Winter Blogfest: Vicki-Ann Bush

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of Alex McKenna and the Geranium Death. 

Christmas 1997 by Vicki-Ann Bush

My story begins not with joy but with one of the scariest evenings my parents ever experienced. However, I promise if you stay with me to the end you will smile.

It was 1997 and we all resided in Las Vegas, Nevada. My parents, who were retired, lived a modest lifestyle. Enjoying their home and family was the most important way to spend their time. We had all been celebrating my youngest child’s birthday at our home, which was about a 25-minute drive for Mom and Dad. It was getting late, and they were tired, so they decided it was time to go home. We had our good-bye hugs and kisses (Italians take longer to say hello and good-bye than the actual time it takes for the celebration) and walked them to their car.

I’m not sure how much time passed but I had just snuggled into bed when the phone rang. My mom could barely get the words out. My heart raced and my brain shut down. All I could think of was that they were in an accident and Dad was seriously injured. Then over gasps for air, she pushed the words past her lips, “We were robbed! They broke down the front door. All the Christmas gifts are gone.”

The thieves had taken everything, even my mom’s jewelry. My parents were inconsolable. How could someone do this? These were the words they asked over and over again. We found out later that they had been doing it for a while. Hitting homes at the holidays. Eventually, the universe did catch up with them and they were caught. But that didn’t help my mom and dad. They fell into a depression. Only twelve days until Christmas and they couldn’t financially replace everything that was under the tree.

Every Christmas Eve, my parents would open their home to people who didn’t have family or who were separated by miles from their loved ones. Mom would cook for a week. Setting out an abundance of delicious Italian food and delectable desserts. We had the best time, and everyone looked forward to December 24th at the Guidice home. But this year, it was going to be different. Or, at least that’s what they thought.

Unbeknownst to my parents, our family got together and reached out to the friends my parents had helped over the years. Everyone came through with a little something that they could afford. We went shopping and replaced what we could, and used the remaining funds to help them have the most beautiful Christmas Eve ever. All of the usuals came, and a few new faces as well. My mom and dad were overwhelmed with love. Our family spoke about that Christmas Eve for years, and we will never forget the joy and love that not even a vicious few could take away from our family and friends.

No dark entities shall pass through this shield, as I will it…so shall it be.

Alex McKenna’s plans for a couple of supernatural-free days are interrupted by an ominous visit from the ghost of seven-year-old Haven.

The little girl needs his help and he’s willing to risk his life to save her after-life. Despite his great-grandmother’s warning, he chooses to cross the bridge between the living and the dead to assist her. The trip lands Alex and his girlfriend at a high school known as the Academy of Souls. The ghostly campus for dead teens is a safe place for those who are unable to complete their after-life journey. There they meet Ophelia, Haven’s older sister, who has been searching for her for more than a century. 

To reunite the sisters, Alex must cross the treacherous terrain of the in-between realm known as the Underworld, and rescue Haven from the clutches of the Soul Gatherer. A demonic spirit who feeds off of the souls of children. 

Could this be Alex’s last case or will he keep his promise to Haven and save her soul before it’s too late?

Originally from New York, Vicki-Ann is an award-winning author and short screenplay writer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. Writing Young Adult paranormal, she finds inspiration from events that have been in her life for as long as she can remember. Inheriting the sensitivity to the supernatural from her family, they continue to be an endless source of vision.

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