Do Not Disturb... by Cathy Ace

Reading: Banning books - currently in the news again - is the most extreme way to influence others’ reading habits. On a more positive note: what books do you put in your guest bedroom? Buy as presents? Press into strangers’ hands in bookshops? Leave in little free libraries?

Due to the fact I've just finished redecorating one of our guest bedrooms, I'll focus on that. Why? Well, to be honest, I have absolutely no idea when a real-life "guest" will get to use it - things being what they are, these days - and I'm rather pleased with it, so you can be "my test guest" for now. LOL!

First things first, I'd better warn you that anyone who gets to sleep there had better either a) like the work of Alphonse Mucha, or b) be able to cope with seeing quite a lot of it for the time they're staying, because this is "the Mucha room" (for reasons that are obvious from the photos). 

And I'll also tell you now that painting all the walls, and the ceiling, AND the furniture in a room in a color that's called "champagne" is a bit of a job! Ceilings do NOT like metallic paints, but I had to do something to be able to incorporate that 1990s chandelier! 

But I think it was worth it, and I hope that - one day, when we're able to host again - someone will have the joy of sleeping in a golden room, surrounded by art with a light touch, and a selection of books that I hope they find interesting.

The two bedside tables have space for books, and I've tried to include a selection that might tickle a range of fancies - so to speak!

Duh...of course I've included some of my own: the two Cait Morgan Mysteries set in Canada (where they are staying) and the collections of short stories and novellas (in case they aren't staying for long). 

Other titles about Canada and our part of it are also featured.

For those who sleep on the left side of the bed

For those who sleep on the right side of the bed

I've also included books about Wales/Welsh people, a flurry of crime and non-crime fiction, and some inspiring books too. Go on, you can stretch that screen of yours to read the spines I'm sure!

On a non-bookish note, I am delighted that I finally get a chance to display linens that belonged to, and were worked by, my paternal grandmother: this tablecloth was in use at home in Wales throughout my childhood, so it's lovely to see it doing its job again.

Grandma Ace even did all the lacework around the edge of this runner - she had a great deal more patience than I do.

The room's ready - the books have been arranged...now all we need is a guest or two to make it all feel like home again.

Oh - and just to prove I have been writing, as well as painting - I have a book coming out next month: The Corpse with the Turquoise Toes is the 12th Cait Morgan Mystery, and you can find out all about it here: http://www.cathyace.com/cait-morgan-mysteries

And here's the cover, which I think is LUSH!!!