Mary Campisi

Real families aren't always the ones you know about?When Christine Blacksworth's larger-than-life father is killed on an icy road in Magdalena, New York, a hundred miles from the 'getaway' cabin he visited every month, she discovers a secret that threatens everything she's always held to be true. Her father has another family which includes a mistress and a daughter.Determined to uncover the truth behind her father's secret life, Christine heads to Magdalena, prepared to hate the people who have caused her to question everything she thought she knew about her father. But what she finds is a woman who understands her, a half sister who cherishes her, and a man who could love her if she'll let him. The longer she's around them, the more she questions which family is the real one. . .

A Family Affair

Love and Betrayal…Regency style A young woman of noble blood, raised as a peasant girl… An orphaned stable boy, now grown and the surrogate son of a powerful earl—the same earl who just so happens to be the young woman’s father… Francie Jordan and Alexander Bishop have nothing in common—she runs barefoot and talks to animals. He won’t loosen his cravat unless the bedroom door is firmly closed. She believes in love, second chances, and happily ever after. He believes in keeping a safe distance from anything that resembles an emotion. Indeed, they have nothing in common but an undeniable desire for one another they can’t ignore, and an ailing “father” who will employ any means to bring them together. Unfortunately, not everyone wishes to see a union between Francie and Alexander, and they will stop at nothing to keep this couple apart. An Unlikely Husband Series: Book One: A Taste of Seduction(Francie & Alexander’s story) Book Two: A Touch of Seduction: a novella (Ariana & Jason’s story) Book Three: A Scent of Seduction(Julia & Jon’s story) Book Four: A Breath of Seduction(Sophie & Holt’s story) Book Five: A Dash of Seduction(Madeline & Douglas’s story) Bonus Material: Included in this eBook is a sample of A Touch of Seduction, An Unlikely Husband, Book 2.

A Taste of Seduction

Love and betrayal...Regency style.¿Readers who have followed the An Unlikely Husband series have only seen Holt Langford and his wife, Sophie, as the model couple: married, in love, sharing their hearts and dreams. However, there was a time when they didn't share much of anything...and certainly not plans for a life together. You won't want to miss this tale of scandal and seduction as the Earl of Westover falls for the daughter of his family's sworn enemy. It's going to be a hard fall, fraught with denial, hurt, and revenge, yet the ultimate gift will be love, hope, and enough dreams to fill an earldom.¿A Breath of Seduction was previously published as The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest.¿¿When Holt Langford, the new Earl of Westover, returns to England after twelve years at sea, he resembles more pirate than nobleman, a far cry from the scrawny youth whose father shipped off to become a man. No one recognizes him, and he'll use this anonymity to enter a game of subterfuge in order to expose the scoundrel who has vowed to destroy Holt's family business. ¿Unfortunately, that scoundrel has a devoted daughter, Sophie Seacrest. Sophie can't deny her attraction to the unorthodox stranger who stirs her blood and makes her think things no proper lady should. Holt and Sophie are drawn into a seductive tangle and just when he's about to reveal his true identity and his honorable intentions, she discovers the truth and must choose between love and family duty.

An Unlikely Husband Series Book 4

The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest

It's all about that second chance... Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get that second chance – in life and in love. Pulling Home is a stand-alone story of a strong woman who battles heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. This is book one of That Second Chance series. It is also the prequel to Mary’s bestselling family saga, A Family Affair: The Promise, Truth in Lies, Book Seven. She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth. It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother. Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible. When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever. That Second Chance Series: Book One: Pulling Home (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Promise) Book Two: The Way They Were (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Secret) Book Three: Simple Riches (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Winter) Book Four: Paradise Found (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Wish) Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Gift) Book Six: The Butterfly Garden (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Return)

Pulling Home

It's all about that second chance... Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get that second chance – in life and in love. The Way They Were is a stand-alone story of a strong woman who battles heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. This is book two of That Second Chance series. It is also the prequel to Mary’s bestselling family saga, A Family Affair: The Secret, Truth in Lies, Book Eight. They promised to love one another forever, but tragedy tore them apart. Now, destiny may just bring them back together. At eighteen, Rourke Flannigan and Kate Redmond thought they’d spend the rest of their lives together—until a family tragedy tore them apart. Fourteen years have passed, and they’ve both carved out separate lives hundreds of miles apart—hers as a wife and mother, his as a successful, driven businessman. But once a year, Kate pulls out a red velvet journal and writes a letter, which she’ll never send, to the man who still owns her heart. Once a year, on the anniversary of the first and only night they made love, Rourke permits himself to read the annual investigative report detailing an ordinary day in Kate’s life. When a subcontractor at one of Rourke’s holding companies is killed, Rourke decides to pay the widow a visit and offer condolences, never dreaming the widow will be Kate. As they embark on a cautious journey of rediscovery, one far greater than they could have imagined, secrets and lies threaten to destroy their newfound closeness—forever. BONUS: Included in this e-book is an Excerpt from Simple Riches, the next book in this series. That Second Chance Series: Book One: Pulling Home (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Promise) Book Two: The Way They Were (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Secret) Book Three: Simple Riches (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Winter) Book Four: Paradise Found (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Wish) Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Gift) Book Six: The Butterfly Garden (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Return)

The Way They Were

Unlock the secrets in Reunion Gap He’s not who he says he is…but neither is she… Ethan Nance lives his life guided by analyses and spreadsheets and avoids anything resembling an emotion. He did that once and suffered the disastrous consequences of opening his heart. Data collection, objectivity, and deductive reasoning are the keys to eliminating surprises and reducing disappointment. And then he meets Vanessa Rodelle, a woman who challenges, confuses, and disturbs him in a way no woman ever has. Vanessa Rodelle once believed in happily-ever-after, but reality taught her the hard lesson of following her heart. It’s much safer to let data and facts guide her. And then she meets Ethan Nance, a man she can’t analyze, understand, or ignore. Ethan and Vanessa might not believe in destiny, but one hot steamy night together changes everything, and no spreadsheets or logic can explain or erase it. Can they learn to trust and open their hearts once again for a chance at real love? It's going to get very interesting and the residents of the small town of Reunion Gap will offer their stories, guidance, and support to help this meant-to-be couple find their happily-ever-after. The only question left is will Ethan and Vanessa take the risk and listen to their hearts? Reunion Gap series: Book One: Strangers Like Us Book Two: Liars Like Us Book Three: Lovers Like Us Book Four: Couples Like Us Book Five: Guilty Like Us Book Six: Pretenders Like Us

Pretenders Like Us

Strangers Like Us

Lovers Like Us

Pretending Normal, formerly Lies Imitating Life, was a past quarter finalist in Ray Bradbury’s New Century New Writer Award contest. It was also a past semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. 1976 Before-Sara Polokovich wants out of Norwood, Pennsylvania, population 4,582, where the undertaker and the butcher are the same person. All she has to do is earn a scholarship. Just two more years…but until then, she pours over classics to strengthen her comprehension skills, reviews for the SAT, and continues to request college brochures from every school in the northeast. Sara’s just buried her mother, her father drinks too much, and her kid sister won’t leave her alone. Why can’t her life be normal? Even half-normal? Why does Frank, (she refuses to think of him as her father anymore), spend all of his time in the garage with that damn ‘57 Chevy? And why does he have to hide bottles all over the house; in the red metal cupboard in the garage, behind the faded orange curtain in the kitchen, under the sink in the bathroom? Why can’t anybody talk about what’s happening? As Sara struggles to free herself from a life of dysfunction and disease, she will learn the true depths of a parent’s love and the ultimate sacrifice given— and taken— in the name of that love. Pretending Normal follows Sara Polokovich’s coming of age as she discovers the truths about family with all of its flaws and weaknesses as the bond that holds one to another, in love, loyalty, even death. BONUS: Included with this ebook is the emotion-filled short story, The Death of Mary Alice Olivetti.

Pretending Normal

Not Your Everyday Housewife

Sometimes we’re lucky enough to get that second chance – in life and in love. That Second Chance Series are stand-alone stories of strong women who battle heartache and loss with a courage and determination to find new paths and true love. What ties them together? A common theme: belief in the beauty of that second chance. The Butterfly Garden is Book Six of That Second Chance Series. Sometimes love happens when you least expect it… Jenny Romano has never been a white-picket-fence, happily-ever-after girl. Despite a mother who rejected her free-spirited, unique ways as irresponsible and just plain wrong, Jenny has found happiness as a photographer, flitting around the country and snapping photos of other people’s lives. Her older sister, Grace, has a husband, children, and a carpool schedule. She’s the one their mother calls “perfect.” But when tragedy strikes her sister’s carefully constructed life, Jenny must step in and help. Soon, she’s knee-deep in small-town, suburban life, the kind she’s always avoided… Psychologist Elliot Drake spends so much time healing other people’s pain that he prefers to keep his own relationships short and uncomplicated. He’s loved and lost once and with a young daughter to raise, he’s not willing to risk his heart again. Of course, he’s never met anyone quite like Jenny. Outrageous and unpredictable, she’s nothing like her well-controlled older sister. And the more he’s around Jenny, the more he wonders if short-term is really what he wants… Elliot and Jenny are about to discover that real life happens whether you want it to or not. Will they let real love happen, too? That Second Chance Series:Book One: Pulling Home (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Promise)Book Two: The Way They Were (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Secret)Book Three: Simple Riches (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Winter)Book Four: Paradise FoundBook Five: Not Your Everyday HousewifeBook Six: The Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden

He’s not who he says he is…but neither is she Neal Alexander has a reputation as a heartbreaker and a troublemaker who uses his trust fund, good looks, and come-closer glances to get what he wants. Except that’s not who he is—not anymore. He’s found success and purpose in the business world but prefers to let everyone, including his family, believe he’s still the reckless, self-absorbed playboy he used to be. Why share the truth and open himself up to judgment, criticism, and “never good enough”? Life is easier and less complicated this way, but living a lie has its own brand of torment. That torment comes straight at him when Rachel Reese, a regretful high school memory he wishes he could forget, lands in the same city. Rachel just wants to make her own choices and follow her passion for interior design. She’s not giving up on her career dream, even if she’s made a few missteps along the way. Wrong friends, lousy boyfriends, dead-end jobs. But this time, in this city, it’s going to be different, and if she has to fabricate a bit for a career opportunity, well, is that so horrible? Nothing is going to derail her, especially not a smooth-talking disaster from her past like Neal Alexander. It’s going to be difficult to keep the lies straight, the truth hidden, and the emotions from flaring, especially when the attraction between Neal and Rachel is so unwelcome. Can they trust each other enough to open up and share their true selves for a chance at real happiness? BONUS: Included in this e-book is an Excerpt from Pulling Home, That Second Chance series, Book Two. They promised to love one another forever, but tragedy tore them apart. Now, destiny may just bring them back together.

Players Like Us

Leah Darlington believes in safe and practical. At forty-one, she doesn’t subscribe to taking risks—in life or in love. She did that once years ago and ended up a single mother. Not happening again, and that’s why she’s decided it’s better to be the friend, sister, daughter, and mother who cheers others on, lends a hand or shoulder, and encourages people to never give up. But the whole risk-avoidance strategy she’s employed for herself changes when a stranger ventures into Magdalena. Mitchell Stafford captivates her with his cultured voice, commonsense logic, and love of nature, cooking, and easy conversation. Leah doesn’t want to believe she’s found a kindred spirit, much less a soulmate in Mitch, but what else could it be? Mitch Stafford is in Magdalena to honor his friend’s dying wish, one that includes Leah Darlington. For a no-nonsense architect more comfortable with designs than emotion, he doesn’t expect the spark of attraction when he meets the beautiful, down-to-earth woman with the engaging smile. But it’s there and the longer he’s around her, the more difficult it is to ignore or deny. So how is he going to honor his best friend’s dying wish without betraying the woman who might just own his heart?

A Family Affair: The Invitation

Rachel Darlington once believed she could achieve anything if she worked hard and followed a plan. But life had other ideas, ones she never anticipated. When a family emergency sends her back to her hometown of Magdalena, New York, the town has no idea her perfect life has fallen apart and she’s determined to keep the truth from everyone—especially Vic Tramont—the man she once rejected as not part of her life plan. Vic is honest, kind, trustworthy, great to look at... He can have any woman he wants, but he’s only ever wanted one—Rachel Darlington—the woman who didn’t want him. But now she’s back in town and it’s going to be hard to ignore her or pretend the attraction isn’t as strong as ever. And Rachel’s going to have her share of regrets and what-if’s, most centered on the man she turned away. It’s going to get complicated for this meant-to-be couple, but they won’t stand a chance unless they can let go of the past and open their hearts to each other and the future they could share.

A Small Town Family Saga

A Family Affair: The Vow

Heartache. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Redemption... It's time to head back to Magdalena, New York, and spend a little time with the people we love to love and even a few we love to hate. Roman Ventori isn’t looking for a wife. He’s had one of those and it ended badly. He’s come back to Magdalena out of duty, not love for the town that drove him away with rumors and judgments. Angie Sorrento is in Magdalena to do a job, not find a husband. She almost had one of those, until he dumped her days before the wedding. Roman’s father has health problems and his last wish is to see his son settled with a wife, a child, a second chance at a life that doesn’t include city life and flashy women. There’s only one person in town who can make the impossible happen. Angelo “Pop” Benito, the Godfather of Magdalena, is the wiliest matchmaker in the Catskills and if he sets his mind to it, an old man might see his wish come true. Oh, and remember Gloria Blacksworth’s notebook, the one filled with enough destruction to bring down Magdalena? Well, it’s causing trouble again, and this time the target is Miriam Desantro… Pop’s going to try to intervene, but he might be too late… Truth In Lies Series: Book One: A Family Affair Book Two: A Family Affair: Spring Book Three: A Family Affair: Summer Book Four: A Family Affair: Fall Book Five: A Family Affair: Christmas, a novella Book Six: A Family Affair: Winter Book Seven: A Family Affair: The Promise Book Eight: A Family Affair: The Secret Book Nine: A Family Affair: The Wish Book Ten: A Family Affair: The Gift If you love to read about second chances, don’t miss: That Second Chance Series: Book One: Pulling Home – (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Promise) Book Two: The Way They Were – (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Secret) Book Three: Simple Riches – (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Winter) Book Four: Paradise Found – (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Wish) Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife – Friends, do-overs, and living large. Book Six: The Butterfly Garden – Sometimes love happens when you least expect it. BONUS MATERIAL: Included with this e-book is an excerpt from the next book in this series...A Family Affair: The Wish.

Truth in Lies, Book 8

A Family Affair: The Secret

Sooner or later the past catches up with you and then you have to face the truth... Fourteen years is a long time to pretend someone doesn’t exist, especially if that person is responsible for crushing your heart. But pretending in a small town where everyone knows your backstory —or thinks they do? Impossible. Beckett Durrell isn’t the same lovestruck fool he’d been all those years ago when he’d believed in destiny and ever-after. At thirty-five, he’s not interested in meant-to-be or long-term, though he almost made it to the altar eleven months ago. But he couldn’t spit out the “I do” and refuses to think it’s because of her, the woman he’s never forgotten. Katrina Carlisle knew she married the wrong man long before she discovered his first affair. She’d been too heartbroken after the breakup with Beck Durrell to notice the new man’s slick words, or the fact that his mother seemed more interested in her than he was. After a disastrous marriage, she’s now divorced with two small children, working a low-paying job, living in a tiny rental, and wondering how her life had gone so wrong. When destiny orchestrates a plan for Beck and Katrina to cross paths, there’s no pretending the attraction isn’t there. But the distrust? The fear of getting hurt again? That’s definitely there, too, and it’s going to take a lot more than simple attraction to get past it. Can Beck and Katrina trust each other enough to open their hearts for a second chance at happily-ever-after?

A Family Affair: The Journey

Delilah O'Reilly and Nicholas Borado fell in love, married, and planned to spend a life together full of dreams, joy, and endless possibilities... until lies and betrayal tore them apart.¿¿Delilah O'Reilly may have grown up in a small town, but there's nothing small town about her. She's the media genius of celebrity interviews and has the television show to prove it. Smart, confident, and in control, no one would ever guess that deep inside there's a lonely girl with a sad past, one that includes a family secret and a man she's never forgotten. When an on-air disaster explodes her career, she seeks refuge in the one place she swore she'd never return to-Magdalena, New York-her hometown.¿Nick Borado was born to a life of wealth and privilege. As heir to a high-end men's clothing dynasty, he's always gotten what he wanted...and he wanted Delilah O'Reilly. When she betrays him, he spends years running from that pain, losing himself in reckless behavior and close calls. After a near-fatal miss, he realizes something has to change and heads to the small town she once told him could make a person invisible. Four months later, he's still in Magdalena working at O'Reilly's Bar & Grille and trying to figure out his life. Of course, the town thinks he's just a bartender living paycheck to paycheck...¿Six years have passed since Delilah and Nick saw each other, but they'll meet up again in a most unlikely place-Magdalena, New York, Delilah's hometown. Hurt and accusations will resurface, but they won't stop the sparks from flying, or the town from wondering about this couple's secret past...wondering too if Delilah and Nick might just have a chance for a future together...

The Homecoming

A Family Affair: Spring is a story of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption, all wrapped up in the lives of the people we love to love, and even a few we love to hate.Harry Blacksworth is rich, handsome, the ultimate playboy with a killer smile and a clever wit. He's fought it, denied it, ignored it, but the damn truth won't go away: He's fallen in love. And just when he's accepted that fact, Greta Servensen, the only woman he's ever trusted, breaks his heart.Christine Blacksworth and Nate Desantro beat the odds when they fell in love and married. But staying married is threatened when the foundation behind every good relationship--trust--is challenged.Gloria Blacksworth descends upon Magdalena in all of her designer-clad arrogance, determined to make Christine change her course and return to Chicago and her old life. It may take a well-planted lie or two, but Gloria doesn't plan to fail. When she finally confronts Miriam Desantro, the "other woman", Gloria discovers more than she ever wanted to know... or admit.Angelo "Pop" Benito is The Godfather of Magdalena. Nothing happens in that town without his knowledge or approval. And Pop doesn't do anything without a long sit-down with his dead wife, Lucy, and a half dozen pizzelles by his side. He'll need a lot of lung power and a tray of his favorite treat to help Nate and Christine out of a real mess. And he may need the help of his checkers buddy and Magdalena's shining star, Lily Desantro.

Truth in Lies: Book Two: Spring

Wedding Bells in Magdalena! What’s more charming than a Christmas wedding? How about TWO Christmas weddings? Join us as we head back to Magdalena in this holiday novella and witness two couples head down the road of happily ever after. But don’t expect that road to be nice and smooth. Is anything worthwhile ever easy? Still, I’m betting on this town to help these couples through the rough patches and a good amount of snow to get to their happily-ever-after. So, are you wondering who these couples might be? There are quite a few possibilities, but I’ve decided to give you the true gift of a good surprise! Truth in Lies Series: Book One: A Family Affair Book Two: A Family Affair: Spring Book Three: A Family Affair: Summer Book Four: A Family Affair: Fall Book Five: A Family Affair: Christmas, a novella Book Six: A Family Affair: Winter Book Seven: A Family Affair: The Promise Book Eight: A Family Affair: The Secret Book Nine: A Family Affair: The Wish Book Ten: A Family Affair: The Gift Book Eleven: A Family Affair: The Weddings, a novella Book Twelve: A Family Affair: The Cabin, a novella Book Thirteen: A Family Affair: The Return If you love to read about second chances, don’t miss: That Second Chance Series: Book One: Pulling Home (also prequel to A Family Affair: The Promise) Book Two: The Way They Were (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Secret) Book Three: Simple Riches (Also prequel to A Family Affair: Winter) Book Four: Paradise Found (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Wish) Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Gift) Book Six: The Butterfly Garden (Also prequel to A Family Affair: The Return)

A Novella

A Family Affair: The Weddings

Heartache. Betrayal. Forgiveness. Redemption. It’s time to head back to Magdalena, New York, and spend a little time with the people we love to love and even a few we love to hate. Eight years ago, tragedy struck the town’s perfect couple, Daniel “Cash” Casherdon and Tess Carrick, days before their wedding. That tragedy shredded their dreams of a life together and sent them fleeing Magdalena. Now, destiny has brought them back and the town is determined to see this couple mend their differences. Angelo “Pop” Benito will lead the crusade to march Cash and Tess down the aisle with the help of The Bleeding Hearts Society, a garden group more interested in healing people’s hearts than helping a sick basil plant. But they’re not the only ones cheering for this couple’s second chance. Who would have thought Nate Desantro would be giving advice on relationships, love, and marriage? But when a man finds the right woman, anything is possible. Add a baby to the mix; well, that’s pure “hero” material. Christine will offer her share of support and wisdom to Tess and stand up to an old troublemaker in the name of family and friendship. From the fifty-something widow who is afraid to open her heart again to the pregnant friend who believes everyone has a soul mate, to Lily Desantro, the shining light who makes others believe anything is possible, Magdalena’s finest will rally to give Tess and Cash that second chance. But all the prayers and contrivances in the world won’t help until Tess reveals the secret she’s carried for too many years, a secret that could destroy her chance with Cash forever… And if you’re wondering about Harry Blacksworth and his brood, you’ll glimpse a snippet of what he’s up to, but he’ll be back in full force in A Family Affair: Fall. Not only that—he’s moving to Magdalena with Greta and the kids! Can you imagine Harry maneuvering a lawnmower or carrying out the trash? Oh, but his past is going to catch up with him and then…Sorry…Harry has to wait for A Family Affair: Fall to share his misery and his story. For now, enjoy the journey as you catch up on the lives of the residents of Magdalena. They’re waiting for you! Truth in Lies Series: Book One: A Family Affair Book Two: A Family Affair: Spring Book Three: A Family Affair: Summer Book Four: A Family Affair: Fall Book Five: A Family Affair: Christmas, a novella Book Six: A Family Affair: Winter Book Seven: A Family Affair: The Promise Book Eight: A Family Affair: The Secret Book Nine: A Family Affair: The Wish Book Ten: A Family Affair: The Gift Book Eleven: A Family Affair: The Weddings Book Twelve: A Family Affair: The Cabin Book Thirteen: A Family Affair: The Return Book Fourteen: A Family Affair: The Choice Book Fifteen: A Family Affair: The Proposal Book Sixteen: A Family Affair: Bonus Scenes Book Seventeen: A Family Affair: The Homecoming Book Eighteen: A Family Affair: The Decision ﻿ Bonus Material: The first chapter of A Family Affair: Fall, the next book in this series.

Mary Campisi

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