It is a joy to welcome author Linda Weaver Clark to 'Gina's World of Good.' Linda has written 32 books and she is working on new ones right now. This remarkable author visits today to chat about her motto in life, 'Never too late to dream', and her Willow Valley Series of historical mystery romances. Linda has generously offered to give away an ebook of One Last Dance as a gift to everyone who comments.
I believe it’s never too late to accomplish one’s dreams. Some people have a bucket list that has daring things to do or something they longed to do for years. It is never too late and you are never too old to do something you have longed to do.
After raising six daughters and believing it is never too late to dream, I decided to go back to college. It was a scary thing to do and I don’t know why I was so worried. At the age of 50, I graduated from college with a Theatre and Arts Degree. After that, I performed for a concert series. It was unbelievably fun and enjoyable until I got reflux and lost my voice. Feeling discouraged, I didn’t know what to do with my life. But . . . when one door is closed, God opens another door for you to walk through. And that was exactly what He did for me.
An interest in writing engulfed me. So I went to the library and studied every book available about writing. I wanted to write family friendly stories for all ages. So I sat down and wrote a few books until I was brave enough to send one to a publisher. At the age of 56, I became a published author and won an award for my first book, which surprised and delighted me. After writing five historical romances, I wrote 12 cozy mysteries and then wrote three swashbuckling romances. Since I was a fan of Robin Hood, Zorro, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, I couldn’t help it. I even wrote some non-fiction and a children’s book. Being an author has been an interesting path to travel. The most recent series that I just completed is a historical mystery romance series set in the 1830s. It is called A Willow Valley Historical Romance. Each romance has a mystery to solve.
One Last Dance is the first book in this series, which will keep you guessing until the end of the book. When Felicity meets their charming new neighbor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom, a precious treasure found in her attic, her life takes a new turn.
“This book has my favorite genres: historical, romance and mystery. Although I enjoyed the romance, what I liked most was the mystery. Intrigue and suspense kept me hooked and I loved the air of mystery behind a few of the characters. It kept me guessing to the end, and of course it had a sweet, happy ending. This is one of my favorite books by Linda Weaver Clarke.” –Inishowen Cailin, Book Reviewer
Book trailer:
https://vimeo.com/310912310
Angel’s Serenade is the second book in this series. Each day as Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the new doctor in town secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?
“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta
Book trailer:
https://vimeo.com/408058731
In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.
“I loved this book! It was a great historical read and full of surprises. I totally didn't expect what happened… to happen. The time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events into the story. It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie Reviews
Book
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/427914575
Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. This book is a collection of six holiday stories, something that I hadn’t done before. What were the holidays like at Willow Valley in 1840? While writing this book, I learned to appreciate our holidays.
“This book contains six short stories of different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The characters and the book carry Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories!” --Sunnie Reviews
Book
Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/438375608
I soon realized that writing short stories was a pleasure and quite fun. So I decided to try it once again. So I wrote the fifth and last book in this series called Tales of Willow Valley. It is a collection of five “Love Stories.”
“If you are in the mood for some sweet, clean, historical, romantic short stories then look no further. I enjoyed each story and how the women are not sitting back waiting on a man, but are take-charge women that start their own businesses, aren’t afraid to face ruffians, and encourage women to fight for their rights. It is amazing what you can learn when an author does research into events in the past to make sure their works are as authentic as possible.” –Story Book Reviews
As of today, I am the author of 32 books and 28 Audible audiobooks.
You can order any of my books from Amazon and Audible Audiobooks at my websites below.
My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com
Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com
Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com
Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com
Linda’s Website: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com
Hi Linda, and welcome to 'The World'! It's so great to have you visit. Your books are amazing!! And really, your covers are sensational. Could you please tell us a little about your cover artist and how your work process goes with them? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interesting interview. It was nice to learn a little more about Linda. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, the college, the concerts and the writing. I've read and enjoyed many of Linda's books. One Last Dance is one of my favorites with a sweet, heart warming message, a thread that runs through Linda's work.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the interview, Gail, thank you for stopping in. I couldn't agree more, One Last Dance is just wonderful!
DeleteThank you, Gina for having Linda on your blog. Linda, I am impressed with your output and I have read One Last Dance and really enjoyed it along with the other two books of yours I read. You have such an uplifting view of life, something I can learn from. I look back frequently on my college years some 50-60 years ago. Yes, it is never to late to learn more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful point, Larry! Thank you for stopping in. It's always great to hear from you, and the interesting comments you offer.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina nice to have Linda on your blog she is a very good writer...and all her books are very good... Please keep up the good work... Cheers Barry
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barry, I am so glad that you enjoy Linda's books. There certainly are a lot of them to choose from! Always great to hear from you, thank you for stopping in.
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ReplyDeleteActually, Linda, Barry's comment has inspired me to ask you another question. Do you have a favorite book that you have written? And why is that one your favorite?
ReplyDeleteIt seems that each book, as I am writing it, becomes my favorite at the time. This series from Willow Valley has been so much fun to write. All in all, I can't choose a favorite. It's too hard.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why, Linda, I think they are all wonderful. Thank you for a great visit. I wish you continued good luck with your writing and I hope you will visit the 'World' again soon!
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