Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature awards.RACING FROM EVIL What happens to orphaned Nikki Latrelle after she flees from her pedophile stepfather through the streets of Baltimore and climbs the razor-wire fence into Pimlico Racetrack? Nikki’s drawn to horses, knows how to ride, and dreams of being a jockey. But how can a runaway with no ID, no family, and no income survive?“Could Sasscer Hill be the Dick Francis of her generation? Count me among those who would vote yes.” Margaret Maron, New York Times Best Selling Author and Winner of Edgar Best Novel, Edgar Grand Master, Agatha, Anthony & Macavity Awards

     Carianne Barlow never expected to leave her Philadelphia townhouse and travel to the wild-west, but when she inherits a fortune, conditions are attached. She must carry out her grandmother’s vision of a western culture center anchored by a library to rival those of the east. Such an undertaking requires political support, and no one is more influential than Rhyan Cason, a handsome rancher with the reputation of hardened businessman and rabble rousing lobbyist with a preference for the ladies. Carianne gets on the westbound train with no thought of the treacherous world awaiting her in the little prairie town near Rhyan’s sprawling ranch. When Rhyan asks her to catalog his library, Carianne jumps at the chance without considering the ramifications. She rejects any romantic notions. Rhyan is known to be a heart-breaker, and he is an atheist, which doesn’t set well with her Christian beliefs. But they are thrown together when events take a dangerous turn, and menacing undercurrents run through the town. Then Carianne learns too late Rhyan is pursued by a sinister enemy determined to destroy everything he cares for, including her. As they get closer to exposing the adversary, they realize he—or she—wants them both dead.

     After a year of preparation Riley is ready to take the stand on behalf of Abigail Michaelson. The trial unwinds as witness after witness gets up to build the prosecution’s case in their attempt to put away the young man accused of raping Abigail – Jonathan Campbell, Riley’s brother. Not only will Riley face the demands of the trial, but she will face the fear of losing her family as she stands up to testify against her own flesh and blood.

    Claire feels her life is smeared with the stain of tragedy. She takes a short-term gig as a private investigator—a cold case that’s eluded detectives for ten years. The mass murder of a wealthy family seems impossible to solve, but Gabby brings more clues to light. Add to the mix a flirtatious client, travels to an exciting new city, and some quirky—albeit temporary—new sidekicks, and things get complicated. With every new development, Gabby prays that her “mucky streak” will end and the future will become clear. Yet every answer she uncovers leads her closer to danger—both for her life and for her heart. Foul Play (Book 8) Gabby St. Claire is crying “foul play” in every sense of the phrase. When the crime-scene cleaner agrees to go undercover at a local community theater, she discovers more than backstage bickering, atrocious acting, and rotten writing. The female lead is dead, and an old classmate who’s staked everything on the musical production’s success is about to go under. In her dual role of investigator and star of the show, Gabby finds the stakes rising faster than the opening-night curtain. She must face her past and make monumental decisions, not just about the play but also concerning her future relationships and career. Will Gabby find the killer before the curtain goes down—not only on the play, but also on life as she knows it? Broom and Gloom (Book 9) Gabby St. Claire is determined to get back in the saddle again. While in Oklahoma for a forensic conference, she meets her soon-to-be stepbrother, Trace Ryan, an up-and-coming country singer. A woman he was dating has disappeared, and he suspects a crazy fan may be behind it. Gabby agrees to investigate, as she tries to juggle her conference, navigate being alone in a new place, and locate a woman who may not want to be found. She discovers that sometimes taking life by the horns means staring danger in the face, no matter the consequences.

    All she knew was that he’d hit on her a couple of times in the gym, and she’d rebuffed him each time. Her only thought was God, do they all subscribe to the same gym introduction newsletter? Never had a woman made Rivers feel like such an idiot, but giving up on her now was not possible. The challenge was just too great.

    Jack and his family find sanctuary in their cabin in a small, remote town, hidden deep in the forest. Little does Jack know the Blizzard will be the least of his problems.Anchorage EMPAnchorage, the largest city in Alaska, faces a storm unlike any other.For years, faithful police officer Eva Bekhor has toiled Alaska’s tough soil and raised a family of survivalists. The sudden explosion of an EMP bomb hurls her and the rest of country back to the Stone Age. Pushed to her limit, Eva must pull out every stop to keep her kin alive. Meanwhile, a foreign threat rises from the rumble of a crippled society. Winter draws near. Will Eva’s preparation be enough or will she be buried beneath the snows of chaos?HideawayLosing power was only the beginning, now one couple must work together to surviveJames and Marla Weller are preparing for a relaxing weekend, when an unexpected blackout spreads far beyond their St. Louis suburb and starts a devastating chain reaction. But the disabled power grid was only the beginning of a national nightmare as their vehicles and cell phones won’t function either. A series of building explosions rock downtown, leading to a mandatory evacuation. Amid the chaos, the young couple must make a decision on where to go. A possible solution emerges when a self-proclaimed survivalist offers them refuge in his remote cabin far from the city and away from the chaos. But James and Marla soon discover that survival isn’t as clear as they think, and that escape can lead to dangers all its own.

    . . Eight-year-old, Vern Harpole, wakes up on the front porch of a bakery he's never seen before. The frightened boy is discovered by the kind baker who returns him to the hotel where he'd been staying with his mother and young sister, only to learn they've left and have no intention of returning. With no trace of where they’ve gone or by what means they’re traveling, a search is impossible. Even the authorities have little help to offer. Being childless, the baker and his wife decide to give Vern a home. Initially, they see him as a means of cheap labor. But over time, a bond of love grows between them, and they find joy as a family. Yet Vern can't dismiss the hurtful feelings of abandonment, as well as many unanswered questions about his mother. Margaret Jordan has recently immigrated from Ireland to America. Like Vern, she's troubled by painful reminders of traumatic experiences that have irrevocably altered her life. She settles in Kansas City, where she finds employment at a local restaurant. When she and Vern cross paths, he immediately recognizes her pain and wants to help her, but it will take more than kindness to break through the protective walls she's built around herself. Determination pushes him to be persistent, needing to believe that love can be something more than forsaken.

     This short unauthorized biography of LeBron James highlights his journey so far in the NBA from once-doubted leader to perennial title contender. Few players demand as much excitement from crowds as LeBron James. It does not take a basketball fanatic to recognize and respect the name of LeBron James. Around the world, fans idolize LeBron for his unbelievable athletic prowess and collaborative team-based nature on the court. He has become one of the most respected and professional players in the league today. Read on to learn about LeBron James’ journey into the league, his first trip in Cleveland, his four years in Miami, as well as an outlook on his future since he has returned to Cleveland. LeBron James has had a legendary basketball career playing in the National Basketball Association. It’s no surprise why day in and day out, regardless of who is the latest trendy player, LeBron James remains undoubtedly one of the best, if not the best. Here is a preview of what is inside this book: Childhood and High School Years LeBron’s NBA Career – James’ Rise to All-Star, First Playoffs Appearance, First Trip to the Finals, and more The Decision – Villain Debut, Quest for the Championship, Repeat Title The Decision 2.0 – Returning Home LeBron James’ Personal Life King James’ Legacy & Future An excerpt from the book: LeBron James is a basketball player whose talent was home grown in the city of Akron, Ohio. Currently he is the unquestioned leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers and one of the most respected icons of sports history, James has accomplished great feats in a decade as a professional basketball player. A two-time NBA Champion with the Miami Heat, LeBron has received the Finals MVP twice, and assembled a collection of four MVP trophies. A complete cleaner on the stat sheet, James has also lead in the intangible areas of the game, specifically on the defensive end. LeBron has been a member of the All Defensive First Team for five years. People all around the world recognize his legendary persona. His current mission is to bring a title to his championship-deprived city of Cleveland. James is an international icon. In the business world, James has established himself as one of the powerhouse figures in sports marketing through his basketball play. The LeBron James brand is one of the most valuable in terms of sports branding. According to Forbes, James surpassed Tiger Woods in being one of the most valuable sports names in the world. His game, like his physical build, is something the world has never seen before. At an incredible 6’ 9”, James showed the ability to run the floor with a guard-like poise. Prior to the 2004 NBA season, the NBA and its fans never saw a specimen like James. Everything from his biological make-up to his ability to understand the game in a cerebral way seemed to be a manifestation of what was only created by a basketball god may.

    He has long since passed away, but his book remains, gathering dust on my shelf when it should have been entertaining good folks like you. So here it is at last: a western with heart written on an old manual typewriter. The story takes place in the badlands of West Texas (where he lived), and is chock-full of all the sprawling drama, heartache, triumph, tragedy, and gun-slinging grit one could desire. The cover of the book is adapted from an oil painting brushed by our father back in 77—one of many. I remember it hanging on the wall when I was a kid. I believe it was his favorite, so thought it only fitting that it be the cover. Now, finally, after all these years, our dad will get the recognition he deserves for both his writing and his painting. I sure hope he can see what's going on down here, 'cause I know it would make him smile. So take a deep breath, and let the troubles of the modern world slip away as you journey back to a simpler time (two simpler times, actually), the old west, and the 1940's....

     It is DC Ruby Knight’s first day in CID and she is called upon to investigate a vicious assault. A man has been doused with acid on his doorstep. Having returned to Hertfordshire after working as a beat bobby in London, Knight is relieved she has been given a serious case. But she has also been partnered with DI Steve Jenkins, a dishevelled detective who looks like he’s almost given up the ghost. Despite Knight’s enthusiasm, she struggles to find a motive for the crime, which has left the victim fighting for his life. And she becomes increasing frustrated with her partner’s lacklustre approach to policing. But when another attack occurs the case is blown wide open. Knight’s fears that working in a backwater will be boring, prove quite unfounded. Indeed, she even begins to appreciate her partner’s discreet ways of getting information, and gradually grows fond of him. But what was a difficult, emotional case will soon become a murder investigation and it will take all of Knight’s intelligence and energy to bring the killers to justice.

    Her father, the chief of her tribe, has denied the divorce she is entitled to by Lakota law and she lives in misery until with the help of a friend, is able to contact Jack Samuels, the handsome deputy she fell in love with years ago. Jack Samuels, heartbroken when Sparrow’s tribe left for good, has never forgotten his Lakota maiden. When he receives a mysterious letter from Nebraska, he quickly realizes that Sparrow is reaching out for help. He jumps at the chance to be with Sparrow again and is soon on his way to rescue her. Getting Sparrow back home to Dawson is the easy part. While danger lurks everywhere, the biggest threat comes in the form of secrets and lies. Can their love survive or is the handsome deputy and the Lakota maiden’s love to be forever denied? Westward Christmas Sasha McCall and Dr. Ben Walker shared an instant connection when she visited Dawson, Montana before. Sasha moves to Dawson and a powerful romance develops. The Christmas season approaches but events test their love turning things dark. Can they find joy and light again? Westward Visions Reckless Wolf on the Hill is a Lakota brave who lives near Dawson, Montana. He’s a fun-loving, fierce warrior who is in search of a bride. However, there are no women in their tribe who catches his eye, especially because most of them are related to him. Courting a woman from Dawson is out of the question because no woman he knows there would ever live in an Indian village. After voicing his frustrations to his friend Abby Bradbury, she convinces him to search for a bride with a tribe she was friends with in Wabasha, Minnesota. Reckless is always willing to do the unexpected or come up with creative ways to solve problems and decides to give it a chance. Whispering Brook is a Lakota maiden who’s romantic future looks bleak due to a familial tragedy. Considered bad luck by most of the tribe now, none of the younger braves wish to court Brook. When Abby first contacts her family about this Montana brave who is looking for a bride, Brook is filled with dread at the thought of marrying someone she has never met. Her parents accept this Reckless’ proposal, however, because he offers a very good bride price. Though it is unusual, her parents agree to let Brook exchange letters with Reckless if it will ease their beloved daughter’s mind about the man. By the time her family makes the trip to Dawson, Brook is smitten with Reckless and even more so upon meeting him. He’s handsome, charismatic, and lives up to his name. Reckless finds Brook beautiful, sweet, and spirited; just what he’s been looking for in a woman. Their romance blossoms and they are soon married. The young couple is happier than they ever expected until a devastating tragedy befalls the tribe and creates tension and heartache for all—including them. Reckless and Brook face an uncertain future when pride and anger threatens to divide them for good. Can they get past these obstacles to ensure their visions of a life together?

    When Mike’s buddy Kelly is kidnapped, it is a race against time for Mike to save his friend and bring down the greedy developer putting his own wealth before the beauty of the island and the welfare of the people.

    But when his youngest daughter, nineteen-year-old Asia Beaufort falls passionately in love with a boy from an impoverished background, their connection ignites a chain of events that force Gregory to face his ungodly past. Is it worth holding on to a secret that could wipe out his marriage and the family he so dearly loves? Shattered Dreams is the first book in the Behind Closed Doors series and it is riddled with thought-provoking situations. Come meet a new slate of characters who will take you on a daring adventure.

    An emotional novel about family bonds and the difficult pull between home and heritage. In the year 1956, Anastacia Fotopoulos finds herself pregnant and betrayed, fleeing from a bad marriage. With the love and support of her dear friends Stavros and Soula Papadakis, Ana is able to face the challenges of single motherhood. Left with emotional wounds, she resists her growing affection for Alexandros Giannakos, an old acquaintance. But his persistence and unconditional love for Ana and her child is eventually rewarded and his love is returned. In a misguided, but well-intentioned effort to protect the ones they love, both Ana and Alex keep secrets - ones that could threaten the delicate balance of their family. The story continues in the 1970’s as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean, who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she’d hoped for. EVANTHIA’S GIFT is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.

    Leaving behind a successful career and a failed marriage, his vision for the future is colored by disappointment. During his time at Walnut Lodge, he hopes to reinvent himself, to recover the ideals and dreams he shared with the one real love of his life, the girl who vanished without a trace sixteen years earlier. Walnut Lodge is Tess Weldon’s life. The grand old house is her business, her home and her safe haven, its staff her friends and family. Her secrets are safe within its walls. Guided by the vision she shared with her late husband, her future finally seems secure, until her past checks in to the Lodge. Fate may have brought Peter and Tess full circle, but lost love found doesn’t necessarily lead to a second chance.