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Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scene 3

During the writing of my holiday cozy mystery Poisoned Pudding, I decided to change directions and rewrite some of the scenes. I am sharing the scenes I deleted or changed as Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scenes.

Here is Bonus Scene 3.

Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery

Joya picked up her phone on the second ring. “Joya, it’s Joy Holiday here. Arvin Prankish, the owner of The Holiday Times Newspaper and our local historian, will be picking you up at five o’clock. My mother is fixing dinner and then we’ll have a family meeting.” Joy hurriedly conveyed the information to her newly found cousin.

“Thank you. Should I bring anything, maybe dessert?” Joya asked.

“If you have any more papers, or journals to share, that would be helpful,” Joy replied, her voice not giving away her feelings.
“What I gave you is all I have.”

“Then we’ll see you later.” The line went to dial tone.

At five o’clock on the dot, a white SUV pulled up to the apartment behind the Silver Bells Café. Mr. Prankish got out, introduced himself to Joya, and opened the passenger side door for the nervous woman.

“You’ve been a busy woman today and you’ve only been in Holiday Corner a few days.” He tried to lighten the mood as he drove through town toward Claude and Nora Holiday’s home.

“I didn’t kill Chef Merryweather, if that’s what you’re wondering. I don’t really want to talk about that. My stomach is in knots thinking about meeting the Holidays and sharing my story.”

“You’ll find the family quite hospitable.” Arvin kept his eyes on the slushy road.

“WOW! Do they really live here? This is like a Christmas wonderland.” Joya gushed as they parked in front of the old Victorian-style house decorated with colorful lights, pine garland, big red bows and a pinecone wreath on every door and window.

“This home has been handed down from Thadeus Holiday for generations,” Mr. Prankish said, opening the door to help her out of the car.

The front door opened and, in the doorway, stood a petite woman with a slightly rounded figure who looked to be in her sixties. Her soft, hazel eyes twinkled with wisdom and kindness. Her warm smile exuded a comforting sense of motherly calm.

“Welcome. I am Nora Holiday. Come in and let’s get you a warm cup of tea, hot coca, or maybe a glass of wine.” Nora opened her arms and gave her guest a hug.

Joya felt herself relaxing as she stepped into the living room and faced everyone waiting for her arrival.

“Let me introduce you to the family,” Nora guided Joya toward the people standing and waiting to meet her.

“This is my husband, Claude. This handsome man is Nick, Joy’s twin, and the mayor of Holiday Corner. The lovely woman standing next to him is Emily Dear, our town’s designated grandmother. And of course, you know Joy and Arvin. Nick’s wife Melody is away visiting her mother in Florida for a few days.” Nora stood back and watched as they all shook hands with the newest family member.

“Let’s have dinner and then we can get down to family business,” Claude ushered the group into the dining room.

Joya inhaled the aroma of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, with homemade gravy, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie for dessert. The table was set to reflect the holiday season. Candles shaped like Christmas trees, a centerpiece of fresh pine boughs and pinecones, red and green plates with red and green linen napkins. To a chef’s eye, this was cozy perfection.

The group made small talk during dinner, shying away from the reason they had gathered. Joya did notice a few times that Emily would stare at her and smile.

“I must admit, I was a bit nervous cooking for a chef. My granddaughter Crissy is enrolled in a culinary arts program in France and will be home early next year. You both will have a lot to talk about.” Nora made conversation as she cleared the table.

“Your meal was delicious, and the presentation was perfect. May I help you with the dishes?” Joya pushed back from the table and began picking up dessert plates.

“Oh no. You make yourself comfortable in the living room. I’m going to stack the dishes in the dishwasher, and I’ll be right in.” Nora shooed her away.
Joya walked into the next room, her palms sweating. This is what her grandmother had wanted for her.

“My dear, please come sit next to me.” Miss Dear patted the empty spot next to her on the sofa.

Joya took her seat and Miss Dear turned to get a better look at the young chef.

“You look like your Grandmother Noel. She and I were friends before she left Holiday Corner. Someday you and I will have a long talk. I have so many memories and stories about Noel I can share with you. Let’s plan a day when you’ll come to my house for tea, shall we?”

“I would love that. Thank you. My grandmother meant everything to me.” Joya’s eyes filled with tears.

Nick cleared his throat. “Why haven’t you contacted us before? Why wait until you want to begin a new business?”

“Grandma Frost passed away a year ago on Christmas Day. I took care of her for the last months of her life. I promised her I would finish my chef training in New York City before moving here. I was also to use the money from the sale of her home to open a business, but life had other plans. It was her wish that I reconnect with her family.” Joya’s voice shook a little as she spoke about her grandmother.

“I don’t want to sound crass, but do you think we are wealthy and have an inheritance for you?” Nick asked.

“Nick, don’t be cynical. Give your cousin a chance to explain,” Emily Dear scolded.

“Sorry, it is my lawyer curiosity coming out.”

“I don’t expect any financial reward because of my Holiday heritage. I’m looking for a family and a place to live where I can safely build a successful business.” Joya looked each person directly in the eye.

“Welcome to the family!” Claude Holiday got up from his chair and embraced their newest family member.

“Well, after discovering Ava Merryweather’s body this morning, I hope you feel Holiday Corner is a safe place to live,” Arvin spoke up.

“Miss Merryweather was poisoned,” Nick Holiday told the group. “You are still a person of interest. If you’re telling us you had nothing to do with her death, we will be behind you all the way.”

“I had absolutely nothing to do with the death of Ava Merryweather.”

Find Time to Read During the Holidays - Sharon Michaels Author - Blog Post

From Bestselling author Sharon Michaels on Amazon

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with suspense, mature characters, smart animals, a bit of paranormal and, later in life romance. Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scene 2

Here is Bonus Scene 2.

Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery

Joya Frost was eager to talk with her boss and begin her role as part-time chef at the Silver Bells Café. She was both nervous and excited to start this next phase of her career as she walked in the back door of the café at ten minutes before six on Sunday morning.

“Good morning. I like an employee who shows up early. Did you like the apartment above the café? Did you have a good night’s sleep?” Samantha Bell greeted Joya at the door.

“It was great! Thank you again for the use of the apartment. Before we begin, could I speak to you about another part-time job I have planned? I had to find another job to make ends meet if I intend to stay in Holiday Corner.” Joya’s voice held a hint of nerves.

“Sure. I’ll get us some coffee and we can talk.” The café owner brought over two big Santa mugs of steaming coffee and placed them on a small table in the corner of the kitchen.

Joya glanced around at what she saw to be the ideal gourmet kitchen. The heart of the kitchen was the central cooking station, a gleaming expanse of stainless-steel worktables. Stovetops, grills, and broilers. The workspace was well organized, with designated areas for prep, cooking, plating, and packaging, all designed to maximize efficiency and productivity. She swallowed hard, knowing her meager budget wouldn’t allow her to set up a work area like this one in her rental space.

“Alright, now tell me about this part-time job you’re getting. I’m sorry I can’t hire you full time, but I already have two chefs,” Samantha said, as she wrapped her hands around the warm mug.

Joya took a deep breath. “I’ve leased the building that once housed the doughnut shop. I’m opening a catering company called Sugar Plum Catering. I’ll be working to get everything in order before my health inspection next Friday.”

Sam sat back in her chair and studied the woman across from her. She wasn’t too surprised by what she’d just heard. Joya’s resume spoke volumes about her love of food, her ability to create outstanding meals, and her desire to succeed.

“How old are you, Joya?” her boss asked.

“I turned twenty-seven last month. Why are you asking?” The question was a surprise.

“You seem extremely goal-driven for someone new to the business. Is there something else you’re not telling me? Something I should be worried about? Are you after my trade secrets? I have heard rumors but chose not to believe them.” The owner of Silver Bells leaned forward and looked the young woman in the eyes.

“Absolutely not! I have my own family recipes that I’ll be making. My menu is limited and in no way competes with what you are offering. And the rumors you’ve heard are false. I got myself on the wrong side of a food critic and his girlfriend. I am an honest person.” Joya’s cheeks blotched red as her breathing became more rapid.

“Well, I cannot stop you from opening your business. In fact, if you need help, please ask. I am all for going for your goals. I’ll trust what you’re saying is true. Please do not take advantage of my trust. The culinary industry is a tight-knit community, as you already know. Now let me show you around and let’s talk about your schedule.” Samantha Bell got to her feet, signaling the end of the conversation.

Joya felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. This was her second chance, and she was beyond grateful to Samantha. Walking around the Silver Bells Café and listening to Samantha talk about her café with passion and enthusiasm made the young chef more determined than ever not to disappoint her new boss. She knew she could do both; be the executive chef Ms. Bell expected and still get her Sugar Plum Catering business up and running.

Samantha sat at one of the tables near the window and invited Joya to sit with her.

“Twenty years ago, my late husband and I moved to Holiday Corner, Vermont, to begin living our dream of owning an upscale restaurant in a small town. Not just any small town. Oh no, it had to be a town with a heart. Holiday Corner is all about second chances and community. You’ve come to the right place to begin living your dream, Joya.” Sam smiled.

Joya looked around the homey restaurant that embodied the magic of Christmas while maintaining an air of sophistication and elegance. The café’s exterior was adorned in twinkling lights. Cascading garlands, and a magnificent Christmas tree, instantly making it a beacon of warmth and comfort in this holiday themed Vermont town.

The interior is a fusion of rustic charm and contemporary elegance with exposed brick walls. Gleaming hardwood floors, and oversized armchairs beside the crackling fireplace add to the coziness. All around, tastefully arranged decorations, including wreaths, silver bell ornaments, and a collection of vintage Christmas cards, add a touch of festivity.

It is the menu that has tourists coming from neighboring states and locals coming back as often as possible. The menu itself is a work of art, carefully crafted by Chef Samantha. It features heavenly dishes that melded traditional holiday flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Offerings like Evergreen Salad, Roasted Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade and Winter Squash Risotto. The dessert list showcased the café’s signature holiday dessert, the Gingerbread Souffle Tower. This masterpiece stood tall, oozing with warm molten gingerbread goodness. Served with a scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce, this dessert is a sweet testament to the Silver Bells Café and Samantha Bell’s commitment to creating pure enchantment on every plate.

As Samantha explained the history of her café and described the menu items, Joya realized she had been given an opportunity to learn from an exceptionally talented woman who believed Joya Frost had what it took to be an asset to her respected restaurant.

“I am going to go out on a limb here and offer you an opportunity to start your catering business on the right foot.” Samantha took out a business card from her pocket and pushed it across the table to Joya.

“Joy Holiday is the Events Planner for Holiday Corner. She came to me last week and wondered if I would be interested in providing appetizers for a large charity event, she has planned this coming weekend. I had to turn her down. My café doesn’t do catering and we don’t have the time. I will give you time off tomorrow to have you go to Joy’s office and apply for the position. I’ll even lend you my kitchen during the night to prepare your food at no cost. I believe in you.” Samantha sat and looked at her new employee.

Joya didn’t know what to say. Not since her grandmother had anyone said that to her. No one at all. She swallowed back her emotions and worked to keep her voice steady. “Thank you. I promise I will not let you down.”

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scene 1

Here is Bonus Scene 1.

Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery

Joy Holiday, and her St. Bernard Angel, didn’t mind the cold. Not when the sun was shining, and the town square was decorated for Christmas. This was the first Saturday that Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves would be in the town square’s beautiful gazebo, greeting children and handing out coloring books and candy canes.

The centerpiece of the gazebo, its Christmas tree, is always a sight to behold. Every year the Gazebo Committee searches the local countryside for the perfect tree, one that exudes the spirit of the season. The town comes together to decorate the tree with a dazzling array of ornaments, tucking in memories and traditions that have been saved from generation to generation.

Throughout December, the gazebo is a hub of activity. Carolers gather on its steps, harmonizing melodies that echo through the town. Children line up to whisper their wishes into Santa’s ear as he sits on a special chair near the Christmas tree.

The gazebo has become a symbol of community spirit, unity, and the joy the holiday season brings to the town. Visitors from nearby towns travel to witness the spectacle and take in the majesty of the decorations that is Holiday Corner, Vermont.

Joy startled at the touch of a warm hand on her shoulder. Sheriff Frank Lawson, handsome in his uniform, smiled up at her as he bent to pat Angel on the head.

“A beautiful day to begin our annual afternoons with Santa,” he said, snuggling a little closer, placing his arm around Joy’s waist.
Joy and Frank dated in high school. They were the “it” couple. She was the daughter of the mayor, and he the son of the sheriff. It was thought they’d get married, but Joy left for college in Boston and then decided to take an executive position in New York. Now twenty-five years later and a divorce behind her, Joy returned home last year. Frank was a widower with a teenage daughter. The timing seemed right for them to rekindle their high school romance. They were taking it slow and enjoying the process of getting to know each other as adults.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the lovebirds,” sneered Garith London, town gossip and sneaky tabloid reporter.

“Don’t start Garith. It’s a beautiful day. Let’s keep it that way.” Joya sighed and shook her head.

“You don’t have to be so grouchy. I was only trying to make a living. Your ex-husband was going to pay me a pretty penny to trail you around and dig up dirt. That didn’t turn out so well for me. I’m just doing my job looking for articles to write. You two have a nice day.” Garith smiled and swaggered toward the Silver Bells Café.

“That man sets my nerves on end every time he’s around me. I know he’s up to no good.” Joy watched as he entered the café.

That’s when a young woman carrying a scruffy-looking suitcase caught her eye. She was a strikingly elegant woman with a slender and graceful figure. She looked casual and comfortable in jeans, boots, and a warm, puffy coat. There was a sense of unhappiness about her that tugged at Joy’s heart.

“Frank,” Joy tapped his arm, “have you seen that woman before?” She pointed across the street.

“Not until this morning when I saw her get out of Sam’s van. I believe she may be the new chef at Silver Bells,” he answered as they watched the woman turn the corner and use a key to enter what used to be the old doughnut shop.

“Looks like we have a new resident.” Joy nodded and turned back to watch the children lining up to visit with Santa.

*****
“Oh, my goodness,” she said, looking at the cobwebs and layers of dust on every surface of the small building.

“It’s going to take some elbow grease and lots of cleaning products to get this place ready for the health inspector.” Joya’s eyes opened wider as she took in the depth of the job that lay before her.

This was her chance to make her and her grandmother’s dream of being part of the Holiday Corner community a reality. Joya Frost believed that her catering business could have the power to bring people together. With her new company, Sugar Plum Catering, her aim was to not only provide delicious meals but also to create a joyful food experience.

She was ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. The past was the past. This was her new beginning and nothing was going to stop her.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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E-books Make an Excellent Gift

The holiday season is here, and e-books make an excellent gift.

What better way to celebrate than by giving the gift of knowledge and imagination? Book-gifting during the holidays has long been a beloved tradition that brings great pleasure and inspiration for readers of all ages. Books can transport us to different worlds while enriching lives in immeasurable ways.

Why gift e-books? Because…

E-books make great gifts, whether your loved ones are experienced readers or newcomers to literature alike. From genre selection to accessible formats, there is sure to be something perfect for everyone’s reading preferences in an e-book. Gifting an e-book may just make the holidays that much better!

E-books offer unparalleled convenience. No longer constrained by physical books, readers can conveniently carry an entire library of their favorite authors and genres in their pocket thanks to e-readers, tablets, or cell phones.

Many e-books come equipped with useful bonus features like instant word lookup, font size adjustment for better readability, annotating with ease or hearing text read aloud. E-books are especially beneficial for older readers or those living with vision impairment.

Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook or Apple iBooks make gifting easy. All it takes is selecting an e-book you want to give as a present, adding in their email address, adding any personal messages you like, making payment and then sending an email with redeemable codes.

E-books also provide readers with an exceptional and customized reading experience, including the ability to annotate, highlight and bookmark for a truly customized reading experience. Plus, customizable font sizes and background colors offer even greater customization for comfortable and pleasurable reading sessions.

E-books make an eco-friendly gift option. By opting for digital books over physical ones, we help reduce paper waste and deforestation. Supporting sustainability movements while showing our dedication to protecting the planet.

E-books can also foster a sense of community and collaboration among family and friends by being easily shared via features like lending/borrowing. Readers can easily lend or borrow their favorite e-books with loved ones for meaningful discussions and shared reading experiences. You can even create virtual book clubs.

Gifting e-books…

Gifting e-books supports and encourages authors and publishers, particularly independent or emerging ones. When we purchase their works, we can support their creative pursuits. More than a simple holiday present, this form of support contributes to literature as a whole!

Gifting an e-book this holiday season is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture, offering convenience, personalization, sustainability and supporting authors and publishers. Gifting e-books provides both giver and recipient with the chance to explore literary worlds while expanding knowledge.

This season spread the joy of reading e-books. E-books make an excellent gift!

*****
Amazon Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels has been writing and self-publishing non-fiction and fiction books for over thirty years.

Sharon Michaels Author cozy mystery e-books make an excellent gift available on Amazon in Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and Paperback

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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The Women Sleuths Club Murder

New Release from Author Sharon Michaels!

The Women Sleuths Club Murder.

If you like a cozy mystery with…
*Twists and turns
*A small town
*Mature characters
*Smart women sleuths
*Good friends coming together…
this is the book for you!!!

In The Women Sleuths Club Murder, a vibrant group of “mature” amateur sleuths band together to unravel a perplexing crime and clear their dear friend’s name.

Your Paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited copies of
The Women Sleuths Club Murder
are waiting for you here:

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with suspense, fun characters, smart animals, and maybe a bit of paranormal. Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

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