Active Voice Press

Winner, RT Book Reviews Lifetime Achievement AwardFinalist, Romance Writers of America Rita Award She wishes it had burned to the ground: that's Anne Marquel's first thought when she learns that Yesterday's Dream, her childhood home, has been ravaged by fire. Haunted by the shocking secrets of her past, she's forced to return to the place she fled in terror twelve years ago, and only the prospect of seeing Connor McLeod, youthful hero of her girlish fantasies, allays her fear. But will the unexpected spark that flares between her and a very adult, strikingly handsome Con have the chance to grow into a future together? Or will it be destroyed by the wicked secrets that Anne is bound to keep? Is the menace behind those secrets truly gone-or does it lie smoldering in the ruins of Yesterday's Dream? "Beautifully written, Embers is gritty, suspense-filled, and sensual. A moving story of childhood friends torn apart by secrets and drawn back together by love."
Diane Chamberlain, best-selling author of The Midwife's Confession "Few authors would dare venture into the emotional depths of Mary Kirk's wonderful... book, Embers. But then, there is only one Mary Kirk, and romance readers are extremely fortunate to enjoy the fruits of her magnificent talent and superb craftsmanship.... Handling difficult issues with extraordinary sensitivity, Ms. Kirk creates a love story that will reverberate in your soul for many a day to come."
Melinda Helfer, RT Book Reviews. "...a beautiful story of love lost and regained; wise and touching-and sexy too "
Laura Kinsale, best-selling author. "You can depend on Mary Kirk for a story of the heart-and from the heart. This page-turner is land-mined with subtle power. It's all here: danger and fear, the destiny of two characters who belong together, honesty and humor, secrets that need to be told, and the warmth of love. A WONDERFUL book Another Kirk for my keeper shelf "
Jennifer Greene, best-selling author

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mary Kirk began writing stories, plays, and personal journals in grade school but never imagined making a career of writing; instead, she studied piano at Peabody Conservatory, then earned a degree in American studies and history, from Goucher College. After leaving graduate school to stay home with her first son-and having watched more ＂Sesame Street＂ than she cares to remember-she was rummaging through a filing cabinet one day and found fifteen pages that she’d scribbled years earlier. Reading through those pages, she felt a compelling need to finish the story; a month later, she had a four-hundred-page manuscript, and it was clear that her many and varied creative energies had found their focus. Since then, Mary Kirk’s critically acclaimed novels have appeared on bestseller lists and have been nominated for and won awards from RT Book Reviews and Romance Writers of America. Known for her well-crafted prose, her depth of characterization, and her powerfully emotional storytelling, she creates tales that she says reflect her ＂profound respect for the capacity of the human spirit to survive and flourish, even in the most difficult circumstances.＂ With two grown sons and one lovely daughter-in-law, Mary Kirk and her husband live in Maryland with their pack of standard poodles. She’s always delighted to hear from readers, and you can connect with her on Facebook, through her Mary Kirk Books page, or through her website, http: //www.MaryKirkBooks.com.