Comment Wall
I love to hear your comments about the books or recipes or anything else. We moved them all to one page because I was losing track of what I’d read and not read. This way I know where you are!
Feel free to scribble a note, post a picture of a book club, whatever you like, and I’ll reply as often as possible.
Greetings Barbara, We share an admiration for Anya Seton’s GREEN DARKNESS. Our depth of feeling for the book led us to leap into the deep end of the green pool — we have optioned the rights and adapted Green Darkness into a feature film screenplay.
We’re at the marketing phase and trying to secure a producer. To that end, we’ve been blogging our progress.
Curious to know more about it and us? Check out our blog site: http://greendarknessmovie.blogspot.ca/
Hoping to hear from you —
cheers,
Angela & Marla
I have actual shivers over the idea of Green Darkness becoming a movie!! I am such a fan and I’m so happy to meet other fans with the talent and drive to make a movie. I’m going over to your blog right away.
Sending massive success vibes your way.
Hi Barbara,
I love your books. So when I saw that some have been made into audiobooks I was thrilled. However, the last 2 chapters that are in the book Jezebel’s Blues are missing. Do you know if all your books that have been release as audiobooks are also missing any chapters?
This will not stop me from reading your books. I love everything about them.
Regina, we have been informed of the error and immediately corrected it. So sorry–I hope everyone will feel free to help our watchdogs and let us know when you discover errors. This was a script error and it will take a little time for the revised book to make its way through the ACX system. If anyone else got a copy, let me know, and we’ll make sure you get a new one when it is released.
Barbara, I found this site when I was looking for your recipe for “Abe’s Ass Kickin’ Apple Pie” that appeared in “No Place Like Home”. I noticed that your web page mentions corrections for that recipe and was hoping you could direct me to the recipe and corrections. I use audio-books exclusively due to problems with my eyes that making reading difficult.
I hoped to find the recipe in print so that I could make sure I copied it down correctly — there seemed to be a step missing in the part of the recipe for the gingersnap crust and I hoped to see the corrections before I try my hand at making it. The idea of cooking the apples *first* really appeals to me in terms of the texture and uniformity of the pie.
Can you direct me to the corrected recipe.
BTW, “No Place Like Home” was the first of your books that I’ve read (or more accurately listened to) and it really touched me. I’ll definitely be checking out other books you’ve written. Thanks so much
Barbara, I have never written to an author before and I just wanted to tell you that I love all your books. Your writing really speaks to the soul and touches all the elements that I would want in a perfect story. Your writing is so beautiful and evocative. There’s been many times that I will re-read a passage, close the book and my eyes and sigh in pure enjoyment. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world and making it a more beautiful, hopeful place. I eagerly await your next book!
And thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to come here and post that beautiful note! Made my day!
The new book, friends, is scheduled for May 2014. Big gap between, I know, but I’m hoping to get some e-novellas up for you this summer, a pair I think you’ll really enjoy.
Oh please tell me that you are working on something new! PLEASE!
Desperately seeking a new secret, recipe, garden or perfect life to get lost in. Oh please please please please please!!!!!
Thanks.
Dearest Wendy, I have just turned in a new book, set on a lavender farm. Will that do? I’ll post as soon as I know the publication date.
I just love your imagery, your use of words, and characters that stick with me long after the book is closed. When I reach the end of your book, I’m sad that they will be gone from my life. You are one very amazing writer, keep on writing! & The magical realism!!!! (Fan girling as my daughter would say.)
P.S. The dogs! My best companion was a part pitbull part lab dog I picked up from a rescue. He was 8 years old when I got him and he took me through some tough times. Sadly had to say goodbye to him just this September. I haven’t gotten a dog since but will most likely in the summer time. Reading about doggy companions is the next best thing, so thank you for that.
Keep on writing Barbara!!! You’re my companion on that long bus ride to and from work.
Lids
I’m so glad to keep you company on the way to and from work! Since I had to spend a lot of time on buses, I know how welcome a companion can be.
And speaking of companions–I’m so sorry for the loss of your rescue dog. It takes time to grieve, but I do hope you’ll find a new buddy in the future.
I love your books!! When will we see the next one?
I just read “The Garden of Happy Endings” and want a sequel. I want to know what happens to Elsa & Deacon, as well as Tamsin,Paris and Calvin. Thank-you for a beautiful story.
Hello, Barbara!
My book club is currently reading How to Bake a Perfect Life. This is my first book of yours and I finished it in a few days. I loved it and am venturing into making my own starter!
We are a local book club. Any chance you’d be available January 10th or 17th to talk with us about it?
I will be reading your other books for sure. I really enjoyed this one.
Peace,
Cati
Dear Barbara,
I have just found your books via Goodreads and am so enjoying The Lost Recipe of Happiness. You writing is like eating a truly lovely meal. I do have a question about your Pom Baklava. Do I really not need to crush the cloves? It seems like it would be a bit much to bit into a whole one in a piece.
Anyway, I am really looking forward to reading more of our work and thanks so much for including the recipes!
Dear Barbara,
I just finished In the Midnight Rain, my first book by you. I have never written an author before yet I wanted you to know that I will read many more.
My cheeks are still wet with tears and my heart still aches with emotion so I could do nothing less than let you know how this story touched me. I have a wonderful loving daughter-in-law who is mixed and grandchildren who have been blessed with all four races so can relate to Elie’s grandmother Geraldine. I am so looking forward to the next book.
Regards,
PJ
Page 291, the garden of happy endings: “it gave him joy to be the face of God for those who needed him”. What a wonderful sentence. In our lives WE can also be the face of God for those who need US. Thank you for his book,
I love the way you knit your characters. Right from Elsa in the The Garden of Happy Endings to Tessa in The Secret Of Everything, the characters actually grow upon the reader’s mindset. You are a great author indeed.
Barbara – I remain a devoted fan and regular re-reader of your books. I was wondering if there are plans to publish your Barbara O’Neal stories in audiobook format. I have many of your titles in print, ebook and audio – a bit extravagant I know!!
Hi
I found a few of your books recently and have started ploughing through them I have to say they are absolutely brilliant and I particularly like Beautiful Stranger (did you ever write a sequel to it?) I am about to look at your booklist and see what other ones I can get my hands on
Glad you enjoy them! There are a lot of them available in electronic form these days.
I never wrote the sequel to Beautiful Stranger, I’m sorry to say. In the end, I felt I couldn’t do justice to an anorexic storyline.
Barbara, please see my garden book blog (in German). The entry October, 18 is about your book “Garden of Happy Endings”.
Greetings from Switzerland
Daniela aka Die Sofagaertnerin
Thank you, Daniela!
I love the way you knit your characters. Right from Elsa in the The Garden of Happy Endings to Tessa in The Secret Of Everything, the characters actually grow upon the reader’s mindset. You are a great author indeed.
That’s a lovely comment. Thank you.
Hi, I’m a huge fan & have read all your books! We can’t wait for a new one!
I just tried to sign up for your newsletter but the form was kicked back five times so we gave up!
Jan, We just switched email marketing companies this morning. Check your email for a confirmation and if you do not see it, try the new form we just put up. Hope it works out better for you!
I just finished reading a third book that you’ve written.
I think they were all great. The Lost Recipe For Happiness is the next one on my list. Can’t wait to start it.
Thank you for such wonderful and heartfelt stories. Your name has been added to my must read list of authors. I’ve enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of the characters.
Dearest Barbara, I have recently discovered your writing and have fallen in love with your books! I am 55 years old and resonate so deeply with your themes of love, loss and beginning the next phase of life. I have read most all of your books, back to back, over the past few months, even some written as Ruth Wind. I would have known it was you after the first page. You have a very distinctive voice. thank you so much for your books and I look forward to many more to come!
I have read some of your previous books and was looking forward to reading The Garden of Happy Endings. This book touched me in many ways…I am in a new relationship and have always struggled with feeling fully ready to trust again…profound healing has occurred in my life (with much effort including God’s ongoing love)….I found it not coincidental to be reading this book this week. After a date, I spoke to God and said I am now ready. Thank you for writing such a wonderful book that reminds all of us of the goodness in life and that we are all capable of achieving and receiving love.
Blessings to you….
I just finished reading “The Garden of Happy Endings” today. I wept through most of it. Barbara, you write the most vivid characters. Elsa just broke my heart; the crisis of faith but just not quite being able to turn away from the Divine situation…I totally get that. I don’t think I have been so moved by a book since I read “No Place Like Home.” Thank you, as always, for sharing your stories with us. Keep ‘em coming.
I just finished reading In the Midnight Rain and I wanted to tell you that it is one of the finest books that I’ve ever read. That is saying a lot because I have read over 500 books in the last year with 378 of them reviewed on Amazon.
I graduated high school in 1971, so I still remember that time and I knew boys that went to war and ones who went to Canada. Your story vividly captured that bygone time.
Thank you for letting this book be a free download for Kindle. I am very anxious to read more of your books.
I’m honored that you enjoyed the book so much, Dafna. Even more so considering the staggering number of books you’ve read the past year!
I hope you’ll enjoy more of my books.
I found your book “The Garden of Happy Endings” at the library. I was interested to see how you were going to handle people’s crisis of faith. I think your characters struggled well, but the ending left me feeling hollow. How could Elsa, as a minister no less, not keep sex as something just to be treasured in marriage? How does Jesus fit into Elsa’s beliefs? By leaving him out, she misses much of the Christian faith.
I’m sorry that Elsa’s choices left you feeling hollow, Heather. I felt her path was the right one for her.
I agree!
I loved the way you made Elsa’s choices independent and different.
I just finished reading The Garden Of Happy Endings. I loved it. I have never read any of your books before. But I have added your name to the list of authors I always liik for. I will be going to the library to get your older books. Can’t wait to get started.
Happy that you found my books, Deborah. Hope you find as much to enjoy in the others, too.
I literally just finished reading “How to Bake a Perfect Life”. I LOVED this book!! It was one of those books that makes you appreciate reading books. It makes you take a deep breath and want to breath it in. Thank you so very much for writing it. This is the first book of yours that I have read, but definitely not the last.
Thank you again.
Breathe in the smell of the baking bread!
Very happy to hear from you, Alina. I hope you enjoy the others.
Just finished taking a short drive to the “neighborhood”. Sat in awe, prayer and peace in the “courtyard” where Elsa sat. Imagined the garden’s location, saw the rectory. Drove a little further and saw the “turret” house made of sandstone and beautiful garden. Your books always take me away and bring me home in my heart, but this time I took the physical tour and was thrilled some more in another dimension. ( from greatfull Pueblo fan).
Gloria, how lovely that you did that! I was so taken by the bells ringing from that church that I knew instantly it was the right setting. It’s a beautiful spot, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing that with me. I so love when Puebloans find my books.
Barbara,
I just finished “How to Bake A Perfect Life”. Can I just say A-MAZING!!! I am a young single mom who cooks! Needless to say I couldn’t put the book down. I am looking for more of your books and can’t wait to read them. Hope all is well, please don’t stop writing!!
Sincerly,
Katelyn
Barbara,
I just finished “The Garden of Happy Endings”. Loved, loved, loved it! Thank you so much for a thoroughly un-put-downable book. I’m struggling through a similar situation to Elsa’s. The suggestion to her to just ask for help in getting back to “Something” (diety) opened my eyes and heart. So simple. Thank you so very much.
I will be reading more of your books!
Ell
I am so honored that you found something helpful in Gardens, Ellen. Hugs.
Barbara,
I just finished reading all postings on this “Wall” and have to say that I agree wholeheartedly with everything everyone had to say about your writing. Your characters and plot line were so real. I, too, did not want the book to end. I felt as if I were part of Elsa’s world in Pueblo (one of my favorite places in CO). While I know that writing a series is taxing and sometimes unrewarding for the author, I sure would like to experience more of Elsa, Tamsin and Alexa’s lives!
Have a good weekend and enjoy being in our wonderful semi- mountain town of Co. Spgs.
Hugs back at ya,
Ell
Really enjoy your books and have tried several of your recipes. Just finished The Secret of Everything”. Would love to see some of these characters reappear. They are wonderful. Thank you
I picked up your book (How to Bake a Perfect Life) at Target of course, in Washington State while visiting my family for the last time before we moved to Colorado Springs, from Victoria, B.C. Canada. I had no idea the book was set in Colorado Springs. Upon moving here last month, I was terribly homesick, doing all kinds of exercise, baking, etc. to keep my mind off of all my family and friends on the West Coast. I finished a book and was finally able to read yours. I must say, it inspired me in many ways. I started making bread, and realized I am quite good at it! I have been baking up a storm. Your book helped me in many ways and I am so thankful for that. I can now make the best of my time in Colorado before we move again in four years (Military family)and I look forward to reading more of your books!
That was fortuitous, wasn’t it? It’s wonderful that you found you have a talent for bread, and I bet you DID find the Victorian house that I used to base the imaginary bakery on. Colorado is very different from Victoria, but I hope you’ll find lots to love here, too.
I just finished “How to Bake a Perfect Life”, so sad when it ended, I had thoroughly escaped into the book. I live in neighboring Nebraska and visit Colorado (which I love!) often, it made the book that much more entertaining knowing the setting for the book. I can’t wait to go out and get your other books! Although I’m not gifted in the bread baking department, (but going to try!) I felt after reading your book that it doesn’t matter what you’re good at just find something you like, dive in and enjoy! You inspire me, thank you!
Oh, yes, please do try to bake some bread. It can be so satifying! That’s exactly the right attitude: if you enjoy it, dive in! (In all ways!)
I just finished How to Bake a Perfect Life. I’ve found a new favourite author. Cheers on the Ritas.
Congratulations, Barb!!! I’m so happy for you! How to Bake a Perfect Life is a great book, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Congratulations on the RITA for How to Bake a Perfect Life. That was a fine book.
Thank you! It was SUCH a thrill!
Well, once again you’ve made me cry…but happy tears. I just finished The Secret of Everything. I just love your style of story-telling and want to thank you for sharing these stories with us! Next it’s The Lost Recipe for Happiness. Thank you again. Rita Welch
Thank you for the warmth, hope & insight yor books convey to me. Hope your home is safe from the fires. I will patiently awake your next read. Thank you, Kate
I just finished THE GARDEN OF HAPPY ENDINGS. I didn’t want it to end! I am hoping for a sequel to this one!
I just finished this book and I loved it. I was touched by what you had to say about the role of women (non-existent) in the Catholic church. It is such a Patriarchy and I don’t see it ever changing on this issue. I too am a recovering Catholic who still feels most comfortable in Catholic rituals, but basic issues turn me off. I commend your protagonist for finding her place in the world. Please don’t ever stop writing; I love your voice and choice of topics! They really resonate with me.
Kathy
Loved your latest! I gave it 5 stars and recommended it for a Recommended Read at RomanceJunkies.com! Here’s a copy of the review:
THE GARDEN OF HAPPY ENDINGS is one of those rare books that combines mystery, suspense, romance and religion into a remarkable story of faith, family and friendship.
Elsa Montgomery has lost her faith. After years of seeking God and trying to find her place in a church, she thinks she is settled as the minister of her own congregation in Seattle. But when one of her flock is senselessly murdered, Elsa pulls away from her church and God, and escapes to the one place she thinks she can find solace; her childhood home of Pueblo, Colorado.
Once in Pueblo, Elsa turns to her best friend, who was once her fiancé and now a priest, Father Jack. Although their romantic relationship ended when Jack took his vows, their friendship has remained solid, and soon they are working together to create a community garden behind Jack’s parish.
At nearly the same instant, Elsa’s sister, Tamsin, finds out her financier husband is a criminal and has disappeared with millions of dollars. When the FBI freezes their assets, Tamsin is confused, broke and at a complete loss. The sisters lean on each other and the garden to heal their broken hearts.
Through the course of the novel, Elsa struggles to define who she is, what she wants and how to get it. She meets Deacon McCoy – a man with secrets and a troubled past – who shows such generosity and love to those around him that Elsa can’t help but fall in love with him. Their love story is real, hopeful and full of possibilities, but it is not the best part of the story.
The best part of THE GARDEN OF HAPPY ENDINGS is the interwoven characters’ struggles with their faith. Elsa and Jack’s history is expertly woven with their present day trials. Deacon’s faith has been tested in the past, and he credits Jack with saving his life. Tamsin must figure out what to do next and how to shelter her adult daughter from her father’s shame. This is a story of compassion, love, friendship, forgiveness and faith that will leave readers breathless. I can’t wait to share this book with my friends so that we can talk about these people I have come to care about so much!
So lovely, thank you!
I picked up The Scret of Everything on a whim and was immediately hooked. Having come through some hard times, and being in the process of rebuilding my self, the story really resonated with me. I immediately bought the rest of them and am sadly on the last, The Garden of Happy Endings. Best of all? The cooking aspects and recipes align with my determination to slow down, nourish myself and my son more naturally and make cooking and eating a joy rather than a chore. I’ve been playing with a (bought) sourdough since Christmas and now you’ve got me all inspired to start my own started and find heritage grains for bread.
Seriosuly, I feel pretty geeky-fangirl to say it, but I could be one of your characters before the love part!
Thank you and keep writing!
I just finished reading The Garden of Happy Endings, and LOVED it on so many levels. Thank you for another lovely, insightful story, Barbara!
Barbara,
Having just finished How to Bake a Perfect Life (my third of your novels), and being more than a little in love with Jonah myself, I will use his quiet ways and just say thank you.
Your books are a pain au chocolat for me. I space them out so I can savor each and every one (for the about 32 hours it takes me to finish them–once begun, they are gobbled.) I’m excited to see from the post above that you have 30 under different author names!
Your characters are just so rich in, well, character, and I always (x3) find myself woven into the web. I love that each has it’s own ghost(s) and always a dog, and more heart than I can sometimes take w/o having to pause just to let it move through me.
I was particularly moved by Ramona. I wish to be as good a mother as her and, honestly, she will stand as an example. Fictitious or no, she embodies some truly beautiful qualities that are worth emulating. Thank you, also, for providing Katie as such a good insight into teenage years as well as troubled youth. I grasped more understanding from that than from a teen psychology book (and it makes me see my own teen years in another light as well).
Then, of course, are the recipes, and the way you explain them in context for each of the books. I have been watering at the mouth for pomegranate baklava since I read the recipe (but have not yet tried it; it’s built up to quite an exciting prospect b/c I am so looking forward to it!). And though I have never much cared for bread–now I know why! McDonald’s vs Julia Childs. It is my quest to bake a sourdough loaf simply to experience it as you have written it. And then my next quest is to find a bakery that can do it for me! I am near to Colorado Springs; if you have a recommendation, send it my way.
Long to short, I appreciate your gift and wanted to send some love back your way.
Thank you.
Books I really like, I keep. I have all your current books as Barbara O’Neal and Barbara Samuel. I especially love the Barbara O’Neal books. They are what I call ‘life stories’ and I make all my reading friends read them! I avidly awaited the release of The Garden of Happy Endings was totally not disappointed. I appreciate the fact that your books are a great read and that you aren’t cranking out a book a month, which lessens the stories and writing depth. Anyway, looking forward to the next one in the next year or so!
Thanks for the entertainment, affirmation and thought provoking books~~
Linda
Hi Barbara, I have never written to an author before and I am a huge avid reader. I just wanted you to know I have nearly read all your books available on Amazon for Kindle. I just think you are one of the best writers I have ever read. I got Breaking The Rules free and I really enjoyed it so I bought some of your other books and then I bought nearlly all of them. I just became obsessed. I have to tell your writing makes me glad that I am woman and all the things I love as a woman are just as much to be celebrated, enjoyed and worthwhile as anything else in life. I am going through a really tough time and reading your books as help me tremendously. Like I said I am an avid reader and I have read thousands of books including most of the classics but your writing is so compelling and truthful that it really touches my soul. Thank you so much for your gift of writing!
Oh, Mandy, this note brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad to know my books can be a friend to you during a tough time. Hang in there.
Hi Barbara, Thank you for the kind encouragement. I looked in my kindle and determined I have read 30 of your books, all under Barbara Samuel, Ruth Wind and Barbara O’neal, LOL! Any other names you write under? I would definitely read them! I just finished The Garden of Happy Endings, your greatest and latest, which I truly thought was one of your best. As C.S. Lewis said, we couldn’t say we truly had faith if we didn’t have a one or two crisis of faith, it would be a immature faith withouth the questioning. My top favorites of your books are Beautiful Stranger, In the Midnight Rain, and Night of Fire. I have really loved all of your books, though, and it is because each of your characters are truly unique and individual, even though there can be some similarities. I have read some prolific authors where after a few books, I know I am reading the same story with different names. I look forward to reading more of your books. Thanks again for response back and your books.
Hi Barbara, I can honestly say I have now read all your books (40 so far)! Including your latest The Sleeping Night, which I loved! Some more of my favorite books by you are Meant to be Married, Heart of A Knight, Walk in Beauty, Lady Luck’s Map of Vegas, The Goddess’s of Kitchen Avenue, Strangers on a Train. The one book that touched me the most is No Place Like Home, it actually made me cry. It is about a best friend dying and I recently lost my best friend of 14 years suddenly and unexpectly of a heart attack. It was devasting and then to be having to go through some tough times and your best friend is not there to talk to, well, it’s unreal. I can say we did appreciate our friendship and never took it for granted. I just can not tell you enough how much I love your books and writing. Fare thee well till your next book.
Oh, my goodness, Mandy, that’s pretty astonishing, that you’ve read all of my books. And I am so sorry about your best friend’s death. I hope you took some love and a tiny bit of healing away from No Place Like Home. (I cried my eyes out writing those last scenes!)
Hi Barbara, Just wanted to let you know that as of today I have now read all of your published writing including your 38 books and then all the anthologies with your short stories. It took awhile to find the anthologies and get to read them, but I am happy that I did. I am glad you list them all on your website under Barbara’s Books. Your books have really brought me comfort on taking my mind off of things and getting me through some periods of insomnia. I really love your characters, I just relate to them so much. I love that they are all independent women who work or have careers. They have some interest that they are passionate about. I love that your male characters are decent men and very diverse. You know I got Breaking the Rules for free and then I enjoyed it so much I decided to see what other books you had. I had just taken a vacation up to the Four Corners, AZ it was on my bucket list to go there, so I took some friends and family and we went and had a great time. It was very beautiful and we also went to Window Rock, AZ, too. I saw that Walk in Beauty was located in that area. When I was reading it was so weird that I knew all the places you were describing because I had just been up there. Especially Shiprock, you can see that rock from miles around. Then I looked and saw you had written some historical romances which I had not read in years, so I starting reading those and then I just had to read them all. And now I have! Also my family is from Colorado and I have been to New Mexico as well, so I know the places you are describing in your books. I love the Southwest. I also love the way you use weather and nature and animals and pets in your stories, with storms, tornados, hailstorms, rivers, forest, horse, wolves, dogs and cats, etc. One of my favorite lines by you is when you say a person smells like sunshine. I don’t why but it just jumped out at me and I had to think what does sunshine smell like? What pops in to my mind is when my sons were young and my sons coming in from playing out in the sunshine and throwing themselves into my arms for a hug, so that is what sunshine smells like to me. I hope all is well with you, I am doing pretty well now and I look forward to your next book.
I just finished “The Secret of Everything” last night and was so disappointed… that it ended! It was a wonderful read and I can’t wait to dive into some more of your stories. I “discovered” you at Writer Unboxed and am so grateful to you and all of the writers there for the encouragement and instruction for those of us coming behind. Thank you for all the ways you contribute to my writing life!
Joann, it’s a pleasure to contribute to Writer Unboxed. Good luck with your writing.
Recently I decided I needed to watch expenses and went to the library to feed my reading passion. I checked out “The Secret of Everything” and fell in love with you and your writing. Of course when I saw that you had a new book I couldn’t wait for that to hit the library and bought it. I just finished it! “The Garden of Happy Endings” is how a part of my permanent collection. What a great book! I love word, every sentence. And it came at a very spiritual, prayer filled time in my life. Thank you.
Thanks, Kaye, for trusting me enough to buy Garden! Thank goodness for libraries, right? Where would we be without them?
Barbara, I am new to your writing and just finished “The Garden of Happy Endings.” I tore through it, loved the plot and the characters very much. I look forward to reading more of your work.
I do have one question: Am I crazy or was the name of Deacon’s Shih Tzu early in the book “Mikey,” but in the last scene it was “Toby?”
I may have misread something there.
Thanks for the engaging read!
Ah, Lindsey, I think you caught something important. I named the dog Mikey to begin with, which was my father’s dog. He had bad luck and had another
shit-zu named Toby, so I changed the name. Good catch!