"From the moment I started this novel,
I felt absolutely transported back to the 1970s.
For those who lived through these years, there are countless fun little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the scenes that make you feel like you are really there."
​-Lauren Sapala Author of
"For those who appreciate strong cultural references and characters that grow through life’s pain and joy, this five-star read is not to be missed."
-Reedsy
Pieces of Me Poetry Chapbook
Published by Finishing Line Press
​
"A touching tribute to family, life and love."
Dawn Colclasure for Reader Views (07/2024)
​
“Pieces of Me” by Monique Rardin Richardson is not only a collection of autobiographical poems but it is also a story of one woman’s journey towards self-love and self-acceptance.
Written with such beautiful and captivating prose, these poems speak a truth that not many people get to share or have heard in a world that is too loud for testimonies of culture and healing.
The poems are enjoyable to read, offering a breath of fresh air in receiving one person’s courageous and inspirational story."
"Some relationships transcend the boundaries of traditional romance, deepening in meaning and affection through life's challenges. These connections stand as testaments to the enduring nature of love and the unbreakable bonds built by shared experiences. Such is the relationship of John and Monique in this tender memoir, "When Then Became Now," by Monique Rardin Richardson."
When Then Became Now is a memoir from the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980s. It's about two Hispanic teenagers, John and Monique, who fall in love and shares the span of the relationship that crumbles from drug use to the end of John's life thirty-three years later. John left behind a son and two grandchildren, for whom he was writing his life story. Unfortunately, being homeless, his journal was lost to the streets in Southern California.
With grief in her heart, Monique writes to share
the one story she can share with John's son. The one of her and his father.
​
"Fans of mythology will love this novel, as will those who enjoy stories about found families and character-driven historical fantasy. I strongly recommend it for teens and adults
who appreciate heartfelt, witty, and empowering spins on
classic mythology. Despina the Anti-Cupid is ultimately a tale about forging your own destiny—even when it means
questioning the gods."
​
​
Despina, a young, strong-willed member of the Cupid family, has questions. She is skeptical and has doubts about her father’s business, and of all things, love. Then, on a routine trip in the mid-1940s, she meets a mortal…and gives
her heart away.
Everett receives his draft notice. Soon, he’ll go to Europe to fight in the war.
Angry and despondent, Despina returns home, where she steals two special arrows—items always forbidden to so much as touch. Upon her return to Earth, she learns Everett is gone. Entrenched in heartache and bitterness, Despina fires the arrows into two innocent humans in a jealous rage. As time passes, it becomes obvious she has somehow cursed the unsuspecting mortals…a couple who are now her friends.
In the meantime, Zeus, the Lord of Olympus, grows more irritated that Despina is on Earth, when the Gods of Olympus are no longer allowed to live among mortals..
How will the curse ultimately manifest itself? Will Despina’s family suffer for her impetuousness? Can anything—or anyone—help her friends? And, more importantly, will Despina ever find happiness…or Everett?
The Unlikely Dream Catcher is such a gift it deserves be read twice!"
If an inanimate object could give you what you are missing in your life, would you keep it or throw it away? What if the item revealed magical worlds, fabulous opportunities, and a chance to change everything in your world?
When a young woman named Annie, who lives in Washington State, discovers a camera that can come into her dreams and take photographs, it forever changes her life and those after her who possess it.