Vicki Batman's Blog, page 23

Book and Bag - Vicki Batman Yikes! #badbook #readromance #MFRWauthor

I just finished the January book club selection and did not like it. Not. At. All. I didn’t like it from the get-go. Our book club thought the book would be a mystery, like the cover blurb said. Only it wasn’t. The author is quite notable in his field and has written books about his subject. The book club book was a combination of his expertise with the mystery. Only the book was predominantly the history and very little of the mystery.I was sorely disappointed. This book was greatly reviewed and won prizes. We began reading for our December meeting. When that day rolled around, we were all whining and agreed to extend to January with the idea we needed the extra month because of the holidays. I used the time off to read my favorites—romance and mysteries. When January 1 came, I put on my big girl panties and finished. I gladly admit I skipped over the historical stuff to get to the mystery. Finished! Uh, no. There were notes, a biography, and pages more. I truly didn’t care to read that either.
However, guilt set it. Not enough to make me go back and read the skipped pages, though. I began to think what if my books were boring?Coincidentally, I did some website maintenance and noticed I didn’t have a buy link for one site. I scooted over there and found…a two starred review. Yikes! It was hard for me to read. She didn’t like the book at all; however, she did say some nice things, too. I went back to my website, made the changes, and noticed all the four and five starred reviews. Overall, my books get high marks. I felt a whole lot better.So back to the book club selection… I went to Amazon to read the reviews. There were tons (the book is that famous). I scrolled to the one stars and voila! Everything the readers had said was exactly how I felt. It wasn’t me. The interesting about book club books we don’t like is we have the best discussions. So next week, I’m looking forward to what my friends have to say. So what stops you from reading?
Got the winter doldrums? Try this winter anthology, Whispers of Winter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNX2LZ/

Book and Bag - #author Kryssie Fortune sharing her #handbag and #paranormalromance book

This is a new addition to my bag collection, and I love it. Last year, the amazing gothic artist, Annie Sykes did a signing event near where I live. I love her wolves, vampires and other gothic creations. I couldn’t wait to see her.
The store owner had a display of her goods, and my handbag was among them. Well…if I’m honest, it’s more a shopping bag, but I don’t leave the house without it. It was love at first sight. The front panel features a wolf. Perfect for a writer of paranormal romance. It’s three dimensional, and the way it moves fascinates my nineteen-month granddaughter.




In a post-apocalyptic world, vampires and werewolves have become the dominant species. Most females, human or not, are infertile. As a breeder in an infertile world, it’s no wonder Cassie was Taken as Theirs.

More about Kryssie:Red, White or Blue? I’m a patriot. All three


Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Spring. All those Spring bulbs bursting into new life.


Chocolate pudding, cake, pie?I’m currently low carbing. Maybe a few strawberries?


Coffee, Tea, Champagne? I’m not a champagne sort of girl. Give me a coffee anytime


Country music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble every time – especially Haven’t Met You Yet.

Pencil or Pen? Pen

Find Taken as Hers at: Amazon
Find Kryssie Fortune at: Website

Vicki Batman - Crafting Christmas Gifts #crafting #MFRWauthor #readromance #holidayanthology

Over the past few years, I have stitched Christmas gifts for friends and my daughter-in-law. I've had a fun time making these things and not duplicating a gift from a prior year. I've made holiday aprons, dishtowels, and more. Handsome had a surgery last February and knowing I would have down time to stitch (between writing sprints), I needed a new project. I didn't want a big bulky project. And then voila!

  I found the blanks online. I already had the transfers; however, some didn't have the cute sayings. I added those. I knew I wanted to stitch in all black thread and sew large rickrack around the edges. This picture shows me firing up the iron to complete the transfer. 
This shows the completed transfers. Aren't the cute? I couldn't wait to stich.
And finally, the finished potholders. Some of the detail took patience, but I was determined. I would have showed them off before Christmas, but then I would have blown my surprise.
Are you a Christmas crafter?

Before you get snowed in, grab yourself a copy of this limited-edition collection. With heroes and heroines of all kinds, you'll be sure to find some that you just can't help but fall in love with.

4.5 starred reviews: A must have Christmas collection! This must have Christmas collection has something for everyone! Each and every book in this collection have great character and storyline development which gave me hours and hours of reading enjoyment!...A wonderful set of books by some Authors I have read and some new to me, some of them I want to read more of the series. Each story has its own merits, a set I want to read again...Perfect for a long weekend read...Wonderful stories with excellent chemistry between the characters. Lots of romance with twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book!
Find at: Amazon     Kobo     Nook

Book and Bag: Peggy Jaeger, a #KateSpade reward and #newbook #MFRWauthor #designeraccessories #readromance

When I first saw this limited edition of the Kate Spade book themed purse, I had just had my first book published and decided I’d reward myself with it as a gift. The purse is s clutch, so you can’t load it down with stuff and take it anywhere other than to dinner or fancy event, because it doesn’t have a lot of room for anything other than a cell phone, and a few credit cards. But I love it! It’s been to every RWA conference since 2016 and to every fancy wedding I’ve been to since then. The fact that it’s a faux-book makes it a conversation starter at events, too. I get asked frequently about its meaning, which leads to my opening a convo about me being a romance writer. Love that!
Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in their hometown of Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with her demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she’s starting to feel she may never find her Mr. Right.

Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him that life is better if you’re single and unencumbered. But Slade loves his sister and he’ll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. One thing he doesn’t plan on when he signs the checks is losing his heart to his sister’s smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner. When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen is forced to choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.


“Isabella has never referred to you that way.” Good gracious, was that my voice? It sounded like an army of frogs had invaded the back of my throat. “But it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Harrington.”
“Slade is fine.” He folded his hands into his trouser pockets.
If my voice mimicked web-toed croaking amphibians, his sounded like a lazy morning after a night packed with warm Irish whiskey and scorching sex.
Deep toned and low, with a scratch of gravel and a tiny smolder of smoke, those three words almost made me respond, “Slade is way more than fine,” but I kept my thoughts to myself and indicated the chairs.


Find Dearly Beloved at: Amazon
Find Peggy Jaeger at: Website

Book and Bag: Stars in the Night Sky #Christmasisalmosthere #readromance #awardwinningfilm

Stars. How many times have we looked up and noticed them twinkling? And have you noticed them elsewhere? 

For a long time, I have traveled with girlfriends to a small town for their Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. The historic homes are decorated and docents tell interesting historical things. We eat great food, exchange gifts, and stay up til the wee hours, munching on M&Ms and chatting.

And a part of our visit is to The Enchanted Forest where we wander through approximately 75 Christmas trees. One year, the tree toppers entranced me. Many were star-shaped. Here's one I found:





Long ago, my sister introduced me to a special movie, A Star in the Night. It's a post-WW2 nativity story, set in the West. A couple looking for a place to stay the night. A disgruntled motel owner's only available room is a barn. Lots of folks pitch in to help with the baby. All were led to the motel by the lit star on the water tower. 

My gift to you is this short, Academy award-winning film.


https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=... 

Blog: Book and Bag with Debra Goldstein - A Glitzy Bag and #newbook One Taste Too Many

In One Taste Too Many, the first book of Kensington’s new Sarah Blair cozy mystery series, RahRah, a Siamese cat, belongs to Sarah. Sarah isn’t one to be concerned with clothing, shoes, or material possessions, but she loves RahRah. That’s why, when she saw this Brentano bag on Amazon, with a cat resembling RahRah on both sides, she had to have it.

The side of the pocketbook pictured is decorated with rhinestones, while the other side has no glitz. This makes the purse perfect for casual and evening wear. In addition, its compact size belies its numerous pockets and well-sized opening for one’s phone. When Sarah uses this handbag, she feels close to RahRah, even if he is at home.

For culinary challenged Sarah Blair, there’s only one thing scarier than cooking from scratch—murder!

Sarah knew starting over would be messy. But things fall apart completely when her ex drops dead, seemingly poisoned by her twin’s award-winning rhubarb crisp. Now, with her Siamese cat, RahRah, wanted by the woman who broke up her marriage and her twin wanted by the police for murder, Sarah needs to figure out the right recipe to crack the case before time runs out. Unfortunately, for a gal whose idea of good china is floral paper plates, catching the real killer and living to tell about it could mean facing a fate worse than death—being in the kitchen!
“Bill’s dead and, uh, I’m afraid the police think I killed him.”
Sarah Blair stared at the cell phone in her hand. She could not believe the words she had just heard over it. Bill cannot be dead. He was her ex-husband, but like the cat he let her keep after their divorce, she always thought William Taft Blair had nine lives. And what did Emily mean that the police thought she had killed him? No way her twin sister could have done anything like that!
Find One Taste Too Many at: Amazon 
Find Debra H. Goldstein at: Website  

Book and Bag: A Holiday Favorite Handbag #designerhandbag #Christmasgifts #readromance

I LOVE craft fairs. I admire creatives who have the hutzpah to sell what they make. Most years, I go to one which supports a local middle school as their fundraiser. As I cruised down one aisle, I spied this:


What isn't there to like? The Frosty the Snowman graphic is colorful and brings back happy memories of watching it every season on television. This tote bag is made from a record album. The sides are fabric.

Every year, I get it out and happily show it off . Most people ask, "Is that a record album?" And some say, "I had that record when I was a kid." 

I love it!

And now, a Whispers of Winter book fair  for you:


Enter here:

Whispers of Winter

Handbags, Books...Whatever guest author Lynda Rees - Adorable with Fond Memories and her book God Father's Day

I bought this silk purse when I was in Guangau, China. I pull it out occasionally and use it sparingly. The fabric is fairly fragile, but I love it too much to keep it hidden away all the time. It’s adorable, comes with fond memories and is lightweight.
Love is an illusion, and marriage is only for gaining power. On the fast track to manage Yancy’s empire, Justin rushes to his critically ill father’s bedside. Moving to their lakeside resort to care for him, they’re determined to make the most of what little time left they have left together.

Nurse Becky avoids men fearing being vulnerable to any man again. Justin’s broken spirit penetrates armor opening her fragile heart. Her strength carries him through his ordeal.

Becky can’t compete with the wealthy fiancé who wants him back. His dad isn’t who he claims to be, sending Justin in a tail-spin reevaluating what he wants from life. A murderer seeks his next victim, and confrontation is eminent. What matters most when you’re losing it all?
A tuxedoed servant wearing tails and striped trousers bowed and took Yancy’s wrap and purse, depositing them with a crisply uniformed maid. Yancy took Justin’s arm, and he led her into the ballroom where the butler announced, “Mr. Justin Martin and Ms. Yancy Bridges.” He bowed and backed from the room. Justin laughed to himself each time this happened. Who would’ve thought he’d attend a party and be formally announced? Leave it to Landon to require the royal treatment. This pompous ritual had the desired effect, clearly showcasing Landon’s supremacy—nothing if not shrewd. The place hummed a low beat—an electrical current of unleashed power. Justin couldn’t wait to work the room.A multitude of flowers provided a heady aroma. Ada, Landon’s current wife, designed the floral arrangements herself and had overseen the huge event in their impressive ballroom ensuring every detail cared for to perfection, so the night would benefit her powerful husband. The royal couple greeted them with mock-hugs and cheek kisses. “So glad you came, Justin. You brought my favorite person.” Landon winked. Ada glanced away but her expression never changed. Ouch. After the brief obligatory chat, they sauntered off to circulate. Justin and Yancy made the rounds talking with people then split apart. Each spoke with acquaintances—networking for business sake. Drinking, dining, and dancing fueled data exchange and bargains made in this world. Find God Father’s Day at: Amazon
Find Lynda Rees at: Website

Book and Bag with #author Louise Wise: Jouney Back in Time #lifeinEngland #designerhandbags #paranormalromance

I honestly don’t remember where I bought my favourite bag. It’s just been there.

It used to go everywhere with me when I was younger because, frankly, blue cotton canvas goes with everything! Anyway, I had a clear out and decided I was too sophisticated as a mature(ish) lady for such a girly bag, and I put it away, but sophisticated and me didn’t get along and I missed my bag (others didn’t match my style of jeans, trainers and baggy togs), so out it came again.

I haven’t been separated from it since!
Julie Compton’s life should have come to an end in the car crash, but instead, she woke, unharmed, back in 1972 and primed to relive her life all over again.
One problem. She’s in the body of a stranger.Journey back to the 70s and 80s England where Julie’s forced to jump through the eras, occupying and controlling the bodies of people she knew as a child. She must work out which destiny path was the wrong one, wondering all the while if her body, back in 2016, was dying in her car.
With each momentous change, her memories transform, and she realizes she’s not only changing her future but the futures of those around her.
A paranormal, time-slip adventure set in the real town of Northampton in England.
I looked at the mirror again, then rose and forced my legs to move forward. I knew I’d look different, but the jolt of shock hit me anyway. Instead of seeing my own face, I saw a young woman with a thin, pockmarked face and awful buck teeth. Instead of my no-nonsense blonde bob, my hair was long and brown. A wave of nausea turned my stomach as I stared at my reflection. I should be seeing a forty-nine-year-old woman in her prime, not a twenty-something scraggy-haired woman. I should be immaculately made up with perfect teeth and skin, not… not this.An unexpected thought popped into my head. Will I look more professional if I put my hair up or should I leave it down? It wasn’t my thought. It belonged to whoever’s body I was occupying.One thought was spinning around in my mind—and it was mine: I had died in the crash, and this was some sort of afterlife.
Find Wise Awake Asleep at: Amazon

Find Louise Wise at: Website

Book and Bag: Discovering Louisville #holidaytravels #holidayanthology #99centread

Every Spring and Fall, Handsome's company has a conference. This Fall's was held in Louisville. I'd always wanted to go to Louisville for horse races. What we discovered was so much more.

On our first day, we had a tour of an area of Victorian homes.


The docent has written books about Louisville and he told ghost stories and other historical figures. He passed out candy, a local confection called Modjeskas, made of caramel surrounding a marshmallow. It's delicious.


After lunch, we toured a 1792 Georgian mansion built by William and Lucy Clark Croghan.  William and Lucy Clark Croghan, along with Lucy’s brother, General George Rogers Clark, hosted many American luminaries, including Presidents James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, John James Audubon, Cassius Marcellus.


That evening, we were bused to Churchill Downs where we toured the museum and ate dinner. Truly, a fun event. 



I love baseball and there was no way I would miss the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here I am holding a game bat used by Texas Ranger catcher, Pudge Rodriguez. #2son said I looked pretty awesome. LOL.


And dessert: a chocolate pecan pie!

Find Whispers of Winter at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVNX2LZ/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-of-winter-nicole-morgan/1129416841?ean=2940161939208/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/whispers-of-winter-2/
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/whispers-of-winter/id1441003491?mt=11&fbclid=IwAR0adp-71OzhnmSp40SB-AzIgj8s5B01xgKM5ePnUFgk_dY_dq17AhVY5G8/