A Day in the Life of Nicki Valentine by Susan O’Brien

Oct 10, 2014 | A Day In My Life

Finding SkyI’d tell you all about the summer I just had (my best friend was about to adopt a baby, when the birth mother disappeared) and the superhot P.I. instructor who helped me investigate (blond, muscular and miraculously single), but I have homework to do. Not mine—although I am finishing up a P.I. class. Nope, this homework was assigned to every family at my kids’ elementary school. But it’s not as if Jack (6) and Sophie (almost 5) can describe “a day in our lives.” Not in a way I’d want public, at least. For fun, my mom interviewed them so I could get some laundry done before sanitizing the results.

Here’s what Jack said: “Sophie didn’t like her breakfast, so she threw some on the floor. I liked it, so I ate it when Mom wasn’t looking. Some of it went in my Legos, and Mom got upset, so Sophie took a bath with my Legos and washed them. Then we watched TV while mom talked to her best friend Kenna on the phone forever. We got to watch extra shows, and then mom said it was naptime. I think she was tired. She stays up late to fight crime. Isn’t that cool?”

Sophie tried, too: “Mommy got upset because I didn’t like a yucky organic muffin, and some got on the floor by accident. But she wouldn’t make me anything else. Then I took a bath with Legos. Some went down the drain. One was Jack’s favorite. Please don’t tell him. Now she’s calling a plumber because water is stuck in the tub. My bath was long, and so was our TV time. It was a good morning. But I’m kind of hungry. Let’s stop this, Grandma. I need lunch.”

After listening to their descriptions, here’s how I spun it: “We had special apple muffins for breakfast and played with Legos. We were patient while Mom talked on the phone, mopped the kitchen, cleaned the bathroom, and called a plumber. We watched our favorite TV shows. Now it’s time for lunch and a nap.”

I don’t know how the rest of the day will go. But it will include an unexpected plumbing bill. And it won’t include sleep. I’d love to chat more, but I have to bolt. Literally. I hear water running upstairs, and if it’s the bathtub, I’m in trouble. And so is at least one child. I hope I won’t be late for “tutoring” with my gorgeous P.I. instructor. He says he has some news for me, and I’m hoping it’s good!

You can read more about Nicki in Finding Sky, the first book in the new “Nicki Valentine” mystery series, published by Henery Press.

FINDING SKY
Private investigator in training Nicki Valentine can barely keep track of her kids, never mind anyone else. But when her best friend’s adoption plan is jeopardized by the teen birth mother’s disappearance, she’s persuaded to help. She has everything to lose and much to gain—including the attention of her smokin’ hot P.I. instructor. (Henery Press, October 7, 2014)

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on October 15 for the chance to win a copy of FINDING SKY. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Meet the author
Susan O’Brien has been passionate about reading and writing since childhood, when she started a neighborhood newspaper and escaped tween stress with mysteries. Since covering her first big story (the birth of gerbils next door), she has worked with USA TODAY, PI Magazine, The Parent Institute and others. Susan has an M.A. in forensic psychology and is a registered private investigator in Virginia. Among her diverse interests are photography, gardening, loud R&B music, healing prayer and reality TV. She lives with her husband and children in the D.C. suburbs and donates part of her earnings to missing children’s organizations.

Visit Susan at her website, on Twitter and on Facebook.

65 Comments

  1. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on October 10, 2014 at 4:40 am

    Looks like a cute series, thank you for the chance to win 🙂

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      Thanks! Thanks for entering. 🙂

  2. Lynette K
    Lynette K on October 10, 2014 at 5:03 am

    What fun. Sounds like a great series.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks, Lynette! 🙂

  3. Carol M
    Carol M on October 10, 2014 at 6:59 am

    I don’t know this author but the book sounds good and I would love to read it!
    Thank you!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks, Carol! This is my first mystery. I hope you enjoy it!

  4. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on October 10, 2014 at 7:22 am

    Sounds like a funny book, would love to read it

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      Thanks! Parenting is so tough…and thankfully funny, too. 🙂

  5. Becky Prazak
    Becky Prazak on October 10, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Sounds like a fun series, thank you for the chance to win.

  6. Andrea (aka Rokinrev)
    Andrea (aka Rokinrev) on October 10, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Saw this release this week from Henery Press abdI want to read this book

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks! Glad you saw the news from Henery Press! I hope you enjoy the book!

  7. Gina Mashai
    Gina Mashai on October 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Looks like a great new series!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Thanks so much! I’m working on book two, SKY HIGH!

  8. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on October 10, 2014 at 9:23 am

    Sounds like the beginning of a great series.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:27 pm

      Thanks, Rita! 🙂

  9. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on October 10, 2014 at 9:37 am

    Sounds like a typical day with kids that age.

  10. marylouh
    marylouh on October 10, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Sounds like a fun read. A “dysfunctional” family that’s keeping it together with lots of laughs and fun.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Thanks! Laughter makes parenting so much easier!

  11. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on October 10, 2014 at 10:34 am

    This book sounds like a typical family on any given day. Any mother who loves to read would love to find time to read this. Thanks for the snippet.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:30 pm

      Hi, Robin! I hope it gives parents a fun break from one of the toughest jobs around!

  12. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on October 10, 2014 at 10:46 am

    This sounds so good and I like that it could take place Anywhere USA.Would love a copy.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:31 pm

      Thanks so much, Nancy! 🙂

  13. Nancy Roessner
    Nancy Roessner on October 10, 2014 at 10:50 am

    Great blog post. It brings back child raising days with multiple points of view. Everyone has an opinion, too.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      So true, Nancy! Everyone has a different version of events. So glad you enjoyed the post!

  14. holdenj
    holdenj on October 10, 2014 at 11:16 am

    Loved the peek into Nicki’s day, looks like a fun read! I’ve enjoyed finding some unique mysteries via Henery Press. Thanks for the chance to win!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:34 pm

      Thanks! So glad you’re enjoying Henery Press books. Me too!

  15. carlrscott
    carlrscott on October 10, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Sounds like great fun. Sorry about Jack’s favorite lego but I bet the plumber can get it back for him. Thanks for the chance to win this book.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks! Let’s hope that plumber is a good one (and not too expensive). 🙂

  16. Pat
    Pat on October 10, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    Sounds authenically alot like what a mom with young kids have to deal with, and would be a fun read with much empathy I’m sure.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Thanks so much, Pat. I wanted to write something parents would relate to. I appreciate that you said that. 🙂

  17. Linda MH
    Linda MH on October 10, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    This post made me laugh! Would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Oh, yay! Thanks, Linda!

  18. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on October 10, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    Wow! How intriguing! Would love to find out more.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Thank, Amy! Good luck! So glad you stopped by!

  19. Cyn209
    Cyn209 on October 10, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    ok, enter me for this giveaway, please!!!
    thanx!!!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 4:39 pm

      Thanks for stopping by and entering, Cyn! 🙂

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 10, 2014 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Kaye! 🙂

  21. Sheila K.
    Sheila K. on October 11, 2014 at 10:50 am

    Sounds like a good read—thanks for the chance to win a copy!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 11, 2014 at 2:36 pm

      Thanks, Sheila! Good luck! 🙂

  22. Judy
    Judy on October 11, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    You had me at “Legos.” I’m quirky that way 🙂

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 11, 2014 at 5:14 pm

      Love it, Judy! 🙂 So glad you stopped by!

  23. suekey12
    suekey12 on October 11, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    I so enjoyed those 3 descriptions of the day—all true, just with a different spin. I think I’d like to win this book.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 11, 2014 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you! It was fun to think about each character’s perspective.

  24. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on October 11, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    This book cover was just such a great trip down memory lane with the recollection of my Mom’s clothes line and that of mine many years ago as well. All thoughts of clothes lines are good ones and I was instantly attracted to the book. I am sure that the story is wonderful and would definitely like to be the recipient of this book in the giveaway. Thank you so much for giving us some information on the book, and good luck with your writing Susan.

    Sincerely, Cynthia

  25. Susan O'Brien
    Susan O'Brien on October 11, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Hi, Cynthia! I love clotheslines, too. We used to have one when I was young. Thanks for your warm wishes! They mean a lot!

  26. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on October 12, 2014 at 1:50 pm

    It sounds like a really great read. I love the characters. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 12, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Thank you so much, Anita!

  27. Lindar
    Lindar on October 12, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    Sounds like a great first in a new series.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 12, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      Thanks, Lindar! 🙂

  28. Diane Vallere
    Diane Vallere on October 12, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    Congrats, Susan! I still love this: “No one gets on your case like mom.” !!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 12, 2014 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks, Diane! Great to “see” you here! I’ll always remember your reaction to that line. It made me so happy!

  29. Robin Driscoll
    Robin Driscoll on October 13, 2014 at 11:05 am

    This sounds like a great book!!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 13, 2014 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it!

  30. Barbara
    Barbara on October 14, 2014 at 8:40 am

    I MUST read this! Sounds like a fun read!

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 14, 2014 at 9:55 pm

      Thank you so much, Barbara! I love hearing that!

  31. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on October 14, 2014 at 7:53 pm

    What a generous heart to share a hand when help is needed. A must read for me.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 14, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Robin! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it.

  32. Monica Maxey
    Monica Maxey on October 14, 2014 at 9:42 pm

    This sounds like an interesting read, but the thought of ‘a day in the life’ of me is scary. 🙂

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 15, 2014 at 2:51 pm

      Me too, Monica! Totally! 🙂

  33. Kathy Meik
    Kathy Meik on October 14, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    It will be added to my the list.

    • Susan O'Brien
      Susan O'Brien on October 14, 2014 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks, Kathy! Happy reading! 🙂

  34. Dru
    Dru on October 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Thanks Susan for interacting with my readers.

    Contest is closed.