Barbara's Books Page

NONFICTION

On a family vacation to the Black Hills one summer, we happened upon an upcoming Native American musician whose music was as captivating as the surrounding landscape. The distinct sound of Brule` initially caught my attention, a hauntingly beautiful mix of flute, piano and traditional drum. Listening, one could immediately sense something deeper at the heart of it. Sure enough, this man’s life story was equally captivating.

HIDDEN HERITAGE…The Story of Paul LaRoche

An inspiring biography

Imagine waking up one day to discover you belong to a completely different culture. Imagine also being 38 years old and longing to pursue music professionally, but everything you’ve tried so far hasn’t succeeded. Newly discovered adoption papers led to a trip to the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation in South Dakota in 1993, transforming Paul’s life forever. Overwhelmed by the experience, Paul turned his powerful feelings in a musical concept that is a mélange of the two worlds he has come to know .

Hidden Heritage…the Story of Paul LaRoche earned award-winning Finalist in the Biography category of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards, May 2007

AWARD FINALIST:  Hidden Heritage...the Story of Paul LaRoche placed BEST BOOKS AWARD FINALIST by USA Book News, October 2006. 

Purchase the Book Here

         CLICK to read 5-star book review from Midwest Book Review

       CLICK for full Synopsis

FICTION

Known for a writing style that offers compelling fiction with a foundational truth, Barbara brings forth characters that are true to human nature…flawed, fallible and ever striving for greater spiritual understanding. She blends human emotions with a mix of gripping components that will touch readers everywhere.

Seeds of Salton

A powerful true story of the complex turning of the human heart, a love restored, and the undeniable bond between father and son.

          A teenage boy in rural Montana has so much hate for his abusive father that he wishes he could kill him.  When the opportunity arises while hunting, Grady Kramer aims the rifle at his father…but is unable to pull the trigger.  Following a painful rejection by his high school sweetheart Naomi, Grady leaves the oilfields of Eastern Montana to work on the high risers in LA.  When a serious injury puts him out of work, Grady wrestles with his feelings for his lost love and his father.  A decade later Grady has a chance meeting with Naomi and they marry.  Grady gets a call from his father’s new wife, asking Grady to visit.  When Grady arrives in Salton Sea, CA he is unprepared for the changes in his father.  Seeing a different man, the intense hate Grady once felt for him begins to chip away.  Dying of cancer, Grady’s father asks for forgiveness.  Finally the seeds of torment are buried, replaced by seeds of love and overwhelming peace through the powerful bond of father and son. 

[Current work in progress.]

Blue Moon

Told through the eyes and heart of Abigail Bradford, Blue Moon is a story filled with drama, laughter and tears. A frightening incident triggers an equally startling encounter with the relentless Sergeant Nicholas Manning, one that takes Abbie’s life in a most unexpected direction. A single working mom, Abbie must also learn the true meaning of trust and faith when she realizes she is no longer able to keep her most precious possessions—her two young sons—sheltered within arms reach.

Hunter’s Moon

The planned sequel of this two-book set continues the journey of the Manning/Bradford household, further exploring Abbie’s and Nick’s relationship and the adjustments of their newly blended family. Abbie settles into her new life as wife of the county sheriff, unaware that a gruesome discovery will soon lead Nick on an intense investigation, one that will undoubtedly impact both his career and their marriage.           [Proposed sequel.]

Heart of America Series

A gripping series of stories highlighting different regions and cultures all across America. Each novel is a blend of romance and suspense with its own unique flavor and engaging characters. From Minnesota to Arizona, Tennessee to Delaware, this series will shine a light on many of the rich traditions in our country including Native American, Hispanic and other ethnic influences.

[A proposed series]

Red Pine Promise

Awakening at Coldstone Creek

Heart Offerings

Midnight Crossing

Southern Ridge Reflections

Shadow on Sussex Shores

A World Too Big

Who am I? Where did I come from? Dropped off on a street corner by his mother at a tender age, the young boy was soon picked up by an older man. The man took care of him in a river bottom shanty along the Red River dividing North Dakota and Minnesota, but refused to shed any light on the many questions haunting the young boy. Frustrated, a few years later he packed a small bag and ran away in search of his mother. Hindered by illiteracy and a lack of finances, this 12-year-old found a world far bigger than he ever imagined. Without ever knowing his own name, he spent his life drifting the highways and byways of America, always and forever in search of his identity.

[A proposed screenplay.]

To request further information regarding the above listed projects, please contact Barbara Marshak:

Barbara@barbaramarshak.com