Dark Streets Shineth, a Christmas murder mystery

 

Dark Streets Shineth, a Say a Prayer whodunit
Clare Revell
PBGroup Holiday Extravaganza novella, December 1, 2020, 102 pp
 
Buy on Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
Ebook Currently on sale for 99 cents
 
About the Book
YOU'D BETTER WATCH OUT. YOU'D BETTER NOT CRY. SANTA CLAUS IS GOING TO DIE...DCI Boaz Matthias isn't a Christmas person. He never has been. Not since he discovered the truth when he was seven. Christmas is a lie and a con and nothing is ever going to change his mind. Being given a temporary six week assignment isn't helping his mood either—as it means Christmas with the family. Only good thing is the accidental meeting of someone he thinks he could grow very fond of.
DC Isabel York loves Christmas. So much so that she decorates her desk with lights, tinsel, and a novelty advent calendar. When her boss is called away, his replacement is the last person she's expecting to see—her fledgling boyfriend.

In the middle of a nasty case, Isabel is nevertheless determined to show Boaz the real meaning of Christmas. The only problem is that work and pleasure just don't mix—at least not according to him.
 
My Review
I loved these characters throughout the Say a Prayer series. They’re intentional short segments of murder investigations at a particular police station in England. They are well-researched and populated with all-too-real people. Isabel hasn’t been a DC all that long, but her intuition and ability to connects dots has had other officers in her department…shall we say jealous? While most of the problem people were shifted around to other departments or fired, a few officers are still afraid of her and try to make her life miserable. Things get a little worse when their favorite boss  has a family emergency and the temp is a grinch. Not just a grinch but the fellow who Isabel had started dating prior to his new assignment. The new temp, Boaz, walks in on an already-in-progress murder investigation. Someone is killing store Santas, and as it’s Isabel’s case, she’s in charge, much to the chagrin of the remaining problem parties in the department. Isabel’s got a lot to deal with this Christmas amid a boyfriend who hates her favorite time of year, numbskulls who whine at work even as Isabel continues to develop her self-confidence on the job, and a morgue filling up with bodies. Where can a person find a cup of Christmas cheer with all this mayhem?
 
Join the party as Isabel and Zander and their new friend, Boaz, take on the holi-craze. Told through Isabel and Boaz’s eyes, this holiday romantic thriller is just the perfect bite-size book for a take-me-away moment this Christmas.
 
About the Author
Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American, the books contain British language and terminology. The first draft of every novel is hand written.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars.

She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell/
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell
http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

Clare Revell and Christmas Time in London Town

 

Christmas Time in London Town
Clare Revell
PBGBooks Passport to Romance novella, December 1, 2020, 95 pp.
Buy on Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Ebook Currently on sale for 99 cents

About the Book
Needing a change of pace, elementary school teacher Kelly Seda accepts the school exchange position and flies from Ottawa to London. Exchanging jobs and houses for a year, he and six-year-old daughter Wendy have a less than a day to adjust before starting work.

Single mum Staci Kirk has carved out a life for herself and her young son Tommy. Fiercely independent and self-reliant, she's found a good place where she can settle in but she's all too aware that happily ever after applies only to other people—or to the fictional characters in the romance books she writes.

The arrival of Tommy's new teacher, also her next door neighbor, threatens to upset Staci's carefully balanced apple cart but she knows it's only a matter of time before Kelly packs his bags and flies back to Canada. No sense in starting anything she can't finish.

However, life is never as simple as it is in her novels, and when the worst happens, there is only one person she can rely on to help.

My Review

Revell’s newest addition to her impressive catalog of inspirational fiction is a lovely story of two single parents meeting in a most unusual manner. When a Canadian teacher is given a last-second opportunity as an exchange teacher in London, England, he’s quick to say yes, even though it uproots his fragile six-year-old daughter and distances them from his travel-reluctant mother at Christmas. Ending up next door to Staci who’s raising five-year-old Tommy is an answer to prayers Kelly hadn’t thought to make. Staci is a self-sufficient writer, able single parent, and content to quietly raise her child in peace. She’s not looking for complications of any kind—certainly not of the heart, as in potentially giving hers to a man who’s only in town for a few months.

The short but intense romance develops quickly. When you know, you know about love. But Kelly is on temporary assignment, and falling in love just can’t be an option. Can it… Even though they match in every way, how can either of them risk their hearts or children’s hopes? It romance and sight-seeing in London Town for Christmas. Told though both Kelly and Staci’s viewpoints, the reader is charmed by their respectful, emotional stories.

About the Author
Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town in England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, and her three children. Writing from a early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fanfiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American, the books contain British language and terminology. The first draft of every novel is hand written.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars.

She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell/
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell
http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 12

Holly in December, Flowers can be fatal #12

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, November 2016

Inspirational romantic novella

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book

She's "Hopeless." When Hope ran away from home at seventeen it was just the start of a downward spiral that led to mistakes that have plagued her since. Now accused of a crime, she's lost her job and housing. With a young daughter to care for, she finds a place at a church-run shelter. Nick Slater is a new assistant pastor at Headley Cross Baptist. His focus should be on his job and volunteering at the shelter, but when the same woman keeps crossing his path, he knows God has orchestrated their meetings and resolves to help her, no matter what it takes. But even while scents of holly and fresh-baked pies fill the air with Christmas joy, and Nick finds himself falling in love with Hope and her little girl, the dark stain of Hope's past threatens to affect Nick's career. Should he ignore the urge to save his reputation, or is God teaching him a Heavenly lesson? 

My review

This twelfth book in the gently linked Flowers Can Be Fatal series of inspirational romantic novellas opens on a dramatic note. Social worker Hope Hargitay is being sent home after a blistering accusation of wrong-doing blows up in her face. She can’t even defend herself, and after five years’ of service, is fired. Not only let go, she and her daughter are tossed out of the apartment that came with the ill-paying job. Now what? Her last resort is moving into a homeless shelter in exchange for work.

A new tenant in a run-down apartment on the seedy side of town, Assistant Pastor Nick Slater helps a young woman move her bags down several flights of stairs. He’s never had time to introduce himself and is startled to meet her again during his volunteer time at the nearby shelter. This time she’s again in desperate need of being rescued and Nick is pulled willingly into her story. Holly has an idea of how and why she’s being victimized but is scared senseless over telling the truth. Already on probation as a pastor, Nick is repeatedly warned by older church members to maintain decorum. Nick understands, but how can he prove his faith practice if he’s told to keep his distance from the very people who need his help? God loves the downtrodden and the redeemed too, and Nick is determined to make sure everyone keeps past sins where they belong—firmly in the past—and that justice and mercy go both ways.

Revell’s series shares a few characters and intertwines storylines gently without needing to be read in any particular order. The stories are laden with contemporary issues and lovingly told through both hero and heroine’s voices. Each is lovingly and well told. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the Brit-speak. Those who love short intense romances will enjoy Revell’s work.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance with Clare Revell

Dark Lake

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, September 2018

Inspirational romantic suspense, 320 pp

$5.99 Ebook; $15.99 paperback

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon 

Barnes and Noble 

Publisher

About the Book

Archaeologist Dr. Lou Fitzgerald is used to unexpected happenings, and they don't usually faze her. After surviving a childhood disability, and dealing with an unfair boss, Lou has learned the art of rolling with the punches. But when she arrives at Dark Lake, what was supposed to be a simple archaeological dig is beyond even her wildest imaginations. Landowner Evan Close has his own reasons for keeping the secrets of Dark Lake, and this attractive interloper is a menace. Her precious dig threatens to bring his house of cards tumbling down around him, and he feels helpless to stop it. It soon becomes apparent there are dark forces at work, and Lou's simple assignment turns into a mystery. Solving that mystery comes with a steep price.

My Review

Dark Lake has many eerie layers in name and back story. While Dr. Louise Fitgerald is a renowned archaeologist, she is also strangely vulnerable to the bizarre whimsies of the power-drunk director of the private organization she works for. He constantly pulls the rug out from under her and threatens her and yanks the privileges of name recognition that goes along with her discoveries. He pays well, but seriously, why is she working for this dangerous jerk? Could it be that her self-confidence is in shambles due to the disfigurement she deals with, yet tries to keep quiet?

“Rolling with the punches” has come to the last straw for Dr. Lou as she is shifted from a different archeological site and job just as she proved a long-held and worked-for premise on an important dig to a relatively recent site submerged when a dam was built a century earlier. She’s to dive and check over the remains of the village. But it’s not just the creepy fog that’s all wrong in Dark Lake. The property owner, the mysterious Evan Close who employs a body guard, has enigmas Dr. Lou longs to explore. The two hit it off right away and sparks fly as they’re drawn together through a mutual need to survive the secrets of Dark Lake.

Told through alternating points of view, the suspense builds wonderfully. The mutual tension works well, though I did have a giggle at Colonel Dad reprimanding two thirty-somethings to stay pure until marriage or he’d hand out knuckle sandwiches. Faith-based romance is nice and clean yet real without being preachy and spinsterish.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 11

Mums in November, Flowers can be fatal #11

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, October 2016

Inspirational romantic novella, 127 pp

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Publisher

About the Book

Running into Amber Neville after twenty years wasn’t on Dr. Jackson Parker’s list of things to do. Amber had been head girl to his head boy, and from what he remembers, she was British, stuck up and bossy...But the red-haired beauty she’s grown into leaves him stunned.Newly returned from a job in Canada, Amber remembers Jackson as a brash and rude American--not at all the even-tempered, handsome doctor he's turned out to be. But she can’t get involved, not with the massive burden she bears--a burden that has to remain hidden at all costs.As secrets are revealed, Amber’s life is thrown into danger. As the flowers fade, so does her chance of survival. But Jackson has other plans. After all, doctors are meant to save lives, no matter the cost.

My review

After reading several stories in the series and wondering about the American who seems to be everywhere, saving people and generally being part of the community, we finally get to his story. It’s worth the wait, readers! Jackson Parker is full of surprises. Having been raised as the son of a foreign diplomat, he had a lot to overcome and to prove to his classmates. Although smart, he tended to act up and act out in all the wrong ways. The girl he wanted most to approach back in their school days, Amber Neville, seemed out of reach…and then Jackson and his family moved again.

The two of them receive the surprise of a lifetime when Amber turns up in the small village Jackson returned to after getting his medical education and license. She’s been a nanny to a high-powered family and is looking for another job in this tucked-away place. Jackson wastes no time in letting Amber know that now he’s grown up he’s not repeating his past and letting her get away without even getting to know her. Amber is on edge, and Jackson wants to help her. When a dangerous allergy gives him the opportunity to come to her rescue, Amber’s heart is lost. Jackson unwittingly opens an ugly can of worms when he asks his cop brother to do a background check. Unsure what to believe and how to help, Jackson continues to pry until Amber can’t hide any longer. By then it might be too late for both of them.

Lots of twists and turns make this sweet little suspense a page-turner. Told from both points of view I was often shaking my finger at the mean cops and the horrifying situation these poor people were involved with. Those who love clean romantic suspense will love this story.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 8

Gladioli in August, Flowers can be fatal #8

Clare Revel

Pelican Ventures LLC, July 2016

Inspirational romantic novella

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book

The work place is volatile and the volcano is restless… Jael Stevens questions her decisions after she ignores her brother’s warnings and takes a sabbatical to work as a nurse on the volcanic island Tiampu. The position isn’t what she imagined. Long hours, difficult working conditions, and frequent rumblings from the nearby mountain are only made bearable by the joy of helping others and a certain set-in-his-ways pilot. Micah Norris has dedicated his life to God and is more than content with his permanent bachelor status. But after his childhood filled with abuse, could it be that keeping his distance from others is self-preservation? When Jael Stevens shows up, Micah isn't prepared to like her. He sees the new nurse as just another in a long line of caregivers from "civilization" who have no idea what life on a remote island will be like, and he is tired of constantly having to train new professionals who don’t last. But Jael makes a big impression. With her Christ-centered focus and her kind treatment to patients, she may be just what the doctor ordered. His confirmed bachelor status may be in serious trouble. Can he finally let go of his painful past, and will he have enough, time to do so with a volatile workplace and a restless volcano?

My review

Bad things happen with volcanoes in August, Jael Stevens’s brother tells her when she takes leave from her hospital nursing job for a missionary stint in Indonesia. Jael isn’t impressed, since the volcano on Tiampu, where the Red Cross home base is set, has been silent for hundreds of years. She has little idea what she’s truly in for, however, as she attempts to match hospital decorum and uniform, including high heels, with jungle medicine. Scrambling over a log with the help of a smirking smug pilot is a humbling experience. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Pilot Micah Norris has two loves: God and bush flying. In that order. In his world, Micah is the boss, and there’s little room for deviation. Every six months he has to break in a new nurse, and this latest one has a funny name to go with her funny ideas. Didn’t anyone tell her that dresses and pantyhose won’t cut it? And he’s in charge? As the two begin to work out their anything-but-routine schedule, Jael learns confidence in the most unusual circumstances and Micah learns he can bend his strict mindset and closed heart without breaking.

The two face the ultimate sacrificial challenges when Tiampu awakens. Told through intertwining points of view, each of these romantic people share their deepest feelings and fears as they begin to bond. I loved the audio version narrated by Brit Lynne Thompson.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 9

Forget-Me-Nots in September, Flowers can be fatal #9

Clare Revel

Pelican Ventures LLC, August, 2016

Inspirational romantic novella

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book

On his third tour of duty in Afghanistan Lt. Col. Bev King signs up for the parcel service. He likes the contact from home, appreciates the generosity and thoughtfulness of his benefactor, and is intrigued by this woman who lives in the same town as his grandmother. Jude Travis loves sending care packages to servicemen and is thrilled when "her squaddie" replies. A rapid letter exchange follows, and when he comes home on R&R they meet. But Jude is being stalked, and Bev might just get snagged in the crossfire. Will this whirlwind romance cause repercussions? Could coming home be more dangerous for Bev than staying in a combat zone?

My review

I enjoy Revell’s Flowers Can Be Fatal series. These gently linked stories that mention characters in other books and sometimes involve them are all stand-alone romances with a bit of bite. In this story, Jude Travis has a special affinity for soldiers since members of her family have also been in service. She supports Her Majesty’s troops overseas through letters and care packages. She owns her own bakery and spends her spare time keeping up with her business. She’s on the lonely side, but doesn’t have much time or interest in a social life. She also has a sneaking suspicion someone from her past is showing up at all times in all sorts of crazy places, but she can’t prove this person means her harm. When it becomes obvious she’s in danger, she does what she can to protect her new love interest, the soldier she’s been writing to on leave at home, Bev, and her heart.

The recipient of her latest personalized and warm-hearted care packages and letters, Bev King finds himself attracted to this writer like no one else When he’s fortunate enough to meet her, it’s pretty much lifelong love at first sight. Jude is an enigma, attempting to be confident and independent, yet facing a nameless fear she won’t share. When the stakes are raised and Bev is pulled into her trauma, potential repercussions abound. Protecting Jude could be more dangerous than active duty.

Told through interchanging viewpoints, Forget-me-nots is a compelling, short drama of inspirational romance and suspense. I listened to the audible version and enjoyed hearing the British nuances that don’t look the same on a printed page.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Waltzing Matilda Christmas Read from Clare Revell

Will anyone go a’waltzing this Christmas or is the ball over before it’s begun?

About the Book:

As head of the festival committee it falls to Tilly Sullivan to organise the annual Christmas Ball each year. However when the venue burns to the ground with only four days to go, she’s left with a huge task, and it looks like an impossible one as everywhere else is booked solid.

Leo Keely has the only place big enough to host the party, however he has a huge issue with Christmas and Australian women whose surname is Sullivan.

A winter storm, fallen trees, and a corrupt mayor all conspire to make certain that this the year the ball doesn’t happen. However Tilly isn’t a woman to give up. And if it means convincing Leo that his is the only venue left in town, that’s what she’ll do.

$3.99 Ebook

White Rose Publishing

Buy on Amazon US 

Buy on Amazon UK
Buy from the Publisher

My review:

Revell’s latest addition to her wide repertoire is an utterly charming quick holiday read with all the right Bridget Jones goofiness romance readers love, minus the naughtiness.

When the acting mayor of a small English town does a suspicious reverse on the beloved traditional community Christmas ball, aided by the torching of the venue, it’s up to event organizer Tilly Sullivan to sort things out. Four days until Christmas seems like enough time to switch venues but for one problem after another. At her last possible chance venue for the dance, an old manor house with a crotchety owner in residence, a storm takes out the power, her car, and she later learns, her apartment.

What could get worse?

Falling for the crotchety owner, of course! Twisted family history, secrets, a wise aunt and giddy youthful sister add to the fun of this story. Tilly, as you can probably guess, is an Australian transplant. Reminding Leo Keely, the bitter manor owner, that bah-humbugging Christmas is passé, Tilly, Leo’s little sister Arabella who has her own reasons to demand the ball must go on, and Aunt Mildred stir up Christmas cheer. In the meantime, Tilly, who’s also a city council member, helps to expose as many secrets as there are days until Christmas, and is unsurprisingly “rewarded” for her efforts. Leo, who’s been biding his time as a Luddite, wakes up more than his latent Christmas spirit.

It’s cheers and cheesy holiday sweaters, or jumpers—what a hoot—all around as the community faith is restored in time for a memorable Christmas. I loved this lighthearted romantic tale.

Enjoy an excerpt:

The phone continued to ring. Curiosity got the better of her. Without opening her eyes, she reached out and grabbed the handset. “Matilda Sullivan speaking.”

“Have you seen the news?” Millicent Awning, her best friend and her personal assistant, spoke quickly and without preamble.

Tilly sighed. “No.” She wasn’t going to ask why, she could guess. “Why are you phoning me from the room next door?”

“I’m not. I’m currently stuck in traffic on the bypass. The Birches is on fire although you probably already know that. It’s all over the radio and probably the TV as well.”

“What channel?” Did she really want to see how bad the fire was? Yes. She had to know. She rose and crossed the room to the TV and reached for the remote control.

“Try the BBC first. But I imagine it’d be on all of them. It’s one massive fire. Twenty pumps in attendance at the last count.”

Tilly flicked on the TV and turned to the news channel. Shock ricocheted through her as she stood transfixed in front of the box. Flames surrounded the historic eighteenth century building, leaping from every window, licking up all four sides. An aerial view showed the roof had collapsed. It was worse than the initial phone call had made it seem.

A tiny squeak escaped and Tilly dropped to her knees on the cold office floor. What was she going to do now? A small fire they could have worked around, but this…?

“What are you going to do?” Millicent’s voice dragged Tilly’s attention back to the phone. The same thought she’d had, the same question she was now going to be asked a million times from several different people. Over and over again.

“I have no idea. I’ll see you when you get in.” Tilly ended the call and dropped the handset to the floor beside her. “Maybe.” She blinked hard and rubbed her hands over her face.

All her hard work gone. She’d spent the better part of the last week helping the owners of the gorgeous hotel decorate the ballroom and entrance hall to match her theme. Each year was different. This year, they told her she had excelled herself. Her best yet. The ball had sold out weeks ago. Now she’d have to refund all three hundred tickets. Not to mention compensate the caterers, musicians…

She broke off the thought. Guilt ran rampant. What if someone was hurt? Surely that should have been her first concern, not the fact her planning was now literally in ashes.

She groaned again. Rolling off her knees, she lay face down and gave into the urge to scream and hit the floor. It didn’t help. She sucked in a deep breath. She could almost hear her mother’s voice. “Pride cometh before a fall, Matilda, and a haughty spirit before destruction.”

She closed her eyes. Was it a sin to take a modicum of pride in her work? It’s not like she was doing it for herself? OK, she’d get as much fun out of the ball as the next person, but she was doing it for the town. It wasn’t Christmas without the ball. And now for the first time in the years she’d been doing the job, there would be no ball.

About the Author:

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins.

Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.

She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars.

She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarerevell
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellAuthor
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell
http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/
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