Handbag and Book welcomes Laura McHale Holland - Have You Gasped When You Found a Handbag?

 About the Handbag: 

My daughter gave me this shoulder bag from Anushka's Ana line for Mother's Day this year. I'd expected a card, maybe some flowers or a bottle of vanilla-scented lotion, definitely something smaller and less expensive than this bag. So, it was a complete surprise.

I discovered the brand a decade or so ago, when I saw an Anushka wallet at the counter of my favorite shoe store. I didn't purchase it because at $119, the price of the wallet made me gasp, and I put it out of my mind. But, years later, when I received several Amazon gift cards for Christmas, I searched the site and realized I could purchase a beautiful earth-toned Anushka handbag with those cards plus only about $35. So, I did.

I have an assortment of appealing handbags in my closet, but since that first Anushka arrived, I confess, I've rarely touched them. Perhaps my daughter grew tired of seeing me toting the same bag every day. I think, though, that she just wanted to give me something I wouldn't have purchased for myself. You see, I thought one Anushka was all I needed. Ah, but it's so nice to now have two. I love the new bag's cool shades of blue, and the curves of the flowers and leaves. I also appreciate how roomy it is. If I want to do a little work away from my home office, I just tuck my iPad and notebook in beside the lavender Anushka wallet I finally purchased with another set of gift cards, and I'm all set.   

 

About the Book: 

A sweeping tale in which tragedy and one town's mighty spirit collide 

 

The Kiminee Dream, a tale of Midwest charm and quirky characters, but with twists that reveal a dark side you don't see coming, was named a finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The central character of this deeply poetic novel is the extraordinarily gifted Carly Mae Foley, whose promise is threatened by tragic events that tear her family apart. But the book also brings several characters into focus who have their own painful secrets and mysteries to resolve. All the townsfolk are deeply connected to one another, as well as to the local animals, flora and fauna, and even the weather. So what happens—both positive and negative—affects all as if they are part of a single whole. A birth, for instance, will get the entire town dancing, even crawdads at the riverbank, and when shock and sorrow come to town, a subtle, underlying magic will ultimately soften the blow. If you like depth as well as whimsy, arresting turns, and details that stir your heart, you'll love what is ultimately an eloquent exploration of acceptance and a tender tribute to the people of Illinois.   

About the Author: As a proud member of the independent-author revolution, Laura 

McHale Holland writes stories true and untrue in multiple forms—from flash fiction to novels, memoirs to short plays—and in all of her work she looks for hope in unlikely places. In addition to The Kiminee Dream’s finalist designation in the 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, four of Laura’s prior books have been recognized in the Nationa Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Readers Favorite Awards, and INDIES Book of the Year. Four of her short plays have been produced in Northern California, where she lives with her husband and two goofy little mutts. For a free copy of Just in Case, an ebook of 21 bite-sized stories, please visit: https://lauramchaleholland.com .

Answer these questions: 

Red, White or Blue?  Red — If my lips weren't so thin, I'd flaunt deep red lipstick. 

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer — Languid summer days bring happy memories 

Cake or Pie? Cake — Gluten-free, chocolate 

Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Tea — Black (not green) and extra strong 

Country music or Michael Buble? Country — Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Carrie Underwood 

Pencil or Pen? Pen — Black, needle tip 

 

 

Find The Kiminee Dream at: Amazon

Find Laura at: Website