Love in the later years is a wonderful thing. None of that dreadful insecurity or paralyzing worries about not being pretty enough or thin enough. What will your parents think of him? Most important of all: what will your friends think of him? And is he really in love with you or just after… you know?
Late-in-life love is a more gentle thing, between two people who’ve done all, accomplished what they want in life (or not!), and content in their own bodies and their own heads. My parents aren’t around any more to mind or not, and it wouldn’t matter if they did, and as for my friends: I know they call us the Odd Couple, and I couldn’t care less.
And if he is just after… you know? Well, here’s a secret – so am I.
But there are new challenges, like how will your children react? What will his children think of you? Fitting an established independent life into someone else’s priorities and routines.
I’m Lucky Smith, old-time hippy, marijuana-legalization activist, anti-war demonstrator, defender of the environment. He’s Paul Keller, Chief Constable of Trafalgar, British Columbia. Paul and I have known each other for a long time. On many occasions we’ve been on opposite sides of the barricades – figuratively as well as literally.
This is our first vacation together as a couple, Paul and I. I’m a widow after a long very happy marriage; Paul is divorced after an equally long, but not very happy, marriage. We’re spending Thanksgiving weekend in Banff National Park at the amazing, wonderful, luxurious Banff Springs Hotel. Just relaxing, waking the grounds, reading, dining in the restaurants, taking a few gentle wilderness hikes. And lots of… you know.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to be away for Thanksgiving, but Paul talked me into it and I’m glad we came. My daughter, Moonlight, who now calls herself Molly, will be in charge of her own Thanksgiving table this year. I’ve left her all my recipes and plenty of tips. I hope she can manage, although I think she’s taking on far too much trying to do the full meal the first time by herself, and for only her and Adam.
Moonlight is one of Paul’s officers. That makes things awkward sometimes, and I know she’s embarrassed about it. But I think she’s starting to come around and to be happy for me.
So, all in all, it’s going to be a marvellous weekend. I only hope that incident at breakfast this morning, when Paul’s estranged son, Matt, insulted me and almost got into a fight with his father, doesn’t come back to haunt us.
You can read more about Lucky in Under Cold Stone, the seventh book in the popular “Constable Molly Smith” mystery series, published by Poisoned Pen Press. The first book in the series is Shadow of the Glacier. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
GIVEAWAY
Comment on this post by noon EST on April 10, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of UNDER COLD STONE. One winner will be chosen at random. U.S. and Canadian entries only.
About the author
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers. Under Cold Stone is the seventh book in the popular Constable Molly Smith series from Poisoned Pen Press, will be released in April. The same day Orca Press will release her newest Rapid Reads book, a novella for “reluctant readers” titled Juba Good, about an RCMP officer in South Sudan. Her first Rapid Reads book, A Winter Kill, was shortlisted for the 2012 Arthur Ellis Award for best novella.
Vicki is proud to have been chosen as Canadian guest of honour for Bloody Words, the Canadian mystery conference, June 6-8, 2014. Click here for more information.
Having taken early retirement from her job as a systems analyst in the high-pressure financial world, Vicki enjoys the rural life in bucolic Prince Edward County, Ontario.
Looks great, I hope I get a chance to read it 🙂
jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
WOW, has the author been watching my life lol. I’m a old hippie and looking for love, but also its the same thing. Will the kids give me grief about this guy. lol
I’d LOVE to read thins book 🙂
You go, Debbie!
Absolutely want to read this book, storyline is very interesting. Thanks for another new author for me
I have her books on my t-b-r list, but I would love to win this one.
I can’t wait to see how the relationship between Lucky and Paul develops!
Looking forward to reading this! 🙂
I’d love this prize! She’s one of the best authors ever!
This really sounds like a good read — I know if something were to happen to my husband I really don’t think I could ever love someone else! Thanks for offer!
Lynn/MI
I’m not sure how I’ve missed this series. I’ve got some serious catching up to do! Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like a very good read!
Thanks all for commenting, and thanks to Dru Ann for hosting me. I hope to run into some of you at Malice.
This sounds like a good book. I also have missed this sreies and want to read it.
This is a wonderful series. I’ve read all the rest of the books and never saw Paul and Lucky together until the last book. A great story line.
This sounds delightful. I look forward to reading it.
Since I am of a certain age—I think I’d really enjoy this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Oh boy! I’m looking forward to this one. I love that Lucky and Paul have “found” each other. Life is not over in middle age!
As I am a bit older I’m sure I would enjoy this book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Would love to be able to be able to obtain a copy of this book for my wife who is a BIG fan of the author.
New to me series, sounds lovely and isn’t family always an interesting situation? Children insulting their elders…yeah, of course.
I’ve only read one of Vicki’s stories but I have recommended her to our local librarian for future ordering of books. We recently had a book discussion group on the theme “cold places.”
Wonderful! Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
What a cool concept, love it. It sounds like a good book.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
Sounds great! I used to live not far from Banff and a few of my friends are still there. It would be fun to read a story set in the old neighborhood. Thanks.
Love this series and can’t wait to read this one!
the title made me think of ice cream…there is a Cold Stone Ice cream store in the next town.
I’m very eager to read it. Thanks for the sneak preview.
Another wonderful sounding book. A great write up and interview and info. on the author. Thank goodness for books right now while I have to stay off my feet for 23 hours a day; Would love to be the recipient of this one.
Thank you.
Cynthia
I love the premise of this story and look forward to reading it. Dru, you do such a good job introducing us to new books and authors that we would otherwise miss.
I hope Lucky and Paul can stay together. The Banff Springs Hotel sounds like a lovely romantic getaway.
It sounds like a great book. I love romantic stories about older people. I would love to read it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Vicki’s on my TBR list — but not read Under Cold Stone. Need to remedy that. Thanks for the giveaway chance!
I’ve not heard of this series before. Thank you for introducing me.
Thanks for this post. I like learning about new characters and this is one that I want to meet.
contest is closed.
Thanks so much everyone for chiming in. Congratulations to the winner!