5-Star Indie Read: Straight As A Jalebi by Ritu Bhathal

Straight As A Jalebi
by
Ritu Bhathal

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Soon after I finished reading Marriage Unarranged by Ritu Bhathal, I knew I wanted to read the next book in her Rishtay Series, Straight As A Jalebi. In the first book, we meet twenty-three-year-old Aashi Gill, whose marriage plans dramatically unravel just a few months before the wedding. The series is set during the new millennium in Birmingham, UK, where the Gill family lives, and in India, where the well-known designer Milan Tagore, runs his business. Now, Milan and the Gills have entered a venture together, offering Tagore designs at the Gills’ Indian fabric shop in England.

The second book focuses on Aashi’s brother Sunny, the oldest child in the family. In the first book, he was happy to chaperone Aashi’s post-engagement break-up trip to India, where new romances developed between Aashi and fellow traveler, Arjun, and between her next oldest brother Bali and Aashi’s best friend, Kiran. In addition, surprising yet confusing sparks between Sunny and Milan began to fly. A lot happened on that trip!

After the trip in the first book, Bali and Kiran announced their engagement. Meanwhile, Sunny must sort out his attraction to Milan, privately. The pressure is on for him to marry next and his matchmaker aunt is hard at work with suggestions. Sunny knows his parents would never understand how he could have feelings for another man.

Milan’s family has pressured their son to marry. He has already said no to one arrangement, which led to a ripped-up business contract between his strong-minded and now bitter father and a potential partner. While Milan’s father seethes and his mother wrings her hands, Milan secretly courts Sunny, telling him they will find a way to be together. But how? Milan is bolder, but Sunny is afraid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and felt invested in all the characters, especially Sunny and Milan. Bhathal has done a great job developing the relationships and storylines and, even though I have never been to England or India, I could easily picture the characters and settings. I also liked the way the author intersperses Sikh and Hindu terms and customs, making them familiar to the reader. I loved picturing the beautiful designs and accessories and felt the excitement of the Bali and Kiran’s wedding plans. I also loved reading about the days-long wedding celebrations, traditions, and ceremony, including all the food, drink including, of course, tea!

Although part of a series, Straight As A Jalebi can be read as a standalone. The author includes plenty of backstory to explain plot and relationships. I highly recommend this warm and realistic story about two people who find love but must hide their true identities. Also, I love the cover!

You can read my review of Marriage Unarranged here.

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5-Star Indie Read: Marriage Unarranged by Ritu Bhathal

Marriage Unarranged
by
Ritu Bhathal

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I thoroughly enjoyed this feel-good romance about twenty-three-year-old Aashi, whose marriage plans dramatically unravel just a few months before the wedding. The families are shocked. What will everyone say? The couple had seemed such a good match, but once Aashi discovers Ravi’s true colors, there is no turning back.

Set in England and India at the start of the New Millennium, Aashi and her family begin the overwhelming task of canceling all the arrangements. But when they discuss the upcoming trip to India, originally booked to order Aashi’s bridal outfits and invitations, she says she still wants to go, thinking “maybe going back home would be the soul-cleansing break she needed.”

The family agrees and soon Aashi, her brothers Sunny and Bali and her best friend, Kiran depart Birmingham for India with special instructions from her father, Mohinder, “Beta, when you go to Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, thank Babi-ji. Everything happens for a reason. Ask Him to stay with you, so that your future decisions may be the correct ones.”

Sunny is excited. As manager of the family’s clothing business, a trip to India is the perfect opportunity to expand their inventory. And this could be Kiran’s chance to get closer to Bali who already seems receptive. As for Aashi, she is just glad to get away. Enter Aashi’s charming and handsome seatmate, Arjun.

When the group lands in Delhi, Arjun quickly becomes part of the group. Hmmm, something has happened. Are those sparks between Aashi and Arjun? Readers, you can expect some romantic intrigue, but it is up to you to find out how it develops!

I also really liked the second part of the book, a travelogue of the group’s visit, including their pilgrimage to Amritsar. The author does a great job describing the logistics, food, culture, and customs. The group is so good natured, despite crowds, heat, and snafus, I felt I would have enjoyed traveling with them. I also wanted to buy a set of jeweled bangles and get henna designs on my hands.

One of the best things about the book is the respect that Aashi, her siblings and friends show their parents and the older generation. And I especially liked how, after the initial drama of the broken engagement, Aashi’s parents support her decision. In addition, a strong desire to do the right thing and correct mistakes runs through the story.

Marriage Unarranged is the first book in the Rishtay Series. I also enjoyed the second book in the series, Straight as a Jalebi.

I recommend Marriage Unarranged to readers who like heartwarming stories, with a little bit of spice and are interested in learning about the Indian religions and culture.

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Who’s That Indie Author? Debbie Bourne

Debbie Bourne

Name: Debbie Bourne

Book: The High-Heeled Gardener

Genre: Eco romance!

When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer? I didn’t set out to be a writer… it’s just that the book is based on a true story and I felt it needed to be written down. Who knew community gardening could be so funny or sexy!

Do you write full-time? If not, do you have an outside job or other responsibilities? I co-run a Climate and social action charity in London called Think&Do

Where do you get your ideas for characters and plots? During the course of my working day I’m surrounded by characters just like in my books! Wonderful and eccentric people.

Have you ever written yourself into a story? The answer is in the characters’ name!

What subjects motivate you? I’m motivated by trying to engage a wider audience in the topic of climate and social action. It’s important we all do our bit to help the planet. My books will show you how. And make it fun in the process.

What kind of research and preparation do you do before you write? There’s a lot of research. The High-Heeled Gardener is part worms and all series gardening journal with a month by month detailed ‘how to’ get growing veg and fruit.

What is your editing process? Do you hire an outside editor? Yes, of course. Books have to be edited.

How do you decide on your book covers? Do you outsource? The great thing about being involved in community climate action is that you meet all sorts of professional people who want to do their bit and help out. My covers were created by Eli as a huge favour to me. Eli Giordana is an illustrator in very high demand.

How did you come up with the title of your latest book? The High-Heeled Gardener is a metaphor for the unlikely gardener in each of us. Once I thought of the title, I knew it was spot on. And funny.

What route did you take to get published? Describe your experience. I was approached by Malchik Media, an up and coming indie publisher in the US. Very lucky they saw the potential for quirky British humour across the pond.

Have you ever tried to get an agent? If so, what steps did you take? No, I didn’t feel the need to have an agent, the internet has opened up the publishing world to so many more new young authors. It’s no longer business as usual. I felt it was a good idea just to get on with it.

What kinds of things do you do to promote your book? Watch out for a stylish short film coming out soon on Youtube to promote the book. Because of the cute fashion illustrations in the book, the marketing and promo has an additional angle to have fun with!

Have you ever had a book-signing event? Tell us about your experience. Not yet!

Have you taken writing courses? No, self-taught, but have read all the obvious books. I also write for a local newspaper and have written hundreds of community newsletters, so am always at it. So to speak!

Do you belong to a writer’s group? No writer’s group. My writing is my own little private world which I love retreating to. I look forwards each day to going back and meeting my characters.

Do you ask friends/family to read your WIP? Of course.

Name three unread books on your bookshelf. I would prefer to say these are part read: Robert MacFarlane Landmarks. George Mombiot Regensis. Ravenous. How to get ourselves and our planet into shape.

What is the last book you read? The Way Home. Mark Boyle…and I’m not admitting to the rest. But author’s surmane might be ….Steele.

How many pages do you think a book of fiction/nonfiction should be? Around 300

What is the riskiest or wildest thing you’ve ever done? Buying a wood.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? Grown a cauliflower!

What advice can you give to new writers entering the writing and publishing arena? Enjoy  the process and have fun.

Social media links: Find Debbie on Twitter: @HeeledGardener; @Tkentishtown; @ThinkDoCamden

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Who’s That Indie Author? Josephine Strand

Josephine Strand

Name: Josephine Strand

Book: Misty Dreams

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

When did you first decide you wanted to be a writer? It wasn’t a decision I made. I’ve always written in some form or another. I started very early in life with journaling, then progressed to story writing. I never aspired to get published until much later in life.

Do you write full-time? If not, do you have an outside job or other responsibilities? I worked full-time most of my adult life out of necessity. Only after I retired two years ago was I finally able to dedicate more time to my writing.

Where do you get your ideas for characters and plots? I’ve always been an avid reader, and the books I read and enjoy often provide the spark that will light an idea in my head. I’ve always had a fervent imagination that I’ve poured into numerous unpublished manuscripts over the years.

Have you ever written yourself into a story? Not myself as a character, but things I draw from my own experiences and emotions.

What kind of research and preparation do you do before you write? I’m more of an outliner than a plotter. I usually start with an idea, I create the characters, give them a background and mostly let them direct my hand in telling their story. I also take down notes as ideas come to me, and I’m big on character spreadsheets. I do some basic research to start off, then continue researching through the writing process to ensure authenticity. I find research almost as much fun as writing.

What is your editing process? Do you hire an outside editor? I did multiple self-edits on Misty Dreams until I thought I could do no more. Still, l wasn’t satisfied it was good enough for publishing. That’s when I decided to hire a professional editor, and it was the best decision I ever made.

How do you decide on your book covers? Do you outsource? Again, I can only speak for my only published book so far. The cover image is mine, one I created from a photo I had taken and which I edited it to recreate the setting of my story as I envisioned it, then I hired a designer for the calligraphy and formatting.

How did you come up with the title of your book? Though the title Misty Dreams can sound generic, in reality it has a much deeper meaning. Misty was the female protagonist’s nickname earlier on in the story, and she is haunted by ‘dreams’ or memory flashes.

What route did you take to get published? Describe your experience. I was past the age of sixty-five by the time I was ready to publish my book and didn’t have the luxury of standing by for years until one of the Big Five noticed me, if at all. After submitting to several agents and publishers, I gave myself six months to wait for the responses to come in. When all I got was a bunch of polite rejections, I made my decision to take the self-publishing route.

What kinds of things do you do to promote your book? Besides running low-cost Amazon ads, I mostly self-market my book through my social media pages and newsletter, and by joining other authors in monthly promotions through BookFunnel.

Have you ever had a book-signing event? Tell us about your experience. I published my book at the height of the pandemic, and therefore couldn’t hold an in-person book signing. I was still new to social media and didn’t have the first clue how to organize a virtual one.

Do you ask friends/family to read your WIP? Except for my editor who’s also a friend, no one I know read my book until after it was published.

Name three unread books on your bookshelf. The Return by Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson and Atlas, of The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley.

What is the last book you read? The Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? I thought writing my book and getting it ready for publishing was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I hadn’t considered the marketing part of the publishing process. As a self-published author, you do all the heavy lifting, and promoting your brand is the heaviest load. Prior to publishing, I didn’t have a strong following, and I had no clue how to go about getting my book into the hands of potential readers. I was social media-shy, and the idea of setting up advertising platforms seemed overwhelming. Two years later I’m still learning the ropes.

What advice can you give to new writers entering the writing and publishing arena? The best advice I can give new writers is, don’t let self-doubt and lack of self-confidence hold you back. Learn the fundamentals of writing and become more competent in your own abilities. Finally, look beyond your goal. Writing a book doesn’t end at the words ‘The End.” There’s so much work to be done, before and after the publishing process.

Website and social media links:
Website: josephinestrand.com
Instagram: @authorjstrand
Facebook: @jstrandauthor
Twitter: @J_Strand05
TikTok: @josephinestrand78
Goodreads: Josephine_Strand
BookBub: misty-dreams-by-josephine-strand

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Who’s That Indie Author? Heather J. Bennett

Author Name: Heather J. Bennett

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Historical (1970s)/Romance

Books: Letting Go, Expecting to Fly

Bio: As a music fan, Heather focuses her writing on the undisclosed lives of musicians. She is the author of Letting Go and Expecting to Fly and the award-winning short story “Amsterdam” published through Southwest Writers. A native of Long Island, NY, she has been transplanted to Dallas, TX (y’all), where she works as a Marketing Coordinator.

What got you started as a writer? My 1st-grade teacher gave us an assignment and I’ve been a writer ever since.

What is your writing routine? I belong to a writing critique group that meets every Tuesday. A Zoom writing session every Thursday, another writing guild that has an ongoing café to use, plus a full-day writing retreat on the 2^nd Saturday of each month, and in between, I try to write/edit at least 1-2 hours after work and on the weekends.

What route did you take to get your book(s) published? I am a self-published author learning more and more each day!

What things do you do to promote your books? I have a Facebook page, and an Instagram page, and am currently working on getting out now that the world is open again. I’d like to do some tabling events and readings. I just moved to the Dallas area and am still learning what it has to offer to authors.

What is your favorite genre to read and why? I like reading a variety of genres from YA to paranormal/supernatural to romance. I think I tend to read mostly YA because of the storytelling and they feel the most relevant to the world today.

Do you prefer to write dialogue or description? Oh, I much prefer dialogue!

Have any of your characters ever surprised you? Did this change the plot of your book? My characters surprise me with every book! In Letting Go, my main character did something completely unexpected and I ended up crying at my desk – in the office because I was writing on my lunch break!

What is the most difficult thing you have accomplished in your life? Getting a job offer here in Texas, finding someplace to live in Texas, flying home, packing up my house and storage unit, finding a mover, loading it all up and moving from New York – in FIVE DAYS. My new employer had no idea I was in New York – but I made it happen and it’s the best thing I’ve done.

What three events or people have most influenced how you live your life?  1. Moving to the Netherlands for 4 years. 2. Moving to Philadelphia for 18 years. 3. Moving to Dallas. With each move, I discovered more independence, and more places to explore, and learned that most people want the same things in life no matter where they’re from.

What would you tell your younger self? You don’t have to be the next greatest American author – you just have to keep writing. It will still bring you joy and the most interesting, amazing people will come into your life through your efforts.

Have you ever met up with a bear on a hike? If so, what did you do? If not, are you looking up what to do right now? I’ve never met a bear on a hike – but there is that meme… if you see me running, you’d better run, too!

You’re locked in your local library for the night with no dinner. Thank goodness you have water, but you only have enough change to buy one item from the vending machine. Choices are limited to: Fudge Pop Tarts, Snickers or Doritos. Which would you choose and why? Oh, I always go for the Pop Tarts! They’ve got vitamins and nutrients, right? Almost healthy, even! (Doritos are a second choice, in case the vending machine gets stuck, but then I’d have Dorito breath….)

What’s the largest number of people you’ve had in your kitchen at one time? My kitchen only holds about 3. My friend’s kitchen, however? We had about 20 for Friends Thanksgiving each year.

Closing thoughts: I hope to be able to speak with you all soon!

Website and social media links:
Website: HeatherJBennett.com
Facebook: Heather J Bennett Novelist
Instagram: heatherjbennett_author
LinkedIn: heather-j-bennett

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Who’s That Indie Author? W. L. Hawkin

W. L. Hawkin

Author Name: W. L. Hawkin (Wendy)

Genre: blended mystery/suspense/fantasy/romance

Books: Hollystone Mysteries—To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, To Kill a King, and Lure River Romances—Lure: Jesse & Hawk

Bio: W. L. Hawkin writes mysterious romantic adventures from her home on Vancouver Island, Canada. Wendy graduated from Trent University with a BA in Indigenous Studies, then went on to study English literature at SFU in British Columbia, and teach high school. She found her voice publishing poetry and Native Rights articles in Canadian news magazines and is now an Indie author/publisher at Blue Haven Press.

What got you started as a writer? I started writing poetry as a teenager to make sense of my world: “It’s a maze. It’s a haze. It’s a crazy place.” But when I saw Romancing the Stone in the 1980s, I wanted to be a romance novelist. Shortly after that, I wrote the first draft of what has become my latest romantic suspense release (Lure: Jesse & Hawk).

What is your writing routine? I write when the muse is with me and then for as long as my body holds out—some days six hours if I’m on, and other days not at all.

What routes did you take to get your books published? When I first wrote To Charm a Killer, I sent it to a few agents and publishers. I had some interest, but no one wanted to commit to a first-time author who wrote blended genres. It’s hard to sell.  So, I took a chance and published it myself. By that time, I’d finished my fourth book in the Hollystone Mysteries, I’d learned the ropes.

What things do you do to promote your books? I created a solid website and keep it updated. I enter contests and do readings/sales in my local community. Last year, I started working with a publicist who booked me on all kinds of media (TV, radio, podcasts, magazines) so I became comfortable talking about myself and my work (again, not easy for an introvert). I’m now able to approach people like you, Barb, and ask.

What is your favorite genre to read and why? Mystery/suspense is my favourite, no matter what century it’s set, and that’s what I write as well. Sometimes I venture into fantasy and action/adventure. I’m a regular reviewer with the Ottawa Review of Books so receive excellent ARCs from Canadian publishers.

Do you prefer to write dialogue or description? I don’t have a preference and you need to balance both in a scene to make it dynamic.

Have any of your characters ever surprised you? Did this change the plot of your book? Absolutely, and often. Once I connect with my characters, I meditate to get into an almost trance-like space where I can see and hear what’s happening. I’ve had reviewers say my writer is “cinematic” and I think that’s why. In To Sleep with Stones, one of the characters died in a very dramatic scene and I had no idea that was going to happen. I wrote that sequence in tears, and I think that raw emotion comes through to the reader.

What is the most difficult thing you have accomplished in your life? I quit high school in grade ten. In my mid-thirties, I was compelled to finish. One of the courses was Native Ancestry 11, and I had such an epiphany with that content, I wanted to go on and take university courses in Indigenous Studies. Coincidentally, I wrote the first draft of Lure: Jesse & Hawk, my latest release during that time. My ex-husband didn’t support me, so I left my marriage and completed my B.A. as a single mother going part-time to university courses for years. That was a challenging time, but also a healing time for me.

What three events or people have most influenced how you live your life? One: reading The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell in 1990 blew open my world and taught me to follow my “bliss.” Two: leaving my marriage and taking my young daughter taught me many things about living in this world. Three: graduating from university and getting my first paying gig as a teacher gave me financial independence and a sense of moral/ethical living in a community.

What would you tell your younger self? Borrowing from my mentor, Joseph Campbell, I’d say follow your passion, your bliss, and doors will open for you. Bundle up your problems and leave them outside, then walk through that door carrying a sense of curiosity, wonder, and hope.

Have you ever met up with a bear on a hike? If so, what did you do? If not, are you looking up what to do right now? I sure have! I live in the Pacific Northwest on bear territory so regularly see them. Remember that you’re a guest on their land, back up slowly, and give them the right of way. Hawk meets up with a bear in Lure, and unfortunately, he’s unable to back up and walk away, but that’s another story.

You’re locked in your local library for the night with no dinner. Thank goodness you have water, but you only have enough change to buy one item from the vending machine. Choices are limited to: Fudge Pop Tarts, Snickers or Doritos. Which would you choose and why? Doritos by default, despite the crumbs. I can’t eat gluten or cow dairy so until they start making junk food gluten free, and chocolate out of water buffalo milk and/or pure cocoa butter, I’ll stick to my corn chips.

What’s the largest number of people you’ve had in your kitchen at one time? In my whole lifetime? Probably a dozen at my parent’s wedding anniversary.

Website and social media links:
Website: Blue Haven Press
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wlhawkin

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Are you an indie or self-published author?  Do you want to build your author network? Get your name out on Who’s That Indie Author!

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Fun holiday reads – pretty covers too!

Hi Everyone,

Last week I hosted a virtual book chat on holiday reads for my library job. Wow, there are so many! Here are some contemporary holiday stories with pretty and very similar cover styles. Holidays are so busy that I don’t seem to have the time to read much, but these look fun and light. Have you read any? Some are new this year and some have been around a couple years. Which would you recommend?

Always in December by Emily Stone

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo

A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

The Matza Ball by Jean Meltzer

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

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Books set in Australia

Wow, I hadn’t realized until recently just how many books I’ve read that are set in Australia! Here’s what I’ve read. Can you add to this list?

Alone – Lost Overboard in the Indian Ocean – Brett Archibald

The Dry by Jane Harper

Force of Nature by Jane Harper

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie R. King

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

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Check out these lists for additional books set in Australia:

Goodreads – Best Books Set in Australia

Tale_Away – Books Set In Australia: Australian Novels

Crime Reads – 10 Essential Australian Novels

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For even more, visit my post More books set in Australia here.

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Who’s That Indie Author? Jill Culiner

Jill Culiner

Author Name: Thank you so much, Barb, for having me here on your blog. My author name is Jill Culiner but I also write romance as J. Arlene Culiner

Genre: I write non-fiction, mysteries, as well as romance, and romantic suspense.

Books: My non-fiction book is: Finding Home in the Footsteps of the Jewish Fusgeyers.

My mysteries are: Death by Slanderous Tongue and Sad Summer in Biarritz.

My romances are: All About Charming Alice, Desert Rose, A Swan’s Sweet Song, Felicity’s Power and A Turkish Affair.

Are you a full-time author? If not, what’s your side gig? I am also a social critical artist, a cartoonist, a photographer, and very occasionally I work as an actress.

Favorite authors/books: At the moment I love Kapka Kassabova, Charles King, Robert A. Rosenstone, Stephen Morris, W.G. Sebald and Anita Brookner.

What experiences or people have influenced your writing the most? Wonderful books like those of the above authors.

Do you keep a writing journal and if so, how do you use it? I kept a journal for most of my life and I’m glad I did because much of my writing is the result of what I wrote down. However, unless I’m travelling and working on a project, I no longer keep one. Everything I write is for my books or my podcast. That’s enough writing for me.

Do you belong to a writers’ group? If so, describe your experience: No, I don’t. I live in a French-speaking country and I write in English. I do have the feeling I write in isolation, but that’s just fine.

Are you up with the sun or do you burn the midnight oil? Usually, I’m an early riser. My brain turns itself off at around 9:00 pm and I become lazy and dull-witted.

How do you get over a writing slump? I go do something else. If it is a temporary slump—being at war with a paragraph, for example—I’ll go for a walk. If it is a long slump, I’ll just stop writing for a few months. I know the world won’t come to an end if I take a big pause and let my subconscious get to work.

Do you prefer writing dialogue or descriptive passages? I love both. I love writing down cynical, satirical, tongue-in-cheek descriptions, and conversations.

What are you working on now? I’m editing my two most recent manuscripts. One is a non-fiction about a rebellious poet I fell madly in love with. Unfortunately, he died 130 years ago, but I tracked him down in Ukraine, Romania, Austria, and Turkey. The book, A Contrary Journey: with Velvel Zbarzher, Bard, will be published by Claret Press in October.

The other manuscript, The Room in Blake’s Folly, is a romance that starts in 1889 in a Nevada saloon and ends in 2020. I was inspired by the idea that we’ll never know the sort of mischief our ancestors got up to.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about writing and publishing a book? Read, read some more, read in other genres, read non-fiction, read history, read excellent poetry, read wonderful writers like Anita Brookner or the other authors mentioned above.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, which podcasts do you find the most interesting? I have my own storytelling podcast: https://soundcloud.com/j-arlene-culiner. But I love old the Podcasts on France Culture (history, analysis, stimulating stuff).

Favorite escape: Cooking, experimenting with food, inventing dishes and eating

Have you ever tried Kombucha tea? No. What is it?

Do you prefer a couch with pillows or no pillows? Don’t own one so I can’t answer.

Would you rather rake leaves, shovel snow or weed? I never weed because weeds are simply wild flowers that insects need: we desperately need insects. Ditto for raking, because they provide ground cover for the beasties we need and because leaves are also wonderful mulch. As for snow, I live in such a temperate part of the world (France) that snow only comes around for a day or two each year. It’s so lovely, why shovel it away?

Favorite mask – disposable paper, plain fabric, colorful print or something else? Definitely a reusable mask. We don’t need more throw-away items in the world.

Biggest writing challenge since Covid-19 I haven’t really noticed a difference in my life other than not being able to sit in cafés and restaurants for long lunches with friends.

Website and social media links:
For romances:
Website: j-arleneculiner.com
Blog: j-arleneculiner.over-blog.com
Amazon Author: J. Arlene Culiner
Goodreads Author: J. Arlene Culiner
Facebook: J Arlene Culiner (J Arlene Culiner Romances)

For other books: 
Website: jill-culiner.com
Amazon Author: Jill Culiner
Blog: jewish-histories.over-blog.com

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Are you an indie or self-published author?  Do you want to build your author network? Get your name out on Who’s That Indie Author!

Email bvitelli2009@gmail.com for a bio template and other details.

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On YouTube today – books coming up and what I’ve been doing

Hi Everyone – I’m back on YouTube today talking about what I’ll be reading soon and what I’ve been doing. I hope you’ll pop over and see me!

Thanks for visiting – come back soon!