A World of Color and Mystery: Fiction Books to Celebrate Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, making it a popular setting for fiction novels. From mystery and suspense to romance and drama, the unique culture and festivities of Mardi Gras provide a rich backdrop for a wide range of stories. In this blog entry, we’ll explore some of my favorite fiction books set during Mardi Gras, each offering a captivating and immersive experience for readers. So if you’re looking for a good read that transports you to the heart of this exciting celebration, be sure to check out the books on this list.

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1. The Night He Died by Stacy Green

Wrong place. Wrong time. And everything to lose. Running for his life … Cage Foster discovers a body in one of New Orleans’s most mysterious cemeteries. His partner recognizes the victim—she investigated him for the disappearance of his girlfriend months ago and suspects suicide. Cage isn’t buying it—the evidence and the cause of death tell a different story. Running out of time … Within days, others start to disappear. Cage is certain everything is tied to one of New Orleans’s most powerful Mardi Gras Krewes, but with Fat Tuesday just days away, city officials demand Cage drop the investigation. Up against the city’s rich and powerful who financially fuel a corrupted legal system, Cage only has two allies: A clairvoyant and a woman with a past so dark and damaged, he’s afraid to trust her. The killer will do anything to keep from being exposed, and Cage’s luck has finally run out, because this is The Night He Died.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3jlk8iJ

2. Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce

Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.

Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.

Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3kM6nKl

3. Rescued by a Kiss by Colleen Mooney

One kiss and her world turns upside down…

Can she solve the case that threatens his life? Brandy Alexander never thought living in the Big Easy could feel so dull. And as she waits painfully for her long-time cop boyfriend to propose, she’s not sure their hearts are beating to the same tune.

Then, she did what lots of young women do at parades, and that is to exchange a kiss from a tuxedoed man in a walking club for a flower …

But, she kissed a handsome stranger that summoned her into the street and electric thrills turn to shock when he’s shot right before her eyes. His gasping request haunts her as she watches in horror as he’s whisked away by an ambulance.

Brandy races to track down the mysterious person his only words asked of her…

The clues take her from Bourbon Street’s bright lights into a dark den of corruption. She’ll have to put everything on the line to prevent her charming man from eating another bullet.

Can Brandy survive her city’s greedy criminals and save this charismatic man she feels a romantic connection with?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3Dp04Db

4. Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown

In this “intriguing” thriller (People), a New Orleans police officer kidnaps an attorney’s wife in an act of revenge — but he’s not expecting the electric attraction between them.

Burke Basile is a cop with nothing left to lose. Haunted by his partner’s death, the end of his marriage, and the destruction of his career, he targets his nemesis, a flamboyant attorney who helps killers evade justice. Burke’s shocking revenge centers around kidnapping Remy, the lawyer’s trophy wife.

But Burke hasn’t planned on the scorching desire he’ll feel for this desperate woman, who rose from the slums of New Orleans to marry a man she can never love. Nor can he predict the fierce duel that will explode as the clock ticks toward midnight on Fat Tuesday when all masks will be stripped away — and Burke will be forced to confront his own terrifying secret.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3RerfWG

5. Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby

Their love brought scandal and demons.

Lucy Easton, an aspiring novelist, will do anything to help boost her chances at publication-including betraying her family. But when she crosses paths with the charismatic Alexander, her aspiration for success pales in comparison to the attraction she feels towards him.

Alexander Melling is a young lawyer from a powerful family, striving to free himself from his father’s shadow. The more time he spends with Lucy, the more desperate he becomes to shed the secrets of his past-a past which can destroy both himself and the woman he loves.

While Alexander struggles with his past sins, Lucy must decide whether loving him is worth risking her own safety…and her heart. From gossip magazines to gleaming Mardi Gras balls, Lucy and Alex navigate the Gilded Age in the Deep South with both passion and guilt.

Also included in this new edition is The Possession Chronicles prequel short story “Masked Flaws.” Find out how Edmund Easton joined the Mystics of Dardenne society during the 1904 Mardi Gras season.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3RhTIuR

And a Mardi Gras Freebie!

Did you know that the people on the floats throw beads, toys, candy, and other goodies to the people lining the parade routes? Consider this a Mardi Gras “throw” for you! The Goddess of Gothic, Carrie Dalby (see her book above) co-wrote “Revelry’s Requiem” with me for an anthology. Now, we’re giving it out to our readers for free!

Danger arrives at Chateau Rouge during the 1911 carnival season in the form of an Italian violinist, Valentino De Fiore. Seeking to flaunt his fame, Valentino sends for his cousin, Father Claudio De Fiore, to visit from his small Louisiana parish. The instant Claudio arrives, he feels powers of darkness closing in around Valentino. In over their heads with the arrogant violinist and a young vampire who loves him, Josephine and Alcide must turn to Selena Prosperie, the oldest vampire in New Orleans in hopes of bringing secrecy back to their establishment. Can the vengeful immortal control the situation without unleashing her fury on the De Fiore cousins?

Download your FREE copy by clicking here now: https://BookHip.com/FSSSMLJ

Lafayette Mardi Gras Photographer John Weatherall

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

Louisiana native John Weatherall captures perfect parade pictures.

Mardi Gras season officially kicks off today, and if you’re from Louisiana, then this is probably one of your favorite times of the year. Whether it’s a small local parade or a big city celebration, nothing can quite compare to the bustle and excitement of Mardi Gras in the South. But have you ever thought about who captures these moments? Who brings these memories to life with dynamic photos and videos that tell stories of the revelry and celebration that makes this time of the year so unique? One such photographer is Louisiana native John Weatherall, who specializes in capturing Mardi Gras with fun-filled videos that capture perfect moments along parade routes. In this blog post, we’ll find out who his influences are and why he loves Mardi Gras so much.

(Side note: I had the privilege of teaching John and have enjoyed watching his success grow every year. And with my own love of Mardi Gras, this was a fun blog to do!)

How long have you been taking pictures?

My interest in photography started back in April of 2007. My parents purchased a Sanyo Point and Shoot Camera for me to take photos of the family. It wasn’t until November ’07, during my Junior Year at Northside High whenever they invested in a Sony A100 DSLR. From there, my interest grew tremendously!

My interest in videography started in the late 1990s. My Mom and Dad filmed all of our home movies growing up and showed me and my sisters how to operate the VHS camera. It wasn’t until January 2001 whenever I was able to operate the camera on my own. We were on our way to Baton Rouge to visit my sister, and I was able to document our trip to and from that; I fell in love with photography! I still have that video saved at home.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

It would have to be my love for capturing moments that most people don’t think of or forget to capture. Going through our family photo albums, I would always say, “Why didn’t we get this moment on photo or video?” but of course, I feel the best moments are whenever you’re not documenting and living in the moment. But my goal is to capture those moments that people tend to not think about!

Who are some people that have influenced you throughout your career?

Photography-wise, I’d have to say Dave Hill, Alex Stoddard, Brooke Shaden, and more recently Joe Greer (Film Photographer). Videography-wise, I’d have to say Ray Roman Films, Dennis Films, and Hype Williams!

Tell us what your favorite projects have been so far.

Definitely my Mardi Gras recap videos I put out every year. They have taken a life of their own for sure. Aside from Mardi Gras, I’d have to go with my We Ready Saints Hype Video I shot back in 2019. I remember that week being crazy because I traveled all down I-10 from Lake Charles to New Orleans, filming different Saints fans all in four days!

Now, speaking of Mardi Gras and the subject of this interview, let’s assume it’s someone’s first Mardi Gras. What advice do you give him or her?

Prepare for a long day! No seriously. Mardi Gras is a great experience but can be draining if you don’t prepare for what’s ahead. My advice would be to stay hydrated at all times, be sure to check out the parade route in advance to pick a spot you want to set up. Arrive early!

Everyone is like family along the parade route, so you’re bound to meet new friends and have fun before the parade rolls. I’ve also received messages from people who are unsure about attending a parade alone. Trust me, it’s just as fun. Since 2004, I’ve been attending several parades by myself and have always had a great experience. Lastly, have fun and catch lots of beads!

What’s your favorite thing about Mardi Gras?

The people. I can’t tell you how many people that I’ve met over the years at the parades that I still keep in contact with to this day! Can’t forget about the King cakes. My go-to spots are Meches and Jak’s Donuts for their King Cake Cronuts.

Where can we find you on social media?

I’m on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter under @johneweatherall and YouTube under John Weatherall III.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Be sure to look for me on the Krewe De Krunk float during Mardi Gras. And also special thanks to my parents John and Prenella Weatherall for getting me started in videography as a kid, my best friend Gerald Gruenig for pushing me to post Mardi Gras content on TikTok, which blew up in 2022, and lastly Lance Ruffins with Krewe De Krunk.

A.L. Vincent Books

The Bon Chance Boonies series is the perfect read for anyone who loves Louisiana, food, friendship, and family. These heartwarming stories will make you laugh, cry, and feel like you are home. Click the link below to buy your book today!

Bon Chance Boonie Amazon Page

It’s National Louisiana Day!

It’s Louisiana Day! And what does that mean, exactly? Well, it depends on who you ask. For some, it might be a day to celebrate the culture and history of Louisiana. For others, it might be a day to enjoy the food and music of the state. And for still others, it might be a time to reflect on all that Louisiana has to offer tourists and visitors. No matter how you choose to celebrate, there’s no doubt that Louisiana is a unique and special place. So Happy Louisiana Day! To celebrate, I would like to share some of my favorite books set here in this great state! There’s a wide variety of genres here, so there’s something for everyone!

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1. Running out of Rain by Lori Leger

Eventually, all storms break for a little sunshine.

Dr. Cynthia Ellender is devastated when her husband of thirty-three years dies suddenly. A revelation at his funeral leaves her bitter, angry, and determined to leave Oklahoma for good. Maybe a move back to her hometown in south Louisiana is just the right prescription for the good doctor.

John Michael Ferguson has weathered some serious storms in his fifty-three years. At sixteen he lost a sister, and at thirty-nine, a wife. Now, he’s forced to watch his mom lose her battle with Alzheimer’s. A chance meeting with “Cyn” has the semi-retired businessman wanting to bury his past and look to the future. Armed with questionable advice from his wise-cracking, seventy-seven year old father, he vacates the “widower’s bench” to re-enter the dating world with his old classmate.

RUNNING OUT OF RAIN is a mature love story that proves just because there’s a little silver in the hair doesn’t mean the pump isn’t primed for passion.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3UEmarX

2. Promise by Lisa Coots

The small Louisiana town of Cypress Point promises a fresh start for Claire Hebert and her lovable Great Dane Rosie. On the run from a monster, Claire hopes the new job and new town will help her escape her past. Her free spirited friend, Serena, and the friendly folks next door keep her hoping and dreaming of a better tomorrow.

Fate takes a hand — with a little help from Rosie — throwing Claire into the arms of sexy Sheriff’s Deputy, Evan Bertrand. Sparks fly, but instincts steer him away from his parents’ crazy neighbor and her trouble making canine. Will the chaos surrounding Claire be Evan’s undoing, or will their passion live up to its promise?

Mysterious happenings hint at the secrets held in Serena’s house, and warnings of a dangerous reunion threaten to spoil Claire’s promised tomorrow. On Halloween night, during a violent storm, Claire’s monster returns. Can Evan, with the help of a ghostly presence, help her overcome her past once and for all?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3zY8oI8

3. Rain by C.K. Leger

Trapped in a marriage with an alcoholic husband she loathes, Kitty Lyons lives with regret daily. When Levi, the only man she ever loved, dies saving the life of a child, Kitty is given the chance to switch lives with Kat, the version of herself who had been brave enough to claim Levi as her own. But what might have been is not always as good as what truly was. To get back to her children, Kitty will have to come face to face with the traumatic aspects of her own past that led her to the choices that ultimately changed her fate.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3Tp94NN

4. King Me by Season Vining

Delaney Mills is haunted by darkness. Not of a spiritual kind, but a terrible past that all the rum in the world cannot chase away. Enter Valentine King, a sexy and irresistible man with connections to the world of Voodoo—a world that Delaney is desperately trying to break into.

Chicago-native Delaney follows her dissertation research all the way to the streets of New Orleans. With King’s help, she uncovers a covert group called the Bondye Saints. The group wants to remain a secret and will do whatever it takes to keep the two quiet. But threats and attacks on her life don’t deter Delaney’s desire to expose the Saints’ sins.

While she’s willing to risk her own life, Delaney hates that the one man who can chase away her darkness is put in danger. But Valentine King refuses to let her go. Because in his world built on faith, Delaney Mills is the one thing he believes in.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3hxl3vv

5. A House Divided, by Deborah LeBlanc

Keith Lafleur, Louisiana’s largest and greediest building contractor, thinks he’s cut the deal of a lifetime. The huge old, two-story, clapboard house is his for the taking as long as he can move it to a new location. It’s too big to move as it is, but Lafleur’s solution is simple: divide it in half. He has no idea, though, that by splitting the house he’ll be dividing a family–a family long dead, a family that still exists in the house, including a mother who will destroy anyone who keeps her apart from her children.

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3EjWLxW

Tangled up in You by A.L. Vincent

Can their friendship bloom into the second chance they both desire? Or is history something none of us can escape?

After her alcoholic husband drained their bank yet again, Emily Breaux reached her breaking point. Packing her bags, she retreated back to her hometown of Bon Chance in search of a fresh start.

Contractor Noah Devereaux would love to help her rebuild her dreams. The Iraq war veteran battles with PTSD, yet Emily’s quiet presence offers him a calming solace. More than anything, he wishes for some way to repay her for the peace she brings to his life. But it takes more than wishes to make Emily’s dream of opening her own catering company come true.

Will returning home to Bon Chance, Louisiana be the perfect recipe for Emily to start over?

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3fSikfr

National Gumbo Day: A Celebration of this Delicious Louisiana Dish

Chicken and sausage gumbo cooking in an iron kettle.

National Gumbo Day is celebrated every year on October 12th. This delicious Louisiana dish has a long and storied history, and there are many different ways to make it. Today, we’re going to take a look at the history of gumbo, the difference between Cajun and Creole gumbo, and where to get the best gumbo in Louisiana. So let’s get started!

The History of Gumbo

Gumbo is a uniquely Louisiana dish that has its roots in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century when French, Spanish, and African influences began to mix in the city. The word “gumbo” comes from the West African word for okra, which is one of the main ingredients in the dish.

Over time, gumbo has evolved into many different forms. There are Cajun gumbos, which are made with dark roux and seafood, and Creole gumbos, which are made with tomatoes and usually contain chicken or sausage. There are also vegetarian gumbos and even vegan gumbos. A Cajun gumbo will never have tomatoes and can come with many combinations of proteins. The most popular is chicken and sausage.

Where to Find the Best Gumbo in Louisiana

If you’re looking for great gumbo, you can’t go wrong with any of the following places:

1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: This New Orleans institution has been serving up some of the best gumbo for over 70 years. Be sure to try their famous shrimp and okra gumbo!
2. Willie Mae’s Scotch House: Another New Orleans classic, Willie Mae’s is known for their chicken and sausage gumbo. It was even featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s TV show No Reservations.
3. Prejean’s Restaurant: This Lafayette institution is known for their alligator sauce piquante, but their gumbo is also excellent. Be sure to try their seafood gumbo! Prejean’s also hosts local musicians frequently, so there’s a chance you’ll be entertained with some toe-tapping Cajun music.

Gumbo is a delicious Louisiana dish that has something for everyone. Whether you like your gumbo with seafood or sausage, there’s a recipe out there for you. So on this National Gumbo Day, why not head to your nearest Louisiana restaurant and give it a try?

Allons manger! (Let’s go eat! -Cajun French)

Want to Make Your Own Gumbo at Home?

This is for the Cajun style!

Check out this video from the Cajun Ninja!

Want to Make a Roux Without All the Fuss?

Try these already-made rouxs to save a little time! Click on the name for the link!

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Savoie’s Old Fashioned Dark Roux (My favorite!)

Kerry’s Dark Roux

RICHARD’S Cajun Style Roux

Tangled up in You

Cajun food, especially gumbo, plays a large role in Tangled up in You, the first book in my Bon Chance Boonies series! Be sure to check it out for only 99 cents, or FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Tangled up in You

Hurricane Season

It’s that time of year again in the South…Hurricane season. No, not the drink, the storm. And we’ve already had our first one. Hurricane Barry. It’s early in the season for us. Generally, our storms come later in the year, in September and October. It was an interesting storm, it moved very, very, slow. This meant it lasted longer than usual, and increased the threat of flooding. We fared very well through the storm. We had some street flooding, but didn’t lose power and since it’s July in Louisiana, power is necessary!

Have you ever been through a hurricane or big storm? I would love to hear your stories! And speaking of stories, the storm gave me a lot of motivation and inspiration to work on Once and For All. This novel starts with an approaching hurricane and the rest of the story is about rebuilding after. Here’s a little excerpt…

As they approached the apartment, Gemma said, “When I grabbed my hurricane supplies this morning, I grabbed some extras for you as well. I got a couple flashlights, some water and ice, extra oil for the hurricane lamps. There’s a small grocery store at the intersection where the light is, but I’m not sure what they’ll have at this point. I’m sure you know how it is when a storm rolls in. It’s like the end of the world.”

“Thank you so much,” Emily said.

“You’re very welcome. Can I help you unload?”

“I think we got it,” Emily replied. “We don’t have too much.”

“Okay, then, I’ll get back to the shop. I have a few things to attend to there.”
Gemma hugged Emily, then Carly. “Text if you need anything. And keep me posted on how things are here.”

“Will do,” Emily said before turning to Carly, “Let’s get this stuff unloaded, then head over to the cafe and check on things.”

“You got it,” Carly said. She looked up at the sky, “We better get a move on. It looks like the big rain will be here soon.”

The storm clouds twisted around in the darkening sky. The wind picked up too, whipping through the trees. Carly felt a churning in her own stomach, a sense that something bad was coming. Had they made a mistake coming to Lafayette?

Want to read more? Check out the story on Wattpad!

https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/155292374-once-and-for-all

Want to read a real-life hurricane story that involves a wedding? Check out this story from Lee St. John’s, She’s a Keeper!

“Rain, Rain, Go Away”

While in Raleigh, North Carolina for the wedding and reception of a teacher friend in December 1982, Future Hubby and I met an older gentleman who became interested in our recent engagement and the date we had set for our upcoming nuptials. We replied that we settled on May 14 that coming year.

“May fourteenth, well, well,” he said. “According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the second weekend in May is always the nicest weekend in the South. You should check it out and see for yourself.” The next day, we immediately bought a 1983 Farmer’s Almanac before leaving North Carolina.

Sure enough, the almanac mentioned that the upcoming second weekend in May was the best weekend for farming because of the slightly warmer temps and no rain showers. It was like getting the green light to a perfect wedding day from a crystal ball. We were elated and trusted it completely.

As I counted down the days until the ceremony, I was especially concerned about the weather because my parents and I planned an outdoor reception on my front lawn on the thirty acres where I grew up. Everything for the wedding reception was to be outside—the band, the tables and chairs for guests, the tables for food, the wedding couple’s dance, pictures, everything.

All this effort made my mother and me especially nervous that the weather might not cooperate. The almanac was the only proven information that it was going to turn out well. But what if there was an off year, and what if it was 1983?

As the wedding day drew closer, my fears heightened, and so did the chance of rain. With only a week to go, the Atlanta news and weather stations reported it did not look all that good. If it rained, how were we going to get all those people in my parents’ house? Leaving the church to ride home, getting in and out of the car in my wedding dress, and grey skies in pictures just seemed unthinkable.

In 1983, there were no rental props in my small town. There was no Weather Channel either. I became so concerned that I called the meteorologist at the national weather service…every day. I called the national weather office because our local stations didn’t see the big weather picture in 1983. They only forecast local weather in the here, now, or tomorrow. I called so much we knew each other on a first name basis. I was totally afraid the weather was going to move in and ruin my day. He assured me that was not going to be the case. All looked clear for that week and weekend from California to Georgia.

Then it happened. There was a squall from the Gulf rumbling into Georgia just two days before the wedding. Mother and I panicked and scrambled to solve the problem. If only we knew someone who had university tailgating tents we could borrow. The only tents we knew about were the tents from our local funeral home…with their name emblazoned across the scalloped hem. They were not even in my wedding ensemble colors. And a few of them might have said, “We’re the last to let you down.” I was almost in tears.

A day later, the meteorologist and I spoke again and he knew I was in agony. He calmed my fears and told me that there was no need to worry. The storm had moved off in another direction and the next few days were going to be perfect.

And they were.

Note to self: always trust the Farmer’s Almanac.

Click the link to read more! https://amzn.to/2Ku8bl2

Stay safe out there my friends!

Bon Chance and Happy Reading!

A.L.Vincent and Jolie St. Amant

Tangled up in You is Free!

Title: Tangled Up In You

Author: A.L. Vincent

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Purchase links: Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US (eBook) – http://amzn.to/1Lw9AmN

PAPERBACK – http://amzn.to/1M0rxdz

Synopsis: Emily Breaux’s abusive, alcoholic husband keeps drinking away her dreams…

When he cleans out their bank account once too often, Emily packs her meager belongings and returns to her hometown of Bon Chance, Louisiana. Surrounded by the love and support of a group of old friends—collectively known as The Boonies—she’s determined to change her life and open her own catering company.

Contractor Noah Devereaux wants to help Emily rebuild more than just her family home…

Noah is an Iraq war veteran and fighting his own battle with PTSD, and he feels he has little to offer anyone. His nightmares and panic attacks leave him exhausted and on edge, yet he can’t help but find solace in Emily’s quiet presence.

Everyone has dreams, but it takes more than a wish to make them come true…

Emily struggles night and day to scrape together the money to start her business, but this doesn’t stop her friendship with Noah from blooming into something much more. He’s always there to cheer her on, and she’s his bit of tranquility for untangling his troubled mind.

It turns out starting over isn’t easy. Was coming back to Bon Chance a horrible mistake, a sign of failing to make it in the larger world?

But all her friends have returned as well, so maybe—just maybe—having the courage to go back to the beginning will prove the ingredients for a life of love and happiness have been waiting here all along…