New Releases by Susan Marie Manzke

Leaving the hectic life of the city for the peace of the rural countryside seemed a dream come true for Melody Kinsman, a talented young artisan. But her search for artistic expression and independence would exact a heavy toll-on her own heart. NEVER BRING HER ROSES is a glowing novel of a woman's struggle for the freedom to make her own choices in life, and the price she must pay where love is concerned. For Melody, her new home in Hickory Bend, Wisconsin, seemed the perfect choice, an ideal setting where her natural high spirits could run free, and where her considerable talents as a potter would nourish. As companion to the elderly Lena Whitney she enjoys a sense of home and security that she has never known before. But Melody Soon learns that a change of location does not guarantee serenity, as her involvement with two volatile men of diverse temperaments proves. Warren Heart, Melody's upper-crust boyfriend, makes no secret of the fact that he is less than satisfied with her new life-style, and continually tries to lure her into his glamorous world of social functions and prominent personalities. Marriage to Warren would mean security, but Melody remains hesitant. On the other hand, Alexander Keely, Lena's darkly handsome nephew, offers nothing in the way of security, but his piercing blue eyes ignite an undeniable spark of excitement in Melody. She believes the attraction is mutual, despite the fact that Alexander seems strangely remote, never allowing his true feelings to get in the way of his mysterious plans for the future. Caught in a swirl of confused emotions, Melody desperately tries to come to terms with the two men and the alluring, yet disparate worlds they represent. Can she resolve the conflict within her heart and still remain true to her own needs?

"This journal-style collection of Susan Manzke's words from 1984-1985 is filled with humor, hard work, and determination in overcoming every obstacle to live a creative and fulfilling life."--Back cover.