Book excerpt: LaRain's first novel is called 'The Jewelry', the second is 'Cat of Serene Valley' and the third is 'Jocie of Serene Valley'. The characters in these books play a significant role in this novel of a young spitfire red head named Sheila; as she joins the family at Serene Valley Angus and Quarter Horse Ranch. Sheila's love of German Shepherds started in her childhood and continues to influence her choice of careers; first as a dog handler for the military, and again, working at the 'Tanner Security Agency' in Texas helping Mike to train the security and guard dogs needed for the agency. Two months ago, Mike moved to the new training facility in Kentucky. She met her ex-boyfriend three months ago and after the first few dates decided he wasn't really what she had been looking for in a long-term relationship. He was tall and handsome, but there was just something strange about him. He had a cruel streak and he was way too possessive to suit her. Randy did not want to accept her saying 'no'. He kept calling all times of the day and night. Then about two weeks ago she was coming home to her apartment and finding dead flowers each day and the last one contained a bloody knife inside along with the dead flowers. That was the last straw for her. She couldn't go to the police, since he worked there. She finally told her boss about it. He suggested a change of scenery might be in order for a while. Kentucky looked like a good fit for her. Sheila did not have a lease and a friend wanted to move into her apartment right away so the decision to pack up and start over was an easy one for her. Having been a military brat while she was growing up, she was used to new places, however making new friends was a bit harder. So, she was a bit happier knowing there would be one friend already there at the ranch, Mike. Can her new 'family' and the dogs she trains, protect her from the madman that wants to possess her? Enticing and suspenseful, Sheila of Serene Valley is a perfect blend of romance and intrigue.