Sue Perkins's Blog, page 17
April 14, 2013
Do you like to read?
Reading is something everybody does every day. Texts, phone numbers, shopping lists, signs, newspapers, magazines and last but not least - books.
I'd like to know what attracts readers to a book - either print or ebook. Authors are readers too so if you're a writer feel free to leave a comment.
So what does attract you to a book? Not the genre - most readers head for the type of book they normally read, before drifting toward different styles. Not the author, again the reader's preference would be the first stop.
What do you look for when searching for a book? Does the cover drag you to look at the blurb? Does the blurb encourage you to delve further? Or does the title grab you first?
For me the cover comes first, the blurb comes second and the first page comes next. If any of these don't sit well with me then I don't buy. I have passed over a book because I don't like the cover, my own personal bad, it didn't mean the book was no good.
Even if the novel meets all of the criteria above, I can still be put off by the size of the type. Very small type such as the size found in Charles Dickens books tell my brain there's probably a lot of explanation and telling instead of showing, so again I don't buy.
I'd love to hear about your personal likes and dislikes when searching for something to read.
On the 19th April I will randomly draw the name of a commenter to win a copy of my latest book Dragon Ice which will be released on 21st April. Please leave a comment to be in to win.
I'd like to know what attracts readers to a book - either print or ebook. Authors are readers too so if you're a writer feel free to leave a comment.
So what does attract you to a book? Not the genre - most readers head for the type of book they normally read, before drifting toward different styles. Not the author, again the reader's preference would be the first stop.
What do you look for when searching for a book? Does the cover drag you to look at the blurb? Does the blurb encourage you to delve further? Or does the title grab you first?
For me the cover comes first, the blurb comes second and the first page comes next. If any of these don't sit well with me then I don't buy. I have passed over a book because I don't like the cover, my own personal bad, it didn't mean the book was no good.
Even if the novel meets all of the criteria above, I can still be put off by the size of the type. Very small type such as the size found in Charles Dickens books tell my brain there's probably a lot of explanation and telling instead of showing, so again I don't buy.
I'd love to hear about your personal likes and dislikes when searching for something to read.
On the 19th April I will randomly draw the name of a commenter to win a copy of my latest book Dragon Ice which will be released on 21st April. Please leave a comment to be in to win.
April 4, 2013
Return by Charity Santiago
Title: Return : Lady of Toryn - Book 1Author: Charity Santiago
Pages: 301 pages
Rating: 4.5
Genre: Fantasy, adventure, sweet romance
The war to stop Lord Angelo destroying the sun has been over for three years. During this time Ashlyn, Elder Heir of Toryn, has gone walkabout and is presumed dead. Her reappearance drives the protectors of the Free Land Democracy to bring Devlyn, the new Lord of Toryn, under control. At first Ashlyn complies but doubts are sown in her mind by a captured Toryn ninja and from there on chaos follows Ashlyn wherever she goes.
The first thing that caught my attention was the name Ashlyn, Elder Heir of Toryn. This brought to mind a strong person and someone to be reckoned with. Ms Santiago brought her character to life in such a delightful but forceful way that I felt quite sorry for Ashlyn when things went so disastrously wrong. I sympathized with her when her companions all knew what was happening and she was left in the dark. No wonder she took her own route to resolve the danger threatening her people and the planet in general.
The more I delved into this book, the more hooked I became. The variety of vampire, spartans, warriors and ninjas plus a surprise element blended perfectly into a seamless adventure story with a hint of romance appearing as an underlying plot. In fact there are two or three sub-plots to this book which all help make it a perfect start to a series.
Adventure, fantasy, good writing and editing, all these make the book "Return" the type of book I love to curl up with and lose myself in. Well done Ms Santiago, I intend to follow this series. Thank you for giving me such an enjoyable few hours.
Charity Santiago
March 31, 2013
Tour of "Return"
Drop by on the 4th to see my review of "Return" as Charity Santiago's review tour visits my blog.
February 16, 2013
Spirit Stealer Special Price
My Middle Grade novel Spirit Stealer is set in a library and spans a century full of changes. Throughout the years the Spirit Stealer takes charge of the library at night, stealing the spirits of any who are foolish enough to remain in the library after dark.
For approximately one week from the 16th February, Spirit Stealer is available at the reduced price of $1.99 from
and also at a reduced price from Amazon.com
*****
Excerpt
Fader couldn’t help glancing toward the library during the day. The sun dropped low in the sky, and the crowds dispersed as he helped put the stalls away. Before slipping down the side alley, Fader checked to make sure no one watched him. The wad of paper worked well; the side door opened when he pulled the handle.
He hadn’t reached his hiding place when he heard a shout behind him. He looked quickly from side to side, desperate to find somewhere to hide. Two bookshelves stood against the wall. They didn’t quite butt up against each other, so he slid into the narrow space between them.
“What’s this?” Fader recognised the bull roaring tone of the man from the previous day. “Why is this door unlocked? Who stuck this paper in the lock? Get it out immediately and make sure the door is locked before you go home each night. We don’t want riff raff getting into the library.”
Fader’s heart sank.
The silly old fool’s found out how I got in. I’ll have to find another way, some place he won’t discover. He cheered up. I’ve got all night to work on that.
Fader spent the beginning of the night searching the building, looking for another way into the library. He searched the main entry and laughed as he sat in the Chief Librarian’s chair and twirled round.
I’ve got to find some way to get in. His gaze roamed the space before the front doors. Somewhere the pompous old fool wouldn’t even think to check.
Fader looked toward a small door on one side of the main desk.
Please let there be something to help me in here, he prayed as he opened the door.
The room held books neatly stacked on the floor and shelves. A bookcase hid the bottom half of a small window, but it only took a moment for Fader to fiddle with the catch. When he finished, it appeared to be locked, though it didn’t shut completely. He pulled the shelving further across until it hid the catch, but left enough room above for him to climb the shelves and slip out through the window.
The window entrance proved to be safer than the alley door. He didn’t have to worry someone might see him, or the window would be found and locked. He arrived after the library closed and left before it opened—too early and late for the librarians, lessening the chance of capture. Half his nights he spent reading and the other half sleeping. Weeks passed, and his nocturnal visits remained undiscovered. Fader began to think of the nighttime library as his very own place.
Then the noises started
*****
Would love for you take advantage of this special price.
For approximately one week from the 16th February, Spirit Stealer is available at the reduced price of $1.99 from
and also at a reduced price from Amazon.com
*****
Excerpt
Fader couldn’t help glancing toward the library during the day. The sun dropped low in the sky, and the crowds dispersed as he helped put the stalls away. Before slipping down the side alley, Fader checked to make sure no one watched him. The wad of paper worked well; the side door opened when he pulled the handle.
He hadn’t reached his hiding place when he heard a shout behind him. He looked quickly from side to side, desperate to find somewhere to hide. Two bookshelves stood against the wall. They didn’t quite butt up against each other, so he slid into the narrow space between them.
“What’s this?” Fader recognised the bull roaring tone of the man from the previous day. “Why is this door unlocked? Who stuck this paper in the lock? Get it out immediately and make sure the door is locked before you go home each night. We don’t want riff raff getting into the library.”
Fader’s heart sank.
The silly old fool’s found out how I got in. I’ll have to find another way, some place he won’t discover. He cheered up. I’ve got all night to work on that.
Fader spent the beginning of the night searching the building, looking for another way into the library. He searched the main entry and laughed as he sat in the Chief Librarian’s chair and twirled round.
I’ve got to find some way to get in. His gaze roamed the space before the front doors. Somewhere the pompous old fool wouldn’t even think to check.
Fader looked toward a small door on one side of the main desk.
Please let there be something to help me in here, he prayed as he opened the door.
The room held books neatly stacked on the floor and shelves. A bookcase hid the bottom half of a small window, but it only took a moment for Fader to fiddle with the catch. When he finished, it appeared to be locked, though it didn’t shut completely. He pulled the shelving further across until it hid the catch, but left enough room above for him to climb the shelves and slip out through the window.
The window entrance proved to be safer than the alley door. He didn’t have to worry someone might see him, or the window would be found and locked. He arrived after the library closed and left before it opened—too early and late for the librarians, lessening the chance of capture. Half his nights he spent reading and the other half sleeping. Weeks passed, and his nocturnal visits remained undiscovered. Fader began to think of the nighttime library as his very own place.
Then the noises started
*****
Would love for you take advantage of this special price.
February 10, 2013
Wind's Aria by Tessa Stockton
Sue's Review
Wind's Aria is a battle between good and evil with love bridging the gap. Aria is the songstress who sings each morning and night to the Sacred Flower goddess. Her people believe this tribute keeps the evil at bay. Aria is distracted and falters in her song. All seems well until the following day when a fog shrouds the town and surrounding area. A winged man she names Il Bora, comes to her rescue and love begins to blossom, but evil has other ideas for the future.
This book has a whimsical beginning, but strengthens as the story unfolds. Aria appeared to be a young, naive woman, and Il Bora a troubled young man - or spirit. I wasn't quite sure of his identity. The book takes a few unexpected turns which kept my interest at its peak. Definitely a book that left me with a satisfied, pleasant feeling.
*****
Wind's Aria - Excerpt
Wind's Aria
Fog continued to dance around them covering most of his
body, to her dismay. Just curious, she convinced herself. She closed her eyes
and squeezed the bridge of her nose to concentrate . . . something that seemed
hard to do at that moment.
“Feeling better?” The smooth notes of his words swam through
her ears.
“Mmm.” She nodded. “I guess.”
He continued to stare.
Aria cleared her throat. “Um . . . can I ask you a
question?”
“You may ask . . .”
“But will you answer?”
“That depends.”
“Oh. Well. How did you get to be so huge when all the
Meleyans are rather small? And why haven’t I seen you before?”
“That’s two questions.”
“S-sorry.”
He exhaled a steady stream of air, adding to the mist, as if
deliberating.
Aria felt the strength of his breath, blowing strands of her
hair across her face.
Slow, yet with precision, he lifted a lock from the curve of
her mouth and rubbed the strands between his fingers. He murmured, “Soft and
orange, like the petals of prairie-tails.” Then he bent and smelled her hair,
closing his eyes. “And sweet like the honey of bees.” Again he held her gaze.
The corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Do you have a sting?”
“I asked you a question first—”
“Two,” he corrected. Then he smiled.
****
Tessa Stockton - Bio:
A veteran of theperforming arts and worldwide missions, Tessa Stockton also contributed as a
writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and
she headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today she writes romance and
intrigue novels in a variety of genres. In addition to her fantasy romance,
WIND’S ARIA, she’s the author of suspense/thriller, THE UNSPEAKABLE, political
intrigue/romance, THE UNFORGIVABLE, and a literary short story, LOVE AND LULL,
with more in the works.
Tessa will be awarding a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate to a
randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her book blast tour.
Follow the tour and
comment; the more you comment, the better your chance of winning. The tour
dates are:
February 11: Maggie's Meanderings
February 12: Sue Perkins, AuthorFebruary 14: Long and Short Reviews
February 15: Let's Get BOOKED
February 18: Journey of a Bookseller
February 19: It's Raining Books
February 20: Love Triumphs Past and Present
February 21: The Write to Read
February 21: STOP 2 - The Eclectic Review
February 22: Margay Leah Justice
Links:
www.TessaStockton.com
https://twitter.com/TessaStockton
https://www.facebook.com/tessastockton
Purchase links:
Publisher's Bookstore: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/winds-aria/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Winds-Aria-ebook/dp/B00B1FEC2A/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358431989&sr=1-4&keywords=tessa+stockton
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winds-aria-tessa-stockton/1114146612?ean=2940016000206
January 4, 2013
Recipe for Romance - Available Now
RECIPE FOR ROMANCE RELEASED
Recipe for Romance has been released and is available from Desert Breeze Publishing.
The new hotel manager upsets Kirsty from day one. Reeve's high handed attitude makes her wonder if the accidents in the kitchen really are her fault. With the head chef on one side and Reeve Stuart on the other she feels as if she's being torn in two different directions.
Both Kirsty and Reeve feel a growing attraction for each other, but decide to put their feelings aside until the restaurant problem is resolved. Kirsty knows it is time to take action when the attacks on her ability become personal. How can she prove she is not to blame?
Recipe for Romance is a contemporary romance set in the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. Although a sweet romance, the attraction between the Kirsty and Reeve sizzles with tension.
December 25, 2012
December 24, 2012
Christmas Story - Part 14 - Final
Welcome. Each episode of the Christmas Story has been written by a different author adding to what has been written previously. Part Fourteen is the final part and is written by Heather Haven.Website: http://www.heatherhavenstories.com
Blog: http://heatherhavensays.blogspot.co.nz
“We need to turn the sleigh around, son. Heather is dealing with the Dark Lord. We can’t be there. If she wins, she will come to us. Meanwhile, the most important thing is to keep Madison safe. He mustn’t get her.”
Santa signaled the reindeer to return to the North Pole.
“I don’t understand,” Sean said. “Why can’t we go to Heather?”
“I want to be with mom. We need to help her.” Madison’s voice broke on her final words and she began to sob.
“I know, I know. But we can’t risk it.” Santa landed the sleigh and stepped out. Sean and Madison followed him back into Santa’s Workshop. Santa knelt in front of his granddaughter, his hand resting on her shoulder.
“You see, my dear, everything depends on you. I’m Christmas past. Your father is Christmas present. But you are the most important. You are Christmas future.”
She stopped sobbing and looked up at Santa. “I am?”
“Yes. Only you have the power to control the future of Christmas. I’ve done my best, but the Dark Lord has cast his shadow over children everywhere. More and more are turning away from me, not believing what their own hearts tell them.”
“What’s that?” she stuttered.
His fingers brushed away a lock of golden hair from her forehead. “That the power of Christmas lies not in me, but in each one of them. I only represent what is good in the world. The spirit of giving, compassion, hope, and love burns within each one of them. Children are Christmas. Sadly, so many have stopped believing in this wondrous day, it’s in jeopardy of going away forever.”
Madison gasped; her eyes wide with fear. “You mean, there might not be any more Christmas?”
Santa didn’t reply, but shook his head slowly. Then he looked up, as if he saw something inside his mind. “Your mother has arrived. She’s won.” Santa turned to mammoth twenty-foot high double doors, decorated with candy canes, lollypops and gingerbread cookies. He took Madison’s hand but before they could take one step, the doors burst open and Heather ran in, followed by Gibb.
“Madison!”
“Mom!”
Heather ran forward and knelt down, embracing her daughter tightly.
“I was so worried about you,” Heather said.
“We were worried about you, darling.” Sean took a hesitant step forward. “But you look all right. In fact, you look beautiful.”
“Sean!” Heather stood and rushed into Sean’s arms. Madison followed and wrapped her arms around both parents, hugging them as hard as she could. Heather broke free in a flash of anger and pushed her husband away.
“Where have you been? It’s been a month.”
“That’s my fault, I fear,” Santa said, coming up to her. “At this time of year, I do tend to lose track of time. Except Christmas Eve. Can’t lose track of that!”
“Heather,” Sean said with a gulp. “Meet my father, Santa Claus.”
“And don’t forget me, son.” A short, rotund woman dressed in red and green came through a small door on the other side of the room.
“I am Mrs. Claus, but I’m hoping you’ll call me Mom, Heather.” Mrs. Claus bent down to Madison. “And you can call me grandma, my pet. Come and give me a big hug.”
She opened her arms wide and without hesitation, Madison threw herself into them. After a moment, her grandmother straightened up and looked at Santa.
“And you, Mister Claus,” she said, with her hands on her hips. “You need to take care of this right now. The Dark Lord is gone, but that’s solved only half the problem. Do you have the locket?”
“I’m in big trouble when she calls me ‘Mr. Claus’,” commented Santa to the young couple. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a glittering gold locket dangling from a chain.
“Here it is, Madison. Only for you, the first granddaughter in each generation of Santa Claus’s.”
As Santa fastened the necklace around the little girl’s neck, her eyes lit up. “Why, granddad, I can see into every single boy and girl’s heart throughout the world.”
“I knew it!” Mrs. Claus nodded. “The power is always in the Claus women. Clasp the locket in your hand, Madison, and whisper to each wee one to hold Christmas forever close to them.”
Eyes shut tight and grasping the locket in small fingers, Madison nodded, silent words forming on her lips.
“I can feel it.” Santa said, a big grin covering his face. “I can feel the power of Christmas becoming stronger and stronger. My goodness!” He studied Madison’s concentrating form. “Why, she’s nearly through all of Sweden! She’ll be done in less than an hour.” Santa walked over to Heather, took her hand in his, and kissed it.
“Forgive an old man, my dear, for taking your husband away like that. I was desperate. I thought Sean had the power, but try as he would, it wasn’t him. It was Madison. Now that Christmas has been saved, I have lots of presents to deliver. I must fly.”
He hoisted a large bag of toys on his back and turned back. “When I return in the morning, I hope you’ll still be here. We can have a hot cup of Gibb’s Glůgenćaden cider and get to know one another better over Christmas dinner.”
“We’ll be here,” Everyone shouted in chorus.
“Gibb,” Santa bellowed, “to the sleigh!”
“Granddad!” Madison called out, stopping Santa in his tracks. “There’s another voice I can hear above the rest, strong and clear. He says ‘Remember the true meaning of Christmas; the child.’”
“I will always remember,” Santa murmured, glancing up to the heavens. “For he was and is the greatest gift of all.”
Santa winked at his granddaughter. “Merry Christmas, Madison.”
“Merry Christmas, Santa.”
December 23, 2012
Christmas Story - Part 13
Welcome. Each episode of the Christmas Story has been written by a different author adding to what has been written previously. Part Thirteen is brought to us by Jenny Twist
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/jennytwistauthor/
Goodreads Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4848320.Jenny_Twist/blog
Heather emerged from the tunnel, still shaken by the confrontation with her father, but also feeling oddly elated. She had burned her boats now. There was no going back.
Ever since Sean disappeared she had been oppressed by a dreadful fear that she dare not even allow herself to examine. Now she was liberated. Whatever else had happened to Sean and Maddy, at least they had not been captured, or worse, by her father. They were in the world somewhere and she meant to call them home.
Her lips set in a tight line, she began her preparations. First she switched on every light in the house. Then she collected every candle, lantern, oil lamp and torch she could find, going through all the rooms, looking on all the shelves and searching through all the drawers. She would light a light that her family could not ignore. The warmth and happiness would shine forth from her house and find them, wherever they were.
Now she built up the fire to a fierce blaze and began to arrange the candles and lamps all around her on the floor and shelves and tables.
****
Santa Claus looked down at his granddaughter. She seemed very small and frail - far too young to take on such a task.
“Maddy,” he said, squatting down before her, so that his face was level with hers, “this is what you need to know. Your other grandfather is of the dark. He is the Dark Lord, the Spirit of Winter and without us, without Christmas, winter would hold the land in its grip all year round. The balance between light and dark has been lost and only you can restore it, but it is much easier than you think. Light will always banish darkness. All you have to do is be all light. You have to think of all the wonderful things that have happened to you. All the happy times. All the love in the world. Gather it up and hold it in your heart, then when you meet your other grandfather, he will be dazzled by you. Now, think, child. Tell me of the things that give you joy.”
Maddy looked back at Santa Claus and thought how joyful she would have been to discover he was her grandfather if it hadn’t been for all the dreadful things he had said. She tried to do what he wanted, but she couldn’t think of nice things because she was so afraid for her Mom and so terrified of the Dark Lord that she felt trapped and numb.
“Look!” Sean was pointing at the map. “Look at the house!”
The house was lit up like a Christmas tree, better than a Christmas tree. Light was shining out from it in a great golden stream.
“It’s Heather,” Santa Claus said. “She is calling us. She has chosen.”
Maddy looked at the house and the tight lump in her chest loosened. Her Mom was there, calling for her, calling her home. And all the happy memories came crowding in, filling her with delight. She turned and smiled at Sean.
“She’s OK, Dad. Mom wants us. She’s calling. Let’s go.”
Santa struggled to his feet. “I’ll take you in the sleigh,” he said.
Maddy looked at him, round-eyed. “I thought the sleigh wasn’t working,”
“Oh, I think it will work now,” he said. “Just look at you, child.”
Maddy looked down at herself. She was surrounded by a golden glow. Light was streaming out of her and lighting the faces of her Dad and Santa. This is what they mean, she thought, when they say your face lights up with joy.
“OK, Granddad,” she said. “Let’s go!”
The sleigh was parked outside and she could see it was different, brighter somehow. The reindeer tossed their heads and stamped their hooves, eager to go. Maddy clapped her hands. “Hurrah!” she cried, and both Sean and Santa Claus burst out laughing. The sleigh glowed brighter than before.
“Here we go!” Santa grabbed the reins and there was a sharp ching! as he gave them a shake. Smoothly and majestically, the sleigh rose into the air and Maddy gasped with delight as she saw the land spread out beneath. As they passed over the houses, the lights came on, leaving a jewelled wake behind the sleigh.
“Coming, Mom,” Maddy shouted, her cheeks rosy in the frosty air.
****
Heather lit the last candle and turned around to see the effect of all the lights. Then she closed her eyes and sent an urgent message into the night. Come home! she called. Come home, Sean. Come home, Maddy!
Suddenly there was a fearsome crack and all the lights went out, leaving only the guttering candles and the glow of the fire. There, in the doorway to the tunnel, stood the dark figure of her father!
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/jennytwistauthor/
Goodreads Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4848320.Jenny_Twist/blog
Heather emerged from the tunnel, still shaken by the confrontation with her father, but also feeling oddly elated. She had burned her boats now. There was no going back. Ever since Sean disappeared she had been oppressed by a dreadful fear that she dare not even allow herself to examine. Now she was liberated. Whatever else had happened to Sean and Maddy, at least they had not been captured, or worse, by her father. They were in the world somewhere and she meant to call them home.
Her lips set in a tight line, she began her preparations. First she switched on every light in the house. Then she collected every candle, lantern, oil lamp and torch she could find, going through all the rooms, looking on all the shelves and searching through all the drawers. She would light a light that her family could not ignore. The warmth and happiness would shine forth from her house and find them, wherever they were.
Now she built up the fire to a fierce blaze and began to arrange the candles and lamps all around her on the floor and shelves and tables.
****
Santa Claus looked down at his granddaughter. She seemed very small and frail - far too young to take on such a task.
“Maddy,” he said, squatting down before her, so that his face was level with hers, “this is what you need to know. Your other grandfather is of the dark. He is the Dark Lord, the Spirit of Winter and without us, without Christmas, winter would hold the land in its grip all year round. The balance between light and dark has been lost and only you can restore it, but it is much easier than you think. Light will always banish darkness. All you have to do is be all light. You have to think of all the wonderful things that have happened to you. All the happy times. All the love in the world. Gather it up and hold it in your heart, then when you meet your other grandfather, he will be dazzled by you. Now, think, child. Tell me of the things that give you joy.”
Maddy looked back at Santa Claus and thought how joyful she would have been to discover he was her grandfather if it hadn’t been for all the dreadful things he had said. She tried to do what he wanted, but she couldn’t think of nice things because she was so afraid for her Mom and so terrified of the Dark Lord that she felt trapped and numb.
“Look!” Sean was pointing at the map. “Look at the house!”
The house was lit up like a Christmas tree, better than a Christmas tree. Light was shining out from it in a great golden stream.
“It’s Heather,” Santa Claus said. “She is calling us. She has chosen.”
Maddy looked at the house and the tight lump in her chest loosened. Her Mom was there, calling for her, calling her home. And all the happy memories came crowding in, filling her with delight. She turned and smiled at Sean.
“She’s OK, Dad. Mom wants us. She’s calling. Let’s go.”
Santa struggled to his feet. “I’ll take you in the sleigh,” he said.
Maddy looked at him, round-eyed. “I thought the sleigh wasn’t working,”
“Oh, I think it will work now,” he said. “Just look at you, child.”
Maddy looked down at herself. She was surrounded by a golden glow. Light was streaming out of her and lighting the faces of her Dad and Santa. This is what they mean, she thought, when they say your face lights up with joy.
“OK, Granddad,” she said. “Let’s go!”
The sleigh was parked outside and she could see it was different, brighter somehow. The reindeer tossed their heads and stamped their hooves, eager to go. Maddy clapped her hands. “Hurrah!” she cried, and both Sean and Santa Claus burst out laughing. The sleigh glowed brighter than before.
“Here we go!” Santa grabbed the reins and there was a sharp ching! as he gave them a shake. Smoothly and majestically, the sleigh rose into the air and Maddy gasped with delight as she saw the land spread out beneath. As they passed over the houses, the lights came on, leaving a jewelled wake behind the sleigh.
“Coming, Mom,” Maddy shouted, her cheeks rosy in the frosty air.
****
Heather lit the last candle and turned around to see the effect of all the lights. Then she closed her eyes and sent an urgent message into the night. Come home! she called. Come home, Sean. Come home, Maddy!
Suddenly there was a fearsome crack and all the lights went out, leaving only the guttering candles and the glow of the fire. There, in the doorway to the tunnel, stood the dark figure of her father!
