“I’ve had four books since then and each time I feel I have become a stronger writer,” said Spreen adding, “I’ve learned how to put my characters into certain situations, and have them work, and grow, while overcoming their obstacles.” “After attending several workshops and conferences on novel-writing, I actually threw out several chapters I had written and started from scratch, so that I could turn out the best product possible.” All that effort paid off as Spreen won a 2013 “Women’s issues” Next Generation Book Award for Dakota Blues. Spreen always knew she wanted to write, and she knew she’d have to pay her dues. “I’d always been intrigued by women who encountered, and then overcame obstacles, so at 58 I wrote my first novel,” said Spreen, adding, “When I wrote the first novel, Dakota Blues…I wrote about a woman who was 58-my age now I’m writing about women in their mid-sixties, so I guess I’m a bit narcissistic.” After graduating from the University of Redlands with a BA in management, Spreen worked in the public school system and, after thirty years, decided to retire and become a novelist. My mom told me that at a very young age I was reading and writing little stories,” said Lynne Spreen, author of five novels, and member of The Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild here in Hemet. “I’d always been a voracious reader even as a little girl, especially children’s fiction. You’re 58 and most of your friends are looking toward retirement, so what do you do? You decide to become a novelist. Spreen Buy now Pub date OctoISBN 9781536983876 Price $8.'Dakota Blues' by Lynne M. Key Largo Blues (Karen Grace #2) by Lynne M.

This ably plotted and brilliantly written tale is sure to appeal to romance lovers. Spreen’s characterization is thorough: Karen is at the center of the story but it is Jessie who charms the reader as she learns to plunge horrendous waters of her difficult life. Though the plotline is straightforward, the reader may feel there is more to the story than meets the eye as Spreen gracefully renders the notions that it is never too late to find one’s place in the world.

Determined to start her own business, Karen is struggling to choose between a meaningful relationship and finding her own place in the world. After her sudden divorce and losing the high-profile job, Karen joins women of CRS to travel across the country in an RV. Spreen returns with this engrossing tale of female self-discovery in the second installment of Karen Grace series. A heartwarming rumination on replenishment…

Dakota Blues by Lynne M. Spreen