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The Lost Stories
Not yet published
Expected 24 Nov 26Inspired by true Christmas and holiday events that changed the course of history.
In a heartwarming mix of “Tuesdays with Morrie” meets “The Holiday,” reporter and war correspondent, Lara Smith, is sent to New York City to dig up human interest pieces on historic traditions of Christmas and the December holidays. Because of the tremendous suffering she’s seen in the world, not to mention her own estranged family, she struggles to understand the importance of this assignment.
However, as Lara conducts interviews, she begins to see the holidays in a way she never expected. Through firsthand accounts, she’s transported to a variety of places and times including the first Rockefeller Christmas tree in 1931, a Holocaust survivor who becomes a recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Korean war, the feisty St. Nick who began the ancient tradition of Christmas stockings, the end of the Civil war that leads to a trip to Jerusalem, and the first radio transmission Christmas Eve 1906.
Lara is surprised by the passion, grit, and sheer joy from the stories. Through ordinary people doing extraordinary things, a mystery to solve along the way, a new love, and the romance of New York City itself, she is inspired to take steps toward healing in her own life.
Her editor was right. This may be the most important story of her life.
In a heartwarming mix of “Tuesdays with Morrie” meets “The Holiday,” reporter and war correspondent, Lara Smith, is sent to New York City to dig up human interest pieces on historic traditions of Christmas and the December holidays. Because of the tremendous suffering she’s seen in the world, not to mention her own estranged family, she struggles to understand the importance of this assignment.
However, as Lara conducts interviews, she begins to see the holidays in a way she never expected. Through firsthand accounts, she’s transported to a variety of places and times including the first Rockefeller Christmas tree in 1931, a Holocaust survivor who becomes a recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Korean war, the feisty St. Nick who began the ancient tradition of Christmas stockings, the end of the Civil war that leads to a trip to Jerusalem, and the first radio transmission Christmas Eve 1906.
Lara is surprised by the passion, grit, and sheer joy from the stories. Through ordinary people doing extraordinary things, a mystery to solve along the way, a new love, and the romance of New York City itself, she is inspired to take steps toward healing in her own life.
Her editor was right. This may be the most important story of her life.
ebook
Expected publication November 24, 2026
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About the author
L.A. Chandlar
10 books267 followers"I write about beauty out of ashes, friendships, self-discovery, adventure, and the making of monsters." L.A. Chandlar is the award-winning author of the LANE SANDERS MYSTERY SERIES featuring a fresh take on the vitality of late 1930s New York City and the upcoming 2026 THE LOST STORIES "Based on true holiday events that changed the course of history." Laurie has been nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, Macavity and Anthony Awards; and winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe as well as the GANYC Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. Laurie’s degrees are in English and PR from The University of Michigan. She’s been living and writing in New York City for over 20 years and has been speaking for a wide variety of audiences including a women’s group with the United Nations. Laurie has also worked in PR for General Motors, is the mother of two sons, and has toured the nation managing a rock band. She is a fierce advocate for women’s rights. She loves coffee and wine; and hates thwarted love and raisins.
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