Luanna Stewart's Blog
July 30, 2024
July 30th, 2024
Once upon a time, I posted to a blog three times a week. After a five-year hiatus, I've discovered that I miss doing so! How strange! It's not as if I have nothing else on my writing plate - ha! But this is where I find myself, so stay tuned. Once I decide on a blogging schedule, I'll let you know.
September 1, 2020
I love when friends visit...
I've invited my lovely friend, Peggy Jaeger, to this corner of the Internet so we can all ogle the smashing cover of her upcoming romantic comedy. You can see it's a holiday story and I'm more than ready for some rousing good cheer! 
Finding a body in the freezer of the family deli isn’t the way Madonna San Valentino planned to start her day.
Adding insult to injury, the investigating detective is the one guy she’s never been able to forget. After seven minutes of heaven in the back seat of his car when they were teenagers, Tony Roma skipped town without so much as a thanks for the memory.
Just when Madonna thinks the present situation can’t get any worse, Tony is ordered to go undercover at the deli to ferret out a killer. Forced to work together, she vows to keep their relationship cool and professional. But with the sexy, longing looks he tosses her at every turn, Madonna’s resolve is weakening.
With Christmas drawing closer and Tony’s investigation taking an unexpected turn, Madonna is at her wit’s end. Can she really be falling for him again? And will he wind up leaving her broken hearted and alone like the last time?
Doesn't that sound like a fun story? Release day isn't until October 14, 2020, but you can preorder now so it'll be on your e-reader well before the first bite of frost.
Finding a body in the freezer of the family deli isn’t the way Madonna San Valentino planned to start her day.Adding insult to injury, the investigating detective is the one guy she’s never been able to forget. After seven minutes of heaven in the back seat of his car when they were teenagers, Tony Roma skipped town without so much as a thanks for the memory.
Just when Madonna thinks the present situation can’t get any worse, Tony is ordered to go undercover at the deli to ferret out a killer. Forced to work together, she vows to keep their relationship cool and professional. But with the sexy, longing looks he tosses her at every turn, Madonna’s resolve is weakening.
With Christmas drawing closer and Tony’s investigation taking an unexpected turn, Madonna is at her wit’s end. Can she really be falling for him again? And will he wind up leaving her broken hearted and alone like the last time?
Doesn't that sound like a fun story? Release day isn't until October 14, 2020, but you can preorder now so it'll be on your e-reader well before the first bite of frost.
September 1, 2019
A special time of year...
The lovely Alice Renaud is visiting today to tell us about her latest release, an anthology jam-packed with love and magic and mysticism and all the things. I can't wait to curl up with this entire collection!
Take it away, Alice...
When I say “a special time of year”, what do you think? A lot of folks will answer, “Christmas”, but maybe a different season, a different date, comes to your mind? I love Christmas, in the UK, we start celebrating it in early November – if you’ve seen our winters, you’ll understand why! But other dates have a special place in my heart.
I love the times when one season changes into another. Those turning points of the year were major feasts in the old, pagan, Celtic calendar. They had evocative names: Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasa, Samhain. At those times the barrier between this world and the Otherworld became thin and transparent… so much so that the gods and monsters of the Otherworld could cross into our universe and walk among humans.
Imbolc, the spring festival on 1 February, and Lughnasa, on 1 August, are all but forgotten. A trace of them remains in the old church calendar. In my church (Anglican/Episcopalian), 1 February is marked as Candlemas, the day when candles used to be blessed – a remnant of the old festival of light and new birth. 1 August is Lammas Day – the first day of the harvest.
The summer and winter feasts have fared better. Samhain was adopted by the Catholic Church, and became a festival to commemorate the dead: the feast of All Hallows (All Souls), on 1 November. The day before was All Hallows’ Eve… Halloween. The monsters are still here, though these days they’re mostly kids in masks, going door to door to ask for candy. Trick’ o treating is actually an old Irish and British tradition, which Irish immigrants brought to the New World.
I do love Halloween… but I also have a special affection for the summer feast of Beltaine, Walpurgis in Germany, on 1 May. May Day in England used to be a day of merry-making. Folks would cut branches of flowering trees, especially the May thorn (or hawthorn) and decorate their houses with them. Sweethearts would take advantage of the warmer weather to kiss and cuddle outdoors, away from their families’ prying eyes. There was dancing, music, eating and drinking.
When I arrived in England twenty-odd years ago, I was delighted to discover that the old traditions still endured, or had been revived. Every May Day there is a fair in the park close to my house, with traditional folk dancing and other entertainment. Ice cream and cakes have replaced the hog roasts… but the beer still flows and the hawthorn still flowers.
In my story The Sweetest Magic of All, the apprentice witch Sapphire and the warlock Aaron meet at midsummer (another special time of year) and go back in time to the 17th century, to locate a magical amulet. They arrive on May Eve – Beltaine, Walpurgis night. A time of magic, when normal rules are suspended. The magic of that special time of year has a powerful effect on them, which they hadn’t anticipated!
Mystic Desire is a collection of brand new supernatural romance stories by award-winning BVS authors!
The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice Renaud: When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It's May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don't apply...
An Awareness of Evil by Dee S. Knight: Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.
Dream Catcher by Callie Carmen: Long ago a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage. It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?
Love from the Mist by Patricia Elliott: When Jace Warden learns that his brother plans to announce his engagement at a family get together, he flees to the other side of the world to escape the joyous celebration. Or at least attempts to… His plane never makes it, and he winds up trapped on an island. Little does he realize, he’s not alone; there’s a mischievous little entity milling about, and she wants to play.
Love that Binds by Carol Schoenig: On the outskirts of a small town where nothing grows, a young girl, Ianthee, is being bullied and accused of being a witch. Young Caleb, inexplicably drawn to Ianthee, comes to her rescue. Before they can explore their feelings, Caleb and his family disappear. What happened to him, and what part does a long-ago legend play in their lives?
The Mortal Vampire by Suzanne Smith: Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them door nail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.
Through the Veil by Jan Selbourne: A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them, but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.
And more!
Amazon
For other retailers: books2read Alice lives in London, UK, with her husband and son. By day she's a compliance manager for a pharmaceutical company. By night she writes fantasy romance about shape shifting mermen, water monsters and lovelorn witches. Her first book, “A Merman’s Choice,” was published in January 2019 by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second book, “Music for a Merman,” will be out later this year. Alice loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!
You can get in touch with Alice here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliceRenaudA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alicerauthor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ren...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicerenaud...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alice-renaud
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Renaud/e/B07L52P17B
Take it away, Alice...
When I say “a special time of year”, what do you think? A lot of folks will answer, “Christmas”, but maybe a different season, a different date, comes to your mind? I love Christmas, in the UK, we start celebrating it in early November – if you’ve seen our winters, you’ll understand why! But other dates have a special place in my heart.
I love the times when one season changes into another. Those turning points of the year were major feasts in the old, pagan, Celtic calendar. They had evocative names: Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasa, Samhain. At those times the barrier between this world and the Otherworld became thin and transparent… so much so that the gods and monsters of the Otherworld could cross into our universe and walk among humans.
Imbolc, the spring festival on 1 February, and Lughnasa, on 1 August, are all but forgotten. A trace of them remains in the old church calendar. In my church (Anglican/Episcopalian), 1 February is marked as Candlemas, the day when candles used to be blessed – a remnant of the old festival of light and new birth. 1 August is Lammas Day – the first day of the harvest.
The summer and winter feasts have fared better. Samhain was adopted by the Catholic Church, and became a festival to commemorate the dead: the feast of All Hallows (All Souls), on 1 November. The day before was All Hallows’ Eve… Halloween. The monsters are still here, though these days they’re mostly kids in masks, going door to door to ask for candy. Trick’ o treating is actually an old Irish and British tradition, which Irish immigrants brought to the New World.
I do love Halloween… but I also have a special affection for the summer feast of Beltaine, Walpurgis in Germany, on 1 May. May Day in England used to be a day of merry-making. Folks would cut branches of flowering trees, especially the May thorn (or hawthorn) and decorate their houses with them. Sweethearts would take advantage of the warmer weather to kiss and cuddle outdoors, away from their families’ prying eyes. There was dancing, music, eating and drinking.
When I arrived in England twenty-odd years ago, I was delighted to discover that the old traditions still endured, or had been revived. Every May Day there is a fair in the park close to my house, with traditional folk dancing and other entertainment. Ice cream and cakes have replaced the hog roasts… but the beer still flows and the hawthorn still flowers.
In my story The Sweetest Magic of All, the apprentice witch Sapphire and the warlock Aaron meet at midsummer (another special time of year) and go back in time to the 17th century, to locate a magical amulet. They arrive on May Eve – Beltaine, Walpurgis night. A time of magic, when normal rules are suspended. The magic of that special time of year has a powerful effect on them, which they hadn’t anticipated!
Mystic Desire is a collection of brand new supernatural romance stories by award-winning BVS authors!
The Sweetest Magic of All by Alice Renaud: When a sexy apprentice witch and a hot warlock go back in time to locate a magical amulet, they find more than they bargained for. It's May Eve, the most magical night of the year, and normal rules don't apply...
An Awareness of Evil by Dee S. Knight: Only two things stand between evil and a small girl: the visions of Amanda McMasters and Detective Brendan Gilchrist. Neither can afford to be wrong.
Dream Catcher by Callie Carmen: Long ago a medicine man had made a matched set of dream catchers as a wedding gift to protect the Chief’s daughter and her warrior husband. He had called upon the benevolent spirits to keep the two soul mates safe and in a loving, healthy marriage. It was foretold that if the two dream catchers were ever divided the new owners would be drawn together as soul mates. Was that possible?
Love from the Mist by Patricia Elliott: When Jace Warden learns that his brother plans to announce his engagement at a family get together, he flees to the other side of the world to escape the joyous celebration. Or at least attempts to… His plane never makes it, and he winds up trapped on an island. Little does he realize, he’s not alone; there’s a mischievous little entity milling about, and she wants to play.
Love that Binds by Carol Schoenig: On the outskirts of a small town where nothing grows, a young girl, Ianthee, is being bullied and accused of being a witch. Young Caleb, inexplicably drawn to Ianthee, comes to her rescue. Before they can explore their feelings, Caleb and his family disappear. What happened to him, and what part does a long-ago legend play in their lives?
The Mortal Vampire by Suzanne Smith: Remy enjoys life as a vampire, never giving a thought to sucking every last drop of tasty blood out of his unfortunate victims and leaving them door nail dead. But his cold and carefree existence changes the day he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious mortal Angela.
Through the Veil by Jan Selbourne: A beautiful March day in 1875 ends in tragedy when the wagon carrying Helen and Marcus plunges down the mountainside. Generations pass before Rachel Finlay finds an old sepia photo of a man and woman. She knows them, but she’s never met them and now, for the peace of mind she desperately craves, she goes back to where it began. In time, through the veil, knowing she may never return.
And more!
Amazon
For other retailers: books2read Alice lives in London, UK, with her husband and son. By day she's a compliance manager for a pharmaceutical company. By night she writes fantasy romance about shape shifting mermen, water monsters and lovelorn witches. Her first book, “A Merman’s Choice,” was published in January 2019 by Black Velvet Seductions. It is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy inspired by the landscapes and legends of Brittany and Wales. The second book, “Music for a Merman,” will be out later this year. Alice loves reading and writing stories, and sharing them with anyone who’s interested!
You can get in touch with Alice here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliceRenaudA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alicerauthor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-ren...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicerenaud...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alice-renaud
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Renaud/e/B07L52P17B
July 11, 2019
Dirty Damsels indeed! New release hotness!
I'm delighted to welcome fellow author Peggy Jaeger to my blog-o-sphere to share with you her latest release. I think this gorgeous cover gives you a giant hint on what to expect when you read this book. What it doesn't convey is the humour you'll find between the covers - fun!
In case you can't quite make out the back cover, here's the blurb:
When I first saw Cynderella all covered in soot in that sexy maid uniform, I knew I wanted to be her Prince.
She’s a small and savvy businesswoman who’s built her cleaning company from the ground up. But now that Dirty Damsels is booming, I’ve been hired to arrange a hostile takeover.
But the temptation of having her was too much to ignore… We ended up spending one night together—a night neither of will forget. Now, I want more. I need more. I want to spend every night, skin-on-skin, with my beautiful Ella.
Problem is, when she finds out who I really am, she’ll never forgive me.
Ooh, doesn't that sound delicious?!?
And because the heroine is an expert at cleaning, here are a few tips to keep your house sparkling.
5 cleaning hacks for your home from Ella Jones, CEO of DIRTY DAMSELSClean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Place ice cubes into the garbage disposal and the juice of 1 lemon. Run hot water at a trickle and turn disposal on for 30 seconds. Run hot water through it for 10 seconds after turning off.Clean shower doors of soap scum and water streaks. Spray wet glass doors with shaving cream. Wait 10 minutes. Rinse with hot water then wipe dry.How to clean your blender. Add 1 cup of warm water and a squirt of dish detergent into glass or plastic container. Turn on and “blend” for 10 seconds. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry – do not let air dry.To clean soap scum from surfaces. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon dish detergent into a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces, wipe dry.To clean your dishwasher and get rid of hard water stains. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a sprinkle of baking soda. Pour into empty dishwasher drum and turn on to rinse cycle.
I don't know about you, but I need to try that dishwasher cleaning hack.
Check out this excerpt!
The bathroom door opened.
In his tailored suit he’d been impressive and striking. With a white bulky towel wrapped around his waist, and the humidity in the bathroom sluicing off his damp torso, he was downright magnificent. Those wide and solid shoulders tapered down into biceps I could tell regularly attended a gym with him, and then into forearms corded with strong sinew and veins.
“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I’m almost done. I’m sorry.” I blushed again and I cursed my fair skin. But really, how could I not blush and stutter when faced with this unbelievable specimen of hotness standing five feet away from me, all wet and hard muscled and gorgeous?
He moved like a panther across the rug, soundlessly stalking, as if playing with his prey, until he came to the opposite side of the bed.
He took one corner of the sheet in his hand and yanked it. “Do you have enough on your side?”
Speech was impossible because I knew I’d start blabbering again, so I nodded and tucked the sheet under the mattress.
“Hospital corners.” He nodded and then mimicked my motions. “I love a tight sheet.”
I couldn’t help but stare at the way his biceps swelled when he lifted the mattress as if it weighed nothing, and shot the sheet under it. Nor could I forgo glancing at the thick mat of black hair crisscrossing from one side of his pecs to the other and then down, disappearing below the towel. And I’d have to have been struck blind and stupid – which I’m neither – not to notice and admire the trim, tight waist and abdomen the towel was securely wrapped around.
At least I prayed it was securely wrapped.
I grabbed the comforter, shook it out and he helped me place it over the bed.
“Toss me one of those,” he commanded when I grabbed a pillow and began tugging the case on.
He caught both in midair.
The bed made, I turned to tell him about the platter of food, but stopped before the words could leave my throat. He’d moved without a sound again, coming to stand so close to me I could smell the citrus scent of the soap he’d used wafting off his body.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. I swear my body temperature went up ten degrees. I figured by now I resembled one of those cartoons where the character’s head turns beet red and then explodes upward.
“Thanks, Cinderella.” A devilish grin tripped across his tired face. “But I need to crash now, so…”
I truly could have stood there for the rest of the afternoon basking in his hotness, but I got the hint.
I nodded and made one last visual sweep of the room.
“Do you want me to close the blinds?” I asked, turning back just in time to see him drop the towel and slide – gloriously naked – into the freshly made bed.
Holy Mother of God. The man had a butt made for grabbing. Two perfect, round, and tight cheeks dipped from that narrow waist, leading downward to two thick and powerful thighs. Since his back was to me he didn’t notice my jaw hanging open to my knees while he burrowed under the comforter.
“Mmm…sure. Thanks, Cinderella.”
Even half asleep his voice made my heart skip a few beats and my girlie parts go zing.
Eager to read more? Here are the handy buy links.
Amazon: Exclusive to KU readers for free.
Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBBPHM8
Print Version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1640348409
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!
Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, Peggy is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"
To learn more about Peggy, or to contact her, use one of these links. Or leave a message in the comment section below!
Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mmj122687/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger
You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDR8RRIlssIyS0FYZWeGqsg/videos?view_as=subscriber
In case you can't quite make out the back cover, here's the blurb:
When I first saw Cynderella all covered in soot in that sexy maid uniform, I knew I wanted to be her Prince.
She’s a small and savvy businesswoman who’s built her cleaning company from the ground up. But now that Dirty Damsels is booming, I’ve been hired to arrange a hostile takeover.
But the temptation of having her was too much to ignore… We ended up spending one night together—a night neither of will forget. Now, I want more. I need more. I want to spend every night, skin-on-skin, with my beautiful Ella.
Problem is, when she finds out who I really am, she’ll never forgive me.
Ooh, doesn't that sound delicious?!?
And because the heroine is an expert at cleaning, here are a few tips to keep your house sparkling.
5 cleaning hacks for your home from Ella Jones, CEO of DIRTY DAMSELSClean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Place ice cubes into the garbage disposal and the juice of 1 lemon. Run hot water at a trickle and turn disposal on for 30 seconds. Run hot water through it for 10 seconds after turning off.Clean shower doors of soap scum and water streaks. Spray wet glass doors with shaving cream. Wait 10 minutes. Rinse with hot water then wipe dry.How to clean your blender. Add 1 cup of warm water and a squirt of dish detergent into glass or plastic container. Turn on and “blend” for 10 seconds. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry – do not let air dry.To clean soap scum from surfaces. Mix 1 cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon dish detergent into a spray bottle. Spray on surfaces, wipe dry.To clean your dishwasher and get rid of hard water stains. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a sprinkle of baking soda. Pour into empty dishwasher drum and turn on to rinse cycle.
I don't know about you, but I need to try that dishwasher cleaning hack.
Check out this excerpt! The bathroom door opened.
In his tailored suit he’d been impressive and striking. With a white bulky towel wrapped around his waist, and the humidity in the bathroom sluicing off his damp torso, he was downright magnificent. Those wide and solid shoulders tapered down into biceps I could tell regularly attended a gym with him, and then into forearms corded with strong sinew and veins.
“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I’m almost done. I’m sorry.” I blushed again and I cursed my fair skin. But really, how could I not blush and stutter when faced with this unbelievable specimen of hotness standing five feet away from me, all wet and hard muscled and gorgeous?
He moved like a panther across the rug, soundlessly stalking, as if playing with his prey, until he came to the opposite side of the bed.
He took one corner of the sheet in his hand and yanked it. “Do you have enough on your side?”
Speech was impossible because I knew I’d start blabbering again, so I nodded and tucked the sheet under the mattress.
“Hospital corners.” He nodded and then mimicked my motions. “I love a tight sheet.”
I couldn’t help but stare at the way his biceps swelled when he lifted the mattress as if it weighed nothing, and shot the sheet under it. Nor could I forgo glancing at the thick mat of black hair crisscrossing from one side of his pecs to the other and then down, disappearing below the towel. And I’d have to have been struck blind and stupid – which I’m neither – not to notice and admire the trim, tight waist and abdomen the towel was securely wrapped around.
At least I prayed it was securely wrapped.
I grabbed the comforter, shook it out and he helped me place it over the bed.
“Toss me one of those,” he commanded when I grabbed a pillow and began tugging the case on.
He caught both in midair.
The bed made, I turned to tell him about the platter of food, but stopped before the words could leave my throat. He’d moved without a sound again, coming to stand so close to me I could smell the citrus scent of the soap he’d used wafting off his body.
He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. I swear my body temperature went up ten degrees. I figured by now I resembled one of those cartoons where the character’s head turns beet red and then explodes upward.
“Thanks, Cinderella.” A devilish grin tripped across his tired face. “But I need to crash now, so…”
I truly could have stood there for the rest of the afternoon basking in his hotness, but I got the hint.
I nodded and made one last visual sweep of the room.
“Do you want me to close the blinds?” I asked, turning back just in time to see him drop the towel and slide – gloriously naked – into the freshly made bed.
Holy Mother of God. The man had a butt made for grabbing. Two perfect, round, and tight cheeks dipped from that narrow waist, leading downward to two thick and powerful thighs. Since his back was to me he didn’t notice my jaw hanging open to my knees while he burrowed under the comforter.
“Mmm…sure. Thanks, Cinderella.”
Even half asleep his voice made my heart skip a few beats and my girlie parts go zing.
Eager to read more? Here are the handy buy links.
Amazon: Exclusive to KU readers for free.
Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBBPHM8
Print Version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1640348409
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, Peggy is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"
To learn more about Peggy, or to contact her, use one of these links. Or leave a message in the comment section below!
Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mmj122687/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger
You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDR8RRIlssIyS0FYZWeGqsg/videos?view_as=subscriber
June 26, 2019
It's alive!
I'm pleased-as-punch to announce that my latest book, Love Proof, is now ready to purchase for your reading pleasure. 
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.
Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness?
Buy now at your favourite retailer!
Amazon |Kobo | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook To celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm doing a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway In case you were wondering what an author does on the launch day of her book, here's a photo of me in my writing turret eating bonbons - ha! Mr. S and I are building our sundeck. I'll eat lots of bonbons once it's finished.
Enjoy your day!
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness?
Buy now at your favourite retailer!
Amazon |Kobo | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook To celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm doing a giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway In case you were wondering what an author does on the launch day of her book, here's a photo of me in my writing turret eating bonbons - ha! Mr. S and I are building our sundeck. I'll eat lots of bonbons once it's finished.
Enjoy your day!
June 16, 2019
Burning Love is on sale. Only 99¢ for a limited time!
Who doesn't love a hunky firefighter story? Snap up this book by my fellow Wild Rose Press author, Jana Richards. 
After causing three cooking fires in her apartment, Iris Jensen finds herself evicted and homeless. She lands on Riley Benson's doorstep, looking to rent a room in the beautiful old home he's restoring. It's only for six weeks until Iris leaves Portland, Oregon for her new job on a cruise ship. Firefighter Riley knows firsthand what a bad tenant she can be. But he needs money to finish the work on the house he loves. And something about Iris pulls at his heart…
Meanwhile, in Heaven, two angels watch over the young lovers. Angelica and Hildegard work in Heaven's Relationship Division, where angels match mortals with their soul mates. The angels believe so strongly in Iris and Riley’s love that they break Heaven's rules to help them. Can the angels convince them their love will last a lifetime?
Here's a peek inside:
Riley looked into her beautiful blue eyes and her smiling face and did the only thing he was capable of doing at the moment.
He kissed her.
Maybe later, he told himself, when sanity returned, he’d think of a hundred reasons why pulling Iris into his arms, holding her snug against his body, and plundering her soft, sweet mouth was not a good idea. But for now, right now, as she wound her arms around his neck and made tiny sounds of excitement deep in her throat, it felt exactly right.
Heaven. Having Iris in his corner made him believe everything was possible.
He stepped backward toward the stairs, pulling Iris with him, intent on taking her upstairs to his room. He suddenly tripped, nearly losing his balance. He glanced behind him and saw the object he’d stumbled over. A set of luggage sat next to the stairs, still bearing tags from the retailer.
“What the hell is this?”
Iris kissed his neck. “I’m sorry. I should have taken them up to my room.”
Iris had bought new luggage for her trip. Her plans hadn’t changed.
She’s leaving me.
The thought acted as effectively as a bucket of cold water tossed over his head. What was he doing? She was leaving in three weeks and didn’t plan to return. The calendar in the kitchen reminded him of that every day. Why start something that would only lead to heartache?
He’d already lost too many people in his life.
And Riley instinctively knew that if he let himself get close to Iris, let himself love her, a part of him would not survive when she left.
This sounds like the perfect beach read to me! Grab your copy for only 99¢!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Love-ebook/dp/B003552TVU
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003552TVU
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003552TVU
Barnes&Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-love-jana-richards/1019776929?ean=2940043317179
Bookstrand: https://www.bookstrand.com/burning-love-0
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_Burning_Love?id=wVTYBAAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/burning-love-21
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/burning-love/id858279768
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burning-Love-eBook/407922973
Stay in touch with Jana here:
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
After causing three cooking fires in her apartment, Iris Jensen finds herself evicted and homeless. She lands on Riley Benson's doorstep, looking to rent a room in the beautiful old home he's restoring. It's only for six weeks until Iris leaves Portland, Oregon for her new job on a cruise ship. Firefighter Riley knows firsthand what a bad tenant she can be. But he needs money to finish the work on the house he loves. And something about Iris pulls at his heart…
Meanwhile, in Heaven, two angels watch over the young lovers. Angelica and Hildegard work in Heaven's Relationship Division, where angels match mortals with their soul mates. The angels believe so strongly in Iris and Riley’s love that they break Heaven's rules to help them. Can the angels convince them their love will last a lifetime?
Here's a peek inside:
Riley looked into her beautiful blue eyes and her smiling face and did the only thing he was capable of doing at the moment.
He kissed her.
Maybe later, he told himself, when sanity returned, he’d think of a hundred reasons why pulling Iris into his arms, holding her snug against his body, and plundering her soft, sweet mouth was not a good idea. But for now, right now, as she wound her arms around his neck and made tiny sounds of excitement deep in her throat, it felt exactly right.
Heaven. Having Iris in his corner made him believe everything was possible.
He stepped backward toward the stairs, pulling Iris with him, intent on taking her upstairs to his room. He suddenly tripped, nearly losing his balance. He glanced behind him and saw the object he’d stumbled over. A set of luggage sat next to the stairs, still bearing tags from the retailer.
“What the hell is this?”
Iris kissed his neck. “I’m sorry. I should have taken them up to my room.”
Iris had bought new luggage for her trip. Her plans hadn’t changed.
She’s leaving me.
The thought acted as effectively as a bucket of cold water tossed over his head. What was he doing? She was leaving in three weeks and didn’t plan to return. The calendar in the kitchen reminded him of that every day. Why start something that would only lead to heartache?
He’d already lost too many people in his life.
And Riley instinctively knew that if he let himself get close to Iris, let himself love her, a part of him would not survive when she left.
This sounds like the perfect beach read to me! Grab your copy for only 99¢!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Love-ebook/dp/B003552TVU
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003552TVU
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003552TVU
Barnes&Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-love-jana-richards/1019776929?ean=2940043317179
Bookstrand: https://www.bookstrand.com/burning-love-0
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_Burning_Love?id=wVTYBAAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/burning-love-21
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/burning-love/id858279768
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burning-Love-eBook/407922973
Stay in touch with Jana here:
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Amazon UK Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG
Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards
June 8, 2019
Travel Tales, part 4
We rejoin the intrepid couple…
We awoke to the ship docking alongside a park in Speyer, Germany, in the rain.
After what had become my typical breakfast of muesli, yoghurt, and fruit, we set off for a walking tour of the town.
A small section of the ancient city wall still stands.
Our tour guide, Ernst, a retired military man, was a font of architectural knowledge, particularly the history of the construction of the 11th century Romanesque Speyer Cathedral. 
We delved into the old Jewish quarter and had the opportunity climb down into a ceremonial bathing chamber, the Mikveh – brrr. 
We walked back to the ship for lunch before returning to town on our own. We explored a residential area where everyone seemed to have orchids in their front windows. I could see myself living in Speyer for a few months.
I must disabuse you of the notion that we were in Europe just for fun. Oh, no. Aside from collecting plot and character ideas for future books, we were on the Great Hat Hunt! Mr. S. has long been searching for the perfect chapeau and he found it in Speyer at a hat shop called Beisel Hüte. Started in 1951, it is now run by the founder’s granddaughter. She told us, “hats are my life”.
Once we had hat in hand, we continued our strolling and shared a warm pretzel – yum!
We returned to the ship for a German lesson. Ha! In one ear and out the other, I’m afraid. I did learn that saying prost as I raise a glass is incorrect – it should be prosit.
Following a delicious supper of consommé, German-style spinach ravioli, and an ice cream and cookie parfait, we all retired to the lounge for an evening of music and dancing. Too much fun! Don't forget - my next book, to be released on June 26th, is available for pre-order. If you like fun, flirty and steamy romance, get it now!
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.
Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness? I'm always looking for enthusiastic readers who love to write reviews. Apply to be on my review team, Gooseberry Flirts, if you'd like a chance to read the story before anyone else. Stay up to date on my writing and other shenanigans by subscribing to my newsletter.
We awoke to the ship docking alongside a park in Speyer, Germany, in the rain.
After what had become my typical breakfast of muesli, yoghurt, and fruit, we set off for a walking tour of the town.A small section of the ancient city wall still stands.
Our tour guide, Ernst, a retired military man, was a font of architectural knowledge, particularly the history of the construction of the 11th century Romanesque Speyer Cathedral. We delved into the old Jewish quarter and had the opportunity climb down into a ceremonial bathing chamber, the Mikveh – brrr. We walked back to the ship for lunch before returning to town on our own. We explored a residential area where everyone seemed to have orchids in their front windows. I could see myself living in Speyer for a few months.I must disabuse you of the notion that we were in Europe just for fun. Oh, no. Aside from collecting plot and character ideas for future books, we were on the Great Hat Hunt! Mr. S. has long been searching for the perfect chapeau and he found it in Speyer at a hat shop called Beisel Hüte. Started in 1951, it is now run by the founder’s granddaughter. She told us, “hats are my life”.
Once we had hat in hand, we continued our strolling and shared a warm pretzel – yum!
We returned to the ship for a German lesson. Ha! In one ear and out the other, I’m afraid. I did learn that saying prost as I raise a glass is incorrect – it should be prosit. Following a delicious supper of consommé, German-style spinach ravioli, and an ice cream and cookie parfait, we all retired to the lounge for an evening of music and dancing. Too much fun! Don't forget - my next book, to be released on June 26th, is available for pre-order. If you like fun, flirty and steamy romance, get it now!
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness? I'm always looking for enthusiastic readers who love to write reviews. Apply to be on my review team, Gooseberry Flirts, if you'd like a chance to read the story before anyone else. Stay up to date on my writing and other shenanigans by subscribing to my newsletter.
June 1, 2019
New book! - preorder! - excitement!!!
I am incredibly excited to share that my next book, Love Proof, will be released into the wild, and onto your e-readers, on June 26, 2019. Huzzah!!! Cue the biodegradable confetti!!! Pop the sparkling wine corks!!!
If you enjoy light-hearted and steamy small-town romance with snappy dialogue, pre-order Love Proof today!!!
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook
*there is now a world-wide shortage of exclamation marks
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.
Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness? I'm always looking for enthusiastic readers who love to write reviews. Apply to be on my review team, Gooseberry Flirts, if you'd like a chance to read the story before anyone else. Stay up to date on my writing and other shenanigans by subscribing to my newsletter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your support!
Cheers,
Luanna
If you enjoy light-hearted and steamy small-town romance with snappy dialogue, pre-order Love Proof today!!!
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Nook
*there is now a world-wide shortage of exclamation marks
Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.
Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.
Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness? I'm always looking for enthusiastic readers who love to write reviews. Apply to be on my review team, Gooseberry Flirts, if you'd like a chance to read the story before anyone else. Stay up to date on my writing and other shenanigans by subscribing to my newsletter.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your support!
Cheers,
Luanna
May 25, 2019
Travel tales, part 3
We re-join the grand European adventure as our ship glides into Strasbourg. Not actually into town, since the rivers that flow through that lovely city are too narrow and shallow to accommodate a cruise ship, but you get the gist.
We were still chugging along as we went to breakfast, after having passed through several locks over night, with a few more to navigate. Traffic on the Rhine was especially heavy and so we were running behind schedule.
As soon as we docked, we boarded busses for a brief driving tour of Strasbourg, after which we met up with our walking-tour guide, a feisty French woman who, stereotypically but authentically, said “ooh la la” at moments of crisis. Unfortunately, because of the travel delays, the tour was abbreviated. But we’d been to Strasbourg before and so were happy for the extra time on our own.
We strolled around town, along the river, through quaint squares, scoping out a potential lunch spot. We made our decision based on the long line that had formed at L’Atelier 116, a sure sign of good food. 
After more strolling (good, comfortable shoes are required for traversing cobblestone streets) we stopped for a pick-me-up at Poids Plume Bistro Viet. We enjoyed a chilled glass of panaché, a yummy mix of beer and lemonade, just like a shandy in the UK. 
We made our way back to the ship in time for a demonstration on how to cook Flammküchen – a delicious thin crust, topped with onion, cheese and ham – yum! We had our safety drill and then another enjoyable dinner – roasted pumpkin soup, Chateaubriand, potatoes, steamed veggies, molten chocolate cake with ice cream. Mathias, the cruise director, joined us for dinner and we chatted about his life and career (from the Netherlands, married, kids, started working on big sea-going vessels, prefers the rivers, 28 days on a ship, 13 days off). 
Then back to the lounge for an evening of Klezmer music provided by a quartet (violin, bass fiddle, two guitars) from Strasbourg. Great toe-tapping stuff, lots of Django Reinhardt.
About fifteen minutes after we returned to our cabin we drifted away from shore and I drifted off to sleep.
We were still chugging along as we went to breakfast, after having passed through several locks over night, with a few more to navigate. Traffic on the Rhine was especially heavy and so we were running behind schedule.
As soon as we docked, we boarded busses for a brief driving tour of Strasbourg, after which we met up with our walking-tour guide, a feisty French woman who, stereotypically but authentically, said “ooh la la” at moments of crisis. Unfortunately, because of the travel delays, the tour was abbreviated. But we’d been to Strasbourg before and so were happy for the extra time on our own.
We strolled around town, along the river, through quaint squares, scoping out a potential lunch spot. We made our decision based on the long line that had formed at L’Atelier 116, a sure sign of good food. After more strolling (good, comfortable shoes are required for traversing cobblestone streets) we stopped for a pick-me-up at Poids Plume Bistro Viet. We enjoyed a chilled glass of panaché, a yummy mix of beer and lemonade, just like a shandy in the UK. We made our way back to the ship in time for a demonstration on how to cook Flammküchen – a delicious thin crust, topped with onion, cheese and ham – yum! We had our safety drill and then another enjoyable dinner – roasted pumpkin soup, Chateaubriand, potatoes, steamed veggies, molten chocolate cake with ice cream. Mathias, the cruise director, joined us for dinner and we chatted about his life and career (from the Netherlands, married, kids, started working on big sea-going vessels, prefers the rivers, 28 days on a ship, 13 days off). Then back to the lounge for an evening of Klezmer music provided by a quartet (violin, bass fiddle, two guitars) from Strasbourg. Great toe-tapping stuff, lots of Django Reinhardt.About fifteen minutes after we returned to our cabin we drifted away from shore and I drifted off to sleep.
May 4, 2019
Travel Tales, part two
This next installment of our grand European adventure records the beginning of our river cruise aboard one of the Viking River Cruise longships.
A lovely bus ride through the Swiss countryside took us from Zurich to Basel.
We enjoyed an informative walking tour of the city - old-world twisty cobbled streets, quaint shops, intriguing restaurants, and trams and bicycles posing a risk to pedestrians.
Interior courtyard of a government building.
After the tour we boarded our ship, the Viking Hild, checked in to our stateroom, freshened up a bit, unpacked a few things, then headed to the restaurant for a buffet lunch. We sat with and got to know a foursome of women who travel together regularly. The food aboard the ship was divine from beginning to end. I’ll probably mention the food several times, but it was delicious and so deserves mentioning. I can’t fathom how the chefs created those feasts in their tiny kitchen.
We set sail and soon went through the first of many locks that control the water level along the Rhine. We barely skimmed below the ginormous gate and got sprinkled with river water as we passed under.
The incredibly young-looking captain and a crew member making sure we were headed in the right direction.
The river is a veritable highway for all manner of cargo and we encountered many barges.
Quite often, a husband-and-wife pair of captains live on board, and need a vehicle for when the ship is docked. We even saw barges with a small playground – the children would be homeschooled. 
We freshened up and joined the other passengers in the lounge for Happy Hour, the toast to Captain and crew, and the presentation by our cruise director, Mathias.
We found a table in the dining room, no set seating arrangements, and enjoyed getting to know two couples – one from Florida and one from California. Our menu choices were always varied and each evening included a special regional dish. That night it was veal ragout – I can’t bring myself to eat veal, so instead I enjoyed the Thai green curry. Yum! I started with the white bean soup and it, and all the soups I ate onboard, was delicious. My dessert was a plum tart. Lots of wine accompanied dinner and we were almost the last group to leave the dining room, hehe.
Fun times.
A lovely bus ride through the Swiss countryside took us from Zurich to Basel.
We enjoyed an informative walking tour of the city - old-world twisty cobbled streets, quaint shops, intriguing restaurants, and trams and bicycles posing a risk to pedestrians.
Interior courtyard of a government building.
After the tour we boarded our ship, the Viking Hild, checked in to our stateroom, freshened up a bit, unpacked a few things, then headed to the restaurant for a buffet lunch. We sat with and got to know a foursome of women who travel together regularly. The food aboard the ship was divine from beginning to end. I’ll probably mention the food several times, but it was delicious and so deserves mentioning. I can’t fathom how the chefs created those feasts in their tiny kitchen.We set sail and soon went through the first of many locks that control the water level along the Rhine. We barely skimmed below the ginormous gate and got sprinkled with river water as we passed under.
The incredibly young-looking captain and a crew member making sure we were headed in the right direction.
The river is a veritable highway for all manner of cargo and we encountered many barges.
Quite often, a husband-and-wife pair of captains live on board, and need a vehicle for when the ship is docked. We even saw barges with a small playground – the children would be homeschooled. We freshened up and joined the other passengers in the lounge for Happy Hour, the toast to Captain and crew, and the presentation by our cruise director, Mathias.We found a table in the dining room, no set seating arrangements, and enjoyed getting to know two couples – one from Florida and one from California. Our menu choices were always varied and each evening included a special regional dish. That night it was veal ragout – I can’t bring myself to eat veal, so instead I enjoyed the Thai green curry. Yum! I started with the white bean soup and it, and all the soups I ate onboard, was delicious. My dessert was a plum tart. Lots of wine accompanied dinner and we were almost the last group to leave the dining room, hehe.
Fun times.
