• Cancer Awareness

    “Blah blah CANCER blah blah” by Pia Manning, author of Finding Home @PiaManning #RLFblog #CancerAwareness

    Welcome to day one of Cancer Awareness posts for 2021 on RLFblog. Today’s guest is Pia Manning.


    "Blah blah CANCER blah blah" by  Pia Manning, author of Finding Home @PiaManning #RLFblog #CancerAwarenessIn 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A routine mammogram found my tumor in the early stages of its development – well before I knew the little bastard had taken up residence in my breast.

    My experience with cancer is not as gut wrenching and difficult as many other women’s. I was lucky. That said, ‘You have cancer’ ranks right up there on the list of horrible things one can hear. I hope none of you have to sit in a cold, white room and listen to those words…

    ####

    His thumb drew circles on the back of my hand. He squeezed my cold fingers. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it,” he reassured me.

    I nodded, not really listening.

    Two soft knocks announced the arrival of the man in the white coat. Let the show begin.

    He leaned against the door and shuffled his feet. His hands clutched a clipboard fat with paperwork. My biopsy and lab results, I presumed. His gaze swept the room, and he made no move to come any closer. I wondered why he stayed beside the door -maybe so he could duck out in a hurry. Not the kind of behavior I expected from someone who delivered the results of life changing pathology reports every day. You’d think he’d be used to tears by now.

    “I have some very bad news, and then some very good news.” The surgeon pushed away from the door and sat down. “You have breast cancer.”

    My husband’s grip tightened and he shifted towards me.

    I stared at a point in space, not focused on anything. Air molecules maybe.

    The doctor then explained the good news. My prognosis: merry and bright. The mammogram had detected my tumor before it had a chance to spread. I was one of the fortunate ones; I’d need a minimal amount of medical intervention.

    I didn’t hear any of it. I never got past, “You have breast cancer.” They tell me that’s a very normal response. They told me a lot of things.

    There are things they didn’t tell me about. Like the tidal wave of anger that swamped me. Not simply a passing emotion, my anger burned brightly for a long time-the kind of fury that keeps one warm at night. This was especially true when, two years later, the man holding my hand that awful day received a cancer diagnosis of his own.

    They didn’t prepare me for the isolation cancer imposes. Other people’s reactions proved to be an interesting study in human behavior. Some simply didn’t know what to say. Uncomfortable, they avoided me. For others, I represented their worst nightmare. Oh! She has cancer! Run! ‘It’s not contagious!’ I wanted to yell. But it didn’t matter.

    My husband and our offspring struggled to support me. Desperate to help me carry the emotional load, they asked, “What can we do? What do you need?” The truth? I didn’t know. While contemplating your own mortality the realization hits that you might lose everything: sunsets, macaroni and cheese and everyone you love. Priorities shift and change. Your world spins on a different axis. That’s a hell of a lot to work through. Lost, I didn’t know how to help them, help me. I will never fully understand how hard they fought to strengthen our bonds and keep our connections alive. I’m just grateful they did.

    My mom, also a cancer survivor, told me that in time I wouldn’t think about cancer every day. She also told me that day would be a long time coming.

    EPILOGUE

    My mom proved correct. I no longer check myself for lumps at stop signs and red lights. I’ve celebrated fourteen cancer free years, and I am grateful for each and every one. During those fourteen years our daughters and son have found their soul mates, and four grandchildren have entered the world. Finding my tumor early gave me those years.

    I worry about my daughters and this awful family legacy they’ve inherited. My mother-in-law, their other grandmother, is also a breast cancer survivor. While it’s true no one can predict with certainty whether they’ll become breast cancer patients too, their odds are certainly higher. At least they’re aware of the risk and have discussed their situations with their doctors.

    There are new treatments, drug and guidelines announced every few years. Also new in the field are better methods of early detection. Figuring out who needs what, when, gets confusing. Talk to your doctor.

    Mammograms save lives. I know. Mine was one of them.

    A mammogram only works if you get one! So, pick up the phone and make that appointment. Know someone else who also should pick up that phone? Hold their hand, nag, whatever you need to do…


    Can new vet Elizabeth Faulkner love two men? In Pia Manning’s new small town menage romance, Finding Home, she must decide if her heart will allow both Brent and Luke Callahan in.

    Pia, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We support all furbabies, real life or fictional. We want to know all about your Fiction Furbaby, but first, please tell us about Finding Home: Caveman Creek Bk 1.

    Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning

    Genre Contemporary, Small Town, Menage Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): NC 17-X

    Newly licensed vet Elizabeth Faulkner only needs two things: New clients for her practice and a decent place to live for herself and her disabled little sister. When her sister inherits an old farmhouse in Pinecone Creek, Wisconsin, Elizabeth thinks at least one wish has been granted. But a greedy land developer will stop at nothing to get her land, and her new clients Brent and Luke Callahan, are more interested in a relationship than her vet skills. Brent and Luke have waited years for their forever woman. They know their wait is over once they see Elizabeth. But can she love two men? Can Elizabeth provide a home for her sister before the little girl becomes lost in the foster system? Welcome to Caveman Creek where the men behave a little like Neanderthals when it comes to their women

    Where to buy Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Publisher SirenBookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/book/finding-home-mfm

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Caveman-Creek-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B096L94M5V

    Pia Manning Social Media

    I live in the northwoods territory of Wisconsin with my spousal unit, Blondie girl, and three spoiled felines. When not writing, I can be found dog walking, reading, playing Clash of Clans or crocheting.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71

     

  • Mystery

    Read the #Cozy #Mystery Temporarily Employed, a new romantic comedy by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #SmallTownRomance #RLFblog

    Read the #Cozy #Mystery Temporarily Employed, a new romantic comedy by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #SmallTownRomance #Mystery #RLFblogWhen your dream job disappears, your new SUV gets wiped out, and you're desperate for cash, what do you do? Hattie Cook becomes temporarily employed...

    Temporarily Employed: A Humorous Romantic Mystery

    Hattie Cooks Mystery Book 1

    Genre Cozy mystery

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G

    Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy-Rite insurance company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee—the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.

    Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. He evolved from a pocket protector-wearing geek to a handsome police detective. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.

    Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?

    Where to buy Temporarily Out of Luck

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N4J5FDQ

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/ 

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/ 

    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/ 

    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/ 

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/ 

    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/

  • Quick and Easy,  Small Town Romance

    Discover fast fun facts about Jana Richards author of To Heal a Heart @JanaRichards_ #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance

    Discover fast fun facts about Jana Richards author of To Heal a Heart @JanaRichards_ #RLFblog #SmallTownRomanceA wounded soldier, a broken-down horse and a woman with painful secrets find each other in the Small Town Contemporary Romance To Heal a Heart by Jana Richards. Will they also find healing—and love?

    Jana, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about the characters in To Heal a Heart.

    To Heal a Heart by Jana Richards

    Genre Contemporary Small Town romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Garrett Saunders’ world changed two years ago on a road in Afghanistan. Back home, he feels like a stranger. As he struggles to find his place in the world, he meets a horse destined for the slaughterhouse and a woman bent on rescuing the strays of the world, including him.

    Blair Greyson moves to Masonville to look after her ailing grandfather and give her rescue horses a home. Right away she butts heads with a surly former Marine. Despite a rocky start, they come to an agreement: Blair will board Garrett’s rescue horse and he’ll help with repairs around her farm.

    Garrett finds purpose working with Blair—and falls in love with her. But she’s hiding a secret. Can she forgive herself and accept Garrett’s love, or will she let guilt and regret continue to rule her life?

    QUICK

    What’s your favorite book?

    That’s a tough one. My favorite book is often the one I’m reading right now. But one that sticks with me, and that I’ve read a few times is Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux. In literary fiction one of my favorites is Fall on Your Knees by Anne Marie McDonald.

    What’s a genre you want to write?

    I would love to write a mystery series. I have an idea for one that is set during World War Two, or perhaps right after the war. A former soldier becomes a private investigator. I love a good mystery, but I’m also a romance writer, so I’d probably have a love story mixed up in the mystery somewhere.

    Best writing advice you ever heard?

    Write a crappy first draft and fix up the mess in revisions. I used to believe my story had to perfect the first time around. So I polished the first three chapters over and over, trying to make them perfect. It paralyzed me and meant I had a hard time finishing anything. Once I gave myself permission to be imperfect, I was able to get to “The End”. I’ve learned there’s no such thing as perfection. The real magic happens when you edit a book.

    What’s the title and genre of your first book, and where can we find it?

    My first published book is called Her Best Man and you can find it at all major retailers.

    Discover fast fun facts about Jana Richards author of To Heal a Heart @JanaRichards_ #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance

    Easy

    Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.

    Sit down dinner or drive through? Sit down, though we’ve been doing a lot of drive-throughs for the last sixteen months.

    Fold laundry immediately or let it sit? Fold it and put it away.

    Unload dishwasher right away or use dishes from it? Unload right away.

    Driving for pleasure or avoid driving anywhere? I only drive when I have to.

    Talk or text? I love texting.

    Emoji or smilie? I use the occasional smilie.

    Where to buy To Heal a Heart

    Publisher https://shop.aer.io/thewildrosepress/p/To_Heal_a_Heart/9781509231546-11180?collection=/0

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Heart-Masonville-Book-ebook/dp/B0875SLGK6

    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-heal-a-heart-jana-richards/1136868654?ean=2940162717966

    iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/to-heal-a-heart/id1508639914

    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/to-heal-a-heart-7

    Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_To_Heal_a_Heart?id=zNDpDwAAQBAJ

    Jana Richards Social Media

    Jana Richards has tried her hand at many writing projects over the years, from magazine articles and short stories to full-length paranormal suspense and romantic comedy. She loves to create characters with a sense of humor, but also a serious side. She believes there’s nothing more interesting then peeling back the layers of a character to see what makes them tick.
    When not writing up a storm, working at her day job as an Office Administrator, or dealing with ever present mountains of laundry, Jana can be found on the local golf course pursuing her newest hobby.
    Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com
    Website https://www.janarichards.com/index.html
    Blog http://janarichards.blogspot.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/JanaRichards_
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274.Jana_Richards
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Jana-Richards/e/B002DEVWWG
    Get to know Jana Richards better by signing up for an email newsletter https://www.janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

     

  • Contemporary

    Love is in the air – Sommerville Days by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #Romance

    Love is in the air - Sommerville Days by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #RLFblog #SmallTownRomance #RomanceVicki Batman, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about Sommerville Days.

    Sommerville Days by Vicki Batman

    Genre: small town romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG

    Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.

    Award-winning author, Vicki Batman, delivers three Hollywood cute-meet romantic comedy stories.

    Store Wars: The competition is heating up when Janie’s old flame returns to town and is running his family’s store. Could following dreams break her heart?

    Raving Beauty: What if the love of your life was in front of you all along?

    San Diego or Bust: When a young woman plans a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, disaster strikes—is her Mr. Right the right Mr. Right?

    Funny, sweet, and quirky, Vicki Batman’s latest stories are full of her hallmark humor and romance and will delight all readers.

    Where to buy Sommerville Days

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V4NPYFP/

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/
    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/
    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/
    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/
    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/

     

  • Contemporary

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #Pets

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #PetsCan new vet Elizabeth Faulkner love two men? In Pia Manning’s new small town menage romance, Finding Home, she must decide if her heart will allow both Brent and Luke Callahan in.

    Pia, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We support all furbabies, real life or fictional. We want to know all about your Fiction Furbaby, but first, please tell us about Finding Home: Caveman Creek Bk 1.

    Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning

    Genre Contemporary, Small Town, Menage Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): NC 17-X

    Newly licensed vet Elizabeth Faulkner only needs two things: New clients for her practice and a decent place to live for herself and her disabled little sister. When her sister inherits an old farmhouse in Pinecone Creek, Wisconsin, Elizabeth thinks at least one wish has been granted. But a greedy land developer will stop at nothing to get her land, and her new clients Brent and Luke Callahan, are more interested in a relationship than her vet skills. Brent and Luke have waited years for their forever woman. They know their wait is over once they see Elizabeth. But can she love two men? Can Elizabeth provide a home for her sister before the little girl becomes lost in the foster system? Welcome to Caveman Creek where the men behave a little like Neanderthals when it comes to their women

    Meet Put Furbaby Cleo Book Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Full name: Cleo

    Nickname: n\a

    Gender: Female

    Species: Mix: German Shepherd/Yellow Lab

    Physical description: German Shepherd features with a yellow coat with black points

    Relationship to main character: Her furry friend

    Relationship to the villain/antagonist: none

    Where this furbaby came from: Cleo had been abandoned at a gas station. When Elizabeth stopped for gas, Cleo jumped into her truck

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #PetsWhat inspired you to create this character?

    I’ve worked with animal rescues in the past-I’ve done everything from washing pet blankets to grant writing. It never ceases to amaze me how dedicated rescue workers are. Elizabeth is a veterinarian, so naturally, she loves animals. She encounters Cleo at a gas station and is told the dog had been hanging around for a week, begging. It didn’t take her long to offer Cleo a home after that. While my furbabies are rescues, half are foundling rescues-they were abandoned and found their way to me. The other half are from humane societies.

    What does the main character think about this furbaby?

    Cleo is a trusted friend who rides shotgun to most farm calls with Elizabeth.

    What does this furbaby eat?

    Although Cleo eats kibbled dog food, she’s wouldn’t turn her nose up at table scraps.

    What is this furbaby’s natural habitat?

    Hmmmm, well they bonded over the front seat of Elizabeth’s truck, but Cleo also likes exploring anything outside and sleeping on the bed at night. At the end of the day, Cleo’s natural habitat is wherever Elizabeth happens to be.

    What does this furbaby add to the story?

    Joy and love. Cleo finds joy in almost everything. She loves to have her ears scratched, ride in the truck and explore old barns. (Oh the smells!) Even though she was abandoned, Cleo gives unconditional love to Elizabeth. Rescue dogs are big believers in second chances.

    About Blondie

    This post is called Fiction Furbaby, but perhaps your own pet does not have fur. If you have a pet that has fins, wings, scales, or other features, please tell us about them here.

    Which, if any of the pets in your writing are modeled after your own pets? In what way?

    In Finding Home, Cleo is modeled after my dog, Blondie. They could be twins they look so much alike! Blondie is a rescue from the local humane society. She had been passed around between different homes within the same family before someone decided they didn’t want her and brought her to the shelter. It took me thirty seconds to fall in love with her.

    What do your pets do when you are writing?

    Blondie likes to supervise her domain. This means going upstairs and laying down where she can see as much of the living area as possible. My cats like to lay on me somehow. Failing that, they’ll hang out on the back of whatever chair or couch I’m sitting on.

    What’s the most unusual pet you ever had?

    I’d have to say Mimi, the hedgehog.

    Where did you find your pet?

    Blondie was a humane society rescue, as was one of my cats. The other two cats were foundling rescues. Belle had taken refuge under some chairs on our deck. She was so sick that I didn’t know if she’d make it. Fortunately, we have a great vet! Frieda showed up during a snowstorm and decided to stick around.

    What do you feed your pet?

    The cats share a small can of cat food in the morning. They also have dry food available all day. Blondie has one biscuit after our morning walk, and then half a can of dog food mixed with two cups of dry. And we never (lol pfft) give her table scraps!

    Describe a toy or favorite item your pet loves.

    The cats love anything that moves. And boxes. Blondie has a big stuffed monkey that she carries around. She enjoys making it squeak.

    Where to buy Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Publisher SirenBookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/book/finding-home-mfm

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Caveman-Creek-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B096L94M5V

    Pia Manning Social Media

    I live in the northwoods territory of Wisconsin with my spousal unit, Blondie girl, and three spoiled felines. When not writing, I can be found dog walking, reading, playing Clash of Clans or crocheting.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71

    Shout out to Rob’s Rescues – founded by a 9-year-old animal activist

    Rob’s Rescues is a non-profit organization in Georgia helping people in need care for and feed their pets. It was founded in 2014 by a then nine-year-old boy. Rob’s Rescues is dedicated to collecting pet food for people in need to reduce shelter surrenders, and to advocating for the adoption of shelter pets. Rob writes monthly articles advocating for shelter animals in the Around About Local Media magazine publications. His column was first published in 2014. He also has pet food collection sites for people in need in the community and interviews amazing people. His interviews appear online once they are published in his column.
    Rob volunteers for Pet Buddies Food Pantry, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and Cobb County Animal Control and collects pet food for these organizations and the communities they serve. He also wants to bring attention to smaller, rural shelters. Mostly he wants to get kids to be Rob’s Rangers to teach kids that they can help shelter animals. Rob has also talked to kids in a classroom setting.
    Rob’s Rescues is a Non-Profit Corporation and all donations are tax deductible.
    Website http://www.robsrescues.com/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/robsrescues/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RobsRescues

    Shout out to Stray Feral Rescue

    Stray Feral Rescue is a small volunteer feline foster and cat colony organization with 501c3 standing. They encourage spaying/neutering as well care for abandoned cats, and colonies of feral cats. They work in partnership with other rescue groups in NW Wisconsin and Minnesota. Their official mailing address is: 1360 Riviera Ave. S. Lakeland, MN 55043.

    https://strayferalrescue.org/aboutus.html

     

  • Contemporary,  Pockets and Purses,  Small Town Romance

    Read a #SmallTownRomance #Mystery Temporarily Out of Luck by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #CozyMystery #RLFblog

    Read a #SmallTownRomance #Mystery Temporarily Out of Luck by Vicki Batman @VickiBatman #CozyMystery #RLFblogTemporarily Out of Luck by Vicki Batman is the third volume in the Hattie Cooks Mystery series. Enjoy a small town romance mixed with mystery and Vicki's signature dollop of humor.

    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?

    What's in your character's pockets, backpack, or purse?

    Hattie carries in her handbags a little makeup pouch her mother needlepointed, her cellphone, keys, and TicTacs, wintergreen flavor.

    Does your character carry money, and if so, in what form (cash, credit, etc.)?

    Hattie is a single gal and out of work. She is also a pro-shopper--someone who shops for the best value. All kinds of currency work for her-- cash, checks, cards—everything because you never know when you will find a good deal or have to have it.

    What does your character carry related to a job or calling?

    For job interviews, Hattie takes a tote that contains paper copies of her resume, a bottle of water, and an e-reader.

    What is one thing your character wouldn't be caught dead carrying?

    Something dead—obviously.

    Does your character ever carry things for other people? (like a mom with toys, etc.)

    Hattie has been known to pack cheese crackers in case she gets hungry. She might share. Her mother would say that's a nice thing to do.

    If your character could buy an item to carry things in and money was no object, what would it be?

    If money was no object, Hattie (like someone she knows) would buy designer handbags, and because she is a pro-shopper, she will always try to buy one at the best value. She is particularly fond of Kate Spade and vintage handbags like Margaret Smith and Enid Collins.

    Questions for the Character to Answer About the Author

    What does your author always carry?

    Handbags!!! Vicki likes needlepoint handbags and has made some of her own besides buying vintage ones on various websites. She also loves Kate Spade.

    How organized is your author's backpack/purse?

    Vicki is pretty organized. She changes bags frequently and everything moves easily from one bag to the next.

    What does your author prefer to use when it comes to items like backpacks/purses?

    Vicki loves handbags. Her feet are small, and shoes are hard to come by; however, handbags—lots of those. She has a vintage Boy Scout backpack that is very cool. And an LL Bean tote that goes to conventions and trips.

    If your author could buy an item to carry things in and money was no object, what would it be?

    Vicki is always looking for new handbags. Even if money was no object, she is a pro shopper like me, and she will be looking for a good value no matter what she bought. But sometimes, you gotta go with the price because it is what you want.

    Where to buy Temporarily Out of Luck

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Vicki Batman has sold many romantic comedy works to magazines, several publishers, and most recently, two humorous romantic mysteries. Along the way, she has picked up awards and bestsellers. Avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Chocaholic. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

    Website http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Blog http://www.vickibatman.blogspot.com/ 

    Twitter https://twitter.com/VickiBatman/ 

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Vicki-Batman-sassy-writer-of-sexy-and-funny-fiction-133506590074451/ 

    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/ 

    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman/ 

    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman/ 

    Newsletter http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/p/more-about-me.html/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vicki-batman/