About Author

James Herbert Harrison

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James Herbert Harrison, a native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has lived and worked throughout the continental United States as a businessman and industrial equipment and software sales representative. He currently resides in Olathe, Kansas with his wife, Maryna, and their teenage son. James has an older son who remains in Cape Girardeau, as well as two older stepchildren.

James’ pedigree as a writer began ten years earlier with the publishing of his first novel. Quest For Power, a political thriller to be re-released as The Programmer. Miracle From Ukraine, a totally different departure in genre, was inspired by the real-life saga of James and Maryna having experienced many of the actual events in the story.

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Indy 500 champion Alex Moretti set the sporting world abuzz when he proposed marriage to Amanda Cook right on the victory podium, following an explosive criminal trial clearing him of statutory rape, a charge that was made at the behest of Amanda’s vindictive father.

Substituting for his brother, who was recovering from a serious racing accident, Alex makes an impressive debut in Formula 1 when Amanda and her sister, Allison, are suddenly kidnapped in front of a popular Paris bistro. Foul play is immediately suspected and frustrated with Interpol’s progress, Alex hires an unscrupulous former CIA operative, Cotton James, and his cadre of two Israelis to find her.

While the exciting jet set world of Formula One intersects with the criminal seedy underworld of human trafficking, Alex’s father struggles to keep Moretti Motorsport financially solvent while his star driver breaks from the team in a desperate search to find his fiancée.

The second release of the Moretti Racing Family Saga series, Racer’s Fiancée is a tale of international intrigue, conspiracy, and personal vendetta against the backdrop of international motor racing.  

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Third-generation championship caliber racer Alex Moretti drives for his father, Andy, a motorsport legend and now expanding team owner. The team had seemed to hit a grand slam when landing a lucrative multi-year sponsorship with Unibank, a major banking institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Just when Moretti Motorsport was advancing toward super team status, the sponsorship relationship explodes when young Alex is involved in a serious car accident, injuring the bank CEO’s youngest teenage daughter, Amanda, who is suddenly comatose in a Las Vegas hospital and aborting a six-to-seven-week pregnancy.

Released from the team, Alex spends two years in motorsport exile while Amanda’s father is hellbent on destroying the Morettis, threatening Andy with a multi-million dollar lawsuit and pushing criminal charges against his son, who now traveled the world for any free-lance ride in a race car he could muster.

When Alex finally gets a chance to resurrect his career, Amanda is pressured to testify against him following new inculpatory evidence from their past relations. As both push back against their feuding fathers, their forbidden romance is forced to a climax while playing out in the courts, the press, and in the corporate suites and backstretch of the world’s largest motor race.

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Irina Balabanova is a beautiful Ukrainian girl, twenty-seven years of age and heartbroken, abandoned by an American post-graduate teacher who had worked in her country as an intern. Fending off the unwanted advances of locals and co-workers, she reluctantly agrees to a chance meeting with John Masters, a middle-aged American businessman, stranded in pre-war eastern Ukraine following an ill-advised romantic venture. Despite their wide differences of culture, language, and generation, the two are brought together in a whirlwind of love and adventure.

Their dreams of a life together are threatened by the acts of a fanatically jealous Ukrainian State Security officer, who will stop at nothing to stop Irina from leaving their native country to marry an American. When all hope seems totally lost to the point of both facing criminal persecution, John’s perseverance and some ever-present divine intervention keep the unlikely and miraculous romance alive.

Inspired by actual events, Miracle From Ukraine is a story of international intrigue, faith, and romance.

Love knows no borders, but will fate allow it to flourish? Miracle From Ukraine is a heart-stirring tale of romance, faith, and resilience set against the backdrop of political turmoil. As Irina and John fight against forces determined to keep them apart, their love story unfolds with breathtaking twists and divine intervention. Will they defy the odds, or will destiny pull them apart forever?

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Customer Testimonials

This book is truly extraordinary. It delves into the intricacies of politics and explores the profound love that transcends cultural differences, surprising readers with its unexpected twist. Through its pages, readers gain a vivid understanding of the historical backdrop of Eastern Ukraine.

With a captivating pace that keeps readers engaged, it becomes difficult to set this book aside. I wholeheartedly recommend this enchanting love story, eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Handy

What a wonderful story. It’s really cool seeing how people in other countries live, and how different it is from the US. I’ve never been outside America’s borders, so it’s really amazing to learn about Ukraine and Russia and the people that live there.

John and Irina wade through so much to reach a happy ending. It was a little slow to start, but I finally found myself invested in these characters, and I’m so glad I kept reading. It’s funny how things will fight to keep us from happiness, but it’s the ones that persevere and keep fighting for what they want, love, and believe that truly overcomes those obstacles.

This is that kind of book.

Pick it up and read it. You won’t be disappointed.

K. Weikel

Inspired by true events, “Miracle From Ukraine” masterfully blends international intrigue, faith, and romance into an enchanting narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found myself deeply invested in the characters’ journey. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart, I wholeheartedly recommend “Miracle From Ukraine.” It’s a delightful read that you won’t want to miss.

P Bagel

Miracle From Ukraine is a very emotional book. Full of topics that will undoubtedly catch readers such as love, drama, political conflicts, and the cultural differences that exist between our characters. Without a doubt, the author manages to fully immerse us in this journey and providing us with culturally rich descriptions of Ukraine.

Daniela

Loved every bit of this book. It depicts heartache, perseverance, determination, and a little bit of luck to find true love.

Kim

Something I like is how the author weaves historical context into the narrative, we’ll see a glimpse of the difficulties facing the Ukrainian people. The author’s storytelling skills shine as he deftly navigates the emotional complexities of our characters.

Izzy

I purchased this as a gift for my mother and couldn’t put it down once I checked it out myself. Reads a bit like a Hallmark movie. As a agnostic person, I’m not into the whole divinity thing, thus couldn’t give it five stars, but it’s very well written novel.

Stephanie

The story’s heart lies in its well-developed characters, John and Irina, whose love transcends cultural and generational barriers, providing a moving testimony to love’s power. The narrative’s authentic portrayal of Ukrainian life, the palpable international tension, and the divine intervention unfolding their love story makes it a must-read for those seeking a book with depth, charm, and a touch of the miraculous.

Cara

A very intriguing and inspiring novel with a solid backdrop of life in post USSR Ukraine. I found myself rooting for the characters and couldn’t stop reading until the end.

Terrance

The core of the story is in the two well-rounded characters that are used John and Irina, who’s affection overcomes age and cultural barriers and offers a compelling testament to the strength of love. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a read with depth, enticement, and a dash of the miraculous.

Asmith

In James Herbert Harrison’s “Miracle from Ukraine,” readers are taken on a riveting journey that explores the complexities of love, immigration, and political intrigue. Through the intertwined stories of Irina and John, Harrison skillfully delves into the emotional depths of their respective experiences, offering readers a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Ruchi

t’s not like many other typical romance books we see these days. The main plot is quite unique along with the setting and dialogues. I have never read a book set in Ukraine, so it was definitely interesting to come across one. The author also uses numerous detailed descriptions of Ukrainian hotels, airports, streets etc. to give readers an authentic sense of place. There are a few mentions of America-related things and American culture too.

Nussy

The author did a great job of describing Ukraine to the reader. The details of the hotels, airports, streets, and houses brought what John was seeing to life. The custom of eating out was interesting to me. I did not realize that all cultures do not usually tip and for the Americans eating out is part of life, which is not true for the Ukraines. I have found that I really enjoy a book that teaches me about cultures and customs that I am not familiar with.

Charlotte Lynn

THIS is a beautifully written book, and it is a story where you will learn about Ukraine and Russia and the people that live there. The story is the romance between an American businessman, John, and a younger Ukraine girl, Irina. They have many obstacles to overcome just to be together that are not what they would experience if they were both American Their journey is beautifully crafted and takes some very unexpected turns that kept me thoroughly engaged and invested in their story. John and Irina wade through so much to reach a happy ending.

Kathlene Riggs

“Miracle From Ukraine” will take you on a journey unlike any other you have ever read before! The intriguing story follows John and Irina through a “mail-order bride” type situation that many do not understand in its entirety (I definitely had no idea on how the marriage agencies worked!!). The uniqueness in the story is only topped by the fact that it is based loosely on actual events! Throughout the book, the different obstacles that the couple goes through and determination to make it work shows a beautiful interpretation of true love conquering all and that when something is meant to be, it will! I could not put the book down and when I had to, I found myself thinking about what was going to happen next for John and Irina!!

Nicole

Harrison skillfully intertwines sports drama and romance, balancing technical details with emotional turmoil. The courtroom scenes and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the racing world are vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. The novel explores power dynamics, ambition’s consequences, and resilience in a scrutinized world, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that appeals to fans of sports drama and romance alike.

Formula Khan

This book dives into the heart-pounding world of car racing. As Alex tells his story of his relationship with Amanda, details of his life, including his work, are revealed. I knew little about the sport before reading this book, and I can confidently say that Harrison explained everything expertly without overwhelming me with little details. Though I usually am not passionate about sports, I found myself enthralled in the races, which was a pleasant surprise.

OnlineBookClub.org/Laney K

The Race Girl transcends traditional sports narrative along its rollercoaster of emotions, offering a compelling courtroom drama that rivals the intensity of the on-track crashes.

Independentbookreview.com

The plot is great and the characters are well-developed, thereby making the book quite interesting to read. The Race Girl is no doubt a classic.

Iloveuniquebooks.com

“The Race Girl” by James Herbert Harrison is an electrifying novel that combines drama, romance, action, and crime. The story revolves around Alex, the heir to Moretti Motorsport and the daughter of an elite sponsor who meets after a life-changing car accident. The book is excellent for adventure and action lovers, with its fast-paced narrative and vivid descriptions. The author balances the details and descriptions well, making reading even more enjoyable.

Tanya

“The Race Girl” is a rollercoaster of a book that will get you hooked! James Herbert Harrison shows his knowledge of the racing world and does an incredible job bringing in areas and places from the real world to add to the depth and helps you to feel like you were experiencing the events in real-time. Although it is different writing style than I am used to reading, the author does well with building the backstory for the Moretti family and what led up to the forbidden romance of Alex and Amanda!

Nicole

The book deftly intertwines elements of sports romance and family drama as Alex and Amanda discover an inexorable attraction developing between them, despite the intricate dynamics of their families. The characters in the book are well done, with depth and multidimensionality, making them feel like real people one might encounter in the world. They are flawed, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities. My personal favorite was Amanda; her character was very relatable.

Nussy

I’ll admit that I was somewhat skeptical going into this, not being all that familiar with motorsports. Whilst there is a fair bit of racing jargon, this didn’t affect my overall understanding of the story at all. On the contrary, I actually developed a fascination with the sport. What’s great about The Race Girl is that Harrison’s passion for racing shines through, allowing the reader to feel the same level of excitement. It is clear that the author is knowledgeable and has written this to appeal to an audience far beyond motorsports fans, which I very much appreciated as a novice!

Octojas

Author James Herbert Harrison takes readers on a captivating journey into the exhilarating and cutthroat world of motorsports, combined with the intense drama of corporate power plays. I was particularly drawn to how the novel intertwines racer Alex Moretti’s personal upheaval following a disastrous accident and the broader machinations of wealth and influence. Harrison adeptly navigates through themes of family legacy, corporate ambition, and the tumultuous fallout of a forbidden romance, all set against the backdrop of the high-octane racing world.

Celeste

Harrison’s storytelling prowess is evident as he skillfully navigates the turbulent waters of drama, legal conundrums, and corporate feuds, revealing the far-reaching impact of the incident on the Moretti family. The book’s standout feature is Harrison’s adept handling of the adrenaline-laced racing scenes, juxtaposed with the deep exploration of complex relationships. The burgeoning, forbidden romance between Alex and Amanda, set against the fierce animosity between their families and the shadow of legal battles, adds a compelling layer of tension and emotional depth to the story.

Aneley Sánchez

The Race Girl, part of the Moretti Racing Family Saga by James Herbert Harrison, is a novel that captivates with its cinematic potential, masterfully blending drama, romance, action, and crime. Its fast-paced narrative, reminiscent of a Hollywood action film, kept me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. In this installment, we follow Alex, the heir to the Moretti Motorsport legacy, whose life takes a dramatic turn following a car accident involving Amanda, the teenage daughter of a high-profile sponsor. This incident sets off a whirlwind of corporate power struggles, legal battles, personal vendettas, and hidden romances, all unfolding with the exhilarating speed of a race car.

S. Tyty

As someone who isn’t well-versed in motorsports, I was delighted by the novel’s refreshing and innovative setting and subject matter. The rich details and technicalities at the start of the book provide a comprehensive backdrop that, while initially dense, sets the stage for the unfolding drama. The sophisticated writing and ample dialogue contribute to a nuanced narrative. Although the book occasionally leans more towards ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing,’ this approach offers an informative perspective that complements the story’s engaging potential.

Andrea

This is a great story if you are a true race fan especially IndyCar race fan. Since I am a fan all through the book it make me feel that I was with the characters following their lives. I loved how the author used real race car drivers, teams and race places along with the fictional characters. I hope there is a continuing saga to this story. It really should be made into a movie.

Bernadette Robinson

Racer’s Fiancée is a well-written sports romance with a Formula 1 backdrop. Most of the villains from the series first book get their due in this one and there is just enough on-track action to wet the appetite of racing fans without overwhelming those who simply yearn for a good organized crime story. Alex and his bride-to-be, Amanda Cook, will win the hearts of readers. This would make a fantastic film miniseries.

Michael Harris

The Perfect Mix of Adrenaline and Emotion
Some books are all action, some are all heart—Racer’s Fiancée is both, and it does it effortlessly. It’s the kind of story where you think you’re just here for the racing, but then suddenly, you’re knee-deep in a love story that feels so raw and real, you can’t look away. The Morettis are the kind of family you want to be part of, even with all their chaos, and Amanda is the kind of heroine you root for from start to finish. This book doesn’t just entertain—it makes you feel.

Frank

Harrison delivers a seamless mix of the glamorous world of Formula One and the grim reality of human trafficking. The tension builds at breakneck speed, and the characters feel incredibly real. With sharp writing and a fast-paced plot, Racer’s Fiancée is a thrilling experience that keeps you on edge until the very last page.

Dr Denise

“Racer’s Fiancée” is a gripping blend of high-speed racing and nail-biting suspense. James Herbert Harrison masterfully weaves an adrenaline-fueled plot that takes you from the glamour of Formula One to the dark underbelly of human trafficking. The characters are compelling, the action is relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. A must-read for fans of both thrillers and motorsports!

Christian

Racer’s Fiancée grips you like a high-speed race, with thrilling danger, emotional twists, and a love story that feels earned. From the fast-paced action to the suspenseful romance and mafia intrigue, it’s a ride you won’t want to miss.

Sonali

This book is an electrifying ride from start to finish! Alex Moretti’s desperation to save his fiancée takes the reader through a whirlwind of danger, betrayal, and intense action. The mix of racing drama and international crime makes for a truly unique and immersive read. Buckle up—this one’s a page-turner!

Hussain

If you love international thrillers with a charismatic hero, high-stakes action, and deep emotional stakes, Racer’s Fiancée is for you. Alex Moretti is a protagonist worth rooting for, and his journey from racing champion to relentless avenger is utterly gripping. A cinematic, pulse-pounding read!

Mathew Claybrook

❤️❤️❤️A Romance That Roars Like an Engine at Full Throttle ❤️❤️❤️
Few books manage to be this exciting while still delivering a romance that makes you feel something. Racer’s Fiancée doesn’t just focus on the glitz of professional racing—it gives us the grit, the danger, and the personal sacrifices behind the scenes. Amanda is more than just a love interest; she’s strong, resilient, and thrown into situations that test her at every turn. And Alex? He’s the kind of hero who makes you swoon and stress at the same time. A gripping, addictive read that had my heart racing in the best way.

Elodie Nastas

A Sequel That Hits Harder Than Expected
I expected fast cars, fierce competition, and maybe a few love story hurdles. I did NOT expect a plot that would keep me up way past my bedtime, flipping pages like my life depended on it. The emotional gut-punches in Racer’s Fiancée hit just as hard as the high-speed crashes, and I loved every second of it. Amanda’s ordeal is intense but handled with depth, and Alex’s reaction makes you feel every ounce of his pain. If you want a book that delivers thrills AND feels, you just found it.

Adam Haris

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