Terracotta Thorns

Jem is serving life for shooting Joseph but can mere walls and bars prevent him escaping to finish what he started?Set mainly in a fictitious town in Kansas: Amanda’s attempts to find redemption seem thwarted by providence and the probability that Jem may one day catch up with her or seize her cousin Diane, instead. When Diane is diagnosed with a sickness of the mind it, along with her medication plus the alcohol and narcotics the ne’er-do-well Michael Russell supplies her with, makes for an explosive cocktail and an almost impossible task for Amanda to protect her. However, despite setbacks, Amanda determines to put history behind her and move forward to a hopeful future with the man she loves – but those with long memories wait in the wings, to further convince her the debt can never be paid.Seeing an opportunity to make himself some money, Michael marries Diane while she is under-the-influence. While resolute that Michael will not receive a dowry, Amanda watches over Diane and her new-born daughter as best she can, at the same time coming-to-terms with a devastating bequest.Cruel discrimination threatens to tear apart the once close-knit community of Perchance. When a local farmer is shot, the stunned residents re-unite in grief but deeds cannot be undone. Amanda’s brother shares shocking revelations, once again rekindling unpleasant memories. Michael blackmails Amanda into giving him money if she doesn't want anything happening to Diane and the children. During a bank robbery, three people are shot. After having a bullet removed from close to her spine and remaining in a semi-conscious state for days, Amanda wakes - but will she walk again?