Local author and North Haven Citizen freelance writer Paul Colella will soon publish his second novel, The Undefeated. Colella also is the author of Patriots and Scoundrels: Charity’s First Adventure, which is based on his North Haven Citizen newspaper column, “Patriots and Scoundrels.” His new book, The Undefeated, is a suspenseful tale that takes place in Boston during the colonial period at the end of the French and Indian War. Here is a brief summary of the story:

It is 1763, and the French and Indian War is taking a toll on the colonists, British soldiers and their Indian allies. As two men on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean struggle with internal demons, both have no idea that they are about to become entangled with a seductive, mysterious woman who has devious intentions.

As surgeon Thomas Gage skillfully operates on one soldier after the other, he knows he must decide whether to pursue his medical career or fulfill his mother’s wishes to marry and carry on the family legacy. Meanwhile, Richard Hayes, a high-ranking officer in the British army, is desperately searching Boston for an evil swindler. He has one year to retrieve the money and clear his name before he is sent to prison. In an ironic twist of fate, Thomas’ mother has a chance encounter with Margaret Ann Thatcher, the niece of a wealthy merchant whose temptations are about to lead her into a forbidden relationship.

As one war ends, a battle between good and evil rages on as the lives of three vastly-different characters become intertwined in a web of treachery, greed, and insurmountable challenges that only the resilient will survive.

Come meet and talk with the author and get a signed copy of his book at a book signing hosted by the Friends of the Library on Saturday June 25, 2011 from 12-3 p.m. in the community room at the North Haven Library on 17 Elm Street, North Haven. If you enjoyed Colella’s first book and are a fan of his column, “Patriots and Scoundrels,” than you will like The Undefeated.