Amidst the violent weather of Europe's Little Ice Age, 'A Slender Tether' offers a novel in linked stories on self-discovery, woven into a rich tapestry of 14th century France. Christine de Pizan, now heralded as Europe's first feminist and brilliant author, grapples with ambition and alienation amid the beautiful women at court. A doctor finds an unusual way to cope with the death of his wife. And opportunity alternates with disasters in the lives of four commoners who are yoked by necessity: a papermaker struggling to keep his business, a falconer with a mysterious past, a merchant's daughter frantic to avoid an arranged marriage, and a down-on-his-luck musician with a broken guitar and the voice of an angel.
Two extraordinary women in 1865 establish a trading post in a southern jungle that grows to be a safe haven for cast-off women and the dispossessed. When a murderous forger sets up shop and the mayor on the right-side-of-the-tracks becomes intent on their destruction, the village fights for survival in its own special way.
Told in evocative magical realism, Jaguar Paloma is a tale of wronged women who stand up to be counted.
'Author Jess Wells has crafted a gorgeously unique work that places women at the forefront of adventure and weaves seamlessly realistic fantasy elements into the piece with flair and panache. A novel with oodles of style, original ideas and the authoritative, confident narrative to back it up. An absolute treasure to read.' – K.C. Finn, Readers’ Favorite
Love, loss, irony and humor abound in the lives of eight families living around Loon Lake, a shallow fishing spot in Northern Michigan. Whether it’s the story of a young dreamer and a bully; a man looking forward to retirement and the family that stands in his way; a teacher facing ethical choices; or a family coping with disaster, these stories delight. Wells’ “use of language is like music,” critics say.
“From the clear and compelling voice of the author comes a narrative that will arrest the attention of any good listener. The writing has a poetic quality that will strongly resonate in the heart of the reader.” Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
