GINA: THE BONSAI GIRL

COLLEEN AND THE STATUE: A SOLDIER’S REDEMPTION

“Gina: The Bonsai Girl describes post-WWII issues encountered by the blended Grath family and how they dealt with them. The setting is a 1950s West Texas town where Jim Crow laws and the KKK are a threatening presence. Acceptance, necessity, hardship, and camaraderie are woven into a picture of what is possible when people share skills and insights to rise above ingrained ideas and prejudices. It is a lucid, informative read which addresses issues still current today and provides suggestions on how to deal with them. Personally, I loved the metaphor about the flowers. To paraphrase—from the plainest to the most exotic they all contribute to the big picture.”

- Sharon Moylan, Amarillo, Texas

“What strange and challenging times we live in now.  This fifth novel in the Once Upon a Time in the Texas Panhandle series by Larry Nicholl echoes certain current US events in creative and inviting ways.  Colleen and the Statue is most timely, even though set primarily in the 1950's and ranging back in time to the pre Civil War South, as well as the Civil War itself.

“Founded on Irish teenager Colleen Johnston's interactions in 1955 with a Confederate soldier's statue in a Texas public park, it thereby ties directly into the continuing heated struggle to remove such pervasive monuments across the USA, and especially in the old Confederate States.  Because it looks so directly at American slavery and the continuing legacy of problems stemming from it and the Civil War it fostered, the novel also ties directly into the powerful Black Lives Matter movement that is at the forefront of the news right now, and seems likely to stay there.

“Colleen and the other young people give the plot several romantic strands that catch and hold the readers' attention as characters move from Ireland and Texas, and to other places.  Nicholl is a thoughtful guide, though, and takes us through time and space with consideration and care.  Those who have read earlier works in the series may notice how he has grown as a novelist and writer, so now he not only entertains but also educates--history, theology, sociology and other thoughtful elements support the story lines without being intrusive.

“Those who like historical novels with inviting young romantic characters will certainly enjoy this fresh new one.”

- Professor james robert

LITTLE ALICE LANDERGIN

"Finished the newest novel of your series, and really enjoyed it.  I especially liked the multi-cultural elements that pervaded it. And of course Little Alice is the most entertaining lively talker--Amen! Congratulations on your success! I can't wait to read the next one in the series."

- Professor james robert

"I’ve read all three of your books and really enjoyed them. They are all different as you mentioned! I read mostly at night before I go to sleep. I looked forward to finding out what happened with Tayla (and her interesting aunt!), Little Alice and her new life with her aunt and family, and finally, Beth and Silas.”

- Stephanie ramireZ

TAYLA OF THE GOLDEN SPREAD

"I looked up the name Tayla and found that it has a spiritual meaning - gifted. In this book, Tayla put all of her gifts to good use and in the end rose above the abject poverty of her environment. Tayla of the Golden Spread captures the culture of poverty in mid 20th century West Texas. It illustrates the strength of character necessary to survive and succeed in that culture. 

The book is a delightful page turner. It is funny, at times sad, with a spirit of optimism pervading the entire volume."

- Sharon Moylan

"This is a great book. The chapters are short and sweet, so you can read it quickly and enjoy it. This is a perfect book for sitting at home, in bed, drinking some tea/coffee and lounging."

- SARA CHRISTINE

"I loved the romance. All of the characters seem like people that I know or would like to. That is the essence of a great story... enjoy."

- LAURIE NELSON

"I just finished reading Tayla of the Golden Spread. I enjoyed the unique setting and plot.  I connected with the book because I grew up in southeastern Idaho which is a big producer of wheat in addition to potatoes.  Wheat combines, tractors, pickup trucks, big barns, and Airstream trailers were common sights in my hometown of Pocatello which is in the Snake River Valley. All in all I enjoyed how the characters grew in a positive way throughout the book.  Job well done, Larry!  You have a talent for writing."

- cindy borer, virginia women's book club reader

 "This novel is wonderful.... it combines interesting characters who have complex relationships in a historical setting that brings you into a magical new world."

- WILLIAM EAGER

“I enjoyed this book of a child who became an adult much too soon. Her main attribute would be Courage. She had a choice of a path: her father’s or her own. And she chose her own to follow. If you love Texas and if you love love, you’ll love this book and the determination to succeed that Mama Tayla had. “

- V. Taylor

TAMMIE'S DESTINY

GLENRIO: MARTA MARIA’S TALES FROM TWO CITIES

“A story of young love set in the class-conscious, racist, oil rich, cattle ranching culture of West Texas in the 1950s. The novel is a tale of how Grant Gibbons and Tammie Velarde overcome obstacles and intrigues designed to keep them apart. Despite attempts to separate them by Grant’s father, the couple’s love never wavers. Instead, it is Grant’s father, Ted, who is impacted by their love story. From determined, ambitious businessman, Ted evolves into a more decent, insightful, stronger more likeable character by the novel’s end.”

“The one character that emerges from the book with few redeeming qualities is Helen Gibbons. She is content acting the part of a trophy wife. She doesn’t help Ted when he needs her support. Helen abandons that task to her son, Grant. One feels sorry for her because her first son, Will, dies from alcoholism and the other son, Harry, suffers from mental illness. Yet her story is not tragic because she seems to lack intensity of feeling. For Helen, life happens without her participation or enthusiasm. One can only wonder what affect her apathy had on the rest of the Grant family.”

- Sharon Moylan

“A post-WWII story about a disillusioned Korean war hero, Colm O’ Gorman who falls in love with Marta Maria. As these two characters build a future for themselves by operating the Santa Rosa Cafe they encounter the issues of racial prejudice, class distinction, and poverty. Although civil rights legislation is emerging at this time in the larger culture, Marta Maria and Colm resolve these issues in their own way of acceptance towards others and a blending of dissimilar traditions. These characters’ lives were shattered by the dreadful impact of war, but together they managed to recover and build new lives through the impact of love.”

“These novels incorporate a lot of historical background which adds to the storyline so they are instructive as well as entertaining. Most of the characters in the novel work together to contribute to the success of their dreams for a bright and truly inspiring future.”

- SHARON MOYLAN

“These books tell intriguing stories about the Texas Panhandles historical and cultural history. Each novel focuses the reader into another area to explore and enjoy through the eyes of romantic couples.”

- Mary Hoch

“The romance novel Glenrio: Marta Maria’s Tales from Two Cities was a delightful read. The author, Larry Nicholl, does a great job addressing the racial issues of the time in a creative way that does not compromise the love story of Marta Maria and Colm. The story itself is intriguing, but I particularly enjoyed the likable main characters. Marta Maria is strong-willed, yet a compassionate woman with just the right amount of boldness needed to tackle the highs and lows of her marriage. Through his writings, Nicholl is able to express a young man who has experienced the trauma of war and what he might be thinking and feeling upon returning home. Colm is an easy-going man who is inclusive to all who arrive in the town of Glenrio and seeks an escape from the inequality of legalized racial segregation. Marta Maria and Colm’s complex bond with the lingering pain of their past relationships made for a lovely and heartwarming read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.”

- Marina Tansley

“This novel was a truly inspiring and eye-opening read. I found myself captivated, always wanting to know what would happen next or get to know each new character as well as their backstory. The author, Larry Nicholl, does a wonderful job of shedding light on topics like racism, PTSD, war, love, and family. Throughout the book, I got a better understanding of the main characters Colm O’Gorman and Marta Maria Trujillo. Their love for each other was one that I had never seen and felt in any other novel I had read before. Anyone who walked through the Santa Rosa Café doors was helped in some way that made a massive impact on their lives. This story also helped me learn a lot about myself and well as the world around me. Everything I was ever taught in my life might not be the same as someone else and I realized that many different people come from very different backgrounds. I start to question events that happen in my life and wonder if they are truly meant to be or are just pure coincidence. I feel this novel does a great job of showing how love and family can bring people together, creating a bond that I will never take for granted. I am so deeply moved by this story and I can’t wait for the next volume in the series.”

- Sofia Lopez