job. Of course, she ended up being a fairly traditional and active First Lady but that original impression of her always stuck with me – that she was the brains in the marriage. I am very excited to read (and give!) this memoir to learn more about this half of the former White House power couple.
Any excuse for my favorite world leader friendship GIF…
Together – Our Community Cookbook – HRH The Duchess of Sussex
When I heard about this cookbook project, I knew I would love it. It supports a community of women who banded together to provide fresh food to their neighbors after a horrific tragedy. And it was announced by The Duchess of Sussex at an event where Prince Harry was caught stealing samosas so what’s not to love? (Watch it here)
Speaking of stealing food… turnabout’s fair play…
Whiskey in a Tea Cup by Reese Witherspoon
I don’t buy every celebrity memoir, but I love the ones from celebrities I adore (usually the funny smart women – Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Shonda Rhimes). So of course Reese Witherspoon’s book instantly made the cut. Part memoir, part lifestyle guide, it reminds me of all the quirky things about being a modern Southern woman. We may be educated, independent businesswomen, but some rules about etiquette and fashion and food are still deeply ingrained in us. This book would be a great gift to anyone who loves Elle Woods.
Any excuse for an Elle Woods quote…
The Royal Runaway
Yes, my book IS the perfect Christmas gift for your girlfriends, daughters and sisters who fell head over heels during the royal weddings in 2018. The book is a blend of mystery, adventure, and romance so there’s something for every type of reader!
Amazon || BN.Com || Simon & Schuster ||Apple || Amazon UK || Kobo
Any excuse for a royal wedding clip….
November 8, 2018
Four Simple Tools to Achieve Hygge
Hygge… that Danish buzzword is exactly what I’m craving this time of year. Simplicity, good company, warmth, coziness.
These hygge favorites of mine are probably pretty basic, but I never said I was complicated… much.
1 Something warm on the stove… or in the Instant Pot.
I’m pretty much the queen of soups, stews and chilis. It takes a lot of practice to be as good as me, but you can strive to achieve my level of soup-tasticness with an instant pot. I was converted last year and I use it at least once a week.
But I also love a good bubbly stew on the stove and for that, I recommend a Staub cast iron pot. Yes, Le Creuset has its adherents and I have a few of their products in my kitchen, but I like to be a little different. And you can even buy little knobs to add flair to your pot! How cute is that?
2. A 100% necessary part of the hygge home is a candle. Now, with all that soup and chili going on in the kitchen, you’ll probably just want to stick with unscented, simple candles from Ikea (shout out to Scandanavia!). But if you want to go with scented, I like a Woodwick candle for that extra-hygge crackle. Or, you might want to splurge on this Tom Ford one. Mostly because I want you to tell me what in the world this smells like.
3. Cashmere Gloves
I get cold, alright? I finally decided to pull the trigger on some cashmere fingerless gloves last winter and it made all the difference for this girl who spends a lot of time typing in a cold house.
But I also really like these. They are very reasonable, they say they’re “cashmere-like” and I like the Claire Randall Fraser thing they got going on.
Just waiting on Jaime Fraser to warm me up…
4. Slippers
What’s more cozy than warm toes-ies? (I couldn’t help myself! Sorry!)
I’m a fan of the classic Minnetonka mocassins and also straight up Smart Wool socks. Very practical and necessary and… dare I say it? Basic.
But what’s not basic? Springing for these.
Maybe Santa will remember that I had a royal romance novel come out this year…
What’s your favorite way to practice hygge? Pie? A roaring fire? A luxe blanket? Let me know!
November 1, 2018
Winter Beauty Survival Kit
Now that the season of cold and dry air is upon us (winter, I think some of you in more Northern climes call it), I have switched up my beauty routine. Some of this is year-round, of course. Obviously I moisturize and exfoliate all twelve months of the year. But I do switch out the products and up the frequency because I have hair and skin that can easily get very dry and flaky if I don’t take care of it.
Step 1: Exfoliate!
I have dry-brushed for over a decade and I really can’t stop now, can I? This is one of those things that has suddenly gotten trendy (thanks to GOOP - here’s her instructions) but it’s been a must for me. I don’t know about the benefits to the lymphatic system and all that, but removing dead skin and stimulating collagen production is important to me.
I use a dry brush before showering and a Salux cloth in the shower.
Step 2: Moisturize!
With a good quality face oil. These are too heavy for summer use in Texas but in winter, my skin loves them.
Some options: Snail cream.
I know. Snails, Lindsay? Really? But they’ve been using this ingredient in Asian skin care for forever and you might be surprised how light and lovely this ampoule is.
Another favorite of mine is Boscia Tsubaki Oil: Another import from Asia, supposedly this ingredient was used by geishas. This is the big gun stuff. A little goes a long way. My bottle is only half way done and I’ve had it for years (but now that my teenager has discovered it, it will probably go faster…. Argh.)
And I haven’t tried it, but I know tons of people love Sunday Riley Face Oil.
Step 3: Feel pretty!
After all the focus on dead skin and snail mucus, one wants to know that it’s all for a good cause. To help me feel good about it all, I tend to switch fragrances in the winter, looking for ones that aren’t too heavy but wear a little closer to the skin than my light, bright summer perfumes.
A long time favorite is Narciso Rodriguez For Her.
I also love wearing a light men’s cologne like Dior Homme in the winter – and it has nothing to do with their ad campaigns. Ahem.
And yes, a perfume by J.Lo makes the list. This one is so cozy and unique, I love it for lazy Sundays: J.Lo Still
Step 4: Hydrate!
With water, peppermint tea, vanilla lattes. Okay. But also your lips. Long time readers will know that I always have a lip balm handy. My current favorites from the drugstore are the Lip Smacker Kiss Therapy balms (seen below). My favorite French brand of lip balm is Nuxe Reve de Miel, seen below or the perennial favorite, Fresh lip balm.
And those are my winter beauty must-haves. Simple, yet luxurious for cozy days. I’d love to know what your favorites are, too!
October 9, 2018
URGENT PRESS RELEASE
October 4, 2018
Best Books to Read Now: October 2018
Is there anything better than a crisp autumn day and an excellent book?
The answer is, NO. There is not. Because autumn is prime reading season, I thought I’d get back to sharing my recommendations of what I’ve read and what is next on my TBR list!
The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick
The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick is a fabulous book for fall. It has everything - Tudor history, a dash of romance, a mystery, and time-travel! I have been recommending this one to a lot of people so if you read it, please let me know how you like it! I’d love to talk about it.
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
Amazon || Apple Books
I just realized I recommended this one at the end of the summer, as well. HA! That’s how you know it’s good. Still, as mentioned in my Women With Books episode with Chanel Cleeton (she’s the one who finally got me to start the series), this is really the perfect book to enjoy snuggled up on a dreary day with a hot cup of tea.
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco
One of the things that gets me to recommend a book is if I cannot get it out of my mind. And this is one of those. No, it’s not a great literary piece or a fast-paced thriller or steamy romance. It’s an easy to read, funny yet thoughtful memoir of one of the most senior White House staffers for President Obama. As we go through yet another divisive political season, I think more of us should read books like this one, that remind us what government (and politics) looks like through an insider’s lens and how it can be used for good. And yes, I think people of all political stripes can find something to enjoy in this one.
TBR PILE!What’s next on my to-read list? I’ve been saving these two as a reward for when I get my edits done (which should be ANY DAY NOW!!)
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory
My Favorite Half Night Stand - by Christina Lauren
So I’ve been anxiously awaiting both of the above, since I interviewed Jasmine (last JANUARY?? Has it been that long???) and C.Lo this summer. (You can find both podcast episodes here: Women With Books.) These authors know how to bring me tears and laughs with their modern romances and I know it will be exactly what I need after I RIP MY HEART OUT (sorry - I meant to say, ‘finish my edits.’)
And of course, I can’t let a “Best Fall Books To Read” blog go by without mentioning that my book, THE ROYAL RUNAWAY has been included in several “best of” lists!
Check these out!
Bookbub’s 18 Best Fall Romances
Get Literary’s Five October Fiction Picks
AND…
In Style’s Ten Books You Won’t Be Able To Put Down This October
The Royal Runaway!
Amazon : http://amzn.to/2EhFPuz
Simon & Schuster: http://bit.ly/RoyalRunaway
Apple : http://bit.ly/TheRoyalRunaway
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2xQNdrl
So go on - what are you waiting for? I give you permission to joyfully purchase all the books that will make your heart warm and fluttery this autumn.
September 26, 2018
Test your Royal IQ!
How Well Do you Know Your Queens (and Future Queens?)
Yes, yes, we all know the BRF (British Royal Family) but there are lots of lovely, intelligent, fierce women in other royal families around the globe. We’ve been having some fun talking about these royals on my Facebook Page, so I thought I’d do a quiz to test your Royal IQ!
Rules: Each right answer is one point. I’ll give you a picture and the country she currently lives in and you have to guess her name! Keep track of your points and you’ll get your own royal title.
Ready?
Queen _____ of Jordan
2. Queen ____ of Bhutan
3. Crown Princess _____ of Norway
I think he’s helping her with her dress but the photo pleases me in every way.
4. Crown Princess _____, Duchess of Vastergotland of Sweden (Sorry, had to include that extra title in there. What a title!)
Y’all know I love her. She makes wearing a crown look fun.
5. Queen _____ of The Netherlands
She’s a former journalist!
6. Queen ______ of Spain
7. Princess _____ of Liechtenstein
She has a Masters’ degree!
8. Princess _____ of Japan
She’s an Olympian!
9. Her Serene Highness Princess _____ of Monaco
Extra Credit:
What are the birth nationalities of the Queen of Netherlands (1 point), the Liechtenstein princess (1 point) and HSH Princess of Monaco (1 point).
ANSWERS!!!
1. Queen {Rania} of Jordan
2. Queen {Jetsun Pema} of Bhutan
3. Crown Princess {Mette-Marit} of Norway
4. Crown Princess {Victoria}, Duchess of Vastergotland of Sweden (Sorry, had to include that extra title in there. What a title!)
5. Queen {Maxima} of The Netherlands
6. Queen {Letizia} of Spain
7. Princess {Angela} of Liechtenstein
8. Princess {Mako} of Japan
9. Her Serene Highness Princess {Charlene} of Monaco
Extra Credit:
1 point: The Queen of The Netherlands was born in Argentina
1 point: Princess Angela of Liechtenstein was born in Panama
1 point: Her Serene Royal Highness Charlene was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)
Tally them up and get ready for your Coronation!
What did you get?
[image error]
8-12 points = You’re Queen Elizabeth II! You’re the Queen!
4-7 points = You’re the Duchess of Cambridge! Keep working and you’ll get there eventually!
0-3 points = You’re Princess Eugenie! At least you’re on the balcony wearing a pretty dress!
September 17, 2018
All These Things That I Love - Royally Royal Movies - September 2018
A monthly roundup of things that give me life...
Last month I shared some of my favorite romance-adventure movies, so of course, then I was asked, what are some of my favorite royally themed movies?
And I have to admit, I sort of paused. Because I don’t really think of a “princess” movie as being a separate genre. It’s either something I like and want to watch again, or it’s… not.
But I drew up a list anyway, and I definitely started seeing some similarities in the movies I picked. One, they all have royals in them (obviously.) Two, they all have humor and/ or romance. There are good movies and television shows about court intrigue and rising to power, etc., and I like watching those but generally, I need humor and that extra something else to re-watch.
Ready for my recommendations?
Elizabeth at 90 - this is a documentary, also available on Netflix, prepared and narrated by Prince Charles on the occasion of his mother, Her Majesty’s ninetieth birthday. With never before-seen interviews and home movies, I just adored this peek into the lives of a woman who truly has defined the last century. And I’ll admit it, I cried. I don’t even know what that was about.
The Princess Bride - a true classic. Quotes from this appear in many a writer’s wheelhouse and the mix of adventure, romance and humor will never get old. Or mostly dead.
The Princess Diaries - another classic fantasy. The cast is perfection - who doesn’t love Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway?- and it will always cheer you up on a gloomy day in Genovia.
The Crown - a gorgeous dramatization of Queen Elizabeth’s reign (I mean, that photo alone makes me want to write all the things ^^), I highly recommend watching this and the documentary above. I’ve rewatched the series and I love the actors so much. I’m not quite sure how I’ll feel about Tobias Menzies taking over as Prince Phillip. He was so devastatingly good as Black Jack Randall. I’m sure for the first episode of series 3 I’ll be terrified for the safety of HM. Here’s the most recent news about the third season of The Crown.
The Young Victoria - another gorgeous (I’m using that word a lot, aren’t I? But seriously, I just get lost in all the costume and sets of these period movies) film about, yes, Young Queen Victoria. The depiction of the courtship and early marriage of Victoria and Prince Albert is swoony.
And finally…
The Woman He Loved.
It’s a 1988 film about the love affair that ended a king’s reign - between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII. I don’t even know why this movie still is so firmly implanted in my brain. This was a television movie, and I’m not sure if I would have seen it on TV, or on a VCR (very old technology for those youngsters out there.) But something about this movie stuck with me - maybe it was the glorious angst of a king giving up his throne or the glamour of the 30’s and 40’s costumes, the beauty of Jane Seymour or the very intense furrowed brow of Anthony Andrews… who knows. It definitely made an impression on me as a pre-teen and then I was VERY invested in the same characters in The Crown.
Anyway, the movie is available in its entirety on You Tube here:
So those are my top recommendations for royally-themed movies! I’m putting my silly little self-made movie poster here again for The Royal Runaway. It comes out next month (!!!) and I can’t wait for everyone to read it and let me know who they see playing the roles of Princess Theodora of Drieden and Nick Fraser-Campbell.
No celebrity endorsement implied. Just inspired to play around with a movie poster of my own.
I'd love to hear what royally wonderful movies you love and what I need to add to my rainy day movie queues!
Reserve your copy of THE ROYAL RUNAWAY at:
Amazon || BN.Com || Simon & Schuster || Apple Books ||Amazon UK || Kobo
August 29, 2018
Best Books to Read Now: 2018 Women With Books Summer Reading Challenge Wrap-Up
Earlier this summer, I introduced the 2018 WOMEN WITH BOOKS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE!
Did you do it? What did you read?
I sort of accidentally completed the challenge, and I talk all about it on the Season 3 opener of my podcast, Women With Books. Check out the episode here. And while you're listening, these are the books I discuss....
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys BowenBEACH BOOKS
Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams
New To You Genre
Prisoner of the Crown by Jeffe Kennedy
A Diverse / Inclusive Read And Debut Author
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
A Book that Inspired a Movie/ TV Show
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: Amazon || iBooks
A Book with A Pretty Dress on the CoverWicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean
Amazon || Apple Books
The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
Book from a Former Women With Books Guest
Check out Tessa Dare's, Sarah MacLean's and Jeffe Kennedy's books, above!
I'd love to hear if you read anything good this summer and I definitely recommend the above books so go ahead and add them to your TBR pile! And while you're one-clicking, make sure you reserve your copy of my next release... THE ROYAL RUNAWAY! Anyone who has good taste in books will enjoy it!
August 23, 2018
All These Things That I Love - Drinks Edition - August 2018 & a COVER REVEAL
A monthly roundup of things that give me life...
I've got a very special drinks edition for you today! A guest drinks edition brought to you by my British-American friend Julia Kelly to celebrate my new UK cover!
First, let's look at my beautiful cover, then you can fix a very British drink to celebrate it!
Isn't it fun? I love seeing my book re-interpreted in different ways! So if you are in the United Kingdom, Australia, any part of the English speaking world that IS NOT North America, this is the cover you'll see for THE ROYAL RUNAWAY, my novel that is releasing 9 October 2018! (see how I used the right date format?)
Learn more about the book here and here!
And now please welcome my friend, author Julia Kelly. I asked her to tell us about a quintessential British summer cocktail.
Author Julia Kelly and family. Probably role-playing scenes from THE ROYAL RUNAWAY.
Since moving to London, I’ve realized that there are a few reliable clues that summer is coming. People start wearing light jackets rather than heavy ones. Tennis players start thinking about dusting off their tennis whites. And the Pimms begins to flow.
If you aren’t familiar with Pimms, it’s an herbal-ish drink made from Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, lemonade, fruit, cucumber, and mint. Think British sangria, minus the wine.
In the UK, you can buy Pimm’s in cans, but that takes all of the romance out of the drink. Instead, break out your best water pitcher and mix up a batch. Just be careful. Depending on who’s mixing the drink and whether they add anything “special” to it (i.e. gin), it can be more potent than you think.
Julia’s Perfect Pimm’s
250ml Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
500ml British-style lemonade*
Orange, sliced
Strawberries, sliced
Cucumber, sliced
1 bunch mint leaves
Ice cubes
Slice your fruit and cucumber. (The beauty of Pimm’s is that you can customize how much fruit you really want). Place the fruit, mint, and ice into a large pitcher. Pour in your Pimm’s and lemonade over and stir. Pour out your Pimm’s and be sure to eat the liquor-soaked fruit when you reach the end of the jug. Enjoy with friends or (safely) by yourself. We won’t judge.
*British lemonade is not like American lemonade! It’s a slightly fizzy drink that’s more lightly sweet than sharp. In a pinch try flavoring sparkling water with a couple squeezes of fresh lemon.
Reserve your copy of THE ROYAL RUNAWAY at:
Amazon || BN.Com || Simon & Schuster || Apple Books ||Amazon UK || Kobo
And Pre-Order Julia Kelly's next historical fiction novel, THE LIGHT OVER LONDON at:
Amazon || BN.Com || Simon & Schuster || Apple Books ||Amazon UK || Kobo
August 8, 2018
All These Things That I Love - Romance-Adventure Movies - August 2018
A monthly roundup of things that give me life...
I'm not sure if I have explained - or could explain - the way that television and film influence my books. Sometimes it's the staccato dialogue from an episode of The West Wing or Gilmore Girls that inspires me. Sometimes it's the tongue in cheek humor of Rogelio de la Vega on Jane the Virgin that gives me the urge to let my crazy humor fly. And sometimes it's Jamie Fraser from Outlander.
(Okay. A lot of times it's Jamie Fraser.)
I realized recently that The Royal Runaway, my book about the adventures of a princess and a spy had a lot in common with my favorite type of movie.
Romantic-Adventure movies! You didn't know that this was a specific sub-genre of movie, did you? Maybe it's not, but I realized that so many of the movies that I have watched over and over again have certain things in common.
1. Romance/ Sexual tension
2. A quick pace
3. Banter
4. A plot that involves an adventure, mystery or quest.
Sound good? Check out my all time favorites...
Some Like it Hot
Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe star in this Hollywood classic. Even though the movie was made in 1959, the jokes still crackle, the performances shine and it's still FUN.
Charade, starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. You haven't seen it 1000 times? COME ON PEOPLE.
I'll say it again: AUDREY HEPBURN. CARY GRANT. PARIS. COSTUMES. SHOWER SCENE. BAD GUYS. MISTAKEN IDENTITIES. CARY F'IN GRANT.
Don't talk to me again until you've seen it.
Romancing the Stone starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. This film is a classic romantic adventure, with 80's sexiness (there's a lot of saxophones. That was code in the 80's for sexiness.) Kathleen Turner plays Joan Wilder, who is a romance novelist and her scenes with her editor, played by Holland Taylor are pretty much all I would need in a movie but then you add a treasure map, and Danny deVito as a comedic bad guy, and a heroic smuggler (think Han Solo but Michael Douglas) named JACK T. COLTON and it's just all the magic.
The Mummy. The 1999 version please, with Brendan Fraser as the action-y guy and Rachel Weisz as the intrepid scholarly archaeological heroine. Some might call this horror or an action flick, but to me it's all foreplay while trying to avoid death by cursed Egyptian artifact.
Speaking of foreplay....Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. Just look at them. They're so flipping gorgeous in this movie about a smart, sexy person in the prime of their life and another smart, sexy person in the prime of their life trying to out-think each other. There's some caper-y art theft in between the battle of the sexiness. I'm sorry, I have to stop there. It appears I can't find another word for SEXY.
Tangled. Maybe it's not quite as sexy as some of these others, but I'll confess that I get a crush on Flynn Rider every time I watch this movie. Honestly, he's a lot like my hero in THE ROYAL RUNAWAY. He's battle scarred and weary but when he crosses paths with a gutsy princess he can't help but fall for her.
No celebrity endorsement implied. Just inspired to play around with a movie poster of my own.
I'd love to hear what romantic-adventure movies you love and what I need to add to my rainy day movie queues!
Reserve your copy of THE ROYAL RUNAWAY at:
Amazon || BN.Com || Simon & Schuster || Apple Books ||Amazon UK || Kobo
