Move over, John Grisham, here comes Jeannine Reardon!

Reardon, a lawyer who lives in Elkridge, recently published her first novel, "Confidential Communications."

This exciting, legal thriller is about a young lawyer with a plot filled with conspiracy and deceit. The book jacket states, "Attorney Rebecca Lawson must find the mastermind and expose the truth before innocent people lose their money, or worse ... their lives."

Reardon started writing the book more than a decade ago after graduating from law school, in Massachusetts. Friends and family members read what was then a short story and encouraged her to have it published. Life went on and the manuscript ended up sitting in a file drawer on a very old computer disc for a many years, until recently.

"Publishing a book was always on my 'to do list', although it still seems surreal to be able to actually hold it now and see people buying it," Reardon said. "... Here's my philosophy in life: I don't want to turn around at age 80 and say I wish I had done that."

As the pages of her life unfolded, Jeannine and her husband, David, met and married in September 2003 and moved to Elkridge. They were thrilled to find out several months down the road they were going to be parents. As we all know, a baby can transform your life forever!

Jeannine decided to put off the full-time, Washington, D.C., career in law and work from home instead. It was then that Dave mentioned the book and suggested that she expand it.

"Of course, I had another decade of life under my belt at that point and attempted to add some depth to the characters, as well as a few more scenarios," Reardon said.

Following the birth of their daughter, Ashley, Reardon continued to write and edit with Dave's help, "albeit with 'Sesame Street' and 'Baby Einstein' in the background!," she said.

"David and I want our little girl to see the world as a wonderful, exciting place -- a place of opportunity. You can do anything as long as you set your mind to it," Reardon said.

The characters and story in "Confidential Communications" are all fictional. Although Reardon added, "The character Justice McNaught is based in part on my late grandfather who sat on the Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts. He was the person who originally inspired me as a child to pursue a degree in law and he really was an inspiration to many to live a good life as a good person.

"I figured, heck, why not 'tip my hat' as a little thank you to him and make him a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court."

Reardon has a book signing scheduled for "Confidential Communications" at the Borders bookstore in Columbia mall, Aug. 30, 2-4 p.m. Her book can also be purchased online at the Xlibris, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Target Web sites.

Additional information about the book can be found on Reardon's Web site, www.jrreardonconfidentialcommunications.com.

Happy 90th birthday to the Rev. Chet Mieczkowski, a pastor at St. Augustine's Church, on Old Washington Road. There was a special Mass a few weeks ago to observe this extraordinary birthday, which followed with a celebration in the church hall.

The Knights of Columbus honored Mieczkowski with a color guard ceremony and commemorative inscription that thanked him for his commitment to the Knights of Columbus throughout his many years of service. The Rev. Gerry Bowen read a recognition plaque from state Del. Steve DeBoy for his dedication.

Mieczkowski is this week's friendliest neighbor as he is an encouragement to us all to live our lives to the fullest. He has the type of wisdom that only years can express. He is very much respected in our community, as he shows both a keen mind and warm heart.

Mieczkowski's family was in attendance to help us celebrate. I heard that he is now the proud owner of a birthday puppy named Lola! I have a suspicion that Lola will keep him on his toes and young at heart.

Have any special birthdays or anniversaries you'd like to see in my column or blog? Just give me a call, or send an email to susan.lavin@comcast.net.

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