by Kent Braddock from the Murder, Plainly Read by Isabella Alan
My wife and I moved to Holmes County, Ohio from Dallas to be
closer to our daughter Angie, who moved here a couple of years before us to
take over her Amish aunt’s quilt shop, Running Stitch. I took early retirement
to make the move. I’m thrilled to see my AngieBear so often now that we live so
close. However, I must admit I’m at loose ends. I have worked for over thirty
year as an executive in a high-powered office, and now… nothing. I have
absolutely nothing to do except Sudoku. There is only so much Sudoku a man can
do without losing his mind.
Of course, my wife Daphne has had no trouble filling her
time. She had made friends at the local beauty parlor and is already
volunteering all over the county to better the community. In fact, this fall
she is helping Angie with a library book sale. To be honest, I don’t think
AngieBear is all that happy about being roped into helping with the book sale,
so she is thrilled to turn the whole thing over to her mother. Or she would
have been thrilled, if she hadn’t found dead Amish man on library’s bookmobile.
Knowing my daughter she will investigate the Amish man’s death with James
Mitchell, her sheriff boyfriend, shaking his head the entire time. My wife
might stick her nose in it too.
But not me. I want something to occupy my time, but I don’t
really want to be chasing killers. Honestly, I don’t want my daughter to be
doing that either, but there is no point in arguing with Angie when she feels
what she is doing is right. She gets that stubbornness from her mother. Don’t
tell her I said that.
So if I’m not going to solve crimes, what am I going to do?
I’m open to hobby suggestions. Leave a suggestion of a hobby that I should try and
your email address in the comments below for a chance to win a signed copy of Murder, Served Simply (Amish Quilt Shop #3).
Giveaway ends Friday, November 6th at 4pm. Winner
will be notified by email.
Oh, and you if have read any of the books in the Amish Quilt Shop Series please consider posting a review on Amazon, B&N, or another retailer site. Those really help to keep a series going!
********************************
New from USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Flower/Isabella Alan
Murder, Plainly Read (Book 4 in the Amish Quilt shop Mysteries)
Andi Unstoppable (Book 3 in the Andi Boggs Series)
Amish Christmas at North Star
Follow Amanda on Social Media at: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Murder, Plainly Read (Book 4 in the Amish Quilt shop Mysteries)
Andi Unstoppable (Book 3 in the Andi Boggs Series)
Amish Christmas at North Star
Follow Amanda on Social Media at: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Posts
Some possible hobbies: woodworking, building items (doesn't have to be wood), photography, painting (or any form of art), cooking/baking...
ReplyDeletemyrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
I would suggest woodworking. The Amish are amazing woodworkers and great teachers. poohwine1217@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love refinishing furniture and would suggest it as a wonderful and rewarding hobby!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
I like crocheting.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I would suggest photography.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWell, since you mentioned a library, you could catch up on all those books you never had time for and write reviews to share with the world. Become a Blogger/Reviewer. You'd then have a reason to do some travelling to the various read/author conventions like Bouchercon and Malice.
ReplyDeleteI mean it's just a suggestion, and I'm tossing it out at you.
forgot my e-mail the first time. LOL
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
I think you could make things from reclaimed objects---that would leave plenty of room for creativity.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Do some volunteer work at a hospital or school close by or try learning an instrument,
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne annelovell12@yahoo.com
Gardening...vegetable or flower. patucker54 (at aol dot com)
ReplyDeleteYou could create wonderful scrapbooks filled with photos and vacation memorabilia. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteVolunteer - you may discover something that intrigues you! Then there is the new craze of coloring...
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Try quilting keeps you busy mama2bulls@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWoodworking, photography, volunteering....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! dmskrug3(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would knit and make wonderful babies clothing which would be unique and special. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteShe could read! Or go for walks or hikes to enjoy the outdoors! I'm currently reading the second book now! katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWoodworking, gardening, hiking.
ReplyDeleteanne.maceneaney@gmail.com
Oh no, a body in a bookmobile?? That is just wrong. All my hobbies end up to be reading, but I think you may need something more active and hands on. I'll go with the volunteering option. And you're right, stay away from the murder investigation, probably going to be dangerous!
ReplyDeletesallycootie@gmail.com
Working with a jigsaw, lots of patterns out there and you can even make some money off the end product. It would of course involve a work area that would hold the saw, and an area to paint the finished product.
ReplyDeletelizstraw at sbcglobal dot net
Hobbies can be so personal. I've knitted and made quilts galore, baked up bagels and scones for every occasion, grew herbs and created flavored oils for everyone's delight, golfed, tennised, traveled the world, and in retirement, I love to read! Hobbies can be so personal, but the one universal constant is the enjoyment they bring. kat8762@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest Jig-Saw puzzles - you can enjoy it as a solitary pursuit or share it with your daughter... :D
ReplyDeletelayne at DownMemoryLayne dot com
The only hobby I have is reading and that is more like an obsession! I do like cooking and baking and those are two good hobbies. What about designing crossword puzzles??? grammyd01@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI do hook rugs every so often they are not that expensive and are fun to do for me anyway. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteI suggest building doll houses or wooden toys.
ReplyDeleteI suggest building doll houses or wooden toys.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kent. Remember, there's nothing wrong with a man knitting. Both of my grandfathers were knitters. If you like working with wood, why don't you build quilt tables and Amish style yarn swifts? My husband just built me a swift, and it's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Hobbying,
Barb
Kent seems like a very literate man who could tell a tale or too. I think he should take up writing. Maybe he could even play Dr. Watson to his daughter's Sherlock Holmes! chettysmom@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI enjoy jigsaw puzzles, reading and crossword puzzles!
ReplyDeleteangelhwk68@yahoo.com
There is a lot of talk about adult coloring books...
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
Genealogy is a wonderful hobby. He would learn about his family (maybe some skeletons or villains in his own family tree), learn history, and maybe find his own line of Mennonites (as I did)!
ReplyDeleteHow about hunting? Or shooting in general? Not my thing but he is a guy. Pinkjulz@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteRemodeling a house would be fun!
ReplyDeleteRemodeling a house would be fun!
ReplyDeleteScrapbooking and making cards is a good hobby.
ReplyDeletedhazelton(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
I think a great hobby would be bird watching or fishing. Volunteering would be great too, maybe the local food bank or hospital. How about being a driver for the local community? There are so many ways to fill the days.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
Knitting is a good hobby as well as baking.
ReplyDeletediannekc8@gmail.com
I think you should try geocaching. It's a great outdoor activity that takes you places you probably never knew were there.
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
Basket weaving, rubber stamping, jewelry making and reading are all great hobbies.
ReplyDeleteForgot...bobbipad at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSince your daughter owns a quilt show. Learn to quilt. This will give you more time with her.
ReplyDeleteScrapbooking -- you could use pictures that you've taken over the years. Woodworking -- make a bookcase or a quilt rack. Pet sitter -- take care of Petunia and Oliver, etc.
ReplyDeleteI already have the third book but maybe if I win I could get the first one? I don't have that one.
catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
volunteering. surely your executive skills could be put to good use by some needy organization. or reading, jigsaw puzzles, photography, astronomy.
ReplyDeletewskwared at yahoo dot com
Needlepoint is a great hobby.
ReplyDeleterobertscm01@comcast.net
Knitting is my favorite & the needles might come in handy.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Knitting and crocheting, reading, bird watching are all great hobbies.
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
Wood working would make a great hobby or volunteering at the library. doward1952@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSewing or painting. kittygirl15401@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletejig saw puzzles are relaxing, and give a person time to think...and ponder,,,I work one, maybe 2, over the whole winter.
ReplyDeletethe3beersus@yahoo.com
Perhaps Angie's dad could take up being a silent bodyguard, with martial arts classes on the side. Or become a quilter so he can kind of keep an eye on his daughter with the hope of not letting her get into the thick of trouble to begin with. *sigh* or maybe photography, just himself and his camera, alone with nature. jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteMy biggest hobby is reading. I really don't do much else.
ReplyDeleteThereadmasterAtmeDOTcom
After reading I would suggest photography.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
Hey Kent! Why not build WWII models of tanks and vehicles like my husband does. It is labor intensive but, if you take your time and pay particular attention to detail, you'll have duplicated miniatures of some of histories finest machines.
ReplyDeleteI love your series Isabella, I've read them all except for your current release. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
Kent, I think you should take up Blacksmithing. So many uses for it in Amish country. Thank you Isabella for the chance to win a copy of your book. susan4cats@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteConsidering Kent's high-powered past, why not run for mayor of Holmes County, Ohio, since the pay is probably slim; and his ideas could benefit the community. He could be like Martha Tinsdale, the mayor in The Good Witch series.
ReplyDeleteI'll echo what another poster said...try geocaching. It will bring you into some beautiful outdoor places you'd never otherwise see. It's great exercise and a lot of fun too. Of course, since Angie is your daughter I can just imagine you discovering a body in the woods. :) I love this series and just finished Murder, Plainly Read this morning. Planning on posting reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks for the fun chance to win. rencw@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteDigital photography, family history,tennis, Golfing, reading , bocci ball, exercise are great hobbies. Men would also enjoy woodworking and refurbishment of furniture. Seascapelife (at) gmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the best hobbies I've found is oil painting. Everyone sees beauty through a different angle and no matter what you do it will be an original. Age doesn't matter, look at Grandma Moses. You can also paint and sip a fine glass of wine too.
ReplyDeleteYou could try painting.
ReplyDeleteKit3247(at)aol(dot)com
learn to fly a plane! it's relaxing and fun! amandasmother@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHow about wine making or beer making? You could try wine with local fruit instead of traditional grapes. Since it needs to be monitored, and taste tested, you wouldn't have time to help with murder investigations. Cheers@MarjimManor.com
ReplyDeleteHow about genealogy. That can get pretty involved too.
ReplyDeleteColoring Books...my new favorite. als(at)foxgull ( dot)com
ReplyDeleteI like the feeling I get from furniture refinishing.
ReplyDelete6186pep(at)msn(dot)com
I like the suggestions on here, and would say reading would be one I also recommend. Also, horseback riding, since you live in a country setting, could be a good choice. Thanks for the contest. monstercreed1@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWoodworking, building furniture and of course there's always golf...bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteTry volunteering at the local hospital, gardening or woodcarving. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletebabemomara@att.net
Jigsaw Puzzles or cross-stitch.
ReplyDeletekkat.edwards@gmail.com
How about a family style game night at least once a week with Parcheesi, Risk, Monopoly, and etc. With a solid group of drop-ins, some food, and a good location...
ReplyDelete- lavendersbluegreen@yahoo.com
I suggest jewelry making.
ReplyDeleteLisa, hseaside5@aim.com
I love counted cross stitch! You should try it, it's very relaxing after a long day! Thanks!
ReplyDeletedblaser(at)windstream(dot)net
I love counted cross stitch! You should try it, it's very relaxing after a long day! Thanks!
ReplyDeletedblaser(at)windstream(dot)net
How about teaching kids and/or adults to read. That would be a worthwhile thing to do to keep you busy. It's not a hobby but a great volunteer position. As a hobby, you could make those crazy wooden lawn cutouts that people put in yards.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I think he should seriously take up Quilting. Why not. Look at Rucky Timms
ReplyDeletekkleeband@gmail.com