The Gilded Curse (Suspicious Shores)

Silver Scroll Merit Award for FictionA simple task becomes a dangerous venture when Lexie Smithfield returns to the island paradise of her childhood . . .

Now that the Depression has ruined her finances, all Lexie wants to do is return to Jekyll Island and dispose of her family's grand old cottage at the Millionaires’ Club resort. As the only living heir, the place that had once been a gilded get-away is now a place of painful memories and, according to her deceased mother, curses.

Lexie doesn't believe in curses—or blessings, for that matter. But when she arrives on the island in January of 1942 she finds an unknown intruder in the family cottage. With German subs threatening U.S. ships along the coastline, Lexie realizes she is being stalked by a stranger. What does she have that anyone would want?

Russell Parker, a childhood friend, has become the superintendent of the Jekyll Island Inn and keeper of the club members’ secrets: including the secrets of Lexie’s own family. As Lexie and Russell seek to solve the mysterious happenings surrounding the cottage—and identify the phantom stranger—an unexpected romance blossoms.

But can they act in time? Or will Lexie succumb to the island’s deadly curse?

Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature.