SCHEDULE: January 1 - 4, 2019

Schedule

Tues., Jan 1 - NOTE: 

A Note from Carol

Wed., Jan 2 - ART: The Search for Elan Vital
by Parker Kaufman 

Thurs., Jan. 3 - INTERVIEW:
Author Vince Guaglione 

Fri., Jan. 4 - BOOK: Charming Deception
by Carol Ann Kauffman

BOOK: I Need Christmas by Carol Ann Kauffman

After a depressing year of sadness, loneliness, and self-doubt, successful civil engineer and former All-American basketball star Elizabeth (Betsy) Curry returns home to Oakville, Ohio, for the Christmas holidays a depressed and broken women. 

Reeling from her bitter divorce from the handsome, charming, but morally-bankrupt Tommy DeMalio, her college sweetheart and first big love who left her after two years of what she thought was a good marriage for a stripper he met at an office bachelor party for her co-worker, Betsy feels lost and empty. 

Not exactly anticipating the happy holiday with her family and their multitude of joyful Christmas customs and long-time storybook-like traditions, she knows she needs them in order to heal. 

Once comfortable at home and feeling somewhat better about herself, Tommy shows up and claims he wants a reconciliation, throwing her back into the self-destructive cycle of doubt, hostility, and suspision she is trying so hard to escape.

She discovers her father has set her up with his protégé at work, the tall, handsome, athletic red-haired Patrick, who, try as hard as she can, she can’t find a single thing she doesn’t like about him.

So, what’s the problem? Betsy feels it’s too soon for her to love again. How can she love anyone again when she doesn’t like herself or what she’s become since the break-up. Also, she fears she will hurt the sweet, gentle Patrick.

Will the love, joy, and goodwill of the holiday season coupled with the many long-time holiday customs and Curry family traditions help Betsy to find herself again? Will she be strong enough to lift herself out of her self-induced prison so that she can take another chance on love ? 

What others are saying about I Need Christmas:

5.0 out of 5 starsAnother nice fireside read

December 8, 2015

“I Need Christmas” is book two of the “Oakville Family Christmas” anthology and keeps to the spirit of the series 

nicely. Being surrounded by family isn’t always the picture of a Norma Rockwell painting. Far too often it’s the exact 

opposite. But in Betsy Curry’s case it could not be more the reality. Betsy is recovering from a marriage that was at

 best a nice arrangement for her husband, who by the way, abruptly returns wanting another try (with ulterior motives).

 Having been done with him and comfortably surrounded by a loving family, Betsy is having none of his nonsense. 

Enter mystery man, Patrick. What will happen next? Find out by getting your copy of “I Need Christmas.”

5.0 out of 5 starsSweet Read!

January 22, 2016

This was a very sweet and heartwarming story. It's short, and a wonderful story to read just before you go to sleep, 

as it's just the right length and will give you warm and fuzzy dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to read more 

by Ms Kauffman.

4.0 out of 5 starsSet in Great Midwest, Ohio

December 14, 2015

I just finished your book, "I Need Christmas," and found this to be a heartwarming story of family and traditions.

Set in Great Midwest, Ohio, the story takes you back to still present, albeit distant, small town America, the cutting 

of the family Christmas Tree, and of course, the tree trimming party!Recently divorced Betsy, is home for holidays 

and desperate to gain some feeling of normality. Can Christmas do that? With all of the commercial/retail marketing, 

constant pressure to shop, to spend, to buy! Or is the magic of the season enough? Can one finder her rudder? 

And a new Beau? Read this wonderful short story and find out!

4.0 out of 5 stars... Christmas at the Curry house and things couldn't be better, unless you're Betsy Curry

December 23, 2015

It's Christmas at the Curry house and things couldn't be better, unless you're Betsy Curry. Her no-good husband 

dumped her for a stripper and she hasn't gotten over the pain of his betrayal. Just as she settles into the comfort 

and traditions of her family and starts a potential romance with a guy her parents tried to hook her up with sets in, 

her ex shows up looking for reconciliation and then to start trouble. This is a really good story and I enjoyed getting 

to know some of the other characters that were mentioned in the other books of this series.

5.0 out of 5 starsHoping for a Christmas miracle

December 19, 2015

This is a story set in Great Midwest and brings forth all the beautiful traditions of Christmas - the Christmas tree, 

the party, family and holidays. Betsy, who was recently divorced, is hoping Christmas would bring some normality 

to her life and is hoping the magic of the season would rub on her somehow. When she meets Patrick, things 

change. Will Betsy get her own Christmas miracle? Read this sweet story to find out!

4.0 out of 5 starsHeartwarming Anytime

January 7, 2016

Betsy Curry needs all the comfort and security of being with her family this Christmas after she divorced her cheating 

husband. What she's not sure she needs is their help in finding a boyfriend! this story is a realistic peek into the home 

of a loving family during the days leading up to Christmas. Kaufman's knack for heartwarming storytelling shines 

through.

NOTE FROM CAROL: Merry Christmas

We at 

Vision and Verse 

want to wish

all of you 

a very Merry Christmas

and 

a happy, healthy, safe

2019.

We thank you for your support.

You are appreciated.

{{Hugs}}

SCHEDULE: Dec. 24 -28, 2018

Tues., Dec. 25 - NOTE FROM CAROL:

Merry Christmas!

Thurs., Dec. 27 - ART:
VOGUE! The Art of Helen Dryden

Fri., Dec. 28 - BOOK:
I Need Christmas by Carol Ann Kauffman

BOOK: Christmas at Star Lake by Carol Ann Kauffman

Christmas at Star Lake

by Carol Ann Kauffman

 
Madison Rand runs Rand Solutions, an unusual and very helpful agency in the beautiful little town of Silver Maple, New York. The police inform her that her highly qualified, specialized employees are targeted by a professional killer and being picked off, one by one. To save their lives, she closes down her business, sends them all away, and retreats to a friend’s cabin at Star Lake to figure out who is after them and why. 

Danger follows her to the cabin in the woods at Star Lake, where an old ghost from her past reappears on Christmas Eve, hellbent on revenge, and the madman tracks her through the underground caves at the lake. 

Shots are fired. A body drops to the ground. Is it Kyle Miller, the love of her life, who followed her to the cabin to propose on Christmas Eve? 

The air is thick with treachery and deceit. The body count is rising and old friendships are put to the test. But Madison Rand believes in miracles, especially at Christmas time.

Amazon Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ncizhl9

Reviews:

Tammy Tate

5.0 out of 5 starsA must read!

July 18, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Madison Rand gets blindsided when Detective Anthony Carlucci's makes a surprise visit to her office to inform her,

her friend, Bob Turner didn't die of a heart attack. Nor did her father die of a stroke. The coroner discovered a pinprick 

on Bob's shoulder and a highly toxic poison in both men's system indicating they were both murdered. Detective 

Carlucci suspects she might be next. Her boyfriend may be a target as well.

This Christmas story is packed with suspense, mystery and love. It's a must read that won't disappoint!

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Jeffrey Wirth

5.0 out of 5 starsWhat a ride for Christmas

November 17, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I finished it in one reading, including during and annoying phone call. All I can say is don’t look away, and if you 

miss something go back. Author Carol Kauffman had me at the first murder. Yes, a Christmas book with a murder 

(or a few). “Christmas at Star Lake,” is a fast paced, page turner that will grip you and then slap you, all the while 

whisper merry Christmas. If you like fast paced thrillers this is for you. Hats off to Carol…

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Jane Firebaugh

5.0 out of 5 starsA Fun Read Anytime - Not Only at Christmas!

January 7, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Christmas at Star Lake was the first book I've read by Ms Kauffman, but it definitely won't be the last. A fun and 

fast paced romantic mystery with a Christmas theme, it had me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning,

 as I simply had to finish it before I could sleep.

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Cianna Elizabeth

5.0 out of 5 starsEdge of your seat, holiday adventure! Page turner for sure!

November 25, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

What a perfect holiday read! Kauffman has created a wonderful sequel to Madison's Christmas with this book. It's got 

just enough of everything that it's one you won't want to put down. Pick this up on your holiday break and prepare 

yourself to get swept into the adventures of Madison and Kyle! It's got action, adventure, laughs and murder. You 

might not expect these things to go hand in hand, but It's simply one of the best holiday stories I've read, and I really 

adore the character of Madison. She's entertaining, driven, smart and engaging, and this story kept me on the edge 

of my seat the whole time! It's just got enough action to keep you reading, but it's not too dark that you won't enjoy

 this book. Fans of action and thrillers you need to grab this book! I hope we see some other stories with Madison

 in the future, because that girl has a knack for getting into and out of trouble!

Grab your copy of this book today! You won't regret it!

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Romance reader

4.0 out of 5 starsChristmas Suspense

November 15, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

It's Christmastime, and when her secretary announces a visitor, Madison happily expects to see Kyle, the boyfriend

 she's meeting for lunch. Instead, it's the local police detective with horrifying news: when her father died last year, 

it wasn't a stroke, nor did her friend die of a heart attack. They were both murdered and it could be her fault! “Any one

 of the number of disgruntled thugs, bullies, and criminals that you’ve angered over the years, could've done it," 

Detective Carlucci tells her. Her systems analysis business is a front for the town of Silver Maple's "protect the 

innocent and help the helpless" operation. "You’re all in danger, and especially your boyfriend. Close up shop and

 leave town."

Can Madison save her boyfriend, her employees—herself? Or will this be her worst Christmas ever? And maybe 

her last.

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Valerie Roberson

5.0 out of 5 starsWow! There are a few Surprises in this one!

July 25, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

I just Love Carol Ann Kauffman's work! She really surprised me with this book of Madison Rand. This one is full of

 action and surprises and will leave you with your mouth open at parts. I can't wait for the next book!

It's been a year and now they find out that Franc and Bob were murdered and Kyle and Maddie are next. Madison 

ends up firing Kyle and sends him back to Cleveland. Mike helps Maddie by having her stay at his families lake 

cabin to be safe. Is she safe? Gun fire, bullets flying, people hurt, 2 dead, all on Christmas Eve. Now how is Maddie 

going to get her Christmas Wish/Miracle?

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James Stubbs

4.0 out of 5 starsReally good Christmas suspense story

December 7, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

Reading the first story where Kyle and Madison meet isn't necessary to enjoy this story but it does give you some

 background on the hero and heroine. With that said, you get into a secret about Maddie's family that shocks her 

and upsets everything she thought she knew. She runs away to the safety of Star Lake, which turns out to not be 

very safe at all. As the betrayals and lies mount, Maddie has to confront what she wants out of her life.

While this is marketed as a Christmas story, and it is, it's more of a backdrop to the main story rather than being 

a defining aspect of it. What you will get, however, is a great suspense story.

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Alison Loris

5.0 out of 5 starslove, death, danger, madcap comedy--and Christmas too

November 16, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

This story has everything: love, death, danger, madcap comedy--and Christmas. In this non-stop and ultimately 

very satisfying sequel to "Madison's Christmas," Maddie Rand and her beloved Kyle run up against a bad man

 who's supposed to be dead, and things go downhill from there... until they go uphill :-) The comedy of errors as 

Kyle and Maddie chase each other from hospital to hospital is a welcome spot of light relief, and hysterically funny.

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Lapi LaZu

4.0 out of 5 starsSuspense at Christmas Time

December 7, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

Author Carol Kaufman brings us a fast paced sequel to Madison’s Christmas. Christmas at Star Lake is a romantic 

suspense that keeps you guessing. When Madison’s past starts to catch up with her, she takes refuge in a friend’s 

cabin only to find out she’s not safe there. Take a ninety minute break and enjoy.

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Kristin Wolfgang

4.0 out of 5 starsFast paced, exciting read

January 2, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

Suspense, murder, intrigue and love...a great combination in Carol Ann Kauffman's Christmas story. A short read 

with enough plot for a full length novel, this book will capture your attention and hold it!

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