“…Beautiful Evil Winter may work best as a feature film while Plenty has potential as a TV series… Both projects…”
— Creative Executive (SALT,  The Bone Collector and Revenge – tv series)
See Biography for more information. 

Kelly’s First Bestselling, Award-Winning Thriller Novel

Inspired by heart-racing Misery? Yes.

“There’s no bitch on earth like a mother frightened for her kids.” ~ Stephen King

After the USSR collapses, a time reminiscent of the unforgiving gun-slinging days of the frontier West, mild-mannered Ethan and hot-blooded Sophia board a plane bound for corrupt, crime-infested Russia. Armed only with a homespun plan, the desperate American couple hopes to adopt a baby boy. What can go wrong?

Honestly, what won’t go wrong? Maybe an innocent ill-fated encounter with the Mafia, or maybe being marked as a target for mob revenge. Perhaps, having to rely on a first-time adoption coordinator to complete the process and shelter them from harm.

Crippled by circumstances — no language skills, no cell phone, no clue, no landline, no gun, no nearby family and a baby to protect — they have to escape. Everything and anything can go wrong. How can they succeed?

For mature audiences only. DLSV.

Inspired by a true story.

 

NOW $4.99

Kelly’s Second Bestselling, Award-Winning, Thriller Novel

Inspired by spine-chilling Cape Fear? Yes.

When tragedy affects his life, an unconvicted, “politically-shielded” professional killer blames and hunts a young woman. He pursues sweet revenge. Her beloved adoptive family circle the wagons around her. This time, for him, it’s more than a job, It’s a welcomed war. Can the family survive? How? 

In Prosperity, Texas, charm begins at the county line, a large mint green sign reads: “Wholesome Living in a Storybook setting”. A town park — resplendent with yellow, pink and red roses, a white gazebo, a stout limestone footbridge, a pond flanked by Weeping Cherry trees and nesting Mallard ducks — locks-in the message.

Yet, beneath the idyllic sugar-coated appearance, plenty of problems plague Prosperity – political corruption, an influx of illegal drugs, road rage, theft, prostitution and pornography. Sheriff Gordon has put his stamp on Prosperity – reaping huge profits in the process. His go-to-enforcer, Bruce, a cocaine-addicted, misogynistic, hit man maintains law, order and iron-fisted justice as per Gordon’s aggressive agenda.

Camille, a gorgeous, lonely, young woman has caught the unwavering eye and attention of Gordon’s son, Grant. Handsome, wealthy, powerful, sadistic Grant and naive Camile become a couple in spite of Gordon’s fury. Camille has also enchanted Ben, Bruce’s only son, and Grant’s best friend.

Crippled by circumstances – a dysfunctional family, adolescence, immaturity, a bad romance, a lack of education and ambition, how can she prevail?

Can this nightmare become any more hellish? Yes.

For mature audiences only. DLSV.

“…At times readers feel they are in an emotional meat grinder…” 5 * D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

 

NOW $3.99

A Bestselling and Multi-Award-Winning Thriller Author.

Recipient of a prestigious Eric Hoffer Award, a Dan Poynter Global Ebook Award, a Readers’ Favorite Award and more.

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What Readers Are Saying

“Plenty is a book about a young lady, Camille, who is trying to pull herself up from bad parenting and to live a life her grandmother would be proud of. She has fallen in with the sheriff’s son which, in this case, proves to be road that she should not be going down. An accident on a four-lane road and a shooting in a rest area sets in motion the events that will eventually free her and the whole area from a politically corrupt system that has grown up in the community. Camille joins forces with Jennifer, a widow with a daughter, to stand up against the evil forces and finds that there are outside forces willing to help. The good guys win primarily by the bad guys taking themselves out by forces not controlled by anyone else but themselves. It is a thriller where good wins over evil in surprising ways. There are twists and turns and and surprises along the whole story, but it all comes together in the end.

A very good and interesting read. A look at how power in a small community can lead to corruption as much as it does in large metropolitan areas. Power corrupts and leads to one wanting absolute power which in the end leads to self destruction.”

Quentin R. Stewart Jr. 5 * Amazon Review

“The title of this book is pretty accurate, because there is PLENTY, plenty action, emotions, sex, violence, corruption and plenty twists and turns…the story kept me on edge all through until the end. I don’t want to give up too much information, because it’s really hard to put in words the emotions that I felt reading this story.”

4* Kindle Customer Review

“…The story is fast paced and will keep readers glued till the last page. The mix of  love, excitement, suspense and a healthy dose of politics make it a compelling story. it opens your eyes more towards adoptive parents, adoption outside your country, and the violence in Russia. All characters, including Ethan and Sophia, have been portrayed well to make the story great reading…”

Mamta Madhavan 5* Review for Readers’ Favorite of Beautiful Evil Winter

“Sofia and Ethan are apprehensive as they begin their adoption adventure…What they encounter in Russia is worse than they could have feared and pushes them beyond what they thought they could endure. The author does a wonderful job of creating a cast of complex characters who are understandable, if not always likable. The book is difficult to put down, enticing you to read a few more chapters before bed. In the end, the book leaves the reader satisfied, but the story never fully leaves your mind.”

Eric Hoffer Book Award 5* Review of Beautiful Evil Winter

Plenty is a novel about love and corruption, friendships and salvation, the descent into hell and the effort to survive: as such, it’s not for those seeking either a romance story or an easy leisure read.Indeed, readers who expect a novel filled with positives… will find it abundant, instead, with conflict, sexual and psychological angst, and the efforts of two women to change the course of their lives…At times readers feel they are in an emotional meat grinder; at other times, protagonist strengths come to rescue…Female readers seeking an antithesis to...with more dynamic, powerful female characters will find Plenty more than fits the bill.”

5* Review by D. Donovan – Midwest Book Review Senior Reviewer

“…Although a work of fiction, Beautiful Evil Winter author Kelly K. Lavender has given such a realistic feel to her novel that the story holds firmly to an engaging credibility from beginning to end. An especially well crafted and deftly woven story holds the reader fully entertained attention from first page to last. Very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library…”  

Midwest Book Review

“I spent a couple of days after I finished the the book thinking about how I was going to write this review. Despite its marketing, this was nothing like… It was a lot better… This is a hardcore story and not for the faint of heart. I had to read it in two sittings since I was crying so much I couldn’t see the screen…”

Long and Short Reviews 4* Review of Plenty

“a great thriller…a wonderful read which makes you think how to deal with personal issues” 

5* Kindle Customer of Plenty

Plenty wasn’t enough! I voluntarily read the book Plenty & couldn’t put it down until I finished it! This book grabs ahold of the reader & doesn’t let go until the end! A real story of womens’ empowerment & inner strength! Please read this book!”

5* Kindle Customer Review of Plenty

“I didn’t want to put this book down…my emotions were all over the place reading this book…”

5* Kindle Customer Review of Beautiful Evil Winter

“…The characters are of opposing values, fiery Sophia, hesitant Ethan, cruel mafia ponytail and his misfits, scheming Victoria and cruel possessive Natasha. It took the readers breath away due to the truth of the story, and humans being treated as fodder for violence and money. We are so used to freedom that the reader kept behind Sophia, pushing her to get up and fight for that freedom and Zack. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, and gladly give it five stars and recommend it for reading by everyone. Opens the eyes.”

Amazon Top 500 Reviewer R. Hansen’s 5* Review of Beautiful Evil Winter

“I took a chance on this author…. This book kept me on the edge of my seat…I had a hard time putting it down! BRAVO!”

5* Review by L. Carl of Beautiful Evil Winter

“…Plenty was a fantastic mix of mystery and modern day heroes…The pacing of Camille’s story is a big part of what had me frantically turning pages to find out what happens next…”

5* Review by S. Terril (Librarian)

“…This book is well written, fast paced with amazingly complex and multi layered people…even those without a moral center…The abuse, violence, drug addiction, danger, corruption, love, loss, grief. friendship and the roller coaster of emotions these events and situations arouse make this suspenseful thriller a must read. Heartbreaking…  Loved that karma…”

BookDragon Nin 4* Review of Plenty

“…This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Kelly K. Lavender and I’m really impressed with her writing. I will definitely be reading more of her books. The story line hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you interested throughout the entire book. It’s full of twists and turns.”

 Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer Jeanne Richardson’s 4 * Review of Beautiful Evil Winter

“Happy I made the Purchase! Well written and very suspenseful.”

5* Review by Erik Hernandez of Plenty

Blog Posts

Extreme Weather Horse Care Successes

Winters can be brutal in Texas. The 2021 blizzard claimed 250 lives and left 4 million people without power for days in subfreezing temperatures. The 2023 ice storm downed power lines – leaving 350,000 people without power. Both the blizzard and the ice storm have acid-tested my extreme horse care methods for keeping my old horses healthy and as comfortable as possible.

What do I do? Focus on hydration, feed, blanketing and escape from the elements. Of course, always consult your vet. My methods may not work for everyone. I’m not a veterinarian, but excellent veterinarians, in three states over the course of 40 years, have educated me about how to properly manage my beloved horses.

Response to LRN’s Review of Beautiful Evil Winter

First, LRN refers to Beautiful Evil Winter as the Worst Book she has ever read. I suggest that LRN read more books. See Goodreads "Worst Books of All Time" - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2.The_Worst_Books_of_All_Time. Unfortunately, the original edition of...

Defying Long Shot Odds

Persevere along an uphill climb, on a slow downhill descent, through vast valleys, through dry, hot, windy deserts, the splashy ocean surf and grassy meadows. Defy long shot odds when dreaming! Dream big! This mantra has worked for me. It all began with horses. Horses...

Recommended Reads

Recommended Reads

“I am a part of everything that I have read.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson

Misery by Stephen King

The Shining by Stephen King

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier…

Contact Kelly

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