Linda Kendall McLendon’s Captivating Debut Novel Unintended Lies Mirrors Her Real Life Philanthropy
Palm City, FL (December 21, 2012) – After decades as Executive Director of Full Circle Therapeutic Riding, Linda Kendall McLendon is well known on the Treasure Coast for her philanthropic endeavors. Now this Palm City, Florida equestrian can add yet another achievement to her resume’: Author. Linda recently released her first mystery novel, entitled Unintended Lies in May. The title quickly climbed to the top of Amazon’s Hot New Releases: Best Drama Category.
Linda’s first novel draws on her own experience of running a ranch in Florida. McLendon conjured up a mystery about a recent widow, Catherine DeLong, who was giving back to her community, when she suddenly changes her life path by moving from New York to a ranch in Florida. There’s a hidden motive behind her husband’s death that she uncovers as she makes new friends and then becomes entangled in a web of deceit.
Such intrigue and adventure are interesting counter points to her other major focus: Full Circle Therapeutic Riding, where more than 50 children with special needs are served annually. In the past two decades, she has worked with over 600 children, some of whom started with her as toddlers and remained in the program into adulthood.
The program works with young people with physical, mental and emotional special needs. When children with these problems ride and work with horses, they develop improved balance and coordination, increased strength and range of motion, improved circulation and posture, increased attention span and self-esteem, and better language skills.
McLendon funds the program through grants, donations and fundraising. Funds are directed through Parent to Parent of the Treasure Coast Inc., an education and advocacy group for special needs children and their families. The programs are aided by volunteers working with the children and horses. In addition, community service opportunities are available at the ranch.
Linda was certified in hunt seat and therapeutic riding and was teaching a 4-H program 19 years ago when she was approached by a friend to work with a 3-year-old autistic child. The friend’s horse was an Appaloosa gelding name Black Willie Moon who became her first therapeutic riding mount and continued in that job until he was 30.
Unintended Lies (ISBN#978-0-9838832-7-2) is priced from $4.99 to $19.99 and is available in paperback and e-book formats from www.Amazon.com; www.Barnesandnoble.com; or through the author. Review copies available upon request. Information on McLendon’s therapeutic riding program can be found at www.fullcircletherapeuticriding.com.
Photo: Linda McLendon is known for her dedication to helping special needs children at Full Circle Therapeutic Riding, and recent debut of her first mystery novel Unintended Lies (Photo courtesy of Lori Hemings)
Linda Kendall McLendon
Full Circle Therapeutic Riding
