Follow everyone’s favorite family in THE FRIESSENS: A NEW BEGINNING BOXED SET, now on sale for $2.99. This emotionally-charged series, which comes after The Outsider series, features The Deadline, The Price to Love, A Different Kind of Love and A Vow of Love.
“Best Family Series Ever. I love the dynamic of this powerful close family.
Three brothers, a cousin and all the spouses and children make for an interesting spellbinding story you won’t want to put down.” ★★★★★ Kindle Customer
CHECK RETAILER PRICING BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD as some retailers have been delaying the sale price turnover.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing your place.
To say this has been an exciting, fast-paced week where everything seems to be happening at once is an understatement. It seems as if everything has taken off, much like riding an out-of-control roller coaster. For me, this past week has been one of the craziest and busiest in a long time, from The Third Call landing on the bestseller list, hitting #1 on Amazon, Apple, and Kobo in mysteries, thrillers, and romantic suspense, to feeling that unsettledness spreading around the world, from COVID spikes to elections. Then I met someone and learned she had just found out that her only child, her first child, has autism, and she had been navigating an unfriendly system since getting the diagnosis. That lost feeling, the unknowns, the question of “What the hell do we do now?”—all are things I remember too well.
To say this has been an exciting, fast-paced week where everything seems to be happening at once is an understatement. It seems as if everything has taken off, much like riding an out-of-control roller coaster. For me, this past week has been one of the craziest and busiest in a long time, from The Third Call landing on the bestseller list, hitting #1 on Amazon, Apple, and Kobo in mysteries, thrillers, and romantic suspense, to feeling that unsettledness spreading around the world, from COVID spikes to elections. Then I met someone and learned she had just found out that her only child, her first child, has autism, and she had been navigating an unfriendly system since getting the diagnosis. That lost feeling, the unknowns, the question of “What the hell do we do now?”—all are things I remember too well.
Being in a pandemic can make getting a difficult diagnosis that much more difficult. I remember wondering where I could start, the question just about every parent asks. It’s that feeling of being overwhelmed, of wondering where to go and what to do, looking for any answers. I still remember the day someone passed on the contact information of a mother with an autistic child who was part of a parents’ group successfully navigating that unfriendly system. The moment is burned forever in my memory. I remember the color of the Post-it, purple, with a name and phone number. I remember where I was standing, in the doorway, when she handed me the note, and the words she said and the way she said them: “Call her. She can help.”
We all have moments we remember so vividly because of the meaning in them and the emotion behind them. That mother was a lifeline for me. When I called her, even though she was driving and was busy with her own autistic child, she ran through a list off the top of her head of what I needed to do to get started and how I could get my son diagnosed. She told me about the long waitlists for a publicly funded diagnosis, then explained where I could go to get it done privately and how much that would cost. She told me where to look to get funding, how to note those expenses on my taxes, why it’s important to start early intervention even before securing a diagnosis, and much more.
Going back to the beginning of that time is not something I’d want to do, but I cut a path, as did others before me. What many don’t know is that this path is paved by parents, mothers, not by professionals or services or governments. Parents just starting out can easily get stuck in the trap of relying on lists of services provided by government agencies. I’m reminded of a warning one parent gave me: There are a lot of people out there waiting to take your money, and many of them have government contracts. She said to me that if someone is affiliated with the government, you want to walk the other way.
This warning came from a member of a group of parents who sued the BC government and fought a lengthy court battle for six years, all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, just to secure basic, medically necessary intervention and funding for their kids. Their fight resulted in funding for all of us, but was it enough? No. Although it was something, it fell way short. When the government offers funding, everyone suddenly hangs out a shingle to say they’re qualified and get on that coveted government list that desperate families looking for medical professionals rely on, all because the government requirements are skewed.
The first consultant I hired was the only one available, which should have been a warning—but remember, when you’re first starting out, you basically have no idea what you’re doing and what to look for, even with a roadmap from other parents. After a year of very little progress, with me paying him a ton of money and everything I had, he up and left the province with all my money and didn’t provide the services I had paid in advance for. Did I have any recourse? No. I saw several lawyers only to discover the problem with the entire system. Buyer beware! Taking him to court to sue would cost me money I didn’t have, and because he was no longer in the province, BC courts had no jurisdiction. Even if, by some miracle, I had found the money to take legal action, collecting would have been virtually impossible. Was it a lesson? Absolutely.
After two other consultants who didn’t work out, I sat down with other parents and got a list of names of the top dogs in the industry. I called and emailed hundreds of times and managed to secure a spot on a waitlist for one very experienced and qualified behavioral consultant in the US. A spot opened up nearly a year later, and what happened when I hired someone who had the kind of skill that was needed to help my kid? Progress, real progress that could be measured and seen. Even though the cost brought me many sleepless nights and questions of how the hell I would afford it, from the hourly rate to the travel costs and all kinds of incidentals, I realized that in the long term, the bill for someone who really knew what needed to be done would be much lower than what I would end up paying someone cheaper.
Now, that other autism behavioral consultant, where is he now? Unfortunately, he’s still in business in another town across a different border. My story is shared by many parents. One of the biggest problems is a lack of qualified behavioral consultants who have the skills to do it right. Many don’t realize that the special needs community is filled with people ready to take the money of a desperate parent. All kinds of quacks come crawling out of the woodwork, hawking natural methods with miraculous marketing schemes, encouraging parents to buy expensive products based on unpublished evidence, and you’re supposed to just trust them. Is there a watchdog anywhere that protects parents from this kind of fleecing? No. Profiting off the backs of special needs children is unfortunately not seen as a crime.
The only protection you have is other parents who have been through it. So talk to parents who have navigated the system, learn from them, and remember that the special needs community relies on parents looking after other parents.
99Cent Sale
Don’t miss Amazon #1 category bestseller THE THIRD CALL, on sale for just 99cents for a limited time only!
When dispatcher Charlotte Roy passes along a call to bad-boy deputy Marcus O’Connell, they learn a six-year-old child is in danger. Can they save the girl from a desperate situation?
“A truly emotional and action packed story. This book hit it close to our society today. Really enjoyed…” ★★★★★ Linda Z., Goodreads Reviewer
Catch up with The O’Connells with these latest additions to my romantic suspense series! Follow Iris, Owen, Marcus, Brady and the entire clan in these full-length novels and special boxed set. Available at all eRetailers.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know…if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing your place.
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, HIS PROMISE (Married in Montana, Book 1).
Kim and Bruce were inseparable as teens and believed their love was strong enough to overcome everything. Bruce promised they would be together forever, but when he left for medical school, everything changed—and Kim married someone else.
When they both return to their hometown after Kim’s divorce, they end up fighting the attraction between them. Neither is willing to talk about the promise Bruce made…until one summer night.
The O’Connells romantic suspense series kicks off with THE NEIGHBOR, and for a limited time, you can pick up Ryan’s story on sale for just 99cents!
“Excellent Read…series gets off to a cracking start with Ryan and Jenny’s story and what a story it is! Such a well written, intriguing and addictive book which I thoroughly enjoyed.” ★★★★★ Samanthagirl, Amazon UK Reviewer
CHECK RETAILER PRICING BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD! Some retailers have been delaying the sale price turnover.
Catch up with The O’Connells in my latest release, AND THEN SHE WAS GONE (Book 12), now available at your favorite digital bookstore!
“With twists and turns and a great plot, this story is an excellent mystery.” ★★★★★ Reading Susan, Amazon Reviewer
“Wow what a emotional read this book was!..shows us what the term family means, sticking together through thick or thin.” ★★★★★ Margaret Y., Amazon Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Get your FREE eBook or Audible copy of IN THE SILENCE (The Friessens, Book 11) in exchange for an honest online review! E-mail me at LorhainneEckhart.LE@gmail.com to request your preferred format. All reviews must be posted by 11/20/20. Thank you for your support!
In this touching Friessen family novel, as Cat searches for answers from a past that still haunts her, she unexpectedly meets a man hired to keep her safe, a man who reaches her in a way no one else has. When a dangerous flirtation ensues, and secrets are revealed, the ultimate cost could be her first love.
“…another compelling story of courage and independence!”★★★★★ Kindle Customer
Newly Released
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
“When I start a new book by Lorhainne Eckhart the anticipation is overwhelming because I know it will be a great read and this book was definitely no exception. An amazing story of family and love that had me literally on the edge of my seat from the very beginning….Lots of suspense and drama…keeps your mind racing at every turn of the page.” ★★★★★ Carmela D., Amazon Australia Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Looking to catch up with everyone’s favorite family? Books 6-8 in The Friessens series are available in this special three-book collection, now on sale for $2.99. Follow Katy and Steven in full-length novels First Love, Family First and Leave the Light On.
“The Friessen’s story of love and support of one another was admirable reading…”★★★★★ Mary A., Kindle Customer
“What a rollercoaster these three books are with Katy and Steven!…Thank God for family.” ★★★★★ PaPackrat, Kindle Customer
*Please be sure to check price before downloading as some retailers may be delayed in reflecting the sales price.
Now Available
AND THEN SHE WAS GONE, Book 12 in The O’Connells romantic suspense series, is now sold everywhere!
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
“Gritty, intriguing and enthralling…The mystery surrounding Brady’s fiancée is intriguing, full of twists and turns and another catalyst to unite the family for a common cause. I can’t wait to read more about this admirable family!” ★★★★★ Rebmay, Amazon Canada Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing your place.
This week’s blog was supposed to continue with everything autism, but with all the craziness and stress going on everywhere in the world right now regardless of which country you live in, it seems everyone needs something much lighter. So I wanted to talk about the morning after.
No, I’m not talking about the mornings you need to grab your clothes and sneak out, asking yourself, What was I thinking? I’m talking about the morning after I finish writing a book, having met the crazy deadline that has me writing and working late hours while promotions and ads and social media suck up every free moment, leaving me with not enough sleep. Still, because I’m a morning person, I’m not kidding when I say my favorite part of the day is before the sun comes up. This time of year, because the temperature has dropped, I head outside in those heavy, super-comfortable and warm fleece pajamas and a housecoat, with a wool hat and gloves and boots. That’s where I want to be first thing in the morning with my coffee.
There’s one thing I will never live without, and that’s my first morning coffee and a sunrise. They just go together, with the peace and quiet of the morning and no one around. Yes, even on a few hours’ sleep, I’m not giving up that precious crack of dawn. Morning is my time, and my kids know well how much I love this part of the day.
But what happens when you don’t get enough sleep?
One particular morning, I was dressed in really warm pajama gear, with boots, sitting on my back deck, which overlooks the forest. My cat often follows me out, because apparently he is a morning cat. I was sitting there, enjoying my coffee and the quiet. It was still dark, but the sun would start edging up anytime. Then I heard the cat take off, his claws digging into the wooden deck with the kind of scrape I’d never heard him make. He had never taken off that fast before!
I glanced over, not that I could see him in the darkness, because he’s black and had likely fled around the corner of the house by then. I went back to my coffee—which, by the way, was really good. Then I thought I saw something, a movement out of my peripheral, coming towards me. But it was still dark, and remember, I was functioning on fumes, having gotten only a few hours’ sleep.
It was coming closer still, and I realized it was big and black. A badger? I was still sitting there on my deck, which isn’t very big, only one step off to a big grassy area, with no railing on that open side. What the hell is a badger, anyway? I asked myself. I don’t think I know what they look like. Do they even exist in my part of the world?
The thing was coming closer, like a shadow in the dark. The sun needed another five or ten minutes to start creeping up and providing that hint of light, which is really amazing with coffee. Then it was so close, maybe ten feet from where I was sitting, loping, and it was right there. It was then that my brain decided to connect and wake up. I sucked in a breath, the panic hit me, and an alarm went off in my head. Oh, shit—a bear!
A few choice words slipped out as I dropped my coffee, leaped out of that chair, and jumped off the deck, running the other way around the corner of the house—all the things you’re not supposed to do. But there was my cat by the sliding glass door, and we both went in.
“Do you think you could’ve given me a heads up?” I said.
Of course, he didn’t answer.
After my heart went back to normal, I had a good laugh, and as I woke up my kids, I told myself I needed to start getting some more sleep.
99Cent Sale
For a limited time, you can pick up Book 2 in The O’Connells series for just 99cents!
When dispatcher Charlotte Roy passes along a call to bad-boy deputy Marcus O’Connell, they learn a six-year-old child is in danger. Can they save the girl from a desperate situation?
“An Intense Page Turner…a fast-paced story that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you involved from start to finish.” ★★★★★ Catlou, Amazon Reviewer
“…hearbreaking, painful, sad, suspenseful, and ultimately hopeful. It touched accurately on so many subjects that are currently at the forefront of society. A lot of bang for your buck…” ★★★★★ JigsawGirl, Amazon Reviewer
The newest addition to The O’Connells sereis, AND THEN SHE WAS GONE (Book 12), is now available everywhere!
“This is another exciting and mysterious tale in the O’Connell Clan saga…Each book in this series is its own roller coaster ride of emotions, challenges, and strong family values, which will keep you turning pages late into the night, but I can guarantee that any loss of sleep is well worth it!” ★★★★★ Catlou, Amazon Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know…if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing your place.
See why readers worldwide have fallen in love with the Friessens! For a limited time, you can pick up THE FRIESSENS, BOOKS 1-5 BOXED SET for just $2.99. This five-book set features full-length novels from the big family romance series including The Reunion, The Bloodline, The Promise, The Business Plan and The Decision.
“Fantastic Series. Just can’t get enough of this family. Their lives and marriages aren’t perfect, but they more than make up for it with their love.” ★★★★★ Mary Rhonda M., Kindle Customer
*Please be sure to check price before downloading as some retailers may be delayed in reflecting the sales price.
Now for Presale
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
Six months ago, Brady’s true love, Cassie Arnold, walked into his hometown and his life. Everything was perfect, including their plans for their upcoming wedding—but one night, when he came home, Cassie was gone.
How could she just vanish?
Brady turns to his sheriff brother, Marcus O’Connell, and is stunned by what he discovers. Not only is there no trace of her, but it’s as if she never existed.
As they dig deeper into the days before Cassie vanished, Brady is stunned to learn of a series of mysterious phone calls, and he realizes his bride-to-be and her seemingly perfect smile were hiding dark secrets, including an unsolved murder at her family’s cabin in a hometown he’s never heard of.
Brady soon suspects that to find Cassie, he may also have to figure out what really happened the night of the murder—and why Cassie kept it all a secret.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing your place.
Every child with autism deserves to have an education.
Many of you have followed my son’s progress over the years from what I’ve shared of the milestones and success he has achieved and the happy young man he’s become. But what many don’t realize is the obstacles that society creates for our kids, for parents with a child with autism where it seems that everything is a fight when it shouldn’t be.
As I think back to my son where he was diagnosed at the age of five after long waitlists and countless hours and doctors who didn’t understand what autism is, some who said they did but didn’t really, and a system that is so backlogged and flawed with really long waitlists. My son was unable to speak, function, and play with typical children. I was fortunate at the time to have been given the name of a parent who had successfully navigated and pioneered early intervention for her child. I was then introduced to a group of parents with autistic children who were all doing early intervention, and they helped me navigate a very broken and frustrating system and get the help my son needed. Every parent needs that help, that blueprint and map so that they aren’t having to start at ground zero and be preyed upon by those out there who really do prey upon the vulnerability of these very desperate parents.
My son is now a young man in his early twenties and has been active in an ongoing intervention program, social skills programs, and problem solving. And these programs can never end. In the beginning everything he did had to be taught from how to hold a pencil, write his name, read, use the bathroom by himself, make his bed, put on clothes, make a sandwich, and manage basic life skills, such as counting simple numbers, that come to many of us easily. And for him learning basic life skills had him working ten, twenty times harder than you and I. He’s also been taught how to follow instructions, and then there is that simple thing that comes natural to all of us and that is to smile.
These may seem like simple things, but they are not simple to a child who can’t respond to his mother, hug her, or be in a room with other kids—to a child who screams in public and who is a social misfit, unable to be included in school and activities. Mastering skills such as tying his shoes, drawing a picture, sitting with other kids, saying hi, and learning to look at someone, these skills that our average typical kids pick up easily, our autistic kids do not. But at the same time every autistic child is different, from their skill level, how they can learn, to behaviors, and understanding that it is not one way only model of teaching, because when you’ve met one autistic child or adult, you’ve met one. And how to teach that one, isn’t going to be the same as the other child over there. One shoe fits all teaching is something that has been and is an ongoing problem and does not work.
What many don’t realize is what parents go through just trying to obtain medically necessary treatment. The roadblocks that tossed in their way and I remember well, having to advocate and talk to way too many politicians, career and elected. And one of them who didn’t understand any of the issues, problems or what the big deal was said to me yes there is a heavy cost to parents, and governments should provide help, but at the same time they shouldn’t provide all the financial support for services needed, this cost should also be picked up by parents, shared by parents. But every parent out there whose had to navigate the system understands well you have to get past that worry that hits you when your looking at a bill for a one-time visit of over $3000.00 to help your kid, and understand that professional consultants who really know what their doing and are going to help your child are really really expensive. You have to come up with that money to pay for help for your child every month. And that doesn’t include costs for the support workers who are an integral part of the team. These support workers have to be trained by a behavioral consultant, your consultant, so they can act as more than just babysitters, instead contributing to your child’s success. All the success my son has today is thanks to the foundation of support from his early intervention team that as I look back I wonder at times how I did it? But I did and with anything that is challenging, it is one foot in front of the other.
What does intervention consist of? It includes full-time support from a team of workers who are constantly teaching a child the ongoing program outlined by your behavioral consultant. Your child should be making progress that is measured and you can track, and at the same time this never ends, this is like going to school forever. Every skill my son needs to be able to function in society and keep him safe has to be taught. What happens to our young adults with autism who don’t have ongoing intervention and support? Their outcome is bleak and consists of isolation. Eventually, they are stuck someplace out of sight, out of mind—and that is not a life for anyone.
Next week I’ll continue this series that focuses just on autism, services and the navigating a system.
Now for Presale
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
Six months ago, Brady’s true love, Cassie Arnold, walked into his hometown and his life. Everything was perfect, including their plans for their upcoming wedding—but one night, when he came home, Cassie was gone.
How could she just vanish?
Brady turns to his sheriff brother, Marcus O’Connell, and is stunned by what he discovers. Not only is there no trace of her, but it’s as if she never existed.
As they dig deeper into the days before Cassie vanished, Brady is stunned to learn of a series of mysterious phone calls, and he realizes his bride-to-be and her seemingly perfect smile were hiding dark secrets, including an unsolved murder at her family’s cabin in a hometown he’s never heard of.
Brady soon suspects that to find Cassie, he may also have to figure out what really happened the night of the murder—and why Cassie kept it all a secret.
Get a FREE Audible copy of A JUNE WEDDING in exchange for your honest online review!If you’d like to receive your free reviewer’s copy, please e-mail me at LorhainneEckhart.LE@gmail.com and be sure to indicate whether you need a US or UK code. Reviews must be posted to Audible by November 9th. Thank you for your consideration and happy listening!
“A funny, troubled, complicated, and heartwarming storyline that will keep you reading till the end. This family saga is a very entertaining read. You will want to read the whole series!” ★★★★★ Susan1, Kindle Customer
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, DON’T STOP ME (The McCabe Brothers, Book 1).
Fifteen years ago, Vic McCabe was headed down a one-way road to destruction with the love of his life. But then the unthinkable happened, a mistake that changed their lives forever…
“Vic and Fiona’s story is packed with drama, humor, sex and suspense. I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book and look forward to reading more…” ~ Deb D., Amazon Reviewer
It’s the final week to pick up Amazon #1 category bestseller THE FRIESSENS: BOOKS 19-21 BOXED SET for just 99cents! This three-book collection features stories of young love, heartbreak and making a relationship work and includes I’ll Always Love You, Ground Rules and A Reason to Breathe. Sale ends 10/31/20.
When a one-night stand from years ago comes back to town, Jeremy meets the son he never knew he had… Meanwhile, Trevor feels like he can’t fit in — until he encounters a woman who understands him in ways he never thought possible. A captivating box set!
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Get your FREE eBook or Audible copy of THE PROMISE (The Friessens, Book 3) in exchange for an honest online review! E-mail me at LorhainneEckhart.LE@gmail.com to request your preferred format. All reviews must be posted by 11/12/20. Thank you for your support!
“Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book…So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family. This was an amazing read.” ★★★★★ Lora W., Amazon Reviewer
Coming Soon
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
Six months ago, Brady’s true love, Cassie Arnold, walked into his hometown and his life. Everything was perfect, including their plans for their upcoming wedding—but one night, when he came home, Cassie was gone.
How could she just vanish?
Brady turns to his sheriff brother, Marcus O’Connell, and is stunned by what he discovers. Not only is there no trace of her, but it’s as if she never existed.
As they dig deeper into the days before Cassie vanished, Brady is stunned to learn of a series of mysterious phone calls, and he realizes his bride-to-be and her seemingly perfect smile were hiding dark secrets, including an unsolved murder at her family’s cabin in a hometown he’s never heard of.
Brady soon suspects that to find Cassie, he may also have to figure out what really happened the night of the murder—and why Cassie kept it all a secret.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook!
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
