Rhymes With Foreplay: Romance Writers Weekly ~ What cheers you up? ~ #LoveChatWrite

This week, on the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop, we're asked the question: "What cheers you up when you're feeling down?"

I can think of so many things--many of which we've discussed in previous blog posts. Here's a short list in no particular order:

1. My dog. For most of my life, I’d have said my cats, but at present I have only dogs and my biggest baby—Tatanka has the most comforting presence of anyone I’ve ever known.

2. A nice bottle of wine—especially when shared with friends, or in a beautiful setting. I think a lot of that is the memories associated with enjoying a good wine with good people, but it’s a delight. And, on that note…

3. That first cup of coffee in the morning. I love both coffee AND tea; and I have a huge tea collection to prove it. And some days/events/moments absolutely call for tea rather than coffee. BUT that first cup is just the cheeriest thing I know. Bonus points if it can be enjoyed outside in a beautiful setting. I have a mug that says, “Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start,” and nothing hammers that point home better than the aroma of fresh coffee in the sunshine (or amid the morning fog, for that matter). Even more bonus points if it’s accompanied by good friends, or a good book, or my dog, or a nice breakfast, or in proximity to the beach. And on THAT note…

4. The ocean. Really, any body of water will do. Swimming, sitting in a hot tub, or reading a good book in a bubble bath with a glass of wine or a cup of tea, or being on a boat—all make this mini list. but the ocean definitely tops it.

5. Being in nature—I’ve danced around this one in several of the previous points, but being outside really recharges me. Right now I’m living in a semi-rural area and just driving around in it can really brighten my day.

6. A good book—also mentioned previously. Reading one, writing one… OBVIOUSLY, since writer’s block is the main cause of discontent in my life, WRITING really serves to cheer me up!

7. Exercise. I love yoga. I used to (when I was lighter, and my knees were younger) love running. Walking is great—see points four and five—especially if the weather is nice and I have the TIME to do it, because being too hot, too cold, too rained on or windblown, or too stressed thinking about all the other things I need to do not bring the cheer.

There's probably more, but I think you get the idea! Now, hop on over to Leslie Hachtel's page and learn what cheers her up. And don't forget to check out her book, Murder Most Notorious.

Detective Laura Chandler and her partner, John Resciniti, are called to the scene of a double murder that is reminiscent of the Lizzie Borden killings. The prime suspect is the victims’ daughter, but she swears to them she has a twin sister who was spirited away at birth and has returned to exact revenge.

Laura meets the new cold case guy, Devin Andrews, and she is instantly attracted to him. But work has been her focus for so long, she hesitates getting involved, especially with a co-worker.

Two more vicious murders and additional clues that indicate there just might be an elusive twin sister. There is also evidence to suggest missing children and babies being sold on the black market.

Convoluted and thrilling, they all must face personal challenges as the evidence unfolds.

A shocking ending makes for a page-turning story.

https://amzn.to/41bGSCC