Book 2 in The Appalachian Foothills Series. Pilot Lannis Parker has triumphed over her past-or so she thinks. She faces her rapist, then dredges up the courage to bring him to trial, and is relieved to see Robert Davis imprisoned. But the closure she'd sought is elusive. Resurrected memories invade her life and threaten to splinter her relationship with those she loves most. Newly married, Lannis discovers she's as much a prisoner as Davis, shackled by fear and inextricably bound to him through his crime. Frustrated at her descent into the past, Ben tries to understand, but fails. Cracks appear in their fledgling marriage, and Lannis becomes desperate to repair the underlying cause. She gradually realizes that healing will come only when she acknowledges Davis's humanity-not a popular notion, but one she increasingly understands as essential. In a bold move, Lannis meets with Davis in prison-and challenges him to recognize "her" humanity. Will Lannis's gamble free her from that unholy bond and open a path to peace? Can she save her marriage? And when her husband's undercover op goes awry, will she lose everything?
Fresh out of prison after twelve years, Opal McBride must find a job in order to meet parole requirements. Failure means she'll serve out the remainder of her sentence behind bars. The system has seen fit to drop her in Louisville, Kentucky, a far cry from her hometown of Jubilee in the Appalachian hollows. Scrambling to adapt, Opal finds more than a potential job in May Boone's quilt shop; she finds acceptance and perhaps even friendship. That is, until May's son recognizes her. A detective, Josh Boone is not about to let a felon work for his soft-hearted mother. Though Opal's crime was against a sheriff's deputy, his innate sense of decency prods him to break ranks and defend her from the disdain of his fellow officers. Then he finds she may have light to shed on a cold case-and discovers there is more to Opal's story than it seems. Josh risks his professional reputation (and his heart) as he digs into Opal's past. When secrets are exposed, will justice prevail? Will Opal and Josh find redemption-and maybe even love-where they least expect it?
Sam Bledsoe prefers his reclusive existence. A one-man landscape business keeps a roof over his head and food on the table-and keeps his badly scarred face away from curious eyes. But when a woman faints on her way from neighbor Maggie Ross's house, he doesn't hesitate. He rushes to help while grappling with memories of the incident that burned him so badly. Free spirit Becca Sweet is pregnant-and down on her luck. The father of her unborn baby showed his true colors when he showed her the door. The apartment she has lined up isn't available until the first of the year, and with Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. Becca appeals to her no-nonsense sister for help, but Maggie, unaware of Becca's pregnancy, chooses that moment to dish out some tough love. When Sam comes to Becca's rescue, their battered hearts collide. In a moment of holiday magic, they discover that Christmas hope applies to all, even to them. And will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?
What Remains" is a catalog of recent paintings by Leslie Parke for an exhibition at Gremillion and Company, Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. As Parke says, "the more elusive and impossible the image is to paint, the more it interests me. A painting succeeds for me when it seems as though the light is emanating from inside." Leslie Parke is an artist from upstate New York and a recipient of the Esther and Adolph Gottlieb Grant for Individual Support. Her work has been exhibited in museums in the United States, Israel and Argentina, and is in numerous private and corporate collections.
ABOUT THE BOOK Who is Natalie Wood? On Sunday, November 29, 1981, the world woke to the news that the talented and well-loved movie star Natalie Wood was dead. She was only 43 years old. But as details of her death became known, the loss became both a tragedy and a mystery. How was it possible that she would die from the one thing that terrified her most: drowning in dark water? For many, it was inconceivable unless something more sinister occurred. Officially, the cause of death was an accident. Although the specifics are unknown, speculation by the authorities and by Robert Wagner, her husband who was on the boat with her at the time, is that she attempted to retie the dinghy that was thumping against the boat and fell in the water. Because Wagner was in a heated argument with their guest, actor Christopher Walken, he didn’t hear her fall or cry for help. In fact, some think she may have hit her head when she fell and was unable to call for help. Regardless, the heavy coat she was wearing would have hindered her attempt to save herself. Thirty years later, the mystery surrounding her death continues. In November 2011, the investigation was reopened based on “new” information, but quickly closed again with the same finding. What’s unfortunate is that Natalie Wood’s death has overshadowed the career of a talented actress. She was a celebrity throughout her career, making the transition from child star, to teen phenom and acclaimed adult actress. She starred in over 56 films, most of which were made when she was a child. She had earned three Oscar nominations by the time she was 25 years old. Her private life was equally as interesting. She was married three times, twice to actor Robert Wagner in what was considered the big Hollywood romance of the time. When she wasn’t married, she was connected romantically to many of the leading actors of her time including James Dean, Warren Beatty, and Elvis Presley. As glamorous as her life appeared, Natalie struggled with depression and insecurity, stemming from a domineering mother and an alcoholic father. Her mother, Mud was a classic showbiz mother who controlled Natalie’s career, including what pictures she’d do and firing agents when she didn’t feel they were doing their job. But Mud’s behavior went well-beyond directing Natalie’s career. She controlled everything and wasn’t opposed to using emotional and psychological manipulation to keep Natalie close. For example, she told Natalie that serial killers stabbed children in the back if they sat too close to the screen in movie theaters. As a result, Natalie was afraid to view movies anywhere but at the studio. Later while watching Natalie’s daughter, Natasha, Mud changed the locks on the doors of the house and told Natasha that her mother and stepfather, Robert Wagner, were dangerous. Mud supposedly also predicted that Natalie would die in dark water, which likely reinforced her fear. This behavior led to resentment by Natalie towards her mother. At the same time, she often felt guilty for not allowing her mother more access to her. Well-liked by her peers, close friends reported Natalie could have a dark side as well, particularly if she was drinking, according to several biographers. At 26 years old, she attempted suicide and semi-retired from her acting career. Even so, she continued to make acclaimed and though provoking films such as Inside Daisy Clover, This Property is Condemned and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Natalie started work on Brainstorm, co-starring Christopher Walken and because of his show, Hart To Hart, Wagner was not able to accompany her to Raleigh N.C. for the shoot. He made a weekend visit and became concerned about a possible affair between her and Walken.... ...buy the book to continue reading!
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