What Everyone Is Saying About This Summer

School is back in session so all the staff has been catching up. What is everyone saying when asked about their summers?  

1. Too short! (always)

2. Too hot! (we've had a ton of days that were over ninety degrees Fahrenheit AKA around thirty-two Celsius.)

 Here is the weather looking all innocent when in fact it's not just hot, it's also super humid! 

I recently read this middle-grade book Reunited by Colleen Berquist It's the second book in a trilogy about a thirteen year-old-girl that finds out her family isn't who she thinks. There's a real lack of books for kids that aren't little anymore and who are too young for most YA books. This book is one working to fill the gap. 

Reunited is in Kindle Unlimited and also available as a Kindle book as well as a paperback. 

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So how was your summer? 

The Sunday Post- Happy Birthday to Me!

   

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Today is my birthday, and I plan to do whatever I want today. My husband has been mis-aging me for a couple of months now, this is probably because he knows I find it annoying. Why age myself up? Can't I savor each day of the year? 

Yesterday, I was a featured author at my local romance bookstore, Love's Sweet Arrow. It was super fun! I met readers, some people bought my books, and there was free ice cream! You can't beat that!  

This week it's back to school. It looks like this year I'll be working in kindergarten classrooms. So wish me luck! I'm already missing my favorite preK kids. We have a couple of institute days before the kids come back. Tuesday night I'm going to have to turn back on my morning alarms. Sigh, I'll miss you summer!

TV-wise, we have been watching King of War starring Jason Mamoa on Apple and Smoke starring Journee Smollet and Taron Egerton. I've been watching the Kdrama Resident Playbook which I have been really enjoying. I like medical dramas.

What have you been reading and/or watching? 

In books I finished:

Oh No The End Is Near--Back to School Is Coming!

 

August is here and that means--nope I don't want to say it. I'll save it for at least another week.

So here are a couple of very different books I enjoyed recently via my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Cat Dish Gin is a slice of life book by Heather Curlee Novak. It reminded me of when I was a kid and took my mom's Erma Bombeck books and read them. Heather's book was so enjoyable that I didn't want it to end!

Here is more info on the book:

Cat Dish Gin – Life’s Chaos, Served with a Twist of Humor

Ever had a moment so ridiculous it made you wonder if Jesus Himself might take a sip of gin straight from a cat dish? Welcome to Cat Dish Gin—a sharp, witty, and wildly relatable collection of NPR essays that turn the everyday mess of marriage, motherhood, work, and aging into laugh-out-loud, life-affirming moments.

From mastering the art of parenting while losing your sanity to finding joy in life’s smallest (and strangest) victories, these bite-sized essays are perfect for women who need a reminder that imperfection is its own kind of magic.

💡 For fans of Anne Lamott, Gretchen Rubin, and Dorothy Parker.
📖 Short, bingeable, and best enjoyed out loud.
🎁 The perfect gift for moms, grandmas, and wild women everywhere.

Read Cat Dish Gin now and laugh your way to a more joyful life!: https://a.co/d/5JbCL0V

And then for something completely different, I read a romance about the tooth fairy falling in love with a human. I'm not sure if Lord Pearl by Rowen Burrows is considered a paranormal romance or romantasy. It's all about the gods and goddesses and all sorts of magic beings like the tooth fairy and the sandman. 

Here is the link to check it out- https://a.co/d/3phKAkU

Belief can be a powerful thing. Belief can be the difference between life and death.

One moment, one decision, can change the course of your life.
For Lillian Tooth, one decision left her cursed to be the Tooth Fairy.
For Grayson Simmons, one moment introduced him to the Tooth Fairy and the world of magic.

Lillian is legendary, but that doesn’t mean she is brave. Grayson is her best friend, and she has fallen for him.
Her curse leaves her afraid of rejection.

Grayson is honoured to be part of Lillian’s world. She is his best friend. Of course, he has thought about more, but he is human.
He is not worthy.

When a harmless game reveals their true feelings, they have choices to make and fears to face.
Choices and fears that can change the course of not just their lives, but magic…

Happy Release Day To Your Mr. Brightside!

You would think since it is release day, the hard work is done! But honestly this is actually when the hard work really begins! Ugh! Marketing!

I hope people enjoy the story of Brandee and Luc finding love. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read Your Mr. Brightside as part of your subscription. And as I'm sure you already know, reviews are super important for indie authors. I appreciate it so much when readers take the time to rate or also rate and review!

Want to know more about Your Mr. Brightside? Here you go:

Love is the last thing on her mind. A curvy girl is the last thing on his. One fateful night will change everything.

Brandee doesn’t have time to date. Between two jobs and raising her son, life is all about survival. When a rare night off lands her in a handsome man’s arms, everything changes. But he’s too young, too carefree, and so not ready for her messy life.

Luc’s life was perfectly planned. Then he meets a stunning, curvy woman and wants nothing more than to see her again. When they run into each other months after their steamy night together, Luc is determined to show Brandee why she should take a chance on him.

Just when Brandee is ready for a relationship with Luc, surprising developments change everything. How can she drag Luc into her mess? He’s ready for a lifetime with Brandee, but if she won’t take down the walls keeping him out, how long does Luc hang on?

Will Brandee stop assuming the worst and look on the bright side?

If you love steamy small-town romance with a sunshine guy who falls first, a single mom, and an age-gap where she is older, Your Mr. Brightside will tick all your boxes!

https://a.co/d/fXMiqul

More Hot, Hot, HOT Days ahead. #TheSundayPost

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

This summer has been a real hot one in Chicagoland. The forecast is calling for temperatures to be nearly 100 degrees (35 Celsius). I don't even want to know what the humidity level will be. 

I hope my cucumbers survive!  Recently on a cooler day I went on an art and garden tour in Beverly Shores, IN. The community is on the shores of Lake Michigan, so there are dunes and wetlands. 

Here are some pictures: 

Have you done anything interesting this summer? Tomorrow I have a post about a big free book event that takes place on Tuesday! 

The Sunday Post. The Big Game, Do You Care?

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I don't pay much attention to football, but my husband enjoys it. I like to watch the awards shows each year, he likes the playoffs and the Super Bowl. He mentioned something about ordering pizza and that works for me. Are you planning to watch the game? Do you have a favorite football food?

I'm currently reading:

Wanna Read A Bodyguard Romance? BETRAYED by Eveline Rose

Do you enjoy Bodyguard romances? Enjoy a damsel in distress theme?  If you really crave a nice opposites attract, BETRAYED is one to read! BETRAYED is the fourth book in the Shepperd and Sons Investigations series. Each book features a member of the SSI staff saving someone. 

This is a standalone series. The series features found family--something I love! The romance happens behind closed doors. In this book, there is a big action-filled climax. We end the book with a nice HEA. I give this five stars based on me wanting to pick it back up as soon as possible every time I was interrupted and had to set it down!

Happy weekend reading! As always, if you read a book take a quick second when you are done to rate and/or review! It makes a big difference! Then tell a friend!

Here is a link for more info or to purchase: https://a.co/d/eKNaVgQ

 

Book Birthday Today! It App-ened One Night!

Out into the world, it goes! I hope people like it. I write stories I'd like to read, so hopefully there is a nice bunch of people out there who enjoy reading the same things I do. I also hope that we caught the typos between my editor, my proofreader, and my reviews!

When I was writing this book in October and November, there were days when I didn't think I'd ever finish it! Then I had it finished a week before it was due. 

Sometimes authors talk about their book babies and I didn't understand why until I was revising my first book. Writing a book is like being in labor. Once it's done and the baby has arrived you quickly forget the finer points of how arduous the whole process was to endure! 

So now the drafting process is almost a warm fuzzy memory and the finished version is ready for everyone! 

Here is the link to my website if you'd like to get any of my books or become a subscriber for bonus scenes, ARC opportunities, and other special perks. 

https://victoriahamelauthor.com

 

The Search for a Proper Tagline and a New Release with Strong Sense of Place

This month I'm working on putting together my author website and getting a newsletter going. Did you know that many authors have taglines for their websites?  I didn't, but I do now, and let me tell you, authors are a creative bunch!  So many great taglines that nail their brand. 

I am in awe, and at the same time, I need to come up with my own gem! When I write the Marley Creek series my goal is to write a romance that gives the reader those Hallmark vibes along with some spice. Now the question is, will Hallmark appreciate me using them in my tagline? I'm just a teeny tiny writer in a sea of authors, so maybe it doesn't matter. I don't want to find out after I finish my website and get some fun merch made, so I need to go back to the drawing board.

Here are my rough drafts:

Cozy Romance With A Kick.

Cozy Romance Sprinkled with Some Spice.

Steamy Small Town Romances You'll Stay Home For.

Cozy Comfort Reads.

Cozy Vibes with a Dash Of Spice.

Please let me know your favorite! I need some feedback!

As I mentioned in The Sunday Post, I picked up a new release from Kindle Unlimited. This is the second book in this series. It's set in a town a few hours away from New Orleans and the book is filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Southern Louisiana.  Gelly the lead character in this book is a dancer so the book is also filled with many music references. Dance of Love has a HEA for the main characters in this book but has an overarching mystery so it's best read after the first book Learning to Love which is also on Kindle Unlimited. The third and fourth books in the series will be out before the end of the year!  

If you like books with an immersive setting, a light dusting of spice, and romantic suspense, check this series out! 

Here is a link to the book: https://a.co/d/9juFCZ5

Can We Start Fall Now Please? The Sunday Post!

   

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

What I'm reading this weekend: 

I don't know about you, but I am excited to have Monday off! A three-day weekend after a couple of weeks of school!  I'd be more chill about everything, but it's been so hot we haven't even had outside recess. I am ready for sweater weather! I am also ready to break out my fall-themed shirts. Going through my closet I realized I've added four new fall t-shirts over the summer!  I'm going to kick off fall by wearing my Halloween Town shirt.  Do you enjoy the autumn season?

Yesterday I brainstormed with an editor for my upcoming book It App-ened One Night. The brainstorming session was very helpful; now I know I can make this book a satisfying story. I would love for you to join my newsletter. I'll share a prequel to the Marley Creek Series, doing cover and blurb reveals, and ARC sign-ups. Plus I'm commissioning some fun stickers to give to my subscribers! 

Thanks so much! 

The Marley Creek News!

Sign up for all the reveals, ARC opportunities, and giveaways!

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Short but Packed with Paranormal Cozy Goodness! Available on KU!

 

This is the first book in Beth Dolgner's Nightmare, Arizona's Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series. It's on the short side, but I didn't find the story lacking or rushed. I enjoyed Olivia embracing her new environment and coming to conclusions about certain things we, the readers, knew right away. 

There are some good red herrings in this book and lots of room for growth. The location is fun. I read Beth's bio and discovered she lives near a Wild West tourist town, so this series is sort of set in a real town—minus all the paranormal elements, of course.

As soon as I finished this book, I returned it to KU so I could pick up the second book in the series. If you are looking for something fluffy and fun, this is an enjoyable read! 

Four Stars for this fun book!

This week our temperatures have been incredibly hot and we even had to cancel outdoor recess at school Last night the heatwave broke, but we also had major thunderstorms.  A large elm tree crashed down onto one of our neighbor's garage and car.  Fortunately, everyone is okay! The holiday weekend is almost here in the USA and I can't wait to do some reading and go for a run! 

The Sunday Post-- I survived!

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I survived the first week of pre-K, and I now have one week of working with the most delightful three- and four-year-olds!  Were there tears?  Yes. Where they mine? No!  Then when I got home from work I had a snack and took a nap. Seriously--and I bet the kiddos did the same. It's going to be such a treat to see how much the students change as the year goes on. I also look forward to getting better at my job! 

How was your week?  Can you believe this upcoming weekend will be Labor Day weekend?  I can. The summer I had was packed with travel, medical stuff, and thinking back it seems like I was working summer school ages ago. 

I just finished listening to Dead and Gondola in time to take part in the Cozy Mystery Book Club livestream on Tuesday. Speaking of the Cozy Mystery Book Club, I'm going to be doing a guest blog post for the 12 Days of Cozies in December! I'm so excited I have to turn it in by October 15! I plan to talk about a few Christmas Cozy Mysteries and share a cookie recipe I love.

In my own person book news, my latest book Is This Love Fur Real? was a sponsor on this weeks Fated Mates podcast.  You can hear it around the 45-minute Mark! Here is a link to the episode: https://fatedmates.net/episodes

The Sunday Post: Birthday Month, The Bridge to Fall, and Back to School All Rolled Into One!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

How do you feel about August?  It's my birthday month, so I'm a fan.  August has also always been bittersweet for me. As a kid, I loved summer and once my birthday rolled around, I couldn't ignore the fact that school was right around the corner. When I had kids, same feelings!  And now that I work at a school, I'm happy to go back and also I like sleeping in! 

Fall was a very busy month, the hubs and I went to Colorado. He had altitude sickness and that put quite the damper on the trip. On the way home, I googled the elevation of my dream vacations, Coastal Maine, Scotland, and South Korea. Thank goodness all of those locations are close to sea level!

Below is a picture from our trip. If you find yourself in Colorado make sure you drink loads of water that helps with the elevation and the fact that Colorado is more desert than you think! 

This is from the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. A free city park!

I also went to a concert at The Salt Shed with my middle kiddo and another concert with a friend. I'm having a real music-filled summer!

I love how our Chicago concert venues have views of the City!  This one is right on the Chicago River so people sit in their boats and see the show as well! I went to this concert with middle kiddo, we saw AWOLNATION and 311.

How was your July?  I also read some books worth talking about and released my own book! 

I'm currently reading this book. It's my first time reading a Regency male/male romance. I'm very curious how they will have a HEA!