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Miranda Fights
Miranda Fights follows the gripping journey of Miranda Quinn, a determined attorney and former talk show host, who delves into a tangled web of human trafficking and corruption. Set in the quiet town of New London, Miranda’s mission begins with her legal aid work and quickly escalates as she uncovers a series of disturbing disappearances. As Miranda juggles her demanding career, personal life, and a deeply troubling case, she must navigate dangerous waters to seek justice for the vulnerable girls caught in the crossfire.
From the start, I was hooked by the novel’s engaging premise and well-paced narrative. Gail Ward Olmsted perfectly balances the thriller elements with heartfelt moments, creating a story that’s both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The character development is particularly strong, especially Miranda, who is portrayed as a complex and relatable protagonist. Her interactions with colleagues, clients, and family members add depth to her character and make her struggles and triumphs feel personal and impactful.
One thing I really liked about this book was Olmsted’s ability to weave in social issues without coming across as preachy. The book tackles the grim realities of human trafficking with sensitivity and realism, highlighting the importance of advocacy and legal intervention. Specific scenes, such as Miranda’s support group sessions and her conversations with Detective Dennis Reynaldo, bring the issue to the forefront in a way that’s informative and gripping.
Miranda Fights is a compelling thriller that combines legal drama with a strong social message. Olmsted’s writing is engaging, and her characters are well-crafted, making it easy to become invested in their journey. This book is perfect for fans of legal thrillers, crime dramas, and anyone interested in stories that shine a light on important social issues.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DBJ3DN4N
Experience and Self-Reflection
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip follows a 77-year-old woman who decides to make the 300-mile drive to her new home alone and ends up on an unforgettable journey filled with life lessons. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I knew that I did not want to write a traditional biography in any sort of chronological order. I started and stopped this project several times until I realized that the best way to get to know this remarkable woman was to join her on a road trip! It allowed me the perfect opportunity to share her insights, joys, regrets, and life experiences through personal reflection and meeting friends, both old and new.
Katharine’s character takes everything in life in stride, embracing the moments as they come. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe that much of Kate’s personality and view of life was shaped through decades of experience. She has seen and accomplished so much and realizes that she needs to embrace and revel in whatever time remains. I viewed her as wise and witty, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously or have anything left to prove.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendship was a key for sure. Kate had the joy of many good friends in her life which is a testament to the type of person she was–generous, caring, loving. Also, I wanted to explore the possibility of aging with grace, passion and dignity, the importance of believing in yourself, the value of experience and self-reflection, the benefits of giving back (time, talent, and treasures), and the joy of looking forward to small pleasures–a good cup of coffee or a slice of cake!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am just putting the finishing touches on the third and final installment of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist trilogy: Miranda Fights will be published in December, joining Miranda Writes, and Miranda Nights. After that, who knows? I love writing stories about quirky, wonderful women and their search for happiness, redemption, fulfillment, joy, and love.
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In the fall of 1907, Katharine decides to drive from Newport, Rhode Island to her new home in Jackson, New Hampshire. Despite the concerns of her family and friends that at the age of 77 she lacks the stamina for the nearly 300-mile journey, Katharine sets out alone. Over the next six days, she receives a marriage proposal, pulls an all-nighter, saves a life or two, crashes a high-society event, meets a kindred spirit, faces a former rival, makes a new friend, takes a stroll with a future movie mogul, advises a troubled newlywed, and reflects upon a life well lived: her own!
Join her as she embarks upon her remarkable road trip.
Katharine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) was born into affluence in England and emigrated to the U. S. at the age of eighteen. Fiercely independent and never married, Kate volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, before founding a vocational school for underprivileged girls. She was a philanthropist, a hospital administrator, and the author of The Other Side of War: 1862, as well as the noted translator of dozens of novels written by French authors, including Moliere and Balzac. She is included in History’s Women: The Unsung Heroines; History of American Women: Civil War Women; Who’s Who in America 1908-09; Notable American Women: 1607-1950; A Biographical Dictionary; and A Woman of the (19th) Century: Leading American Women in All Walks of Life and figures prominently in With Courage and Delicacy: Civil War on the Peninsula by Nancy Scripture Garrison.
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
Gail Ward Olmsted’s historical fiction, Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip, takes readers on a captivating journey through early 20th-century America. Inspired by the life of Katherine Prescott Wormeley, a historical figure of English origin, the novel ingeniously blends fact and fiction.
Set against the backdrop of Katherine’s bold relocation to New Hampshire, the narrative unfolds through a series of encounters during her road trip. These interactions not only paint a vivid portrait of Katherine’s professional and romantic life but also immerse the reader in the era’s societal norms. Olmsted’s skillful storytelling shines as she brings to life the pioneering spirit of her protagonist. Despite her sister’s reservations, Katherine undertakes her journey alone, a daring move for a woman of her time. The novel excels in its detailed depiction of the period, offering a lens into the societal expectations and conventions of early 20th-century America. The story remains grounded in reality, focusing more on the character’s personal evolution than on dramatic events. This choice mirrors the real-life inspiration behind Katherine, emphasizing her journey and her role as an inspirational, independent figure.
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip is a captivating read that is infused with the essence of biographical historical fiction. It offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the life and times of a truly remarkable woman and is sure to resonate deeply with readers who appreciate such stories. The book is filled with compelling moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish and is a testament to the power of human resilience and the human spirit.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CV2VD98H
In Dante’s Twisted Mind
Miranda Quinn’s life takes a turn from everything going great to everything falling apart. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story in Miranda Nights, and how did that help you create the dramatic ending?
I came up with the opening for the description for Miranda Nights early on…
She has a loving husband and a successful career- who says you can’t have it all? Miranda Quinn is living her best life… until she’s not.
I subscribe to the Whack-a-Mole theory of life. You resolve an issue and just when you think you’re safe… up pops a problem or complication or challenge- something that says ‘not so fast, my friend. Did you forget something?’ And even when you’re facing something really huge, little things still pop up and demand you deal with them. I wanted a happy ending and some closure for Miranda, Eric and their friends and family, but chose to leave a few things up in the air- jobs, health issues, etc.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story and how did it change as you wrote?
I knew upfront that he would be someone from Miranda’s past with a grudge against her, but his background as a police officer and his fanatical views developed over time. The 7 Deadly Sins theme was fun to research and imagine how it would all play out in Dante’s twisted mind.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Much of my story and character development come from how my main characters react to or respond to the plot twists, so for me, they go hand in hand. For me, it’s all part of the fun of writing!
Will there be a third Miranda Quinn story in the future?
Yes- I’ve been busy coming up with new adventures and mishaps for Miranda. The third (and final) installment is in the works!
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Instagram | GoodReads
It’s been two years since her legal advice TV show was canceled, but the former Assistant District Attorney has rebounded with a late-night radio show, Miranda Nights. When her closest friend’s teenaged son gets arrested, Miranda tries to help but the evidence against him is overwhelming. Following a family member’s medical diagnosis, Miranda begins to wonder if her ‘happily ever after’ has been canceled as well.
But the real trouble arrives when a persistent caller, desperate for Miranda’s attention, embarks on an all-out effort to get her to see the error of her ways. Threatening messages and slanderous social media posts escalate to break-ins and arson when a fanatical fan claims to be her only path to salvation.
Miranda Nights is a fast-paced, witty story full of hidden dangers, with a strong and resilient woman at its core.
Miranda Nights
Miranda Nights, by Gail Ward Olmsted, is a fast-paced and engaging novel that effortlessly weaves together elements of women’s fiction and legal thriller genres. Centered around Miranda Quinn, a former Assistant District Attorney turned radio show host, the story takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. The narrative unfolds as Miranda’s much anticipated legal advice TV show comes to an abrupt end, only for her to rebound with a late-night radio show. Initially, everything seems to fall into place for Miranda, with a supportive husband and a flourishing career.
However, her life takes a dramatic turn when her friend’s teenage son is arrested, and Miranda finds herself entangled in a case burdened with overwhelming evidence against him. Simultaneously, she grapples with a family member’s medical diagnosis, forcing her to reevaluate her happiness. As tensions rise, Miranda encounters a relentless caller who gradually becomes obsessed with her. This anonymous stalker resorts to increasingly dangerous measures, including threats, stalking, slanderous social media posts, break-ins, and even arson. Gail Ward Olmsted skillfully explores the hidden dangers that permeate Miranda’s life, emphasizing her resilience as she navigates through these harrowing challenges.
Miranda Nights excels in its superb writing style and captivating storytelling. The author deftly builds upon the cast of characters introduced in the first book, introducing fresh problems and dilemmas for them to confront. The interconnected storylines shed light on the difficulties faced in today’s world, particularly the repercussions of “sexting” among teenagers and the legal ramifications that ensue. The primary plotline, focusing on stalking and the violent consequences arising from a misguided sense of moral superiority, creates an intense and adrenaline-filled narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
A notable strength of this novel lies in Gail Ward Olmsted’s exceptional character development and meticulous world-building. The characters share deep, personal connections, illustrating their camaraderie in both mundane daily life and the extraordinary challenges presented within the story. Each character possesses a distinct and authentic voice, but the protagonist, Miranda, truly shines. Her blend of strength, courage, vulnerability, and emotional depth makes her a compelling focal point. Her growth since the first installment adds further dimension and relatability to the story.
Miranda Nights is an unforgettable, enthralling, and thought-provoking novel. The intricate plot, filled with surprises and mystery surrounding Miranda’s stalker, ensures a riveting reading experience. Fans of women’s fiction and legal thrillers will find this book to be an absolute must-read.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0C2ZT5K97
I Love To Write About The Struggle
Miranda Writes follows a disgraced attorney who must choose between going after the defendant that got away or pursuing her new career. What inspired the idea behind this story?
Miranda Writes is my sixth novel, and despite varying ages and backgrounds, all of my main characters share at least one thing; a desire for a do-over or a second chance at a happier, more satisfying life. I love to write about the struggle, the efforts that we go through to make that happen. My dearest friend, to whom the book is dedicated, was a lawyer and I wanted to honor her legacy with Miranda, a woman who believes in justice and tries to make sense of the world. RIP LGC
I was completely wrapped up in the mystery behind this story. Did you plan the mystery or did it develop organically while writing?
Right from the beginning, I had an idea that there was some sort of a coverup at a fairly high level and that both Miranda and Becky would be threatened. But the details came to me as I wrote, and the twists and turns evolved along the way. That’s what I love most about writing: the surprising path that a novel can take you on!
Miranda is a character I loved following. What were some questions you kept asking yourself as you were creating her character?
My main goal was to keep Miranda’s character authentic. Despite her years of experience as a successful prosecutor, she suffered a serious setback and I felt that she would naturally question many of her professional and personal decisions going forward. I hope that her renewed confidence in her abilities was apparent as the story progressed.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available? Could we see more stories with Miranda?
I had been working on a historical novel, but I couldn’t get Miranda out of my mind. I felt that there was more to her story and the words just started to flow. I expect you’ll see a sequel to Miranda Writes in 2023!!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Former Assistant District Attorney Miranda Quinn is on the brink of a career comeback when she gets a phone call. It’s a witness who disappeared three years earlier, resulting in a violent criminal going free. Miranda got fired as a result, but the witness has re-surfaced with a shocking story to tell; one that implicates Miranda and her ex, defense attorney Adam Baxter. And now, there’s a new victim.
Miranda’s legal advice blog-turned-podcast Miranda Writes is about to become a daytime TV show, but the negative press could destroy her credibility. Will the network stand behind her?
When it comes to the law, Miranda has all the answers, but the questions are getting harder and the stakes are getting higher. The dangerous web of lies and cover-ups she exposes leaves her questioning just how much she is willing to risk. She has the right to remain silent, but needs to speak up… doesn’t she?
Miranda Writes is a story of how far we’ll go to protect those we love and the power of second chances.
Miranda Writes
Miranda, who was an assistant state’s attorney, was assigned a case where a young girl was assaulted and raped. Determined to put the assailant behind bars even though the case was weak to begin with, Miranda does what she can to help this innocent girl. When the case falls apart, the defendant goes free, and Miranda is fired after it comes out that she was having a relationship with the lawyer who represented the defendant. Miranda makes an effort to move on and in doing so she creates a podcast called Miranda Writes. After three years a victim of the case Miranda was on comes forward to say that the defendant has struck again. Miranda must decide between going after the defendant or continuing on with her rise to success by taking an offer to host a daytime TV show.
Author Gail Ward has created a compelling legal thriller that is as bold as it is entertaining. The author writes sharp dialogue which feels authentic and pulls you into this emotionally invigorating crime thriller. The author paints realistic courtroom scenes; utilizing obvious experience with the subject matter to make the legal drama feel grounded even when the intrigue is high.
Miranda is a character I was immediately intrigued by and empathized with, which I think is why I clung so tightly to the book when the twists started coming. I enjoyed reading about Miranda’s character as she is tenacious, smart, and devoted to her clients. Readers are immediately immersed in the plot and the story takes off with only the occasional respite for some background information.
One thing that stood out to me the most with this book is how there is a balance of emotions in this book, making it way more accessible and entertaining then your average legal thriller where everyone is constantly brooding. The book has its sad moments, but there are also moments of levity where humor is used to great effect, and even made me laugh out loud a few times. The author takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster that winds through love, hate, fear of the unknown, and anxiety.
Miranda Writes, by Gail Ward Olmsted, has well developed characters and an engaging plot that will have you hooked as you are taken on this tense journey to put Chelsea and Becky’s rapist behind bars. For me, this is the year’s stand out legal thriller.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0B1G87C1Y
What Was Her Story?
Landscape of a Marriage follows a strong woman who sets out to win her new husband’s heart as he tries to create beautiful parks throughout the U.S. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The real life story of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO) inspired me. FLO is an ancestor of my husband’s- they’re actually distant cousins- and we’ve always enjoyed visiting his parks in Boston and New York as well as the grounds of the private estates he designed, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I read a few of the well-written biographies about FLO and discovered that, acting on a deathbed wish from his brother, Fred married his widow Mary, adopted her three children and together, they had four more. It got me thinking about Mary- what was her story? How did she feel about all of this? Was theirs a marriage in name only or something more? I couldn’t find a story to read, so I wrote it!
Mary is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Although much has been written about Mary’s husband, renowned park builder Frederick Law Olmsted, there is relatively little known about Mary herself. I hoped to present her as much more than the little woman tending the home fires while her husband is out there transforming the American landscape, one park at a time. I wanted to portray an intelligent and passionate woman impacted by society and its’ social restrictions, but curious and loving and deeply committed to her husband, their children and her best friend Anne. I saw Mary as a practical person determined to make the best of her situation as a frequently single parent who was inspired to join her husband on his quest.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Although Landscape of a Marriage is my first historical novel, the theme is consistent with my first four contemporary works. I continue to be inspired by the idea of starting over and second chances. All of my main characters share that fervent desire for a happy ever after despite their current circumstances.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on two projects- the first is contemporary fiction- Miranda is a disgraced former Assistant State’s Attorney seeking a career comeback when a missing witness from the case that derailed her career resurfaces with a story of bribery and coverups involving Miranda’s ex. I am hoping to see it published within the year. The second is at the very early stages. It is biographical fiction set in the early 20th century, featuring the South’s original power couple. More to follow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
New York, 1858: Mary, a young widow with three children, agrees to marry her brother-in-law Frederick Law Olmsted, who is acting on his late brother’s deathbed plea to “not let Mary suffer.” But she craves more than a marriage of convenience and sets out to win her husband’s love. Beginning with Central Park in New York City, Mary joins Fred on his quest to create a ‘beating green heart’ in the center of every urban space.
Over the next 40 years, Fred is inspired to create dozens of city parks, private estates and public spaces with Mary at his side. Based upon real people and true events, this is the story of Mary’s journey and personal growth and the challenges inherent in loving a brilliant and ambitious man.
LITERARY TITAN 