Hi, my name is Vicky Andrews. I’m in my forties and a newly-divorced mom of three teenagers. One is away at college, but that doesn’t mean I worry any less about him than the others—in some ways, I worry more! Until lately, my life has been pretty mundane.
Like all moms, I spend a lot of time in the car, at the grocery store, or keeping the basics together at home. My mornings start at 7:00 a.m. (well, maybe it was more like 7:14 after I hit the snooze button twice). I get up and start my daily chauffeur duties by taking my daughter Jenny and my son Jason to school.
Jenny is sixteen and would be happy to relieve me of this chore, if I would only get her a car. But in what she feels is my unending quest to ruin her life, I have told her she can have a car when she can afford to buy one.
I swear time speeds up during the day. If I’m lucky, I get the dishes done, a load of laundry in the washer, and make a trip to the grocery store before I have to return to the high school to pick the kids up. Of course, every mother knows that’s when the real “car time” comes.
Running one child to practice and picking up another from tutoring, while working dinner in between “I need to go to the library” and “I forgot I have to come up with a science project that defines gravity” (really, can’t we just drop an apple?) can drive even the calmest mother (which, by the way, I’m not) to wine and chocolate.
Then about twice a week things run into overtime. There’s about an hour after homework is done, when the TV is on and everyone is ready (or thinks they’re ready) for the next day. That’s when I discover that I’m out of trash stickers or cereal or milk or whatever it is that most likely can’t wait until morning.
So I put my shoes back on and go back to the store. I can’t tell you how many times I have stood in a grocery aisle, tired and a little bleary-eyed, trying to make a decision that normally is automatic. I mean, really—how many flavors of Cheerios does the American public need? And which is the one my son currently prefers?
Not that I’m complaining. It’s been a pretty good life. But I’m divorced now, and reality is fast approaching.
The pile of bills on the counter is growing, and it won’t be long till I start getting phone calls about late payments. As it is, I’ve been using my credit card for gas and groceries.
I used to have a job. I actually ran a small company that sold decorative plant stakes, but the bottom fell out of the gardening supply market just about the same time my husband fell out of our marriage.
I’ve sent out a ton of resumes. However, it appears that a degree in Elementary Education without a current teaching certificate does not get you far these days. Unfortunately, it will take me a year’s worth of college classes to get recertified.
Which is how I end up taking a job as an open house hostess at Davis Realty.
It seemed like a good idea, until I find my boss dead in the bedroom of a house for sale. Now someone has broken into my home, and the murderer may very well think I have the one piece of evidence that the police need. Detective Nick Carson is working hard on the case. And though I have to admit his arm muscles and blue eyes seem to be waking up a part of me that has been dormant for a while, I just can’t wait for the authorities to take care of this whole mess. I have children at home, for God’s sake!
So with the help of a rescued miniature dachshund, a skeleton named Max, and a coven of well-intentioned neighbors, I am trying to find the murderer – before the murderer finds me . . .
Thanks to PageSpring Publishing, I have two (2) copies of BACK ON THE MARKET to give away. Print copy is open to US residents only, and digital copy is open to all. Contest ends March 2. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway.
Meet the author
L. A. Frazier is a writer, teacher, business owner, and dog rescuer in Columbus, Ohio who only goes to Krispy Kreme when the “Hot Now” light is on.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
This sounds like a fun series. Please enter me for the digital copy.
This sounds very amusing and also sounds just like a friend of mine. I’ll have to forward this to her and see what she says.
Thanks for this – count me in please. Dee
Back when I had 4 teenagers living at home (thankfully they are all married now) my partner and I were on opposite schedules. I worked days and she worked nights. I always felt like a single mom because it was always on my shift that things felt like they were going south.
I’d love to win a copy of this book to enjoy and laugh about.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
Okay I’m hooked! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
This book sounds great. Love a mystery with a doggie included. Thanks for having this contest.
Another interesting read…. I’ll be looking for this one to add to the TBR pile!
This sounds like a great and empathetic series. I had three teenagers and my younger granddaughter is just now away at college. I also have a miniature dachshund . would love to win a copy.
How much fun is this. Would be so nice to win.
3 kids, newly divorced – that’s me back in the 80s!! Love to win the print copy.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
The cover of this book drew me in. It looks like a good book. Thank you for the chance to win.
griperang at embarqmail dot com
I’ve raised a couple teens. Let’s compare notes! 🙂 Please put me in the draw. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
This sounds like good fun. I’d be pleased to get a copy
Sounds like a a great book. Can’t wait to read it.
Please enter my name for a print copy. Thank you.
What a great cover. Sounds like a fun read. It’s great finding a new series.
lynettek51(at)yahoo (dot)com
This sounds like a delightfully suspenseful read :):):)
I would really like to read this–somebody just as busy as I—then a dead body to deal with. Please enter me to win either the print or digital copy.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
This has to be a good book judging by the cover, lol. Thank you for the chance to win it.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
This sounds very interesting, please include me in the giveaway for it. Thanks
I would love to have this book, either in print or digital. Thanks!
Contest is closed, but comments are always welcome.
Your book sounds great .Just the type of light mystery story I’m writing, but I’ve added a CAT! So nice to find a cozy mystery writer that writes in my style.Wish you every success. Perhaps your doggie should meet my kitty in Black Cat’s Legacy. http://www.Mindcandymysteries.com … but I’m still waiting for a publisher! Lucky you!