The Inspiration for Awakening Avery...

Three years after my father’s passing, my husband, Tom, experienced a mild heart attack from which, thankfully, he made a complete recovery. Still, those first few days impacted me profoundly, and for weeks I looked at my life differently, wondering what I would do, who I would be, and where I would go if anything happened to him. Those questions became the inspiration for this book. Thank you, Tom, for all your love and support, and for being the man with whom I want to watch old westerns and take the long way home.


"I loved this book! I laughed and cried and can't wait to try the pancakes! The characters give great insight to obstacles we all face in one way or another. This book is a lesson manual for overcoming challenges with a splash of fun!"
Susan Fisher

"This is an amazing story of one woman’s journey for peace after losing her husband too early. I laughed and I cried. It is an incredible journey of healing and love. Take a break from your life for 344 pages of travel from Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland to Sarasota, Florida and follow the adventures Avery experiences in learning to love again."
Valerie Steimle - Full review on Valerie's blog

It's one of those books that really makes a person think. Love it!
Nichole Giles

"I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's an LDS story with LDS values, great lessons and the kind of far-reaching lessons that touch lives."
Heather Justeson - Full review on Heather's blog

"A heart warming and very emotionally driven book. There are many feelings that are brought up in the reader as this novel progresses. I was hooked from the very first page."
Sheila Staley of the LDSWBR- Full review on Sheila's blog

"Awakening Avery is a thought provoking book that will tug at your heartstrings . . . a novel unlike any other I’ve read, and I highly recommend it."
Kimberly Job - Full review on Kimberly's blog

"Vivid and compelling . . . a beautifully written story full of rich language . . . It carries some beautiful messages of love, forgiveness and family. . ."
Alison Palmer - Full reviw on Alison's blog

"Laurie has a way of moving readers to laughter, tears, and deep pondering. I recommend Awakening Avery one hundred percent. Let Florida's sea air transport you to a place where life's darkest shadows eventually get blown away."
Anne Bradshaw - Full review on Anne's blog