M.C.V. EGAN ❧Defining Ways❧

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Digger Dancy paced back and forth across his soddy, ten steps from door to stove, eleven steps from table to bed. He had survived four long winters, and he would survive now. It was a matter of mental discipline. He focused on pleasant things: playing baseball in July, a keg of beer cooled in the river, turning the crank at the ice cream social, dancing to a polka band. Don’t think about Christmas coming. Don’t count the months until spring. Don’t worry about your brother. Read. Sing. Recite poetry. Read some more. Remember the poems you memorized in school. Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. And the Bible verses you learned in church. Jesus wept. God is love. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Get ahold of yourself.

Digger cracked open the door and peered out into the storm. A white curtain of blowing snow wrapped the world into a cocoon. He couldn’t see a thing. Yesterday, the storm roared out of Canada and dumped three feet of snow across Dakota Territory. Snow was still coming down. Icy cold robbed his breath. He slammed the door and added kerosene to the lamp. The earthen walls absorbed the light, leaving only a feeble glow.

He had sweet-talked his brother into homesteading the adjoining claim. They would share work and keep each other company. They would build their own life, away from their bossy mother and relatives. Sitting on a claim for five years was worth the title from Uncle Sam, in his opinion, but George suffered from melancholia. Dark winter days pushed him to the edge of sanity. George always snapped back in the spring, but even so, Digger worried about him. Lately he had been withdrawn and morose. As soon as the weather cleared, he would go check on him. Dear God, don’t let him do anything rash.

He pulled his chair next to the stove, rested his feet on the open oven door, and opened a Fargo Argosy that was almost old enough to vote. He reread a report of a baseball game. Homesteaders were too busy and too isolated to play much ball. Next summer he would convince his neighbors to play a game once in a while. It was the only thing he missed about Iowa. He didn’t miss his bossy mother or the town gossips. He didn’t miss everyone trying to tell him how to live his life.

About the Author

 Candace Simar likes to imagine how things might have been. She combines her love of history with her Scandinavian heritage in historical novels that examine the early days of Minnesota and North Dakota. “I write historical novels to share painless history lessons about the fascinating and unique history of our region.”

Her historical novels include: Sister Lumberjack, book five in the Abercrombie Trail Series (North Star Press, March 2024) Follow Whiskey Creek (Sweet Honey Press 2023) Escape to Fort Abercrombie (Five Star Cengage 2018) Shelterbelts (North Star Press 2015), Blooming Prairie (North Star Press 2012) Birdie (North Star Press2011) Pomme de Terre (North Star Press 2010), and Abercrombie Trail (North Star Press 2009). Her short story collections: Dear Homefolks (River Place Press 2017) and The Glory of Ordinary Time (Wolfpack Press 2018). Farm Girls (River Place Press 2013) is a book of poetry co-written with her sister, Angela Foster. Candace’s short stories have been published in the anthologies: Spoilt Quilt (Five Star Cengage 2020), Librarians of the West (Five Star Cengage 2021); and Why Cows Need Cowboys (Two Dot Press 2021).

Simar is a Spur Award winner and Spur finalist from the Western Writers of America for her Abercrombie Trail series. Shelterbelts was a finalist in both the Willa Literary Awards in Historical Fiction and the Midwest Book Awards. Escape to Fort Abercrombie holds a Will Rogers Gold Medallion and a Peacemaker Award from Western Fictioneers.

Her short stories and poetry have received awards from the Bob Dylan Creative Writing Contest, Lake Region Review, League of Minnesota Poets, National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Dust and Fire, and the Laura Awards for Short Fiction.

Candace enjoys sharing her research and writing with groups and book clubs across the nation.

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A reluctant hero, mysterious portals, inexplicable abilities! She must be off her trolley. 

Cynthia Peabody can’t sleep. Recently widowed, her future seems a dreary blur. While practicing meditation techniques to fight insomnia, she discovers a mysterious portal in her backyard through which her dreams are shockingly realistic.

She runs to her neighbor for help after a dream about a dog leads to a real dog in her yard. The next-door teen offers to be the dog walker and a surprising friendship develops. Juniper’s natural sincerity influences Cynthia to reevaluate her grumpiness.

While dealing with complicated grief along with her life turning toward the supernatural, Cynthia’s doctor’s report brings lousy news. What else can go wrong? She’s desperate for answers.

Pouring out her heart to her husband’s memory, she fears the only logical explanation is that she’s gone mad. But people in her hometown need help, especially a certain next-door teenager. Wishing she’d had someone looking out for her when she was young, Cynthia will do whatever it takes to protect the vulnerable, even if it means risking her life.

About the Author

 USA Today Bestselling author Lynne Marshall has penned thirty-seven books. She has written Medical Romance for Mills & Boon, contemporary romance for Harlequin Special Edition and digitally with TULE. Publishing independently, she writes Women’s Fiction where she explores the mysteries of life through endearing characters in unexplainable situations. Or, as she likes to call it, fiction for women of a certain age plus everyone who loves their nana.

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by D.L. Gardner

Genre: YA Epic SciFi Fantasy Adventure

Political unrest, war over valuable mines, forbidden love, and a homesick dragon bound in chains threaten the land of two moons.

Land of Two Moons

by D.L. Gardner

Genre: YA Epic SciFi Fantasy Adventure

“The gritty reality of trench warfare and the smoky chaos of riots is striking in D. L. Gardner’s Land of Two Moons…a rich and ambitious fantasy novel that successfully builds a world trembling on the brink of magical and political upheaval. This is a delicate, intricate novel that rewards patient reading.” – Independent Book Review

 

Arthur and Hallie are twin siblings, son and daughter of the Duke of Lodesmoor. Humble teenagers who befriend the village people and sympathize with their grievances. Their father, Lord Balmier, whose duchy is approaching financial collapse, uses his subjects as pawns in a battle over a string of valuable mines.

Lord Balmier sees his son’s sympathy toward the serfs as an alliance against him and soon acts to squelch Arthur’s sedition.

Hallie clings to a forbidden love, and both siblings must resist their father’s harsh rule.

All the while they are unaware that their mother keeps a mystical dragon named Killian, bound in chains by a spell, whose fate will affect them all.

As the twin moons approach a rare and magical eclipse, alliances shift, secrets unravel, and Arthur and Hallie must choose between loyalty, freedom, and sacrifice to save their people and themselves.

 

“With strong pacing and a cast of memorable characters – including a homesick dragon, this is the perfect book for fans of the ‘fantasy’ genre. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf

 

 

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Land of Two Moons will be a limited edition leather hardcover signed and numbered, a special edition case laminate hardcover, an eBook, and a paperback with printed edges. A rigid slip case is available for the hardcovers. 

 

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Prologue

     Pattin didn’t know what they were fighting for. All he knew was that when their commander yelled the order he was to let loose his arrows toward another trench opposite theirs somewhere in the Red Sands desert. Rumor was they were fighting over mines, dukes, power, and money. Nothing he’d ever be privy to. It didn’t matter. He was here because he’d been conscripted.

He’d been in this trench for nine days straight. Hot, drenched in sweat, sick to his stomach, and with little to eat or drink. Tired of swatting flies and stepping over the bodies of his comrades, he was ready to leave. No one wanted to be here, especially not the lads from Bidsworth, and especially not on the front lines.

He spat the dust out of his mouth and bit another piece of jerky.

“When is she going to come for us?” he asked his friend.

“Tonight, they said. Maybe,” Ivan whispered.

“What do you mean, maybe? She promised.”

“She can only take five at a time.”

“Bloody Marks, she’s been here every night for a week. What’s she going to do, get everyone but us? The more people who leave, the less chance of survival for those who stay. I’m too young to die in this rat hole.”

Ivan shrugged—a hint that he wasn’t happy about the situation either.

“We could try and make a run for it on our own,” Pattin whispered, his lips barely moving, glancing around the desolate countryside.

Over the sand, the heat waves danced, crafting a mirage of water, a deceptive illusion that only a fool would pursue. Bait for the enemy. Pattin licked his lips, wishing for a drink of cool water from the springs in Bidsworth, his homeland, a wealthy duchy whose stone structures mirrored the color of the red earth. Here in the wasteland, iron ore poisoned the vegetation, and there was nothing but dust as far as the horizon. The soldiers hated this place, and rumors of desertion were burning the ears of the agents at base. The officers were watching the troops like hawks.

“Fool. We’d have bolts in our backs, dead. Is that what you want? If I’m going to desert, I’m doing it with Kezia.” Ivan wiped the sweat from his brow; his face caked with red earth. Even his eyelashes were laden with dirt.

“What makes her so special that she can get us out with no one noticing?”

Ivan snickered and glared at him. “She’s the duke’s daughter, remember? Plus, she’s smart, crafty, and wicked.”

“Duke sabotages his own army through his daughter!” Pattin mumbled.

“Stop complaining or she’ll never come and get you.”

Pattin wiped his brow, his mouth fixed in a frown. She might not come for him at all. It’s everyone else’s luck to be saved by a duchess.

“Heads up!” The dreaded warning arrived just as a flurry of bolts blotted out the sun.

Pattin covered his head with his shield. Ivan lifted his own targe to cover his body while the plummeting projectiles thundered on it.

“Move!” came the command.

Like a terrified beetle, Pattin crouched on the ground and joined the others, locking his shield with Ivan’s as the company crawled through the trench, hands and knees bleeding, while avoiding the corpses of friends who didn’t survive. Away from the onslaught they moved, abandoning their supplies. Someone would be sent back for them when the sun settled on the horizon and the two moons rose.

Soon everyone here would have to leave the trenches and charge at the enemy. That was a standard maneuver, and it was just a matter of time. Hand to hand combat would kill him, Pattin was certain. With practiced ease, he could loose an arrow, always striking the mark. But his end would come by the cold steel of a sword. He hoped it would be tomorrow. He wasn’t ready to die today.

Maybe Kezia would draw his name and come for him tonight. Maybe he would live through this bloody war, after all.

D.L. Gardner is an award-winning author, artist, filmmaker, and screenwriter with over 28 published works to her credit. Writing and painting are her passions and fantasy her forte. When she’s not pounding keys on the computer, she’s canning salsa, picking apples, listening to the voices of critters in the woods, or watching flowers grow. She loves visiting far-off lands through books by both reading and writing.

 

Her genres include all fantasy, historical, and mystery.

 

Get to know D.L. through her websites and blogs or send her a message her on Kickstarter.

 

Currently a FINALIST (2025 March) in the Cannes World Wide Film Festival for her screen adaption of her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody.

 

Other awards include Wishing Shelf book Award 2023 for audio, B.R.A.G. Award 2022 for the Cho Nisi series, Book Excellence Award 2019 and 2015 for Ian’s Realm and Cassandra’s Castle. Best Screenplay adaptation from her book Dylan at the Paris Screenplay Awards, Mile Hill International Screenplay Awards, L.A. Edge Awards, European Cinematography Awards, and Moondance Film Festival. Best Screenplay Award for adaptation from her book An Unconventional Mr. Peadlebody at Veers Film Festival, Best Screenplay Award for adaptation of Ian’s Realm at the Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival and many more.

  

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Sauli’s back, and this time, she’s on a mission: FREEDOM! From disastrous bath times and daycare breakouts to tent invasions and Thanksgiving escapes, Sauli’s quest for adventure leads to one comical catastrophe after another. Watch as she stirs up chaos in open houses, forms an alliance with a wolfdog escape artist, and even leads a wild doggy parade through the streets of San Francisco!

But the real mayhem begins when Sauli lands in Mumbai! A chance sighting of Grandpa sends her on a whirlwind chase, turning the bustling streets into a hilarious “Sauli stampede.” Will she ever settle down? Or will Sauli’s dream of freedom keep her on the run?

Join Sauli on her funniest adventure yet, filled with tail-wagging trouble, heartwarming moments, and the ultimate discovery that home is where the heart is! Perfect for young readers and animal lovers of all ages.

Why readers will love Sauli and the Great Escape:

Entertaining for all age ranges!

 Kay Jay is a cross-genre author, data scientist, and environmental storyteller whose books spark curiosity, compassion, and conversation. From eco-fables like “The Day Fire Disappeared” and “The Day Water Vanished,” part of the acclaimed “A Song and Dance for Mother Earth” series, to satirical and soul-searching titles like “Diary of Clichés” and “Why Does Nobody Buy My Book?”, Kay Jay writes with heart, wit, and purpose.

She’s also the creator of the beloved Adventures of Sauli the Rescue Pup series — joyful, heartwarming stories inspired by her real-life rescue dog. These tales help young readers understand the importance of empathy, resilience, and the beauty of giving second chances.

She recently published the first book of the emotionally layered literary series Beautiful Men, The Dog Walker — a quiet, powerful exploration of longing, connection, and the healing spaces between people.

A graduate of Harvard Business School’s analytics program and a lifelong advocate for sustainability and animal welfare, Kay Jay believes that the right book at the right moment can change the way we live, love, and lead.

When she’s not writing, she’s walking rescue dogs, planting metaphors in messy notebooks, or sipping chai under a banyan tree.

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— Professor Chris van Tulleken, Clinician, Academic, TV Presenter, UK

Aged 50+ is a pivotal stage in many women’s lives. We are entering post-menopause—free from reproductive hormones, periods, and contraception. Children may be leaving home, careers may be shifting or winding down, and there is the dawning realisation that we may have 20 or 30 healthy years ahead of us. This is not an ending, but a powerful new beginning. This stage of life offers an opportunity to reconnect with yourselves, to rediscover what truly matters, and to prioritise self-love and self-care without guilt. This book brings you the wisdom of 50 inspiring women who share their lived experiences with honesty and generosity. Their stories offer guidance, reassurance, and permission to live authentically on your own terms. Together, they show how this stage of life can be rich with meaning, purpose, freedom, and joy. These are Your Joyful Years.

Professor Joyce Harper is a down-to-earth expert in reproductive and women’s health, with almost 40 years’ experience listening to women and translating science into practical, evidence-based guidance. She has published widely about women’s health and is passionate about helping women thrive. Joyce combines research, real-world experience, and a deep belief in living life to the full, and she practices what she preaches. This book is the second in her trilogy: Your Fertile Years; Your Joyful Years; and Your Final Years.

About the Author

Joyce is deeply passionate about empowering women to live their best lives through good health and happiness. Her last book, Your Fertile Years, published by Sheldon Press in 2021, explores women’s health from puberty to menopause. In Your Joyful Years, she shares the wisdom of 50 women over 50 who are thriving, to empower women to lead a life of good health and happiness. She has started writing her next book, Your Final Years, about the end of life.

Her podcast Why didn’t anyone tell me this? is ranked in the top 10% of podcasts globally on Listen Notes and is listened to in more than 90 countries.

Joyce gives many public talks. She regularly appears in the press, on radio and TV. She is a regular guest on various BBC programmes including Women’s Hour and the BBC World Service. She has been a guest on Brian Cox’s Infinite Monkey Cage and his radio show A Question of Science and she explained sex to Philomena Cunk, in Cunk on Life.

As co-founder and co-lead of the UK Menopause Education and Support Programme (InTune) with Dr Shema Tariq and the International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration (IRHEC), Joyce is dedicated to improving reproductive health education for all ages. She collaborates with schools across the UK and globally to deliver impactful programs that promote knowledge and understanding.

An avid cold-water swimmer, Joyce is also a founding member of the research network SwimHer, which investigates the links between women’s health and cold-water swimming. Her groundbreaking work includes publishing the world’s first study about how cold-water swimming affects menstrual and menopause symptoms.

Since 2016 she has run a local women’s group in Saffron Walden, The Purple Tent.

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Children’s Picture Book

Date Published: 06-01-2023

Publisher: Storytellin’ Time Press

Children giggle and grow with her stories — from the mischievous adventures of No, No, Ebenezer, a spirited dachshund with a big heart, to the playful journeys in Chicken Fun, Going on a Gator Hunt, and The Predictable Persimmon.

As a seasoned educator and master storyteller, Mary Jo has inspired audiences in 47 states and three countries, sharing her love of language through staff development sessions, author visits, and children’s programs that burst with laughter, learning, and joy.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Mary Jo has graced Early Childhood conferences nationwide, leading hundreds of high-energy workshops and professional development events. With a heart for nurturing both children and teachers, she draws on 38 years as a center director — where she guided a team and cared for 115 bright, curious young minds every day.

Through every story, song, and puppet, Mary Jo invites children and educators alike to discover the wonder of storytelling and the power it must connect hearts, spark creativity, and make learning unforgettable.

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by Rachel Matthews

Genre: Cozy Fake Dating Vacation Romance 

A cold playboy in need of a fiancee.

A sweet photographer in need of a job.

A proposal that would last a lifetime.

A Sunrise in Rio

by Rachel Matthews

Genre: Cozy Fake Dating Vacation Romance 

A cold playboy in need of a fiancee.

A sweet photographer in need of a job.

A proposal that would last a lifetime.

Eric Jansen was aware of his reputation. As a stoic widower with a mysterious past, work was his only solace…until his investors threaten to end the deal. With a new luxury hotel and housing development for underprivileged families on the line in scenic Rio de Janeiro, the beautiful new photographer, Jayla Mitchelson, is perfect for the job. She may also be the perfect woman to claim his heart.

 

**On Sale For Only .99 cents!**

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    Jayla stared at him, stunned. “Did you just say fiancée? As in…engaged?” The word echoed in her mind, making her frown as if she hadn’t heard it right. “I thought you needed a date.” 

Eric slipped a hand into his pocket. “It’s a bit more complicated than that. Our potential investor values traditional family structures. He believes an engagement would, let’s say, enhance our credibility.”

Jayla’s shock turned into something sharper. Oh, so her photography skills didn’t matter? Was she just supposed to play dress-up and pretend to be in love with Mr. Perfect? “You can’t be serious.”

Eric watched her pace. “It would help me greatly.”

“For your little charade?” Jayla’s voice grew louder. “Is that why you hired me? To be nothing more than your arm candy?”

Eric closed his eyes a moment before he shook his head. “No, Jayla, it’s not like that.”

She stopped pacing, arms crossed. “Then why bring me down here? Why go through this phony interview process, checking out my site and bringing me–” She gasped. “Is that why you took me to breakfast? The sightseeing? Was that part of softening me up?”

“Jayla—”

She glanced back at the huge building. “If I say no, are you going to, what, chop me up and hide me in the building?” She began rummaging through her camera bag. “Look, buddy. I got Mace, and I will not hesitate to use it. I don’t care how many yachts you own.”

Eric froze mid-step toward her, then covered his mouth. His shoulders started shaking, and before Jayla could react, he doubled over, laughing uncontrollably.

“What—” Jayla’s indignation mixed with confusion. “What is so funny?”

He couldn’t even answer, leaning against a nearby lamppost for support as he laughed.

Jayla watched him, arms crossed, trying to maintain her anger. 

But as Eric continued laughing with his eyes sparkling with tears, something shifted inside her. This wasn’t the composed CEO showing off his engaging smile. This was just Eric. Just a man finding genuine humor in her conspiracy theory.

“Oh, Jayla.” He finally managed to stop laughing, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “I’m sorry, but that was not the reaction I was expecting.”

She raised her hands, still stunned. “Well, what exactly were you expecting, Eric? You bring me out here, make this grand gesture, and then—”

“It sounds insane, I know,” he interrupted. “But hear me out. This deal is critical to my company. And I need someone who isn’t part of the usual circle, someone who won’t leak it to the press or get too involved. Someone I can trust to keep their distance while we manage these investors.” He watched her for a moment. “And when it’s done, we go our separate ways. But in the meantime,” his tone shifted slightly, “since we’ll be working together for the next few months, why not…”

He let the sentence linger.

“I’ll pay you twenty-five thousand dollars per workday. Seem reasonable?”

Her mouth fell open. Had she heard him right? Twenty-five thousand per day?

“Eric, I—”

“Think about it,” he said quickly, holding up a hand. “Don’t answer yet. Sleep on it. I know it’s a lot to process, but honestly, Jayla, it would mean a great deal to me… to us both. We wouldn’t have to see each other outside of a set plan, anyway. The meetings, the photo opportunities, that’s it. Your time is your own.”

Jayla nodded slowly. She didn’t even want to think of what Donna would say if she mentioned this. It sounded crazy. And the crazier fact was… she started considering it.

“I’ll think about it.”

Author of clean, cozy reads about love and romance, Rachel Matthews is a wife, daughter, crocheter, artist, and dreamer all rolled into one. She’s dreamed of writing ever since she was little and now enjoys penning them for readers all around the world. Part mermaid and part stuffed animal wrangler, she currently lives in San Diego where she is fighting an addiction to the beach while enjoying free time with her own romantic hero husband.

 

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by Amy S. Peele

Genre: Cozy Mystery

A mouth-watering home run of a beach read where a newly widowed woman finds second chances through a funeral catering business and the magic of Chicago baseball.

Last Bite

by Amy S. Peele

Genre: Cozy Mystery

A mouth-watering home run of a beach read, this lighthearted romantic comedy featuring a newly widowed fortysomething takes the reader on a joyful romp through-out some of Chicago’s finest eateries—with a dash of Cubs baseball on the side.

In the heart of Chicago, forty-five-year-old Angie Sortino finds herself at a crossroads. Recently widowed, she discovers that her deceased husband, Vinnie, has left her penniless. Until his City pension can be cleared up, she’s on her own.

Angie has just taken a job at Chicago City Hall as a cleaning woman when her spirited twenty-two-year-old niece, Gina, and Gina’s best friend, Kim, approach her with the idea of starting a catering company targeting funeral parlors. Seeing a chance to reawaken her own culinary aspirations, Angie gets on board. As the three women embark on this new venture, they face the challenges of the catering business, from securing clients to perfecting their menu. Angie and Gina’s love for the Chicago Cubs adds a playful twist to their journey; they often find inspiration in the vibrant atmosphere of Wrigley Field. Gina’s youthful enthusiasm, meanwhile, contrasts with Angie’s cautious nature, leading to hilarious mishaps, unexpected romantic encounters, and heartfelt moments.

Through late-night brainstorming sessions and spontaneous cooking experiments, Angie begins to find her voice, both in the kitchen and in her life—and ultimately, with the support of a respected funeral director, Gina and Kim, and an unexpected new love interest, she learns to embrace her worth and pursue happiness.

 

“Last Bite is a deliciously layered novel that mixes humor, heart, and mystery in equal measure.” —Chicago Book Review

 

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              The Cubs Boys approached her and offered their condolences one by one, giving her the big bear hugs she had become accustomed to from Vinnie and his buddies. They all smelled like sausage and beer. Clearly, they had stopped at some local tavern beforehand, as was the custom, Vinnie had shared with her, when his buddies attended funerals.

Angie continued to greet each well-meaning guest, some offering their deepest condolences; others she needed to console.

A handsome man in a dark blue tailored suit approached her. He put his hand out and she reciprocated, and he gently cupped both Angie’s hands in his large hands. “Hello, Angie, you may not remember me; we only met briefly a few times. I went to high school with Vinnie. We lost touch and then reconnected years ago. He and I would ditch classes and go to the afternoon Cubs games. My name is Ralph Conti.” His soft smile revealed perfect white teeth, dimples, and kindness.

Angie felt his soft hands and glanced down at his manicured nails, which looked familiar, and no wedding band. She inhaled deeply and detected a hint of the perfume from the bathroom. “So nice to see you, Ralph. Thank you for coming. I believe you’re the one who gave Vinnie the Cubs World Series ring.”

“Indeed, I did. It was the least I could do. Vinnie was a very generous business partner; we collaborated on many city projects. He spoke so highly of you. The picture he showed me didn’t do you justice; you’re a very elegant and beautiful woman. You reminded me of my own wife who I lost to cancer two years ago.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is.”

Angie gazed into his rich brown eyes and let out an audible sigh. He smiled at her. “I’m sorry for your loss too, Ralph.”

“Here’s my card. When things slow down, please do call me. We can meet for a cup of coffee or lunch and share Vinnie stories.”

She took his card and put it in her pocketbook. “Thanks, Ralph. I’d like that.” Angie noticed that Mario was glaring at her and Ralph from across the room.

After Ralph took his leave and walked toward the door, Angie watched to see if a woman followed, but saw no one.

The crowd continued to thin until it was just Connie, Gina, Kim, and Louie. Angie collapsed in the high-back chair, took her sensible pumps off, and put her feet on the ottoman. “I can’t think, everything is happening so fast. This is the weirdest funeral I’ve ever been at.”

“I must say it ranks right up there for me too,” Louie commented.

Gina handed Angie a glass of water. “Here you go, Aunt Angie. You need to remember to drink a lot of water; these types of events can dehydrate the best of us.”

Kim set a pitcher of water on the table next to her. “Here’s some more when you need it.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Kim, such a help,” Angie remarked.

“I’m going to go finish cleaning up. Let me know if you need anything else.” Kim walked toward the kitchen.

“What a nice friend you have, Gina,” Angie commented.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without her,” Gina shared. Angie looked around to confirm it was just her, Gina, and Connie, who was sitting in the companion high-back chair next to Angie. “You are not going to believe what happened to me in the bathroom earlier.” Angie explained the brief sex interlude, and all three of them laughed.

“At least someone’s getting some,” Connie, who had been single a long time, declared.

“I don’t know who the woman was, but the man was Ralph, that fancy pants fella.”

“Sex at a funeral parlor—ew.” Gina winced. “Who does that?”

Connie smiled. “You’d be surprised. I noticed that guy right away. Looked like he stepped out of GQ. That is one yummy-looking fella; if I were younger, thinner, and more flexible,that guy would be mine.”

“Mom!” Gina yelped. They all laughed.

“When you’re ready, Angie, we’ll head over to Murphy’s Bleachers for a little reception, then you can go home.”

Angie just nodded. “Murphy’s. I don’t have much gas left in my tank; every bone in my forty-five-year-old body is aching,” she said with a sigh. “Hmm, I guess I can go for a little while.” Another long sigh.

Just as they were ready to leave, Louie pulled Angie aside and handed her an envelope. “Could you give me a call tomorrow? Two of your three credit cards were denied, and we’ll need to settle your account before the end of the week for the balance.” Angie raised her index and middle fingers to her temples and rubbed them, wondering, Where did all our money go? Vinnie said we were golden.

Amy S Peele was born and raised in the Chicago area, and now lives in Marin County in California. Having spent thirty five years working in the field of organ transplantation, she brings a fresh, knowledgable, and humorous new voice into the world of mystery novels.

In addition to killing people in her murder mysteries, she enjoys meditating, teaching yoga, swimming, and pursuing her spirituality by studying the teachings of Deepak Chopra. Amy invites you to her website http://www.amyspeele.com to learn more about her.

 

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Children’s Picture Book

Date Published: 06-01-2023

Publisher: Storytellin’ Time Press

Children giggle and grow with her stories — from the mischievous adventures of No, No, Ebenezer, a spirited dachshund with a big heart, to the playful journeys in Chicken Fun, Going on a Gator Hunt, and The Predictable Persimmon.

As a seasoned educator and master storyteller, Mary Jo has inspired audiences in 47 states and three countries, sharing her love of language through staff development sessions, author visits, and children’s programs that burst with laughter, learning, and joy.

A dynamic keynote speaker, Mary Jo has graced Early Childhood conferences nationwide, leading hundreds of high-energy workshops and professional development events. With a heart for nurturing both children and teachers, she draws on 38 years as a center director — where she guided a team and cared for 115 bright, curious young minds every day.

Through every story, song, and puppet, Mary Jo invites children and educators alike to discover the wonder of storytelling and the power it must connect hearts, spark creativity, and make learning unforgettable.

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