Can a simple crocheted snowflake contain magic? The Sullivan sisters think so
On Christmas Eve, 1958, Great Aunt Maude gives a unique snowflake ornament to each of them: Allegra—thirteen, Sonata—twelve, 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. As they confide their revelations to each other and their dying mother, they discover the secret they all share. Every narrative is unique and told in a different voice by four authors: Allegra by Lorna Collins; Sonata by Christie Shary; Melody by Luanna Rugh and Carole by Sherry Derr-Wille. Yet all their stories are woven together into the tapestry of Snowflake Secrets, an inspirational tale of family, love and finding that special joy that makes life worth living. A 2009 EPPIE AWARD FINALIST -Best Single Title Story "Sonata's Story" by Christie Shary
Excerpt
Prologue
Christmas Eve 1958
Aspen Grove, Colorado
Tinsel shimmered on the fragrant pine tree; colored lights were reflected and mirrored in the metallic strands. Every time a door opened, the silver streamers sparkled and danced. In addition to the brightly-colored bulbs on the string, two special ones stood out: the first in the shape of Santa Claus and the second looked like the tree on which it was displayed. Multicolored glass balls, plastic icicles and more than a few precious ornaments handmade by the children had been carefully placed on the branches. All was in readiness.
Allegra, in her new green velvet dress, wearing nylon hose and small heels, felt very sophisticated as she waited for everyone to arrive. Mother and Dad had finally relented, for this special occasion only, and allowed her to put a dab of Tangee Natural on her lips. Even though she would not celebrate her birthday until March, they had made this one exception to the rule of “no makeup until the age of fourteen.”
With her usual attention to detail, she examined the tree from all angles for at least the twelfth time that day.
“Perfect,” she declared as she stepped back.
“What’s perfect?” asked her youngest sister, Carole. Mother had spent several hours ironing Carole’s dress and curling her hair, but within five minutes, the tomboy of the family had managed to wrinkle her plaid taffeta skirt, get dirt smudges on the white lace top, scuff her black Mary Janes and destroy her carefully-arranged hairstyle. The curls were loose, and one green satin bow was untied.
“The tree is perfect,” Allegra replied. “In fact, the whole house looks special.”
“What about my birthday presents?” demanded Carole. Because she was born on Christmas Eve, her parents’ preference for naming their children with musical references bowed to the songs of the season.
“Now, in all your eight years, have we ever failed to celebrate your birthday?” her big sister asked.
“Not yet, but it could happen.”
“Well, not this year.” Allegra replied. “You’d better get back upstairs and ask Sonata to fix your ribbons before Mama sees you.”
“Okay.” Carole scampered noisily to the second floor. She nearly ran into nine-year-old Melody.
“Watch where you’re going,” Melody scolded as she smoothed her sapphire blue velvet skirt over the crinkly crinoline.
“You watch out. It’s my birthday,” was the reply.
Melody shook her head. When aggravated, her redheaded temperament sometimes erupted. But this was Christmas Eve, and even her little sister’s bossiness wasn’t enough to set her off. She entered the living room and stopped abruptly. “Wow! This is so pretty,” she said as she took in the room, which looked like a Christmas card. “I can almost see fairies dancing on the branches and the star on top really glows, just like the Star of Bethlehem.”
“You and your imagination.” Allegra chuckled. Melody could see a good story in nearly every event, even the smallest.
“Dinner smells yummy,” Melody observed as she dashed off toward the kitchen.
The bell rang, and Allegra opened the door to reveal Uncle George and Aunt Sue. Behind them stood the twelve-year-old twins, Roger and Richard.
“It’s cold out here,” said Roger. (Or was it Richard?)
“Yeah, let us in,” added Richard. (Roger?)
They couldn’t push by their parents because Uncle George was laden with colorfully wrapped boxes while Aunt Sue held her famous scalloped potatoes in front of her with fancy Christmas potholders.
“I’ll just take this into the kitchen,” Aunt Sue offered.
As soon as Uncle George cleared the doorway, the boys rushed through the breach.
“Wow,” said one twin.
“This is cool,” added the other.
Their eyes lit on the electric train circling the base of the tree. In just a second, the locomotive was moving around the track much too fast. The train was Daddy’s toy and he was usually the only one allowed to operate it.
“What are you doing?” demanded Sonata as she descended the stairs and spotted the boys. She was the most serious of the four girls, and seemed mature for her age. Her dark brown hair was styled in a smooth pageboy and tied with a red velvet ribbon which matched her dress. Although she was less than a year younger than Allegra, she was not allowed the same privileges as her big sister. It would be another year or more before she’d be allowed to wear nylons, or heels or a bit of color on her lips.
Uncle George set his load in the corner with the rest of the brightly-colored gifts. “Okay, boys, turn that off until your Uncle Jack gets here,” he ordered as he removed his overcoat. Sonata took it from him and hung it on the hall tree.
“Gee whiz, what are we supposed to do?” asked twin one.
“Yeah,” agreed twin two.
“We’ll be having dinner soon. Then we’ll come back in and open presents. So why don’t the two of you wash up?”
“Aw,” and, “Darn,” the boys said together, but followed instructions.
“Think I’ll see if Jack needs help carving,” Uncle George suggested. He was famous for stealing bites before dinner.
The bell rang again, this time disclosing Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan.
“Well, hello. And who are you, young woman?” asked Grandpa.
Allegra blushed. “Oh, Grandpa.”
“Well, you do look mighty grown up—and very beautiful,” said Grandma, taking a good look.
Allegra’s cheeks grew redder.
Professional Reviews
Seasoned Romance
This is an anthology of four sweet romances with a central theme: a hand-made snowflake ornament given to each of the four sisters by a favorite aunt. The snowflake reminds them to be what they want to be, not what others want. Each story is interesting and context is given by opening and closing remarks by a narrator. One of the stories reads more like a travelogue and memoir than fiction, but the others are delightful stories, almost inspirational in content. The women are older, as in most of the Aspen Grove anthologies, but the HEA is that even older women can find romance and love. Fans of seasoned romance will love this.
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