Linda Smolkin’s Top 5 of 2018…plus a book giveaway!

We’re pleased to have Linda Smolkin join us at CLC to tell us her top five happy moments of 2018. Her latest novel, The Secret We Lost, was published in September and, thanks to the author, we have five signed ARCs to give away!

Linda always wanted to be a writer—ever since she saw her first TV commercial and wondered how to pen those clever ads. She got her degree in journalism and became a copywriter. Linda landed a job at an ad agency, where she worked for several years before joining the nonprofit world. By day, she writes articles, ads, email campaigns, scripts, and website and social media content. At night, Linda works on her novels and there’s usually chocolate (and sometimes wine) involved. When not in front of the computer, she’s behind the drums (slightly) annoying her neighbors. Her debut novel, Among the Branded, was published in May 2017, and her second book, The Secret We Lost, released in September 2018.

Visit Linda online:
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Synopsis:
Three generations. One secret. A life-changing twist of fate.

It’s 1993 in Washington, DC, and Elsa Kartchner isn’t getting any younger. But the passage of time is the last thing on her mind. Instead, she’s focused on her free-spirited daughter, Laura, who’s about to leave for a year-long trip to Russia.

To cope, Elsa devours Laura’s letters from St. Petersburg and indulges in chocolate she keeps in her nightstand. But her stash of sweets isn’t the only thing she’s hiding. That’s because Elsa and her mother Millie have a complicated past. A buried secret haunts them both, and Elsa must decide whether to tell Laura. Fearing that Laura may discover the secret when she returns, Elsa wants to confess. She travels to Russia hoping for acceptance, but while there, gets a surprise of her own.

In THE SECRET WE LOST, love and redemption vie for attention against an intercontinental backdrop, as Elsa struggles with the truth. This moving family saga is the second novel by Linda Smolkin, whose debut AMONG THE BRANDED was called a “fascinating novel that will keep readers hooked” by San Francisco Book Review.


Five Happy Things that Happened to Me in 2018

1. My son started his first year of college.
Friends (and even strangers) told me that I'd feel sad sending him off and seeing him leave home. Some even teased that I'd weep. But that wasn't the case at all. I haven't shed one tear. In fact, I couldn’t be happier—because I'm so happy for him and this new chapter in his life. Or maybe it’s because I don’t miss hearing him say there's no food in the house (even though I’d just gone shopping the day before)!

2. My second novel was published.
After years in the making (or writing and editing I should say), my second novel, THE SECRET WE LOST, was released. It has been a long road, but it's a great feeling to be able to share my story and characters with book lovers near and far.

3. I started traveling more.
I started planning more trips this past year, even before my son left the nest. I've been visiting friends and going to new places or cities I haven’t visited in a long time. It's great to just get in the car, put on your favorite playlist, and drive while singing at the top of your lungs. (Yeah, that was probably me that you heard. And yes, I should probably sign up for some singing lessons.)

4. I was able to meet a wonderful author that I've followed for a long time on social media.
While I was in Miami in November, I had lunch with novelist Rochelle B. Weinstein. I adore her and her books. She has always been so nice and has given me advice when I was on the fence about some career-wise stuff. She's just as nice in person as she is virtually!

5. I went to an event I’ve dreamed of attending for years.
For ten years, I've been listening to Jew Rock Marathon on DC101, my local rock station. Jew Rock Marathon is an event hosted by the station during Hanukkah. They play rock music by Jewish musicians, serve delicious food, and have special guests. All these years, while listening at home, I’ve thought, “wouldn’t it be great to actually be at the studio.” This year, I had the chance and even got to chat with my favorite DJ on air (and shamelessly plug my books when he asked about them). It’s definitely a highlight of my year and a day to remember!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends December 25th at midnight EST.