Showing results by narrator "Jean Ruda-Habrukowich" in All Categories

San Juan Capistrano has a rich and wonderful history, much of which is yet to be discovered. But this is not a history, it is a book about folklore and is, in fact, a collection of stories which have been told in San Juan Capistrano over the past century. Contents: "A Haunting We Will Go, " "In Good Spirits," "All That Glitters," and, "Historical Tale-Twisting."

The Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility is a home for senior citizens - not newborn babies. So when one of the kitchen workers asks 90-year-old resident Essie Cobb to secretly care for his missing coworker's infant, she is flabbergasted but determined. Along with her intrepid friends - Marjorie, Opal, and Fay - amateur sleuth Essie sets out to hide and protect the baby - and find his missing mother.

When Beauty Box beautician Tammy Smith is discovered with a pair of hair shears in her back, there are suspects and secrets aplenty in her small Southern town. Octogenarian Myrtle Clover, bored by bingo and bridge, is intrigued by the crime...and her neighbors' secrets. But discovering, and blabbing, secrets got Tammy killed and Myrtle soon learns her sleuthing isn't just dangerous...it's deadly.

Caroline Hampton is an unmarried, independent woman, able to come and go as she pleases. Working as the manager of the Brody Hotel has suited her, giving her both a home and a career. But lately, she has begun to feel restless, wondering what else might be out there for her. Since the death of his wife, Wallace Dupree has spent his time alone, working as a train conductor and reading poetry.

It’s Halloween and time for the goblins to come out. But for Essie Cobb, senior sleuth, and her pals at the Happy Haven assisted living facility, there’s nothing quite so spooky as a good mystery. Maybe it’s the strange new resident who resembles Mark Twain. Why does he collect a box, surreptitiously, each day from a stranger behind the kitchen entrance? Or, maybe, it’s Felix Federico, Happy Haven’s new manager. Where did this Italian heart throb of all the female residents develop his charming ways?

Senior sleuth Essie Cobb and her three gal pals Opal, Marjorie, and Fay take a cross-country train trip. Surely four little old ladies from the Happy Haven Retirement Home couldn't cause any trouble on a quiet journey across the country by rail...or could they? True to form, Essie and her friends manage to get into all sorts of trouble as they attempt to help fellow passengers in need.

Alysha Forrest is looking forward to her assignment as the Songlance's newest lieutenant, particularly when it gets her placed as the liaison to the ship's water environment crewmembers. Interfacing with the mermaid-like Naysha and the alien Platies who serve as the ship's navigators is an exhilarating experience, and all the other officers on the crew are eager to welcome her into the fold...all of them, except one. The disaster at the leadership retreat is nothing to the one they have to handle now. If they can...

Essie Cobb hates the pandemic. She misses her friends Opal, Margery, and Fay. But now she’s restricted to her room, and she can’t go anywhere or do anything. Or can she? Essie is not one to take adversity lying down - or rather, shuffling along behind her walker. She decides to try her hand at Zooming - that is, chatting online with her friends and acquaintances. Little does she know that this adventure is just beginning, and before long, Essie and her pals will be solving a crime that the police haven’t been able to solve for years!

Fireworks are supposed to light up the night sky on the Fourth of July. They’re not supposed to come flying into the front lawn of the Happy Haven Retirement Home and strike one of the residents in his keister. But that’s just what happens to gallant Lester Mills, new resident, and charming gentleman, who has risen to offer his seat to fellow resident and amateur sleuth Essie Cobb, when the rocket’s red glare smashes into both of them.

If you find yourself worried about all of the junk that is tainting the American food supply, then you might want to consider starting your own garden. Yet, if you use tap water and fertilizers you buy from the store to tend to that garden, you just might be tainting the produce you are growing. One of the best ways to have a garden and avoid these problems is to garden off the grid.

When Essie finds an over-the-top, flowery valentine from an unknown individual in her mailbox, she goes into detective mode. Who could this person be? Why would they send her such a card? Essie is determined to find out, even if she has to ask for help from her three friends - Opal, Marjorie, and Fay. When Essie’s snooping takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself thrust into the middle of a police investigation. Will Essie help the police solve this Valentine’s Day mystery, or will she strike out on her own against an unknown foe who has anything but romance in mind?

When unemployed computer programmer Nan Burton inherits a California beach cottage from her great-great-aunt, she's delighted. But she's in for a huge surprise: The house is haunted by the ghost of famous romance writer Max Murdoch (pen name Maxine DuBois), who insists Nan complete his last novel, threatening to keep her from sleeping until she agrees. The ensuing clash pits youth against the long-dead but still egotistical author with humorous and moving results.

Two strangers find a near-drowned puppy buried in seaweed on the beach. They rescue him together and name him Sandy. Amber Winslow wants to keep him, however pets are not allowed in her apartment. Wyatt Andrews has a home with a kennel, but his hours are not conducive to meeting the injured pup's schedule requirements for recovery.

Four women in Aspen Grove, Colorado will discover the extra blessing this old tradition brings when a silver sixpence appears to change each of their lives. Find out how each of them finds this special good luck promise of love.

On Christmas Eve, 1958, Great Aunt Maude gives a unique snowflake ornament to each of them: Allegra - 13, Sonata - 12, Melody - nine, and Carole - eight. Years later, they learn she might have crocheted a little something extra - a bit of magic and wisdom - into their gifts. In Snowflake Secrets, each sister, now grown, uncovers the magic of her unique ornament.

A delightful collection of Christmas tales that will get you in the Christmas spirit. So grab a cup of cocoa, curl up by the fire and enjoy a few moments alone before the Christmas rush!

This rapidly aging bird flew the coop - via TWA! I left my tear-soaked, empty nest in the California dust, and joyously migrated to Paris, France! I took to the air with two bulging K-Mart wide-belly suitcases; one seriously emaciated bank account; an excess of self-confidence; and last, but not least, my little "hotdog" and main squeeze...Sport Dachshund!

How can two people meet when they are both stuck at home? How can romance bloom when folks are separated? Love always finds a way, but it isn't always easy.

Finding love is an art, and these artists (and aspiring artists) discover that love, like art, requires more than talent! Includes The Chapel of Love by Cheryl Gardarian, A Shot at Love by Lorna Collins, Lady Jayne's Crochet by Sherry Derr-Wille, and An Affair of the Art by Luanna Rugh.

Cory never expected to run Baker's Secret Hideaway, but when she needs help, Dex Trenton enters her life in more ways than one. Chris Day isn't looking forward to Christmas. But injured skier Raven Chase lands in Red Rock Clinic on Christmas Eve, and her holiday plans change. All Noelle McGregor wants is real mistletoe for her first Christmas without family, but getting it leads to literally falling for Matt Spicer. Sonata Sullivan returns home where she encounters her widowed high school boyfriend, Tommy Henderson. But her heart belongs to Jamali in Morocco.