The Foundation
Introducing … Tara Collins
This stand-alone thriller is a sequel to The Vernazza Effect. Ella's best friend, Tara Collins, takes center stage in a riveting tale of good versus evil.
The gist: Tara Collins is an idealistic young lawyer who is asked to represent a desperate 14-year-old girl who refuses to talk about her violent past. Everything comes to a head when Alexander, a businessman who operates on both sides of the law, tries to keep the girl from talking. Tara risks everything to try and save her, and all three must come to terms with the impact of their choices. ** This novel explores the dark world of sex-trafficking, and contains violence, language and sexual situations that may offend some readers.
To order a book, click here.
The gist: Tara Collins is an idealistic young lawyer who is asked to represent a desperate 14-year-old girl who refuses to talk about her violent past. Everything comes to a head when Alexander, a businessman who operates on both sides of the law, tries to keep the girl from talking. Tara risks everything to try and save her, and all three must come to terms with the impact of their choices. ** This novel explores the dark world of sex-trafficking, and contains violence, language and sexual situations that may offend some readers.
To order a book, click here.
Back Cover
Tara Collins is an ambitious young lawyer who wants to change the world. She owns a successful law firm in Oakland, California, and has dedicated her life to helping families--especially women and children--navigate the complex legal system.
During the past year, Tara helped her best friend, Ella Thornton, through a difficult period of her life. In appreciation, Ella surprises Tara with a remarkable gift: a $700,000 check to fund pro bono work. Tara's mind surges with ideas for how to use the money, and decides to establish non-profit foundation that is focused on providing family law services to those in need. She feels enormous responsibility for its success because of Ella's friendship.
After several early wins, The Foundation accepts an unusual case about a terrified girl who has nowhere to turn. The case confronts Tara's deepest beliefs about human nature, reveals a painful family secret and takes her passion for helping the underdog to a level she never could have imagined. Why is Tara so driven to help the less fortunate? What does she learn about human nature that changes her forever?
The Foundation is a gripping tale that explores the impact of choices we make in our lives, and it immerses you into a world of darkness and shadows, while offering a glimpse of hope that sometimes one person can make a difference.
During the past year, Tara helped her best friend, Ella Thornton, through a difficult period of her life. In appreciation, Ella surprises Tara with a remarkable gift: a $700,000 check to fund pro bono work. Tara's mind surges with ideas for how to use the money, and decides to establish non-profit foundation that is focused on providing family law services to those in need. She feels enormous responsibility for its success because of Ella's friendship.
After several early wins, The Foundation accepts an unusual case about a terrified girl who has nowhere to turn. The case confronts Tara's deepest beliefs about human nature, reveals a painful family secret and takes her passion for helping the underdog to a level she never could have imagined. Why is Tara so driven to help the less fortunate? What does she learn about human nature that changes her forever?
The Foundation is a gripping tale that explores the impact of choices we make in our lives, and it immerses you into a world of darkness and shadows, while offering a glimpse of hope that sometimes one person can make a difference.
FUN FACT
Our friend, Melissa, was the inspiration for Tara Collins's physical description. This picture was taken of us at an Oakland Raider's game. Thanks for helping a budding writer, Missy!
Our friend, Melissa, was the inspiration for Tara Collins's physical description. This picture was taken of us at an Oakland Raider's game. Thanks for helping a budding writer, Missy!
ANOTHER FUN FACT
In order to create Alexander's World, I needed to understand legal prostitution. What better way to learn about this topic than to visit the famous Mustang Ranch? I made an appointment, and headed to Sparks, Nevada, supported by my friend, Nancy. We arrived and entered a bar where customers hang out. A prostitute introduced herself, and began what should have been a thirty minute tour. An hour and a half later, we were still talking. I left all judgment at home, and only brought a curious mind. This woman shared so much about herself, and helped me understand the path to prostitution, why it continues, and what happens behind closed doors at the ranch. I incorporated much of what I learned into this novel.
If your book club reads The Foundation, please invite me, and I'll tell you more about this experience.
If your book club reads The Foundation, please invite me, and I'll tell you more about this experience.
PHOTO SHOOT!
In March, 2014, Missy dressed up like Tara the lawyer, and we drove to the Alameda County Court House in Oakland to take pictures. Andy and Marc shot a bazillion pictures so we could pick our favorite one for the cover. Missy was a great sport, and she looked awesome in her business suit. Now she is an official cover girl!
In March, 2014, Missy dressed up like Tara the lawyer, and we drove to the Alameda County Court House in Oakland to take pictures. Andy and Marc shot a bazillion pictures so we could pick our favorite one for the cover. Missy was a great sport, and she looked awesome in her business suit. Now she is an official cover girl!
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DRUM ROLL …
Here's the official cover for my thriller, The Foundation. Thanks to Marc Thorne for taking the impressive photo and to Rita Wood for stylizing it. Missy really captured Tara Collins's spunky attitude! The novel was published in August, 2014.
To order a copy, click here.
Kirkus Reviews
In October, 2014, I decided to have, The Foundation, evaluated by a professional organization. While I value feedback from friends, family and random reviewers on Amazon, I also wanted to obtain an independent, professional review to help me in my writing journey.
So, what is Kirkus Reviews? I pulled this wording from the kirkus.com website: “Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for 80 years. Kirkus Reviews magazine gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. When the books become available for purchase, Kirkus serves the book reviews to consumers in a weekly email newsletter and on Kirkus.com, giving readers unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.
I tossed my ego aside, and paid for a formal review to hear unbiased truth. Eight weeks later, I received my response. It was helpful to read the opinion, and for my next novel, I've done a few things differently based on the feedback. It's all part of learning. If you want to read the review, click here.
So, what is Kirkus Reviews? I pulled this wording from the kirkus.com website: “Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for 80 years. Kirkus Reviews magazine gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. When the books become available for purchase, Kirkus serves the book reviews to consumers in a weekly email newsletter and on Kirkus.com, giving readers unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.
I tossed my ego aside, and paid for a formal review to hear unbiased truth. Eight weeks later, I received my response. It was helpful to read the opinion, and for my next novel, I've done a few things differently based on the feedback. It's all part of learning. If you want to read the review, click here.
Novato Book Club
I had the pleasure of joining these book lovers for a lively discussion about The Foundation. As we worked our way through the book club questions, some insightful personal observations surfaced. I was encouraged to learn about the important work being done in Marin to combat human trafficking, and we all agreed that one person could definitely make a difference.
I appreciated Tommy for hosting the party at her lovely home, and for preparing a delicious lasagna meal. Thanks to Pat, Richard, Tommy, Mary Lou and Joyce, for reading my novel, and for sharing your unique perspective. It's nice to have gained some new Novato friends!
I appreciated Tommy for hosting the party at her lovely home, and for preparing a delicious lasagna meal. Thanks to Pat, Richard, Tommy, Mary Lou and Joyce, for reading my novel, and for sharing your unique perspective. It's nice to have gained some new Novato friends!
Orange County Book Clubs
My dear friend, Debbi, hosted two book signing parties for me at her lovely home. As usual, she planned the events with great flair. She served up Irish food in honor of Tara Collins' heritage, and set a beautiful spring table. Thanks to Dana who cleaned the house and prepared the yummy Bailey's Irish Cream cupcakes. I enjoyed seeing everyone again, and I enjoyed the discussions.
It was especially heartwarming to visit with my high school friends, Debbi, Karen, and Marilyn. We navigated a lot of life together during our formative years: church, sleepovers, boyfriends, choirs, travel, secrets. I am blessed to share their friendship.
