Happy February!

Staying with a literary theme for the moment, these words are a gift from  Victor Hugo, my favourite French writer from the Romantic Movement: “What a grand thing, to be loved! What a grander thing still, to love!” Feel free to use this quote, share it, and to remind us all to feel and show love in so many simple ways. Let’s all work on it.

I’m sharing the love found at the Villa des Violettes for all of February ~ A Season of Surprises is on sale! Be whisked away to a surprise trip for Kat to the stunning Isle of Beauty … Corsica! Here’s a blurb to entice you:

There are sweet-smelling blossoms, buds bursting into bloom, explosions of golden mimosa, dazzling sunshine, a shimmering sea … and a worrying disappearance!

A hidden past is uncovered and shocking truths are revealed.

At the same time Kat and Philippe welcome their first B&B guest to the Villa and continue to be busy with other demands, all the while keeping hope alive as police search for their friend.

A special request from Simone and an unexpected appearance turn a planned motorcycle trip in Corsica into so much more.

Springtime at the Villa des Violettes is filled with secrets and surprises.

Click here for your copy.

But wait! There’s more good book news ~ a sweet February giveaway from me and 13 author friends!
What could possibly be better than books AND chocolate?? Well, maybe books and wine, but wine is hard to ship.

FOURTEEN DELECTABLE READS. A BOX OF DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE. It could all be yours!

It takes 5 seconds to enter for a chance to win at the link below:

Books and Chocolate

bit.ly/booksandchocolate

Your odds of winning increase with every person you refer. Spread the word! Good luck.

And now for a message I feel is important to share every year at this time. I hope you agree and share it yourself. 

Of course there’s always a place for hearts and flowers and chocolate and mushy love songs, but there are many girls and women around the world who receive none of those. Not on February 14th. Not ever.

Have you raised your voice? “Every February, we rise – in countries across the world – to show our local communities and the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face. We rise through dance to express joy and community and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.”

Once again, One Billion Rising is set to escalate RISINGS against all forms of violence against women and will continue to highlight where all these issues interconnect.

“ONE BILLION RISING announces the 2023 theme and campaign: RISE For Freedom & to Create the New Culture. The campaign addresses the devastating consequences of the ongoing vicious systems of patriarchy, imperialism, capitalism and racism in the world today and the destructive battle for power fought over women’s bodies and the body of the earth.

Created by a community of 47 One Billion Rising coordinators located across the globe, this year’s campaign will celebrate 10 years of OBR and urge communities worldwide to utilize art and activism, creative resistance events and gatherings, both online and offline, to demand an end to violence against women, girls and the planet and to shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face.”

Here’s a song we should all add to our repertoire. This infectious anthem shares a message that is universal. Share it everywhere you can. Help break the chain of violence towards women and girls.

 BREAK THE CHAIN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL5N8rSy4CU

Click here to see V-day events happening around the world today.

“Like” the Facebook page.  Follow V-day on Twitter. Let’s all do our part …