Books
Love, Regret and Accidental NudityINTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS FINALIST IN NON-FICTION: HUMOR
True stuff that happened, then I told it on stage, then wrote it down. Next comes the opera.
Why do I suppose my life is fascinating enough to write about? Love? Hmm, between my mom, dad and myself, we’ve racked up thirteen marriages—if not romantic, certainly optimistic. Regret? Well, if embarrassing, eye-squinting, throat closing, breathless, cringing describes it…I’ve got a few tales to tell, like budget plastic surgery and herding roaches at a party. Accidental nudity? My nudity is about as spontaneous as a space shuttle launch—even so, there’s still the unexpected. "In many ways, reading Mariana is like living with her. You’ll find humor in the moment, joy in the memory, and you’ll be amazed at the courage and adaptability of her ‘one-talent-fits-any-skill’ approach to life. Pianist, vocalist, novelist, she’s always found a way to create. Accidental nudity? My attorneys have advised me to refrain from commenting."
—Paul Williams, Oscar-winning Hall of Fame Songwriter "I enjoyed every minute of Love, Regret, and Accidental Nudity. You will laugh with her as she travels to exotic places, falls in love, and plays with grown-up girlfriends. A real winner!" —Lee Pound, Author and Book Publisher "Mariana’s latest goes straight to the heart…you’ll find yourself laughing through your tears." —Darlene Quinn, Author of the International award-winning web series "And the wit goes on: Mariana Williams disarming the reader with tilted impeccable logic!" —Penelope Bernal, Elle Magazine Juror |
The Veronica Bennett Series of love, comedy and accidental crime are standalone novels that can be enjoyed in any order.
Happy New Year, DarlingVeronica Bennett Series, Book 1
Desperate to save her home from foreclosure, suburban housewife, Veronica Bennett, attempts a con-job while balancing inattentive husband, delinquent teen and celebrity lover. Sexy, funny, touchingly poignant, turn pages as passions rise and the clock ticks toward Midnight, December 31st. Is it really a con-job or just the romantic fantasy of our protagonist? She places an ad in a high-end magazine: "Happy New Year, Darling! Plan now for a fantasy dream come true. Bring in the New Year at a lavish resort but don't stop there. Spoiled in luxury, you will be joined by your estranged lover. You know, that special one and only who SHOULD be with you on this, the most romantic night of the year. We can provide that certain woman, who until now was unavailable to you. Is a family part of your holiday magic? We will recreate the loving family you deserve. Call Veronica for a discreet consultation." She figures, heck for $30,000--I only need one customer. She gets one customer and it all begins.
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The Valentine StateVeronica Bennett Series, Book 2
INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS FINALIST IN FICTION: CHICK LIT
In this comedic tale of misadventure, Veronica moves to Seal Beach, California, where a love triangle and blackmail scheme have her backed into a corner. But it's the ill-conceived book, The Valentine State, that threatens to leave the charming, yet roguish characters high and dry.
"If good writing takes you places you've never been, great writing takes you places you can't wait to return to. There is a powerful, real-life edge to Mariana's work."
—Oscar-winning songwriter, Paul Williams "Mariana Williams delivers again! The Valentine State is laugh-out-loud funny and devilishly witty. I found myself both cringing with and rooting for the delightful, devious Veronica Bennett." —E.E. King, author of Dirk Quigby's Guide to the Afterlife "As she maneuvers through the twists and turns of a madcap plot, the author’s dazzling wordplay, on its own merits, makes this a page-turner. Take another bow, Mariana!" —Tom Puckett, author of The Big Blur "Summer reading is here! We catch up again with our favorite funny, sexy and endearing heroine, Veronica Bennett. You won't put it down until the surprising end." —Patty Hansen, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and Divorce and Recovery |
Stars or Stripes 4th of JulyVeronica Bennett Series, Book 3
INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALIST IN CHICK LIT
While performing at a resort in lush Hilton Head Island, SC, Veronica and her pal, Patrice, fall for two Southern charmers who live alone in a stately mansion. The summer fling is already getting steamy when Veronica's 19-year old son, Devin, shows up for a break from college. A psychic's warning, a talent contest and a case of mistaken identities are all part of 4th of July's sizzle. Uncovering a crime as sinister as a gator's smile keeps our singer guessing and the reader laughing. Plot twists resolve to a thrilling conclusion.
"Reading Mariana Williams’ Stars or Stripes 4th of July is like going on the best vacation you’ve ever had. It’s funny, thrilling, suspenseful, romantic, and always highly entertaining. Veronica is a delightful companion in this fast-paced romp. As with any great vacation, you will miss her when it’s over—and hope that you’ll see her again in another adventure. The sooner the better!"
—Raymond Obstfeld, New York Times Bestselling Author of On the Shoulders of Giants and Anatomy Lesson "Veronica opens up and lets you in - to her life, her bedroom and the backstage of show business. Mariana Williams is a storyteller who knows how to write and keep it real. I enjoyed it from cover to cover." —Alan Kalter, Announcer for The Late Show with David Letterman "I would say it's a page turner except I was laughing so much that I had trouble sometimes turning the page. Sometimes you are lucky enough to read a book that not only keeps you in suspense but lets you giggle along the way. Stars or Stripes 4th of July is a real treat." --Andrea Abbate, Comic, TV Writer |