Linked Lives: A Memoir of an Extraordinary 40-Year Friendship

by Bonny Brookes

Winner of the 2014 Beverly Hills International Book Awards relationship category, Linked Lives is the kind of book that leaves a reader feeling better for having read it. If you've ever had a friend who knew all your secrets, a friend you could call and pick-up the conversation from wherever you left off (whether it'd been a day or a decade since the last time you spoke), then you'll be riveted by the journey two women take through life as they face incredible adversity, devastating poverty, family struggles, losses through illness and death, and betrayals in love that forms a rock-solid, forty-year friendship never to be forgotten.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2013

About the author

Bonny spent her earliest years near the banks of the Mighty Mississippi in Iowa, and later on near Saginaw Bay in Michigan. Since graduating from CMU, she's lived in Texas, California and New Mexico. For now, she lives in the hill country of central Texas. Inspired by the wildlife and gorgeous vista of hills, water and daily sunsets, she writes inspirational stories hoping to help others overcome adversity and insurmountable odds.

Over the years she has served as a yearbook editor, newsletter copwriter/designer/editor, news writer and advertising copywriter. Some of her work has found its way into magazines and newspapers and over the airwaves.

Early in 2013, a life-altering event prompted her to start writing the stories that had been floating around in her head for over twenty years.

When not writing, Bonny cuddles with her finicky felines, visits with her daughter via Facebook or phone, travels, water skis, plays piano or guitar, reads and photographs nature and wildlife.

Reviews

[Lori Tomkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!! I couldn't put it down!! Up until 3:00 a.m. so I could finish it. I never realized you lived such a hard life.

[Linda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been said you’re stuck with family, but have the privilege of choosing your friends. And when friendships last for decades, “till death do us part,” they are more precious than gold. Such is the story Brookes shares in Linked Lives, her tribute to her best friend of 40 years, Lori. I fell in love with both these gals. I shared their laughter, their tears, their ups and downs as they traveled through this journey called life. While Lori’s life ended way too early, their shared memories are what Bonny wanted to relay to Lori’s family after her passing. She’s done her friend proud. This is truly a wonderful book in every way and I tip my hat to Bonny for having the strength to tell such an intimate and personal story.
~ Linda Thompson, Host of The Authors Show

[Kelly Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Linked Lives reminded me of my own dear friend Charlene who died way too soon. Like Bonny and Lori, Charlene and I had a friendship that lasted many years, through husbands, pregnancies, children, job changes and tragedies. Bonny's book brought it all back to me, and I must admit, I grieved again for the friendship that enriched my life. Bonny Brooks wrote this book to honor her friend Lori and in doing so has reminded us all of the beauty and joy of long-term friendships. I enthusiastically give this book five stars. I finished it with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.