The Perfect Vacation by Chris Keniston and Kathy Ivan

The Perfect Vacation – Chris Keniston and the Beach

My bucket list of interesting places grows longer every year. I'd love to walk the Great Wall of China.  I'd like to stand in the center of Timbuktu.  But I'd especially like to have lunch in an ocean restaurant in Bali.  Yes. I mean one of those places where the table and chairs are in the water. The crystal clear aqua blue warm water.

And if you can't tell, I am most definitely a beach person.  I love the ocean, the sand, the sound of the waves rushing ashore.  And have you noticed how the food always tastes better by the sea?  

My mother and I had the best ever Macaroni and Cheese in Bermuda. 

Now I know a lot of people love the mountains. Some of the views are mind boggling. A friend of mine recently sent me a photo from the Grand Canyon – also on my bucket list - that left me breathless.

Of course my biggest problems with mountains is they tend to come with other interesting and often frightening sights, like bears.

Princess Chris Keniston has Landed--In London

The Americans have Landed—in London!

Some opportunities in life can't be turned down. So when I was asked to join a booksigning sponsored by Kobo #UksignKobo, I couldn't refuse. Which of course meant a trip to London!

First shock to British sensibilities came when a blonde from the west coast and myself sang along to Carly Simon's You're So Vain in the ladies room at Heathrow airport!  But I must say I think I'm adapting quite well. I adore the civilized practice of stopping mid afternoon for tea.    And just yesterday I heard myself comment on the peacocks at an English Manor – I believe my exact words were "Loud little buggers aren't they?"  And again leaving the country shop I heard myself say, "So many lovely bibs and bobs."

#PlottingPrincesses : @ChrisKeniston asks are you Brave or Crazy? #MFRWorg #skydiving

Brave or Crazy? 


Not very long ago my daughter and I had a conversation about why would anyone want to jump from an airplane.  My views are fairly simple. No amount of money could get me to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.  I wouldn't even consider jumping out of a crippled aircraft. As a matter of fact, had I been a passenger on Air Force One with Harrison Ford, I would have taken my chances with the terrorists. 


Imagine my surprise when one Sunday morning my daughter and I have the following conversation: 


"By the way, Mom, I went skydiving yesterday." 

"That's nice, dear."
 
"You don't believe me?" 

"No, dear." 


Teasing mom with the absurd was nothing new in our family. Except my disbelief was corrected when photos of my daring daughter appeared on the internet the next day. Holy Silk Parachutes. I watched the video.  She really did it! In order to celebrate a friend's birthday my child, who only a few days before had agreed with me that nothing could make us jump out of a plane, did just that.  Terrified. The most fear she's ever felt in her life. But she did it.  

.@ChrisKeniston : Military Heroes #MFRWauthor #WoundedWarriors

Holy Heroes, Batman !

Sometimes when I see reruns of the sixties TV series Batman I wonder what happened to Alliterating Robin when he grew up? Did he become an alpha hero like Batman or evolve into a loveable beta hero?  

We all love a good book with a good hero. I'm especially fond of the strong beta hero. The guy with a sensitive heart and the patience of saint, but not so mild that people walk all over him. My mind immediately turns to Commander Harmon Rabb of the TV show JAG.  He had it all – except that it took him 9 years to get the girl! But he did – and in full mess dress too. Heaven's he looked handsome.

Some folks prefer the strong, take charge, high risk alpha hero.  And I'll admit, I wouldn't throw one back!  I love those Navy SEAL books.  The guy who takes on the bad guys and leaves them in his wake like debris after a tornado. What's the cliché? Could eat 'em with a spoon- lol.

Today, I'd like to take a minute of your time to mention real heroes. Everyday heroes, like firemen, and policemen, and the person who risks his or her own safety for a stranger in trouble. But more specifically, our military heroes. The ones who put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom. And who too often come home to face challenges and hardships no person who fought for our country should.

Welcome to Paradise by Chris Keniston

I love Paradise. Technically I love any beach with warm blue water, soft sand, and if you throw in a piña colada and a cabana boy- I’m in hog heaven.

Three years ago a dear friend invited me to join her on a vacation to Hawaii. One week in Kona. It didn’t seem right to travel that far and not go to Pearl Harbor, so I arrived a day early in Honolulu.

The first thing I remember is stepping outside the hotel door at oh dark thirty in the morning (all tours to Pearl start v-e-r-y early) and mumbling to the driver “what beautiful weather”. His response- “There’s a reason they call this Paradise.” Of course the writer in me immediately thought-- Gotta put that in a book somewhere.

NEW BOOKS FOR BOOK LOVERS

It's been a while since the Princesses shared our current books with you. So here you go, in one handy, dandy, all-in-one list: The current releases for several of the Plotting Princesses. Included is a short blurb about the story, the cover and (of course) links to buy the books!

ENJOY!

The Reluctant Santa by Sylvia McDaniel

Blurb: Since his mother abandoned him on Christmas Eve never to return, Colin McDermott has hated Christmas and sworn never to have children. But this year two angels are giving him everything he didn't want. A Santa suit, a child and a chance at love again. This is his last chance to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Buy Link: Amazon

Losing Cassie (Destiny's Desire Series #2) by Kathy Ivan

Blurb: Welcome to Destiny's Desire Lodge, where The Fates can manipulate the threads of life at their whim and the Fate-Keeper battles to unite the predestined souls of true love.

Firefighter Jake Stone lost the love of his life when his high school sweetheart disappeared. The arrival of a mysterious letter promising answers draws Jake to Destiny's Desire.

Cassie Daniels has been running for seven long years. At Destiny's Desire she might finally have a chance for a happy future, if she can face the evil from her past.

When Fate and Destiny collide . . . can Love survive?

Buy Links:
Amazon
B & N
Smashwords