Veronica Cline Barton's Blog: Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor listed as, "One of the best suspense books of all time." - BookAuthority, page 20
November 27, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Extra, Extra! #Thanksgiving Reads (Pssst, Zero Calories!)
Happy #ThanksgivingEve everyone (and if you’re not in the U.S., join on in the celebration!)! The Thanksgiving holiday to me is a time to be with family and friends to reflect on the blessings received, and give thanks to those before us who made it all possible (and of course indulge in all things caloric). This year, I’m particularly focused on the topics of the week, friends and family, and all that these relationships entail–the #romance, the #dramas, the #happiness, the #sorrows, the #history and #comingof age, and the arrival of the #holidays.
So, in the spirit of feeding the soul (while not taking in extra calories, #score) this Thanksgiving week, I thought I’d highlight some of the #writers of Twitter whose books have given me much pleasure to #read this past year, in the genres focusing on the topics I feel are particularly special this week. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration, filled with bountiful blessings and fun! #Cheers! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
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Words so true by Author Louisa May Alcott–I quite agree!
As promised, a few of the #authors of Twitter whose books are delicious #reads filled with romance, sorrow, happiness, history, coming of age, and holiday spirit sure to fulfill your #reading appetite–check out their author pages!
Author Shanna Swenson (Stars Over Abundance releases 12/6!): https://www.amazon.com/Shanna-Swenson/e/B07HDX7SKM
Author Brenda Guiton: https://www.amazon.com/Brenda-Guiton/e/B00BRO18ZO
Author Soulla Christodoulou: https://www.amazon.com/Soulla-Christodoulou/e/B074SCG6ZW
Author Martha Perez: https://www.amazon.com/Martha-Perez/e/B07NBYV519
Author Jena Henry: https://www.amazon.com/Jena-C-Henry/e/B014PLDN12
Author Teri Wilson: https://www.amazon.com/Teri-Wilson/e/B002BLJIU4
Author Bibiana Krall: https://www.amazon.com/Bibiana-Krall/e/B00Y5UIMKG
Author Patricia Earnest Suter: https://www.patriciasuter.com/
Author Colin Powell: https://www.amazon.com/C-A-Powell/e/B01IT3WADE
Author D.B. Carter: https://www.amazon.com/D-B-Carter/e/B07PN4XF14
Author Sue-Ellen Welfonder: https://www.amazon.com/Sue-Ellen-Welfonder/e/B00JO1AFBU
Author Kathleen Harryman: https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Harryman/e/B071D7VFWZ
Author M.L. Holton: https://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Lindsay-Holton/e/B0071LO2H8
Author S.S. Bazinet: https://www.amazon.com/S-S-Bazinet/e/B0078KS7BO
Author Alex Bailey: https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Bailey/e/B07B2YFZH9
Author M.B. Tosi: https://www.amazon.com/M-B-Tosi/e/B005JHIW7M
Author Jessie Cahalin: https://www.amazon.com/Jessie-Cahalin/e/B06XQK6ZK9
Author Paula Houseman: https://www.amazon.com/Paula-Houseman/e/B01547CC5Y
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#AmReading #AmReviewing
The zombie apocalypse explodes this week from the #writers of Twitter…
Author Ellie Douglas, The Dead Wake, Horror Colection, Vol. 1, 5 STARS
The terrors of an undead apocalypse unfold in this thrill filled collection of horror by Author Ellie Douglas. We are given a first hand view of how the a simple act unleashes a zombiesque plague determined to spread and proliferate, destroying life as we know it everywhere. We witness the terror of the victims as the plague of the undead spreads, with a plentitude of bone crunching, blood spewing gore.
I was mesmerized by this collection of short stories, each set in different locations as the pandemic events unfold, giving the victims’ perspective of the confusion, chaos and terror that would erupt in such a horrific event. Author Douglas does a superb job in giving the reader the raw emotions and dismal realizations of the victims as they try every last means to survive against a gruesome end. This is a page turning read, and one I couldn’t put down (as I read peaking under the covers, lol). Be forewarned, there is extreme gruesomeness and sexual content. This horror collection will have your spine tingling, highly recommended!
Next up in the reading queue;
There’s still time to order your copy–just in time for the #Holidays!
The holidays go into full swing this week–lots of yummy treats and libations!
You can get your FREE eBook copy here: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sensational-writers-holiday-recipes
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More Mistletoe and Mayhem!
Thank you! A special #shoutout and many thanks to author/blogger Jena Henry for featuring her review of Mistletoe and Mayhem on her blog last week! Jena is a fabulous supporter of the #WritingCommunity, check out her review here:
It’s the Most Readable Time of the Year!”Christmas at Castlewood Manor”
I need your help please! Print copies of Mistletoe and Mayhem are available for preorder on Amazon. I’d appreciate a visit to the link so that Amazon sees the interest (marketing every #writer needs to do 
November 20, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Bring On the #Holiday Fun!
The holidays are here, only 5 more Mondays ’til Christmas
November 13, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #HoHoHo, It’s Mistletoe and Mayhem!
With the release of Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor, my main character, Gemma Lancaster Phillips, PhD. , decided to drop by (hoping to try on some of my boots I would suspect)–I’m going to try and pry some secrets out of her from the new book! I prepared lots of yummy treats for her visit–by now you should know that Gemma has quite the appetite… I even whipped up a batch of her favorite libation, the gin and St. Germain martini to get the conversation flowing
November 6, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!
I’m back from Dallas, ready to get down to business (yes, even the eyes are bigger in Texas)! The #Bouchercon2019 mystery conference was outstanding, and I can’t wait to get into some serious writing for my new series. On #Halloween, the first day of the conference, my crazy bat lady hat was a hit–my fave author Rhys Bowen loved it and I think even James Patterson was moved, LOL. The panel sessions were so informative, covering topics such as:
Magical McGuffins: a mysterious object or place in thrillers that is not part of the plot. It adds complexity or ambiguity to a storyline.
Red Herrings: something that throws a reader off track (off the scent). A good ‘aha’ moment, can be used to introduce historical elements into a story. Examples–weather, location, wrong identities.
Settings: It’s another character in the storyline. Keep the details in there–make the reader feel part of the scene (whether it’s a real location or another world).
Adapting your book to the big and small screens (not as easy as it sounds…). Be prepared for a very long process.
The panels were comprised of fellow mystery #writer participants—it was really great to hear advice and stories from your peers on their successes and struggles (You are not alone!). I laughed, learned, and walked away with many new ideas. One thing I know for sure, I’ll be heading to Sacramento next year for #Bouchercon2020 in October!
So now it’s back to the real world, preparing for the release of my book, and reading the fantastic new #reads from authors I follow on Twitter. And as always, keeoing my eyes on the prize…It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
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It Won’t Be Long Now….#HoHoHo
I’ve completed the final read through of the proof this week and production is in the works. The release of Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor is scheduled in the next 10-14 days. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, eSentral, Scribd, Gardners, Baker & Taylor, Copia…and many other sites. I love this story and I hope you will too!
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#AmReading, #AmReviewing
A heartwarming tale from WWII, and magical wit this week from the #writers of Twitter…
Author Kathleen Harryman and Author Lucy Marshall, The Promise, A Historical Romance Novel, 5 STARS
Five young friends face the horrors of the second world war in Author Kathleen Harryman and Author Lucy Marshall’s The Promise. Rosie and Will are in love, facing the heartbreak of separation brought on by the looming of World War II. Childhood friend, Jimmy is always close by their sides–when Will decides to enlist, he is right there to support him through thick and thin. Will’s sister, Betty, is a shy nurse whose skills will soon be in demand at the convalescent home set up in their village of Whitby. Tom, a former childhood friend whose life changed with the suicide of his father, longs to join Will and Jimmy in combat to escape a life he has come to dread, but fears leaving his mother and young sister behind.
The conflict of war changes the course of many lives as we go through the years. A bizarre accident leads to a new love. Shyness and strict Catholic upbringings test a new relationship. The war shows the soldiers the horrors of life–their perspectives forever changed.
A brutal final conflict alters the friends’ destinies forever. Who will live, and who will be blessed with a relationship for the future? The Promise is an outstanding, bittersweet tale that shows the dramatic impact of war on the people who live through it on the battlefield and home front. A great read, highly recommended!
Author Sheila Patel, The Magic Vodka Wardrobe, Book 4, 5 STARS
The ladies are at it again in this latest Magic Vodka Wardrobe short story from Author Sheila Patel. A trip down under, a run-in with the James Bond fan club, a targeted treasure hunter, royal wedding mania, World Cup fever…as the months roll by, the zany antics in the wardrobe and neighborhood never end (nor do the cocktails)! Author Patel keeps the witticisms coming as we’re updated on current events as seen through the blurry eyes of the gals, whether its the weather (The Beast from the East), holidays, sports, heroic rescues, O2 outages, Brexit, birthdays and births–nothing manages to escape the attention (or commentary) of these ladies!
Book 4 in the series is a delight to read, filled with loads of laughs and witty humor page after page. We even get a special chapter from guest author, John Dolan in this read, adding to the shenanigans. I always love coming back to The Magic Vodka Wardrobe to relax and unwind–a very fun tale sure to make your Holidays brighter, #Cheers!
Next up in the #reading queue:
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Sunset at 30,000 feet, return flight from Las Vegas
I had to include these photos from out trip. Our flight home from Dallas went through Las Vegas. These stunning sunset pics were taken on the way back to Orange County, I’ve never seen such beautiful colors and formations in the clouds!
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And if you can’t get enough mystery in your life….
The upcoming 2020 Malice Domestic conference, to be held May 1-3, in Bethesda, MD, was highly recommended to me by several people at Bouchercon, especially for cozy mystery fans and writers. I’m checking it out!
Welcome to my world. Enjoy your the rest of your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. I’ve been reading a few outstanding ARCs from writer’s Shanna Swenson and Bibiana Krall, their books are also coming soon just in time for Christmas! Lots of great #reads this Holiday season! Gemma and Rikkhe approve!
October 30, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Happy #Halloween #Reads!
Trick or treat, finally! One of the first big celebrations to kick off the #holiday season is almost here–Happy #Halloween Eve! As you’re reading this I’m off to Dallas, TX for the Bouchercon2019 mystery conference–I can’t wait to see what happens there on the opening day, LOL. For this scary eve blog post, I thought what better way to bring in the hallowed night than to #read a bone shaking story… In honor of the spooky season, here are a few of the great #chilling #horror #paranormal #skincrawling #witchy #WaroftheWorlds #chocolate (hey, it’s a perfect time for a candy #mystery!) #books from the #writers of Twitter I’ve had the pleasure (and goosebumps, sprinkled with a few chuckles) to #read this past year. I think they may just get your heart pumping as you carve up those pumpkins and sip your brew
October 23, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #Elements-ary, Dear #Writer
“It was a dark and stormy night…” These descriptive weather #element laden words (spawning many GIF riddled parodies) by author Edward Bulwer-Lytton send chills down my reader’s little gray cells every time–you know trouble is coming! Gray skies, shards of lightening crashing down, howling winds, the furnace heat off a desert floor, torrential rains sweeping you down a dark abyss–what better way to set the mood for a scene? When I travel, I try and take pictures to remind me later as I write what I was experiencing in the moment from a weather and setting perspective. The feature picture this week is from a bridge overlooking the River Ness in the city of Inverness, Scotland. The clouds and ominous skies taunted you, daring you to close that brelly! I can still feel the cool winds buffeting my cheeks as we stood against the railing taking in the serene river views.
I use the picture filled emotions in my stories as much as possible. Deadly Receptions begins with the unbearable heat of August, sucking the breath right out of you (I remember that 2018 summer vividly, uugghh). In the Vail scenes, you’re hit with the refreshingly cool air, billowing down the slopes of the Rockies (love is in the air). In Mistletoe and Mayhem, it’s all about the gales and polar crown vortexes chilling the chimneys of Cherrywood Hall, perfect for a Christmas with mur-dah and mayhem lurking in every corner (-26 degrees is cold folks!)! The #elements are an important behind the scenes character in your story–let them help you set the mood! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
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#AmCelebrating, Deadly Receptions Lands an Official Selection Award!
The medallions are out, I’m so honored to receive this award in the Mystery category for New Apple Literary’s summer eBook contest. Deadly Receptions; the Debut of Castlewood Manor received the accolade this time. The first three books have all received this honor–shall we see what Mistletoe and Mayhem can do? New Apple Literary’ s 2019 annual selection deadline is coming up. See the details here:
http://newappleliterary.com/awards.html
Thank you to all my early #readers!
Several of you have taken your precious time doing an early #read and getting the #bookreviews ready for Mistletoe and Mayhem when it hits the stores. I can’t tell you how much your support means to me–you’re the best! #Reads and #BookReviews–a #writer’s best friend (and a perfect #Christmas present, #JustSayin)…
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The raging Martian battles continue this week from the #writers of Twitter…
Author Colin Powell, The Last Days of the Fighting Machine, the Martian Apocalypse of Victorian Britain, 5 STARS
The Martian carnage in Britain continues in this latest tale of Victorian SciFi suspense by Author Colin Powell. Ships from around the world are trying to stop the menacing tripods with their blazing canons. The crew of the French vessel, the F.S. Ney, are doing their fighting best against the alien beasts, but take a fatal hit. A few men escape to the British shores, but is anyplace safe?
Constable Adrian Llewellyn faithfully keeps up his daily routine of surveying his ravaged countryside, looking for survivors and surveilling the brutal Martian beasts that still roam his turf. Few people remain, the last of the brave souls of the mass population who did not flee and perish by horrible means. P.C. Llewellyn sees a change in the atmosphere–the Martians influx is now few and far between, and those left standing on their three-legged pods are flailing. A chance encounter brings him, the French sailors, his former poacher nemesis, and a family with a mentally challenged son together. Will this homespun group be able to survive against the remaining alien beasts determined to extinguish them with their deadly technology?
This is a page-turner read, filled with human drama and suspense as these fledgling few make a grand last stand. The unexpected hero in this fight against the beasts will make your heart swell with pride. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Martian invasion tale from Author Powell and can’t wait to see what happens next!
I do love the #Writers of Twitter, ARC for Author Sheila Patel’s Magic Vodka Wardrobe, Book 4…
One of the perks of being friends with the #writers of Twitter is you just never know when you might be included in a story. No spoilers here, but I can’t wait for this latest romp in the #MagicVodkaWardrobe4 by Author Sheila Patel. Details coming soon, stay tuned!
Next up in the #reading queue:
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Next week I’m headin’ to the Big D, with my bat hat fine-r-y!
I’m so excited for my first ever mystery #writer conference next week. My agenda’s packed, and since the first day of the conference is #Halloween, I thought I’d wear my new crazy bat lady headband! It’s an attention getter, but I have a feeling I won’t be alone in my spooky get-ups. Stay tuned for pics!
Sensational Writers and Holiday Recipes, do you have a recipe?
Author Bibiana Krall is on a mission to pull together recipes from the #writers of Twitter this holiday season and publish the collection of delectable treats on November 29th (Black Friday). She shared her new #bookcover design for the eBook–so glam and fab! There’s still a few remaining slots open–send in those recipes and share in the fun! Details here:
https://www.bibianakrall.com/single-post/2019/10/08/Open-Call
Welcome to my world, enjoy the rest of your #week and #weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Do you have fave weather #element moments from your #travels? I’d love to hear about them. Gemma and Rikkhe approve!
October 16, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Let the Final Quarter #Countdown Begin…
Tick-tock, we just have eleven more weeks to go in 2019, can you believe it? I don’t know about you, but just like the lovely symmetry of the palace gardens I love so much, I try to keep my schedule groomed and planned as much as possible for the year end. I’m not a huge fan of last minute surprises, it’s worth it for me to check and re-check the remainder of the year schedule to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. My two biggest events are the launch and release of book 4 in my series, Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor, just in time for the holidays (more on this below) and the debut of my new website, veronicaclinebarton.com! The suitcases are primed, we still have a few more trips planned for the year: Bouchercon 2019 mystery conference in Dallas, Jackson Hole, WY–the scene for my next book, and Hearst Castle at Christmas (a nighttime tour with all the Yuletide trimmings (I’m going to try and leave a copy of Mistletoe and Mayhem in the library #HoHoHo
October 9, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #Roadtrip, #Oktoberfest Style!
This past weekend we headed to the hills, Big Bear Lake actually, where during the weekend, it’s #Oktoberfest! Our neighbors here in Orange County have the cutest cabin they rent to friends and family. Hubby and I were able to secure it just in time to enjoy the oompah celebrations. The Big Bear community is hauling out all things brimming with German yumminess. Biers are plentiful, delectable plates of wiener schnitzel await, plump sausages are popping–in October, I guess we’re all a little German, at least from an appetite perspective! The music is lively too, encouraging you to shake a leg on the dance floor wearing your dirndl finest. Local vendors are selling their celebration wares, enticing you to get in the mountain spirit and depart with a few of your ‘down the hill’ dollars.
We toured the lakeside and visited some of our favorite haunts, excited for our little weekend escape. The crisp mountain air (a gloriously chilling 30 degrees at night) gets you in the mood for hot chocolate in the daytime and some spirited libations in the evening. The ski slopes are waiting for the first storm of the year, when the town of Big Bear gets down to its main business. I’m sure we’ll be back–I have snow boots to wear.
October 2, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Set the #Scene!
Happy second day of October–can you believe it? I’ve been busy with my latest book and am so excited for this new story/series. I’ve been going over our vacay pics and browsing Pinterest up a storm for some #setting inspiration. I’m still researching all things #Hygge too, since it’s all about the deadly décor in the next book. I always find it interesting in my little gray cells how the #writer in me can describe beautiful rooms, fashions, and yummy food one moment while stepping over a corpse or two the next, EEK! The feature picture this week is from a trip we took to Italy in #October, 2010 (our Ciao, not so Bella, bus tour, more on this in another post)–lots of beautiful homes and elegant settings on the lakes there for sure, it may just be time to use those visual memories in this latest literary adventure… Speaking of setting the #scene…
It’s beginning to look a lot like #Halloween here at Barton Hall. We do love our lights and bling here, and since we’re now in #October, why not? We’ve amassed quite the collection of all things scary over the years and it takes a while to get everything situated (and yes, my pumpkins do wear #crowns
September 25, 2019
Veronica’s #WritersDairy, It’s Officially #Fall Y’all!
I’m finally coming down from my #DowntonAbbey high last week! Loved, loved, loved the movie–the characters, settings, fashions–can you say swoon? I’m officially in my #falltime frame of mind these days, lovin’ the hint of a chill in the air (only at nighttime, as soon as the sunlight hits we’re back in the 90s, but I’ll take what I can get). I’m getting the sweaters ready and dusting off the boots, looking forward to wearing my favorite bit of fashion. One of my fun things to do this season is to hit the local craft fairs and sip the lovely cider and pumpkin libations. Let’s not forget the Oktoberfest celebrations and the biers too! With my fall spirit in bloom, I’m haulin’ out the crafty glue gun once again, planning for a final #falltime Twinkle Bling event the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving…
So what is Twinkle Bling? For many years, before I began my #writing endeavors, I made (with the help of Hubby) craft items consisting of glass boxes, bird cages, lanterns, star containers, you name it–anything you could hot glue lots of blingy sparkle on and insert a fairy light string into. We sold our blinged wares at a craft fair show in San Luis Obispo the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, just in time to kick-off the Christmas season. I can’t tell you how much fun we had with my sweet mother-in-law, sister-in-law and nieces–it became our family tradition for many years. Our last event was over 5 years ago, but we still have an, ahem, bit of inventory that needs to be cleared from the garage. After a few rounds of gentle prodding with Hubby (no match, my SIL was right there by my side), we have decided to do one final Twinkle Bling blowout event! This year we’ll be at the Cowgirl Christmas Boutique in Paso Robles, California, selling our wares (and wearing our boots of course). One can always use a bit of twinkly bling around the castle…
