My 2022 WFWA reads
I often write about the wonderful Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the WFWA. I so enjoy being active in this fantastic group – and I always enjoy reading and reviewing as many new releases by fellow WFWA authors as I can. I decided to compile my WFWA reads for 2022, including my full reviews for these…
Read MoreThe burial ground of genius : Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Croce is a must-see destination when you are visiting Florence. Groundbreaking for this church began in 1295, and work was completed in 1385. The church is an artistic gem – with work by Cimabue and Giotto. But the real reason to visit this basilica is its fame as the burial ground…
Read MoreSuper excited to receive the Feathered Quill Reviewer’s Choice Book Award
Recently received the news that I was awarded the 2022 Feathered Qull Reviewer’s Choice Award for my most recent novel, In The Shadow of The Apennines. This meant a lot to me because it is the book reviewer’s selection of her favorite read for the year. You can read my Feathered Quill review here. As…
Read MoreThe fried olives keep calling us back … to Ascoli Piceno
Can you blame us? Every time my younger son and I travel to Ancona, the regional capital of Italy’s Marche region, for his track & field races, we detour from the highway to visit the striking town of Marche’s Ascoli Piceno. While we greatly admire this picturesque town and its stunning architecture (you can see…
Read MoreKicking off my 2023 reading year…
I’ve been doing a lot of writing since the start of the new year, but I’m still squeezing in a fair bit of readng. While the new year is all fresh and shiny, I thought it would be a good time to look back at the books that have kicked off these first weeks of…
Read MoreVisiting Durham Cathedral, UK
The spectacular Durham Cathedral is a stunning monument that dominates the Durham cityscape on a rocky prominotory next to the castle high above the Derwent River. I’ve already written about the stunning views afforded by climbing those daunting 325 steps to enjoy tower views over all of Durham and the surrounding countryside. Today, Durham Cathedral…
Read MoreAuthor interview and new book launch for Kerry Chaput
I’m lucky enough to know author Kerry Chaput from the wonderful Women’s Fiction Writers Association and its lively sub-group on Historical Fiction. I love her work and am impressed by her versatility across genres, so I’m especially honored to have her as a guest this week. Born a California girl, Kerry now lives in Bend,…
Read MoreEnjoying the nature in the Bronx’ Van Cortlandt Park
Last week, I wrote about the picturesque Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale . This neighborhood also boasts a sizable public park (think Central Park of The Bronx) that’s worth exploring when you’re here. I’ve always been here on hot summer days, and have witnessed huge lines to enter the free pool, so if you want to…
Read MoreResearching 1920s and 1930s Italy
One of my writing projects is a novel I’d like to work on this year – a triple timeline story set in Rome, Italy and centered around sports. One of the timelines I plan on having in my story is 1920s and 30s Italy, the Fascist era leading up to WWII. I’m reading interesting books…
Read MoreLuxury Bronx – in Riverdale
When mention is made of the Bronx, most aren’t thinking of graceful, single family homes and leafy, shaded streets. And yet, that exactly describes the exclusive Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale. The Bronx is one of the five boroughs that makes up New York City, and The Bronx is directly north of Manhattan. Riverdale began to…
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