Cross Roads

by C. Michaels

Benjamin Cross is forced into a journey from an old to new life when he loses his prestigious job. He goes into hiding at his favorite town in Wind River, Idaho, and plans to spend a few months fishing before looking for his next job. But upon his arrival, he finds his longtime friends have fallen vulnerable to the foreclosure of their bar. He vows to help them fight a powerful and unethical newcomer, Mr. Templeton, not realizing that their struggles must overcome murder, cheating, and figuring out who they can trust.
Trust even amongst themselves.
Ben is forced down a road through seemingly unrelated events of fate, natural and supernatural happenings, all of which result in a composite of the man of confidence and skill, and his new found ability to love. This change that overpowers him begins when he lands in Wind River.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Fiction, Romantic Suspense

472 pages, Nook

First published March 5, 2011

About the author

C. Michaels is from the Pacific NW but now lives in Mexico with her beloved Chow Chow, Rani. In her previous life, she taught programming languages at a community college near Seattle, and later taught in the java programming group for Oracle Corp. She has always had a love for the arts, in both writing and painting, finding Mazatlan’s Paradise the perfect place to work. Her books are character driven, and will easily draw you into their crazy zany world, a place where for some, there are no scruples or decency. And, as much as you may think you have things figured out, the twisty plots keep the guessing alive, in both Cross Roads and NO FEAR! Both books are part of an ongoing sequel, with an undetermined end in sight. However, each book is independent enough to enjoy out of sequential order.

Michaels is proud to announce the release of her new novel, Bill of Human Wrongs, a political thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Reviews

[Leese · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book and was enjoying it and then it took an unexpected turn and I thought this is not going to be what I thought and almost started a new book. Im glad I didn't. I really liked how all the characters were developed and felt involved and wishing for certain things to happen. I just bought No Fear and am passing over about 20 other books already on my, to read list, to continue with this author and her characters.

[Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

BAD

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you love fly fishing? This book has a beautiful backdrop of the outdoors and flyfishing and rivers. You can almost feel that part of it. On the other hand, do you like characters who change at the drop of a hat or the turn of a page? I didn't either but for the sake of plot twists, people who are characterized as good friends for years become complete schmucks and worse when nothing else is happening.
One can understand, for example, how a young woman might be flighty and prone to mood changes. However, the transition from whiny spoiled brat to manipulative witch in the period of a day was a bit of a stretch. When the character of the angel appeared, I just wanted to see how all the characters would come out in the wash. I kept asking myself why the early story of Ben being a school superintendent was even necessary. Ultimately I didn't believe that the whole whirlwind wasn't a kind of soap opera. It was dramatic, but not believable.
Still this was an excellent escapist read that kept me turning the pages. It kind of makes me sad to think that Ben wouldn't have become that sterling progressive superintendent of schools that he seemed to be, but everything turns out fine.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin Cross is a school Superintendent in Seattle who has put up a new curriculum to the board with expectations that it would pass, but he shot down after the plan is bad mouthed by one of the members, and shortly thereafter he is fired. After a period of feeling sorry for himself, he heads for Wind River where he had for years taken fishing vacations. What follows is a story of loves, betrayal, underhanded dealings and a mysterious old man called Mike who claims he is an Angel and who is looking after Ben. Ben’s stay at the Stick, a bar/hotel run by old friends becomes much more involved as the owner of a nearby big hotel is trying to get hold of the land that Sticks occupies and has no scruples as to how he goes about it. A readable tale and I may look for the next one to see what happens to the principal chatcters.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter what genre you prefer you'll enjoy reading Cross Roads by C. Michaels. Early on you are introduced to inhabitants and visitors of Wind River, Idaho. While the author leads us down murky paths of betrayal, lust and greed, we are introduced to some unforgettable characters.

Fly fishing is woven throughout the book and provides a beautiful backdrop for this Romantic Mystery. This is an exciting read as you root for the hero and boo the bad guys. You'll be guessing who done it right to the end!

[Lisa C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this story so difficult to get into, even after trying three different times. The characters did nothing for me and I felt the writing was too plain, flat, dry, take your pick.

I'm not one to leave a book unfinished and managed to make it nearly to 30% before deciding it wasn't worth my reading time.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

long but over all a good book rambles on a little

[Karen]

I only read the first few chapters of this book. I didn’t like the morals that were being displayed. I just can’t read a book like this.