Hand-Turned Tales

The stories in this book were written as “Made-to-Order” competition prizes. The winner chose three characters or objects and a story trope. What I did after that was up to me; the raw material of these ideas turned on the lathe of my imagination.

The book contains three short stories and a novella. I offer them as a sample of my writing style, the stories I love to tell, and the types of hero and heroine I love creating. I hope you enjoy following my characters through the turns in their tales.

The Raven's Lady
Felix returns home in disguise after thirteen years away from home. He plans to catch a smuggler, then take up his viscountcy. He does not expect the smuggler to be Joselyn, his childhood sweetheart. (Short story)

All That Glisters
The setting is New Zealand in the 1860s, when gold miners poured into the fledgling settlement of Dunedin. Rose is unhappy in the household of her fanatical uncle, but Thomas, a young merchant from Canada, offers a glimpse of another possible life, if she is brave enough to reach for it. (Short story)

Kidnapped to Freedom
Stolen from the Georgian plantation just ahead of being sold down the river, Phoebe faces the high seas to be reunited with her brother and sister, and the master’s son she once loved. Why then, are her dreams filled with the handsome, masked pirate who captains her rescue ship? (Short story)

The Prisoners of Wyvern Castle
Rupert has been imprisoned by his wicked sister, and compelled to wed. His new wife, Madeline, has likewise been threatened into saying her vows. Forced into marriage, they find love, but can they find freedom before it is too late?