By: Joy Leighton
From: White Colander Crime
Pub. Date: November 3rd, 2015
Series: Vintage Kitchen Mysteries
Author: Victoria Hamilton
Website: Victoria Hamilton Mysteries
Hi! Joy Leighton here... Jaymie's mother. I grew up an only child. Christmas was quiet. My grandparents on both sides were the chilly kind, so a kiss on the cheek upon first seeing them after a long time was considered effusive. My husband was an only child too, but everything else in his family was so different, and I've never known quite how to fit in. My husband is a hugger, and so are both of my daughters, especially Jaymie.
When Alan and I first started dating I was taken aback at how different Christmas in the Leighton home in Queensville was. Neighbors dropped in Christmas Eve. They all went to church, and sang Christmas carols. The whole family helped seniors in the community, taking baskets and wrapped gifts and cooked food to shut ins as well as to lower income families. My family never did that, preferring to give a sizable cash donation to suitable charities.
The Leightons are wonderful... they really are. And Alan is such a good man. Our daughters Becca and Jaymie have grown up to be so Leighton that... well, I'm never sure how to fit in even in my own family. Alan is patient with me, but Jaymie and I have had a strained relationship over the years.This Christmas is going to be different. I heard something in her voice when I talked to her on the phone about her new love interest, Jakob Muller. We're visiting him and his family December 23rd, and I'm going to make an effort and begin with her new boyfriend how I want our relationship to be, warm and loving; I hope she's found love with him. I want that for her. So I'm going to try very hard not to let myself build walls, and instead become a Leighton to the bone, like Alan, Becca and Jaymie. I'm going to open my heart and my arms to Jakob and his daughter. Having children was the best thing I ever did in my life, and I want that for Jaymie.
Have you ever made an effort to change something about yourself? Is it ever too late?
~::~
SUPER Season's Readings Giveaway!
Comment here before MIDNIGHT tonight (December 21st) with some form of your email address - ie: yourname (at) yourserver (dot) com - for a chance to win this package, which includes:
1 - BOOKS: Cozy Cookbook, No Mallets Intended, White Colander Crime, Shadow of a Spout, Death of an English Muffin - FIVE books!
2 - White Colander Crime book tote... for all those books!
3 - Handcrafted beaded bookmark, printed bookmark and 2015 calendar card.
4 - Coloring Book and Watercolor pencils.
5 - Have You Had Tea With The Queen? tea!
Posts
Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI had to learn to fit in at work (the department has a different attitude and humor than normal people). SO it has been an interesting adjustment.
Thank you for the delightful giveaway.
myrifraf (at) gmail (dot) com
It is never too late. I have little self esteem and am working on it. Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
It is so hard to change! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I, too, am an only child and there are times it has been a struggle since my parents weren't real social people. What a wonderful holiday gift package. Thanks for this opportunity. Merry Christmas to every one! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am very close to my family. It is my husband who is not. Oh well! I hope I am the winner of this prize! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI grew up at a time when families lived close to each other and basically lived in each others pockets. I could visit 4 different sets of aunts, or cousins in under a half hour walk. I am the oldest 10 grandchildren and between all of us there are now over 50 grandchildren. We are a loud bunch of huggers.
ReplyDeleteI'd be thrilled to win this book package to add to my home library AND my collection of book related tote bags
NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com
It's often hard to make changes but not impossible and it's never too late to give it a try. I find myself trying to change a little something about myself quite often.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this awesome giveaway and chance to win.
peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
I am very firm believer that it's never too late to change!!! You only get one chance on this earth, enjoy it, and don't deny yourself a happy relationship if you can do anything about it. Merry Christmas! Nicole
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I have had big changes this year with giving up my job to stay home with my Dad and take care of him full time after his stroke.
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
Nice giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to change some things but gave up.
No I haven't had tea with the Queen. ;-)
Lady(dot)janel@hotmail(dot)com
Some changes are hard and some are easy. I had the opportunity to stay home with my kids and I love it.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Some changes are hard and some are easy. I had the opportunity to stay home with my kids and I love it.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I am constanly trying to change a lot of things about myself...difficult at times. So many things need tweaking. Just finished making the no bake fruitcake! Tastes so sweet and way better than real fruitcake! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteThis is a stupendous giveaway ! I firmly believe it's never too late to change , especially for the better ! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to change, but it's not easy either. It will be easier to change what you do than how you feel about doing it. Good luck with whatever you decide.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
This is so super cute! My daughter and I would love to color in that puppy coloring book. What am I saying, all three of my kids would love to color that. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteChange is always hard, but I'd like to think that it's always possible. I can relate to Joy since I too am an only child of introvert parents. It can be overwhelming. Thanks so much for the chance to win! dmskrug3(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThis awesome, giveaway, and thanks for the chance to win!! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
What an awesome giveaway! patucker54 (at) aol (dot com)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I have tried for several years to stop procrastinating to no avail. pp92596 at outlook dot com
ReplyDeleteI work on myself all the time, and SOMETIMES I'm successful! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI work on myself and evolve daily. Hopefully for the better.
ReplyDeleteNo such thing as too late!
ReplyDeleteI met a woman who started sculpting in her 60's ( bought a gorgeous jack in the pulpit tile to remind me) and I am inspired by people who find new abilities and talents and change!!
[email protected]
Leslie:
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this giveaway. Love your series.
[email protected]
Wow this looks Awesome!! Hope I win! I can share some with family.
ReplyDeleterachaelabrams317 (at) gmail dot com
Wow this looks Awesome!! Hope I win! I can share some with family.
ReplyDeleterachaelabrams317 (at) gmail dot com
What a wonderful gift. I find change in my small family is easier as there is a this point only 8 of us.Work is different from small to very very big company. Small is much better and the 2 men that started this company would turn over in their graves. Ruth Nixon [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWhat a great package!! Merry Christmas! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAfarage at earthlink dot net
It may well be too late for me to change much. One thing I do not want to change is my delight in reading these books. I would love to have more to share with family and friends. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteNever too late. Learning when to not speak my thoughts has helped me to avoid unnecessary conflict. Always a work in progress. bobbipad at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! It is never, ever too late to make a change in yourself.
ReplyDeletebrookeb811 at gmail dot com
I would love to win this wonderful giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I have tried many times just by getting in shape. Health problems always get in my way. Merry Christmas! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI think you can change yourself, you just shouldn't count on being able to change others~Thank you for such a lovely giveaway! Merry Christmas! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteChange is just a part of life. We each do it everyday even if we don't know that we are changing. Merry Christmas. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteIf you have the will to change you can try and succeed. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! I've never read any of your books, but would like to! pamela dot fry dot priest at gmail dot com. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteImpressive and lovely giveaway. Thanks for this chance. Change is hard to accept and difficult to accomplish. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI try to change things about my self somewhat often lately. I think you're never too old to make changes as long as you really want them. My problem is getting myself to commit to a change. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI try to change things about my self somewhat often lately. I think you're never too old to make changes as long as you really want them. My problem is getting myself to commit to a change. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be a better listener. Not just listening to respond. I find a lot of that at work. Thanks for a chance in this awesome give away.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be a better listener. Not just listening to respond. I find a lot of that at work. Thanks for a chance in this awesome give away.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be a better listener. Not just listening to respond. I find a lot of that at work. Thanks for a chance in this awesome give away.
ReplyDeleteSounds great!
ReplyDeleteChange is hard for me, but the older I get the more I try to go with the flow. Yes change is possible it's just hard, and has to be a priority. Thanks for a great giveaway.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
It's never too late. I've found that out. I've changed so much.
ReplyDeleteAnnie
[email protected]
I think people, and things, are always changing. It is the only constant after all--change. Thank you so much for the giveaway. Happy Holidays!!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteChange is very difficult for me but it is possible.
Very nice giveaway. I love to color especially with my
grandchildren. I probably am a big kid. Love your books and
wish you well. Melody
[email protected]
Love the giveaway! So very generous. Change is a constant thing, always trying to be better. I am just a work in progress even at 64 LOL. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
It's never too late. That applies to many things in life, including change. But that's not saying it's easy, either. But I think it's the trying that counts. Thanks for the generous giveaway. I can't wait to read White Colander Crime, partly because the title makes me smile every time I hear it. :) [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI so want to read! [email protected]. adelle
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is ever too late to change, but it can be difficult because we are creatures of habit. Great giveaway!!! raquel36m(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteVery nice giveaway and does it count that yesterday was my birthday? [email protected]
ReplyDelete[email protected]
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...you are so awesome! Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
This bundle is even more than I could imagine receiving for Christmas. Thanks for this opportunity to enter
ReplyDeletein on the giveaway. Merry Christmas to all and may the New Year hold all the best for everyone.
[email protected]
I have a hard time with change.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! !!
[email protected]
I have a hard time with change.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! !!
[email protected]
I try to have a consistent bedtime and wake up time but it gets thrown off all the time with special events. It is tough to do.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Yes you can change almost anything if you are willing to look inside yourself and see that you need to [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI was an only child till I was 9 so Christmas was just the 3 of us wherever in the world the army sent us. But by the time I was 10 I had a sister and a brother and Christmas was never quiet again. Now the 3 of us, all 7 of our kids, and this year 3 grandkids all get together at mom's house.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon.net
Family is what's important. I believe change can be good most of the time. This year a lot has changed in my families life. Most of the change us not been fabulous. Stress and fiancial problems however can make you or break you . I refuse to be broken. My kids are my life . they both are special needs and absolutely amazing. God bless everyone. Merry Christmas and I hope you and your daughter can grow to be the best of friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway it is very thoughtful of you!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Merry Christmas, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to seeing our daughter on Christmas for the first time since August.
She, her brother and his girlfriend, my husband and I, all together. It doesn't get much better than that.
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
I just read and really enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to reading the rest of the books.
I was ways super shy and felt like the odd person out most of the time.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Bummer! Am born in the wrong country.
ReplyDeleteMerry christmas anyway!
Merry Christmas! kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all who celebrate !! Lois Rotella @ [email protected]
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Great Christmas giveaway ...Thanks for giving me a chance to win it. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteSome change is good while some isn't necessary. People need to accept people for who they are. The most I've tried to do is to be a little more outgoing.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Becky
[email protected]
It is NEVER too late to change. Change is a process and I believe that we are doing in constantly - sometimes in tiny increments and sometimes in huge life altering ways. The first step is realizing that we need and want to change badly enough to do the work! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWow, super giveaway. I appreciate the chance to enter. jrdjgantt (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI think it's too late to make a change to your basic makeup/personality, but, if one is SUPER motivated and committed I guess one can. In time of stress though, I'd bet no matter how committed you are, you'd revert.
ReplyDeleteacm05atjuno.com
What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity to win. Jlsbookclub (at) nc (dot) rr (dot) com
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!! I've had to learn to be more tactful at times. Sometimes it works.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Wow, there are a lot of entrants!! Fingers still crossed, though. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI would love this package. [email protected]
ReplyDeletechange is difficult. thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletewskwared at yahoo dot com
Great giveaway! sable677 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard for me to make changes, but I try. Great giveaway! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteMy husband's family is much different from my family and I had to adjust to them. Especially during the holidays. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteMy husband's family is much different from my family and I had to adjust to them. Especially during the holidays. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI am not a huge fan of change, but both of my jobs (teacher and bookseller) involve a great deal of it.
ReplyDeleteIt is never too late to change yourself! slc27sue at gmail . com
ReplyDeleteIt's never to change something about yourself. It's not easy but it can be done. I had to learn not to stress over little stuff. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
It's never to change something about yourself. It's not easy but it can be done. I had to learn not to stress over little stuff. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I think it's normal for people to change as they grow.
ReplyDeleteTheresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Change is a part of our daily lives, we need to learn to accept it instead of stressing over it. Thank you for this great chance to win a wonderful prize, dianetelford at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteYes I made an effort this year for great change in how I handle stress and giving myself permission to say "No" to activities and commitments. Thank you for the fantastic opportunity. I wait anxiously. Have a very Merry Christmas! seascapelife (at) Gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThe difference in people is what makes the world go round. And keeps you on your toes!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I've tried to lose weight and be more reserved. It's hard to try to be something your not. I wish everyone could learn to like people for who they are and not be so critical and judgemental.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy to change, but I try to be more patient with others. Thanks for this great giveaway.
ReplyDeletebabemomara at att dot net
Merry Christmas Joy, looking forward to reading your new book. Everyone can change, its not easy but it shows how much you care. [email protected]
ReplyDeletePeace and Joy come to us! Change comes with growth, reading can be peaceful and can also help us grow. Reading cozies brings me great pleasure. Thanks for the give away!
ReplyDeleteI would love, love, love to win this awesome super package of all of your goodies. I love, love, love all of your awesome books and would be thrilled to win. God bless you dearest Victoria!! Thank you so much for the chance to win!!! Beverly Guy [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this wonderful package. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteWinning this prize would be better than winning the lottery! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to change, but you really have to want to change. I'm so set in my ways...I don't think there's a lot I would change myself...though I know a few things I should!
ReplyDeletecozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
Change is good. Great giveaway! Thanks.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
What a wonderful gift package -- would love to win! Merry Christmas. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI don't deal with change very well. Even changes for the better. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteeswright18 at gmail dot com
Change is always hard, but best when done for the right reasons. I made a change for myself over ten years ago by moving to a completely new city. It was challenging and exciting, but well worth it. I enjoyed every minute of it. Met new people and saw new places. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI'm always trying to change myself so that I'm not so afraid of being in groups of people. Everyone thinks I'm unfriendly, but I'm just scared.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
[email protected]
I try to be less loud. Thank you for your generosity. Merry Christmas! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI grew up with little touching and no expressions of love. I have been working to change this for 40 years, but it still feels a little awkward.
ReplyDeletecjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net
No, I don't think it's ever too late to try to change--I don't particularly like being bubbly, but have to pull that off at work. Merry Christmas and thanks for the fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
First let me say I love this series. Second WOW what a great giveaway!! Do I think it is ever too later to change something about yourself, no. I made a big change years ago and have never regretted it. I try to always say how I feel about someone instead of goodbye. Thanks for the contest!! kayt18(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteIt is never too late to change. I've learned to become more patient with myself and others in my role as my husband's caregiver. Happy Holidays! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteChange is never easy, but sometimes very worth it. Merry Christmas! I <3 your books. bubs(dot)girl(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletewould love this super giveaway..love your books..email [email protected]
ReplyDeletewould love this super giveaway..love your books..email [email protected]
ReplyDeleteGreat prize! Would love to win. Change for the better is always good. I love cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
I married into a family of huggers. It was strange to me at first but I wouldn't know what to do without them now.They love me unconditionally. Thanks for the giveaway! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteChange something? All the time...I think it's a work in progress and his time of year in particular I work on being kinder, more patient and I am going to add meditate more which really helps lol...Thanks for the contest.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn [email protected]
Each Christmas I remind myself to be more patient, more open. Christmas and the New Year are a great time to work on change.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I come from a long line of "huggers"...it's great! When my oldest son was in junior high school, every time he brought one of his new buddies to the house, he'd warn them ahead of time that his mom (me) would hug him when he went into the house. My son told him he didn't have to go in if he didn't want a hug. Every time the child would come in & welcome the hugs he got from me! Merry Christmas! sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com
ReplyDeleteI've had changes in my life with my Husbands health, but we will take one day at a time. Thanks for this oh so special giveaway, I'd love a chance to win these books. Linda May [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI have started a gratitude journal. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to win this prize! I love this site and I enter every day! Cozy mysteries are my favorites! The authors on this site are amazing!! Happy holidays to all!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an awesome giveaway. It's never too late to re-invent yourself! At least that's what they tell me, and I try to live by that and each making each new invention better than the last!
ReplyDeletecmpelchat (at) gmail (dot) com
It's never too late to make a change, big or small, though it seems harder the older you get. I've tried making changes to myself, but I'm not very good at it. mackisa (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI do keep trying to make myself better but it is very hard! Will I ever grow up?
ReplyDeleteElaineE246 at msn dot com
[email protected].
ReplyDeleteWho hasn't tried to change the way they look by losing weight, getting a new hairstyle, or wearing more or less make up? I've tried it. Who hasn't sworn to "count to ten" before showing anger or frustration with family or coworkers? I've tried it. Who hasn't? I have and a lot of the time it works. But to change permanently...that requires dedication, encouragement, and drive.
I think everyone has tried to change something about themselves at one time. The hardest thing to change about myself was my shyness. I used to be extremely shy. Thank you for a chance to win. Happy Holidays! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteOh yay! So much fun stuff to win...Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I made myself more outgoing. I use to be extremely shy, and I figured out I was missing out on a lot, So even now, I need to make myself more outgoing. Thanks for the chance of this fabulous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWow! I would love to win this giveaway more than any other I have ever entered. I have figured out that I can change some things, but it take determination to change habits. I used to be so shy, I try so hard to just even say hi sometimes. People think I am stuck up, but really I am scared. Would be fun if it were possible to have everyone who entered here to a party. Happy Christmas everyone. Georgia
ReplyDelete[email protected]
It's never to late to change. I hope that everyday I grow and learn and become a better person. It's not always an easy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!
It is never to late to change something about yourself. Each day we change a little, sometimes without ourselves even knowing. For the big changes, you just need willpower and a goal in mind and you can change to be a better person. Thank you for the chance. This is a great giveaway.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
This a wonderful give away. Merry Christmas everyone!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
What a wonderful way to start the giving season! Books! This is great! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great giveaway! Thanks for the chance! Foxyj00 at hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteNever to late to change. I try to learn something new everyday! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Thanks for chance [email protected]
ReplyDeleteDella at [email protected] I debated about this. 2 of the books I already have. But I talked to the local library and they don't have any of the Hamilton books. So they will gladly accept if I get this. The other stuff. I would love to have. Especially the Cookbook, tote, book marks, etc. This is such a neat give-away.
ReplyDeleteI have had to adjust to a new way of celebrating Christmas. My family is very loving and demonstrative. Not all families are that way.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Thanks you so much, everyone, for entering! I have chosen a winner and emailed her. Check your email! Have a happy holiday season, everyone. Peace.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI was born in Germany and my Mom and Oma were very stoic. My Mom kept the aloof attitude for most of our relationship. In the last few years before she died we said I love you after every phone call and hugged after every visit. So yes you can change, I'm glad that we had the last few years together. By the way, this is a fantastic give a way.
Yours, Gabi
Every year I work on that organization thing, hoping that one day I will get there. I still hold out hope even though I am still not done with everything. [email protected] Thank you for the chance to win such a wonderful gift!!
ReplyDeleteDepending on what it is I think. We can change tho it may not be easy . Like losing weight I did over 50lbs and I was in that set of mine and I did it. Well now I need to loose it all over again and I just can seem to do now - go figure. You have to work on it and honestly want to change I quess.
ReplyDeleteOops I did it again and forgot to put my email on the comment I made a bit ago as ann. It was one about losing weight. amhengst AT verizon DOT net sorry
ReplyDelete