Vicki Batman's Blog, page 28

Vicki Batman on Handbag and Book - Just Precious! #needlepoint #accessories #MFRWorg #readromance

I may have written about this bag before, but honestly, I can't remember. It sits on my clothing dresser, waiting to be used. I do get on a kick and carry specific ones at certain times and with the passing of beloved Kate Spade, I have been carrying hers, as well as summery ones. Today, I looked at it and said it was this one's day.

As you can see, the shape is different, maybe a tad old-fashioned. However, what drew me to it--besides the style--was the poodle (check lower right hand corner). I have two Malti-poos which I lovingly call Adora-poos because they are cute and so sweet. Jones has long Poodle legs and runs like the wind. When we first adopted him and his brother, Champ, they were cut like a Poodle. That didn't last as the Adora-poos are silly dogs, not show dogs.

But I digress. Back to the handbag. Both sides are the same. The bottom stitching features a long magenta rose. The stitching is done in wool. A cute fan shaped clast with a little longer than tote-sized handle. The inside is done in peach satin with two flat pockets. No maker's mark. On the bottom are four feet. 

So I'm giving it a go for the next few weeks. 

It's vacay time and you know what that means--time for beach reads!  Check out Just Desserts...and Other Stories, eleven cute meet and heartwarming tales set in small town Sommerville and filled with fun and forever possibilities at: 

Happy Fourth of July! #fireworks #picnic #backyardbarbecue

One of my favorite days as our nation celebrates our country's independence. Several years ago for our anniversary, Handsome and I went on a Mediterranean cruise. One stop was in Malta and as we exited a church, fireworks exploded overhead. A fellow passenger asked the guide what the fireworks were for and he said, "For the U.S. Our country has never forgotten what your country did for us in WW2."

Handsome and I shared a look and mine was definitely teary.


Long may she wave.

Author Janet Lane Walters on Handbag and Book - I'm the Bag Lady #medicalromance #readromance #accessories #MFRWorg

This handbag is my favorite especially since it is the only one I’ve used for five years. This is smaller than the one I used five years again. I had to give up that favorite handbag because the shoulder strap wore through and I couldn’t hang it any longer. 

Now, the ladies at the grocery store call me the bag lady. That’s because I have a dozen or more canvas bags I use for groceries and I’m always looking for a new one. But handbags are what I hope will last forever. They don’t but when one wears out I find a new one.


 What I really wish is that I still carried the one from fifty years ago when my first short story was published. Alas, that went the way of all handbags and died a well-used death. The short story still survives as does the other stories , poems and books I have written.
                                                           

The nurses stare as he exits the elevator on the Pediatric Unit. “Enter the handsome doctor.” Those are Doctor Caleb Winstone’s words as he steps off the elevator. Though he’s embarrassed, this Leo doctor rolls with the punches. He’s returned home to join an older doctor in the practice. Before long he learns the new nurse manager of the unit is a woman he knows. Of all the women in the world, she is the last one he wants to see. How can he manage to work daily with her? Before the day ends, he discovers his mother has decided who he should marry and the woman is quite willing. Not for him. Suzanna Rollins is an Aquarian and now the guardian of her half-brother who was badly injured in a car accident. She takes the position as nurse manager of the Pediatric unit for several reasons. One is the move from the city re-unites her with college friends, the Grantley Gang. The other is for the excellent Rehab Center. On the day of her arrival, she encounters Caleb. What is he doing here and why? Can she work with the man she fell in and out of love with the night he offered her less than marriage? Caleb’s interest in helping her half-brother gives them more together time than they imagined.
” Caleb turned to Jenessa. “Why are you just acting nurse manager?” “Our newly hired one was to start two months ago but a family emergency intervened. She’s starting on Monday.” “She must be special.” “She is. She’s a nurse practitioner.” “I’m impressed.” Jenessa smiled. “Let me give you a quick tour.” Caleb walked beside her. “Is the name of this new nurse a secret?” “I forgot you weren’t here during the selection process. She’s a friend from my class at Grantley.” Alex nodded. “She’s one of the infamous Grantley Gang. You were seldom home back then to know about their antics.” He turned to Jenessa. “Are we holding a welcoming party to celebrate the event?” “I would tell you to ask your wife but just the Gang minus Rick,” Jenessa said. “She’ll be tied up at Rehab getting her brother settled.” Caleb halted. “Just who is this person?” “Suzanna Rollins,” Jenessa said. “She worked at City.” Caleb held in a groan. Not her. Not here. He prayed his face didn’t show his feelings. Of all the women in the world to invade his space. Suzanna Rollins had no use for him. Their days of dating hadn’t ended well.
Find Janet at: Blog
Find Janet's books at:   Books We Love



Thank you, Janet, for sharing your handbag and book today!
           

Author Kate McKeever on Handbag and Book - What I Want #accessories #rodeofan #readromance

I've always wanted a "saddle bag" and when I started searching for one years ago, I was disappointed when nothing met my needs and fit in my price range. 
I found this bag on Amazon and love it as my daily handbag. I'm not a frilly person except on occasion and this bag fits my style as well as my personality. It has hidden pockets (hidden depths, you know) and it's made of durable leather for years of use. Functional, durable and hopefully, full of hidden surprises, like me.


Sam “Sidewinder” Jameson left the Rangers to keep an eye on his young friend, Kid, as he recovers from their last mission, an injury Sam blames himself for. To tide him over and be close at hand, Sidewinder agrees to a short stint with Hank Patterson’s Brotherhood Protectors. He expects his assignment to guard Alana Christian and her son from threats to be a job, nothing more. What he doesn’t plan on is how the job will change him and his expectations, both of Kid and of himself.
“Can we go to the rodeo?” Charlie repeated the question for the countless time, continuing without an answer, outlining all the things he’d do at the rodeo this Saturday. Watch bronco busting, eat his weight in deep-fried foods, and on and on. Alana let him talk, dreading the moment she’d have to deny him, yet again. Finally, he quieted, waiting for an answer.
“We’ll see,” Alana murmured and shifted lanes to prepare to exit the interstate.
“That’s what you always say,” his tone gave away his mood, sullen and snappish. So much like his dad when he wasn’t pleased, she thought. Blood must win out over nurture at times.
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I have to work late this week. I’m just not sure about Saturday.”
“Right.”
Find Saving Sidewinder at: AmazonFind Kate McKeever at: Facebook

Thank you, Kate for joining me today!

Author Vicki Batman on Handbag and Book - My Observations about Dogs #gettingapet #catsanddogs #romanticcomedy

Some of you may be laughing hysterically just from the title of my blog because you know I grew up with cats, not dogs. My mom didn’t want to fence the yard for a dog. Our first cat was a huge gray guy named appropriately Smokey. He was born between our wooden and the neighbor’s chain link fences.
Over the years, there were others, like Mischief, Fuzzy, Snuffer. Our last two were farm cats from Kansas named Romper, aka Roo, Roo-roo, Romp, and her sister, Scooter, aka Scoo. Handsome, however, grew up with dogs. He loves to tell the story of their sheepdog who ate the Thanksgiving turkey (Christmas Story, anyone?). So when #1son was about three, he adopted Baxter, a sheep dog who grew VERY LARGE. Baxter was too big for little kids and no one could walk him well.After Baxter and Snuffer passed, we adopted the farm girls. They were little and squirmy and perfect for boys’ love. Both had a long shy streak and would hide behind furniture when people came over.Many years passed and Handsome began to yearn for another dog. This time, he did more research. I liked the size of beagles, but he said no, he’d found the perfect pet – Malti-poo. They don’t shed, are smart (poodles are second smartest dogs), and are good natured. Off he went one Saturday and came home with TWO??!! I must add I wasn’t too surprised, but this story I had to hear.
The pups were running in a large fenced area, and the little white one, which we named Champ, seemed to be the ringleader. Handsome was smitten. Then he watched a while longer and saw a slightly bigger gray one watching everyone. His heart was struck and home he came with Jones (yep, like in Indiana Jones).These two are inseparable. Jones truly pines for Champ when they are apart. Jones is incredibly fast and has caught squirrels, lizards, and birds. Champ is our happy-go-lucky perpetual two-year old. On our walks, he has to mark a spot every ten feet. (I now allow him to have three stops). Jones gulps his food (probably picked up from being crowded out of food as a puppy). Champ doesn’t care. They are tough dudes and rarely complain. For a one-on-one, Champ likes to set his front feet on my chest. Jones will stretch across our laps and sigh contentedly. They followed Roo and Scoo (mostly to sniff their bottoms) and sat with them when they passed. They were easy to train or maybe I was easy to train. LOL. They love everyone.So, my observation is this: if we ever get another dog, I am letting Handsome pick because these two are priceless.

Do I write pets in my stories? Of course! Real life has real pets. But I did write a hilarious one about a bug. She’s feisty and quick. Check out “Bug Stuff” from Just Desserts…and Other Stories: 
               “The water bug kind?”                “Yes.” His gaze shifted around. “I’m positive it winked at me.”                “Must be a female.” I chuckled. “So, squash it.”                “Easier said than done.”                “Why?”                “Cause she’s sneaky?” He pointed. “See? She’s hiding behind the faucet.”
Want more hilarious fun? Find Just Desserts at many e-retailers and at: Amazon

Guest author Ann Everett on Handbag and Book - Bringing out the hotglue gun #crafting #accessories #readromance #RLFblog

I'm a big thrift store shopper and found this bag late last summer in a local resale shop.

It was new, but totally plain when I bought it. Then after $3.52 worth of braid from Hobby Lobby and a little hot glue, it went from plain to fabulous! 







Sometimes it takes losing everything to find all you've ever wanted. Welcome to Bluebird, Texas, where a chance meeting gives two people a chance at love.


Once seated on the bench, she ran her fingertips over the keys. Other than the few notes she’d hammered out at Ritter’s, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d played, but figured it was like riding a bike.  
Jessie scooted a chair closer, spun it around and straddled it. “Any time you’re ready.” 
“I should warn you. Apparently, I’ve had some bad breakups, so my songs are a bit on the—” 
“Sad side?” 
“No. More on the I’ll-write-a-song-to-get-even-with-you side.” 
Jessie chuckled. “I’m anxious to hear them.” 
“Okay, here we go.” 
When True finished all the verses, Jessie’s face had turned red with laughter. “That’s pretty cute. Got another one?” 
“Depending on how risqué you’ll allow me to be, here’s one I call, “There Was Nothing Between Us but Your Penis.” 
Jessie threw his head back, and belly laughed.  
She launched into song. 


Find "True" at: Website
Find Ann Everett at: Website I love what you did with the bag, Ann! 

Handbag and New Book!!! The REAL Truth #readromance #sweetromance

Announcing!!!
Here's a fun excerpt from Man Theory: 


"I have a theory about love.”
         Ethan's statement knocked me from the proverbial mountain top. Eyeing him, I clapped my hand across my mouth to stifle a giggle.

         From Day One at our new jobs at Prime Designs, Ethan and I had forged a friendship. I was the artsy heart-sy, emotional gal. Him--the technical, by-the-book pal. We ate an occasional dinner, watched a movie, whatever. Traded small gifts like coffee, a magazine, music. However, Ethan had never made an overture toward me.

         Translated: Nothing intimate.

         I'd said to myself, "Rats."

         For work, we'd traveled to Colorado Springs to attend a workshop on web design innovations. After check-in, I'd joined him at the bridge crossing the lake to decide about lunch before the meetings commenced.

         My six-one geek wearing rimless glasses, leaned against the railing and stared into the sparkling blue waters of the high mountain lake. The feathered fowl paddled by.

         Have his feelings changed?

         I asked in disbelief, "R-really? A theory...about love?"



And the real truth is:

Someone actually said "I have a theory about love" to me. My head went BING!!!! I had to write the line down and then pay attention. Meanwhile, all kinds of thoughts were racing through my brain. The story that evolved is nothing like what was said to me. Just the irresistible line. And now you know. 


Just Desserts...and Other Stores is available today at these fine e-retailers:


Amazon   B&N  Smashwords   Print coming soon!

Guest author Joanne Guidoccio on Handbag and Book - A fine Italian bag and a #newbook #readsuspense #RLFblog

While I can’t remember the exact year I bought this purse, I know that it’s somewhere between fifteen and twenty years old, well on its way to achieving vintage status. Like many of you, I am attached to my purses and struggle to part with them. Alas, the straps and bottom are starting to show significant signs of wear, a definite sign that its days are numbered.


Made in Italy, “La Diva” has lived up to its name: the fine straw texture and leather accents give off classic and sporty vibes. The longer straps add to its versatility: it works as a handbag and shoulder bag. The two zippered sections and additional inserts (keys and phone) are roomy enough to accommodate the essentials as well as my iPad Mini and camera. As for colors, it compliments all my summer wear from casual to dressy casual.


Each summer, I receive many compliments and questions about where to buy it. Unfortunately, the purse boutique that graced downtown Guelph for decades closed its doors several years ago. During its final days of operation, I dropped by wearing this handbag. The owner’s eyes glistened as she recalled the many “La Diva” purses she had carried and sold to satisfied customers. I have discovered the website (https://www.ebags.com/brand/la-diva) but doubt that I will be buying my purses online. I need to feel and try them on for size.


Two things I know for sure...It has been my favorite summer purse, and I don’t look forward to replacing it.

While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.

Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.


Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?


Jim whistled. “You sure don’t like it easy. With all your millions, you’d think this crap could somehow miss landing on you. But you do seem to attract it.” He chuckled. “Might be something to address with a therapist or maybe the psychic you’ve just met.”


“I didn’t just meet Cassandra. I got to know her and her parents very well during those seven months I taught in Parry Sound. They’re good people.” I could tell by his tone that he was dismissive of Cassandra’s psychic powers. While I was also skeptical, I did feel the urge to defend her. She had been so sincere and so open. I couldn’t fathom the notion of Cassandra faking or putting on the airs of a psychic. It wasn’t in her nature to be deceitful.


“I’m sure they are,” Jim said. “But let’s face some facts here. Most psychics need to make a living. I don’t doubt this lady has some intuitive ability—as many women do—but I don’t think it’s enough to catch a murderer. The constable is grasping at straws. What did you say his name was?”


“Leo. Leo Mulligan.”


“Tall, dark-haired guy. Good-looking and a bit of a rascal.”
           
“He’s evolved.” I immediately regretted my response. Knowing Jim, he would pounce and tease me.
“And you’re interested,” Jim said, chuckling. “What does your boyfriend think about this cozy reunion you’re having with a more evolvedconstable?”


Find A Different Kind of Reunion at: Book
Find Joanne at: Website

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/628069207/
Joanne!! So happy you are here with me today and showing off your bag and book!

Guet author Joanne Guidoccio on Handbag and Book - A fine Italian bag and a #newbook #readsuspense #RLFblog

While I can’t remember the exact year I bought this purse, I know that it’s somewhere between fifteen and twenty years old, well on its way to achieving vintage status. Like many of you, I am attached to my purses and struggle to part with them. Alas, the straps and bottom are starting to show significant signs of wear, a definite sign that its days are numbered.


Made in Italy, “La Diva” has lived up to its name: the fine straw texture and leather accents give off classic and sporty vibes. The longer straps add to its versatility: it works as a handbag and shoulder bag. The two zippered sections and additional inserts (keys and phone) are roomy enough to accommodate the essentials as well as my iPad Mini and camera. As for colors, it compliments all my summer wear from casual to dressy casual.


Each summer, I receive many compliments and questions about where to buy it. Unfortunately, the purse boutique that graced downtown Guelph for decades closed its doors several years ago. During its final days of operation, I dropped by wearing this handbag. The owner’s eyes glistened as she recalled the many “La Diva” purses she had carried and sold to satisfied customers. I have discovered the website (https://www.ebags.com/brand/la-diva) but doubt that I will be buying my purses online. I need to feel and try them on for size.


Two things I know for sure...It has been my favorite summer purse, and I don’t look forward to replacing it.

While not usually a big deal, one overlooked email would haunt teacher Gilda Greco. Had she read it, former student Sarah McHenry might still be alive.

Suspecting foul play, Constable Leo Mulligan plays on Gilda’s guilt and persuades her to participate in a séance facilitated by one of Canada’s best-known psychics. Six former students also agree to participate. At first cooperative and willing, their camaraderie is short-lived as old grudges and rivalries emerge. The séance is a bust.


Determined to solve Sarah’s murder, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers shocking revelations that could put several lives—including her own—in danger. Can Gilda and the psychic solve this case before the killer strikes again?


Jim whistled. “You sure don’t like it easy. With all your millions, you’d think this crap could somehow miss landing on you. But you do seem to attract it.” He chuckled. “Might be something to address with a therapist or maybe the psychic you’ve just met.”


“I didn’t just meet Cassandra. I got to know her and her parents very well during those seven months I taught in Parry Sound. They’re good people.” I could tell by his tone that he was dismissive of Cassandra’s psychic powers. While I was also skeptical, I did feel the urge to defend her. She had been so sincere and so open. I couldn’t fathom the notion of Cassandra faking or putting on the airs of a psychic. It wasn’t in her nature to be deceitful.


“I’m sure they are,” Jim said. “But let’s face some facts here. Most psychics need to make a living. I don’t doubt this lady has some intuitive ability—as many women do—but I don’t think it’s enough to catch a murderer. The constable is grasping at straws. What did you say his name was?”


“Leo. Leo Mulligan.”


“Tall, dark-haired guy. Good-looking and a bit of a rascal.”
           
“He’s evolved.” I immediately regretted my response. Knowing Jim, he would pounce and tease me.
“And you’re interested,” Jim said, chuckling. “What does your boyfriend think about this cozy reunion you’re having with a more evolvedconstable?”

Find A Different Kind of Reunion at: Book
Find Joanne at: Website

Click on the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/628069207/
Joanne!! So happy you are here with me today and showing off your bag and book!

Author Andi Ramos feature on Handbag and Book - A flexible handbag! and #newbook Gumshoe Girl #readromance #designerhandbag #MFRWorg

I would like to thank Vicki for having me on today ( Welcome!! ) to share some tidbits with you. I am happy to get to know her audience and invite you to comment below with any questions or discussion. So here it is…my handbag:
I know not that impressive until you consider it’s usefulness. It is a Fossil leather cross body. It provides me with the flexibility of going hands-free when I need it, but the leather makes it durable enough to take the abuse I incur throwing it around everywhere. It reminds me to stay on point because it is so compact; no room for extraneous items. 

Which is the way I feel about my writing. My writing is concise. I try not to have anything in the story that doesn’t move the plot along or gives some kind of information that might be important later. This has it’s pros and cons. The pros is my fast pacing, the story moves right along. The cons it can sometimes move so fast I loose the emotion in the scene- I have to slow it down, but don’t want to add extra words so its just to draw it out, it’s a balancing act. 
Sheagan O’Hare got more than she bargained for when her newly inherited detective agency lands its first case; a missing person, embezzlement, and murder. Sheagan’s out to prove she can hang with the pro's, despite the constant reminder of her amateur status from an annoyingly attractive FBI agent, Colin 'Mac' MacEvine, who’s forced himself into her life.How does she feel when an old high school friend hopes to ignite a new romance?Will she be able to discover if detective work and love can mingle before someone gets hurt?She grabbed the doorknob to place her key in the lock, but the door nudged open. That seems odd. She pushed it a little, and whispered “Hello?” but didn’t hear anything in return. Something didn’t feel right. “Anyone home?” 
The apartment opened up into the kitchen. As she peered into the room, she could see the place had been trashed. The drawers were emptied onto the floor, and the cabinets’ contents looked like they were strewn throughout the room.
Nervously, she looked around for a weapon, and saw a broom within arm’s reach. She snatched it and readied herself like a Jedi broom-master. Briefly, she realized it was time to invest in mace, a taser, a knife, a gun, something…anything.
She took a deep breath. Okay, you can do this. “Hello?” She gently nudged the door open wider. “I’m here to get my stuff,” she said a little louder.
As she picked her way carefully through the mess, she heard a muffled voice from the living room. “Hello?” She poked the swinging door open and peeked through – more mess.
The muffled sounds got louder. She pressed against the wall and peered around the corner, the way she had seen Mac do at the warehouse, and caught a glimpse of her Ex seated in a chair, bound and gagged.
Find Gumshoe Girl at: Amazon
Find Andi Ramos at: Website

Good morning, Andi! I love your cover. I travel on vacation with crossbody handbag because it is easier than the beloved totes I usually carry.