Weaving the Strands: The Second Novel in the Rosemont Series

Book Synopsis: Barbara Hinske's beloved Rosemont saga continues, with secrets in the shadows and love in the air. A fun, fast read to lose yourself in over a weekend or on vacation.

Maggie Martin's plans to start a serene new life have been derailed. As the beleaguered mayor of Westbury, she's at the epicenter of the town's worsening financial crisis. The looming foreclosure of its senior center followed by a suspicious death have fueled a barrage of public criticism all pointed her way. And she may have unwittingly invited a traitor into her inner circle. Throw in a lovelorn daughter, an attic full of surprises—at least one of which is most unwelcome, too many guests for Thanksgiving dinner, and an uncertain relationship with her favorite veterinarian, and Maggie has her hands full.

Her nemesis on the town council, wealthy businessman Frank Haynes, is up to what he does best—no good. He's poking around in her late husband's shady past to unearth whatever he can find that will help him gain the upper hand over Maggie. But his new assistant from Scottsdale may have her own tricks up her sleeve. With trouble all around, will the winds of change blow favorably or foul for Maggie?

Curl up and travel to the enchanting world of Rosemont and its irrepressible owner.

Interview with the Author

Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?

A: I'm an attorney and have done a lot of technical writing, but knew I wanted to write novels. I thought I'd find time when I retired. Fate stepped in, as it often does, and put me on this path sooner. I broke my neck in an auto accident and suffered from double vision for months. I couldn't read or watch TV, so I conceived the plot for my Rosemont series.

Q: Why did you decide to write a series?

A: I prefer television series to movies. The longer format of television allows for deeper character development. The same holds true for series fiction. I like to fall in love with a character or hate a character (but root for them to change their ways). I feel like Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency series are old friends. I wanted to recreate that sort of connection in the Rosemont series.

Q: What other authors do you read or admire?

A: I'm a fan of women's fiction, women's sagas, romantic suspense, domestic suspense, crime fiction, and romance. I love Rosamunde Pilcher's later trilogy -The Shell Seekers, Coming Home, and September. Jan Karon's Mitford series creates an enchanting world, as does Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove. My Rosemont series is set in the current day, but I've tried to capture a feeling of camaraderie and connection (among the good guys) that takes us back to a slightly simpler time and place.

Q: What are your favorite books?

A: In addition to the works I've already mentioned, I adored A Man Called One, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and A Long Way from Chicago.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your author life?

A: My dad--without question. He told me or read me a bedtime story every night of my childhood, often adding his own twists and turns to the plots or dialogue.

Q: What are the high points of your author journey?

A: There are 3 things I hold very dear: 1) hearing from readers--especially newly blind adults--that my Guiding Emily series has given then hope and provided comfort, 2) having my novella The Christmas Club made into a Hallmark Channel movie of the same name (2019), and 3) seeing my name on the USA Today Bestseller List.

Q: What of your own interests have you written about in the Rosemont series?

A: I love my home and all things related to homemaking: cooking, gardening, decorating, and entertaining. I love celebrating all of the seasons and I change my decor for Easter, 4th of July, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.