Vicki Batman's Blog, page 8
September 2, 2021
Vicki Batman on Favorite Book and Book - A Knight in Shining Armor
Favorite Book and Book:
I always had a huge love for mysteries. And then my mom introduced me to romance. Over the years, I have read many great romance authors--Emilie Loring, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Julie Garwood, Catherine Coulter. And then I read one by Jude Deveraux, A Knight in Shining Armor.
Only two times in my life reading did I finish a book and go WOW! Instantly, I read the book again. A Knight in Shining Armor is one. Here's the blurb:
Douglass Montgomery finds herself alone and brokenhearted in an old English church. Then, Nicholas Stafford, a sixteenth-century knight appears. Nicholas is nothing less than a miracle, a man who finds her perfect just as she is. The chains of the past are strong and tie them to a grand adventure.
A blubbered like a baby when I finished the book the first time. This hit all the bells and whistles. And as for the second time, I gave a huge sobby sigh.
In my Book of Debts, I didn’t owe him one iota. However, I could hear my mother in my ear, trotting out a page from the “Right Thing to Do” lecture. What Stuart’s mom did broke all wedding protocol, and Allan doing his saintly thing told her he would help, which translated meant he desperately needed somebody else’s help.
“Fine. I’m in, but you owe me more, like a date to the”—I grasped on the first thing that popped in my head—“opera.”
“Opera? Since when do you like opera?”
I held back a giggle. “Since yesterday.”
Allan blew a huge sigh. “Done.” He paused. “Opera?”
E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=2940162304227/
Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=9781509233373/
The Book Depository Paperback: https://www.bookdepository.com/Temporarily-Out-Of-Luck-Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temporarily-Out-Luck/Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
Google Play eBook: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Vicki_Batman_Temporarily_Out_Of_Luck?id=7hEeEAAAQBAJ/
Kobo eBook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/temporarily-out-of-luck/
Waterstones Paperback: https://www.waterstones.com/book/temporarily-out-of-luck/vicki-batman/9781509233373/
Target Print: https://www.target.com/p/temporarily-out-of-luck-a-hattie-cooks-mystery-by-vicki-batman-paperback/-/A-83285527#lnk=sametab
August 26, 2021
Blog: Vicki Batman - What to keep? What to toss?
Usually with a move, people clean out their stuff. The boxes in the closet. The old clothing. Toys. Books.
Several years ago, we remodeled our 1946 home. It still had the 1946 bathrooms and kitchen which didn't work for the family. The living room was tiny. The adjacent bedroom was large. We decided to make it a family room and open it up to the kitchen.
I went through so much stuff and we sent it to storage while we lived in our standalone garage with an apartment.
But now, #1son and #2son have places of their own. And did they ever leave stuff behind. Plus, I have a two-year-old granddaughter and she needs toys to play with when she visits.
IT WAS TIME TO CLEAN OUT!I removed four large bags of trash which contained old school work, bank statements, broken toys, old computer parts and cords which I swear multiply like rabbits. Old books were boxed. Anything I didn't want was donated.
However, I especially wanted to find a few things I saved on purpose--the Legos. Only I didn't find them. We had special Lego boxes, bases, Duplos, Lego Star Wars kits, etc. Scads of the darn things.
My granddaughter is building and experimenting and I know Duplos would be perfect for her. So imagine when I finished the closets and did not find any. Nope. Nada. Not a one.
I sos-ed my sons--no idea. I cried in a text with my sisters. They sympathized.
My recourse?Since I really wanted duplos for her, I had to replace what was missing. And my sister gave me the ones she had saved.
I filled the toy room with the treasures from mine and my sons childhoods and added lots of new goodies. I'm glad the closets are clean now. And the mystery of the missing legos will probably never be solved.
After all that hard work, now what? Time to read.
Reviews:
-I loved it! It was a very entertaining and a fast read that kept me engaged throughout. The pacing was perfect. My only complaint is now I'm craving M&Ms and enchiladas. And donuts. And wedding cake.
-I laughed. I wondered. Then I laughed some more. Every page of Temporarily Out of Luck delivers a satisfying story and heartfelt humor. Don’t miss this great read!
-Between a new job at a bridal shop, serving as her sister Tracey’s maid of honor, and learning to tango with hot cop Allan Wellborn, Hattie Cooks has her hands full. But when Tracey becomes the primary suspect in her ex-husband’s murder, Hattie knows it’s up to her to ensure her sister a happily ever after. Temporarily Out of Luckis the perfect pairing of romantic romp and cozy mystery.
E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=2940162304227/
Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=9781509233373/
The Book Depository Paperback: https://www.bookdepository.com/Temporarily-Out-Of-Luck-Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temporarily-Out-Luck/Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
Google Play eBook: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Vicki_Batman_Temporarily_Out_Of_Luck?id=7hEeEAAAQBAJ/
Kobo eBook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/temporarily-out-of-luck/
Waterstones Paperback: https://www.waterstones.com/book/temporarily-out-of-luck/vicki-batman/9781509233373/
Target Print: https://www.target.com/p/temporarily-out-of-luck-a-hattie-cooks-mystery-by-vicki-batman-paperback/-/A-83285527#lnk=sametab
August 19, 2021
Favorite Book and Book - Reading WW2 era books
Lately, I've read many WW2 era books featuring women spies and women who stepped up. Recently, I found a WW2 book set in Marseille. The protagonist ran an office which helped Jewish creatives escape. Because of the setting, one of my favorite books came to mine-Madam, Will You Talk? by Mary Stewart.
Set after the war, a young widow travels with her friend to Nice to refresh and lightly explore. She meets a troubled young boy who is obviously avoiding an elegant woman married to his dad. Our heroine believes the father is one bad dude who kidnapped his son. But he isn't and the hero and heroine fall into like. As they race to find his son, they encounter a Nazi from the hero's past. The book is action-packed and emotional in all the right spots.
From Wikipedia: Mary Stewart was a British novelist who developed the romantic mystery genre, featuring smart, adventurous heroines who could hold their own in dangerous situations.
I first discovered Mary Stewart when my sister read her Arthurian legend, The Crystal Cave. Like a lot of you, when we discover an author we like, we read everything. So my love for Mary Stewart began. I have always thought Madam, Will You Talk? would make an awesome movie.
Have you read WW2 era books?
How do you feel about cozy mysteries with a touch of romance and humor?
In my Book of Debts, I didn’t owe him one iota. However, I could hear my mother in my ear, trotting out a page from the “Right Thing to Do” lecture. What Stuart’s mom did broke all wedding protocol, and Allan doing his saintly thing told her he would help, which translated meant he desperately needed somebody else’s help.
“Fine. I’m in, but you owe me more, like a date to the”—I grasped on the first thing that popped in my head—“opera.”
“Opera? Since when do you like opera?”
I held back a giggle. “Since yesterday.”
Allan blew a huge sigh. “Done.” He paused. “Opera?”
Find your fun at:
E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=2940162304227/
Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=9781509233373/
The Book Depository Paperback: https://www.bookdepository.com/Temporarily-Out-Of-Luck-Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temporarily-Out-Luck/Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
Google Play eBook: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Vicki_Batman_Temporarily_Out_Of_Luck?id=7hEeEAAAQBAJ/
Kobo eBook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/temporarily-out-of-luck/
Waterstones Paperback: https://www.waterstones.com/book/temporarily-out-of-luck/vicki-batman/9781509233373/
Target Print: https://www.target.com/p/temporarily-out-of-luck-a-hattie-cooks-mystery-by-vicki-batman-paperback/-/A-83285527#lnk=sametab/
August 12, 2021
Handbag and Book welcomes Laura McHale Holland - Have You Gasped When You Found a Handbag?
My daughter gave me this shoulder bag from Anushka's Ana line for Mother's Day this year. I'd expected a card, maybe some flowers or a bottle of vanilla-scented lotion, definitely something smaller and less expensive than this bag. So, it was a complete surprise.
I discovered the brand a decade or so ago, when I saw an Anushka wallet at the counter of my favorite shoe store. I didn't purchase it because at $119, the price of the wallet made me gasp, and I put it out of my mind. But, years later, when I received several Amazon gift cards for Christmas, I searched the site and realized I could purchase a beautiful earth-toned Anushka handbag with those cards plus only about $35. So, I did.
I have an assortment of appealing handbags in my closet, but since that first Anushka arrived, I confess, I've rarely touched them. Perhaps my daughter grew tired of seeing me toting the same bag every day. I think, though, that she just wanted to give me something I wouldn't have purchased for myself. You see, I thought one Anushka was all I needed. Ah, but it's so nice to now have two. I love the new bag's cool shades of blue, and the curves of the flowers and leaves. I also appreciate how roomy it is. If I want to do a little work away from my home office, I just tuck my iPad and notebook in beside the lavender Anushka wallet I finally purchased with another set of gift cards, and I'm all set.
About the Book:
A sweeping tale in which tragedy and one town's mighty spirit collide
The Kiminee Dream, a tale of Midwest charm and quirky characters, but with twists that reveal a dark side you don't see coming, was named a finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The central character of this deeply poetic novel is the extraordinarily gifted Carly Mae Foley, whose promise is threatened by tragic events that tear her family apart. But the book also brings several characters into focus who have their own painful secrets and mysteries to resolve. All the townsfolk are deeply connected to one another, as well as to the local animals, flora and fauna, and even the weather. So what happens—both positive and negative—affects all as if they are part of a single whole. A birth, for instance, will get the entire town dancing, even crawdads at the riverbank, and when shock and sorrow come to town, a subtle, underlying magic will ultimately soften the blow. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting turns, and details that stir your heart, you'll love what is ultimately an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois.
About the Author: As a proud member of the independent-author revolution, Laura
McHale Holland writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms—from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays—and in all of her work she looks for hope in unlikely places. In addition to The Kiminee Dream’s finalist designation in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, four of Laura’s prior books have been recognized in the Nationa Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Readers Favorite Awards, and INDIES Book of the Year. Four of her short plays have been produced in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two goofy little mutts. For a free copy of Just in Case, an ebook of 21 bite-sized stories, please visit: https://lauramchaleholland.com.Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? Red — If my lips weren't so thin, I'd flaunt deep red lipstick.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer — Languid summer days bring happy memories
Cake or Pie? Cake — Gluten-free, chocolate
Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Tea — Black (not green) and extra strong
Country music or Michael Buble? Country — Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Carrie Underwood
Pencil or Pen? Pen — Black, needle tip
Find The Kiminee Dream at: Amazon
Find Laura at: Website
August 5, 2021
Handbag and Book welcomes guest author Grace Topping-Is Your Handbag Stylish?
My handbag is not stylish. A plain black leather bag, it’s a bit tired looking and has teeth marks on the strap, left there by a friend’s dog. But it is very precious to me and retains a place on my closet shelf, where it has remained for more years than I want to admit to. And although I will probably never use it again, I treasure it as a reminder of a former life, and of my adventures and travels around the world.
On a cold February morning, the handbag was issued to me when I joined the Navy. I carried it proudly through my years of service and it served me well. It hung on my shoulder as I boarded ships, propeller planes, jets, and helicopters. It accompanied me in my travels to places like Hong Kong, Vietnam, the Philippines, England, Italy, and stops in between.
Someday when my daughters clear out my things and they come across it, I hope they will think fondly of it and remember that before their mom became a wife, mother, and eventually a mystery writer, she had led an adventurous life as a Navy WAVE.
About the Book:
When professional home stager Laura Bishop enters a competition to become the next TV home staging star, she figures it will be murder—but she doesn’t expect it to include a body. As tensions rise and rivalries rage, a coded notebook flips the script and Laura’s on the case.
But she’s not alone. Her closest confidantes pitch in by sleuthing, eavesdropping, and even staging a sting to protect those near and dear. Yet she’s still corralling a runaway teen, sparring with a handsome detective, and handling the shock of her life with a blast from her past. All while creating a cozy cabin retreat fit for first place.
Amidst constant cameras and glaring lights, Laura tries to style the stage and pull back the curtain on a killer before her career—and her life—get cut.
About Grace Topping: Grace Topping is an Agatha Award finalist and
the USA Today
bestselling author of the Laura Bishop home staging cozy mystery series. She’s a recovering technical writer and IT project manager accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she’s now killing off characters who remind her of people she dealt with during her career. She is the former VP of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, the Membership Guppy of the SINC Guppy Chapter, and a member of Mystery Writers of America.
Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? Red. Always a good color to wear for photos and interviews.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall. I love that time of year with crisp, cool days. It reminds me of growing up in Pennsylvania.
Cake or Pie? Pie, definitely. Especially chocolate cream pie. My mother used to make one for me every time I went home and for my birthday.
Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Tea. I’m married to an Englishman, so we have a pot of tea, covered with a tea cozy, available all day.
Country music or Michael Buble? Definitely the soothing sounds of Michael Buble.
Pencil or Pen? A felt tip pen that looks like I used a fountain pen.
Find Upstaged by Murder at: Amazon
Find Grace Topping at: Website
July 29, 2021
Handbag and Book: Vicki Batman-Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
I'm away from home when I write this. Last week, I scrolled through FB and a handbag popped up, one I hadn't seen before. I went to the site and was intrigued. I could order the size, pattern, and color. So, well, you know me, I did.
I bought this bag from Letra. Here's from their website: Over 10 years ago my father was taking a vacation in Oaxaca, Mexico when he found these colorful bags at the market place.
He fell in love with them right away and started to purchase them and import them to Japan where he owned and operated a few boutique stores. Time has flown by now and now with over 30,000 bags sold annually all over Japan, he asked me to help him share his love of these Mercado bags to everyone in the United States.
Every single one of our authentic handbags are each handmade with love and care by native artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico with 100% recyclable vinyl, which are all woven very tightly which makes our handbags very durable and will retain their form and functionality for generations!
I asked my future daughter-in-law to open the box and take a look. She said No external or internal pocket. Purple-y red. Woven pattern but looks like it’s made of some sort of man made, plastic-based material. Probably stain proof . Mine is 12.2 × 4.3 × 11.4 in.
I can't wait to hold my new find in my hands and have some fun this summer!
The Book:
Great job. What man? And murder. Newly employed at Wedding Wonderland, Hattie Cooks is learning the industry from a woman she greatly admires. When her former brother-in-law is found dead in his luxury SUV, all fingers point to Hattie’s sister, who is planning her own I Dos.
Detective Allan Wellborn is caught between a rock and a hard place—Hattie’s family and investigating the murder of a well-connected Sommerville resident, the same loser who was once married to Hattie’s sister. Determining who’s the bad guy—or gal—isn’t going to be easy and sure to piss off someone.
Can Hattie beat the clock to find out who murdered Tracey’s ex before she is charged with the crime and her wedding is ruined?
Find the Book: BookFind the Author: Facebook
July 22, 2021
Handbag and Book guest #author Sylvia McDaniel-Do You Have a Love/Hate Relationship with Handbags?
Handbags…I have a love/hate relationship with them. My shoulders are tired of me carrying big bags and yet, I love a bag that is big enough to put my computer in when I travel. My massage therapist tells me to carry a smaller bag inside and use it when I go into a store, but I’m not about to leave my computer in the car. But when I’m home, I try to carry a smaller bag. Turquoise is my favorite color, so when I saw this bag at a store in our small downtown area, I was thrilled. But I didn’t like the white straps that were on it. They looked out of place. But the Betsy Johnson bag was on sale for 75% off, so I bought it. Then I went on Amazon and found gold chain purse handles and ordered them. When they arrived, my husband put them on for me and now I love carrying this bag when I’m not traveling. It’s just the right size for my wallet, phone, a lipstick and an inside pocket for me to carry some cash and credit cards.
Tell me what do you look for in a purse? Do you buy designer names or does it have to fit your personality?
Speaking of personality…meet my newest heroine in Tempting Tessa. I love spunky heroines who stand up for themselves and this girl certainly knows how to get into trouble.
“Congratulations,” Nellie said, handing Tessa the check then reached beneath her cowboy hat and hit the brim, knocking it to the ground. Tessa’s blonde curls spilled down her shoulders alerting everyone that she was no man.
A gasp came from the crowd as they all stared at her.
Nellie grinned and took back the check. “Your mustache is coming off. I knew it was you. And now you’re disqualified. My brother wins.”
Ugly laughter came from the woman that Tessa despised. Her friend, Sadie once socked Nellie, and Tessa resisted doing the same. It would only secure her spot in Mrs. Griffin's gossip column in the newspaper.
The judge stood with his mouth open, staring at her. “Tessa Harris?”
“It’s me, Judge.”
“What a disgrace. You’re disqualified.”
Grabbing her hat, she turned to Seth. “You may have won the competition, but we’ll always know who's the best. Enjoy my money.”
“Winner takes all,” he said with a grin.
Walking away, she wanted to slap him. She hated how her words had come back to bite her.
USA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than seventy western historical romance, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides, Lipstick and Lead, Bad Girls of the West, The Cuvier Widows, Return to Cupid, Texas series and several short contemporary romances.
Visit Sylvia’s at: Website
Find Tempting Tessa at: Amazon
July 15, 2021
Handbag and Book blog with guest author Sadira Stone: Have you Explored San Francisco's Chinatown?
About the Handbag: My daughter bought me this handbag in San Francisco’s Chinatown. It’s not expensive, but I love the bright colors and the way it reminds me of our many visits to that funky neighborhood. We always stop for lunch in a fancy Chinese restaurant—sorry, I can’t find the name on Google Maps, but the place has elaborate décor, enormous chandeliers, and private rooms with carved wooden doors for privacy—the perfect setting for a spy movie or gangster flick. After that, we browse the tourist shops.
Grant Street has everything you could want, from entertaining, schlocky souvenirs to fine linens, beautiful clothing, carved jade, jewelry, and cookware. If you’re ever in SF’s Chinatown, but sure to visit The Wok Shop, a small kitchen emporium stuffed floor to ceiling with pots, pans, knives, dishes, chopsticks…and woks, of course!
Christmas Rekindled is on sale for just 99¢ (ebook) during July!
When two Scrooges unite to save a bar in trouble, a kiss under the mistletoe sparks the sexiest Christmas miracle ever.
Bartender River Lundqvist has a damn good reason for hating Christmas. Bangers Tavern is the perfect place to lay low over the holidays—until Charlie walks in. His first encounter with the saucy server nine years ago was utter humiliation. Her reappearance stirs up powerful desires and hopes for a new start. But the timing is all wrong.
Back in Tacoma to care for her estranged dad over the holidays, freelance web designer Charlie Khoury braces herself for the suckiest Christmas ever. A temporary job at Bangers Tavern gives her a chance to escape Dad’s criticism and blow off some steam. But why does the hunky bartender seem to hate her?
A pretend girlfriend is just what River needs to keep his family off his back—until a kiss under the mistletoe flares hot enough to melt the North Pole. When greedy developers threaten Bangers Tavern, River and Charlie must team up to save it. Their sizzling chemistry feels like the real thing—but everyone knows rebound relationships don’t last.
Come to Bangers Tavern for an enemies-to-lovers tale of reconciliation, found family, holiday cocktails, and the steamiest Christmas miracle ever.
About the Author:
Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her
teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance from her new home in Washington State, U.S.A. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, plays darts (pretty well), plays guitar (badly), and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com.
Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? Blue
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall
Cake or Pie? Pie
Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Coffee
Country music or Michael Buble? Sorry, neither. I love blues!
Pencil or Pen? Pen, preferably green or purple ink.
Find the Book at:
Find Christmas Rekindled at: books2read
Find Sadira Stone at: website
July 8, 2021
Handbag and Book guest author Arthur Vidro - Had Enough of Cheaply Made Stuff?
Until thirty years ago, I frequently had to replace my cheaply made wallets. They seemed to be made out of vinyl. When I cut my finger on the sharp edges of a cheap wallet’s photo holder, I’d had enough. An ad from a J. Peterman catalogue for quality wallets made out of baseball leather – the same long-lasting leather used in baseball mitts – caught my eye.
They cost a good deal more, but I bought two, figuring they would last me for life. Maybe when I turn 60 (soon enough), I’ll switch from the first wallet to the second. Or maybe the first one will last another 30 years. But they sure do last.
More about Arthur Vidro: Arthur edited (and wrote the introduction to) Dr. Poggioli: Criminologist (2004, Crippen & Landru), a book of mystery stories by Pulitzer Prizewinner T.S. Stribling. Arthur’s own mystery stories have sold to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly Magazine, Woman’s World, and a few anthologies. He has sold essays to EQMM and to Mystery Scene. He writes a weekly newspaper column and earns his living editing and proofreading (preferably mysteries). He publishes a thrice-yearly journal called Old-Time Detection.
Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? Favorite color is green. If restricted to red, white, or blue, then would create a plaid.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Autumn.
Cake or Pie? Not a fan of sweets. Prefer sugar-free jello.
Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Coffee during daylight hours, tea after sunset.
Country music or Michael Buble? Sorry, never heard of Buble. I’ll stick with Nat King Cole, Guy Mitchell, Merle Haggard, and Ernie Ford. But instead of a singer, I’d rather listen to Tchaikovsky’s “Marche Slave.”
Pencil or Pen? Fountain Pen.
Find The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen at: Ellery Queen
July 1, 2021
Handbag and Book with guest author Jennifer Wilck - On Not Embracing Imelda Marcos
As a child, my dream was to be Imelda Marcos. No, I did not want to be a dictator’s wife—I really had no idea about the political or humanitarian consequences at the time—but boy did I want her shoe collection. I know, this is a handbag blog, but stick with me for a moment. She had thousands and thousands of shoes, and I was in love. I pictured custom closets filled with all the shoes I could buy, and dreamed about the different occasions I’d have to wear them. But in addition to the shoes, I imagined the handbags (see, I told you your patience would be rewarded). Because in my mind, you needed a matching purse for each pair of shoes. Purses and shoes galore. It was my dream.I tried, I really did. But between my parents who were slightly more practical, money that still apparently doesn’t grow on trees, and a lifestyle that doesn’t call for a change of shoes and matching purse daily, I failed. When I was single and working in an office, I had added to my shoe collection, and also my handbag collection. At least when it came to working and to socializing, the shoes and the purses matched. Navy went with navy, black with black, and I threw in a few fun purses and shoes to satisfy my desires. The dream, albeit smaller, lasted for a time while I was married, as well. My husband didn’t understand, but since I didn’t fuss about his Star Wars collection, he didn’t fuss about my purses and shoes.
But then I had kids and I got tired. It was hard enough getting two girls dressed. I considered it a win if the three of us were presentable. Had I stuck to my shoe and purse dream, though, I would have created two mini-monsters who would have wanted to emulate me, so I stuck to diaper bags and then a handbag that was smaller than a diaper bag (I hated carrying that thing around) but big enough to still accommodate everything I needed as a mother of two. And every once in a while, I’d buy a small, impractical purse that reminded me that I was still me.
Today, I’m older, wiser, and still in love with purses. While I no longer dream of matching every purse to my shoes, I do like to change them up with the seasons. The lighter colors brighten my mood after a long dark winter. The darker ones have a richness to them that I find satisfying.This spring, after spending more than a year in quarantine, I realized, much to my delight, that my spring purse was falling apart. I’m not sure why. I didn’t go anywhere. It sat on my counter as a storage container, as did my winter, fall, and summer ones. But as I was able to get out and start to do things, I took a look at it and realized it was time to get a new one.
Not yet ready to do a lot of shopping in person, I shopped online. I was determined to find a purse that was colorful, practical, feminine and flirty.
I failed.
Buying a purse online is almost impossible. I can’t gauge the size even with the dimensions given to me, or how it will look on my arm or how it will feel. I ordered all of the ones in the photo, thinking I’d have a hard time choosing one. I ended up returning them all.
So, I braved the store. It was one of my first times out shopping for a non-necessity. It was weird. But I found the perfect purse. Pale pink, soft, with lots of pockets inside and two types of straps—an over-the-shoulder kind that I use daily, and a hand/wrist strap that I can use if I choose. I’m in love.
My next purse purchase will be a fun, colorful summer one, to replace the one I used that is too small and awkward. I suspect it will take m a while to find the perfect one, since that perfect specimen exists in my mind only right now and I’ve yet to perfect the mind meld with a purse designer. But I’m not giving up. And now that I can get out of the house more, I’m hopeful I’ll find something soon.
Do you believe in the legend of True Springs?
Mr. Right doesn’t exist…Anna Levinson was raised by a single mother, who sacrificed her dreams to give her daughter a warm, loving home. Now a respected professor on the tenure track, Anna is driven to live the life she thinks her mother should have had. She's long since come to terms with the understanding that “having it all” is impossible if she wants a successful career.
He’s been told he’s Mr. Wrong more times than he can count…Despite being left at the altar twice, Ben Diamond still believes his soul mate is out there. He’s ready to marry and start a family of his own. He just clearly won't recognize her when he does find her. And then he meets the maid of honor at his cousin’s wedding, and his world is thrown off kilter.
Settling down might be more than they bargained for. A long-distance relationship isn’t what either of them has in mind, and Anna isn’t about to ruin another person’s dreams. However, giving each other up is harder than it looks. Can Ben convince Anna that she’s got him all wrong, and that he’s finally gotten it right?
Fall in love with Anna & Ben in this steamy contemporary romance. Ticket to True Love is a steamy contemporary romance series about new beginnings, second chances, and finding true love in unexpected places. Fall in love all over the world with bestselling and award-winning authors JB Schroeder, Savannah Kade, Moni Boyce, Shirley Hailstock, Holland Rae, Julie Strauss, & Jennifer Wilck. Start your next romance with Better Together in Boston now!
More about Jennifer Wilck: Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she
couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after. In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate. She writes contemporary romance, many of which feature Jewish characters in non-religious settings (#ownvoices). She’s published with The Wild Rose Press and all her books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue?—Blue! It’s my favorite color.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter?—Spring. I love the flowers and watching nature awaken from winter.
Cake or Pie?—If it’s my mom’s apple pie, then I choose pie. Otherwise, cake. Preferably chocolate.
Coffee, Tea, or Champagne?—Coffee in the morning, tea at night.
Country music or Michael Buble?—I love Michael Buble’s voice, but I love the stories that are found in country music.
Pencil or Pen? Pen
Find Better Together in Boston at: Amazon
Find Jennifer Wilck at: Website
