Counting down to Christmas

By Lizzie Turner from the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries

      by Erika Chase

You’d think that my being a reading specialist and having to deal with children, their parents, and teachers on a daily basis would mean I’m organized. Right. I am. On the job. But in my personal life, well, something just always seems a bit out of synch.

Take the fact that this is December 7^th, 18 days until Christmas day! My good friend, and coincidentally a teacher, Sally-Jo Baker has done all her shopping, wrapped the gifts, sent out her Christmas cards and started baking and freezing cookies. Already! And it’s only the 7^th. And to top it all, she has a wedding on her mind, too.

Do I feel inadequate next to Sally-Jo? Well, it depends on which of the tasks is like a ticking time bomb at the moment. Right now, it’s the cards. I love receiving and also sending traditional Christmas cards. You know, the paper kind that require a postal address and stamp. So, they should be in the mail by now but I haven’t even bought them yet. Tomorrow after school. That’s the plan.

I have to admit that when I think of Christmas these days, it’s tinged with a queasy feeling, but only for a second, thinking back to that day an author was shot dead in my living room. That happened in Read and Buried, the second book in the series. 

I try to snap right out of it with thoughts of my choir singing at the late night Christmas Eve church service, and having brunch with my mama, and all the trimmings with my friends from the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society later in the day. And, hopefully, some quiet time with my guy, Mark Dreyfus.

I am truly blessed and Christmas is the time I feel it the most. 

So, the tasks will all get done, I do know that so won’t stress – too much. The warmth and happiness is a given. That’s my wish to all of you and I know my book reading cohorts send their wishes too.

My author is celebrating by offering your choice of any of the five Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries to one lucky person who leaves a comment before noon EST tomorrow.  Happy Seasons Readings!

Look for A KILLER READ,  (#2 on the Barnes and Noble Mystery Bestseller List and an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Mystery),  READ AND BURIED, COVER STORY, and BOOK FAIR AND FOUL on-line or at your favorite bookstore.

                                                                                           

Book #5, LAW AND AUTHOR, now available.

Visit Erika at www.erikachase.com 

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on Twitter  @erika_chase.