Excerpt from the Book
“Hi, Kate!”
“Birdie Mae? What on earth…” I was so stunned I couldn’t form the words.
“I know you must be surprised to see me. It’s been a long time.” She stood holding a small suitcase.
“Well, my goodness, come in!” I hugged her and took a step back. “Let me look at you! You’re all grown up! Last time I saw you, you were what – “
“Fifteen.” She smiled. She certainly had my Uncle Tommy’s smile. She also had the James’ blue eyes, just like I did.
Birdie Mae was my first cousin. Her dad and my mom were brother and sister. I’d moved away from Alabama over ten years ago, and sadly, I’d lost track of some of my extended family.
“Come sit down!” I pulled a small chair over from the corner of the room. “What are you doing here? Are you visiting San Cabela on vacation? How did you know I was here? Oh, I have so many questions.” I laughed.
“My momma ran into your momma at the Piggly Wiggly last week, and Aunt Faye told her all about your new job and moving here and all. And Momma got this idea that I needed a ‘change of scenery.’” She made air quotes with her fingers. “I went through this bad breakup a couple of months ago, you see, and all.” The southern inflection in her voice rose at the end of every sentence like it was a question. “I already lost two jobs in two months because of it. I just can’t seem to stop thinking about it.”
“Bless you heart.” I really felt for her. I hadn’t had a breakup like that in a long time, but I remembered that feeling. That’s the kind of thing that sticks with you. “Well, I agree with Aunt Irene. Nothing mends a broken heart like a new perspective and a week in this island paradise!”
“Oh, I’m not on vacation.” She stood and picked up her suitcase. “I’m gonna live here and help you.”
Want to know more about the book?
When Kate Kennedy left her high-pressure job managing a ski resort and bought Paradise Cove Bungalows, she had no idea what awaited her on the beautiful island of San Cabela. The cozy island getaway would be the start of a new chapter for Kate, a small town girl with big dreams. With her first guests all checked in for their destination wedding, celebration turns to devastation when the groom is found dead before he can say, “I do”. If that isn’t enough to worry about, Kate’s cousin shows up for a surprise visit and finds herself at the top of the suspect list.
With tensions rising and accusations flying, Kate must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again—because at this wedding, “til death do us part” might come sooner than expected.
A sun-soaked, suspenseful, mystery with a tropical twist for all cozy fans!
Get your copy here!
About the Authors
Deborah Malone’s first novel, Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest. Deborah won Georgia Author of the Year 2017, in Inspiration category, and she finaled in the prestigious Selah Awards in 2024. Deborah lives in the beautiful North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.
S.C. Merritt writes cozy mysteries featuring female sleuths, plots with a twist, and a little sprinkle of romance. Her stories are full of quirky characters, southern charm and lots of murder. S.C lives in North Georgia with her husband, Vic, and miniature Schnauzers, Izzy and Allie.
Scavenger Hunt Word Five: shapes
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