Yearning for Warmer Weather & Florida Vibes

Winter has sprung and it has me dreaming of warmer weather! Luckily I’ll be heading to Florida soon for the amazing Coastal Magic Convention and a little bit of baseball spring training. I hope to also meet up with my old college roommate while I’m there and also maybe work on some new books for the South Beach Security series. Being able to actually visit the place where you’re setting your book adds so much realism to what you’re writing. It gives you the opportunity to soak in the smells, sounds, tastes, and feels of the place! If you haven’t had a chance to get the feels for the South Beach Security series yet, you can download it in print, audio, or e-book at https://amzn.to/3QBMj9J.

florida vibes

Do you love print or digital books?

I have to confess that I still love reading a paperback. I love holding the book and cracking the binding (yes, I know people hate that). It’s especially nice when I’m sitting on the beach because a paperback is much easier to read than either my phone or an e-reader. That’s not to say I don’t read digital books. If I’m traveling I always take a paperback with me and when that’s done, I read on my phone or tablet. How about you? Do you have a preference? Print books or digital ones? What do you like? P.S. – Only 39 more days until Lost in Little Havana. You can pre-order your copy at https://amzn.to/3SkjjlY.

My Best Friend Slate

It’s National Cat Day so I thought I’d share with you my best friend Slate! We rescued Slate from our backyard from a feral cat family we had been feeding. It was actually two cats, one who was the mom and the other one we called “the aunt.” The aunt had actually left Slate as gift to us as cats do, but he was too young and we didn’t take him at first. Within about an hour, the mom came and got him. But weeks later, when the kittens were able to eat hard food, they left him alone with us again and that time we took him in. He was so easygoing right from the beginning and he is a truly friendly cat. We actually think Slate thinks he’s a dog because he comes when we call him and will play fetch. He’s also very affectionate and like I said, friendly. As you can also see from the kitty picture, he’s got way more toes than a normal cat. It’s something I always wanted since a visit to the Hemingway Home in Key West which had quite a number of polydactyl cats slinking around.
Caridad cat slate

#TGIF It’s Friday Night! Time to…

It’s Friday night and time for #FridayFavorites! What’s your fav thing to do on Friday nights? My hubby, daughter, and I used to love to grab some pizza and sit and watch television. It was our time to relax after a busy week and spend some time together. My late Friday night guilty pleasure now is to watch the Hallmark Channel after hubby goes to bed!
Caridad Friday Night

Happily Counting Down to South Beach Love

OMG, in just a few days it’s the book birthday for SOUTH BEACH LOVE, my very first book for Hallmark! I had so much fun writing this story about two chefs who end up in an unexpected competition when they agree to help their nieces with their Sweet 15 parties. Did I mention the chefs had been falling in love before they find themselves as rivals? This is a feel-good romance packed with humor, family ties, friendship, and amazing cooking. Come help me celebrate and party at the SOUTH BEACH LOVE release party on May 25 at 7 PM EST. Get ready for some fun, prizes, and recipes from the book. South Beach Love is a story of rival quinceañeras, glorious cooking, friendship, family ties—and romance. RSVP here: https://fb.me/e/d1uDxMeq7.
Facebook Release Party

#Fridayvibes What are you doing this weekend?

I’m definitely feeling like it’s Friday today! After a week of cooking and leftovers, I’m ready to help support a local restaurant. We alternate between taking out and eating out since we’re lucky enough to be able to do that. We try to rotate who we support, especially with Lent approaching which means no meat on Friday. Other than that, no special plans except more writing on a new project. How about you? Do you have any plans for this weekend?
#fridayvibes