Paradise Rush

Paradise Rush by LEO T. BARBEL In PARADISE RUSH, author Leo T. Barbel, a lifelong resident of theWest Indies, takes you on a journey through the generations to a chainof tropical islands awash with sun-drenched days, exotic evenings, andlate-night enchantments. Here you will meet captivating charactersliving in a paradise filled with adventure and intrigue. The heart of this multi-level tale revolves around Sasha SassyMattavious. As an island girl coming of age during World War II, Sassyfinds herself swept up in a series of dramatic events ranging from themurder trial of a young man she adores to a high stakes poker game thatescalates to incalculable odds. At that gambling table sits an assortment of colorful players includinginternationally celebrated photographer Zane Wagoner, devoted churchgoerArmand Cologne, a well-heeled Frenchman from St. Barths, twosavvy Puerto Rican businessmen, and a hard-edged Philadelphia streetthug as well as the honorable Judge Harland Jacobs. Their passion for poker aside, these men have one other thing incommon: a singular fascination for the stunningly beautiful AnikaVandenberg. Despite her status as a married woman, the femme fataleenjoys flirting shamelessly with the hearts she holds in the palm of herhand. Inexplicably, one of the players disappears suddenly and is neverheard from again. Decades later, Sassys grandson Matt, an investigative reporter fromManhattan, finds his way back home to the land of his ancestors. Inhis travels, he stumbles upon a 70-year-old cold case that pulls him intothe past. In the process of unraveling the history and mystery of his own roots,Matt discovers more than he ever bargained for about life, love, andfamily.