``` L.L. Vandermate | Author of Grit Lit & Women's Historical Fictions,Thillers, Memoir. ``` ```

L.L. Vandermate

"Writing the truths of the human spirit, from the ruins of the past to the paradise of faith."

View Current Works

Works of Fiction

Ruins to Paradise book cover by L.L. Vandermate
Women's Historical Fiction / Grit Lit

Ruins to Paradise

"The frigid air of that 1924 winter night had New York City in its icy grip, a cold not felt in years. A wave of nausea washed over me as the familiar, deep ache in my spine. Soon another mouth to feed. John won't let me, but I'm going to keep this one."

A raw look at motherhood survival, her child Jeanie and her dream of a better paradise amidst the cold stone ruins of early 20th-century New York.

Word Count: 90,000 - Series Book 1/4 Looking for Agent/Publisher
Tenderloin to Trinity book cover by L.L. Vandermate
Coming-of-Age / Grit Lit / Women's Historical Fiction

Tenderloin to Trinity

"In April 1927, thirteen-year-old Betty Parker is arrested after a night of drinking with older teens in the Bronx... a sobering court scene lays bare her father's alcoholism and her future. No matter how bad it gets, and trust me it gets bad, NEVER stop beleiving."

The journey of Betty Parker from a state institution and the predatory streets of the Tenderloin to a life of faith and leadership.

Word Count: 107,000 - Series Book 2/4 Looking for Agent/Publisher
Upcoming works by author L.L. Vandermate
Future Projects

Upcoming Works

Currently developing a series of poignant narratives including:

  • • Son of a Preacher Cop (Memoir)
  • • Sinister Sisters "Synical Plots"
  • • Sea to Sand-Book 3/4
  • • Poverty to Pot-Book 4/4

L.L. Vandermate writes stories rooted in historical settings, family struggles, survival, adversity, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit.

His fiction includes historical fiction, grit lit, women's historical fiction, coming-of-age fiction, and literary storytelling for readers drawn to compelling characters and difficult journeys.

The Journey of the Author

Raised in adversity, Leonard is the son of a preacher and police officer who was killed in the line of duty on Good Friday—his tenth birthday. After spending time in more than 30 foster homes and enduring abuse and isolation, he remained determined to forge his own path.

From cleaning cattle trucks to becoming a professor, university technology director, and successful business owner, his life has been defined by resilience and perseverance.

He lives in Rapid City, South Dakota, with his wife, Lisa, whose love and encouragement inspired him to finally share his story. His memoir journey began with the discovery of some old books purchased at an estate sale, leading to Ruins to Paradise and Tenderloin to Trinity. Life Inspires him to write his next book.

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