The Eagle and the Lion: A Strange Turn of Fortune (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781543465693)

This is Laurel's fourth book and first novel. She self published three cookbooks, one of which is a partial collection of her mother's, grandmothers' and aunts' recipes throughout the years. This is especially poignant as her mother sudden passed away last year and now her collection is finite. Laurel plans to publish (in her mother's name) a collection of recipes that her mother was developing. Laurel is now one of her widowed father's caregivers. In her spare time, she spends time with her golden retriever, Sofie, gardens, rides horses, and raises orchid cactuses. She eventually wants to cross a couple of roses and to do more travelling. On her bucket list is a visit to New England in the fall, to visit Prague and the Hermitage in St. Peter's and the Vatican. Family and friends are a very important part of her life. She was heavily involved in local politics but is now taking a break from it for a while. A lifelong voracious reader, Laurel credits the husband of her father's cousin, Allen Cook, the author of many books himself, with getting her started in writing. Mr. Cook recently published a book about his wife, Bonny, who was a pioneer in shattering the glass ceiling in a time when women were not at in executive positions in the IT industry. This first novel started out as a single edition but the story has now blossomed into what will become a series of books based upon the life adventures of John and Anne Hamilton, their families and friends. This is the first of the many adventures, trials and tribulations, and blessings they will encounter over the years. Laurel lives in northern California wine country and has a degree in Computer Science, an MBA from the University of Phoenix as well as a certification in a related field.