Excerpt& Giveaway – Whistling Women and Crowing Hens by Melora Fern
Synopsis
It’s the 1920s, and Birdie Stauffer is whistling on a train-traveling roadshow. To escape her strait-laced overbearing sister, Birdie auditions for the all-female Versatile Quintet, Chautauqua circuit’s opening act. Through the roadshow she experiences a modern era of shocking flappers and smuggled whiskey, with the camaraderie of newfound friends. Her exceptional gift of concert whistling gains her national notoriety and she’s soon entangled in two romantic relationships. Birdie discovers even the best relationships can be filled with misunderstandings. She learns to trust her intuition, but it may cost her love interests, her sister, and maybe even herself.
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Excerpt
Red Bank, New Jersey
Birdie’s jitters returned as they pulled into the Red Bank Station. Grabbing her suitcase and trombone from the overhead rack she followed Helen off the train. Horses snorted and stomped their hooves as they waited in line for men to load their hitched wagons at the far edge of the platform. Hugo instructed the young college men unloading the huge poles, canvas tents, trunks and even an upright piano off the freight car as if directing a choir. A group of townsfolk watched and pointed at the commotion. With the sun bright above, Birdie squinted towards the banner that hung from one of the wagons announcing in bold maroon letters “Westdale Chautauqua This Week.” It gave her goosebumps.
A lanky young man stood just outside of the train station with a hand-held cart full of luggage, instrument cases, and a tall reddish blonde who sat on the edge. Birdie recognized her from auditions as the one Miss Rowley had scolded. Helen walked right up to them.
“Hello, Florence, and you must be Mr. Zimmerman.” She shook his hand. “I’m Helen Wilcox and this is our fifth member, Bertha Stauffer.”
Miss Rowley, holding her familiar scowl and another woman whose blonde hair poked out from under a pink cloche walked closer.
“I’m honored to be here.” Birdie nodded to each. “And please call me Birdie.” Sweat tickled down her back. She tried not to fidget in front of these professionals; it felt as if she could hear Lydia whispering, “First impressions last.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Stauffer and Miss Wilcox.” Mr. Zimmerman removed his newsboy cap, tucked it under his arm and offered each a brief handshake. “I’m assistant circuit manager. It’s my job to manage the first day talent.” He shifted from one foot to the other as if he was embarrassed to be surrounded by all these pretty young women.
“I’m Flo.” Florence rose from the cart into a sweeping bow. Her height matched Mr. Zimmerman’s. “I for one am glad we’re a quintet. It makes us that much more versatile.”
Birdie couldn’t tell if Flo’s comment was a compliment or joke. She tried to show little reaction.
“Where’re you from?”
“West Chester,” Birdie answered.
“New York?” Flo twirled around the cart. “I’m a hoofer from Brooklyn, myself.”
“Oh, no, West Chester, Pennsylvania.” Birdie took a step back.
“Hello, I’m Mary,” the petite blonde said as she gave a little curtsey. She glanced at Mr. Zimmerman from under her eyelashes. “I hail from Sewickley, northwest of Pittsburgh, so we’re fellow Pennsyltuckians.”
Birdie shrugged giving Mary an unconvincing nod. She’d have to ask Helen what Mary meant later.
“Adelle.” Miss Rowley folded her arms across her chest.
“Now that we’re all chums, lead us to our swanky hotel, Mr. Assistant CM.” Flo stepped off the curb.
“No official titles for me, I go by Teddy.” He reached for Birdie’s trombone case, put it in the cart then pushed the heavy cart forward as if it were a baby buggy.
The girls looked nothing like the seasoned performers a professional quintet would suggest as they followed Teddy. Helen called out the street sign names read from directions she had in her hand. Mary kept her head down, dodging puddles to protect her shiny black patent T-strap heels. Adelle kept looking back as if she needed to avoid someone and Flo darted between each of them making comments and snorting with laughter. Birdie brought up the rear, watching the spectacle of the Versatile Quintet’s arrival with apprehension.
About the Author
Growing up as the perpetual “new kid,” Melora Fern persevered by making up stories. As a recovering CPA, she now counts seashells, colorful stones, or words discovered on her walks. She loves a good local gin, hiking, feeding songbirds, moonrises, and joyfully sharing bites of your dinner. Her tonic is a daily belly laugh combined with mindfulness. Embracing new and old friends, undiscovered and favorite places, unique and familiar books, family, and all that comes with writing currently fills her days. After eight years of perfecting her craft with writing classes, workshops, retreats, and an awe-inspiring critique group, Melora’s months of querying agents and small presses has paid off. Her novel, “Whistling Women and Crowing Hens” (Sybilline Press) is out now.
