title: The Unexpected Gift: A novel of Inspiration: A Marine reclaims purpose and trust through love and redemption
author:  Karen D. Nichols 
description: Karen Nichols is a journalist, author, poet, illustrator and artist. Her articles about the art scene in Florence, Oregon, appear in the Siuslaw News. She is an artist and the marketing manager for Backstreet Gallery and writes biographical stories for the Gallery's featured artists. She has illustrated children's books, poetry books, and designed book covers. Also she was the managing editor for Carapace Scrawlers, a writing journal of Florence authors.
zlib_text: Praise for award-winning author  
  Carla Kelly:
  
  ‘A powerful and wonderfully perceptive author.’  
  —New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney
  
  ‘It is always a joy to read a Carla Kelly love story.  
  Always original, always superb, Ms Kelly’s work is a timeless delight for
  discerning readers.’  
  —RT Book Reviews
  
  ‘Kelly has the rare ability to create realistic yet sympathetic characters
  that linger in the mind. One of the most respected … Regency writers.’  
  —Library Journal
  
  ‘These two have seen each other at their best and at their worst. Have been
  tried and tested in the flames yet come out stronger for it.  
  I certainly enjoyed the trip …’  
  —Dear Author on  
  MARRYING THE ROYAL MARINE
  
  ‘Taking her impetus from Robinson Crusoe and the film Castaway, Kelly crafts
  the story of a shipwreck survivor readjusting to civilisation …  
  Kelly presents a clear portrait of the mores and prejudices of the era, and
  demonstrates how to navigate through society’s labyrinth with intelligent,
  sh