Annie is the fiancee of Daniel Donovan, a delicate girl who suffers from debilitating headaches. But Annie is also know as the best baker in their community, and she's volunteered to make a wedding cake for Daniel's brother Frank's wedding to Patricia Flaherty. This excerpt from THE WOODSMAN'S ROSE is inspired by her talents. Daniel … Continue reading THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE Character Sketch: Annie Griffiths
western
How Do You Explain a Character’s Moral Code?
Before WHISPERS IN THE CANYON was published, I received an agent's critique of my query letter and first ten pages that was pretty positive. She said it did a nice job of presenting a complicated plot succinctly. However, she felt the “stakes” weren't quite high enough. If you've read the first article that comes up … Continue reading How Do You Explain a Character’s Moral Code?
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
Damaged almost beyond hope, a young woman is offered safety—by the man who killed her brother. 1880s Arizona Territory: Shunned by the village for her outlaw brother's deeds, Jesse Travers is not sorry to hear he's been killed while robbing a bank. Strangely enough it’s Adam Donovan, the man who shot him, who brings her … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
You can read about the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON here, and about the Donovan elders here. Now let me present: The Siblings John Patrick and Molly Donovan had ten offspring, Adam and Brian being the eldest and twins (see Cast of Characters 1). When her sons were born in Ireland, Molly had … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
THE PARENTS & “GRAN” MOLLY DONOVAN: When An Gorta Mor (the Great Famine of Ireland) began in 1845, Molly (nee Mary Agnes O’Brien) lived with her two younger brothers and her parents. Within two years, her parents had starved to death; she and her brothers were close to following them. Excerpt from WHISPERS IN … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
The cast of characters for these family novels is fairly large, so I'll begin with the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON. ADAM DONOVAN. This 32-year-old bachelor is considered by his family to be a cowboy with a poet's soul. He's tall, dark and (yes) handsome (what Irishman isn't?), and has a quick hand … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
Whispers In The Canyon Review: P. Laughlin
A review for WHISPERS IN THE CANYON, by author P. Laughlin I really enjoyed this book! Have you ever been to a new friend's house and fell in love with their family and wished they were yours (sorry Mom and Dad!)? That's what this book did for me. This large, close-knit family overflowed with love, … Continue reading Whispers In The Canyon Review: P. Laughlin
Whispers in the Canyon: A 5-Star Review
A review of WHISPERS IN THE CANYON by: Martin Lyons I enjoyed getting to know the Donovan clan, a family of upstanding Irish immigrants that fled their homeland to flourish in America and to share their good fortune with those around them. Much has been written about the Irish that populated the cities of America … Continue reading Whispers in the Canyon: A 5-Star Review
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Editorial Review
Review by Mary Anne Yarde, The Coffee Pot Book Club. I'm thrilled to announce that WHISPERS IN THE CANYON has received a 5-star review from the Coffee Pot Book Club. "I didn't want to kill him..." But Russell Travers had already shot one man while he attempted to rob The White's Station Bank, how many … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Editorial Review
My Debut Novel To Take Flight!
1880s Arizona. Damaged almost beyond hope, Jesse inherits a bankrupt ranch. Survival comes at an inconceivable price: she must learn to trust the man who killed her brother. That's the logline from my debut historical novel, WHISPERS IN THE CANYON*. I am absolutely delighted to report that it will be released in late August by … Continue reading My Debut Novel To Take Flight!
Gifford MacShane, Author 