'At Risk: Passion and Peril at Sea' by Jackie Ullerich

Book Blurb:

At Risk explores the complexities of love and marriage, as well as the dark side of racism and bigotry—all aboard the luxury cruise liner, the Sea Star.

A cruise along the Mexican Riviera is the setting for a disparate group of passengers who dine together nightly. In that intimacy, they reveal aspects of their lives and family backgrounds which set in motion events ranging from unsettling to horrific.

As an instigator of these happenings, Jack Watkins, a retired military officer, resorts to threats and intimidation as a neo-Nazi sympathizer. He and his wife, Joanne, appear as an imperfect couple whose relationship deteriorates further as Jack perceives his wife as an obstacle to establishing a stronghold of white supremacists.

In contrast, Patty and Ben Redford exemplify a stable and loving marriage. However, as events draw Ben—a university professor and FBI consultant—into Jack’s vortex of evil, evasions on Ben’s part and misunderstandings between the couple chip away at their once rock-solid relationship.

Each character is tested; but most at risk is Tracy Bradshaw, a young socialite who, in her husband’s absence, reflects on her need for major changes in her life. Contemplation gives way to complications as Tracy is attracted to the ship’s pianist, Marc Frias, who shares her affinity for the arts. In more treacherous territory, she becomes the target of a hate group when they learn of her Jewish background.

As events unfold, the light ambience of shipboard’s life dims—then darkens—as Tracy’s sense of unease escalates into full-blown terror. Her focus now shifts from concerns over her growing relationship with Marc and marital and career issues yet to be resolved, to what takes priority over all else—staying alive.

At Risk leaves you no choice but to read on and a compelling need to discover:

What happens next?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A native Californian, Jackie Ullerich was born in Los Angeles, grew up in San Diego and attended UCLA, where she graduated with honors , earning a secondary teaching credential in theater arts and English. She also attained Master Teacher status, which qualified her to train and supervise student teachers at the high school level.

In a major change of venue, Jackie left the classroom for the world stage to travel and live in a variety of places, both in the U.S. and overseas, with her Air Force husband.

Her years of living in Turkey and Greece coincided with changes in government, including tanks in the streets. But hostile environments were offset by exploration of ancient cultures and the colorful tapestries of contemporary life.

Of her many experiences, teaching English as a foreign language at the Turkish War College in Ankara, was an adventure in itself. While her novels reflect first-hand knowledge of exotic and historic locals, California provides a backdrop for most of her writing .

Presently, Jackie and her retired Air Force JAG husband reside in Palm Desert, California where her husband golfs while Jackie writes.