Wednesday, June 29, 2022


Sorry I was a no show yesterday my friends.
I've had my days mixed up.

I mentioned a few days we were going to Lancaster PA this past Saturday. Well, I wasn't feeling well, so we went Monday. 

I told you I would share pictures of our trip, but I forgot my camera, and my old phone doesn't hold much. However, I put my sketching talents to good use and have six to share with you.







I hope you enjoyed my sketches.
I don't normally share my work with anyone. 
Also, my sketching is free flowing, so please don't ask me to do a sketch for you. I simply can't no matter how much you offer me.







Monday, June 27, 2022

 

Author Toni LoTempio


I'm so excited today to have in the spotlight, author
Toni LoTempio 
and the audio reveal of her amazing book 
MURDER FAUX PAWS!


Check out more information from Toni herself . . .

Calling all Nick and Nora fans!  The audio version of MURDER FAUX PAWS is finally here!

After a long wait, the audio version of the fifth Nick and Nora mystery is now available!

For those not familiar with the series, here’s a brief synopsis:

When a local PI’s untimely death is ruled a suicide by the police, budding sleuth Nora Charles has no intention of letting sleeping dogs lie—or sleeping cats, for that matter. Certain it was a case of foul play, Nora rouses her trusty sidekick Nick and launches an investigation of her own. Then a second PI is murdered, and Nora knows the two men were on to something—and that she’s on to something too.

Following the enigmatic clues left by her late predecessors, Nora soon uncovers a plot that involves a local politician, missing campaign funds, and what could be a bogus real estate deal. But when hints of treason surface, what started as small-time thievery soon balloons into a matter of national security. With the uncanny Nick sniffing out—and spelling out—leads, Nora follows a trail that will take her to the heart of a shadowy conspiracy, and into a trap set by a conniving culprit that will have her wishing she had Nick’s nine lives . . .

This is the fifth entry in the Nick and Nora mystery series, published by Beyond the Page. Look for #6, A PURR BEFORE DYING, in February of 2023!

Audio Purchase Link: 

Click Here

🕮📚🕮📚🕮

GIVEAWAY!

Toni is giving away 2 audio download copies of

MURDER FAUX PAWS!


For a chance to win, comment here, and email me with your full name and the email address you'd like to use to receive your download.

 I will email the winners. 
It is important that you include your email in the comments. I will NOT post any comments with emails in them, so you information is safe.

Good Luck!

🕮📚🕮📚🕮

And debuting on June 21st . . .

the second Pet Shop Mystery

KILLERS OF A FEATHER!

With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the festive event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her jubilant mood is soon threatened by ominous rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a dire future for Draco and his dead body is found just hours later, no one can say they’re surprised—but no one will say who did it.

With virtually everyone in town a suspect, the police turn their focus on a good friend of Shell’s who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Shell begins investigating Draco’s past, his former employer, and everyone who lost money to him. And when the trail of clues suggests there may have been a completely different motive for the murder, Shell suddenly realizes she’s uncovered a secret someone would kill to keep hidden—and that if she’s not careful, the parrot may be predicting she has no future at all . . .

Purchase Link: 

Click Here

You can keep up with future releases of both series on my website, 

www.tclotempio.net 

or ROCCO’s blog: 

www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com


 

As always, please leave a comment 
and let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
the upper right hand corner of this page 
(on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of
your page and click "View web version". Then follow 
the above directions.

Sunday, June 26, 2022

BOOK TOUR 


I'm excited to be a stop on the blog tour for
A HINT OF MISCHIEF
Book 3 in the Fairy Garden Mysteries
by
Daryl Wood Garber


The proprietor of a fairy garden and tea shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Courtney Kelly has an occasional side gig as a sleuth—with a sprinkling of magical assistance. . . .

Courtney has thrown a few fairy garden parties—for kids. But if a local socialite is willing to dip into her trust fund for an old sorority sister’s fortieth birthday bash, Courtney will be there with bells on. To make the job even more appealing, a famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion, and there’s nothing like a celebrity cameo to raise a business’s profile.
 
Now Courtney has less than two weeks to paint a mural, hang up tinkling windchimes, plan party games, and conjure up all the details. While she works her magic, the hostess and her girlfriends head off for an indulgent spa day—which leads to a fateful facial for Farrah, followed by her mysterious death. Could the kindhearted eyebrow waxer who Farrah berated in public really be the killer, as the police suspect? Courtney thinks otherwise, and with the help of her imaginative sleuth fairy, sets out to dig up the truth behind this puzzling murder . . .


LKBR:  Hi, Daryl Wood Gerber, it’s great to have you with us.

DWG: Thank you for having me!


LKBR: Please tell us a bit about yourself.

DWG: I’ve been writing for a long time. My first book was published in 2010. Since that time, I’ve written over 25 books, and I’m having a blast creating stories. When I’m not writing, I like to bake, read, and golf.  I have a goldendoodle named Sparky who likes to take me on walks. J


LKBR: Please tell us about your new book.

DWG: A HINT OF MISCHIEF is the 3rd Fairy Garden Mystery.

Courtney has thrown a few fairy garden parties—for kids. But if a local socialite is willing to dip into her trust fund for an old sorority sister’s fortieth birthday bash, Courtney will be there with bells on. To make the job even more appealing, a famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion, and there’s nothing like a celebrity cameo to raise a business’s profile.
 
Now Courtney has less than two weeks to paint a mural, hang up tinkling windchimes, plan party games, and conjure up all the details. While she works her magic, the hostess and her girlfriends head off for an indulgent spa day—which leads to a fateful facial for Farrah, followed by her mysterious death. Could the kindhearted eyebrow waxer who Farrah berated in public really be the killer, as the police suspect? Courtney thinks otherwise, and with the help of her imaginative sleuth fairy, sets out to dig up the truth behind this puzzling murder . . .

 

LKBR: Do you remember where you were/what you were doing when the idea of this book/series came to you?

DWG: Yep. It was right before Covid hit. I was at a writing conference talking to a woman who does audio recordings for books.  She told me about her daughter’s fairy garden party. When I went home, I did a deep dive on Pinterest looking for images of fairy garden parties. There were some fabulous ones, but all were for children! While viewing them, I  decided to write about an adult fairy garden party.  Now, a little bit of kismet, the woman who gave me the idea—Sandra Murphy—is doing the audio recordings for the Fairy Garden Mysteries.

 

LKBR: How did you go about submitting your first idea for a book? Was that first book published?

DWG: I researched which agents were accepting submissions for mysteries, and I wrote query letters. A LOT of query letters.  And I received a lot of rejections.  I was getting responses that said, “I enjoy your writing or the story or style, but I can’t sell this book.  Do you have another?” So it went into a drawer. My second book also went into a drawer.  So did my third. A few years later, when I was about ready to give up, I lucked out and met an agent who liked my work. She, like the others, couldn’t sell what I’d written, but we worked together coming up with ideas, and then out of the blue, she offered me the opportunity to audition for a work-for-hire cozy mystery at Berkley Prime Crime. I got the job and started writing the Cheese Shop Mysteries under the pseudonym Avery Aames. The first book launched my career. It won the Agatha Award for best first novel. A couple years later, after proving myself, I pitched The Cookbook Nook Mysteries to my editor and was granted another contract, this time written under my own name, Daryl Wood Gerber.

 

LKBR: Is writing your fulltime job? What’s your writing schedule like?

DWG: Yes. I’m lucky enough to write fulltime. I’m at my desk by 9 a.m. I play a word game or two, and then I dive in. I have a schedule every day listing what I want to accomplish—how many pages I’ll write, or whether I need to work on my outline. I’m usually done around 4 p.m. I walk my dog Sparky then. Some days, I go longer (to 5 or 6 or 7 p.m.), particularly when I’m in final editing mode and the book is due! I have PR responsibilities to promote my writing, as well, on social media and for blogs. Last week, I was writing chapters for the 12th Cookbook Nook and doing PR for A HINT OF MISCHIEF. It’s non-stop.

 

LKBR: No matter where you are, do you write down ideas when inspiration strikes?

DWG: I record them on my cell phone. Then I transcribe them and put them into a file on my computer. I have notes for every book, every series. And I have a “new ideas” file, too. I never know which idea will be the one that really captures my imagination, so I don’t throw any of them out.

 

LKBR: Do you write your book(s) from beginning to end or do you do you write scenes out of order then pull them together?

DWG: I have been known to write scenes out of order. I don’t like getting stuck, so if there’s a scene that just isn’t working, I might write in my manuscript FIX THIS SCENE, then skip it and move on. I’ve written the last scene first, too, only because I know where I want the book to go, like a road map, so I get it down on paper. As long as there is a complete book when I edit, I don’t care how it comes together in the process. I do work with a basic outline. That really helps me. I tweak the outline as I write the manuscript, but just having a guide keeps me on track.

 

LKBR: Have you ever killed off a series’ regular character (if you have a series)? If yes, was it hard for you to do? What were your reader’s reactions to it?

DWG: I have not. My publisher ended a series, and that bothered readers, but I personally did not kill any regulars.

 

LKBR: Where do you do most of your writing?

DWG: I do most of it in my office. I do final editing in my dining room with pages spread everywhere on the dining table. If I’m out and about doing errands, I often take along my computer. I can write scenes at a coffee shop, in my car, and elsewhere. I try not to let any environment limit my creativity.

 

LKBR: What are three things always within reach when you’re writing?

DWG: Water, my cell phone, my computer.

 

LKBR: Please describe yourself in one sentence.

DWG: I’m an energetic, positive, upbeat person who loves to tell stories, encourage others, and laugh.

 

LKBR: Do you have a message for your readers?

DWG: If you have a dream, believe you can achieve it.

 

LKBR: Thank you so much, Daryl, for spending time with us today. Can’t wait to chat with you again!


Using the form at the end of today's post, 
make sure to enter for these great prizes!


About Daryl Wood Gerber

Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber is best known for her nationally bestselling Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, fairy garden, and read. She has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line. And she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane and hitch-hike around Ireland alone. You can learn more on her website: httsp://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links 
  INSTAGRAM: https//instagram.com/darylwoodgerber 

  Purchase Links
Amazon    -    B&N    -    Kobo    -    Bookshop    -    Murder by Book    -     Mysterious Galaxy 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 

June 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
June 21 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – GUEST POST WITH RECIPE
June 21 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW
June 22 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 22 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY 
June 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
June 23 – This Is My Truth Now – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 24 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, GUEST POST WITH RECIPE
June 24 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 24 – Baroness' Book Trove - REVIEW
June 25 – MJB Reviewers - SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
June 25 – The Avid Reader - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
June 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
June 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
June 26 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 26 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW
June 27 – Diane Reviews Books - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
June 27 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 27 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
June 28 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
June 28 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, June 25, 2022

How are you doing this fine day?
I hope it's extra special wonderful for you!

Me? I'm off to Lancaster PA with my sisters! 
It's my happy place. 
I'm going to get some pictures to share later in the week. It's so beautiful there!

Have a blessed day!
I'll see you tomorrow! 




 

Friday, June 24, 2022


Hello my favorite people!
It's
Cozy Food Friday!

The year is going by so fast. Can you believe the Fourth of July is next weekend?

Do you have a BBQ or attend one? They're pretty much the same foods every year. But I have a side dish that could be a new favorite.

🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽🍽

FRIED CORN AND BACON

photo property of www.joyousapron.com

INGREDIENTS
6 cups corn kernels, fresh shucked (use frozen only if no other choice, thawed and dried of extra moisture)
7 - 8  slices thick bacon, cut into 1" pieces (2" if using thinner bacon)
3 Tbsp. butter
½ tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
¼ cup thinly sliced chives
photo property of www.happysimpleliving.com

DIRECTIONS

   Cut corn from cobs into a bowl.
   Heat the cut bacon in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Drain half of the bacon fat from frying pan.
   Add corn kernels to the skillet, along with butter, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until corn is lightly browned in spots, 5 to 7 minutes.
   Stir in bacon and half of the chives. 
   Cook two more minutes. Remove from pan to serving bowl.
   Just before serving, top with remaining chives.
photo property of www.bunnyswarmoven.com

This is a yummy one!

As always, please leave a comment 
and let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
the upper right hand corner of this page 
(on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of
your page and click "View web version". Then follow 
the above directions.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

WHAT'S COOKING? 

THE WEEKEND COOK
Good Food for Real Life
by Angela Hartnett


Internationally beloved chef Angela Hartnett's first cookbook released in the U.S., featuring 100 recipes perfect for entertaining at home.

An invitation to dine at Angela Hartnett's house is a real treat. Nestled in London's vibrant East End, her home is a place to experience delicious food, great company and a relaxed atmosphere that is as far removed from the high-octane stress of a professional kitchen as it is from the social anxiety that many of us face when hosting a dinner. Angela knows the secrets to throwing the most relaxed and enjoyable dinners for friends and family-magical evenings that people talk about for months afterward-and in 
The Weekend Cook she shares them.

Great flavors and simple, yet delicious foods abound in these pages, from satisfying one-pot dishes and comforting risottos to perfect party food and baked goods to feed a hungry crowd-each one a joy to cook and eat. With 100 recipes as well as time-saving tips and cheats, 
The Weekend Cook takes the stress out of hosting, allowing you to enjoy your dinner parties without breaking a sweat.

THE WEEKEND COOK by Angela Hartnett opens with lengthy introduction from the author. It’s clear she loves cooking, her family, where she lives, and is very happy to let others know it. I would too if I was living my dream.

When I started reading the names of the recipes, and seeing their photos, my first thought was I’ll never be able to make them. They were very intimidating! But when I started reading the recipes, I felt a little more self-assured. 

Here’s a taste of the recipes you’ll find . . . Confit Garlic and Goat’s Curd Toast, Crab Salad, Summer Vegetable Soup, Cock-a-leekie Soup, Chicken Pie, Red Mullet and Tomato, Sunday Night Cupboard Spaghetti, Chicory, Blue Cheese and Grape Salad, Backed Vacherin Cheese, Scotti’s Honey Biscuits, Asparagus Quiche, Lemon Butterfly Cakes, Pump Street Chocolate Mousse, and Floating Islands.  

THE WEEKEND COOK, is a lovely cookbook. It contains beautiful color photos, which is a must for me. Author Hartnett has compiled an impressive catalog of recipes. There are some I would like to try, but many not my style. I’m a very plain eater, and some of her extraordinary dishes are more than my simple tastebuds care to handle. If I wanted to host a dinner party to impress, one I wanted guests to remember, THE WEEKEND COOK would be a great way to do.

As always, please leave a comment and 
let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
upper right hand corner of this page (on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of your page and click" View web version". Then follow the above directions.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022


Hello wonderful friends!
As many of you know, I've been selling on eBay.
It's been doing well.

I have a favor to ask.
I'm on Instagram as
such_fun_shop
I would love for you to follow me!

I share many of the items I have listed on eBay. 
To anyone following me on Instagram that also follows me here, I'm offering 15% off any items.


You can check out my items using the links below. You'll find all of my listed items on eBay. 
On Instagram I post some of my favorites. 



 eBay 
 Just let me know if you're interested in anything, here in the comments, or message me through my Instagram account. 

If you see what you want on Instagram, message me there.
If you purchase from eBay, make sure to leave me a message on eBay so I know you are a blog or Instagram follower. I'll refund you 15% from the item total. (Your purchase cost of the item. This does not include shipping cost.)

For Sale ~ For Sale ~ For Sale

Here are few of my favorite items now available. 

Check out my eBay for more photos and descriptions of these items.
$13.99 - 15% = 11.89 + Shipping

$18.99 - 15% =$16.14 + Shipping

$11.99 - 15% = $10.19

$47.99 - 15% = $40.79

$29.99 - 15% = $25.49

$19.99 - 15% = $16.99

$16.99 - 15% = $14.44

$17.99 - 15% = $15.29

$12.99 - 15% = $11.04

$17.99 - 15% = $15.19

$23.99 - 15% = $20.39

$42.99 - 15% = $36.54

I'm adding new things all the time. 
I also pull pieces to freshen things up.

I'd love for you to check it out!
 
As always, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by submitting your email in 
upper right hand corner of this page (on the side bar).

Reading from your phone? Scroll to the bottom of your page and click "View web version". Then follow the above directions.