Good Morning

 

Undercover Princess by Lenora Worth

 

About the book  

Undercover Princess .... a modern day fairy tale

Born to an Italian father and native Texas mother, Nico Lamon returns to Texas to launch an exclusive deal with the iconic Castle Department Store. Guilty for not being there when his father died, Nico has brought the House of Lamon back from the brink of bankruptcy. He devises a marketing gimmick that will benefit both the Castles and the House of Lamon: find the perfect woman to be the fashion line's spokesperson and to wear the gorgeous Valentine shoes he personally designed. When he spots Eleanor in the crowd, he won't stop until she's that woman. His woman.

Eleanor Castle returns to Castle Department Store undercover as head of security, but she's really back to reclaim her heritage and save both the store and her aging father. Eleanor has a plan to stop her evil stepmother from her devious doings and she won't stop until she knows her face is safe. But when Nico spots her at a gala and decides she's the one who should wear the shoes and that she's also the one he wants in his life, Eleanor has to reevaluate her undercover plan. Nico slips a red shoe on her foot and captures her heart. How can she fall for a prince of a man without exposing herself and her bruised heart?

And I thought  

Undercover  Princess  was a real modern day Cinderella story and a great read.  I loved this book.  

It was a predictably  Sweet Clean Romance with a tiny bit of suspense.   

Isn't  predictable  what we expect and hope for in aRomance?  I am always turning  the pages to get to a Happy Ever After ending. 

I especially  enjoyed the Texas setting since I am a Texan.  The Dallas setting is the location  for the Castle dynasty a chain of high end Department  stores.

I loved the description  of the Dallas store.  It's  history and it's secrets.

Eleanor/Ellie is a determined  and gutsy  main character with a plan.   

And has a penchant for playing dress up and disguising herself which keeps her real identity a secret from wicked step mother Caron at least she hopes.  

Like any good Cinderella  story wicked Caron is a true evil step mom and villain with plans to take over the Castle dynasty 

Nico is an  Italian dress and shoe designer  with Texas roots a past and a need to settle down and win Ellie's heart.  

The story is filled with likeable characters.  Employees  of Castle that help Ellie keep her secrets  while she gets 'the goods' on Caron. 

 And even a step sister Annabelle (she gets her own story in book 2) and brother Aidan (book 3) that turn out to have sweeter spirits than their mother.   

I loved this first book in the series!  This is a series that I would purchase the print copies and add to my library. 

Books 2 and 3 are on my wish!  

The series ... 

Available  on Amazon  click Here

Available  on Amazon  click Here

Simple Sunday

 

 

Have a Blessed  

and 

Relaxing Day

Happy Homemaker in Texas Island Edition

 

Welcome to my first HHM post in my new home! 

Happy Homemaker  is a blog party hosted by Sandra.   She provides  the prompts.  I add a few of my own.  

The Prompts 

The weather ...

Gorgeous  sunny.  Perfect  for the beach.  It rained with thunder last night.  I had to put a t-shirt on Domino and wrap her body.  She calmed down after a cookie with Pea Nut Butter! 

On the breakfast plate ... 

I cooked an Omelet with Mushrooms and a bit of leftover grilled Onion and BellPepper from last night and Cheddar Cheese. 

What I am wearing  ...

Worn out shorts and a t shirt. 

We will go shopping  as soon as we get paid!   

On the To Do List ...

I write my post on Saturday  and link to Sandra's  party on Monday.  

...On Sunday I have an appointment  at a community  garden.  I am so excited to join this group.  They even have Chickens!

...On Monday we need to go buy some  Chicken  for the dogs.  I make their food.  A crock pot is on the list to buy on payday!  

We found a Mexican Market in town to try. 

...On Tuesday  go to Post Office I have to mail a Junk Journal Page I made for a SWAP. 

The rest of the week no plans. 

In the craft basket ... 

No basket anymore.  Everything  is still in boxes.   I do have a few things that I left out to make a Junk Journal  Page that I have to mail on Tuesday.   

On my reading pile ...  

 

Reading for fun and to review and promote. 

Reading this one for a Book  tour in June. 

The menu ... 

Monday Pizza on sale today 

Tuesday ... 

Pan Seared Red Snapper, Oven Roasted Zucchini and New Potatoes 

Wednesday  ... 

Spaghetti  and Garlic  Bread and Salad 

Thursday  ... 

Chicken  Tenders, Mashed Potatoes  and Green  Beans

Friday ... 

Chili Relleno Casserole, Beans and Rice

Saturday  ... 

Shrimp Alfredo,  Salad, Garlic Bread  

Thanks for visiting and taking a peek at my weeks plans!  

Go over to Sandra's and see more HHM posts on Monday. 

Sandra's  blog is over Here

Happy Saturday Blessings

 

Flower Friday

 

Good Morning and Welcome!

Today I am joining  a few blog parties and sharing some pictures  I've  taken around our new home. 

I won't  be doing  any planting  for a few weeks  but I found some lovely  blooms. 

Let's  take a stroll . . .

I pass some beautiful  old homes on my strolls.  An example of seeded sidewalks. 

This is a closed up house.  I wonder if it could be purchased.  

Maybe you could be my neighbor!  

We went into town for the Cowboys doctor  appointment today.  We found this park . . .

I stepped inside the gate to find lots of plants to purchase for a donation! There was a pot of Canna's  but I left them for someone else since I am not quite ready to plant. 

I loved the fence  and gate.  And the tile.  If you look close you can see the pots that are available for a donation. 

Gorgeous  Zinnias.  I couldn't  help but think about the ones I grew and had to leave behind.  They were only about 4" tall.  

Wow the season is different here. 

The Sunflowers are already taller than I am.  I will have to come here weekly  to see the progress. 

Gorgeous Canna's  in the corner.

Gosh I learned so much in this small space!  All kinds of veg were planted amongst  the blooms.  The Okra already has pods! 

I am so glad I found this little  park.  I will go back soon.  

The there is a beautiful  Gazebo in the center.  Perfect for a beautiful  morning of reflection.   

Good Morning

 

I hope your having  a lovely  day.  

I posted this picture this morning  because it reminded me of the flowers I see when I walk the dogs.  

A couple of months ago I saw this on FB . . .  

The post I saw was about a Kindergarten  class that planted seeds in the cracks  in the sidewalks around their school. 

I loved the idea.  What a unique way to provide a lesson  for little ones. 

And give them a chance to see seeds sprouting. 

When I arrived to my new neighborhood in Galveston  I found that the same thing  was done here.  

The dogs and I have walked our block and found several  areas with flowers growing. 

I hope to get out later today or tomorrow  to take pictures to post on Friday for a blog party.  

I haven't  gotten  to do this yet. 

But soon I hope. 

Our  car decided  to have a problem  on Sunday  when we got home from the grocery  store. 

The key wouldn't  turn off.  So it is in the shop. 

We are waiting  for it to get fixed.  I found a place that gives rides so this morning  I went out for fresh fruit  and a few things. 

Tomorrow  we will get a ride to the Cowboys  first Dr. Visit.  

We are enjoying  island life. 

This new journey  has been amazing.  

I hope you enjoy visiting!

Enjoy  your day!

To Do List Tuesday

 Good Morning  and Welcome to my new digs . . .

. . . In sunny  Galveston!

When I can I like to share and talk about my To Do List on Tuesday. 

Since our lifestyle  has changed so much my To Do List has changed to! 

It will take me a few  weeks to get the house organized.  We made a huge downsize and we are still trying  to decide what to keep. 

But let's  talk about To Do Lists. 

 I like lists.  I like making a grocery  list.  I like planning a Menu.  For alot of things  I make mental lists.  I made a lot of mental lists over the last few weeks as I planned our move.  

My lists have changed  now.  I am making lists of places I want to go. 

 1. A day window shopping on The Strand

2. A day visiting the Beach Where you can ride horses

3. Touringthe Hotel Galveston 

And I have a list of restaurants  to try. 

I am also just jotting down  lists now on scraps of paper.  And maybe I'll  save them for a Junk Journal.

Do you make lists? Do you use pretty paper like this . . .

This fun list I found on Pinterest.   It is available  to purchase but the link didn't  work.

You can find fun printable on Pinterest  too.  This one is available  from an Etsy  Shop. 

And alot of people make lists in their planner like my fb friend.  

Today she wrote about using sticky notes.  She has such a pretty  planner.  

Well. I have a long List of things to do today.  I hope  you enjoyed coming by. 

Leave me a comment and let me know you stopped on. 

Good Morning

 

Menu Monday-On The Island

 Good Morning I am so excited  to Welcome you back! 

I am thinking about making a new header for the blog.  

What do you think?

 Today is the beginning  of our first full week on the island. 

We went grocery shopping on Saturday. 

This was one of our stops... 

The Cowboy  was super excited to buy seafood at the pier straight off  the boat.  

We also shopped at Kroger  which is only a few blocks from our  Bungalow so it is convenient.   But we learned Friday afternoon  isn't  the best time because  it is on Seawall Drive right on the major tourist drive with all the hotels. 

We will shop during the week! 

So we have fresh fish and Srimp and Chicken Thighs from Kroger.

And here's  the Menu

Monday 

Chicken Thighs and Shrimp

I will cook with Sweet  Ginger  Teriyaki  Glaze.

Serving with Fried Rice and a fresh Veg that we will pick up tomorrow.   The Cowboy  has a doctor  appointment  near a local grocer we will check out.  

Tuesday 

Pan Seared Snapper

Asparagus 

Baked Potatoes  

Wednesday 

Sausage  Potato Gnocchi Soup 

Salad

Fruit

Thursday 

Kielbasa on a bunch

Bean Soup (with Spinach) 

Friday 

Keep It Simple on Mom

C.O.R.N.   Clean Out Refrigerator 

On the weekend we will probably wing. 

Speaking of Wings.  We had the best Pizza and Wings we have had ina long time Friday night. 

(the day we arrived)

Darn I was so tired. But it was delivered from here ....

Oh gosh it really  was so good. And they have a special  on Mondays.  So when we get paid on a Monday Pizza will be on the menu.  

Yaga’s Cafe and Bar, located at 2314 Strand, wrote the book on mo’ bettah food and vibes on Galveston Island. From burgers to hot-from-the-oven pizzas to weekend live entertainment to the jammin’ outdoor patio, Yaga’s Cafe and Bar is the place to go!

Certificate of Excellence 2018

Here are some pics from their website.  I wanted  you all to see just how good it was even though I didn't  get pics. 

And they have way more than Pizza...

Pizza  delivery 5 stars.  Can't  wait to visit the Cafe.  Maybe lunch tomorrow  we will be near by at the Cowboys  first Dr. Visit. 

I hope you have a great week.  

And I hope you will enjoy the Island with us and our new Island Life Style. 

.

Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation I Read Book Tours Review

 

About the book 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation by Reena Korde Pagnoni
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  24 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Waman Books
Release date:   April, 2021
Format available for review:  print (USA), pdf
Tour dates: May 24 to Jun 11, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

The Rambee Boo Crew take a summer vacation to the Lake. Rock and Rambee are having so much fun that they don’t realize that Rambee Boo keeps dropping his Sock. Will Sock make it home with the duo at the end of the trip?

And I thought 

Such a fun little  story. 

Rambee Boo is one sweet little dog that loves his sock. 

This books is part of a delightful  and charming series. 

Rambee Boo and his adventures will charm your little ones.  

I love the covers on all the books in the series the illustrations are fun.  And the covers give you a little glimpse of the story. 

This one is short only 24 pages perfect the parent to read before bedtime. 

The book is thin and the cover is not hard so it is not a book for a child to handle without  damaging. 

I loved going to the Lake with Rambee Boo and I look forward  to adding the set to my family book shelf.  

I received  a complimentary  copy. 

My review will appear on Good Reads and retail sites. 

Buy the book 

Amazon ~ Waman Books

Visit the tour 

To read more reviews click Here

Death By Do Nut-A Chat w/ AUTHOR Rebecca M Douglas-GreatEscapes Tours

A chat with author Rebecca M Douglas

May 24 – My Journey Back the Journey Back – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Hello. thank you for visiting the blog today. I am happy to meet you through the Great Escapes Tour!

Before we get into books and Do Nuts let's chat a bit.

1. I suspect you have a Sweet Spot for Do Nuts. Do you have any other treats that keep you focused when writing?

Honestly, I don’t really like donuts. After writing this book, it might be a case of I really don’t like donuts, given the trouble they cause! Mostly I fuel my writing with coffee and tea; I’m rather more padded than I’d like at this point and am trying to avoid treats. Though one of my friends has threatened to provide me with the recipe for the espresso brownies JJ is always after, which could be disastrous for my waistline! When I have the recipe, I’ll be sharing it with my newsletter followers.

2. Do you have a furry companion or office assistant? 

My only furry assistants are toys. I have a beautiful plush skunk who sits by my computer when I’m at home, and rides on the dash when I’m traveling. I call him Stinky, and he’s the mascot for my other world, the Ninja Librarian’s world of Skunk Corners.

3. If you could take your character anywhere in the world where would you go? 

I really want to take JJ hiking. I’ve tried, in a couple of stories, but it hasn’t worked out. She’s no sissy, but she doesn’t know now to carry a backpack. I think she’d like the mountains once she got used to it.

Seriously, I want to take JJ to the library—any and all libraries! Because many of my mom’s friends like the books, and are often a bit vision-challenged, I’ve made the books in large type, in hopes that JJ really can go everywhere.

4. If you could spend an afternoon hanging out with one of your Characters where would you go? Who would you take? What would you do? 

We’d be at the Have-A-Bite Bakery, of course! I’d take JJ and Kitty, and even though I really like Ron, he’s not invited because I know I’ll get much better gossip from the girls without him. They could fill me in on all the nitty-gritty about the town and the school, and I’m sure I could give them a great book in exchange.

5. I love covers. I am a bit of a junkie. Can you tell us if there are any clues in the cover? 

No secret clues. My covers are meant to be an artist’s impression of the murder scene. My cover artist, Danielle English, is fantastic at turning my vague ideas into beautiful covers!

6. I am so glad you are touring with Great Escapes. What is your favorite part of the tour? 

I love doing the interviews, and I really like seeing how people react to the stories.

7. You have just written 'The End" what do you do to celebrate? 

I celebrated a bit ahead—I spent April rafting the Grand Canyon! I had the book pretty much ready to go, so it wasn’t too premature but I did come home to the proof-reader’s corrections and then had to assemble the final manuscripts in all formats.

8. Can you gives us a sneak peek at your next project? 

The next project is a fourth flash fiction collection, a set of mystery short stories. But that’s cheating—there isn’t much to be done, and it’s a project that’s been underway for a while. For a real “next project” I’m working up a new series. I’m not quite ready to share details, other than that the sleuth is going to be a little less conventional than JJ, and a very different personality from her. I’m trying not to hurry matters, so I don’t have plot or setting wholly nailed down, though it will be a village cozy of some form.

Thanks so much for chatting. Best wishes on the tour!

Thank you for hosting me!

Visit the tour 

To read  reviews, interviews, guest posts click Here

Have A Good Day

 

Does Grandma Remember Me? By Evita Sherman I Read Book Tour Review

 

About the book

Book Title:  Does Grandma Remember Me? by Evita Sherman
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Feb, 2021
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), pdf
Tour dates: May 10 to Jun 4, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

It is always challenging to watch a loved one grow older and face new, confusing obstacles that always seemed easy. Does Grandma Remember Me? shows how love transcends age and difficulties, even when things become overwhelming.

And I thought 

This sweet little childrens book brought some bittersweet  memories to mind. 

Although my children and grandchildren weren't  able to be with my mom before she passed I remember how her condition .De her sometimes foggy.  Sometimes clear.  Sometimes  uncooperative I remember  taking a picture  of my son his baseball card.  Although she never spoke any words to show she remembered  him she held onto that little picture.  It meant the world to her. 

As I read and turned the pages of this sweet story  I appreciated  how the author  made a hard situation  understandable  for a young child.

This is an excellent  book for parents to offer their children to help them understand  how grand parents can change as they grow older. 

I am grateful to have received  a print copy to add to my family bookshelf. 

I received  a complimentary  copy.

My review  will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.

Buy the book 

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Target
Mascot Books
Add to Goodreads 

Visit the tour 

Click Hereto visit the tour and read more reviews. 

Good Morning

 

Good Morning

 

Y.A. Asbury Heights Author Interview Great Escapes Tour

    

Interview with the author ...

Hello and Welcome to the blog today.  I am so happy to chat a bit about books and writing!  

Let's get to it!

1. Do you have any little snacks or treats that keep you focused when writing?

Usually, when I write I'm so in the zone, that I don't get hungry or thirsty. However, as a mom of two little ones it can be difficult to find time to write,unless I specifically carve out time--which I do. It just so happens this time is when both boys are napping at noon, which is universal for lunchtime:) Thus, before writing, I toast up some wheat bread and make a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich,with a tall glass of milk.

2. I noticed in your bio you have a couple dogs and a cat. Are they

Your writing assistants? Can you tell us about them? Maybe share a picture?

Hahaha, they are most definitely not my writing assistants. Our cat Donnie is 12, and pretty much sleeps all day and plays all night (so we're on opposite schedules). Our dogs, Dexter and Msui (7 and 4), are best friends, but if it was up to them we'd be running around outside all day. Because of that, they tend to distract me and quite literally give me their "puppy dog eyes" the minute I find any free time to write. All three of them are rescues and we couldn;t imagine life without them!

 

3. Middle school teacher huh? I used to work with at risk youth and my program got lots of 7th grade girls that like to fight. But they were the sweetest girls and the most open and cooperative outside the school campus. Of all the grades you taught which was your favorite?

That's crazy, cuz my favorite grade to teach was seventh grade. Yes, they could be the most dramatic at times, but I found their sense of humor and desire to prove they could work independently made that year my favorite for sure.

4. If you could spend an afternoon hanging out with one of your (current)Characters where would you go? Who would you take? What would you do?

I'd probably hang with Pilot--he's just the goofiest, ye the most sincere. You'll find he wears his emotions on his sleeve and would have a hard time deceiving anyone. I feel that because he's so techy though, we wouldn't enjoy the same places, but maybe some kind of amusement park, with virtual reality somewhere. That way he'd get to be outside enjoying the rides, and then hang inside and critique, then alter the virtual reality games somehow (for the better).

5. I love covers. I am a bit of a junkie. Does the cover of the new book give the readers any hints about the plot?

Me too! I love a good cover, and Yes! I'm lucky enough to have a family friend of mine (who is a children's book illustrator and artist) draw the cover art for each book. Furthermore, the title and design of the book often have double meaning or hidden Easter eggs somewhere on them. I'll let her in on somewhat of what I'm looking for and she always does an amazing job. Some readers don't even see the clues and hints until I point them out--after making sure they finished the book.

6. Can you share with us your favorite scene in the book?

This is hard...but I'm an ending person. Basically, I love a good twist ending, and each of my stories end in this manner. Therefore, I'd say the scene where the gang discovers who is behind the kidnapping was my favorite to write--and read!

7. Do you write in other genres. Can you tell us a little about other series or books we can check out?

I have a notebook filled with story outlines and have even finished the second round of edits for my adult crime novel. However, with my ten week old baby I've had to slow down my timeline on the adult novel's release...the lack of sleep was a lot the first few weeks. But now my little man sleeps through the night and I'm getting back to normal.

8.You have just written 'The End" what do you do to celebrate?

Honestly, not much. It is a sense of relief though, that I successfully managed to write down what was stuck in my head. 

9. Can you give us a sneak peek at your next project?

Well, as I mentioned above I do have an adult crime novel in the works, but I don't know if I can send out a snippet yet...as for the next installment of Asbury High, I will say that Asbury High and the Arsenic Avenger is out in August and deals with explosions of arsons that seem to be taking place in Asbury.

10. For readers book tours are a great way to meet new Authors and learn about new books. What is your favorite part of book tours?

My favorite part is connecting with readers. I've had quite a few people get copies of my books and reach out to me afterwards explaining how they discovered me through a book tour. Thus, I am forever indebted to you and all the other bloggers for helping me spread the word. Thank you!!

Thanks so much for visiting today. I am looking forward to reading your book!  

Buy the book  

 Amazon

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Click Here

To read reviews, interviews, and guest posts.  

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Good Morning

 

The Adventures of Molly & Ollie Moving Day by Sally Beale

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Mollie & Ollie: Moving Day by Sally Beale
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   March, 2021
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), pdf
Tour dates: May 10 to May 21, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Every child experiences change in their life. Moving can be difficult, but when eight-year-old Molly Day meets a new friend, a magical owl named Oliver Winston Howell III, her move to a new house in a new town becomes easier than she expected. Be on the lookout for Molly and Ollie’s next adventure!

And I thought...

What a sweet story.  It was delightful and charming.  

And magical with talking animals and stuffer animals that come to life.

But not when the adults are around.

Ollie the old wise owl who lives in the he tree outside Mollie's window shows up just as Mollie arrives on moving day. 

Mollie is sad because she's left her old house and neighborhood and friends but wise old Ollie helps Mollie realize that she still has her animal friends band that there is more adventure waiting. 

The illustrations are fun and charming adding to the delightful story. 

I love that this story book is book. It is great for a parent or sibling to read to a young child. 

I am delighted to add This one to my book shelf. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Target
Mascot Books
Add to Goodreads

Visit the tour 

To read more reviews guest posts and interviews click Here