RINGS OF JEFFREY SERIES
The Rings of Jeffrey Series follows the life, challenges, friends, family, and ups and downs of Jeffrey Ballon Jones, a curious, creative and wildly energetic kid who, on his twelfth birthday, is thrust into a completely new and different reality and existence. It’s a coming of age and coming to terms story of learning about who real friends are, and how to be a real friend. And to never accept assumptions or stereotypes about who you are or what’s possible for you to accomplish.
The Rings of Jeffrey | Book 1 | Rings of Jeffrey Series – Click Here to Start Reading!
Jeffrey Ballon Jones is a spikey-haired, overly energetic eleven-going-on-twelve- year-old who loves dance and soccer. He has big dreams of being both a professional dancer and soccer player. Just as Jeffrey is riding high as a dancer, aspiring choreographer and soccer player, a freak incident threatens to dash all his big dreams. But then a new group of friends, the Wheel- Runners, and Jeffrey’s annoying friend Lucy, roll to the rescue, refusing to let Jeffrey give up on himself and his dreams.
But the questions they must answer together: What is dance? And who can be a dancer?
“A wonderful story! Such a learning experience for those who read it. Teaches a lot about attitude endurance and not giving up!”
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President/Founding Artistic Director, Dancing Wheels Company, Cleveland, OH.
“I liked the story! I like the part about the spring dance concert.”
Niamh M. Age ten, avid reader & swimmer
Wheel-Runner Unbound | Book 2 | Rings of Jeffrey Series – Click Here to Start Reading!
With the beginning of a new school year, all are excitedly preparing for the big fall dance concert which features a new dance by Jeffrey for the Wheel-Runners. But just days into rehearsal, a horrible car accident deals a devastating blow to the Wheel-Runners and the Jones Dance Studio. Jeffrey, the only witness, is convinced that it wasn’t an accident but a crime.
As the mystery of the crime deepens, a new girl appears on the scene, challenging Lucy’s role in the studio and on stage. Sinister elements are lurking where none suspect. Can the new girl be trusted to help untangle the mystery? And can Jeffrey and Lucy bring off the most challenging and complicated performance ever staged at the community theater? Wheel-Runner Unbound is bound to challenge them all.
“Wheel-Runner Unbound is great! There were so many parts I didn’t expect.”
Helena B., dancer, age 13
When Fates Divide | Book 3 | Rings of Jeffrey Series – Click Here to Start Reading!
In this third book in the Rings of Jeffrey series, Jeffrey, Lucy and the Wheel-Runners confront the challenges of distance and disconnection, love and loyalties.
Following a wildly successful fall dance series, Jeffrey is accepted into a promising trial rehabilitation program halfway across the country. But what is promising for Jeffrey leaves Lucy, the Wheel-Runners and all their dance studio friends at loose ends. While Jeffrey is forced to face what really matters in his life and dreams, Lucy must find new sources of creativity and strength within herself. And both encounter new relationships that test all they had come to believe about their special friendship.
Challenges and changes abound as all are confronted with what to do When Fates Divide.
Available NOW
Click here
THE THREE KEYS – A Novel
Click Here to Start Reading!
Lew Harra and his twelve-year old daughter Amy retreat from St. Louis, to an inherited homesteaded house and property deep in the Missouri Ozarks when Lew’s breadwinner wife is killed in a car crash. Lew hopes to find a new life for himself and his daughter. He finds far more. He meets Jewel, an African-American neighbor with whom he shared a brief childhood flirtation that quickly blossoms into an intense adult romance. And he finds that the Ozarkian hill country holds secrets and dangers, past and present, that threaten everything Lew and Jewel care about.
Family histories, the Klan, the Russian mob, racial politics and personal passions conspire and collide in a vivid story of life, love, death and reckoning in the Ozarkian hills.
“This book keeps you guessing the whole way through and you won’t be disappointed in the end. I appreciated the author’s interweaving of complex social issues and historical references into the contemporary plot. I highly recommend this genre bending work.“
Stephen C.
Illustrations
It is my great, good fortune to have found a collaborator like Krystal Tibbs, who is not only an exceptional illustrator, but has a wonderful eye and imagination for movement and dance. Her cover art for Wheel-Runner Unbound not only captures the look but the spirit of Lucy, Jeffrey and all. N.M.
Krystal Tibbs, artist and illustrator, works out of the Birmingham, Alabama area. She studied art at Birmingham-Southern College and has worked as an art teacher for kids of all ages and a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. She loves to draw people and show big emotions with her work.
Science, anatomy and mental health are other areas of interest and experience that she expresses in her work. Krystal is passionate about advocacy for the needs of the disabled and seeing the value in people of all types. Having ADHD herself, and kids with neurodivergence, she knows the importance of diversity in all areas.
Krystal lives with her husband and four kids and can probably be found hanging in her hammock in the treehouse, drawing.
Nello McDaniel 