Friday, November 30, 2018

BOOK: Bentley Square by Carol Ann Kauffman



Strangers meet on the train. She, a beautiful, wealthy, young 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 http://mybook.to/BentleySquare

Strangers sees each other every day on the train, fantasize about each other, but never speak. Then one day they meet. International intrigue follows. 
$2.99 or Free on KU. 
#lovestory #amreadingromance #Ohio

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

ART: YMRA Model Train Open House 2018



Dear Gentle Readers,
We attended the YMRA Annual Model Train Open House 2018 over the weekend and what an amazing show it was. Nestled in a former church in the Austintown area, a group of model train enthusiasts have built amazing replica of the world of trains. For model and train lovers everywhere, this is the premier train show in the trip-state area. 

You get one more chance to see this great train show this weekend, or you will have to wait until next year. Bring the children. Bring the old folks. It is a remarkable show. The Youngstown area model train enthusiasts of YMRA do not disappoint. 

All photos are from the YMRA Facebook site. Please LIKE them on Facebook. This is a great bunch of railroad historians. They take pride in showing our community how dynamic and important the railroad transportation industry was to the development of our area.





Upcoming Model Railroad Events 
 




Tuesday, November 27, 2018

FAMILY BOOK: Alfie's Treasure Hunt by Liz Wixley








Liz Wixley is a British author from Bristol in the United Kingdom. She writes real-world fantasy, ordinary people caught upon extraordinary circumstances. This book, Alfie's Treasure Hunt, is very special because it is written for her grandson Alfie.

Monday, November 26, 2018

FAMILY BOOKS: The Ronaldo Books by Maxine Sylvester


Dear Gentle Readers,
This is the time of year some of you are looking for books for your children and grandparents. When I came upon this adorable series, I thought you might like it for your little ones.





Ronaldo: The Reindeer Flying Academy (Book 1)

Ronaldo is the top flying cadet at the prestigious Reindeer Flying Academy. He dreams of getting his flying license and becoming one of Santa's reindeer, just like his hero, Vixen. 
In the first adventure in the Ronaldo series, the second year flying cadets face their toughest ever flying test – The Endurance Challenge. Will Ronaldo be victorious and lift the silver cup? Or will mean brothers Dasher, Comet and Prancer ruin his chance for success? 

Reviews/Comments - 
"MOVE OVER RUDOLPH - RONALDO IS HERE TO STAY!" 
"This should be a new Christmas classic!" 
"I look forward to reading this book to my kids every year at Christmas. The story is incredibly entertaining and laugh out loud funny, even for parents!" 
"This book has become a part of my family's holiday traditions!"





Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher (Book 2)

Top flying cadet, Ronaldo, and best friend, Rudi, embark on a superhero mission to help a lost wolf cub find her pack. Rudi comes up with a brilliant plan to locate the wolves during the next speed test at flying school. But secretly Ronaldo doesn’t like the idea. He’s desperate to break the speed record and the detour would slow him down ... and prevent him becoming the fastest flying cadet in history! Will Ronaldo go for glory – or realise friends are more important?

Reviews/Comments -
"A GREAT book for the children's Christmas stocking this year" 
"This is a charming children's book that will entertain your little ones and tickle their funny bones." 
"A heart-warming story, full of action and adventure," 
"Sylvester has created a lovely winter wonderland with interesting characters" 

Buy link -   





Ronaldo: Rudi's Birthday Extravaganza (Book 3)

It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party! 
But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He has injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket! 
Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker Mrs Sorensson and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo! 

Reviews/Comments -
"The story is about friendship, integrity, and honesty, and caters to both the young and old alike."
"... though aimed at a much younger audience, are a perfect fit for the adults who are still in touch with their younger self."


Here is a single buy link that you may prefer - 


Twitter:      @flyingronaldo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxinesylvester/


Here is the lovely Maxine Sylvester 
dreaming up some 
new adventures 
for Ronaldo. 


Sunday, November 25, 2018

SCHEDULE: November 26 -30, 2018


Mon., Nov. 26 - FAMILY BOOKS:
Maxine Sylvester's Ronaldo Series

Tues., Nov. 27 - FAMILY BOOKS: Alfie's Treasure
by Liz Wixley

Wed., Nov. 28 - ART; The Youngstown Model Railroad Association's Annual Model Train Show

Thurs., Nov. 29 - ART:
Act III, The Hidden by Parker Kaufman

Fri., Nov. 30 - BOOK: Bentley Square
by Carol Ann Kauffman

Friday, November 23, 2018

BOOK: The Baslicato by Carol Ann Kauffman


Dear Gentle Readers,

The Baslicato is special to me because part of the story is set in Basilicato Province, Italy, where my wonderful father was born. Even though he came to this country as a child, he had vivid memories of the countryside, the vineyards, and the strong sense of family and community spirit in that area of southern Italy. 

Now, my dad was never a race car driver, but he did drive really, really fast. He did have a few characteristics of the wild and crazy race car driver in the story, but the story is not biographical.

Here is the storyline:

When Dr. Brook Wilson agreed to take on celebrity Italian race car driver Jason Maxwell, known as"The Baslicato," as her patient, little did she realize their relationship would turn her calm, pleasant, well-ordered life upside down, sending her off on dangerous adventures in southern Italy and northern Ohio. As she prepares him for his big race, she must deal with his demented wife while driving her boyfriend, Dr, Garrett MacEgan into acts of criminal desperation in a attempt to hold on to her.

When tall, handsome British actor Richard MacKenzie wakes up in the hospital after an accident, he discovers he's a short Italian race car driver named Jason Maxwell, known as THE BASLICATO. 

Amazon Link: http://mybook.to/TheBaslicato

Thursday, November 22, 2018

A NOTE FROM CAROL: Happy Thanksgiving


My Dear Gentle Readers,

I hope you are where you want to be today. I hope you take a moment to focus on what you're thankful for instead what you lack. Life is short, my dears, and it doesn't get better without a conscious effort on your part to enjoy what you already have, to see beautiful in nature and your surroundings, and have a good belly laugh at something along the way.

If I have learned anything over my many and varied years, it's that if you aren't grateful for what you already have, the universe isn't going to send you more wonderful things to not be grateful for. Please excuse the preposition at the end of that sentence.

I hope you eat too much. I hope you take a nap. I hope you wake up full of love ad gratitude.

Hugs,
Carol

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

ART: Eva Gonzales










To eliminate my posting the boring bits of dead artists lives, I let Wikipedia do it for me.






 Edouard Manet has always been one of my favorite artists. I can remember admiring his beautiful floral compositions at a young age. 




Giant dewy roses, so real you could almost inhale their luscious scent from the pages of the book, much like the painting to the right by Eva. 






So when I found out Eva was one of his students and friends and that she posed for some of his pieces, I knew I had to squeeze a post on her in here somewhere.

Monday, November 19, 2018

GIVEAWAY: Book Bub Giveaway



Here is your chance
 to win a $350 Amazon Gift Card,
just in time for your 
holiday shopping!
Follow some new authors,
and ME if you already haven't.
Thank you.
Good Luck! 

Enter to win at:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77deea0986/?

Facebook is not responsible for this giveaway, nor is Bookbub.

No purchase necessary to win.


Sunday, November 18, 2018

SCHEDULE: November 18 - 23, 2018


Mon., Nov. 19 - BOOKS: Book Bub
Meet Some New Authors!

Tues., Nov. 20 - ART: 
Eva Gonzales

Thurs., Nov. 22 - NOTE:
Happy Thanksgiving!

Fri., Nov. 23 - BOOK:The Baslicato
by Carol Ann Kauffman 

Thursday, November 15, 2018

ART: French Landscape Artist Paul Madeline




Paul Madeline was a French landscape painter who lived and worked in Paris at a time when both the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements were very prominent on the French Art scene.  






Paul Madeline studied painting under E. Chaly and became a member of the Societe des Artistes Francais in 1897, the same year he won his first honorable mention.  






Three years later, he won another honorable mention when his work was exhibited in the United States.  






By 1910, he was a full member of the Salon Nationale des Beaux-Arts. He was known for his French landscape paintings with their sumptuous colors and with loose brushstrokes. 




What impressed me most was Paul's use of light and shadow. You can almost feel the heat in some of his works displaying an almost Carribbean sunshine, but it is a sunny part of France.










I hope you have enjoyed 
this tiny glimpse of French landscape artist Paul Madeline. 

Please note I left out all the boring parts, just for YOU

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

INTERVIEW: Meet Author Teresa Reasor


Teresa Reasor 
Southeastern Kentucky 
USA 


Good morning, Teresa, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the site for Art and Authors. Can you tell us a little about what you have written? 
I write Military Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, and Historical Romance. 

What is your favorite genre to write?
My Military Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre to write. It’s usually grounded in real life and since I write very emotional stories it can be just as intense to write them as it is for my readers to read them. So, when I need a break from reality, I write Paranormal Romance because with that genre, you can let your imagination fly and do really creative things in your plot and action scenes. 

Favorite food.
My favorite food is chicken.  I fix numerous chicken dishes. Even my family says I should have grown feathers. LOL


Tea or coffee?
Tea.  I prefer green tea to others.


Pizza or ice cream?
I think Pizza should be its own food group. LOVE IT.                                          


Wine or beer or soda?
I drink probably 3 glasses of wine a year. So, I have to go with soda. 

Where would you like to visit?
I’ve been to Italy (Rome, Milan, and Florence) and I’ve been to Scotland and Ireland. I’d love to go back to England and I want to go to Canada and visit. I have friends there.

Favorite musical artist.
The Beatles. (They’re my all-time favorites)
My favorite contemporary musician is Lady Gaga.

Do you listen to music when you write?  If so, what?
I can’t listen to anything with lyrics while I write because I’ll sing along and it breaks my concentration. But I do listen to Brain.fm which is like electronic music that has a pattern to it that helps you concentrate. 

This is an Art AND Author blog, so I am obliged to ask:Favorite work of art or sculpture.
Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne is my favorite sculpture.


How old were you when you started writing?
I was in second grade when I wrote my first book. It was 17 pages long without pictures. 
I was born into a military family and we moved about every 2-3 years. The first thing we did once we were settled was find the public library and get our library cards. We went to the library every Saturday and checked out books. Reading helped me settle into new places until I could meet people and make friends.  

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I actually have a whole system I use to plot my books. I have character interviews I do to get to know them. I have a plotting sheet I fill out to get an overview of character motivations. And I have a story board I use as I write to keep track of point of view and plot turning points. Since I write romantic suspense, I have my romance turning points and my suspense turning points to keep track of, so my story board is color coded to reflect that. 

Describe your perfect evening. 
Everyone goes somewhere and I have the house to myself and it’s quiet and I get maybe six straight hours of uninterrupted time to write. LOL I’m obsessed. 

Where do you get your inspiration?
I may see something on television that inspires me. I may see a news article or a documentary that sparks an idea. Sometimes I sit down and use my Deal A Story cards to brainstorm a plot. https://www.amazon.com/Deal-Story-Card-Game-Writers/dp/B00V5D2BQWAnd sometimes I just sit down and make up a character and that sparks an entire story. 


What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I don’t really get writer’s block. I just turn down wrong street with my plot, or maybe I’ve started my chapter in the wrong spot and I have to stop for a little while to work things out. When I get stuck, I write other things. I love to write haiku poetry. It expands your grasp of creative description. Or I work on my book bible (which is my 3-ring binder that holds all the information that I’ve compiled about my characters, my plot, any research I’ve had to do about locations, weapons, transportation and etc. And it also holds a printed copy of my manuscript in whatever form it is at the time.) 
Since I’m an artist as well as a writer, I also paint and do scrolled paper filigree which is called quilling.  

Who is your favorite author?
It’s really hard to pinpoint one author. 
I love Nora Roberts because she has a pacing to her work and a grasp of description that draws you into the story. 
I love Michael Connelly. I’m crazy about his Hieronymus Bosch, character and how driven he is. 
I like Stephen King. Mostly his short stories. That’s where Shaw Shank Redemption and the Green Mile came from. He’s a master at the gritty, visceral prose and can give you a glimpse into humanity that sticks with you long after you’ve reached the end of the story. 
I like Sandra Brown because she has a lyrical tone to her writing that’s very romantic.
And there are too many others to list, all for different reasons.

Best book you ever read.
Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Flame and the Flower. Not because it’s the best writing I have ever read, or the best plot I’ve dissected, but because it was the book that told me I could be a writer. 
I was a Junior in high school and hid the book in a text book because the teachers didn’t like us reading romance novels. (God forbid) I’ve probably learned more from romance novels than I have some text books, but I digress. There was just something about Woodiwiss’s voice that reached out to me. I was in a creative writing class then too, which probably played some part in my response to the book. 
During high school I wrote some of the worst poetry ever penned. And during my college days 9 of the worst romance novels ever written. Then, while I was doing my masters, I took a class that allowed me to write the first 5 chapters of a novel. By the end of the class my college professor told me he hoped I’d finish the book and submit it. I didn’t, but I did start really studying my craft and wrote 2 historical romances that were published. 

Last book you read.
Laurel K. Hamilton’s Crimson Death. 

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I’d like to paint full time. I write so much I neglect that part of my creative drive. I’d love to have more time to paint and draw.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why? 
My father. He was a Marine for 24 years. When he retired from the military, he went back to school and got a degree in architectural drafting and went to work for another 25 with Arch Mineral and US Steel. He was always learning, always striving to do more. 
His death inspired me to continue to write when I was holding down two jobs to pay for my children’s college educations and writing on the weekends. 
Life is too short to put your dreams on hold. And though it’s sometimes difficult, and life sometimes gets in the way, if you pursue your dreams, it fulfills something inside you that no one person can. 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I’d want to sit down with God and ask him to help us out with quite a few problems our world is having. 

What advice would you give someone who aspires to be a writer?
    1.     Study your craft. 
    2.     Read as much as you write. 
    3.     Write every day. 
    4.     Don’t expect the first draft of anything you write to be perfect. (I wrote 9 books before getting one published and even now my books are not perfect even when I send them to my editor.) Homophones are my arch-enemy. 
    5.  Develop your self-discipline and set a writing schedule. When I worked 2 other jobs, I took Saturday as my writing day. Everyone in the house knew that was my day and that I would throw shoes at them if they disturbed me. Sometimes when you’re trying to accomplish something important to you, you have to be selfish. A few hours each day or a full day once a week is not too much to ask from your family or friends. 
I set my alarm for 7:00 and I get up and start writing. Without a timeclock to punch, lack of self-discipline is the only thing standing between you and not finishing a book. 
   6.   Never give up. I had numerous rejection letters from big and small presses. Every one of them hurt, but I looked for the thread of truth in them, addressed what each one said and pushed on.

Happy writing and reading,
Teresa Reasor 



My newest book is: 

 Hot SEAL, Rusty Nail 
(SEALS in Paradise Series) 
Released October 16, 2018

A broken engagement followed by six months of grueling work has Sloane Bianchi ready to hit the beaches of Hilton Head, South Carolina for some R and R. She isn’t looking for romance, but when she catches the gaze of a stranger at a local restaurant, her attraction is immediate. But he turns out to be just another guy who can’t follow through.

Karma isn’t always a bitch. Navy SEAL Connor ‘Hammer’ Evans decides a fender bender is a small price to pay for finally meeting the woman who got away. Even though he’ll only be on the East Coast a short time, he’s convinced he and Sloane can enjoy a sexy, no-strings adventure together while he’s here.

Their first kiss ignites a hunger for each other they can’t seem to quench. As their relationship deepens, Sloane realizes she has to be honest with Connor and share the reason behind her broken engagement. When he learns the truth, will he go wheels up and leave her behind? Or will he follow through?





                                                           








GOODREADS: 




Adventures of A Witchy Wallflower 
(Have Wand, Will Travel Book 3) 
Released October 3, 2018


After 50 years of teaching magic-challenged witches, Madeline’s found the perfect male witch to share a different kind of magic in her life. But his curse has another idea….

For fifty years Madeline Montgomery has taught magic-challenged witches how to cast spells. And she’s good at it. When she loses her job at the college, she’s thrown into an identity crisis. If she can’t teach what will she do?  

Broke and desperate, Jake Cunningham has borrowed money from the wrong witches. With a moniker like Jake The Rake floating around, he hasn’t a chance of finding his next mark. Until he’s made an offer he can’t refuse—meet Madeline and he’ll be a hundred thousand dollars richer. 

When Jake shows up on Madeline’s doorstep asking for her help, it’s a goddess-send. While she teaches him to spell, he brings a different kind of magic into her life. For the first time she wants to throw caution to the wind and let her heart lead the way. But Jake insists he has a curse and if she gets too close, she’ll end up hating him. 

But she’s an expert at magic and a curse can be broken. Or can it?

This series is listed in Kindle Unlimited. 








Links to follow Teresa Reasor:
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/1j6OYPg
Newsletter-  http://bit.ly/I7TtiC