Release Day!

Today's the day that The Case of the Meddling Mama is released. Alex can't even go to a dress shop without being "accosted" by well-meaning friends, who try to drum up business for her. Here's a sample.

When two women entered the exclusive dress shop, Ellie left to greet them while her assistant chivvied me to put on the shoes. White socks, black strappy heels, and the gorgeous emerald green bridesmaid dress—I made such a fashion statement as I stood on the platform, call Vogue.

I so didn’t want to be there, especially when I recognized one of the women. I’d been the bearer of bad news to Nora Finley last week—her Mr. Perfect turned out to be a Black Widower. He and his cohorts had the perfect plan, a plan I thwarted just in time.

“Oh, you’re here,” Nora cried out when she spotted me and tugged on her companion’s wrist, practically dragging her over. “Ginnie, this is the PI that saved my life, Alex O’Hara!”

I cringed while heat bloomed in my cheeks.

Nora looked up at me. “I’ve been telling Ginnie here that she absolutely must hire you to check out her boyfriend—she met him on one of those online dating sites.”

Ginnie winced, like she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. I knew the feeling. Having so much attention made me cringe. Meanwhile, Ellie’s assistant told me to stand still while she crawled around sticking pins in the gown.

“Go on and talk to Alex, Ginnie,” Nora said. “I’m going to find you the perfect dress for your next date. Ellen has the best selection in Grand Rapids. Oh, forget that. In the entire state of Michigan. I always find something here.” She took off across the store.

Poor Ginnie—a deer captured in the headlights had nothing on her. With her blond hair and fair complexion, her embarrassment was even more apparent. I figured I’d better do something to break the awkwardness. With a smile, I leaned over, held out my hand. “Hi, I’m Alex O’Hara, reluctant dress shopper.”

“Ginnie Bakker, also a reluctant shopper.” She shook my hand and returned my smile. “I like your dress.”

I preened—didn’t get a chance to do that very often since elegant clothes were not my normal attire. In fact, I felt more comfortable in the jeans and T-shirt hanging on hooks in the dressing room. Give me a good pair of running shoes, and I’m happy.

“The gown is for Ellie’s wedding next month.” I twirled around and nearly ended up on my face. Pins scratched my ankles through my socks, and I almost wrenched my ankle—high heels and I never got along.

“Whoa, are you all right?” Ginnie put out a hand to steady me.

While I laughed, Ellie rushed up to us. “Is Klutzy Alex at it again?”

The Case of the Meddling Mama is available at:

Amazon: http://a.co/2hk7fYF

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-case-of-the-meddling-mama-an-alex-o-hara-novel

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-case-of-the-meddling-mama-diane-burton/1126242293?ean=2940157423414

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-case-of-the-meddling-mama-an-alex-ohara-novel/id1227684677?mt=11

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/718776

I hope you enjoy The Case of the Meddling Mama.