Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog, page 8

Thrillers, Mysteries, Suspense and all In Between That Make Great Summer Reads

 

Just click on the title that interests you. Enjoyreading.

PoliticsThieves & Bullets: A Leroy Silver Adventure by Alex Cage - Anex-military assassin for the government, now a security expert, is assigned tocheck a new site that works with various law enforcement agencies until he isasked to check the security of a small bank.

GoodfelloweHouse (a 1920s Historical Mystery Book 1) by Persia Walker - A woman who was supposedto pick up a sick friend from the hospital disappeared in 1923 with very littleconcern from the police or the mainstream media. Still, three years later, apopular society columnist begins to look closer at the missing woman’spast.

 

TheWar Back Home by Alex Cage - Back from combat in Iran, an ex-militarycombatant faces a precarious battle at home.

 

Lawsof Depravity (Martyr Maker Book 1) by Eriq LaSalle - A recent murder of apriest in New York City may be linked tokillings going back thirty years.

 

Exodusfrom Treachery by Gwen Richardson - A reporter investigates a secretorganization that selects candidates they can control for political office.

 

TheOther Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris - A Black editor assistantattempts to create more diversity in a book publishing company, which becomes aproblem when she gets her wish.

 

TheWife Inside by Winter K. Willis - A social media fitness influencer breaksup with her deceitful fiancé but her life is about to become a living nightmarewhen she accepts an undertaking from a successful businesswoman.

 

RaeleeScattering (Audiobook) by Sydney Arrison (Narrated by Makeda Grant) - Adefense investigator sets out to prove her client is innocent of committing amurder.  E-Book

 

Joey’sGirl by Solsiré E. Felida - A man who has found bona fide love will facesome ominous state of affairs when an ex returns.

 

Lincoln’sTouch (Book 1) by Michael R. Pope - A bequest left by a dead president willface obstacles when it is discovered that a fraction of the will must be leftto an African American or a Native American before the descendants takecontrol of any of it.

How To Plan a Frugal Wedding by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All

Before you say, “I do,” consider the expenditure. The average costof a USA weddingis 29K-31K. This does not include the honeymoon. Of course, prices will varydepending on the state and region.

 

Mostcouples set a sensible budget, but the money you allocate may have you spendingmore than planned, where you owe more than you have. To avoid goinginto debt, the following are some tips to plan a wedding that will not cost you anarm and a leg:

Photo by KampusProduction

Know How Much Money You Really Have and Are Willing to Spend. The first step toavoiding wedding debt is to set a practical budget. Take an honest look at yourfinances and determine how much you can afford to spend without going intodebt. If you are already in debt, namely student loans, credit card debt, or carloans, consider offerings from your family and your current income. It’s essentialto stick to this budget throughout the planning process.

 

Distribute Money Sensibly. Once you have a total budget, allocate fundsto different aspects of your wedding based on your priorities. Remember, it’sabout making smart choices that reflect what’s truly important to you and yourpartner.

Photo by УлакаУлака

Prioritize Your Spending. Focus on what matters the most.

 

Identify The Elements of Your Wedding That AreMost Important to You.Whether it’s the venue, the photography, or the food, prioritize these items inyour budget. Being clear on your priorities allows you to allocate funds moreeffectively and find areas where you can cut back.

Photo by DmitryZvolskiy

Cut Costs Creatively By Doing DIY. There are variousaspects of your wedding that you can do yourself, from invitations todecorations. Not only does this help save money, but it also adds a personaltouch to your unique day.

 

Opt for Off-peak Times and Days. Choosing an off-peak season or a weekday foryour wedding can significantly reduce venue and vendor costs. Many suppliersoffer discounts when demand is lower, providing an opportunity to save withoutcompromising quality.

Photo by JasmineCarter

Seek Affordable Alternatives. Consider non-traditionalvenues. Traditionalwedding venues can be expensive. Look for non-traditional venues like publicparks, art galleries, or family homes that can offer a unique setting at afraction of the cost.

 

Shorten Your Guest List. While it may be tempting to invite everyoneyou know, a smaller guest list can drastically reduce your wedding expenses.Invite only your closest friends and family to keep the event intimate andaffordable.

Photo by TaraWinstead

Make The Most of Your Connections. If you have relatives or friends whohave special skills, don’t hesitate to ask for their help. Whether photography,video graphing, music, baking the wedding cake, or preparing the food, usingtheir expertise can save you money while making your loved ones feel involvedin your special day.

 

Avoid Using Credit Cards Needlessly - While it may seem like asimple solution, relying on credit cards or loans to fund your wedding can leadto long-term financial tension. If you must borrow, look for options with low-interest rates and ensure you have a solid repayment plan.

Photo by Fareez MatNorWan

It’s Important to Remember That Your Wedding isJust One Day- While it’s a major and joyful event, avoid compromising your long-termfinancial goals for excessiveness. Keeping your future in mind willhelp you make wise decisions that will benefit you long after the wedding day. ♥

News for Travelers

 

Photo by Element5Digital

Newsfrom Travel Noire

TikTok Food Critic,Keith Lee, Ranks His Favorite Foodie Cities - ReadFull Article

 

The Cutest Cafes Around Africa For YourInstagram-Worthy Moments - ReadMore

 

Cannabis-Friendly HotelsTo Visit This Year - ReadMore

 

Sail In Luxury: TopBlack-Owned Charters Around The World - ReadMore

 

Adult PlaygroundVacation Homes To Relax and Play During Your Stay - ReadMore

 

SouthKorea’s Digital Nomad VISA Promotes Workation Culture - ReadMore

 

Enjoy A Night Out In DarEs Salaam, Tanzania’s Bustling Capital - ReadMore

Newsfrom Travel Awaits

9 Best Family Resorts inAruba - ReadMore

 

History, Wildlife,Trains, and Tea: The Top Things To Do On A Family Trip To Sri Lanka - ReadMore

 

8 Best Luxury Hotels in Dubai | Perfect For a Glamorous Stay - ReadMore

Is it Really Happily Ever After? Singles are Just as Happy As or Even Happier than Married Couples by Xantha Leatham, Deputy Science Editor

Photo by Pixabay

Marriagedoes not make people any happier or healthier than singles, research suggests. Scientistsexamined the physical and mental health of married people and those who neversaid ‘I do.’ Getting married showed ‘little evidence’ of improving well-being inthe long term, University of California researchers said.

Photo by НатальяМаркина

Dr BellaDePaulo, who led the study, expands on the findings in her book Single atHeart: The Power, Freedom, And Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life. A study by theauthor, which was published in 2016, says: 'The media, and even scientificjournals, are filled with claims that marriage is good for health and well-being. Scientistsexamined the physical and mental health of married people and those who neversaid ‘I do’. A closer look at the research, though, with an eye on themethodological biases, shows that such claims often misrepresent or exaggeratethe results of the research.' 

Photo by TubaNur Dogan

Shecontinued: 'Examples of research on suicide, depression, loneliness, physicalhealth, and happiness are reviewed. In cross-sectional research, people whostay single typically have very similar outcomes to those who are currentlymarried. 'In longitudinal research, there is little evidence that gettingmarried results in lastingly improved health or well-being.'

Photo by PolinaTankilevitch

Share or comment on thisarticle: Is it REALLY happy ever after? Singles are JUST as happy as or evenhappier than married couples, researchers say.

Curvy Girl Upcoming Events

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BookBonanza  

June 13 - 15, 2024

Grapevine, TX 

Formore details and ticket information, click here

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CurvyGirl Summer Release Party

July 17 - 20, 2024

Nashville, TN 

Formore details and ticket information, clickhere

One Love Reunion

July 17 - 24 

Nashville, TN

Formore details and ticket information, clickhere

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Steamy Lit Con 2024

8/2/2024 - 8/3/2024

Anaheim Marriott

700 W Convention Way

Anaheim, Ca

For more details and ticket information, clickhere
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Waiting for Love - Do’s and Don’ts While Waiting

International Romance Author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku isback offering advice on the Do’s and Don’ts While Waiting.

 

Enjoy. Please subscribe to her channel.  

News for Travelers

 

Photo by Element5Digital

Newsfrom Travel Noir

Viral Flight AttendantSecurity Routine Shows Essential Items Travelers Need To Stay Safe - ReadMore

 

Eat Your Way ThroughAtlanta’s Very First Michelin Restaurant Guide - ReadMore

 

Travel Noire Eats andRecipes: Nigerian Chicken And Plantain Rice - GetThe Recipe

 

Why So Many Girls' TripsEnd In Friendship Break Ups - ReadFull Article

 

This Luxury Resort Has56 Pool Suites, Unbeatable Views Of Grenada, And It’s Opening Soon - ReadFull Article

 

Should Flying With AChild On Your Lap Be Banned? Flight Attendants Seem To Think So - ReadFull Article

Here’s What To Do If Your CruiseShip Leaves Without You - ReadFull Article

Are You Fit To Travel?Here Are 7 Things To Check Before You Go On Vacation - ReadFull Article

 

This Art and DesignInspired Hotel Showcases Mexican Artisans - ReadFull Article 

Newsfrom Travel Awaits

14 Best Romantic FallGetaways in the US | Romance Awaits! - ReadMore

 

6 Cloisters And AbbeysIn Europe That Take You Back In Time - ReadMore

News from Travelin Culture

9 Things to Do in Fukuoka , Japan (Hakata) & Where to Stay - ReadMore 

News from NOIRBNB

Explore 2024: Top 10Travel Destinations You Can’t Miss! - ReadMore

Information That Should Never Be Included on Your Dating Profile

Photoby cottonbro studio
Regarding dating profiles, it's important to maintain a level of discretionand protect your personal information. Here are some examples of informationthat should never be included on dating profiles:

Personaladdresses:Sharing your home or work address can jeopardize your safety and privacy.

Photo byStreetwindy

Yourchild’s images:Never include your child’s photo in your dating profile.

SocialSecurity number or financial information: Never provide sensitive financialdetails like your Social Security number, bank account information, or creditcard details.

Intimateor explicit photographs: Avoid posting explicit or intimate photographs on datingprofiles; these pictures can be misused or exploited. 

 Photoby Monstera Production

Passwordsor login credentials: Never share your passwords, credentials, or confidential account information.

 

Personalidentification numbers (PINs): Don't disclose any personal identificationnumbers, such as your PIN for banking or other sensitive accounts.

 

Familymember details:Avoid mentioning specific details about your family members, especially theirnames, addresses, or contact information.

 

Workplaceinformation:Refrain from sharing detailed information about your workplace, including thecompany name, address, or other sensitive details.

 

Personalconflicts or legal issues: It's best to keep your dating profile freefrom any references to personal conflicts, ongoing legal matters, or pastcriminal activities.

Photoby Anna Shvets

Exactdaily routine:Avoid mentioning your exact daily routine, including information about whereyou work, where you usually go after work, or any other regular patterns thatcould potentially compromise your safety.

 

Medicalor health conditions: Keep any personal medical or health conditions privateuntil you develop a deeper level of trust with someone.

 

Remember,the goal is to protect your personal safety, privacy, and security when usingdating platforms. It's always better to err on the side of caution and sharepersonal information gradually as you get to know someone better in a safe andsecure environment. ■

Seasonal Dating - A Trend You May Want to Consider by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It AllI was watching a talk show recently. The guestwas asked about her dating status. Her discussion involved how she was intoseasonal dating. Of course, I was not familiar with this inclination anddecided to do more research about this style of dating.

Photo by TarynElliott 

Seasonal dating, also known as ‘spread dating,’refers to a dating practice where individuals engage in short-term romanticrelationships or casual dating during specific times of the year, typicallyassociated with particular seasons or holidays. It is a pattern of datingbehavior where people intentionally pursue romantic connections for a limitedduration, often coinciding with certain festive periods or vacation seasons.

 

The concept of seasonal dating is prevalent invarious cultures and can be influenced by factors such as cultural traditions,social norms, and personal preferences. For example, some individuals mayactively seek romantic relationships during the summer months when people tendto be more social and active outdoors. Others may prioritize dating during theholiday season, hoping to find companionship or someone to spend time withduring festive celebrations.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Seasonal dating differs from long-term committedrelationships or continuous dating, as the focus is typically on enjoying themoment and embracing the specific season or occasion rather than building alasting partnership. It allows individuals to explore connections without thepressure of long-term commitment and may involve activities such as casualoutings, attending events, or participating in holiday-themed celebrationstogether.

Photo by cottonbrostudio

It's important to note that seasonal dating canvary in intensity and intentions among different individuals. Some may view itas a lighthearted and temporary dating strategy, while others might approach itwith the hope of finding a more serious relationship. Communication and mutualunderstanding between individuals engaging in seasonal dating are crucial toensure both parties are on the same page regarding their expectations andintentions.

Photo by UrielMont

Perhaps seasonal dating is not a new phenomenon.You hear about celebrities breaking up faster than the onset of a tidal wave. Iremember back in the sixties listening to a mother telling her daughter not to break up with her boyfriend until she received her Christmas gift from him.

Nevertheless, not all relationships are meant tolast forever. Some people meet for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime.♥

Virtual Book Tour - Highlighting D.W. Brooks, Author of Home Coming Chaos

HOMECOMING CHAOS

By D.W. Brooks

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:  RomanticSuspense/Mystery/African American Fiction

A dead body in the parking lot of her family’sbusiness, a killer on the loose, and a handsome detective asking a lot ofquestions…

 

Jamie Scott’s life fell apart four years agowhen she broke off her engagement, turned down a dream job, and went overseasto run away from her life. Now she’s back, but the reunion is not withoutproblems. She arrives home just in time to attend the soiree her motherplanned, but she’s not prepared for what she finds—a dead employee in theparking lot.

 

Detective Nick Marshall is assigned to themurder case at the forensics lab owned by Jamie’s family. He meets theheadstrong Jamie, but he has a job to do. And his attraction to her… well, he’sa professional.

 

Jamie knows the stakes are high. She has to facethe past and save her parents’ business while dealing with her family drama andan uncertain future. She also has to deal with Nick, who wants her out of theway of his investigation. But fate keeps throwing them in one another’s paths…and into chaos that they both want to avoid, but neither can seem to escape.

“Wait, wait. Hold on. Do you have a warrant? Do we need anattorney?” Jamison stood up, too. She was almost as tall as the detective andincredibly pretty up close, which caught him off guard. “Aren’t thereproprietary issues at the lab?”

 

Nick paused and deferred to Ronald. Ronald chimed in. “We’rejust trying to get information about this woman’s death. You can call a lawyerif you wish but retaining one may slow things down.”

 

“Hmmm.” Jamie stared at both detectives. She couldn’t readeither of them, but the situation gave her pause. She recognized the importanceof finding out what had happened to their employee. However, the familybusiness needed to be shielded as much as possible. Jamie hadn’t been backlong, and her brain was still cloudy and jet-lagged, but she recognized thepotential perils in just letting the police roam free in the lab. “Dad, Mother,someone should call Richard,” she said, scrutinizing both parents.

 

Margaret said, “Good idea. I’ll call while I change. He canmeet us there.” She gave the detective and the other officers a superiorglance. “Richard Bradshaw, he’s a partner at Bradshaw, Taylor, and Kline, andhe is our son-in-law.” She turned to walk into the master suite, with Gregoryfollowing.

 

Nick shook his head, and Ronald was less subtle with asteady scowl. Both had heard about Richard’s firm and peripherally knewRichard. This situation just got a lot more difficult. Nick didn’t suspect thefamily, but involving a lawyer usually complicated their police work. He turnedback to Jamie, who was studying his reaction. He adjusted his face so shecouldn’t sense his annoyance.

 

Jamie noted the subtle change and smiled to herself. Shecould tell she had annoyed him. Even annoyed, he’s pretty cute. “I need to getmy coat. If you will excuse me,” she said, heading back to her bedroom.

 

Upstairs, Jamie changed clothes, retrieving a pair of skinnyblack jeans from her bag. As she slid into her jeans, her mind wandered to thedetective. She typically dated guys that were taller than her—with herex-fiancé being the lone exception—Eddie had been the same height. A strongjaw, wavy-ish hair, nice lips, and a commanding presence—which Jamie suspectedthe detective had in spades—didn’t hurt either. Just the type of guy she wouldtypically go for if the circumstances were different. Rifling through thedresser, she found a white Henley shirtshe’d left on a previous visit. She had gained almost fifteen pounds sincethen, and the shirt fit snugly. She now had boobs! Placing the hat back on herhead, she was glad she had an appointment at the hair salon later in the day.

 

Yikes, she thought after catching herself primping in themirror. Am I trying to impress the detective who’s investigating us? Girl, it hasbeen a long time. Although he is hot. She shook her head exasperatedly.

D. W. BrooksThe author is adoctor and editor who lives in Texas with her husbandand children. She enjoys trying to stay in shape, sporadically cooking, reading(still), writing, and working on her blog. She is eternally grateful to thewoman who donated a kidney to her over 5 years ago and continues to advocatefor organ donation as much as she can.

To learn moreabout D. W. Brooks and future publications and events, click here

 

Website

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For an autographed copy of the author's bookat her site

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

D.W. Brooks will award a randomly drawn winner a$15 Amazon/BN Gift Card. 

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your book Homecoming Chaos. There is always more to an author’s life. So, we thought our readersand visitors would enjoy learning more about you and your writing career.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned fromwriting? 

I have developed additional courage. I knowthat is strange to say given my previous profession as a physician. But inbecoming a physician, you are judged by and rely on your intellect and brain.You are used to being graded on that scale, and you can improve your scores bystudying harder, working harder, or requesting help.  Writing a book is different. It doesn'tmatter how smart you are, the reaction to your book has nothing to do with youor your smarts. And after living a life where I could work to improve myreception, this is an industry where you throw caution to the wind. You mightwrite a great book, and people may not be into it or you may have a hard timefinding your audience. It takes courage to put yourself out there.

Also, I found some additional resilience. Thiswas the first book that I ever finished. It wasn't easy, but I did it!

What type of characters do you enjoy creating?

I like creating characters who are basicallygood people, but they have character flaws or experiences that make them dobad or stupid things. I haven't created a straight evil character yet, but I amlooking forward to making one. Perhaps I will whenever I write my firststraight mystery story.

Which authors have influenced you the most? 

Alexandre Dumas: I appreciated his skill inspinning an engrossing read.

Charles Dickens: His ability to describeand set a scene had me struggling through his introductions to get to the realstory.

James Patterson: His earlier works werereally fast-paced and thrilling.

Janet Evanovich: The ability to create along-running series with engaging characters. Also, the ability to have alighter-hearted mystery series.

Alex Haley: I just felt every word that he wrote in Roots.

Have you ever had writer’s block, and if so, how did youovercome it. 

I haven't had writer's block; most of mywriting issues come from a lack of time and time management. When I wrote Homecoming Chaos, I had nothing else to do. Due to a genetic condition, I was ondialysis and was exhausted while waiting for a kidney transplant. So, I had nodeadlines – perceived or real. Now, I have more deadlines and more to do, so Iam trying to organize my schedule to get my writing done.

Have you ever received a negative comment or review about your book,and if so, how did you handle it? 

While the vast majority of my reviews havebeen 4 or 5-star, I have received a couple of 3-star reviews with commentsabout issues they had with my story construction or writing style. Of course,seeing any criticism stings but I try not to let it bother me too much. I alsodon't linger over them. It's self-protection.

However, as I work on my next novella andnovel, I am considering the content of their comments. I am not changingeverything about my writing style, but I am paying close attention to one ortwo of the issues they raised.

What approach do you use when developing your characters?

To create a character, I start with age,placement in family, and education. I then look up popular names during the yearthey were born to select the name (this name may change as I write thecharacter). Often, I fine-tune character traits as I go through the story wherereactions to situations guide me to alter a personality trait. So, somecharacter issues may be in flux as I write.

From where do you get your story ideas?

I put pieces together from things I have reador seen on the news, from movies and television shows, and other things to tryto create different scenarios. I also have a vivid imagination. I then do someinvestigations to make sure that specific things can actually happen in reallife.

Are your stories based on true current or past events? 

No, they aren't based on specific events.There may be some elements that may sound familiar, but I generally don't writeripped-from-the-headlines-type stories.

When it comes to writing, how do you manage your time? 

This is a big issue for me right now. When I wrote Homecoming Chaos, Iwas in kidney failure. My life was on hold until I received a kidneytransplant. Writing with no plan or deadline is a different experience thanwriting with deadlines and time goals to meet. I am still working on organizingmy schedule now that I have goals, schedules, and deadlines to work with. It isa challenge. Nonetheless, in 2024, I plan to focus and write 1 novel and 2novellas. 💜

Thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. Wewish you good health and continued success in your endeavors.