Lighting Up Time - A Short Story for the Winter Solstice

By Debbie Young

When Emma, a young English journalist, is required to babysit in a dark country house on the longest night of the year - the winter solstice, 21st December - she must confront both her fear of the dark and her unresolved grief for her much-loved late Great Aunt Sophie. Where will she find the courage she needs to avoid risking an even greater loss?

This single short story will brighten the darkest night and offer comfort and hope as the days grow longer.

EARLY REVIEWS FOR "LIGHTING UP TIME"

"A delightful story." - Petrea Burchard

"Lovely story that perfectly captures that big sister/little sister thing, and Aunt Sophie is a lovely gentle presence throughout - I especially like the way you use scent (perfume, flowers) to evoke her." - Lucienne Boyce

"You had me scared of the dark with you!" Melanie Spiller

"Lovely story and a great, feel-good ending ." - Christina Courtenay, romantic novelist

This story was originally published online for the winter solstice in 2013, as part of a blog hop. This book is a revised and enhanced edition.