Vicki Batman's Blog, page 27

Blog: Handbags, Books...Whatever-Vicki Batman on Which One? #Vintageaccessories #designerhandbag #readromance

Recently, I attended #RWA2018 in Denver. I attended some great workshops and gave away books of Just Desserts...and Other Stories at the Indie Signing. I couldn't believe people (other authors) lined up to get a copy of my work. I danced late, I ate good food, visited with many friends like at a family reunion, and had the best roomie.

Before I left, I asked Facebook people which handbag to carry from these selections:
The vote was neck and neck with Doris and red vinyl. In the end, I chose Doris and she was incredibly popular. People wanted to know which bag I'd carried and I proudly showed her off. Doris is crafted from an album cover. I had found her at a craft fair many moons ago.
After the conference, I went to #2 choice, the red vinyl. Easy to clean, fairly wide, nice red and white pinstriped interior, and plenty of pockets sewn in the lining. I just LOVE red.
As for the owl bag, it is an Enid Collins and was sold at Neiman Marcus. My sissies gifted it to me on my birthday.

Eleven clean and wholesome very short stories set in small town Sommerville, full of fun and forever possibilities.
Find Just Desserts at all e-retainers and at: Amazon

Handbags, Books...Whatever guest blogger is author Sheri Levy-Sharing Mom's Handbag #vintageaccessories #readromance #MFRWauthor

I am thrilled to be sharing this special purse. My mother loved purses and shoes. In her day, her shoes had to match her purse. This purse obviously didn’t match any shoes, but I’m sure she had a special outfit to go with this purse and maybe gray shoes?
After Mom’s death, my daughter, daughter-in-law, my sister-in-law and her two daughters joined me in my bedroom. I laid out every purse my mother owned in the middle of my floor. We sat in a circle and each person took a purse of their choice until every purse had a new home.
This was one of her purses that I chose. I love the design and the handle.

Thank you, Vicki for sharing my YA, Trina Ryan Novel series: Seven Days to Goodbye and Starting Over. My main character, Trina, trains service dogs for people with autism, mobility issues and PTSD symptoms. I do all of my research with PAALS.org. trailer: https://vimeo.com/72652612
Seven Days to Goodbye takes place on Edisto Beach. Trina throws a Frisbee and a her trained dog, Sydney, finds the toy and a young boy, Logan, who has autism. Trina discovers Logan has two older brothers. Logan begins to speak during their beach week because of Sydney, and the girls meet guys for the first time.

This novel won in theDog Writer’s of America Association and a Gold medal with Readers Choice. 

Starting Over, is the sequel. Trina learns some of life’s most important lessons: that people are not always what they seem, growing up involves tough choices, and a first crush can be more exciting than ever imagined. 

Dogs! Horses! Boys! What could be better?

Find Sheri at: Website

Find Seven Days to Goodbye at: Amazon

Guest author Keta Diablo and friends at Handbag and Book: Under a Mulberry Moon #westernanthology #bling @DooneyandBurke

I love this large handbag adorned with lots of bling. And I'm surprised at the number of people I don't even know who have commented about it. The usual question is: "Where did you get the adorable handbag?"
In truth, I bought it at a discount store, a place where I've found many of my handbags. I look for name brands and was even fortunate enough to come across a green and tan Dooney & Burke once.
I especially like the one in the picture because it holds everything I could possibly need with me, including a pen and notebook for writing!

Thanks so much for featuring Under A Mulberry Moon on your lovely blog, Vicki. We hope your followers/readers will love the nine western romance stories written by some FAB authors:

Adventure! Mystery! Romance! Nine award-winning and bestselling authors present sweet western historical stories to ignite your imagination and feed your passion for reading. Let us sweep you away from your daily cares and entertain you with our sigh-worthy novellas set between 1865 and 1900. 

Millwright's Daughter by Zina Abbott: She’s saving for a future education back east. He’ll risk his future to save her

Worth the Wait by Patricia PacJac Carroll: The perfect couple ~ if he could love her.

Ada and the Texas Cavalryman (Brides of Texas Code) by Carra Copelin: He's on his last mission for the US Army. She's desperate to pay off the mortgage on her land before she loses it. When their paths cross, will he help her?

A Family For Merry by Caroline Clemmons: A woman who was adopted from the orphan train rescues three orphans


A Family For Polly by Jacquie Rogers: She believes the large boardinghouse she and Merry purchased is an ideal place to raise children. Now she needs a husband and convinces him to marry her and be on his way. Problem is, he won't leave.


Comes A Specter by Keta Diablo: A sinister ghost haunts Anya's ranch. Will the man she's always loved put aside his bitterness and help her?


The Widow Buys A Groom by P.A. Estelle: She needs help running Maggie’s Baked Goods, but doesn't wish to remarry. He has his own demons and also has no plans to marry. On more than one occasion, he comes to her aid. Will they find true love...and marriage?


Matthew's Freedom by Cissie Patterson: What happens when two people are forced together to save a child? Can a man run away from trouble only to find his future in the town of Freedom?


The Lady Lassoes an Outlaw by Charlene Raddon: Can a lost love be refound in a hazardous circumstance? Can they locate her brother, Jason, and escape the Hell's-Gate gang alive?



Find Under A Mulberry Moon at: Amazon

Find Keta Diablo at: Keta's Keep
So wonderful to have so many authors I know involved in this project.

Author Mariah Lynne on Handbag and Book - All-time Favorite Handbag Is? #zoofan #audiobook

      I’m sure this photo of my all- time favorite handbag will put both a smile on your face and a question in your mind. Why on earth did she buy this? I guess the answer to that question is: it’s so happy. It reminded me of “Babar the Elephant” books I adored as a child and besides, I was visiting a zoo. Not just any zoo, but Zoo Atlanta.

About fifteen years ago, my husband attended a seminar in Atlanta. We stayed an extra couple of days to see the sights. Zoo Atlanta is home to the largest population of Gorillas in North America. Their homeland is Western Africa and they are known as the Western Lowland Gorillas. Being an animal groupie, I had to see it.
Trust me, this exhibit did not disappoint. The gorillas live in troops consisting of 5-30 with an average of eleven residents. Their zoo habitat is spread out over one and one half acres and they receive outstanding care. They are beautiful to watch with their brownish gray hair and auburn crests. Of course it’s always better to observe animals in the wild like the grizzlies, elk, and moose at Yellowstone, the wild horses on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, even the gators in the Everglades, but some animals like the gorillas have habitats that are a bit more difficult to visit.
After a wonderful day, we exited the park through the gift store. I thought a T-shirt might be a nice souvenir, but low and behold, hanging above the shirts, was this colorful and happy handbag. Babar aside, someone could write their own children’s story about this popular elephant with friends like a smiling yellow cheetah, a green giraffe, two blue zebras, and a lioness. Could it be a birthday party? Maybe a jungle holiday?  Or just some good friends reuniting. Whatever the reason, they all looked so happy, they made me smile … so I bought it.
At the time, I owned a retail store on a Florida Gulf Coast Island. My customers all loved seeing the handbag when I wore it to work. I kept it behind the counter; so they’d ask, “Did you bring the gang in today? “ Of course I did.  I no longer own the bag but donated it to a charity thrift store this past year. I took a photo of it before it left for a new home. That’s how much I loved it. I hope you got a chuckle out of it as well. 
Brianna Breeze can't seem to catch a man unless she handcuffs him! So when her best friend Tessa decides to take matters into her own hands, she tricks Brianna into seeing THE LOVE GYPSY, a Time Traveler’s friend noted for her extraordinary matchmaking skills.
A tall, muscular man wearing jeans, a black leather jacket, and slicked back 50’s hair bursts in on her first visit with the gypsy. Needless to say, Brianna is bewitched. Despite the gypsy’s warning not to get involved with him, Brianna can’t get him out of her mind – even though she more than anyone knows the pitfalls of romancing a stranger.
A present day murder, a mysterious vintage car registered in the past, and a smoking gun complicate the puzzle. Brianna doesn’t know if her lover from the past is a murderer or a savior, but she’s willing to risk Time Travel to find out.
Whooooooooosh! Before I could finish my statement, I heard a loud whooshing noise like a wind in the middle of a hurricane fill the room. The lights from the crystal ball swirled around the room at a furious pace. Thud! I then heard a sudden loud noise as intense as the space shuttle’s sonic boom.
            I listened intently hoping that it was just thunder until I realized that the wall to the right of where Raya sat had an open door. I tried my best to remember if I had seen a door there when I entered but couldn’t. The swirling lights, the whirring noise all affected my memory. I heard another short thud, turned and looked around. A very handsome man in a black motorcycle jacket seemed to come out of nowhere. I blinked. Was I drugged?  The man interrupted our conversation. He was frantic walking right by me and over to where Raya was sitting. He yelled at her.
         “Raya you said you would help me. Help me now…I can’t stay here much longer. You said that it was going to happen soon. You know that. We can’t break the rules.”
Raya put her fingers to her lips as if to quiet his rambling.
“Dom, I have a guest or hadn’t you noticed?”
            The man turned quickly and glanced over at me. His eyes stared into mine. They were the darkest brown I had ever seen. We stared at each other forgetting where we were for more than a few minutes. 
Find Mariah at: Website
Find THE LOVE GYPSY AUDIO BOOK at: Audiobook

Author Mageela Troche on Handbag and Book: What is the love of her life? @Longchamp #designerhandbag #historicalromance #MFRWorg

My Longchamp was a gift from my niece. I guess she got tired of me eyeing hers. It sounds so wrong but this bag is the love of my life. It's big enough for me to carry everything from my laptop, books, notebooks, pens, pencils, water bottles, umbrellas and a bag of takeout. I think it can carry my four-year-old nephew, that is if I could carry him. I have used it as a weekender as well with plenty of room to spare. The beautiful brown color covers any dirt and it's waterproof.  






First came marriage...will love come next?  As children, stoic Caelan MacKenzie married feisty Brenna Grant for a parcel of land and an Earldom. Then the child bride and groom went their separation ways. Years later, Caelan is the feared Viking Highlander, a great warrior. His father lies on his death bed and now Caelan must return home to take his place as the Chief of Clan MacKenzie. Time has come for him to face his past and the secret he has carried. Some believe him unworthy to lead.All but his wife—Brenna knows the true man that he is from the letters they had been exchanging since childhood. Now at Castle MacKenzie  anticipates her husband's return.  Brenna must use her influence to protect the Grant clan or have her life destroy. And that she refuses to happen. From the Scottish Highland shores to the rugged glens, the alpha male and his brave heroine must battle against outside forces to save their wedded life even as they succumb to their sensual desire.Can they save all they hold dear including their growing love? Or will they be defeat and betrayed?
1244, Scotland
His bride didn’t want to marry.
The King of Scotland wanted this wedding. Her holdings couldn’t fall into the hands of the Islemen. Those Norsemen could not encroach into Scotland. His father, Laird MacKenzie, wanted this marriage to increase his holdings and bring an earldom to the family, raising their standing from barons. Laird Grant wanted this marriage to increase his ties to the powerful MacKenzies.
His bride wanted a berry tart.
The king, Alexander II, ambled to the aisle and stared at the little girl, tugging to free her arm from her nursemaid’s grip. Behind the king, lords and ladies scooted closer, stretching their necks for a glimpse of the wailing bride.
“After the ceremony, ye may have one.” Her nursemaid tugged on her arm to drag the wee lass to the altar.
“Nay.” Brenna Grant plopped down on her behind, falling in a mess of plaid that flopped about her  and a mess of chestnut hair that draped over her face.
Find Claiming the Highlander at: AmazonFind Mageela Troche at: Website


Hi, Mageela! I have a Longchamp backpack and just adore it!

Vicki Batman on Handbag and Book: A Writer’s Good Life #MFRWorg #readromance #RWA2018

The best part of being a writer is meeting writers. Sharing, collaborating, buying books. And that’s what I’m doing. I’m at the Romance Writer’s of American convention attending workshops, classes, dinners and lunches, and signing books at the Indie Signing. 

Last year was a huge one for me. I signed at the Indie Signing and my mystery at the Signing for Literacy. I had so much fun. Many writer friends I’ve made over fourteen years stopped by and picked up books. There were strangers who came looking for me! A friend who made the call to notify me I’d finalled in her chapter’s contest.
I think I broke my smile that day.
I’m not a fast writer lately. Life has pushed me around and I do what I do. Though, when I have looked back, I have been amazed at what I’ve done:
35 short stories and essays2 romantic comedy mysteries
So I’m absorbing new information, hanging with old and new friends, and soon shall be flexing my fingers and hitting the keyboard. 
From a reviewer: Just Desserts was such a quick and fun read. These cute little short stories will have you smiling and some will have you laughing out loud. These stories are quick and give you a few minutes away from reality. Stress relievers. Perfect for a summer beach read. I read this book all in one sitting. This book is great if you don’t have a lot of time. Vicki has a great sense of wit and humor which is what makes this book so enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Just Desserts.
Amazon     Print      Nook     Other e-retailers 2018 Literacy Autographing InformationWhen: Saturday, July 21, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. MTWhere: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza Ballroom (Plaza Building, Concourse Level)Proceeds from book sales benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide and Literacy Coalition of Colorado

Handbag and Book guest #author is Maddie Day - Not my handbag? Hmm. Let's find out why. #readmystery #MFRWorg #banjo

This isn't my handbag, but one I wish I owned and that my Country Store Mysteries protagonist Robbie Jordan carries slung crosswise so she's hands-free. 

She's an on-the-go kind of woman, and loves this small turquoise bag that fits her keys, phone, lip gloss, license, and credit card plus a twenty, and not much else. It's also in one of her favorite colors. When she needs something bigger, she has a favorite hot pink Michael Kors bag with a shoulder strap.


In Death Over Easy, restaurateur Robbie Jordan is ready for the boost in business a local music festival brings to South Lick, Indiana, but the beloved event strikes a sour note when the celebration is cut short after a performer is found choked to death by a banjo string. Now all the banjo players are featured in a different kind of lineup. To clear their names, Robbie must pair up with an unexpected partner to pick at the clues and find the plucky killer before he – or she – can conduct an encore performance.
On stage, my boyfriend Abe stood facing Pia, both with banjos slung across their chests.
“No, we aren’t going to do that number,” Abe said, his ire clearly amplified.
“I wrote it and I want to play it.” Pia’s voice, also loud, sounded defiant.
“We have six people in this group. It’s not a solo act. What do I have to do to get you to understand?” His voice rose.
“Are you threatening me?” Pia asked.
“Of course not!” He turned away with a frustrated move, then twisted back to look at her.
“Hey, hang on, dude.” The fiddler stepped forward and touched Abe’s elbow. “I know Pia’s song, man. It’s totally good. She’s got talent, man.”
Abe shook his head. “No. We’re sticking with the plan.”
A young man dressed in black hurried across the stage toward Abe and Pia.
“Come on,” Abe urged Pia and the fiddler. “It’s time to start. We have the playlist we agreed on.”
The stagehand faced the sound booth and made a slicing motion across his throat.
“Don’t think I won’t remember this," Pia said. "I can’t be held responsible if something happens to—”
The amplification went dead.

Preorder Death Over Easy at: Amazon  
Find Maddie Day at: Website

Handbag and Book guest #author is Edith Maxwell - Not my handbag. #readmystery #MFRWorg #banjo

This isn't my handbag, but one I wish I owned and that my Country Store Mysteries protagonist Robbie Jordan carries slung crosswise so she's hands-free. 

She's an on-the-go kind of woman, and loves this small turquoise bag that fits her keys, phone, lip gloss, license, and credit card plus a twenty, and not much else. It's also in one of her favorite colors. When she needs something bigger, she has a favorite hot pink Michael Kors bag with a shoulder strap.


In Death Over Easy, restaurateur Robbie Jordan is ready for the boost in business a local music festival brings to South Lick, Indiana, but the beloved event strikes a sour note when the celebration is cut short after a performer is found choked to death by a banjo string. Now all the banjo players are featured in a different kind of lineup. To clear their names, Robbie must pair up with an unexpected partner to pick at the clues and find the plucky killer before he – or she – can conduct an encore performance.
On stage, my boyfriend Abe stood facing Pia, both with banjos slung across their chests.
“No, we aren’t going to do that number,” Abe said, his ire clearly amplified.
“I wrote it and I want to play it.” Pia’s voice, also loud, sounded defiant.
“We have six people in this group. It’s not a solo act. What do I have to do to get you to understand?” His voice rose.
“Are you threatening me?” Pia asked.
“Of course not!” He turned away with a frustrated move, then twisted back to look at her.
“Hey, hang on, dude.” The fiddler stepped forward and touched Abe’s elbow. “I know Pia’s song, man. It’s totally good. She’s got talent, man.”
Abe shook his head. “No. We’re sticking with the plan.”
A young man dressed in black hurried across the stage toward Abe and Pia.
“Come on,” Abe urged Pia and the fiddler. “It’s time to start. We have the playlist we agreed on.”
The stagehand faced the sound booth and made a slicing motion across his throat.
“Don’t think I won’t remember this," Pia said. "I can’t be held responsible if something happens to—”
The amplification went dead.

Preorder Death Over Easy at: Amazon  
Find Maddie Day at: Website

Vicki Batman on Handbag and Book: A Writer’s Good Life #MFRWorg #readromance #RWA2018

The best part of being a writer is meeting writers. Sharing, collaborating, buying books. And that’s what I’m doing. I’m at the Romance Writer’s of American convention attending workshops, classes, dinners and lunches, and signing books at the Indie Signing. 

Last year was a huge one for me. I signed at the Indie Signing and my mystery at the Signing for Literacy. I had so much fun. Many writer friends I’ve made over fourteen years stopped by and picked up books. There were strangers who came looking for me! A friend who made the call to notify me I’d finalled in her chapter’s contest.
I think I broke my smile that day.
I’m not a fast writer lately. Life has pushed me around and I do what I do. Though, when I have looked back, I have been amazed at what I’ve done:
35 short stories and essays2 romantic comedy mysteries
So I’m absorbing new information, hanging with old and new friends, and soon shall be flexing my fingers and hitting the keyboard. 
From a reviewer: Just Desserts was such a quick and fun read. These cute little short stories will have you smiling and some will have you laughing out loud. These stories are quick and give you a few minutes away from reality. Stress relievers. Perfect for a summer beach read. I read this book all in one sitting. This book is great if you don’t have a lot of time. Vicki has a great sense of wit and humor which is what makes this book so enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Just Desserts.
Amazon     Print      Nook     Other e-retailers 2018 Literacy Autographing InformationWhen: Saturday, July 21, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. MTWhere: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza Ballroom (Plaza Building, Concourse Level)Proceeds from book sales benefit ProLiteracy Worldwide and Literacy Coalition of ColoradoWe look forward to having you at our event!  Here are some things to know before you arrive:This event is open to the public and is free of charge to attend.You do not need to register to attend this event as a fan.Since this is a fundraiser event for literacy organizations, attendees will not be allowed to bring books from home into the event. Plan to purchase books on-site.We accept cash and major credit cards.

Author Chris Redding on Handbag and Book - When a Handbag is a Backpack #bargainshopping #fantasyromance #MFRWorg

My handbag is a small backpack. I was at a rabbit show in Ocean County New Jersey and it was in the silent auction. 
Purple is my favorite color and I love backpack purses. I bid on it and won which means I paid $5 for it and that was ten years ago. It does not have a tag on it so when it is time to replace it I can’t even buy another one. But I am on the search for something just like it.





Destiny of a Gargoyle is the first in a trilogy of novellas about three brothers who are cursed until they find the fairy they are destined to protect. That doesn’t happen until modern day and of course and by then the fairy has no idea that she is a fairy.
“Speaking of figurines,” Colleen said. “Show us this gargoyle.”
Meg’s eyes twinkled. “Let me get it.”
She headed into the bedroom while Meg and Colleen caught up on the news of the day. Meg looked at her nightstand. The gargoyle wasn’t there. She’d been so busy this morning and when she arrived home that she hadn’t notice. Odd. She searched under the bed.
“Something wrong?” Colleen said from the doorway.
Fiona stood beside her.
“I can’t find the gargoyle.”
Fiona waltzed into the room as she took control. “How big was it? Did you put it in your drawer?”
 “Too big for the drawer,” Meg said as she stared at where it had been sitting.
Something niggled at her memory. Something she’d dreamt about last night.
Fiona looked under the bed. Colleen peered into the bathroom.
“You have the strangest look on your face,” Fiona said when she straightened.
“I had this odd dream. I thought someone was in my bedroom,” Meg said
She hadn’t been afraid. Instead she had a sense the person was there to protect her. From what she had no idea.
“And they stole the gargoyle?” Colleen said.
She let out a little laugh. Meg knew it sounded odd, but it was just as weird that her statue was gone. “I kind of liked that thing.”
Find Destiny of a Gargoyle at: http://a.co/ejDIF2E
Find Chris Redding at: www.chrisreddingauthor.com Hi, Chris, and thank you for sharing on Handbag & Book today. I have two favorite backpacks-a vintage Boy Scout one and a small Longchamps. Very handy!