Hiding Places

by Ellen Parker

Published 9 June 2014
Mona Smith's plans to finish her culinary education are on hold and replaced with the need to economize and work hard. A warning from her brother - a local drug kingpin intends to collect money she doesn't have - prompts her to flee Minneapolis with only the possessions she can fit into a backpack. At the airport baggage claim she begs a ride with a stranger, willing to risk time with an outsider over the drug dealer's certain reputation.

Yesterday, Linc Dray was rejected by the final prospect on his list. Unless he's legally married within thirteen days, he can't inherit his grandfather's farm. Years of work and dreams, including expanding a tiny apple orchard to commercial size, will be lost. When Mona sprints into his life pleading for protection and transportation, he hesitates. Is she a clever con artist or the solution to his dilemma?

Mona sees how Linc's location and occupation offer her advantages . . . if only they didn't come with a marriage proposal. A public marriage, he insists, for legalities and show. She requests two days to consider the deal.

The budding trust between Mona and Linc is tested when a renter on the farm is murdered. The obvious clues point to Linc. Can they prove the real killer framed him? And what are they going to do about the inconvenient emotions invading the marriage of convenience?

Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors

Starr Tree Farm

by Ellen Parker

Published 5 August 2013
One year after her husband's murder, Laura Tanner's grief has turned to frustration at the stalled police investigation. She accepts an invitation from relatives to leave St. Louis and tend their Christmas tree farm near Crystal Springs, Wisconsin, for two weeks. The small, peaceful community full of fond childhood memories is just the place for her to move plans of a bookstore off paper and into reality. Plus, she'll prod her reluctant private investigator uncle - there must be something he can do long distance to find justice for her husband.

Brad Asher's military career ended when he lost an arm in Afghanistan. He's returned home to Crystal Springs and works part-time in real estate. When he learns of Laura's plans to settle in the community, he makes a few of his own. As the neighbor boy during her summer visits, he bumbled the opportunity to express his admiration for her. He's determined to make the most of this second chance.

But Laura's arrival from St. Louis threatens this future as events around her husband's murder follow her. Can Brad keep her safe and in his life?

Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors