Now that the wedding and the honeymoon are over, I’m hoping that my days will get back to their old routine. Although, I guess being both a psychologist for the Scumble River school district and a psychological consultant for the Scumble River police department, routine is not a word that ever truly prescribes my schedule.
Every day is different, but at least I try to start it the same way, with early morning laps in the high school pool. My swim used to be for exercise, but lately it’s to help ease the queasiness. In the past, before I started waking up sick, I’d have a perfectly toasted English muffin with marmalade and a cup of Earl Grey for breakfast, but now I’m lucky if I can keep down a few Saltines and a sip of ginger tea.
After my swim, I shower in the locker room, dress, and head for my desk. Like most school psychologists, my office is a retrofit. At least in the high school, I was able to claim the old guidance counselor’s space so that even if everything in it is secondhand, I have enough room to conduct groups without stacking the kids like building blocks. In the junior high, I’m stuck with what used to be the custodian’s closet, and in the elementary school, they’ve got me wedged in a spot that until I arrived held the milk cooler.
Don’t get me wrong, I love working in the schools. Assisting kids, parents, and teachers figure out the best way for the students to learn both intellectually and emotionally is amazing. Many folks don’t realize that helping the kids feel better about themselves and the world around them, is a long term investment on everyone’s future. A lot of the tragedies that are splashed across the news could have been prevented if someone had been there for the perpetrators when they were children.
I wasn’t aware of the impact of social media until recently, but now that it’s been explained to me, I worry even more about the harm that’s done to people’s psyches. Cyber bullying and online stalking is starting to become a threat. I know, most of you probably knew about this issue for a long time, but here in Scumble River it’s only March of 2007 so I’m a bit behind the curve.
Previously, after school I’d head home, feed Bingo my black cat, and do chores. But now that I’m married, that routine has changed. My husband Wally—I really love saying that—brought his housekeeper into our marriage, and Dorothy does a lot of what I used to do. She works for us three days a week and her cooking is almost as good as my mom’s.
Of course on the days that Wally and I are investigating a case, there is no routine. Let’s just hope that no dead bodies turn up until my morning sickness clears up. Oops! I wasn’t supposed to tell you about that. Wally wants to wait until I’m safely through the first trimester before we make an announcement so please don’t spill the beans.
You can read more about Skye in Murder of an Open Book, the eighteenth book in the “Scumble River” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book is Murder of a Small-Town Honey.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Thursday, September 10th for your chance to win a signed copy of Murder of an Open Book. (US entries only, please.)
About the author
Denise Swanson is the New York Times bestselling author of three bestselling series, the Scumble River Mysteries, the Devereaux’s Dime Store Mysteries, and the Change of Heart Romances.
Denise lives in rural Illinois with her handsome husband and black cat.
Connect with Denise on her website—www.DeniseSwanson.com, Facebook, and Twitter
I love your books. I hope that Skye has twins. That would be so awesome!!!!! How can I get a bookmark?
Thanks, Sharon! Send a business size stamped address evelope to:
Denise Swanson
PO Box 371
Wilmington, IL 60481
I have read some of this series and enjoyed them. Thanks for highlighting this book and reminding me to get back to this series and catch up. Fun!
Thanks, Mary!
I haven’t yet read one of your Scumble River mysteries, but I do have one in my TBR stack. This one sounds so interesting that I’d love to start with it. Thank you for the chance to win!
Hope you enjoy! The first in the series is Murder of a Small-Town Honey.
Your books sound great! I will be checking them out! Thanks for the chance!
Thanks, Barbara!
I have read every book so far in the series and love them all. I am anxious to learn how married life is going-especially with Sky’s resident ghost!
Thanks Dru and Denise for the chance to win a copy! 🙂
Thanks, Barbara!
This is a great series. Glad to see a new one.
Thanks, Kari!
Murder of an Open Book sounds like a book I will enjoy reading. I adore the cover! It is too cute. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks!
Murder of an Open Book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks!
Love this series , would love to win this
Thanks!
What a cute cover! I really want to read this book!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Thanks!
What a sweet cover, can’t wait to read it 🙂
Thanks!
Love the cover!! Murder of an Open Book sounds like a great read. Thank you for the chance to win a signed copy of Murder of an Open Book.
Thanks! One of my fave covers ever!
Time to play catch up with this series!
Terrific!
I love, love, love, Denise Swanson’s books. Skye is one of my favorite characters to read about. What a pleasure it would be to have a signed copy of her latest book. robeader53@yahoo.com
Aw! Thanks so m uch!
I’ve been such a longtime fan of this series! I got such a kick out of their honeymoon cruise in the last book, can’t wait to see how motherhood changes their lives. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks! I had fun writing the honeymoon.
I’d love to find a rubber duckie holding a book. My grandkids would love it. Denise is such a fun writer. I’d love to win this giveaway and add it to my home library.
Thanks! And thanks for all the bookmark distribution!
You’re very welcome. I get to watch the readers look through the container the bookmarks are kept in… Searching for new and different ones every few weeks.
This is a fun series. I love the cover and title of this one. Thank you for the chance to win
Denise, I can’t believe that I’m just discovering you after 18 books! Thankyou Dru! I would love to read your book. Thankyou for the opportunity!
I can’t wait to read the latest installment of my favorite series!
Denise is an amazing author and wonderful to her readers – I love this series so much and 18 is not enough, I WILL need more 🙂 Thank you!
I am waiting for my book from Barnes and Noble….it’s can’t get here fast enough! Thanks for posting! I love Denise Swanson and all of her books!
I’ve read all of these and have loved seeing the development of Skye as a character, along with Wally. KI especially love reading the references to Central Illinois towns since I live there as well. Can’t wait for this installment.
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks like an interesting read.
Love the name of the town!
Love reading Denise’s books and can’t wait to read this. I would love to win a copy of it!
As always…. Skye is always on my list!
Book looks great! I love denise’s writing! I’ll keep your secret Skye! Thanks for the chance to win!!! 🙂
I love this series , congrats Denise on another winner . I would love to win a signed copy of Murder of An Open Book . Thanks love your books Denise Swanson .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m swooning over the idea of a housekeeper coming with the groom!
Needing another good read. This could be it.
I can’t wait to find out what’s new for Skye and Wally! I’ve been reading this series since the beginning, and it just keeps getting better! cking78503@aol.com
A delightful and intriguing series. Thanks.
I enjoy reading these kind of books. I cant wait to read yours too. thanks for the chance to win. I love reading : )
I’ve been reading this series from the very beginning. Thanks for a chance to win the newest title.
Thanx for the giveaway…….a fun series!!!!
Love the title. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love this series! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Love the cover art work on all the books. Love the title. Great, fun, series.
Murder of An Open Book sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity to win it! 📖📚
Wow. #18! Keep them coming. Don’t have any signed copies though. Fingers crossed.
Love the excerpt. Can’t wait to read it.
I’ve always thought that psychologists make great characters. Thanks for a chance to enter.
I’ve been following this series since the beginning. Can’t wait to get to read this one. thanks.
I’ve been reading this series from the very beginning. A great & fun series!! Thanks for a chance to win the newest.
I do love this series, I’m way behind, but hope to catch up soon
Reading about this book has me hooked. I think I need to start a marathon and catch up. I love your other series so am sure I would love this one too. Thanks for the giveaway.