IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Today's spotlight is on Patty Wiseman and her debut novel An Unlikely Arrangement. Set in the 1920's the plot focuses on organized crime, an engagement, a kidnapping, a misunderstanding...and murder...oh my!
What more could a reader ask for?
Now, more about the author...
The daughter of a WWII Navy vet who survived Pearl Harbor, Patty Wiseman was raised in Washington State. She attended The Wesleyan College in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and then moved to Northeast Texas where she has resided for over 30 years.
She has several short stories published and is currently working on two other novels. An Unlikely Arrangement is her first novel and based on a true story.
Semi-retired, Patty is proud to boast she still competes in her favorite sport, bowling. The proud winner of several 200 patches and other awards, she plans to continue to stay in shape with the sport.
Baseball is another passion, and Patty watches Texas Rangers Baseball faithfully. She and her husband Ron attend games as often as they can.
Patty and Ron are the proud owners of a year old crème lab they call Cutter. All their children are grown and scattered now with the grandchildren, which gives Patty plenty of time to write and turn out the stories of a lifetime dancing in her head.
Blurb
Young and rebellious, Ruth Squire defied her parents to live the high life of young people in 1929 Detroit. Handsome and responsible, Peter Kirby worked diligently to make his family’s life easier. Rich and powerful, Eric Horton held the fates of many families in his hands.
These three lives intertwine through the differing worlds of high society, middle-class life, and organized crime, culminating in an engagement, a kidnapping, a misunderstanding… … and a murder.
Excerpt
Her hands remained clasped in front of her, settled against the soft folds of the velveteen gown; eyes downcast. Rage coursed through her body, her heart pulsed with the beat of it. Face-to face with a man said to be her future husband, white-knuckled, she fought for control. Mother is angry, yes. Of course, I knew there would be consequences but I never expected this. To think my parents would betray me in such a way never once entered my mind.
“Dear, please do not be rude. Give Mr. Kirby the courtesy of acknowledging his presence.”
She lifted her trembling hand to his out-stretched palm. Her throat constricted, and she could not look directly at him. Instead, she focused on his gray pin-stripe slacks and moved up inch by inch until she reached his handsome face. An explosion echoed in her head as his eyes penetrated her soul. He stood over six feet tall, solidly built, and she felt small in his presence. She was not sure what she had expected, wasn’t sure she expected anything at all. A woodsy fragrance tickled her nose. Broad, muscular shoulders complemented the rugged look, but at the same time exuded finesse, well-schooled manners, and proper decorum. His eyes were kind and compassionate, and her hand fit in his warm grasp like a comfortable glove.
~~~
The two-story brownstone had been Ruth’s home from the day of her birth, a sanctuary from the modern upside-down world of 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. Until recently, she had loved this warm, relaxed house and appreciated her mother’s lavish taste. Now, it had turned into a guardhouse, and she yearned for freedom and independence. Last night, an eternity ago, her rebellion triggered this situation, and Peter Kirby appeared. She knew Mother, who now occupied the single chair in the room, leaving Father to stand by the fireplace, chose the parlor for this rendezvous because of its intimate arrangement.
“Ruth is a lovely name,” Peter said. “Are you named for your beautiful mother, Miss Squire?” Peter moved a bit closer and touched her hand.
Mother laughed aloud. “Why no, but thank you, Peter. May I call you Peter?” Mrs. Squire flirted, unabashed. “I chose Ruth’s name from the Bible. It fits her, don’t you think?
“Indeed it does, Mrs. Squire.” Peter addressed the older woman, but his attention remained riveted on her.
Why won’t he look away? He never wavers. I must look away. She couldn’t.
“Our marriage is in a fortnight, Miss Squire. Do you have any questions for me? I know this is sudden. I want to make this as pleasant as possible.” His hand now covered hers.
“Oh, I think we know as much as we need to know, Peter. Your mother gave us a detailed profile of your life. We are happy with our choice.” Mother rose to pour tea and handed a fragile china cup to the hopeful bridegroom.
Peter shifted his gaze from Ruth…slowly. “I am sure you have all the answers you need, Mrs. Squire. However, Ruth is the one who must commit. Surely, she has a few questions.” He looked steadfast into the eyes of the matron this time.
Ruth’s heart skipped and the silence took on a life of its own. Such boldness, how will she react? No one ever talked to Mother in that tone. She stole a glance, but turned back to look again on the man who dared such effrontery.
His rugged face glowed bronze in contrast to his white blond hair, and the blue in his eyes had turned to ice.
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