When it comes to food and hospitality, Chef David Korba is the consummate pro. In addition to developing signature entrées and desserts, David also offers trademark martinis with such tantalizing names as Babyface, Bellini, and Long Kiss Goodbye.
Definitely an auspicious start to Xenia, an innovative Greek restaurant near Sudbury, Ontario. But the VIP dinner quickly spirals out of control and the guests leave with empty stomachs. Well, almost empty stomachs…those trademark martinis provided a pleasant interlude before all the drama started in Too Many Women in the Room.
I had always associated vintage clothing with the early part of the twentieth century, but recently I discovered that clothing from the 1920s to twenty years before the present day is considered vintage.
I imagine the same applies to purses.”MsoNormal”>I purchased my first “grown-up” purse during the summer of 1977. My mother had hinted that I needed to upgrade my wardrobe in preparation for my first year of teaching: suits, pumps, an LBD, and an evening purse.
So, together we went on a mini shopping spree that included a stop at Birks in downtown Sudbury. One of North America’s most prestigious jewellers since 1879, Birks was the Go-To stop for diamonds, pearls, fine jewellery, watches, and the perfect gift for almost any occasion. Receiving a gift beautifully wrapped in their trademark blue boxes would automatically elicit oohs and aahs at birthday parties, showers, and other festive events.
Today, I’m participating in a Summer Reads Party for The Romance Reviews. Along with ten other authors, I’m offering a prize to one lucky winner. Scroll down here and look for my question:
What is the name of Gilda Greco’s restaurant? (Note: You will get a clue)
Answer correctly and you could win an e-book of Too Many Women in the Room.
Thanks to Events Manager Earl Townsend and Chapters Guelph for hosting me on Saturday. I was happy to be part of the “Canada 150” celebrations and enjoyed chatting with readers and wannabe writers.
I’m visiting two authors from the Sisterhood of Suspense: Marian Lanouette and Claire Gem. We are a group of 15 suspense authors who like to share our love of this genre with readers and writers. Today, I’m chatting about my writing journey and Too Many Women in the Room.
Drop by their blogs and enter the giveaway. You could win a $10 Amazon gift card.
Starting today and continuing until the end of June, twenty-nine of my author friends will host me on their blogs. I will be sharing posts, excerpts, and recipes with wonderful companions who have provided support and encouragement on my writing journey.
I’m hoping you’ll visit their blogs and enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway. You could win a $10 Amazon gift card.
L-R Alison Bruce, Donna Warner, Liz Lindsay, Joanne Guidoccio
Yesterday evening, I participated in a lively panel discussion with three other mystery writers at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. We are all published authors and members of Crime Writers of Canada.
We gave mini-presentations on our favorite nuts and bolts of writing—The Right Opening, Character Development, Self-Editing, Building Your Author Brand—and read excerpts from our recent novels. During the Q & A sessions, we delved into a variety of topics, among them short stories, writing and critique groups, conferences, and contests.
Thanks to librarians Andrea Curtis and Deb Quaile for organizing and facilitating this event.
To learn more about Guelph Partners in Crime, visit our websites:
This Friday marks the official release of Too Many Women in the Room, Book 2 of the Gilda Greco Mystery Series.
Here’s one last peek…
I turned and came face-to-face with Carlo’s daughter and her two sons. Tania’s facial features tightened as she gave me the once-over. “It’s his day off, you know.” She stepped closer. “He didn’t need this aggravation.”
So much of Carlo could be found in her crystal clear blue eyes and strong jaw. And the twins were miniature Carlos. Regardless of my feelings toward her, I couldn’t ignore the DNA I loved and admired. I didn’t want to lose my temper in front of the children, so I chose my words carefully. “What happened last night wasn’t my fault.”
“But you were there. And—” She turned and knelt down in front of her children. “Why don’t you go inside and surprise Grandpa? If you can’t find him, drop by Irina’s office.” She smirked in my direction.
So, there was something brewing between Carlo and Irina. Or maybe Tania dropped that morsel to upset me. I don’t imagine she would be too pleased with any woman who put the moves on her father. And a young, beautiful siren would be less welcome than me. Or maybe not. I didn’t know Tania well enough to know who she would approve of as a potential stepmother.
Both boys clapped their hands and ran toward the entrance. Tania waited until they reached the building before turning in my direction. Her blue eyes blazed. “Don’t you get it? He still feels responsible for you and believes you need protecting.” She paused to take a breath. “Or maybe you do and you’re manipulating events again. I wouldn’t put anything past you.”
Was she accusing me of murder? “I had nothing to do with Michael Taylor’s death. After Luke watches the security tapes from my building, I’ll be off the hook.”
“How convenient for you.” She stepped closer. “Everything has always worked out for you, hasn’t it? You win a lottery. You get cleared of murders you provoke. You play Lady Bountiful and buy love and affection. You get my father—”
“Stop right there. I don’t provoke murders. I don’t hold myself responsible for anyone else’s behavior. As for Carlo, he’s free to see me or not.” Her Lady Bountiful comment hit a bit too close to home. After winning the lottery, I had paid off loans and major debts. It did cement several relationships, but it also created acrimony among friends and relatives who believed they should have received more.
“Well, prepare for more of not. The last nine days have been bliss for me and my sons. We are a balanced group of four, and we don’t need a fifth wheel.”
When it comes to food and hospitality, Chef David Korba is the consummate pro. In addition to developing signature entrées and desserts, David also offers trademark martinis with such tantalizing names as Babyface, Bellini, and Long Kiss Goodbye.
I had always associated vintage clothing with the early part of the twentieth century, but recently I discovered that clothing from the 1920s to twenty years before the present day is considered vintage.
Today, I’m participating in a Summer Reads Party for The Romance Reviews. Along with ten other authors, I’m offering a prize to one lucky winner. Scroll down 
Joanne Guidoccio 