Saturday, November 12, 2016

Review: The Search

The Search The Search by Nora Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. Had me hooked from page one. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. I highly recommend this to all readers of suspense and romance. Nora Roberts never disappoints.

View all my reviews

Monday, October 31, 2016

HELP ME CONGRATULATE THE WINNER!

After several entries in the contest to win "The Other Side: Trent's Story," I'm happy to announce the winner...

KAREN MICHELLE NUTT
Congratulations, Karen!

Karen entered and won during the ABA Haunting Halloween Hop. 

Blurb of what Karen will be reading:

Melinda James is finally out of Skyview Haven—an asylum where she was confined for years—and is living her life, free at last. However, things are not going as planned; harassed by unexplained paranormal experiences, she doesn’t feel safe in her own home. And when she turns to her best friend Trent for help and support, she is surprised to find her feelings for him have grown far beyond a simple friendship.


Trent Miller isn’t prepared to fight evil, but he will do whatever it takes to save Melinda from an evil entity that is seeking revenge for past events. Armed with knowledge gleaned from television shows, a team of paranormal investigators, and the prayers of family and friends, he is ready to face anything.


The question is, does he tell her about his feelings for her before or after he fights a battle with evil for Melinda’s very soul?

But for those who didn't win, I'll be doing more contests for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, so stay tuned.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

A Haunting Halloween Hop



2016 Haunting Halloween Hop* 

Enter at Your own Risk by Clicking This Link



*October 24-October 31, 2016

Come join me and several other wonderful authors on a fun, haunting Halloween hop! Prizes, free books, contests, giveaways and spooky treats, including stories and articles from your favorite authors. Just click on the link to the left to enter at your own risk! You get to stop by and see over THIRTY authors!

I'm also running a contest. Enter to win a FREE ebook of my paranormal The Other Side: Trent's Story, below. Just click on "I Want to Win 'The Other Side: Trent's Story'!" Good luck!







And you can purchase this book as an Ebook or a Paperback at any of the following locations:

Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2bkakyh
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b0jXmN


Here's another FREEBIE for you! I have a little spooky story for you. Read at your own risk.

The Love of Death
She was on the telephone, but couldn’t remember who she was talking to. As soon as she hung up, her head started hurting. She grabbed her temples with her middle finger and thumb, started massaging them and sat down on the sofa. She thought it was the dry heat until images began swirling in her mind.
She could see a car going off a bridge toward what looked like a black body of water. Just as soon as the image appeared, another took its place. She could see a woman’s body lying in a car that was quickly filling with water. As if she were experiencing the woman’s agony, she gasped and tried to draw in air; she couldn’t breathe.
The next thing she knew she was being shook awake by Craig.
“Amber? Wake up. Amber?”
“Craig? What are you doing home so early?”
“It’s five thirty, sweetheart. I just got home.”
“Oh my gosh! I must have fallen asleep. I had a nightmare; it was weird.”
She tried to shake off the eerie feeling that something wasn’t right. The dream must have shaken her up more than she thought.
“You can tell me all about it later. Right now, you need to get ready to go to the party.”
She remembered that they were to attend at party at their neighbors Patty and Walt’s house as a welcome to the neighborhood. They just moved in two days prior and Amber was anxious to meet some new friends.
“I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”
She quickly got dressed, fixed her makeup and hair and rushed downstairs.
“I’m ready,” she called out.
“And you look amazing. Those spots on your chest are almost gone; you can’t even tell.”
“Spots?”
Amber didn’t know what he was talking about. She thought maybe she had a rash earlier she didn’t notice and he didn’t tell her. She was about to ask him, but he rushed her out the door and across the lawn to Patty and Walt’s house. She didn’t know them yet and for some reason, couldn’t wait to.
Everyone was gathered in the backyard. It looked like the entire neighborhood attended and Amber was astonished. She saw people that looked vaguely familiar, but knew hadn’t yet met them. They had only been in the house for two days and the only once she met was Priscilla. Just then, she spotted her and steered her husband toward her.
“Priscilla, this is my husband Craig.”
“We’ve already met. It’s nice to see you again, Craig.”
“You two know each other?” Amber asked.
“Yes, we ran into each other yesterday when you were at the store. But I’ve known Prissy since my college years. I couldn’t believe we ended up here with her.”
“You’ve never mentioned her.”
“I haven’t had a chance. Anyway, Prissy, it’s wonderful to see you. The scar still hurt?”
“Not at all. Does your leg?”
“What leg? You mean my stump?” he laughed.
Amber frowned because she didn’t have any idea what they were talking about. Craig didn’t have a stump. Or did he? Suddenly, she was confused. She looked at Craig and thought she was looking at a total stranger. Something deep inside of her tried to tell her she didn’t even know this man.
Priscilla turned her attention back to Amber.
“Welcome to the neighborhood. You know everyone here. Of course, you may not remember me. We haven’t seen each other since we left our mother’s womb. It’s nice to finally meet my sister.”
Priscilla hugged her. Amber looked around and saw people she hadn’t seen in a long time. Her Uncle Alex was there. He died when she was only fifteen, but she could remember exactly what he looked like and it was the same as he did ten years ago; like he hadn’t aged a bit. She saw her childhood friend Cheryl, who died in car accident when she was eighteen. Then there was Tony. He was standing near the pool with a glass of iced tea in his hand. He still looked as handsome as he had when she was seventeen and swooning all over him. She heard he had been in a head-on car collision on his way home from a party.
She began to get dizzy and felt as if she was listening to the conversation through a waterfall. Her ears were clogged and her vision was becoming hazy. She shook her head, trying to clear her eyes. She felt ill and needed to sit down. She looked around for a chair, but it looked like there were two of everything and everyone.
“It’s happening,” Priscilla said, nodding at Amber. “Let me get the others.”
“What…what’s going on?” Amber slurred.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Just go with it.”
“I…Craig…”
Her legs became weak and just before she fell to the ground, Craig caught her and put her on the chaise next to the pool.
She was fighting desperately to breathe. She could feel water filling her lungs; she struggled to get air. She tried to break the window, but it was hopeless. She was trapped inside the car and it was now completely full of black, murky water. The seatbelt wouldn’t come off and she was wedged between the seat and the steering wheel of the car. She tried pushing the steering wheel away, but it wouldn’t budge.
Panicking, she tried to wake up from her dream; she had to be dreaming. What other explanation could there be. She tried to fight her way back to sanity. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. She banged her fist heavily against the window while life drained out of her. Then she felt something being stuck to her chest and her entire body heaving up and back down again.
Suddenly, she sat upright. She looked around her and everyone was smiling. Things were crystal clear. She knew she was right where she was supposed to be.
“I’m here,” she heard herself announce as she grabbed her new husband’s hand. “Dying was horrible, but I think I’m going to love death.”

Monday, September 19, 2016

Who is Trent Miller?

Who is Trent Miller? A Character Interview

By now, you’ve heard all about Melinda James’ unearthly and harrowing life. Now, you can find out about just who Trent Miller is and what he has to do with Melinda’s craziness and his forays into the dark side.

Trent Miller is here with me today. He agreed to answer some questions and explain why he’s journeying into Hell.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Trent Miller:

QueenWriter (QW): Trent, I've asked this same question of Melinda. Who are you?

Trent Miller (TM): Just as Melinda was, I was created by Starr Gardinier. Some say I was put on Earth to help Melinda with her plight. Others argue that I’m the cause of the dangerous paranormal occurrences and what’s about to happen to Melinda.

QW: So, are you here to help or hinder?

TM: For reasons even unknown to me, I guess I am responsible for some of Melinda’s problems.

QW: Really? How are you responsible? What have you done to her?

TM: I can’t really explain everything in this short interview. Suffice it to say, it’s up to me if Melinda lives or dies.

QW: It sounds like you’re playing God with her life.

TM: Not at all. It’s actually Hell that is playing with Melinda’s life.

QW: Please explain. Readers are going to want to know.

TM: I can’t. Trust me, everyone will want to read the story for themselves.

QW: Okay, I get it. Now, I know you’re not a bad person. But so far from this interview, it appears as if you are…questionable, at the very least. Tell your readers and fans, who you are.

TM: I’m a lanky but good looking, young adult currently living—platonically—with Melinda (although the platonic part I’d like to change). I’m searching for employment so I don’t have to rely on her financial kindness any longer. I’m simply trying to carve out a place on Earth where I can live a peaceful life with Melinda. From all the events that have been happening, and that will continue to happen, I’m not sure that’s going to be possible. At least anytime soon. I met Melinda at a time in her life that her future path was uncertain. I’d like to think I helped her get through that. But what’s to come? I’m not sure I can save her.

QW: Are you saying Melinda is going to die?

TM: I’m not saying she is. I’m not saying she’s not. All I am saying is that I’m going to try to keep her from harm. I’m just not sure I can. I’m only human, after all.


QW: Can you give us a glimpse into your story? Something that shows the readers what it’s about?

TM: Starr has already told me that I can share an excerpt with you, but she won’t let me say more.

***
It’s dark and cold. I shiver as I stand there. I can’t see anything. I take the time to adjust my eyes. It’s a narrow tunnel. I can barely see the shape of it. From what I can tell, it reminds me of an extremely large pipe. I feel the sides and it’s metal. Maybe I am in some type of pipe.
I can’t see anything, so before I move forward, I take out my flashlight. I shine what light it provides down the corridor. Everything is rounded, even the floor. I have to walk in the middle to stay upright. It’s foggy and I can’t see that far. The only thing that comes to mind is a storm drain and the fog reminds me of being at the beach first thing in the morning before it burns off.
I continue straight ahead, shining the light left and right as I go, looking for a doorway or other exit. After some time, my legs begin to feel as if I’ve walked for miles. I stop to rest and sip on some water.
I keep moving and suddenly I’m falling. Not far, about two feet, but I wasn’t expecting it and land on my butt. The fall is enough to jar me, sending shooting pains up my back. I get up and stretch out my back. Nothing seems broken. I stretch one last time and continue on. The floor is suddenly at a steep downward angle. It’s so steep my toes are rammed into the tips of my tennis shoes with every step I take.
It seems as if it’s going further underground. After what seems like forever, I emerge from the pipe into a cavernous room. The first thing I hear is hushed whispers. It sounds like several people murmuring.
“Hello?” I call out.
Are there homeless people living down here? Do they need help? Or others, entities maybe, who are here to stop me?
“Hello? Is anyone here? Do you need help?”
I splay the light around. I don’t see others who could be the owners of the voices I’m hearing. Are they all in my head?
The floor is level now, no more downward slant and no more fog. The walls are made of rock and there’s another doorway on the left. It’s just as cold and I start jogging in place and blowing on my hands to get some warmth. I hear water dripping, but I can’t see its source.
There’s no choice but to keep going. After passing through the next exit, the path becomes much narrower and the whispers disappear. The floor is uneven and I stumble quite a bit. At one point, I fall and drop the flashlight. When I put my hands down to help myself up, I feel something squishy. Yuck. What in the hell is it? Fortunately, the beam is still on and I grab it and aim it at my hand. It’s black, sticky, and disgusting. There’s a puddle of water in front of me. I use it to semi-clean my hands then dry them on my jeans and get up.
It’s becoming hard to breathe and I lean against the stone wall. I’m lightheaded. Oh God, no. Don’t let me pass out here. I shake my head to refocus and call upon whatever strength I have.
I start walking again and I begin to hear wailing. I stop to listen. Sure enough, someone or something is howling. No, there’s more than one. I hear several different cries. They’re all around me now. I put my hands up to cover my ears. I have to use my wrist because one hand is holding the flashlight and I don’t want to drop it again. Is it just an echo? It sounds like several people are being tortured.
I try to tune it out and keep moving. The noises become louder the farther I walk. It’s excruciating to listen to. I can’t imagine the pain they’re in. Then a thought hits me. What if Melinda is crying out? What if she is one of those in agony?
The thought spurs me on. No amount of discomfort will stop me from getting to her. I take short breaths and sip as little water as possible. Suddenly, there’s a door in front of me. I sneak up to it and put my ear to the wood. Nothing. I put my hand on the knob and quickly pull it back. It’s like ice and I almost stick to it. Using my shirt as a glove, I slowly turn the handle. I scan the room with my flashlight and find it empty. I step in and see there are six doors. I decide to peek into each one.
I walk to the one to my immediate left and just as I reach for the knob, the hair on the back of my neck stands up and I’m overcome with a sense of apprehension and terror. I stop my hand in mid-air. Then I hear this evil laughter and like the cries earlier, it’s all around me. Bouncing off the walls like echoes. The cackles seem to go on and on.

***

QW: I heard you are suspected by the police for Melinda’s disappearance. But from what you just said, it sounds more like you’re trying to save her. Which is it?

TM: I’m sorry, I can’t say any more than that. Starr will have my soul.

QW: Okay. Thank you for joining us today, Trent. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Trent Miller, click on any of the links below:

Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2bkakyh
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b0jXmN


HAPPY READING!


Sunday, September 11, 2016

Please vote!

I'm happy to share that my paranormal The Other Side series has been added to the Listopia Best Books in Goodreads. Currently, The Other Side: Melinda's Story is listed at #36 and The Other Side: Trent's Story is listed at #48. I'd love to move up in the list. It will take you one click. Go to: http://bit.ly/2cmrUAR and scroll until you see #s 36 and 48 (or my books, depending upon the newest position based on voting). Thank you!!

Best Books Containing Alternate Dimensions

This list is for books in which characters cross through alternate dimensions or universes.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Book Review-Sale-Enter to Win a FREE ebook

THE OTHER SIDE: MELINDA'S STORY is on sale for 
99 CENTS until September 15, 2016 ONLY.

“Where Starr is a master with murder and mystery, she is both surprising and fantastic with the supernatural! “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” was a page-turner I could not put down. It starts off with a frightening twist at a funeral and will not let you go. When you read this book DO NOT read it alone!”

~ Donald Allen Kirch, author of “Reich” and co-author of “Green Lake”

YOU CAN ALSO ENTER TO WIN A FREE EBOOK 
VERSION OF THE OTHER SIDE: MELINDA'S STORY

CONTEST ENDS 9/15/2016


2 WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED 9/17


Sunday, September 4, 2016

Book Review, Sale and FREE!

ON SALE THOUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 FOR 99 CENTS! AND YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN IT FREE @ https://gleam.io/CrxJe/the-other-side-melindas-story-giveaway.

Sometimes, the dead aren’t dead at all and The Other Side holds all the answers we seek.

Melinda has the perfect life: a great dad, wonderful mother, and her brother Kyle who she actually likes. Factor in the best of all best friends in the world and life could not get much better for Melinda. Sadly, it can and will get a whole lot worse and does in this unique, engulfing young adult novel.

After a horrible tragedy takes the life of her father, Melinda feels her world crumbling around her until another person close to her dies and takes the place of her dad…or do they?

Sometimes, when people cross over, they aren’t always gone and soon Melinda begins to see her dead friend and hear the voice of her father who actually DID die; impossible, she knows, but so real she cannot help but tell others. Her trusting way would be her downfall and soon Melinda is seen as an unstable, confused girl and remanded to an insane asylum where she stays for many years; the voices and faces of the dead her only friends. After years of struggling to understand and make others believe her tales, Melinda is given one last chance to earn her freedom from the asylum and from the dead who haunt her every move. The man who can give her this chance is new doctor, Alex Leever, but can he be trusted? Will he believe her story? Will you?

"An absolutely engrossing tale of paranormal unlike any ever told. Melinda’s Story is one that will tug and pull at the very fabric of who you are, before weaving and winding its way into your psyche. A brilliantly written, seamlessly woven plot that screams ORIGINALITY and begs to be read again and again!!! Young adult and paranormal fans the world over rejoice…a new voice has arrived and she is not leaving anytime soon! Starr Gardinier has penned a tale so believable, enthralling, and wonderfully special, it deserves its place among the very best in its genre…distinctive and vivid, “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” is a MUST READ!"


~ CK Webb, Co-Author of “Collecting Innocents”

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Review - 99 Cent Sale Ends September 15, 2016

“The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” is one of those rare paranormal thrillers that challenges as it entertains. Starr's wondrous, chilling tale is the best exploration of paranoia and insular terror since Ira Levin's classic “Rosemary’s Baby.” Supremely crafted, masterfully crafted, and elegantly written, “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” is a white-knuckled journey on the ride to hell.”
~ Jon Land, bestselling author of “Pandora's Temple”

Thursday, September 1, 2016

ENTER TO WIN A FREE EBOOK OF THE OTHER SIDE: MELINDA'S STORY

ENTER TO WIN A FREE EBOOK OF THE OTHER SIDE: MELINDA'S STORY

Just click the link and enter! Good luck!

https://gleam.io/CrxJe/the-other-side-melindas-story-giveaway

Starr




Who is Melinda James? A Character Interview

Starting tomorrow, September 2, 2016, you can read Melinda’s Story for 99 CENTS!

I've been posting and tweeting and facebooking about Melinda James. I'm getting emails from people--some I know, others I don't--asking who is Melinda James? To answer that question, I've brought Melinda James here today. She will answer the question and give you some enlightening information about why you should get to know her. In my opinion--I am her creator--she's an enigma. Yes, even to me.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Melinda James:

QueenWriter (QW): Melinda, I've been asked by several people who you are. Can you please tell everyone?

Melinda James (MJ): I was created by Starr Gardinier. I'm simply a fictional character.

QW: There must be more you can tell your readers.

MJ: There's a lot I can tell you. Okay, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. That should more than explain why I've been breathed into existence.

As you know, my name is Melinda James. My childhood growing up was pretty typical. That is, until I reached my teenage years. That's when everything started going downhill. I know some of the first things some thought about are typical teenage problems: zits, too fat, other kids making fun, bullies. God, how I wish that's all it was. 

My problems started and ended with death. Not mine, mind you, but some people very close to me. It's a wonder I didn't end up in an insane asylum. Oh wait...I did. Well, to put it simply, death made me crazy. At least, that's what everyone thought. Was I crazy? Am I still crazy?

QW: Are you?

MJ: Crazy? No. At least, my best friends Beth and Trent say I'm not. Even Felicity sees how normal I am. Then again, Dr. Leever might argue with those assumptions.

Anyway, to tell you who I really am, we have to go back in time to when I was thirteen....

***

I tried to tell them it was going to happen, but nobody would listen. They all said I was just having bad dreams, or that I was crazy.

It started at my father’s funeral. It’s been so long since it first began, about eight years ago. Sometimes though, it seems like yesterday. My father was there. No, I don’t mean just in the casket. He was there. He talked to me, begged me to tell Mom that we all needed to run and hide. He said we were all in danger.

I asked him why he didn’t tell Mom himself. He said he tried, but she wasn’t listening. I heard him fine. But I didn’t believe him. Why would we be in danger? We can’t just up and leave. My friends are all here in Beaumont. When I told him that, he said it was important, that it was a matter of life and death. He seemed so worried, but I was so confused, I blew him off.

I guess when it first happened I didn’t pay any heed to his warning. We went on with our lives. Mom was grief stricken, my brother Kyle was in his own world playing videos and I was trying to shut my father out of my mind. Was I going crazy? What was wrong with me? Dad was dead, but I could still see and hear him.

If I tell you the story, will you believe me?

***
QW: Wait. So you're saying your father was dead and he talked to you from the grave?

MJ: From the grave, from wherever. He called it the "Other Side."

QW: Have you been to this "Other Side?"

MJ: Now, you're jumping the gun. I'll answer and say yes, but it's Trent who will tell you that story later on. Starr created him, too and you'll read about him in "The Other Side: Trent's Story." It would be an injustice to Trent to try and explain him to you. Talk about an enigma. I'm like an open book, pun intended, whereas Trent...well, let's just say, Starr really crossed to the "Other Side" to create him.

QW; Is there anything else you can tell us?

MJ: I would love to, but I can't. Starr would be very upset if I told you everything. Just read "The Other Side: Melinda's Story" and you'll have your answers.

QW: Thank you for joining us today, Melinda. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Melinda James, click on any of the links below:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b5xQhY
All Romance Books: http://bit.ly/2b5yOdX
Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2b9vK4B

Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Trent Miller.


HAPPY READING!

Who is Melinda James? A Character Interview

Starting tomorrow, September 2, 2016, you can read Melinda’s Story for 99 CENTS!

I've been posting and tweeting and facebooking about Melinda James. I'm getting emails from people--some I know, others I don't--asking who is Melinda James? To answer that question, I've brought Melinda James here today. She will answer the question and give you some enlightening information about why you should get to know her. In my opinion--I am her creator--she's an enigma. Yes, even to me.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Melinda James:

QueenWriter (QW): Melinda, I've been asked by several people who you are. Can you please tell everyone?

Melinda James (MJ): I was created by Starr Gardinier. I'm simply a fictional character.

QW: There must be more you can tell your readers.

MJ: There's a lot I can tell you. Okay, I'll give you a glimpse into my life. That should more than explain why I've been breathed into existence.

As you know, my name is Melinda James. My childhood growing up was pretty typical. That is, until I reached my teenage years. That's when everything started going downhill. I know some of the first things some thought about are typical teenage problems: zits, too fat, other kids making fun, bullies. God, how I wish that's all it was. 

My problems started and ended with death. Not mine, mind you, but some people very close to me. It's a wonder I didn't end up in an insane asylum. Oh wait...I did. Well, to put it simply, death made me crazy. At least, that's what everyone thought. Was I crazy? Am I still crazy?

QW: Are you?

MJ: Crazy? No. At least, my best friends Beth and Trent say I'm not. Even Felicity sees how normal I am. Then again, Dr. Leever might argue with those assumptions.

Anyway, to tell you who I really am, we have to go back in time to when I was thirteen....

***

I tried to tell them it was going to happen, but nobody would listen. They all said I was just having bad dreams, or that I was crazy.

It started at my father’s funeral. It’s been so long since it first began, about eight years ago. Sometimes though, it seems like yesterday. My father was there. No, I don’t mean just in the casket. He was there. He talked to me, begged me to tell Mom that we all needed to run and hide. He said we were all in danger.

I asked him why he didn’t tell Mom himself. He said he tried, but she wasn’t listening. I heard him fine. But I didn’t believe him. Why would we be in danger? We can’t just up and leave. My friends are all here in Beaumont. When I told him that, he said it was important, that it was a matter of life and death. He seemed so worried, but I was so confused, I blew him off.

I guess when it first happened I didn’t pay any heed to his warning. We went on with our lives. Mom was grief stricken, my brother Kyle was in his own world playing videos and I was trying to shut my father out of my mind. Was I going crazy? What was wrong with me? Dad was dead, but I could still see and hear him.

If I tell you the story, will you believe me?

***
QW: Wait. So you're saying your father was dead and he talked to you from the grave?

MJ: From the grave, from wherever. He called it the "Other Side."

QW: Have you been to this "Other Side?"

MJ: Now, you're jumping the gun. I'll answer and say yes, but it's Trent who will tell you that story later on. Starr created him, too and you'll read about him in "The Other Side: Trent's Story." It would be an injustice to Trent to try and explain him to you. Talk about an enigma. I'm like an open book, pun intended, whereas Trent...well, let's just say, Starr really crossed to the "Other Side" to create him.

QW; Is there anything else you can tell us?

MJ: I would love to, but I can't. Starr would be very upset if I told you everything. Just read "The Other Side: Melinda's Story" and you'll have your answers.

QW: Thank you for joining us today, Melinda. It was nice speaking with you.

If you want to know even more about Melinda James, click on any of the links below:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2b5xQhY
All Romance Books: http://bit.ly/2b5yOdX
Wild Rose Press: http://bit.ly/2b9vK4B

Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with Trent Miller.


HAPPY READING!

Saturday, August 27, 2016

"Close Enemy" by Sandra Dailey-a Book Review

"Close Enemy" by Sandra Dailey

*Although I haven’t read the first book in this series, “Common Enemy,” I didn’t need to. It’s a stand-alone novel, encompassing enough backstory to explain the characters and their lives.

Caleb McCrae is an attorney who receives a letter from Leah Fletcher, a prisoner, asking him to come see her, indicating a life is dependent upon him. He’s intrigued and decides to go. He doesn’t realize when he enters the prison that this visit will turn his life upside down.

Leah is pregnant and begs him to protect her unborn child from her mother’s grasp. Caleb learns the story of why Leah is in prison and why she needs to protect her child from her mother, and agrees to help. What neither of them realizes is that Caleb will need to protect Leah and child from more than an unfit mother trying to take Leah’s baby. Murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping rival the tensions of regret, renewal of hope, devotion, love and heartache in this novel.

Dailey relays a story that is both touching and heartbreaking, one that can resound in a reader’s heart, long after the final page. This book is well-written; the narrative itself telling a story that dialogue doesn’t need to say.

If you like romantic and dramatic stories, this one is for you. A definite 4 STAR book.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of the Other Side Series

* I received an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 


Saturday, June 4, 2016

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