Prolific mystery/thriller author Heather Graham, offers you a fresh, seasonal diversion in Home In Time For Christmas (Mira, 2009). At 10:00 am, December 22, 1776, Jake Mallory, an American Revolution soldier convicted of treason; stood on the gallows in New York City, to be hanged. Jake accepted his fate, as British Major Hempsted condemned him. Jake's beautiful, young, adoptive sister, Serena; stormed the platform to chastise the Major for his actions. Jake was awestruck. Serena should have been in their hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Now, he feared for her life. During the commotion, Major Hempsted ordered the trap door be released. Jake felt the noose tighten, as he fell into a black hole. He last remembers a beautiful, snow-white day, and blood red rose petals falling from the sky...Graham whisks you to contemporary Christmas week in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Melody Tarleton is driving home from holiday shopping, reflecting on the season; when she hits black ice
. She loses control of the car and strikes a man, throwing him into the snowy landscape. That individual is Jake Mallory; still dressed in his eighteenth century military garb. Melody effusively apologizes; certain that she's caused injury. Jake assures her that he's ok. As Jake recounts his last moments on the gallows, Melody believes he's either suffered brain trauma, or is crazy. Compassion leads Melody to invite Jake home. She suggests the collaborative story that he attends Boston College and is a tour guide, to explain his appearance. Jake agrees.Melody and Jake arrive home. To his astonishment, it was his same residence centuries ago. Jake meets Melody's parents. Her mother is Mona, who Graham describes as " a strange combination of old-fashioned lady of the house with a bit of the wild child thrown in." She also believes her ancestors were pagan healers or Wiccans. Melody's father, George, is a former professor at Worcester Poly-Tech; and is fascinated with frequenci
es and waves. He's always tweaking old inventions, and mastering new ones. Melody's brother, Keith, confides skepticism in her story regarding her friend; and she reveals Jake's "tale." He's more open to believe than Melody. Mona is intrigued by Jake's surname. She retrieves an old diary the Tarletons inherited when they bought the house. Its author, Serena Mallory; details her brother's hanging in 1776; except, the story has no ending. Jake trembles as he reads the entry.Melody and Keith take Jake clubbing in Boston proper to modernize him. Jake recognizes Colonial era buildings, and appreciates Faneuil Hall's endurance. While socializing, Jake is invited to showcase his fiddle-playing talents. He's requested to play at the upcoming Wiccan Christmas Ball, which he accepts. Soon, Jake captivates Melody with his gentlemanly demeanor, handsome features, and dapper appearance. She too enthralls him. Ultimately Jake seeks to return to Serena who was loyal to him that fateful day
in 1776. Keith reminds his sister, "Melody, I told you before- you can't keep him you know. He really isn't a stray."Jake's authentic, hand-sewn war uniform, and Serena's diary entries lead Mona and George to reevaluate Jake. He confirms their beliefs; while Melody now thinks they're all lunatics. "Honestly daughter, where's the magic in you?" Mona asks Melody. Mona's Wiccan interests and Jake's band performance prioritize attending the Wiccan Christmas Ball. The Tarletons, adorned in black attire; arrive at the event occurring at a Gloucester castle. Jake plays violin with the band. Partygoers drink mead, and connect with mediums present, reading tealeaves and crystal balls. Mona's Wiccan friends are enamored with Jake. They're aware of the local American Revolution War hero stories associated with his name. Enter, Mark Hathaway, Melody's boyfriend who arrives in town one day early. Melody, entwined in the week's events, never mentioned his name to Jake, presaging an awkwa
rd meeting. Melody confesses her feelings of friendship, not love, for Mark. He's too old-fashioned, believing that women should be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. She informs Jake that she'll never marry Mark. While there, partygoers can't help but note the physical resemblance between Jake and Mark.Melody awakens sunrise, Christmas Eve to an empty house. Alarmed, she finds her parents, Keith, and Jake out in the backyard. Jake is standing front and center of the old well. George eagerly controls two wave machines emitting magnetic fields, on each side of the structure. Mona has prepared a magical potion she re-created from Serena's diary. Melody demands an explanation for the ludicrous scene. Jake sadly states he must return to Serena to validate her loyalty. Mark appears, ready to drink the potion to send him back to the simpler era. He and Jake scuffle over the cup. Magical journeys back to 1776 ensue for Mark, Melody, and Jake, where they meet Serena. Sunrise Ch
ristmas Eve to sunset Christmas Day is the exclusive period to resolve their holiday happenings.Escape this turbulent period and read Home In Time For Christmas this season. At 330 pages, its 7 in. x 5 in. size is a shorter book. Through her heartwarming story, Graham reinforces the true meaning of Christmas-family, friends, and love; and provides some holiday magic. Visit the author at .
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