Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. I’m working on a cozy mystery, Pumpkin Patch Murder, currently undergoing editing. I have created a few quick book covers as inspiration. See one of them below; what do you think? Our word of the day is massive. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“It sounds like a plan. Robin, why don’t you stay as well?”
“I can do that.”
I breathed a little easier. It’s good to have a long-time bestie in your corner when the world does a massive one-eighty.
As the three of us walked toward our cars, Robin said, “You both must be wiped out. Have you eaten?”
Looking from one to the other, we shook our heads. I hurriedly commented, “Good idea. Let’s get a bite before we turn in for the night. What do you say, Dovie?”
She nodded listlessly.
Her energy level seemed to sag more with each passing minute. “Something hot and soothing might help. Is there any place open nearby, Robin?”
“Sure.” She turned to Dovie. “What motel are you registered at?”
“Red Rooster.”
Robin thought for a minute. “There’s an all-night diner. Shall I lead the way?”
We agreed, and Robin moved toward her orange mini.
Dovie clutched my arm as we walked. I got her into the car as quickly as I could and handed her a bottle of water from my small soft-pack cooler.
She took a long swallow and leaned back against the seat, breathing deeply.
I started my little SUV and followed Robin’s mini out of the lot. We filed into minimal traffic.
After a few minutes Dovie seemed to rally a bit. She straightened in her seat and said, “Jack told me how much the house and tearoom meant to you when you were a child.”
“It was my family’s home.” I hated how small and thin my voice sounded. I swallowed. “We were happy there.”
Dovie went on. “That’s what he said. I know it has gone downhill and has a reputation for being haunted, but from what Jack tells me, you will not mind that.” She reached over and patted my hand.
I grew interested in the information she was sharing. “Why do you think Jack went to all this trouble and expense?”
“It was going downhill, and he wanted to save it. He had an idea his cousin, Luella, could find her happy place in the tearoom kitchen, but the deal was mainly for your sake. He was always impressed at how emotionally attached you were to the place when you were younger and regretted he couldn’t do more at the time. He has big plans for it.” She rubbed her forehead.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word massive. If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2025 Flossie Benton Rogers
Great scene and I love the cover.
Thank you!
It’s good to know what’s behind the renovation and revivial of the tea room. Adds much to the story. And, yes, I, too, love your cover!
Thank you. I’ll share another version, too, with hopes of one winning out.