Literary Las Vegas: Robyn Carr
Henderson-based New York Times bestselling author and 2016 winner of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award Robyn Carr spins a dream-turned-nightmare in her novel “The Life She Wants,” set to reach shelves Sept. 27. Emma Shay Compton had a fairy-tale marriage in Manhattan, the wife of a rich broker. Though he was busy and distant, Emma never suspected Richard was a con man. When his Ponzi scheme imploded, Richard escaped through suicide. With nothing left, Emma couldn’t resist her high school friend’s suggestion to come home to Sonoma County, even though home was filled with shadows to face, too. For more on the author, visit robyncarr.com.
Excerpt:
“I grew up around here, remember?” she said. “No matter where I go, that’s going to follow me. But I was never indicted for any crime. And believe me, they looked hard and long.”
“I just want you to be ready. In case.”
“In case people are nasty to me or snigger when I walk by? That’s why I came here rather than trying to find some new place where I could be a stranger with a new identity — everyone figures it out eventually. Lies don’t last — Richard was proof of that. Let’s just get it over with. I was married to the late Richard Compton, the infamous broker and thief. There’s no way to undo that. And I didn’t have to think about it long — the stress of trying to keep it secret is something I’m just not up to. I could change my name, color my hair, even get a nose job if I had any money, but eventually everyone is going to know it’s me. It’s hopeless, Lyle — Google me and see for yourself.”
