C.P. Murphy Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: Everett Moore Books Type: Fiction Pages: 260 ISBN-13: 9780615149615 Amelia Samuels is being forced into a loveless marriage while her father continues to commit treason. While the nation fights in The War of 1812, Amelia Samuels fights her own battle. Her father is forcing her to marry Thomas Van Martin, son of the wealthiest man in Millersport. When she has nobody left to turn to, she befriends Patrick Buchanan, the village stranger. After falling in love, Amelia and Patrick discover the reason behind her unwanted engagement but Amelia finds herself in grave danger before she can make things right. Excerpt As she neared the river, a breeze came along. Amelia raised her arm and sheltered her face from the blowing dirt until the movement of air was gone. Though the breeze brought the Earth to her, she was thankful because it was a relief from the steaming sun. As she walked along the street closest to the Hudson, Amelia noticed a sudden quietness around her. Something was off. Something had scared the birds and they stopped chirping. She crossed her arms over her chest as a chill went up her spine. In an instant she felt a cold hand grab her arm. She turned her head and hissed at the man. “Thomas Van Martin, what do you want?” His presence explained everything.

Reviewed by- Kathy Schultz, author of Riley's Gift
This novel by C.P. Murphy is a fantastic read bathed in mystery with many twists and turn. Your heart will break for young Amelia, who is being forced into a loveless marriage with the spoiled rich kid of the town, Thomas Van Martin. You can sense the pain and disappointment in Amelia as she wonders why her father would do such a thing. Unbeknown to her, Henry is hiding a terrible secret, so terrible that he would force Amelia into a life of sorrow. Thomas does not love Amelia, he just wants her and whatever spoiled Thomas wants, he gets. Love does come to Amelia in the guise of Patrick and hope for these two soar in your heart, but alas, the twists and turns of fate combined with evil will not let it be. You will love some of these characters and hate others. Much to our sorrow, Amelia is no more in this world and becomes the cold case of Millersport. Did Thomas do it? Will he be convicted? Just when you think you know it all and solved the case then are you in for a surprise. The characters in this book and the storyline are so well written that you feel that you are right there with them in this mystery trying to decipher the clues and solve the mystery. The story was so real that I grieved for Amelia. Her father was the cause, and her death was the effect, which just goes to prove all that we do does affect the lives of others. Amelia will never be forgotten and she is no cold case to our hearts. Congratulations to Ms. Murphy for a great and suspenseful novel. Don’t forget the surprise ending. I give this wonderful book the highest rating of 5 stars.



Reviewed by Author Tabitha Robin, of “The Burning Bush”
C.P. Murphy captures a life in this fascinating write. This story is stimulating and full of twist and turns. This Spellbinding story of love that is hindered by an arranged marriage, Amelia is promised to another but finds her self seeking for true love. The promised betrothed, does not love her, he only sees her as a trophy. Torn between two men, one of love and the other of promise; she find herself searching for a way out. Trapped in the middle of a decision this story begins to unfold into an electrifying situation. It is a roller coaster ride full of magic and soul. Don’t miss out on this gripping novel of brilliance. This is a blockbuster book of perfection, exhilarating brainy thriller. This masterpiece should be mandatory reading, a compelling blend of history and page turning treasure. Brilliants shine through these pages.