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My Books
What
do I write? I call my novels literary romance, meaning they have the
elements of traditional literary/mainstream literature with explorations
of social/cultural aspects, psychological facets, and deep characterization,
plus strong romantic elements.
It's reality
fiction. You'll know my main characters inside-out and feel like you
could run into them on the streets of your own town. It's also romance
with emphasis on a relationship between at least one couple, the development
and obstruction of the romance, and an upbeat denouement. It's not stuffy
and it's not fluff. I have no objection to either kind of fiction, but
it's not what I do. It's also non-erotic, written for adults, but safe
for most young adults. It's classic romance with a strong literary edge
... or it's mainstream fiction with strong romantic elements. Check
it out and let me know which way you would define it!
My
short stories tend to be straight mainstream fiction, possibly with
a touch of a romantic element but less so, sometimes with no romance.
Why? I have no idea. That's how they come out. You can find free stories
on my Smashwords
page. You may want to bookmark it, since I'll be adding to it as I go.
Or subscribe to my
Blog to find all the most current news,
as well as my ramblings about the arts, writing, and societal issues.
To download a free chapbook
that includes the beginnings of each of my novels to date, click HERE.
This is a 35+ page pdf file. If you need the free Adobe Reader, download
it from Adobe.com.
Click on the cover or title to go to each book's site.
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Jenna
Rhodes escaped her mother's idea of a successful, elite life with
an early marriage to an unknown artist, but her husband's eventual
success has catapulted her into the midst of another world in which
she feels she doesn't belong. Now, in her early twenties, she finds
herself alone with a young baby and fighting against her overwhelming
artistic desires. With memories of the past and the rekindling of
an old friendship, Jenna struggles to find her own world. Rejecting
her impulses becomes impossible, though, when a handsome magnetic
force begins to pull at her spirit. (2003) |
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Susie
Brooks is a nineteen-year-old dance teacher whose main stability
through an uncertain childhood was her best friend, Evan Scott,
a guitarist with a flair for the business world. Evan’s other
best friend is Duncan O’Neil, also a guitarist, but with a
flair for attracting women’s attention while hiding his past.
When Duncan moves into Evan’s world, he changes the dynamics
not only within the band, but within Susie and Evan’s relationship.
The three friends find themselves struggling with love, loss, and
secret passions during the turbulent Seventies. (2006) |
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With rising fame comes rising tensions and decisions
that build relationships or destroy them.
Susie, Duncan, and Evan lead Raucous through the music world jungle
heading toward the top. Along the way, family secrets are revealed
and new additions come along, and the friends must redefine themselves
within their new roles. While making sacrifices and reconsidering
relationships, they’ll have to choose between clinging to
their current worlds and letting go to explore new possibilities.
(2008)
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"Riveting"
Ryan Reynauld is immersed in a world of music, parties, and temporary
companionship. Having risen to the top of the pop charts, his biggest
concern is objecting to the way his music is produced. That is,
until he finds a young woman standing on a window ledge. Against
the advice of family and friends, and through media attacks and
fan protests, Ryan determines to care for her himself, making a
promise that threatens to destroy his career.
Convincing the skittish girl she can learn to trust again comes
with a steep price. Sometimes the path to recovery begins by allowing
your world to implode. (2009) |
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Abraham
Luchner pulls up roots from his Snake River Valley home in support
of the war effort. Joined by his friend Cameron Terry, an impulsive
adventure seeker, Abe determines to sever ties at home in order
to minimize distractions.
Maura Laerty has been claimed as Cameron's betrothed in the eyes
of the community. Determined not to become a war widow or caregiver
of one more soul who needs her ongoing assistance, she refuses his
proposal, at least until he returns. Despite her efforts, Maura
soon finds herself saddled with responsibilities that tax her resolve
and turn the townspeople away. (2010) |
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Several
years ago, I wrote a story for my children, nieces, and nephews,
illustrated it, and bound it as Christmas gifts.
I decided to share it further after Mom turned my illustrations
into a beautiful Stanley quilt. This full color little book tells
of a raindrop that always finds the hardest places to land. Inspired
by a scene from Rehearsal: A Different Drummer, Stanley
is available in print and download with both my own illustrations
plus photos of the quilt. |
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