Like Michael Bellemare, not everyone enjoys the holiday season. Many people feel a sense of disconnect and a missing at this time of year.
My hope is that All Aboard for Murder will not only satisfy the joy in solving a good mystery, but that it will also gently remind you that you are not alone during this holiday season.
Many people miss loved ones at Christmas, people who no longer grace our dinner table. Like some of you, I've struggled to keep upbeat just like Michael. And like Michael, I've become more resilient over the years. But traveling from loss and despair, to hope and acceptance isn't easy.
It's only been recently that I no longer feel the need to push aside my sadness. I've learned to welcome nearly all of my feelings including longing, happiness and joy, along with melancholy and missing, sometimes in the same day.
Surrounded by friends and family I've come to accept myself more fully no matter what my mood. And that's why I think Meadow says it best when she's speaking to Michael at the end of this book:
"I can't imagine what you've been feeling, especially at this time year. But so you know? Even moody Michael is good to have around."
If you or someone you care about experiences sadness over the holidays, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest a few well researched ideas that may be of help.
- Set reasonable expectations for yourself at this busy time of year. Remind yourself that you don't have to do or be too much.
- Why not re-think your holiday traditions? Long-standing ones can be changed, resumed at another time, or replaced by something new and refreshing.
- Not all of your holiday decorations need to be displayed every year. Use some, replace some, leave some in their boxes. The heart needs time to adjust and too many memories can derail the process.
- Grief can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Accept your own ways of being and doing, giving yourself permission to sleep and relax more during the holidays.
- Honor the memory of a loved one by giving a donation in their name.
- And finally turn to a good book or film to boost your spirits. And of course this may be the time to rediscover meaning in your own faith tradition.
And now I'd like to thank the busy team of people who made this book possible.
First my patient and knowledgeable author-coach and assistant Kate Tilton. She not only keeps on top of current publishing trends but she then applies her management skills with astounding speed and accuracy to get my books out there for readers clamoring for more (okay I may have exaggerated the clamoring part).
I am especially grateful to work with Proof Positive Editing Services. Christie Stratos, with her editorial certainty, leads the way to make each book the best it can be.
And to Husband who knows these characters inside and out, and who most likely realizes that Michael Bellemare and he have a lot in common.
And finally may all of you who love the characters in Lily Rock have a joy filled holiday. And may you return to this book when you need a boost in spirit, realizing that you, like sometimes-crabby Michael, are not alone.
Happy Reading,
Bonnie