Category: ThrowbackThursday

I don’t know how 2024 went by so quickly. May be it was waiting for the baby’s arrival. Maybe it was how busy we were getting ready for him and for so many other things. Regardless, 2024 flew by but there were lots of fun times and today I’m sharing some of those memories and also welcoming 2025. It looks like it’s going to be another busy year. I have a number of book conferences as well as some new books coming out starting in July with the Crooked Pass Security Series. Hubby and I are getting some time off from “work” aka the babysitting and we’re going to take a vacation together. I can’t wait for 2025. How about you? Do you have any plans for this year? P.S. You can find out more about CLIFFSIDE KIDNAPPING from the Crooked Pass Security Series at https://amzn.to/4h88TlU. And if you want to see CPS agents Sophie and Robbie in action, check them out in the other SOUTH BEACH SECURITY books at https://amzn.to/3PoCWdv.

I’ve always wanted to go to the European Christmas Markets since they look so beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time to travel since it is so close to the holidays when I’m usually busy with friends and family. I talked about it with a friend and she did some research and discovered that Bethelem, PA has a wonderful Christmas market. We ended up doing a girls trip there and to downtown Bethlehem and it was lots of fun. The one thing that was a little sad was seeing all the closed buildings and factories for Bethlehem Steel. On this Throwback Thursday, I’m sharing some photos from our trip. What about you? Would you love to go to the Christmas Markets in Pennsylvania or Europe?

I’ve mentioned that we had to change things up this year since the baby’s swing is in our traditional tree area. That meant a smaller artificial tree and also not having as much of the Christmas village out. The Christmas village has changed a lot since we’ve downsized and now my daughter has several of the pieces that she puts out in her home. But there’s still a good amount of decorating to do around the house and today I’m sharing this little video of how the Christmas decorations started and how it turned out this year. If you have pictures of your Christmas decorations, please share! I love to see all the amazing things that you do! P.S. Only 5 days until the release of DANGER IN DADE (and Christmas Eve)! Pre-order it today at https://amzn.to/4dt8sk3. Grab your copy of KILLER IN THE KENNEL too if you don’t already have it!

My sister and I are avid gardeners and one of our favorite things to do is to visit Longwood Gardens. One of the top times of year to go is in December to see all the Christmas lights. We recently went and on this Throwback Thursday, I’m sharing photos of our visit. Everything was lovely, although there were some changes. Last year there were lights along the areas beside the meadow walk. Those were missing this year but instead there was a lovely light show that mimics the fabulous water shows that happen in front of the conservatory. Beautiful! The new West Conservatory also boasted quite a few lovely trees and lights! I hope you enjoy the photos. P.S. If you haven’t already grabbed your copy of KILLER IN THE KENNEL you can get it today and pre-order my December 24th release, DANGER IN DADE, at https://amzn.to/4dt8sk3.

My sister and I are avid gardeners and one of our favorite things to do is to visit Longwood Gardens. We try to go three or four times a year to see all the different flowers and since we go so often, we’re members. Because we’re members, we were able to explore the brand new spaces that have been in the making for nearly three years before the general public. It was lovely to stroll around the new West Conservatory, Cascade Garden, and Bonsai Courtyard. Today I’m sharing some photos from the West Conservatory which is a reimagined 19th century conservatory filled with lovely pools and a Mediterranean-inspired garden. It was a lovely area filled with all different kinds of greenery, mostly ones that require little water, which I guess is a nod to the theme of sustainability for the new conservatory. But there is an abundance of water in the space with many pools, canals, and fountains throughout the area. It was a beautiful space and we’re looking forward to seeing what they do with it for their Christmas celebration. P.S. I’m working on a book where a garden and garden tips play a big role. It’s still in the beginning stages but I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, please don’t forget about my upcoming November 26th release KILLER IN THE KENNEL. Grab your copy today at https://amzn.to/4dt8sk3.

When I worked in New York City, I never had time to visit lower Manhattan but on a recent trip to have lunch with one of my editors, I decided to go in a little early and explore. My first stop was the Oculus, the new transportation hub built at the World Trade Center. The Oculus was unique and eye-catching. The 9-11 Memorial Museum and pools were just a step outside its walls. Since it was a beautiful day, I strolled around the Memorial pools but didn’t go into the museum. I want to do that on another day when I can revisit those horrible moments. Continuing my walk, I went to St. Paul’s Chapel which is not all that far away and was used by first responders after 9-11. I was fascinated to find out that the only reason the church survived after the Towers came down was because of a big old sycamore that sheltered the church from the debris of the Towers. It wasn’t a big church, but it was filled with the history of the early New York City settlers and 9-11. Heading farther down Broadway, I went to the larger Trinity Church. It’s an imposing Gothic structure in a pinkish stone that at one time was black with soot until a restoration occurred. Inside were beautiful stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings as well as dark woodwork. Burial grounds surround the church and I walked around to check them out. Many of the tombstones were so old that all the lettering was gone. Alexander Hamilton is buried there but unfortunately, that part of the cemetery was closed off when I visited. With a little time to spare, I walked toward the water and ended up on Wall Street and across from the New York Stock Exchange. Had to snap a photo for my hubby who loves all things financial. Finally, it was time to meet my editor for a delightful lunch and after, for the two-hour trek home. All in all, it was a fabulous day. P.S. If you love stories with a touch of New York, check out ONE SUMMER NIGHT, my enemies to lovers contemporary romance. It’s specially priced at 99 cents. Grab your copy at https://amzn.to/4faZhGC

Some of my fondest memories are of the RT Book Lovers Convention. I was so sad when it stopped and also so happy that the Book Lovers Con filled the empty space left by RT’s demise. I’ve had such fun there and at the last convention I was able to bring my daughter and we had a blast! I’m going to be at the 2025 Book Lovers Con in Las Vegas along with some friends and can’t wait for it! Today’s throwback is from an earlier BLC. I was having fun with some of my friends and hope they’ll be at the 2025 event as well. If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit https://bookloverscon.com/. P.S. Only 33 days until the release of KILLER IN THE KENNEL, the next stand-alone book in the South Beach Security K-9 Division series. Grab your copy today at https://amzn.to/40gP72I.