Storms — Jo A. Hiestand

Storms is the second prequel novella linked to the McLaren Mystery series. Unlike The Swim, Storms focuses on Melanie Travers, the woman who owns the bed-and-breakfast establishment where she met McLaren.  And, while that is an interesting story, there is so much more to their relationship and to the years prior to her meeting him. Melanie has been through a lot: combating school bullies and a bad home environment in her youth, then—as a wife--withstanding an abusive husband and village gossip. She's fought through every storm, and now that she's emerged triumphant, she knows the fight was worth it, no matter the pain.