A Day in the Life of Lucy Binger by Anne Canadeo

Apr 30, 2015 | A Day In My Life

The Postman Always Purls Twice My name is Lucy Binger and it’s definitely not a typical day. Hollywood is coming to town! More precisely, to The Black Sheep Knitting Shop, owned by my best friend Maggie and about to be used as a set for a big budget movie. The cast and crew, along with long limos and huge equipment trucks, pulled into town last night. So I’m up at the crack of dawn on a frigid New England winter morning, searching for my friends in a crowd of fans and paparazzi that are swarming around the little knitting shop. All of us dying to catch a glimpse of the stars as they emerge from their fancy, block-long trailers.

Finally, I find my pals who have saved a primo perch, thanks to Phoebe, Maggie’s assistant. The poor girl waited outside in a lawn chair all night. What a trooper. The rest of my gang, Suzanne and Dana, are there, too. We usually gather at the shop at least once a week to knit and yes. . .gossip. Between the five of us, we know everything going on in town. We’ve even solved a local murder or two. But that’s another story.

Maggie is the last to arrive. Wondering why she agreed to rent the shop in the first place. But as soon as the stars appear, we’re convinced she’s done the right thing.

Jennifer Todd is our absolute favorite – America’s sweetheart. So elegant and beautiful. A hometown success story, born and raised in nearby Newburyport. She has plenty of old friends in the crowd. And maybe a few former acquaintances who aren’t so pleased to see her back?

Even if lovely Jennifer was not enough to get me up this early, Heath O’Hara certainly is. The quintessential heart-throb, if ever there was one. Is he as gorgeous and charming up close and personal as he seems on screen? Check back with me later. I hope to file a full report. Just don’t tell my boyfriend Matt – who gets super jealous when I swoon over Heath. Isn’t that cute?

Well, it would be, if he didn’t go into a daze every time I mention Trina Hardwick. Yes, she’s in the cast, too. You’d think the guy would have better taste. What can you do. It’s just a movie star crush. Even though Trina’s photo pops up if you Google, “Bad Girl.” She’s all that and more, on screen and off. No wonder Trina is trying to make yet another come back, after yet another stay in rehab. We read about it in a celeb gossip blog at our last meeting. Trina is desperate to return to super star status and they say she’ll do anything to get there.

Talking about desperate, let’s not forget world famous director, Nick Pullman who just happens to be married to Jennifer Todd. After a string of recent flops, he’s banking on this film to make back his losses. Banking with his own cash. And Jennifer’s, people say. Not the best way to improve a shaky marriage, I’d say. But who am I to give movie stars relationship advice?

We’re hanging out in the cold with the rest of the fans, when some assistant asks Maggie if she would “take a meeting” with Jennifer Todd. The actress has questions about her role as the shop owner. Somehow, our smooth talking friend, Suzanne wheedles a deal for all of us to go on the set. Can you believe it? Rubbing shoulders– and knitting bags– with real movie stars.

But before I can even ask for an autograph, a strange accident shuts down production. Everyone is shaken. Someone could have been killed; that’s for sure. Nick Pullman storms in, shouting his head off. We’ve heard that the moody director has anger management issues, but he’s positively frightening. He’s barely shouted, “Clear the set!” and we’re herded out the door.

Before we can feel too badly, Jennifer Todd invites us to her trailer for tea! She wants to talk to Maggie, to get ideas for her role. I’m just sitting back, enjoying the exotic, herbal brew Jennifer’s assistant serves us –which I later learn costs several hundred dollars a cup to prepare, and is made from very rare, Panda Bear poop. (Not kidding. Wish I was. )

Jennifer is so sweet and down to earth. She makes us feel very welcome and explains the plot of the film — a juicy, romantic thriller, tangled with a murder mystery.

Which, as usual, gets me thinking. . .

Yeah, I know it’s just a movie. But the more I hear, the more I wonder if the real drama– and danger– is about to happen off screen. Instead of on.

You can read more about Lucy in The Postman Always Purls Twice, the 7th book in the “Black Sheep Knitting” mystery series, published by Gallery Books. The first book in the series is While My Pretty One Knits.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on May 7 for the chance to win a copy of The Postman Always Purls Twice. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Three lucky commenters will be randomly selected. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Anne Canadeo lives and knits in Northport, New York, with her husband, daughter, and canine office assistant. She is the author of the Black Sheep Knitting mystery series, and writing as Katherine Spencer, she has also authored the popular Cape Light and Angel Island series.

67 Comments

Mary Jane H on April 30, 2015 at 1:04 am

Sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.
servedogmom on April 30, 2015 at 1:14 am

I love this series (and didn’t know the author had another series). Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy. servedogmom@yahoo.com
MaryAnn Forbes on April 30, 2015 at 1:44 am

The Postman Purls Twice review has piqued my interest;thanks
for an opportunity to win.📖 📚
Jen on April 30, 2015 at 3:37 am

The Postman Always Purls Twice sounds like a wonderful mystery! Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Kathy Dunn on April 30, 2015 at 3:44 am

Thank you for the chance to win, can’t wait to read this one!
Beverly Guy on April 30, 2015 at 6:07 am

Love, love, love the cover on this new book…..looks like a really awesome mystery…can’t wait to read this one! My precious mother always love to knit and she passed away and this book will make me think of her! Thank you for the opportunity to win! God bless you!!!!
Dawn Frazier on April 30, 2015 at 6:39 am

Thanks for the chance!
candace knight on April 30, 2015 at 7:11 am

This book sounds great. Thanks for the chance.
Moonbay7399@gmail.com
Shelli King on April 30, 2015 at 7:13 am

Thanks for the opportunity. Sounds interesting.
Lisa Brown on April 30, 2015 at 7:31 am

A must read, thanks for the chance 🙂
Terri Crossley on April 30, 2015 at 7:56 am

I love this series! The covers are always beautiful! Thanks for the chance!
griperang on April 30, 2015 at 8:08 am

Sounds like a good book. Thank you for the chance to win
Amy Gill on April 30, 2015 at 8:11 am

This is a series I’d like to try.
Sheila K. on April 30, 2015 at 8:31 am

I love cozy mysteries—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Barbara daley on April 30, 2015 at 8:32 am

This sounds great! I live in New England, I knit, I love cozies. Match made in heaven. Will definitely be looking for this series. Thanks for the opportunity!
Judy Weaver on April 30, 2015 at 9:16 am

Sounds like a good read!! Thanks for the chance to win it.
rochf on April 30, 2015 at 9:31 am

I’m a lousy knitter, but this book sounds great.
f4lfleck on April 30, 2015 at 9:39 am

I have a friend who adores knitting and this would be a fab gift, thanks for the change to win =)
noraadrienne on April 30, 2015 at 9:57 am

Gee, nothing like that ever happened when mommy dearest owned her own shop. Oh well. Dru I’d love to enter the contest for this book.
Patty Allen on April 30, 2015 at 9:58 am

Looks great, can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Kay on April 30, 2015 at 10:09 am

Dru always love your day in the life segments. Although I do not knit, would not be able to knit and never have even thought of knitting, my mother does constantly. For some reason I really enjoy knitting cozies. Weird that, but I will have to add this series to my to read list. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy,
marylouh on April 30, 2015 at 10:29 am

Hadn’t heard of this series before. I love stitching related books so I’ll have to check this series out. thanks for the chance to give it a try.
Sue C on April 30, 2015 at 10:37 am

Sounds like a great read.
Rita Wray on April 30, 2015 at 10:44 am

Sounds great, I’d love to read it.
sallycootie on April 30, 2015 at 10:48 am

Sounds like a lot of excitement in a little town! Thanks for the giveaway.
Nancy Funkhouser on April 30, 2015 at 11:04 am

Sounds like a cute series. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Robin L. Coxon on April 30, 2015 at 11:14 am

I would love the opportunity to win this book since it is a new series to me. Thanks for the chance. robeader53@yahoo.com
Libby Dodd on April 30, 2015 at 11:46 am

That is a combination of characters just waiting for disaster!
carlrscott on April 30, 2015 at 11:47 am

It’s always fun when Hollywood hits a small town. It seems to bring out the best and the worst in everyone. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Postman.
anne on April 30, 2015 at 11:55 am

Sounds intriguing. Thanks.
suekey12 on April 30, 2015 at 12:20 pm

This should be an interesting book with all the Hollywood-types in the knit shop. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Verna Gass on April 30, 2015 at 12:25 pm

I can’t knit and do admire those who can. What I am good at is solving mysteries so I’m looking forward to this one . Thanks for the chance . I’d love to win!
peggy clayton on April 30, 2015 at 12:28 pm

I love to crochet and knit and would love to win this as it sounds so good . Thank you for the chance to win a print book .
Rita Quante on April 30, 2015 at 1:42 pm

I enjoy cozies so much; love the cover of your book as well! Thank you for the chance to win!
Lisa Garrett on April 30, 2015 at 2:28 pm

I love to knit and I am very interested in reading this.
Pamela Woodfield on April 30, 2015 at 3:17 pm

I want to get back to knitting. Maybe this will be the inspiration all while trying to solve the mystery. ☺️
carolee888 on April 30, 2015 at 3:19 pm

I would love to read a good knitting cozy. Both cozies and knitting are great stress relievers!
cjreynolds52 on April 30, 2015 at 4:30 pm

Love the title!
Michelle Fidler on April 30, 2015 at 5:13 pm

I’ve read some of the books in the series. Would love to win and read more of them.
Penny on April 30, 2015 at 5:41 pm

Sounds like the purrrrfect adventure:) Mystety, knitting, and of course a wonderful kitty:) Thanks for the chance.
Penny on April 30, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Uggggh spelled mystery wrong:(
Jeanie Dannheim on April 30, 2015 at 6:38 pm

This sounds so interesting! I have not read any of the earlier books, but am OK to start here and then get caught up later. Hard to imagine the mixed blessing of a movie set using one’s shop for a movie setting… Thanks for the chance to win! And for the chance to ‘meet’ the sweet kitty on the cover!
Rhonda on April 30, 2015 at 8:21 pm

Love to knit sounds perfect for me.
MaryB on April 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm

This is my kind of series – knitting and kitties! Thanks for the chance to win.
bookwoman on May 1, 2015 at 12:39 am

I have been enjoying this series. Always happy to see a new one.
cyn209 on May 1, 2015 at 6:32 am

A series that is in my TBR pile!!! Have to start ninge-reading!!!
Thank you for the giveaway…
holdenj on May 1, 2015 at 11:16 am

Sounds like another wonderful mystery! Thanks for the chance to win.
jagjhd on May 1, 2015 at 10:25 pm

Love a good Hollywood story. Spent many a teen weekend at the TV studios. Let’s see whatsup in this knitting shop.
Pam on May 2, 2015 at 11:12 am

Thanks for the chance to read this book!
Karin on May 2, 2015 at 11:38 am

Lucy, drinking panda poop is the real danger – Chai Latte is MUCH better 🙂
Anita Miles on May 2, 2015 at 3:06 pm

I love the title
Donna Gantt on May 2, 2015 at 3:57 pm

I like books about Hollywood and would like to read this one. Thank you for the opportunity!
Elizabeth Jeannie Downing on May 2, 2015 at 4:04 pm

thanks for having the giveaway would love to win
vickie on May 2, 2015 at 6:22 pm

Another great mystery
Betty Escobar on May 2, 2015 at 8:01 pm

Sounds like a good mystery, gl2all
ladyjanel on May 3, 2015 at 6:08 am

Love the cover. Can not wait to read this. 🙂
Jane Firebaugh on May 3, 2015 at 2:39 pm

I would love to win. It sounds great! 🙂
Margo Sue on May 4, 2015 at 7:59 am

Sounds right up my alley
Cheryl Corbitt on May 4, 2015 at 11:56 am

Learning to knit is on my bucket list!
Margaret Rushton on May 4, 2015 at 3:09 pm

Would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lindar on May 4, 2015 at 8:38 pm

Glad to see a new one! Thanks for the giveaway!
Barbara Kolasky on May 5, 2015 at 1:44 am

I’ve read other books by this author. Every one was a page turner. Kept me up many late nights.
Judy Hoyt on May 5, 2015 at 11:11 am

looks like a great read!!!
Rachel Lepree on May 5, 2015 at 1:20 pm

Would love to read!
Wanda downs on May 6, 2015 at 10:39 pm

Would love to win and read
Elizabeth Jeannie Downing on May 7, 2015 at 4:03 am

would love to win
Dru on May 7, 2015 at 5:13 am

contest is closed.