Susan Childress
Personal Information
Description
Using blunt scissors, pages from a Big Chief tablet, a borrowed stapler and a Number Two pencil, Susan Wiggs self-published her first novel at the age of eight. A Book About Some Bad Kids [I still have this-CL] was based on the true-life adventures of Susan and her siblings, and the first printing of one copy was a complete sell-out. Due to her brother's extreme reaction to that first prodigious effort, Susan went underground with her craft, entertaining her friends and offending her siblings with anonymously-written stories of virtuous sisters and the brothers who torment them. The first romance she ever read was Shanna by the incomparable Kathleen Woodiwiss, which she devoured while slumped behind a college vector analysis textbook. Armed with degrees from SFA and Harvard, and toting a crate of "keeper" books by Woodiwiss, Roberta Gellis, Laurie McBain, Rosemary Rodgers, Jennifer Blake, Bertrice Small and anything with the words "flaming" and "ecstasy" in the title, she became a math teacher, just to prove to the world that she did have a left brain. Late one night, she finished the book she was reading and was confronted with a reader's worst nightmare—She was wide awake, and there wasn't a thing in the house she wanted to read. Figuring this was the universe's way of taking away her excuses, she picked up a Big Chief tablet and a Number Two pencil, and began writing her novel with the working title, A Book About Some Bad Adults. Actually, that was a bad book about some adults, but Susan persevered, learning her craft the way skydiving is learned—by taking a blind leap and hoping the chute will open. Her first book was published (without the use of blunt scissors and a stapler) by Zebra in 1987, and since then she has been published by Avon, Tor, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Warner and Mira Books. Unable to completely abandon her beloved teaching profession, Susan is a frequent workshop leader and speaker at writers' conferences, including the literary institution Fields End and the legendary Maui Writers Conference. Her novel The Charm School was voted one of RWA's Favorite Books of the Year. She is the proud recipient of three RITA awards for Lakeside Cottage, Lord of the Night and The Mistress, and is often a finalist for the prestigious award. Her books appear regularly on numerous "Best Of" lists. Susan enjoys many hobbies, including sitting in the hot tub while talking to her mother on the phone, kickboxing, cleaning the can opener, sculpting with butter and growing her hair. She lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with her family.
Books
The charm school
Something very strange -- and sinister -- is going on in the Russian woods at Borodino. In a place called Mrs. Ivanova's Charm School, young KGB agents are being taught by American POW's how to be model citizens of the USA. The Soviet goal -- to infiltrate the United States undetected. When an unsuspecting American tourist stumbles upon this secret, he sets in motion a CIA investigation that will reveal horrifying police state savagery and superpower treachery.
A Purrfect Romance
He loves without question. He is strong and silent, tender yet tough. He's all any woman would ever want. In a cat, that is. Now three bestselling authors are brought together in this wonderful collection of historical romances filled with fiery passion, glorious love and fearless felines. All three stories feature a special cat in the starring role. Three stories follow the adventures of a young woman who dares to tame a wild animal and a cold-hearted assassin, a dressmaker whose prayers are about to be answered, and an enchanted daughter of a Welsh chieftain who is drawn to a prisoner. Jennifer Blake - This is a story from 1700s Louisiana. It involves an unusual young woman & the very devil of a handsome man. Robin Lee Hatcher - A a story set in early 1900 Idaho. Angel is really an angel using a cat as a disguise to give Felicity (a plain 30 year old spinster) the answer to her prayers. Prescott is a handsome hunk of man who holds the key to her happiness. Susan Wiggs - Historical paranormal. Set in Wales in the time of Arthur (as a youth). Sirona has a secret. She turns into a huge black cat with the help of a family heirloom. The only person who can break her connection to this article is the one who holds the key to her heart. Rhys believes he's the one. [Cindy-Goodreads]
Winter Lodge
"Jenny has lived her whole life in Willow Lake, finding safety and warmth running her little bakery. Until one winter she loses everything in a devastating house fire. Sifting through the ashes she finds a chance for a different life ... Whilst touched by the love of the community and surprised by the attention of her gorgeous rescuer, Rourke McKnight, Jenny's heart is caught by another treasure - an undiscovered family of strangers waiting to make her their own. But in chasing one dream another may slip through Jenny's fingers. If she stays in Willow Lake long enough for the snow to settle, happiness is waiting to find her."--Back cover.
The Mistress of Normandy
Rand Fitzmarc has fought his way to prominence under the banner of King Henry V. At long last, his loyalty to the English crown will be rewarded with a title and land ... in Normandy, France's richest prize. Now the freshly knighted nobleman will have to battle once more for the right to possess his French barony, and for the hand of the woman who holds it. Note: Reprint of The Lily and the Leopard 0061040177 (ISBN13: 9780061040177) Women of War Series: The Lily and the Leopard (The Mistress of Normandy) Book #1 The Mist and the Magic (The Maiden of Ireland) Book #2
Map of the Heart
Widowed by an unspeakable tragedy, Camille Palmer has made her peace with the past and settled into the quiet safety of life with her teenage daughter, Julie, in a sleepy coastal town. Then the arrival of a mysterious package breaks open the door to her family's secret past. In uncovering a hidden history, Camille has no idea that she's embarking on an adventure that will utterly transform her. Camille, Julie, and Camille's father return to the French town of his youth, sparking unexpected memories - recollections that will lead them back to the dark days of the Second World War. And it is in the stunning Provencal countryside that they will uncover their family's surprising history.
The Firebrand (Mira (Audio))
October 8, 1871—One small spark ignites the entire city of Chicago, sending its residents into panic. But amid the chaos, a miraculous rescue kindles an unexpected new love.As she flees the raging inferno, Lucy Hathaway risks her life to save a precious baby girl. The little orphan is a gift from heaven, coming into Lucy's life just as the fire takes everything else from her.Five years have passed, and Lucy has raised Maggie as her own. Now, seeking a loan to refinance her most cherished dream—her bookstore, The Firebrand—Lucy finds herself face-to-face with Randolph Higgins, Chicago's most prominent banker. Rand is a bitter, lonely man scarred by the great fire and still grieving for the baby girl he lost that night. And to her astonishment, Lucy discovers that the child she'd saved was his.Some women would have run, some would have taken the secret of Maggie's identity to the grave. But not Lucy. Now her life is about to take another dramatic turn, forcing her to confront the one man who threatens all she holds dear. But it is their mutual love for a child that will propel Rand and Lucy on an unforgettable journey into emotion, adventure, and passion.
Snowfall at Willow Lake
Can a single moment change your entire life?International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most--the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.There Sophie discovers the surprising rewards of small-town life--including an unexpected passion for Noah Shepherd, the local veterinarian. Noah has a healing touch for anything with four legs, but he's never had any luck with women--until Sophie.Snowfall at Willow Lake speaks from the heart about all the loves that fill a woman's life, and all the ways that love is tested and made to grow. It's the story of what comes after a woman survives an unspeakable horror and finds her way home, to healing and redemption and a new chance at happiness.
That Summer Place
It's nothing special on the surface, merely a rambling old Victorian summerhouse on a secluded island, where the sky is blue and the water is clear. Yet after a month at the Rainshadow Lodge, people begin to change--and fall in love. How else can you account for what happens to the most mismatched, unlikely couples? There's Beth, who's stuck sharing the lodge with a complete stranger--and a difficult one at that. And Mitch, a workaholic on a deadline who has to depend on free-spirited Rosie, who functions on "island time." Not to mention Catherine, who's falling in love with Michael, the lodge's handyman--for the second time!
At the queen's summons
Feisty orphan Pippa de Lacey lives by wit and skill as a London street performer. But when her sharp tongue gets her into serious trouble, she throws herself upon the mercy of Irish chieftain Aidan O'Donoghue. Pippa provides a welcome diversion for Aidan as he awaits an audience with the queen, who holds his people's fate in her hands. Amused at first, he becomes obsessed with the audacious waif who claims his patronage. Rash and impetuous, their unlikely alliance reverberates with desire and the tantalizing promise of a life each has always wanted—but never dreamed of attaining. Tudor Rose Series: At the King's Command (Tudor Rose, #1) The Maiden's Hand (Tudor Rose #2) At the Queen's Summons (Tudor Rose, #3) The Tudor Rose Trilogy Collection (1-3): At the King's Command-The Maiden's Hand-At the Queen's Summons
Home before dark
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One of USA Today's Best Books of 2020 “A haunted house story—with a twist….[Sager] does not hold back”(Rolling Stone) in this chilling thriller from the author of Final Girls and Survive the Night. Every house has a story to tell and a secret to share. Twenty-five years ago, Maggie Holt and her parents moved into Baneberry Hall, a rambling Victorian estate in the Vermont woods. Three weeks later they fled in the dead of night, an ordeal her father recounted in a memoir called House of Horrors. His story of supernatural happenings and malevolent spirits became a worldwide phenomenon, rivaling The Amityville Horror in popularity—and skepticism. Maggie was too young to remember any of the horrific events that supposedly took place, and as an adult she doesn’t believe a word of her father’s claims. Ghosts, after all, don’t exist. When she inherits Baneberry Hall after his death and returns to renovate the place and sell it, her homecoming is anything but warm. The locals aren’t thrilled that their small town has been made infamous, and human characters with starring roles in House of Horrors are waiting in the shadows. Even more unnerving is Baneberry Hall itself—a place where unsettling whispers of the past lurk around every corner. And as Maggie starts to experience strange occurrences ripped from the pages of her father’s book, the truth she uncovers about the house’s dark history will challenge everything she believes.
Dockside at Willow Lake
"With her daughter grown-up and flown from the nest, Nina Romano is ready to embark on a new adventure. As a young single Mum there were things she'd given up - no postponed! - and this is Nina's time to start again, chase new dreams and find herself or at least a new self ...! But just as she she's beginning to enjoy being on her own, Nina meets Greg Bellamy, owner of the charming Inn at Willow Lake. Greg's struggling being a single dad, his teenage daughter is pregnant and he can't figure out how to fix things. Nina finds herself stepping in to help. Perhaps Nina's new life will include a new love? ..."--Publisher's description.
The Lily and the Leopard
Women of War #1 THE LILY France in 1414 was a country at war, overrun within by marauding knights and besieged from without by an ambitious English king. THE LEOPARD England in 1414 was ruled by King Henry V, a driven monarch who was determined to regain his French lands, even if it meant war. THE LILY AND THE LEOPARD Lianna of France was mistress of a great castle in Normandy Rand of England was King Henry's most fearless and trusted warrior. They were fated to meet in a sunny forest glade, just as their countries were fated to meet on the battlefield of Agincourt. Their turbulent yet triumphant love story symbolized the clash of two mighty nations. With them, the lily and the leopard could be united, finally, under one banner. Women of War: The Lily and the Leopard (Women of War, 1) The Maiden of Ireland (Women of War, 2)