Ani’s Advent Calendar 2018! Tennis balls, Amy M. Reade and Orly

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Sue Vincent

I have a bit of a thing for tennis balls. I know you might not have noticed, but it is true. She is pretty good at throwing them for me, and keeps me well supplied, but no matter how many balls I have in the toy box, there is only ever one ball in play.

This ball has been with me a while, in fact, I think I have had this one a couple of years now. ‘Course, it doesn’t bounce since I managed to chew a hole in it. But she kept threatening to put it through the washing machine… even though I groom it regularly! So the hole stops her from doing anything drastic like trying to clean it.

She’s given me lots of balls… and Santa brought me a whole tree full of them! That was really exciting! But I love my old ball the best. Some things just can’t be replaced… especially with things. It’s like her… I mean, I know I complain about her a lot, but… well, could I get another one to replace her? Prob’ly not. Apart from anything else, look how long it would take to train another two-legs!

Orly, who looks after Amy M. Reade, seems to feel just the same way…it really is simple when you think about it. All those long Christmas lists? No, Orly gets it right… there is only ever one gift we need…

Orly’s Christmas Haiku

 

Orly

*

Christmas is coming
My people think I need gifts.
Their love is enough.

~Orly Reade

*

Find and follow Orly’s two-legs

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Twitter@readeandwrite

2013-1548About the author

Amy M. Reade is a cook, chauffeur, household CEO, doctor, laundress, maid, psychiatrist, warden, seer, teacher, and pet whisperer. In other words, a wife, mother, and recovering attorney. But she also writes (how could she not write with that last name?) and is the author of The Malice Series (The House on Candlewick Lane, Highland Peril, and Murder in Thistlecross), three standalone books (Secrets of Hallstead House, The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, and House of the Hanging Jade), and a cozy mystery (The Worst Noel). She lives in southern New Jersey, but loves to travel. Her favorite places to visit are Scotland and Hawaii and when she can’t travel she loves to read books set in far-flung locations.

Books by Amy M. Reade

Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Kobo     iBooks    Google Play

And at your favorite independent bookstore

The Worst Noel (The Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery Series Book 1) by [Reade, Amy M.]

The Worst Noel

(The Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery Series Book 1)

Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love, and joy, but for Lilly Carlsen, this Christmas is murder.

As a single mom, small business owner, and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, the last thing she needs is to find a dead body on the floor of her jewelry shop on the busiest shopping day of the year. And as if that isn’t enough, Lilly has to deal with a deadbeat ex-husband, a mother with declining mental health, and two teenagers.

But when a second body turns up, Lilly finds herself squarely in the crosshairs of suspicion. Can she figure out who killed the victims before she becomes one herself? And will her family’s Christmas be merry…or scary?

Murder in Thistlecross, Book 3 of the Malice Series

Eilidh Cameron comes to Wales from the Scottish Highlands following a tragic and bitter divorce. As the house manager for a centuries-old castle in the village of Thistlecross, it’s her job to make sure the three sons of Annabel Baines are comfortable and entertained while they and their spouses visit Annabel. And as Annabel’s friend, it’s her fear that Annabel’s sons are hiding something. From the moment the first son arrives with his wife, it’s clear there are tensions in the family that will have to be resolved for the sake of peace in the castle. And when a shocking murder takes place, Eilidh feels it is her duty to remain at the castle to help Annabel through the painful aftermath. But Eilidh’s fierce devotion to Annabel may prove to be more dangerous than she could have imagined.

The House on Candlewick Lane amy-reade

It is every parent’s worst nightmare. Greer Dobbins’ daughter has been kidnapped—and spirited across the Atlantic to a hiding place in Scotland. Greer will do anything to find her, but the streets of Edinburgh hide a thousand secrets—including some she’d rather not face.

Art historian Dr. Greer Dobbins thought her ex-husband, Neill, had his gambling addiction under control. But in fact he was spiraling deeper and deeper into debt. When a group of shady lenders threatens to harm the divorced couple’s five-year-old daughter if he doesn’t pay up, a desperate Neill abducts the girl and flees to his native Scotland. Though the trail seems cold, Greer refuses to give up and embarks on a frantic search through the medieval alleys of Edinburgh—a city as beguiling as it is dangerous. But as the nightmare thickens with cryptic messages and a mysterious attack, Greer herself will become a target, along with everyone she holds dear.

Highland PerilHighland Peril (A Malice Novel) by [Reade, Amy M.]

Trading the urban pace of Edinburgh for a tiny village overlooking a breathtaking blue loch was a great move for budding photographer Sylvie Carmichael and her artist husband, Seamus—until a dangerous crime obscures the view . . .
 
Sylvie’s bucolic life along the heather-covered moors of the Highlands is a world away from the hectic energy of the city. But then a London buyer is killed after purchasing a long-lost Scottish masterpiece from Seamus’s gallery—and the painting vanishes. As suspicion clouds their new life, and their relationship, Sylvie’s search for answers plunges her into an unsolved mystery dating back to Cromwellian Scotland through World War I and beyond. And as she moves closer to the truth, Sylvie is targeted by a murderer who’s after a treasure within a treasure that could rewrite history . . . and her own future.

Secrets of Hallstead HouseSecrets of Hallstead House by [Reade, Amy M.]

“You are not wanted here. Go away from Hallstead Island or you will be very sorry you stayed.”

Macy Stoddard had hoped to ease the grief of losing her parents in a fiery car crash by accepting a job as a private nurse to the wealthy and widowed Alexandria Hallstead. But her first sight of Hallstead House is of a dark and forbidding home. She quickly finds its winding halls and shadowy rooms filled with secrets and suspicions. Alex seems happy to have Macy’s help, but others on the island, including Alex’s sinister servants and hostile relatives, are far less welcoming. Watching eyes, veiled threats. . .slowly, surely, the menacing spirit of Hallstead Island closes in around Macy. And she can only wonder if her story will become just one of the many secrets of Hallstead House. . .

Praise for Amy M. Reade’s Secrets of Hallstead House
 
“Danger, mystery, a brave but resilient heroine, and a hero at her side, coupled with a house that is almost a character in its own right: these classic gothic romances are all to be found in Amy Reade’s debut novel.”  —heroesandheartbreakers.com

The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor by [Reade, Amy M.]The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor

“Do you know what stories Sarah could tell you about the things that happened in these little cabins? They’d curl that pretty red hair of yours.”

Outside of Charleston, South Carolina, beyond hanging curtains of Spanish moss, at the end of a shaded tunnel of overarching oaks, stands the antebellum mansion of Peppernell Manor in all its faded grandeur. At the request of her friend Evie Peppernell, recently divorced Carleigh Warner and her young daughter Lucy have come to the plantation house to refurbish the interior. But the tall white columns and black shutters hide a dark history of slavery, violence, and greed. The ghost of a former slave is said to haunt the home, and Carleigh is told she disapproves of her restoration efforts. And beneath the polite hospitality of the Peppernell family lie simmering resentments and poisonous secrets that culminate in murder—and place Carleigh and her child in grave danger…

House of the Hanging JadeHouse of the Hanging Jade by [Reade, Amy M.]

A dark presence had invaded the Jorgensens’ house. On a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, something evil is watching and waiting . . .

An Invitation from the Small Dog

If you would like to help Ani make her advent calendar this year, send your letters to Santa, festive memories, short stories, flash fiction or poems to the Small Dog. She will post them every day through December until Christmas…and there are still spaces left!

She would especially like to hear from her four-legged or feathered friends (she has a special place very close to her heart for turkeys)… but she says that two-legs are better than none, so she will accept submissions from humans too (and even no-legs if there is the odd literary snake out there…). To get in touch, please use the form on the contact page or email Ani at findme@scvincent.com

About Sue Vincent

Sue Vincent was a Yorkshire born writer, esoteric teacher and a Director of The Silent Eye. She was immersed in the Mysteries all her life. Sue maintained a popular blog and is co-author of The Mystical Hexagram with Dr G.M.Vasey. Sue lived in Buckinghamshire, having been stranded there due to an accident with a blindfold, a pin and a map. She had a lasting love-affair with the landscape of Albion, the hidden country of the heart. Sue  passed into spirit at the end of March 2021.
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57 Responses to Ani’s Advent Calendar 2018! Tennis balls, Amy M. Reade and Orly

  1. Ritu says:
    December 4, 2018 at 06:31

    What a cute Haiku 😻

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  2. Auntysocial says:
    December 4, 2018 at 06:43

    Tennis ball tree!!!!! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. ksbeth says:
    December 4, 2018 at 08:50

    so sweet, and i love the tree –

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. The Story Reading Ape says:
    December 4, 2018 at 10:27

    Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
    Ani’s latest Advent Calendar Guest 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. robertawrites235681907 says:
    December 4, 2018 at 10:32

    A lovely haiku. I didn’t realise that Amy had so many books. Good to know.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Pingback: Ani’s Advent Calendar 2018! Tennis balls, Amy M. Reade and Orly — Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo – Auntysocial

  7. noelleg44 says:
    December 4, 2018 at 13:49

    Lovely haiku! Funny how you get attached to one really ugly ball, Ani. How long do you intend to keep that one? You’ve just loved it to death!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Victoria Zigler (@VictoriaZigler) says:
    December 4, 2018 at 14:36

    True! I still want the stuff too though. I’ll be happy even without it, but still…

    Lots of licks,
    Lilie

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  9. OIKOS™-Publishing says:
    December 4, 2018 at 14:39

    Fantastic Haiku, Sue! But Orly looks a little bit like Ani bleeched. 😉 Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  11. amreade says:
    December 4, 2018 at 17:12

    Thanks! I do my best writing right after my nighttime treat. ~Orly the Bouvier

    Like

    Reply
  12. Adele Marie says:
    December 4, 2018 at 17:46

    Orly is the wise dog. Much paw love, Dante Dawg. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  13. Darlene says:
    December 4, 2018 at 18:28

    Oh Orly, that is so nice! And Ani that old ball is like my old ratty Santa Claus mom brought back from Canada for me. I just can’t through it away even though it has no more stuffing and is as flat as a pancake. I still love it (and pancakes) Dot. bow wow

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  15. dgkaye says:
    December 5, 2018 at 01:01

    So adorable Ani! What a beautiful tree. Me thinks your 2 legses doth spoil you. Sorry, I had to laugh at that chewed up old ball in your mouth. Parting can be such sweet sorrow, lol.
    Sue, how on earth did you get those balls on your tree? Enquiring minds love to know. ❤ xx

    Like

    Reply
  16. D. Wallace Peach says:
    December 5, 2018 at 01:28

    The Christmas tree full of tennis balls cracked me up! I don’t know how Ani could resist. And beautiful haiku from Orly… spoken for all dogs. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  17. Widdershins says:
    December 5, 2018 at 03:30

    But chew-toys would be good too! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. samfiftysomething says:
    December 5, 2018 at 09:44

    Oh that beautiful face! My four legged funnies also have their broken, chewed and rather smelly favourite toys they prefer over the newer ones. Love the tennis ball tree!!

    Like

    Reply
  19. Auntysocial says:
    December 11, 2018 at 12:12

    We tried and failed with the tennis ball tree. Couldn’t balance them so stuck them with thread and super glue but dogs could smell the new felt on the balls and kept pawing the tree and managed to get a couple down. Twitched too much about them getting any off when they’re downstairs unsupervised and chewing / swallowing any of the glue so sadly the lot came off and went in the bin 😦

    Still looking festive though I’ll get a snap of festive dogs and share but it’s just minus the tennis balls. *Little bird tells me that Father Christmas is bringing Fleet a huge box of tennis balls on Christmas Eve so we’ll video him opening his presents and share later 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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