Luke and Lena, a marriage on the brink of disaster by Diane Scott Lewis

In 1956, Luke dredges illegally on the river, while his restless wife considers a risky affair. A marriage in turmoil.

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Yelena, 'Lena,' married for passion right out of high school. But her husband doesn't aspire to something better; his job as an oysterman keeps them in poverty. She loves their little boy, but her life is dull, and restrictive due to lack of money. She craves excitement.

The once thriving resort town of Colonial Beach is falling into decay, destroyed by the Great Depression, then World War II. Yelena longs to leave it behind and visit exotic places.

Her husband's illegal activities on the river pushes her further away.

A stranger with a silky accent catches her attention, or rather, she catches his. Is this the excitement she sought, or a danger to both her and her husband?

Luke is ashamed he can't earn more for his family. Oystering is all he knows, and his gruff father encourages him to dredge for oysters in the night. Dredging is illegal, due to the destruction of the oyster beds, but the increased haul brings in additional money. Luke wants to please his wife, but her unhappiness, his guilt, drives them apart. 

And now the Maryland Oyster police, who have authority over the Potomac River, are shooting at Virginia dredgers; men are being killed. Luke is caught up in Virginia pride and tradition. Will it be the death of him?

What of the other sinister murders happening out on the river?

"A tale fraught with intrigue, hardship, murder, and a marriage in turmoil.  The author paints a vivid picture of life on an oyster boat and a fishing village on Virginia's Potomac shore."

*History and Women*

Excerpt: “Tell me what’s wrong, Luke.” Yelena said it tenderly, moving up close to him. These actions had always worked before. “I know something is bothering you. You shouldn’t hide things from me.”

His eyes searched hers, his sigh deep. “They fired on us. Ern caught it this time. Damn!” He hugged her against him, his shirt dampening her breasts.

“What? Are you serious?” Her stomach clenched. Her worst fears. “I can’t believe—”

“Shhh, don’t scare the boy. Let’s not talk about this now.” Luke tried to kiss her, but she pulled back.

She glared at him. “Was Ernie hurt badly?”

“Mostly a flesh wound. We ran him over to Doc Baker’s.”

“I want you to stop this. Please.” She clung to his shoulders, almost pinching them. “I’d like to work, to help out. You go back to tonging. You did it before this mess with Maryland started again. Why did you decide to take up these illegal activities?”

"Enough, Lena. You got our boy to care for. You don't need a job." His order was a low grumble. "Leave this business to me."

But she couldn't. Was it her anxiety for him, or her determination to rescue her family, that left her feeling so dissatisfied?

To find out more about me and my books, please visit my website: DianeScottLewis

Diane lives in Western Pennsylvania with her husband and one naughty dachshund.