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Kathleen Kole

Tales from the Laundry Pile

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Book review of “Tales from the Laundry Pile”

TalesFromTheLaundryPileCoverPic

“Tales from the Laundry Pile” by Kathleen Kole

Book Description:

Claire Jamieson has moved back home to Boxwood Hills… And, she’s not alone. Trailing behind her overworked laundry basket is her husband and their energetic twin boys.

Claire had always thought that once she’d left the nest, she’d never return. Now that she has, she’s wondering what type of bird that makes her… Cuckoo?

When she has a moment to pause and catch her breath, she’ll let you know.

Tales from the Laundry Pile, an engaging, thoughtful story of motherhood, family tangles, new friendships and self-discovery.

The Boxwood Hills novels take place in the same picturesque mountain town, they have been written to stand alone; each story one in a set of many. That being said, don’t be surprised to see characters you recognize from other books within each other’s tale. They love to make cameos. Welcome to Boxwood Hills!

My Review:

Ever since I read “Favorable Conditions” (click HERE to read my review), I’ve been a huge fan of Kathleen Kole, so I was eager to read “Tales from the Laundry Pile”.

This book was easy to get into, as action started right away, thanks to Claire’s four-year-old twin boys who find trouble.  It made me get a glimpse of what was to come, giving us a peek into her the overworked and tired mother’s life.  At the beginning, Claire seemed like a good mother, I thought she was a little too lenient (I wouldn’t let my kids go outside in a new town without watching them), but as the book goes on, I wanted to tell her to chill and relax, and let her know that if one of her boys falls down, it’s going to be okay.  I liked the scene near the end when she overhears her sons telling a friend how they consider her a “scared mommy.”  That really hit home for her and I think she took it to heart.  However, I found it a little unbelievable when she decided to change, a talk with a friend and a stop at the salon was going to change anything.  While she might have loved her boys, she kept apologizing for them when they weren’t doing anything wrong, but I really think she was apologizing for her insecurities about being a perfect mother.  One thing I wished we could’ve seen was Clair putting them to bed, showing us her maternal side.

I liked Claire’s husband, Jake, and thought he made for a good husband and father.  I would’ve liked to have seen more into their marriage because it seems like they were roommates, not lovers.

As for Jessica, Claire’s friend, I really couldn’t read her.  I was a little curious as to why she kept questioning Claire about Jake before meeting him.  It kind of made me wonder if she and Jake were having an affair or had been lovers.

Overall, “Tales from the Laundry Pile” was a good and quick weekend read.  I’m not a mother, so I can’t relate, but I would recommend this book for any mom who is stressed, overworked, and is constantly doing laundry.  Though this book wasn’t my favorite from her, Kathleen Kole is a wonderful writer and gifted writer, and I look forward to reading more from her.

I give this book 3 stars.

**GUEST POST**

Writing… the back and forth, the to-and-fro, the roundabouts.  My journey.

Writing isn’t a straight forward journey.  Any writer will agree with that, I’m sure, and I can attest to the fact that my own experiences have been on a path that has meandered.

I began my journey in my early twenties commissioned straight out of College to, believe it or not, write a book!  I was hired to write a book that would be a part of a larger series and the irony was, at that point, I wasn’t aspiring to be a novelist of any sort.  Funny how life works.

Once I’d completed that job I moved on into the world of freelance writing; at that point, much more my speed.  I wrote for numerous newspapers, chasing down stories, interviewing all sorts of people and generally have a grand old time developing my writing chops.  Nothing will train you to meet a deadline like knowing a paper is going to print and you MUST have your story ready; nor teach you to write within the confines of a certain number of words because that’s the space you must fill.  Never a dull moment, I loved every minute of it.

So, why didn’t I stay in that freelancing world?  One word: Family.  I met and married my amazing husband and a year and a half after that, our beautiful son was born.  When he arrived in our lives, I felt I had a choice to make: Juggle writing and motherhood, or set my keyboard aside and give my focus to my growing family.  I chose the latter.  I allowed myself the time to fully embrace my young family without guilt or feeling pulled into too many directions and I am so thankful I did.  I knew the time would fly by (it did, that “new baby” will turn sixteen years old this summer) and I didn’t want to miss it.

And that brings us speedily to the past two years!  In that time, I have written and published four novels.  Each one of my books has had the good fortune to be revealed to the reading public by going on tour with Samantha at Chick Lit Plus.  (Shameless plug I know, but it truly warms my heart to have been working with Samantha during my entire publishing journey.  She’s a fabulous person to have in your corner.)

This year has seen my books embraced by readers in the UK and my very first novel, Breaking Even, even went bestseller on UK Amazon for two months!  Admittedly, I was gobsmacked and again I feel I must say, funny how life works.  You never know what’s around the next corner.

And, finally, in the “around the next corner” mode, I am working speedily on my fifth novel (yes, new characters to meet in Boxwood Hills…) to be published in the fall.  Story details and cover reveal to come.  I just keep on rolling.

Alright, that’s enough about me!

I’d like to shift gears and extend a huge thank you to you, Isabella, for inviting me to share a piece of my history with you and your followers.  And an extra thank you for being willing to be a part of the tour for Tales from the Laundry Pile.

Gotta go fold some sheets….

Hugs.

xxx

KathleenKolePic**About Kathleen:

Kathleen Kole is the author of Breaking Even, Dollars to Donuts, Favorable Conditions and her new release, Tales from the Laundry Pile.

Kathleen lives with her husband, son and dog in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.

**Contact Kathleen:

Website

**Click HERE to buy Kathleen’s Books:

**Click HERE to see other stops on Kathleen’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours and for a chance to win prizes!

Kathleen Kole

1 Comment

Kathleen is an awesome woman!  She’s one of my favorite Twitter peeps!  I love Kathleen’s kindness and supportive ways towards her fellow author friends!  I’ve only read Favorable Conditions, but from a writer in the making like myself, she’s an inspiration.  I am honored to have her as a guest!

About Kathleen:

Born in Edmonton AB, Kathleen began storytelling in grade school.  She has many fond memories of passing summer afternoons, out on the swings in her backyard, creating tales that entertained her neighborhood friends.

When she finally decided to venture from her backyard, Kathleen pursued a career in storytelling.  She graduated from college with a Diploma in Radio and Television Arts and traveled the path of freelance writing for numerous local newspapers.

Many years later, too many to talk about without seeming rude and nosey, Kathleen has channeled her imagination to the pages of her novels.  She hopes that you enjoy her tales and encourages you to feel free to read her stories on the swing set in your own backyard.

Kathleen has traveled from Edmonton, to a new backyard with a lovely mountain view. She spends time there with her beloved husband, adored son and silly dog. They let her tell them stories and always laugh in all of the correct places. She’s lucky, and she knows it.

Q & A with Kathleen Kole

When did you start writing?  I have loved to write for as long as I can remember.  From the first stories I wrote in grade school until right this red hot minute, storytelling is a natural extension of who I am.  As for being paid for my work, that started in my early twenties when I was a freelance writer for a number of local city newspapers.

As a writer, what are your days/night like?  I am fortunate my son is old enough now and I can dedicate a few of my daytime hours to writing.  It wasn’t always that way!  When he was in Elementary school, my days were caught up in volunteer work, lunch breaks, play dates and the like.  As far as any sort of schedule goes, I would simply say I write when the work needs to get done and do my best to fit everything else in around the work.  Some days are more chaotic, others more productive, but in the end I put my head down and sink in and get it done.

From writing to being published, what was the most difficult part?  Getting over the worry/fear/insecurity, pick a word, that the novel was good enough to share.  I still go through that same “dance” every time I publish, but it really helps to know that almost every other author I’ve spoken to feels the exact same way.  You invest so much of yourself into your stories and every time you send one out into the reader universe, you truly hope you’ve given them something they feel was worthy of their time.

Who or what motivates you?  A good question and, until this moment, one I’ve never really pondered.  Writing is a second-nature sort of thing for me, so I guess if I was to pick a motivator I’d have to say it is my family.  My husband and son are so supportive of my dreams, it gives me that extra push to do my best and share the “spoils” with them.

Who is your favorite author, and why?  Another good question!  I have a few favorites, but if I was to narrow it down to just one… or two… I’d say Frannie Flagg and Maeve Binchy.  Both of these authors have the ability to weave a story so intricately it takes my breath away.  I have huge respect for their talents and am grateful beyond measure that they share their storytelling gift in their novels.

Paper or eBooks?  Why?  Hmmm, once upon a time I’d probably have answered that with paper, but now I’m not so sure.  While I do appreciate a physical book, I also respect the value and ease of an eReader, not to mention the volume of books it can contain (I adore my Kindle!)

Where do you get your ideas for your books?  Sometimes it feels as though book ideas find me.  I am interested in people and their experiences, so when an idea catches hold and won’t let go, it is soon followed with a main character and off I go to write their story.

Why did you want to be a writer?  As I’ve said, storytelling is a natural extension of who I am.  I started creating stories for my friends when I was in grade school, so it seemed a natural evolution that I’d eventually start fleshing them out in novels.

How do you come up with titles of your books?  Yet another great question.  First and foremost, I try my best to create a title that in some way pertains to my story.  That is key.  Then, I think of my readers and go with the adage that if it would catch my attention; hopefully it will theirs as well.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far, and how did you celebrate?  You know, I don’t think I can say I have one greatest accomplishment. (Other than my son, to whom nothing can hold a candle nor be compared.) Each momentous experience I’ve lived along my path has been unique and cherished; however, I don’t believe any certain one has overshadowed another.  I am grateful for them all, they have all been instrumental in shaping me and my life thus far, and I look forward to whatever comes next.

What is your advice for upcoming writers?  Live in the moment.  Rejoice in the journey.  Revel in the experience.  Have fun with it.

Tell us about your upcoming projects:  I have two new books coming in 2012.  The first, “In This Moment”, is to be published in late spring.  The second, “Tales From The Laundry Pile” to be published in the fall.  If you’re curious about either, or both, of their premises, have a peek on my website.

— Thank you so much, Isabella, for being willing to read my book and participate in this blog tour.  Also, thank you kindly for welcoming me here to answer your questions and offer my readers an opportunity to feel a more personal connection to me and my work.  Cheers!

Contact Kathleen:

Website

Facebook

Twitter


Favorable Conditions

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Book review for “Favorable Conditions”

“Favorable Conditions” by Kathleen Kole

She had plans, but things changed.  When divorcee Pat Keegan’s second child goes away to college, she didn’t intend on being alone.  In her perfect life, she’d be embarking on a new journey with her husband.  Instead forty-five year old Pat finds herself living alone in a quiet home all alone.  After a night of letting loose, the next day Pat starts her new journey as a bookstore owner.  She also begins to date Ian, a much younger man who she “runs” into while out for a run.  Many things happen in Pat’s new life – her daughter gets engaged, a younger woman intimidates her, and her relationship is interrupted when her ex-husband shows up, but through it all Pat manages to embrace it, and make the most of her new life.

From start to finish this book was delightfully charming and sweet.  Kathleen Kole has written a book that many can relate to – single mom, new career, and a younger hunk!  While I’m a married woman in my early thirties and have no children, I felt that I could relate to Pat on some levels.  This book was very enjoyable, even funny – especially when Pat dances alone in her home to a blaring Bob Seger.  I was cracking up as she tried to imitate Tom Cruise in Risky Business!

Kathleen has a knack for writing strong-willed characters, such as Pat Keegan.  I found refreshing that the female main character was confidant in herself, and didn’t harp on anything over too much time.  Pat’s love interest, Ian, seemed to be sweet and understanding man, especially when it came to Pat’s worries about their age differences and her children.  These two characters are a match made in heaven.  Some might even say that the conditions for these two are favorable…

After reading this book, I can’t wait to read it again…when I’m in my forties, fifties, and sixties!  Every woman who is in her mid-life should read this book.

I give this book 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Buy “Favorable Conditions!”

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

**Read my Q & A with the author HERE

Gone, But Not Forgotten

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Hi, y’all!  It’s been about two weeks since I’ve blogged and I’m so happy to be back!

During my hiatus there’s not been a second where I’ve not been thinking about my books (editing my first, and thinking about what to do with my second – self publishing?), reading book for my reviews, my upcoming guests, and of course my fantastic followers!

In the next few weeks I’ll be busy with a few book tours, featuring some wonderful writers (Elizabeth Marx who wrote “Binding Arbitration,” Kathleen Kole who wrote “Favorable Conditions,” Toni Aleo who wrote “Taking Shots,” and Liz Matis who wrote “Love By Design!“)  I also have a few guest posts/interviews that I’m excited about hosting!  And in the midst of it all, I’ll be dedicating the rest of my time to the books I’ve written!

Once again, I’d like to thank my fans, followers, friends, and family for sticking by me.  Your support has meant so much to me!