1990's Novel with KBG Operative and Divorcee

The Last Weekend in September

Beck Stanley

Beck Stanley lives with her husband Chuck and their three-legged cat Barney in Central Iowa. They love old cars and own a beautifully restored 1947 Ford they affectionately call “Caramella.”

In September of 1990, after being trapped for years in an abusive marriage, Lenore Appleby is one signature and a challenging move away from attaining her freedom. She is ready to finish raising her teenage son Joel on her own, and vows to never be in a relationship with another man. When best friend Leah Chase suggests a respite the last weekend of September in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, it’s just what she needs to muster strength for the inevitable challenges of divorce and career changes ahead. However, when the curious accent of a stranger captures her attention, she returns home with a confused heart. Gregor Parishnikov, A.K.A. Greg Parish, former operative for the KGB, has settled into his new life in Colorado, following defection from the USSR and being granted asylum in the United States. He tolerates CIA agent John Dixon III, accepting the inconvenience of being monitored, even finding friendship in their forced relationship. Falling in love with Lenore was never part of his plan. When Gregor disappears, Lenore deals with broken promises while berating herself for being naive. Diligently, she works to provide a normal life for Joel, with encouragement and loving support from Leah. New responsibilities at work help her to stay focused. However, being surveilled by the CIA is not something she bargained for. Being kidnapped is a real possibility—a potentially deadly one. Dixon is certain Lenore is key to finding the Russian. When his assignment to monitor the brunette beauty becomes more than professional, he is torn between duty and the desire to capture her heart for himself. Will Lenore’s life ever return to normal? Hopes for true love, trust, and a new life are jeopardized in her quest for answers. Four know a secret. Two must survive it.

Age: 35 Plus. Gender: Primarily Female, with a slight male audience.

Paperback

Book Covers the Author Likes: All Things Left Wild - James Wade Heaven, My Home - Attica Locke The End of Her - Shari Lapine (?) Daddy's Girls and Lost and Found - Danielle Steel The Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah A Time For Mercy - John Grisham here is a rock/mountain west of Fort Collins called "Horsetooth". A large part of the book is actually centered around the lake of the same name. I thought maybe a silhouette of the mountain and the iconic Horsetooth rock. Sky can be sunset or clear blue or high clouds. I'm flexible there. There is a car mentioned throughout the book. It's a '72 Chevelle convertible, rosey beige is the color, though a pewter would work for art. The car is featured so often, it's almost a "character" of the story. Just kind of like the idea of the mountain and the car.

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