Sunday, December 20, 2015

I'd Rather Stay Home






Holly Miller blogs for

The Paws and Claws Mysteries

by Krista Davis







I was looking forward to a Christmas in Wagtail. Not to be too sappy, but like the ones I remember from my childhood. I have such vivid memories of the candlelight procession to the church where we sang carols. The Sugar Maple Inn was always lavishly draped with garlands of pine, and the Christmas tree was gigantic and loaded with sparkling ornaments. It always snowed, leaving a dusting on Wagtail just like Christmas in a picture book.

When I think back, I'm certain the tree wasn't that big, nor was the snow magical. I was six when we moved to California. Don't get me wrong. Christmas was lovely there. But then my parents divorced, and holidays were always a mad rush to see everyone.

I had hoped those days were over. But here I am in my early thirties, and my parents are still both playing the guilt card. Mom wants me to come to California, and Dad insists I visit him in Florida. Both of them have new spouses and more children. It's not like I'm their only hope for a merry Christmas. In the end, I capitulated. I wouldn't dream of going without Trixie, my Jack Russell Terrier, and Twinkletoes, my calico kitten, so Florida won. I ashamed to admit that I'm not looking forward to driving for two days each way. I'd much rather stay in Wagtail.

Fortunately, I have an excuse to come back right away. Oma, my grandma, is taking a much deserved cruise with her best friend, Rose. This will be the first time I'll be in charge of the Sugar Maple Inn by myself. I'm looking forward to it. The town of Wagtail will be throwing a big murder mystery weekend in January called Murder Most Howl. The inn is already completely booked. It will be great fun, and I can finally prove to Oma that I can handle the inn by myself!

I'm off to Florida now. I wish all of you the merriest Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Maybe I'll see you at Murder Most Howl!




Trixie and Twinkletoes appear to have gotten hold of two copies of the book that they'd like to give away. Leave a comment here with your email address so they can get your mailing address if you win one! The drawing closes at 5PM eastern time on the 21st. Good luck!

MURDER MOST HOWL
 
THE DIVA STEALS A CHOCOLATE KISS
 
KristaDavis.com
mysteryloverskitchen.com
www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAuthor
pinterest.com/kristadavisbook 
twitter.com/kristadavis
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63 comments:

  1. Karen KDecember 20, 2015 at 12:15 AM

    This is on my wish list! Thanks for the chance!
    karen(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com

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  2. DavidDecember 20, 2015 at 1:25 AM

    I love the cover of this one and look forward to the book.

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  3. Mary PrestonDecember 20, 2015 at 1:52 AM

    What fun thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  4. Paula HambrickDecember 20, 2015 at 2:21 AM

    I would love to win this book because it looks so good! Thank you for a chance to get it.

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  5. Jen ScottDecember 20, 2015 at 4:01 AM

    Merry Christmas!
    I love the Paws and Claws Mysteries mystery series, and the cover art is adorable! Thank you got the giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. DebbyDecember 20, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    The cover is amazing. Thanks for the chance to win the amazing book to go along with the cover.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  7. ClaireDecember 20, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    Wagtail sounds like just the right place for me to spend a few hours catching up with the crew (four-footed included) at the Inn. Thanks for the update and a chance to win.

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  8. ClaireDecember 20, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Wagtail sounds like just the right place for me to spend a few hours catching up with the crew (four-footed included) at the Inn. Thanks for the update and a chance to win.

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  9. lklebackDecember 20, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    I love this series! [email protected]

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  10. Dianne B.December 20, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    I understand the stress of trying to be in 2 or 3 places at once. For me its a Mother in a nursing home, an Aunt in assisted living and daughter in a city 4 hrs away from us. I love the Wagtail series and hope to win. Merry Christmas to every one! [email protected]

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  11. jody schwoererDecember 20, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    I really should be wrapping and not reading!!!! Thank you Twinkletoes and Trixie!

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  12. Peggy HyndmanDecember 20, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Thank you Trixie and Twinkletoes for finding these books ... the Paws and Claws Mysteries sound delightful!! I'd love to be able to add a copy of I'd Rather Stay Home to my bookshelf.
    peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

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  13. Dee SprinkleDecember 20, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Love this!

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  14. Linda HeroldDecember 20, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    Trixie and Twinkletoes, PLEASE pick me to win!! This is on my to be read soon list! You are a good writer Krista! Happy holidays to you and your family both 2 legged and 4 legged!

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  15. AnonymousDecember 20, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    Thanks, Trixie and Twinkletoes! I'm looking forward to another visit to Sugar Maple Inn. patucker54 (at aol dot com)

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  16. Kathleen CostaDecember 20, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    I've enjoyed California Christmases all my life...cold, cool, rain, fog, sunshine, and even heavy sleet, one year, that allowed us to make "sleet" men in the front yard. But, I lived in LA for a couple of years wearing shorts and t-shirts, and most of my family moved to Florida enjoying a dip in the pool Christmas morning. Which way is better or more Christmasey? The one where family was there with you! [email protected]

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  17. Grandma CootieDecember 20, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    I'd rather stay home, too! Thanks for the giveaway.
    [email protected]

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  18. SueDecember 20, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Home is the place to be for the holidays. Thanks for the contest.
    [email protected]

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  19. Judy WeaverDecember 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM

    Love the cover of this book. I can't wait to read it!! Merry Christmas!!
    [email protected]

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  20. Teresa KanderDecember 20, 2015 at 10:01 AM

    Home and family are what the holidays are all about for me. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.
    [email protected]

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  21. Grace KoshidaDecember 20, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    Thanks for the chance to win this book, Trixie and Twinkletoes!
    grace dot koshida at gmail dot com

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  22. Not reallyDecember 20, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Della at [email protected] LOVE!!!!! Cozy titles. Punny is just too mild a word. Have not had the pleasure of visiting Wagtail yet. But would love to do so. And to meet Twinkletoes and Trixie. Does one or both get to sleep with the guests?

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  23. Sheryl Hagan-BoothDecember 20, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    Wagtail or bust! Bet town ever. Good luck all!!! (Not entering, just here to rally for Wagtail!)

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  24. Paula AdamsDecember 20, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    I'll be spending Christmas with my 3 brothers and 2 nieces in my home town. Love the title of the book. Thank you for the chance to win this book. [email protected] Merry Christmas!!

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  25. Celia FowlerDecember 20, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    I bet Trixie and Twinkletoes will be good travelers! Merry Christmas! [email protected]

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  26. AnnetteDecember 20, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    I enjoy this series so much.
    [email protected]

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  27. Stacey TelfordDecember 20, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    Love the cover! Can't wait to read the book. Merry Christmas!!!
    [email protected]

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  28. Marsha BachmeierDecember 20, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    One on my TBR list! :) Merry Christmas!

    [email protected]

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  29. cupcake58December 20, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Recipes and pets in a mystery! That's a great combination. Love the cover--so cute! Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday and a Blessed Yule!
    [email protected]

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  30. travelerDecember 20, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    Wonderful feature and mystery. Delightful cover. Merry Christmas. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. petiteDecember 20, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Pets are my favorite cozies. Happy Holidays! elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. AnonymousDecember 20, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    Love rescues. Especially dogs. Love the sound of the book! Merry Christmas.
    cjreynolds52(at)comcast(dot)net

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  33. Lynette KutzkeDecember 20, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    This is a great series. But then, I enjoy everything written by Krista Davis!

    51lyncomments(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. RitaDecember 20, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. Libby DoddDecember 20, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    Any good tips for driving with pets?
    A very merry Christmas and Happy PEACEFUL New Year to all

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  36. Dianne CaseyDecember 20, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Great cover and I'm sure the book is as great as the cover. Would really like to read.
    [email protected]

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  37. Rosie GuiherDecember 20, 2015 at 2:24 PM

    Haven't read this author or book yet so would love a chance to win. thank you
    [email protected]

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  38. Jan Chaple JohnsonDecember 20, 2015 at 3:21 PM

    Can't wait to read this one! Love the cover, too!
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  39. Elaine RobersonDecember 20, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway. I'd love to win a copy.

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  40. JilzeeDecember 20, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    Big fan of Krista Davis books! I always make sure my local library orders a copy. I'd love to win a copy!
    [email protected]

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  41. servedogmomDecember 20, 2015 at 5:23 PM

    Krista, In times like these, how wonderful it is to hold the timeless gifts of His peace and His presence in our hearts. May your Christmas and New Year be filled with God’s perfect peace. [email protected]

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  42. Tami NDecember 20, 2015 at 6:34 PM

    Thank you for these opportunities to win books. I would love to have this one, I love this series. Happy Holidays! [email protected]

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  43. Rebecca CharlierDecember 20, 2015 at 9:17 PM

    I would love this! Thank you!!
    [email protected]

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  44. AnonymousDecember 20, 2015 at 9:26 PM

    Sounds delicious and I love Chicken the Book sounds really good too. Nora Charles named after one of my favorite people in The Thin Man right? The Book sounds great...thanks for the contest. Marilyn [email protected]

    December 20, 2015 at 9:10 PM

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  45. Kay BennettDecember 20, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    This is an amazing series, a super book and I want to move to Wagtail!!

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  46. Valerie BedellDecember 20, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    I love your series! Would love to win.

    Thank you and Merry Christmas,
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousDecember 20, 2015 at 10:22 PM

    I love this series, seascapelife at Gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. annDecember 20, 2015 at 10:31 PM

    LOL when you said they got a hold of two of the books I thought oh no , they tore them up. Glad they didnt cause I'd like to win - thanks
    amhengst AT verizon DOT net - I forgot to put my email in the other one I just entered for, dont know if that matters - hope not

    ReplyDelete
  49. Elaine KlingbeilDecember 20, 2015 at 11:09 PM

    Have a very Merry Christmas! I loved visiting Wagtail in Murder Most Howl. I loved all of the snow! And the story was great, too!

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  50. AnonymousDecember 20, 2015 at 11:20 PM

    Thank you for the giveaway. I have no one to spend Christmas with , I would love one of these books to get lost in. Georgia
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristaDecember 21, 2015 at 7:32 PM

      You are a winner! Please email your mailing address to me at Krista at KristaDavis dot com.

      Delete

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