Have you read Parfaits and Paramours yet? Readers are loving it. It’s full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Here is a sample excerpt from the book. I hope you enjoy it.
And oh yes, there’s a cozy mystery sale going on where a bunch of authors have come together to bring you 99c cozies. Go check it out and grab a few for the long weekend.
http://www.cozymysterydeals.com/2018/11/late-november-cozy-mystery-sale.html
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving week ahead. Happy Thanksgiving!
Pafaits and Paramours Sneak Peek
Jenny King maneuvered her van around a steep curve and climbed over a small hill. She was still in awe of this exclusive part of Pelican Cove. The island’s wealthy residents had their estates in this part of town. Sprawling mansions, extensive grounds and private beaches were the norm here. So were sparkling swimming pools and an army of domestic staff.
“Can you turn the heat on, please?” Jenny’s friend Heather Morse asked with a shiver.
Spring had come early to Pelican Cove, bringing warmer days. Flowers were beginning to bloom along Main Street, promising a riot of color in the coming weeks. But the temperature dropped as the sun crept closer to the horizon. A large mosaic of pinks and mauves was scattered across the March sky, heralding sunset.
Jenny fiddled with the temperature knob and muttered an oath. The van was a relic, rarely used unless Jenny had any deliveries or catering jobs. Jenny didn’t remember the last time she had paid for a full tank of gas for the rundown vehicle.
“We’re almost there, Heather,” she said in a chiding tone. “I told you to wear a warm sweater.”
“Why don’t you fix the heat?” Heather asked with a pout. “At least get an estimate from the auto shop.”
“I did that,” Jenny sighed. “I need to replace the thermostat. It’s going to cost more than this pile of junk is worth.”
The two friends bickered as the sky darkened and the sun set on the horizon.
“Give it a rest, Heather,” Jenny pleaded. “I need to catch my breath before Ada Newbury launches her list of complaints.”
Ada Newbury was one of the richest women in Pelican Cove. The Newburys belonged to an elite class of the island’s population, the Pioneers. Their ancestors had come to the island hundreds of years ago and had been one of the first settlers. People still murmured about how the Newburys had become rich overnight, thanks to sunken treasure. But no one could deny that the Newburys were now rich as Croesus.
“She won’t,” Heather dismissed. “She loves your food. Why do you think she’s paying double to have you cater this party?”
Jenny’s face broke into a smile. Her life had taken an unexpected turn. She couldn’t believe people from far and wide came to Pelican Cove to visit her café and gorge on her delicious food.
Jenny King had been a suburban soccer mom for most of her life. One day, her husband of twenty years had come home with devastating news. He was going out with a much younger girl who was now in the family way. He asked Jenny to clear out.
Jenny had sought shelter on the remote island of Pelican Cove. Her aunt, Star, had welcomed her warmly and opened her house and heart to Jenny. After letting her mope and sulk for a few weeks, Star had cajoled Jenny into starting work at her friend Petunia’s café. The rest, as they said, was history.
Jenny had started working her magic in the kitchen and now the whole town of Pelican Cove was singing her praises. People lined up to taste her food. Jenny didn’t disappoint, coming up with delicious new recipes every few days, using the area’s abundant local produce and fresh seafood.
She had built a new life for herself on the island. She had made lasting friendships and found something she had never imagined she would have in her life again. Jenny King was in love.
Instead of settling into the mid forties’ drudgery she thought was her lot in life, Jenny was writing a new chapter in her life.
“Do you think we have enough food?” Jenny asked Heather worriedly.
Ada Newbury had been too busy to go over the menu with Jenny. She had just wanted it to be fresh and modern. Jenny wondered what that meant. She just hoped the dishes she had come up with would pass muster with the old harridan.
“Everyone’s going to be licking their fingers, Jenny,” Heather said loyally. “Just wait and see.”
Jenny pulled up outside a set of massive iron gates. A security guard came out of a small cabin and waved at them.
“Are you from the Boardwalk Café?” he asked. “You are late.”
He spoke curtly into his phone and the gates swung open.
“It’s two minutes past six,” Jenny cursed. “Plenty of time to set up.”
Ada Newbury was throwing a party for her grandson. He was recently engaged to a girl from the city. Their impending nuptials were the talk of the town. No expense was being spared and the locals were vying for an invitation to the country club extravaganza the wedding promised to be. Ada had arranged the party in lieu of a wedding shower. She called it a meet and greet for both sides of the family.
Jenny drove her van to the back of the house. A marquee had been set up on the lawn and linen covered tables stood ready for the food. A life sized ice sculpture depicting an embracing couple graced the centre of the lawn. Fairy lights were woven through the trees and large paper lanterns swayed in the breeze.
“This place looks beautiful,” Jenny gushed.
“Ada hired a party planner from the city,” Heather supplied. “The planner works with a city based caterer but Ada stuck to her guns. She wanted your food for this party.”
A tall, slim woman stepped out on the porch before Jenny had a chance to reply.
“You’re late,” she complained. “I hope you got everything?”
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