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Only Time Will Tell
James Kipling - 2014
Will she make the right choice? An unknown woman is murdered and detectives Pierce Carson, Chelsea Madden and a new recruit, Dean Weston, are assigned to the case. Their search for the killer leads to several dead ends and a suspected drug connection, as even more people are killed. In the process of helping to solve the first murder and those that follow, Chelsea realizes that she is walking a very thin line between personal revenge and professional responsibility. She too has suffered at the hands of a murderer, who brutally snuffed out the life of her parents, giving her a reason to join the police force. To complicate matters, she finds herself attracted to Dean. She knows little about the newcomer to Homicide, only that he’d been a successful undercover agent. Normally a loner, she finds him surprisingly easy to talk to, as she unburdens herself of her past, kept secret for years. As the case becomes more complicated and passions are stirred, questions arise about a mole in the force, and Dean is on the list of possible suspects. Chelsea is torn between trust and doubt, fear and love; her desire for vengeance and belief in the system of which she is now a part. The strands of the plot become intertwined, with unexpected twists and turns, and Chelsea finds herself caught in a life and death struggle in a most unexpected way. Only time will tell if she survives to right the wrong or decides to let it go and find a new direction for her life. Detective Chelsea Madden is the cool, calm, and collected hero of Only Time Will Tell. Putting her life on the line, she doesn’t pull any punches, searching only for the truth, and for the person who takes lives on her watch. Intelligent, resourceful, and uncompromising, Chelsea will take readers on a memorable, white-knuckled journey in this suspenseful, gripping serial killer thriller. <
The Jade Rabbit
Mark Matthews - 2011
She is adopted and raised in the United States where she becomes a social worker in order to help children in a desolate Detroit neighborhood. Her nickname is The Jade Rabbit and this is her story.As director of a shelter for runaway and neglected youth, Janice Zhu Woodward gets pulled into the lives of the lost children of the Detroit streets. Fueled by angry parents, stories of ghosts who haunt the shelter's basement, and her own history of being left by a birth-mother who may have long forgotten her, Janice emulates her adoptive mother and becomes an avid, nearly obsessed marathoner. Training injuries, failed goals, and unexpected trauma test her will and take her near her breaking point. When a mysterious girl with dreadlocks is abandoned at the shelter's front door, Janice becomes her surrogate mother and risks everything to save her. Only a miraculous, unforgettable run through the streets of Detroit can save them both.
Where She Belongs
Cindy Procter-King - 2011
For Jess Morgan, Destiny Falls holds too many painful memories. Nine years ago, a logging accident near the remote timber town killed her dad and her high school sweetheart. To make matters worse, her mother quickly sought comfort with another man. That choice tore Jess apart and drove her to seek a life far away. But now fate steps in, and family obligations force her return home. Before long, she’s convinced that persuading her mom to live with her in Toronto will repair their shattered bond. However, she doesn’t count on a long-ago friend re-entering her life and challenging her convictions. Rugged forester Adam Wright believes in family, roots, and not running from heartache. Now, all he wants is to help Jess break down the walls of the lonely sanctuary she’s built for herself and heal her past hurts. It’s not until she rejects his plans for their future that he realizes his persistence is pushing her away—not at all what he intends.Has he lost his chance? Or can he convince Jess that where she truly belongs is with him...forever?
The Travel Auction
Mark Green - 2012
But with just days to go, he’s dumped by his girlfriend, Kate Thornly. Even worse, a life-threatening allergy means he can’t travel alone. Unable to change the name on the spare ticket and fast running out of time, Jonathan resorts to desperate measures. He advertises on eBay for a travel companion with the same name as his ex-girlfriend. The problem is, it’s a complete lottery who he’ll end up with.Kate Thornly (the second) is aware of the unusual eBay auction, but she can’t be persuaded to bid. Enter Maria, her best friend, who secretly applies on her behalf. With her nursing credentials and erotic photo, Kate seems like the perfect travel companion. But there’s just one small detail Maria’s conveniently left off Kate’s bid… Told from both Jonathan and Kate’s perspectives, The Travel Auction is a funny, page-turning, roller-coaster ride around South America.
Secrets in the Sand
Carolyn Brown - 2021
Not when they are deep within the heart like Angela Conrad's. Ten years ago, Clancy Morgan broke her heart and even though she's made a successful life for herself, she's never gotten over that pain. Angel didn't intend to ever go back home, but when the Alumni Association asked her to return to her hometown to play for the dance at their alumni gathering, she agreed.Clancy wasn't planning to attend, but he does, and he recognizes Angela immediately. He never expected to see her again, and definitely didn't expect to see her standing up there looking like a movie star and singing like a seasoned famous country artist. She's the Angel he walked away from and has been kicking himself ever since.He made a big mistake, but maybe he can mend it, if only she'll let him. She's not so easily inclined, but he gets to know her posse of protective girlfriends, and they cook up a scheme to help her get over him once and for all. Or, maybe she'll let him win her back.
The Astronaut and the Star
Jen Comfort - 2022
But after a PR disaster, Reggie is off the list for a lunar mission. To rehabilitate her reputation with NASA, she agrees to a different kind of assignment: astronaut “training” with a Hollywood action hero.Jon Leo is a charmer. With credits that include an underperforming sitcom and a campy action flick called Space Dude, his upcoming role in a prestigious movie could prove he’s a star. But Jon isn’t just big muscles and an otherworldly smile—he’s also a total space nerd. He’s pumped about his own personal space camp…until he meets ice-cold Reggie.Although Reggie and Jon are polar opposites, their mutual attraction is undeniable, and it only takes a few weeks in close quarters for them to give in to its magnetic force. Jon is set on convincing Reggie this is a match made in the heavens, but her future is in space, and his is among stars of the Hollywood kind. The odds of successfully launching a real relationship outside the confines of the training base are anything but optimal.Reggie, content with keeping things casual, is forced by a sudden turn of events to confront the possibility of losing Jon forever. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to win both the man and the moon.
The Reluctant Healer
Andrew Himmel - 2018
Will Alexander is cautious and conventional. But when he meets Erica, a beautiful, intense energy healer, he becomes troubled not only by her unorthodox endeavors but also by the limitations of his own existence. Amidst this turmoil, Will is startled to discover that he may possess metaphysical gifts of healing that confront the narrow doctrines of his regulated life.The Reluctant Healer paints a portrait of a reasonable man who traces a path between skepticism and belief. Flawed, funny, and agnostic, Will distrusts much of the alternative world, even as he struggles internally with phenomena that challenge both his sense of self and his orderly perspective. Will’s love for Erica, the exposure to her world, and his newfound powers place his life in a state of uncertainty, teetering between disruption and liberation.
A Reason for Hope
Kristin von Kreisler - 2021
On San Julian Island, across Puget Sound from Seattle, Tessa Jordan works as a bookmobile librarian, recommending books and poems to her patrons. In her spare time, she cares for a colony of feral cats. But Tessa’s simple, satisfying life is shockingly upended after she meets Nick Payne, a respected community leader, and he invites her to dinner. Far from a pleasant first date, Tessa’s evening with Nick leaves her feeling confused and upset. After deep soul-searching, she decides to step forward and accuse him of assault. Her distress grows when local prosecutor Will Armstrong declines to pursue her case, citing lack of evidence. Her main solace is Hope, a courthouse dog, trained to comfort victims through the difficult judicial process. As she lays her head in Tessa’s lap, her gentle brown eyes seem to say, Don’t worry. Everything will be all right. Will, who is Hope’s primary handler, longs to get justice for Tessa, yet knows how rocky the path will be. It’s Hope who, true to her name, shines a bright ray through the darkness. With Hope by their side, Will and Tessa find surprising strength in each other as they learn just how resilient a heart—whether human or canine—can be.
The Food of Love
Amanda Prowse - 2016
Nineteen years of marriage to a man who still warms her soul and two beautiful teenage daughters to show for it: confident Charlotte and thoughtful Lexi. Her home is filled with love and laughter.But when Lexi’s struggles with weight take control of her life, everything Freya once took for granted falls apart, leaving the whole family with a sense of helplessness that can only be confronted with understanding, unity and, above all, love.In this compelling and heart-wrenching new work by bestselling author Amanda Prowse, one ordinary family confronts unexpected difficulties and discovers that love can find its way through life’s darkest moments.
Pause to Rewind
Aimee Alexander - 2014
She doesn't look back. Why would she? A broken engagement to her fiancé, Dave. A falling-out with her parents. And a night in a hotel room best forgotten. Life is simple now. Jenny's little boy, Charlie, is starting school, beginning to build a life independent from her. She needs to get her own back. Life, though, has other plans. When Charlie's diagnosed with leukaemia, Jenny is forced to confront her past and all that she has turned from. But she will do anything for Charlie. Aimee Alexander is the pen name of traditionally published author, Denise Deegan. Pause to Rewind was originally published as Time in a Bottle, a bestseller in Ireland, Germany and Holland. What the critics have to say:'entwines the threads of mystery, plot and character into a compelling yarn that charms and chills - but always captivates.' EVENING HERALD 'a moving story of a mother's love and a woman's personal development.' IMAGE 'the author fizzes through the pages, bringing out the positive in tragic events and manages to inject humour and pace, as well as empathy, into a harrowing topic.' IRISH INDEPENDENT 'could only have been written by a woman who loves children and their ways because the dialogue so authentically captures the child's voice and personality.' EVENING HERALD. 'Given that this is a cancer journey and the sufferer is a wonderful, energetic little four-year-old boy then this could be a tough read. But the skill of the author brings us along this path with skill, compassion, knowledge and a gritty sense of humour as Jenny, the single mother of Charlie, slowly comes to terms with her son's diagnosis. We get to know and love Charlie. The writing is direct and very much on the pulse - the medical information is delivered skillfully without slowing the story which also highlights Jenny's past and the consequences of a night she's never been able to forget. As Charlie struggles through his illness, his cocky sense of humour never falters. The dialogue is authentic; you can hear his voice in your head as you read. In these most difficult of circumstances can romance raise its head and dare to hope? Can lost relationships be repaired, regained? Read Pause to Rewind and travel that journey with Charlie. You will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.' AUTHOR, LAURA ELLIOT 'Five Stars.' AUTHOR CLARE DOWLING'Once I started this book, I knew I wouldn't stop until I finished it. It's been a while since I read a book that drew me in straight away and held me there until the end. The book is beautifully written with wonderfully drawn characters and realistic dialogue that flows wonderfully. The author deals with some very big issues and does so with compassion, honesty and attention to detail. A mother's love is central to the story and I don't mind saying there were tears! But there's also humor mixed with the sadness which in my opinion makes the book such an accomplished and enjoyable read. One of my favourite books of the year.' AUTHOR, MARIA DUFFY 'With crisp, gorgeous writing, this is an incredible story about hope and a mother’s love. I cried but also laughed - a lot. The book is set in Dublin’s Glenageary but it wasn’t just the area that kept reminding me of Maeve Binchy. Alexander clearly loves people-watching; she has them down to a tee. And her dialogue is the best I've ever read. Watch this space. AUTHOR, NIAMH O'CONNOR 'This was an exceptionally well-written story.
The Daughter of Union County
Francine Thomas Howard - 2016
Until he faces a devastating reality: Bertha is unable to bear children. If Henry doesn’t produce an heir, the American branch of his family name will die out. So Henry, desperate to preserve his aristocratic family lineage, does the unthinkable.When Salome, a former slave and Henry’s mistress, gives birth to a white-skinned, blue-eyed daughter, Henry orders a reluctant Lady Bertha to claim the child as their own…allowing young Margaret to pass into the white world of privilege.As Margaret grows older, unaware of her true parentage, devastating circumstances threaten to shroud her in pain and shame…but then, ultimately, in revelation. Despite rumors about Margaret’s true identity, Salome is determined to transform her daughter’s bitter past into her secure future while Henry goes to extraordinary lengths to protect his legacy. Spanning decades and generations, marked by tragedy and redemption, this unforgettable saga illuminates a family’s fight for their name, for survival, and for true freedom.
If You Must Know
Jamie Beck - 2020
Amanda follows the rules—at the school where she works; in her community; and as a picture-perfect daughter, wife, and mother-to-be. Erin follows her heart—in love and otherwise—living a bohemian lifestyle on a shoestring budget and honoring her late father’s memory with a passion for music and her fledgling bath-products business.The sisters are content leading separate but happy lives in their hometown of Potomac Point until everything is upended by lies that force them to confront unsettling truths about their family, themselves, and each other. For sisters as different as these two, building trust doesn’t come easily—especially with one secret still between them—but it may be the only way to save their family.
The Radcliffes
T.J. Kline - 2017
KLINE, PRESENTED BY JAMES PATTERSON!THE WEDDING FLORIST: After losing her job and getting evicted from her home, the last thing florist Anna Nolan needs is to ruin her new gig. But it's hard for her to work for the powerful and sexy Gabriel Radcliffe. Namely, because Anna's arranging the flowers for his wedding to society girl Stephanie Maurier--and she wishes she were the bride...THE HORSE TRAINER: Fallon Radcliffe can only escape her socialite family and their expectations when she's in the stables with her horse, Destiny's Dreamer. But she doesn't realize that her love for racing will develop into something more-- a yearning for her trainer, Travis Mitchell, even though they live worlds apart...THE GOURMET CHEF: Alexandra Radcliffe has never been a dreamer. But when she meets the man of her secret fantasies --a sexy, driven chef who wants to open a restaurant--she starts to believe in happily ever after. Or is there something about the smooth Nico Donacelli that could destroy their precious, fragile bond?
The Consulting Gig
C.J. Capen
THAT LOOK. The only way Andie Halzer survived her husband’s death was by remembering a stranger’s glance. As she sobbed inconsolably in the hospital hallway, his face transmitted empathy and a sense of calm. Somehow, that look told her that her life wasn’t over. After two years of grieving—and with the support of her two grown kids and best friend—she is ready to rebuild her life. She aces an interview for a position that offers meaningful work, but her potential employer, Jack Devlan, hires another candidate. He offers Andie a short-term consulting gig instead. Andie reluctantly agrees to what she considers a consolation job, not realizing how much change is in store for her. Her work with Jack challenges her self-limiting beliefs and ultimately restores her emotional strength. This is a full length, stand-alone, clean romance that contains adult themes and language.
A Narrow Bridge
J.J. Gesher - 2017
HIs faith shattered, Jacob flees the comforts of his community and disappears. He lands up in a predominantly black town in rural Alabama, where he meets Rosie, the single mother of a young son. Their developing relationship, along with the rekindling of his love of music, precipitate events that will change both their lives. This debut novel is a powerful page-turner that follows a complex man on a journey of salvation after tragedy.J.J. Gesher is the pen name for co-authors Joyce Gittlin and Janet B. Fattal. Together, Janet and Joyce have won several prestigious screenwriting awards, including the Geller Prize and the Screenwriting Award at the Austin Film Festival. Their first screenwriting collaboration was produced as a Lifetime Television feature.Joyce Gittlin has written and directed such television shows as Wings, Frasier, and Everybody Loves Raymond and has written more than ten feature films for Disney, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox. She has an MFA from NYU.Janet B. Fattal has a masters in Comparative Literature from UCLA and has taught literature and writing at the college level. The editor of several memoirs, Janet leads many Los Angeles–area book groups, including for the Skirball Cultural Center, Hadassah, and the Brandeis alumni association. The co-authors both live in Los Angeles.