“Thank you so much for taking the kids to see Santa. It was so kind of you and Louis. The kids were really looking forward to it,” I said to Thelma Detweiler, mother of my fiancé, Detective Chad Detweiler.
“You’re entirely welcome. Could we talk in private?” Thelma motioned me into my kitchen, where the children couldn’t overhear our conversation. In the other room, her son and husband were watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with thirteen-year-old Anya and five-year-old Erik.
“They behaved themselves? Thelma, don’t hold back. If they didn’t, I want to know about it. I’ll cut them some slack because it’s the holidays, but they need to treat you and Louis with respect.”
“Of course I’d tell you.” She reached out and patted me on the shoulder. “Kiki, you worry too much. It isn’t good for you or the baby.”
Although I wasn’t her daughter-in-law yet, Thelma treated me like family. Seeing as how I was carrying her son’s baby—a child due in less than three weeks—she safely assumed we would be taking our vows. But even before we announced my pregnancy, the elder Detweilers had been kind and accepting of me. More importantly, they’d always been loving to Anya, my daughter by my late husband, and to Erik, who’d recently come to live with us after the death of his mother, Gina, Detweiler’s first wife.
“The kids behaved themselves, but something happened, and you need to know about it. You and my son both. You need to be prepared.” Her smile flickered on and off, but it was her eyes that warned me bad news was coming. “Erik asked Santa if he could bring back his mother for Christmas. He wanted to know if Santa could fly his sled to heaven and go get Gina for him.”
“Crud.” My heart sank. Honestly, it had been too much to expect Erik to cruise blissfully through his first holiday season without his mother. The Santa hype train promised miracles. Why wouldn’t a little boy believe that the Jolly Old Elf could bring his mother back from the dead?
“Hon, there’s nothing you can do about it. I debated whether to say anything to you, but Louis thought you two should know. I guess he’s right.”
* * * * * * * * *
Later that night, after everyone was in bed, I snuggled as close to my fiancé as my burgeoning belly would allow me. In a low whisper I told him what I’d learned from his mother. Detweiler hugged me tightly. “We can’t fix everything for Erik. I know you would, if you could. I would, too. But Gina’s not coming back. He’ll have to accept that.”
Detweiler was right, but I hated to hear it. Okay, I admit: I’m a fixer. I like seeing people happy. Whether it’s the customers who come into my scrapbooking and crafts store or my friends or my family, I want to be surrounded by smiling faces. In fact, I’ll knock myself out to “make everything okay.” But try as I might, I couldn’t conjure up a way to help Erik.
In the end, I decided to make a scrapbook for him. Thelma found old photos of Chad and Gina from their high school days and their marriage. I reached out to Lorraine Lauber, the sister of Gina’s second husband. Lorraine came up with a couple dozen photos of Gina. Then I went to the Internet and searched. Since Gina and Van Lauber had run with a fancy crowd in Los Angeles, I stumbled over six nice pictures of her in social settings. Although more candid pictures would have been nice, I made do with what I had and managed to create a nice eight-by-eight-inch album.
On Christmas Day, Erik came charging down the stairs with the sort of expectant look that promised disappointment. As he ripped open packages, he kept glancing at the front door. Even my gift, the album, served only as a brief distraction. Neither Detweiler nor I were surprised when the little guy had a meltdown shortly after lunch. I rocked him in my arms, feeling his hot tears running down my neck. Eventually he tired himself out and fell asleep.
* * * * * * * * *
In the weeks that followed, I put the incident out of my mind. There was nothing more that I could do. Erik’s loss would never be forgotten. Nor should it be. Gina would always have her place in his life, even if she wasn’t around to claim it in person.
Then one night, I heard murmurs coming from Anya’s bedroom. The door was open, slightly. Rather than rush in, something told me to stop and eavesdrop. Anya was talking in a whisper.
“See the moon? That’s where they are. My dad and your mom. We can’t see them, but they look down on us every night.”
“Mama? Your Daddy?” Erik sounded hopeful.
“Uh-huh. Your mama and my daddy. We miss them, because they’re dead, but they aren’t far away. Not really.”
“Not really far away,” said Erik. “That’s good.”
~ The End ~
Handmade, Holiday, Homicide is the tenth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, published by Spot On Publishing. The first book in the series is Paper, Scissors, Death.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on January 1 for the chance to win a print copy of HANDMADE, HOLIDAY, HOMICIDE (U.S. residents only) or the e-book version (open to everyone).
Meet the author
National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan is a real sap. She loves animals, kids, and crafts. (Not necessarily in that order.) She’s also a huge reader, who’s never without a book in her hands. You can find her walking the beach on Jupiter Island, looking for seashells. Learn more at www.JoannaSlan.com.
I love crafts too. Craft mystery should be a great combo! Thanks for the giveaway.
Merry Christmas, Victoria.
Looking forward to reading all your books. Would like a paper copy for my home library if possible. Thank you. Have a great Christmas & New Years.
Hi Jane, we’re working on paper copies of all the books in the Kiki series!
Tenth book in the series? I have lots of catching up to do … would love to try and win a paperback copy.
Kicha, there are also a lot of short stories to read. Hope you check them out!
Sounds like something I should read!
Sandy, I hope you’ll give them a try.
Merry Christmas. Book sounds great
Thanks so much, Karen.
I love all of your Kiki and Cara Mia books! I have this one on Kindle, but just wanted to say how very much I enjoy your stories!
Oh, Jan, I do my best! Thanks so much.
Sounds wonderful! Would love yo have a copy!
Hope you’ll get one, Barbara.
This story tugs at my heartstrings. I would love to read the entire series. Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway, and, should I be lucky enough to win, I would love to have a book.
Ruth, I thought about this story for a while, and I thought it had to be written. Sometimes they’re like that!
What a sweet little excerpt. Would love to read this story.
Sally, it’s actually a story I wrote just for Dru Ann because she’s so special.
I haven’t read any of this series but the books sound interesting. Crafts and a mystery combined, perfect! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Joanne, I love crafting and my characters, so I hope you might like my books, tooc.
Love Kiki series and also the new one with Cara Mia. Thanks for the post & giveaway opportunity to win a copy of Handmade, Holiday, Homicide.
Oops, my reply to you, Lindar, wound up two comments down. Glad you’re liking Cara Mia as well as Kiki. Thanks oodles.
thank you for the chance to win 🙂
My pleasure, Lisa.
Lovely story.
Best wishes to you, Lindar. So glad you’re enjoying Cara Mia.
Would really like to read this, Sounds great
Thank you, Debbie.
I love that family! Joanna, thank you for sharing them with us.
All best to you, my dear friend. Hugs!
A series I really need to start…
Thank you for the giveaway!!
Cyn209, I hope you’ll be an “elf to yourself” and give the series a try.
Really sounds good. 🙂
Thanks, LadyJanel!
A beautiful story. I would love to read this series!
Hi, Lisa, some stories just take on their own energy. This one did! All best!
Joann writes good books, thank you for the chance to win
Thanks so much, Griperang. I know that YOU know good books, my friend.
Thank you for sharing this during the holidays! I would love to read this book!
Terri, I enjoyed writing this. All best–
Sounds like a lovely read.
I try hard, Rhonda!
Would love to win this
Best of luck, Wanda.
Fabulous Christmas story Joanna!
I’m going to try and share this post on Twitter and Google+. It’s not only heartwarming but a great introduction to your writing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
PS Dru, ongoing thanks for your blog that helps so many readers find new reads. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Isn’t Dru Ann wonderful? I appreciate her so much. I hope you can share this on Twitter and Google+. There are a lot of people who might be comforted by it.
Thank you guys. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year. I would love to win.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too, Judy.
Thanks for introducing this series to me, I had better get started. Thanks for the chance to win.
Debbie, sounds like this might make a nice holiday gift from you, to you!
This sounds like a great read. I would love to have a copy.
Robin, it’s getting a lot of good reviews, so I think I’m safe in saying the series is doing well.
Sounds like a great series.
Thank you, Rita!
I’ve always enjoyed this series (although I think I have a little catching up to do). Thanks for the intro to the latest book. Happy Holidays!
Hi Jane, the whole list of reads is on my website. Go to http://www.joanna-campbell-slan.com/list-of-works/
What a lovely Christmas story. I haven’t read the series, but now I know it’s on my TBR list.
So glad! Thank you, Kaitcarson!
What a beautiful Christmas story! Thanks for your contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
That’s very kind of you, Sue.
Always like the new books in this series. Please don’t enter me in the drawing. Just stopped by to read the story and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!
Hey, Ritter, that’s so kind of you. Happy holidays!
Love holiday books!
Yea, Holiday cozy.
Connie, it’s what we need right? A cozy for a cozy holiday!
Thanks for the extra Christmas surprise. It was nice to hear from Kiki today.
You are welcome, Colleen.
Thanks Joanna for writing this lovely Christmas story.
Dru, I can’t thank YOU enough for all you do. Hugs.
Thanks for the little Christmas gift. Love reading about KIki and her scrapbooking adventures. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful Christmas story!!!
Glad you liked it, Pamela.
How wonderful!! Thank you for the additional story. You are such a blessing to all your fans. Have a Merry Christmas
Stella, I try to give as much as I can to my readers. You all mean the world to me. Merry Christmas.
Love these books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Patti, that’s so kind of you. Good luck.
All caught up on current stories of Kiki and Cara Mia.. can’t wait for #11, and new adventures!!! Love, love, love your stories!!
Lyn, right after Christmas I’m editing Book #11. Thanks for the encouragement.
This sounds like a great book! Thank you for the contest!
Betty, the reviews have been good. I hope you’ll give the book a try.
I love Kiki! Always ready for more!
Woohoo. Way to go, Amy! Thanks!
I love Kiki for her big heart and that she has a few flaws like the rest of us. She is very real.
Linda, Kiki always tries to do what’s right. Sometimes she fails. But in this case, she’s forgotten that she has help in making the world “right.”
Thank you for the Christmas gift-It was a nice surprise..
Judy, my pleasure. All best from your friend, Joanna
That was sweet. I can’t imagine trying to explain the death of a parent to a small child. You serve as an inspiration through Kiki. Love you and Merry Christmas!
Laura, all the Kiki and Cara Mia stories come from my heart. I am blessed that these characters can touch lives.
Thanks for thinking of us as always! Would love a copy for my library. Hope your holidays are beautiful.
Joann, Thanks so much for one more Christmas gift to enjoy. I can enjoy it every year, too! I hope you and your hubby and your gang are having a wonderful holiday. Sandie Herron
We’re having a very relaxing time here in Sin City. (Ha ha!) It’s been interesting. Thanks so much, Sandie. I hope all your fur babies are enjoying the holiday.
I love reading about Erik, and Anya is such a fabulous big sister. She has a big heart, just like her mom–and her creator. 🙂
Oh, Ally. This from the queen of big hearts!
Anya is growing into such a wonderful young lady!
Yes, she has taken to being a big sister very well.
So sweet! I love keeping up with Kiki and her family. Thanks for the short story!
I love sharing Kiki. Thanks for reading!
Marilyn, this has been a different Christmas because my son is growing up and has his own home. But different can also be delightful, right? This surely has been.
One of my favorite series! I would love to win; thanks for the chance!
Jessica, that us very sweet of you.
So glad you like my series!
Thanks for a special Christmas story.
You are welcome.
Can’t wait to read
Anita, I hope you enjoy the series!
This made me think of my nephew’s & brother’s children the first year after their passing. It’s still a sweet pain when I think of those holidays with the children. I’d love a paperback copy to share with my library. I really want to catch up on tho series. Definitely!
Ktbeeblog. I thought about Erik and how kids believe in magic. This poor little guy wanted something that Santa couldn’t give him. But his sister did.
Can’t wait for a little breating room now that the holiday is over so I can catch up on my reading. This book is near the top of the list.
Susie, we will all need a break to recover from the hubbub of the holidays. I hope my books give you a mini vacation.
Thank you for the chance to win Joanna, I still have to catch up with some of the e-book versions in this series..wish there were more hours in the day. 😉 Hope you had a very Merry Christmas. 🙂
I did have a super holiday. Hope you did,too, Bernie.
Merry Christmas Joanna!! Thank you so much for all the freebies you’ve given away this year! Excited about the giveaway too! Thank you!
Jessica, it is my pleasure to give all my readers as many freebies as I can. By joining my email list, folks can be alerted when I lower a price or offer a freebie. Just send my assistant Sally an email at salfl27 (at) att.net
Sounds awesome, thank you.
Thank you, Jeannie!
This sounds great! Thank you so much for the contest!
Betty, here is a special bonus for all of you who read Dru Ann’s blog — jusT send an email to HHHBonus (at) JoannaSlan.com and you will automatically receive a special holiday bonus from me.
Love Joanna’s stories! So talented!!
Thanks
Many hugs to you, dear Stephanie!
This sounds like a great book and wonderful series. I am going to need to get the earlier books very soon. How did I not know about this series. Would love to win a print copy. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas
Kay, I hope you will give my books a chance . They are getting excellent reviews from readers !
What a heartwarming story … our loved ones are never far away … they are always in our hearts and in our memories. Thanks Joanna! Merry Christmas
Laure, it is true, isn ‘t it? I sure think so.
I just love this series. Thanks for the chance to win.
bmary8222, you couldn’t make me happier than to say you love my series. Thanks oodles!
What a great addition to the series! I have read them all and am looking forward to this latest one. Thanks for the opportunity!
You are very welcome, Maria.
Oh, Joanna, I just read this sweet little story and loved it. I think I’ve read ALL the Kiki books, and now I’m loving the Cara books, too! Thank you for bringing all these wonderful characters to life! P.S. Still trying to find my HHH bonus file; can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong or where I should be looking. 🙂
Mary, try it again. Send an email to HHHBonus@JoannaSlan.com. I think we originally crashed the system. If that doesn’t work, email me at jcslan@ joannaslan.com
Sweet story. 🙂
Laure, it is true, isn ‘t it? I sure think so.
Thanks, Pen!
I’ve read your series and truly enjoy each one! Thank you for taking my hobbie of scrapbooking and incorporating it into this WONDERFUL series.
Then we have a common love of paper crafts, Tammy. All best!
Thanks for the story. I really enjoy this series.
My great pleasure, Bookwoman.
Have a wonderful Christmas season and New year. Picking up seashells is the perfect way to spend the time. I love going to the beach in winter in So. Cal.
Sandy, what an appropriate name you have! All my shoes have sand in them!
I enjoy reading your books and this story. Your crafting ideas are so unique. Hope you have a Happy New Year!
I love turning “nothing” into something of joy, usefulness/or beauty. I am always on the lookout for great ideas. Thanks for noticing.
I love the Kiki books and now the Cara books. Have read all of the books as well as the short stories. Can’t wait for the next ones to be published!
Colleen, you won’t have to wait long. Next book will come out in January.
Love Kiki can’t wait to see what kind of trouble she is getting into next.
She is always stepping into some mess or another!
Love this! It is just the kind of gift a five year old would ask for and expect to receive. Your stories always pull at the heart strings. Keppra up the fabulous work!
Tricia, isn’t that the truth? Magic is magic when you are five.
So thankful for your writing skills that include my favorite crafts. You have a knack for fitting crafts, family and friends and then a fun mystery all together, and you never forget the food. Happy New Year!
How could I forget the food? That would be so “not me.” LOL
I’m an avid reader of the series, and just love Kiki. I couldn’t tear myself away from any of the previous books, so I’m really hoping that I win this one!
Kristen, I am glad that my books transport you. All of us need an escape once in a while.
Great short story. So powerful a message. Kids realize things we don’t always see.
Isn’t that the truth, Kris?
Sounds like a great read.
Thank you, Becky.
I love holiday mysteries
It is fun to write seasonal stories, Anita.
Sounds like a fun read.
I do my best, Teresa.
OK, so the short story about Erik had me bawling on Boxing Day, but I think your books are just fabulous. I have only seen the new one available in $ and not yet in the £s for UK. I shall be buying the Kindle version a.s.a .p!
Bawling on Boxing Day. What great alliteration. Well, happy Boxing Day nonetheless.
Looking forward to getting this book. Just got caught up on the series last week. Don’t know how I lost track of the series. They are a fun read. glad Kiki has decided to stand up to her mother.
Mary, it is about time, isn’t it? Kiki is growing and changing like most of us do.
Lovely short story I love Kiki and all the helpful hints you give us scrapbookers keep up the good work
I love the way our crafting community shares ideas. All best– Joanna
Very sweet. Looking forward to reading the new book. Have enjoyed all of the others. Thanks for the giveaway chance. Happy Holidays!
Thank you, Allison!
Great Holiday Short story..love it..Holiday Books are such a favorite of mine, I have about 30-40 Christmas books (in print) and usually buy a few each year, friends and family borrow them, but must return them when done Thanks Joanna..Happy Holidays!
Peggy, this has been so successful that we will probably do another book next year!
Have recently rediscovered copies. Having a great time.
Peggy, this has been so successful that we will probably do another book next year!
So glad! Occasionally our TBR stacks get a bit daunting .
Connie, I meant the TBR comment for you!
Thanks for a chance.
You are welcome, Teri.
Thanks for the opportunity– with some time off now this would be a perfect winter read!!
Nancy, I love writing seasonal stories.
Love Kiki and Cara Mia. I have just one “complaint”. The books gallop along so fast I can’t put them down, so I finish them too quickly and want more!! Joanna, please keep them coming for a long time. I am so glad I found you.
Frieda, is that good news or bad news? LOL.
Thanks so much for sharing!
My pleasure, Holly.
Thank you for the opportunity. Hope to be able to read one day
You are welcome, Sharon.
I don’t know how I have not read one of your books yet, since anything with crafts is a hit with me! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Vivian, we can thank Dru Ann for introducing us.
Love this series! Would love to win a copy of Handmade, Holiday, Homicide. Thanks for the chance to win.
Good luck, Linda.
This combines a lot of my likes in a mystery. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
These are also my favorite things, Marilyn.
Joanna that was a lovely Christmas treat! So like Kiki to be so loving to make the scrapbook for Erik.
I have to confess to reading and owning all of your books, but the last few only as e-books. I think that is because the minute I discover they are available I want to start reading! I always feel happier when I finish one. I would love to have more print copies and appreciate the chance to win one! Wish I could say I tried all Kiki’s scrapbooking tips, but I do enjoy reading about them anyway!
Have a happy new year filled with blessings, sunny days, and love!
Barbara, we are working towards paper copies of all the Kiki books but it is taking longer than we thought. Please be patient with us! I am so glad my stories make you happy!
New series for me, would love to finish the holidays out with a wonderful new book. Would love to win 🙂
Good luck, Karen.
Can’t wait to read!!!!!
Thank you, Sherry. I hope you’ll give Handmade, Holiday, Homicide a chance!
I have read a couple of these. Looking forward to getting and reading them all.
Shannon, I hope you also know there are scads of short stories that fit in between the Kiki books.
Joanna, I love the way you handled a sensitive situation. It makes Erik and Anya closer, and resolves Erik’s longing.
Linda, I just “saw” them in my mind, and realized how they might interact. The two have a shared sadness, don’t they? That would make a bond for sure.
I love the name of the book and the cute cover. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I have a wonderful cover artist, Jessie Compton. She does fantastic work, doesn’t she, Anita?
I love Kiki
Paula, she is like my imaginary playmate. I love her, too.
LOVE MYSTERY AND WANT TO READ.
LOL. That says it all!
Love Joanne’s books but have not read all 10, Would like to read them all.
Jagjhd, I hope you get to read them all, too!
Great story. I hope it helps others who have to comfort a child over a loss of a parent at this time of the year.
Laura, I hope so, too.
I’m loving the responses to this piece. Joanna is a talented author who does a lot for her readers.
Aw, that is so kind of you!
This series is on my list to start for the New Year! Can hardly wait!!!!
Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
Hurrah! That makes my day! All best!
I love finding new authors to read. This looks like a very cute read. 🙂
Hey Ladyjanel, I hope you’ll give my series a try!
Great story! Love your Kiki stories! Thanks for sharing them!
Jeanette, it’s my pleasure. Having willing readers encourages me to write and share. Thank you for reading.
I love reading your books. I am a crafter, too, although I haven’t done much scrapbooking.
Joyce, have you tried Zentangle? Go to http://www.zentangle.com to learn more.
I love your books!!’
Big hugs and many thanks!
I think it was a great idea to make a book about Gina for Erik. He will cherish it in future years and I will bring comfort. We attempted to replace a college friend’s pictures where her house went up in flames. She lost everything but the clothes in her suitcase. I’m sure it helped. Happy Holidays!
Especially as the years go by, the scrapboook will help Erik retain his memories of Gina.
I can’t get enough about Kiki Lowenstein and her adventures! I love that you include our four legged friends in each story!
Pauline, I couldn’t leave them out, could I? They are part of our lives. In my case, they bring me so much joy that I can’t imagine life without them.
Love Kiki! Have been adducted to this series since the first page! Keep it coming!
Bless you, Karen. Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
Loved the book! I left a good review on Amazon. I would love the paperback, too. Happy New Year!
Oh, Jan, that makes me so happy! Reviews mean the world to us authors. It’s all about discoverability these days.
I love this series!!! I would love to read this one!
Then good luck, Margaret!
I have been wanting to try this series. It is on my very large TBR list. The books sound like great reads. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Jen, I hope you’ll move Kiki and friends to the top of your TBR list. All best–and Happy New Year!
I loves murder mysteries.
Karen, I do too. There’s something so satisfying about justice being done!
I’m almost finished with Kicked to the Curb, and I am really enjoying it. Great work, Joanna. (Though I read ebooks, nothing is the same as one you hold on to and turn paper pages.)
Reading challenge year
Oneponychick66@hotmail.com
You go! Love this idea.
Love your books! lkleback@hotmail.com
That’s so kind of you, Linda!
Love the cover
Isn’t it cute? Jessie Compton does terrific work.
would love to win thanks for hosting the giveaway and have a happy new years
Happy New Year to you, too, Elizabeth Jeannie.
Would love to read this!
Fingers crossed that you’ll give it a try!
Happy New Year! Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
Come back next month on January 30, when I’m posting again and I’ll be doing another giveaway.
This sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Marsha, I am thrilled for the chance to share my work with you.
almost missed this one. glad not all holiday books are romances. thanks for a great series
Marcy, I know. I like romances, but I LOVE crafts and I mega-LOVE families.
Thanks for the chance. Looks like a great read.
Teri, it has a 4.6 star rating on Amazon. (Pretty proud of that!)
Always looking for something new to read!
As am I, Ellen. When I find a new author I like, I gobble up all his/her books.
Love to win a holiday mystery!
This book has been so successful that I’ll probably do something, next year, with a holiday theme. Stay tuned.
Would be a new author for me.
Catherine, it’s nice to get to know you!
Love her books!
Aren’t you sweet, Sha? Thanks a bundle.
I would love to read this series! Havent read it yet would love to win
Jill, we’d love to introduce you to Kiki and company.
Happy New Year!
Same to you, Alice! Be well, stay well, and do well!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a book! Thought Christmas was over but you generosity abounds.
Connie, I’ll be posting next month, Jan. 30, and I’ll do another giveaway then.
New series. Sweet story. Happy New Year.
Sharon, we value Dru Ann highly because she’s such a match-maker, matching readers and books.
Looking forward to reading all the good books coming out. Hopefully you will have a great year.
Sharon, I’m looking forward to a better year than last. You, too?
Thank you Joanna for writing a wonderful Christmas story for us to read and for interacting with my readers.
contest is closed. You’re still welcome to comment.
Dru Ann, as always, this is my pleasure.