Good thing I’ve always been an early riser, because my day starts before the crack of dawn. I get my two high-schoolers up and they’re out the door by seven. I leave for work right around the same time because I like to get there early. Often, it’s the only quiet time I get to look over the books and to work on my jewelry designs.
I own a jewelry shop, so I stay pretty busy selling and designing jewelry. I’m also president of the Chamber of Commerce here in Juniper Junction, Colorado, so sometimes my days are pretty long.
My “normal” days came to an abrupt halt on Black Friday. When I got to work, I was horrified to find the body of Eden Barclay, a fellow Main Street merchant, on the floor of my shop. Since I found the body and since the body was on my property, I am Suspect Number One.
But that wasn’t the only thing that tipped “normal” on its head. . .my ex-husband, who left me and our two toddlers fifteen years ago without a word or a forwarding address, is back in town. The kids don’t remember him, and I can’t decide whether I should tell them he’s back. . .I have no idea what possessed him to return after all this time.
Then there’s my mother, who has recently begun to show signs that she’s not as sharp as she used to be. I hate to call it dementia, but I’m afraid that’s what it is. She’s still sassy and she keeps us smiling, though, so it’s not all bad.
So what am I supposed to do about this whole it’s-Christmastime-and-I’m-a-murder-suspect thing? It’s no secret that I didn’t love Eden Barclay, but I certainly didn’t kill her. Luckily, I’m not the only suspect. The more I look, the more I find that she had a few secrets she wasn’t sharing, and it seems her ex-husband and her current husband may not have been aware of those secrets, either. So if I have to be a murder suspect, at least I’m not alone. I guess that’s a good thing.
Right?
All I can hope for right now is that all this unpleasantness is over before Christmas and things get back to normal, whatever that is. And that no one else drops dead in the meantime. . .
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a digital copy (Kindle or Nook) of The Worst Noel. The giveaway will end November 19, 2018. Good luck everyone!
You can read more about Lilly in The Worst Noel, the first book in the NEW “Juniper Junction Holiday” mystery series.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, but for Lilly Carlsen, this Christmas is murder.
As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn’t enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.
But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family’s Christmas be merry. . .or scary?
Purchase Link
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About the author
Amy M. Reade is a cook, chauffeur, household CEO, doctor, laundress, maid, psychiatrist, warden, seer, teacher, and pet whisperer. In other words, a wife, mother, community volunteer, and recovering attorney.
She’s also a writer. She is the author of The Worst Noel, The Malice Series (The House on Candlewick Lane, Highland Peril, and Murder in Thistlecross), and three standalone books, Secrets of Hallstead House, The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, and House of the Hanging Jade. She lives in southern New Jersey, but loves to travel. Her favorite places to visit are Scotland and Hawaii and when she can’t travel she loves to read books set in far-flung locations.
Connect with Amy at amymreade.com, Facebook, Amy M. Reade’s Gothic Fiction Fans, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author page and Goodreads
All comments are welcomed.
When both Dru Ann and Ritter Ames recommend a book, you can bet I pre-ordered it. Can’t wait to get to it.
Thank you, Jeanie! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Sounds like an interesting new series to get in the holiday spirit.
Thanks, Sharon! It has put me in the holiday spirit already, though I still refuse to listen to Christmas music just yet… 🙂
I have not read this author before. I’m adding this book to my TBR list…I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Christi! Good luck in the giveaway!
I’m loving this series already. I can’t wait to read and would love to be the winner. Thank you for offering the giveaway!
Thank you, Shelly. I appreciate the kind words. Good luck in the giveaway!
Oh, it must be fun to own a jewelry store, especially when you make the jewelry. Of course, there is that murder thing, but that doesn’t happen every day, does it?
The whole idea started when I met a real-life gem hunter. I think it would be fascinating to be in the jewelry business, but I have this writing gig!
And as for the murder…well, at least we hope it doesn’t happen every day. 😉
Lovely cover <3
Thank you! I wish I could take credit for it, but it’s the work of my cover artist. 🙂
Sounds like a good read. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you, Doward! Good luck in the giveaway.
I love finding new authors and new series to add to my library. It is always fun when they have a holiday theme involved too. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.
Hi, Robin. Thanks for stopping by! I had so much fun writing this mystery, and I’ve decided to make it the first in a series of holiday books. The next one is set around July Fourth.
I hope you love The Worst Noel!
This is a new author for me
Hi, Sandy. Thanks for dropping in! Good luck in the giveaway!
I enjoyed reading about the Day in the Life of Lilly Carlsen but am sorry that she is having The Worst Noel. I enjoy books set during holidays and look forward to reading this book!
Thank you, Celia! Hopefully her holidays get better. 😉
Good luck in the giveaway!
Amy M Reade will be a new author on my list. I would love to win this one to start my adventures.
Good luck in the giveaway, Amy!
I already ordered the book. As soon as I finish what I’m currently reading, I’ll get started on yours. Can’t wait!
Many thanks, Marja! I’m grateful. I hope you enjoy the story!
This sounds interesting. A deadbeat husband reappearing after umpteen years? Hmmmm.
If you get a chance to read the book, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks, Lori! Good luck in the giveaway.
He shows up after 15 years?! Look out!
Look out, indeed. Have a great weekend!
The blurb I read makes the book sound like an awesome who dun-nit. I will add your new series to my books to be read.
Thanks very much, Debbie. I appreciate your kind words. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love to read books written by attorneys who got out of the rat race. Looking forward to this.
Amen to that! I find writing fiction far more satisfying!
I love the cover art. This sounds like a fun read and the Rocky Mountains is a perfect setting. Thank you for this opportunity.
Thank you, Peggy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Love finding new authors. Thanks for the chance to win a copy
of The Worst Noel.
Thank you, Mary! Good luck in the giveaway.
I really liked the description of Juniper Junction and the jewelry storyline. Sounds like a great read.
Thank you, Dianne. I wish Juniper Junction was a real place!
Juniper Junction sounds like a great place to live and for readers to enjoy. It sounds like a whole lot of fun to me! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.I am sure this is going to be an enjoyable series!
Thank you very much, Barbara. I hope readers love the series, too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Boy, does Lilly ever have trouble brewing around her! Definitely not a good black Friday for her. Have to read this one. Renee
Thanks, Renee! I think maybe some of my dislike of Black Friday may have made its way into the book…
Good luck in the giveaway!
Christmas Mysteries are wonderful. I have heard good things about this Author. Please enter me.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Sounds like a book I would enjoy….
Thank you for the giveaway…..
My schedule is packed, but it is on my end table & I read a few chapters each day after breakfast & reading the paper. Hard to put down…I cheat a bit & read over the amount I budget for the morning.This is difficult! I like the main character…working mom, single woman, self employed, talented jewelry designer, pillar of the community; the others are interesting as well. Amy’s book gives me an easy Christmas gift to send to my friends; shopping is almost done. Thanks, Amy!
I want to read this book! Thanks for the give away!
**** WINNER ****
The Worst Noel is Renee Wiswell
Congratulations!