#ThrowbackThursday Levittown Drum & Bugle Corps

Moving to the suburbs was an experience and although there were some tough moments, there were that many more good memories of growing up in Levittown. One of them was discovering the Levittown Drum and Bugle Corps which met just a couple of blocks away at the local church. It was one of first experiments with playing music, but from there, my sister and I both went on to other instruments. My sister was an amazing violin and viola player while I took up the bassoon. Being involved in music groups provided us both with amazing opportunities.

This photo is of us with our parents as we proudly display the bugles we were learning to play!
Levittown Drum & Bugle Corps

#WineWednesday Celebrating Good News

Apparently I’ve been unaware of #WineWednesday which considering I love wine, is a shame. I truly enjoy a glass with a nice meal or with cheese and crackers while I read a good book on my balcony during the warmer weather. I also like to celebrate good news with a good glass of wine.

What good news? Getting a release date for ONE SUMMER NIGHT, the first book in the AT THE SHORE contemporary romance series. ONE SUMMER NIGHT will be available in October 2017 from Casablanca Sourcebooks. WOO HOO! Unfortunately, I can’t share the cover just yet, but I hope to be able to do so soon!

For now, let’s pop some cyber bubbly and celebrate!
Wine Wednesday

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As a romance writer, this is truly one of the days of the year I love best because I truly believe that everyone can have their Happily-Ever-After. It might not be easy at times as we all know. There will be conflict and drama. Ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I truly believe that love can conquer all.

So for today, wishing you all love and happiness! I am grateful that you are all in my life.
Valentine's Day 2017

#ManCandyMonday A Different Shade of Jamie Dornan

So I know lots of you have run out to see the latest installment of that story, but today I’m sharing a more intriguing side of Jamie Dornan – his role as serial killer Paul Spector in the BBC’s THE FALL.

I’m a little late in the game to see this crime drama. Season 3 just ended this past October and there are talks of a Season 4 in the far off future.

I did my equivalent of a binge watch, catching two or three shows at time when I could. It was really fascinating to see the police procedures in another country and how a female Detective Inspector (Gillian Anderson) deals with men in power, her own demons, and the reality of a serial killer who is highly intelligent, methodical, and scary. Handsome. The face of an angel with a soul filled with evil. Fascinating.

If you get a chance, check it out. It’s available on various streaming services.

Click here if you cannot see the clip from Season 3 of THE FALL below.

#WriteWed Location Inspiration #NYC

I’ve told you about some of the location inspiration for my AT THE SHORE Contemporary Romance Series. Places like the long gone department store B. Altman’s as well as some still with us Jersey Shore mansions.

The first story, ONE SUMMER NIGHT, starts in the fictional Shore town of Sea Kiss and I’ll share more about the inspiration for that town later.

Today’s photo is of the inspiration for where Maggie Sinclair and her best friend Connie Reyes work and hangout – Bryant Park and the Chrysler Building. There are a number of scenes set in this Midtown NYC area, although both Maggie and Connie are Jersey Girls at heart.

I took this photo in the early morning, just as sun was rising. It’s a lovely time in the city. Peaceful. Quiet. Well as quiet as New York can be because even in the quiet there is a nervous hum of activity. I love the juxtaposition of nature against the bricks and the man-made skyscrapers. I hope you will as well!
Chrysler Building and Bryant Park