Showing posts with label Caprice De Luca home stager mystery series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caprice De Luca home stager mystery series. Show all posts

Monday, September 26, 2016

STAGED TO DEATH On Sale for $1.99 #cozy #mystery



My cozy mysteries--with irrepressible sleuth Caprice De Luca--include a murder to solve. But as Caprice finds the answer to each investigation, she takes in stray animals and finds homes for them, stages houses, spends time with her large Italian family and cooks. She also must solve her own romantic dilemma--choosing Mr. Right. Readers will find recipes along with love and caring in each novel. 
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STAGED TO DEATH, Book 1
ON SALE for $1.99


Caprice De Luca  stages houses for high-end clients. When she discovers a body in the castle-mansion she staged to sell and starts asking questions, she finds herself in danger. On the way to solving the murder, Caprice's large Italian family helps and hinders. She also finds romance with Dr. Seth Randolph. But does her brother's partner, attorney Grant Weatherford, care about her, too? Or is he just worried she'll get herself killed and her family will blame him?

Enjoy solving the mystery with Caprice, cook along with her, see her find homes for the stray animals she protects, be a part of the De Luca family...in STAGED TO DEATH.


STAGED TO DEATH on Barnes and Noble


USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



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Thursday, July 7, 2016

Rod McKuen Inspired #Feline Photos--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith





My teenage years were influenced by the music and the literary mood of the 60s.  The Monkees and the Beatles were my "social media," albeit without a tablet or computer. Teen magazines were the Facebook of the time and LP albums the playlists of favorite music. Rod McKuen was a familiar poet and singer-songwriter during the late 60s. His poetry explored themes of love, the natural world and spirituality. Since I believe having a cat or cats embodies all of these themes, I am going to share my feline pictures this week accompanying a very appropriate Rod McKuen quote: "Cats have it all--admiration, an endless sleep and company only when they want it."

"Cats have it all--
admiration, 

It's easy to admire Halo's beautiful colors.
Every new position she chooses highlights a
different spectrum of color. She never appears
the same in any of her photos.
Paddy's unique face makes her very
photogenic and her sweet personality
reflects her natural beauty. 

Zoie's striking features have always been her
beautiful eyes and her white tuxedo markings.

an endless sleep 

Halo is a beautiful sleeper. She assumes relaxed
positions and emits a peaceful resting aura.
I only wish that I knew her secret! 
Zoie, on the other hand, settles next to me on the bed
and rolls on her back for her before-sleep tummy massage.

and company only when they want it."

Strays who visit us regularly twice a day,
Bonnie and Clyde spend a lot of time together,
But they also go their separate ways throughout
the day.  They always reconnect before breakfast
and evening feedings. They accept my company at a distance
at these feeding times, then depart, sometimes together.
Other times, they head off in opposite directions. 

Halo and Paddy enjoy their together times, but
Paddy has been spending more alone time on
her favorite office chairs.

Zoie and Halo often compete for their preferred
spots on the bed. Sometimes they eye each other,
ready to defend their spot. Other times they seem
to agree to settle near each other, accepting
the fact that they need to share my attention. 

In this one small quote, Rod McKuen seemed to capture the essence of being a cat...and owning one. Enjoy all of your special moments with your furry friends!


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The first book in my Caprice De Luca mystery series
--my sleuth takes in stray animals and finds them homes--is on sale.  It's the Kindle Monthly Deal at $1.99. You can find the whole series on its own page at Amazon. Link below.

Staged To Death
Deadly Decor
Gilt By Association
Drape Expectations
Silence of the Lamps
Shades of Wrath--December 2016



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Karen and Paddy
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

#Feline #Sunbathing in Winter--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Humans search for sources of additional "light" during these winter months--sunlamps, happy lamps, or perhaps just window shades that will open wide to allow as much light as possible to shine into a room. Webster refers to sunshine as "something that radiates warmth, cheer or happiness." Our furry friends seem to have the same need as humans for the sun's rays. Even in the dead of winter they search out sunny spots in the house to soak in a sunbeams. This week I caught our cats enjoying the warmth of the sun at various place throughout the house--some expected, others a surprise. 

One morning Halo found the sun splashing across the bed and she immediately settled in its warmth and basked in its glow. 
Paddy, on the other hand, was spied under the kitty steps where she had settled for a nap, only to wake to the afternoon sun shining between two steps. 
At some time during the day, each of our felines spends time on our cat condos. We have them positioned at the windows in several rooms, so they can rotate their roosting spots to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. 


Zoie's favorite spot to enjoy the sun's rays is the kitchen table. Since it is painted a sunny yellow color, it gives the impression of brightness and warmth even on cloudy days. And on sunny afternoons...well, let's just say that we have our lunch at the kitchen counter because Zoie is not about to relinquish her midday sunbathing spot.  

Even the stray cats who frequent our yard take time each day to find a sunny spot to rest and preen themselves, all the while enjoying the warmth of the winter sun.
Our furry felines may not be able to read the dictionary, but they know the special attributes of the sun that bring them warmth and happiness. So "read" and maybe even follow your cat to soak in the sun's warmth. Perhaps you too will find some cheer and happiness this week! 

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Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Amazon

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Barnes and Noble

Halo soaks in some sunshine as she gets
ready to settle down with a really good book!


Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Amazon




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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Thursday, February 18, 2016

#Feline #Relaxation, A Lesson For Humans--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



Learning to relax is a gift.  Maybe a gift we can learn from our cats.

 Stress, which is naturally part of our everyday lives, can hamper our ability to enjoy whatever is on our list for the day. We become so absorbed in work, in schedules, in daily frustrations, that we don't take time to "smell the roses" and enjoy the beauty of the little things that surround us.  This week because the cats were fascinated with our bird feeder on our deck, I noticed the beauty of the chirping birds at the bird feeder. I forgot about the clean-up necessary come spring. Because of the cats chasing rainbows from the suncatchers, I noticed how bright the sun was shining for a change.  Because of Zoie Joy meowing at me on the kitchen table late at night when I decided I needed a cup of tea before bed, I saw the gorgeous silver moonlight glowing over the backyard. She's noticed it before me and was looking out the window.


After I glanced over the photos that I snapped of our cats this week, it dawned on me that perhaps I need to take a lesson from them. Halo, Paddington, London and Zoie were all caught in totally relaxing poses and, observing them, I realized that I too I need to take a few deep breaths and relax when everyday stresses seem to overwhelm me. I need to abandon the stresses of the moment and zone out and allow my body to renew its balance before I move on. I need to open my body and mind to absorb the positive vibes around me. I need to find peace at least once a day. What a beautiful feline lesson. My furry crew are my joy, my companions and yes, my teachers. Now I just need to do my homework...and relax. 

Paddy at her most relaxed!

Zoie retreats from her usual curled sleeping position
to a more relaxed pose that invites a tummy rub. 

Halo and Zoie are still developing their
relationship but their relaxed body language
signals that they are more trusting of each other.

London's position with her legs intertwined shows how relaxed
she is knowing that she is safe on her window shelf.
 
Halo rests comfortably on the top shelf of the floor-to-ceiling
condo while she surveys the feline and human activities below
her. She is truly appreciative of the peace she has found in her
furever home.

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Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Amazon

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Barnes and Noble



Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Amazon




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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Our #Feline #Sweethearts--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith




Valentine's Day is for sweethearts. But just what is a sweetheart? Someone you enjoy being with...someone you love to snuggle with...someone you trust and who trusts you...someone who touches your heart in a way no one else can?

Paddy decorates her scratching
house for Valentine's Day.
Humans can be all these things to each other and it is a truly special bond that should be celebrated all year...not just on one appointed day. Our furry friends also fit the definition of "sweetheart" and we should also appreciate our special bonds with them everyday. 

 Zoie, Halo, Paddy and London are our constant house buddies.  Nothing makes them happier than being with us...whether we are cooking in the kitchen, working in my office, or settled for an evening of TV.  They love to snuggle against us and relish the petting and stroking while they nap. They show their appreciation for the closeness by reaching out a paw to touch us or using our leg for a pillow.
Zoie and Paddy work together
to decorate the scratching house.
Trust is difficult to foster among humans and just as precarious to foster among our pets. Weeks, months and sometimes even years are needed to develop a trusting relationship. Setbacks along the way (like a visit to the vet, or an accidental trip when walking through the house) often take us back a few steps and we have to re-establish our trust. But in the process we are building a loving bond that is as strong as any human bond.  
Paddy poses for her Valentine's photo.

 Regardless of their unique personalities, each one of our felines has etched an indelible mark in our hearts. It is the stuff that memories are made of...the little things that make us laugh...the unassuming things like a peaceful napping pose that bring a tear to our eye.  
Halo's Valentine's photo session. 

 So this Valentine's Day, as you reach out in your own special way to tell your human sweethearts how special they are to you, take a moment to appreciate the love you and your pets share because their sweet hearts beat just for you! 



Even London, who can sometimes be our
"grumpy cat" has her sweet moments and
loves to cuddle for an afternoon nap.

Halo and all the Smith felines with you a
Happy Valentine's Day filled with warm cuddly
moments and sweet dreams.
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Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Amazon

Pre-order FORTUNE'S SECRET HUSBAND on Barnes and Noble



Pre-order SILENCE OF THE LAMPS on Amazon

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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