tales from the matthewsburg manse | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

When city girl Viv’s husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv’s new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring?

“This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life’s adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good.” – Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.

publisher: the matthewsburg manse

release date: october 26, 2023

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excerpt

As we pulled into the Front Street Mall, Mark said, “Do you have any cash on you? I gave the last of mine to Jillian Stephenson to reimburse her for the prizes.”

I jammed on the brakes. “You what?”

“Have I messed up your accounts? She said she needed the money for lunch.”

Someone behind me honked, and I eased into the nearest parking spot. “Something’s not right. She asked me for reimbursement this morning, too. Did she give you a receipt?”

“No. Said it was in the box with the prizes.”

“How much did you give her?”

“Thirty dollars. It’s all I had on me. You?”

“Twenty-five. Do you suppose she spent sixty? She told me they’d given her a deal, but that seems like a lot for prizes.” I stared uneasily through the windshield at the shoppers going in and out of the mall. Maybe the newest committee member wasn’t such a find after all.

“We’ll ask at the dollar store after lunch,” Mark said. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”

So was I, but it wasn’t one I liked. “Let’s do it before lunch.”

about the author

Kate Tompkins lives in Montreal’s West Island, where she shares a small house and a big backyard with her husband and the latest in a series of very spoiled cats. She writes short stories, poetry (yes, the non-literary, rhyming kind), and the occasional essay. When not hanging out with her church’s writing group or getting lost down an internet rabbit hole, she can be found trying out recipes from old cookbooks for her cooking blog, Kate’s Virtual Kitchen, or outside keeping the flowerbeds in order.

Connect with Kate by visiting katetompkinsbooks.ca to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

tour schedule

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