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Southport's instant local-best seller, Against Their Will, is Carolyn Courtney Lauman's first published work in what will soon become a long line of thrillers that will fill your bookshelves. 

Synopsis:

A holiday drive to Florida ends tragically for Izzy and Maria when their car breaks down outside a rural North Carolina bar. Kidnapped by two brutally sadistic men, the sisters are held captive in a remote fishing cabin. As the men become increasingly unhinged, their savagery intensifies, propelling the young women into a desperate fight for their lives. Decades and distance have healed their physical injuries, but Izzy and Maria's once-close relationship has failed to survive in the aftermath of their nightmare. Estranged and living on opposite coasts, they rarely see or speak to each other. Now, one of the kidnappers has been released from prison, vowing to exact his revenge on Izzy and Maria. As a hurricane rages around them, the sisters endeavor to repair their bond, confronting many hard truths in the process. Can they reconcile in time to defeat the demons from their past?

Details:

• Paperback
• 312 pages
• Publisher: Carolyn Courtney Lauman
• 5" x 8"

Reviews:

• "I loved this book.. easy read, suspenseful as well as compelling.."
• "Carolyn’s style is easy to read and the story (especially in the first third of the book) was brisk and well-reported...I’d recommend this novel to mystery lovers."
• "A skilled storyteller, she manages weaves a heartwarming romantic subplot into the mix, which kept me turning the pages. I highly recommended this fast-moving thriller."

In Deceptive Waters, local Southport author Carolyn Courtney Lauman introduces her readers to Mary Branson, the lead character in her mystery and suspense Deceptive series. Enjoy reading how Mary transitions from international business executive to writer of true-crime-turns-fiction. You won't be disappointed.

Synopsis:

Two Bridges. Two Crashes. 

When Mary Branson witnesses a car hurtle off the Golden Gate Bridge in the fall of 1998, little does she realize that, twenty years later, she'll find herself revisiting the haunting details of that crash. But when a woman's body is found floating along the dark shore of Chesapeake Bay, Mary tasks herself with unraveling the truth behind both deaths. 

Not everyone wants Mary to uncover the truth, let alone publish a novel based on the secrets she exposes. With ominous forces working to silence her, Mary turns to her law enforcement husband and a street-savvy private investigator for help. Can she stay alive long enough to finish her story? 

Details:

• Paperback
• Publisher: Carolyn Courtney Lauman
• 5" x 8"

Reviews for Lauman's first book, Against Their Will:

• "I loved this book.. easy read, suspenseful as well as compelling.."
• "Carolyn’s style is easy to read and the story (especially in the first third of the book) was brisk and well-reported...I’d recommend this novel to mystery lovers."
• "A skilled storyteller, she manages weaves a heartwarming romantic subplot into the mix, which kept me turning the pages. I highly recommended this fast-moving thriller."

In Deceptive Affairs, local Southport author Carolyn Courtney Lauman reacquaints her readers with Mary Branson, the lead character in her mystery and suspense Deceptive series. Mary seems to always be wrapped up in some kind of mystery suspense drama. 

Synopsis:

When the shockwaves from the gruesome murder of a Pennsylvania woman radiate south to coastal North Carolina, mystery writer Mary Branson finds herself indirectly involved via her best friend, the free-spirited Diana Forrester. Torn between a concern for Diana’s well-being and a desire to recoup her own stolen sense of security, Mary enlists the help of her reluctant husband, a former law enforcement officer, to keep Diana safe.
Frustrating their efforts, carefree Diana is blind to the risks of continuing her not-so-secret affair with the prime suspect. But, when a menacing stranger appears in town, and a second, more shocking crime takes place, is Mary, or any of the residents of Southport, safe?
Once again, the past and present collide in Southport, North Carolina, leaving the quaint, seaside village reeling in murder and intrigue. With twists and turns swirling in all directions, nothing about Deceptive Affairs is as it seems. Picking up where Against Their Will and Deceptive Waters left off, Carolyn Courtney Lauman’s latest tale will leave readers guessing until the very last page.

Details:

• Paperback
• Publisher: Carolyn Courtney Lauman
• 5" x 8"

A perfect gift for the sea turtle and ocean lover! These ceramic marine turtle ornaments look adorable hanging on gifts, in a window, or on a tree! This pottery sea turtle ornament is made from earthenware clay and impressed with native plants and greenery and decorated with glazes of green, gold, turquoise, purple, and red. Minor variations are to be expected as they are part of the beauty of handmade. Comes neatly tucked inside a kraft jewelry box.

Approximately: 3" x 2-3/4" x 1/4" inches thick

Made in Star, North Carolina, USA

Handmade in NC. Each piece is handmade and variations will occur.

Dishwasher Not Recommended. Hand Wash Only.

A perfect gift for the backyard birder and nature lover! These ceramic chickadee ornaments look adorable hanging on gifts, in a window, or on a tree! This pottery bird ornament is made from earthenware clay and impressed with native plants and greenery and decorated with glazes of green, gold, turquoise, and a touch of red. Minor variations are to be expected as they are part of the beauty of handmade. Comes neatly tucked inside a kraft jewelry box.

Ornament Size Approximately: 3-1/4" x 2" x 1/4" inches thick

Made in Star, North Carolina, USA