“Holiday Family Shenanigans”
Why can family push your buttons so easily? They installed them. Came up with that bit of wisdom myself! I’m Jolie Tucker, by the way. This is my reality: living in Leavensport, OH—a small village that is thirty miles from the metropolis of Tri-City.
I was born and raised here, so my whole extended family also lives here. And it is a small town, so. ..they are a big part of my life. They are all interesting in their own way. I feel a variety of emotions around them, depending on which family member I am interacting with. I’m also learning that family isn’t solely blood relation.
For instance, the darkest relationship I struggle with is with my biological father—yes, I know, how cliché! Daddy issues. He left early in my childhood. Well, that would have been a blessing. He left, then came back, then left, then came back, then left again. I remember that I’d get super excited for “his day” with me, and end up waiting by the front door for anywhere from two to five hours after he was supposed to be there—so yeah, like I said—if he had just left instead of manipulating me and playing mind games, I would have been better off. This cycle continues to this day–and I’m in my twenties. I’d love to tell you all I’m over it, but that would be a lie.
Despite my daddy issues, I did have a real father-figure enter my life. My stepdad, although not blood, was the one who was there for me for every part of my life, even after my mom divorced him. I remember crying and just knowing he’d leave—I mean, my bio-dad did so why wouldn’t this guy? He didn’t. Instead, he stayed in every part of my life. My entire family struggles with the fact that I’m not an extrovert, but even though he was extroverted too—he accepted me as is and agreed to meet me at low-key places at odd times. He ended up with prostate cancer when I was a senior in high school and died within a year. I’m thankful that he was there to fill that void. I would be a different person today had he not come into my life.
And OY, my mom, grandma, and Aunt Fern—WACK-A-DOODLES! They are well-intentioned, but they drive me batty. They have a tumultuous relationship and I find myself smack in the middle of their squabbles anywhere from twice a week to twice a day.
My best friend Ava is like my sister. We grew up next door to each other. We ended up starting a business together. It began as a game when we were kids but became a reality after close to a decade of planning. Our restaurant is called Cast Iron Creations, and the menu centers around my family’s cast iron skillet recipes. My grandma’s family came from the South and she grew up eating everything from scratch made in cast iron and brought that habit with her to Ohio. My mom grew up the same way but the cooking gene must have skipped a generation, because she can barely boil water. I cooked and baked with grandma all the time growing up.
My family and friends in Leavensport are a huge part of my life, but recently there has been a man in the mix. A handsome, older man. But it’s complicated. I’m not so sure Mick Meiser is the guy for me—he’s done some things that remind me of my bio dad. I’m still working to figure it all out.
Oh yeah, mentioning family, my cats—or fur babies as I lovingly call them—are my children. They are spoiled rotten and often rescue me from the chaos that Ava or I get into. And there is never a shortage of drama (and lately, crime) in my house, restaurant, and village. Unfortunately, Ava and I seem to end up in the middle of it all and I’m very lucky to be alive after some of it.
Reflection is a funny thing. I’ve always thought our little village was extremely tolerant and open-minded group of people. Now, don’t get me wrong—I love every one of these people I was raised around. But lately, I’m beginning to see myself and the villagers in a new light with a threat of urban sprawl from Tri-City—our community is a bit on edge. Areas of Tri-City are also undergoing gentrification and that is opening up a new world of people into my life. Only time will tell how it all pans out. One thing’s for sure, this Thanksgiving is going to be unlike any we’ve ever experienced. It’s going to set a lot of new life events into motion for all of us.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a print copy of Turkey Basted to Death. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends November 20, 2019. Good luck, everyone! Bonus Question: Family is a living paradox for me—love/hate relationships. What are the best and worst things about your family? (Let’s work to keep it cozy-like and light-hearted😊.)
You can read more about Jolie in Turkey Basted to Death, the third book in the “Cast Iron Skillet” culinary cozy mystery series, released November 15, 2019. Pick up a copy of Pineapple Upside Down Murder, book one, and Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Murder, book two in the series. In 2020, there are four more books coming!
Thanksgiving is here, and Jolie Tucker has had quite the year! She is ready to sit back and relax with family and friends. But this is Leavensport, OH—so get ready for intense therapy sessions, dysfunctional family holiday gatherings, uninvited guests, and an inner-city teen advocate found DEAD—stabbed in the ear with the turkey baster!
Welcome to Leavensport, OH, where DEATH takes a DELICIOUS turn!
Purchase Link
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Meet the author
Moving into her second decade working in education, Jodi Rath has decided to begin a life of crime in her The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series. Her passion for both mysteries and education led her to combine the two to create her business MYS ED, where she splits her time between working as an adjunct for Ohio teachers, educational writing, marketing consultant work with authors, and creating mischief in her fictional writing. She currently resides in a small, cozy village in Ohio with her husband and her eight cats.
To learn more about Jodi, visit her website at jodirath.com. You can also connect with Jodi on social media: Facebook, or on Twitter, or on BookBub, or on Goodreads.
Sign up for her monthly newsletter here, to receive a free Mystery a Month and a chance to win prizes for those who guess the right answers!
All comments are welcomed.
Family is complicated. They often know you best and have all the shared history, but they can also remind you of the old you that may not be you any more. This mystery appears to appreciate the complications with humor.
Gloria, you got it! Also, how am I 46 years old and still feel like a little kid around my mom and grandma? Ah, family! Can’t live with them–can’t live without them :–) Happy Holidays!
I come from a really small family and we are relatively normal. Not much drama at the holidays. Book sounds like a fun read.
Thanks, Dianne! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
My family is pretty okay, we can share a laugh and usually have a lot to talk about. Though there are always moments of disagreement, it is generally forgotten.
I imagine there is always some sort of disagreement or awkwardness from time to time. Having lots of laughs is amazing! Happy holidays to you and yours!
This is a new to me series but the descriptions of the family relationships add a new element to the plot. My husband has always been supportive of me. As an only child, I have had to shoulder responsibilities that otherwise would be shared with siblings, including taking care of an elderly Aunt who never married. My husband has an older sister. She has always bee critical of what we have done. Its a double standard with her. if she does it, its ok but wrong if we do the same. Most of it is jealousy and the need to always feel superior.
Hi Dianne, I’m an only child too! My husband has a sister and a brother. His 97-year-old mom passed away this past Friday. When it was time for her to go to assisted living he and his siblings worked together. When she fell and broke her hip two weeks ago, they again worked together to make the decision to have her moved to a nursing home and to bring in Hospice. They took turns going to visit the last two weeks of her life.
When my step-dad (who is basically my real father) died of prostate cancer–he and my mom were divorced and he had no biological kids. I took 1/2 days off of teaching to be with him daily until he passed. So, I completely understand where you are coming from.
I find myself jealous at times of my husband’s family or of families that don’t seem to have any dysfunction–but maybe all do and some are better at hiding it than others? I don’t know? I love my family, but they can be trying at times–but I’d also do anything for them. It’s a paradox! Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Anyway, Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Jodi
The best thing about my family right now are the new additions of babies!!!
The worst things are the judgments/nastiness …
Thank you for the giveaway..
Hopefully, the babies will make people happier and forget about the judgemental/nasty stuff:)
Congratulations to you on your release, Jodi!
Relatives!! Yes, they are “interesting” that’s for sure. I have two close relatives who are very different with on who will do anything you ask or do it without asking and another who is home all day but “doesn’t have time” or decency to even call to ask how things are after a very bad medical situation. And one relative always thinks that the others in the family all have so much money compared to her which isn’t the case at all. Such fun!
I’d love to win a print copy of your book as I have read another in this series and loved it! I spend a lot of time I’m waiting rooms of doctor’s offices and books work best for me. Thank you so much and wishing you the best of everything!
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
I did a laugh out loud with your use of the word “interesting” with family :–) Such a nice way to put it! LOL
I have a monthly newsletter that comes out the 15th of each month. I do about 7 to 8 free giveaways of my books per year–so if you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to do so and you could win some freebies hopefully there too. I also like to write little 2-minute mysteries with the Leavensport crew and let subscribers guess the answer for chances to win! Hope to see you there!
Happy Holidays!
Jodi
This book sounds really good. Family – I think everyone has some issues with relatives. Thank you for this chance to win.
Hi Carolyn,
It makes me feel better to know everyone struggles with family. LOL–that’s probably not a great thing to say–but you know how it goes:)
Happy holidays!
Thank you so much for the insight into Jody Rath’s book, Turkey Basted to Death. I love your blog since it provides me with information on an author and their books.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for commenting and taking your time to read about my book and me! If you find you decide to read any of them and like them then consider joining my monthly newsletter for an opportunity to win freebies about 7 or 8 times each year!
Happy Holidays!
I hadn’t heard of this series before
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for commenting! If you decide to try and read one of the books and enjoy it, then consider signing up for my monthly newsletter that comes out the 15th of each month. I do 7 or 8 giveaways a year of the books in the series.
Happy Holidays!
Family can bring out the best (and sometimes worst!) behavior at a holiday, but they will also be there when you need them most. I’m thankful for all the happy moments throughout the year! And I’d love to win this book.
Hi Karlene,
Boy, you got that right about family! LOL! I know I may say some things that are not so pleasant about my family from time to time, but if I hear anyone else say anything about them, I see red and that person better watch out!
Good luck on the win and happy holidays to you and yours!
Jodi
A captivating and very interesting story. Family relationships are filled with tension and fraught with emotions.
So true, Anne! I try to find a balance in the books of love and sometimes hatred and sometimes frustration and sometimes “do I laugh or cry?” And from all sides of the family. We may feel these things, but we can be sure that we drive others in our family nuts too! At least, I know I do!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Jodi
Hi Dru,
Thanks so much for having me on your blog again! I always LOVE visiting you and love all your readers who comment! Everyone is always so open and honest and caring here and I wish I could be here everyday!
Happy Holidays!
Jodi
The best thing about my family is the closeness–they’re there to support me and help. The worst thing about my family is the closeness–they also feel compelled to help me when I don’t need help.
Love the idea of this story and wack a doodle relatives.
Same with me, Rochelle! It’s the same for my protagonist Jolie too:–) Happy someone else gets it! LOL Happy holidays!
Many years of difficulties have ended with no communication with several close family members. Not worth the heartache.
Hi April, I’m sorry to hear that. That is my situation with my biological father. It’s a difficult thing for me. I’m better off without the relationship and don’t think about it too often–but it is always somehow there hanging over me. Hopefully, you’ve been able to completely let go. I haven’t figured that out yet even at age 46.
Happy holidays to you!
Looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks so much! Happy holidays to you and your family!
New author new series for me. My family is always there for each other for whatever reasons!
Hi Teresa! If you find you decide to try one of the books and you like it, then you may want to join my monthly newsletter. I do 7 or 8 giveaways a year! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Yes please, I’d love to win this book. It’s my extended family to a T. Just having a small family event like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah means almost 300 people with parents, children, grandchildren, extended cousins etc.
Yowza–300 people! LOL–yes, I believe this book may be for you! LOL Happy Holidays!
My family is tiny and they live 1500 miles away. I have ;earned to make my closest friends my family. Now that 2 of my 3 children are married, I am thankful the in-laws who live 20 miles away are family to all of us, not just my daughter. It sure makes holidays a lot more fun! I can’t wait to read your book!!
That’s one of the things I love about writing this series. Family is not just blood-relations. They are the ones who are in your life no matter what:) Thank you for sharing!
I take comfort in the fact that my family can be counted on to support me, whether they agree with my actions/choices or not.
You are very fortunate to have such a family! That was something I tried to teach my high school students–people will never always agree–but we can be tolerant and agree to disagree. Great lesson for us all! Happy Holidays!
Thanks for this giveaway! My family is complicated, with people not talking to each other and splits in families! Holidays are tough!
I’m sorry. That is a tough thing. Be thankful for those that stick by you no matter what though. Here’s hoping the upcoming holidays will NOT be tough!
**** WINNER ****
Turkey Basted to Death is Linda Herold
Congratulations!
WOOHOOOO Linda! I emailed you and got your responses. I have you on my list to mail out the paperback, Linda when they arrive to me! Happy Holidays!
I love that title.
Thanks so much. I had fun coming up with all the titles of the series. Happy Holidays!