Outskirts Press, INC.

Rowena Schumann is capable of anything. Adultery, betrayal, manipulation, deceit, control—they’re all a part of who she is.

Following the unexpected death of her husband, Albert, Rowena Schumann takes over the family company and weaves a spell of deception and control over her grown children, who work for her at the Schumann Company. Rowena is greedy, and profit is all-important. She is cruel and extremely hard on her employees, and she is a ruthless manipulator. No one, it seems, trusts Rowena…and with good reason. A series of unforeseen events leads to disaster and heartbreak for the Schumann family, and Rowena’s health begins to fail. The family is forced to accept a bitter, needless tragedy, but they are a resilient lot. Surprises, forgiveness, and love emerge as the Schumanns struggle to find happiness and move on. Reprisal is a moving saga of one family’s courage and redemption.

She lay back on the blanket with her arms under her head for a pillow. Through the branches, she could see puffy white clouds and blue sky. All around were large evergreen trees mixed here and there with maples, and wild flowers grew in abundance wherever sun peaked through. She took a deep breath of sweet country air. Donald hadn't moved. He still stood above her, watching her. "It smells heavenly out here," she said smiling. "It is so tranquil, listening to the birds and the sounds of the water." "Yes," he replied, still leaning over her. "You are very lovely Alicia,"he said, looking into her eyes. He sat on the blanket next to her. His expression had changed. He frowned and seemed anxious,even disturbed. Alicia picked up on it immediately. "Donald is everything all right? What's wrong? Can I ..help? No..nothing is wrong." He was smiling again, but seemed changed. He picked one of the wild flowers and started to tickle her neck with the stem. "Stop, don't I am so ticklish," she cried out laughing. He was tickling her and then he was kissing her. At first it was quite pleasant, but when it became hard and demanding...