A Bit of a Pickle

The Simmons #2

by Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue

When Edna Simmons receives surprising results from a DNA test, her quiet life is upended. The test reveals she has a half-brother she never knew existed. Curious and nervous, Edna and her wife Gertie set off on a journey to find this missing branch of her family tree.
Their search leads them to Fredrick Tillison, a charming man who may hold the answers Edna has been craving. But as she gets to know Fredrick, she begins to suspect that something isn't quite right. The connection feels real—but so do the secrets he's keeping.
As Edna digs deeper, she's forced to confront family truths, hidden histories, and the meaning of identity. Along the way, she and Gertie find themselves on another unforgettable road trip—full of emotion, unexpected twists, and their signature humor.
A Bit of a Pickle is a heartwarming LGBTQ+ journey of self-discovery, family secrets, and later-in-life revelations. Perfect for fans of gentle mysteries, senior protagonists, and emotional fiction with a humorous edge, this story explores how the past shapes the present—and how love and truth always find a way to shine through.

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue is a Midwest-based author known for her captivating lesbian romance novels, compelling mysteries, and heart-pounding thrillers. With a talent for weaving emotion, suspense, and authenticity into every story, Nicole has built a loyal readership drawn to her richly developed characters and relatable themes. Her work reflects a deep understanding of human connection, identity, and resilience, often exploring the complexities of relationships in high-stakes settings.

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Business Management with a focus on marketing, a background that not only informs her strategic approach to publishing but also brings a thoughtful precision to her storytelling. She began writing at a young age, inspired by a book she found in her local library written by a fellow eight-year-old. That early moment of discovery sparked a lifelong passion that has guided her creative journey ever since.

When she’s not writing, Nicole enjoys cooking new recipes, exploring new places through travel, and spending quality time with her family. Her stories are rooted in experience and imagination, making her voice both grounded and uniquely engaging. Whether penning a slow-burning romance or a thrilling mystery, Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue invites readers into worlds where love and intrigue go hand in hand.

Reviews

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Nicole Higginbothan-Hogue; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Edna really did some hilarious things to keep someone from taking advantage of her. Loved the bathroom ploy! Her and Gertie are the best couple. So much fun and trouble to get into. Their friends are a great supporting group of people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.