A Seaside Bookshop Christmas (The Turner Family of Bluestar Island) by Jennifer Faye ~ #BookTour #Excerpt

The shops along Seashell Drive were all decked out for the holidays. One had a Christmas village display in the window. Another had a small Christmas tree trimmed with miniature ornaments. And yet a different shop had plush cartoon characters in a scene of them decorating a Christmas tree. She loved how each shop took a different approach to decorating. She had joined in the fun with her rendition of The Night Before Christmas. She might have cheated and taken the idea from this year’s children’s play.

She was grateful it hadn’t snowed overnight because her arms were still sore from the numerous times she’d had to shovel the heavy snow the day before. She couldn’t wait to get inside and warm up. Spring wouldn’t arrive soon enough.

“Brr… It’s another cold one.”

Melinda glanced over to find Aster Bell approaching her. Her friend was bundled up in a red coat with a white scarf and gloves. Aster was the island’s event planner. And since she took the job a couple of years ago, she’d done an amazing job of breathing life back in the island. Their tourism numbers had soared.

Aster’s rounded belly peeped out from the jacket. She was due to give birth any day now. Mel was surprised to see her out and about, especially on such a cold morning.

“Good morning.” Melinda sent her a smile. “What has you out and about in this chilly weather?”

“I actually came to see you.”

Melinda’s brows rose. She hadn’t been expecting to speak with Aster until well after the New Year, when Aster returned from maternity leave. “Then by all means let’s take this conversation inside where it’s much warmer.”

“Agreed.”

Melinda unlocked the front door and flipped the light switches on the wall. Row by row the ceiling lights flickered on. The shop always seemed too quiet in the morning. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of customers coming and going throughout the day.

Melinda slipped off her boots and pulled a pair of flats from her red and green holiday tote. She picked up her boots and then turned to Aster. “Come on. I’ll make us some coffee.” She rushed to the back and put her things in the office before returning to the front. “I should have asked if you drink coffee?”

“Normally, yes. But I’m not drinking caffeine until this little one arrives.”

She nodded in understanding. “Is there anything else I can get you? Maybe some hot tea.”

“No, thanks.” Aster’s gaze lowered. “I don’t have much time, but I wanted to stop by and let you know the town council met last night.” She fidgeted with her purse strap.

“I didn’t realize they were meeting so soon. Should I have been there?”

Aster shook her head. “It wasn’t necessary or I would have called you. This was their final meeting of the year.”

Melinda could see the way Aster’s brows were drawn that there had been a problem at the meeting. “What happened?”