Indie Author Publisher

Ashes and Ruins

Love, War, and the Home Front

FROM NAZI GERMANY TO BLITZ-TORN LONDON,

A Jewish mother and daughter endure turmoil, lost love, and hardship.

After years of a loveless marriage, recently widowed Clara finds solace in music and memories. Then, as living in Germany becomes more dangerous, she discovers romance for the first time.   Meanwhile, Edith, no longer willing to endure Nazi persecution, leaves her first love to find safety in London and the arms of an Englishman.

On the eve of war, Clara and Edith reunite in London and forge a new relationship. Will mother and daughter weather the stress of air raids, the mood swings of Edith’s erratic husband, and the demands of house and childcare? Will their bond sustain them, or will it crack under the pressure of wartime traumas?

Based on the true story of the author’s grandmother and aunt, Ashes and Ruins brings readers the full story of Clara and Edith, introduced in K. Lang-Slattery’s earlier novel, Immigrant Soldier.  In this stand-alone story, the two women come alive in a tale of quiet courage and perseverance before and during World War II.

Wherever the Road Leads

A Memoir of Love, Travel, and a Van

Wherever the Road Leads, a Memoir of Love, Travel, and a Van, takes you on a stunning two-year van-life adventure. Newlyweds Tom and Katie, an engineer and an artist, meet the rigors of travel and the ups and downs of married life in a Volkswagen microbus that continually needs repair. Surrounded by exotic backdrops from Panama to India and beset by mechanical problems, Tom and Katie drive 40,000 miles across four continents in a world before the internet or cell phones. This memoir describes the couple’s travel experiences, as well as details of van-life chores, marketing and cooking on the road, mechanical problems, people encountered along the way, and intimate moments of love and discord. Wherever the Road Leads overflows with the author’s joy for travel and her devotion to and frustration with her new husband.

Wherever the Road Leads offers a panorama of destinations off the regular tourist track and a glimpse of overland travel in the 1970s. The author shares her interest in cooking and her love of exploring local markets, as well as her fascination with clothing and native dress. The memoir is beautifully illustrated with photos, pen and ink drawings, quick sketches, and hand-drawn route maps. Perfect for the armchair adventurer, this memoir will also inspire those who long for an adventure of their own.

Immigrant Soldier

Immigrant Soldier, The Story of a Ritchie Boy, based on the true experiences of a refugee from Nazi Germany, combines a coming-of-age story with an immigrant tale and a World War II adventure. On a cold November morning in 1938, Herman watches in horror as his cousin is arrested. As a Jew, he realizes it is past time to flee Germany, a decision that catapults him from one adventure to another, his life changed forever by the gathering storm of world events. Gradually, Herman evolves from a frustrated teenager, looking for a place to belong, into a confident US Army intelligence officer who struggles with hate and forgiveness.

Tagalong Caitlin

Caitlin loves summer camp!

She has spent every summer she can remember at camp with her mom, who is a counselor. This summer, Caitlin wants to join the difficult, three-day hike with the older girls. But Caitlin’s mom says she’s not old enough yet. Caitlin is determined to change her mom’s mind and prove she is strong enough for the hike. Will Caitlin be allowed to go on the overnight hike? And if so, will she be able to do the full three days?

Tagalong Caitlin is about growing up; about setting a goal and working to get there, and about sticking to it when the going gets tough. Young readers will love the outdoor setting and enjoy Caitlin’s “can-do” attitude as she tries to become just like the other campers.”

Marion Coste
Award winning author of seven children’s books.

Ron Whitacre began drawing and painting as a child and has never stopped. His illustrations bring Caitlin to life and his whimsical mascot lizards add a charming element to each chapter.

Caitlin’s Buddy

Will Caitlin and Misha be tentmates for a week or friends forever?

First-time campers can be a lot of trouble! Caitlin agrees to be the buddy of a new camper, Misha. Misha doesn’t know anything about camp life.  She trips over tent stakes, cries herself to sleep, and hides food in her backpack. Caitlin often gets frustrated as she teaches Misha what she needs to know.  Caitlyn’s Buddy describes the growing friendship of two very different girls. As the days pass, Misha learns the importance of teamwork and Caitlyn realizes everyone has something special to contribute. Then, after a campfire, Misha runs off into the dark night and Caitlin follows to stop her.  Will Caitlin be able to forgive Misha for getting them lost?  Will the two girls only be temporary tentmates or friends forever? Children, in grades 1 thru 4 (ages 5 to 9) will enjoy the feeling of taking part in summer camp adventures and sharing the ups and downs of new friendships. 

Caitlin’s Buddy is a story about friendship, teamwork, and experiencing new things. The story has action which will pull young readers into the story and make them want to go on a camping adventure. The author’s narration is vivid and detailed and makes the scenes and moments in the story tangible, real, and relatable. . . The characters are lovable and adorable, and the author’s fluidity in expression gives the story good pace and movement.   Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

Ron Whitacre loves to draw. His illustrations for Tagalong Caitlin and Caitlin’s Buddy, rendered in pen and ink and pencil, bring the characters alive. Ron’s charming squirrel mascots greet the reader at the start of each chapter, giving one more reason to keep turning the pages.