June 12, 2025
Praise for AFTER ... Joan's Story
- So, when is book two coming out? I have finished book one. Best book I read in a long while. It would make a good book club read. I am a fast reader, but had to force myself to take breaks because I did not want it to end. ~ Nancy Giles
- OMG Les, I just read where they said they found kids! OMG, tears. Reminds me of when Jim died—the unknown. Finished it, I was in tears reading them, getting together on the bridge. Well written, so is Ben the one for her? Please say it was. I was expecting a true love ending. Pearl Shenton
- What an amazing read!! I didn’t want to put it down! I want to know what happens to Joan! Such a great job!! Thank you for your amazing talent, Leslie! Shelly Shaw-Hart
- I am on page 300 of your book (I read every night in bed before sleeping). After Marta leaves and Joan has contacted her mother who surprised her by being caring. You will know every written word by heart, I would guess. I wanted you to know I am really absorbed in the story, the characters and curious where the plot will go. There are so many moments I want to ‘yell’ at Joan, then ‘hold her’, then praise her! Lots of feelings run through me while I read. Thank you and… Shirley Fleming
- Our group leader for the River Bottom Writers, Leslie Johnson, recently published this book "After....Joan's Story". In my opinion it is as good as "The Secret Life of Bees" and "No Water for Elephants", which were on the New York Times bestseller list a few years ago. I think it's only a matter of time when you find this book there too. It even managed to bring a tear to my eye (which surprised me). It's a good read. Ken Orich
- Leslie, my husband, and I were driving to the Lake House in Montana this morning. I took your book with me. When I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down. It has been a very long time since I read anything that I felt compelled to keep reading. It was hard to get anything else done. I love the way you created suspense with Joan standing in front of her husband, Joe hoping he wouldn’t get angry. Her regulated, modulated voice trained by years and her hands kept behind her back because she couldn’t keep them from shaking. That was a very effective grip on the reader. Your story moves along so quickly and so profoundly that I was swept up in it and I love that feeling, so I am thanking you for being an excellent distraction. Maxine Reidel
- It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book cover to cover, but I found I could not put it down. Good job! Barb Tomik
- This is a powerful and captivating story about healing from the kind of tragic nightmares that most people are afraid to even fathom. It's bold, honest and compelling writing that tackles the complexities of loss, familial estrangement, and healing. Joan's Story has drawn me in as a reader and I can't believe how quickly I'm going through it. I'm looking forward to more from this author! Charles James
- I got a copy on my Kindle app and couldn't put it down. It was compelling. I can't wait to read more of your books. I hope you keep writing forever. Bonnie Boulton