Marlene Ratledge Buchanan on CNTV

Life is Hard, Soften It with Laugher is a gift of poignant insight into the human spirit’s journey.   Marlene Buchanan reminds you with humor and humility that you are not traveling alone.  Her essays capture the essence of southern culture. You may need to plow a field, literally, or put your pearls on for a funeral, but you do so with the inner strength, courage and laughter all of which you were generously served from childhood along with your strictly rationed Coca cola. Her descriptions remind her reader that being able to laugh will not change the circumstance, but certainly affords the opportunity to embrace that moment and those you love.  From cancer diagnosis, memories of the childhood bully to admitting to perusing the obituaries, Marlene gently allows us to share her life and humor.  Read Life is Hard, Soften It with Laughter to enjoy a feast of life. Marlene has captured the red clay spirit of an abundant heart filled with wisdom, insight, and laughter!!  S.J. Williams

If you miss the voices of Erma Bombeck and Lewis Grizzard, I have good news. An original Southern humorist, born from tenacity of strength and humor, Marlene R Buchanan brings a gift, Life is Hard Soften It with Laughter. Treat yourself to a copy, pour yourself a CocaCola and enjoy laughing out loud. Buchanan, a keen observer of the human condition , possesses a fierce love and gentle sense of humor. She shares every aspect of life’s journey. Her humor will lighten your day, her insight will remind you why you love the South and miss lunch on Rich’s bridge. Catch this great read on it’s way up!!  Sandra W.

I sat down thinking I knew exactly what A Place with a Past was going to give and then you hit me with that moment when Patricia steps onto that inherited Georgia farm and realizes the place isn’t just holding memories, it’s holding grudges. That scene where the air shifts, where the past isn’t just history but a living, breathing presence? I paused. I blinked. I literally went, wait hold on she actually knows what she’s doing.

And then I checked your author profile and suddenly it all made sense. You write like someone who understands Southern storytelling as a birthright, not a hobby. You’re not assembling chapters like IKEA furniture. You’re delivering atmosphere, generational weight, and humor with the confidence of someone who has lived around people who talk to ghosts like they’re cousins.

If you want to give this gal stars for that book, don't bother with only FIVE!! Go for fifty!!
Susan Lindsley, Award Winning Author.

Yeah, I know. I sound like a braggart, but this is what they chose to use.  I am profoundly grateful to each and every one of you who have read my books and encouraged me to continue to write. 
Thanks,
Marlene  AKA Ms Rat