A Day in the Life of Genevieve Girard by Diane Vallere

Aug 10, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Crushed VelvetThat jerk! That jerk of a husband of mine. He wants me to sell my tea recipes to an Italian food distributor. How could he? He knows the whole theme of Tea Totalers is French—that was my dream, to own a French-themed tea shop. I thought he understood. I mean, he always cracks jokes that the only reason I married him was because he had a French last name. When I said I wanted to serve food from France, he probably thought I meant French Fries.

I know he thinks the only reason I’m mad is because of the French/Italian mix-up, but it’s so much more than that. This tea shop is my whole world. You’d think it meant something to him too considering we met at the World Tea Expo. But lately I’ve been thinking that Phil doesn’t care all that much about me and my dreams. He spends more and more time away from home. He said the taxi fares at night are better than during the day, but if he really was doing it for the money, then why was he so eager for me to sell out? And now he’s going to meet with that distributor, I just know he is. That’s why he’s going to Los Angeles tonight instead of tomorrow morning like we’d planned. Los Angeles! Why anybody would want to spend their time in that big city instead of San Ladrón, our nice, quiet, and peaceful town, is beyond me. Even my friend Poly Monroe moved from there to here and she’s happy (but that might be because she’s about to reopen the fabric store.)

I grabbed the jambon and brie (ham and cheese, my aunt fanny!) sandwich that I’d made for Phil’s trip and took a bite, and then another. So much for the thoughtful picnic basket I packed for his trip. I finished the sandwich in four bites and guzzled tea straight from the fresh pitcher that I’d brewed for him too. That’ll show him, I thought. He could get a crummy burger from a drive-thru for all I cared. Maybe that’s what it would take for him to calm down and realize how well I took care of him.

I knew I shouldn’t be mad at Phil. He was just trying to help us make ends meet while Tea Totalers got on solid footing. Feeling guilty about the empty picnic basket, I set about packing a new one and brewing a pitcher of calming tea. That would have to help matter. Sure, Phil complained that the last time I tried this recipe he didn’t feel so well, but I could tweak the recipe. Maybe this time it would turn out differently.

You can read more about Genevieve in Crushed Velvet, the second book in the “Material Witness” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is Suede To Rest.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on August 17 for the chance to win a print copy of Crushed Velvet. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.

About the author
After two decades working for a top luxury retailer, Diane Vallere traded fashion accessories for accessories to murder. CRUSHED VELVET, the second book in the nationally bestselling and Lefty-Nominated Material Witness Cozy Mystery Series, comes out August 4. Diane is the current president of Sisters in Crime Los Angeles, and was co-chair of the 2015 California Crime Writers Conference. She also writes the Madison Night and Style & Error Mystery Series. Diane started her own detective agency at age ten and has maintained a passion for shoes, clues, and clothes ever since.

Visit Diane at www.dianevallere, on Twitter or on Facebook

123 Comments

  1. Barbara Tobey
    Barbara Tobey on August 10, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Fun series.

  2. Kathleen Costa
    Kathleen Costa on August 10, 2015 at 1:42 am

    Great blog….Suede to Rest was a good book, and I expect Crushed Velvet will not disappoint. Poly is a great character with a well-written storyline.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:35 am

      Hi Kathleen, Thank you! Good luck!

  3. Jeanetta
    Jeanetta on August 10, 2015 at 5:05 am

    Crushed Velvet sounds like a exciting mystery book, and the cover is adorable. Thank you for the chance to win the book.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:35 am

      Good luck, Jeanetta. I agree, they did a great job on the cover!

  4. Lisa Wine
    Lisa Wine on August 10, 2015 at 5:23 am

    I really enjoyed the first one in this series and looking forward to Crushed Velvet. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:35 am

      Thank you, Lisa! Good luck!

  5. Grace Topping
    Grace Topping on August 10, 2015 at 6:24 am

    Congratulations, Diane, on your recent launch of “Crushed Velvet.” From your write-up, it sounds like a murder is brewing. I look forward to reading another Poly Monroe adventure.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:36 am

      Hi Grace, Happy to see you here. Yep, someone’s about to get offed!

  6. Peggy
    Peggy on August 10, 2015 at 6:39 am

    Crushed Velvet sounds like a great mystery. I love the cover! Thank you for the chance to win this book.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Thank you, Peggy. Good luck!

  7. Gram
    Gram on August 10, 2015 at 6:53 am

    Sounds tasty!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Hi Gram, even though there are no recipes, there’s lots of yummy food 🙂

  8. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on August 10, 2015 at 7:25 am

    Nice book, I hope to get a chance to read it 🙂

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:37 am

      HI Lisa, Good luck!

  9. Karen B
    Karen B on August 10, 2015 at 7:47 am

    I love the idea of a Material Witness Cozy Mystery Series! Will add books to my wishlist.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  10. Donna Gantt
    Donna Gantt on August 10, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Sounds like a cute book. Thanks for a chance to enter.

  11. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on August 10, 2015 at 8:36 am

    As many others, I have been looking forward to this second book in the Material Witness series. SUEDE TO REST was such a terrific start to the series, I am looking forward to more Poly and friends! Thanks Dru and Diane for the opportunity to win a copy of CRUSHED VELVET. 🙂

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:39 am

      Aw, thank you, Barbara! I hope you enjoy reconnecting with Poly and friends!

  12. Denise Zendel
    Denise Zendel on August 10, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Love the titles. Going to have to pick these up. I don’t think yhe relationship between Poly and her lying husband is going to turn out well.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:39 am

      Thank you, Denise. Genevieve and her husband are not destined to have a long future together…

  13. jane chizmar
    jane chizmar on August 10, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Looking forward to reading crushed velvet.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Thank you, Jane. Good luck!

  14. Yvonne Gilbert
    Yvonne Gilbert on August 10, 2015 at 9:10 am

    Thank you for this chance to win! It sounds like a great read. Can’t wait!!!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Good luck, Yvonne!

  15. griperang
    griperang on August 10, 2015 at 9:25 am

    This looks like a great books

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Thanks, Griperang. Good luck!

  16. timhallbooks
    timhallbooks on August 10, 2015 at 9:39 am

    I can’t wait to catch up on this series.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:42 am

      Hey, I know you! Thanks for stopping by!

  17. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on August 10, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I just adore the cute cover on this new book….sure would love to win it!!!! Sounds like a great read!!!!! Can’t wait to read it!!!! God bless!!!!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Thanks, Beverly! How can you not love that kitten under the fabric? Good luck!

  18. Daniele K
    Daniele K on August 10, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I adore the kittens in this series. Thanks for the giveaway

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:43 am

      HI Daniele, I adore those kittens too : ) Good luck!

  19. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on August 10, 2015 at 10:38 am

    I love the cover. It would catch my eye and make me interested enough to purchase it. Thanks for the review. robeader53@yahoo.com

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Thank you, Robin. I think they did an outstanding job capturing the fabric shop (and that ominous red velvet–you can almost feel it!). Good luck!

  20. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on August 10, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Hmmmm, sounds interesting. I would love to win it.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Thanks, Amy. Good luck!

  21. Anne
    Anne on August 10, 2015 at 11:00 am

    What a lovely feature and great giveaway. A talented author whose book I would enjoy. Thanks for this chance.

  22. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on August 10, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Love the cover! I think I will really like Genevieve. Can’t wait to read this series.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 11:42 am

      Hi Judy, Genevieve needs all the support she can get. Good luck!

  23. Bettyl
    Bettyl on August 10, 2015 at 11:31 am

    book sounds interesting and would love to win. TY for the chance

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 11:42 am

      Good luck, Bettyl!

  24. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on August 10, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Sounds like a good series.

  25. Janet Bailey
    Janet Bailey on August 10, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I’m a material girl (you should see my stash); so I REALLY love this series!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Ooh, Janet, I love fabric stashes! Good luck!

  26. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on August 10, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    I think I know those two cats on your cover (or two just like them). Sounds like a great book. Would love to try it.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Hi Elaine, That’s Pins and Needles on the cover. Guaranteed to get into trouble. Good luck!

  27. Kathleen Bylsma
    Kathleen Bylsma on August 10, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    Now I’m curious about the snippet but still would love to read “Crushed Velvet”…all the advanced reviews have been fab and I’m intrigued with the concept.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm

      Hi Kathleen, Thank you and good luck!

  28. Celia Fowler
    Celia Fowler on August 10, 2015 at 12:26 pm

    I would love to win a copy of Crushed Velvet! Thanks for the giveaway!

  29. holdenj
    holdenj on August 10, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Looking forward to the new title from Vallere–she’s a great author! Thanks for the chance to win!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm

      Thank you, Holdenj. Good luck!

  30. Barbara Landrum
    Barbara Landrum on August 10, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    Oh I do love cats, and this book really intrigues me, looking forward to reading this one!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      I love cats too, Barbara. What’s not to love? Good luck!

  31. Debbie S
    Debbie S on August 10, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Another new to me series, I’ll have to look into getting the first one, this sounds good. Thanks for introducing a new book to me. 🙂

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Hi Debbie, Good luck!

  32. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on August 10, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    I don’t think things bode well for the husband!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Libby: you might be right!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 4:03 pm

      Thank you, Barb! Good luck!

  34. Abby Fabian
    Abby Fabian on August 10, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    Book looks great! I haven’t read any books in this series, but I’ve been seeing alot of it on other blogs. So good job with the promotion! Thanks for the giveaway!

  35. Linda MH
    Linda MH on August 10, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    I really enjoyed Suede to Rest so I’m looking forward to reading Crushed Velvet. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      Thank you, Linda. Good luck!

  36. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on August 10, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    Looking forward to reading this one.

  37. pfistersk
    pfistersk on August 10, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    Thank you for the giveway. This looks like a great read!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      Good luck, Pfistersk! (<–I imagine trying to say that would sound like a cat sneezing)

  38. kayekillgore
    kayekillgore on August 10, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    I loved the first book in this series.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 10, 2015 at 6:30 pm

      Thank you, Kaye! Good luck!

  39. Rhonda
    Rhonda on August 10, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    New series for me sounds like my type of book

  40. Marcy X
    Marcy X on August 10, 2015 at 7:58 pm

    do men really ever understand us women? looking forward to finding out what happens in their relationship.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      Marcy, that is a good question! Good luck!

  41. Kelli Jo Calvert
    Kelli Jo Calvert on August 10, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    Sounds like a fun read!!!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:15 pm

      Thank you, Kelli Jo. Good luck!

  42. Laura
    Laura on August 10, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Loved Suede to Rest. Would love to own Crushed Velvet.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you, Laura. Good luck!

  43. Sharon Baker
    Sharon Baker on August 10, 2015 at 11:38 pm

    Crushed Velvet sounds like a really great book. Looking g forward to it.

  44. Kari
    Kari on August 11, 2015 at 12:43 am

    I have been really enjoying both of your series. Happy to see a new one. Congrats

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Thank you, Kari. Good luck!

  45. Sandy Todd
    Sandy Todd on August 11, 2015 at 12:48 am

    Thank you Dru for another great blog today & for featuring Diane and her new release! I loved Suede To Rest and am anxiously waiting to read Crushed Velvet. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you, Sandy. Good luck!

  46. Carving Lady
    Carving Lady on August 11, 2015 at 1:04 am

    Sounds like a good series to start on. Thanks Dru and Diane for the chance!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      You’re welcome, Carving Lady. Good luck!

  47. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on August 11, 2015 at 3:21 am

    Love the beginning…how many times have we gotten angry like that? Great Cover too…thanks for the contest.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Good luck, Marilyn!

  48. Carolsue
    Carolsue on August 11, 2015 at 3:52 am

    I REALLY want to read these! And I love the pictures of the cats on the cover.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Hi Carolsue, aren’t those cats adorable? Good luck!

  49. cyn209
    cyn209 on August 11, 2015 at 7:07 am

    this is a must-add to my Wish List……..
    thank you for the giveaway……..

  50. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on August 11, 2015 at 7:14 am

    Love to start this series. It sounds so fun. Thank you for the chance

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Good luck, LadyJanel!

  51. Jill Broussard
    Jill Broussard on August 11, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Enjoyed this. Would love to read your book. Thankyou for the opportunity!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you, Jill Genevieve enjoyed having a chance to vent ; ) Good luck!

  52. sallycootie
    sallycootie on August 11, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Such a great series, always has me laughing. Thanks for the giveaway.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      HI Sallycootie, Thank you. Good luck!

  53. Judy D.
    Judy D. on August 11, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    I love fabric, so I’m in. It was interesting to hear Diane talk about Polyester at a recent book signing and hear how the titles of her books came to be. i have a copy of Suede to Rest.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 11, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Hi Judy, Those titles really did evolve. Good luck!

  54. Jenne
    Jenne on August 11, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    I am currently reading the first one – Suede to Rest – loving it so far! I like Charlie’s attitude and Poly’s determination.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 12, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you, Jenne. I love writing Charlie. I wish I had a friend like her who could work on my car. Good luck!

  55. Sha
    Sha on August 11, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway! Loved the first book in the series and can’t wait to read this one!

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 12, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you, Sha. Good luck!

  56. Liz Straw
    Liz Straw on August 12, 2015 at 12:15 am

    Tease me all over Facebook. Little pictures of hot books, a tape measure, and now a portion of the book. I really want to read but I have to wait. Book budget is shot.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 12, 2015 at 5:55 pm

      Liz, why not reread a Trixie while you’re waiting for the budget to free up? Good luck!

  57. rochf
    rochf on August 12, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I love all things French, especially the good. Can’t wait to read this.

    • Diane Vallere
      Diane Vallere on August 12, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Hi Rochf: You and Genevieve would get along well. Good luck!

  58. Elizabeth Tindal
    Elizabeth Tindal on August 12, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    I love the Madison Night books, so I’m looking forward to this series! Suede To Rest is already waiting in queue on my Kindle. 🙂

  59. Celest Mattis
    Celest Mattis on August 14, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    I love love reading this blog everyday and I love the sound of Crushed Velvet. Hope to win a copy, thanks for the chance.

  60. Meg C
    Meg C on August 15, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    I’m looking forward to reading Crushed Velvet. Suede to Rest was a great book and I can’t wait to see what happens now that the fabric shop will have a new incarnation as Material Girl. Thanks for the chance to win.

  61. Rhonda
    Rhonda on August 16, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Sounds like my type of book!

  63. VG
    VG on August 16, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    A novel revolving around a tea shop what is not to love! A book I could fall in love with.

  66. Dru
    Dru on August 17, 2015 at 5:04 am

    Thanks Diane for commenting and interacting with my readers.

    Contest is closed.