“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” — George R.R. Martin
Five hundred miles. Three women at a crossroads. One ancient trail.
Michelle arrives in France exhausted by a life spent taking care of everyone except herself. Sarah, a guarded therapist from Baltimore, hopes the Camino de Santiago will give her distance from grief, family obligations, and the relationship she never fully escaped. Georgia begins the pilgrimage with two broken toes and a collapsing marriage, unsure what waits once the walking stops.
Each woman starts the Camino alone. But somewhere between the mountain climbs, crowded albergues, shared meals, blistered feet, wrong turns, and endless miles across northern Spain, the three women begin to rely on one another in ways none of them expected.
As days on the trail turn into weeks, friendships deepen, strangers share stories over wine and soup, and the physical demands of the Camino slowly strip away the distractions of ordinary life. What remains are the quiet truths each woman has been avoiding and the unexpected comfort of no longer carrying them alone.
Warm, funny, and emotionally grounded, Broken Donkeys is a contemporary women’s fiction novel about friendship, grief, resilience, and the small acts of care that can change a life.
Buen Camino
This book is not meant to document a journey so much as to invite you into one. Whether you have walked the Camino, dream of doing so one day, or simply find yourself standing at a crossroads of your own, I hope that you recognize something of yourself here.
That you feel less alone.
Maybe even reminded, you can walk through anything, no matter how long it takes, and find your way.
Previously in the Series…
Whether you’ve read all six books, skipped a couple, or are picking this one up cold, here’s a quick refresher. Think of it as the “previously on” montage—just enough to remind you of who’s who and what’s gone down, without giving away every twist.
Book One – Casting Shadows of Doubt
Dr. Emily Aaker, a forensic pathologist who prefers the dead to the living, teams up with Officer Jake Jennings to investigate a string of murders. Their working relationship deepens into something more, but danger escalates with every body discovered. Jake calls in his old friend Brad Wilbreak, who runs a private security firm. Emily and Brad clash from the start, but protecting her becomes his mission. The case uncovers dark secrets—and people willing to kill to keep them buried.
Book Two – My Only Sunshine
Jessica’s testimony put her foster sister’s killer, Walker, in prison. Years later, he’s released and obsessed with revenge. Hiding behind a false front of faith, he stalks Jessica, determined to make her pay. Jessica hires Henry, a bodyguard who becomes more than just protection. Together they race to stay ahead of Walker’s vengeance, forcing Jessica to confront both her past and her fear.
Book Three – Controlled Fear
Beth’s quiet life shatters when a stalker sets his sights on her. Finn Hovland, one of Brad’s men, steps in to protect her—but when Finn disappears, the danger deepens. Wilder calls in Garcia, an old ally, and a new recruit, Olsen, to help. With trust in short supply and a conspiracy unfolding, Beth must find the strength to fight back before it’s too late.
Book Four – Without Refuge
Dr. Ella Rein faked her death to escape her abusive husband and started over with Davis Elliott, a biotech CEO. But when her husband learns she’s alive, he vows to destroy her and anyone she loves. Ella flees again—this time to an African refugee camp with Doctors Without Borders. Brad’s team—Davis, Sutton, and Olsen—step in to protect her, but survival means outsmarting the man who refuses to let her go.
Book Five – The Daughter of a Con Man
Harper left her past behind, determined never to live in the shadow of her con artist father. But when he resurfaces claiming they’re in danger, her life unravels. Hunted by someone tied to one of his old schemes, Harper has to rely on Brad, Wilder, and Olsen for protection. But her greatest weapon might be the very tricks her father once taught her.
Book Six – Hurricane Hannah
Dr. Hannah Winters gets caught in a terrorist plot targeting the First Family. During the chaos, Wilder is gravely injured while protecting the president’s daughter, and Hannah fights to save his life. Locked down in a hospital with Brad, Hannah begins to see a different side of him. But when the terrorists mark her as a target, betrayal within the ranks puts them all at risk.
Check them out at Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – Kindle – and Paperback.
A Word From The Author
Writing has always been a journey of discovery for me, one that allows me to explore new ideas, connect with readers, and bring stories to life in a way that feels both personal and meaningful. Every book I write is a reflection of the things I love; travel, adventure, and the beauty of everyday moments. I believe stories have the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Whether you’re here for a thrilling escape, a heartwarming journey, or simply to experience a new perspective, I hope my words resonate with you. Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, curiosity, and love for books mean the world to me. Keep reading, keep dreaming, and never stop exploring new stories.
Alisa Ryan
Read the series –
Midwest Murders
Immerse yourself in the full journey of my series, where every book adds depth to the story and characters you love. Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing the adventure, each installment offers something new to discover. Explore the complete collection and experience the story as it was meant to be told.
Released 6/16/2026 Amazon
Sometimes the journey isn’t about the destination, but who walks beside you.
When Michelle, Sarah, and Georgia decide to walk across Spain, they have no idea what awaits them. They arrive alone but don’t stay that way for long. Boots laced and trekking poles in hand, they set out on a five-hundred-mile trek across Northern Spain — not just seeking adventure but searching for answers to life’s toughest questions.
Following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, they quickly learn the path is more than a physical challenge; it’s a crucible of emotional and spiritual discovery. From the quiet majesty of the Pyrenees to small villages and bustling cities, the trio encounters fellow travelers, each carrying their own burdens and stories. Strangers become confidants, hardships forge resilience, and every step strips away layers of doubt and fear.
As they navigate blistered feet and weary hearts, Michelle, Sarah, and Georgia discover that the Camino doesn’t just offer answers — it reveals the strength they never knew they had. With laughter, tears, and the unwavering support of newfound friends, they inch closer to understanding themselves and embracing the unknown future.
