I’m sorry I disappeared for a while. No, I didn’t get lost, I’ve been busy! lol
As you probably know after all my online whining, we had to do a major overhaul of our garden thanks to the last few years of drought conditions. The RV Park chose this route rather than substantially raising our pad rents, so I can’t complain- much.
The timing was bad because of spring. The bulbs were all up (aren’t the tulips above gorgeous?), and cherry, plum, and apple trees were all in bloom, making transplanting dangerous. But I’m happy to say, all survived except two of the climbing roses, and we’re still holding out hope they will come back.
Whew, I’m glad that’s over with!
As well, I was asked by the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Kiss of Death branch to judge in the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in romantic suspense.
From the contest site:
The Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense is named for Daphne du Maurier, the author of Rebecca, a suspense novel with romantic and gothic overtones and a precursor to today’s romantic suspense. The writing contest is for published and unpublished authors of mystery, suspense, and thrillers with or without romantic subplots.
2023 will be the 25th Anniversary of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense
Kiss of Death Contest-https://www.rwakissofdeath.org/kodcontest/
It was an honor to volunteer for this position. I can’t wait to see who wins!
My grandson recently celebrated his sixteen birthday- 16!
I remember what I was doing at his age, and most of it wasn’t good, lol. He’s way more responsible than his granny, thank goodness. He, and his mom, just finished a training course called Project Jonah so they could volunteer to save marine mammals- so cool!
He’s the curly head, second on the left 🙂
Project Jonah exists for one simple reason.
Helping marine mammals.
Our vision is to create a world where these animals are respected & protected.
Project Jonah is made up of everyday Kiwis who have given up their time to volunteer with us. Together we aim to protect & help marine mammals through our rescue, action & protection programs. Whether it is through picking up litter on our beaches or getting hands on in rescuing stranded whales, our volunteers all do their part.
And finally, in honor of Mother’s Day, I’ve set my romantic suspense, Secrets, Lies & Alibis free for a limited time.
From USA Today Bestselling Author, Jacquie Biggar, comes a gripping romantic suspense, part of a military SEAL series tied together by an interlocking cast of characters you won’t soon forget.
An elusive danger brings two obstinate lovers together for the sake of their unborn child
SAC Agent Amanda Rhinehold is driven to succeed, so it’s a bitter pill to swallow when she is forced to accept a demotion in order to distance herself from an error in judgment– one that leaves her pregnant.
Adam O’Connor uses his playboy image to keep anyone from getting too close. History has shown the people he cares about tends to get hurt, he’s like the proverbial bad luck charm. When an affair with his supervisor goes sideways and she leaves town, he figures it’s for the best, though his heart isn’t so sure.
When trouble comes calling, these two will have to sort their differences in order to protect their baby- and try not to fall in love in the process.
★★★★★ “This author is an auto-buy for me. Each of her novels including this one is a perfect mix of angst, suspense, humor, and steaminess.”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091MMPPMW
International: https://books2read.com/SecretsLiesandAlibis
TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57619859-secrets-lies-alibis
Recommend on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/secrets-lies-alibis-wounded-hearts-book-8-by-jacquie-biggar
Excerpt:
“Just a moment,” she called, slipping into the hotel bathrobe. She’d asked for a wake-up call but hadn’t expected door service.
Smiling, she tightened the belt on the robe and cracked open the door. “Thank you, I’m good … Adam?” Her voice climbed an octave. “What are you doing here?”
He raised his eyebrows. “I’d think that would be obvious. We need to talk. Alone.” His gaze did a slow glide from her face over what he could see of her robe and ended on her pink tipped toes. “Let me in, Amanda.”
For one insane moment, she contemplated opening the door and throwing herself into his arms. It had been too long since she’d felt the comfort of a man—this man’s—touch, but of course, she couldn’t. Her natural reticence raised its ugly head and stopped her from making a fool of herself.
“I’m not dressed for guests.” She raised the belt of her robe, hoping he would take the hint and go.
No such luck.
“I’ve seen you in less. Either let me in so we can have this out, or I’m going to serenade you in the hallway—your choice.”
He wouldn’t.
“Whenever I’m alone with you,
“You make me feel like I’m home again.”
He would.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Here’s a photo of the wisteria growing behind our favorite family restaurant. The scent is amazing 🙂
Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author 
Being busy can be good, but now you should rest awhile?
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All summer, lol
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Lovely idea, Jacquie… 💕
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The book sounds intriguing…Good cover, and what fabulous wisteria and photograph! Aah…xx
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The wisteria is breathtaking. I love the scent!
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Congratulations Jacquie! And to your grandson…You should both sleep soundly! xx
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Nothing like a few days of fresh air and hard work to help sleep, lol
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Your grandson sounds like a nice young man, Jacquie. You should be proud! I was the same as you at sixteen. 🙂 Your flowers are gorgeous! xo
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Kids are much more aware these days- that’s a good thing 🙂
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The wisteria is fabulous! I’m glad your gardening project went OK and most survived (including you!). Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!!
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Happy Mother’s Day, Darlene! I’m still in recovery mode, lol. All that bending and pulling isn’t as easy as it used to be 🙂
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❤️😊
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Your grandson sounds like a gem. Enticing excerpt, Jacquie!
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Thank you! He’s the light in our lives, for sure ❤
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Wow, you have been busy! Those flowers are gorgeous. I’m glad they didn’t raise rates but hard to transplant everything too. I didn’t do a extra garden during the worst of the drought. With this wet winter here finally we got lots veggie growing again and will add flowers. Congrats on being a judge, how fun! Happy 16th birthday to your grandson, ours turns 15 this summer. Likes you he he has a much better head on his shoulders than grandma did…lol
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Different times, I guess. Kids don’t get to be kids like we were.
I bet you’re happy to have veggies growing 🙂
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Happy Mother’s Day, Jacquie. Sounds like you have been very busy. Good to see you back.
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Good to be back, John. I’ve missed you 🙂
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😊
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How fun that you’ve been asked to be a judge in the contest, Jacquie. You’ll have some fun reading ahead. How awesome that your grandson has turned 16. That’s a milestone. The flowers are beautiful. I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day tomorrow! Hugs!
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I can’t believe he’s that old already! I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day, as well {{hugs}}
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I was wondering, Jacquie. Thank you for returning to us! Congrats on getting your garden in order and the judging gig. They picked a well-qualified judge!
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That’s sweet of you to say, thank you!
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Gorgeous flowers, Jacquie. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day. I picked up Secrets, Lies & Alibis – thank you. Your books never fail to entertain. I hope to read it soon. ❤️
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Thank you, Gwen! I hope you had a nice Mother’s Day, as well. Did you hear from your globe-trotting sons? 🙂
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I enjoyed reading this entire post, but learning about your grandson was the best part. I love reading about young people with big hearts that care about the planet. It gives me hope for the future.
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Me, too. Most kids these days are more aware of the ramifications of climate change, sadly.
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You have been very busy, Jacquie! Good thing the gardens were mostly kept intact. Congrats to your grandson and his endeavors. Love the shot of your purple wisteria–I’ve added this link to my Sunday Stills color challenge post (purple) today. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Appreciate you checking in on me, Terri, thank you!
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Thanks for including me, Terri!
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What a magnificent wisteria! So beautiful 💜
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It is! There’s a white one somewhere in the city, too. I remember seeing it once but now I can’t find it, lol
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How exciting to be a judge, Jacquie – congrats! And what wonderful work your family is doing – amazing!
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It was interesting. There’s quite a process involved, not simply judge this from 1-5, lol
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Hi Jacquie, I had noticed your were MIA on your blog but I saw your FB posts so I thought you were just taking a break. I’m glad your plants transplanted okay, it is better to do that sort of thing when the plants are dormant so I do understand. Your daughter and grandson sound like they are doing great things in NZL.
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How are things for you, Robbie? I heard there’s been some trouble in South Africa lately.
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Hi Jacquie, fortunately we are independent of the government provided electricity supply, as are 2 of my 3 sisters, so we are badly impacted by that problem. The selling of arms to the Russians is just another instance of our corrupt and incompetent governments greed and complete lack of regard from the people of this country. Unfortunately, the repercussions impact the poor the most. It is very saddening that South Africa is a much worse place from the masses now than it was pre-1994. A recent study showed that 80% of South African children can’t read for meaning by age of 10. That means they have very little hope of ever improving their lot in the this world. I try to do my small bit to help with the books I donate and my involvement in Literacy movements.
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That’s heartbreaking. It’s a sad cycle of corruption that’s hard to break.
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It’s way past mother’s day as I read this, but I did have a nice one. I love your tulips and that wisteria is gorgeous. Where are your daughter and son living, Jacquie? I thought they were on the east coast, but kiwis? Glad you are keeping busy and out of trouble.
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They were on the east coast, but then she got an offer to finish her PhD in New Zealand and grabbed it. Wonderful opportunity but we sure miss them.
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Oh wow, that is awesome. New Zealand is on my bucket list, but I don’t think I will ever get there. Such a wonderful experience for them.
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