Quick Reads

Almost time to celebrate! If you are ready for a quick read, then Larry and I each have one for you.

For many years, Larry and his friend walked around a lake at a neighborhood park every day at lunch. They saw many of the same people in their laps around the lake. As many of us do, Larry made up stories about who they were and what their lives were like. Unlike most of us, however, he wrote these stories down. The result is his book Lakeview Park: A Short Story Collection.

The book contains thirteen short stories, each with an illustration.

Many people enjoy Lakeview Park, and each one has a unique story. Between the pages, you’ll meet:

·     Clarence, who thinks he might have found a winning lottery ticket

·     Kuniko, a grandmother and widow who discovers that friendship can bloom anywhere

·     Wayne, a former guitarist who rediscovers the joy of music

·     Jenny, a mother whose husband is serving in Afghanistan

·     Carol, whose journalistic assignment teaches her more than she expects

·     Shirley, who discovers that some dreams are worth keeping

·     Alex, for whom friendship bridges age differences and soothes a broken heart

·     Gloria, who discovers her blessings and makes peace with her past

·     Alice, who loves to tell jokes, even though her memory is fading

·     Carl, who discovers that reality may hold more promise than long-held fantasy

·     Carolina, a ghost searching for her lost child

·     Tiffany, a teenager with hopes and dreams

·     George, whose life is ebbing, but not his love

·     Sheila, a young woman estranged from her family

·     Carlos, the groundskeeper who has devoted his career to the park

Lakeview Park is a collection of O. Henry-like slice-of-life stories about the people who frequent a fictitious park. These tales reveal folks of all ages, from a small child to the elderly.

Watch the video trailer for Lakeview Park here.

Lorna’s own solo work is a “beach read,” a fast-paced mystery/romance/ghost story, set in Laguna Beach California, called Ghost Writer.

This book contains my favorite character, the ghost, Max. The story is somewhat reminiscent of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, but without the paranormal romance. It features two stubborn and opinionated characters, who clash but eventually learn from each other.

When unemployed computer programmer Nan Burton inherits a California beach cottage from her great-grandaunt, she’s delighted. But she’s in for a huge surprise: The house is haunted by the ghost of famous romance writer Max Murdoch (pen name Maxine DuBois) who insists Nan complete his last novel, threatening to keep her from sleeping until she agrees. The ensuing clash pits youth against the long-dead but still egotistical author with humorous and moving results.

Watch the video trailer for Ghost Writer here.

So if you want to unwind from all the craziness of the holidays, here are a couple of suggestions. Escape in a book!

Remember, all of our books are available in Kindle and NOOK formats. No worries about delivery before the twenty-fifth.

Wishing one and all a terrific holiday season and a blessed New Year!