Ready for those beach reads?
Fire up those summer reading lists. @entertainmentweekly has compiled a list of 27 titles you shouldn’t miss!
And thank you @themaureenlee, Maureen Lee Lenker and Entertainment Weekly for including Queen of Exiles on this amazing list.
Preorder Queen of Exiles today!!!
Link to article and more in bio.
While in #keywest I visited #indiebookstore @booksandbookskw and signed copies of #sistermotherwarrior Stop in Books and Books—wide selection, great staff, lots of book goodies.
Yes, that is an anchor from 1600s behind me. It’s huge. A cross section is thicker than my thigh.
And these snapped like twigs during a hurricane.
Secret research guys!!!
More to come!
#summer #tbr #HistoricalFiction #romance #BookLover #books
#queenofexile #islandqueen #research #skeewee #summerstyle #summerreads #beachreads #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore
I attended the Unbound Conference in Columbia, Missouri, this weekend for the Unbound Conference. A very receptive crowd came to hear Phong Nguyen (Bronze Drum), Jocelyn Cullity (The Envy of Paradise, moderator Trudy Lewis and me discussed war and power women.
Amazing time and a lovely crowd. Thanks for the selfie, Columbia!
On our panel, I spoke about Gran Toya and Marie Claire Bonheur, soft power and physical power, and the theme of never being too late to do the right thing--all taken from my 2nd Historical Fiction Sister Mother Warrior to a receptive crowd. Love giving this special book its flowers.
Thank you to all who listened and bought copies of SMW at Skylark Books. You worked those two large piles to a few copies left. @skylarkbookshop is an adorable bookshop with a very engaged staff.
The festival started with an art gallery presentation (MIZZOU VISUAL ART AND DESIGN SHOWCASE) and an excellent keynote conversation between poets Ross Gay and Patrick Rosal. These two men's 20+ year friendship, the back and forth of iron-sharpening-iron wit, and their shared vulnerabilities shined. All authors should be this lucky to have such friends in their lives.
I met Janet of @austenconnection and #NPR. Catch her amazing podcast and broadcasts.
Buki Papillon is an author to watch. I'm looking forward to reading her work, An Ordinary Wonder.
And it was cold in Missouri. Boots, leather coats, sweater dresses—all the clothing of winter was needed. I bought gloves on the street. That cold. Hope you get Spring soon.
#books #booktok #tbr #literary #historicalfiction #fashion #bookfestival #womenwarriors #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #blackbooks #blackgirlmagic #history #fashion #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileypanel #vanessarileyindiebookstore #indiebookstore #writer #writerlife #booktour #authors #islandqueen #literaryfiction
This is my confused face. I’m traveling again. I’m at the airport early because TSA even precheck and Clear are a gamble.
Heading to West Palm Beach for @bookstackbookclub at The Ben Hotel. We talk 1806 politics, female agency, power women, historical fiction and murder.
Should be an Amazing weekend for Lady Worthing and Murder in Westminster!!!
So I tried a BBP - A Bobby Flay Burger Palace.
Had the vegan burger and fries.
Fries are perfect and pickle mayo sauce/dip were amazing. But I don’t like pickles that much, so I wish there was another condiment.
The vegan burger made with BBQ wild mushrooms, chickpeas and quinoa was amazing. The bun was toasted perfectly, the pickle sauce (red chipotle sauce) with a bit of lettuce, tomato, patty, and bun is perfect. But the other bun is drowned in rich American cheese sauce.
If I liked American cheese this would probably be the best ever.
It was thick and rich, perfect melt.
But I don’t like American cheese like that. 🙁
The waitstaff is amazing. Atmosphere is great. This is upscale fast food. So I’m sated but confused.
Will try again. Traveling foodie woes.
#foodie #traveling #bookclub #airportfood #historicalmystery #ladyworthing #murderinwestminster #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #book #tbr #westpalmbeach #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltravel
Last week, I had an amazing book club experience with @bookstackbookclub hosted by Sarah Martin.
Set at the fabulous Ben Hotel, Sarah and I talked about writing, my writing journey, and why stories matter.
Imagine beautiful book decor, impressive drinks and food themed for Murder in Westminster. It was epic. Any time you can catch an epic event or a Bookstash Book Club event do it!!!
I’ve included a few pictures. Love meeting members of the West Palm Beach community and the #redcross. Red Cross is doing wonders to help the local community.
Loved talking about Lady Worthing, Island Queen, and a little about Queen of Exiles.
Check my website, to schedule a zoom with your book club!
#book #writer #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltravel #tbr #historicalfiction #historicalmystery #mystery #vanessariley #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileybooks #livingmybestlife #livinginpurpose #sisterhood #islandqueen #bookclub #vanessarileysign
What a world wind! I’m finally getting to post pictures from two #booksigning events this week.
@vahibooks Virginia Highlands Books is adorable with friendly staff and shelves and shelves of amazing books. We sold out of Murder in Westminster (I’m sure they can order you a copy 😘)
I did leave a few signed copies of Sister Mother Warrior too.
Yes, those are Cheryl’s Cookies. I do bring goodies for signings.
@talltalesbooks is fabulous. They set up a great outdoor display so I could greet the public. Another amazing #indiebookstore. Check out their banned books and staff picks!!!
Thank you readers, especially new to me readers for coming and supporting my career and indie bookstores!!!
#Fashion: @eshakti burgundy shirt dress and teal jumpsuit
#books #historical #mystery #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalfiction #sisterhood #bookstagram #blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #bookstore #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #london #murderinwestminster #ladyworthing #murdermystery #mysteries #mysteryseries #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyindiebookstore #womandetective
It’s Murder!!!! Yes, I’m back with a new book. Lady Worthing is the detective you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Bold
Vulnerable
Impatient
Black and Beautiful
A Baroness on the fringes with the Ton
Finding her way in the 1806 World of Turmoil
When the neighbor your fighting with, his estranged wife ends up dead on your fence…. you have some explaining.
See if Lady Worthing is up to the task. Releases Aug. 30th!!!!
Link in bio or bit.ly/ladyworthing
And check out upcoming events, more to come!!!
Regency/Georgian era Sleuthing
Library Journal -“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre.”
Publishers Weekly—“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.”
#books #historical #mystery #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalfiction #sisterhood #bookstagram #blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #booktok #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #ladyworthing #mysterylover #cozymystery #sleuth #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyhere #mysteries #mysteryseries #regency
The Girls Were Smiling…
Atlanta History Center, thank you for an amazing event for me and my author friends—historical fiction and thriller—all around great reads!!!
Tuesday, I was with Piper Huguley and Wanda Morris to discuss Power Women, Research, Process, and being a female Black writer—the life, the community, and sisterhood.
Thank you, Claire for everything. You always throw an awesome event!!!!
If you haven’t already, grab a copy of:
📚Anywhere You Run (@wandamowrites )
📚 By Her Own Design (@piper_huguley )
📚 Sister Mother Warrior
📚 Island Queen
📚Murder in Westminster
Atlanta History Center has signed copies.
#books #historical #historicalmystery #thriller #blackhistory #mysteries #vanessarileyhere
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #veterans #soldier #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyauthor
That Time I froze in Chicago….
Vanessa here. I am in this cool purple coat I picked up two weeks ago in Chicago. While visiting the weather changed overnight from 70 F to 50F with crazy wind! Burrrrrr.
That’s a good enough excuse for this cute coat from a new small business owner off Michigan Ave, near Roosevelt University.
Anyway, I have a week of events I’d like to share with you. I’m thrilled to say these are only up the way on Georgia streets. I am with my fellow sister-friend authors, Piper Huguley and Wanda Morris at the Atlanta History Center talking power women in power fiction.
On Wednesday, I am with Kennedy Ryan celebrating the release of her new book Before I Let Go. Promise we won’t sing too much, other than the praises for Yasmin and Josiah’s story. It will be another night to talk about women on a journey. We are at the 44th and 3rd Bookseller in Atlanta.
Come for the fun. Join us!!!
PS: in the background are some books on my TBR Pile that I’m enjoying by Vanessa Miller, Jacquelin Thomas, Attica Locke.
#books #historical #historicalmystery #mysteries #vanessarileyhere
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #veterans #soldier #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyindiebookstore @atlantahistorycenter
#Repost - vanessarileyauthor
It’s Murder!!!! Yes, I’m back with a new book. Lady Worthing is the detective you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Bold
Vulnerable
Impatient
Black and Beautiful
A Baroness on the fringes with the Ton
Finding her way in the 1806 World of Turmoil
When the neighbor you're fighting with, his estranged wife ends up dead on your fence…. you have some explaining.
See if Lady Worthing is up to the task. Releases Aug. 30th!!!!
Link in bio or bit.ly/ladyworthing
And check out upcoming events, more to come!!!
Regency/Georgian era Sleuthing
Library Journal -“Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose’s Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre.”
Publishers Weekly—“Riley offers a vibrant picture of the roles Black and mixed-race people played in Regency life. Fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this one.”
#books #historical #mystery #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalfiction #sisterhood #bookstagram #blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #booktok #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #ladyworthing #mysterylover #cozymystery #sleuth #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyhere #mysteries #mysteryseries #regency
Girl… We had a time yesterday!
I love it when everything comes together: perfect weather, readers, especially my reading ladies, and a great book festival.
The @decaturbookfestival had it all.
Thank you to everyone who came out. Our mystery panel moderated by @jillevanswriter (fabulous job) was amazing with @jillianmedoff @samallenwrites!!!
@eagleeyebooks was as wonderful as ever. I signed books for their store so please stop by and visit them!
Books discussed at the Mystery Panel:
📒Pay Dirt by Samantha Jayne Allen
📚When We Were Bright and Beautiful by Jillian Medoff
📕Murder in Westminster by Vanessa Riley
After the panel, we had a signing, and folks showed their support: ❤️❤️❤️❤️📚📚📚📚😘
Keep spreading the word!!!
Thank you and blessings from my heart!
The DBF brimmed with people. ✔️Lots of displays.
✔️Great sessions in tents, hardworking volunteers, and the beautiful church, @fbcdecatur .
It was good to see the DBF back in person. Can’t wait until next year!
#book #bookstack
#historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #bookstagram #blackbook #blackwomen #blackhistory
#blackgirlmagic
#sistermotherwarrior
#islandqueen
#murderinwestminster
#vanessarileyauthor
#vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileypanel #vanessariley
After so many months of virtual events, it was great to be with #readers in person. Thank you @foxtale_book_shoppe for hosting. Thank you all who came out and preordered #Island Queen!!!
New York Times review, “Riveting and transformative, evocative and immersive…by turns vibrant and bold and wise, discovering Dorothy’s story is a singular pleasure.”
Links to order signed copies, reviews,and events are in my bio link.
#innerdorothy
#vanessariley #islandqueen #hats #myinnerdorothy #caribbean #readcaribbean #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #montserrat #grenada #barbados #guyana #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newrelease
Dorothy inspired cookies @laniscustomcookies
Outfit by @eshakti
#vanessarileysign
Left off some of the photos from @bncumberlandga
・・・
Every now and then a wonderful surprise comes through our doors, and this happens to be one of them. Author
Vanessa Riley stopped by and signed copies of her new title
“Island Queen” .
A perfect summer ☀️read. @vanessarileyauthor #summermusthave
#signedbooks #wonderfulsuprise #mustread #barnesandnobles #vanessarileyauthor #islandqueen #queen #cantputitdown
#innerdorothy
#vanessariley #islandqueen #hats #myinnerdorothy #caribbean #readcaribbean #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #montserrat #grenada #barbados #guyana #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #vanessarileybn #vanessarileysign
Celebrated #caribbeanindependence #emancipationday today with the gracious folks (Warren et. All) at @44thand3rdbookseller !!!
It was great to talk #research and #history and #westindies with beautiful readers. Warren the patties were great. Good friend and fellow writer @sharinawrites showed. Thank you all who came and patronized this great #indiebookstore
#vanessariley #islandqueen #hats #vanessarileyindiebookstore #caribbean #readcaribbean #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #montserrat #grenada #barbados #guyana #Trinidad #vanessarileysign #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newreleases #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyworkshop
Had a secret fun day trip that I’ll spill the beans on later. Shoes 👠 we're involved, but I headed to Barnes and Nobles @buckheadbn!
They have a beautiful store, great sound track, and every @barnesandnoble associate is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable.
The racks and tables are stocked with great #historicalfiction #romance and more!
I love seeing my sister-friends books and other authors-I-admire’s books out on tables!
Check out the store. I left signed copies of #islandqueen #sistermotherwarrior and #murderinwestminster plus a few other titles.
#books #historical #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalmystery #mysteries
#blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #vanessarileyhere #authentic #vanessarileysign
Back home from my DC trip, and just taking a moment to reflect.
Every minute was memorable and fun, from hitting the @librarycongress and spending time in the map room to conversations and signings at @sankofadc @loyaltybooks @mahoganybooks @politicsprose and @eastcitybookshop
My partner in many of these visits was the delightful @dennysbryce and I wish to send out my special thanks to the cohort— Dear hubby and road dog hung in there. Agent @seyitsme brought me coffee!!! Love doing life with you all.
August will be another busy month. I’m flying out tomorrow to Kansas City to #RomanceGenreCon @mcplmo
And then back for the @blackwritersweekend @aambcawards
Link: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/featured/romance-genrecon?fs=e&s=cl
#writerlife #writersofinstagram #writing #books #bookstore #indiebookstore #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyauthor #vanessariley
About last night…
Thank you @atlantahistorycenter for throwing a perfect book launch. Claire Haley and crew have amazing hospitality. Thank you all for coming out, listening, and buying books!!! Then I had to stop at @barnesandnoble the @buckheadbn location to see Sister Mother Warrior on the shelf. Even signed a few Island Queen #paperbacks.
Lovely and I spent #booklaunch day with #family, #friends, and #readers
#booksbooksbooks #bookworm ##books #summerreads #haiti #haitian #hatianrevolution #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #womenleaders #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor
#vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyspeech #vanessarileysign
Finally arrived at @bookmarksnc. This #indiebookstore is adorable. The staff is super friendly. The books are diverse. Love it.
I signed a lot of books. Do come out and support the Festival!!! Thank you @williammorrowbooks and @harpercollins for arranging this tour for me.
#vanessariley
#writerscommunity #islandqueen #anearlthegirlandatoddler #aduketheladyandababy #romance #historicalromance #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #vanessarileyindiebookstore #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #bnbuzz #barnesandnoble #vanessarileysign #BNBookClub #reesesbookclub #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks
Sunday was library day. I want to thank @gwinnettlibrary for inviting me to speak and sign books. Thank you @eagleeyebooks for serving as #bookseller — love #indiebookstore
And thank you friends, family, and readers for coming out on gorgeous afternoon to hear about #islandqueen
#tbr #historicalfiction #womenshistorymonth #strongwomen #caribbean
#vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileylibrary #vanessarileysign
Wrap up post of @tucsonfestivalofbooks and my #birthday !! Both were amazing. Sunday started with wonderful panels: @authorbeatriz and @jilliancantor - #women circumventing norms
@ninadegramont @melodiewinawer -love across the ages
More Happenings:
Birthday Flowers from my dear friend and #finance advisor @transitioningfromcorporate
Meeting one of my fav #bookstagrammer s @kellzisbookedup
Seeing my #romance peeps.
Topped with a delicious birthday dinner with @fionadavisauthor @christinaclancyauthor @authorbeatriz Thank you ladies!!!
Wonderful Day!!!!
#womensupportingwomen #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #historicalfiction #literaryfiction
Add to your #tbrlist
#themagnoliapalace
#thewickedwidow
#shoulderseason
#thetobaccowives
#anticipation
#thechristieaffair
#islandqueen #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileypanel
Book Tour Time - Come out to see me in Suwanee at Read-it-again Books from 12:00 EST. Book Launch & Signing for Murder in Westminster.
Woodstock - Monday, 12th 6:30 EST—To FoxTale Book Shoppe
We are talking Murder and Fiction with Denny S. Bryce and Carmen Tanner Slaughter .
Tampa - Sunday, 18th 3:30 EST—To Oxford Exchange to talk Women Protagonists In Historical Fiction with Piper G Huguley and Denny S. Bryce Author
Book event details go to my bio or events page on my website.
I hope to see you!!!
Pictured are In The Face of The Sun, By Her Design, Wild Women and the Blues, Island Queen, Sister Mother Warrior, and Murder in Westminster.
Remember to Like and Share.
Buy. Read. Tell a Friend.
Request in your library.
#books #haiti #london #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #bookstagram #booktok #womenleaders #blackbook #blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #bookstore #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #sistermotherwarrior
#islandqueen #writers
#booksigning #blackgirlmagic
#blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessariley indie bookstore #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign
*Left out a picture*
・・・
Hey everyone. I’m here at a live event with live people! The Tucson Festival of Books is amazing. If you are in the area stop by. I’m on fabulous panels with @authoralanaalbertson @katee_robert @authorbeatriz @jendelucawrites and more talking #romance, #lovestories, and women who dared to be different.
#womenwhodo #historicalfiction #historicalromance #bookfestival #tucson #tucsonfestivalofbooks #books #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileypanel #vanessarileysign