Author Description

(*previously titled QUINTSPINNER - A PIRATE'S QUEST) Even in the year 1717, one month, one week, or one day, can make all the difference in the world. One month ago, Tess Willoughby, the daughter of a well-to-do physician in London, witnessed the murder of an old seer and came into possession of the dead woman's odd ring - an ancient Spinner ring, known by the locals as the Ring of Prophesy. One month less a day ago, she was wrongly accused by her father of having stolen the ring. Three weeks ago, by her father's arrangement for the family, she became an unwilling passenger on a merchant ship bound for the pirate-infested waters of the Caribbean. Two weeks ago, at her father's insistence, she became forcibly betrothed to a man who she recognized as being the seer's murderer - a man who covets her only for her ring. One week ago, she met a sailor and experienced the thrill of being in love for the first time. Two days ago, she realized that such a secret love is going to threaten both of their lives. Yesterday, her fiancé betrayed her during a pirate attack and those she loved were slaughtered. Today, she is plotting to save her own life and perhaps to take his in retribution. The ring is urging her to decide quickly... Tomorrow will be too late. A secret and unauthorized trip through the chaos of a 1717 London marketplace takes a bizarre twist for 16 year old Tess. Unexpectedly witnessing the murder of a renowned Seer, Tess becomes the keeper of the old woman's legendary spinner ring and its supposed power of prophecy. Returning home, Tess bears the brunt of her father's rage when he is informed of her disobedient excursion. An ensuing altercation with her father leads Tess to the discovery of a family secret that stuns her. Even so, she never imagines that she will soon find herself forcibly betrothed to the murderer and trapped on a ship bound for the pirate-infested waters of the We