It was over a hundred years ago that her grandparents immigrated to the United States, but Linda A. Goodlin knew their story was a compelling one she had to share. Intrigued by their journey and experiences, Goodlin began researching her hometown, Rocktown, Pennsylvania.
This research became the basis for her debut historical fiction, "From Across the Pond," that chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young couple who have come to live in the United States from their homeland of Wales.
"My grandfather really did come from Wales," Goodlin says, "He lived in the coal mining town where the story takes place, and he worked in the coal mines there. He died from black lung before they ever put him on any kind of government funding for coal miners with black lung."
From her own upbringing and conversations with family members, Goodlin knew about the challenges new arrivals to this country faced."There were a great, diverse group of immigrants. Unfortunately, the coal mines weren't the greatest place to work. It was a hard job and many men died."
Goodlin's own career has presented challenges of a different nature. She had her first child at the age of fifteen, at a time when her high school would not allow pregnant women to attend school. However, she returned to complete her GED, and she is now an inspirational speaker for women, in addition to being an author.
She uses her story to convey a powerful message. Illustrating the barriers between immigrants who spoke different languages and came from different countries and cultures, Goodlin demonstrates how the challenges of the new continent would bring everyone together. She writes, "When a disaster signal goes out, everyone in the town comes running, each woman praying it isn't her man down there... At times like this, they do not look at each other as Polish, Irish, English, or German. They are neighbors caring about each other. All prejudices are put aside for the time being."
"My main goal was to talk about how rich our country became through these immigrants who came and worked," Goodlin says, but the reality for many new arrivals was harsh. "They came to a land being promised so much more than they had in their home country, but they often didn't receive what they were being promised."
Oftentimes, a strong work ethic was the only thing that enabled immigrants to be successful. But they faced great challenges as well. "Goodlin recounts a detailed narrative of our country's past, but the drama that the main characters are facing will resonate with today's generation and generations to come," says publisher Lisa Umina.
Goodlin spent a year researching and writing the book from 2007 to 2008, as a part of a two-year writing class offered by prominent Christian author, Jerry B. Jenkins. The class gave Goodlin the impetus to launch her writing career; after completing an assignment to write a query letter to several magazines, she was hired as a writer for Guide Magazine. "From Across the Pond" is her first novel, and she is currently working on her second book.
The book launch event will be held at Scottdale Public Library in Scottdale, Pennsylvania on April 26th, from 6-8pm.
"From Across the Pond" is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $16.95 and as an e-Book for $7.98.
* Halo Publishing - http://www.halopublishing.com/3f-h/linda-a.-goodlin.html
* Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Across-Pond-Linda-Goodlin/dp/1612446337
* Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-across-the-pond-linda-a-goodlin/1128262330
About Linda A. Goodlin:
Linda A. Goodlin writes periodically for a children's magazine called Guide. She plays keyboard with a praise and worship band and is an inspirational speaker for women. She has been married to her childhood sweetheart, Tom, for fifty years. They have three children and four grandchildren. Linda is a retired Health Insurance Producer in Western Pennsylvania. She enjoys biking, kayaking, and early morning walks on country roads.
About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children's literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. More information is available at http://www.HaloPublishing.com
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