HALLIE EPHRON: Today it's my pleasure to introduce Mina Allan and her debut(!!!) mystery, A PARADE AND A PERP, the first in her Beach Hill Cozy Mystery series featuring Andrea Biscotti who gets up to her neck in mystery helping a pop star move into a beachy estate.
It's a perfect read for those of us celebrating the holidays but yearning for a break from winter's chill.
Mina visits today, musing about how you enjoy a frigid December when you're yearning for a warm day at the beach.
MINA ALLAN: Ahhhh, the holidays. Carols and joy and good cheer, family and friends and parties, presents and shopping and cooking, papers and projects and grades to turn in…And the frantic busyness that comes with it all.
It’s enough to turn a girl into a Grinch.
But look, no one wants to be grumpy at the most wonderful time of the year. After spending plenty of time grumping and grousing, I realized that I needed to cultivate that sense of calm and joy.
A couple of years ago, I finally figured out what would get me through the holiday hustle and banish my inner Grinch: Summertime. Specifically, that relaxed, “I’m-on-vacation” -feeling that comes with laying on the beach.
Unfortunately, I live in Massachusetts. And I’m a college professor with a family and medium-sized kids. So jetting off to Cancun or Key West for a yuletide reset is (regrettably) not in the cards. During the pandemic, I realized that if I couldn’t go somewhere (anywhere), I’d create my own taste of summer in December.
Tropical location? Yes!
Sandy shores? Please!
A dash of murder and mayhem? Even better.
My house is decorated, the tree is up, and there are cookies to bake, but I happily skip the latest festive rom-coms. Seeing fictional characters lose it over their holidays makes me even more stressed out about my own.
When I snag precious time alone with the remote in December I’m all about a palm tree or seascape--or Die Hard. Give me ocean sounds and seagulls. In 2021, I spent my December downtime watching a surfing documentary about giant waves. It was glorious.
My reading follows this trend, too. I dig out those “summer reads” lists that magazines and websites posted back in May or June and blitz through novels with July and August vibes…while I sit by the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree.
There’s eggnog in the fridge—but also pineapple juice and coconut puree. Who says a piña colada can’t be festive?
It’s those little bits of sea and sand that get me through the most wonderful time of the year. In January, when my grades are long turned in, the holiday hustle has faded, and my winter semester break is in full force, I’ll snuggle up with a cozy winter read or stream a snowy flick. But until then, I’m imagining ocean breezes, late sunsets, and the sounds of waves lapping the shore…while I sit by the fire and wrap these presents.
Readers, what do you do to cultivate a sense of calm during the busiest time of the year?
Giveaway: To help you enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, I’d like to give away a paperback copy of A PARADE AND A PERP. Just post a comment responding to the question in this post in the comments and Mina will draw a winner on December 16!
MINA ALLAN writes cozy mysteries and plots fictional dastardly deeds from her home in Massachusetts. She likes seaside views, fruity cocktails, and is always in search of the perfect purse. Find her online at MinaAllan.com.
A PARADE AND A PERP: Andrea Biscotti has a lot to juggle: She's helping pop star Madison Beech move into her newly-renovated Beach Hill estate and prepping her family's rental cottages for the start of the summer season-just a few days before Beach Hill's annual Memorial Day Boat Parade.
When Andrea's cousin and cottage handyman Ricky doesn't show up at a family birthday party, Andrea is annoyed. The morning after the party, the body of a local art dealer is found floating in the cove. The prime murder suspect? Ricky.
As evidence against her cousin mounts, Andrea must prove his innocence, identify the real killer, make sure that Madison's house is move-in ready, and greet her guests with fresh towels and a smile-all before Boat Parade Weekend.
Congratulations on your debut mystery, Mina! Andrea certainly has a lot to deal with . . . .
ReplyDeleteSome nice music, a cookie or two, a mug of hot coffee makes everything calm and peaceful . . . .
For me it's hot tea and a mini Mounds bar.
Deleteyes to tea! Diana
DeleteCookies make EVERYTHING better!
DeleteCongrats on your debut album. Music and books calm my soul and a sip of hot chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm super excited. And hot chocolate is definitely a cozy comfort for me, too.
DeleteSo many congratulations on a debut novel, and a cozy! I'm with you on thoughts of seasides and the sound of waves, and I'm also in Massachusetts. Alas for us beach lovers. Instead, I'll sit in the dark and gaze at the pretty lights on the tree - once I get the tree up.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christmas tree lights can be mesmerizing... as long as your mind doesn't drift to all the work you have ahead of you taking the tree down.
DeleteEdith, my tree is up but the lights aren't on it yet (that's tonight's job). I'm enjoying its piney scent, though....
DeleteCongratulations on your debut! I embrace this time of the year with all of it's craziness, but I totally get where you are coming from. As a former Floridian, I spent many a beachy, steamy, sticky, summer day reading books set in the heart of winter!
ReplyDeleteComing from Los Angeles, I have that same affinity with the ocean. Anchors you in place and time. A winter walk on the beach is therapeutic.
DeleteKait, I love that! I frequently read about winter in the summer!
DeleteKait and Judy--I've been known to pick up winter books in the summer, too! And thanks for the nice words about the book. I'm excited!
DeleteMina, congratulations on your debut novel. We had our first real snow in Connecticut yesterday and although I do not mind the white stuff, and certainly enjoy the festive feeling of this season, your essay above reminded me of a trip we took one year.
ReplyDeleteThe kids were both still single back then.When Irwin had turned 60 we'd gone skiing, January in Vermont. Bizarre weather. Rain all day Saturday and a deep freeze on Sunday. I promised that we'd go to an island to celebrate my 60th and we did.
One early December we flew to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. We sailed, we sunned, we snorkeled, we drank fancy rum drinks and we observed the palm trees decked out in holiday lights. It is a really nice memory. Thanks for that.
A winter vacation in the Caribbean is wondrously therapeutic. My favorite was to Bonaire. Snorkeling in shallow water, hold the stinging urchins. Bliss.
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, I love The cover and the plot sounds such fun. As for trying to stay zen, I start my day reading my emails on grateful living and Advent. The season of quiet hope and introspection. I wait before decorating the house which as we live on the shore of a Maine lake, means I still have plenty of outside to enjoy inside. Books are my beach, cups of hot tea, and celebrating all the downtime I can garner. So happy beaching to all - Celia
ReplyDeleteCelia, that sounds lovely! I love your morning routine, and I bet your location is beautiful this time of year.
DeleteCongrats on the debut! I'm all about a book, a cup of tea, and a roaring fire.
ReplyDeleteLiz, that book-tea-fire combo is the coziest!
DeleteCongratulations on the debut! Waking up to 8 degrees here this morning, I need to be calm and warm. A tropical vacation would certainly do that or me. Since that's not possible I'll concentrate on the thought that the sun will soon make everything much better!
ReplyDelete8 degrees - gaaaaaa.
DeleteIt has since zoomed up to 20, with the sun shining!
DeleteJudi, I'm shivering reading your comment! I'm glad you're at a balmy 20 right now, but I'll wrap myself in an extra snuggly blanket on your behalf.
DeleteHappy Debut! Cultivating a sense of calm during the busiest time of year, I actually lean into productivity, and defying the word "LATER". If it's on my list, i try to do it as early as possible, because I know how quickly the "LATER" items pile up and some drop off to the land of "NEVER NEVER GONNA HAPPEN". So I just ride the busy-ness flow, and take small celebrations when a hole in my calendar pops up.
ReplyDeleteAnd in a world of complete indulgence, the other day, upon reflecting that working next to my Christmas Tree *is* absolutely lovely, I told my husband that next year, I plan to switch from solid white lights to blinky white lights. Apparently, my brain is craving the flickering as part of the relaxation. Who knew?
(HI KATHY!!) So interesting! I'm like that, too. I cannot sit still and enjoy the tea and the view or anything else unless I'm caught up and there aren't a pile of to-do's waiting to be done.
DeleteKathy, knocking things off the to-do list is a good gift to give oneself this time of year. (I'm a colored lights gal, myself, and I hope you like your switch to blinky lights!)
DeleteNo snow here (yet), but gray gray gray. To escape the blahs and the stress (baking? decorating? wrapping??!!), I strolled aboard a fabulously appointed dahabiyah and sailed the length of the Nile river. Fresh dates, palm trees galore, donkeys on shore, and wondrous archaeological sites for the viewing. Ah! So yeah, it was a documentary, but it was still transporting!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do appreciate a new cozy to take me away for a few hours--love the cover, Mina!
Flora, you had me at "dahabiyah"
DeleteFlora that dahabiyah float (sail?) sounds wonderful! Dates, palm trees...I'm in!
DeleteMINA: Congratulations on your debut! I was whining on Saturday that we were snowless in Ottawa (ON) in December and wished for snow. Well, we got 5 inches (12 cm) of snow the next day and more is forecasted to come on Thursday/Friday. It's a chilly 10F feeling like 0F right now.
ReplyDeleteDespite the long gray cold winters, I actually like reading Christmas books in December. But I do read books set in more balmy climates in January.
Warm weather getaway books! Not JAWS.
DeleteOof! Be careful what you wish for! I hope your snow is sparkly and fluffy, and that you are warm and cozy as you enjoy it!
DeleteHaving the holidays in the tropical climate is really disconcerting… It’s such a different experience! I have done it many times, and it’s so funny to see palm trees festooned with tinsel, or Santas jn wearing shorts. But you know what will really transport you, no matter where you are? Sunscreen! Put on a little bit of Coppertone, or Bain de Soleil, and whoosh, you are in a different place. Congratulations on the new book – – it really sounds like fun!! .
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! Tropical smells are transporting. The smell of freshly cut pineapple or cantaloupe or watermelon are transporting as well. Too bad no one's bottled the smell of freshly mown grass.
DeleteThanks, Hank! Oooh, I love the idea of adding sunscreen! That smell is summer in a bottle (literally). And we can all do with some extra SPF protection, no matter the time of year.
DeleteRetired with grown children, I don’t sweat the holidays as much as I used to do. I do like to read summer books during the long Minnesota winters and have also been known to read Christmas ones to escape the heat and humidity of summer! Your new book sounds like just the ticket for a getaway, Mina. And, Hank, thanks for that sunscreen idea!
ReplyDeleteBrenda, we sound like peas in a pod with our "off-season" reading! Stay cozy out there in MN!
DeleteMINA: Welcome to Jungle Reds! I would love to win a copy of your debut novel.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: As a college professor, do you have to deal with the "publish or perish" syndrome?
To answer your question, how do I stay calm during the busiest time of the year?
Great question. I do try to do this, though I do not always succeed. I try to Finish ALL of my Christmas shopping Before December. If it is necessary to venture out from my house, I shop for groceries during the least crowded times. I know it will get worse as it gets closer to Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. I like to stay ensconced at home with my books and Christmas decorations. Journaling for twenty minutes daily also helps. Getting enough sleep also helps.
Love Christmas, though I am Not a fan of the crowds.
Diana
Oh, Diana - I'm with you! Shop early and avoid crowds is high atop my to-do list.
DeleteDiana, great question! I teach at an independent college of art, so although I do have to publish as part of my professional practice, my requirements are different than if I taught at a research institution. So, happily, my books "count" in my academic profession.
DeleteAnd oh, to be done with shopping before December...I typically don't start til Thanksgiving...sigh.
Hi Mina, welcome. I love your attitude. In my family, we have downsized the gifting to stocking stuffers, so we aren't sweating the season nearly as much as we used to. I find moments of calm in nature--although in the sideways rain, that doesn't really help!
ReplyDeleteWe are actually heading to the beach today for 5 days, yay! The beach in Oregon in December isn't exactly tropical. However, when the frigid east wind blows through the Columbia River Gorge,
and Portland is frigid, it's usually very calm, almost balmy at the coast. We'll see!
I love Oregon beaches! The tide pools! The birds! (The wine bars...)
DeleteGillian, the beach in winter is so magical... such a serene vibe. I hope you don't have any sideways rain on your trip!
DeleteCalifornia beaches are the warmest place during the winter.
DeleteGrown children and no more than a few gifts for each of us means little stress. I love the first snows and their connection with the holiday season so I don't look for escape. A fire, tea, and a good book just add to the ambiance as so many others said.
ReplyDeleteBut ask me again in the middle of March when I can't remember what grass or flowers or leaves on the trees even look like.
Okay, JC, you got me...we had our first snowfall the other night (about an inch), and it was magical. But SHHHH! Don't tell anyone. I'm wishing for sand and sea today.
DeleteHi Mina,
ReplyDeleteI don’t really like snow, and I hate being cold.When the winter is stressing me out, I sometimes drive to the beach, which is five minutes away. Even though I need to stay in the car because of the cold, it’s comforting to sit there and look at the water. Reading about warm places makes me momentarily forget that I’m in southern CT. I wait until summer to read novels set in cold weather; I can handle it when I’m warm!
DebRo
Deb, we are peas in a pod! I love that you can take a quick jaunt to the beach even in winter. Being at the ocean is soothing, no matter what the time of year!
DeleteCongratulations Mina! I need warmth, sunshine and soft air. I am fortunate to live where the temps are easy and sunshine is abundant. I love the ocean and try to visit at least once a year. It is therapeutic. I drink tea and take hot baths.
ReplyDeleteOh, soak up some sun and warmth for me today, will you?
DeleteMina, congratulations on A PARADE AND A PERP. I love the holiday season, but I am frequently moaning and groaning about the cold and the dark and the snow up here in Maine. I've never thought about your beach getaway solution to the problem, but I'm going to give it a try! I'll start watching the new season of White Lotus instead of Christmas rom-coms, and maybe try a little rum and coconut instead of my hot chocolate!
ReplyDeleteJulia, I clink my tropical glass with yours. And White Lotus is on my list for this winter...
DeleteCongratulations on A Parade and A Perp! When winter arrives I prepare way in advance with plenty of tea, biscuits, and rarely venture out in the cold. Snow, ice and cold are what I avoid. I enjoy the odd walk when it is early in the day and the sun is shining. I dream of the beach and long for the ocean.
ReplyDeleteBeach lovers unite! We shall hibernate until we can get to the seashore....
DeleteCongrats on your release, Mina. You are speaking my language. My fave holidays are the ones I spend on vacation on a beach :)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Jenn! See you on the beach!
DeleteCongrats on the debut!
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the beach. Which is ironic since I spend so little time there and I live in Southern California. Still a ways from the beach proper, however. I've started spending more time at a nearby lake this year since I bought a paddle board.
Paddle boards are so fun! I have only tried it a few times, but really enjoyed it. Soak up some SoCal sun for me today, please. It gets dark here at 4:13pm today. *sobs*
DeleteIt gets dark around 5 here. And it was cold (at least by my standards). I need a tropical paradise, too.
DeleteIt helps to remember that the craziness of the holidays has a time limit. Try to go with it.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Libby. This too shall pass...
DeleteCongratulations, Mina, on your debut book! The colors of the cover are beautiful. It sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteI do find the sounds of the ocean and walking along a beach very soul soothing, but not a crowded beach. I want the solitude of the setting, too. However, as much as that can be a spiritual experience, I dream of snow, lots off white, fluffy magic. Especially this time of year, I want to be somewhere in a house with lots of windows where I can look out at the gorgeous snow covering everything and making a true winter wonderland. Of course, there will be a large fireplace with a crackling fire and a Christmas tree lit up with colored lights. Oh, wait, I smell cookies baking in the kitchen, too. And, as the daylight starts to fade, the carefully placed outside lights come on to highlight the magic. Since I won't be having company for a few more days, I cuddle up with a book and throw and spend the evening in my mountain paradise.
Kathy, your beautiful description could win me over!
DeleteTea is perfection. And I did quite love "Love Hard" on Netflix last year....
ReplyDeleteHi Mina, and congratulations on your book! It sounds like great fun. Here in a Texas December we're all about white Christmas fantasies, but by February I'll be dreaming of the beach and those pina coladas!
ReplyDeleteI'll trade you a Texas December for a Massachusetts July!
DeleteHey Mina! The beach is a wonderful destination at any time of year. I've switched locations from Houston to Virginia so may once again experience snow. I'm retired now, my long list of people to buy presents for has diminished due to their growing up, and life is much less harried in the holiday season. I can sit, pick up a book, a glass of wine or beer, and indulge.
ReplyDeleteI love your book and beverage ritual at the holidays! Although you may regret that snow.... ;)
DeleteCongratulations on your debut cozy. Looking forward to reading the book. To relax this time of year, I like to snuggle up in a blanket in a comfy chair by the window and a glass of iced tea and read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for signing up! I am a big iced tea fan--it's my drink of choice when I'm not drinking an adult beverage.
DeleteOoh! Just joined and love your blog! Your book looks so fun and I'd be grateful if I won! As for peace, I wrap myself in my heated blanket and lose myself in working on my manuscript. Eventually I start to wonder where all the time went!
ReplyDeleteA heated blanket is divine! I have a heated mattress pad, because I love warm sheets!
Delete