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Cross Roads                               

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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

 

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Cross Roads © 2011 by C. Michaels All Rights Reserved.

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Description

After losing his prominent job, Benjamin Cross packs up his little trailer and moves to Wind River, a small fly-fishing town in Idaho where he plans on spending a few months with his friends.

He arrives to find that Cue and Katie, the owners of a small bar and grill are in a power struggle with the proprietor of the prestigious hotel next to them. Ben throws his efforts toward helping them, unaware of the lengths some will go, to get what they want.

Sex, greed, and murder take over the lives of Wind River's residents, and soon, it becomes fuzzy who can be trusted.

Twists and turns will keep you reading this thriller, with the colorful small town characters surprising you when you thought you had it all figured out. And when you are finished, you will be left wanting more, not realizing the colossal damages that greed and lust have done to affect the future of your new friends, the residents of Wind River.

Cross Roads Reviews

Nov 27, 2012
Dani Reiser rated it 5 stars from Goodreads
Unbelievable read. While I really enjoyed The Shack, I must say that this book was so good that I finished it in one sitting. I figured it would be a typical fiction NDE spiritual read, but the lessons taught in this are far reaching and so incredibly profound. I have to say that the author uses such imagery that I felt as though this story would stay in my heart and soul for the rest of my life. I know that I will go back and re-read this novel as it was THAT GOOD.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down, finished it in one evening, November 14, 2012

By 
MartyH "Marquita Herald, Author" (Hawaii) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition)
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The funny thing is I almost stopped reading at the beginning with the introduction of a character who claims to be an angel - I do not do fantasy. So glad I stayed with the book because it wasn't at all what I thought. The characters, dialogue and storyline are excellent. This is one of those examples to hold up of just why KDP Select does work - I had a few free hours and was looking for something new to read, and this book was on an email I received promoting free kindle books for the day. I finished the book in one sitting. Now I will gladly pay to read more from this author.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Move over Peyton Place - Make Room for Wind River!, October 1, 2012

By 
Linda Baumann

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This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition)
Wind River is not at all what you would expect. Yes, it's a small town, and yes, most of the people know each other and are friendly. Most of the people, that is. When Ben returns to his favorite place in Idaho and brings a bombshell named Gloria along things are headed for a change of pace. There are so many great characters here that I'd have a hard time picking a favorite. Although the beginning is a little slow, once you get into the book you realize the setup needed to be done exactly the way it was.

Mr. Templeton is used to having everything his way. And he wants Sticks (the small inn next door). He will stop at nothing to get it. Ben and his friends Cue and Katie fight back. But things are not what they seem. The plot twists and turns deliciously as the reader is introduced to the beautiful landscape and fly-fishing paradise. Enter Mickey, who is on a quest of his own. Ben and Mickey become friends but Ben's not quite sure just who the old man is and why he has come to Wind River.

Gloria decides the grass is greener elsewhere but is it? Ms. Michaels both delights and confuses the reader by doubling back and presenting different ideas as to whom may be the villain.Can you guess who? Whether you love Romance, Mystery, or Contemporary Fiction you'll get it here. You'll be glad you started reading but you won't be able to put the book down!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Book, August 30, 2011 By Kim in Washington -  Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) WOW, I read this in the 2 days on my Kindle while a passenger in a car going back and forth across Washington State. How often are you thankful for stand still traffic over the mountain pass! The time went quickly as I was caught up in the book. The author did a great job with the creative, colorful characters which kept me guessing on how it was all going to end. I could picture the river and the scenes all described in the book; made me want to be in the small town. If you like mysteries, I would encourage you to buy this book!!!! Can't wait until the next book comes out!
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4.0 out of 5 stars A great find!, July 29, 2011 By Jason Alberts -  Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) As an avid fly fisherman, and reader, this book had it all for me. There was great entertainment on the river, but also characters with depth that kept me reading to learn more about each and every one of them. 

Back to the fishing scenes. They were very real. I found myself thinking that those scenes alone could be a "how to" for a newbie to the sport. 

This book was anything but dry. It was a good character study with great manipulation on the parts of some of the more devious people. I was surprised with the turns of events. I can usually figure out what is about to happen, but not with this reading. It was smart and tricky. 
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, July 28, 2011 By Mj Lingen - Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) This book had me early on in my reading. I couldn't put it down. I was so anxious to see how the plot would unfold! 

The setting was wonderful, made me remember living in a small town in the Midwest many years ago. The book really captured that small town feeling. I could see the images in my mind of the river with the mountains in the foreground, and felt myself living among these people. 

The fly fishing scenes were thrilling, and now I want to try it. So very interesting!!! 

The characters kept me guessing at their next moves, and the ending was a big surprise. The twists in the story were quite brilliant. Its characters were real with interesting pasts that slowly seeped out as I read. I really began to know these people. 

I would recommend this reading to any of my friends for a great "get lost in the fantasy" kind of afternoon. Where's the sequel?!All in all, it was great entertainment.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, April 30, 2011 By Linda Hartwell -  This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) I read this book out of curiosity after I met the author at a party. I was very pleased when I found myself captivated within the first few chapters. I really enjoyed how the characters lives intertwined in such a believable and intriguing manner, even the character that is 'most' mysterious. There are several characters that I would love to hear more about. Other books, perhaps? 
The descriptions of the passion and peace that fishing brings made me suspect I am missing out. It sounds like a wonderful and relaxing way to unwind and meditate on what's next. 
Most enjoyable was the way the story kept me guessing? The drama was moving and the ending was great. I feel confident recommending this to all my friends.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very Much Enjoyed this book, April 28, 2011 By ddranch -  Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) Quite enjoyed this book. Keeps the reader locked in with all the many twists and turns, just when you think you got it figured out, you get thrown for another loop. The characters have CHARACTER. By the time I was done reading I felt like I had spent my summer in a little town in Idaho, learning to fly fish and befriending the numerous colorful characters in that quaint little town. Finished it late lastnite, and left me wondering what their all up to today. Great entertainment at a price we can all afford!
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5.0 out of 5 stars All round good read, March 20, 2011 By Eagletree -
This review is from: Cross Roads (Kindle Edition) I don't usually choose to read fiction, when a friend referred me to this book, I was skeptical, then I discovered I couldn't stop reading. This book sent me back to my youth to those days when I fell in love with mysteries, romance and justice, where idealism still ruled. To books that would twist my expectations back on themselves over and over. It has those delicious twists and yet, almost feels like it's more romance than mystery. I remembered why I loved fiction.

One of the striking things about the book, was how the protagonist was so "real", that I could relate easily. Where would you get a feel for the love of fly fishing somehow tied to a charged urban political environment and then a remote country setting with a bit of a western feel. Yet it all fits seamlessly and created interest in ways I'd never have expected.

But the real excitement in the book comes from the twists of the antagonist and from secondary characters, whom you can't say for sure are going to be good guys or bad guys. Let's just say, some of these characters shocked me as they showed their true selves, and left me saying, "of course, why didn't I see that coming".

The last shocker was one that I have to say, brought back a sensation I think we all need, that there is some higher power at least trying to guide and help us through daily life. The clever way this book introduces and maintains that sense, was something that left you feeling good even in the face of the heinous actions of the bad guys. How many books actually let you feel like justice is possible. This one does, and leaves you feeling really great! A book that does that, is worth it's weight in gold.
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_ NO FEAR!                                       

Preview This Novel

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

     

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NO FEAR! © 2011 by C. Michaels All Rights Reserved.


Description
International Headline! Headless bodies wash ashore outside the grounds of Templetons de México, a five star hotel located on the north beach of Mazatlán, prompting an exodus of guests.
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A convention at the hotel is scheduled to attract guests who are interested in regression, and their search to better understand their souls. But there is a killer among them, a vicious and brutal killer. Revenge is driving this maniac, a deadly plot that took 25 years to contrive.

Mickey, a man who died 38 years ago is living at the hotel, looking quite alive and well. He has a secret so absurd, so outrageous. And yet, he is determined to follow through with his plan.

Emma is the strong-willed assistant at Templetons, who, while battling with Mickey’s impossible proposal, takes the lead in fighting the terrorists who have infiltrated their home at Templetons de México.

NO FEAR! is a psychological thriller that takes you through one week in time, and will keep you reading until the end, leaving you filled with tears, and shock… and wanting more.

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NO FEAR! Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Murder in Mazatlan!, February 1, 2012 By Linda Hartwell - See all my reviews This review is from: NO FEAR! (Kindle Edition) I live in Mazatlan and really enjoyed this fascinating tale set here. The author does a great job of describing the sites, sounds and traditions of my adopted home. I like how the author tackled the subject of regression and created a story that will appeal to the highly sceptical and the highly spiritual.

Reading about the happenings of the conference participants moves the story along quickly, while we wonder who is going to get hurt next by the men so set on revenge. The ending was satisfying as the bad guys and the good guys get their just deserts. Wait, not everyone ... I guess I'll have to wait for the next book.
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4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read!, December 15, 2011 By Debi Bergman -  This review is from: NO FEAR! (Kindle Edition) A unique story set in the tourist town of Mazatlan, Mexico. The book kept me engaged right to the end. The author doesn't just tell a story, she has such a talent for painting word pictures, the reader almost sees the action. Sometimes it feels like a vacation in a book (it probably helps that I have been to Mazatlan) - I could almost feel the sand between my toes. The book ponders some existential/philosophical questions while never taking away the mystery - Michaels leaves almost everything unanswered and up to the reader's interpretation. The ending will leave you begging for a sequel.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent writing., December 7, 2011 By Maria R. Spielberger "Culichi" (Illinois) -
(REAL NAME)    Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: NO FEAR! (Kindle Edition) I like how the writer gets you in the story. It's almost like watching a movie. Great Job C. Michaels. I'm sure people around you who know you will agree and congratulate you.
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BILL OF HUMAN WRONGS

preview this novel

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

 

Picture

Click link to sample or buy:

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback




















Bill of Human Wrongs © 2012 by C. Michaels All Rights Reserved.


Description

Claire Winslow has nightmares nearly every night, reliving the event when her sister killed a man, and then shot herself. The man had been a prominent CEO of an electronics company, a powerhouse citizen in their small town, her sister’s rapist.

Twenty years later, Claire Winslow, now a US Republican Senator from the state of Washington is an advocate for women’s rights. Her national platform gives her the power to be heard and make a difference in protecting women against unfair practices.

Claire is about to be tested.

Senate Bill 1257 is set to be released with only a week to read before the vote. This bill attempts to modify the constitution in a way that could change the future lives of not only women, but all non-white citizens in the country.

The Senate is dominated by the Republican Party. The authors of the bill have every Republican on board to sign the bill. Except for Claire Winslow.

And they need her vote.

This thriller leads us through the life of Claire Winslow during a time when the people around her will stop at nothing to win her vote. The bill is full of changes that Claire cannot vote for. But her re-election is coming up. Is she more help to women as a Senator? Does she keep her position by voting for this horrendous bill?

Then Claire meets Eve Hart.

Eve lives in a different world from Claire’s, a place that might be the creation of SB 1257. Eve could be a product, a futuristic outcome from this SB 1257.

Claire is having her nocturnal nightmares depicting the last moments of her sister’s life, her Party’s pressures, nasty tricks are taking a toll on her. There are only a few days left before the vote, when Claire learns something so dreadful, so unthinkable.

What will Claire do with this knowledge?

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bill of human wrongs reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and Satisfying! A blockbuster., November 22, 2012

By 
Joss Landry - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Bill of Human Wrongs (Kindle Edition)
Gripping and Satisfying! A blockbuster.

From the first couple of pages, of Bill of Human Wrongs I knew I would enjoy C. Michaels' story.

The book delivers the tale of two women, who fight to save their country. Eve Hart, front runner in courage and honesty, and Claire Winslow, the senator from Washington DC., who toils with the responsibility of continuing her fight for women's rights, or be thrown out of the game of politics if she doesn't play by the good-old-boys' rules. These good-old-boys, a fearless foursome, stop at nothing to intimidate her. They even go so far as to threaten her career, her reputation, and make a last ditch effort to buy her vote by threatening the lives of her loved ones.

What happens to Eve Hart is another story that you will have to read to fully understand the scope Of C. Michaels' storytelling talent.

Michaels' own game is fast, unrelenting in its purpose to deliver a powerful message as she has us turning the pages while holding our breath--at times fearing what might come next, yet unable to look away.

The mark of an excellent writer: to keep its readers enthralled and hoping for more. Michaels delivers and does not disappoint. While running through the pages, I remembered the feeling I had, speeding through the Celestine Prophecy.

C. Michaels is also the author of Cross Roads and No Fear, all of which can be found on Amazon.com.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Bone Chilling Reality, November 5, 2012

By 
J. Devitt "Author of THE CARD" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Bill of Human Wrongs (Kindle Edition)
The Bill of Human Wrongs is an exciting look at how political decisions today can effect life in the future. Interweaving the present with the future, this book looks at current issues and the struggle of a Senator as she decides on how to vote on life changing bills. Only in this surreal setting does one get to see the impact of their decision years into the future.

This quick and fun read sends a message without being preachy. C. Michaels does a great job of developing characters and sprinkles in a dose of current day personalities that I'm sure you'll recognize. While the election is just around the corner, this book should be a must read in every election cycle.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Follow the Trail of SB 1257 - Will it be Yea or Nay? October 24, 2012
By Linda Baumann
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Claire Winslow is a US Senator with a past that haunts her. She spends sleepless nights recounting the same nightmare over and over in her head.

Rachel Ross is the anchor of a daily news show. She is unafraid to do things her own way.

Eve Hart is a mother and wife of a powerful television personality. She has a secret.

SB1257 is the latest bill being introduced for a controversial vote in the Senate. It amends the Constitution and strips many rights from women and other minorities.

Four male senators are at the heart of the bill and will do anything to get it passed. Anything at all.

Sometimes the stars align just right and people come together. People from other worlds, other religions, other races, other beliefs. This is such a time.

Claire, Rachel and Eve meet. There is no chance they would ever have met. For some reason it is inevitable. Now that they know each other, now what?

Follow this fast-paced political thriller as it moves rapidly through a city of greed and corruption to a place worlds apart. Keep your eyes open or you might miss a clue that could mean the end of life, as you know it.

Learn about courage and cowardice, racial undertones and hatred. Root for good to overcome evil. Watch the door. You never know who'll enter next.

C. Michaels has written a book that is both captivating and thought provoking. You find yourself asking "what if?" over and over. You pay attention to the details and wonder about the outcome. You learn that people are not always as they seem - they can hurt, they can hate and they act out of fear.

Just when you thought you were comfortable with the world you live in you are transported to another. You can't believe what you see.

Follow the trail of SB 1257. Will it be yea or nay? Stay tuned.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Bill of Human Rights October 24, 2012
By pgotter
One of the best books I've read in a long time-I couldn't put it down. The character development was fabulous and the way Ms. Michaels interwove the two subplots was easy to follow. The possible future shaped by those in power acting in secret is scary and plausible. I agree that it would make a wonderful movie.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Epic!! October 22, 2012
By Mj Lingen
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This book needs to be made into a movie... STAT! I have read all of C. Michaels books and am a big fan, but this one in particular had me, I couldn't put it down. Bill of wrongs has it all, mystery, suspense, drama, politics. It's a must read!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Bill of wrongs....C Michaels October 18, 2012
By ddranch
Amazon Verified Purchase
After the nightmarish loss of her beloved sister, Claire Winslow finds her career in politics, rising to State Senator for Washington State, where she must decide her vote on a recent proposed bill that if passed, could have a devastating effect on our countries constitutional privileges and civil liberties. As pressure builds for a pro vote from her peers, and perhaps a deciding vote, life becomes deceptively dangerous for Claire and those close to her. In addition, for Claire, the lines between reality and, fantasy, begin to blur (or do they), when she meets Eve Hart. Eve and Claire, two women who live in worlds so very different, with so little in common and yet everything in common, will forge an impossible bond. The author does a masterful job of drawing the reader into this story. You'll plan your day around this read, because you won't want to put it down. Enjoy!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Imagine a political thriller -- written by Rod Serling! October 14, 2012
By Stephen Cody
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United States Senator Claire Winslow is a character we could use more of in real life. She's a politician with morals, backbone, and strong sense of justice. She's plagued by her sister's murder suicide. Her sibling, unable to get justice, kills her rapist, a powerful industrialist, and turns the gun on herself. This changes the course of Claire's life, taking her into politics, an arena where she hopes she can aid other women.

Book is set in a crucial time in America's history. The Senate is set to take up a proposed constitutional amendment that will rewrite all of our fundamental guarantees. Religion, rather than law, will be supreme. Equal rights will be a thing of the past. Vigilante justice will be allowed to replace the rule of law. Claire struggles with the dilemma of siding with her party and voting for the measure or opposing it and risking her political future and the unspoken promises made to her sister.

The book interweaves the story of Eve, a wealthy housewife who is witness to a vigilant murder in her neighborhood. Eventually, the stories of Claire and Eve combine in a way that was unforseen. It left this reader smiling in amazement.

C. Michaels has a crisp writing style well suited to a political thriller genre. The pacing is effortless and the story unfolds masterfully.

I finished it in a single sitting. I could not put it down -- and neither will you.
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Melissa Garlington rated it  5 stars Oct 14, 2012
"The Bill of Human Wrongs" by C. Michaels is an exhilarating narrative that raises important questions around our political system. It expands on a shocking future if the implementation of a harmful bill is left in the wrong hands.

It's storyline makes use of a unique range of characters who need to make extremely difficult choices in order to influence the outcome of the future events inside their society, politics and religion.

Michaels puts forth a horrifying futuristic scenario by demonstrating how the truth about right and wrong can be distorted and influenced by the leaders in politics.

This book will sparkle the reader's imagination in every way. It invites us to re-think about what we want for our society and how our decisions shape the outcome of our future. I highly recommend reading it while having a cup of coffee and a scone!
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5.0 out of 5 stars C Michales ..Bill of Human Wrongs October 13, 2012
By stanb
Bill of Human Wrongs... The title to me sounded menacing; perhaps it could be a documentary piece? Then I began reading. It grabbed my attention immediately, and I saw a message, a very frightening point C. Michaels was making.

The politics in USA today are wallowing; a stagnant congress, a hijacked Republican Party who is listening more and more to the far right-wing zealots. What could happen to a country when one group of people injects their beliefs into the Constitution, making it law for all to live by their values?

Claire Winslow is a moderate Republican who is the deciding vote on a bill that amends the Bill of Rights and will be voted on in one week. The bill, SB 1257 is an atrocity; it ensures that women and minority rights will be set back by decades. She spends much of the week in agony over this decision... does she vote on this bill and keep her power position to continue helping with women's rights? Or does she vote for it, keep her power, and try to fix things that the bill has wronged. Claire has been told by her party that they will guarantee her replacement in the fall when she runs for re-election if she does not vote in favor of the bill.

Enter Eve Hart.
Claire meets Eve in a strange coffee house, a bohemian style shop that, through an anomaly, allows Eve to enter through a portal. Eve is from 30 years in the future, a product of the society SB 1257 creates. And it is not a pretty outlook.
Belief is becoming incredible with this new event. However, Michaels does a credible job with her characters, depicting their anguish at the absurdity of this incident.

The pages are packed with action, showing the trickery of politics and the greed that can take over, changing a good person to a very bad person.

I read this book in one sitting. Do I need to say more?
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4.0 out of 5 stars Wrong Is Too Good a Word October 9, 2012
By PJ Reece
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Bill of Human Wrongs is is a scary novel. Scary, because it looks into America's near future, and it's not a pretty sight. That an American writer could imagine such events as being even remotely possible, suggests what a mess America may be in today.

Claire Winslow, a Republican Senator from Washington State, is so attractive and savvy that both Republicans and Democrats will identify with her. But from the get-go we suspect that Claire's independent thinking is sure to run afoul of her party.

Ms. Michaels wastes no time establishing the all-important ticking clock. A federal bill with far-reaching consequences will be voted on at the Capitol in a week's time. As we come to learn just how radical (and wrong) this bill is, it becomes clear that the stakes are nothing less than the survival of America.

The major dramatic thrust is given a jolt by the intrusion of another story line--from the future. It's a bold gamble by Ms. Michaels because it stretches disbelief to the max, which is just the kind of story that becomes a blockbuster movie.

How does Claire deal with someone who not only claims they're from the future, but has proof? The success of this novel depends on how well the reader is able to suspend their disbelief of time-travel.

Although Michaels seems to be trying to sell us a "message" about America, if readers can actually be made to feel sad about their country, the novel will serve a huge purpose.

I recommend reading Bill of Wrongs in a few concentrated sessions. It shouldn't be difficult, since this is a true page-turner.

Read Bill of Human Wrongs.
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