Where’s the Witch? A witch, a boat, and a bicycle. What do they have in common? In V M Karren’s new book, The Witch of Drontenburg, they are all located in a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Netherlands. They are all part of a story about local superstition, growing up, and … More A Witch, a Boat, and a Bicycle
Do you have a favorite motto, phrase or mantra that keeps you positive or motivated? Maybe it’s something from a favorite book, or a quote from someone you admire. I have many of these: ‘Stay calm and carry on,’ ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ and of course, ‘when life gives you … More Luctor et Emergo
My complete story, Fate and Longing in Lisbon, is now available for your reading pleasure! As of today, May 29th, this Kindle ebook is ready for immediate download on Amazon. You can use your Kindle device or the FREE Kindle app on your phone, tablet, or computer to read it. Click below to order this short Portuguese-style romantic comedy for … More And it’s LIVE!
Available in ebook from May 29, 2020. Welcome back! I am so happy that you looked us up again this week to read more of my new short-story Fate and Longing in Lisbon. Last week we met some of the colorful characters of the story and I hope you fell in love with the postman … More The Music behind the Story: Fate & Longing in Lisbon
Fate and Longing in Lisbon is a new short, romantic-comedy set in Portugal. Read about how the story came to be, read the first chapter, and listen to the playlist / soundtrack that will transport you to the old streets of Lisbon. … More A new short story: Fate & Longing in Lisbon
At the end of January, just as the world was changing, I took one last, deep breath before it became clear that we couldn’t take breathing for granted any longer. On the flight home from Lisbon some passengers were already wearing face masks. China had just begun its quarantine. Since January, I have been holding … More One Last, Deep Breath!
Wishing you could get out and go somewhere new and interesting? We have the solution! We’ve just published a new video to our YouTube channel that we think you will love. ‘Maastricht Has It All’ will show you the wonders and delights of our home town in the Netherlands: Maastricht. Never heard of Maastricht? It’s … More Armchair Travel: Maastricht Has It All
This week we are highlighting the novel, From the Rooftops by V M Karren, which is set mainly in the eastern European country of Romania. We thought you might enjoy taking a brief glimpse at what everyday life looks like in Romania as an introduction to the book. Although the book is set in the … More Everyday Life in Romania
by Christine Karren With the arrival of the Corona virus on every continent of the world besides Antarctica, a lot of people are taking precautions. We started by washing our hands more carefully and frequently, and avoiding contact with possibly contaminated surfaces. Next we were buying out the stocks of hand sanitizers, toilet paper, and … More Canceling Travel Plans?
By Val Karren Every year in the midsummer week, I take my wife away on a romantic getaway to commemorate our wedding anniversary. While Europe has a long list of exciting destinations with fascinating history and inspiring works of art and architecture, they are also filled with lots and lots of people. Our modern, hyperconnected … More 5 Most Romantic Getaway Ideas in Europe
