Tuesday, January 31, 2017

The Illuminated Paper Sculpture Art of Sophie and Fred



I wish I could find more on these two fabulous artists, Sophie Mouton-Perrat and Frederic Guibrunet. This work is fantastic.

Once again, I claim nothing here as my own. I just thought this unusual work needed to be shared.









Monday, January 30, 2017

April Yellow Moon by Carol Ann Kauffman


In this fourth installment in the Cat Collier Short Story Mystery Series, a dear, old friend comes up missing and Cat Collier must scramble to find her before it's too late. A powerful enemy resurfaces and claims responsibility for a personal attack on Cat's family. Nola relives Trent's murder. Carter proposes...again.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/April-Yellow-Moon-Collier-Mystery-ebook/dp/B01N34XEZC/ref=la_B0076OMJY8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485621501&sr=1-1

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Schedule for Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2017



Mon., Jan. 30 - April Yellow Moon 
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Tues., Jan. 31 - The Illuminated Paper Sculpture Art 
of Sophie and Fred
Wed., Feb. 1 - 13 Nights of Valentine's Day Giveaways
Thurs., Feb. 2  - Interview with Author
Lily Amis
Fri., Feb.3 - The Time After Time Series
by Carol Ann Kauffman

Friday, January 27, 2017

$0.99 Sale Bentley Square by Carol Ann Kauffman



   Strangers meet on the train. She, a beautiful, wealthy businesswoman. He, a down on his luck office manager. They have nothing in common. And yet, they are drawn to each other with an undeniable hypnotic magnetism. This is the story of Rebecca Robbins, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country and Mark Ramsay, a man shrouded in dark mystery and hiding in the shadows from death squads amid international intrigue.







Bentley Square is on sale for $0.99 today at:
Amazon Buy Link:
http://tinyurl.com/laudaku

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Murder and Mistletoe by Jane Firebaugh



 About the Author: 



Dear Gentle Readers,
If you haven't read anything by Jane Firebaugh yet, then do yourself a favor and get one of her books. I have thoroughly enjoyed Jane's other two cozy romantic mysteries, Antiques and Avarice and Old Crimes and Nursery Rhymes, so I know I'll enjoy this new one. You will, too.
Hugs,
Carol

Amazon Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mistletoe-Mountains-Romantic-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01N1QXA39/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484970582&sr=1-4&keywords=Jane+Firebaugh




What Others Are Saying about Jane's New Book:


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Through the Darkness, Stories of Hope

In a world where challenges multiply exponentially by the second a group of women reach into their past pull out their inspirations and speak to the positive possibilities shrouded in ~ HOPE

Seven women, seven stories, seven reasons to believe 
Hope Springs Eternal


Dear Gentle Readers,

Last year I was invited to join a remarkably talented group of women to write some inspirational stories for a book called Through the Darkness, Stories of Hope.

My story is called A Woman Called Hope, and it is loosely based on stories told to me by my grandmother about life in Italy before coming to America.

Working with these terrific women has been a wonderful experience for me and I am proud of this project. Take a look at our book when you get a chance. It is available in paperback and kindle format at
https://www.amazon.com/Through-Darkness-Stories-Collaboration-Motion-ebook/dp/B01M0RSMH5/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484970709&sr=1-1&keywords=Through+the+Darkness%3B+Stories+of+Hope

Hugs,
Carol

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Art of Allan Banks







Dear Gentle Readers,
Nothing here is mine I claim nothing. All my information is from Allan Banks' Facebook page or one of the links above. I was impressed with his work and thought maybe you would like him, too.
Hugs,
Carol

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Schedule for January 23 - 27, 2017



Mon., Jan. 23 - Guitar 
by Parker Kaufman

Tues., Jan. 24 - Through the Darkness, Stories of Hope
by Collaboration in Motion

Wed., Jan. 24 - The Art of Allan Banks

Thurs., Jan. 25 - Murder and Mistletoe,
A New Book by Jane Firebaugh

Fri., Jan., 26 - $0.99 Sale
Bentley Square, A Time After Time Novel  

Friday, January 20, 2017

A Dilemma for Daisy by Carol Ann Kauffman


Daisy Mazlo faces a dilemma. She’s met the man of her dreams in Cooper MacNeill, a gentleman in every sense of the word, tall, handsome, wealthy, witty, and very interested in her. But Daisy can’t accept his love, so she runs away, moving back to Oakville where she grew up to sort out her feelings. Will the small loving community of her past help her find herself? Will Cooper come after her? Will a letter be pivotal in resolving Daisy’s dilemma? 

Will love win out?



Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Kindle Edition
Daisy is warm-hearted and passionate, but she's nobody's fool. She's got a sense of humor, too! While she may be willing to risk everything for love, she's got a brain too, and she's not afraid to use it. I loved this story with its twists and turns and its satisfying end.


Excerpt:


As large group of loud, agitated men in business suits were being seated at the table behind her, Daisy heard Cooper’s name mentioned. She listened.

“Yes, I’m sure I saw that slippery con man, Cooper MacNeill, walk in here while I was waiting in the lobby. But I don’t see him anywhere in here,” one man said. “I’m going to look for him.”

“That miserable weasel should be behind bars instead of having dinner in Chicago’s newest and most

exclusive restaurant,” another agreed. “You go look for him. I’ll call the police right now. Let’s nail this criminal.”

She glanced back as the man tapped some numbers into his phone.

“That scam artist manipulated us into making that ridiculous gold-digging oozy Melinda, a very rich woman and made us all look like fools. You know he was sleeping with her. He sleeps with all his so-called clients.”

“He conned our company out of six million dollars. He needs to do some serious jail time.”
“I’d like some private time alone with him before I turn him over to the authorities,” said another.


Daisy pulled out her phone and hit redial to get Cooper’s number.
“Run,” she whispered when he answered. “They’ve called the police. Run. They’re looking for you right 
now. Go!”

“I hate to leave you in there with no way home.”


“Just go. I’ll be okay. I’ll call a cab.”


“No. That’ll stick you with the bill. Luca’s is expensive.”


“I have a credit card on me. I’m okay. Go. Please.”


“I’m sorry,” he said. 
She turned off her phone and put it away.


Daisy poured herself another glass of wine and continued to listen to the loud, angry conversation behind her, detailing Cooper’s line of work and his reputation as a con-man, a scammer, and a grifter. 

She ate the appetizer. She drank her wine. She ate her dinner. Then she drank his wine. She had the waiter box up Cooper’s dinner to take home. She finished up what was left in the wine bottle. She called a cab.

It was a night to remember, all right. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Magical Team of Sanae Kushibiti and Jacky Quetard






Sanae Kushibiki was born in Japan. 

Jacky Quetard was born in Orleans, France. 


They met in London in 1974 and together they create some very unusual and beautiful  artwork.



 

Their artwork is classified as naïve. It has elements of retro art and humor. 


They work on the same canvas together, complementing each other’s style and strength. 





Sanae picks the colors and adds the human and floral components of the composition.  She loves flowers.

I love her color choices and her whimsical additions to the paintings.





Jacky uses his love of architecture to add mechanical elements to compose the basic structure of the painting. He loves trains. 

Their work is highly sought after in Europe and Japan.




Magazine Articles :
“Jacky and Sanae mix dreams and reality. Their naive paintings are highly rich in colour with a touch of retro and a pinch of humour.”
(Vivre sa Ville 2001)
“Bravo, continue...you are on the right track.”
(Journal La Vie du Rail)
“One can also appreciate the technically skilled Quétard family's enchanting naive paintings.”
(La République du Centre)
“Their naive paintings are the result of or marriage between their two personalities, their sensitivity and tenderness and their two talents.”
(La République de Centre 1996)

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

FREE TODAY! MacKalvey House by Carol Ann Kauffman


Young American Michelle Rosemont visits England after graduation and decides to stay. She takes a job as photographer for a Historical Magazine and falls in love with Kenneth MacKalvey, an older British author with a shady past. Old families scars resurface and play havoc with Michelle and Kenneth's relationship, as she struggles to come to terms with her father's abandonment.

MacKalvey House is FREE today.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/jkdsnyd


Sunday, January 15, 2017

Schedule for Jan. 16 - 20, 2017



Schedule
for 
Jan. 16 -20, 2017

Mon., Jan. 16 -    The Beautiful Art of 
                                 Hillary Eddy
Tues., Jan. 17 -   MacKalvey House by Carol Ann Kauffman
                                 A Time After Time novel
Wed., Jan. 18 -    The Magical Team of San Kushibiki and 
                                 Jacky Quetard
Thurs., Jan. 19 -  Book Review
                                 Miss Demeanor Suspense Series
Fri., Jan. 20 -       A Dilemma for Daisy by Carol Ann Kauffman
                                 A Monday Mystery Society Book Selection

Friday, January 13, 2017

The Time After Time Series by Carol Ann Kauffman




The romantic adventure series, TIME AFTER TIME, follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their lives together, in different places, in different times, at different stages of their lives, with different names and faces and sometimes even on other planets.

 This follows the alternative theory that the relationships we forge in this lifetime, both the good and the bad, are continued into the future, and are rooted deeply in our past. 

Whatever we do, whomever we love, and the good and evil deeds we do today follow us into the future. Unsettled issues will present themselves again and again, until they are ultimately resolved. 

Those people who have had a profound effect on us in this lifetime will find us again in the future. And although everything changes, love remains.

Books in the TIME AFTER TIME series are: full length novels BLUE LAKE, BELTERRA,The BASLICATO, BENTLEY SQUARE, MACKALVEY HOUSE, and LORD OF BLAKELEY and novella Waiting for Richard. They do not need to be read in order.





Thursday, January 12, 2017

Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton



M. C. Beaton...her name should be familiar to you. This prolific British author has written not one, but two extensive outstanding series, the Agatha Raisin Mysteries and the Hamish MacBeth series. I love them both.❤️❤️❤️

Pushing Up Daisies is Ms Beaton's latest in the fabulous Agatha Raisin Mystery Series.

Agatha Raisin, a London high powered public relations maven, retires to the idyllic Cotswolds village of Carsely for a calmer, more contented life in a beautiful little cottage with her two cats. She soon becomes bored and opens a little detective agency. At first she found lost pets. Soon she is knee-deep in murders and danger.

In thus twenty-seventh Agatha adventure, a wealthy Lord wants to the community garden into a housing development, which does not sit well with the village residents. Someone ends up dead.

Agatha has been described as a "Miss Maple who enjoys drinks, cigarettes, and men" (from the back cover.) She is described in the book  as a classy mature woman with black hair, brown eye, and great legs. The description reminded me of Angelina Huston.

If you read one Agatha Raisin mystery, you'll be back for more. I love this author. She is a sweet, fun lady born in Scotland with a real knack for pulling you into the story. Try her, I know you'll love her, too.

Links: MCBeaton.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Waiting for Richard

Waiting for Richard by Carol Ann Kauffman

Picture
Dear Gentle Readers,

In Blue Lake, the first Time After Time novel, we met Nicole and Richard, lovers who find each other again in different lifetimes, at different times in different places. In this case they find each other in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nicole is a widow in her forties. Richard is a young man in his late twenties.

In Belterra, they find each other on a different planet. She is Neeka, daughter of the chief of the healing tribe and he is Braedon, the War Lord.

In Waiting for Richard, they are both older people who think that great love they were both looking for has passed them by. While the other Time After Time novels are full-length, about 100,000 words, Waiting for Richard is shorter, about 20,000 words, about 80 pages.

Here are some reviews for Waiting for Richard:

Next Time Around
By H. Ron April 30, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Carol Ann Kauffman takes the reader to Australia in this romantic story of Richard and Nicole. They just have a "feeling" about the other and soon realize they have loved before in a different time period. They are older this time around and Nicole has some trepidation about being with Richard. A fun read just right for a rainy afternoon.

Format: Kindle Edition
Did you ever have a dream about a person for years that you never met, but you know you know them very well? And when you do finally meet, the both of you have memories for things you did together, years ago, century's ago, another life time ago? And the both of you know the others name from another time? Well this happened to Skye and Derrick in their 60's.
When they both called each other by their other name, I got goosebumps! Some people are meant to be with each other for ever and that means from life time to another. Some how, one way or the other, they find each other. I like to think my Husband and I are like that. I believe that you live on in your sprite form until God has another plan for you. So why not being with the only one for you, your Soul Mate, from life time to life time and so on?
This is a very touching story and makes you think about who you are with and people that you have met and felt an connection to right away. I love how Carol put this story together. It's a love story of a different kind. Sweet, mystery, funny and heart warming all rolled into one.


Hugs,
Carol 

Monday, January 9, 2017

Florentine Painter Federico Andreotti

Federico Andreotti  was born in Florence, Italy on March 8, 1847. His early studies in the arts were with Angiolo Tricca and Stefano Ussi at the Florentine Academy of the Fine Arts.

He is known as a prolific painter in the realistic genre, but he is famous for his aristocratic scenes.



He gained an appointment as a professor at the Academy at a young age. He painted many canvases in Florence, Rome, and other big Italian cities. 

He combined his artistic talent with his knowledge of the human anatomy. 



His paintings depicted the gentries aristocracy in their finest dress. The elaborate period dress and the sophisticated airs of his subjects gave his paintings a special air, sometimes described as Rococo Revival.

He is praised for his dramatic use of color in his paintings.








Federico died in 1930 in Florence. His work is widely sought after in auction houses in Europe.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Schedule for the Coming Week




Schedule for January 9 - 13, 2017

Mon., Jan. 9 - The Art of Italian Artist
                       Federico Andreotti
Tues., Jan. 10 - Waiting for Richard by Carol Ann Kauffman
                      A Novella in the Time After Time Series
Wed., Jan. 11 - The Art of Adair Payne
                      He Speaks for the Land
Thurs., Jan. 12 - Book Review
                      Pushing Up Daisies by M.C. Beaton
Fri., Jan. 13 - The Time After Time Series
                      by Carol Ann Kauffman

Friday, January 6, 2017

BLUE LAKE by Carol Ann Kauffman



Dear Gentle Readers,

A book changed my life. This book, Blue Lake, was the first book I wrote back in 2011. At first, I went the usual route, sending a query letter to the big traditional publishing company of my choice, then the next, and so on. I got the loveliest rejections letters. I even framed one that said she loved my work.

Each correspondence took weeks, sometimes months. I am not a young person. Time is precious. 

I retired to take care of my mom who fell and broke her hip and could not be rehabilitated. When she passed, I began to write full time.

The manuscripts were piling up. So I decided to go the route of publishing with Kindle Direct Press. It was a decision I have never regretted.

My Time After Time Series, beginning with Blue Lake, is exclusive to Amazon.com.

It's the story of lovers, Richard and Nicole, who find each other again and again in different lifetimes, at different times of their lives, and sometimes on a different planet. It is the story of a love that would not be denied.

Amazon Link: http://tinyurl.com/nt2ro9j

When widowed Nicole decided to step back into life in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico with Richard, a young handsome British actor who professed his undying love and devotion to her on a daily basis, she mistook his boundless enthusiasm for her as little more than youthful impetuousness. She had no idea where their relationship would take her physically or emotionally. She would find herself in many dazzling international locations, putting her own life on hold, simply to be with him. She had no concept how strong her commitment to him would grow and to what extent she would go to protect him and ensure his safety and wellbeing. And she certainly had no idea the depth of his devotion to her, an unlikely but undeniable love that would span continents and a decade of their lives, entwining them closer and closer, while his career, their families, and other relationships pulled them farther and farther apart. BLUE LAKE is a story of the power of love.
The series, TIME AFTER TIME, follows a pair of quintessential lovers, Richard and Nicole, through their lives together, in different places, in different times, with different names and faces and sometimes even on other planets. This follows the alternative theory that the relationships we forge in this lifetime, both the good and the bad, are continued into the future, and are rooted deeply in our past. Whatever we do, whomever we love, and the good and evil deeds we do today follow us into the future. Unsettled issues will present themselves again and again, until they are ultimately resolved. Those people who have had a profound effect on us in this lifetime will find us again in the future. And although everything changes, love remains.

Books in the TIME AFTER TIME series are: BLUE LAKE, BELTERRA,
The BASLICATO, BENTLEY SQUARE, WAITING FOR RICHARD, LORD OF BLAKELEY, and MACKALVEY HOUSE. They do not need to be read in order.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

In the Shadow of Secrets, Murder Hides by DB Jones




Madison feels the constant presence of someone close, watching her every move. Is someone stalking her and why? Could someone from Madison’s past be seeking revenge because of a case she solved or is this totally unrelated?

As Madison and Josh try to unravel the puzzle behind the killer who hides in the shadows, they risk their future together. Someone wants one of them dead and the other to suffer. Madison can feel the looming shadow closer with each day, and he always seems to be one step ahead of her and Josh as they struggle to piece together the clues and evidence to reveal a profile of the murderer.  Will her hard work be in vain? Will she and Josh catch this psychopathic murderer before he turns the tables on them, making one of them his final victim?

Time is quickly ticking away, and Madison and Josh are running out of time. 

Teaser: 

Madison leaned against the wrought-iron railing of the fourth-floor balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean watching the morning light rising over the horizon. The beach was desolate at that hour, and all she could hear were the gentle waves washing ashore. 

She could barely make out the white crest of foam kissing the shoreline; then something caught her eye. Squinting to make out what it was, she stretched over the railing. It appeared that someone was lying on the beach, near the water’s edge, fully dressed. The waves came closer, but the figure didn’t move.
Madison took a sip of her coffee and glanced down toward the beach. “Josh, she hasn’t moved since the water started hitting her shoes.”

“Maddy quit looking for dead people. We’re on vacation.”

“You’re probably right, but would you humor me and take a look?”

“Okay.” He leaned over the railing. “What is that written the sand next to her?”

She moved closer to him, leaned over the railing and then looked back at him. “Josh, I don’t think she’s sleeping or hungover; I think she’s…”

“Maddy, don’t say it.”

Amazon Buy Link:
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N00TXE2 



Wednesday, January 4, 2017

The Art of Romanian Visual Artist Viktor Schramm


Viktor Schramm was a Romanian visual artist who was born in 1865. Several works by the artist have been sold at auction, including 'A Young Beauty Wearing a Silk Dress in an Interior' sold at Jackson's 'World Treasures: Important Russian, Asian,       European & American Works' in 2012 for $8,400. 


















































Auction Results

Works at auction, latest auction results, sales and prices of Viktor Schramm from auction houses worldwide.



























Selected Events

Exhibitions, openings, art fairs, auctions and other events for Viktor Schramm around the world.