Welcome to the new home of Author & Professional Speaker, L. Diane Wolfe (AKA "Spunk on a Stick") and The Circle of Friends!

The Circle of Friends series follows a group of young adults as they face different challenges and learn to overcome. The emotionally gripping stories focus on love, friendships and the pursuit of dreams. Aimed at adults/young adults, these books defy the growing trend of salacious titles, especially for teenagers. Positive and uplifting, this series will leave readers determined to overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

This blog is now the home of the original The Circle of Friends website.


Book Titles

Titles available retail, online, and in eBook formats, including the iPad, Kindle, Nook, and Kobo.

Looking for hope and inspiration?
Meant to inspire as well as entertain, The Circle of Friends is described as “encouragement personified." Based in the South, they are aimed at young adults/adults and focus on friendship, overcoming obstacles, & pursuing dreams. The stories intertwine as the characters learn that with belief and encouragement, they can achieve anything. Readers will come away from these books believing they can overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals!

THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK V … HEATHER

When confidence turns to frustration…
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.
Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.
Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…

6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
Print $19.95 ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0
Ebook $2.99 ISBN 978-0-9816210-7-4

Winner of the TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10
“I couldn't sleep not knowing what was going to happen next… definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. It was brilliant. Props to L. Diane Wolfe!”
- FlamingNet Reviews

“Heather deals with real life and real situations - 5 Stars”
- Teens Read Too


“Wolfe has created amazing characters with believable attributes and flaws; making Book V…a true gem.”
- Donna M. McDine, Write What Inspires You Book Reviews

“Even after reading the novel, I am haunted by these characters… This is the power of Wolfe’s writing.”
- The Book Pedler

“She puts so much emotion into her stories…”
- There’s Always Something to Read Reviews

“Five Flames - Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf For Rereading!”
- My Overstuffed Bookshelf


“… quite a refreshing read.”
- Peace, Love & Pat Reviews


“I did not want to put down… You will truly be drawn into the story and will find yourself eager to see what happens next.”
- Dad of Divas Reviews


“Thought-provoking, heart-warming, humorous and spirited.”
- Red Headed Book Child Reviews


“A nice completion to the series - 4 Stars.”
- Debbie’s World of Books

To purchase online-
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Amazon Kindle


THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK I … LORI

Driven by Olympic dreams…
To the outside world, Lori Anders has it all. The only child of affluent parents, she is a gifted swimmer with Olympic dreams. Armed with a winning attitude and genuine spirit, Lori appears destined for success.
Yet despite her certainty in the pool, something inhibits Lori from achieving her full potential. Her focus on swimming has left little time for relationships. Lacking in confidence, Lori’s light has few opportunities to shine.
When an altercation with the school bullies brings her to the attention of the star quarterback, Lori finds herself in a unique position. Jason’s affections renew her hope and force the shy swimmer out of her comfort zone. But, will it be enough to achieve her lifelong dream?

6x9 Trade paperback, 368 pages, Fiction/YA
Print $20.95 ISBN 978-0-9816210-0-5
Ebook $2.99 ISBN 978-0-9216210-8-1

“L. Diane Wolfe expertly combines the social interaction between teens and realistic problems that face our teens today for a genuine feel good novel.” - Donna M. McDine, Children's Author & Member SCBWI

“For anyone that says there are few young adult books out there with a positive message with little sexual content or foul language, then they haven’t discovered THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS… Lori Anders is such a positive influence for anyone. She shows complete devotion to those she loves, and an unwavering determination to reach her dreams. Overall, anyone that picks up LORI will come away with a warm feeling by the end of her journey” – Teens Read Too

“A story that will ring well with young readers, "The Circle of Friends" is a strong piece.” – Midwest Book Reviews


“I would recommend this as a good series for teens to read- especially as an alternative to Twilight.” – The Bluestocking Guide

“If you want to read an incredibly well written novel that will change the way you see yourself, this is the book for you. Once you become a part of The Circle of Friends, you will never want to leave... an amazing book that will leave you breathless for more.”
- The American Chronicle

To purchase online:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dancing Lemur Press LLC

 
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK II … SARAH


No awards for second best…
A student at Georgia Tech, Sarah Martin is bold, intelligent, and appears destined for a career in biochemistry. But her poor self-image has been masked by behavior unbecoming to a young lady brought up in an affluent Southern family. Estranged from her father, envious of her best friend’s perfect life, Sarah feels inadequate and unable to measure up to expectations.
When a friendship suddenly turns romantic, Sarah questions herself even more. A future NFL receiver, Matt’s joyful spirit and social status appear beyond her reach. Yet beneath his eager smile and playboy antics lies a young man hiding in shadows and desperate to trust again.
Faced with challenges, they must help each other come to terms with past disappointments before insecurities and doubt threaten to sabotage their future.

6x9 Trade paperback, 360 pages, Fiction/YA
Print $20.95 ISBN 978-0-9816210-1-2
Ebook $2.99 ISBN 978-0-9816210-9-8

Winner of FlamingNet’s TOP CHOICE Award!


"Sarah: Circle of Friends Book II is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and moving books I have ever read. Wolfe has written the impossible: a story of real people facing life’s real issues and she does this with style, grace and aplomb. Anyone who has suffered from poor self-image and low self esteem needs to read this book. It will not only restore your faith in yourself but your faith in others."
- Jamieson Wolf, The Book Pedler Reviews

“I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.”
- Debbie’s World of Books


“Wolfe presents a realistic tale of the complex world of teenage angst… An enjoyable, well-crafted read, The Circle Of Friends, Book II will enlighten many a reader to the joys and pains of contemporary youth. A recommended, rewarding literary treat.”
- Linda Waterson Apex Reviews

To purchase online:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dancing Lemur Press LLC
 
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK III … JAMES


Haunted by a troubled past…
The future appears bright for James Sheppard. Emerging from a troubled childhood, he is blessed with talent and a good work ethic. Excelling in his classes and at the campus newspaper, James’s goal of editor appears within his grasp.
However, years of abuse and loneliness have dampened his spirit. By the time Maria enters his world, James is nearing the breaking point. Her innocent love slowly fills the void in his life, boosting his confidence and giving him hope.
When a crisis abruptly forces him into adulthood, James is saddled with more responsibility than expected. Struggling to cope with the situation, the past returns to haunt him. Will James find peace before the mistakes of his father destroy him completely?

6x9 Trade paperback, 296 pages, Fiction/YA
Print $19.95 ISBN 978-0-9816210-3-6
Ebook $2.99 ISBN 978-0-9827139-0-7

“This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment. - GOLD STAR AWARD WINNER."
- TeensReadToo.com

“I could not put this book down… This was a wonderful book that will make you fall in love with the characters, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when things go their way.”
- Debbie’s World of Books

“It is a study of the depth of the human heart and the choices we make in our lives… Wolfe deftly manages to draw you into the story and makes you care for these characters.”
- The Book Pedler

“Full of friendship, love and true life situations, Circle Of Friends Book III is a recommended read for YA of all ages.”
- Missy’s Book Nook

To purchase online:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Amazon Kindle


THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, BOOK IV … MIKE


A prisoner of guilt for so long…
Mike Taylor is the epitome of stability. His family is proud of his academic and athletic achievements at Georgia Tech, and despite the temptations of college life, he has maintained his moral standards.
Yet beneath the peaceful surface, Mike is consumed with guilt, fearing condemnation and rejection. A former girlfriend’s abortion and the intense love he feels for his roommate’s wife constantly remind Mike of his failures. Unable to forget and full of shame, he refuses to forgive himself.
When Danielle enters his life, he realizes he can no longer hide the past. Will she be able to reach him or is Mike past the point of redemption?

6x9 Trade paperback, 300 pages, Fiction/YA
Print $19.95 ISBN 978-0-9816210-4-3
Ebook $2.99 ISBN 978-0-9827139-1-4

“Book IV…Mike is such a powerful, engrossing, incredible, beautiful novel. But it still manages to be light hearted, funny and heart felt. There is real emotion and real people in these pages…”
- The Book Pedler


“Book IV will grab you where you live, and will not leave you disappointed.”
-Michael Douglas


“I liked that the book had a hopeful ending and I think fans of the previous Circle of Friends books will enjoy this new addition to the series.”
- Simply Books

“This is probably my favorite of the 3 Circle of Friends books I’ve read.”
- Debbie’s World of Books


“It’s a good story about finding inner peace and forgiveness. It touches the heart.”
- Sia McKye’s Thought Over Coffee

To purchase online-
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Amazon Kindle