Mother and daughter authors

BY FRANK DROUZAS, Staff Writer

LARGO — For authors Louise Newton-Kerr and Lorna Moore, it truly is all in the family.

The mother-daughter duo will be signing copies of their new historical fiction novel “Unspoken Secrets and Quiet Whispers” (Tate Publishing) at Book Bank, 13002 Seminole Blvd in Largo on Sat., Nov. 7 from 1-2 p.m.

The work, which daughter Moore said is inspired by a true story, spans hundreds of years from the 18th century all the way through to the 20th century.

“It tells of a family starting from Ireland and then they go to Louisiana, and from that point they’re wanting want to get back to their roots, which is in Georgia,” Moore explained. “Then the family has to deal with certain situations that will test their faith and moral judgment.”

As you make your way through the plot and the dilemmas of three generations, you’ll be inclined to question yourself and wonder, ‘What would I have done different?’ in certain situations the characters face, said Moore, who added there’s a central mystery in the story.

“It’s an enjoyable read,” Moore said. “It gets right to the point.”

Rich with historical background, the book can transport readers back to a time when people worked the land for food and sharecropping was a way of life for some, Moore said. The idea for “Unspoken Secrets and Quiet Whispers” came to the mother-daughter team when they were researching their own family background.

“It was genealogy research that really pushed us toward writing the book,” admitted Moore, a Clearwater resident.

Though this is their first collaborative novel, Newton-Kerr has been writing poetry since the age of 16 and Moore has penned inspirational short stories. Moore counts Maya Angelou and local author Barbara Sorey-Love as writers she admires.

How rewarding was it for the duo to complete their own book?

“For my mother, it gave her a relief!” said Moore, who simply loved the gratification of telling the story and having all their hard work culminate in a completed book. “It gives you a good feeling!”

An additional book singing is also scheduled Nov. 14 at The Haus Coffee Shop, located at 3690 East Bay Dr., Largo at 2 p.m.

To reach Frank Drouzas, email fdrouzas@theweeklychallenger.com