Arabella Henderson, a little girl living in Victorian London, often spends time playing with her many imaginary friends, including Sleepytime Sam, a ghost who lulls young children to sleep by playing magical piano music, Jumping Jack, a sprite who jumps around instead of walking, and the Bloom sisters, two flowers the size of humans with women's faces. Ten years later, when Arabella is 16, she returns to her old book where she used to write all those stories about her and her friends, wondering whether they still remember her name and all their wonderful adventures. Unfortunately for her, the truth turns out to be less than pleasant...
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.