The story of "FRANCIENE," is one of so many facets and layers it is difficult to capture its depth in a few short paragraphs. The genre itself defies a label. This compelling story evolves into a cultural delight, opening up a world seldom seen by most folks, and the charm and mystery of this facet alone is a thrilling adventure. The girl whose name gives the title, will disarm and confound you, and demand that you keep your own counsel as to her true self, right to the explosive ending. She wants what she wants, this one, to degrees unimaginable, and the good and decent people caught up and swept along with her, are rapt and astounded just like you will be. This tale is as salty as the waters that bathe the mystical Island, sweet as the people who find love and friendship in the strangest places, and then must hang on for dear life, and yes, funny as the clashing and blending of lifestyles throughout the story. From the coast of Carolina, down to the Florida Everglades, "FRANCIENE," is all these things and more. This is truly a complete read, and the checklist you go through when choosing the book you want to open next, will be filled to running over, after you are finished reading all about "FRANCIENE." However, be forewarned, the story is as frightening as it is every other emotional experience. There are Spirits in here In addition to the unearthly beings, you will find many earthy, and hotly exciting, romantic interludes, each important to the story, and not at all gratuitous or shallow. There are Lovers in here as well. One word of advice... stay out of the last pages until the story leads you there in its own time. You wouldn't open a gift before your birthday, would you? Choose and enjoy this engrossing novel. The story was truly "told to my head," and as I wrote it, I knew even then, that you will love it as much as I do. Jan Robinson

For Clare Summitt, it is junior year basketball season, and she should be looking forward to playing with the team that made it to regionals last year. Last year she was part of the dynamic duo of Sisters Rule, sharing the team experience with her senior sister Debbie. But a lot has changed since last year, and Clare is having a very difficult time dealing with those changes. How can she focus on the game when her sister Debbie, the other half of Sisters Rule, is gone? Debbie's absence is something that Clare, the team, and her parents can't really accept.

Everyone thinks the team is a shoo-in to win the state championship, however, Clare can't seem to get it together. Her coach and her teammates are frustrated with her lack of focus and her displays of attitude. Her parents aren't attending the games like they used to. Her sports dreams seem to be slipping away, and she is constantly off -balance. Then, an unlikely friend helps her see things from a new perspective. To find her focus she must rediscover herself.