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Out and In: A Romantic Mystery-Thriller
Society beauty and skilled amateur cellist Marie Donovan finds herself in deep trouble after her pro-quarterback husband sails off a Dallas high rise—many say in shame after his investment scheme implodes. Just months later, the widow's shock turns to terror when she's charged with murdering a lecherous opera maestro. Evidence points squarely at her, but Marie swears she's been framed.
Only her best friend believes her.
The stunning wife of renowned NFL quarterback Cole Donovan is no stranger to struggle. Not only does she fight off the groupies who wanted to take her man, but she feels alienated in Cole's pro-football macho culture. When her philandering, hard-drinking husband retires after an injury, he begins playing with high society's money. Winning at all costs catches up with him.
Marie is on the hook for millions.
Scorned by society, charged with murder, Marie pins her hopes on defense attorney Ryan Ingles, one of Cole's college football pals. After his legal team reveals a line of victims to the maestro's charms, the troupe travels to distant islands to find Cole's missing millions and restore Marie's reputation. As the tropics weave their spell, a corrupt banker makes Marie wonder if she'll ever be free of blame.
Will Marie find her own place in this world?
Ice and Fire: A Suspenseful-Thriller Set in Hawai‘i
Who Is Killing Astronomers on Hawai‘i Island?
In this sequel to Out and In: a mystery thriller, concert cellist and part-time sleuth Marie (Donovan) Ingles and her handsome attorney husband Ryan semi-retire to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, only to join an FBI investigative task force. One by one, four international astronomers fall prey to a serial killer. Is he an anti-astronomy activist? Ryan’s team represents two who are charged, only to prove they’re not guilty. But who is? The island erupts in panic and protests.
Again, Marie Must Fight for Her Marriage
Between task force investigations, Marie feels adrift without an orchestra role. Likewise, the ambitious Ryan finds island life a bore. Marie fears her new marriage is at risk—not because of boredom or lost love, but the seductions of another woman. Wondering if all is lost, Marie travels with Ryan and his two private investigators to the summit of the world’s tallest volcano, only to face a madman who pushes the team one ridge too far.
To Leave a Memory
In this tender portrait, a quirky professor, his psychic wife and their troubled daughter come together to forgive and rediscover how to love. You’ll laugh, cry, and cheer as each character becomes like family.
When history professor Andrew Ward ignores his wife Lizzy's premonition that something will happen if he allows their son to go out one stormy night, tragedy strikes. Andrew is too anguished to admit he was wrong and, over the years, he and Lizzy drift into avoidance.
Forgotten in the marital divide, young daughter Jane can't forgive her brother's death. Nor can Andrew's brother Thomas, an arrogant millionaire and a perpetual prickle in Andrew's side.
When Lizzy decides to leave, Jane -- who is now a tech guru and mother of three -- urges her mother to repair her marriage. But Lizzy’s church sidekick Ouisie encourages her to leave and even offers Lizzy a home.
Oblivious to the women's secret planning, Andrew hides in his office, trying to write a grand apologia to atone for his heartbreaking error. But when a second tragedy strikes, each family member faces a choice that no one wants to make. And Andrew must find the way to redeem himself and leave a memory.
Backstory
Told by a series of letters and brief screenplay scenes, this story's dynamic format will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Merry Mayfield, a mid-life film school grad, who relocates to Austin, Texas, after a devastating divorce. Through her diary-like notes to her adored professor Roland Holmes, you’ll share Merry’s pains, joys, and passions—especially for the charming teacher who inspires Merry’s love for drama and film.
You’ll also meet her domineering brother Brandon and zany sister-in-law Deanna, who each try to exorcise Merry’s demons. And you’ll be amazed by the offbeat characters who enter Merry’s world as she struggles to succeed and support her three unhappy teens.
As Merry resists her brother’s demands to forgo writing for sales, she wallows in martinis, flings with Mr. Wrongs, and brazen acts that lead to trouble. Naively, Merry even dates a stalker, until he sets his sight on her daughter. What happens next will shock and surprise readers who love a story to unwind with a wry smile.
“Reader tip: Be sure to read the Foreword and Afterword chapters to fully appreciate this story's ironic (and surprising) turn.”—J.K.K., reviewer