WELCOME ABOARD THE
VACATION OF YOUR LIFETIME!
TRIP AROUND THE WORLD
MEGA AUTHOR BLOG HOP:
TICKET TO PARADISE
TOUR RULES:
1) HAVE FUN!!!
2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!
3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, May 16, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, May 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!
5) PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED, REMEMBER THE MORE BLOGS YOU VISIT THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN! EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU!
6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!!HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Bonjour et Bienvenue! Pull out your passport and put on your beret – we’re off to Paris, France, the capitol of fashion, foie gras, and all things fabulous! Whether you’re embarking on your first visit to the City of Lights or, like me, you’ve lived there for years, you’ll want to start your day in Paris where it all began, on Ile de la Cite. This little island in the river Seine is where Paris was founded, and is home to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Stroll the garden behind the church, walk the long stone-tiled aisles, and climb to the top of the bell tower, where you can pretend you’re Quasimodo while you enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Admire the famous blue rose window to the left of the main altar, then head for a glass of vin or a Perrier at the Esmeralda cafe. With the cathedral at your back, stroll over to the Pont Neuf (the “new bridge”, which is actually the oldest bridge in Paris) and descend the steep steps. Board the Bateau Vedette for a spectacular cruise past the splendid monuments that line the picturesque riverbanks. History has never looked so good, especially at night, when Paris bathes herself in floodlights as bright and shiny as the diamonds wrapped around the necks of the lovely ladies of the Place Vendome. You’ll fall in love. I promise.
Paris is an old world capitol, beloved of Roman gods like Cupid, who is the hero of my recently released paranormal romance, “Matching Wits With Cupid”.
For centuries Cupid has longed to be more than Venus’s arrow boy. When he’s sent to eliminate “Happily Ever After by Amelia”, the matchmaking business threatening Venus’s status as the goddess of love, Cupid decides to steal Amelia’s methods and make his own matches. While spying on Amelia, Cupid accidentally shoots himself with his magical arrow and falls in love with her. But bereaved Amelia doesn’t believe in the existence of Roman gods, and she’s certainly not looking for romance. She’s too busy perfecting the patented personality profile that’s made her Hollywood’s favorite matchmaker. Disguising himself as a mortal financial advisor, Cupid manages to break through Amelia’s guarded exterior. As their passion deepens so does Cupid’s guilt about deceiving Amelia. Cupid’s interference with Amelia’s life causes her business to falter, leads to a sterile spring that threatens the animal kingdom and shatters the longstanding peace between the Roman and Greek gods. With the fate of the natural and under worlds at stake, Cupid must decide whether to reveal his true identity and risk losing the chance to live happily ever after with Amelia.
“Matching Wits With Venus” is available at http://astraeapress.com, http://amazon.com, and http://barnesandnoble.com/
Merci for stopping by. I hope you will join me every week for “French Friday”, when I will share more insider tips guaranteed to make your trip to Paris the romantic voyage of a lifetime.
What do you like to do first when you visit a new destination?
Your next stop on the blog tour is: http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-around-world-mega-author-blog-hop_14.html
CONGRATULATIONS TO SANDY NACHLINGER, THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER: SANDY HAS WON A COPY OF “MATCHING WITS WITH VENUS”, AS WELL AS A SIGNED COPY OF “KNOWING PAINS”.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KENDALL GREY, WHO HAS WON A COPY OF “MATCHING WITS WITH VENUS”.
A GREAT BIG MERCI BEAUCOUP TO ALL OF YOU FOR STOPPING BY! I HOPE WE MEET AGAIN SOON!
theresegilardi 
Oh, yeah, that header photo was so worth fighting for! Cheers, lady!
Gunnar
By: the1940mysterywriter on May 15, 2011
at 9:27 pm
thanks, you know there are lots of things i couldn’t do without you!
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 6:41 am
This is soooo on my bucket list! Wonderful post
By: Kim Bowman on May 15, 2011
at 10:43 pm
thanks kim! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 11:54 am
My sister loves Paris, I can see why. Your book sounds humourous and fascinating. Good luck with it.
By: Sherry Gloag on May 16, 2011
at 3:51 am
thanks for all of your help, sherry! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 11:55 am
Your book sounds like a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!
By: Theresa on May 16, 2011
at 3:53 am
i’m so glad you stopped by, theresa. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 11:55 am
Bonjour, Je m’appellel JoAnne. Paris, je t’aime! Yeah, my french is a little rusty, but I remembered the basics 🙂 LOL I love the food in France, the rustic breads, and the cheeses and jams. Oh, yummmmm.
By: JoAnne Kenrick on May 16, 2011
at 4:57 am
bonjour joanne! isn’t it funny how those food memories always manage to stay as fresh as a warm baguette. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 11:56 am
ahh the land of lovers . sign me up for a visit 🙂
meandi09@yahoo.com
By: jennifer mathis on May 16, 2011
at 5:14 am
jennifer, isn’t that the truth? the french, the people of love. thanks for popping over, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 11:58 am
Check into the hotel!!! LOL I like to see all the sites! I even like to site see near home!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!
shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com
By: Shannon J. on May 16, 2011
at 5:53 am
shannon, you’ve got me laughing. i too have checked into a hotel near home – pure heaven. best, theres
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 12:00 pm
Always wanted to visit France!
By: kathleen Ball on May 16, 2011
at 1:18 pm
i think you would like it kathleen – thanks for stopping by. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:35 pm
The first thing I like to do is call home and my kids 🙂
By: Dawn Doyle on May 16, 2011
at 1:25 pm
i hear you on that dawn. thanks for visiting. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:36 pm
oops..forgot my email again. longlegs_browneyes@hotmail.com
By: Dawn Doyle on May 16, 2011
at 1:25 pm
got it. : )
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 5:07 pm
I’m adding “French Friday” to my calendar, and a trip to Paris to my wish list. The first thing I like to do when I reach a destination is get a map, get oriented, and then find something delicious to eat!
sannach@gmail.com
By: Sandy Nachlinger on May 16, 2011
at 1:52 pm
sandy, i am so pleased to hear you’ll be joining me for french fridays! i agree, food is always one of the first stops on any trip i make to a new destination. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:37 pm
As soon as I land at my destination I would definately try some food! I am also adding “French Friday” to my calendar! then to look for souviners!
By: Rhonda Helton on May 16, 2011
at 2:18 pm
thanks a lot for joining me on french fridays rhonda – you are so right, what is a trip without souvenirs? best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:39 pm
I love the liberally scattered French throughout your post. Although I’ve never been to Paris, I would love to go. Thanks for sharing!
feliciarogersauthor (at) yahoo (dot) com
By: Felicia Rogers on May 16, 2011
at 2:20 pm
thanks so much felicia! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:40 pm
Well hotel first, then what I like to do is walk around a bit, see a few places close, get a feel of the area and people. Then back to the hotel to make plans on what I want to see and do
mmbourassa(at)hotmail(dot)com
By: MichelleMB on May 16, 2011
at 2:21 pm
hi michelle, i’m a walker too! it really gives you a sense of place to put your feet on the ground – and it lets you scope out the food scene, too. thanks for the visit, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:42 pm
If it were “French Fries Day” I’d be all over it. ::grins:: Sounds great. Thanks for sharing your story.
Best,
Allure
By: Allure Van Sanz on May 16, 2011
at 2:28 pm
you crack me up, allure. of course french fridays far too often mean french fry days in my house. thanks for stopping by, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 3:43 pm
Great post! MMMmmm Paris. Sounds nice
quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com
By: Brittany Gale on May 16, 2011
at 4:37 pm
I didn’t notice your question!
When I first get to a place I like to check in the hotel and lie down for a bit haha. Just need to relax a little after traveling.
By: Brittany Gale on May 16, 2011
at 4:38 pm
hi brittany, that sounds like a good idea, to rest up for the vacation. thanks for stopping by. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 5:14 pm
france would be amazing to visit, thank you for sharing your slice of paradise 🙂
By: alice priday on May 16, 2011
at 6:26 pm
thanks for visiting alice! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 6:34 pm
Very nice post! I’d love to visit Paris! The first thing I do when I go anywhere is find the local bookstore. I’m serious! Even before I check into the hotel I make certain I know where to find the local bookstores. I know other book lovers can understand! 🙂
By: Tricia Schneider on May 16, 2011
at 6:37 pm
a kindred soul! thanks for stopping by tricia. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 16, 2011
at 6:46 pm
Hi Therese! I haven’t read a story with Cupid as the hero yet! Added to my wish list!
By: Elena Gray on May 16, 2011
at 7:36 pm
thanks elena! i hope you choose to read “matching wits with venus” someday. thanks for stopping by. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:33 am
Great post, Therese! When first arriving at a vacation destination, I like to scout out the area around the hotel.
By: Lisa Kumar on May 16, 2011
at 8:22 pm
that’s a great idea lisa! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:33 am
Oooo I’d love to visit Paris 🙂 When ever arriving on vacation I like to go exploring 🙂
By: Stacey Clifford on May 16, 2011
at 8:30 pm
i like your idea stacey – thanks for stopping by. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 5:43 pm
France sounds awesome. When I get somewhere new I like to check in and settle in first. Then I can really start exploring and having fun.
By: JessS on May 16, 2011
at 10:09 pm
you are so right, checking out the area is the best way to begin to explore a new destination, jess. thanks for your visit, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:34 am
I like to check out what I can do,, the sights, the scenery any self drive !! Im a real see everything kinda girl !!! Paris sounds romantic !! Thanks for the giveaway !!!
kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
By: katrina whittaker on May 16, 2011
at 11:45 pm
thank you katrina, for joining us on our “tour”. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:34 am
Meet new people, of course! ‘Cause travelling isn’t just about the places you go, it’s also about the people you interact with. It’s not just about appreciating new cultures, languages, traditions etc.
claudine_princess@yahoo.com.ph
By: Claudine S. on May 17, 2011
at 2:29 am
i agree completely, claudine – the people make the destination. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:35 am
My husband and I went to Paris and London for our honeymoon. The city is gorgeous. We spent a day at the Louvre. I wish we could have had a week there.
First thing I do when I get somewhere new is go out and wander. I like to get the lay of the land, and then I target places I want to go.
Fun blog!
By: Kendall Grey on May 17, 2011
at 6:14 am
kendall, what a romantic honeymoon. i also love to wander – the french even have a term for a person who wanders, a flaneur. glad you like the blog, hope you’ll join me for french fridays. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:36 am
well i cannot wait to see what cupid does….
velvetbear72@yahoo.com
By: Merriedth on May 17, 2011
at 6:59 am
merriedth, this is not your greeting card cupid – i hope you like him, i would love to hear your opinion. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 7:37 am
I sooooo would love to go to Paris… such a beautiful place… I would probably just wanna site see and take pictures all day 🙂
By: Aimee McGill on May 17, 2011
at 10:29 am
i agree, aimee, paris is a terrific place to commit all those gorgeous sites to film. thanks for popping by, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 5:45 pm
Love this i love to visit famous sites when i go somewhere for the first time.
By: Kristina Yeager on May 17, 2011
at 12:20 pm
kristina, i totally i agree – i love seeing famous sites. it’s like your guidebook has come to life. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 17, 2011
at 5:44 pm
Bonjour! 🙂 the first thjign that i would do is take a picture! 🙂
By: camille s. on May 17, 2011
at 6:31 pm
bonjour camille, i agree – pictures first! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 18, 2011
at 6:53 am
I have a friend that is studing in Paris right now is is having the time of his life… I so envy him… Thanks for the wonderful post…
sharonramos2(at)gmail(dot)com
By: Sharon on May 17, 2011
at 8:51 pm
thanks for stopping by, sharon – there are lots of students in paris, and from what i’ve seen they all love the city. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 18, 2011
at 6:52 am
The first thing I would do would be check into the hotel and take a little rest while planning exactly what I would want to do first. I love looking at old buildings and learning about cultures and histories.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
By: June M. on May 17, 2011
at 9:47 pm
june, then you would love paris – old buildings and fancy hotels. sometimes in one package. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 18, 2011
at 6:51 am
I like to relax a little in my hotel and then find a nice local restaurant to eat in then take in a couple of sights just to get a feel of the place.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
By: Michelle Bledsoe on May 18, 2011
at 10:49 am
great plan michelle! thanks for stopping by, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 18, 2011
at 12:37 pm
The first thing I like to do in ANY new location we visit is find bookstores and pay them a visit! =D
ReneeRearden(at)yahoo(dot)com
By: Renee Rearden on May 18, 2011
at 4:05 pm
i love it, renee! me too – i like to look up where the bookstores are before i arrive. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 18, 2011
at 5:42 pm
The first thing I do when we arrive at our destination is ask for pool hours upon check in…lol! That satisfies the kids so we can go about the fun of museums, bookstores, and shopping without interruption. We have a great time sightseeing, and when we return, they usually still have an hour or two to swim!
galeminchew (at) yahoo (dot) com
By: Gale Minchew on May 19, 2011
at 7:03 pm
dear gale, you sound like my husband! that’s a great idea. thanks for visiting, therese
By: therese on May 20, 2011
at 1:09 pm
ive always wanted to visit Paris. ever since i was like 14 up till now. i think my first instinct is to explore which leads to taking pictures. chatting it up with people and then trying the good there.
By: Lindsey Hutchison on May 19, 2011
at 7:34 pm
dear lindsey, your first instincts sound like mine. thank you for taking this blog hop tour. best, therese
By: therese on May 20, 2011
at 1:10 pm
The first thing I do is take a deep breath, and depending on the weather I just stop and take in my surroundings 🙂
Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com
By: Krysta Banco on May 19, 2011
at 11:40 pm
krysta you sound like a very grounded traveler – i bet you don’t miss a thing! best, therese
By: therese on May 20, 2011
at 1:11 pm
shopping is on my first to do list! New places then new clothes.
By: shirley bell on May 20, 2011
at 8:12 am
hi shirley, i like the way you think. thanks for visiting, therese
By: therese on May 20, 2011
at 1:11 pm
Paris is a def most wanted must visit place :)~ Thank you for sharing
Reannabartley(at)gmail(.)com
By: Reanna on May 21, 2011
at 3:09 pm
thanks a lot for dropping by, reanna. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 21, 2011
at 3:22 pm
Cupid! I love Roman and Greek mythology since always! And I love to find books about it, of course! Sounds like a really good book^^
And I live close to France… actually, I can cath a train and cross the border in 25 minutes – I live in Switzerland- and France it’s a wonderful country to visit and relax.
Thanks for sharing it^^
By: Alexandra Garcia on May 21, 2011
at 4:08 pm
Ups, just in case, my e-mail is sontrei2000@yahoo.com.br
By: Alexandra Garcia on May 21, 2011
at 4:09 pm
oh, alexandra, how lucky are you! i have family in geneva. i love switzerland. i hope you consider reading “matching wits with venus” – it is definitely a fresh take on those gods we thought we knew. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 21, 2011
at 4:16 pm
I like to talk to ppl ACDSee what the locals recommend and get a feel for the personality of the city.
amandawoodward1976@yahoo.com
By: Amanda Woodward on May 22, 2011
at 12:39 pm
hi amanda, that’s a great idea – the locals always have the low down on food, shops, and events. thanks for stopping by, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 22, 2011
at 12:47 pm
The first thing I do… check into the hotel^^ and then I’ll just walk around the city to get the feeling of it^^
Thanks for the giveaway^^
melissasanchezdempsey@hotmail.com
By: Melissa on May 22, 2011
at 2:12 pm
hi melissa, thank you for participating in our giveaway. i agree, there is no better way to learn a new city than to walk its sidewalks. best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 22, 2011
at 4:27 pm
I’m starting this tour late, but maybe I can make it all around & I love reading about new books! I have been to Paris – loved it – would love to visit again!
sallans d at yahoo dot com
By: Diane Sallans on May 22, 2011
at 5:33 pm
hi diane, you are merely fashionable late – thanks for joining us! best, therese
By: theresegilardi on May 22, 2011
at 7:08 pm