Set in a rural Mississippi River town, the lovely Sarah Hunter pursues the truth she must deal with and the man she left waiting in Chicago. There are many secrets in Clayton County; Sarah becomes the keeper of these unknowns.
According to the IRS, there were certain taxable transactions which during the 1980′s were quite commonly bartered. The concern by the IRS over the potential loss of tax revenue stimulates the assignment for IRS examiner Sarah Hunter. Her mission clear, Sarah descends upon a small river town in Iowa, like a fox in a hen house, to investigate. At first her mission is clear; secure the government’s money. However, as she finds herself connecting with the heart of the community, the question looms larger with each passing day, “Is the big government machine right?”
Sarah’s quest expands to the culmination of believing there is no malice against the government intended… large hearts, and sharing and caring have simply become a cultural response to survival.
Excerpt
What is a dog doing in a bar?
She walked quickly to Wilma. "Where did you find that stray dog, Wilma? It's got to be a violation of the Food and Drug Act, Restaurateur’s Association, or something to have a dog in here, doesn't it?"
Wilma looked excited. "Aw, come on. It's just Ralph."
Sarah didn't understand, but watched Wilma scan the crowd.
"Well, I'll be damned, KC is here. I didn't think he'd be able to make it."
Sarah looked around. "KC? Who's KC? And what's he got to do with this dog."
Looking over Sarah's shoulder, Wilma said, "Let me introduce you, dear. He’s coming right behind you."
Sarah turned in her chair to look behind her and immediately saw a tall man walking toward them, whose wide shoulders passed above the tops of most people's heads. But the man's stride is what caught Sarah's eye. As tall as he was, he didn’t plod like a bear, but rather moved smoothly…like a cat…or an athlete… if she had to make a guess. He looked young and physically fit. She'd been to many Bull's basketball games and seen the same grace in even bigger men than he.
KC, dressed in Osh Kosh bib overalls and work boots, approached Wilma and Sarah. Sarah looked up into his pleasant tanned face and was caught off guard by his deep blue eyes that seemed even brighter because of his tan. His broad easy smile spread his golden mustache wide on his face. She noted that it appeared to get more attention than his wardrobe.
Not much of a dresser.
A green baseball hat with Pioneer in bold yellow across the front held down his long, wavy, blond hair. He fit Sarah's image of a farmer. An image fostered by her dad.
Wilma made the introduction. "KC, meet Miss Sarah Hunter, just in from Chicago."
KC smiled warmly. "Well, the pleasure's all mine, Miss Hunter. I couldn't have missed you in this crowd if it was dark."
"Yes, I'm a bit overdressed and I'm terribly out of place."
"Oh, don't be hard on yourself. You look beautiful in that outfit."
Is he flirting with me?
"Sorry to be late, but I had an operation to take care of and I didn't think I could make it to your reception." Kent smiled broadly. "I'm sure glad I did now."
"You said 'operation.' "Just what kind of operation did you mean?"
"Aw, just a little mishap. I had to clear some vehicles off the road. Got'r done quick enough though to stop by, meet you and have a beer."
"That's interesting. What is it that you do?"
"I'm your friendly AAA Towing Company. Do you belong to AAA, ma'am?"
"I do."
"Well then, any little mishap, you just call AAA and I will be at your service. Surely nice meeting such a beautiful woman like you. You enjoy yourself, ma'am, ya' hear?" He shook her hand firmly and walked towards the bar.
"Interesting man Wilma. And he's cute. For a truck driver I mean."
"Cute? Come on girl, all the women think he's handsome. The man has a heart of gold. Everybody in Clayton loves him."
Professional Reviews
Taking it home...
The Secrets of Clayton County, the first in Wooldridge's Trilogy, is a fine work by this author... seeking to take readers back to their roots.
The characters are believable, and the culture of this sleepy mid-western town is craftily developed.
The fine mix of romance and suspense keeps readers - turning the pages.
Book 2 of the romance trilogy Horses of Tir Na Nog
Life for CJ, and Shawn, has taken on new meaning and a wonderful turn. Never in a million years did CJ think she could be this happy. With her new husband and closest friends in tow, she’s bound
When Sophie Bayles inadvertently ruins a young man’s chance for employment, she sets out to find him a new position. Even though he doesn’t want her to.
