Today is the day!

Award-winning author Ann Mullen-Martin offering her eBook for FREE today! “We All Want to Be Happy: A Book of Thoughts (Volume 3)” is free for a limited time only. Simply click here to get your FREE eBook: https://a.co/d/02pw6SED

In her own words… “As I spend more time with others, particularly young people, I find many are unable to find the bright side of what seems to be a tragedy, a mistake, or a bump in the road. A lack of maturity and experience often creates the inability to look beyond the surface. Some people get lost in what didn’t happen, rather than see the blessings of what did. It may be a normal human reaction, yet as we age – another blessing of getting older – we realize unexpected outcomes result in the most valuable life lessons.”

Ann Mullen-Martic’s third volume in the series will inspire you to take a walk down memory lane and savor the blessings of loved ones. Click here to get your FREE copy! https://a.co/d/02pw6SED

Join Ann Mullen, fellow authors and readers Sunday May 18th at 2pm Central for a Chapter Chatter Book Club meeting.
Click here for Zoom info
Additional information on the book club is available through Pam Dwyer’s newsletter and podcast.

Now Available!

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 4
By Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 1

This book is for those who face the same trials, joys, wins and losses that we all do.

Ann Mullen’s Philosophy is to live a life of joy and share some true stories, some humorous and some not. The stories within these pages reinforce those beliefs.

Growing Up in Rural Louisiana

Step back in time to 1940s Louisiana.

In this heartwarming memoir, Ann Mullen-Martin paints a vivid portrait of life in rural Tioga, Louisiana where neighbors knew each other by name, family came first, and the slower pace of living held its own kind of wisdom.

Spanning 1943–1963, these nostalgic anecdotes capture the laughter, hardships, and tender moments of a bygone era. Each story is a window into a world that shaped a generation, offering readers a chance to relive their own childhood memories or discover what life was like before technology changed everything.

Perfect for fans of Jeanette Walls (The Glass Castle), Rick Bragg (All Over but the Shouting’), and Southern storytelling.

Pick up your copy today and enjoy a trip back to a time when life was simpler and full of heart.

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 2

After We All Want to Be Happy, Volume 1 was published, I found myself continuing to write about my own journey to peace and contentment. The result is Volume 2.

I invite you to share these true stories and essays, all brief and stand-alone anecdotes. My experiences and thoughts may remind you of your own similar situations; they may bring about a tear, a smile, or a belly-laugh! Life is a group participation endeavor with so much to learn from those closest to us.

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 3

As I spend more time with others, particularly young people, I find many are unable to find the bright side of what seems to be a tragedy, a mistake, or a bump in the road. A lack of maturity and experience often creates the inability to look beyond the surface. Some people get lost in what didn’t happen, rather than see the blessings of what did. It may be a normal human reaction, yet as we age – another blessing of getting older – we realize unexpected outcomes result in the most valuable life lessons.

In Volume III, my goal is to share experiences that I observed in my brother’s life. He has been kind enough to allow me to share pertinent times in his much younger years. His memories, as well as our conversations, provided me a deeper look into and understanding of his life. Perhaps the stories will remind you of your own experiences, or those you have witnessed, or provide a laugh, a tug at the heart strings, or a reason to rekindle a friendship.

I WISH YOU JOY AND PEACE OF MIND.

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 4

I never expected to write a fourth volume of We All Want to Be Happy, but sometimes I just can’t stop sharing stories! I hope you continue to enjoy reading this series as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

In Volume IV, my goal is to share experiences I believe will resonate with every reader, young and elderly. My desire is that these stories remind every reader of their own happenings. I am convinced through my observations that we share similar encounters as we pass through this lifetime. Perhaps these accounts will serve as a connection for the reader to past occurrences to provide a laugh, a tug at the heart strings, or a reason to rekindle a friendship.

I WISH YOU JOY AND PEACE OF MIND.

All Books by Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy

Ann Mullen-Martin

Growing Up In Rural Louisiana

Ann Mullen-Martin

12 New Christmas Stories

Ann Mullen-Martin, Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Terry Broxson & Jay Squires

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 2

Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 3

Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 4

Ann Mullen-Martin

Reviews & Awards

“We All Want to Be Happy is a heartfelt exploration of life’s simple truths. The story is told through a collection of reflective essays and personal stories. The author draws from her own experiences over eighty years.

She shares her journey toward finding happiness and contentment. Each chapter touches on different aspects of life like love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of joy. Each chapter offers readers both wisdom and comfort…“

Literary Titan

Read the full review: Literary Titan

“Growing Up in Rural Louisiana takes us through the life of a young girl raised in a tight-knit community in rural Louisiana from 1943 to 1963. Mullen-Martin captures the heart of her upbringing, starting with her early childhood, family dynamics, and the cultural influences of the time. The book revolves around key moments like the impact of local events, like tornadoes, school experiences, and the deep connection she had with her family, particularly her mother. The memoir paints a vivid picture of the challenges and joys of growing up in a small, rural Southern town during that era.

What really drew me into this memoir was the simplicity and warmth in the writing. Mullen-Martin’s voice is like sitting down with a friend who is telling you about her life over coffee. The way she describes her family’s interactions, especially her relationship with her mother, is heartwarming. The blend of vulnerability and humor, especially when the narrator reflects on events from her childhood, gives the memoir a really personal and intimate feel.

I recommend Growing Up in Rural Louisiana to anyone who enjoys memoirs that focus on family, place, and personal history. If you appreciate stories of simpler times, or if you’re curious about life in the rural South during the 1940s to 1960s, this book will definitely resonate.”

Literary Titan

Read the full review: Literary Titan

“Ann Mullen’s We All Want to Be Happy Volume 2 is an intimate blend of autobiographical reflections, heartwarming anecdotes, and thoughtful essays. Each chapter offers a slice of life, rich with vivid memories and lessons learned. From navigating youthful challenges to poignant explorations of faith and family, the book paints a picture of resilience, humor, and humanity, culminating in a celebration of everyday happiness.

Mullen’s storytelling style feels like chatting with a dear friend over coffee. Her humor and self-awareness shine, especially in moments like the rainy-day escapade in Chapter One, where a fire hydrant and a disheveled new employee collide. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the visual of her boss witnessing this comedic disaster, which perfectly encapsulates her theme: we don’t control what happens to us, but we do control our response. It’s this mix of wit and wisdom that makes the book relatable.

However, not all moments are lighthearted. Mullen recalls the frantic night when she scrambled to free her new husband from jail, relying on family and humor to navigate a stressful situation. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply human, showcasing her knack for finding meaning and even levity in chaos. These stories, while personal, evoke universal themes of love, trust, and resilience. Some essays take a more reflective turn, delving into spirituality and the nature of existence. Mullen invites readers to ponder life’s bigger questions, gently challenging them to embrace curiosity and faith. While not every reader may share her beliefs, the sincerity of her musings is undeniable and adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

We All Want to Be Happy is for anyone who enjoys heartfelt, candid storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, nostalgia, or quiet introspection, Mullen delivers it all with charm and authenticity. This book is a gem for fans of memoirs and self-help with a personal touch. It’s like a warm hug for the soul, and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking both comfort and inspiration.“

Literary Titan

Read the full review: Literary Titan

We All Want To Be Happy, Volume 3 follows the author’s brother John from Thanksgiving 1963 into the mid and late sixties, as he hitchhikes between army posts, small Louisiana towns, and Dallas, chasing work, women, and some kind of peace in his own skin. We watch him drift out of the military, land in miserable factory jobs, fall under the spell of fiery revivals, marry Ruth, and throw himself into Bible reading and lay preaching. The book moves in episodes rather than a single big plot, and each one shows John wrestling with family, faith, money, and that quiet longing for “peace of mind” that sits at the heart of the volume.

I felt pulled in most by the way the writing handles scenes. The hitchhiking trips, the tin roof at Grandpa’s, the Resistol hat factory full of “toads,” the Davis Street auditorium with its bluegrass band and healing line, the Stratton Cleaner sales meeting that feels suspiciously like a revival meeting, all of that felt sharp and specific. The dialogue rings true and carries a lot of weight, especially between John and the older men in his life. I noticed how often the author lets a joke land flat in the moment, then uses that silence to show John’s insecurity. The prose itself is plain and direct, which fits the world. Sometimes scenes run a bit long, but the voice never feels fake. It reads like someone who has lived close to these places and these people, and that authenticity resonated with me more than once.

Literary Titan

Read the full review: Literary Titan

Meet The Author

Ann Mullen-Martin

Ann loves storytelling, and writing has been an escape and a hobby of hers for as long as she can remember. She has written five full-length books and participated in one Christmas Anthology.

Writing does not make Ann’s living, but it does make her living more pleasant.

Other Recommended Books

Santa Claus The Beginning

Terry Broxson

Jonathan's Story

Wendy Smith-Gordon

Featured Articles & Newsletters

Model A Ford – Episode 1

Model A Ford – Forward When my nephew, Johnny Yeager, mentioned to me the opportunity to provide an article for the local Model A Club, I was immediately drawn to the subject — until I sat down to write it! That’s when I discovered my lack of real knowledge. Sure, I have some funny stories to share, but so does anyone who has ever owned a Model A back in the day. But where and how the vehicle originated happened to be a mystery to me; one I needed to solve before I could go any further. You know, things like why did Model T come before Model A? What years were they

Model A Ford – Episode 2

Model A Ford Episode 2 Since sharing with you my first Model A Episode, I’ve chatted with my brother, John, regarding that story and several others we recalled together. John always wins the childhood memory contest, and he is only a year and a-half younger than I! Doesn’t seem fair to me, but I must admit, his help is invaluable when we decide to reminisce about long ago. The story I’ve included herewith is one we experienced as a family and one John, and I continue to enjoy retelling. But first, to boost my credibility, I delved into a bit more Model A Ford research; after all, when talking to Model A experts, I need

Model A Ford – Episode 3

Model A Ford Episode 3 Following is the third part of a four-part series about a Model A (um, the “A-Model”) that my grandfather had when my dad and aunt were kids. Enjoy! OUR FAMILY MODEL A (Part III) I’ve gotten involved and am so enjoying my search into the history of Model A Fords, that it may become my new hobby. Today I spent a significant amount of time going through old photo albums in search of Model A pictures from my youth. I’ve found one picture thus far and though crowded with other modes of transportation, I decided to share it. To me, the most surprising things that I learned as I studied

Today is the day!

Now Available!

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 4By Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 1

Growing Up in Rural Louisiana

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 2

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 3

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 4

All Books by Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy

Growing Up In Rural Louisiana

12 New Christmas Stories

We All Want To Be Happy -Volume 2

We All Want To Be Happy -Volume 3

We All Want To Be Happy -Volume 4

Reviews & Awards

Literary Titan

Literary Titan

Literary Titan

Literary Titan

Meet The Author

Ann Mullen-Martin

Other Recommended Books

Santa Claus The Beginning

Jonathan's Story

Featured Articles & Newsletters

Contact Us

We All Want To Be Happy - Volume 4
By Ann Mullen-Martin

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 2

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 3

We All Want To Be Happy -
Volume 4