Monday, April 23, 2012

Mardi Gras Meets Montgomery!



Book Boost Owner, Kerri Nelson 
chats about attending a book release 
party for fellow Paranormal author 
& friend Suzanne Johnson

On Saturday night, Mardi Gras met Montgomery.  Yep, right here in Alabama, we had a little taste of New Orleans.  How did this happen?

Well, I had the honor of attending a beautiful book release party held in my home town for Urban Fantasy and Paranormal author Suzanne Johnson.  She was the guest of honor in a celebration to commemorate her debut release entitled Royal Street.

Click cover to pick up your copy today!

The party kicked off in a luxurious Tower party room with a view of the sunset and city below.  We were greeted with complementary Mardi Gras Beads and the room was adorned with everything festive you can imagine from masquerade style masks, to decorated parasols, to "royale jester" hats, and much more.

Here's a shot of my beads--Rex:  King of Carnival style--doncha love 'em?


And then there was the food...

People...let me tell you about the food...the lovely hostesses of this party thought of everything!  We had scrumptious shrimp cocktail, palate pleasing pralines, Potstickers & Pimms and even mini-Muffalettas (a la Central Grocery style).  And there was much more in the belly satisfying munchies department--even a World Famous Haydel's Bakery King Cake (sshh--I ate TWO pieces--but don't tell anyone).   See photo up top of some of the food that was left over after I had my way with it.  :-p

I wanted to eat more but had to contain my appetite so I'd actually have time to chat with my long time friend and chapter mate, Suzanne about her ongoing 15 city book tour and all the amazing images scrolling past our eyes on the large screen slide show prepared for the event.  Images such as Suzanne's pre-Katrina home in New Orleans and the exciting new cover for the 2nd forthcoming book in her series entitled River Road (due out in November).

Click the image to follow Suzanne's blog for updates and details.


Then, when I thought it couldn't get anymore fun--my local gal pal, Lexi George shows up!  Lexi and I both attended a Sisters in Crime event "Murder on the Menu" earlier this year and we'll both be at the upcoming Heart of Dixie Reader's Luncheon in Huntsville, Alabama on May 5th.  Click here for details.

If you don't know Kensington author Lexi George--check out her website here--you simply won't regret it.  Hey Lexi, when will you come to the Book Boost and chat about demons in Dixie?


Here's a pic of myself (in the middle) with Suzanne (right) and Lexi (left).  All three of us Alabama girls possess a penchant for the paranormal.  Photo courtesy of my handsome and helpful hubby. xo

All in all, the party was a great success and I hope Suzanne will stop by to help me recognize her wonderful friends who hosted the party (I apologize for not having all the names handy).  It was an absolute success, a total blast and without a doubt we lived up to the New Orleans saying:

Laissez le Bon temp Rouler!

As the good times definitely rolled at this event.

Thanks for the invite, Suz and I wish you all the success in the world with your release.

Until next time,
--Kerri Nelson
Author, Mom, &
Owner of The Book Boost

4 comments:

Suzanne Johnson said...

Kerri--it was so much fun to see you! Gotta thank my BFF Dianne Ludlam, who planned everything and made all those muffalettas, my friends Lauri and Amanda, who procured the King Cake, and Stella and Star, who helped with all the decorations.

It was such fun!

Suzanne Johnson said...

Oh, and my buddy Lora, who came up from NOLA with chocolate wrapped in Royal Street paper!

Unknown said...

Great post! The gathering sounded like a blast! I'm green with envy at all that yummy looking food.

Lexi said...

Always fun to see you, Kerri, and Suzanne rocks! What a fun night and always a joy to celebrate a sistah's success! I am here any time you want to have me on, and I have a new book coming out in July. (hint hint) I even have an arc to give away! Just let me know.