Hi!
Today I’m sharing the second story The Christmas Eve Walk and an excerpt from Miracles and Ghosts. Linda’s still reeling after her boyfriend broke up with her instead of the expected proposal. Her ex unexpectedly texts and asks if he can pick up his snow boots—because he’s going on vacation with his new girlfriend. To find some perspective, Linda takes her dog, Bubs for a walk in the forest. As the first snowflakes blanket the forest she hears a young boy calling out. He needs her help with some kittens he just found. This leads to a vet visit and an unexpected discovery.
Excerpt
The Christmas Eve Walk
The house was deep-cleaned, the decorations were up, and presents had been mailed to her sister. Linda Jones glanced out the window at the neighborhood’s festive glow. There was magic in the air tonight—that was what her mother used to tell her and her sister. If she had a wish, what would it be? The man of her dreams? He definitely hadn’t been Curt.
“Well, can’t hurt. I wish for my soulmate to find me under the Christmas Eve star I can’t see.” Linda grinned, proud of how well the holiday season was going, especially after the unexpected breakup. A familiar bolt of anger coursed through her like a bad burger. After all, she had expected him to propose, not end it.
“Nope. Not going there,” Linda informed her current best friend and furry companion, Bubbles. The shepherd mix had belonged to her sister until she moved out of the country to start over after her husband moved on from her. Must be a sibling thing, Linda thought. So she had inherited the poorly named dog, who she now called Bubs.
A beep came from her phone. A text from Curt.
I hate to bother you, Linda, but I believe I left snow boots at your house. On my way to Tahoe and hoping you are home so I can swing by and pick them up.
Without thinking, she responded.
I’ll be here.
She stomped off, Bubs following close behind. “Can you believe him? Some wish that was, and now he’s on the trip we were supposed to take. They’ve only been officially dating for six weeks, Bubs. We were together for two years. I had to earn my vacation with him, and that woman gets to go right away. Maybe she’s paying for it, because he sure never wanted to part with his money.”
Bubs sighed and sank onto his bed.
Linda quickly located the black size 10 men’s boots in her coat closet, glad to get them out of her house. Curt wore them the first year they were together when they went to cut a Christmas tree. The tree that she paid for had ended up at his house.
Blurb
Miracles and Ghosts: A Christmas Collection’s eight tales bring light in the darkest of circumstances. In the novelette, A Perfect Ghostly Christmas, Julie has survived the foster care system and finally comes home. She now owns her grandparents’ house and has received an offer that appears too good to be true. On top of that, the family she felt had abandoned her during her difficult times has reentered her life. But it’s the otherworldly experiences that lead her to something her grandparents left behind. This discovery changes everything and opens a door to danger. The seven short stories explore fractured families, a widower’s loneliness, a mall shooting, financial struggles, strained relationships, woodland kittens, and a woman haunted by a red truck. Whether it’s a ghost, an angel, or Santa, some unseen force is there to provide help when needed. A reminder in the busy holiday season or anytime we are never alone, and miracles are possible.
PREORDER:
AMAZON US
AMAZON UK
Blog Tour Schedule for Miracles and Ghosts
Sandra Cox: November 1st A Perfect Ghostly Christmas
Liz Gauffreau: November 5th Miracle in ER
John Howell: November 6th A Man and His Cat
Colleen Chesebro: November 7th At the Mall & video
Jacqui Murray: November 12th The Red Truck
Jan Sikes: November 13th Christmas Reunion
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
That was a captivating excerpt. It sounds like it is going to be a great collection of stories. So each person above will be posting an excerpt from Miracles and Ghosts if I understood correctly?
Thank you, Thomas :).Yes, there are eight stories in Miracles and Ghosts. I hope I didn’t make that too confusing! Each host will have a different excerpt from a different story. I took the last two. I’m glad you clarified that.
I can’t wait to read this book. Love this excerpt. xo
Thank you, Darlene! I can’t believe November is almost here.
Cool excerpt.
Thanks, Craig 🙂
Sounds amazing, Denise. I can’t wait to read the rest of that story!
Thank you, Noelle! I hope you enjoy it and the rest 🙂 xo
That’s a fascinating excerpt, Denise.
Thank you, Timothy! I’m ready for a snowy walk in the Forest like Linda.
That excerpt sounds delightful. How many of us have been there? I am so glad to be happily married (and I know you are, too!)
Thank you, Jacqui 🙂 Yes, have to go through some bumps to find the right one! Very happily married.
Can’t wait to read it, Denise! The stories sound amazing.
Thank you, Joy 🙂 I hope you enjoy them! Xo
A wonderful excerpt, Denise, and great summary of what we can expect from the story. Kittens, kids, and Christmas? Can’t find a better match than that. I’m looking forward to this!
Thank you, Diana 🙂 No the perfect combination with another addition… hope you enjoy it!
🙂 Nice tease!!
Congratulations on the pre-order launch, Denise. Wishing you all the best on this holiday collection
Thank you, John:) I appreciate that and your help! Look forward to our visit
Have the book on order. Forgot to tell you.
It sounds like Curt has some growing-up to do. She’s better off with Bubs! Good excerpt!
Yes, I agree about Curt. Life seems to provide that. I’d rather be with Bubs, too. Thank you, Priscilla.
Oh, this sounds SO good, Denise. I cannot wait to read it. Hurry up, November 1st!
Thank you, Jan! November is so close. Can’t believe it.
Oh, that Curt is a bad ‘un, all right. I hope he gets his comeuppance.
He is. It’s more ahead gets what she deserves 🙂
Thanks for sharing this compelling excerpt, Denise. I am looking forward to the release of this book.
Thank you, Balroop. I hope you enjoy it! xo
Look at that sweet kitty.
Woot. Woot. It’s close to release day. Can’t wait.
S.C ox
Yes, such a sweet face! Thank you, looking forward to it too. xooxxo
This collection sounds so good, Denise! I can’t wait to read it! Congrats! xo
Thank you, Lauren 🙂 I hope it’s a good holiday read for you!
She’s better off without him. Love the black kitten pic!
Much better off, Teri 🙂 Such a sweet face!
Sounds exciting!
This is another great short.
s.c ox
Thank you, Sandra. Hugs xo