Welcome! The McFadden Series is a literary fiction series that focuses on reality, featuring everyday characters as they navigate daily life. Unlike genre fiction, where a writer must follow a predictable, expected narrative, literary fiction doesn’t adhere to any rules. Anything can happen, which is exciting and unnerving for the reader and the author.
I write from a flexible point of view—third person omniscient—as individual scenes dictate. The character-driven novels reflect a physical medicine theme. I give candid descriptions of recovery and rehabilitation procedures. Realistic situations may address sensitive topics such as PTSD, hate crimes, religious beliefs, toxic relationships, child abuse, sex crimes, foster care, adoption, and more. Just as important, family bonding and individual achievements deserve equal recognition. There’s no shortage of emotionally charged moments in the story. No shortage of humor, teenage attitudes, and lighthearted exchanges between the characters.
How does the story begin?
Treatment of Choice, Book #1 in The McFadden Series, introduces orthopedic specialist Dr. Lauren McFadden and her physical therapist husband, Bryan McFadden. They work together at Saint Michael’s Rehabilitation Center in Northampton, MA. The center treats patients of all ages; most of the traumatic injury cases fall in the 12-25 age range.
St. Michael’s has enjoyed a fine reputation for the past seven years, thanks to Dr. Lauren McFadden. She’s a dynamic leader who moves the staff forward, implementing the most advanced therapy procedures and expanding patient services. But it’s 2010, and the nation’s economy continues to struggle. The administration is cutting staff members and discontinuing certain patient services to save money. In their latest appalling move, the chief officer proposes that the center turn away uninsured persons and low-income patients receiving state aid. Outraged, Lauren argues, citing the center’s mismanagement of funds at the executive level, unnecessary building renovations, and the actions of corrupt insurance companies as three main reasons for the center’s financial troubles. Despite her efforts–and a stern warning from the CEO–she knows it’s a losing battle. Standing their ground, Dr. McFadden and her husband refuse to be a part of irresponsible management. Instead, they opt to pursue their shared dream of treating homeless youths in need of long-term medical care. They say goodbye to the past and redefine their professional roles at their new home in the town of Lenox.
Approved as foster parents for severely injured youth, the McFaddens offer more than rehabilitative therapy programs and caregiver services. They’ll provide a forever home to the teens and young adults who want to stay. It’s a stunning offer, especially for residents with mobility challenges. Space is not an issue; Bryan and Lauren own a wheelchair-accessible mansion with six bedrooms and sixteen bathrooms. The home features a fully equipped therapy gym and therapy pool.
The couple accepts abandoned and/or orphaned teenagers with long-term injuries. They welcome young adults who have aged out of the social services system and who are struggling to survive. The couple does not accept funding for meals, housing, or medical treatments. No insurance companies dictate, delay, or deny treatment options.
Of course, living with teenagers doesn’t come without complications. Bryan and Lauren soon discover that a workday at their old jobs was a breeze compared to parenting teens 24/7. Guess who is teaching them the latest parenting skills?
What challenges and adventures lie ahead in the books that follow?
I sincerely hope readers enjoy the novels in The McFadden Series as much as I enjoyed writing them. Thank you for visiting my website. To READ MORE about each book in The McFadden Series, and to PURCHASE the BOOKS, click on the titles in the bar at the top of the page. All books are available in paperback and ebook formats. You can also VIEW and PURCHASE the books at Amazon by clicking the link below …
Mary L. King
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Mary King Books 