A Touch of Fate

She was the burden nobody wanted, but fate had other plans for her.

1. A TOUCH OF FATE by Cora Reilly

SYNOPSIS

Since a car accident as a child, Emma Mancini is bound to a wheelchair. In a society that values its women for their beauty, she’s seen as damaged and undesirable. When one of the most sought-after bachelors of the Chicago Outfit agrees to marry her, she knows a deal between their families must be the reason. Her suspicions are confirmed when Samuel treats their bond as a tiresome duty.

Samuel Mione is crippled by guilt and bitterness. As a future Underboss of the Chicago Outfit, he doesn’t have time to take care of anyone, much less open up to them emotionally. For him, the bond to a woman like Emma means another unwanted obligation.

But Emma isn’t someone who resigns herself to her fate. She’s overcome greater obstacles than a cold husband, and is determined to show him that she isn’t the burden he fears.

“...I just don’t want to risk publishing it. To show the discrimination that Emma faces (and that many people in real life face), I will have to use words that the community regards as ableist and hurtful. I can’t sugarcoat it if I want to show the harsh reality of her life. Knowing this, I can’t and won’t publish the book...”

— Cora Reilly

Comment from me: Drama Central went LIVE! But honestly? This whole thing blew out of its proportions and became something it was really not…

UPDATE:

“...eventually, with some time to clear my head, I’ll try to return to it, and give Emma the story she deserves. Whenever that time is, the book will get a new cover (the discreet cover I had planned for it) and the blurb will be rewritten as well. The core story won’t change, rest assured. This is the story of the woman who doesn’t need saving and the man who does. But with the help of several sensitivity readers, I’ll try to make sure this book is a wonderful experience for as many people as possible.”

— Cora Reilly

Comment from me: I’m honestly proud of Cora. Proud that she didn’t drag this whole thing out but came out and said that she listened and heard all the suggestions and will endeavor to make the story straight and right.