Maggie Summer glanced at the clock in her old red van.
About seven hours to go. I hoped I’d brought enough Diet Pepsi to keep me awake.
My colleagues at Somerset Community College – the ones who’d agreed to take my classes this week – thought I was crazy to both teach and run an antique print business that took me to antique shows and auctions all over the north east. But they don’t know the half of it. Those parts of my life I had under control. It’s my personal life that’s keeping me up late these days.
Now, I think every unmarried woman feels a few twinges about going to a wedding, even if the wedding is her best friend’s. And here I am, on my way to give some emotional and physical aid and assistance to my best friend in all the world, who’d finally decided to tie the knot. So there’s that.
But Gussie’d chosen a great guy, and I was really and truly happy for her. I’ll admit I was also relieved that she’d have someone by her side who loved her, especially since her post-polio syndrome was making her life more difficult every year, although she never wanted to admit it.
I took another swig of Pepsi as I slowed down in the traffic waiting to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Gussie’d made a major decision for her life, and I was happy for her. Definitely. And maybe a little jealous.
But what about me? Where was my life going?
In the past two months I’d made a major decision, too. A very different decision. One I hadn’t told anyone about. Not Gussie. Not even Will, the man in my life. I told myself I didn’t want to bother him when he’s been dealing with his own set of changes; he’s just sold his home in Buffalo and moved to Maine to take care of his aging Aunt Nettie.
I love Will. I’m fond of Aunt Nettie. But…
I stomped on the brake harder than I had to.
I couldn’t put it off any longer. Before I left the Cape I had to talk to Gussie. And Will. I had to tell them. And I had to deal with whatever their reactions would be.
Before I drove back to New Jersey. Alone.
Lea is giving away one (1) copy of SHADOWS ON A CAPE COD WEDDING. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. The book will be shipped directly from the author. Contest ends April 13 and US entries only.
This post is a “prequel” of Lea Wait’s latest book, Shadows on A Cape Cod Wedding: An Antique Print Mystery, the sixth in her Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, which begins when Maggie arrives on Cape Cod.
Meet the author
Lea lives in Maine, is herself an antique print dealer, and Shadows at the Fair, the first in the Shadows series was nominated for a “best first mystery” Agatha. Lea also writes historical novels for ages 8-14 set in 19th century Maine. She invites readers to check her website, www.leawait.com, to friend her on Facebook, and to check the blog she writes with other Maine mystery writers, www.mainecrimewriters.com
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
This is a wonderful series and I am so glad to see another installment of it. Thank you, Lea.
What an interesting and tantalizing tidbit you’ve given us! Now of course. Must read the book to find out what she has to tell them. This looks like a wonderful series, although I hadn’t heard of it before, and I am pleased that the author thought to do a prequel. That is a novel idea in the mystery world and I am interested to see how it plays out.
Would love to read the book & discover a new author. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful series. I love Mainecrimewriters.com also. Dee
Can’t wait to read this one! I’ve read them all and you have definitely enticed us to want to see what news Maggie has for Will.
another ‘new-to-me’ author!!!
thank you for the heads-up, Dru!!!! & for the giveaway!!!!
You caught me with the description and I was hooked by the last line. I havne’t read this series yet, but I’m going to check it out. I’m also going to check out maincrimewriters dot com. dz87507 at gmail dot com
This is a great series. Thank you.
I’ve read most of the series and glad to see that there is a new one!
I’m intrigued! Thanks for the chance to win.
I have never read this author, I’m going to start the series, and would love to win this book!
Love reading anything that involves the antiques & enjoy your books Lea. Good luck with this one.
This sounds great–I can’t wait to start the series. We just returned from our first trip to Maine and the northern Atlantic states–perfect timing!
Love this series. Enjoyed the prequel – even more to love. Thanks for having this contest.
this looks really good!
Sounds as if this will be a great series to read. Thanks for introducing me to it.
Love the TZ bridge reference. I remember when it was built (1955-56) and going across it for the first time (we lived nearby); now there are plans to replace it! Back then I was reading about Nancy Drew’s adventures; now I’m looking forward to more of Maggie’s!
Oh Lea, you are such a tease! I can’t wait to see where this is going. I’m trying very hard not to jump to conclusions! It’s a good thing that ‘Wedding” is next on my list, as soon as I can finish my book club book. If that one wasn’t on deadline I’d start yours right now.
I’ve been enjoying all the authors from Maine whose website(s) I have started to follow. Makes me want to move there sometimes! 🙂 Please put me in the draw for this book. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
Looks like you’ve got another winner on your hands Dru, and an Agatha nominee author to boot. I think both my wife and I would enjoy this book, please enter my name for the chance to win a copy. carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
References to Cape Cod AND Maine? I’m all in!
I’m already hooked on this character–and this book—by just reading that little bit. Please enter me in your contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I’ve read the others in this series and I’m looking forward to reading this one!
Can’t wait for shadows on a cape cod wedding! Thanks for the prequel. More please
Linda
I always look forward to Lea’s latest!
This one looks really good!
Contest is closed, but comments are always welcome
I do love your antique series. Like the lady in the cozy I wonder where my life is going.:)