Author: Linda Laughlin (Page 6 of 11)

Linda Laughlin spent her early childhood in Eastern Oklahoma and most of her adult life in historical Fort Smith, Arkansas. Her first career consisted of raising two fantastic children and her second was in banking. In addition to having published two novels to date, she recently started writing a biweekly column on regional authors for the Fort Smith, Arkansas newspaper, the Times Record. She loves hearing from her readers.

Review of “A Perfect Fit” by Heather Tullis

   Love has to be the most complicated emotion of all and In the first installment of the DiCarlo Brides series, Heather Tullis takes us on an emotional ride.

  In the book, “A Perfect Fit”

Heather Tullis - A Perfect FitCamellia DiCarlo, Cami for short, has led a charmed life. She and her sister Lana had a loving mother and father and the perfect family. Her mother died several years ago of a debilitating disease and her father had sat by her bedside, supporting her until the very end.

   Cami’s world has suddenly come crashing down with the burial of her father. She had just recently found out he had terminal cancer, a disease that would have killed him within months, if the pulmonary embolism hadn’t taken him first.

   Cami and Lana walk into the lawyer’s office expecting a very private reading of the will, but who are these other women? George Marlin DiCarlo’s estate consisted of a series of Resorts, Hotels  and Spas and he was worth billions. The thing Cami finds impossible to believe is that he also had four other daughters by four different women. How could he keep that kind of secret? Did her mother know?

   The will explains it all, they are each to receive one sixth of their father’s estate, provided they complete his terms. Since none of them besides Cami and Lana knew about the other, they are to take over the opening and running of his latest resort in the mountains of Colorado. They must occupy the home he has bought for them and live together for one year. George explains that he loves each of them equally. He hopes, by requiring them to spend the next year together, they will come to love each other, as friends at least, if not as sisters. 

   Cami feels betrayed. She and her father were so close; how could he not have told her? She then gets another shocker. After meeting a young man that fascinates her, she finds out her father is match making from the grave. 

   I loved this story with all the twist and turns.

Happy reading, Linda 

 

Meet and Greet for Writers

Attention writers and aspiring writers:

 True Lit Fayetteville Literary Festival Mark your calendars for next year! I had a great time on Saturday while attending the True Lit Festival at the Fayetteville Public Library. I think this was their 4th year and it was fantastic. Not only were there writing workshops, but you got to meet and speak with magazine and book publishers. They had a panel where the monitor asked a lot of general questions and then toward the end they took them from the floor. As an author that has only self published so far, I was able to learn a lot about how to submit my work to and what to expect from a publisher.  The most thrilling part for me was that I got ten minutes to pitch my project to the publishers of my choice.

   I have a dream and that is to write books that someone, somewhere will read and enjoy. I have had limited success as a self-published author, but to go into a local bookstore and see my books on the shelf would be the dream of a lifetime.

   A very nice lady from one of the publishing houses now has a copy of my first book and the first three chapters of the next one. Wish me luck and if it’s your dream to write, don’t give up. I hope to see you next year in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the True Lit Festival.

Happy reading, Linda 

 

Review of “With This Ring” by Patricia Kay

Love

Love is something we all dream of finding and some never do. This author takes us on a search for the elusive emotion. But not all love is the same and sometimes we have to examine what we feel, what we need and want.   

The Author, Patricia Kay

Patricia Kay gives us a great story, keeping us entertained while showing us the different faces of love. 

With This Ring

Patricia Kay - With this RingIn “With this Ring”, Amy grew up with parents who loved her, but most of all they loved each other. Sam, a wildlife photographer, was not so lucky. When love came, Amy was ready to embrace it but Sam took a little longer to realize that Amy was the love of his life. One more assignment and they would be married but then the unthinkable happens. Sam is on assignment trying for that one in a million picture and suddenly he is falling down a mountainside. They don’t recover the body, but Amy is told there is no way Sam could have survived.  

   Justin is Sam’s best friend and he has been a little in love with Amy since Sam introduced them. It is only natural that Justin would be there for Amy and he can’t help falling more in love with this amazing woman.

   Two years later and Amy has allowed herself to move on. Sam will always be the love of her life but Sam is dead. Sweet, dependable, loving Justin wants to marry Amy and she does love him. He has been there for her, her best friend so she accepts his proposal.

   One morning Amy opens the door expecting to see Justin, only to find Sam. Does Amy marry the man who is always beside her, always ready to love and care for her, or does she go where her heart leads her, back to her one true love? 

This was a great read and gives you an insight into the many facets of love. Don’t miss this story of survival, love and friendship. 

Happy reading, Linda

A New Book Store

When I think of a book store. 

  The book store of my dreams no longer exists, or so I thought. In my area most of the book stores are chains and cozy is not a word I would associate with them. I happened upon a book store in the nearby town of Van Buren. Chapters on Main is the store of my dreams. It is quaint, cozy and friendly with a coffee and tea bar in the back. All the things I have been missing in a book store.

They have both new and used books and a charm you won’t find in the chain book store. If you live in my area of Arkansas, drop by and take a look. I think you will find it an enjoyable place to shop.

On the local authors shelf you will find my book “Run For Your Life!” along with the book “Ozark Urchins” written by my new friend, Richard Cress. Richard gives you a look at growing up in the Ozarks during a different era.  Happy Reading, Linda 

Chapters On Mainimg_0686

Book Review of Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr

This author makes you feel you are part of Small Town, America!

Robyn Carr writes romantic adventures set amid small town life. One such town is Virgin River, a wide spot in the road in the mountains of Northern California. Just like her characters, Jack and his friend Preacher, I fell in love with Virgin River from the first book. These two characters started the series by setting up a bar and grill in town. Jack bought a run down building and turned it into a business and invited his friend Preacher to come cook for him. Next, the love of Jack’s life. Mel, comes to town and the romance begins. One by one, Miss Carr introduces us to the citizens of Virgin River and soon they become our friends. 

This book gives you a look into the witness protection program. 

Robyn Carr - Hidden Summit   Hidden Summit is one of the newest Virgin River novels. Connor Danson sees a man murdered in the alley behind his store in Sacramento California, and the District Attorney decides that Virgin River is the perfect place to hide his only witness. He has remained friends with Brie Valenzuela who was a colleague and now lives in the small town. Brie sets Connor up with a job and a place to live until he is needed to testify against the killer. 

Connor is not sure that small town life is for him. He has spent his life working in his family’s Hardware Store and Virgin River feels very small and lonely.  Connor soon discovers that the citizens are friendly and they go out of their way to make him feel at home. Then, along comes Leslie, a woman who understands how life can sometime throw you a curve. When it comes time to testify and resume his life, Connor finds there is no place where he would rather be than Virgin River. The story has lots of twists and turns along the way. Don’t miss this thrilling Virgin River Book.  

Happy Reading, Linda

Book Signing

Chapters On Main I wanted to remind everyone that I will be at Chapters on Main in historic old Van Buren tomorrow evening between 5 and 8 o’clock. I am looking forward to meeting each of you and will be honored to sign my first book “Run For Your Life!” for everyone. Christmas will be here before you know it and if you have someone on your list that likes to read, what better than a Linda Laughlin book for their stocking stuffer. 

I am busy with rewrites for my second book. I will take you back to San Diego to visit the Burke family. Steve and Leah think that with Jefferson Randall in a Federal Prison all their problems are solved, but Jeff has other ideas. Sometimes good people are forced to do bad things. Look for “Fight For Your Life!” coming soon!

Happy reading, Linda Laughlin

Review of “Second Star to the Right” by Mary Alice Monroe

Do you believe in magic?

If asked this question, I think most adults would tell you no. I am also sure that most of us would confess that we would like to imagine that magic, Santa Claus, fairy tales and all the things we believed in as children are still alive and well in some small corner of our hearts. 

Do you believe in Peter Pan?

Mary Alice Monroe wrote a charming story about family, children, love and magic. Part fiction, part based on the story of “Peter and Wendy” by Sir James Barrie, a magical story and all you have to do is look through the eyes of a child to see it.  

This book teaches us to believe

Second Star to the Right - Mary Alice Monroe  Second Star to the Right introduces you to a young mother fleeing the United State for England to protect her children from their abusive father. Add a young professor who is searching for his identity and then introduce an older lady who imagines herself to be Wendy Darling of Peter Pan fame. They all meet in a magical old house and together they learn lessons of love, trust and family. Throw in a visit from Peter and a trip to Neverland, but only if you believe. This is a charming story from beginning to end and there is even a happily ever after ending. 

  If you can find one small corner of your heart that believes, then you will love this book! Five Stars!

Happy reading, Linda

Book Signing at Chapters on Main, Van Buren Arkansas

Are you a Book Junkie?

  As an author, it is not a surprise that I am a book junkie. I always have room for a new book, and most of the time a new bookcase. “Books equal Love!” I believe in the power of reading. Books can take you on a trip around the world or teach you how to do anything. If you can read, you can find the answers you seek. Thus, the ravings of a book junkie!!!

A Place to Find your Fix

Chapters On MainThis week I visited a charming book store across the street from the train station in historical Van Buren, Arkansas. When you enter “Chapters on Main” you will see new books and used books, all displayed for your enjoyment. As you walk through the store, you will find a comfortable chair or two tucked in among the bookcases. In the back of the store is a coffee and tea bar with several small tables. This reminded me of an old fashion soda fountain, except it is for coffee drinkers. 

A Book Signing   

paperback&typewriterI will be at Chapters on Main on September 15th starting at 5:30 pm to sign my book “Run For Your Life!” It is always exciting to get to meet fellow book lovers and find out what they are reading. Like all of you, I have my favorite authors, but I also pray that one day I will become someone’s favorite author! If you haven’t given my book a read, come on out and pick up a signed copy.

I also have a new book, “Fight For Your Life!” coming out soon. Steve promised Leah a life full of happy-ever-after and then Jeff escapes from federal prison.  Sometimes, good people are forced to do bad things. ( My friend Lee assures me you cannot escape from a federal prison. What can I say except sorry, Lee, it’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)  Anyway, I hope you will watch for my new book and will enjoy a second visit with the Burke Family! 

You are Invited

 Come say hello!

Run for Your Life! book signing

September 15, 2016

Starting at 5:30 P.M.

Chapters on Main

816 Main Street

Van Buren, Arkansas

Happy reading, Linda

Review of “A Mother’s Conviction” By Karen Lenfestey

Trying something different

I have always loved to read and lately I have been trying new authors. These authors have multiple books to their credit, so it really isn’t fair to say they are new authors. I guess I should say they are less known authors and as a author I know how hard it is to get “known”. Maybe you would like to join me on this journey in reading I have embarked upon. 

An author worth sharing

Karen Lenfestey has several books to her credit and I like that she gave me a topic that got my attention. There are so many children in broken homes and this book gives you two perspectives. Karen writes about two sisters, separated by an automobile accident and tossed in two directions. 

What is best for the child

A Mother's Conviction - Karen LenfesteyA Mother’s Conviction takes you on a journey as you follow the lives of two sisters with different fathers. When Gola Moon crashes her car while driving drunk, someone ends up dead. Gola awakens from a coma to find herself facing a prison sentence and her daughters gone.  

Willow, the youngest, is hurt in the car accident and ends up in the foster care system. Bethany gave up her daughter when she was seventeen because she could not give her a good home. When Willow comes to her as a foster child, Beth gets a second chance to become a mother. 

Skye, the eldest, is taken from the hospital by her father who did not clear it with the authorities. His ex-wife is in a coma so she can’t take care of the girl, and if she lives she will be going to prison. Conner never feels comfortable in one place until his grandfather dies and he goes home to take care of the estate. He has been on the move, always changing jobs and names, so no one will take his daughter from him.

   Gola is going to be released from prison and wants her daughters back.  A less then perfect mother, a foster mother and a father vie for the custody of two beautiful girls, but what is best for the children? This is a great story about love with all it’s imperfections and about the effect adults have on the children in our lives. Don’t miss this one!

Happy reading, Linda

Book Review of “Ignited” by Kaylea Cross

A Canadian Author you will Love!

 Kaylea Cross is an author I have personally just discovered and highly recommend her book. I get the feeling she has done a lot of research on the U.S. special forces. While I am not an expert, I have read a lot on the subject and Miss Ross tells a very believable story. This book is fast paced, just the way I like them, and I didn’t want to put it down until I finished the last page. A lot of alpha male heroes!

Pulls you into the plot, an exciting read!

 Kaylea Cross - Ignited Khalia Patterson’s father is killed by the Taliban while trying to build a school for girls in the mountain region of Pakistan. As a teacher, Khalia knows the importance of an education, and as her father’s daughter, she takes it upon herself to finish the school that the Fair Start Foundation had begun. Hunter, an ex-Navy SEAL, is working for a private security firm and hired to get Kaylea in country for the opening of the school  and home in one piece.  Khalia meets one harrowing situation after an other with strength and courage, first gaining Hunter’s respect and then his love. In “Ignited” you go from one dangerous situation to another in a country filled with fighting and corruption. Will they escape with their lives and can two such polar opposites make a future together?

  I loved this book. It has a lot of action and you won’t want to put it down, 

Happy reading, Linda

    

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2025 LindaLaughlin.com

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑