"Shipped"

"Shipped" by Angie Hockman 

Henley Evans can almost taste the sweetness of the upcoming

promotion. The prize of digital director at Seaquest Adventures

could be hers, if she can create a stellar proposal to entice 

eager travelers to cruise the tantalizing Galapagos Islands. 

Increase revenue, and her career soars. But first, she must 

eliminate any obstacles in her way. 

As the marketing manager of this boutique cruise line, she's

undoubtedly made some necessary sacrifices. Quality time with

friends and family always takes a back seat to pursuing her lofty 

goals. But if that's what it takes, Henley is more than willing 

to pay the price for a prestigious title and a more comfortable

lifestyle. 

There's just one hiccup in her perfectly executed plan. She'll

have to visit the Islands personally to get a feel of all they have 

to offer enthusiastic tourists, and joining her will be arch

rival, Graeme Crawford-Collins, a man she's never met, but

intensely dislikes already. Granted, his dreamy, good looks are

quite appealing on their virtual calls, but now is not the time

to think about a personal relationship. She not only doesn't trust

him, he's also serious competition for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

But staying cool and rational is far from easy when Henley

meets Graeme in person. Her preconceived notions about him

being a conniving nemesis begins to dissolve as they explore

the Islands together, and soon the mutual attraction can no longer

be denied. This sexy competitor threatens to claim the recognition

she's worked so hard for, while her heart slowly melts whenever

he's around. 

This fun-filled, frolicking romance is the perfect getaway for

readers who want to leave their worries behind. Join Henley, 

Graeme, and an entertaining cast of characters, as they spend

spectacular days and moonlit nights at sea, experiencing all the

glorious beauty and history this breathtaking location has to offer. 

Approximately 1000km off the coast of Ecuador, the stunning

stretches of white beaches, and exotic wildlife of Galapagos, 

are the perfect setting for unexpected romance and new beginnings. 

And don't miss the author's notes on her thoughts about the 

connection between human beings and the ecosystems that 

surround us all. Not only is this debut entertaining, it also

provides enlightening information about what we can do to save

and preserve our precious planet. 

Add "Shipped" to your list of "Books To Read", on sale

January 19th, 2021, and escape to paradise.

 

"The Wife Upstairs"

"The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins

Stroll by the opulence of the gated homes in 

Thornfield Estates, and you'll see how the wealthy

live. Perfectly manicured lawns bursting with

vivid flowers surround magnificent homes with pricey

SUVs in the driveways, waiting for restless housewives

to depart for another gossipy luncheon fueled by 

over-priced cocktails.  

Jane is new to Birmingham, Alabama, and even though

her latest gig as a dog-walker for these over-indulged 

residents isn't her dream job, it does offer the opportunity

to imagine what it must be like to wake up every day

not worrying about how next month's rent will

miraculously appear. For just a moment, she can forget

the abusive foster homes where she spent her childhood.  

When resilient Jane happens to meet the charming, handsome

widower, Eddie Rochester, on one of these daily walks, she

immediately seizes the opportunity to ingratiate herself into

his life. With his tousled, good looks and captivating demeanor, 

Jane falls hard for Eddie, and he finds her to be a refreshing 

change from the boring, predictable ladies nearby. 

In just a matter of time, there's a stunning diamond and 

emerald sparkler on her finger, as the country club neighbors

slowly welcome her into their tight-knit circle, fascinated as to 

how this young woman won the heart of alluring Eddie. 

Soon, Jane learns the disturbing details of the tragic

events that took the life of Eddie's beloved, late wife, Bea.

The beautiful, elegant, sinfully rich, entrepreneur and her best friend,

Blanche, drowned in a boating accident, their bodies forever lost to

the churning waters of a deep, dark lake. 

Living with the legend of Bea is incredibly hard for Jane, but when

Blanche's husband, Tripp, is arrested for murder, she finds herself more unsettled

than ever. What really happened on that ominous night? With Tripp vehemently

denying the charges, Jane's uneasiness grows. How well does she really know

the man who's provided the life of luxury she's always craved, and how well

does Eddie know Jane, who has some pretty damning secrets of her own? 

Rachel Hawkins (who writes for young adults under the pen name, Erin

Sterling) ventures into the genre of psychological thrillers/romance, with

a debut that is raw, addictive, and satisfyingly brilliant. 

Filled with twists and turns that make the pages turn quickly, this compelling 

modern-day "Jane Eyre" has its very own updated Mr. Rochester, and is a 

decidedly fabulous choice of novels for the kick-off of 2021.