The latest book trailer for Shadow of Doubt – Book 6 in A Canine Cozy Mystery series
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Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
On the 4th of July I released my newest cozy mystery.
The title is – 4th of July Puzzle: A Cozy Mystery with a Twist.
Now you know why I released it on the 4th of July.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
Over on my Facebook Group, Chatting with Sharon, I asked for suggestions for a flash flash fiction short story (1,000 – 1,500 words).
An excited Coleman family decided to take a road trip over the long holiday weekend. Their journey took them through winding roads and picturesque landscapes, the scenic beauty making the hours pass quickly. Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, they reached a small town tucked away in the countryside. The town exuded a charming, old-world vibe with its quaint buildings and friendly locals.
“We should find a good spot to stop for the night,” Mark suggested, glancing at the map. “How about we stay at that cozy inn by the edge of town?”
The family agreed and soon settled into the welcoming inn, their rooms furnished with vintage furniture and floral wallpaper. As they prepared for dinner in town, thirteen-year-old Sarah noticed a pamphlet on the bed detailing local attractions.
“Mom, look at this! There’s an old cemetery just outside town. It says it’s full of history,” Sarah exclaimed, waving the pamphlet in the air.
Being a high school history teacher, Kelly’s curiosity piqued. She suggested they visit the cemetery the next morning as a family outing. The kids jumped at the idea, eager to explore the mysterious site.
The following day, under the clear blue sky, the Colemans set out for the cemetery. As they walked among the rows of weathered graves and broken markers, a somber silence surrounded them.
“Look at this one. It’s almost completely worn away,” Mark remarked, stooping down to examine a deteriorating headstone.
As they wandered deeper into the cemetery, they suddenly stumbled upon a striking sight. A large black monument stood tall in the center, surrounded by vibrant sunflowers. Unlike the other markers, this monument appeared untouched by time, its surface smooth and polished in the sunlight.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Kelly murmured, her eyes drawn to the monument. “I wonder why this one is so well preserved while the others have crumbled away.”
The family gathered around the mysterious monument, studying its intricate carvings and ornate design. Young Sarah reached out to touch the cold stone, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
“There’s a story behind this,” twelve-year-old Lucas said, his gaze fixed on the monument. “Maybe it’s a special tribute to someone important.”
As they enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery, a soft breeze rustled through the rows of sunflowers, their golden petals swaying in rhythm. The sun cast a warm glow over the scene, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.
“Let’s sit here for a while and appreciate this moment,” Kelly suggested, guiding her family to a shady spot near the monument. They settled on a nearby bench, taking in the sight of the sunflowers dancing in the gentle breeze.
As they sat in quiet contemplation, a soft voice drifted through the air, causing them to turn in surprise. An elderly woman stood at the entrance of the cemetery, her kind eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness.
“Hello, dear ones. I see you’ve found the Black Monument,” the woman said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. “It holds a special place in the history of our town.”
Intrigued, the Colemans motioned for the woman to join them, eager to hear her tale. She settled next to Kelly; her weathered hands clasped in her lap as she began her story.
“Long ago, when this town was just a fledgling settlement, our town faced great hardships,” the woman began, her voice filled with emotion.
As the woman’s story unfolded, the Colemans listened with rapt attention, their hearts heavy with the weight of the past. In the mid-1800s, the Wilson family left their bustling city life behind and settle in a small, quiet town nestled in the mountains.
With dreams of a simpler life and a fresh start, the Wilsons quickly realized that the town was struggling, with dilapidated buildings, failing businesses, and a sense of hopelessness looming over the residents.
Determined to make a difference, the newly transplanted family threw themselves into the community, working tirelessly to rebuild the town from the ground up. Through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination, the family inspired their fellow townspeople to join them in their mission of revitalization. Together, they overcame many hardships, including financial struggles and natural disasters.
Ultimately, their efforts paid off as the town began to thrive once again, with new businesses opening, infrastructure improving, and a sense of pride and unity blossoming among the residents. The Wilson family’s legacy lived on for generations, with the town becoming a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Black Monument, she explained, was a testament to the Wilson’s enduring legacy and the sacrifices they had made for future generations.
Tears welled up in Kelly’s eyes as she realized the depth of the woman’s words. The sunflowers swayed gently in the breeze, casting a golden light upon the scene.
“Thank you for sharing this story with us,” Mark said, his voice soft with gratitude. “It’s a reminder of the resilience and courage that run deep in our roots.”
The woman nodded, her gaze lingering on the Black Monument before she rose to leave, her presence a fleeting memory in the quiet cemetery. The Colemans sat in silence, their hearts touched by the poignant tale they had heard.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the cemetery, the family rose to leave, their spirits lifted by the beauty and history they had encountered. The sunflowers whispered farewell as they made their way back to the inn, the memory of the Black Monument etched in their minds forever.
And as they drove away from the town, the sun sinking below the horizon, the Colemans carried with them the legacy of the past, intertwined with the promise of new beginnings. The road stretched out before them, leading them toward unknown adventures and the unbreakable bond of family.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
A peek into the lives of the main characters in the Canine Cozy Mystery Series available on Amazon.
Maya Thompson, a dedicated 40-year police detective, was born and raised in a small town where she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from her parents. Her passion for justice and serving her community led her to join the police force at a young age.
Throughout her career, Maya earned a reputation for being fearless and resourceful, always going the extra mile to solve even the most challenging cases. Her sharp investigative skills and unwavering commitment to upholding the law made her a respected figure in the department.
Ten years ago, tragedy struck when Maya’s beloved husband passed away unexpectedly. After four decades on the force, Maya decided to retire, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and excellence in law enforcement.
She may be retired but she hasn’t left crime solving behind. Maya, her son Ethan, and granddaughter Lily along with their three canine detective helpers, jump in when needed to make sure their small town of Sunridge Junction stays safe.
This short read cozy mystery series is available on Amazon in Kindle – Kindle Unlimited – Audio – Paperback
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
Flash Fiction Short Story May, 2024
In the midst of spring cleaning, Michael found himself knee-deep in a pile of clutter and memories that accumulated over the years. His hands were covered in dust as he sorted through old photographs, letters, and trinkets that had long been forgotten. As he rummaged through the boxes in his attic, he came across a small, dusty box tucked away in a corner. Curious, he picked it up and blew off the dust, revealing a faded label that read “Memories of Sarah.”
Michael’s heart skipped a beat as he realized what he had found. Sarah. The love of his life, the one who got away. It had been twenty years since they’d last seen each other, and the memories of their time together flooded back to him in a rush of emotions.
He opened the box and inside were mementos of their relationship – love letters, photographs of their adventures together, ticket stubs from concerts they attended, and even a dried flower that she had pressed between the pages of a book. Tears welled up in Michael’s eyes as he was transported back to a time when life was simpler, and love was all they needed.
He sat down on the floor, surrounded by memories of a love that once burned brightly but ultimately faded away. Michael had never truly gotten over Sarah. She’d been the one that got away, the one he’d let slip through his fingers because he was too scared to hold on.
As he continued to sift through the box, a wave of regret washed over him. Regret for not fighting harder for their love, regret for letting her go without a fight. He always wondered what could have been if he’d just been brave enough to hold on to her.
Michael’s mind wandered back to the day Sarah walked out of his life. It had been a sunny day much like this one, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the promise of a new beginning. He remembered the look of determination in her eyes as she’d told him that she needed to leave, that their paths were no longer aligned.
He tried to convince her to stay, to fight for their love, but she’d been adamant. And so, with a heavy heart, he let her go. He watched her leave, knowing deep down that he was losing the love of his life.
As he sat in his attic, surrounded by memories of a love that slipped away, Michael made a decision. He would find Sarah, he would track her down and tell her how he felt, how much he regretted letting her go. He would fight for their love, no matter how long it had been since they’d last seen each other.
With a new determination, Michael set out on a quest to find Sarah. He combed through old address books, reached out to mutual friends, and even hired a private investigator to help him in his search. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, but Michael refused to give up.
And then, one day, a breakthrough. The private investigator managed to locate Sarah in a small town on the other side of the country. Michael’s heart raced with excitement as he booked a flight and made his way to her doorstep.
Standing on her front porch, Michael felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. He knocked on the door, and when Sarah opened it, their eyes met for the first time in twenty years. The years melted away as they stood there, lost in each other’s gaze.
Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes as she took in the sight of the man she once loved so deeply. Michael took a deep breath and poured his heart out to her, telling her how much he regretted letting her go, how he never stopped loving her.
Sarah listened quietly, her heart in turmoil. She had spent the last twenty years trying to move on from Michael, trying to forget the pain of their separation. And yet, seeing him standing in front of her, pouring his heart out, she couldn’t deny the feelings that still lingered in her heart.
After a long silence, Sarah finally spoke. “I never stopped loving you, Michael,” she whispered. “I thought about you every day, wondering what could have been if we had fought for our love.”
Michael felt a surge of hope in his heart as he reached out to Sarah, taking her hand in his. “Let’s not waste any more time,” he said earnestly. “Let’s start over, let’s give our love another chance.”
And with those words, a new chapter began for Michael and Sarah. They spent hours talking, catching up on each other’s lives, and reminiscing about the past. It felt like no time had passed at all, like they had been given a second chance to make things right.
As spring turned into summer, Michael and Sarah embarked on a journey to rebuild their relationship, to heal the wounds of the past and create new memories together. They traveled to the places they had once dreamed of visiting, rekindled their passion for life, and most importantly, for each other.
The dusty box of memories had brought them back together, reminding them of the love that had never truly died. And as they held each other in their arms, surrounded by the echoes of the past and the promise of a future together, Michael knew in his heart that he had finally found his way back to the love of his life.
Sharon Michaels
*****
Amazon Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels has been writing and self-publishing non-fiction and fiction books for over thirty years.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
