I know it’s only April but already I’m dreaming of summer vacatio
n. Between finishing my fifth book and blogging all over the web for my release of SOMETHING SCANDALOUS, I’m tired. I caught my first full-blown cold in a couple of years last week. I need to get away. Since I can’t go anywhere yet, I thought maybe if we talked about our vacation plans that would make me feel better. My husband and I had planned to take our kids to Iceland this yea
r. We thought we would have a fun time touring the small country and maybe get some hiking in.Hmm, has anybody seen pictures of Iceland this week? Big volcano blowing ash and sending lava down toward the sea, I don’t think so! When we first heard about the
volcano becoming active again back in February, we decided it might be best to change our plans.Then we thought about going to Scotland or Ireland with the boys. Until we checked the airfare and the exchange rates and decided that wasn’t going to happen this year. And as I write this on Thursday, that darned volcano in Iceland is disrupting air travel all over the British Isles. I think we made another good choice.
So we decided this wasn’t our year to go to Europe. We asked our oldest where he’d like to go (this is partly to celebrate his high school graduation) and he said a cruise!
A cruise?
Really?
We hadn’t thought about that as an option. We started checking into it and quickly decided this was a fantastic idea. One of the biggest draws of a cruise is simply that we don’t have to fly!! We found a great 9-day Caribbean cruise that departs from Baltimore. I can be in Baltimore in fifteen minutes.
Now come July, I’ll have 9 days to relax on a ship. We’ll be visiting St. Thomas, San Juan, Dominican Republic and one of the cruise line’s islands. I get back just a few days before Nationals so I will be tanned and
relaxed for Nashville. I really can’t wait for July!
But back to reality for just a minute, I received the cover for my October release, SCANDAL OF THE SEASON and wanted to
share it with you. For ten years, Anthony Westfield, Viscount Somerton, hasn’t been able to forget the woman with whom he spent one scandalous night. When their paths cross again, he’s shocked to discover Victoria Seaton is an accomplished pickpocket. But Somerton leads a double life of his own. Working on an undercover assignment, he makes Victoria a proposition: pretend to be his mistress or risk ruin. Yet soon he’s tempted to turn their charade into reality—and surrender to an explosive passion…
Victoria can’t believe the man who almost destroyed her life a decade ago is now threatening to unravel her secrets. But posing as his mistress at a holiday country party is a game she can play well. For just one look into Somerton’s eyes still weakens her with lust. And with Christmas fast approaching, every kiss they share under the mistletoe only makes Victoria fall more deeply in love…
Now I want to hear about your vacation plans. Do you have big plans? Maybe a staycation this year? I’d love to hear about it! Since I’m still celebrating my release of SOMETHING SCANDALOUS, I will give one copy to someone who comments today.
55 comments:
Come to me my Golden one!
I guess we will be having more of a staycation around here! We usually don't go anywhere, there is always to much to do here! We don't go on vacations much because we don't really have the money to do so. I am not much of a traveler myself anyways. Always in the past when we went somewhere, I had to make all the plans, do all the packing, load up the car and by the time everything was ready I was worn out and we hadn't even left yet! So I just decided no more vacations for me!
I forgot to mention that when we got to where we were going hubby wanted to stay in the room and watch TV all week, so I decided staying home was just easier!
I have heard a lot of good things about your new book so congrat on your new release!
Well done Virginia enjoy your day with him
Christie
I have been on one cruise and it was the best time we have had such a great holiday choice you are all going to have a ball.
We don't have any holiday plans at all for this year I am off work at the moment and have used all of my leave to help with grandkids so there won't be any trips in the near future but if I could choose one it would be another cruise.
BTW I started Something Scandalous last night and I am loving it and I gotta say the new cover is just beautiful love it.
Have Fun
Helen
Christie, I love your book cover. Just had to say that :-)
So far all my vacation plans are centered on conference. If things work out, though, I might be taking a trip up to Canada to visit Toronto and the Harlequin offices. Otherwise, a couple quick runs to Vegas to see family, an obligatory visit to Idaho to, again, see family. And that's it.
Hmm, that doesn't sound too exciting, does it? I'll have to sneak a romantic weekend at a B&B in there somewhere.
We did a cruise awhile back and it was fabulous!!! Absolutely wonderful. Bet you love it :-)
I just want to let you know that The book has Arrived, this morning :D And i got the cover flat of SCANDAL OF THE SEASON too \^_^/
I can't wait to start to read SOMETHING SCANDALOUS, Christie !
alright, since the baby due on end of November this year, so we don't have any vacation plans at this moment, maybe next year, or next two year :) We'll see about that.
I guess we're gonna have lots of stay at home moment *grins*
Christie,
Many families from Fort Meade enjoyed the Caribbean Cruise for Baltimore. But I do recommend you save your pennies for a future trip to the British Isles - the best value is May, June, September, and October. And you are always welcome to visit us in the Hawaiian Islands year round! We even have an active volcano on the Big Island that is not causing the trouble as the one in Iceland!
See you in Nashville!
Hi Christie!
A cruise sounds fabulous! I've been on a couple in the Caribbean when I was younger. Major food coma on a daily basis. I know this sounds terrible but the only thing I really remember was the tour of the Bacardi factory in Puerto Rico...or was it the Ronrico Rum factory? (hic!) And there was some old fort either in San Juan or Santo Domingo.
Not sure if we're going anywhere this summer. Hubby lost his passport and needs to get a new one. Right now, I'd settle for a weekend at a posh hotel and some retail therapy. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip.
Hi Christie
We are just finishing the holiday season downunder and will soon be into winter. Saying that it is still warm weather here but cool at night. We are off soon to a place called Coffs Harbour to my brother and his wife ... his apartment is right above the beach so we can sit in the lounge room and look at the sea which on a sunny day is bright blue or we could go a walk on the beach....
Barbara
Congrats Virginia!
Christie, wonderful cover for Somerton and Victoria's book. I'm drooling with anticipation over this one! As you know, I *loved* Something Scandalous!
Cruises are so much fun! I'm sure both the adults and the kids will have a great time. I'll be spending my summer vacations at Nationals - two of them. In June, we'll head to Orlando to watch the girls compete in the Showbiz National Dance Competition. While there, I'll also get to spend time with family who lives in the area and maybe sneak some time in at Disney or Universal. Then, in July, I'll be in Nashville! Looking forward to seeing everyone again!
Virginia, congrats on the rooster!
Your staycation rationale makes a lot of sense. Vacations can be a lot of work.
Hey Christie!
WOW, it sounds like you could be a travel agent LOL! Sorry to hear about all the plans being changed. But I do believe all of you will enjoy the cruise. The dh and I have been on a couple of them and loved the experience. Haven't taken the kidos yet, but maybe in the next couple years we can do that.
My summer vacation will be spent without my family. I know, something about that just doesn't seem right, but that is the way it is this year. See, my summer vacation is going to be spent with all of you -- AT NATIONALS!!! This will be my first time going and I am SO EXCITED!! Thank goodness PJ and Gannon will be going too so they can show me the ropes. Actually, they can show Andrea and I the ropes as it will be Andrea's first time too. Did I tell you I was excited?!?!! Can't wait to meet all my cyper buddies.
Christie, I'm sorry you're sick. I hope that fabulous new cover cheered you up some!
The volcano did more than muck up Iceland. Because of ash blowing downwind, the UK closed its airspace. Apparently the stuff gets into jet engines, melts, and at some point (maybe after it cools?) kills the engine. Not what you want at 6,000 feet. :-/
They were hoping the closure would last only about five days. Guess that'll depend on the volcano.
We pretty much stayed home last year, mainly because of finances and partly because of time. We're hoping to take a nice trip this summer.
One of our favorite vacation spots is the NC Outer Banks. The beach is pretty, and there's a lot of history there, plenty to do if you don't feel like baking.
"Due to circumstances beyond my control" : )...my vacations are not just "staycations", they are "mindcations" : )
I have recently really surprised myself with a desire to visit France. To enjoy Paris, the wine country, the art, the opera, the food and etc! How terrific it would be to make the journey with a charming companion who had the same interests. If he was fluent in French, tall, masculine and courtly, so much the better. If he was all those things, plus spoke French in a deep, sensual voice....je ne regrette rien (I regret nothing)!
Congrats on the GR, Virginia!
I can definitely relate to the planning of the vacation. I do all the planning, laundry (both before and after), packing for the kids, and loading up of the car. And you're right, it's exhausting. My dh never understand why when we start out on a road trip I seem so tired and cranky.
We've done staycations before and really it can be kind of nice to plan to do things that are local. I live very close to two major cities and we rarely do anything in them.
Enjoy the GR today!
Wow, who would have thought a vacation would have to be cancelled because of a VOLCANO?!
I had actually thought about Ireland again....would hate it if I'd done the planning then had to cancel for ash!
Money and flextime are limiting most of my plans this year. Nationals is going to be my BIG vacation. Might take a small trip somewhere in the fall. Can't wait to see my Banditas and the BB's!!
Helen, I'm glad you're enjoying Something Scandalous!
I'm also happy to hear you've gone on a cruise and enjoyed it so much. Enjoy those grandkids!
Tawny, a romantic weekend at a B&B sounds fabulous. Now that my oldest will be 18 in July, maybe my hubbie and I can get away now and then. That would be a nice change!
Mariska, I think you'll have your hands full for a while with a new baby. And taking infants on vacation is not easy because of all their stuff. It's amazing how much a new baby needs with them to travel!
Enjoy Something Scandalous!
Kim, I have every intention of getting to the British Isles. It just may wait until the kids are older and I don't have to take them with us.
Now, visiting you in Hawaii sounds mighty nice. I could brave a volcano for that!
Pinkpeony, you made with laugh with your memories of your cruise. My husband isn't much of a drinker so I doubt he'll want to do the Barcardi tour.
A weekend at a posh hotel sounds great! I hope you get it!
Barb, going to the beach is always near the top of my vacation wishes. I love walking on the sand and getting my toes wet from the surf. Enjoy your trip!
PJ, thanks for the comments on my new cover and SS. I'll let you know when I get the ARCs of Scandal.
Your vacation plans sound great. I can't wait to see you again when we're in Nashville. Nationals is always an exhausting blast!
Buffie, I feel like I could be a travel agent. Thankfully, we hadn't booked any travel to Iceland. But we had it all mapped out.
I can't wait to meet you at Nationals! You will have a fantastic time. Just come prepared. Rest up before and plan a few days after to rest because it is the most exhausting 5 days ever!
Nancy, I've been watching the news amazed at all the disruptions from this volcano. It's amazing.
I love the Outer Banks. We only went one year but it was so relaxing and a lot of fun. I'd love to go back.
Virginia C, I love the term mindcations!
I've never been to France but that's on the list of places to go. I hope you get there soon!
Joanie, when we first heard about the volcano, I was still on the fence. But my husband was concerned especially since we were taking the kids with us. Now I'm really glad we changed our plans.
I can't wait to see you and everyone else in Nashville!
Christie, the cover of SOTS is wonderful; love it!
With my husband's driving job, we haven't gone on vacation for several years and then it was always to TX to see his mom. Usually, too, I have classes to take in the summer, so that can hinder plans.
This summer, Shary is in softball and I have a class for a week in July (Writer's Workshop for Grades 3-5), but my sisters, my mother, and all the granddaughters are going away for 2 days for a Girls Retreat. My sisters and I usually do this with our mom, but she wants the grands along this summer. We haven't decided yet where we are going; maybe Galena, IL. Some time, we'd like to go to Door County.
As a family (15 of us), we rent a cabin and go to Backbone State Park every fall. We enjoy hiking, kayaking, and campfires. Really, sometimes the best vacations can be short and right in your own backyard, so to speak.
Hi Deb! A girls retreat sounds fantastic. And you're right about the best vacation sometimes being nice and close to home.
Hey Christie - Love, love, love the new cover. Backs are big this year - as both your covers show.
The cruise sounds fabulous. We haven't made plans for summer vacation yet, but I'd sure like to take one! Dh and I tend to do something in the fall around the wedding anniversary. Last year we went to Jamaica. Not sure what the year holds travel-wise beyond Nashville in July.
Thanks for the cover love, Donna.
If we didn't have kids still in school, I would love to take a spring or fall vacation. Ever place is so much more crowded in the summer. Oh well, I'll have to wait five more years.
No vacation plans this year other than a couple long wknds going back home to visit mom. You’ll love the cruise. I went on one years ago and wouldn’t mind doing it again. It was one of the most relaxing trips I ever went on. I loved being at sea, the side trips were a fun & the food wonderful (& plentiful). My sister has gone on a number of different cruises either with her husband or a friend and is always interested in doing another. Have a blast -- & don’t worry about all of us poor folks who will be stuck at home working away ;)
gamistress66, I'll do my best to have fun on the cruise and not think about those people stuck at home working :)
YAY Christie!
Another gorgeous cover! We Banditas have been blessed by the cover fairies. ;-)
As you know, I recently returned from my 16th cruise and it was to the Caribbean. You are going to LOVE IT! Can't say I'd ever had a bad day on a cruise. :-)
St. Thomas has lots of GREAT shopping and San Juan is full of wonderful history, including two fascinating old forts dating from the 1500s. (Both of these also take US dollars, which is handy.) I haven't been to the Dominican Republic yet, so you will have to tell ME what to see. What cruise line are you on? Most of them have great programs for teens so your boys will be busy.
Just prepare yourself for lots of HEAT and HUMIDITY! But then, you are probably more used to humidity than I am.
We don't usually travel in the summer. We prefer to go in spring or fall. I'm sure my DH will have another cruise or two in the works by Oct. :-)
AC
A week in Key West. Can't wait. Full week of sun and fun.
Beautiful cover.
Hi, Christie,
No major vacation plans for us!
We will be using part of our vacation time to stay with some
of our grandchildren while their
parents drive to Indiana to
bring their older sister home
from college for the summer. We
then will probably make plans
for several weekend trips thru
the rest of the summer. We live
in Houston which is in reach of
many areas for short trips. I
like Galveston for the beach &
San Antonio for the Mission Trail
and River Walk.
Pat Cochran
Most likely a staycation this year. Why leave home during the part of the year we usually get good weather? I'd rather go someplace warm in the winter.
Hi AC! Heat and humidity? I live on the east coast. Summer here is nothing but heat and humidity.
We're going on Royal Caribbean and they do have some teen programs but my oldest will be 18 by then.
Denise, a week in Key West sounds fantastic. I've never been to the Keys but would love to get there.
Pat, there are all kinds of things to do down your way. I've always wanted to see Galveston.
Chey, a lot of people in my neighborhood feel the same way. We have a beautiful spring fed pond right next to a tidal river here. It's beautiful. Have a great summer!
Hi Drew, have great time in eastern Canada. My MIL is from Newfoundland, so my husband used to visit that way a lot when he was growing up.
Thanks for the comments on the new cover. I love the colors on it too! It's very eye-catching.
Hi Christie,
Your vacation sounds fabulous. We were planning on a week by the ocean in Maine but then the eldest DD got into grad school and we saw the bill. OUCH! Tuition alone is $45,ooo.
Good bye vacation. I might be looking for a second job rather than a vacation spot.
Hi Mary, ouch on the grad school bill. Thankfully, my oldest son is starting at the community college this fall.
Sounds fabulous, Christie! My family has been talking about a cruise, and with departures out of Baltimore, we wouldn't have any air travel either. We've never been on one so I'd love to hear about your trip on your return and whether you liked the cruiseline.
We aren't planning anything this year except our yearly trip to the beach. I'm not that fond of Ocean City but my daughter doesn't want us to get rid of the timeshare; she loves the trip. I'll make time to spend on Assateague Island, though. Visiting there always makes the trip worthwhile!
Wish I were going to Nationals this year. I went last year and it was a blast! But it's NYC in 2011!!! :)
Oh, forgot - lovely cover!
Wow, Christie...you've had some good Woowoo on nixing plans for this year! I think a cruise might be great fun with older kids like yours. Have a great time!
My vacation plans? Sigh. Summer is the busiest season for OB nurses, but I've managed to squeak out a few things this year.
I fly home a week from Monday to see my parents, sister and neice. The fact that the RT conference is being held that week and I can show some of my friends my home town is just icing on the cake.
Then of course their is Nationals in Nashville with all my Bandits and writing friends! Fun and chaos all rolled into one!
Then in September, I get to go to Denver for a long weekend writer's retreat with my crew from Texas! That will be fun and relaxing.
Yay Virginia !! Keep him in line!
Christie, I think I have told you before, but that is ONE SMOKIN' COVER !! Then again you have had some great covers! Which is only right, as the romance between those covers is also great and smokin hot!
Actually my trip to Nationals IS my summer vacation. Has been for the past two years and it has definitely been a great vacation! Bandita Bashes, BeauMonde Soirees, you name it. Book signings, workshops, road trip with my best writing buds. Great food. Staying in a nice hotel. Visiting a great city. And I get to see all my friends with whom I yak all year online. The very best part of my first conference was getting to meet so many people in person with whom I have such a close friendship.
And hey I get to see all the Brits, Aussies and Cannucks!
Louisa, one of the best parts of my DC experience last summer was finally getting to meet you in person! Looking forward to seeing you again in Nashville. Gannon and I will once again be driving in together and are so excited that Buffie and Andrea get to join us at the conference this year!
PJ, thanks for the comments on my new cover and SS. I'll let you know when I get the ARCs of Scandal.
Thank you!!!
Oh I know, PJ !! I was thrilled to meet you and Gannon in DC! And I can't wait to see you in Nashville !!
I love the cover on your new book. Kudos to you. We were planning to go to Hawaii for our 25th anniversary but the Hubbs job isn't looking good right now. So I really don't think it gonna happen. I have be wanting to go there forever. Our twins turn 21 in Sept.and they want a family vacation to Vegas. Since it's fairly cheap to go there that might be the only place I will see this year. I guess beggars can't be choosers.
Hello!
We're expecting my sis and her husband to visit for a week in August. They come from over 2000 miles away to visit us in their mini motor home (on their way from Western Canada to numerous States via our place in Central Canada). We usually check out what's happening around here (dinner theatre, movies, bands, etc.), go geocaching, eat out a couple of times, go to museums within a 100 mile radius (taking picnics), check out chocolate factories, go on wine tours, go through a maze, etc. At nighttime, we play board/card games and read our books before hitting the sack. It's a great way to enjoy each other's company and then wind down for a good night's sleep -- ready to face another day of the same, day after day. Oh yeah! My bro-in-law is a great fix-it person, so I create a to-do list for him every year, and he enjoys working on those things on laundry day, etc. It's a win-win situation all around!
That Scandal of the Season book looks real good. as well as Something Scandalous.. I haven't read anything by Miss Christie Kelley yet, but I look forward to hopefully another wonderful author with whom I may OD over and read all of they're books to keep myself busy! I'll make sure to get both book when I get a chance and review them for my blog =)
I'm enjoying my summer vacations in Argentina! I'm staying at a hotel in Palermo with my family!
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