Books by Charlie Hudson

Groupers and Gun Mounts Back Cover: Non-Fiction/Maritime History/Scuba/Eco-tourismFrom Cold War warriors to dive enthusiasts, mix a little history with underwater fun as you plunge inside the USS Spiegel Grove, the famous artificial reef in Key Largo, Florida."I''ve enjoyed the Upper Keys wrecks and have a lot of hours exploring and teaching on the Spiegel Grove. Charlie Hudson''s Groupers and Gun Mounts is a great book for those of us who have been on the ship many times and I think is especially useful for anyone who is planning their first dive on the SG." -Richie Kohler, Shipwreck historian, explorer, technical diver, television and film personality/consultant"I have known Don Altemus for many years and have been diving with him in the Dominican Republic. I am proud of my influence on Don''s spirit of exploration and for assisting in my work on Spanish treasure galleons of the 17th and 18th centuries. Even though the wreck of the Spiegel Grove is from a more modern era, Groupers and Gun Mounts will give divers an inside look at the personnel and activities occurring daily on each deck level while the ship was in service. Wreck divers coming to Florida need to know about the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo, Florida." -Captain Tracy Bowdon, Undersea and Shipwreck Explorer"My front door opens into the Atlantic Ocean. As an expert on diving wrecks in South Florida, I''ve often been involved in ships'' deployments to create artificial reefs. The diving community is fortunate that Charlie Hudson has co-authored Groupers and Gun Mounts. Her book, Islands in the Sand, is the dictionary on the "business of artificial reef creation." Don Altemus has been photographing South Florida wrecks from my boat for 30 years. Don and Charlie are uniquely qualified to introduce divers of all skill levels to the story of the Spiegel Grove." -Captain Mike Beach, RJ Diving,Inc., Miami, FloridaCHARLIE HUDSON, an Army veteran and avid scuba diver, joins again with Don Altemus to bring a special book for those who served on the USS Spiegel Grove, and those who dive her today. Charlie has authored Islands in the Sand: An Introduction to Artificial Reefs in the USA, as well as scuba-related novels. See all her books on www.charliehudson.netDON ALTEMUS, a Florida native and longtime banker, has more than thirty years experience diving and photographing wrecks. His 100-plus dives on the Spiegel Grove have resulted in a thorough appreciation of the ship and most of the photographs seen in Groupers and Gun Mounts.

Irises to Ashes is a book for anyone who has dreamed of following a passion in life.A teenage girl walks the beaches of the Outer Banks, determined to break away from family expectations of early marriage and children. An older woman walks a nearby stretch of beach, withdrawn from most people, her past shrouded in secret. Is it fate that brings them together one hot summer afternoon? Or is it simply a coincidence of timing? Whatever the reason, Maggie Stewart and Amelia Hatcher, the village recluse, are drawn into a relationship that spans fifteen years. Amelia''s offer to send Maggie to Paris to become an apprentice to a famous photographer opens the door for young Maggie to enter a life she dreamed of. Even though her decision strains relations with her family, it is a price she is willing to pay to see the world that beckons her. Maggie''s talent flourishes as she wanders the streets of Paris, snaps photographs of the Swiss Alps, and journeys around Europe. When tragedy widens the rift with her family, she plunges deeply into her work, gaining a reputation for preferring inanimate objects as subjects rather than people. Although Amelia continues to be her touchstone, Maggie avoids entangling relationships, especially romantic ones. She is content with limited friends, wary of commitment, intent on maintaining the independence she holds dear. When a second tragedy penetrates her world, she is given the opportunity to learn about Amelia''s mysterious past. Is she ready to hear the truth or should she walk away without learning what caused Amelia to live in virtual isolation? >Irises to Ashes is a poignant story, told with insight into human nature and moments of gentle humor. Anyone who has ever dared to pursue a dream will understand Maggie''s passion, and anyone who has ever been haunted by past wrongs will be touched by Amelia''s ultimate search for redemption.Charlie Hudson, military veteran and author, departs from her frequent theme of scuba-diving, bringing these new characters to life with her easy writing style. She skillfully weaves the intertwined stories of Maggie and Amelia into a memorable novel. All of Charlie''s book can be found on her web site, www.charliehudson.net

"He didn't drop the gun," Noonan said calmly, as if killing a man was as routine as remembering to set the alarm before you left the house.Finding a corrupt, manipulative politician beneath a charming exterior is nothing unusual. Unraveling the connection to a twenty year old suicide and linking him to a string of present day bodies is another matter. Police Detective Bev Henderson of Verde Key, Florida doesn't care that rising star State Senator Warren Randall belongs to a wealthy and powerful family. What she does care about is a missing woman, a dead accountant and people who think they can paint the truth in shades other than black and white.