The Essence

Scoops and Schemes #1

by Nancy Deswik MacCreery

Disillusioned by divorce, reporter Sophia Smith Dubonnet gets her chance at a big story – interviewing a reclusive dictator in a third world county. What she finds challenges her perceptions as she becomes enamored with the General and his ideas, struggling to remain aloof despite his charisma. But before she can enjoy a brief romance, she’s forced to make a decision at gunpoint: does she side with what she’d previously believed to be right, or take a chance on where her heart might lead her?
With believable characters, lots of action, a bit of humor and romance, this book is a great weekend escape, airplane or beach read.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2009

About the author

Nancy MacCreery is an award-winning writer who creates likeable, complex characters and enjoyable stories. Her stories will keep you up turning pages but won't give you nightmares.

She's been busy writing. Please watch for new releases in the "Happy Fix" Romance series.

She's also written:

Andromache's Story - What Really Happened In Troy, brings that ancient city to life, along with Paris, Cassandra, Hector and of course, Helen.
Told with bits of humor and an ending that puts a spin on this classic story, this is a enjoyable work of fiction for anyone -- especially Greek mythology fans!

In the Scoops and Schemes series, the main characters have a propensity for jumping into action in situations that are not exactly their business but they can't help themselves -- they are just the type of people who can't just stand by when they see a bad situation.

If you are intrigued by the challenges of our complex geopolitical world yet enjoy a touch of irreverent humor, romance and the antics of a group of intelligent, caring, sometimes fumbling and fun-loving cast of characters, these books will offer you a great escape into a world of intrigue, trade-offs, and the crusade against greed and criminal intents.

The Scoops and Schemes series includes:
Book 1- The Essence
Book 2 - Unexpected Impact
Book 3 - Cinnamon Bourbon and Deception
Book 4 - Out of the Shadows - Coming Home

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, well-paced story that follows Sophia on an exciting jaunt to interview a reclusive dictator where she gets tangled up in intrigue and romance. Very cozy reading.

[Nancy]

You'll enjoy this romantic comedy! It features Sophia Smith Dubonnet, a magazine feature writer on her way up. She finally gets what seems like a perfect assignment -- interviewing a reclusive dictator; then events begin to spiral out of control. Despite dire warnings, the dictator and his country start to appeal to her. Will she get her story or will her story get to her?
Humor, exciting car scenes, romance and intrigue -- all in one easy to read package for only $.99!

Don't take my word for it, here is a verified review: "Wonderful book. It captured my interest from the beginning and held it through the very end. A wonderful romance with a twist of excitement! I'm ready to read a sequel!"

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[G. Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Journalist’s Dream and More!
While I knew Sophia from a different part of this tale, I enjoyed the assignment that started it all. Her interactions with Nicolai the reclusive nation’s ruler revealed some dark secrets and the kind man he was for his nation. The story pulled me along and kept my interest to the end.

[Ann Tosti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankly, not something I would typically reach for, and that might be why I almost put it back down within the first few pages. But I wanted to give it more of a chance than that and I'm glad I did. Shortly after that, I couldn't put it down. Are there areas that could be improved? Yes (it's a small thing but it drives me crazy when chapters are not separated properly). But I still just had to keep going to know how it ended. Of course, I'm not really happy with the way it ended. It makes perfect sense for this story and is empowering in it's own way, but that doesn't stop a part of me from wanting to stomp my feet and scream at her. And since her story doesn't end with this book, I'm torn between wanting to pick up the next one right away or pouting for a bit first because I'm not happy with the female lead right now.