Books from Five Star

The Hope Point Mysteries

Dangerous Moonlight, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2002
Hope Point Mysteries ~ Book 1 ~
published by Five Star Expressions, Thorndike Press

When Destiny Millbrook walks into the Hope Point Police Department one moonlit evening and announces she's just been murdered, Detective Daniel Parks knows it's going to be a long night. What he doesn't know is that this encounter will disrupt his entire life, adding danger, mayhem, a big, clumsy dog, and just maybe the love he's been destined to find.

"... This light, entertaining read has many of the same elements that make Annie Kimberlin's romances enjoyable - a beautiful, strong, independent, resourceful librarian (who reads books); a hero who is as intelligent as he is handsome (and also reads books); a dog; a little humor; and not too much or too explicit sex."
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

"... Destiny comes across as vulnerable and rather sweet, and her growing feelings for Daniel are quite believable. Daniel is charming as a somewhat jaded cop who finds a nearly ideal woman just when he least expects it. ... The mystery of who is trying to kill Destiny is cleverly disguised; I really didn't guess the villain. And Destiny's dog, Fleur, is a scene-stealer. The pacing is brisk; events flow smoothly and you'll keep turning the pages."
-- Cathy Sova, The Romance Reader

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Dark of the Moon, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2003
Hope Point Mysteries ~ Book 2 ~
published by Five Star Expressions, Thorndike Press

Destiny Millbrook is not having a good week. She hasn't seen her significant other, Hope Point PD Detective Daniel Parks, in days, thanks to his busy work schedule, her niece, Sarah, has been caught cutting school, and it's been raining nonstop for a month.

When Destiny's old boyfriend, Alain Caine, calls to tell her he's in town for the upcoming Hope Point Arts and Crafts Fair and he expects her to put him up for ten days, Destiny can almost find it funny - until Alain is found murdered at the fair, and Daniel is identified as the prime suspect. Some people are even more trouble dead than alive.

While the high-profile murder case Daniel was working on falls to pieces, Destiny must find a way to clear Daniel's name, prevent a boy being convicted for a horrible crime he did not commit, and stop a dangerous sociopath before he can kill again.

"Librarian Destiny Millbrook and detective Daniel Parks, from Dangerous Moonlight (2002), are back for their second adventure in small-town northern California. Pendergrass has crafted an entertaining romantic mystery that starts with the murder of a politician's daughter and the arrest of a boy Daniel isn't convinced is guilty and leads to an exciting climax in the library. The endearing characters include Destiny's 12-year-old niece, Sarah, and dog Fleur. ... Pendergrass' cozy romantic mystery will have wide appeal"
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

"... Interesting characters and intriguing suspense make Pendergrass' thriller a very good and exciting read."
-- Jill M. Smith, Romantic Times

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Bad Moon Rising, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2004
Hope Point Mysteries ~ Book 3 ~
published by Five Star Expressions, Thorndike Press

When Serena Davis's recent ex-fiance, Jesse Banos, disappears after a psychic's warning that trouble is headed her way, Serena enlists the help of family friend, Officer Kermit Riggs, to investigate. Kermit never thought Jesse was good enough for Serena, and his reluctant inquiries don't improve his opinion of the man. Far from being the victim of foul play, it appears Jesse has taken off on an unplanned vacation with married former fashion model, Nadia Alexander.

Disgusted by Jesse's irresponsible behavior, Serena is more than happy to give up the search. She's beginning to realize that she has a much bigger problem to solve: her growing feelings toward Kermit. But when a number of dangerous men turn up in Hope Point, all convinced that Serena is the only one who can lead them to the missing couple, the search for Jesse takes on a deadly urgency.

As Kermit and Serena set out on a desperate hunt to find Jesse and Nadia before a killer can strike, they discover they could find something even more precious together along the way-if they live long enough.

"... endearingly klutzy deputy Kermit Riggs steps up to protect Serena, who cannot believe the clumsy yet studly young cop could be romantically attracted to her. A shoot-out with the bad guys and a daring getaway through river rapids lead to a sweetly romantic finale."
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

"... BAD MOON RISING, the latest Hope Point merging of an amateur sleuth with a police procedural tale (see DARK OF THE MOON for Serena's sister Destiny's tale) is an exhilarating novel that sub-genre fans will enjoy while wondering foul play or not. The story line contains a fabulous subplot involving the growing love between the lead couple that hinders (in a good way for readers) the official and unofficial investigations. Tess Pendergrass provides a fabulous cozy that requires one more novel starring a zany star gazing friend."
-- Harriet Klausner Reviews

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The Colorado Trilogy

Colorado Shadows, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2000
Colorado Trilogy ~ Book I ~
published by Five Star Original Romances, Thorndike Press

March Jackson can tame the hearts of the wildest horses on his brother-in-law Lucas's ranch, but his own heart has been broken by the murders of his sister and her family. Maggie Parker, Lucas's scandalous cousin, is accustomed to looking out for herself and has learned the hard way that love isn't worth the risk. When Maggie arrives in Oxtail, Colorado, unaware of Lucas's death, both Maggie and March's lives are turned upside down.

Together, March and Maggie must face down recalcitrant horses, the neighbors' exuberant clan of children, an orphaned wolf cub and murderous rustlers. But it will take the love that blossoms between them to conquer March's despair and Maggie's self-doubts and give them a future worth fighting for.

"A well-developed cast of supporting characters ... Pendergrass even turns horses and a wolf pup into full-fledged participants in the drama as [March and Maggie] battle their inner demons and find love. Pendergrass' well-paced tale ends with a satisfying shoot 'em-up climax, and will delight fans of traditional westerns as well as adventure romance enthusiasts."
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

Colorado Shadows was nominated for the Salt Lake County Library System's Semi-Annual Reader's Choice Award, Fall 2001

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Colorado Twilight, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2001
Colorado Trilogy ~ Book II ~
published by Five Star Original Romances, Thorndike Press

Drowning in despair, recently widowed Jordan Braddock packs her paints and takes the train to Colorado, hoping to outrun her grief and loneliness. The last thing she needs is to lose her heart to a dangerous man in a deadly profession. The last thing notorious gunfighter Elijah Kelly wants is to settle down. Nevertheless, train robbers, troublesome horses, and a cold-hearted killer conspire to bring the two lonely hearts together. When the wild beauty of their mountain retreat is invaded by violence, Jordan learns the measure of Elijah's honor and he comes to understand the courage of Jordan's heart.

"... Like Colorado Shadows (2000), this entertaining historical romance will also appeal to readers who like traditional westerns."
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

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Colorado Sunrise, by Tess Pendergrass, © 2003
Colorado Trilogy ~ Book III ~
published by Five Star Original Romances, Thorndike Press

Miss Harriet Jackson has a problem. Her wedding to Ashton Brady is only one month away. Her dress will be ready, her brother and sister-in-law are ready, the church, the reception, her new home -- everything will be ready. Everything except Harry.

Mrs. Elizabeth Woodfin has a problem. Her husband, Charm, has cheated her brothers, Clayton and Rafe, out of a fortune, and her brothers will stop at nothing to discover his whereabouts.

Ex-cavalryman Malachi Kelly and English Major Anthony Wayne have a problem. Two beautiful women have landed on the doorstep of Tony's Battlement Park resort hotel, and it doesn't take a half-second to realize that helping these damsels in distress will bring nothing but trouble ...

"Featuring two romances in one novel, this is a surefire winner for fans of westerns and historical romances because Pendergrass creates believable characters and nicely rendered settings."
-- Diana Tixier Herald, Booklist

"Tess Pendergrass provides a delightful charmer with the third Colorado trilogy novel."
-- Harriet Klausner, Under the Cover Book Reviews

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