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Read the latest reviews for BEYOND THE LIES!

 

 

 

 
 
"Beyond the Lies tells a poignant story of a woman in terms that we can all understand, and many can identify with today.  Tracking Gloria through her life, viewing things through her eyes, and counting the consequences is done with care and skill.  The reader is drawn in to the story, experiences the frustration, and learns to care what happens to her.  The trick is trying to get Beyond the Lies to the truth, and then be able to live within its parameters.  That is Gloria’s challenge, and you are invited along for the ride."  Reviewed by Rosemarie Brungard, Heartstrings & Romance @ Heart
 
 
HOLE IN HER HEART has taken first place in this reviewer’s top reads of 2004. This novel grabbed her heart and attention from page one, and never stopped flowing in her mind. Once the book was put down, she could not stop wondering "what next" and waiting for time to grab just a few minutes to read "one more chapter."

 Reviewed by Angie, Love Romances

 

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Unravelings This is an anthology of mystery and horror stories in the tradition of those wonderful old Alfred Hitchcock books where dark crime and supernatural stories sit comfortably side by side...~Cemetery Dance Review

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EXCERPT:

1955

The night was hot and humid, but it was Indianapolis in August. After nearly a year in Oklahoma, he’d been reassigned to finance school at Fort Benjamin Harrison. On this first weekend in town, he hit a few bars on Ohio Street and danced with a couple of girls at Nick & Jerry’s. On the prowl, he wore his uniform. People liked to be kind to soldiers. Tonight, however, he’d seen no evidence to prove this theory. Around eleven, he hopped on a bus and headed for the base. That’s when he spotted it--a Victorian house on a hill. The simple blue neon sign flashed, "LaRue’s Supper Club."

Two minutes later, he was standing at the massive bar, sipping his favorite drink of Harper’s and water. Yes, he decided, Indianapolis was going to be all right.

When the bartender set a second drink in front of him, he raised an eyebrow.

The bartender nodded toward the lounge. "The lady in pink."

Looking into the mirror behind the bar, he spotted his benefactor. She wore a shocking pink, low-cut linen sheath accented with a single-strand of pearls and matching earrings. A pearl white, angora shrug hung loosely over her shoulders. Her platinum-blonde hair was rolled into a French twist. The face was a perfect oval. The jowls sagged just a bit. Early forties, he thought. Which was fine. He loved older women. They were his fantasy. Besides, this one was a stunner, looking like a Schaperelli ad in Vogue.

Their eyes locked in the mirror. He grinned slowly. She raised her chin just slightly, smiling over her martini. He picked up his drink and walked toward her. With a long, shapely leg, she pushed one of the wine velvet Victorian-tufted armchairs toward him. He sat down.

"You looked thirsty." Her voice was husky.

At the piano bar, an overly endowed female knocked out some cool jazz. They listened to the music and sipped their drinks.

"Who’s the piano player?"

"Chloe...best jazz pianist in the Midwest. And," she leaned forward, showing cleavage, "who are you?"

"Rick."

"Do you have a last name?"

"Yes." He ordered another round of drinks. "And, you are?"

"Ruby."

"Really?" The name didn’t fit.

"Yes."

He winked. "Whatever you say."

Rick told her a joke so he could watch her laugh. To his relief, Ruby passed the test. Her nose didn’t crinkle like a rabbit’s when she laughed. He settled into his chair.

Thirty minutes later, Ruby said, "Let’s get out of here."

Rick looked helpless. "Sorry, I didn’t drive."

She stood, tossed a twenty on the table, and said, "Not a problem."

Available Now!

"This is a must read for any woman who has had a first love that left a hole in her heart. Things aren't always as they seem to us when we are able to get a glimpse from the other side. This book feels more like a true love story rather than a fiction read or a Hollywood movie ending outcome. A truly enjoyable bittersweet story and a wonderful read."  Michelle Shealy, My Shelf Reviews

Paperback ISBN: 1413724035

Book Publishing by Publish America

 

 

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Copyright © 2003 Carolyn Russell
Last modified: 10/07/07