A riveting tale of greed, deception, and murder in a small community of singular Texas characters. Indian Creek isn’t urban nor suburban, and it’s not exactly rural. It’s one of those in betwixt zones that slides in among them and takes its characteristics from all three.
Jude Atkins places us smack dab in the middle of this hard drinking flotsam in society’s stream. The social center of the community appears to be the Hideaway Bar where Anna, everyone’s favorite drunk, holds forth with a surly attitude and lashing tongue. Then, when Anna turns up murdered, there is no shortage of suspects.
This is a great read, one you hate to put down even to eat. I hope and suspect this will not be the last we’ll see of these Indian Creek folks. You may not want to invite them to your house, but they’re fascinating people to read about. Reviewed by Don Johnson, author of Brasada, A Texas Elegy, The Scion, Compulsion
A fabulous mixture of Texas humor, heart-pounding action, sexy nuances and mounting suspense. There's plenty of excitement, plenty of intrigue, a local flavor to tickle the toughest of taste buds and a good serving of hot, steamy romance to titillate the senses. The second of Jude Atkins' Indian Creek, Texas novels, Betraying Mikki reads like a locomotive with non-stop action from beginning to end.
When Stella's niece Mikki calls with news that she is expecting a baby by a married man who Stella considers a self-centered jerk things seemed bad enough. But when the "jerk" turns up dead after denying any responsibility for the baby and insisting that Mikki get an abortion, things get worse in a hurry.
Stella turns to Kelly McWinter to set things right but he soon discovers a tangled web of secrets and lies that threaten a young woman's freedom and put friendships to the test. Betraying Mikki is a riveting tale of greed, deception and murder served up with a generous helping of hot, steamy romance
Betraying Mikki is a totally engrossing, can't-put-it down story that draws you in and won't let you go. A bit of romance and love also creeps into the riveting storyline, giving it a wholesome feel. Ms. Atkins ties up all the loose ends quite neatly and ends the novel on solid footing. She leaves the reader anticipating more in the Texas series. All in all, an excellent read!
Reviewed by Bramble Nymph of LITERARY NYMPHS. Read the full review here:
Anna’s Secret by Jude Atkins is a mystifying tale with several twists and turns and an ending that surprised me. This book has an old-fashioned detective story feel to it that is charming and complements the small town atmosphere ... the story had a good flow, with well fleshed out characters and I would look forward to reading more suspense from this author. 4 Angels! FALLEN ANGEL REVIEWS Reviewed by: Tammy
ANNA’S SECRET has enough bends and splinters to throw a reader into a quandary trying to figure out who is the guilty party. It was certainly a surprise to me. Jade Atkins has created a taut, sad, well-written story that keeps everyone guessing. She has a style suited to telling suspense stories. If you are in the mood for a whodunit, I recommend ANNA’S SECRET. Vi Janaway Romance Reviews Today
Partner, mother, daughter, sister, author, descendant of Mother Shipton the Nostradamus of Great Britain, Jude (Pittman) Atkins is all of these. Jude and her partner John live in Calgary.
An inveterate gypsy Jude was born in Alberta, spent her teens in California and Washington, settled in Texas with her four daughters - Judi-Ann (1965-2004), Tami, Billie and Roxanne. It was while studying journalism in Fort Worth, Texas that Jude began work on the Indian Creek Texas mysteries. Anna's Secret and Betraying Mikki have both been published by Cerridwen Press and Jude is currently at work on Deadly Paradise, the third novel in her Indian Creek series.
The King has ordered the marriage of Lady Marta Shipton to a Russian Prince. Of course the King doesn't realize that Lady Marta is a prophetess, a fact that has been kept hidden for everyone but Marta's mother and father. In a vision Marta has seen her future and the face of her bethrothed. Thus, even as she sobs her heart out in the arms of the steward of Gresham Manor, Marta knows her marriage is inevitable and that soon she must take her place in the Court of King Henry VIII.
Judith Pittman's ancestor, the 16th Century Prophetess who penned Mother Shipton's prophecies, lived and loved in a dangerous and intolerant society. Flames of Prophecy is a fictional account of the girl, Lady Marta Shipton, who became known as the prophetess, Mother Shipton.
Review from Amazon.com "FLAMES OF PROPHECY", January 4, 2009
By Betty Sullivan La Pierre (Sunnyvale, CA United States) - See all my reviews
"FLAMES OF PROPHECY" by Judith Pittman is a most enchanting tale. The author does a beautiful job of taking you through the life of Lady Marta and all the dilemma's she suffers. The story takes place in England during the era where Kings and Queens ruled their territories. Many died or were put into dungeons at the stroke of the rulers mighty pens. The smallest crime could be punishable by death or life in a horrible cell. Wars were fought in hand to hand battles and thousands of Kings along with their soldiers lost their lives defending their land.
Review by Juliet Waldron, Author of Mozarts Wife and other wonderful historicals.
"Flames of Prophecy" is set in the reign of Henry VIII, but with a unique twist. Marta is born to a noble family. She grows up in a country manor like any other lady, but she has a secret bloodline--she is sole heir to the throne of Moldavia. Driven out by the Turks, her father took refuge in England as a young man. Here he married and lived quietly, hoping to escape his enemies. There is more than royalty in Marta's background, however, there is magic, too, for she descends from seers. As she matures it becomes clear she too has the "gift" (or perhaps, "curse") of foresight. This is respected in the East, but in England prophecy is dangerous, for it is connected with witchcraft.
As Marta grows to womanhood, every day is filled with danger. First, Turkish assassins, who want the last Christian heir to the Moldavian throne dead, stalk her. Then the handsome, worldly Russian prince who is contracted to marry her arrives with a jealous, murderous lover in tow. When King Henry, the family's protector, dies, his unstable daughter Mary comes to the throne. Queen Mary dislikes Marta and is eager to burn all heretics and "witches." Written in a colorful romantic style, Flames of Prophecy is a fast read, with an engaging, strong heroine and plenty of action. How Marta manages to survive all her trials and to--perhaps--found a line of prophets in the English countryside--makes an intriguing, unusual story.
Author Jude Atkins (Judith Pittman) is the owner of the Books We Love network if you have questions about the website just click the envelope to send Jude an email
