KAYLIN'S BACKGROUND:

For the past twenty years, Kaylin has worked in PR and marketing for her family-owned conglomerate, the Yoshida Group, which consists of eighteen diverse corporations. She was appointed as one of nine commissioners to the Oregon Arts Commission by Governor Kitzhaber while working as the director of a nationally-acclaimed art gallery in Portland, Oregon. Under her guidance, numerous visual artists gained recognition through exhibitions and exposure in national publications. Eager to spread her own creative wings, she has since steered her energy toward writing novels. As a result, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards and was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest.

Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various charitable and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

KAYLIN'S CAUSE:

After experiencing a tramatic death in her family sixteen years ago, Kaylin wrote her first novel, Flaherty's Crossing, which was published in February 2010 by Champagne Books. 100% of her proceeds from the sale of this novel have been earmarked for cancer research.

With this in mind, Kaylin has joined forces with Fred Meyer stores and Providence Medical Foundation of Portland, Oregon to bring an end to the devastating effects of colon cancer. You have an opportunity to be part of this tremendous life-changing effort by purchasing copies of Flaherty's Crossing. Please open your hearts and let's find a way to end this threat in our lifetime. Sign up on Kaylin's growing email list today! 

http://www.kayinmcfarren.com
http://www.soulfulgiving.org

PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEW by AuthorsDen:

Flaherty's Crossing
by Kaylin McFarren
Champagne Books
ISBN: 978-1-926681-19-1
February 2010
 
Taut Romantic Thriller!

For as long as she can remember Kate Flaherty's felt abandoned and unloved. First by her mother, then her often-absent trucker father and finally by her mother's cold sister who came to raise her. Emotionally shut down, yet living on hair trigger reactions, Kate now stands at her father's deathbed in his cabin on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.
 
While the hospice nurse bustles about offering practiced comfort, Kate's dad, in a morphine haze, murmurs fragments of memories and then clearly utters his regret at causing her mother's death so long ago.
 
Hounded by feelings she's been stifling ever since, Kate flees for her home and her over-worked lawyer husband. Driving too fast through the forest, she's leaving a message on Drew's cellphone when she crashes off the road. Awakening in the dark, she stumbles on in search of a phone at a half-remembered diner across the bridge and over the rail tracks where the lone, strangely familiar cook's intrusive conversation forces her to realize that her marriage has been falling apart almost from the beginning.
 
Now this safe haven and the creepy cook begin to feel threatening and, as she's always done, Kate flees again, back to her life which while materially successful is empty of faith, love & trust.
 
When Drew follows Kate's directions left on his phone he finds her stunned beside her wrecked car. The tension between husband and wife is palpable. Neither able to articulate what's troubling them, their needs nor how they can help each other.
 
Most of us haven't a clue what our parents' lives were like before we came along, and so it is when Kate and Drew go through her father's papers while taking care of his funeral arrangements. They uncover far-flung friends he never mentioned and stories that bring Kate's parents to life, and in doing these necessary tasks together they find a measure of forgiveness & reconciliation.
 
Kaylin McFarren has written a well thought out taut internal romantic thriller with something to say about how unresolved childhood trauma will come out sideways, thwarting any chance of a healthy present.  All the way through Flaherty's Crossing I kept muttering "Get thee to a therapist!" Except had Kate done so there wouldn't be this page-turner, right? 

-Rebecca J. Brown

ADDITONAL REVIEWS:

SEVERED THREADS:

“Kaylin McFarren's latest novel is a fast-paced mixture of romance, mystery and adventure, with more than a dash of the paranormal tossed in for good measure. It's also provides the reader an exciting introduction into the worlds of deep sea diving, treasure hunting and Far Eastern vs. Western culture. Readers will quickly be drawn in by multiple plot lines that intertwine and ultimately lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Crisp writing and sparkling dialogue that will hold the interest of any reader who enjoys a good mystery story that's well told.” • MARK GARBER, President, Portland Tribune

"An intriguing tale of mystery, deception and murder." • REBECCA READS, Austin, Texas

 "Sizzling adventure awaits in this wonderfully fresh story from Kaylin McFarren." • RHONDA POLLERO, USA Today bestselling author

 “I found this book to be chock full of suspense, twist and turns – with the reader never quite knowing who was the good guy, and who was the bad. Highly recommended!” • CHRISTINE WATSON, Reader Views

“Severed Threads” takes the reader on a great adventure – one I would personally rather read about than experience in real life! I totally enjoyed being held captive on the edge of my seat while the characters’ drama plays out. The additional touch of having an ancient legend and a ghost be involved in the story made it even more compelling to read. I highly recommend this story for people who enjoy romance and suspense. The author Kaylin McFarren will not let you down! I look forward to future stories in this series. • PAIGE LOVITT, Reader Views

“This sizzling romantic adventure is not only made for the Big Screen, but will have romantic lovers craving for more! This First book in a series is a gem in itself as the author creates a suspenseful love story that's packed with action, genuine characters, and is rich in history. Kaylin McFarren's expertise in traveling the world to exotic places, combined with her interest in treasure seekers, and her fascination with the under-sea world shines through in her unique writing style. "SEVERED THREADS" is as entertaining as THE BODY GUARD, as thrilling as PRESUMED INNOCENT, and as clever as BASIC INSTINCT. Highly recommended to all romantic suspense lovers!” • GERI AHEARNS, Book Reviews

“This book had me hooked from the first page, with the descriptive texts of each individual along with why they want to find the treasure for their own needs but how this is affected by outside factors and their reactions to this, really gets the reader involved.  The writing is first class and very clever and along with the short chapters makes this book very enjoyable and easy to follow, although you may find it very difficult to put down so be warned.” – 5 Birds •  SHARON MARTIN BECK VALLEY BOOKS

(Four Stars) "A very enjoyable read for a lazy afternoon or a long hot bubble bath. This book will wrap you up and not let you go. Even after reading the last paragraph on the last page you are begging for the story to continue. You'll want to pick up your copy today because you don't want to miss this story!" • Story of a Girl Reviews

“SEVERED THREADS is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat and diving for more.” • Faery Book Reviews

“When you start reading a book and you immediately start picturing actors as the characters, you know it's probably going to be a decent read (hint: Matthew McConaughey, Amy Adams, Pierce Brosnan)! Like the ocean, the story ebbs and flows, between high action and slower back story. This equals a satisfying read, the included sailing history will have you running to your smart phone to check facts, and leave you wanting to go to your local maritime museum! The book is fast-paced (I read it in 2 sittings!) and the perfect mixture of history, mystery and romance, with enough twists and turns to keep you fascinated to the end. Which by the way screams for a sequel! I hope the book does get picked up for a movie, as I think it would be very enjoyable too!” •  Bless Their Hearts Mom - Book Reviews 

FLAHERTY'S CROSSING:

"If you are looking for a novel with that little bit of difference, then I would heartily recommend this book."• Orchid, Long and Short Reviews

"Brimming with witty repartee, well-drawn characters, creativity, imagination, plot twists, a few surprises and a bit of the paranormal, this story is unforgettable." • Dottie, Romance Junkies

"Flaherty's Crossing is an inspirational story that cannot be missed. Kaylin teaches us that through the darkness and confusion there will always be light at the end of the tunnel." • The Pen and Muse

"A skillfully wrought tale." • Kirkus Discoveries

"Beautifully written, heart wrenching yet inspirational, this is a 'must read' for anyone who has loved and lost." • Elizabeth Joy Arnold, USA Today bestselling author of Pieces of My Sister's Life

"Suspenseful, poignant and ultimately soul-satisfying, this life-affirming tale of shattering secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss it!" • Joy Nash, USA Today bestselling author of Deep Magic

"A superb novel bearing a message not easily forgotten." • Angela Fox, Publisher of OregonCity News/Clackamas Review

"Flaherty's Crossing is an inspirational story about learning to let go and love fully for the sake of love.”• Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

"For anyone who has loved immensely and faced a painful loss, this book is a bridge to healing, forgiveness and an open heart." • Regina Ellis, Founder, CEO The Children's Cancer Association

"A brilliant exploration of women's fiction." • Aubrie Dionne, SynergEbooks