By its third year, the war had already produced tails of brothers and friends meeting on the field of battle wearing different uniforms. Often those encounters ended in tragedy, where one man would spend his hours with ghosts and nightmares, and the other in a cold shallow grave. This story concerns two longtime friends, both new to America from across the sea. Captain Riley Blue, a Confederate cavalry officer finds his boyhood friend washed ashore from a destroyed Union gunboat. The brief artillery battle which sunk Padrick Haggerty’s gunboat had cost Cpt. Blue his horse, his hearing, contact with his company, and for a while his senses. When the smoke and his mind had cleared, Riley knew he couldn’t be responsible for his friend sitting out the war in a hell hole prisoner of war camp. Riley Blue knew he could be shot as a deserter if he was captured by his own forces, and shot as a spy if captured by the Union forces. He also knew the nearest safe haven for his friend, Paddy, was hundreds of miles away.

    And he’s a deputy city marshal in Wichita. When a band of cutthroats torture and kill and elderly couple, Coppersmith turns in his badge and becomes a bounty hunter. Following Brady Rutledge and his gang, Coppersmith ends up in Blanca, Colorado. Wounded and framed for a murder he did not commit, he proves his innocence, and decides it’s time to pin on a star again — and end Rutledge’s murderous reign.

    Trying her hardest to ignore her husband’s affair with his secretary, and doing her best to do her son’s homework to the best of her (and Google’s) ability, combined with a job she hates and a deep routed fear that she may be a racist and just not know it, her life is a trial to navigate - particularly when her head is buried permanently in the sand to avoid having to confront anything. One morning during breakfast, Claire’s head comes hurtling out of the sand at warp speed after – what she refers to as ‘the jam tart incident’. It is the straw that broke the camel’s back. After the first outburst of her life, gone is the mild-mannered lady who would turn the other cheek and pretend everything was fine, and in her place, is a grumpy middle-aged woman -clad in Shaun-the-sheep slippers - unable to control her temper. A down to earth comedy - poking fun at our politically correct times, religion and our love of stereotypes. Possibly a book to avoid if you are of a religious disposition.

    The Standish family are poor but the eldest boy, Tommy, desires wealth and position and will do anything in pursuit of his dream regardless of the misery he causes anyone who dares to step in his way. His ambitions realised, a terrible secret from his past threatens his very existence. THE WIDOW MAKERS 1842-1860 Review the Welsh Books Council www.gwales.com Mead's novel is inspiring reading; a classic tale, full of all the ingredients which make the finest novels. My only criticism was that it ended too soon; I felt bereft! A sequel please. THE WIDOW MAKERS; STRIFE 1860-1874 Review Historical Novel Society The author is a wonderful storyteller who uses authentic well-written language. A page turner. The story stays with you after the book is finished. THE WIDOW MAKERS; STRIFE 1860-1874 Review Welsh Books Council www.gwales.com Jean Mead sweeps you along with her vivid descriptions of 19th century life. A compelling vivid account that leaves you finishing the last page with regret and hoping for more.

    The Hell Hath No Fury series focuses on murders committed by women while this new series tackles male murderers. The Other Side of Hell: Book One features 19 new true crime stories including more than 100 photos which appear at the end of each chapter. The book also includes a bonus chapter which is pulled from Hell Hath No Fury 7: Around the World.

    If he had been raised across town in one of Atlanta’s affluent areas, he would probably have been a doctor or lawyer…maybe even president.Instead, he grew up in one of Atlanta’s most depressed ghettos. Cam was a natural born leader, so it was no surprise that he rose to the top of the drug trade. He ran the notorious B.C.B.’s with an iron fist. As a result he was a millionaire by age 21.Join young Cam as he robs, steals and kills on his rise to the top. He grinds his way up the ladder…killing anyone who gets in his way.Part I of the Dope Boy series is sure to leave you wanting more.

    And complicated. Paisley Grant arrives in her hometown of Basalt Bay, Oregon, with three goals in mind—face her past, make amends, and learn how to breathe again. Three years ago, she left her husband a Dear John letter, then secretly drove to Chicago where she’s been living ever since. That wasn’t fair to Judah—or to her dad, whom she hasn’t spoken with in all this time. Facing them will be hard, but even more difficult will be seeing certain townspeople whose hurtful remarks made her run in the first place. Like her father-in-law, Mayor Grant. It will take every ounce of courage she possesses to look that man in the eye again. As determined as Paisley is to make amends, her plans don’t include getting back together with Judah. It’s time to move on—alone and independent. But when hurricane winds and destructive waves hit the coastal town, and she must face her greatest fear, will she cling to her plans and live with regret, or let them go to find love again?

    Old Jacob had started the family antique business when he was nine years old, going round the big houses and buying small items of bric-a-brac for pennies. Now Brogden's was famous for its beautiful furniture and pictures. But the most beautiful - and valuable - thing in Jacob's life was his granddaughter, Lois - for Lois reminded him of the daughter he had lost so tragically many years ago. When Lois fell in love with John Farrar, the whole family were dismayed, for between Jacob and the Farrars was a deep and abiding feud that could never be mended. Lois, conscious of the storm clouds of war gathering over her future, was determined that nothing and no-one should come between her and her beloved John. But as war broke out, as families were torn apart, Lois found her life changing irrevocably.

    She is all about money, and does not care a bit about them going back home to their wives. After the heartache that her ex-husband left her with, she vows to never fall for another man. That is until she meets, Cainan Wallace, better known as Cain, a handsome 28-year-old businessman. His hood demeanor has Zoe ‘judging a book by its cover’ and not wanting to get to know him. When she does, he steals her heart in a matter of time. Yet, Cain has secrets of his own and demons that he’s trying to fight off. We’ll see if he’s able to keep his secrets and Zoe apart. Or will he have to sacrifice his reputation, all for the love of Zoe. Linda is Zoe’s sister, and the type who wants everyone to believe she has the picture perfect marriage. Behind closed doors, there are secrets, infidelities, and lines that have been crossed in more ways than one. Let’s just see if love is enough to keep this family as one.

    He's looking forward to an easy job, and then settling down for a bit. At least that’s the way he had it figured. What he hadn’t considered was how plans could change in a heartbeat, bringing him closer to deaths door than he ever wanted to be. Excerpt from Book 5: The Storm It was late afternoon of the first day and they were still several miles inside the Kansas border, when Clay found a place to camp for the night, near a small lake that would provide enough water for the herd. They would have to camp out in the open, but the weather was decent enough so that it shouldn’t be a problem. By tomorrow noontime, they should reach the Panhandle of Oklahoma where water was scarce. Clay didn’t want to push the herd too hard. He wanted them in good shape because it would be at least two more days before they could reach the Cimarron River and cattle don’t travel well without water. He figured they would lose a little weight during the three-hundred-and-fifty-mile drive, but once they got to his land, it wouldn’t take them long to put the weight back on. The White River ran through his property with several small tributaries, and there was plenty of tall grass. The cattle weren’t used to walking all day and were more than ready to settle down for the night when the time came. No one knew how Mrs. McIntyre did it, but that evening for supper, they feasted on corned beef and cabbage with soda bread and large slabs of butter, and blackberry pie. She’d seen some blackberries growing wild and since the herd was moving slow, she’d stopped and picked enough for six pies. “Ya know, boss,” Riley, a tall young man from Texas, said, “if this is the way we’re gonna eat, I don’t reckon you’ll ever be wantin’ fer hands. Women or not, this is the best trail drive I’ve ever been on, and if my work suits ya, I’ll be stayin’ on when we get to yer ranch.” Riley was young, just seventeen, but he’d been around cattle drives most of his young life and he knew his business. Clay was lucky to have him. Young he might be, but Clay was guessing the young man would ride for the brand, should trouble arise. Clay looked out across the herd and watched as his men worked the cattle. There was a mixture of ages, which was good as far as he was concerned. The men new to this kind of work would learn from the more experienced riders. Colleen blushed and waved the end of her apron at him. “Ah, go on with ya now. You and yer silver tongue. Ah man works hard, he needs ah good meal, that’s all.” Bert took his slice of blackberry pie and backed away, saying, “Yes ma’am. Whatever you say, ma’am.” After the evening meal, Cindy brought out her guitar and sat on the tailgate of the wagon and to everyone’s surprise, began to strum a slow, song of home. Then she began to sing and as if by magic, the cattle settled down. Singing was what cowboys did while riding night herd to help keep the cattle calm, but none of them had a voice as soothing as Cindy McIntyre. Clay had just poured himself a cup of coffee and was enjoying Cindy’s singing, when a young man came riding up to the camp and got down. He took a double take when he saw the two women, then spied Clay and walked up to him. “Mister Brentwood?” Clay smiled. He was just a boy, no more than fourteen and dressed in town clothes. “Sorry son, but I got all the wranglers I need. The boy grinned. “I’m not a cowboy, sir. I’m Ben Masterson and I work for the railroad. I’m training to be a telegraph operator.”

    On the way, he stopped at a diner and witnessed a bus load of pilgrims crowding around a partially-eaten Moon Pie that looked “exactly like” John the Baptist. Recognizing divine commercial opportunity, Bobby purchased the Moon Pie and drove to the Congregation of Celestial Worship, where he bribed a sketchy priest to register it as an authentic religious artifact. Now Bobby charges True Believers to view his Moon Pie, and supplements his income by allowing medical students to poke and prod his naked body. His existence—such as it is—changes the morning he meets the mysterious Daisy Pepper, who looks “exactly like” Emma Roberts. PRELIMINARY REVIEWS: “Locke’s Daisy & Bobby made me laugh out loud a dozen times and held my interest throughout. Start it early in the day, or you’ll be up all night.” “If you like the Fargo TV shows you’ll love Daisy & Bobby. This is a funny, quirky novel with outrageous characters.” “You know those politically correct “Book Club” books that take 50 pages before anything happens? This is NOT like that! John Locke literally had me hooked after the very first sentence! (Who else in the world has the guts to start books like this?)”

    On this maiden voyage, Captain Borodin is at the helm. He is the only one aboard aware of the mission.Soon an engineer discovers a defect—seemingly minor, but one with disastrous potential. Despite his attempts to correct the problem, a fire erupts, contained at first, then rapidly spreads out of control, consuming the behemoth ship.A Mayday call alerts Sonny Wade some two hundred miles from the burning ship. This could be the lifeline that Sonny and his rag-tag crew need to save their failing salvage business. But Dan Sharp, Sonny’s nemesis and former employer—the owner of the largest salvage business in northern Alaska—also hears the call. A brutal race is on to claim the burning ship before it sinks or runs aground, contaminating the entire north Pacific Rim—and not only with oil.

    The novel was so successful that it had earned him a Pulitzer Prize back in 1961. The story of the novel revolves around historical background of American society in the middle of 20th century, prior to the African-American Civil Rights Movement, which was largely led by racism and the cruel regime of white people towards the colored minority. Main character of the novel is a woman nicknamed Scout and her family that, unlike many other white families from that time, raise their voices against the justice system which proclaims racism against African-American people. Read more....

    Who is he? Why is he defensive when Lucy questions him about his intentions?Every day a new suspect is highlighted for Angie’s murder, can Lucy uncover who the perpetrator is while battling her own internal demons?Book two - Death by Association coming soon.