New Releases by Lori Van Pelt

Legendary western writer and noted anthologist Robert J. Randisi offers up a winning hand with fourteen never-before-published tales of the Old West, each revolving around the central theme of gambling. Among the stories you can expect to be dealt here are: Jacks or Better by Johnny Boggs A Cold Deck by Phil Dunlap The Reckoning by Randy Lee Eickhoff It Takes a Gambler by Jerry Guin Odds on a Lawman by Christine Matthews Pay the Ferryman by Matthew P. Mayo White Face, Red Blood by Rod Miller Hazard by Nik Morton Acey Deucy by John Nesbitt The Mark of an Imposter: An Evelyn Page/Calvin Carter Adventure by Scott Parker Horseshoe and Pistols by Robert J. Randisi Too Many Aces by Charlie Steel Missouri Boat Race by Chuck Tyrell The Legend of ''Blind Ned'' Baldwin by Lori Van Pelt

Barney Ford, former slave who owned Cheyenne''s most famous hotel. Prairie Rose Henderson, champion cowgirl who died on the prairie. George D. Rainsford, architect, horse rancher, and eccentric. Willis Van Devanter, judge, attorney, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Estelle Reel, first woman elected to state office in the nation. Charley Irwin, larger-than-life stockman and rodeo producer. Elwood Mead, wrote water laws that became standard around the world. Asa Shinn Mercer, author of Wyoming''s most famous "burned book." Book jacket.

As a tomboy growing up in Kansas, Amelia Earhart delighted intrying new and risky things, once even building a roller-coaster in hergrandparents'' backyard. In her 20s she fell in love with flight whilewatching an aerobatics exhibition and grew even more enthralled when shetook her first airplane ride.At age 24 she earned her pilot''s wings and 1928 took part in thetransatlantic "Friendship" flight. Her willowy build, wholesome smile, andtousled blonde hair invited comparison to the celebrated pilot CharlesLindbergh, and "Lady Lindy" charmed the public with her unassuming manner. In 1937, Earhart wed publisher George Putnam, who managed her careerand promoted her zealously, ensuring her status as the world''s best-knownaviatrix. The next year, she soloed the Atlantic, afterward receiving theDistinguished Flying Cross and began championing the efforts of womenthroughout the world to explore careers -- especially in aviation -traditionally held by men.Tragically, just days before her fortieth birthday, Earhart, hernavigator Fred Noonan, and their plane vanished en route to tiny HowlandIsland in the Pacific Ocean as they neared the end of their round-the-worldjourney. President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized the greatest land andocean search ever undertaken but no trace of the missing flyers or theircraft were ever found.To Amelia Earhart, even the sky was no limit to those with thecourage to test new boundaries.

Fourteen stories of colorful western characters and how they are transformed.