Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan

From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan

Publication Date: September 15, 2016

Five Star Publications

Hardcover & eBook; 271 Pages

Genre: Historical/Epistolary

Self-indulgent young writer Thomas Gadwell has traveled from Boston to the new Hotel Del Coronado in California to at last finish his novel when he meets the clever and headstrong Miss Mary Harting. At once Thomas tosses aside his literary pursuits for a charmed summer of romance that ends with the happy couple making future plans. However, Mary Harting is the only unmarried daughter of notorious railroad tycoon Charles Harting, and he has no intention of letting a useless wordsmith derail his own critical plans for Mary. The couple must continue a clandestine courtship, but Thomas' ingenuity has unexpected repercussions and he unwittingly uncovers a sinister plot of deception, greed, and blackmail. Guided by mentor Henry James, to win Mary, Thomas must step from the pages of the world he creates to explore his own insecurities, battle against worldly corruption, and expose family demons. Told through a series of clever, heartfelt, and engaging letters, From Across the Room is a voyeuristic escapade that delights at every twist. Reflecting back to a time when letters were saved in the imagination of the reader, the lost art of letter writing brings to life the opulent Gilded Age and unfolds the universal passions of love, ambition, and the resilient bonds of family.

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Praise for From Across the Room

"A passionate love story set in a brilliantly recreated Gilded Age, this intimate epistolary novel takes the reader from a wide-open California to the salons of literary and industrial New York. Colorful and indelible characters stride across the pages of this exceptionally vivid historical novel that brings the past stirringly to life." -Diana Birchall, Bestselling Author of Mr. Darcy's Dilemma

"Gina Mulligan's impeccable prose, engaging characters, and original style reminds us all why we love to read." -Reza Kahlili, 2010 National Best Books winner for A Time to Betray

"The characters have richly defined voices and fascinating lives that sparkle against a transcontinental history of America at the beginning of the twentieth century." -Jessica Klein, Award-winning Writer/Producer of Northern Exposure, Beverly Hills 90210, Gabriel's Fire and other popular TV series.

I wanted to read this book because I am fascinated with the written word. I used to be a prolific letter writer. My life has also been touched by cancer in various forms, as well as other illnesses with poor prognosis. And I appreciate history and the challenges of authors.

From the very first quote in the prologue, I was swallowed by this book, and curled into a favorite chair to escape into the pages. It is a voyeurs view, of sorts, but not of a sexual nature. Perhaps I should say vicarious.
Gina Mulligan brings these characters to life.  The descriptive passages had me well engaged. I eagerly anticipated receiving each letter and waiting for a response. (Although what we read here are all in Thomas`s voice.)  She has captured the tone and voice of the era.

This is a love story, an adventure tale, of deceit and greed and forbidden love.
It is also a race to finish a book on deadline, something that has always been a challenge for Thomas, without adding in the distraction of love.


Ah, what goes on in the life of a writer that you never see on the page.

About the Author

Gina L. Mulligan is a veteran freelance journalist for numerous national magazines and the author of the award-winning novel, REMEMBER THE LADIES and FROM ACROSS THE ROOM. After her own diagnosis, Gina founded Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women with breast cancer. She was honored for her charitable work on the nationally syndicated television talk show The Steve Harvey Show, People.com, and TODAY.com.

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