The House on Mountain Laurel Lane
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 18
- 9 min read
Gold Creek #2
By: Eileen Goudge
Narrator: Rosanna Pilcher
Brilliance Audio
ISBN: 9781662518140
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: 11/11/2025
Format: Paperback, e-book, audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
A widow and mom of two struggles to let go of the past and embrace the future in a powerful novel about friendship, love, and taking risks by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.
Ever since her husband Sean’s death, Jo Myers just can’t move on. Until she receives a video Sean made during his final days, urging her to find happiness after he’s gone. Jolted from her rut, she embarks on a journey forward.
Her first step is buying a house she and her daughters can call home. Framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, it’s the very house she and Sean dreamed of owning together one day. It comes with a kindly and elderly resident lodger and an opportunity to make new memories. Jo even dips her toes into the dating pool. With the support of her friends, who call themselves the Tattooed Ladies, she is determined to honor her husband’s last wish. Even as reality comes crashing down again.
When everything she holds dear is threatened, Jo draws on her newfound strength and the power of friendship to finally find her way to the other side of grief and embrace whatever the future may hold.
About the Author
Eileen Goudge is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels, including Garden of Lies, One Last Dance, and All They Need to Know. Together, they have sold over six million copies worldwide. Eileen draws from her own experiences in writing women’s fiction, exploring recurring themes of sisterhood/friendship bonds, the joys and heartaches of romance, and reversals of fortune. Eileen got her start as a ghostwriter for the popular teen series Sweet Valley High, which spawned multiple spin-offs and a TV show. Between cooking up plots for her novels, Eileen can often be found in her kitchen kneading bread or rolling out pie dough. In 2005 she published a cookbook, Something Warm from the Oven, filled with family recipes and recipes contributed by readers.
She lives with her husband, Sandy Kenyon, the former entertainment reporter and film critic for New York City’s WABC-TV, in the 1940s home they remodeled in Sacramento, California. For more information, visit www.eileengoudge.com.
GOLD CREEK SERIES
THE HOUSE ON MOUNTAIN LAUREL LANE #2
ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW #2
Exceptional Authors.
Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
Behind the Book & the Author
INTRIGUING QUESTIONS. INQUIRING READERS WANT TO KNOW.
Welcome to the November 2025 edition (3 of 4) of our #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats, part of the #AuthorElevatorSeries! We're thrilled to have back with us the incredibly talented New York Times bestselling author, Eileen Goudge—one of my long-time favorites.
She’ll be sharing insights into her captivating Gold Creek Series, featuring our beloved Tattooed Ladies in the upcoming release, #2 THE HOUSE ON MOUNTAIN LAUREL LANE, available on November 11th in paperback, e-book, and audio formats.
Join us for an exciting journey as we dive into the details of the book, the series, and the brilliance of this literary superstar!
Welcome, Eileen!
Behind the 📘Book
Q. Give us your best ELEVATOR PITCH for your new book (series).
A message from beyond the grave prompts a grieving widow to embark on a life-changing journey.
Q. DESCRIBE your novel in three words or less.
Love after loss.
Q. TOPICS: Name 1-3 topics or themes addressed in the novel?
~Recovering from grief.
~The power of friendship.
~Second chance at love.
Q. SETTING: Describe book setting and time
The setting is the fictional town of Gold Creek, California.
The time period is contemporary.
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things readers may (or may not) know about your book or series.
1) The first series I wrote for was “Sweet Valley High” when I was starting out as a writer. I was the ghost writer for 5 of the first 12 titles, including Books #1 and #2.
2) I’m a pantser who plots in her head. My head is a busy place!
3) The characters of the Tattooed Ladies in my Gold Creek series are loosely inspired by my circle of writer friends. We call ourselves the Beach Babes because we used to meet annually for a long weekend at the beach.
Q. UPCOMING: Will there be more books in the series? (fingers crossed), or what is next?
I’m currently writing Book #3 of the series. My working title is “Before It’s Too Late” and the novel features Suzy, the fashionista grandma and Tattooed Lady from Books #1 and #2.
Behind the ✍🏻Author
Q. HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
Not counting my 34 YA titles, I’ve published 20 novels of adult fiction. This will be my 21st!
Q. A BOOK RECOMMENDATION.
I’m a fan of mysteries. My three favorite mystery series—“The Dogleg Island” mystery series; The Blood River” mystery series; and the “Raine Stockton” mystery series—were all written by the same author, Donna Ball, who also happens to be my critique partner (I promise I’m not biased).
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things that readers may (or may not) know about YOU, the author.
~I’m a baker in my free time. I published one cookbook, “Something Warm From the Oven.
~My favorite reality show is “The Great British Baking Show.”
~My love of dogs inspired the fictional pets of my Gold Creek series.
~Ranger, in “All They Need to Know,” is based on my samoyed-shepherd mixed-breed Ivan, the smartest dog I ever owned.
~Snickers, in “The House on Mountain Laurel Lane” is based on a chocolate Lab I once owned who lived to a ripe old age.
~I recently relocated from New York City to Sacramento, California, which is equidistant from the gold country I write about and my hometown of Woodside, CA, where I grew up.
Thank you, Eileen, for taking the time to join us today! You have certaintly made your fans very happy with this exciting news of the continuation of The Gold Creek Series. We’re eagerly anticipating the release of book #3!
Eileen Goudge is the bestselling author of numerous novels that have touched the hearts of readers worldwide. With her masterful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature, she creates characters that feel like old friends and stories that resonate long after the last page is turned.
Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have earned critical acclaim for their emotional depth and authentic portrayal of family dynamics, love, and the human spirit’s resilience.
Praise
“This straightforward tale of a woman taking back her power is a good fit for readers who appreciate a heartfelt story of romantic love and female friendship with a dollop of suspense in the vein of Nora Roberts’s Three Sisters Island trilogy.”
―Booklist
“An emotionally riveting read from start to finish.” ―Midwest Book Review
My Review
Eileen Goudge, a beloved New York Times bestselling author (favorite), returns to enchant readers once more with her 21st novel, THE HOUSE ON MOUNTAIN LARUREL LANE, the second installment in her acclaimed Gold Creek Series.
"Goudge’s captivating storytelling continues to inspire, inviting readers into the rich tapestry of the Gold Creek community, where the extraordinary Tattooed Ladies await with their myriad untold stories. The anticipation for more adventures in this series is palpable!"
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” — Matsuo Basho
In this latest installment, we reconnect with Kyra and the remarkable Tattooed Ladies, whom we first met in Gold Creek #1, All They Need to Know (2024). Kyra Smith, having escaped an abusive marriage, found solace and a fresh start among her new friends, the Tattooed Ladies.
THE HOUSE ON MOUNTAIN LAUREL LANE shifts the focus to Jo Myers, a new member of this vibrant community, and deepens the bonds of friendship and support that define the group.
Meet the Tattooed Ladies:
- Frannie: The nurturing tattoo artist who initially brought the women together.
- Suzy: A stylish grandmother (Cliff) and salon owner grappling with her estranged son.
- Marisol: The bookstore owner is longing for the kind of romance she sells in her shop, particularly with a man named Cal.
- Kyra: Now a sketch artist at the police station, she continues her healing journey alongside her loyal therapy dog, Ranger, and her new love interest, Coop.
- Jo Myers: The heart of The House on Mountain Laurel Lane, a wedding photographer navigating the profound grief of losing her husband, Sean.
About...
This poignant tale follows Jo, a mother of two young girls, Jess and Emma, paralyzed by grief two years after Sean’s battle with brain cancer. As their twelfth wedding anniversary approaches, Jo is confronted with the bittersweet memories of their life together.
In a heartfelt twist, Sean’s close friend, Reggie, delivers a poignant video message, urging Jo to seek happiness and love again—not just for herself, but for their daughters as well.
Inspired by Sean’s heartfelt words, Jo takes her first brave step forward by deciding to purchase the very house she and Sean had once dreamed of sharing with their family. This choice is a bittersweet yet hopeful leap into a new chapter of her life.
However, the house comes with an unexpected twist: an elderly man named Hank already resides in the downstairs apartment. Initially hesitant, Jo agrees to the arrangement, recognizing that his rent will help ease the financial burden of her mortgage. Hank soon becomes a cherished grandfather figure to her daughters and a steadfast friend to Jo.
Encouraged by Sean’s message and the unwavering support of her friends—the Tattooed Ladies—Jo tentatively opens herself up to the possibility of new love. But as she embarks on this journey, an unexpected crisis threatens to unravel her newfound peace, challenging everything she holds dear. Fortunately, her close-knit circle of friends rallies around her, providing the strength she needs to face this challenge.
Will Ian emerge as a new love interest for Jo? Did Sean send her Hank as a special companion, and how will the Tattooed Ladies play a role in her journey?
My Thoughts..
As a long-time fan who has devoured every word Goudge has penned, I am utterly captivated by this series and fervently hope it continues. The author, a masterful storyteller, beautifully weaves the unique struggles and journeys of each woman, creating a rich tapestry of resilience and empowerment.
Hank’s character is a delightful addition, embodying the compassionate mentor, hero, and father figure that Jo and her daughters desperately need. His warmth and wisdom are instrumental in Jo’s healing process, helping her embrace the future after her husband’s passing.
Once again, Jo and her daughters find strength in community, supported by their friends and Hank, as they face challenges while honoring Sean’s wishes for a new beginning. Jo learns to let go of her grief, opening herself to love, a new chapter, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This gripping narrative underscores the idea that family transcends blood relations, as Jo’s friends and Hank become her unwavering support system through life’s trials. Goudge’s storytelling prowess shines brightly, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
This captivating narrative, brimming with rich symbolism and intricate metaphors, stands out as an exceptional choice for book clubs seeking depth and discussion. Imagine the magic of this series unfolding on the big screen—what a spectacular visual experience that would be!
The name "Tattooed Ladies" resonates both literally and symbolically, representing not just a meeting place but the profound solidarity and unconventional strength of these women. Just as a tattoo leaves a lasting mark, each character bears the scars of life’s challenges, showcasing their resilience and authenticity.
Charming, witty, heartfelt, and utterly inspiring!
The audiobook experience...
I recently had the delightful experience of both reading the book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the incredibly talented Rosanna Pilcher. Her soothing and inviting voice instantly captivates, showcasing perfect pacing, passion, and enthusiasm. She masterfully embodies each character, delivering an engaging and immersive performance that truly brings the story to life.
My Recommendations...
This Gold Creek series is a treasure for devoted fans of Goudge and those who revel in themes of healing, risk-taking, and embracing the future after profound loss, all while enjoying a touch of romance at any age. For readers who cherish uplifting tales of friendship, community, and empowerment, this series is a must-read.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this remarkable series, and I urge you to explore her extensive backlist and cookbook. It’s a true gem waiting to be discovered. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for the recommendation later!
Fans of Donna Ball’s Ladybug Farms will undoubtedly fall in love with the Tattooed Ladies, as well as those who enjoy the works of Jessica Strawser, Rochelle B. Weinstein, Susan Wiggs, Kristin Hannah, Sherryl Woods, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and uplifting storytelling reminiscent of Hallmark movies and series like Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing, and Chesapeake Shores.
Interview...
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog feature, #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat, with Eileen! Join us on November 11, pub day, to dive deeper into her book, the series, and the incredible journey of this talented author. You won't want to miss it!
Many thanks to the author, Lake Union, and Netgalley for providing a paperback and digital advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. #CoverLove
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 11, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
