An Unlikely Elegance: Velvet Shoe Collection Book 5

by Patty Wiseman

Fanny Zapelli dropped the well-penned letter into the fire and watched it shrivel into ashes. The last person she expected to hear from shattered the cozy world she’d built over the past five years.Jack Grey stepped off the downtown train and back into her life. A life she’d completely transformed from the old mob days. He didn’t even recognize her when they came face to face. Everything about the old Fanny disappeared long ago, the color of her hair, her speech, the way she dressed. And now, she was the owner of the hottest restaurant in around, The Crystal Daffodil. She chose the name because the meaning of her favorite flower, the daffodil, meant a new beginning. Her friends, Ruth, Peter, Hattie, and Cal were all instrumental in the transformation of Fanny from mob moll to Miss Z, proprietor of the best restaurant in the county. Her beauty attracted the attention of many men, but she kept them all at arm’s length. The heartbreak she experienced in her past didn’t allow her to let her guard down, not even for an instant.Now Jack entered her world and fear of exposure haunted her.But he wasn’t the only one to stir things up. Another admirer persisted in frequenting the restaurant, constantly badgering her to have dinner with him. Gordon Young, a prominent newspaper editor. To get rid of him, she accepted, only to regret her decision.Even as she juggled the unwanted attention, another man stepped into the fray. Her chauffeur, Melvin. Even though he had not declared his amorous sensitivities, his eyes betrayed his heart with each glance. She knew a confrontation was inevitable.Jack wasn’t the only mob member to return to the city after five years. Moose, her former bow, kept a low profile but watched out for her without revealing himself—even worked for the obnoxious Gordon Young for better opportunity to make sure she stayed safe. But it wasn’t enough.These men cluttered her life as she maintained a cool distance, but someone would soon wreak havoc in her finely crafted life. Terror came to her one night when she found herself trapped in a basement, her captor insisting on marriage.No matter how much she wanted her unsavory deeds to fade away, she couldn’t escape them all. Doubt of her accomplishments permeated her mind, thoughts of only always being just a mob moll haunted her.Her friends frantically searched for her, accusing those both in her present and in her past of the abduction. The police had no leads. She’d disappeared without a trace.The experience left Fanny unable to cope and kept the men who loved her at bay, wondering if she could ever be the same again.In this fifth book of the series, Fanny Zapelli runs the gamut of emotions. From the pride of accomplishment to the crippling self-doubt that gripped her. Fanny might lose everything she worked for if her inner strength failed her.Her journey is much like our own at times. Could we withstand the pressure of self-doubt without friends and loved ones who care about us? Fanny’s aloof, go-it-alone-demeanor may be her end.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2021

About the author

Let me introduce myself...My name is Patty Wiseman. A lifetime ago, as a child, I found myself lost in the stories my 1st grade teacher opened up to me. Over the years, my love of reading deepened and another interest formed-the love of writing. I have several short stories published and a few poems. I am a history buff and love to read and write in past eras. My Velvet Shoe Collection Series includes "An Unlikely Arrangement" and "An Unlikely Beginning" ,"An Unlikely Conclusion." The 4th book in the series was released in Aug. of 2016. "An Unlikely Deception." They are based in 1929 and shadows a story of my grandparents arranged marriage. This work is fictional,. One idea sparked a whole series of fictional works. My plan is for 6 books in the series.
I've just released a new contemporary work. That One Moment. This is a stand alone. I'm very proud of it!
I've lived in Texas for over 30 years being transplanted from the State of Washington. I have two grown sons, 12 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a loving husband, Ron. We live in the country with our dog, Cutter. I hope you will check out my new book and enjoy the journey with me.

Writing awards include: 1st place short Story award in Summer Contest on Angie's Diary, 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Conclusion 2013 1st place award in Romance with the Texas Association of Authors for An Unlikely Beginning 2012, a 2nd place award in Romance with the Forward National Literary Awards for An Unlikely Arrangement, The 'Fifty Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Contest with the Author Show.
I'm a VIP member of the Worldwide Who's Who for Women, a member of the Marshall Woman's Club of Marshall, a former secretary of the E. Texas Writers Association, and member of N.E. Texas Writers Organization.
I belong to the Texas Federation of Woman's Club Marshall Chapter.

You can find me and my books on Amazon, Kindle or buy from my website to get an autographed copy. You can also order them from any bookstore.

You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Pinterest.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opportune life Fanny had for half a decade was crushed by a surprise person from her past.

Jack could scarcely identify Fanny from her old mob days. Then other men enter the picture, and she has her hands full of uninvited situations.

Skeletons in her closet continue to haunt Fanny. Her past won’t let her go, she can’t love wholeheartedly, and she’s guilt-ridden. But through it all will her spirit prevail? Find out when you read this page turner story.

An Unlikely Elegance: Velvet Shoe Collection Book 5 is a fast paced, entertaining read jam-packed with enigmas, intrigues, and an encouraging telling of past, present and the ups and downs of love. Great read on its own, but I would recommend reading the first 4 books in the series first.

[Serena Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

261 pages I read the book