Obsessions, the first book of a planned trilogy, is a thrilling page-turner that takes place over a period of fourteen days in 1993. During this time, four teachers and one real estate agent face life changing forces that would daunt weaker women. A middle school environment in Virginia becomes the origin of both mystery and romance. There, Jan Ryan, a teacher, very married but dangerously lonely - struggles to overcome the attraction of a magnetic student teacher, Tad Wyatt. Risk occurs when Tad, a man with a secret past, decides to act on his obsessions. Tensions increase as Dana Andrews, also a faculty member, flees to a convent in Florida in a desperate attempt to escape an abusive husband. A childhood friend, now the superior of a community of nuns agrees to provide sanctuary. Dana learns about religious life in the guise of being a potential candidate.

The story alternates between Richmond, Virginia and the oldest city in the United States - St. Augustine, Florida. Excitement never abates as other characters vie for attention as they too determine not to become victims of their fate. The story takes an interesting twist when two blood sisters aware of Dana's destination decide to put their own needs on hold. They arrive in Florida with a detective and pilot in tow - prepared to divert Jim Andrews in his plan to return with his wife.

Watch for the sequel, Challenges.

Joy Walsh is a former teacher who spent twenty-five years educating on many diverse levels, in both public and private schools. She is known for her excellence in teaching Science and was nominated for the Teacher in Residence Program for Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The writer was recognized for her expertise in facilitating the scientific process of experimental design, having produced many Science Fair winners in both Florida and Virginia.

Ms. Walsh is a public speaker, a past president of the Northeast Georgia Writer’s Club, and an awarded author in the categories of poetry and essay. Joy’s novel, Obsessions, is the first large published work, but she has always written and can lay claim to poetry and short story publications - dating back to her elementary years and continuing through graduate school.

The author now lives in Gainesville, Georgia with her husband in a retreat that provides a spectacular view of the Chattahoochee River. There, Joy is at work on Challenges, a second novel in a planned trilogy focusing on her characters from Obsessions. In the rest of her "spare time," Joy studies Spanish and Art, travels, and still manages to teach English to many of the Spanish in the area. She is also busy with commissioned work in calligraphy and engraving.

Strong cold breezes were blowing in King Louis County, the fastest growing suburb outside of Richmond, Virginia. Inside the walls of Mason Middle School, however, the ‘controlled’ environment was not pleasant. The school desperately needed a new heating and cooling system. Some rooms had the temperature of a tropical island while others felt like Alaska.

In one of the enclosed rooms in the Science Department, Margie Fitzgerald put her hand to her head. It’s going to be another one of those days. A routine classroom disruption had just occurred. Margie had just finished correcting Josh Beatty, one of her students, about his incessant talking. He answered back with full force: "F**k you, b**ch. I don’t have to do anything you tell me."

Margie reached for the preprinted office referral she was preparing. With a few deft marks, she finished by signing her name. As she handed the blustering boy the referral, she gestured up towards the office with her hand. By the time Josh headed out the door with a few more expletives, the class was on its way to being out of control.

"Class, let’s get back to the subject at hand. Take out your lab reports and go over the procedure."

Five minutes later the red-cheeked, cherub-faced male principal, Mr. Samuels was at her door, referral in hand. Margie stepped to the door adjusting her attention, but making sure the class knew she was observing their every move. Samuels placed his hand on the door. Margie winced inwardly as she noted the new addition to his wardrobe, a colored plastic bracelet with the initials: WWJD.

"Mrs. Fitzgerald, Josh mentioned that you had corrected him in front of the class, and that is what started all of this." Mr. Samuels stated. Josh stood arrogantly in the background, hands crossed at his chest. "Mr. Samuels, I have a class to get back to. Josh was politely reminded that he was out of order and then he began with his gutter language."

"I’m sorry Mrs. Fitzgerald, but you know I had to check." Mr. Samuels responded with an embarrassed grin. The principal next turned to Josh. "Come back up to the office with me. "In other words - believe the student before the teacher." The words came out before she could stop them. She quickly turned around and came back into her classroom. The sounds that greeted Margie were loud and varied. So much for back to order! Voices reflected senses of embarrassment or horror--"Can you believe Josh?" and "Mrs. Fitzgerald doesn’t deserve such comments!" Margie threw up her hands in a gesture of surrender to the masses and then turned on a classical CD she often used to refocus the group. In a few minutes, the class was at their lab stations, and a semblance of order once more prevailed.

Down the hall, Mr. Stanford’s eighth grade Science class sat like wooden robots, straight and attentive. Mrs. Trammel, the Assistant Principal who was taking a new student teacher on a school tour, walked by, and looked in. A tall dark haired young man stood at her side, following her actions with his eyes.

"This is Mr. Stanford’s science class. He must be getting additional lab supplies." She looked at her companion. "You will have a chance to meet him later. Let’s find Mrs. Ryan." --And how he manages to keep his class in order in his absence - is beyond me.