Yuletide Peril

Yuletide Peril
Irene Brand

When Janice Reid and her younger sister, Brooke, moved into their ancestral home, threatening letters and ominous phone calls made it obvious they were not welcome in Stanton, West Virginia. But Janice had always dreamed of providing a stable, safe home for Brooke, and she was determined to stay, no matter who wanted them out.For the first time, Lance Gordon, Brooke's principal, was worried about someone outside his small world–a beautiful woman and her little sister. He was afraid the "pranks" would escalate–and Janice would get hurt. Lance was determined to discover the source of the trouble, no matter what the cost.

“Do you know what caused your uncle’s death, Janice?”

Lance’s voice seemed troubled, and she glanced quickly toward him. “No.”

Taking a deep breath, Lance said, “He committed suicide at Mountjoy. There was some talk that he was murdered, but it looked more like suicide. The police department searched around a while, but they couldn’t prove anything.”

Janice’s optimism about her inheritance crashed. “My dad didn’t talk much about his family, but I’ve heard him say that someone in each generation of Reids died a tragic death.”

“Yes, that story goes around.” He hesitated, but Janice had to be warned. “It isn’t just any Reid, but the owner of this house.”

Her eyes widened. “If that’s the case, then I might be the next victim.”

IRENE BRAND

Writing has been a lifelong interest of this author, who says that she started her first novel when she was eleven years old and hasn’t finished it yet. However, since 1984 she’s published thirty-two contemporary and historical novels and three nonfiction titles. She started writing professionally in 1977 after she completed her master’s degree in history at Marshall University. Irene taught in secondary public schools for twenty-three years, but retired in 1989 to devote herself to writing.

Consistent involvement in the activities of her local church has been a source of inspiration for Irene’s work. Traveling with her husband, Rod, to all fifty states, and to thirty-two foreign countries has also inspired her writing. Irene is grateful to the many readers who have written to say that her inspiring stories and compelling portrayals of characters with strong faith have made a positive impression on their lives. You can write to her at P.O. Box 2770, Southside, WV 25187 or visit her Web site at www.irenebrand.com.

Yuletide Peril

Irene Brand

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

—II Timothy 1:7

Thanks to Lieutenant Carl Peterson, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, for providing information about meth labs and other illegal drugs.

Dear Reader,

Thanks very much for reading this book, and I pray that it has been a blessing to you.

Since I’m a “from-scratch” type of cook, I wanted to share one of the recipes I mentioned in the book.

PORK CHOPS AND RICE

5–6 boneless pork chops

3 cups boiling water

4 bouillon cubes

1 cup rice

½ cup chopped celery

¼ cup chopped onions

¼ tsp pepper

Brown chops and remove from pan. Add water and bouillon cubes to pan and stir until dissolved. Add rice, celery, onions and pepper and stir. Put chops on top and bake at 300°F for 1½ hours.

When you prepare this recipe for your family, I hope you think of me and pray for my writing ministry.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen